SCOTS SCOOP 2007

SCOTS SCOOP – Feb. 28, 2007 – Vol. 7, No. 30

REBHOLZ WOWS ’EM IN INDIANA

The Monmouth College men’s track team, which checked in at No. 3 in the nation in the latest performance-based rankings, threw their weight around at the Fred Wilt Memorial Invitational on Saturday in Anderson, Ind. The Fighting Scots racked up 154 points to easily outscore Missouri Baptist University’s 87 in the 11-team competition.

And no Fighting Scot threw more weight around than Jeff Rebholz (Henry, Ill./Henry), who posted personal records in both the shot put and the weight throw while winning both events. The senior made his biggest splash in the latter event, obliterating his previous school record by nearly three feet. His heave of 61'4-3/4 qualifies him automatically for the national meet and is the second-best effort in the nation this year. Rebholz, who is ranked third nationally in the shot put, improved his distance to 54'10-1/4 at the meet, which was hosted by Anderson University.

“”He had a pretty amazing series of throws,” said MC coach Roger Haynes, who reported that Rebholz broke his prior record of 58'5-1/4 several times during the meet. “He was just as solid and consistent mentally as he has been all year long. That sets him up very well for our next two meets (conference and nationals).”

Junior Zach Wilson (Lacon, Ill./Midland) would have had a school record in the weight throw had it not been for his talented teammate. The junior unleashed a 59'3 heave that was good for second at the meet, second in school history and sixth in the nation this year. Wilson placed third in the shot put (49'11-3/4).

“He’s put himself in good position,” said Haynes.

Big throws were also present from Monmouth’s women, helping the Scots outscore Anderson 143-113 to finish first out of 11 teams. Junior Jenny Babos (Leland, Ill./Somonauk) improved her school record in the weight throw to 51'7-1/4, and she and freshman Gloria Lehr (Knoxville, Ill./Knoxville) placed 1-2 in the shot put, with Lehr throwing a PR of 41'3 and Babos just missing her personal-best with a heave of 39'9-1/4. Lehr was a 37-foot shot putter in high school, according to Haynes.

Sophomore Tanesha Hughes (Peoria, Ill./Woodruff) also threw well, placing fourth in both events – including a PR of 43'2-1/4 in the weight throw – and Lehr was sixth in the weight throw (a PR of 39'3-1/4).

“All five throwers were really solid,” said Haynes.

The women also received a big boost from the 28 points scored by junior Megan McKenna (Chicago, Ill./Resurrection), who won the long jump and triple jump with season-best marks of 17'3-1/2 and 36'2-3/4. She also tied first-place classmate Jessica White (Galesburg, Ill./Galesburg) in the pole vault (11'6), but settled for second place due to missed jumps. Sophomore Erin Degelman (Sherrard, Ill./Sherrard) placed fifth, clearing 10'6.

“She’s making progress,” Haynes said of McKenna. “She’s having a little trouble at the end of her runs, and if she can work that out, I don’t think she’s gone as far as she can go.”

Monmouth’s men believe they might be able to turn their national ranking into a high finish at the national meet, and joining Rebholz and Wilson among the elite in their events are senior triple jumper Alex Stuart (Kirkwood, Ill./Little York), who was second at Anderson with a mark of 47'1, and junior Jonny Henkins (Kewanee, Ill./Kewanee), who cleared 15'7-1/4 to win the pole vault. Stuart was also fourth in the long jump (21'5-1/4).

“Alex was really solid in the triple jump, and I expect some good things from him,” said Haynes. “He’s doing a good job in regard to his technical training.”

Also winning for the Scots were seniors Tim Frank (Farmington, Ill./Farmington) in the high jump (6'4-3/4), Dante Daniels (Waukegan, Ill./Gurnee-Warren) in the 200-meter dash (22.48) and Josh Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) in the 400-meter dash (50.31).

Of the latter effort, which was a personal-best for Reschke, Haynes said, “It was a really gutty performance for him. He had to pass a guy on the last curve to win it. He’s had limited opportunities so far this season due to basketball, but he really approached the race in a very positive manner.”

Haynes also noted that Frank has shown “a senior’s personality” as of late and is a threat to reach nationals, which would likely take a jump of 6'8.

The 4x200 team of seniors Tyler Rundle (Monmouth, Ill./Warren) and Brad Gross (Galesburg, Ill./Galesburg), sophomore Aaron Daverin (Herscher, Ill./Herscher) and Daniels won in 1:29.45, while senior Zach Barr (Roseville, Ill./Roseville), sophomore Luke Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo), senior Kel Bond (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) and freshman Clay Staley (Hanna City, Ill./Illini Bluffs) won the distance medley relay in 10:18.39. Daniels ran a PR of 6.55 to place second in the 55-meter dash, with freshman Tony Bradford (fifth) and Daverin (eighth) also reaching the final of that race.

On the women’s side, sophomore Shannon Turczyn (Peru, Ill./LaSalle-Peru) won the 55-meter hurdles with a school-record time of 8.44. Turczyn, who is currently ranked 15th nationally, added a sixth-place finish in the 200-meter dash (a PR of 27.47).

“Based on the past history with her, she’s ready to go pretty fast at conference and nationals,” said Haynes. “She always goes faster at the end of the year.”

Turczyn, McKenna and Rebholz were named MWC Performers of the Week.

Junior high jumper Megan Clennon (Aurora, Ill./West) also won, clearing 5'1-1/2, and the 4x200 squad of senior Kila Cox (Granger, Ind./Hononegah) and sophomores Ashley Widdop (Reynolds, Ill./Rockridge), Katey Vaccarello (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West) and Turczyn placed first in 1:48.18.

Senior Sara Ingersoll (Monmouth, Ill./Monmouth) was second in the 800-meter run (2:25.26) and fourth in the mile (a PR of 5:19.80), Widdop was third in the 55-meter hurdles (8.77), fourth in the long jump and sixth in the 55-meter dash and Cox was fifth in the 55-meter dash and fourth in the 200-meter dash (a PR of 26.84).

“Kila was good in everything she ran,” said Haynes, who noted the senior sprinter improved to second in the MWC in both the 55- and 200-meter dash.

Senior Joni Nelson (Little York, Ill./Yorkwood) and freshman Amy Aghababian (St. Charles, Ill./Central) and Katie Staab (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) were fourth, fifth and seventh in the 800-meter run and Staab added an eighth-place time in the mile (a PR of 5:39.12). Also scoring for the Scots were sophomore Lauren Firchau (Elburn, Ill./Kaneland) in the 55-meter dash and Vaccarello (a PR of 1:02.34) and senior Jacquie Ouart (Kewanee, Ill./Kewanee) in the 400-meter dash.

For the men, junior Brandon Hurckes (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) placed second in the 55-meter hurdles (8:10) and sophomore Nick Long (Lisbon, Iowa/M. Vernon) took fifth; Rundle, Luke Reschke and Gross placed 3-4-5 in the 200-meter dash; and junior Aaron Etienne (a PR of 1:57.95) and sophomore Damon Bautista (Silvis, Ill./East Moline) placed second and fourth in the 800-meter run. Sophomore Jacob Stott (Morris, Ill./Coal City) and Gross also scored for the men in the 400-meter dash, Chuck Lief (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way) was fourth in the triple jump and junior Seth Leitner (Edelstein, Ill./Dunlap) was sixth in the mile.

Next up for Monmouth is the Midwest Conference Championships, which will be held at Knox College on Friday and Saturday. The Scots have won the last seven men’s indoor titles, and they’ve won five straight women’s crowns.

PODIUM POSITION

As the Fighting Scots practice this week in hopes of continuing their team dominance at the MWC Indoor Track and Field Championships, here’s a look at individuals who are ranked in the top three of their events, starting with the men. A time/distance is listed if that athlete is ranked first in the MWC:

55-meter hurdles: Brandon Hurckes, 8.10; Nick Long

200-meter dash: Dante Daniels, 22.43

400-meter dash: Josh Reschke, 50.31; Daniels; Luke Reschke

800-meter run: Kel Bond, 1:54.07; Aaron Etienne

Mile run: Bond, 4:19.21; Clay Staley; Etienne

3000-meter run: Staley, 8:43.42; Zach Barr

5000-meter run: Barr; Staley

High jump: Tim Frank

Long jump: Alex Stuart

Triple jump: Stuart, 47’4-1/2

Pole vault: Jonny Henkins, 16’6; Peter Sprecher (Canton, Ill./Canton), 16’6

Shot put: Jeff Rebholz, 54’10-1/4; Zach Wilson

Weight throw: Rebholz, 61’4-3/4; Wilson

WOMEN

55-meter hurdles: Shannon Turczyn, 8.44; Ashley Widdop

55-meter dash: Kila Cox

200-meter dash: Cox

400-meter dash: Cox, 1:00.87

800-meter run: Sara Ingersoll

Mile run: Ingersoll

High jump: Megan Clennon, 5’3; Andrea Emery (Knoxville, Ill./Knoxville)

Long jump: Megan McKenna, 17’3-1/2; Widdop

Triple jump: McKenna, 36’2-3/4

Pole vault: Jessica White, 11’10; McKenna

Shot put: Gloria Lehr, 41’3; Jenny Babos

Weight throw: Babos, 51’7-1/4

YEAST LEADS ALL-MWC BASKETBALL PICKS

First team selection Ashley Yeast (Sciota, Ill./West Prairie) leads a group of six Fighting Scots named to the women’s and men’s All-Midwest Conference basketball teams, which were announced earlier this week.

Senior Laura Jahn (Palos Park, Ill./Stagg) and sophomore Melissa Gorski (Arlington Heights, Ill./Buffalo Grove) were second team selections for the women. Senior Raun Singleton (Roseville, Ill./Roseville) and juniors Joe Terwelp (Quincy, Ill./Notre Dame) and Blaise Rogers (Forest City, Ill./Midwest Central) were honorable mention picks on the men’s team.

Through Feb. 25, Yeast leads the nation in rebounding with an average of 13.7 per game. She was also third on the team in scoring, averaging 12.5 points and led the Scots with 54 steals. Besides her league-leading rebounding average, she also ranked ninth in the MWC in scoring, seventh in field goal percentage (50.4) and fourth in steals.

Jahn was the team’s leading scorer (14.7), followed closely by Gorski (14.1), as the players occupied the league's No. 4 and 5 scoring slots. Both players helped their averages with accurate free throw shooting, as Gorski broke the single-season record (82.6 percent) and Jahn converted on 80.2 of her attempts, good for third and fifth in the MWC. Jahn was second on the team and 10th in the MWC in rebounding (6.2), while Gorski led the Scots in assists (58).

In his second and final season with Scots, Singleton earned his first MWC honor thanks to outstanding shooting beyond the arc and at the foul line. He made a team-high 61 three-pointers on 38.9 percent accuracy and hit 84.1 percent of his free throws. Singleton averaged 15.5 points per game and had a team-high 25 steals.

Terwelp posted team-high averages of 16.7 points and 6.6 rebounds and shot a team-best 54.5 percent from the field. Rogers was the team’s third double-digit scorer at 13.8 points, and he proved to be an accurate shooter from the field (48.5), the foul line (78.9) and beyond the arc (41.8 percent). He averaged 5.5 rebounds and led the Scots in assists (62) and steals (25).
Terwelp and Singleton were ranked sixth and 10th in the league in scoring, and Terwelp was seventh in rebounds per game and field goal percentage. Singleton was fourth in the free throw percentage and three-pointers per game, while Rogers was sixth in three-point accuracy and ninth in assists.

SCOTS SOFTBALL SEEKS WINNING FORMULA

According to head coach Kari Shimmin, the 2007 edition of the MC softball team could be similar to a science experiment.

“This group has the best team chemistry in my three years as head coach,” said Shimmin when asked to identify the team’s biggest asset.

That team chemistry includes four all-conference players among the nine returners who saw more than a little action last season. Add in a group of newcomers that offer increased speed and more pitching options and the Fighting Scots may have the recipe for a conference tournament qualifier.

Joining Shimmin in the dugout are third-year assistants Hank Shimmin and John Goddard and student assistant Holly English, all of whom have been impressed with the team members’ high expectations.

Defensively, the Fighting Scots will look much the same as the 2006 squad, but with a few tweaks. The Scots return all but one of their eight position players from a year ago.

Last year’s ace in the circle, sophomore Sarah Christensen (Galesburg, Ill./Galesburg) has returned to practice following a stellar swimming season. The all-conference selection in 2006 should round into shape around the middle of March. She led the team in wins during her freshman campaign and will provide a consistent presence in the circle. Freshman Val Mitchell (Port Byron, Ill./Riverdale) and sophomore transfer Amanda Murdock (Aledo, Ill./Aledo) are a pair of newcomers who may have to carry some of the load until Christensen gets back into pitching shape.

The Scots most seasoned hurler, junior Blayre Scott (White Hall, Ill./North Greene), will again provide relief from the bullpen. The crafty junior tied for the team lead in saves in 2006 and touts control and experience as her best weapons. Sophomore Ashley Tocha (Kewanee, Ill./Kewanee) is a versatile pitcher/utility player who could also get the call from the bullpen as well as some time at an infield position.

“We don’t have a power-pitching type of staff,” said Shimmin. “But we do have some women who should be able to give us some quality innings.”

The other half of the battery will be anchored by third-year starter Kristin Bickett (Malden, Ill./Princeton), a veteran behind the plate with good defensive skills and a solid bat. The junior backstop will be assigned the duty of tutoring a pair of up-and-coming freshmen catchers – Val Stier (Avon, Ill./Avon) and Natalie Giannini (Richmond, Ill./Richmond-Burton).

One of three seniors on the squad, Jackie Hennenfent (Wataga, Ill./ROWVA) made the transition from third to first in 2006 and appears ready to handle that position again this season. The reliable senior played in all 33 games last season and Shimmin credits her and fellow seniors Katie Hamilton (Savanna, Ill./Savanna) and Drew Robinson (St. Charles, Ill./North), along with junior captain Emily Willems (Moline, Ill./Rockridge), with nurturing the team chemistry.

Hamilton, who is recovering from an early season illness, should eventually land the job at second, although Stier, Scott and junior Anna Coutts (Ladd, Ill./Hall), a 2006 all-conference outfielder, could split time there in the interim. Also in the mix is freshman Maggie Dort (Spring Grove, Ill./Richmond-Burton) who Shimmin says “has a lot of potential to be a very good college player.”

An All-MWC shortstop a year ago, Willems will handle those duties, offering good range, a strong arm and an excellent bat. The junior led the team last season in total bases and was second in four other offensive categories, including homers. If Willems needs a break, look for Dort or Hamilton to fill in.

The lone newcomer to the infield is freshman third baseman Kembra Bell (Beardstown, Ill./Beardstown). The “fundamentally sound” third sacker has qualities Shimmin likes in her players.

“She’s very vocal and confident,” said Shimmin. “She doesn’t play like a freshman at all.”

Despite all three outfielders returning, including all-conference selections Coutts and Robinson, Shimmin says the freshman class will give her some options both defensively and offensively.

Robinson, who led the team in stolen bases, and Coutts will be joined in the outfield by sophomore Ashley Parer (Rock Island, Ill./Rock Island) who was second to Robinson in stolen bases. Speedy freshmen Brooke Dean (Milan, Ill./Rock Island) and Amanda Cozzi (Roselle, Ill./St. Viator) and classmate Mary Scotillo (Barrington, Ill./St. Viator) round out the outfield candidates. Dean and Cozzi have the type of speed that will continue the Scots’ tradition of base-stealing threats.

While the defense rests, the offense may well be in hyper-drive. With so much speed on the roster, Shimmin says her challenge will be to sort out all the possible lineups she will have at her disposal.

“We are solid at every position and more versatile this season,” said Shimmin. “The women came in ready to work hard and that’s a tribute to the veterans’ leadership.”

Shimmin says the team can offer some pop with the bats – they hit 90 percent of their home runs in the last half of the season – and they can also steal a few bases. However, don’t necessarily look for the same batting order as last season.

“We have a lot of options offensively and will use the early season as the litmus test to create a solid game plan once we get into conference play,” she said. “We’ll really experiment with some lineups in the early season.”

The Scots are hoping the right formula will propel them to their first Midwest Conference Tournament appearance since 2004.

Monmouth is scheduled for an early test this Saturday at the Greenville College Tournament and heads to Tucson, Ariz., for eight games beginning March 11.

NO NET RESULTS AGAIN FOR SCOTS

Make that 1-4.

Monmouth has now played only one of its last five scheduled matches after Loras cancelled a trip to Monmouth Saturday that would have put them right in the teeth of the weekend storm.

The Scots, who were scheduled to have seven matches under their belt by this point, will take a 1-2 record into action this Friday and Saturday when they play matches at Cornell and Luther. The Loras match has been rescheduled for March 16.