It’s not exactly a game show, but Monmouth College officials are making a dream come true for those fans who ever wanted to go deep on a post pattern and haul in the winning touchdown.

While fans won’t exactly be catching any passes from Fighting Scots quarterbacks, they will be able to experience the new synthetic turf at April Zorn Memorial Stadium.

Monmouth College officials are inviting the local community, as well as Scots fans from around the world, to join them in “Walk The Turf” night Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. as the completion of the two-phase, $4.2 million stadium project wrapped up this summer with the installation of a new synthetic surface. The worn-out grass and dirt field at Bobby Woll Memorial Field was replaced last month by artificial FieldTurf which uses a combination of sand and recycled tires as the base for the synthetic field.

Fans of all ages will be able to take part in a variety of games on the field as a kickoff to the 2009 season. Young and old alike will be able to walk, run or play on the field beginning at 6 p.m. Age-appropriate games will continue until 6:30 when the Scots take the field. All activities are free.

“We wanted to give everyone a chance to see the new turf up close,” said athletic director Roger Haynes. “It’s not every day a facility like this is built. I think the public will enjoy the experience of walking on the same type of field that professional teams play on. The completion of the stadium project brings a big-time feel to that facility and is befitting of the success the college has experienced in recent years.”

The Scots open their season at home on Sept. 5 with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff against Loras College of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Monmouth has been ranked as high as fifth in the Lindy’s Sports Magazine preseason rankings.

NOT EXACTLY RESTING ON YOUR LAURELS

“Last year was last year, and this year is this year.”

That’s the philosophy the Monmouth College football team is taking heading into the 2009 season. Head coach Steve Bell won’t let his team rest on past accomplishments, especially since the Fighting Scots received plenty of accolades after completing an 11-1 campaign last season. The Scots, who have received attention in three national preseason polls, are ranked as high as fifth by Lindy’s Sports Magazine. Monmouth enters the new campaign on the heels of last year’s unbeaten regular season which included a conference title and a two-game run into the NCAA playoffs.

“The preseason rankings are a tribute to our success last year, but they really don’t mean anything on the field this year,” said Bell, now in his 10th year guiding the Scots. “It’s more of an indication of what the players and coaching staff have done over the years. When we got here 10 years ago, it was our goal to raise Monmouth football to a national level.”

Mission accomplished.

The Scots return all but one offensive lineman from last year’s unit that led Division III with a 46.75 ppg average. With two seasons yet to play, junior quarterback Alex Tanney (Lexington, Ill./Lexington) – a preseason All-American – already holds numerous passing records and is within striking distance of a pair of career marks – TDs and passing yards. Defenses will have a tough time isolating a main threat as six different receivers caught 30 or more passes last season and accounted for 38 of Monmouth’s 78 touchdowns.

“We’ll be experienced throwing the ball,” said Bell who returns three seniors and two juniors on the receiving corps, led by Mike Blodgett’s (Appleton, Wis./North) 13 TDs and 806 yards. “Those guys played a ton for us last year. We spread the ball around and Alex did a good job with that. We’re extremely talented at wide receiver and they all have big-game potential. Of course, we have a lot of talent at running back, too.”

Bell isn’t kidding, as the Scots return four of their top five rushers. Senior Clay Bricker (Avon, Ill./Bushnell-Prairie City) and sophomore Caleb Pratt (Danville, Ill./Westville) are expected to carry the bulk of the load. Ready to go at a moment’s notice are sophomore Noah Roseland (Coal City, Ill./Coal City) and junior Nick Law (Heyworth, Ill./Heyworth). The foursome combined to gain nearly 1,400 yards last season. Add in junior fullback Mike Ridgway (Dixon, Ill./Dixon), and the Scots appear to be primed for offense.

“We have a very solid stable of running backs,” praised Bell. “We’re very happy with our backs right now. They’re not flashy, but they have a lot of talent. Caleb is more of a slasher with tremendous feet and vision. Clay is just a hard-nosed kid. He’ll play his guts out for you.”

The Scots backs will be running behind four senior starters, including preseason All-Americans Josh Kotecki (Peru, Ill./LaSalle-Peru) and Dan Schwindenhammer (Peoria, Ill./Notre Dame). They are joined by classmates Nick Hoffman (Moline, Ill./Moline) and Seth Hill (Jacksonville, Ill./Jacksonville), but Bell is looking for the fifth lineman to add to his group that averages more than 260 pounds per man.

“We feel like we should be pretty solid on the offensive line,” said Bell. “We’re fortunate to have those four guys back, but we’re still a bit up in the air on the fifth spot.”

While most fans are excited at the prospect or returning nearly everyone from last year’s high octane no-huddle offense, Bell cautions it’s a new season.

“We have to remember to respect the other teams,” said Bell. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to go into a season with the expectations of what you accomplished last year. Everyone needs to do the best they can. We have to do our job – control what we can control and be more consistent, not just on a game-by-game basis, but snap-by-snap. Hopefully, we’re talented enough to be somewhat successful on offense.”

Although the offense received most of the press last season, Bell is quick to point out it was the defense that fed the offense.

“People absolutely overlooked what our defense did for us last year,” reported Bell. “Our defense gave the offense the ball on a short field a number of times. We were second nationally in turnover margin and that’s a credit to the defense.”

Six of last year’s defensive starters were lost to graduation, and to some, that may seem like the glass is half-empty, but the Scots aren’t exactly hurting for talent there, either.

Preseason All-American senior Anthony Goranson (Bartlett, Ill./Belvidere) returns at defensive end, where he led the team with 12 sacks last season. He’ll be joined on the line by classmate Marc Wozniak (Petersburg, Ill./PORTA) and junior Peyton Lumzy (Dixon, Ill./Dixon). Lumzy – hampered by an injury a year ago – could be a force, according to Bell.

“Peyton, when he was healthy, was one of our best defensive linemen last year,” praised Bell. “Marc does a good job of anchoring the middle. The front three or four guys, depending on what we run, will have to be good.”

The linebacking corps took the biggest hit from graduation, losing all four starters. The cupboard is hardly bare, though, as the Scots have no fewer than five players in the running to fill the vacated spots. Sophomore Adam Hoste (Colona, Ill./Geneseo) and junior Marcus Ruff (Avon, Ill./Bushnell-Prairie City) had the most stops of the candidates in 2008. Sophomores David Milroy (Toulon, Ill./Stark County), Cory Bishop (Bryant, Ill./Lewistown) and Josh Frahm (Mackinaw, Ill./ Deer Creek-Mackinaw) have impressed in practice to join the list of contenders.

“We’ll have a lot of experience to replace,” said Bell. “We’ve got kids that are capable, but they’ve got some big shoes to fill.”

Sean Wells (Heyworth, Ill./Heyworth) fills a defensive back’s shoes for his final year in the secondary where he accounted for 78 tackles last season – second on the team. Called the “centerfielder” by Bell, Wells will be counted on to provide leadership – and tackles.

“We’re counting on Sean to be the leader out there,” said Bell. “He’s got to be ready to play all the time.”

Joining Wells will be two new cornerbacks and a safety. Junior Joe Daly (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) – who saw game action last season – has the early inside track for one spot. A pair of sophomores – Andre Taylor (Rantoul, Ill./Rantoul) and Shane Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) are in the mix. Track standout Luke Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) makes his inaugural trip to the gridiron in his senior year and is among those in the running for time in the defensive backfield.

With so many options in so many places defensively, Bell has simplified the process.

“It’s simply a case of starting up front,” reported Bell. “We’ve got good experience up front and that makes it a bit easier on the back side of the defense. We’ll need to figure out who our playmakers are going to be. It’s a different group than we had last year. It will be a process, but I’m confident we’ll come together.”

The Scots got the special teams units together last season. Senior kicker Kyle Tuor (Peoria, Ill./Dunlap) scored 72 points last season, second only to Blodgett’s 80. On kickoffs, Tuor averaged just over 55 yards. Shane Reschke made the transition from high school kicker to college punter, averaging 37 yards per boot, including a career-best 62-yarder. Seventeen of his punts landed inside the 20. While the kicking game was good, Bell says it could be better.

“We need to be much more consistent in our kicking game,” said Bell. “Kickoffs, extra points, field goals – we need to improve our consistency there. There is going to be a high expectation at that position. It’s all about consistency, just like the offense.”

One consistent this season will be the field conditions. Synthetic FieldTurf was installed on Bobby Woll Memorial Field this summer, giving not only the kickers, but everyone, consistent footing.

“The biggest impact the new turf will have has been in practice,” reported Bell. “We’re able to practice regardless of the weather. We have a consistent surface. Once the season begins, we won’t have to worry about our field conditions – that’s the biggest advantage. For the fans, it will be nice to add to the atmosphere, but for the team it still comes down to playing the game regardless of the field you’re on.”

While field conditions were a concern after last year’s rain-soaked home opener, replacing the leadership roles was a concern for Bell heading into the 2009 season. He’s counting on the program itself to nurture that quality.

“Success breeds success,” said Bell. “I believe our leadership from past seasons has bred another good group of leaders for this year. We’ll find out if we have those kids in place once we play. It’s something we talk about every day.”

The Scots use more than physical drills to prepare for the season. Bell’s practice plan incorporates mental training as well, inviting motivational speakers and former players to address the team.

“We preach having a contender mentality,” reported Bell. “We don’t want to have a ‘repeat’ mentality.  We don’t have the same team back, so there is no ‘repeat’ to it. We want to play well enough to contend again, but it’s a very, very tough road. We know the teams will be amped up to play us since we won the conference last year. Hopefully, the stars align, we stay healthy, the young guys come around and we’ll be in position to contend.”

One thing the Scots would like to repeat – a trip to the postseason.

RUNNING WITH THE PACK

If there is strength in numbers, the men’s and women’s cross country teams could be in good shape in 2009.

Nineteen men and 15 women reported for practice this season, giving Roger Haynes plenty of bodies with scoring capabilities. The women – who captured their first Midwest Conference title last season – return their entire squad, including five all-conference performers.

“Obviously, having a conference championship and five all-conference runners back is a good thing,” said Haynes. “Fitness levels change from year-to-year, so it’s not a given that any team will repeat – even if they return everyone as we do.”

The Fighting Scots are bolstered by the return of national qualifier Mary Kate Beyer (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) and three-time all-conference performer Katie Staab (Batavia, Ill./Batavia). Beyer, a junior, was second at the Midwest Conference race last year and placed seventh at the regional meet as she became the Scots’ first female runner to advance to the NCAA meet.

“We feel like we have recruited some quality kids to go with our returners,” claimed Haynes. “Mary Kate and Katie start the process, but we also have a number of good people behind them.”

Among the newcomers Haynes expects good things from are junior Lindsie Pettie (Sherrard, Ill./Sherrard) and freshmen Rachel Bowden (Lexington, Ill./Lexington), Tori Beaty (Lake in the Hills, Ill./Huntley), Marlee Lane (Round Lake Beach, Ill./Grayslake North) and Brittney Frazier (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East). Pettie and Bowden will be new to cross country, but bring good track credentials – Pettie competed for the Scots track team as an 800-meter runner and Bowden claimed all-state honors in the 4x800 relay.

“We feel like those women will be contributors for us,” said Haynes. “With the depth we have, it looks like the No. 3 through 10 runners will determine the success of our season. Last year at the conference meet, the women all ran well on the same day. That is the goal again this year, to collectively run well.”

While the women have a clear-cut top two runners, it’s a bit more balanced on the men’s side. Haynes projects any number of runners to move to the front.

“We have a solid recruiting class to add to the veterans who ran well at various times last season,” reported Haynes. “I’m not sure any of the newcomers are ready to challenge for the No. 1 spot just yet, but we’ve got a nice, consistent quality group of guys coming back up front and a good group of freshmen who will contribute more and more as the season progresses.”

Juniors Scott Sheller (Morton, Ill./Morton) and Geoff Bird (Kenilworth, Ill.) and sophomore Jonathan Welty (Dixon, Ill./Sterling Newman) are among Haynes’ veterans with pack-leading abilities.

“We really have to look at a number of guys as scoring runners,” said Haynes. “Scott is an all-conference runner, Geoff was our No. 1 guy in the distance last spring and Jon is probably in the best shape of anyone right now.”

Damon Bautista (Silvis, Ill./United Township) is counted among the Scots’ top runners and returns for his final season hoping to earn his second all-conference award. The strong junior group includes Alan Rosiquez (Chicago, Ill./Taft), Tim Bentz (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) and Craig Maher (Oak Lawn, Ill./Oak Lawn).

“Our No. 1 runner could be any of those upperclassmen,” predicted Haynes. “This is a really nice group to run the pack and lead the program. I’ve been pleased with the way they all have contributed in some way to the success of our program.”

The next generation has the potential to follow in the veterans footsteps. Haynes tabbed no fewer than six freshmen who could have an impact. Jake Barr (Mendota, Ill./Mendota), Connor Shields (Naperville, Ill./Nequa Valley), Peter Lipinski (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township), Matt Gatlin (Oswego, Ill./Oswego), Paul Davies (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Kaneland) and Brian Daly (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) are touted as potential scoring runners – if they can make the transition from the high school distance (3 miles) to the college course (8K).

“They’re all talented guys,” said Haynes. “We don’t have a clear-cut top runner, so we’ll have to score as a pack. We’re fortunate to get that many quality recruits. The full impact of this class may not come until the end of the year and we’ll see it in years to come.”

That would be just fine with Haynes, considering the end of the year includes the conference championships, and he already has the race plan in place.

“The men will have to duplicate what the women did last year,” explained Haynes. “They’ll all have to run their best on the same day.”

SO MANY QUESTIONS

Back-to-back large graduating classes have left the volleyball team with plenty of question marks heading into the 2009 season.

Head coach Kari Shimmin enters her 12th year at the helm hoping to answer some of those questions. The Midwest Conference coaches apparently believe they already know some of the answers, ranking the Fighting Scots third in the preseason coaches’ poll.

Shimmin will have a good start finding answers with the return of junior hitter Alyson Schroeter (Woodruff, Wis./Lakeland Union). The 5-foot-11 powerhouse drilled 233 kills last season, second only to graduated two-time all-conference pick Samantha Robinson.

Schroeter is expected to get help from a pair of sophomores – Megan Creen (Rapids City, Ill./Riverdale) and Kendra Newlon (Hampton, Ill./United Township). The spring-legged Creen came on strong at the end of last season to finish with 62 kills in limited action. Newlon finished fourth on the team despite missing a number of games due to an injury.

“We have high expectations for Megan and Kendra,” said Shimmin. “Alyson has the most experience and will have to be a team leader for us. Megan will have to come in and contribute. We won’t rely entirely on our returners. We’re really excited about the newcomers, too. We’ll have a young team, but we also have some veterans and a couple of setters with game experience.”

Senior setter Alexis Keller (Waterloo, Ill./Waterloo) and “talented” junior Laura Anton (Evanston, Ill./Regina Dominican) should provide the foundation for the Scots’ 14 newcomers. All but three of them are hitters, and Shimmin mentions junior transfer Alicia Yeakey (Raritan, Ill./West Central) and freshman Chelsey Widdop (Reynolds, Ill./Rockridge) as a couple to watch. 

“We expect our recruits to help us out,” claimed Shimmin. “At the same time, we’re expecting a lot out of our veterans. We have some really good new players who should be able to help us out at the net.”

In a good news/bad news situation, the Scots’ veterans played behind two large classes and will now be put to the test. Half of last year’s varsity roster was lost to graduation and this year’s squad will feature just two seniors – Keller and defensive specialist Sara Schoon (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo). Schroeter and Anton are the junior returners.

“We’re looking for Sara to be a leader for us in the back row,” claimed Shimmin. “She’s one of our returners who has experience playing that position, but we have a lot of possibilities at libero.”

Among those “possibilities” is sophomore Jenna Bean (Lexington, Ill./Lexington). Bean saw game action last season behind graduated career digs leader Crystal Myers.

Shimmin would like her youthful team to be aggressive and, to that end, fans could see a few more jump serves this season.

“We’d like to improve our serving game,” explained Shimmin, a jump server herself in her playing days. “We want to be more aggressive, so we have a few women working on their jump serves. Right now, we’re trying to get them to be more confident in their serves.”

If the Scots are to make a run at the Midwest Conference title, they’ll need production from a variety of newcomers. Shimmin knows what production to expect from her returners, but the big unknown is how the freshmen and transfers will adjust.

“Our new people will have to mature quickly,” said Shimmin. “For most freshmen, it’s quite a transition to adjust to college life. For the student-athlete, they also have to adjust to college competition. The game is faster, more powerful and much more aggressive. The big key to our team’s success will be how they can make those two adjustments.

“We should be a very quick, athletic team,” continued Shimmin. “I don’t know if we’ll dominate one area or another, but we should have pretty good ball control. We’ve got a good mix of talent and we have the potential to be good all-around, but we DO have a lot of questions marks.”

Shimmin is hoping all her question marks entering the season will be answered with an exclamation point, period.

SOLID CORE AND MORE

Women’s soccer coach Barry McNamara is hoping a solid defending corps and six quality recruits add up to the Fighting Scots’ first trip to the Midwest Conference Championships since 2005.

“We feel like we have a very strong team with our returners, and every new player we added will help us,” reported McNamara. “We should have a very solid defense, and if we can stay healthy, we should be a very good offensive team.”

Two of last year’s leading goal scorers return – sophomore forward Amy Unzicker (Morton, Ill./Morton) and junior midfielder Becca Baur (Jacksonville, Ill./Jacksonville). The pair each found the back of the net eight times. Unzicker, who also plays tennis in the fall, actually led in total points after adding four assists despite missing five games due to tennis conflicts.

“A player might be a good soccer player, but not be able to score goals,” explained McNamara. “It’s a special talent to be able to score goals and Amy has that ability.”

McNamara also has a pair of recruits he believes possess that ability. Freshman Ashley Reynoso (Burbank, Ill./Reavis) will also do double-duty with soccer and tennis, meaning McNamara will be two players short on occasion. A strong offensive player, Reynoso will have the advantage of having a mentor on the trials of playing two sports in the same season.

“It’s helpful that Amy played both sports last year, so she can help Ashley adjust to the dual sport role,” said McNamara. “We’re only going to be short those two a minimal amount of games. Ashley is a very accomplished tennis player AND soccer player with good ball skills. We feel like she can be a leader for us.”

Freshman transfer Kerry Kost (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander) figures to be up front in the Scots’ scheme. Described as a “physical, athletic” player, Kost also will be a two-sport athlete at Monmouth, although her second sport – basketball – won’t begin until the soccer season comes to a close.

In the midfield, Baur will be joined by a combination of five returners – Holly White (Oswego, Ill./Oswego), Molly Ball (Charleston, Ill./Charleston), Lauren Vana (Darien, Ill./Downers Grove South), Kelly Russell (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods) and Emily Shoemaker (Silvis, Ill./United Township). Ball is also in the mix at the forward spot.

“We think we can get even more production from Becca by moving her up toward the goal,” claimed McNamara. “We have some good options at midfield, and we have a good crop of recruits that will fit in well, too.”

Those newcomers – Morgan Smith (Elgin, Ill./Larkin), Camille San German (Hanna City, Ill./Notre Dame) and Sioban Stahl (Chicago, Ill./Lane Tech) – are expected to “play a lot” in a reconfigured midfield from a year ago. Smith is also in the running for the goalkeeper spot. Also in the midfield for Monmouth are a handful of returning players, including twins Jessie and Lisa Fetherling (Manteno, Ill./Manteno), Claudia Gomez (Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame) and Ashley Swenson (Johnsburg, Ill./Johnsburg) – all seniors – and juniors Berenice Martinez (Chicago, Ill./Jones) and Katie Zeter (Springfield, Ill./Southeast).

The defense that allowed just over 1.5 goals per game in 2008 is the most experienced group to take the field. Two-time all-conference defender Brittney Parker (Waukegan, Ill./Waukegan) will provide deep defense with the “very strong” Hillary Broms (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods), four-year starter Whitney Ott (Moline, Ill./Alleman) and senior Emily Caron (Romeoville, Ill./Romeoville). The Scots are also counting on senior Lindsay Johnson (Burlington, Iowa/Burlington) and junior Natalie Rotz (Silvis, Ill. / United Township) and sophomores Katie Fluegel (Rockton, Ill./Hononegah) and Danica Rogers (Rochelle, Ill./Rochelle) to provide needed relief. All four could also see time in the midfield.

“We really like how our veteran defenders came back this fall,” praised McNamara. “Right now, we’re projecting a couple of seniors and a pair of juniors as our starting defenders.”

Junior goalkeeper Sarah Wintersteen (Bloomington, Ill./U-High) is expected to be pressured by no less than four capable keepers. Sophomore Katerina Meletis (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) – banged up a year ago – could earn time between the pipes as well as junior Molly McKeown (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest), freshmen Katey Hardt (Palos Heights, Ill./Marist) and Smith.

“We’re really deep at keeper this year,” said McNamara. “We’ll definitely have competition for that spot this year and that will make everyone better.”

The Scots were statistically better in 2008 than the year before, but slipped a spot in the Midwest Conference standings. McNamara points to injuries at one position that led to the team’s slip last season and hopes any injuries that occur in 2009 are spread around.

“Last year, all our injuries occurred at one position,” said McNamara. “We’re good and strong in all positions, but not as extremely deep as we have been in the past. We just have to avoid a rash of injuries at one position. As long as we can avoid that, we’ll be fine and should be able to contend.”

The Scots contended until the end a year ago, increasing their goal output and lowering their goals allowed. McNamara figures that formula could add up to a conference tournament berth.

“We’d like to lower our goals against total again this year,” said McNamara. “We feel like our defense is veteran enough that we can achieve that. Offensively, we’d like to increase our goals – and if we stay healthy – we should score a lot of goals. But, we think our defense is good enough to win a one- or two-goal game.”

One goal just might be all the Scots need to punch their postseason ticket.

BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

Men’s soccer coach George Perry is optimistic as he enters his fourth year with the Fighting Scots, but he also cautions the program is still building.

“A coach’s philosophy is to always try to recruit better players than you currently have,” said Perry. “Our seniors are a very good quality bunch, but you always want to keep getting better players. That makes for better competition in practice and the end result is a better team. It’s a long process and takes more than four years to really establish a program. We hope to get above the .500 mark this year. That’s our goal.”

Between the posts, senior Owen Robinson (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) has been solid throughout his career and is third all time with 246 saves. The Scots have a handful of new goalkeeper recruits in preparation for Robinson’s final campaign.

“We’ve brought in some quality keepers which should make for some good competition in practice,” reported Perry. “I think that’s true of all our positions. We should have some extremely good competition in practice and that should help us put a better product on the field come game day.”

If any newcomers are going to edge out a veteran, they’ll have an uphill climb as the top scorers from a year ago return.

Two seniors and a junior – Pat Blazer (Franklin Park, Ill./St. Patrick), Bryan Jackson (Princeton, Ill./Princeton) and Danny Davis (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) ­– will be counted on for goals, defense and leadership.

“Those three have been the foundation of our program,” praised Perry. “Danny is the lone junior in that mix and it will be nice to have him around for one more season after this year. Bryan and Pat have been very consistent for us. We’re expecting a little more goal production from them this season.”

Speaking of goal production, sophomores Josh Del Valle (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick), Daniel Medina (Chicago, Ill./Farragut) and Eddie Martinez (Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben) combined to score nearly half the Scots’ goals in 2008. Like the seniors, Perry is expecting even more from his underclassmen this fall.

“I don’t know if we’ll score A LOT of goals,” said Perry. “I think we will score MORE goals. We should be able to create more opportunities. Our sophomore class has goal scoring capabilities. They got some good competition under their belts last year. We expect them to take an even stronger role with the team this year.”

The Scots haven’t forgotten about the defense. Perry has placed a premium on defense this season after the Scots were outscored 4-1 in ’08.

“We’ve put a lot of time into how we’re going to be organized defensively,” claimed Perry.

Senior defender Garrett White (Woodson, Ill./Jacksonville) and junior Joe Howell (St. Louis, Mo./Kirkwood) are being counted on to lead the defense, giving Robinson fewer chances for saves.

“Those three guys give us a good core,” said Perry. “Bryan (Jackson) could see time on the defensive end or the midfield. We haven’t quite sorted out his role just yet, but he’ll help us defensively wherever he plays.”

Perry believes he has recruited enough quality players to add depth to the Scots’ lineup. Thirty players on the opening day roster gives the Scots their largest pool of players since at least 2006. That could spell success by the end of the season.

“We won’t be able to travel all 30, but the players who do travel will be very good,” claimed Perry. “Our depth will give us some options and make for spirited practices.”

With a deep roster, a solid core of returners and proven scorers, the outside observer may think the Scots will be a high-tempo team. Not exactly.

“We want to regulate the tempo,” reported Perry. “That doesn’t necessarily mean fast. We were actually better last season when we maintained a slower pace. We need to dictate the pace of the game and make good decisions.”

The Scots’ decision early on is to make defense Job 1.

“Everything starts with defense,” said Perry. “If we work together as a unit, we’ll be a successful team. The guys have had a very good attitude and work ethic in the preseason. The newcomers are pushing the veterans and they understand nothing is given to them. Every player will have to earn their spot. I try to recruit to replace my current team. My advice to the current players is that they need to work hard to keep their spot. That’s how you build a successful program.”

If early season projections are any indication, Perry appears to have built a solid foundation and has added more building blocks in the Scots’ quest for a Midwest Conference playoff berth and, ultimately, a league title.

SLOW AND STEADY

The women’s golf team is taking a cue from the story of the tortoise and the hare.

“We’re not going to be too concerned with where we finish in the early season tournaments,” said head coach Molly McNamara. “Our goal isn’t to necessarily win every weekend, but to use those meets as stepping stones to the end of the year. We want to focus on what we need to do to get better. By doing that, we hope to improve our scores throughout the season and hopefully be at the point come conference tournament time where we’re in position to compete for the Midwest Conference title.”

Senior Lynsey Barnard (Pekin, Ill./Pekin) – who captured all-conference honors two years ago – is the Fighting Scots’ top returner and has been the picture of consistency. She tied the school 18-hole scoring record twice last season and is looked to for leadership.

“Lynsey joined us just before the conference tournament during her sophomore year,” explained McNamara. “She’s really focused on goals for this season, both the team’s and her own. She understands this is her last opportunity to do well. She’d like to lower her career average and do well at the conference meet.”

Senior Kendra Catterton (Moline, Ill./Moline) has been the picture of McNamara’s slow-but-steady plan. Catterton has steadily improved during her collegiate career and is expected to provide leadership with Barnard and junior Kristin Humphrey (Polo, Ill./Polo). The three are the only letterwinners on the Scots’ 10-woman roster.

Freshman Nicole Hurst (Pekin, Ill./Pekin) is being touted as a legitimate scorer with a solid swing who gives the Scots four solid scorers. The final playing position is a different story, and any number of understudies could crack the lineup.

“The fifth spot is up for grabs right now,” reported McNamara. “Once we get into the season a bit, we’ll sort it out and have a definitive No. 5 golfer. We’ll hit the range and play some practice rounds to see how it shakes out. We have an advantage that our three returning scorers know what needs to be done in practice and in competition. They’ll help nurture the less experienced golfers.”

The squad’s only other freshman, Claire Johnston (Victoria, Ill./ROWVA), sophomore Lanae Hoffman (Kinderhook, Ill./Western) and junior Kayla Winbigler (Roseville, Ill./Monmouth-Roseville) have practiced well and are the top choices in the early season to make the scoring squad.

“Claire has a lot of potential,” said McNamara. “I’m looking forward to have the chance to coach her. She has a lot of potential to help us out this year and well into the future.”

The immediate future looks bright for the Scots once the league tournament rolls around.

“The conference may be wide open this year,” claimed McNamara. “Eight of the top 10 golfers last year were seniors, so that really opens up the field. We have a lot of raw, coachable talent that could peak at just the right time.”

For the first time this fall, the Midwest Conference women’s tournament will be played at Aldeen Golf Course in Rockford, Ill., the same course the men play in the spring. In prior years, the tournament was held on a rotating basis at a league school’s home course. A neutral course and the possibility of a solid fall season has McNamara believing the Scots could have a shot at the MWC crown.

“We need to beat the people we’re supposed to beat,” said McNamara of the fall season’s preparation. “We want to continue to improve throughout the year, so in October it culminates at the conference tournament. It all boils down to getting our four or five women playing well on the same day.”

In the conference tournament setting, it actually comes down to all four or five scorers playing well on the same THREE consecutive days. McNamara believes it could happen -- after all, the tortoise DID beat the hare.

RETURNING A CHAMPION AND SOLID CAST

Last season, the women’s tennis team placed third in the Midwest Conference Tournament – their highest finish since 1979.

In 2009, new head coach Patrick Montgomery will need to replace the more than 150 combined singles and doubles wins lost to graduation. Replacing all those victories from three of the team’s six starters may sound like a daunting task, but Montgomery has an ace up his sleeve – defending No. 2 singles champion Amy Unzicker (Morton, Ill./Morton).

“Amy has really stepped up her game,” praised Montgomery, who served as an assistant last season. “We’re working on a couple facets of her game that will take her up a level. Her serves and overhead game have greatly improved. She’s getting a lot more pace on the ball. About all that’s left is to work on her tactical game.”

Unzicker – who will split time with the soccer team – will hold the No. 1 singles spot for the Fighting Scots and the sophomore could be considered a serious contender for another league title.

Junior Kimi Wegner (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) could move from No. 3 a year ago into the No. 2 spot. She will likely team again with Unzicker at No. 1 doubles. The duo finished an impressive 15-6 last season, falling in a three-set heartbreaker in the conference semifinals.

“Kimi is a good all-around player,” reported Montgomery. “Like Amy, she has been working on her service game. She’s a hard worker and will continue to improve.”

Montgomery feels three newcomers and a slate of returners will bolster the Scots lineup. “Surprising” freshman Nicole Anson (Greeley, Colo./Central) is expected to push Wegner for the No. 2 spot. Anson had intended to attend another institution, but decided on Monmouth after an impromptu visit last fall.

“We’re glad she made a visit and fell in love with the college,” said Montgomery “She’s not very big and has a very unassuming appearance, but she has tremendous ground strokes. She’ll be a valuable addition.”

The No. 4 and 5 singles spots could be filled by freshmen Ashley Reynoso (Burbank, Ill./Reavis) and Kiah Henry (Plainfield, Ill./Hillcrest). Reynoso will have a busy fall, splitting time between tennis and soccer, but she’ll be mentored in that department by the dual-sport Unzicker.

“Ashley is a very good athlete and has excellent quickness, which serves her well in both sports,” claimed Montgomery. “She has very good ground strokes and may be the best volleyer on the team. Kiah has a lot of raw talent. She has a world of potential and could be a year away from really developing.”

Seniors Sarah McLinden (Chicago, Ill./Queen of Peace) and Rachel Bognar (Kewanee, Ill./Kewanee) saw action last season and could battle it out for the No. 6 spot. Rounding out the roster are senior Kayla Seyller (Somonauk, Ill./Geneseo) and sophomore Julie Battcher (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield).

In doubles, only the No. 1 tandem of Unzicker and Wegner is set, and even that could change.

“We’ll search for the right doubles combinations as we enter the season,” explained Montgomery. “There are so many variables to forming a successful doubles combination that we’ll take our time to put the best possible combination out there. That should come together in a few weeks.”

Once the conference season rolls around, Montgomery is hoping the two months of hard work will pay off.     

“We’d like to finish at least as high as we did last year,” said Montgomery of the team’s third place performance. “In order to do that, we’ll need some of the freshmen to step up and contribute. We have some big shoes to fill in the upper half of the lineup with the loss of (graduated seniors) Cassie (Frantz) and Brittany (Donnelly).”

While it may be impossible to duplicate the success of the Scots’ career leaders in wins, Montgomery feels with the team’s depth in 2009, the lower half of the lineup may be a bit stronger than in the past. That, he says, just may be the key Monmouth’s success when the conference tournament rolls around.

“We may not be as dominant in a couple of spots,” claimed Montgomery. “But we should be competitive at all positions.”

The Scots just hope they’re in position to challenge for a conference crown in October.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Sat., Aug. 29
Women’s Golf – at Augustana Invitational, Noon
Walk the Turf night – 6:00 pm 

Tues., Sept. 1
Women’s Soccer – at MacMurray, 5:00 pm
Cross Country – at Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open, 6:00 pm
Volleyball – hosts Cornell, 7:30 pm

Wed., Sept. 2
Men’s Soccer – hosts Elmhurst