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SCOTS SCOOP
– Mar. 6, 2008
– Vol.
8, No. 30 SCOTS CLAIM TRACK TITLE, AGAIN
The men’s and women’s track teams continued their dominance of the
Midwest Conference Indoor Track Championships, claiming their ninth and
seventh league titles, respectively, last weekend.
Roger Haynes picked up the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Luke Reschke
and Clay Staley were named the men’s Most Outstanding Track Performers
and Zach Wilson received the honor among men’s field performers. Jessica
White and Jenny Babos were named the women’s Most Outstanding Field
Performers.
No other team has dominated the MWC like the Fighting Scots, who claimed
11 men’s titles and five women’s titles at the meet held in
Jacksonville. The men’s 237 points bested runnerup Illinois College by
100 points. The women posted 202 points, nearly 50 points ahead of
second place Carroll. Not quite as close a finish as Haynes had
predicted last week. So what happened?
“There were some key events on the women’s side that contributed to
that,” reported Haynes. “A lot of our women ran some difficult event
combinations and they were still very good across the board. They
managed the meet better than I could have imagined.”
Haynes sited two events in particular, the long jump and triple jump,
which turned the tide. Both events featured jumpers with no conference
experience in the events.
The unexpected performance of White, Morgan Leffel and Whitney Didier in
the long jump moved the Scots up the rankings. The trio finished 3-4-5,
something Haynes says was crucial to the team’s winning margin. “We were
very young in that event,” he said. “Jessica, who had never long jumped
until this year, and our two freshman did an outstanding job with their
jumps. That effectively moved Carroll’s kids down which was a 20-plus
point swing in regards to the team points I had figured. That was an
amazing performance.”
Even more amazing was a surprise finish by freshmen Leffel, Jae Moore
and Didier in the triple jump which helped catapult the Scots to the
title. Heading into the finals, the trio stood 6-7-9, but when the dust
settled Leffel had captured the women’s triple jump crown (35’2-1/2),
Moore was third and Didier seventh. “What was really amazing was Morgan,
going into the final rounds was in ninth place and jumped two feet
further than she had the entire day,” reported Haynes. “Jae jumped a
foot further than her previous in the finals. That was another 20 point
swing, we won by less than 50 points, so the long jump and triple jumps
were pretty substantial.”
Reschke and Staley each picked up three championships for the men.
Resche turned in a provisional qualifying time while winning the
400-meters (49.25), just in front of teammate Logan Hohl. Reschke teamed
with Brad Gross, Jacob Stott and Adam Rodriguez to win the sprint medley
relay (3:35.28). Aaron Daverin joined Reschke, Stott and Gross on the
winning 4x400 relay (3:22.42). The foursome also took second in the
4x200 relay (1:28.73).
“It was almost expected,” Haynes said of Reschke’s day. “We thought Luke
could have a good meet, which he did, but it was really the people that
fit in around him in the relays that made the difference. Our sprint
guys were outstanding and our field event people were very good.
Obviously everyone had a very good meet.”
Staley broke the tape in the mile (4:21.90) and the 3,000 (8:48.70). He
teamed with Seth Leitner, Saidu Sesay and Tim Bentz to win the distance
medley relay (10:29.29). Haynes also had praise for his distance group.
“Obviously, Clay was very good as were all our distance people,” he
said. “Seth and Adam ran well. We were only a half a second off the
conference record in the DMR with Seth, Clay, Saidu and Tim.”
Wilson took two firsts in the throws. The senior won the shot put while
improving his provisional qualifying mark (52’6-3/4). Sam Cokinos
finished second. Wilson’s winning distance in the weight throw
(60’2-1/4) was also a solid provisional mark. Peyton Lumzy was third.
“(With his performance) Zach has established himself as one of the top
throwers in our league,” praised Haynes.
Gross took second in the men’s long jump, Leitner was third in the mile
and Daverin sprinted to a third in the 55-meters.
Babos threw a provisional qualifying distance to win the women’s weight
throw (51’3-1/2). Gloria Lehr won the shot put (42’11) and Babos was
second (42’4-1/4). Both posted improved provisional marks in the shot.
White established herself as an “elite” pole vaulter by defending her
women’s crown (11’11-3/4). Men’s senior pole vaulter Peter Sprecher
began the competition with a bang, winning the event with a school
record height (17’0-1/2). The mark also ranks him second in the nation.
Jonny Henkins was second in the vault.
“I thought the old vault record could fall,” Haynes said of Sprecher’s
performance. “He had good attempts at 17’4 after that, so he’s set up
well for the next two weekends.”
A pair of hurdlers brought home firsts. Shannon Turczyn, who ran a
provisional qualifying time in the 55-meter hurdle prelims (8.53)
defended her conference championship to become a three-time winner of
that event (8.57). Hohl, a freshman, captured the men’s crown (7.74).
Damon Bautista rounded out the Scots’ champions with a win in the men’s
800 (1:59.24) clipping Rodriguez at the finish line. Bautista came from
behind in the last 100-meters to claim his first conference
championship. “Damon is a talented guy and finally got healthy,” Haynes
said of Bautista’s personal-best performance. “He ran a huge race. He
was fourth with 75 or 100 meters to go and timed his kick perfectly to
blow by them. It was a great 1-2 finish for us.”
Leffel, Moore, Turczyn and Katey Vaccarello captured second in both the
women’s 4x200 relay and 4x400 relay. “Our women’s sprinters, Leffel,
Moore and Turczyn ran incredibly difficult combinations,” said Haynes.
“They all ran a lot of races and a lot of relays and were very solid in
all their events. That was a big part of our team championship.”
Freshman Mary Kate Beyer broke school records in the 5,000-meters
(18:27.55) where she finished third and broke her own school record to
finish fourth in the 3,000 (10:43.75). She was fourth in the mile. “The
combination Mary Kate attempted was very grueling,” said Haynes. “She
had to run the 5,000-meters on Friday night. She set the school record
by a huge amount and then came back an hour later to run the mile, just
a couple of seconds off her personal-best. Saturday she ran her best
race of the season in the 3,000.”
Megan Clennon cleared a personal-best to take second in the women’s high
jump (5’3-1/4). Didier claimed third in the pole vault. Moore ran to a
third place finish in the 55-meters, Leffel took third in the 400 and
Lehr was third in the weight throw.
The rest of the Scots’ women’s points came from – Amy Aghababian,
seventh (800); Beyer, fourth (mile); Didier, seventh (triple jump);
Tanehsa Hughes, fourth (shot put, weight throw); Heather Hull, fifth
(high jump); Leffel, fifth, (200), sixth (pole vault); Moore, fourth
(200); Katie Staab, fourth (800), sixth (mile); Sarah Stinson, sixth
(high jump); Turczyn, fifth (55m), sixth (200); Vaccarello, sixth (400);
Lauren Firchau, Moore, Vaccarello and Staab, fourth (sprint medley
relay); Aghababian, Kanisha Lampkin, Sara Ditzler and Jamie Ayers, sixth
(distance medley relay).
The remainder of the points for the men came from – Brad Begyn, fourth
(5,000); Michael Blodgett, fourth (long jump), sixth (triple jump);
Daverin, seventh (200); Gross, eighth (200); Leitner, sixth (800); Chuck
Lief, seventh (triple jump); Lumzy, fourth (shot put); Brock McAnally,
fourth (pole vault); Sheridan Ray, fourth (triple jump), fifth (long
jump); Reschke, sixth (55m, 200); Rodriguez, fourth (mile); Scott
Sheller, seventh (5,000), eighth (3,000); Stott, fourth (400); Sean
Wells, seventh (high jump).
TENNIS ON A ROLL
The Fighting Scots men’s tennis team is on a four-match winning
streak heading into spring break and won’t return to action until March
21.
While many coaches would be cringing at the thought of taking nearly
three weeks off, coach Chad Braun, whose wife is expecting their third
child any time now, is looking forward to the time off. “This break
comes at a good and a bad time,” he said. “It’s bad because we are
playing well, but it’s also good because we have some injuries that need
to heal and the baby is due soon.”
During the streak, the Scots have won their matches by an average score
of 8-1. Last Saturday was no different, posting an 8-1 win over Cornell.
The only blemish, Kyle Korb’s 3-6, 6-2, 11-9 marathon loss at No. 1
singles. “Kyle had a tough one,” said Braun. “He had a good first set,
then got a little off in the second. He was up 9-7 in the super
tie-breaker, but the Cornell kid held him off for two match points and
got up 10-9. Give the guy credit, he didn’t falter.”
It didn’t look too good at No. 2 singles, either. Kevin Kamenjarin fell
6-7 in the first set and was down 5-2 in the second before staging a
tremendous rally to win the set 7-5 and tie the match at 1-1. He then
dominated the third set 10-4 to pick up his fifth win of the year.
“Kevin gutted it out,” said Braun of his senior’s comeback victory. “He
hung in there, got hot and played well. I think he wore his guy down
mentally, frustrating him by tracking down balls that looked like they
were winners. He never gave up.”
The rest of the singles matches were not as eventful as the first two.
Sam Graf (No.3), Eric Brandhorst (No. 4), Ben Morrow (No. 5) and Tony
Castro (No. 6) all won in straight sets. Braun was pleased with the way
his team performed. “Sam played really well at No. 3,” he praised. “Eric
admittedly wasn’t at his best, but he was still tough enough to get the
win. Ben came back from struggling a bit in doubles to play a very solid
match in singles and Tony came through for us in singles and doubles. He
had a really good day. I’m very proud of Tony’s efforts.”
The Scots easily swept the doubles to set the tone, something Braun says
is important. “It’s always great to win three in doubles,” he said. “You
do that and it takes some of the pressure off because with just two
singles wins, you win the match.”
When the Scots return to action later this month, Braun is hoping the
streak continues and there might just be another little Scots’ fan in
the stands with Mrs. Braun.
CALL TO THE PEN
Most coaches would be screaming if their team gave up 23 runs in two
games.
Fortunately for the Scots baseball team, Roger Sander isn’t most
coaches. That’s not to say he doesn’t raise his voice on occasion, but
the veteran coach was philosophical in the Scots 13-7 loss to Centre
College and 10-2 loss to DePauw University last Sunday. “There were more
positives than negative,” he said. “We only hit .220 for the trip, but
we hit the ball hard. Unfortunately, we hit it hard right at them.
Defensively, we had some errors and didn’t make a couple plays,
otherwise those games could have been 3-2.”
The Scots originally had a three game series scheduled against DePauw
and Blackburn College in Carlinville. Poor field conditions at Blackburn
forced the Scots to look for an alternative plan and found success in
scheduling games in Kentucky – not exactly the best-case situation, but
hey, it’s early March and the Scots were hungry to get outside. (The
last time the Scots were outside they could have gone
trick-or-treating.)
Sander remains upbeat about his pitching staff. Less than half of the 23
runs allowed in the two games were earned. “Drew Johnson threw really
well,” reported Sander. “Brian Chandler came in a little tight, but
after he settled in, Centre couldn’t touch him. Matt Bourne, Chris
Schwarz and Matt Tye threw well in the nightcap.”
In the nightcap, Bourne held DePauw scoreless through the first three
innings before DePauw took advantage of two errors and a hit batsman to
post four runs in the bottom of the fourth. Bourne had pitched out of
jams in the second and third innings, but wasn't able to muster any
magic in the fatal fourth.
Offensively, the Scots fell victim to the baseball gods at the plate.
Kevin Sashko’s 22 game hitting streak came to a close in the first game.
The junior shortstop went 0-for-2 with a walk and a pair of
hit-by-pitches to end his streak. Sander singled out Brett Peterson as
the perfect example of how the Scots couldn’t buy a break at the plate.
“He was hitless in the first game with three line-outs,” lamented
Sander. “Sashko hit one in the first game that spun the third baseman
around and the guy turns a double play. Everybody hit line drives. I was
really impressed with our hitting and told them that between games. Give
Centre and DePauw credit, they made some plays that were out of this
world.”
Not everyone wore the collar. Ryan Stubler crushed his first career
grand slam in the opener to give the Scots a 6-3 lead vs. Centre. Centre
responded with multiple runs in the next two innings and their four-run
fifth put the game out of reach. Stubler finished the weekend 4-for-7.
Scots fans don’t need to panic just yet. Sander reminds fans the Scots
have traditionally gotten off to slow starts. “If you look over our
stats for the past 100 years, we’ve always started off slow,” he said.
“We never have gotten out of the gate fast, but we’ll put it together.”
Case in point – in each of the Scots seven straight years of winning the
Midwest Conference’s south division, only once were they above .500
through the first ten games. Don’t misinterpret Sander, he doesn’t like
losing, but knows the non-conference season is merely a prep for the
conference race.
The Scots are fairly confident their next six games will be played at
the pre-determined site, after all, they leave for Arizona Saturday and
the forecast for Phoenix next week calls for sunny skies with highs in
the mid 70s.
Anyone up for a road trip?
SOFTBALL SEEKS POSTSEASON
The softball team hopes one new coach plus 12 veterans and six
talented newcomers adds up to a return to the Midwest Conference
tournament in May.
Scots’ first-year coach John Goddard is no stranger to the team, having
served as an assistant coach since 2005. His assistants include veterans
Hank Shimmin and Holly English. The staff has inherited a group with
three, four-year starters and plenty of other experienced veterans with
a hunger for the postseason. “Our No. 1 goal is to make it to the
conference tournament,” said Goddard. “Once we get there, it’s a whole
new season and anything can happen. We’re very optimistic.”
If it begins with pitching, the Scots are off to a good start with four
returning pitchers that will give the Scots options, not just in the
circle, but in the field and at the plate. Leading the way are a pair of
juniors – Sarah Christensen (Galesburg, Ill./Galesburg) and Amanda
Murdock (Aledo, Ill./Aledo). Goddard expects the tandem to get most of
the starts, but is quick to point out his two relievers could also
start. “Valerie Mitchell (Port Byron, Ill./Riverdale) and Ashley Tocha
(Kewanee, Ill./Kewanee) will be used primarily in relief, but we’ve made
it clear that all our pitchers will need to start and relieve,” he said.
“Our philosophy is for our pitchers to go as hard as they can, for as
long and they can. We’ve got four good pitchers and we’ll use them all.”
The lanky Christensen, a power pitcher with good off-speed stuff, and
Mitchell, known for her control, pitched the majority of the innings in
2007 and picked up all of the Scots wins. Murdock eased back into the
circle last season after spending a couple of years away from the game
and is returning to the form that made her a dominant force for Aledo
High School. Tocha, the bulldog of the group, possesses a “really good”
screw ball and is working on another pitch to compete her repertoire.
The foursome gives the Scots an added bonus with the ability to play
first base when they’re not pitching.
Whoever is pitching will have a four-year starter behind the plate.
Kristen Bickett (Malden, Ill./Princeton) returns for her final season.
She’ll be backed up by sophomores Val Stier (Avon, Ill./Avon) and
Natalie Giannini (Richmond, Ill./Richmond-Burton) and strong-armed
freshman Tiffany Leffler (Toluca, Ill./Fieldcrest), who Goddard says is
adjusting well to collegiate pitching.
Another four-year starter, Emily Willems (Moline, Ill./Rockridge), will
hold down the shortstop duties. Willems hit a blistering .376 last
season and is geared for a standout senior season. “She and Anna Coutts
(Ladd, Ill./Spring Valley-Hall) have already shown great team
leadership,” praised Goddard of his two seniors. “I couldn’t have asked
for any more from our captains. Emily is a three-time all-conference
selection and I don’t expect anything less from her this season.”
All-conference third baseman Kembra Bell (Beardstown, Ill./Beardstown)
is back to handle the hot corner. The sophomore led the team in RBIs
last season and Goddard expects that production to continue her
sophomore year. “Kembra is in better shape this year and has gotten much
stronger and faster,” he said.
After losing the right side of last year’s infield to graduation,
Goddard’s lineup may sound like the Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s
on First?” First base will be by committee as the Scots will have no
less than six players capable of manning first. Rangy sophomore Maggie
Dort (Spring Grove, Ill./Richmond-Burton) and freshman Jill Hennenfent (Wataga,
Ill./ROWVA) will be sharing the first base duties with the pitchers.
Dort, who hit .360 as a freshman, has been sidelined this spring with a
hip injury. The Scots received good news this week when Dort was cleared
to return to the diamond. Mitchell and Hennenfent, a former third
baseman, will likely split the majority of the duties at first in the
early season, but Goddard warns, “It will really depend on who’s
hitting.”
The versatile Stier is projected to start at second, if Bickett stays
healthy behind the plate. Newcomer Erin Fitzpatrick (New Lenox,
Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor), a shortstop/third baseman by trade, will push
Stier for the starting job and could be used to spell the other
infielders. “Erin has a strong, accurate arm,” reported Goddard. “She’s
working on her footwork and is making a nice transition to the other
side of the infield.”
A senior, two juniors and a trio of freshman are in line for outfield
positions. Returners Coutts, a four-year starter and an all-conference
outfielder two years ago, and junior Ashley Parer (Rock Island,
Ill./Rock Island) will get the early season assignment in right and
center, respectively, with speedy freshman Haley Lyons (Grayslake,
Ill./Warren) expected to patrol left field. Junior Maggie Scudella
(Manhattan, Ill./Lincoln-Way) returns after a year off, and freshman
Kendra Ricketts (Monmouth, Ill./Monmouth-Roseville) are also in the mix.
Offensively, the Scots will have to replace graduated leadoff hitter
Drew Robinson, the Scots’ career-leader in steals (43), who hit a
whopping .447 last season. “We can’t really replace the average and all
the stolen bases,” claimed Goddard. “We’ll make up the difference by
reducing our strikeouts and getting some consistent hitting. If we can
do that, we’ll be able to score some runs.”
Don’t expect the Scots to play long ball, but with what Goddard calls
“solid” hitters and decent team speed, Monmouth will sport an aggressive
offense. The opening day lineup could put the fleet-footed Parer leading
off and contact hitter Coutts in the No. 2 spot. The tandem of Willems
and Bell, who combined for more than a third of last year’s RBIs, would
hit in the 3-4 spots. The flex player – Mitchell or Dort, if she’s
healthy – would bat fifth. Bickett, Lyons and Stier might round out the
order with the pitcher batting ninth.
Goddard expects improved play from his group of veterans and has enough
talent and versatility to experiment with a variety of lineups. The
Scots, who were picked third in the MWC coaches poll, have improved
their conference standing in each of the last two years and expect to
turn the corner in 2008. So what kind of a stamp will the first-year
coach put on the team?
“Hustle will be our trademark,” guaranteed Goddard.
And the Scots’ first appearance in the MWC tournament since 2004 will be
their goal.
GOLFERS NOT DEFENDING, THEY'RE CHASING
Dave Ragone’s men’s golf team has the formidable task of repeating as
Midwest Conference champions and NCAA tournament qualifiers.
Actually, that’s not true. “We’re not repeating or defending anything,”
said Ragone who returns just two players from last year’s national
tournament-qualifying team. “We’re CHASING another title. We want to be
the hunters, not the hunted.”
Ragone is excited about the prospects for 2008 and will get an early
look at his team at the season-opening 36-hole Millikin Invitational
Mar. 14-15. He points to a pair of veterans and a group of talented
underclassmen as the reasons for his optimism. “We have an extremely
talented team,” he said. “We’re also very deep and getting better every
week. Those are some good attributes to have.”
Senior Aaron Thiel (Williamsfield, Ill./Williamsfield) and junior Jake
Kilberg (Rock Falls, Ill./Rock Falls), return from last year’s
championship squad to form the nucleus of the team chasing the Scots’
fourth conference title in seven years. The pair of returners were two
of the top three scorers from last year. Thiel’s 79.6 stroke average
last season was second on the team and Kilberg had the team’s third-best
average at 80.1. Both played well in the fall season when Thiel cut two
strokes off his career average.
Ragone is expecting more than just low scores from his returners. “Aaron
is a great role model and is showing tremendous leadership,” praised the
Scots’ coach. “Jake did a great job for us last year as a sophomore and
we’ll need him to remain consistent.”
The Scots will have a junior, five sophomores and three freshmen
battling for a spot. Ragone expects the group’s lone junior, Greg Jones
(Roseville, Ill./Roseville), to be among the top competitors for a place
in the top five. Jones increased his value in the fall season, shaving
three strokes off his career average. Sophomores Ryan Harvey (Hennepin,
Ill./Putnam County) and Ryan Tapscott (Port Byron, Ill./Riverdale) are
also in the mix for the top five. Harvey also had a good fall season,
averaging four strokes under last year’s mark. Three other sophomores –
Zach Coles (Lake Villa, Ill./Antioch), Nate Harroun (Taylor Ridge, Ill./Rockridge)
and Kyle Tuor (Peoria, Ill./Dunlap) will add depth to Ragone’s lineup.
A talented freshman class may have an immediate impact. Rodney Clayton
(Plano, Ill./Plano), who averaged 79.0 during the fall season, has
experience on the Scots’ home course. The freshman shot a 77 in last
year’s IHSA Class A sectional held at Gibson Woods. Joe Hoffman
(Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Northwest) brings a stroke average near
77.0 to the table. Ragone describes Hoffman as a “big, strong kid…a real
competitor” who is consistently long off the tee. Jason Pinns (St.
Charles, Ill./Glenbard South) rounds out the freshman competing for a
position. With a name like Pinns, it seems only natural that Ragone
would call him a “very talented” golfer.
The Scots have made steady progress since their return to the links in
2000. With the enthusiastic Ragone at the helm, the Scots have not only
raised their conference title total, they’ve raised their expectations.
“Our goals are loftier now,” said Ragone. “We EXPECT to go to nationals
every year.”
A bold statement from a coach who has just one senior returner, but then
again, Ragone has never been one to settle for second-best.
FOUR SCOTS NAMED ALL-MIDWEST CONFERENCE
The men’s and women’s basketball teams were honored by the league
coaches this week in balloting for all-conference selections.
One man and three women were named All-Midwest Conference. Senior Joe
Terwelp (Quincy, Ill./Notre Dame) has been named All-Midwest Conference
for the third consecutive year. On the women’s team senior center Ashley
Yeast (Sciota, Ill./West Prairie), junior guard Melissa Gorksi
(Arlington Hts., Ill./Buffalo Grove) and sophomore guard Elise Waldorf (Glasford,
Ill./Canton) were named to the team.
Terwelp was named first team all-conference. The 6’5 center led the
Fighting Scots in points (353), scoring average (16.0), rebounds (153),
rebound average (7.0) and field goal percentage (.551). His 1,110 points
ranks him 14th on the Scots’ all-time list. He finished his career
averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. In 80 games, Terwelp
scored in double figures 53 times and had a high of 38 points his
sophomore year against Grinnell. He also holds the school record for
season field goal percentage, making 66.2 percent of his attempts during
his sophomore year. His 57.1 career average ranks him 5th all-time.
“I am glad to see Joe recognized for the outstanding season he had” said
coach Mark Vershaw. “He has had an outstanding career and it will be
impossible for us to replace his production. Joe’s efforts, along with
the other seniors, laid a fine foundation for this program’s future.”
The Fighting Scots, ranked 7th in the league coaches poll, finished the
season in a tie for 5th. It was the highest finish for Monmouth since
the 2004-05 season.
The selection of three members of women’s basketball team to the
All-Midwest Conference squad marks the second straight year the Fighting
Scots have had three players named all-conference. “I think having three
all-conference performers two years in a row shows we are starting to
head in the right direction with our program,” said coach Melissa Jones.
Yeast, named to the first team, picked up her third straight
all-conference honor. She led the MWC in rebounds (238) and rebound
average (10.3). She holds the Fighting Scots women’s rebounding records
for single game (21), season (315), season average (13.7) and career
average (10.9). Her 1,008 rebounds is the school record for women or
men. Her 990 career points ranks her seventh all-time among Monmouth
women. “This is a fitting honor for Ashley to end her career,” said
Jones. “She represents exactly what we want out of our student-athletes
at Monmouth – a good work ethic, leadership, great attitude and athletic
ability.”
Gorski was named second team all-conference for the second straight
year. She was third in the conference in assists (86) and assists per
game (3.74). The junior guard led the Fighting Scots in scoring (295)
and was second in points per game (12.8). Her 904 career points ranks
her eighth all-time at Monmouth. “Mit is a great leader both on and off
the court,” praised Jones. “She is a solid all-around player and really
improved on her rebounding this season, but I am most excited about her
turnover-to-assist ratio which ranked her third in the conference.”
Waldorf, who was selected second team all-conference, led the Scots in
scoring average (13.6) and blocks (28). She was third in the league in
field goal percentage (.520) and fourth in scoring average. “Elise did
an outstanding job for us this year,” reported Jones. “She did a great
job handling her mid-season injury and was one spot shy of making first
team all-conference. I’m very proud of how her offense has progressed.”
The Scots finished in fifth place in the Midwest Conference (12-11/8-8),
just one position out of a conference tournament berth. Monmouth was the
only league team to defeat conference champion and NCAA tournament
qualifier St. Norbert.
COMEBACK NETS HONOR
Senior Kevin Kamenjarin (Alsip, Ill./Marist) picked up his first
Midwest Conference Performer of the Week honor in men’s tennis.
Kamenjarin battled his way to a 5-2 dual meet record with a three set
win Saturday against Cornell. Playing at No. 2 singles, the senior
staged a comeback for the ages. Playing against an opponent who had been
his team’s No. 1 singles player prior to meeting the Scots, Kamenjarin
dropped the first set 6-7 in a tie-breaker. He then trailed 5-2 in the
second set when he began his monumental turnaround. The Scots’ veteran
fought back to win the set 7-5 and took the match with a 10-4 decision
in the third set. Earlier in the day, he teamed with Kyle Korb to post
an 8-2 win in No. 1 doubles.
TANNEY UPDATE
Former Fighting Scots quarterback Mitch Tanney’s road to the NFL took a slight detour last week.
Tanney, who in January signed with the Tampa Bay Storm of the arena league, was released and then resigned by the Storm last week. The strong-armed QB was released following a scrimmage in which he was 7-for-8 with two touchdowns against the Orlando Predators.
The af1 team released Tanney following the scrimmage in order for the team to meet their roster limit before the Feb. 25 deadline, essentially making the former Scot a free agent. During that time, Tanney could have been signed by another team. After clearing waivers, he was resigned by the Storm to the practice squad where he runs the scout teams’ offense. As a member of the practice squad, he could be picked up by another team, as long as that team places him on their active roster.
Tampa Bay spokesman Jim Robinson reports Tanney could be called to the Storm’s active roster at any time, but is behind a pair of veterans including last season’s Co-Rookie of the Year, Brett Dietz. Ironically, the Storm acquired Dietz from Kansas City’s practice squad last season.
“Mitch is progressing nicely,” reported Robinson. “The coaches like his strong arm, and he’s doing a good job with the scout team.”
If things don’t work out for Tanney in Tampa Bay, keep in mind Green Bay had a recent opening.
WE NEED A BREAK TOO
There will be no Scots Scoop delivered next week due to the college’s Spring Break. The Scoop will return to your mailbox Thurs., Mar. 20. You can still get the latest Fighting Scots sports news and results on the web at
www.monm.edu/sportsinfo.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Sat., Mar. 8
Indoor Track & Field – UW-Stevens Pt. Qualifier – 10:30 am
Sun., Mar. 9
Baseball – vs. Simpson (2) at Phoenix, Ariz. – 9:30 am MT
Mon., Mar. 10
Baseball – vs. Wheaton, Mass. (1) at Tempe, Ariz. – 11:00 am MT
Softball – vs. Patten (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 10:30 am MT
Softball – vs. Webster (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 1:00 pm MT
Wed., Mar. 12
Baseball – vs. Webster (1) at Phoenix, Ariz. – 2:00 pm MT
Softball – vs. Kenyon (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 1:00 pm MT
Softball – vs. Calvin (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 3:00 pm MT
Thurs., Mar. 13
Softball – vs. Judson (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 10:30 am MT
Softball – vs. Jamestown (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 1:00 pm MT
Baseball – vs. North Park (1) at Phoenix, Ariz. – 3:00 pm MT
Fri., Mar. 14
Softball – vs. North Central (1) at Tucson, Ariz. – 10:30 am MT
Men’s Golf – at Millikin Invitational – Noon
Indoor Track – at NCAA Indoor Championships, Ada, Ohio – 12:30 pm
Baseball – vs. Concordia, Wis. (1) at Phoenix, Ariz. – 1:00 pm MT
Sat., Mar. 15
Men’s Golf – at Millikin Invitational – 9:00 am
Indoor Track – at NCAA Indoor Championships, Ada, Ohio – 10:00 am
Sun., Mar. 16
Women’s Tennis – hosts Quincy – 2:00 pm
Tues., Mar. 18
Baseball – at Eastern Illinois University (1) – 2:00 pm
Softball 1 at Eureka (2) – 3:00 pm
SCOTSIVATIONAL
“Be the hunters, not the hunted.” – Dave Ragone
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