he Cowl T Est. 1935

6th Annual Winter Sports Preview

______^TMPISACICH'O^'60*1 photos by TIM VI

A new look for Friar Hockey Head Coach Tim Army is reshaping the very image of Providence College hockey. See Page 2 for the story.

Also inside... Head Coach Bob Deraney The Swimming and Diving and the Women’s Hockey Teams look to youth to Team plot their course back to rejuvenate their programs. the NCAA Tournament. What can we expect this See page 3. year? Seepages 2 The Cowl Winter Sports Preview October 12, 2006 Friars march forward in year two of Army regime

by Ryan Holt ’09 Men’s Hockey Sports Staff Schedule 2006-07 A young team, a young coach, a tough October conference: None is part of a formula for a 6 ST. THOMAS (exhib.) — W, 4-0 winning team. For last year’s Providence 13 CLARKSON College Men’s Hockey team, however, all 14 ST. LAWRENCE of these were. In the 2005- 20 BOWLING GREEN MEN’S 2006 campaign, the Friars, 21 NOTRE DAME HOCKEY led by first-year coach Tim 27 MERRIMACK* Army, came from virtually 28 @ UMass-Lowell* nowhere to challenge more experienced 31 BOSTON COLLEGE* Hockey East squads. Army’s bunch held first place in the conference for many November weeks, and rose to as high as No. 9 in the 3 @ Massachusetts* national rankings. 4 MASSACHUSETTS* Many questions surrounded last year’s 10 VERMONT* Friars. Particularly, the questions focused 14 NORTHEASTERN* on the team’s ability to adjust to a new 17 @ Boston University* coach. Army’s style—fast-paced, aggres­ 24 UMASS-LOWELL* sive, and offense intensive—was a far cry 26 @ Brown# from the old regime. The team, as the sea­ son’s record shows, responded quite well. December Scoring was up from the previous 1 @ Maine* year—many Friars had career years. The 8 @ Boston University* defense also improved, as then sophomore 29 Lake Superior State* Tyler Sims emerged as a rising star. The 30 Wisconsin/Clarkson* improvements produced wins, bringing attention and fans to Schneider Arena. For January the first time in nearly five years, PC was 5 BOSTON UNIVERSITY* a contender in the Hockey East. 7 @ Boston College* The Friars made a serious run to the 13 @ UMass-Lowell Two major keys in PC’s upturn in for Hockey East title. As the season drew to a 19 MAINE* tunes last year were sophomore defense close, however, the team lost its momen­ 20 MAINE* man Cody Wild (above) and junior net- tum, bowing out in the first round of con­ 27 @ New Hampshire* minder Tyler Sims (right). Wild led all ference playoffs. The season as a whole, however, was a Friars blueliners with 21 points (6 goals, February success. The team made great strides. A 15 assists) en route to Hockey East All 2 @ Vermont* Rookie Team honors. Sims blossomed as 3 @ Vermont* new strategy and culture as well as vast a goaltender in his sophomore cam­ 9 BOSTON COLLEGE* improvements in the level of play resulted. paign, posting a 17-15-12 record with a 10 @ Massachusetts And a feeling of optimism is evident this 2.32 goals against average and a .916 16 @ Northeastern* year in the locker room. save percentage. With underclassmen 17 NORTHEASTERN* “Were going to play very well,” said like these two, a talented senior class, 23 @ New Hampshire* Army. “I think were going to pick up and and the potential for immediate impact 24 NEW HAMPSHIRE* develop from where we were a year ago.” from a number of Coach Army’s Most of the Friars’ key players are recruits, the 2006-07 Friars look to March returning for the new season. They will be improve upon their fifth place finish in 2 MERRIMACK* joined on the ice by seven freshmen, any Hockey East last year—with their goal 3 @ Merrimack* of whom could make an impact. being a berth in the NCAA Tournament 8-11 HOCKEY EAST Quarterfinals “I think the freshman fit that model and this year. The Friars get their season 16 HOCKEY EAST Semifinals# that will add a great deal to our program,” underway on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. 17 HOCKEY EAST Finals# said Army. versus Clarkson. 23-25 NCAA Regionals Returning in goal is Tyler Sims. He had an impressive season last year, allowing PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPORTS INFO April just over two goals per game, and saved hopes to raise that bar this season. of speed and skill. Johnny sees the ice as 5 NCAA Frozen Four% nearly 92 percent of shots against him. Junior Jon Rheault, last year’s top goal well as anyone that I watched all last year.” 7 NCAA Frozen Four% Sims’ numbers earned him All-Hockey scorer, is also returning. Like McDonald, They are not the lone freshman for­ East Honorable Mention honors. he had a career year. He is also a threat on wards. Greg Collins and Rhode Islander HOME GAMES IN CAPS Someone who we will also see in the net the power play, scoring a team-high eight Matt Tommasiello will also add to the * - HOCKEY EAST Game this season is freshman Ryan Simpson. He goals last year. Rheault brings a mix of Friar lineup. * - Badger Hockey Showdown was Goaltender of the Year in his juniors’ speed and power back to the ice. “They both skate well. Both are smart #-@TD Banknorth Garden (Boston) league last year. Last year’s captain, current co-captain, and they give us depth. Both more than %-@ Sawls Center (St. Louis, Mo.) “Simpson will form a great partnership senior Tony Zancanaro returns for his final capable of playing,” said Army. with Sims,” said Army. “He is very capa­ season. He also had a career high year on Aggression on defense is also a feature were going to keep going and just over­ ble of playing games, and he will play offense. Zancanaro’s hustle and motivation of the Friars’ strategy. Hard-hitting, high whelm teams,” said Zancanaro. games.” for his team will again be vital on the ice scoring senior assistant captain Dinos As is usually the case, a tough schedule Sims is aiding in Simpson’s transition this season. Stamoulis returns following a career year lies ahead for the Friars. However, as to the college game. Seniors Chase Watson, Bryan Horan, on both sides of the puck. Stamoulis pro­ Army’s strategy has been, they will “play “He’s a really skilled goalie, big guy,” and Jamie Carroll are also back for their vides an intimidating presence on the ice. their game.” Army’s strategy is proactive said Sims. “I’m just helping him to try to last seasons as Friars and are coming off Last year’s freshman standout, Cody rather than reactive, which provided prob­ use his size to his advantage.” Sims tremendous years. They should continue to Wild, runner-up for Hockey East Rookie lems for some opponents last year. Army believes the young goalie is adjusting well. have a major impact on the Friars’ offense. of the Year, returns looking to add to an and his squad refuse to be intimidated by If someone had to describe Army’s The returning sophomores, led by Kyle already impressive resume. Wild was the any team, no matter the ranking. strategy in two words, they would likely be Laughlin, last year’s leading freshman Friars’ top scoring defenseman, and “We have to go out on the ice ready to speed and shooting. This year’s team has scorer now with a year of Hockey East seemed to have a knack for scoring game­ establish our pace, our speed to the game,” plenty of people who fit into those cate­ experience, look to make a bigger mark on winning goals. said Army. gories. the team this season. Matt Taormina, Marc Bastarache, Fans will see a different Schneider The Friars out-shot their opponents in Four freshman forwards look to make Trevor Ludwig, and Austin Miller return Arena this year. Thanks to a generous all but nine games last year, a trend they an impact early in their careers. Chris this year looking to build on last year’s donation, new seats—this time in PC col- look to continue this year. Though last Eppich and Rhode Island native John progress. ' ors—were installed over the summer. year’s top goal scorer, Torry Gajda, is Cavanagh will add a great deal of speed to Two incoming freshman look to further “It’s awesome. I never thought it’d be gone, there are plenty of great shooters left the offense. deepen and enhance the lineup. Mark this unbelievable, the gray seats look real­ and even more joining the team. “They will give us a spark immediate­ Fayne and Rhode Islander David ly good,” said Simms. Senior co-captain Colin McDonald, ly,” said Army. “Both skate well; they are Cavanagh, cousin of teammate John “It looks great, it’s coming along really always a threat on offense, had a career- both a combo of sense and skill.” Cavanagh, will certainly strengthen the well, I think campus will like it,” added high 28 points last year. Of course, he Army added, “Chris is really a combo defense. Zancanaro. “We were fast last year, but now we’re Year two of the Tim Army era looks to Men’s Hockey 2006-07 Quick Facts even faster, we’ve got more speed and be even better than the first. The aggres­ we’re moving a puck well,” said sion, which won so many games last year, 2005-06 Review Key Returnees Zancanaro. will continue. The Friars, it seems, can In his first year as head coach, Tim Army Jon Rheault, RW (Jr.) 16 G, 14 A Many of the Friars’ late season prob­ challenge any opportent in the country. implemented a fast-paced, aggressive play­ Tyler Sims, G (Jr.) 2.32 GA lems last year concerned closing out The season officially begins Friday, Oct. ing style that reaped great benefits for the Chase Watson, C (Sr.) 6 G, 27 A games. This year, according to the team, it 13 at Schneider, and the Friars are ready Friars. The team, picked to finish eighth out Colin McDonald, RW (Sr.) 9 G, 19 A should be different. and motivated. The players agreed that fan of 10 teams in the Hockey East pre-season Cody Wild, D (Soph.) 6 G, 15 A “Last year our problem was, we might support is vital to their success and hopes poll, rose as high as No. 9 in the national Jamie Carroll, LW (Sr.) 9 G, 11 A have backed off a bit on the aggressiveness the PC community will come to the game rankings and first place in Hockey East before just as the season got late,” said Army. to cheer them on. Anyone who does go to a late slide dropped them to fifth, with a final Incoming Freshmen “We hadn’t played in that position in a few a game a Schneider should see something record of 17-16-3. PC went on to lose to New David Cavanagh, D years (playing for top of the conference). special this year. Hampshire in the Hockey East quarterfinals. John Cavanagh, C It sometimes takes you the opportunity to “We’re going to be faster, we’re deep­ Greg Collins, LW go through that to gain the experience to er, and we are going to get better each and Team Captains Chris Eppich, RW lead your way through it the next time, and every day. We’re going to be a very excit­ Tony Zancanaro, C (Sr.) Mark Fayne, D I think were much more prepared mental­ ing hockey team and we will be able to Colin McDonald, RW (Sr.) Ryan Simpson, G ly” compete with anyone that we play,” Army Matt Tommasiello, LW “We’re not going to hold back at all said. October 12, 2006 Winter Sports Preview The Cowl 3 After ‘disappointing’ year, PC eyes return to NCAAs

by Drew Goucher ’08 Sports Staff

Sometimes the best way to avenge an earlier defeat is to come back even stronger and run the same course at a faster pace. That is exactly what the Providence College Women’s Hockey WOMEN’S Team looks to do in 2006- HOCKEY 07 after a disappointing end to 2005-06 saw the Friars fall in the Hockey East Quarterfinals. This year, Head Coach Bob Deraney and his team have their sights set once again on another Hockey East Title, like the three the team won from 2002- 2005 before last year’s disappointment ended the run. Despite a few key losses, the team has rearmed quickly, and is once again primed for success. The team’s most significant losses from 2005- 06 are the graduations of Karen Thatcher, Ashley Payton, and Katelynn Laffin, all key scoring forwards. This Women’s Hockey year’s squad, however, adds former BC Schedule 2006-07 Eagle Sarah Feldman, who instantly steps PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPORTS into a scoring role, as well as transfers Seniors Sonny Watrous (above) and Jana Bugden (above right) will provide the vet­ September Danielle Ciarletta (goalie from University 30 TORONTO JR. AEROS(L, 2-1) eran leadership for the Friars this year. The newcomers will have to mesh quickly of Minnesota-Duluth); forward and with the holdovers, as a brutal schedule awaits this talented team. Finnish native Mari Pehkonen (forward October from University of Minnesota-Duluth); “Sonny is leading a very talented group. With that in mind, no one is forgetting 14 ST. LAWRENCE and Danielle Tangredi (forward from At forward you can really take your pick the team’s ultimate goal: A run at a first- 15 COLGATE Maine). [of who will contribute], I think we have a ever National Championship. Despite the 18 NORTHEASTERN* The transfers are complemented by a lot of experience, and a team that wants to team’s inability to win the Hockey East 21 @ Northeastern* top-notch recruiting class that includes begin to correct what happened last year,” Championship last year, the setback is not 22 CONNECTICUT* freshmen forwards Jackie Duncan, Deraney said. enough to convince the team to lower its 28 © Mercyhurst Brittany Nelson, and Pamela McDevitt, as “Sonny is just a power forward, getting standards, and rightly so. 29 @ Mercyhurst well as defender Colleen Martin. The new in there consistently,” Gigliotti added. “That’s what we’re built on,” said players join a strong squad with several “We look to go to her for some big-time Deraney. “When you win four Hockey November important holdovers from the 2005-06 plays, and as one of our best players, we’ll East championships in five years, you set 8 @Yale team, including seniors Sonny Watrous, look to her to win a lot of big games for us your goals higher. Our goal is a national 11 @ Maine* Kristin Gigliotti, juniors Rachel Crissy, as well. championship, and I think we have all the 12 @ Maine* She also pointed out the advantage PC 14 NORTHEASTERN* Jenna Keilch, and Kathleen Smith, and pieces: The depth, the experience, the lead­ 18 @ Boston University* sophomores Erin Normore, Brittany has in getting strong netminding from ership, the skill, to go farther than we’ve Bugden, something not all Hockey East 19 ROBET MORRIS Simpson, and Katy Beach. And, of course, ever gone with the program before.” 24 @ Brown (Mayor's Cup) who could forget netminder and team cap­ schools can boast of. Bugden agreed with the goals, but 26 NIAGARA tain Jana Budgen, who returns for a fifth “[Bugden] knows what it means to be a knows that the team must truly stick to the season of eligibility between the pipes in Friar. Being our number one goalie, you mantra “one game at a time” to truly December 2006- 07. can tell she’s one of the best around, and achieve success this year. 2 BOSTON UNIVERSITY* “A lot of people are eager to make up she’s definitely going to win a lot of games “While [a Hockey East and National 3 BOSTON COLLEGE* for the scoring differential, with the loss of for us this year,” she said of her teammate. Championship] is definitely our long term 8 @ Dartmouth Karen Thatcher,” said Deraney. “Up front But most important of all is that despite goal, right now we’ve got to keep wsork- 9 @ Harvard we have a lot more diversity. We can get a the relatively early point of the season, the ing and be careful not to get too far ahead lot of scoring in a lot of different areas.” team has already begun to gel, and the of ourselves,” she said. January Senior defenseman Gigliotti agreed players have returned to the team in Though the team is poised to strike, the 2 CORNELL with Deraney’s assessment. tremendous condition. road will not be easy. The Friars will have 6 @ Vermont* “We’re looking for the transfers to step “We’re a team of 25, and I suspect that to fight through one of the tougher sched­ 12 @ Wisconsin up. All are amazing, impact players. The all 25 are going to make contributions to ules in college hockey in 2006-07. In fact, 13 © Wisconsin freshmen are learning our systems, and all the program this year. We have leadership they play 13 games against teams ranked 20 @ Northeastern* are coming in to fill big roles. So far throughout, from freshmen to seniors, but I in the Top 10 in the country. 21 MAINE* they’ve been doing a great job in practice, think our core leadership—our captains— “I like our players. I think they’re com­ 27 NEW HAMPSHIRE* and look to be doing it for the rest of the are a terrific choice for our team. They’re peting hard and preparing themselves for a 28 NEW HAMPSHIRE* season as well,” she said. all similar, but each is unique, and I think tough schedule, both mentally and physi­ Gigliotti, a second team All-American that’s the key to successful leadership. We cally,” Deraney said. “It’s one of the February in 2005-06, was also on the receving end came back in tremendous condition,” said toughest schedules in the country, so we’ll 3 VERMONT* of some compliments from her teammates. Deraney. be battle-tested come the postseason. I’m 4 VERMONT* “[Gigliotti’s] going to be our main per­ The great shape that the players have hoping we’re galvanized. That’s my goal: 10 @ Boston University* son on defense. She’s experienced, and returned will enable them to play an That we’re galvanized.” 11 NEW HAMPSHIRE* will be looked to be a big piece both in the aggressive puck pursuit game that empha­ “We’re going to be an eager team, and 17 BOSTON COLLEGE* defensive zone and offensively,” said the sizes putting pressure on opponents. The exciting to watch this year,” said Bugden. 18 @ Boston College* senior netminder, Bugden. goal is to force turnovers and mistakes, “It’s a fun system we’re going to be run­ 24 CONNECTICUT* Deraney also emphasized the strength and then use superior offensive know-how ning this year, but our success will depend 25 @ Connecticut* of the returning group. Watrous, who will to ensure that the errors wind up in the on everyone playing hard and consistent.” serve as one of the team’s assistant cap­ back of opponents’ nets this season. But with a team featuring scoring depth March tains along with Gigliotti, is expected to be “We’re going to put pressure on teams up front and at the bluelines, outstanding 2 HOCKEY EAST Championship the focal point of the offense—and rightly for 60 minutes, both offensively and team speed, a consistent team effort, and 3 HOCKEY EAST Championship so, after posting a career high points total defensively,” Deraney said. “We’re going Bugden in the net, a national title is cer­ 4 HOCKEY EAST Championship last year with 19 goals and 21 assists to to reward our kids by letting them play fast tainly not out of reach. The team is ready HOME GAMES IN CAPS reach the 40 point plateau. She also broke and loose, and trying to force the other to put last year in the past and set the * - HOCKEY EAST Game the 100-point barrier in her career as a teams to make mistakes. We’re going to record straight. Sounds like a winning Friar. be on the offensive all the time.” combination. FRIDAY OCTOBER 13th Alumni Hall—Doors Open @ 9:15 Be Part of the Friars 2006-2007 Season Kickoff’! BE A PART OF THE MADNESS!!

Go see the Men’s Hockey Game vs. Clarkson @ 7:00 Then head up to THE MADNESS to see the band CLASSIC TRAX play in Alumni Hall from 9:30-10:00!! Enjoy Prizes, Music, Games and MUCH MORE!! **Don’t forget the post Late Night Madness event in McPhails** 4 The Cowl Winter Sports Preview October 12, 2006 Swimming counts on freshmen for splash

by Brad Chen ’08 Sports Staff Swimming & Diving Schedule 2006-07 As the weather gets colder, the Providence College Swimming and Diving October Teams are heating up the water. Most stu­ 14 ALUMNI MEET dents have already put away their 21 Loyola (Md.) swimsuits, but the swim- Fairfield (@ Fairfield) SWIMMING ming and diving teams are 25 BRYANT UNIVERSITY & DIVING eager to maximize their 27 @ Boston College* potential in the 2006-07 season. Potential is nothing without results, but both men’s and women’s teams November have the upperclass leadership to make for I @ Rhode Island .a successful season and make the under­ 8 BOSTON COLLEGE class transition a smooth one. II MONTCLAIR STATE On the women’s side, Coach Jon 14 HOLY CROSS Caswell expects big things from senior captains Annie Nemeth, Katelyn Flynn, December and Emily Corcoran. They should all 1-2 Harry Anderson Invitational qualify for the Big East Championships in (@ Rhode Island) February along with sophomore standout Blair Flynn. When Caswell was asked if January graduation hit the team hard he said, “We 14 @ Maine didn’t lose any major point scorers to grad­ 20 @ UMass-Dartmouth uation and added a lot of youth.” Julia 20 Sacred Heart (@ UMass- Pandolfo ’10 and Kerry Lamb ’10 should Dartmouth)'' add to the women’s team point total. COURTESY OF SPORTS INFO 27 @ Norwich Caswell expects to score at the Big East Senior captain Annie Nemeth looks to return to the Big East championships for a Championships this year and to “beat Holy second year in a row. Head Coach Jon Caswell hopes that more of his swimmers will February Cross, who we tied last year, and finish join Nemeth in East Meadow, N.Y., for the finals in February. with an above .500 record.” 14-17 BIG EAST Championships# Though keeping focused on their immi­ 16-18 ECAC Championships% nent opponents until then, you can bet that Friars women’s team placed fourth among “In the past we’ve always started down Nov. 14, the day the Holy Cross Crusaders the 20 scoring teams and tallied their high­ * - Men’s Team Only 32 points even before the meets began,” A - Women’s Team Only come to PC, will be marked on their est ever point total at the meet to end the McLoughlin said. “Now we are on at least schedule. season on a high note. Without East Coast level ground with everyone else and in t-@ East Meadow, N.Y. Senior Captain Annie Nemeth fully Athletic Conference Championships, the some meets we will have the advantage.” % - @ Cambridge, Mass. agrees with her coach saying that, “This is swimming and diving teams must focus on No longer having to make up ground, PC the best team I’ve been on in my four the big prize. Only Nemeth was sent to will be much more competitive. “Our last year, but we have all the confidence in years. We now have enough girls to cover Big East Championships last season. The schedule is pretty favorable, so we should the world that our freshmen can fill the all strokes and therefore every swimmer Captain also looks forward to the tri-meet improve on last years marks.” void.” McLoughlin and sophomore Ryan can focus on their strongest event.” with Fairfield and Loyola on Oct. 21. Caswell added that, “The team’s main Clark should also qualify for the There are also records, both individual “This should be a good test for us goals this season are to beat Mount Claire Championships and produce strong times. and relay, that have a good chance of being because they are equally similar,” said and finish at or above .500.” Just like the women’s team, the men broken this season. “It says a lot about our Caswell. “We will know how we stand “There is no reason we shouldn’t reach have a few meets starred, including Mount team,” she said, “since we don’t have against our competition and where we these goals because of the additions of Claire, Maine, and the Fairfield/Loyola tri- scholarships that we can compete with the need to get better. This year we need to put Matt Card, Dave Wilson, Mike Loftas, and meet which will be the first major test of best.” it all together and show we have the talent Tim Riley, and we expect them to raise our the season. Caswell is also using new motivation to to win difficult meets.” scores immediately,” Caswell said. There is no doubt that both teams have get the best efforts out of his team. On the men’s side, potential is also the While PC has added 13 well-qualified the talent to become a force in the pool this “Coach Jon is only sending those who word that surrounds the team. Last year, freshmen in total to the men’s and year. If the youth can adapt quickly, pro­ qualify to the Big East Championships, the men’s team did not have divers, but women’s teams, these four in particular are duce like they are expected, and follow which is good motivation for us, and in this year is a different story. For the first expected to have huge impacts and reach their coaching and senior leadership other practice we have seen results,” said time in four years, PC will have male the Big East Championships. schools will be gunning for them. Nemeth. The Providence College men’s divers, including highly touted P.J. McLoughlin said he hopes they can be cor­ “The future is extremely bright,” and women’s swimming and diving teams McGovern. Senior Captain Tom nerstones for this program for the next four Caswell said many times, and from the competed at the Metropolitan Collegiate McLoughlin stated the immediate impact years: tone of his voice there was no kidding1 Feb. 17-19 at Rutgers University. The that the divers will bring to their meets. “We lost two of our best swimmers from around. Both of his teams mean business. Winter Sports Preview Edition

PC sports is absolutely starving for some post-season action. Obviously the circumstances are different, but taking that into consideration, who do you think has a better shot to make the NCAA Tournament this year: The Men’s Basketball Team or the Men’s Hockey Team? —Dan Lade ’07

It is quite clear which of these teams is Coach Tim Army’s first full recruiting The Men’s Basketball Team has a over some of the big teams might be just more likely to be headed off to the NCAA class is on its way in. It includes center decent chance at finishing high enough in enough to earn a bid. tournament this year: Men’s Hockey. The John Cavanagh, his cousin (defenseman the Big East to get a March Madness Another thing that could work in the skating Friars enter the season having David), winger Chris Eppich, and bluelin­ invite. Granted, it would take a complete team’s favor is their youth. The Friars received 21 points in the USCHO Division er Mark Fayne, all of whom round out a turnaround for the Friars to receive the only lost one starter last year. Granted, it I pre-season poll. Though not nationally talented group of scoring forwards and automatic bid awarded to the Big East was Donnie McGrath, but that still leaves ranked at the moment, the Friars sit a mere puck-moving defensemen ready to con­ champion, but as past Providence teams Head Coach Tim Welsh with a lot to work four spots from the Top 20 in the entire tribute at both ends of the ice. And of have proven, that is not the only way in. with. His staff worked hard this off-season nation. However, given the high caliber of course, the team is extremely solid This team does have some work to do but and this year’s recruits look pretty good. competition in Hockey East, a few big between the pipes, with Tyler Sims return­ there are a couple of factors working in We have some size this year, with fresh­ wins here and there could easily vault the ing after an outstanding sophomore cam­ their favor. man Ray Hall at 6’ 11 ”, and the reports on Friars into the Top 15. And many, includ­ paign and new recruit Ryan Simpson wait­ First of all, the Big East may help them. Jamal Barney and Brian McKenzie have ing myself, feel that the team enters this ing in the wings. Last year, the conference was one of the been positive. Scoring Dwain Williams season grossly underrated. Ironically enough, all of the teams strongest, if not the best, in the country. late in the recruiting season should provide The team itself is stronger than ever. picked to finish ahead of Providence in the This season, however, could be a different an extra boost that could vault the Friars a Despite losing leading scorer Torry Gajda 2006-07 standings are ranked in the story. Many of last year’s marquee play­ few places up in the Big East standings. In and stalwart defenseman James Pemberton nation’s Top 15. If you believe that this ers have either graduated or left for the addition to the new kids, this year’s soph­ to graduation, a group of returnees and team can skate with, and beat, schools like NBA draft. One team that lost almost its omore class is looking to build off a posi­ new recruits is ready to carry the torch. Boston University, Vermont, Maine, and entire squad is West Virginia. Unless John tive freshman year. They have a year of The offense will be in ship-shape, with New Hampshire (as I do), then it is not a Beilein’s young team (only two seniors) Big East experience behind them and are high flying Jon Rheault and Colin stretch to see this Friaf squad earning a bid can make an immediate adjustment to the ready to pick up where they left off. McDonald, playmaker Chase Watson, and to the NCAA tournament. Under Army’s Big East, they might be back in All in all, this season should be more offensive workhorses Jamie Carroll and continued leadership, it will continue to Morgantown come March. The Friars’ positive than 2006. The Big East as a Tony Zancanaro, lighting the lamps and play aggressive, puck-pursuit hockey, and hopes will be helped by DePaul, St. whole is looking more ambiguous than it filling the nets. Add in a talented defense emphasize offensive skill and creativity. John’s, and South Florida, who only won was last year and Welsh did homework this corps that includes offensive-minded Cody They will be fast, they will be hungry, and one conference game last year. If spring. If the team stays healthy and Wild (last year’s runner-up for Hockey by the end of the season, as everyone will Louisville and Notre Dame do not show scores enough to fill the void left by East Rookie of the Year) and defensive realize, they will be pretty darn good— improvement from 2006, PC could find McGrath, the tournament is within reach. standout Dinos Stamoulis, and there is rea­ good enough to make NCAAs. itself on the bubble. And since no season son to hope in Friartown. Plus, Head —Drew Goucher ’08 is without surprises, a few key victories —Erin Redihan ’08 October 12, 2006 Winter Sports Preview The Cowl Young Friars hope to stand tall in Big East by Erin Redihan ’08 Women’s Basketball Asst. Sports Editor Schedule 2006-07 The more things change, the more they stay the same. Last year at this time, the November Providence College women’s basketball 10 @ Manhattan program was at a crossroads. A new 12 BROWN coach, Phil Seymore, 15 ST. PETER'S was about to begin his 18 NORTHEASTERN WOMEN’S 21 BASKETBALL first season in charge ST. FRANCIS (N.Y.) of the women’s team 24 @ North Carolina A & T 25 UNC Greensboro Tournament# after five years as an assistant under men’s 28 head coach Tim Welch. The team that @ New Hampshire Seymore was about to take over had also December reached a turning point. 1 @ Sacred Heart After several consecutive disappointing 5 SETON HALL* seasons, including many which ended with 10 FORDHAM winless conference records, several key 22 RHODE ISLAND players had either graduated or transferred, 29 @Yale leaving the team with just three seniors and 31 HARVARD two juniors—and a whole lot of questions. With the majority of the team comprised January of freshmen and sophomores, the team was 3 LOUISVILLE* not bursting with experience. But what 6 © Syracuse* this group lacked in maturity, they made 13 CONNECTICUT* (Dunkin up for in talent. Donuts Center) Under Seymore’s guidance combined 17 @ Louisville* with the leadership provided by seniors 20 MARQUETTE* Allie Gard and Gayle Nwafili, the Friars 23 @ Seton Hall* surprised a lot of people. Not only did 27 @ DePaul* they win their first Big East games since February 2003 but the team finished the February year 8-19 with three conference wins, a far 3 PITTSBURGH* cry from the previous campaign which saw 6 @ Cincincati* them end 2004-05 1-27 in the last year of 10 @ St. Johns* former head coach Susan Yow’s tenure. COURTESY OF SPORTS 13 SOUTH FLORIDA* The Friars of 2005-06 came within one 17 NOTRE DAME* Sophomore Chelsea Marandola looks to build on her personal success from last sea­ game of making the Big East Tournament, 20 @ Rutgers* son to help her young team reach the Big East Tournament at Madison Square 24 GEORGETOWN* finishing in a tie for 13th in a league where Garden in March. the top 12 teams compete for the confer­ 26 @ Villanova* ence title. The team benefited from a Danielle Howard, Savannah Price, and grow into her position.” strong freshman class, anchored by the March 6’6” newcomer Aga Lorenc, who is from Brittany Dorsey (Detroit, Mich.) and 7-10 BIG EAST Championship leading scorer in Rhode Island basketball Poland by way of Miles Community Kendria Holmes (Charlotte, N.C.) are also history: Johnston, R.I. native Chelsea College. Like the seniors, these three will expected to add depth to the Friar squad. Marandola, along with Shantee Darrian, a be expected to take on a leading role for Holmes “had a lot of savvy on the court,” HOME GAMES IN CAPS solid forward from Trenton, N.J. their young teammates. said Seymore. “She’s a good ball handler, * - BIG EAST CONFERENCE GAME So even though this team was young, “Aga’s a good athlete who runs the floor which we lacked last year.” #-In Greensboro, N.C. that worked in Seymore’s favor, a fact he well.,” Seymore said. “She’s solid on The sixth freshman, Georgien Williams emphasized all season. offense and we expect her to be a good (Bronx, N.Y.) has a stress fracture and has much work to be done. When a team “The number one thing about last year defender in the post. She brings good size not been able to practice. According to brings in six new players, five of whom are was that it was a new beginning,” said and length.” Seymore, Williams could be red shirted for freshmen with no experience on the col­ Marandola. “We had to erase the past and Another question facing the team is: the 2006-07 season. lege level, there is sure to be somewhat of build on our own foundation.” Can the sophomores match their encourag­ While the freshmen make the crucial a learning curve ahead for the young That foundation turned out to be fairly ing rookie performance? The Class of transition from high school ball to the Big Friars. solid, as was the season as a whole. But 2009 is led by the Friars’ leading scorer East, their veteran teammates have plenty “We have to make sure to stick with the even though the team answered many of its from a year ago. Marandola finished with of experience to work with. Last year’s basics,” said Seymore. “We can’t try too critics, the questions remain for Seymore’s 337 points and 141 rebounds, totals that results were a pleasant surprise, but the much. It’s easy to get carried away with sophomore campaign. This time, the were good enough to earn the guard a spot team knows their struggles are far from running too many plays.” After being inquiries are less threatening, and the on the Big East All-Freshmen Team. She over. short on eligible players last year, having answers are more optimistic. was 18th in Big East scoring, a feat she is “Last year could have been better,” said a full roster gives the Friars of 2006-07 an The team is still young, but they come bound to eclipse now that she has had a Darrian. “We have to try the same as last immediate advantage over last year’s into this year without the* pessimism that taste of the Big East. year and step it up to become the leaders.” squad. But Seymore is emphatic about the has shrouded past Friar squads. After “I just want to work hard and help my Marandola agreed with this assessment of importance of molding the group into a going on a five-game winning streak last team move up,” Marandola said. “I don’t their rookie season. true team. year and clawing out wins in three of their really have any personal goals, just to help “There were some games we definitely “If we want to get to the (Big East) league matchups, the Friars have proven my team win as many games as we can.” could have pulled off,” she said. “We only Tournament and have success, we have to that they can succeed in the demanding Marandola’s coach has high hopes for lost some by two or three points.” be more of a team and instill the funda­ Big East. the young star as well. One game that sticks out is a heart mentals,” said Seymore. “We have to take “The most important thing, what we’re “She had a very good year last year and breaking one-point overtime loss to care of every game and it’s important to focusing on, is to be a team this year,” should improve because she is still Syracuse back on Jan. 28, a game that the take them one at a time, move one day at a Seymore said. “Because we’re young and young,” said Seymore. “She has a great Friars seemed to have within reach but lost time.” we’re divided between new and old play­ work ethic, and I expect her to have a bet­ in the final seconds, 77-76. The Big East One year into Seymore’s tenure finds ers, we have to work hard and practice as a ter year. I want to see her become a better is sure to be a competitive league again his team as a work in progress. It has team. We have to get acclimated to have leader, more vocal on the court.” this season and if the team wants to make proven it can survive in a cutthroat confer­ success.” Marandola should have plenty of sup­ the tournament, they will have to find ence, but there remains much to be done. As is the case with any good team, solid port from teammates like Darrian, who ways to win close contests like this one. As was the case a year ago, the Friars are a leadership is important. Now that Gard was second in rebounds om the team last “We all have to hustle,” said Marandola. young team and an adjustment period is all and Nwafili are gone, one of the questions season only to Nwafili. “We have to work hard all season long. but imminent for a group that includes so going into this season is: Who will step up “I want to stay healthy and work hard,” Nothing comes easy here and we have to many freshmen. Contrary to 2005, howev­ and guide the Friars? The three seniors, said Daman. “And I’m going to push my step it up because we’re so young.” er, the 2006 Friars has a solid example to Kristina Baugh, Jennifer Cannada, and team to do the same.” At other times, the team showed it could build on and improve as they learn to work Shauna Snyder, are making the most of Guard Catherine Bove and'forward play with the best, as was the case when together. They will also be aided by the their roles so far, according to Darrian. Ashley Etheridge round out the talented Providence hosted West Virginia in fact that they have four sophomores who “They’re really showing more leader­ sophomore class. While they did not play February and scratched out a 57-55 victo­ had ample opportunity to get their feet wet ship,” she said. “They’re working hard as much as Marandola and Darrian, both of ry over the Mountaineers, a team that went last year. Seymore will look to all return­ and making sure we do the same.” these players made sure they were not lost on to play Connecticut in the Big East ing players to help orient those new to the Baugh and Snyder are both coming off in the crowd. Bove led the Friars in scor­ Championship Finals. The Friars followed team. great seasons in their first year under ing in three games last year while up this win with another close victory over As the season unfolds and the Friars Seymore. Snyder led the team in scoring Etheridge was solid off the bench, con­ Seton Hall less than a week later. answer the numerous questions and chal­ in nine games, to finish the year with 280 tributing 100 points for the season. “That game showed we can beat any­ lenges they are sure to face, one thing is points, third on the team behind only And what about the freshmen? As is one,” Darrian said regarding the game ver­ sure: This team will keep fighting to reach Nwafili and Marandola. Baugh played in the case nearly every year, the biggest sus the Mountaineers. “We played a whole its target. all but one of the Friars’ contests, averag­ questions surround the unknown. The new game and we worked hard.” The hard From the first tipoff on Nov. 10, this ing 3.8 points per game to go along with Class of 2010 includes some of the tallest work put in by the entire team is what led year’s team is focused on its ultimate goal: 44 assists. Cannada provided support off players in PC hoops history. Seymore is to their dramatic turnaround from the year the Big East Tournament. the bench throughout her tenure at very optimistic about the new additions to before and it is what the Friars must con­ “We’ve started to turn things around,” Providence. his squad. tinue to do, if they want to keep turning said Marandola. “We will make the tour­ “I expect the seniors to be leaders,” said The Friars welcome five incoming heads in the Big East, a challenge they are nament.” Seymore. “They have good experience freshmen, including 6’5” center Jessica meeting head-on. With some teambuilding over the next with our team work ethic, so they can help Clark from Bronx, N.Y. and 6’4” forward *“We’re excited to play every game few weeks and a positive attitude like the young players grow and learn our sys­ Emily Coumoyer from North Attleboro, because every team is so different,” said Marandola’s, this year’s team will be ready tem on and off the court. The quicker we Mass. Marandola. “The Big East is great.” to build off last year’s progress and suc­ develop as a team, the better our team will “She has a great work ethic,” said So even though things are considerably ceed in the Big East by the time its season be. It’s their job to help out with this.” Seymore of Coumoyer. “She’s a good brighter than they seemed .last season, begins. This vear’s junior class is comnrised of there are still Questions to be answered and 4 The Cowl Winter Sports Preview October 12, 2006 Swimming counts on freshmen for splash

by Brad Chen ’08 Sports Staff Swimming & Diving Schedule 2006-07 As the weather gets colder, the Providence College Swimming and Diving October Teams are heating up the water. Most stu­ 14 ALUMNI MEET dents have already put away their 21 Loyola (Md.) ; swimsuits, but the swim- Fairfield (@ Fairfield) SWIMMING ming and diving teams are 25 BRYANT UNIVERSITY & DIVING eager to maximize their 27 @ Boston College* I potential in the 2006-07 season. Potential is nothing without November results, but both men’s and women’s teams I @ Rhode Island have the upperclass leadership to make for 8 BOSTON COLLEGE a successful season and make the under­ II MONTCLAIR STATE class transition a smooth one. 14 HOLY CROSS On the women’s side, Coach Jon Caswell expects big things from senior captains Annie Nemeth, Katelyn Flynn, December and Emily Corcoran. They should all 1-2 Harry Anderson Invitational qualify for the Big East Championships in (@ Rhode Island) February along with sophomore standout Blair Flynn. When Caswell was asked if January graduation hit the team hard he said, “We 14 @ Maine didn’t lose any major point scorers to grad­ 20 @ UMass-Dartmouth uation and added a lot of youth.” Julia 20 Sacred Heart (@ UMass- Pandolfo ’10 and Kerry Lamb ’10 should Dartmouth)7' add to the women’s team point total. COURTESY OF SPORTS INFO 27 @ Norwich Caswell expects to score at the Big East Senior captain Annie Nemeth looks to return to the Big East championships for a Championships this year and to “beat Holy second year in a row. Head Coach Jon Caswell hopes that more of his swimmers will February Cross, who we tied last year, and finish join Nemeth in East Meadow, N.Y., for the finals in February. 14-17 BIG EAST Championships# with an above .500 record.” 16-18 ECAC Championships% Though keeping focused on their immi­ nent opponents until then, you can bet that Friars women’s team placed fourth among “In the past we’ve always started down *- Men’s Team Only Nov. 14, the day the Holy Cross Crusaders the 20 scoring teams and tallied their high­ 32 points even before the meets began,” come to PC, will be marked on their A - Women’s Team Only est ever point total at the meet to end the McLoughlin said. “Now we are on at least # - @ East Meadow, N.Y. schedule. season on a high note. Without East Coast level ground with everyone else and in % - @ Cambridge, Mass. Senior Captain Annie Nemeth fully Athletic Conference Championships, the some meets we will have the advantage.” agrees with her coach saying that, “This is swimming and diving teams must focus on No longer having to make up ground, PC the best team I’ve been on in my four the big prize. Only Nemeth was sent to will be much more competitive. “Our last year, but we have all the confidence in years. We now have enough girls to cover Big East Championships last season. The schedule is pretty favorable, so we should the world that our freshmen can fill the all strokes and therefore every swimmer Captain also looks forward to the tri-meet improve on last years marks.” void.” McLoughlin and sophomore Ryan can focus on their strongest event.” with Fairfield and Loyola on Oct. 21. Caswell added that, “The team’s main Clark should also qualify for the There are also records, both individual “This should be a good test for us goals this season are to beat Mount Claire Championships and produce strong times. and relay, that have a good chance of being because they are equally similar,” said and finish at or above .500.” Just like the women’s team, the men broken this season. “It says a lot about our Caswell. “We will know how we stand “There is no reason we shouldn’t reach have a few meets starred, including Mount team,” she said, “since we don’t have against our competition and where we these goals because of the additions of Claire, Maine, and the Fairfield/Loyola tri- scholarships that we can compete with the need to get better. This year we need to put Matt Card, Dave Wilson, Mike Loftas, and meet which will be the first major test of best.” it all together and show we have the talent Tim Riley, and we expect them to raise our the season. Caswell is also using new motivation to to win difficult meets.” scores immediately,” Caswell said. There is no doubt that both teams have get the best efforts out of his team. On the men’s side, potential is also the While PC has added 13 well-qualified the talent to become a force in the pool this “Coach Jon is only sending those who word that surrounds the team. Last year, freshmen in total to the men’s and year. If the youth can adapt quickly, pro­ qualify to the Big East Championships, the men’s team did not have divers, but women’s teams, these four in particular are duce like they are expected, and follow which is good motivation for us, and in this year is a different story. For the first expected to have huge impacts and reach their coaching and senior leadership other practice we have seen results,” said time in four years, PC will have male the Big East Championships. schools will be gunning for them. Nemeth. The Providence College men’s divers, including highly touted P.J. McLoughlin said he hopes they can be cor­ “The future is extremely bright,” and women’s swimming and diving teams McGovern. Senior Captain Tom nerstones for this program for the next four Caswell said many times, and from the competed at the Metropolitan Collegiate McLoughlin stated the immediate impact years: tone of his voice there was no kidding' Feb. 17-19 at Rutgers University. The that the divers will bring to their meets. “We lost two of our best swimmers from around. Both of his teams mean business. Winter Sports Preview Edition

PC sports is absolutely starving for some post-season action. Obviously the circumstances are different, but taking that into consideration, who do you think has a better shot to make the NCAA Tournament this year: The Men’s Basketball Team or the Men’s Hockey Team? —Dan Lade ’07

It is quite clear which of these teams is Coach Tim Army’s first full recruiting The Men’s Basketball Team has a over some of the big teams might be just more likely to be headed off to the NCAA class is on its way in. It includes center decent chance at finishing high enough in enough to earn a bid. tournament this year: Men’s Hockey. The John Cavanagh, his cousin (defenseman the Big East to get a March Madness Another thing that could work in the skating Friars enter the season having David), winger Chris Eppich, and bluelin­ invite. Granted, it would take a complete team’s favor is their youth. The Friars received 21 points in the USCHO Division er Mark Fayne, all of whom round out a turnaround for the Friars to receive the only lost one starter last year. Granted, it I pre-season poll. Though not nationally talented group of scoring forwards and automatic bid awarded to the Big East was Donnie McGrath, but that still leaves ranked at the moment, the Friars sit a mere puck-moving defensemen ready to con­ champion, but as past Providence teams Head Coach Tim Welsh with a lot to work four spots from the Top 20 in the entire tribute at both ends of the ice. And of have proven, that is not the only way in. with. His staff worked hard this off-season nation. However, given the high caliber of course, the team is extremely solid This team does have some work to do but and this year’s recruits look pretty good. competition in Hockey East, a few big between the pipes, with Tyler Sims return­ there are a couple of factors working in We have some size this year, with fresh­ wins here and there could easily vault the ing after an outstanding sophomore cam­ their favor. man Ray Hall at 6’ 11 ”, and the reports on Friars into the Top 15. And many, includ­ paign and new recruit Ryan Simpson wait­ First of all, the Big East may help them. Jamal Barney and Brian McKenzie have ing myself, feel that the team enters this ing in the wings. Last year, the conference was one of the been positive. Scoring Dwain Williams season grossly underrated. Ironically enough, all of the teams strongest, if not the best, in the country. late in the recruiting season should provide The team itself is stronger than ever. picked to finish ahead of Providence in the This season, however, could be a different an extra boost that could vault the Friars a Despite losing leading scorer Torry Gajda 2006-07 standings are ranked in the story. Many of last year’s marquee play­ few places up in the Big East standings. In and stalwart defenseman James Pemberton nation’s Top 15. If you believe that this ers have either graduated or left for the addition to the new kids, this year’s soph­ to graduation, a group of returnees and team can skate with, and beat, schools like NBA draft. One team that lost almost its omore class is looking to build off a posi­ new recruits is ready to carry the torch. Boston University, Vermont, Maine, and entire squad is West Virginia. Unless John tive freshman year. They have a year of The offense will be in ship-shape, with New Hampshire (as I do), then it is not a Beilein’s young team (only two seniors) Big East experience behind them and are high flying Jon Rheault and Colin stretch to see this Friar squad earning a bid can make an immediate adjustment to the ready to pick up where they left off. McDonald, playmaker Chase Watson, and to the NCAA tournament. Under Army’s Big East, they might be back in All in all, this season should be more offensive workhorses Jamie Carroll and continued leadership, it will continue to Morgantown come March. The Friars’ positive than 2006. The Big East as a Tony Zancanaro, lighting the lamps and play aggressive, puck-pursuit hockey, and hopes will be helped by DePaul,. St. whole is looking more ambiguous than it filling the nets. Add in a talented defense emphasize offensive skill and creativity. John’s, and South Florida, who only won was last year and Welsh did homework this corps that includes offensive-minded Cody They will be fast, they will be hungry, and one conference game last year. If spring. If the team stays healthy and Wild (last year’s runner-up for Hockey by the end of the season, as everyone will Louisville and Notre Dame do not show scores enough to fill the void left by East Rookie of the Year) and defensive realize, they will be pretty darn good— improvement from 2006, PC could find McGrath, the tournament is within reach. standout Dinos Stamoulis, and there is rea­ good enough to make NCAAs. itself on the bubble. And since no season son to hope in Friartown. Plus, Head —Drew Goucher ’08 is without surprises, a few key victories —Erin Redihan ’08 October 12, 2006 Winter Sports Preview The Cowl 5 Young Friars hope to stand tall in Big East

by Erin Redihan ’08 Women’s Basketball Asst. Sports Editor Schedule 2006-07 The more things change, the more they November stay the same. Last year at this time, the 10 @ Manhattan Providence College women’s basketball 12 BROWN program was at a crossroads. A new 15 ST. PETER'S coach, Phil Seymore, 18 NORTHEASTERN WOMEN’S was about to begin his 21 ST. FRANCIS (N.Y.) BASKETBALL first season in charge 24 @ North Carolina A & T of the women’s team 25 UNC Greensboro Tournament# after five years as an assistant under men’s 28 @ New Hampshire head coach Tim Welch. The team that Seymore was about to take over had also December reached a turning point. 1 @ Sacred Heart After several consecutive disappointing 5 SETON HALL* seasons, including many which ended with 10 FORDHAM winless conference records, several key 22 RHODE ISLAND players had either graduated or transferred, 29 @Yale leaving the team with just three seniors and 31 HARVARD two juniors—and a whole lot of questions. With the majority of the team comprised January of freshmen and sophomores, the team was 3 LOUISVILLE* not bursting with experience. But what 6 @ Syracuse* this group lacked in maturity, they made 13 CONNECTICUT* (Dunkin up for in talent. Donuts Center) Under Seymore’s guidance combined 17 @ Louisville* with the leadership provided by seniors 20 MARQUETTE* Allie Gard and Gayle Nwafili, the Friars 23 @ Seton Hall* surprised a lot of people. Not only did 27 @ DePaul* they win their first Big East games since February 2003 but the team finished the February year 8-19 with three conference wins, a far 3 PITTSBURGH* cry from the previous campaign which saw 6 @ Cincincati* them end 2004-05 1-27 in the last year of 10 @ St. Johns* former head coach Susan Yow’s tenure. 13 SOUTH FLORIDA* COURTESY OF SPORTS 17 NOTRE DAME* The Friars of 2005-06 came within one Sophomore Chelsea Marandola looks to build on her personal success from last sea­ 20 @ Rutgers* game of making the Big East Tournament, son to help her young team reach the Big East Tourrnament at Madison Square 24 GEORGETOWN* finishing in a tie for 13th in a league where Garden in March. 26 @ Villanova* the top 12 teams compete for the confer­ ence title. The team benefited from a Danielle Howard, Savannah Price, and grow into her position.” March strong freshman class, anchored by the 6’6” newcomer Aga Lorenc, who is from Brittany Dorsey (Detroit, Mich.) and 7-10 BIG EAST Championship leading scorer in Rhode Island basketball Poland by way of Miles Community Kendria Holmes (Charlotte, N.C.) are also history: Johnston, R.I. native Chelsea College. Like the seniors, these three will expected to add depth to the Friar squad. Marandola, along with Shantee Darrian, a be expected to take on a leading role for Holmes “had a lot of savvy on the court,” HOME GAMES IN CAPS solid forward from Trenton, N.J. their young teammates. said Seymore. “She’s a good ball handler, * - BIG EAST CONFERENCE GAME So even though this team was young, “Aga’s a good athlete who runs the floor which we lacked last year.” #-In Greensboro, N.C. that worked in Seymore’s favor, a fact he well.,” Seymore said. “She’s solid on The sixth freshman, Georgien Williams emphasized all season. offense and we expect her to be a good (Bronx, N.Y.) has a stress fracture and has much work to be done. When a team “The number one thing about last year defender in the post. She brings good size not been able to practice. According to brings in six new players, five of whom are was that it was a new beginning,” said and length.” Seymore, Williams could be red shirted for freshmen with no experience on the col­ Marandola. “We had to erase the past and Another question facing the team is: the 2006-07 season. lege level, there is sure to be somewhat of build on our own foundation.” Can the sophomores match their encourag­ While the freshmen make the crucial a learning curve ahead for the young That foundation turned out to be fairly ing rookie performance? The Class of transition from high school ball to the Big Friars. solid, as was the season as a whole. But 2009 is led by the Friars’ leading scorer East, their veteran teammates have plenty “We have to make sure to stick with the even though the team answered many of its from a year ago. Marandola finished with of experience to work with. Last year’s basics,” said Seymore. “We can’t try too critics, the questions remain for Seymore’s 337 points and 141 rebounds, totals that results were a pleasant surprise, but the much. It’s easy to get carried away with sophomore campaign. This time, the were good enough to earn the guard a spot team knows their struggles are far from running too many plays.” After being inquiries are less threatening, and the on the Big East All-Freshmen Team. She over. short on eligible players last year, having answers are more optimistic. was 18th in Big East scoring, a feat she is “Last year could have been better,” said a full roster gives the Friars of 2006-07 an The team is still young, but they come bound to eclipse now that she has had a Darrian. “We have to try the same as last immediate advantage over last year’s into this year without the pessimism that taste of the Big East. year and step it up to become the leaders.” squad. But Seymore is emphatic about the has shrouded past Friar squads. After “I just want to work hard and help my Marandola agreed with this assessment of importance of molding the group into a going on a five-game winning streak last team move up,” Marandola said. “I don’t their rookie season. true team. year and clawing out wins in three of then- really have any personal goals, just to help “There were some games we definitely “If we want to get to the (Big East) league matchups, the Friars have proven my team win as many games as we can.” could have pulled off,” she said. “We only Tournament and have success, we have to that they can succeed in the demanding Marandola’s coach has high hopes for lost some by two or three points.” be more of a team and instill the funda­ Big East. the young star as well. One game that sticks out is a heart­ mentals,” said Seymore. “We have to take “The most important thing, what we’re “She had a very good year last year and breaking one-point overtime loss to care of every game and it’s important to focusing on, is to be a team this year,” should improve because she is still Syracuse back on Jan. 28, a game that the take them one at a time, move one day at a Seymore said. “Because we’re young and young,” said Seymore. “She has a great Friars seemed to have within reach but lost time.” we’re divided between new and old play­ work ethic, and I expect her to have a bet­ in the final seconds, 77-76. The Big East One year into Seymore’s tenure finds ers, we have to work hard and practice as a ter year. I want to see her become a better is sure to be a competitive league again his team as a work in progress. It has team. We have to get acclimated to have leader, more vocal on the court.” this season and if the team wants to make proven it can survive in a cutthroat confer­ success.” Marandola should have plenty of sup­ the tournament, they will have to find ence, but there remains much to be done. As is the case with any good team, solid port from teammates like Darrian, who ways to win close contests like this one. As was the case a year ago, the Friars are a leadership is important. Now that Gard was second in rebounds om the team last “We all have to hustle,” said Marandola. young team and an adjustment period is all and Nwafili are gone, one of the questions season only to Nwafili. “We have to work hard all season long. but imminent for a group that includes so going into this season is: Who will step up “I want to stay healthy and work hard,” Nothing comes easy here and we have to many freshmen. Contrary to 2005, howev­ and guide the Friars? The three seniors, said Daman. “And I’m going to push my step it up because we’re so young.” er, the 2006 Friars has a solid example to Kristina Baugh, Jennifer Cannada, and team to do the same.” At other times, the team showed it could build on and improve as they learn to work Shauna Snyder, are making the most of Guard Catherine Bove and forward play with the best, as was the case when together. They will also be aided by the their roles so far, according to Darrian. Ashley Etheridge round out the talented Providence hosted West Virginia in fact that they have four sophomores who “They’re really showing more leader­ sophomore class. While they did not play February and scratched out a 57-55 victo­ had ample opportunity to get their feet wet ship,” she said. “They’re working hard as much as Marandola and Darrian, both of ry over the Mountaineers, a team that went last year. Seymore will look to all return­ and making sure we do the same.” these players made sure they were not lost on to play Connecticut in the Big East ing players to help orient those new to the Baugh and Snyder are both coming off in the crowd. Bove led the Friars in scor­ Championship Finals. The Friars followed team. great seasons in their first year under ing in three games last year while up this win with another close victory over As the season unfolds and the Friars Seymore. Snyder led the team in scoring Etheridge was solid off the bench, con­ Seton Hall less than a week later. answer the numerous questions and chal­ in nine games, to finish the year with 280 tributing 100 points for the season. “That game showed we can beat any­ lenges they are sure to face, one thing is points, third on the team behind only And what about the freshmen? As is one,” Darrian said regarding the game ver­ sure: This team will keep fighting to reach Nwafili and Marandola. Baugh played in the case nearly every year, the biggest sus the Mountaineers. “We played a whole its target. all but one of the Friars’ contests, averag­ questions surround the unknown. The new game and we worked hard.” The hard From the first tipoff on Nov. 10, this ing 3.8 points per game to go along with Class of 2010 includes some of the tallest work put in by the entire team is what led year’s team is focused on its ultimate goal: 44 assists. Cannada provided support off players in PC hoops history. Seymore is to their dramatic turnaround from the year the Big East Tournament. the bench throughout her tenure at very optimistic about the new additions to before and it is what the Friars must con­ “We’ve started to turn things around,” Providence. his squad. tinue to do, if they want to keep turning said Marandola. “We will make the tour­ “I expect the seniors to be leaders,” said The Friars welcome five incoming heads in the Big East, a challenge they are nament.” Seymore. “They have good experience freshmen, including 6’5” center Jessica meeting head-on. With some teambuilding over the next with our team work ethic, so they can help Clark from Bronx, N.Y. and 6’4” forward •“We’re excited to play every game few weeks and a positive attitude like the young players grow and learn our sys­ Emily Coumoyer from North Attleboro, because every team is so different,” said Marandola’s, this year’s team will be ready tem on and off the court. The quicker we Mass. Marandola. “The Big East is great.” to build off last year’s progress and suc­ develop as a team, the better our team will “She has a great work ethic,” said So even though things are considerably ceed in the Big East by the time its season be. It’s their job to help out with this.” Seymore of Coumoyer. “She’s a good brighter than they seemed .last season, begins. This year’s junior class is comprised of passer and a solid rebounder. She will there are still questions to be answered and 6 The Cowl Winter Sports Preview October 12,2006 Hope Springs Eternal... With the sophomore class leading the way, PC looks to return to the glory days

by Kevin O’Brien ’07 Sports Editor

To understand how important Sharaud Curry, Weyinmi Efejuku, Jonathan Kale, and Geoff McDermott are to the Providence College Men’s Basketball Team, you only need to look back to March 2005. FEATURE Even with a First Team All- American in Ryan Gomes, the Friars couldn’t muster an NIT bid, going 4-12 in the Big East and looking like a team with little sense of direction. It’s a bit premature to suggest that there’s been a complete transformation since then—this isn’t, after all, a team that will be challenging for a Big East title this year—but there has, at the very least, been a change in outlook. These Friars have a future, a sense of direction, a purpose. And a lot of the credit for that belongs to these four sophomores. After getting a chance to sit down with them last week, I came away with one unmistakable conclusion: The faith that PC fans have in this quartet is not mis­ Photos by MARY PELLETIER '09/The Cowl placed. This is a good group of guys, all early!” committed to bringing Providence hoops Efejuku also has the most jaw-dropping back to “the glory days,” as Kale says. athleticism out of the bunch, and his class But even more basic than that, they’re mates acknowledge that. four friends who have an interesting “I’d say he has Dwayne Wade-type ath­ dynamic all their own. They finish each letic ability,” Curry says, and he’s not one other’s sentences, poke fun at each other, given to exaggeration. “He’s starting to and defer to one another when asked ques­ shoot the ball well now, so once he gets tions depending on the topic. that part of his game down pat, I can see I ask them to go around and draw a him being more like a Ben Gordon-type.” comparison between each of their team However, certainly the scariest NBA mates and an NBA player who their game comparison out of the group is the one most resembles, and the responses are given to the 6-foot-7 McDermott. telling. Curry’s teammates compare him “I like the Ron Artest comparisons,” to some of the great point guards in the Curry says. “Just a dirty defensive player, NBA, so it’s clear they have a lot of gets rebounds, just (does) anything for his respect for the 5-foot-10 guard’s ability. team.” “I’d say Sharaud is like Jameer Nelson While you shouldn’t expect to see the in college,” Efejuku says. “He plays former high school quarterback jumping defense, leads his team.” into the stands to start a fight anytime “There’s not one thing he doesn’t do soon, what you can expect is the same type well—you know what I mean?” Kale of effort as the NBA’s bad boy du jour. offers. “He scores overall and he can pass McDermott is the talker, the kid who gets . . . and Sharaud locks up (defensively). in everyone’s face on the court and does Maybe like Chris Paul, cause Chris Paul, I anything and everything to help his team don’t think, really has a weakness.” win. A stress fracture limited him offen­ It's clear that Curry’s the floor general, sively last year, and his teammates are and his personality reflects that. He’s the quick to remind the talkative McDermott The sophomore basketball players, from left to right: Geoff McDermott, Sharaud first to show up at everything, and he about last year’s struggles on that end of Curry, Weyinmi Efejuku, and Jonathan Kale. seems the most serious and intense out of the court. things move forward. McDermott sums up how they think the bunch. When I ask them how the sum­ “Geoffrey ... it depends on the day “I’m in better shape, and I worked on about freshman year. mer went, the other guys kind of shrug with Geoffrey,” Efejuku says, smirking. my shooting from the foul-line area, the “The high points: Every time we won. their shoulders and say things like “Good,” “Some days he’s Carmelo; the next day it’s high post area,” Kale says. “I just feel like The low points: Every time we lost. That’s while Curry immediately offers the follow­ Ron Artest; but he’s closer to Ron Artest. I’m more of a forward instead of a center.” the only thing that really matters in college ing: “We worked hard in the weight room, He’s great on defense,” he says, then paus­ While some of his teammates compared basketball,” he said. we all got stronger and got better—that’s es and shoots a glance over at McDermott. him to Elton Brand, Curry had a much It’s clear that they’ve learned a lot from what the summer’s for.” “Can’t really shoot it. ..” he mumbles, as more old school comparison for Kale. their extensive playing time freshman year. the others chuckle. “I like Karl Malone,” Curry said. “I like Curry posted averages of 11.9 points, 3.5 “(He’s) like a Ben Wallace, last year’s that kind of comparison because Karl assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game en route I think we all kind of carry Ben Wallace,” Kale says. “Gets like 6 Malone would step back and hit the to Big East All-Rookie Team honors, and chips on our shoulders. We all points, but like 20 rebounds ... 3 charges jumper; he was not really a high flyer, but McDermott joined him on that squad with know that we need to get it ... 5 blocks. . . 2 steals. . . and an assist.” he was smart, he could rebound, he played a box score-stuffing line of 8.9 points, 9.0 done, and we all know that we Kale pauses for emphasis between each good D, he was tough.” rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals per one, as the other three laugh. “And some As different as they are—a fact that is game. Efejuku and Kale showed potential can. Freshman year’s over and deflections . . . and an air-balled free certainly reflected in their interactions— in flashes—the former started for much of we’re veterans now, even throw,” he adds, as Curry and Efejuku roar the sophomores do have a lot in common. the year and turned in a 19-point and 5- though we’re just sophomores. with laughter. First and foremost is that they were, like steal performance against Louisville, while Sophomore forward Kale is the local kid, the one who most PC recruits, overlooked by many of the latter posted 15 points and 12 boards in Jonathan Kale attended St. Andrew’s in Barrington, R.I., the scouting services (though those are a win over San Diego State. and signed with the Friars before his class­ notoriously inaccurate), as well as a lot of Given that experience, they know that mates. He and McDermott are going at it schools in their immediate areas. Efejuku expectations are raised for the coming sea­ When asked what they each improved throughout the interview, each trying to get felt stilted by St. John’s; Curry, despite son. When asked what they hope to on most in the summer, both Curry and the last word in. Take this little tidbit: being from Georgia, the heart of ACC and achieve this year, there’s no hesitation. Efejuku say the same thing: A better Me: Who talks the most? SEC country, was overlooked by nearly all “NCAA tournament,” says Efejuku. understanding for the game. While few Kale: [without hesitation] Geoff. of those schools; Kale never got a look “At least,” McDermott adds. would complain about the heady Curry’s Sharaud:Jon. from Boston College; and most schools Finally, I asked them to look down the court sense, that was often brought up as a McDermott: Well, on the court or off figured McDermott for a football player line and finish this sentence: It will be a knock on Efejuku throughout his freshman the court? until late in the recruiting game. failure if by the time we graduate, we don’t year. Me: Answer them both, one on and one That will remind many of the Ryan But not to worry, says the 6’5” guard off. Gomes story, and while that’s a compari­ “Make it to the Final Four,” Curry says. from New York City. “I watched a lot of McDermott: On the court Jon. Off the son made almost ad nauseam by Friar fans “Win a Big East Championship,” Kale tape and I think I understand the game bet­ court . . . [pause] depends how Jon played nowadays, it certainly still serves as inspi­ says. ter,” Efejuku says. He’s a little more soft- . . . [Curry and Efejuku laugh] ration for these kids. But it was McDermott who got a little spoken than the others—and he’s the Jon: Who’s been talking the most this “I think we’re all inspired, but 1 think we more philosophical. good-looking kid who Head Coach Tim whole interview? [points at Geoff] There all kind of carry chips on our shoulders,” “If something happens and we’re not all Welsh has teased in front of the media for you go. Kale says. “We all know that we need to friends,” he said. “I don’t know, not being his forays into the world of modeling. McDermott: Well I played well, so . . get it done, and we all know that we can. able to talk to them after college is over.” When I ask the four which order every­ Freshman year’s over, and we’re veterans Kale, looking pensive, agreed. one shows up to practice in, neither Kale From what his teammates say, you get now, even though we’re just sophomores.” “Losing the bond, yeah.” Then, realiz­ nor McDermott hesitate. the sense that there’s a lot more to Jon’s “We all carry chips, but it’s not an ego ing things may have gotten a little sensi­ “Earliest is Sharaud, Weyinmi’s the lat­ game than we saw last year. He posted thing,” he continued. “We’re here now, tive: “But winning the Big East, too.” est,” they both say with a smile. modest numbers in his freshman year—2.5 and we’re all happy we’re here. We just “Yeah, winning some kind of a cham­ “I’m always on time,” Efejuku shoots points and 2.7 rebounds per game—but he want to win and bring Providence back to pionship,” McDermott agreed. back. Then, looking at me: “They’re just has confidence in his ability to improve as the good days, to the glory days.” Keep the faith, Friar fans, because this October 12, 2006 Winter Sports Preview The Cowl 7 PC looks to get defensive in wide-open Big East

by Kevin O’Brien ’07 Sports Editor Men’s Basketball Schedule 2006-07

“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so November is losing.” 2 NEW HAVEN (exhibition) Perhaps nothing is as relevant to the 7 EASPORTS (exhibition) 2006-07 Providence College Men’s 14 FARLEIGH DICKINSON Basketball Team as 18 BROWN MEN’S this famous Vince 22 BOSTON COLLEGE BASKETBALL Lombardi tidbit. This 26 GEORGE WASHINGTON Friars squad finds 28 COLUMBIA itself at a crossroads: It can make the los­ ing of the past two seasons a habit, or it can December make the step up to being a winner. It’s a 2 RHODE ISLAND question that cannot be answered by 4 FAIRFIELD words, but only by action. 6 @ Florida No one is more acutely aware of this fact 9 MAINE than Head Coach Tim Welsh. Welsh 19 HOLY CROSS knows that his youthful team—one senior, 22 HARVARD two juniors, four sophomores and four 29 @ Florida State (Tampa, Fla.) freshmen—spent a lot of last year trying to figure things out. With that out of the way, January he’s clear about what the next step is. 2 LONGWOOD “Now it’s establishing yourself as a 4 MARQUETTE* winner,” Welsh said. “We’ve talked a lot 6 SETON HALL* about that.” 13 @ Louisville* It would certainly be a welcome sight 17 @ Seton Hall* for Friar fans. PC’s last foray into the 20 RUTGERS* NCAA Tournament in 2003-04 was ruined 23 VILLANOVA* by a pesky Pacific team, which sent the 27 @ Connecticut* No. 5 seed Friars home early. The two subsequent campaigns ended with records February of 14-17 and 12-15, respectively. 3 © Marquette* But Welsh vows that this team, although 6 CINCINNATI* young,, has the potential to buck that trend, 10 © Pittsburgh* 15 @ Notre Dame* and it’s easy to see why he’s optimistic. THE COWL ARCHIVES 17 ST.JOHN’S* Two current sophomores—Sharaud Curry Sophomore point guard Sharaud Curry and the Friars are serious about defense 20 WEST VIRGINIA* and Geoff McDermott—made the Big East this year, having surrendered a Big East-worst 74.7 points per game last year. A 24 SYRACUSE* All-Rookie Team last year as freshmen, young roster—just one senior and two juniors out of 11 scholarship players—looks 28 @ South Florida* and their two classmates contributed sig­ to improve upon last year’s 12-15 record. nificantly as well. The returning upper- classmen have all started at times in their defenders either when they were young backcourt. Six foot Dwain Williams, a late 4 © St. John’s* careers, and the influx of talented fresh­ kids . .. We molded them into good defen­ get in the recruiting game, will back up 7-10 BIG EAST Championship men bodes well for the future of the pro­ sive players, and we’re going to try to use Curry at the 1. Jamal Barney, a 6’3” guard gram. the same model by creating a mentality, from Baltimore, and Brian McKenzie, a But for the Friars to compete in the watching a lot of tape, really trying to 6’1” guard from New York, will look for HOME GAMES IN CAPS toughest basketball conference in the teach them well.” time at off guard. The latter has a reputa­ * - BIG EAST CONFERENCE GAME country, they’ll have to shake some of the The potential for molding the current tion as a pure shooter, and the Friars could losing habits that have plagued them crop into solid defensive players is certain­ certainly have a need for that with the throughout the last two years. ly there. The Friars return four starters departure of McGrath. All in all, Welsh seems satisfied with his First on the list: Defense. from last year—only guard Donnie Additionally, 5’11” walk-on junior Ray roster. “(Defense) is the issue,” Welsh admit­ McGrath graduated—as well as several Cross provides depth behind Curry. The “We have one senior, Herb, and only ted. “There’s no way of couching it: We reserves with ample game experience. pesky Cross saw spot minutes at the point three upperclassmen,” he said. were very bad defensively last year. We last year. “Everybody’s underclassmen, so we’ve were fourth in the Big East in scoring, but Roster Breakdown The frontcourt returns intact from last got the program built to a good point now, we were near the bottom, or at the bottom, McGrath’s backcourt mate, sophomore season, led by 6’10” senior center Herb but we’ve still got to continue to recruit.” in defense. Defense will win you games; point guard Curry, returns on the heels of a Hill. Hill has steadily improved through­ you can’t try to outscore people every brilliant freshman campaign. The 5’10” out his college career; last season he post­ Outlook night.” point guard from Georgia was a late recruit ed averages of 9.0 points and 4.8 boards It all comes back to the question of The statistics certainly support that for the Friars, but he was PC’s most pleas­ per game while adding a shooting touch to whether these Friars can establish a habit assessment. Though the Friars scored at a ant surprise last year, averaging 11.9 his repertoire. of winning. The schedule, while still diffi-, clip of 74.8 points per game last year, they points, 3.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. The other half of PC’s two-headed low cult, is not quite the minefield it has been surrendered a staggering 74.7 per game at Demonstrating everything from floor lead­ post monster is 6’11” junior Randall in past year, with the Friars only hitting the the other end of the court. To put that in ership that belied his years, a good deep Hanke. The Friars’ second-leading scorer road twice before New Year’s. Early sea­ perspective, Big East defensive leader stroke, and a knack for the clutch shot, with 13.0 points per game last year, Hanke son matchups against Boston College, Georgetown allowed only 58.5 points per Curry may very well assume McGrath’s usually split time with Hill at the 5. Where * George Washington, and defending nation- game. role as primary scorer for the Friars this Hanke excelled offensively, Hill earned a al champion Florida should be an excellent Welsh used the 2003-04 squad as a com­ year. reputation as the better defender and measuring stick of how much this team has parison, and he feels confident that the cur­ Curry’s classmate, 6’5” sophomore rebounder. The two rarely saw the court improved from last year—but unlike last rent Friars will eventually be capable of swingman Weyinmi Efejuku, may get the together last year, a situation that Welsh year, no difficult away trips await early on. the same brand of lockdown defense that opportunity to step into the starting lineup. says should change for this season. “Last year, obviously, we had to go to was the hallmark of that team. Efejuku started 12 of the 27 games he The reason it should change? Mc­ Fairfield, we had to go to Wichita State, we “I don’t think the guys (on this team) played in last year, and demonstrated Dermott’s improved health. A stress frac­ had to go to Rhode Island,” Welsh said. had enough experience to be good defen­ flashes of extraordinary athletic ability. ture limited the 6’7” McDermott offen­ “They were all tough games early. We got sive players,” Welsh said. “Believe me, He is PC’s best option as a slasher, and if sively last year—though he still managed by the Fairfield game, but got beat at those guys—when you’re talking about he can demonstrate a bit more control this to average 8.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per Wichita and Rhode Island—then we had (Sheiku) Kabba, and (Marcus) Douthit, year, Efejuku could be primed for a break­ game—but Welsh sees a healthy the tough home games against Florida and and Ryan (Gomes) and Donnie (McGrath) through season. McDermott playing much more small for­ Memphis. Hopefully we can establish and those guys—they weren’t any good as A trio of freshmen guards round out the ward this year. some momentum early [this year]. That “Geoff is a big key component to this was kind of the idea of how we put the Men’s Basketall 2006-07 Quick Facts because last year he was pretty much schedule together.” locked in as a four because he had the foot Graduation hit the Big East hard, and 2005-06 Review Key Returnees restrictions and the stress fracture,” Welsh the Friars hope to take advantage of that It was a year of growing pains for the Friars, as Sharaud Curry, PG (Soph.) 11.9 ppg, 3.5 said. “Now he’s lost about 10 pounds; I fact as they look to improve on their 14th a team which graduated All-American Ryan apg, 3.1 rpg think he’s added quickness, (and) his foot place finish from last year. Gomes struggled to forge its own identity. Randall Hanke, C (Jr.) 13.0 ppg, 5.0 is healthy. He can definitely play the 3 for “It’s an absolute terrific opportunity, but Senior Donnie McGrath was a bright spot, rpg, 1.7 bpg us this year. . . which will allow us to play now you’ve got to take advantage of it,” averaging a career-high 15.1 points per game Geoff McDermott, F (Soph.) 8.9 ppg, 9.0 the two bigs together.” Welsh said. “The teams are all going to be to lead the Friars. The emergence of fresh­ rpg, 1.8 spg Another versatile player for the Friars is good still. We do have an opportunity to men Sharaud Curry and Geoff McDermott 9.0 ppg, 4.8 6’6” junior Charlie Burch. A defensive make a move, but we’ve got to go do it.” highlighted a revival for PC, so despite a_12- rpg. 1.9 bpg stalwart, Burch also led the Friars in three- “You can go as high as you want to go,” 15 final record (including a 5-11 Big East Weyinmi Efejuku, G (Soph.) 7.8 ppg, 1.6 point percentage last year (.400) and pro­ Welsh said. “A lot of things have to go mark), the future appeared bright. spg, 1.9 apg vides the valuable ability to play multiple right though. You’ve got to have a great Charles Burch, G/F (Jr.) 4.8 ppg, .400 positions. team attitude, you’ve got to play together, Coaching Staff 3-point pct. The final returning player from the you’ve got to play hard, you’ve got to stay Head Coach Tim Welsh Jonathan Kale, F (Soph.) 2.6ppg, 2.7 frontcourt is 6-foot-8 sophomore Jonathan healthy, you’ve got to get a couple bounces Associate Head Coach Steve DeMeo rP9 Kale. Kale provided a great defensive here and there. If we do all those things, I Assistant Coach Vince Cautero presence off the bench last year, and some think we have a chance to have a really Assistant Coach Allen Griffin Incoming Freshmen offseason work on his offensive game has good season, and we’ll be in the postsea­ Dwain Williams, 6-0, PG him poised for a solid season. son somewhere.” Key Losses Brian McKenzie, 6-1, SG PC’s final recruit, freshman center Ray Post-season hoops would certainly Donnie McGrath, 6-4, G 15.1 ppg, 2.7 Jamal Barney, 6-3, G Hall, brings some serious size to the roster. excite the Friar faithful, who hope that the Ray Hall, 6-11, C At 6’11”, Hall should provide a defensive current PC team can make winning a habit and rebounding presence off the bench. again. The Cowl

6th Annual Winter Sports Preview

An inside look at Providence sports, including

... The Men’s Hoops season ... An interview with the four ... And a look at Head Coach preview. It’s been three years kids who vow to bring PC hoops Phil Seymore’s Women’s Team since the Friars last made the back to its rightful place among as it looks to build off a NCAA Tournament. Can Head the Big East elite. See page 6. successful season. See page 5. Coach Tim Welsh have this year’s Friars dancing in March? Also, be sure to check out page 4 for a special Winter Sports Preview See page 7. edition of PCI. The topic: Which team is more likely to make its respective NCAA Tournament: Men’s Hoops or Men’s Hockey?