GENERAL INFORMATION
MISSION STATEMENT GENERAL INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS The Concordia University Chicago School : Concordia University Chicago General Informa on 2 Athle cs Department is dedicated City/Zip : River Forest, IL About Concordia 3 to providing a posi ve athle c Founded : 1864 Baseball 4 experience to all individuals. Every Enrollment: 1,363 (undergraduate) Season Outlook 4 experience should support and Nickname: Cougars Head Coach 9 encourage the student‐athlete’s Colors: Maroon and Gold Assistant Coaches 10 academic development and personal Stadium : Concordia Stadium Roster 13 growth in a program dedicated to Capacity: 2,500 Player Profiles 14 quality and excellence at the NCAA Surface: FieldTurf 2011 Sta s cs 17 Division III level. Affilia on: NCAA III 2011 Results 18 Conference: Northern Athle cs So ball 19 Our goal is to prepare student‐ Conference (NAC) Season Outlook 19 athletes for both produc ve careers President: Dr. John Johnson Head Coach 22 and ac ve, responsible lives. It is our Athle cs Director: Pete Gnan Assistant Coach 23 responsibility to help student‐athletes Athle cs Department Phone: Roster 24 graduate and be produc ve as 708‐209‐3116 Player Profiles 25 Chris an adults in the world. We Athle c Trainer: Terri Woods 2011 Sta s cs 27 wish to emphasize honesty, personal 2011 Results 28 integrity and independent thinking. Track & Field 29 Intercollegiate athle cs is intended to SPORTS INFORMATION Season Outlook 29 provide students with opportuni es to Sports Informa on Director : Head Coach 33 enhance their educa onal experience. Jim Egan Assistant Coaches 34 It is a privilege to represent Concordia (Concordia, 1982) Roster 37 University Chicago, and student‐ SID Phone: 708‐209‐3541 Player Profiles 38 athletes need to consider it as such. SID Fax: 708‐209‐3154 2011 Results/Records 42 Par cipa on in the program, however, SID E‐Mail: Men’s Tennis 43 is secondary to the academic [email protected] Season Outlook 43 obliga on of students. Head Coach 45 The welfare, health and safety of Assistant Coach 45 student‐athletes are primary concerns Roster 46 of the athle c department. Every Player Profiles 46 student‐athlete, in all sports, will 2011 Sta s cs 47 receive fair and equitable treatment. 2011 Results 47
Student‐athletes will have no unique privileges over a non‐athlete in On the cover (clockwise, from upper admissions, grading, or living le ): Alex Schmidt (women’s track), accommoda ons. Nick Skala (baseball), Cassie Slechta (so ball), Alex Tarullo (men’s tennis),
Merrell Davis (men’s track)
ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is a liberal arts‐based university in the Lutheran tradi on located 10 miles west of downtown Chicago in the village of River Forest, Illinois. Concordia serves more than 1,300 undergraduates and more than 3,800 graduate students from all over the United States and several foreign countries on its 40‐acre campus.
Founded in Addison, Illinois in 1864 and relocated to River Forest in 1913, the ins tu on has grown into a liberal arts university which serves the needs of a diverse student body. Concordia is a member of the Concordia University System, a na onwide network of colleges and universi es of The Lutheran Church‐Missouri Synod (LCMS).
The original mission of Concordia was to prepare educators for Lutheran elementary schools across the country. Today, that strong tradi on con nues and has been expanded to include prepara on for public school teachers and more than 60 other areas of study. Introduc on of the College of Business demonstrates Concordia’s commitment to a progressive business program and the vigorous demands of Chicago’s career market.
As a university of the LCMS, Concordia is also renowned for preparing young men and women for church professions. Concordia is highly regarded among LCMS congrega ons na onwide for the contribu ons of its graduates and faculty members to congrega onal life, much of it through the composi on of popular hymns and widely‐used liturgical se ngs.
CUC is situated in the upscale, residen al village of River Forest (pop. 11,635), within easy walking distance of a thriving downtown that offers shopping, dining and other cultural a rac ons. The neighboring village of Oak Park offers other cultural a rac ons centered around its two most famous residents, Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. Downtown Chicago and all of its a rac ons are less than a half‐hour ride via public transporta on.
BASEBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
2012 CONCORDIA COUGAR BASEBALL On many levels, the Concordia Cougars’ 2011 season could be considered the best in the history of the program. The team amassed a new program-record 35 wins for a .778 winning percentage and marched through the Northern Athletics Conference to win the regular-season title with a 20-2 record. The Cougars produced two first-team all-region players, a D3baseball.com second-team All-American and several All-NAC selections. Adam Smith, who became the team’s head coach prior to the season earned NAC Coach of the Year honors for his first season.
And yet, Smith will be the first to tell you that the Cougars cannot and will not be satisfied with their 2011 body of work. “Our goal each year is to win the conference and go to the regionals,” said Smith. “We put ourselves in a tough position by losing the first game of the conference tournament and had to go the long way to the championship round. When we didn’t get that last win against Aurora and couldn’t get an at-large bid, it made for a very unsatisfactory end to our season.”
The good news for Smith and Cougar fans is that several of the key figures from last year’s group will return this season to try and take care of unfinished business. Catcher Nick Skala and designated hitter Cam Stephens will be the leaders of an offense that hit a team-record .344 last year and scored 8.8 runs per game. In Smith’s three years at Concordia, the first two as the team’s hitting coach, the Cougars have hit a collective .338 over 130 games.
While the Cougars’ hitting figures to remain a constant, Smith is perhaps more excited about the pitching depth that has been added in the off-season. Seven new pitchers will join a staff that returns several key figures from last season. “Winning a conference tournament and playing in a regional is all about pitching depth,” says Smith. “You play so many games in a short space of time, and you need to have five quality starters and a deep bullpen. We feel that with what we have added this year, our staff from top to bottom can compare with any of the top teams in the region.”
BASEBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
Going into the new season, Smith is aware that he has little to fear in regard to the team’s preparation. “Our guys have a major chip on their shoulders from having last season end abruptly and not achieving the team goal of a regional appearance. All their work, focus and intensity, especially from the upperclass- men, has been directed at making this year the year we reach that goal.”
PITCHERS: The depth of pitching, both among starters and relievers, may be the greatest on any of the Concordia 30-plus win teams according to Smith. The mix of returning hurlers with game experience and new arms with tremendous potential looks to be split evenly, making Smith very optimistic about the Cougars’ chances in 2012.
Three starters are set heading into the new season. The Cougars return lefty Brenden Schulz (7-1, 2.83 in 60.1 innings) and righty Steve Cox (4-1, 2.68, 43.2 IP). In addition, southpaw Ryan Thorsen returns after missing the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery. Thorsen made an impression in 2010 with a 4-1 record and 4.55 ERA, striking out 50 in 55.1 innings.
Smith has several options as he decides on the remainder of his starters in the early season. They include sophomore spot starters from last year Dan Kluss (3-0, 4.01, 42.2 IP) and Ryan Ganther (3-0, 5.48, 23.0 IP). Also in the mix are Bobby Beelen (Wheeling, IL/H.S.), a junior transfer from Harper College, and freshmen C.J. Selner (Milwaukee, WI/ Milwaukee Lutheran H.S.) and Kurt Kempema (Schaumburg, IL/H.S.). The latter three are all left-handed throwers, giving the Cougars’ pitching staff an unusually high number of throwers from the “south side.”
The Cougars figure to have one of the deeper bullpens in the conference. Senior Tim Milroy is back as the closer following a 2011 season in which he went 1-0 with four saves and a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings (10 appearances) despite missing the first month of the season. Opponents hit just .133 off Milroy, the best mark of anyone on the staff. “Tim has a good assortment of pitches and good command of all of them. He has really developed into an excellent closer,” said Smith.
Closing options are not limited to Milroy. Junior Pat Conlin saved six games last season while posting a 2-1 record and 1.19 ERA in 22.2 innings. The hard-throwing Conlin fanned 20 hitters while walking just eight. “Pat is a big man with a three-quarter delivery that can intimidate some hitters,” said Smith. “He was a huge asset for us at the beginning of last season, and he has the pitches and the mentality to fill the closer or the set-up role.”
Bridging the gap between the starter and the closer should be another team asset. Lefty Kevin Pawell pitched well in some key long relief situations last year, and the sophomore will look to build on a 2-0 record and 4.29 ERA in 21 innings. From the right side, Smith can call on sophomores Eric Jensen, J.P. Kulick, Jake Mijares and Mike Sweeney, and freshmen Louis Foss (Warner Robins, GA/Houston County H.S.), Ryan Hayes (Schaumburg, IL/H.S.) and Paul Kukulka (Lake Villa, IL/Lakes Community H.S.).
Smith credits second-year assistant Brandon Townsend for much of the staff’s success and is excited with Townsend working with some of the younger arms. “Brandon has done a great job with all of the pitchers. He is great at helping them develop not only the mechanical things they need but also the mentality and the work ethic. Brandon is a great influence on the entire staff.”
BASEBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
CATCHERS: Nick Skala became the third Concordia Cougar to be selected in a Major League Baseball draft when the Baltimore Orioles chose him in the 37th round last June. However, to the delight of all Cougar fans, Skala chose to return to Concordia for his senior year. The Cougars’ catcher and captain earned first-team all-region honors and was named the 2011 Northern Athletics Conference Position Player of the Year for his season in which he hit .390 with 47 runs scored, 10 homers and 63 RBIs. Skala also drew the scouts’ attention with his defensive work behind the plate and his rifle arm.
“We are very happy that Nick decided to come back and play his final season with us,” said Smith. “His desire to go to a regional with these guys is very strong, and he is very much a guy that will lead by example in taking us toward that goal.”
Junior Tony Baretto and redshirt freshman Will Randerson will back up Skala. “Tony has worked very hard and is in great shape,” said Smith. “He can give us innings behind the plate or at first base, and he will likely be one of our main pinch-hitters. Will is coming off an injury but has looked very good in the preseason .”
INFIELD: The departure of two starters and the arrival of some exciting new players will give the Cougars’ infield a different look in 2012, but Smith is confident in its continued high-level production.
First base will be split between Derek Binninger and Rob Fioravanti. Binninger bat- ted .271 in part-time duty last year and provided strong defense with a .987 fielding percentage. “We know what Derek can do and are excited about his prospects, we just need him to get healthy,” relates Smith.
Fioravanti sat out the 2011 season after transferring from Dominican University, but the 6’2” senior led the crosstown rival Stars with a .373 average in 2010. Smith is pleased to have Fioravanti available for action this year where he will provide help at first base and the outfield. “Rob has done an unbelievable job in the preseason. He is making a case for being in the lineup every day,” said Smith.
Second base will be manned by Steve Zubrzycki. Smith is excited about the potential of the freshman from McHenry (Marian Central Catholic H.S.). “Steve is a hard worker, a sparkplug who can ignite rallies with his contact hitting, bunting and speed. We’re excited to have him,” said Smith.
Robert Weis will take over as the Cougars’ everyday shortstop this year. Weis played part-time in 2010 and batted .158 in 13 games but shot up to a .319 average in 41 games last year. Smith notes that “Rob has continued on from last season to have a great fall and a great preseason. We’re looking for huge things from him this year.”
The addition of Anthony Even (Franklin Park, IL/West Leyden H.S.) at third base may be one of the team’s most significant changes for this season. A senior transfer from Division II Delta State University in Mississippi, Even played in 33 games for the States- men in 2011 and scored 20 runs. “Anthony may be with our program for just this year, but he is one of those guys that is a natural leader,” said Smith. “The team has a lot of respect for him, and he is going to play an important role for us.”
BASEBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
The Cougars’ “X Factor” in the infield will be sophomore Thomas Gier. Gier hit .403 in 39 games last year with a .494 on-base percentage and earned recognition as a NAC All-Freshman team member. “Thomas has an innate ability to hit the ball. He’s done it at every level and did a great job last year. We are looking forward to continued production from him,” said Smith.
Concordia’s depth in the infield will be a valuable asset in 2012. Senior Robert Frampton and junior Joe Angelillo will provide backup at third base. Freshman Brian Pichardo (Fort Lauderdale, FL – St. Viator H.S.) will add support at first base. Junior transfer Jon Atkins (Kenosha, WI – Bradford H.S.) and freshman Rich Santarelli (Homer Glen, IL – Chicago Christian H.S.) will help in the middle infield.
OUTFIELD: The outfield is an area of great stability for the Cougars as they return their primary three starters from last season.
Junior Shawn Miller will once again anchor the outfield in center. Smith’s claim of Miller being “One of the best defensive outfielders I have ever seen” was given weight last spring when Miller was awarded a Midwest Region Gold Glove by the American Base- ball Coaches Association (ABCA). Miller has batted .328 and .327 in his first two sea- sons and has ignited several rallies from the bottom part of the order. “Shawn has worked constant hours in the offseason and will be a big part of what we do this year, both offensively and defensively,” said Smith.
Dan Eichholzer’s first two seasons have resulted in a NAC All-Freshman team honor in 2010 and first-team All-NAC honor in 2011. The rightfielder has hit .363 in 71 games with 74 hits, 54 runs, 39 RBI and 19-23 stolen bases. “Dan has developed into an awesome outfielder defensively, and his offense has made big strides,” said Smith. “He has worked hard on his bat swing, and we are seeing the results of his work.”
Brenden Schulz will continue to play leftfield and hit leadoff for the Cougars on the days he is not pitching. Schulz hit .377 in 106 at-bats last spring with 42 runs scored. He led the Cougars with 27 walks, a large factor in his .504 on-base percentage. “Brenden is a catalyst in our attack. When he’s on, our entire offense is even more dangerous,” said Smith.
Nick Contorno will return as the team’s pinch-running and late-inning defensive specialist. Contorno scored seven runs and drove in six last year despite just 18 at-bats. Sean Folan is also available for outfield duty as is freshman B.J. Weisflog (Grafton, WI/H.S.).
DESIGNATED HITTER: Cam Stephens enjoyed a breakout 2011 season as the Cougars designated hitter, earning second- team Division III All-American honors from D3baseball.com. Stephens hit .453 in the cleanup spot with 34 runs, 45 RBIs and a .691 slugging percentage. “Cam was a classic case of getting an opportunity and making the most of it,” said Smith. “We’re excited about having his bat back in the four spot and his continued production.”
BASEBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
SCHEDULE The new season begins with eight games in Arizona including two with 25th-ranked Coe College (March 5, 8). Upon returning to the Midwest, the Cougars will continue their challenging schedule with three games in the Rose-Hulman Tournament (March 17-18) and a three-game series against Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington (March 24-25).
The first game at the Cougars’ revamped campus field will be March 27 when the Cougars host Elmhurst College. Northern Athletics Conference play begins March 31 when Concordia hosts Benedictine University in a doubleheader.
Late-season red-letter dates include an April 15 showdown with NAC preseason favorite Aurora University. The Aurora games will be preceded by an official dedication of the Cougars’ playing facility. Later that week, the Cougars will hit the road for non-conference games against Wheaton College (April 17) and perennial power (and Smith’s alma mater) Carthage College (April 19).
The Cougars will set their sights on a return to the Northern Athletics Conference tournament which will be hosted May 10-13 at Marian University’s Herr-Baker Field in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
BASEBALL—COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH—ADAM SMITH Adam Smith begins his second year as head coach of the Concordia Cougars’ baseball program.
Smith led the 2011 Cougars to a 35-10 record with the team’s .778 winning percentage setting a new modern era record for the program. The team won the regular-season title for the Northern Athletics Conferene with a 20-2 record. The title led to several individual awards for the team including a conference Coach of the Year honor for Smith, a rare accomplishment for a first-year head coach.
Smith joined the Cougars' coaching staff prior to the 2009 season and served his first two seasons as the team's hitting coach. During that time, the team was one of the top hitting teams in the region with a .337 team batting average and 9.1 runs per game in the 2010 season, and a .332 average and 8.9 runs per game in 2009. In addition, Smith's first season at Concordia resulted in the Cougars' first-ever appearance in an NCAA regional.
As Smith goes forward in the head coach's position, he does so with the intent of keeping the Cougar baseball program at a high level. "My vision for Concordia baseball is to recruit student-athletes of high character that love the game of baseball and want to play the game the right way," he states. "We will always be a tough-minded group that does the right thing on and off the field. We will work extremely hard and have fun doing it. My goal is to make us a national contender on a yearly basis."
A native of Schaumburg, Illinois and a Schaumburg High School graduate, Smith came to Concordia after three years as a player and seven years as an assistant coach for Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He lettered as a second baseman and leftfielder, earning both all-region and first-team All-CCIW honors in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Smith was named Carthage’s team MVP in 1998 and was a major contributor to the team’s conference championship the following year.
Smith’s time as an assistant at Carthage resulted in six regional appearances. In addition, he was the third base coach for the Red Men’s two College World Series appearances in 2002 and 2006.
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Carthage in 1998. He also has a teaching certificate in special education and taught for five years at Bullen Middle School and one year at Bradford High School, both in Kenosha. He and his wife Kelly have two daughters - Elle, 4 years old, and Sydney, 2.
BASEBALL—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES
Brandon Townsend is in his second season as the Cougars’ full-time assistant and pitching coach.
Townsend’s first year at Concordia saw the Cougar pitching staff compile a 3.24 earned run average, the team’s lowest since the advent of a 40-game schedule. The Cougars’ top four starters combined for a 22-5 record and 2.74 ERA over 220 innings while the two closers combined for 10 saves and 1.26 ERA over 35 2/3 innings. Concordia’s staff led the Northern Athletics Conference with 279 strikeouts.
“I like a young pitching staff like ours because they tend to be enthusiastic, open- minded and willing to work,” Townsend explains. “I consider myself a strong communicator and feel there is potential for all of us to learn from each other.”
“Brandon has done a great job with all of the pitchers,” says head coach Adam Smith. “He is great at helping them develop not only the mechanics they need but also the mentality and work ethic. Brandon is a great influence on the entire staff.”
Townsend’s most recent experience as a pitching coach came at Central College in Pella, Iowa. During his three-year tenure, the Dutch complied a record of 66-55 including a 27-14 record and third-place finish in the 2010 Iowa Conference standings. His pitching staffs set season records for strikeouts (223) and shutouts (5) in 2008 and pitching victories (27) in 2010.
Townsend’s coaching career began in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) with one-year stints as pitching coach at North Park University (2005-06) and as varsity pitching coach, head JV coach and recruiting coordinator at North Central College. He has also coached in several summer collegiate leagues, most recently in Newark, Ohio with the Licking County Settlers of the Great Lakes League.
As a collegian, the native of Dwight, Illinois pitched his freshman year at Carroll College in Wisconsin, recording 48 strikeouts in 54 innings. He then transferred to North Central where he pitched three seasons and compiled an 11-10 record with 128 strikeouts in 178 1/3 innings.
Along with his coaching abilities, Townsend’s communication skills will be at the forefront as part of the Cougars’ recruiting process. During his days at Central College, the Chicagoland area was a priority for Townsend. “I have several ties and solid relationships in the area, and I look forward to continuing and strengthening those on behalf of Concordia’s program. I know that the Cougars’ baseball program has a traditionally strong local base, and I will look to continue that even as we try to open doors in other areas.”
Townsend earned a Bachelor of Arts in athletic training from North Central College in 2005 and his Master of Arts degree in athletic administration from California University of Pennsylvania in 2009.
BASEBALL—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES Tim Ferraro enters his sixth season as the catchers' coach for the Cougars.
Ferraro begins this year extremely excited about working with the Cougars' four catchers. "I feel that this group comes with talent and experience, and they are all hard workers with a high level of overall toughness. I like how they have expectations of me just as I expect certain things from them. It's a very positive working relationship, and I have no doubt that we will get their best efforts and see a great amount of progress from all four this season."
Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ferraro is a 1986 graduate of Cretin High School where he caught for the 1986 Minnesota State championship team. Following high school, Ferraro played four years at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. He served as team captain his senior year of 1990 for the nationally- ranked MIAC conference champions.
Ferraro and his wife Anne live in Oak Park with their three children - Olivia, Sofia and John Philip.
Dan Linsner begins his second season as an assistant coach for the Cougars. His primary responsibility is working with the team’s outfielders.
Linsner played 142 games for the Cougars as an outfielder and frequent lead-off hitter from 2006 to 2010. He batted .325 for his career and compiled totals of 151 hits, 126 runs and 115 RBIs. Linsner's best season came in 2009 when he hit .386 with 59 runs and 45 RBIs in the leadoff position and was the catalyst for the Cougars' 33-15 team that made its first-ever NCAA III regional appearance.
Jim Paduch enters his sixth season as an assistant coach, working with the Cougars’ pitching staff. Paduch’s collegiate and professional experiences have been a huge asset to Concordia’s hurlers. As a player, he pitched the Cougars to a co-championship in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference during the 2003 season, going 7-3 with a 2.33 earned run average and 66 strikeouts over 77 1.3 innings. Paduch was named the conference Player of the Year and awarded third-team honors on the ABCA’s Central All-Region team. In June of that year, he was piched in the 12th round, 351st overall by the Cincinnati Reds, making him only the second collegiate player from the state of Illinois selected in that year’s MLB draft. Paduch began his professional career with the Billings (Mont.) Mustangs and led his team to the Pioneer League championship, tossing a no-hitter in the clinching game of the title series. He pitched for the Potomac (Va.) Cannons in the 2004 season and spent most of 2005 and 2006 with the Sarasota (Fla.) Reds, Cincinnati’s High A affiliate. In June of 2006, he received a brief call-up to the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate in Louisville, Kentucky and threw four scoreless innings against Norfolk, a New York Mets’ affiliate that included some former major league hitters on its roster.
BASEBALL—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES
(Paduch continued) Paduch spent the 2007 season in the Frontier League with the South Shore Railcats in Gary, Indiana and the Evansville Otters. He began the 2008 season with the Rockford Riverhawks but joined the Lincoln (Neb.) Saltdogs later in the year. Paduch went 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in five games with the Saltdogs, earning a return trip to Lincoln for 2009. He immediately became part of the starting rotation and went 7-5 with 96 strikeouts in 120 innings. Once again, as it did in Billings, it fell on Paduch to pitch in the clinching game of the league championship series. The 6'3" righthander answered the call with one run over 5 2/3 innings in Lincoln's 2-1 win over Pensacola (Fla.) on Sept. 13 for the American Association championship.
Paduch's 2010 season, his final with the Saltdogs, saw him make 22 starts and also represent the team in the American Association All-Star Game. He finished with a 9-6 record and fanned 118 batters, second- most in the American Association. In January 2011, Lincoln sent Paduch to the Chico (CA) Outlaws of the independent North American League as part of a five-player deal.
On June 2, 2011, the Tampa Bay Rays purchased Paduch’s contract from the Chico Outlaws. Paduch joined the Rays’ Double-A team in Montgomery, Alabama and pitched in 20 games (98 2/3 innings). He received a one-game call-up to the Triple-A Durham Bulls on July 21 and earned the win against the Rochester Red Wings with three runs over seven innings. Paduch will begin the 2012 season with Montgomery.
Paduch earned his bachelor's degree in business management from Concordia in December of 2006.
Mark Ramos joins the Cougar coaching staff as a baseball assistant, working with the Cougars’ infielders.
A native of East Moline, Illinois, Ramos attended United Township High School where he started at shortstop/second base all four years. As team captain in 2005, he led his team to their first Western Big Six title in 20 years. With a team-high batting average of .420, Ramos was selected to the first- team All-Western Big Six and to the All-Metro Team.
During his collegiate career at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, Ramos’ name is peppered throughout the career offensive record books. He is first in triples (13), third in at-bats (593), fourth in hits (212), fourth in runs scored (147), sixth in RBIs (114), and ninth in stolen bases (37). He hit .358 for his career and participated in two NCAA Regional Tournaments while earning multiple All-CCIW team and All-Central Region team awards. He was a four-year starter at shortstop for the Vikings with a record 453 infield assists, and served as team captain both his junior and senior years. Ramos graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Business Marketing with a minor in Geography.
In his professional career with the San Angelo Colts, Ramos played for former New York Yankee and former skipper of the Cleveland Indians, Howard “Doc” Edwards. “Playing for Doc was a great pleasure; he has been in professional baseball for over 50 years," says Ramos. "He made me a better player but, more importantly, a smarter player. I’m excited to pass on the knowledge I have learned over the years and continue learning under Coach Smith.”
While earning the starting spot at shortstop and second base for the Colts, Ramos was voted 2010 mid- season Rookie of the Year in the United Baseball League. In 2011, he led the Colts to the North American League Southern Division regular season championship.
BASEBALL—2012 ROSTER
No Name Pos. B-T Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown High School 1 Steve Zubrzycki 2B R-R 5-11 150 Fr. McHenry, IL Marian Central Catholic 2 Ryan Ganther P/OF R-R 6-0 170 So. Racine, WI Racine Lutheran 3 Rich Santarelli 2B R-R 6-0 170 Fr. Homer Glen, IL Chicago Christian 4 Jon Atkins SS R-R 6-0 185 Jr. Kenosha, WI Bradford 5 Sean Folan OF R-R 6-1 175 Sr. Arlington Heights, IL St. Viator 6 Thomas Gier 3B L-R 6-1 228 So. Fox Lake, IL Grant 7 B.J. Weisflog OF R-R 6-3 180 Fr. Grafton, WI Grafton 8 Tyler Kohler C R-R 6-1 185 Fr. Kenosha, WI Tremper 9 Ryan Hayes P/OF R-R 6-1 175 Fr. Schaumburg, IL Schaumburg 10 Paul Kukulka P R-R 6-2 195 Fr. Lake Villa, IL Lakes Community 11 Robert Frampton 3B L-R 6-0 205 Sr. North Riverside, IL Riverside-Brookfield 12 Rob Fioravanti 1B/OF R-R 6-2 215 Sr. Evergreen Park, IL Evergreen Park 13 Joe Angelillo 3B R-R 6-0 180 Jr. Oak Brook, IL Nazareth Academy 14 Louis Foss P R-R 6-1 185 Fr. Warner Robins, GA Houston County 15 Robert Weis SS R-R 6-0 175 Jr. Oak Creek, WI Oak Creek 16 Kurt Kempema P L-L 6-5 205 Fr. Schaumburg, IL Schaumburg 18 Dan Kluss P R-R 6-2 195 So. Niles, IL Niles West 19 J.P. Kulick P R-R 6-1 190 So. Buffalo Grove, IL Buffalo Grove 20 Derek Binninger 1B R-R 6-6 220 Jr. Pleasant Prairie, WI Tremper 21 Nick Contorno OF L-L 5-6 135 Jr. Park Ridge, IL Maine South 22 Anthony Even 3B R-R 6-1 180 Sr. Franklin Park, IL West Leyden 23 Kevin Pawell P L-L 6-1 155 So. Kenosha, WI Bradford 24 Cam Stephens OF R-R 5-9 217 Sr. Rosemont, IL East Leyden 26 Jake Mijares P R-R 6-0 175 So. Cicero, IL Nazareth Academy 28 Steve Cox P R-R 6-2 178 So. Villa Park, IL Willowbrook 29 Shawn Miller OF R-R 6-1 190 Jr, Pleasant Prairie, WI Tremper 32 Dan Eichholzer OF R-R 6-2 190 Jr. Elwood, IL Joliet Township 33 Will Randerson C/1B L-R 6-5 205 So. Combined Locks, WI Kimberly 34 Mike Sweeney P R-R 6-6 175 So. Chicago, IL Notre Dame 35 Bobby Beelen P L-L 6-5 210 Jr. Wheeling, IL Wheeling 36 Brian Pichardo 1B L-R 6-0 230 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Viator (IL) 43 Eric Jensen P R-R 6-4 270 So. Niles, IL Niles West 44 Michael Babchak P/3B R-R 6-0 220 Jr. Glen Ellyn, IL Walther Lutheran 45 Tony Barreto C/1B R-R 6-1 230 Jr. Cicero, IL Nazareth Academy 55 Brenden Schulz P/OF L-L 6-1 175 So. Kenosha, WI Bradford 56 Ryan Thorsen P L-L 6-1 170 So. Lake Villa, IL Grant 57 Pat Conlin P R-R 6-5 255 Jr. Arlington Heights, IL Rolling Meadows 88 Tim Milroy P R-R 6-2 205 Sr. Batavia, IL Marmion Academy 91 C.J. Selner P L-L 6-3 230 Fr. Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Lutheran 99 Nick Skala C R-R 6-2 220 Sr. Long Grove, IL St. Viator
BASEBALL—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
13 Joe Angelillo 3B 4 Jon Atkins SS 45 Tony Barreto C/1B 35 Bobby Beelen P 6-0 180 Jr. 6-0 185 Jr. 6-1 230 Jr. 6-5 210 Jr. Oakbrook, IL Kenosha, WI Cicero, IL Wheeling, IL Law & Justice Physical Education Sports Management Sports Management
20 Derek Binninger 1B 57 Pat Conlin P 21 Nick Contorno OF 28 Steve Cox P 32 Dan Eichholzer OF 6-6 220 Jr. 6-5 255 Jr. 5-6 135 Jr. 6-2 178 So. 6-2 190 Jr. Pleasant Prairie, WI Arlington Heights, IL Park Ridge, IL Villa Park, IL Elwood, IL Business Management Sports Management Physical Education Exercise Science Exercise Science
22 Anthony Even 3B 12 Rob Fioravanti 1B/OF 5 Sean Folan OF 14 Louis Foss P 6-1 180 Sr. 6-2 215 Sr. 6-1 175 Jr. 6-1 185 Fr. Franklin Park, IL Evergreen Park, IL Arlington Heights, IL Warner Robins, GA Business Management Business Management Exercise Science History
BASEBALL—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
11 Robert Frampton 3B 2 Ryan Ganther P/OF 6 Thomas Gier 3B 9 Ryan Hayes P 6-0 205 Sr. 6-0 170 So. 6-1 228 So. 6-1 175 Fr. North Riverside, IL Racine, WI Fox Lake, IL Schaumburg, IL Exercise Science Microscopy Physical Education Secondary Education/PE
43 Eric Jensen P 16 Kurt Kempema P 18 Dan Kluss P 8 Tyler Kohler C 10 Paul Kukulka P 6-4 270 So. 6-5 205 Fr. 6-2 195 So. 6-1 185 Fr. 6-2 195 Fr. Niles, IL Schaumburg, IL Niles, IL Kenosha, WI Lake Villa, IL Sports Management Secondary Education Accounting Undecided Environmental Science
19 J.P. Kulick 26 Jake Mijares P 29 Shawn Miller OF 88 Tim Milroy P 6-1 190 So. 6-0 175 So. 6-1 190 Jr. 6-2 205 Sr. Buffalo Grove, IL Cicero, IL Pleasant Prairie, WI Batavia, IL Social Science/History Business Management Physical Education Exercise Science
BASEBALL—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
23 Kevin Pawell P 36 Brian Pichardo 1B 33 Will Randerson C/1B 3 Rich Santarelli 2B 6-1 155 So. 6-0 230 Fr. 6-5 205 So. 6-0 170 Fr. Batavia, IL Fort Lauderdale, FL Combined Locks, WI Homer Glen, IL Communications Exercise Science Secondary Education Marketing
55 Brenden Schulz, P/OF 91 C.J. Selner P 99 Nick Skala C 24 Cam Stephens OF 34 Mike Sweeney P 6-1 175 So. 6-3 230 Fr. 6-2 220 Sr. 5-9 217 Sr. 6-6 175 So. Kenosha, WI Milwaukee, WI Long Grove, IL Rosemont, IL Chicago, IL Undecided Communications Physical Education Secondary Education/PE Business Management
56 Ryan Thorsen P 15 Robert Weis SS 7 B.J. Weisflog OF 1 Steve Zubrzycki 2B 6-1 170 So. 6-0 175 Jr. 6-3 180 Fr. 5-11 150 Fr. Lake Villa, IL Oak Creek, WI Grafton, WI McHenry, IL Sports Management Marketing Computer Science Business Management
BASEBALL—2011 FINAL STATISTICS
BASEBALL—2011 GAME RESULTS
SOFTBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
2012 CONCORDIA COUGAR SOFTBALL
The 2011 season was one of significant achievement for the Concordia Cougar softball team. The Cougars finished 16-22, by itself a five-game improvement over the previous season. But the big news for the program was its appearance in the Northern Athletics Conference tournament. The Cougars had not qualified for a conference tournament since its days in the old Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference, but Concordia’s 13-11 NAC record enabled them to edge past Marian University and claim the final 2011 tournament berth. Once there, the Cougars made a strong first impression with an 11-5 win over third- seeded Concordia Wisconsin. However, the Cougars dropped their next two games – a 4-2 loss to eventual champion Aurora University and a heart-breaking 1-0 loss to Dominican University that ended the season. A return of many key players from last year’s squad has third-year head coach Alison Haehnel looking enthusiastically to the new campaign, particularly after feeling the sting of the two season-ending losses. “It was a good year in that we learned what it takes to get to the conference tournament,” says Haehnel. “But the losses showed us what it takes to get to the next level. We will go into this season a stronger and smarter team, and the experience we gained from the season and especially the tournament have us ready to face the challenges of this season.”
PITCHERS: Haehnel returns all three of her pitchers from last year while adding a junior transfer to the mix. Sami DeFord has put together two impressive seasons, and the junior will again handle the responsibilities of being the Cougars’ number one hurler. DeFord went 14-13 in 36 appearances (178.2 innings) with a 2.19 ERA and 145 strikeouts, the latter stat putting her within 24 K’s of setting a new career strikeout mark in only her third season.
SOFTBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
Haehnel sees DeFord as a continued force in the conference. “Entering this season, Sami is as strong as she has ever been. She can dominate any game with the pitches she has and her ability to command them. We will rely on her leadership immensely.”
The Cougars’ number two pitcher will come from among three candidates - senior and team captain Cassie Slechta, sophomore Andrea Kelly (3.48 ERA in 56.2 innings last spring) and Sarah Dec (Norridge, IL/Guerin Prep). Dec is the new addition to Concordia’s pitching staff, a sophomore transfer from NCAA Division II Upper Iowa University who pitched in 26 games (107 innings) for the Peacocks in 2011.
“We have a lot of potential for the number two spot, but someone has to step up and claim the position for themselves,” says Haehnel. CATCHERS: One of Haehnel’s most significant personnel moves last year was moving Cassie Slechta from third base to behind the plate. Slechta had a stellar year working in tandem with the Cougar pitchers. Perhaps not coincidentally, Slechta also enjoyed her best year at the plate, batting .330 and finishing second on the team with 34 hits. “It was very satisfying to see Cassie grow into the role last season,” remarks Haehnel. “She is a strong, physical type of player who has a thorough knowledge of the game. My pitchers and I have a lot of confidence in her.” Junior transfer Renee Benjamin (Chicago, IL/Mather H.S.) and third-year player Caitlin Richards will provide back-up help for Slechta.
INFIELD The Cougar infield will return its corner starters while fielding a new defensive combination up the middle. First baseman Clarissa Gieseke will serve as one of the cornerstones of the infield. Gieseke batted .311 in 38 games while fielding at a .977 percentage. The senior’s leadership will play an important role in the team’s fortunes, according to Haehnel. “Clarissa has stepped up and taken charge of the infield. She has been a consistent, steadying presence, and she looks to be physically at her best heading into this season.” Junior Ashlyn Amundson, sophomore Amber Mescall and DeFord will back up Gieseke at this position. Taylor Golden returns at the hot corner after a freshmen season in which she earned first-team All-NAC honors and a place on the NAC All-Freshman team. Golden batted .292 while leading the Cougars in runs scored (30), RBIs (28) and tying for the team lead with five homers. Haehnel sees Golden as one of the Cougars’ centerpieces for the next three seasons. “Although Taylor has just one year of experience with us, she is already a commanding, veteran presence,” says Haehnel. “She is a vocal leader, and she leads by example with her bat and glove as well. Taylor will account for the success we have this season.” Depth at third will come from Mescall and newcomer Tracy Bonaccorsi (Lombard, IL/Montini Catholic H.S.).
SOFTBALL—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
The new double-play combination will consist of Moira Quinlan (Franklin Park, IL/East Leyden H.S.) at second base and Jenni Jensen (Chicago, IL/Luther North H.S.) at shortstop. Haehnel is excited about the prospects of this tandem, stating that “both are mature players who are very steady defensively and work well together. They have strong arms, and I believe that they will contribute with the bats as well.” Newcomer Sarah James (Riverside, IL/Riverside-Brookfield H.S.), a junior transfer from the College of DuPage, will be used at third or second base but can fill in elsewhere. “It’s great to have a truly versatile utility player like Sarah available to us,” says Haehnel. “She has the ability to come off the bench with her bat or glove ready to go.” OUTFIELD: Two-thirds of the outfield looks to be set entering the season. In centerfield, Olivia Hires will take over the everyday responsibilities. Hires played shortstop for the Cougars in 2011 and showed herself as a formidable leadoff hitter for the Cougars. Hires hit .312 with 21 runs scored and swiped 12 bases in 17 attempts. “Olivia has also emerged as one of our leaders after only one season,” says Haehnel. “She has a commanding presence and knows the game well. Her speed and strong arm will be a great fit for us in centerfield, and I look forward to seeing her have another great year.” Caitlin Richards emerged as the Cougars’ top hitter in 2011 among the everyday players. The rightfielder hit .357 with a .429 slugging percentage. “Caitlin is a quick study, and she made some big strides last season,” notes Haehnel. “Her versatility is an asset to us, and we’ll look forward to using her in different capacities this year.” Several candidates will vie for playing time in leftfield during the early part of the season. Renee Benjamin looks to have a leg up in the early going. Haehnel notes that “Renee is very game savvy and has a lot of fight and passion in her.” Other possibilities for the position include Kelly and James. Newcomers in the running include Natali Chavez (Chicago, IL/Carl Schurz H.S.), Mallory Kiel (Columbus, IN/Columbus East H.S.), Abby Matayka (Arlington Heights, IL/Rolling Meadows H.S.) and Hannah Solyom (Lombard, IL/ Walther Lutheran H.S.). SCHEDULE: The Cougars will face a rigorous early-season schedule in preparation for the challenges of the Northern Athletics Conference. Beginning with the team’s six-game trip to California during the first week of March and continuing with four games in St. Louis March 24-25, the Cougars will accumulate many road miles during the first month. The lone exception will be the team’s home opener on St. Patrick’s Day against Wheaton College. Conference play opens March 28 when Concordia hosts Division Street rival Dominican University. Three days later, the Cougars will host Concordia University Wisconsin in a rematch of last year’s exciting first- round NAC Tournament match won by the Cougars. Concordia was tabbed by the conference coaches to finish fifth this season. Benedictine University was chosen as the preseason favorite, followed by Aurora University. “There are a lot of good, solid teams in the conference,” says Haehnel. “However, we proved to ourselves last year that we can compete with anybody. If we hit, pitch and play defense as we know we can, we will have success.”
SOFTBALL—COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH—ALISON HAEHNEL
Alison Haehnel is in her third season as head coach of the Concordia softball program.
Haehnel’s 2011 Cougar team took another significant step forward in 2011 with a 16-win season and its first-ever appearance in the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament. Her first season as Concordia’s coach resulted in a young Cougar team winning 11 games—the most since 1984—and a team-record 10 games in conference play.
“Our team got a taste of success last year with our first conference tournament appear- ance and breaking our record for wins in a season. We know what it takes to contend in our conference, and we are hungry to build on last year’s success. We have come together as a team, and our players have a clear vision of our common goal – a NAC championship. I am proud of our players’ hard work in the classroom, on the softball field, and in their volunteer efforts on and off campus. I look forward to seeing their hard work come to fruition this season.”
Prior to coming to Concordia, Haehnel’s coaching experience included assistant coaching positions at Washington College in Maryland (2005), St. Mary’s College of California (2006) and at her alma mater the University of Illinois at Chicago (2007 and 2008).
Haehnel was a four-year standout pitcher with the UIC Flames (as Alison Aguilar) from 2000 to 2004. She remains in UIC’s top ten in 11 different pitching categories, both sea- son and career. Among her career stats are 139 appearances (second), 64 wins (fifth) and 489 strikeouts (fourth). Haehnel was named conference Pitcher of the Year twice, first in 2002 for the Midwest Collegiate Conference and again in 2004 for the Horizon League, and was honored with second-team All-Region accolades both years. Her collegiate ca- reer was highlighted by two no-hitters thrown six days apart – March 10, 2002 against the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and March 16, 2002 against Fordham University.
Haehnel earned her Bachelor of Arts in English in 2004 and mater’s of education in instructional leadership in 2008 from UIC. In addition to her coaching position, Haehnel also serves as Concordia’s Senior Woman Administrator.
SOFTBALL—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES Shavaughne Desecki is in her second year as an assistant coach for the Cougar softball program.
Desecki graduated from East Leyden High School in Franklin Park where she was a three-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. She received a full scholarship to DePaul University in 1998 to play both basketball and softball. There she played for two legendary coaches, Doug Bruno (basketball) and Eugene Lenti (softball). Although loving both sports, Desecki excelled in collegiate softball. In her college tenure, she received All-Conference and All-Region awards in the 1999 – 2001 seasons. Her freshman year, she was named to the NFCA All-American second Team as a designated player. DePaul reached the World Series (top eight teams in the nation) in both Desecki’s freshman and sophomore years. She was named to the World Series All-Tournament team as a sophomore in 2000 when she tied a World Series record with four RBIs in a single game against Alabama.
Since college, Desecki has been helping many young players throughout the Chicagoland area with batting and the mental approach to the game. In 2006, she was asked to help assist the UIC Flames over the next three seasons. Now part of the Cougars’ staff, Aguilar Haehnel notes Desecki's impact with the team: "Shavaughne holds our hitters to a high standard and is very adept at bringing out the best in each one."
Claire Donyanavard is in her first season as assistant coach for the Concordia-Chicago softball team.
"I am excited to be able to contribute to the Concordia softball program,” says Donyanavard. “Our team will come out strongly and have a great season, and I'm looking forward to being part of it."
Donyanavard played in 117 career games for the University of Illinois-Chicago softball team as an infielder during the 2008-11 seasons. Her best season came in 2010 when she started 18 games as the Flames’ designated player. Donyanavard hit .253 that year with multi-hit outings against Detroit, Long Beach State and San Diego. She hit her first career homer in the Detroit game as part of a 2-4, two-RBI performance.
Donyanavard is a native of Valencia, California who attended Saugus High School. She earned her BA in English from UIC in 2011. Currently, she works in marketing for Chicago Twenty-Something.
SOFTBALL—2012 ROSTER # Name Pos. Ht. Year Hometown High School 00 Renee Benjamin C/OF 5-4 Jr. Chicago, IL Mather 3 Caitlin Richards C/OF 5-6 Jr. Chicago, IL Mother McAuley 4 Abby Matayka OF 5-4 Fr. Arlington Heights, IL Rolling Meadows 5 Jenni Jensen SS 5-2 Fr. Chicago, IL Luther North 6 Taylor Golden 3B 5-8 So. Chicago, IL Trinity 8 Tracy Bonaccorsi OF 5-8 Fr. Lombard, IL Montini Catholic 10 Sami DeFord P/1B 5-8 Jr. South Bend, IN Marian 11 Mallory Kiel OF 5-3 Fr. Columbus, IN Columbus East 13 Moira Quinlan 2B 5-4 Fr. Franklin Park, IL East Leyden 14 Hannah Solyom OF 5-3 Fr. Lombard, IL Walther Lutheran 15 Olivia Hires SS/OF 5-4 Jr. Denver, CO Bear Creek 16 Sarah James 2B/3B 5-4 Jr. Riverside, IL Riverside-Brookfield 18 Andrea Kelly P/OF 5-3 So. Elk Grove, CA Laguna Creek 21 Clarissa Gieseke 1B 5-10 Sr. Roselle, IL Lake Park 22 Sarah Dec P 6-0 So. Norridge, IL Guerin Prep 23 Cassie Slechta P/C/IF 5-5 Sr. Berwyn, IL Walther Lutheran 24 Natali Chavez OF 4-9 Jr. Chicago, IL Carl Schurz 27 Amber Mescall 1B/3B 5-10 So. Norridge, IL Ridgewood 32 Ashlyn Amundson 1B 5-9 Jr. Mayville, WI Living Word Lutheran
SOFTBALL—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
32 Ashlyn Amundson 1B/OF 00 Renee Benjamin OF 8 Tracy Bonaccorsi OF 24 Natali Chavez OF 5-9 Jr. Richfield, WI 5-4 Jr. Chicago, IL 5-8 Fr. Lombard, IL 4-9 Jr. Chicago, IL English/Sociology Secondary Education Physical Education Secondary Education/PE
22 Sarah Dec P 10 Sami DeFord P/1B 21 Clarissa Gieseke 1B 6-0 So. Norridge, IL 5-8 Jr. South Bend, IN 5-10 Sr. Roselle, IL Exercise Science Communications Business Management
6 Taylor Golden 3B 15 Olivia Hires SS 16 Sarah James 2B 5 Jenni Jensen SS 5-8 So. Chicago, IL 5-4 Jr. Denver, CO 5-4 Jr. Riverside, IL 5-2 Fr. Chicago, IL Marketing Marketing Education/Art Sports Management
SOFTBALL—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
18 Andrea Kelly P/OF 11 Mallory Kiel OF 4 Abby Matayka OF 27 Amber Mescall 1B/3B 5-3 So. Elk Grove, CA 5-3 Fr. Columbus, IN 5-4 Fr. Arlington Heights, IL 5-10 So. Norridge, IL Business Management Undecided Undecided Elementary Education
13 Moira Quinlan 2B 3 Caitlin Richards C/OF 23 Cassie Slechta C/P/IF 14 Hannah Solyom OF 5-4 Fr. Franklin Park, IL 5-6 Jr. Chicago, IL 5-5 Sr. Berwyn, IL 5-3 Fr. Lombard, IL Secondary Education/PE Exercise Science Secondary Education Secondary Education/PE
SOFTBALL—2011 STATISTICS
SOFTBALL—2011 RESULTS
TRACK & FIELD—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
2012 CONCORDIA COUGAR TRACK & FIELD
The Concordia Cougars track and field team enters the 2012 outdoor season looking to continue the momentum of past successes. The Cougar women earned their second indoor conference title in the last three years under the direction of Northern Athletics Conference Coach of the Year Matt Beisel and will be taking aim at winning their first outdoor title. Meanwhile, the Cougar men will contend for the NAC crown led by an athlete who has competed twice in the last year for a national championship in the long jump while other potential national qualifiers look to take a step forward.
“One of my goals since coming to Concordia has been recruiting athletes with the ability to compete at the national level, and I am excited that as our program has grown, we are starting to see that become a reality,” says Beisel. “Merrell Davis’ achievements last spring and again this year at the indoor nationals are a huge stepping stone for our program, and I believe that we have a few more athletes on the current roster that are capable of stepping up and competing at the national level this season.”
While Beisel and his team are focused on team and individual successes, the cornerstone of Beisel’s philosophy remains “Christ first” followed by a unified, tightly-knit team. His teams have become known for their close bonds that are built through activities that take place apart from meets and practices. “I believe that having a closely-knit, Christ-focused team has immeasurable benefits,” Beisel states. “I think that if anyone spends time around our program, they can see how our athletes support, encourage and help each other. This closeness is something that we work at all the time, and our current team members understand the importance of it and how we can all benefit from it.”
Beisel’s dedicated, knowledgeable coaching staff returns with few changes. Andrew Tirmenstein (jumps) is in his second year as a full-time assistant for the program. Adding their expertise again this year will be head cross-country coach Dave Risch (distance), Andy Chizzo (pole vault, decathlon and heptathlon) and Floyd Turner (throws).
TRACK & FIELD—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
Tom Sisulak is also a part of the staff again this year. According to Beisel, the Riverside, Illinois native has “an unmatched knowledge of the sport, and he has been a great benefit to our athletes. We are very blessed to have a coach and a person of his caliber with us.”
New to the Cougar coaching staff this year are Chris Byles and Akilah Anderson. Byles joins the staff as the Cougar hurdlers’ coach. A former track assistant at Knox College, Byles served as a track intern at the University of Houston where he coached alongside legendary track coach Larry Tellez. Anderson will serve as a graduate assistant and help with the Cougar sprinters. She comes to Concordia from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she competed in the 100, 200 and relays. As a prep athlete at Batavia High School, Anderson qualified for the IHSA Outdoor Track & Field Championships all four year and ran the lead leg for three different state-qualifying relay teams.
2012 WOMEN’S PROSPECTUS The talent and the depth of the Cougar women’s track team figures to put them in position to add an outdoor championship title to the indoor titles they have earned from 2010 and 2012. Concordia’s women have finished in third place at each of the last two outdoor championships. Is 2012 the year that the Cougar women will raise a championship trophy for outdoor track?
“I believe that our women have the ability to win their first outdoor title,” says Beisel. “The challenge for the outdoor season is that with more events, it tends to favor those teams that have a lot of depth. While we have added depth over the past few years, there are still a few teams in conference that are very deep. That is the challenge we have to rise to as we look to the season.”
The Cougar sprinters feature the most depth on the women’s side, and the group figures to be even more competitive this year with many of them carrying an extra year’s worth of experience. Sophomores Joshlynn Eaton and Danyale Worsham (the NAC indoor champion in the 55-meter dash) will be the leaders of a talented group that also includes senior Kyla Farquhar, junior Cassie Irwin and sophomores Sarah Genot, Leah Sellers and Lauren Zimmer. Adding to the talent and depth are freshmen Savanna Ashbaugh (Waverly, IL/H.S.), Andrea Caldwell (Chicago, IL/Lake View H.S.), Aeriana Donaldson (Sullivan, IL/H.S.), Katrina Kozisek (Seymour, IN/Trinity Lutheran H.S.) and Allison Sapiro (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran H.S.). Beisel’s sprinters have contributed to the Cougars winning the 4 x 100 relay in conference the past two seasons. “I believe that as well as we have done in this event the last two years, our group this year is as fast as it’s ever been,” states Beisel.
Junior Alex Schmidt earned the NAC’s Female Indoor Track Athlete of the Year in February by winning the 3,000-meters, 5,000-meters and mile at the conference meet, and she will lead the Cougars’ distance runners. “Alex had a phenomenal indoor season, and it was amazing to see her not only run all the different distance events but, in many cases, to be head and shoulders above many of her competitors,” said Beisel. “For outdoor, she will handle pretty much everything from the 1,500-meters all the way up to the 10,000-meters, and she will be adding her favorite event which is the 3,000- meter steeplechase. We feel that she is capable of making nationals in both the 10K and the steeple, and we look forward to seeing her carry her momentum through the outdoor season.”
Joining the distance runners is Kayla Konow (Fort Wayne, IN/Concordia Lutheran H.S.) who was the CUC cross-country team’s top runner in the fall of 2011. “We expect that Kayla will be a top contributor in the 800 and the 1500,” says Beisel. Also contributing will be senior Amy Grieashamer, junior Nicole Fearrin, and sophomore Aracelis Figueroa.
TRACK & FIELD—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
One area which figures to gauge great interest and create much excitement is the women’s hurdles. “Our hurdlers have really taken off recently,” says Beisel. “I feel that Danyale Worsham will be a consistently top performer in the 100 as will Sarah Genot in the 400, and I feel that we have some other promising hurdlers waiting in the wings to show what they can do.”
Look for Eaton to be a regular scorer in the hurdles and jumping events as well. Eaton won the high jump at the NAC indoor meet and finished second in the long jump. She will be joined in the long jump by senior Kyla Farquhar and freshmen Ashbaugh and Caldwell. “I am very excited about our group of horizontal jumpers this year,” says Beisel. “Josh has shown a tremendous improvement in her events, and Kyla could really bust open for us. Savanna and Andrea are exciting athletes with a lot of potential. I will enjoy watching them progress throughout the season.” Cassie Irwin will be the most likely candidate to score points in the pole vault with Beisel stating that “Cassie will have a good chance of placing in this event at the conference meet.”
Amanda Allen returns for her senior season to lead the Cougar throwers. Allen holds the school’s shot put record for both indoors (40’ 11”) and outdoors (39’ 0 ½”), the latter coming last April at the Twilight Meet at Benedictine. Also making an impact in this group are junior Cheryl Robaczewski who made great strides during the indoor season and freshman Kamile Udrenaite (Crystal Lake, IL/Crystal Lake South H.S.). “All of our throwers are capable of placing very high in conference,” predicts Beisel. “If anything, I feel our throwers have more of an advantage outdoor because we add discus and hammer, two events in which they all excel.” Beisel also notes that Ashbaugh could contribute in this area. “Savanna was a sprinter and jumper in high school, but she has competed in the indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon. She is showing tremendous promise and national potential in the throwing events, particularly the javelin.”
2012 MEN’S PROSPECTUS: The Cougar men are coming off a fifth-place finish at last year’s outdoor conference championships and a fourth at February’s indoor meet. “Again, we are competing against teams that are very deep in several events, but we feel that we have closed the gap,” said Beisel. “Several men including some of our freshmen made a big impact during the indoor season. As they progress, and we can record multiple scorers in more events, we will have the opportunity to compete with those upper echelon teams for the title.”
Davis leads a sprinters’ group that features a vast amount of potential. While Davis made headlines by qualifying for the nationals in the long jump, his ability in both the 100 and 200 meters may also earn him a trip to California this May. “Merrell had a top time of 21.92 in the 200 last spring at the Haydon Invitational, and he could be looking at qualifying if he can trim that down to around a 21.7,” states Beisel. “We certainly don’t want to overuse Merrell this season, but his sprinting and long jump abilities should score significant points for us on a regular basis.”
Jamal Taylor (Oak Park, IL/Oak Park-River Forest) ran for the Cougars’ cross-country team in 2010 before being called by the Army to serve a stint in Afghanistan. Now back home and enrolled again at Concordia, the Cougars look forward to Taylor’s contributions in the 400 and possibly the 200, Beisel says of Taylor, “Jamal has a lot of talent and a tremendous work ethic. We feel that he may also have national qualifying potential.”
TRACK & FIELD—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
Also capable of scoring for Concordia in the sprints are brothers Justin and Jason Pomey (North Riverside, IL/Riverside-Brookfield), Charles Gordon (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech H.S.), Aaron Loveless (Hales Corners, WI/Martin Luther H.S.) and DeAndre McLaurin (Joliet, IL/Joliet West H.S.). The 4 x 400-meter relay team will consist of Taylor, the two Pomeys and junior Jon Poppe. “Our 4 x 400 team has a great chance of breaking our school record which has stood for a long time,” says Beisel. “Individually, all four have the potential to score in the open 400 at conference.”
In the hurdles, freshmen Todd Johnson (Bradenton, FL/Manatee H.S.) and Josh Schultz (Brookfield, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran H.S.) both made impressive debuts during the indoor season and look to continue their progress through the outdoor season. “Both have looked very good in the 110 hurdles, and Todd has also impressed in the 400 hurdles,” states Beisel. “I believe that Jerry Williams (Berkeley, lL/Walther Lutheran H.S.) and Scott Rein (Harwood Heights, Ill. – Ridgewood H.S.) also have the ability to place in the 400 hurdles.”
Again this year, several regulars from the Cougar cross-country team will run the distance events. “Our distance group – Ethan McBee, Sal Montes, Chris Root and Christian Sorensen – are all capable of scoring in the 800, 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000-meter races,” states Beisel. “Sal is our top 800 runner, and Ethan could place in the 1,500 as well as the 3,000-meter steeplechase.”
The Cougar men’s jumpers will remain one of the team’s most viable strengths. In addition to Davis, Jamal Thomas, Larry Mayne and Jacob Kreutzer will be consistent scorers in the triple and long jumps. Josh Schultz and Loveless will lead the cast of high jumpers, and Jon Poppe and Dan Mueller will compete in the pole vault. Look for the multi-talented Poppe to take on the challenge of the decathlon as well.
Senior Cory Volkman will be prominent in all four of the throwing events – shot put, javelin, discus and hammer – with Beisel seeing him as a possibility to compete nationally in the hammer. “Cory had a good indoor season, finishing with him scoring for us in the shot put at the conference meet,” said Beisel. “We hope that his efforts will lead to a great outdoor season and proper finish to his college career.” OVERVIEW The Cougars’ 2012 outdoor slate will begin March 31 with the Ted Haydon Invitational at the University of Chicago. The team returns to the south side on Easter weekend for the annual Chicagoland Outdoor Championships, traditionally one of the biggest and toughest challenges of the year with local Division I and II teams on hand.
Concordia travels to Lisle for the Benedictine Invitational on April 14. They will then prepare to host the Cougar Invitational April 19-20. The first day will see the hammer and javelin contested at Benedictine before the bulk of the competition moves to Concordia’s track for the second day.
A return to Benedictine for the Twilight Invitational takes place the following weekend. This will mark the final tune-up before the Northern Athletics Conference Outdoor Championships which will be hosted by the Cougars this year. “We are very excited about hosting two meets and having the opportunity to showcase our team and our facility,” says Beisel.
The last chance meets will take place at North Central College over the second and third weeks of May leading up to the national championships May 23-26. This year’s national meet will take place at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College in California.
TRACK & FIELD—COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH—MATT BEISEL
Matt Beisel has served as the head coach of Concordia Chicago's track and field program since 2008 and as an assistant coach for cross-country since 2009.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working to build Concordia’s track and field program,” states Beisel. “I believe that this is an exciting time to come to Concordia, given the campus community’s desire to see all of their athletic programs progress. Our recruiting is paying off, and God continues to bless us with solid recruiting classes that increase our team size and talent each year.”
In 2010 and 2012, the women's team won the Northern Athletics Conference Indoor Champion- ships. They have been a top three finisher in both indoor and outdoor championships in each of the last three years. Since 2010, the men's team has placed fifth or higher at the Indoor and Outdoor Championships. With most of last year's athletes returning and a recruiting class that he believes to the deepest for both men and women since he took over the program, Beisel is convinced that both the women and men have a legitimate shot at winning the conference for outdoors this year.
After sending Merrell Davis to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships in the long jump last May, Concordia's first representation at the Nationals in 20 years, the entire team has high hopes for qualifying more athletes this year on both the men's and women's sides. Beisel is excited by the signs of obvious progress, including but not limited to school records broken 112 times in the past three years and the largest team size in the history of the program.
Beisel's solid reputation for recruiting has begun turning into a concrete reality, and he is pleased with how his philosophy has meshed perfectly with Concordia’s mission and values. “It is very natural and easy to speak with passion and conviction about something when I believe in it,” notes Beisel. “Concordia is committed to spreading the word of Jesus Christ through preparing its students for a life of service to others, and that philosophy is one that I share whole-heartedly. The people I have spoken with at Concordia, both in athletics and administration, are committed to moving in the right direction, and I am elated that I am a part of this effort.”
Beisel coached track and cross-country and taught science for seven years at Lutheran High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. During that time, the school won three state championships in cross-country, placed as high as third in the state track championships, earned numerous all-state honors and produced individual state champions in the high jump and long jump.
Beisel was a standout track and cross-country athlete at Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, earning all- conference, all-district, and NAIA national qualifier status as a distance runner. He graduated in 1992 with degrees in biology and art. He earned a Master’s degree in science education from the University of Iowa in 1997.
Coach Beisel has received his United States of America Track & Field Association (USATF) Level One Coaching Certification. He is currently an active member of USATF, United States Track and Field/Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and the Illinois Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association (ITCCCA).
TRACK & FIELD—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES David Risch begins his fifth season assisting with the Concordia track team this season after serving as head coach for 10 years. Risch, who has also headed up the Cougars' cross-country team for the past 16 seasons with five championships and four Coach of the Year honors to his credit, is responsible for 18 track records since 1998, five of which were set by his distance runners this past season.. Risch, a 1987 graduate of Concordia, earned his B.A. in elementary education. He taught junior high at Bethel Lutheran in Chicago for 10 years where he was Director of Athletics, coach of numerous sports, and Chairman of the Lutheran School League of Chicago for eight years. In addition, he was one of four finalists for the Good News Award for excellence in teaching in 1996. Risch was a four-year letterman at his hometown Seymour (Ind.) High School where he received the Senior Athlete of the Year Award in 1983. He was a four-year letterman in Concordia's track and cross- country programs, the team captain in Concordia's first-ever conference championship, and all-conference for four seasons in both sports. In addition, Risch received NIIC All-Scholastic honors twice and as a senior received Concordia's Terry-Schubert Award for Christian Service. Coach Risch has received his USATF Level One Coaching Certification. He is currently an active member of the United States Track Coaches Association, United States of America Track and Field, American Running Association, Illinois Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association, International Amateur Athletics Federation, National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Bell-Lap Ministries.
Andrew Tirmenstein is in his fifth year as an assistant coach for the track team where he coaches the horizontal jumps.
Now in his second year as a full-time coach, Tirmenstein is excited about his role with the team. "I look forward to seeing where this program could go in the next couple of years. I am very excited to have the chance to work with this coaching staff and these athletes," says the former Cougar.
Tirmenstein returned to his alma mater after serving as an assistant coach for two years at Walther Lutheran High School. In 2005, he took two seniors to the Illinois state meet in the long and triple jump with one of the long jumpers finishing ninth. Two of his triple jumpers reached the state meet in 2006.
Tirmenstein competed in the Cougar track program for four seasons between 2003 and 2006 as a sprinter and jumper. During the indoor season of 2003, he ran the 400-meter leg as part of the distance medley, and that foursome holds the school record to this day with a time of 10:54.72. Tirmenstein also played three years of soccer at Concordia and was a key contributor to the 2005 conference-winning team.
A native of St. Louis, Tirmenstein lettered four years in both track and soccer at Lutheran North High School. He was part of the 2001 Missouri state champion team, competing in relays and hurdles.
Tirmenstein graduated Concordia in 2006 with degrees in secondary education and visual arts. He also works at Run Chicago in the neighboring suburb of Forest Park and continues to pursue his goal of making it to the Olympic trials in the long jump. He has received his USATF Level Two Coaching Certification (Jumps). He is currently an active member of the United States Track Coaches Association, United States of America Track and Field, and the Illinois Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association.
TRACK & FIELD—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES Akilah Anderson is in her first year as a graduate assistant to the Cougar track program. She will work primarily with the team’s sprinters.
As a high school athlete from Batavia, Illinois, Anderson competed at the state level in the 100 and 200-meter dash and relays. She was conference champion all four years of high school in 2004-2007 and was the lead leg of the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams. Anderson qualified for the IHSA Outdoor Track & Field Championships all four years of high school and was the lead leg for her state-qualifying 4x100, 400-medley, and 4x200-meter relay teams. In college she ran the 100, 200, and relays.
As a collegian, Anderson competed for Millikin University for one year, transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and competed until she sustained a knee injury. After that, she helped manage the UW-Whitewater teams, both recruiting and facilitating track meets. Currently, she is certified by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA) as a track and field coach.
Anderson graduated UW-Whitewater in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance. She is beginning work on her master’s degree in sports leadership at Concordia-Chicago. Anderson recently finished a fall internship with Health Fitness Corporation, connected with Allstate Insurance.
Christopher Byles joins the Cougar coaching staff beginning with the 2011-12 year. He will coach the Cougar men and women in the hurdles.
Byles comes to Concordia after coaching the hurdlers at Knox College during the 2011 season. Prior to his time at Knox, he served as an assistant cross-country and track intern at the University of Houston under head coach Leroy Burrell. Byles coached sprints, hurdles and long jump alongside legendary Houston track coach Tom Tellez while assisting with other aspects of the Division I Cougars' program. He contributed to the Houston program winning the 2010 indoor and outdoor championships for Conference USA.
From 2006 through 2009, Byles was the assistant cross country and hurdles coach at perennial track & field/cross country prep powerhouse Great Oak High School in Temecula, California. He helped lead the girls' team to championships in the DeAnza League in 2006 and the Southwestern League in 2007.
While at Great Oak, Byles served as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach for one year at San Diego State University working with the football, soccer, volleyball and track teams. Byles has also worked as a physical therapy aide at DSC physical Therapy in La Canada, California and as an in-house personal trainer at Bally's Total Fitness in Hollywood.
Andy Chizzo returns for his sixth season as a member of the Cougar coaching staff. He will assist the team in the pole vault and pentathlon/decathlon/heptathlon events.
Chizzo was a five-year Division I athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he excelled in the pole vault, hurdles, javelin and decathlon. By his senior year of 1994, Chizzo was captain of the track team and recorded a 15'9" pole vault, a record that stood for the next 10 years. His mark of 170' 2" in the javelin, recorded that same year, remains among the school's top 10 in that event. He graduated in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Chizzo currently resides in Oak Park with his wife Sara and four daughters; Natalie, Evelyn, Audrey and Vera.
TRACK & FIELD—COACHING STAFF ASSISTANT COACHES
Tom Sisulak begins his second year with the Cougar coaching staff.
Sisulak is an experienced track coach of 42 years who is sharing his knowledge with the Cougar athletes in multiple events. A native of Riverside, Illinois, Sisulak attended Riverside-Brookfield High School and Carthage College before beginning his coaching career at West Aurora High School in 1969.
In 1971, Sisulak took a teaching and coaching position at LaFollette High School in Madison, Wisconsin. Over the next 31 years, his track, cross-country and gymnastics teams earned a combined five state championships and 25 conference championships. Sisulak coached over 200 individual conference champions, 40 individual state champions, 19 individual national competitors and one individual world competitor.
Sisulak returned to Riverside in 2002 and established the Riverside Sports Academy. Over the past eight years, he has offered private coaching for high school, college, post-college and professional track and field athletes.
Sisulak has served six-year terms as president for the Wisconsin Cross-Country Coaches Association and the Wisconsin Gymnastic Coaches Association, and a two-year term as vice-president for the National High School Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association.
In 1998, Sisulak was honored by the United States Congress for Outstanding Leadership in Teaching and Coaching. In 2002, he was named by Who’s Who in American Education as one of America's Outstanding Teachers and Coaches. Sisulak was also named the National Coach of the Year by the National High School Gymnastics Coaches Association in 1985.
An avid runner who has completed 31 marathons and hundreds of 5K, 10K and 20K races, Sisulak has earned three USA National Championships and national records in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters. He continues to train for state and national competitions in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K races, and track events.
Floyd Turner begins his second season with the Cougar coaching staff. He is the head throws coach.
Turner competed in track and football at Iowa Wesleyan College. He is IWC's record holder in the discus (184'2" in 2005) and the hammer throw (167'1" in 2007), and he was in the U.S. top 40 in the discus in 2005, 2008 and 2009. Turner has achieved personal bests of 191' 4" in the discus, 61' 3 1/2" in the shot put , 167' 1" in the hammer, and 52' 8 1/4" in the 35-lb. hammer throw. Turner competed at the VISA U.S. National Indoor Track & Field Championships, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2010 and placed 12th overall in the shot put. He is training for the 2012 Olympics where he hopes to compete in the discus.
Turner coached strength and conditioning at Iowa Wesleyan and, more recently, served as the assistant throws coach at Iowa Central Community College. For the latter, he coached five NJCAA national qualifiers and four school records.
Turner is the 2003 Illinois State champion in the shot put and discus, and the 2007 Midwest Collegiate Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Year, and an NAIA national qualifier in the shot put, hammer and discus.
TRACK & FIELD—2012 ROSTER
Name Event(s) Year Hometown High School Merrell Davis Sprints, jumps Jr. Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Lutheran Charles Gordon Sprints, jumps Sr. Chicago, IL Lane Tech Todd Johnson Hurdles Fr. Columbus, OH Manatee (FL) Jacob Kreutzer Jumps Jr. Grand Island, NE Heartland Lutheran Aaron Loveless Jumps So. Hales Corners, WI Martin Luther Larry Mayne Jumps Sr. Chicago, IL South Shore Ethan McBee Distance Jr. Monroe, MI Lutheran South DeAndre McLaurin Sprints Fr. Joliet, IL Joliet West Sal Montes Distance Jr. Cicero, IL Morton East Daniel Mueller Pole vault So. Elmwood Park, IL St. Patrick Anthony Pennella Throws Sr. Elmhurst, IL York Community Jason Pomey Sprints, distance Fr. North Riverside, IL Riverside-Brookfield Justin Pomey Sprints, distance So. North Riverside, IL Riverside-Brookfield Jon Poppe Pole vault, multi-events Jr. Racine, WI Racine Lutheran Scott Rein Hurdles Jr. Harwood Heights, IL Ridgewood Chris Root Distance Jr. Mantorville, MN Kasson-Mantorville Josh Schultz Hurdles Fr. Brookfield, WI Milwaukee Lutheran Christian Sorensen Distance So. Berwyn, IL Walther Lutheran Jamal Thomas Jumps Jr. Weirsdale, FL Lake Weir Cory Volkman Throws Sr. Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Lutheran Jerry Williams Hurdles Fr. Berkeley, IL Walther Lutheran
Amanda Allen Throws Sr. Deerfield, WI Deerfield Savanna Ashbaugh Sprints, jumps, throws Fr. Waverly, IL Waverly Andrea Caldwell Sprints, jumps Fr. Chicago, IL Lake View Aeriana Donaldson Sprints, hurdles Fr. Sullivan, IL Sullivan Joshlynn Eaton Sprints, hurdles, jumps So. Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Lutheran Kyla Farquhar sprints, jumps, pole vault Sr. Elgin, IL Elgin Academy Nicole Fearrin Distance Jr. Carmel, IN Carmel Aracelis Figueroa Distance So. Chicago, IL Queen of Peace Sarah Genot Sprints, jumps, middle distance So. Lake in the Hills, IL Crystal Lake South Amy Grieashamer Distance Sr. Franklin Park, IL East Leyden Cassie Irwin Sprints, pole vault Jr. Shelby Township, MI Lutheran Northwest Kayla Konow Distance Fr. Fort Wayne, IN Concordia Lutheran Katrina Kozisek Distance Fr. Seymour, IN Trinity Lutheran Cheryl Robaczewski Throws Jr. Schiller Park, IL East Leyden Allison Sapiro Sprints, middle distance Fr. Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Lutheran Alex Schmidt Distance Jr. Frankenmuth, MI Frankenmuth
Leah Sellers Sprints So. Pioneer, OH North Central Kamile Udrenaie Throws Fr. Crystal Lake, IL Crystal Lake South Danyale Worsham Sprints, jumps So. Downers Grove, IL Lisle Lauren Zimmer Sprints, jumps So. Guttenberg, IA Clayton Ridge
TRACK & FIELD—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
Merrell Davis Charles Gordon Todd Johnson Jacob Kreutzer 6-0 Jr. Milwaukee, WI 6-3 Jr. Chicago, IL 5-11 Fr. Columbus, OH 5-11 Jr. Grand Island, NE Communications Business Management Sports Management Secondary Education
Aaron Loveless Larry Mayne Ethan McBee 6-2 So. Hales Corners, WI 5-7 Sr. Chicago, IL 5-10 Jr. Monroe, MI Early Childhood Education Law & Justice Secondary Education
DeAndre McLaurin Sal Montes Daniel Mueller Anthony Pennella 5-11 Fr. Joliet, IL 5-11 Jr. Cicero, IL 5-9 So. Elmwood Park, IL 6-0 Sr. Elmhurst, IL Exercise Science History/Psychology Graphic Design Special Education
TRACK & FIELD—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
Jason Pomey Justin Pomey Jon Poppe Scott Rein 5-10 Fr. North Riverside, IL 5-9 So. North Riverside, IL 6-1 Jr. Racine, WI 5-11 Jr. Harwood Hts, IL Computer Science Business Management Secondary Education/Math History
Chris Root Josh Schultz Christian Sorenson 6-4 Jr. Mantorville, MN 6-1 Fr. Brookfield, WI 5-7 So. Berwyn, IL Biology Biology English
Jamal Taylor Jamal Thomas Cory Volkman Jerry Williams 6-2 Fr.. Oak Park, IL 5-10 Jr. Weirsdale, FL 5-9 Sr. Milwaukee, WI 6-2 Fr. Berkeley, IL Law & Justice Marketing Exercise Science Business Management
TRACK & FIELD—2012 PLAYER PROFILES
Amanda Allen Savanna Ashbaugh Andrea Caldwell Aeriana Donaldson 6-2 Sr. Deerfield, WI 5-7 Fr. Waverly, IL 5-3 Fr. Chicago, IL 5-6 Fr. Sullivan, IL Exercise Science Exercise Science Business Management Accounting
Joshlynn Eaton Kyla Farquhar Nicole Fearrin 5-3 So. Milwaukee, WI 5-1 Sr. Elgin, IL 5-9 Jr. Carmel, IN Sports Management Sociology Director of Christian Education
Aracelis Figueroa Sarah Genot Amy Grieashamer Cassie Irwin 5-4 So. Chicago, IL 5-10 So. Lake in the Hills, IL 5-2 Sr. Franklin Park, IL 5-5 Jr. Shelby Twp, MI Exercise Science Exercise Science Studio Art Elementary Education
TRACK & FIELD—PLAYER PROFILES
Kayla Konow Katrina Kozisek Cheryl Robaczewski 5-6 Fr. Fort Wayne, IN 5-5 Fr. Seymour, IN 5-6 Jr. Schiller Park, IL Elementary Education Director of Christian Education Secondary Education/Math
Allison Sapiro Alex Schmidt Leah Sellers Kamile Udrenaite 5-11 Fr. Milwaukee, WI 5-2 Jr. Frankenmuth, MI 5-7 So. Pioneer, OH 5-8 Fr. Crystal Lake, IL Journalism Physical Education Social Work Psychology
Danyale Worsham Lauren Zimmer Brooke Zeddies 5-7 So. Downers Grove, IL 5-4 So. Guttenberg, IA Mgr. Sr. Frankenmuth, MI Psychology Elementary Education/Art Early Childhood Education
TRACK & FIELD—2011 RESULTS & RECORDS 2011 RESULTS AND RECORDS MARCH 26—NORTH PARK VIKING RELAYS No team scores
Men: Hammer Throw (Chip Wylie) 139’ 4” Distance Medley Relay (Root, Pomey, McBee, Sorensen) 11:39.90 Jumps Relay (Troemel HJ, Poppe PV, Thomas LJ, Nehrt, TJ) 2,840 pts. Super Sprint Relay (Pierce, Key, Davis, Nehrt) 1:40.27 Throws Relay (Volkman SP, JV, Wylie DS,HT) 2,312 pts. Women: Distance Medley Relay (Ziebart, Worsham, Grieashamer, Schmidt) 15:12.63 Jumps Relay (Eaton HJ, Herboth PV, Corbin LJ, Denholm TJ) 2,223 pts.
APRIL 2—TED HAYDON INVITATIONAL (UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO) Men—5th place Women—8th place
Men: Hammer Throw (Chip Wylie) 143’ 10”
APRIL 8-9—CHICAGOLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS (UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO) Men—12th place Women—16th place
Men: Decathlon (Jon Poppe) 4,810 pts. Hammer Throw (Chip Wylie) 146’ 8” 4 x 100-meter Relay Team (Pierce, Nehrt, Key, Davis) 43.23
APRIL 16—BENEDICTINE EAGLE INVITE No team scores
Women: 3,000-meter Steeplechase (Alex Schmidt) 12.42.07
APRIL 21-22—CONCORDIA COUGAR INVITE Men—3rd place Women—4th place
Women: Shot Put (Amanda Allen) 38’ 9 1/2” 4 x 100-meter Relay Team (Zimmer, Worsham, Irwin, Corbin) 51.14
APRIL 29—BENEDICTINE TWILIGHT INVITATIONAL Men—7th place Women—5th place
Records Set: None
MAY 6-7—NORTHERN ATHLETICS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY) Men—5th place Women—3rd place
Men: 4 x 100-meter Relay Team (Pierce, Nehrt, Key, Sweatman) 42.80 Women: 3,000-meter Steeplechase (Alex Schmidt) 12:11.36 4 x 100m Relay Team (Zimmer, Worsham, Irwin, Farquhar) 50.62
MAY 13-14—DR. KEELER LAST CHANCE INVITE (NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE)
Men: 3,000-meter Steeplechase (Ethan McBee) 10:11.80
MAY 17-18—GREGORY INVITATIONAL (NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE)
Men: Decathlon (Jon Poppe) 5,126 pts.
MEN’S TENNIS—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
2012 CONCORDIA COUGAR MEN’S TENNIS
The Concordia Chicago men’s tennis team welcomes a new head coach in Terry Farrell and four new players as they look to capture their fourth straight winning season in 2012. The Cougars finished 8-6 overall last year, 7-2 (third place) in the Northern Athletics Conference. The team returns four players from the 2011 team and one from the 2009 team as they look to compete among the NAC leaders again.
RETURNING PLAYERS Alex Tarullo has held down the third singles position for the last two seasons, going from 5-8 in 2010 to a solid 9-5 last spring. This season, Tarullo will move up to one of the top two positions. Ferrell notes that “Alex is in tip-top condition due to his training for tri-athlete events and hence, his stroke production is better than ever.” Thien Van will be the most experienced player on the courts as he begins his fourth season for the Concordia men’s tennis program. Van has competed at first, second and fourth singles flights and first and second doubles. This year, Van will compete at first or second singles and will team at first doubles with Tarullo, a high school teammates and friend since elementary school. “Thien’s speed coupled with his court consistency makes him a valuable member of the team,” states Farrell.
Tim Staffeld has a two-year dual match record of 15-10 including a 7-4 mark at fifth singles in 2011 and a career doubles mark of 14-9. Staffeld will play at either third or fourth singles and form half of the number two doubles team. According to Farrell, Staffeld’s best assets are a lefty serve which is “formidable against both left-handed and right- handed opponents,” and a natural shoot disguise described as “effortless and effective.”
Vince Termini began last season, his first with the Cougars, waiting in the wings before getting put into the regular lineup midway through the season. Termini finished with a 4-3 dual match record, mostly at sixth singles, and a 4-3 record as part of the third doubles team. Termini is expected to play this season at either third or fourth flight and will team with Staffeld at second doubles. Farrell calls Termini’s “even keel disposition” an asset to the team and notes that “Vince will not beat himself. Instead, he often plays a back wall style and will make you beat him.”
MEN’S TENNIS—2012 SEASON OUTLOOK
Also back with the Cougars this season is Chayanne Martinez. The senior from Dundee-Crown High School last played in 2009 when he compiled an 8-1 record in singles (primarily sixth) and 6-3 in doubles (5-2 at second). Farrell says of Martinez who will play fifth or sixth singles and third doubles, “Chayanne is a team player in every sense of the word. His ‘never say die’ attitude rubs off on everyone around him.”
NEWCOMERS
Adam Schoedel lettered for three years in tennis and basketball at Lutheran High School St. Charles in Missouri. A tennis instructor in the summer, Schoedel will likely hold down the remaining singles flight and team with Martinez at third doubles. “Adam’s height and consistency will serve the team well,” predicts Farrell.
Ron “Rico” Roman attended Wesleyan Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico . A “pleasant surprise” on this year’s team, Farrell describes Roman as “a tireless worker who rarely misses a chance to improve.”
Brennick Christiansen comes to the Cougars by way of Living Word Lutheran High School. The Grafton, Wisconsin native played tennis for CUC tennis alumnus Bob Kasten and captained LWL’s tennis, soccer and track teams. “Brennick has more speed than most and, when his strokes catch up, he will be a force to be reckoned with,” states Farrell.
Luis Rivera is the newest member of the team, joining in mid-March. “Having played in high school for four years, his experience should help him blend with his new team.”
SCHEDULE
The Cougars’ first dual match of the season takes place Friday, March 23 when they travel to Elgin to face Judson University. The following afternoon, the Cougars will host Lawrence University. This is the first-ever meeting on the courts between the Cougars and the Appleton, Wisconsin school.
Northern Athletics Conference play opens on April 5 with the Cougars traveling just down Division Street to Taylor Park where they will take on Dominican University. Concordia then returns home for one of two Saturday home doubleheaders April 7 where their opponents will be the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Concordia then embarks on six straight matches away from home, beginning with an April 12 match against non- conference rival North Central College. The Cougars play two road doubleheaders in Wisconsin, the first on April 14 at Lakeland College and Concordia University Wisconsin, and the second on April 21 at Edgewood College and Marian University. The strong of road matches ends April 24 with a non-conference match at Elmhurst College.
April 28 sees the final two matches of the regular season as Concordia plays host to Aurora University and Rockford College. The team will then get ready for the Northern Athletics Conference tournament in Madison, Wisconsin the first weekend of May.
MEN’S TENNIS—COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH—TERRY FARRELL
Terry Farrell was named the head coach for the Concordia men’s tennis team in June 2011. Farrell succeeds Bob Hegner who coached the Cougar men the past four seasons. Farrell, who has played tennis since grade school, took his first job as a tennis instructor for youth 15 and under at The Club in Treasure Island, Fla., in 1973. By 1976, he was teaching all ages as an assistant tennis pro at the renowned Broadmoor Tennis Academy in Largo founded by Australian tennis legend Harry Hopman. Farrell relocated to Kansas City in 1976 where he taught at First Stringer Tennis. The club was directly affiliated with World Championship Tennis (WCT) founded by legendary sportsman, promoter and owner Lamar Hunt. Farrell served as the court manager and the club as the official stringer for the WCT including such players as Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith and Harold Solomon during the World Doubles Championships. Farrell relocated to River Forest in 2010, and his tennis background and close proximity to the campus made for a good opportunity when the position of Concordia men’s tennis coach became available. “I really love the sport, and I look forward to taking the Cougars to the next level,” said Farrell. “I hope our passion for the game will translate to victories.” Farrell is a native of Chicago who attended Notre Dame High School in Niles and studied advertising journalism at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Ken Domroese is in his 13th year as an assistant coach to the Cougar men's tennis team. Domroese has served under Cougar coaches Tony Wittman (1999-2001), Jill Beilke (2002), Sean Fontno (2003), Vern Klotz (2004-07) and Bob Hegner (2008-2011).
Domroese is a 1955 alumnus who earned his bachelor's degree in education and taught biology at Concordia from 1958 to 1997. He lettered four years in basketball, averaging 13.9 points per game during his senior year and earning all-conference honors while leading the Cougar cagers to the Badger-Illini Conference crown.
Domroese did not play tennis at Concordia but took up the sport in his mid-30s on a recreational basis. He became an avid fan and participant of the sport. In addition, Klotz reveals that "he is very much a student of the game who is always keeping up with new techniques, and he is very good at communicating them to our athletes."
Domroese is not the only member of his family with ties to Concordia tennis. His son Mark ('89) went 35-20 during his four seasons including a team-leading 13-2 in his senior year. Later that year, he would become only the second athlete in Concordia history to be named a first-team national Academic All-American by the College Sports Informa- tion Directors of America (CoSIDA).
MEN’S TENNIS‐2012 ROSTER & PLAYER PROFILES ROSTER AND PROFILES Name Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown High School Brennick Christiansen 6-0 155 Fr. Grafton, WI Living Word Lutheran Chayanne Martinez 5-7 190 Sr. Carpentersville, IL Dundee-Crown Luis Rivera 5-9 145 Jr. Franklin Park, IL East Leyden Ronald Roman 5-10 240 Sr. Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Wesleyan Academy Adam Schoedel 6-3 180 Sr. St. Charles, MO Lutheran St. Charles Tim Staffeld 5-8 160 Jr. Hobart, IN Hobart Alex Tarullo 5-9 160 Sr. Berwyn, IL Morton West Vince Termini 5-10 165 So. Addison, IL Addison Trail Thien Van 5-5 145 Sr. Berwyn, IL Morton West
Brennick Christiansen Chayanne Martinez Luis Rivera Ronald Roman Adam Schoedel 6-0 155 Fr. 5-7 190 Sr. 5-9 145 Jr. 5-7 240 Fr. 6-3 180 Sr. Grafton, WI Carpentersville, IL Franklin Park, IL Guaynabo, Puerto Rico St. Charles, MO Mathematics/Chemistry Secondary Education Special Education Theatre/Communications Secondary Education
Tim Staffeld Alex Tarullo Vince Termini Thien Van 5-8 160 Jr. 5-9 160 Jr. 5-10 165 Fr. 5-5 145 Jr. Hobart, IN Berwyn, IL Addison, IL Berwyn, IL Philosophy Accounting Biology Physical Education
MEN’S TENNIS‐2011 STATISTICS & RESULTS 2011 STATISTICS AND RESULTS Date Opponent Score Overall NAC *Apr 7, 2011 DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY W 6-3 1-0 1-0 *Apr 9, 2011 at Milwaukee School of Engineering L 3-6 1-1 1-1 *Apr 9, 2011 at Wisconsin Lutheran College W 9-0 2-1 2-1 Apr 14, 2011 at Elmhurst College L 0-9 2-2 2-1 *Apr 17, 2011 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN L 0-9 2-3 2-2 *Apr 17, 2011 LAKELAND COLLEGE W 9-0 3-3 3-2 Apr 18, 2011 at Judson University L 2-7 3-4 3-2 *Apr 23, 2011 EDGEWOOD COLLEGE W 8-1 4-4 4-2 *Apr 23, 2011 MARIAN UNIVERSITY W 9-0 5-4 5-2 Apr 27, 2011 at North Central College L 0-9 5-5 5-2 *Apr 29, 2011 at Aurora University W 9-0 6-5 6-2 *Apr 30, 2011 at Rockford College W 9-0 7-5 7-2 May 2, 2011 AURORA UNIVERSITY (NAC first round) W 9-0 8-5 7-2 May 6, 2011 at Milwaukee School of Engineering (NAC semifinal) L 1-5 8-6 7-2
SINGLES Dual NAC 1 2 3 4 5 6 Buchholz, Nick 1-0 1-0 - - - - - 1-0 Gehm, John 3-2 3-1 - - - - 0-1 3-1 Smith, Jeff 8-5 7-2 8-5 - - - - - Staffeld, Tim 7-4 6-2 - - - - 7-4 - Tarullo, Alex 9-5 7-2 - - 9-5 - - - Termini, Vince 4-3 3-0 - - - - 1-0 3-3 Van, Thien 8-6 7-2 - - - 8-6 - - Wingfield, Josh 9-5 6-3 - 9-5 - - - - Totals 51-30 42-12 8-5 9-5 9-5 8-6 8-5 9-4 Percentage .630 .778 .615 .643 .643 .571 .615 .692
DOUBLES Dual NAC 1 2 3 Smith, Jeff/Staffeld, Tim 0-1 0-1 0-1 - - Van, Thien/Wingfield, Nathan 6-6 5-2 5-6 1-0 - Gehm, John/Tarullo, Alex 1-0 1-0 - - 1-0 Smith, Jeff/Wingfield, Nathan 1-1 1-1 1-1 - - Tarullo, Alex/Van, Thien 0-1 0-1 - 0-1 - Gehm, John/Staffeld, Tim 2-2 2-1 - - 2-2 Tarullo, Alex/Termini, Vince 1-0 1-0 - 1-0 - Smith, Jeff/Tarullo, Alex 6-5 5-1 - 6-5 - Staffeld, Tim/Termini, Vince 3-3 2-0 - - 3-3 Buchholz, Nick/Termini, Vince 1-0 1-0 - - 1-0 Totals 23-19 20-7 6-8 8-6 9-5 Percentage .548 .741 .429 .571 .643