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Photo: Dymphena Clark
GRIFFIN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER SUMMER/FALL 2016
join or renew your gaa membership inside News from the griffin athletic association
Greetings Griffin Fans! You will notice that the GAA has a new and improved look! Through I trust our Griffin Athletic your ongoing and increased Association (GAA) Newsletter support, it became apparent it finds you doing well, and I hope was time to redesign the GAA your 2017 is off to a great start. levels, member benefits, and I am very excited to share that add a $2,500 All-American the GAA continues to grow each Society. This improvement is year through new and renewed only possible because of you, our memberships. Thank you! most loyal and dedicated fans.
The GAA, now slightly more Please consider joining or than five years old, provides renewing your current annual our 21 varsity teams with the GAA membership by completing necessary items to enhance our the form inside and using the student-athlete’s experiences. remittance envelope provided. From enhancing travel budgets Do not forget about our matching to purchasing elite training gift program that may double equipment and from adding or even triple your donation. fields to upgrading facilities, You may also take advantage of your support of the GAA helps our recurring gift program that Seton Hill University recruit, allows you to make a larger gift retain and graduate students over a period of time. that are fit for the world. Again, for all you do, thank you. I am truly humbled and excited for the future of the GAA, and I hope you are too.
Kind regards,
Kris Smith Griffin Athletic Association From the AD’s Desk
Dear Griffin Fans, of a new turf field for football, field hockey, and women’s I hope this newsletter finds you lacrosse, and we have also well. I wanted to take a moment completed major renovations to update you all on some to the softball field by installing happenings on The Hill over the a new turf field along with new summer and fall seasons. At dugouts. This summer, the the beginning of the summer baseball field will be renovated. season, perhaps our biggest accomplishment was that, for The fall season saw the Griffins the third consecutive year, our improve over the previous year. athletes achieved the highest Our women’s cross country overall grade point average in team made school history by the PSAC. In addition, Seton qualifying, as a team, for the Hill had the highest percentage NCAA Championship Race of athletes to be named to the held in Tampa, Florida. All- PSAC Commissioner’s Region runners Chelsia Poole Honor Roll. and Alyssa Brandis led the ladies. The men’s soccer The Doug Wood Memorial Golf team returned to the PSAC Classic was a tremendous Tournament making the success—Thank you to all semi-finals. Joe Smith, Rory those that participated and McKinnon, and Harrison Howes contributed to this signature all earned All-PSAC accolades event! The success of this and were named to the All- event enabled us to complete Region Team. In addition, the construction of a press box at volleyball team returned to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Field PSAC post-season. All-PSAC and has afforded us performer Cassie Hausfeld led the opportunity to the Griffins. Football finished begin installation the season with five wins, of a massive including a convincing win field renovation over PSAC Eastern Division project. We Champion Kutztown University. have completed Women’s soccer and field installation
1 hockey also showed marked support our basketball and improvement over 2015 and wrestling teams. our Equestrian team had a very strong fall season. GO GRIFFINS!
Thank you again for all you do to support Griffin Athletics and I hope to see you in McKenna Chris Snyder over the winter months to Executive Director of Athletics
Doug Wood Golf Classic Continues to Exceed Goals
Our sponsors and guests have for the University’s Athletic lifted the Doug Wood Golf Department, and we know it will Classic to one of Southwestern be used to support their efforts Pennsylvania’s most notable to continue expanding and golf outings. enhancing facilities.”
“This event never ceases to The proceeds from the 2016 amaze me. Each year, I think event were used immediately we have reached our potential to assist with the purchase of but that’s just not the case. NCAA regulation shot clocks Our event continues to expand for our men’s and women’s through increased lacrosse programs, sponsorships and sell- NCAA regulation lines out crowds, and the on our basketball SETON HILL UNIVERSITY entire Wood family court and the is very proud to addition of two honor Doug’s legacy new outdoor through this event,” fields. said Dan Wood. DOUG WOOD “Again, we have GOLF CLASSIC The Ninth raised $50,000 Annual Doug
2 Wood Memorial Golf Classic you do, thank you for making will be held on Friday, June 9, this day so special to the Wood 2017 at Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe family and Seton Hill University. Country Club. Again, for all
Griffins Extend Top GPA Streak to Three Years! The GAA Newsletter is designed to basketball (3.114) teams each share news, updates, records and placed second. help Seton Hill’s most loyal fans get to know our student-athletes In addition to the Team GPA as athletes. However, at Seton Hill awards, 52 percent of Seton Hill’s University, our student-athletes 488 student-athletes were named are students first and foremost. Scholar Athletes by the league for And, for the third consecutive earning a GPA of 3.25 or above in year, our 488 student- the 2015-16 academic athletes have earned year. Seton Hill had the privilege to say the highest percentage they are atop of the of Scholar Athletes PSAC for overall among all PSAC team GPA with a institutions. 3.396. “Seton Hill student- The six Seton athletes continue Hill teams with to showcase their the highest GPA talents both in the among their peers classroom and on the include: women’s cross field of play,” said Seton country (3.749); women’s tennis Hill President Mary C. Finger, (3.734); women’s basketball Ed.D. “This recognition from the (3.599); women’s track and field PSAC for the third consecutive (3.597); men’s soccer (3.348); and year illustrates again Seton Hill baseball (3.301). The women’s student-athletes’ dedication to soccer (3.668); volleyball (3.632); their academics. The entire Seton women’s lacrosse (3.532); men’s Hill University community is proud cross country (3.492); and men’s of their accomplishments.”
3 Griffins Earn Third PSAC Postseason Berth in Four Seasons in the PSAC
The Seton Hill volleyball team over Clarion and earned their third trip to the PSAC IUP to secure their postseason in their four seasons playoff spot. Seton of conference play after earning Hill won their fourth the seventh seed in the PSAC and fifth sets over Tournament. SHU finished the Clarion for a 3-2 season with a 19-13 overall mark win and clinched and an 11-7 record in PSAC play. their playoff spot in a win-an-in match The Griffins opened the season against IUP where with a 4-0 record after sweep- they swept the Crim- ing through the Shippensburg son Hawks. Tourney. SHU then went 4-4 the next two weekends after splitting The Griffins won the four games in both the Wayne first set in the PSAC State and Wheeling Jesuit Tour- Tournament at Pitt naments. Seton Hill then ran off Johnstown before drop- five straight PSAC wins to open ping the final three to end conference play with a 5-0 mark. their season. After dropping their first PSAC contest to Edinboro, the Griffins Senior Cassie Hausfeld responded with two 3-0 wins over earned second team All California and Mercyhurst. SHU PSAC honors. was 15-5 overall and 7-1 in PSAC Hausfeld led the Griffins action. with 311 kills. She also Seton Hill then hit some hard added 286 digs and a team high times as the Griffins dropped six 26 aces. Leah Bisignani was of their next seven matches to fall second on the team with 238 kills in the PSAC standings and see and led the squad with 83 blocks. their hopes of an NCAA Regional Maggie Murray led the Griffins appearance slip away. with 600 assists. Mary Baich had a team high 449 digs while Han- With their backs against the wall, nah Moeller finished with 320. SHU responded with two victories Photo: ADM Photography 4 Tennis Wins Twice in Short Fall Season
The Griffin tennis team won two and DeBone all win singles match- of its three matches in a short fall es and the Carvajalino sisters and season that saw two of its matches DeBone/Bailey won their doubles pushed back into the spring portion matches. of the schedule. Diana Carvajalino advanced to the SHU opened the season with a 6-3 quarterfinal round of the PSAC Sin- win against Daemen College. The gles Championship. She won 7-5, Griffins had three singles wins from 3-6, 10-5 in the first round and 7-5, three freshmen (Diana Carvajalino, 6-4 in the second round before fall- Jenna Bailey and Ana Salazar). ing to the two time defending PSAC Madison DeBone also won her singles champion in the quarters. singles match. The doubles The Carvajalino sisters won their teams of Diana & Paula opening doubles match before Carvajalino and the team of falling to the No. 2 seed in the DeBone and Bailey each second round. The Griffins won their doubles match. ended the fall season with a 6-3 loss to West Chester The team then knocked in the PSAC opener. SHU off cross-town rival St will have six more PSAC Vincent 6-3. SHU had D. matches in the spring Carvajalino, Bailey, Salazar semester.
Photo: Dymphena Clark
Golf Closes out Fall with Eighth Place Finish in PSAC Championships
The Griffins opened the season SHU followed that with a sixth with a third place finish at place finish at the two-day the Westminster Invitational. California (PA) Invitational. Doell Freshmen Emily Doell and led the squad with a 12th place Elizabeth Engel finished in finish. third and fifth place in their first collegiate tournaments. The following weekend the team headed north to Erie to take part 5 in the Evann Parker Isabella Schell was in a tie for Memorial hosted by fifth. SHU placed third in the W&J Mercyhurst and the Invitational. SHU had four top 20 Michael Corbitt Fall finishes from Doell, Smoulder, Classic hosted by Engel and Schell. Gannon. Seton Hill ended the fall season The team then earned a at the PSAC Championships at runner-up finish at the the Hershey Country Club. The St. Vincent Invitational. team finished eighth overall after Megan Smoulder led the two-day event. Doell and the squad with a third Engel both finished tied for 24th place finish. Engel was in the championships. Smoulder fourth overall and was 28th overall and Schell fellow freshman finished 42nd.
Photo: SHU Athletics Women’s Soccer Post Five Shutouts During Season
The Griffin women’s soccer team team responded with a 2-0 win continues to make strides on the over Clarion with Emily LoPresti field as they posted five shutouts and Melanie Renda each scoring this season and gave up just 20 goals and Jessica Neill posting a goals on the season. Seton Hill shutout. finished the season with a 7-8-2 overall record and a 6-8-2 mark SHU had its best weekend of the in conference play, good for a tie season to close out September for 10th place. SHU finished the as they posted two home wins - a season with a 5-3 mark at home. 2-0 win over Mansfield, and a 3-0 win over Lock Haven. Amy Lynch Seton Hill opened the season scored twice on the weekend and with a 3-1 win over Pitt Neill made 14 saves in the two Johnstown in the PSAC opener shutout wins. for both teams. After a 3-2 loss to Gannon, the team went SHU posted its final two wins scoreless for four matches, over Indiana and Millersville late going 0-2-2 over the stretch. The in the season and closed out its 6 season with a tough 1-0 loss to All PSAC honors for the second No. 3 West Chester on Senior Day. straight season. LoPresti was also named an NSCAA All Region Neill was named to the CoSIDA selection for the second Academic All District straight year. team for the first time LoPresti led the Griffins with in her 9 goals and 19 points. Emma career Bearinger , Emma Porteous and while Katie Kimmich each added three LoPresti goals. Renda led the squad with earned 3 assists while Lynch and Bri Kostan each finished with two. Neill finished the year with a 1.07 GAA and 5 shutouts.
Photo: ADM Photography
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7 Photo: Dave Miller Griffins Return in August to a Pair of New Nests
Our Griffins returned to The Hill late September. Renovations to last August to a delightful sight the softball facility included new and surprise. The construction of dugouts and strategic excavating two new athletic fields was well for the future installation of underway and nearing completion. bullpens, bleachers and press The first to be renovated serves box. The second phase of the as a primary training facility project will include the renovation for football, but all teams and of our current baseball facility. intramural activities have access to Construction is scheduled to begin the field when it is available. This this May after the baseball season facility will also serve our women’s concludes. lacrosse and field hockey programs during competition should there be “We are very grateful for the a timing conflict at Dick’s Sporting opportunity to have a facility that Goods Field. we can call home. I will never forget the look on the men’s faces The Seton Hill community is very the first day we were able to use pleased to share the ProGrass the ProGrass Field. They looked has bought the naming rights to like second graders headed to this facility for the next 10 years! recess,” said Head Football Coach ProGrass was selected as the Isaac Collins. “We wish to thank vendor for the installation of our Board of Trustees, President our two-phase project that also Mary Finger, ProGrass and our included a renovation of the softball athletic sponsors and donors for facility, which was completed in making this facility a reality.
Men’s Soccer Reaches PSAC Semifinal
The Griffin men’s soccer team SHU also advanced to the PSAC reached the PSAC semifinals for Tournament for the third time in the second time in three seasons, four seasons in the conference. this time falling in heartbreaking fashion. SHU finished the season Seton Hill opened the season with a 12-8 overall record and a with back-to-back 2-1 wins over 7-4 mark in conference play, good Wheeling Jesuit and Ohio Valley on for fourth place in the league. the road. Curtis Gallagher scored 8 the game winner in the WJU win. That lead looked like it might stand SHU followed the two wins with up as the Griffins head into the three straight losses, including one final five minutes of the match. A to No. 1 Charleston. foul on the Griffins just outside the box gave the Lakers the chance SHU bounced back with a win at they needed and they headed in the Bloomsburg and a non conference game tying goal with 2:34 to play. win over NYIT at home. The The game went to overtime and the Griffins started off October on the Lakers ended the Griffins season right foot as they won four straight just under six minutes into OT. PSAC contests to improve to 5-2 in conference play. The team also Joe Smith and Rory McKinnon won three straight at the end of each earned CoSIDA Academic All the season before a 3-1 loss to District honors. Smith then was West Chester at home to end the named a CoSIDA Academic First regular season. Team All American, becoming the first player in program history The team earned the fourth to earn the honor. Smith, seed in the PSAC Tournament McKinnon, Harrison Howes and hosted Cal in the first round. and Curtis Gallagher all The Griffins scored twice in were named to the All each half for a 4-0 first PSAC team as well as round win. Louis Mason the D2CCA All Region and Gallagher scored Teams. Smith, Howes goals in the first half and Gallagher also and Tom Urquhart and earned NSCAA All Rory McKinnon scored Region honors. second half tallies in the win. Austin Iddon Gallagher led the provided the shutout in Griffins with 12 goals and the net. 29 points. McKinnon was second on the team with SHU then traveled to Erie to take 10 goals and 25 points. on top seeded Mercyhurst in the Urquhart finished the PSAC semifinals. Gallagher got season with 6 goals the Griffins on the board early and 3 assists. Smith th in the contest with a 7 added 4 goals and minute goal. Mercyhurst a team leading 6 tied the game at one in assists. Austin Iddon th the 15 minute. Just under was 9-7 on the season ten minutes into the second half with 3 shutouts. He had a Harry Beattie gave SHU a 2-1 lead. 1.56 GAA.
Photo: ADM Photography 9 Football Posts Most Successful Season Since 2007
The Griffin football squad posted final three games to Edinboro, their most successful season Slipper Rock and Shippensburg to since 2007 as they compiled five close out the season. wins on the season. SHU finished the year with a 5-6 overall record The Griffins broke many school and a 2-5 mark in PSAC West records during the season. Khalil competition. Howard broke the single game rushing touchdown record with The team opened the season with 4 against Mercyhurst. Christian three straight wins. SHU won a Strong tied a single game record wild 50-48 contest at Bowie State with his 5 TD passes against to open the season and followed Bowie State. Strong also broke that with a 38-24 road PSAC four season passing records with Crossover win at Millersville. The 3,318 yards, 23 touchdowns, 238 Griffins then demolished PSAC completions and East Champ Kutztown 44-22 in 404 passing their home opener. attempts. Ardell Brown broke PSAC West play started as the a single Griffins hosted eventual PSAC season West Champion California. record The Vulcans knocked off the with 1,110 Griffins 59-17. A 47-39 loss to receiving IUP followed. It was a game in yards. Josh which the Griffins led 39-28 in the Falatovich set a third quarter. SHU then defeated new career record Clarion 27-23 at home. for tackles, and Seton Hill suffered a 34-12 loss Richardo Housen at Gannon before winning a high holds the school scoring 55-45 game at home over record for career Mercyhurst on Homecoming. SHU interceptions. then had three chances to secure Three Griffins were a winning record but dropped their named All PSAC selections.
10 Photo: ADM Photography Ardell Brown earned first team yards and 8 touchdowns. Norman honors while Howard and Darden also had 8 receiving Nicholas Boynton were second touchdowns on the season. team selections. Boynton led the defense with 87 total tackles, including 9 tackles Howard led the Griffins on for loss. David Gutzmore was the ground with 1,133 rushing second in tackles with 79. Alex yards on 193 carries and 13 Attia led the defense with 6 sacks touchdowns. Strong finished the and 13 tackles for loss. Fardan season 238-404 for 3,318 yards Allen and Housen each had 3 and 23 touchdowns. Brown led the interceptions. receivers with 74 catches for 1,110
The Seton Hill Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Raises Over $8,000 in Make-A-Wish Fundraiser
Seton Hill University raised work our members put forth to $8,212.53 during the 2015-2016 raise funds for such an amazing NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish cause. We are very grateful for all record-setting fundraising those who donated and made this campaign. accomplishment possible. We are very excited for our upcoming wish The fundraising campaign set a reveal and look forward to granting new record for Division II for the more wishes in the future.” fifth straight year after raising more than $608,000. The Pennsylvania Seton Hill ranked eighth out of 238 State Athletic Conference led all institutions in raised funds. The conferences with $66,893.48 raised. Griffins raised the second highest total in the PSAC behind Edinboro “The Student Athlete Advisory who finished second in the country. Committee has come very far in Seton Hill will have the opportunity our efforts and accomplishments to host a wish reveal since they for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” raised more than $5,000. The Student Athlete Advisory wish will be revealed on April 22nd Committee President Emily Hutsko between games of the baseball said. “I am so proud of all the hard team’s doubleheader. 11 Photo: Dymphena Clark Field Hockey Ups Win Total by Two
The Griffin field hockey team with 38 seconds remaining upped their win count by in the game for the 3-2 win. two from last season as they Dominique Cappello and Kayla showed signs of improvement Chapman each assisted on on the playing field. SHU won goals. Eberhardt recorded 5 three matches this season and saves in the win. were in many more over the course of the fall. The Griffins won their third contest in their next to SHU earned their first win last game at home against of the season with a 2-1 Mercyhurst. Cappello scored off overtime victory at home a feed from Nicole DeLuca off a against Mansfield. Nicole Susi penalty corner in the 41st minute opened the scoring for the for the lone goal of the game. Griffins in the first half. SHU Eberhardt recorded 10 saves surrendered a second half in cage for the shutout win. goal before Wynnsome Gadson sent the home Herman led the crowd home happy Griffins with 10 with a game winner points on 4 goals 6:29 into the first and 2 assists. overtime period. Jane Gadson and Molly Eberhardt recorded Childress each five saves in the cage scored three times for the win. for the Griffins. SHU got two goals Seton Hill followed that from Ashley win with a 3-2 victory on the Curnow and road at Mercyhurst. Alesha Susi. Eberhardt Herman scored twice to give made 129 saves SHU a 2-0 lead 40 minutes in net. into the contest. The Lakers answered with two goals to tie it but Jaydyn Morrison scored
12 Photo: ADM Photography Equestrian Second in the Region After Strong Fall Season
The Griffin equestrian team will Mello was Reserve High Point enter the spring portion of their Rider and Alexis Kupic earned schedule in second place in the High Point Rider honors. region after a strong showing during their fall schedule. SHU In the final meet of the fall, the trails first place West Virginia Griffins had Briana Kupic take by just three points entering the home Reserve High Point Rider spring semester. and Brooke Kulasa finish second on day one. SHU earned Reserve After opening with a meet at Team Champion on day two. Slippery Rock, the Griffins then hosted their own meet at the The Griffins have two more Bloomfield Stables. SHU finished regular meets in the spring as Champion High Point team followed by regionals and zones. after a first place finish at their home meet. Olivia Savannah Theodor earned Reserved High Point Rider.
SHU continued that momentum into the Bethany Meet at Oglebay where they again took home High Point Team honors. Alexis Kupic earned High Point Rider at the meet. After the meet, the Griffins were tied with WVU in the regional standings. The team won its third straight High Point team honors at the St. Vincent meet at the Grier School the following weekend. Allison
Photo: Dymphena Clark 13 Women’s CC Advances to Nationals for First Time in School History
The women’s cross country team tough brown race. The following advanced to where no other week the team finished second at Griffin cross country team had the Carnegie Mellon Invitational. before as they finished third at the Poole defended her title from last Atlantic Regional to earn a trip season with another first place to the NCAA Division II National finish. Brandis was 18th overall Championships for the first time while Padgett and Kleinschrodt in school history. finished 25th and 26th respectively.
The team opened the season SHU then competed in the taking home the small college PSAC Championships hosted by title and finishing fourth overall at Kutztown University. The Griffins the 18th Annual Duquesne Duals. finished fifth in the event. Poole Chelsia Poole led the way with a again led the Griffins but suffered third place finish. Skye Christian a heart breaking review where she was the second Griffin in 29th finished second by one-tenth of a place. Caitlyn Padgett was 45th second. Brandis followed in 18th overall and Alyssa Brandis and place. Padgett was 36th overall, Sarah Taylor each earned top 50 followed by Christian in 43rd and finishes. Taylor in 69th.
After a week off the team finished The Griffins then made history third at the DII/III Challenge two weeks later in the NCAA hosted by Kutztown. The third Division II Atlantic Regionals at place finish was a sign of things Cooper’s Lake State Park. The to come as most of the squads Griffins used a strong pack of competing at regionals competed three from 25th-35th place and a at this meet. Poole again led the second place finish from Poole to Griffins with a third place finish. Taylor was 20th and Brandis finished in 34th place. Jackie Kleinschrodt was 40th overall.
The team then competed at the Paul Short Invitational in the
14 Photo: SHU Athletics book their trip to nationals. the team boarded the plane SHU finished with 146 team for Tampa and the National points behind Shippensburg and Championships hosted by St. Bloomsburg. Brandis (25th), Taylor Leo at the Abbey Course. The (31st) and Christian (34th) were part team enjoyed its time in the of the pack that helped SHU make sun by practicing, taking part in the trip to nationals. Padgett community service activities and was 58th overall rounding out the being able to go to Busch Gardens Griffin top five. Megan Weinreber for the championship banquet. and Sarah McGowan were the Even though the Griffins were final two Griffins in the race. Both disappointed in their race on race Poole and Brandis earned All day, the Griffin community is very Region honors. proud of their efforts all season in becoming the first team to After a week off in which the advance to nationals. team was honored at halftime of the Griffins football game, Men’s Cross Country Continues to Improve
The cross country team competed again the top Griffin in th6 place. in five events during the fall. The Sam Kovalchick was 37th overall team opened the season at the and Camasso earned an 86th 18th Annual Duquesne Duals. place finish. Jerrod Sunderland, Anthony Camasso and Micah The men finished in third place at Cantaral finished from the Carnegie Mellon Invitational. 46th to 48th place. Kovalchick led the squad with an 18th place finish. Sunderland again led Sunderland and Camasso the way at the DII/III were 26th and 27th. Cantaral Challenge hosted by finished in 37th place and Kutztown University. Christian Katic was 44th. He finished in 48th th place. The team finished The team finished 15 at 13th in the white race at the PSAC Championships. the Paul Short Invitational Sunderland again led the th hosted by Lehigh squad with a 39 place finish. University. Sunderland was 15 Photo: Dymphena Clark Alessandro Finishes Second at NCAA DII Nationals; Earns All American Honors
Seton Hill redshirt freshman In the championship final, Joey Alessandro made Wynn took an early 4-2 lead history at the NCAA Division in the first period with two II National Championships takedowns while Joey had two in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. points from escapes. Wynn Alessandro became the first then got a late takedown in the Griffin to wrestle in a national period and added four back final. Even though he came points for a 10-4 lead after one up short in the final match, period. The second period was falling 12-8 to Darren Wynn low scoring as each wrestler of McKendree, Alessandro only picked up one point with earned All American honors Wynn leading 11-5 after two in the 141-pound weight class periods of action. Alessandro with a second place finish. escaped early in the third It is the highest finish for a period and got a late Griffin wrestler at the national takedown but time tournament. ran out as Wynn won the Alessandro described the entire experience at nationals as “really breathtaking at first.” He stated, “I had nerves at first and the tough part was calming down my nerves. I was able to do that and advance throughout each round into the finals.”
18 Photo: Kutztown Athletics national title by a 12-8 score. a quick takedown in the first period and led 2-0 after one Alessandro advanced to the period of action. He increased finals with a victory over Matt his lead to 5-2 with an escape Nelson in the semifinals. and a takedown in the second Joey got a takedown and an period. Alessandro picked up escape in the first period an escape and then one point to take a 3-2 lead after one for riding time for the 7-2 first period. A wild second period round victory. saw both wrestlers scoring with Alessandro holding a 9-8 Joey then took on Nate advantage after two periods Rodriguez of Maryville (MO) in of action. He used a four point the quarterfinals. Alessandro near fall in the third period for had a reversal and four point the 13-10 win. near fall in the first period to lead 6-2. He added a takedown Asked about what the weekend in the second and one more meant to him, Joey stated, in the third period plus a riding point for an 11-3 major “It gave me confidence decision victory over the that I can be the best. No. 1 ranked wrestler in the I believe in my training D2Wrestle.com rankings. and what Coach Tucker teaches and this showed that it can be very successful. There is only one way to go from here, up to the top of the podium.” Alessandro opened the tournament in the 141-pound weight class with a matchup with Bryce Killian of King (TN). Joey opened the match with
19 In the Lair with Chelsia Poole and Joey Alessandro
1. Joey and Chelsia, tell I absolutely loved the math us why you chose Seton involved in solving the problems and the professor did an Hill over other schools? amazing job of keeping my attention and interest. Though, (CP) For me, it really came down I am taking metal smithing and to location. I was pleased with clay next semester… so I may the school and loved the team have a new favorite by the time I when I visited! Overall, I wanted graduate. to stay close to home, which has allowed me to continue working (JA) I have really enjoyed taking throughout my college career. Dr. David VonSchlichten’s I couldn’t be happier with my classes and also Dr. Kathy decision. I truly love going to Harris’ classes they both make school here. class enjoyable and that is a really big part of learning for (JA) I chose Seton Hill mostly people of any age. because of how close it was and how convenient it was to keep in touch and see my family. It was 3. What is your favorite also very easy to stay in contact thing to do in your free and get work outs in with my time in Greensburg? high school wrestling coach as well. (CP) I love walking around downtown Greensburg and 2. What is your favorite looking through all of the shops! class at Seton Hill and Stopping by the White Rabbit for coffee is always a must as well. why? (JA) Since I am so close to home (CP) Managerial accounting. I usually go home whenever I
16 get free time and hang out with 5. We always hear about my family. what Seton Hill has done 4. Everyone has odd for our alumni. What has fears in life. Tell us Seton Hill instilled in about yours. you two so far?
(CP) Stink bugs!!! I cannot stand (CP) Seton Hill has helped me the way they fly or the sounds become more open-minded. they make. I refuse to kill them Listening to others’ opinions and because they seem so crunchy. I really thinking through different absolutely hate stink bugs, they perspectives was something I freak me out! always had a hard time with, but going to school here has really (JA) Pulling out of four-way helped me keep an open mind. I intersections scares me. I got think that is really important into an accident a few months in life. ago so I really take my time with intersections because of the (JA) A lesson that I have been accident. taught by Seton Hill is that you might not always agree with or get along with one of your superiors, but you have to deal with it and realize you are doing this for yourself, not that person. I have realized that you are the only person that is going to drive yourself to reach your goals, no one can do it for you.
6. Many athletes have superstitious routines before games. Tell us about yours. (CP) The day of a race, I will only eat almond bread
17 that my mom makes. That is stopped at was St. Martin. It about as far as superstitions was probably the most beautiful go for me, I try to stay away place that I have ever been to. from silly superstitious routines and believe in myself and my 8. Last year, both of training, and that I am prepared, you made trips to not based on what pair of socks I am wearing. your sports national championships? Can you (JA) I don’t think I really have describe the experience any superstitious routines besides saying my prayers and what it meant to before I wrestle. Other than you to be able to take that, maybe pacing before my part in the national matches. championships?
7. Right now, if you (CP) Getting to nationals was could be anywhere in always a goal of mine that I the world, where would have been working towards my entire collegiate career. Finally you be and why? making it (CP) Boulder, Colorado. I would want to be there to train and run on the famous Magnolia road from the book, “Running with the Buffaloes.”I am a big fan of Emma Coburn, and she is training there right now, so I would love to maybe run into her while training at altitude!
(JA) St. Martin. I went on a cruise four or five years ago and one of the islands that we
18 there was such a big accomplishment for me and 9. After your chapter our team. We had an incredible trip together. The experience on The Hill is complete, was a bit more intense than I what are your plans? was expecting, being a part of (CP) I am hoping to find a such a competitive field was coaching position somewhere. I intimidating. Making nationals would love to continue in some was the first step to my ultimate way in the running world. I feel I goal of becoming an All- have a lot to share with younger American. So it was a bit of an athletes. I believe I will continue emotional rollercoaster, being to train and compete. I will also stoked to go but devastated be starting a full-time position after performing poorly at the as an accountant for the Jim competition. Shorkey Family Auto Group. (JA) Although I came up a few I will also be taking my CPA points short of my goal, the exams within the following year. experience was very exciting. (JA) Once I graduate with I was pretty numb to what was an elementary and special going on when it was happening education degree I am thinking just because I really tried to of trying to become a graduate focus on staying calm and not assistant somewhere to get getting nervous, but once it all of my qualifications to was over I kind of realized how become a school counselor. exciting it was. It meant a lot to My goal is to get a job where I go out to nationals and fight for can work with children every a national title. Being that close day, so my plan after Seton gives me the confidence that Hill is either becoming an I can be a national champion, elementary teacher or a school and that I am one of the best counselor. wrestlers in the country.
19 GRIFFINS ATHLETICS Spring 2017-Home Schedule
setonhill.edu/athletics baseball March 21st ...... vs . Malone University ...... 3:00 p .m . March 25th ...... vs . Gannon University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . March 28th ...... vs . Alderson Broaddus University ...... 3:00 p .m . March 31st ...... vs . Mercyhurst University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . April 4th ...... vs . West Liberty University ...... 3:00 p .m . April 7th ...... vs . California University of Pennsylvania . . . . . 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . April 14th ...... vs . University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown . . . . . 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . April 18th ...... vs . Point Park University ...... 3:00 p .m . April 22nd ...... vs . Indiana University of Pennsylvania ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . April 28th ...... vs . Clarion University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . May 6th ...... vs . Slippery Rock University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . @SHGriffBaseball softball March 4th ...... vs . Penn State Allegheny ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . March 25th ...... vs . Salem International University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . March 28th ...... vs . Alderson Broaddus University ...... 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . March 31st ...... vs . Edinboro University ...... 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . April 7th ...... vs . Slippery Rock University ...... 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . April 11th ...... vs . University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown . . . . . 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . April 14th ...... vs . Mercyhurst University ...... 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . April 17th ...... vs . Indiana University of Pennsylvania ...... 3:00 & 5:00 p .m . April 22nd ...... vs . Gannon University ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . April 29th ...... vs . California University of Pennsylvania ...... 1:00 & 3:00 p .m . @SHUgriffinsSB men’s lacrosse March 4th ...... vs . Alderson Broaddus University ...... 12:00 p .m . March 18th ...... vs . Lynn University ...... 12:00 p .m . March 25th ...... vs . Mercyhurst University ...... 12:00 p .m . March 28th ...... vs . Davis & Elkins University ...... 3:00 p .m . April 11th ...... vs . Walsh University (Ohio) ...... 3:00 p .m . April 22nd ...... vs . University of Indianapolis ...... 12:00 p .m . @SetonHillLax women’s lacrosse February 24th . . . . . vs . Wheeling Jesuit University ...... 3:00 p .m . March 21st ...... vs . Mercyhurst University ...... 4:00 p .m . March 25th ...... vs . Lock Haven University ...... 3:00 p m. . April 4th ...... vs . Indiana University of Pennsylvania ...... 4:00 p .m . April 7th ...... vs . Bloomsburg University ...... 4:00 p .m . April 8th ...... vs . East Stroudsburg University ...... 2:00 p .m . April 29th ...... vs . Kutztown University ...... 1:00 p .m . @SetonHillWLax tennis February 25th . . . . . vs . Carlow University ...... 5:00 p .m . March 4th ...... vs . Indiana University of Pennsylvania ...... 5:00 p .m . March 25th ...... vs . Clarion University ...... 7:00 p .m . April 14th ...... vs . Edinboro University ...... 12:00 p .m .
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