Strengthening A Department of Health and Human Performance publication for students and alumni Summer 2004 the core

Dancin’ for a cause by Emily Benson ’04

(Left to right) Lauren D’Aquino ’04, Anna Feeney ’04, Amy Murray ’04, Nicole D’Aquino ’04, and Beth Wilson ’04.

There are people who believe that high pulled off. The organizing committee school students only care about appear- wanted the event to be largely student- ance and impression. This may be true run. I was doubtful that there would be for some students, but not for all stu- enough student involvement, but as the dents. This spring, I had the privilege days went by, there were more and more of completing my secondary student students in and out of Mrs. Etter’s office, This fund was established to assist teaching at East Pennsboro Area High helping to make plans for the dance School in Enola. Just before my arrival marathon. I got more involved as time families from the district who were at East Penn, my cooperating teacher, went on, calling companies about dona- struggling with serious illness. Sharon Etter, had agreed to help plan tions, helping with student committee and organize an event called “Boogie for meetings, and assisting with planning the Bucks.” I heard it mentioned in conversa- schedule for the event. I found myself tions between my co-op and others, but I waking up in the morning looking for- still wasn’t exactly sure what it entailed. I ward to going to school, largely because came to find out that “Boogie for Bucks” of the dance marathon planning. It was so was a dance marathon planned for raising rewarding to work alongside high school money for the East Pennsboro Family students who were putting their busy Fund. This fund was established to assist schedules on hold to put in time and families from the district who were strug- effort for families in need. gling with serious illness. The school’s goal was to raise $8,000 As “Boogie for Bucks” drew closer through “Boogie for Bucks.” To register and my cooperating teacher began to get for the dance marathon, students had more involved, I began to understand to make at least a $30 donation. Thirty how the event was actually going to be dollars is a lot of money for a high school continued on page 2 . . . continued from front . . . Scott Kieffer honored as Smith student. I was curious as to how many students would actually commit that Outstanding Teacher much money to attend the event. Thankfully, on the day of the marathon, never end in the classroom. His websites the gym’s bleachers were filled with stu- and Power Point presentations are evi- dents who had made at least the mini- dence of countless hours exploring and mum donation. After a lot of “boogie- updating his material before every class. ing,” eating, contests and game playing, His openness in the classroom to share the final hour of the dance marathon what he personally is learning or strug- arrived when East Penn’s principal, gling with spiritually and relationally is Mr. Robbins, would announce the total refreshingly honest and real.” amount of money raised. The students Another student stated that this pro- were talking quietly when Mr. Robbins’ fessor “has a unique care for his students voice echoed through the microphone, and will go above and beyond to make saying that the final total was more sure that his students understand the than $16,000. What an incredible expe- material he is teaching. He is willing to rience it was to watch and listen to alter his teaching methods to better suit these students celebrate what their hard students’ needs, and he encourages ques- work and effort had helped produce! tions which also enable him to take part in the learning process . . . I believe that All of us involved in the special event got he has single-handedly implemented an much more out of it than we put into it. excitement for undergraduate research within the sport and exercise science Alongside me for this event were major. I know that I have a new found eight other Messiah students and passion for research that wouldn’t have alumni who, after hearing me talk been discovered without his enthusiasm The following are the remarks made by about the event, volunteered to do and passion for teaching . . . I feel very whatever they could to assist. Amy Kim Phipps, provost and interim president, well-prepared to take my education to at the 2004 Commencement. Murray ’04, Christina Vouriotis ’03, the next level this coming fall in gradu- April Frye ’04, Lauren D’Aquino ’04, Each year, senior students are invited to ate school as a result of the undergradu- Nicole D’Aquino ’04, Beth Wilson ’04, nominate faculty members for the Smith ate research I have performed here at Anna Feeney ’04, and Josh Hutchin- Outstanding Teacher Award. The award Messiah . . . ” son ’04, suddenly found themselves is made possible by the generosity of the This faculty member’s school dean judging dance contests, hula-hoop late Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marilyn Smith. concurs with student comments. Dean contests, and whipped cream pie-eating Bob and Marilyn have been wonderful Jeffrey Moshier described the faculty contests. All of us involved in the spe- supporters of the work of Messiah member as “passionate about student cial event got much more out of it than College, and we are grateful for their learning and student well-being — he we put into it. It was such an encour- faithful support. works with inspired dedication to create agement to see high school students Earlier this spring, dozens of seniors the most effective learning experiences going out of their way to help their took the time to prepare and submit for his students. This commitment com- classmates. I know of students who nominations for over sixty talented fac- pels him to constantly redesign courses, gave up their free time, allowance, ulty members. Messiah students are for- adapt instructional technologies, and paychecks, study halls, and weekends tunate to sit under the tutelage of gifted implement new pedagogical strategies. to help plan and run this event. I saw educators — professors who teach with In particular, he has profoundly the school put things in perspective, confidence and hope, professors who enhanced teaching effectiveness and lay their schedules aside, and unite to demonstrate academic and scholarly raised scholarship standards by his pull off a fundraiser that would help excellence, professors who model socie- extraordinary efforts to involve students families in need. I was truly blessed tal and civic engagement, professors in collaborative research with faculty.” by this total experience and am so who practice intellectual and spiritual I am pleased to present the 2004 thankful it was a part of my student hospitality. Smith Outstanding Teacher Award to teaching. After “Boogie for Bucks,” I The recipient of this year’s Smith H. Scott Kieffer, associate professor can tell you without a doubt that high Outstanding Teacher Award in the cate- of exercise physiology. school students care about far more gory for Instructors, Assistant Professors, than appearance and impression; they and Associate Professors was described care about others. by one senior student as someone who “teaches students that learning should

2 Twists and turns in life Michael Barbato ’94, returned to Messiah’s campus as guest speaker for the spring Advising Luncheon. The program’s theme was “Twists and Turns in Life,” and Michael shared about his struggles battling melanoma cancer. Life took an unexpected turn for Michael and his family when he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma. Yet Michael continues to testify to God’s grace and mercy in his life in the midst of these challenges. He reminded us of Jim Elliot’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Michael concluded his message with a reading from “The Fellowship of the Unashamed” (Signature of Jesus by Brennan Manning). Here is an excerpt from this reading: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.” Michael and his wife Kristi and sons Zachary and Peter live in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania where Michael is director of the Pisgah Program at Geneva College. Michael Barbato ’94 (left) with Barb Burwell and Scott Kieffer.

Unique and united to serve

Spud Wentzell, professor of health, others.” The AAHPERD National physical education, and recreation, Convention in Philadelphia, and the served as president of the Pennsylvania PSAHPERD Convention in Lancaster, State Association for Health, Physical provided special opportunities to connect Education, Recreation, and Dance during with some Messiah College alumni. “It 2003. His theme for the year, “Unique was great to see our graduates and chat and United to Serve,” emphasized initia- about what they are doing.” Messiah tives focusing on connecting the disci- College graduates are serving and mak- plines, meeting the challenge to serve, ing a difference. and impacting lives. In one of his initial One of Dr. Wentzell’s primary proj- messages, Wentzell said, “We have ects for 2003 was the writing of Making the potential to establish a firmer foun- a Difference, a collection of stories dation for who we are and what we do. demonstrating the impact of dance, Achieving quality programs, advocacy, health, physical education, recreation, and collaboration will require the and sport on individual lives. The book involvement of everyone . . . and work- reflects the 2003 theme, “Unique and ing closely with allied health agencies. United to Serve,” focusing on personal “We have the potential to establish Partnerships are essential. What we do accounts of life experiences. The 60-page is important. The health of people of book contains stories from people rang- a firmer foundation for who we all ages in this country is at stake.” ing in age from nine to eighty-four. It is are and what we do. Achieving When asked about the greatest part a collection of personal accounts of com- quality programs, advocacy, and of being PSAHPERD president, Spud mitment, overcoming, and achieving. collaboration will require the stated, “meeting and working with pro- Messiah College alumni are represented involvement of everyone . . . and fessionals at the state and national levels. in the book: “It’s Great Being Me,” about working closely with allied health The disciplines of health, physical educa- the son of Drew Locust ’99, and “A tion, recreation, dance, and sport are ‘Mibster’ at Heart,” by Alison (Reber) agencies. Partnerships are essen- people oriented, and we have many Olinger ’02. Alumni interested in receiv- tial. What we do is important. The devoted and quality professionals seeking ing a copy of the book may contact Spud health of people of all ages in this to make a difference in the lives of Wentzell. country is at stake.”

3 Boston Marathon experience Abbie Prescott ’06, Athletic Training Major

Our job as students was simply to transport the runners in wheelchairs to the medical tent if necessary. It was frightening to see some of the people cross the finish line in such agony. Senior athletic training student Beth Wilson encountered one runner who will forever be etched in her memory. This man was suffering definite heat stroke as he col- lapsed into her wheelchair and passed

Our job as students was simply to transport the runners in wheelchairs to the medical tent if necessary. (Left to right) Elizabeth Wilson ’04, Abbie Prescott ’06, Amy Roman ’05. out. His pupils were extremely dilated as his eyes remained open — we were later As I grew up on the North Shore of informed that pupil dilation is one sign Boston, Patriot’s Day had always just of heat stroke. As Beth pushed this man meant another holiday off from school. to the medical tent she remained com- This year it took on a whole new mean- posed, as her athletic training education ing — it was the day on which one of here at Messiah College had taught her the greatest spectacles of sport, the to do. Though I was slightly nervous Boston Marathon, takes place. I had throughout the race, I also felt prepared the incredible opportunity to travel to by my education — I was able to see Massachusetts with two fellow athletic first hand the first aid situations that I training students and certified athletic had previously learned about. That was trainer Wendy Cheesman to volunteer the first time that I had been directly at this 26.2 mile run from Hopkinton involved in a situation of a medical emer- to Boston. gency in the sense that treatment could This 108th running of the marathon not wait or the consequences could be was one of the hottest in history as the disastrous. temperature reached 86 degrees. We This event greatly reminded me My passion for learning about were forewarned of the possible conse- why I have wanted to do athletic training the human body was amplified quences of running in that kind of for so long — because the gift of athleti- through this experience and I weather — heat cramps, heat exhaustion, cism that God gives is so incredible was truly inspired by each and heat stroke, dehydration, and hypona- and deserves to be studied. My passion tremia (low body sodium), to name a every athlete that crossed that for learning about the human body was few. Because of what I have learned in amplified through this experience and hallowed finish line. my classes thus far at Messiah College, I was truly inspired by each and every I understood the implications of each athlete that crossed that hallowed of these illnesses and I took seriously finish line. their severity. For example, heat stroke can very possibly be fatal because it affects the central nervous system including the brain (whereas heat exhaustion does not).

4 Jess Unick’s paper accepted for publication

Jess Unick ’04 recently received confir- semester, she tested 16 women basketball ed. As for the results, we do not want to mation that her departmental honors players on two different vertical jump break any copyright agreements, so you project, titled The Acute Effects of Static tests following three different stretching will have to read the article when it comes and Ballistic Stretching on Vertical Jump treatments. For the remainder of the out in the next 8–10 issues of JSCR. Performance in Trained Women, was semester, she prepared her manuscript for Joining Jess on the publication are H. accepted for publication in The Journal of publication. The final exam for her inde- Scott Kieffer, associate professor of exer- Strength and Conditioning Research. Jess pendent research consisted of completing cise physiology, Wendy Cheesman, senior spent the spring 2004 semester writing the manuscript and mailing it out for lecturer in athletic training and associate her research proposal, preparing her liter- review. Following a round of revisions athletic trainer, and Anna Feeney ’04. ature review, and conducting a pilot study and a second review, she received official for her methods. During the fall 2004 notification that her research was accept-

Adventure education approved as HHP major

The Department of Health and Human ture education. The curriculum includes a style, judgment/decision-making, trip Performance received approval for the solid foundation in theory, balanced with planning and organization, environmental addition of a major and minor in adven- practical skills development. The distin- issues, risk management, instructional ture education commencing the fall of guishing mark of Messiah’s program is the principles/education theory, outdoor liv- 2004. blending of curricular learning with con- ing skills, group dynamics, and Christian The adventure education major textual learning within cocurricular pro- integration models. provides students with opportunities to grams. The curriculum addresses areas Due to the addition of adventure develop knowledge and skills necessary to identified as key elements of outdoor education, the recreation major and serve as leaders within the field of adven- adventure education such as leadership minor was eliminated.

Amy Murray chosen for Achievement Award

Amy Murray ’04 was the recipient of the Department of Health and Human Perfor- mance’s Senior Academic Achievement Award. The award is based on strength of academic record, maturity of Christian faith and character, and contributions to service, leadership, and reconciliation. Amy was an excellent role model for the entire college community during her four years at Messiah College. She was a member of the women’s basketball team all four years and served as co-captain during her senior season. Amy received the Outstanding Future Professional Award from the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (PSAHPERD) and was involved with Pi Phi Epsilon, Phi Epsilon Kappa Honors Fraternity, March of Dimes, and Special Olympics, to name just a few organizations that benefited from her generosity. Amy Murray ’04 and Tom Billman, adjunct The HHP Achievement Awards for the sophomore and junior classes will instructor in health and human performance. be announced at the annual department “Kick-Off Celebration” in September.

5 Alumni news/notes Rob Bare ’91 receives Coaching in Want your classmates to know what you are doing? Send your update to Excellence Award [email protected], or send information Note: The following is printed with permission from the Pennsylvania State Association to Jack Cole, Messiah College, Box 4501, for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (PSAHPERD). One College Avenue, Grantham, PA 17027. The PSAHPERD selected Rob Bare ’91 from Cornwall-Lebanon School District as the Division of Men’s Athletics (DMA) “Coaching in Excellence” award recipient. 80s Rob is an elementary physical education teacher at Ebenezer Elementary School. He has been the head track and field coach for the past eight years and the head Dale ’84 and Marcia (Renno ’84) Mylin live cross country coach for the past eleven years at Cedar Crest High School. with their five children in West Willow, As a varsity coach of the district’s high school, his track and field and cross PA. Dale is the director of athletics, head country teams have been ranked since he took over each respective program. coach of the varsity boy’s soccer team, Many of his student-athletes have participated in post-season meets such as select and physical education instructor at the invitational, District III track and field and cross country, and the PIAA state meets. Lancaster Country Day School. The opportunity for his student-athletes to attend these track and field and cross 90s country events are greatly enhanced by Rob’s organization, leadership, and care. Rob demonstrates a philosophy of coaching that is consistent with fostering posi- David Diaz ’91 received his master’s tive educational values, great personal ethics, and “fair play.” degree in sport management from Rob also serves on his school district’s Wellness Committee. He is a major East Stroudsburg University on contributor to the activities of the organization. The committee’s aim is to enhance December 3, 2003. the overall health of the school district’s employees, the students, and the families Heidi (Gruber ’92) Holko welcomed her first of the school district. Rob’s numerous efforts spearheaded these important activi- child, Calvin Michael, on February 25, ties. Rob is the past vice president for the Division of Men’s Athletics for PSAH- 2004. Heidi is a stay-at-home mom. PERD. He is married and has a son. Dave Truitt ’94 is the children’s pastor Congratulations to Coach Rob Bare. at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church. Heather Guerrette ’97 married Josh Ouellette on June 1, 2002. They wel- comed their first child, Christopher Graduate school experience Joseph, on March 3, 2004. Heather teach- Jim Gustafson, associate professor of physical education and recreation es physical education at a small Christian school in Bangor, ME. She also coaches After completing her undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation, Kristyn high school girl’s soccer and basketball. Zaloom ’03 entered the graduate school at New York University (NYU) in the Kemuel Carey ’99 graduated from Drexel occupational therapy program. This will enable her to have dual certification as a University earning his master’s degree certified therapeutic recreation specialist and an occupational therapist. I asked in health science and completing the Kristyn if her Messiah College education has prepared her for graduate school physician assistant program. He became a and what differences she has experienced in her first year of graduate school. In certified PA in November and is currently response to the former question, Kristyn shared, “I feel my Messiah education working in orthopaedic and spine surgery prepared me very well for graduate school.” She went on to comment that some in Oneonta, NY. Kemuel, his wife Teri ’00, of her graduate course work contained information she had already learned in and two sons, Eric and David, reside in her therapeutic recreation courses. Although Kristyn did very well the first semes- New York. ter, she would have liked to have had some of her science classes later in her Messiah experience, but this has caused her to study all the more. She does feel 2000s the content of the courses in graduate school is more difficult, but that is as it Rebecca Bridgman ’00 married Richard should be. Kristyn also feels the quality of professors and academics are similar Sinclair on July 5, 2003. Rebecca is a between the two institutions. cardiovascular technologist in the With regard to the second question, Kristyn sees a significant difference cardiac rehab program at Community between the schools. She comments that since NYU is a “very liberal university” Memorial Healthcenter in South Hill, VA. in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, discernment is needed in what one Jessica Oden ’03 married Jonathan Houdart does. “On the other hand,” she notes, “it serves as a perfect opportunity to shine ’02 on August 23, 2003. She is in the your light and be a witness for Christ.” physical therapy doctoral program at the We all trust that Kristyn’s experience will continue to be a positive one and University of Maryland at Baltimore. that her light will shine very brightly.

6 2004 Health and Human Performance Graduates

Brad David Alleger, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Belvidere, New Jersey Uma Allimuthu, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Jaime Lynne Batchelor, Health and Physical Education ...... Lebanon, Pennsylvania Emily Ruth Benson, Health and Physical Education ...... Succasunna, New Jersey Gregory David Bernhardt, Sport and Exercise Science ...... East Petersburg, Pennsylvania Jamie Lynn Blair, Therapeutic Recreation ...... Warrington,, Pennsylvania Bryan Mitchell Book, Recreation ...... McLean, Virginia Allison Lynn Burnham, Recreation ...... North East, Pennsylvania John Samuel Cuddy, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Mickleton, New Jersey Sarah Bridget D’Angelo, Heath and Physical Education ...... New City, New York Lauren D’Aquino, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Long Island, New York Krista Rene DeLuca, Athletic Training ...... Newburgh, New York Kristili Dixon Emrick, Health and Physical Education ...... Phillipsburg, New Jersey Joshua Steven Evans, Recreation ...... Hazelton, Pennsylvania Rebecca J. Evans, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Bowie, Maryland Anna Mary Feeney, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Warrington, Pennsylvania Magda Isabel Chacon Frechon, Sport and Exercise Science ...... San Cristobal, Venezuela April Joy Frye, Health and Physical Education ...... Hallowell, Maine Brianna J. Giese, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Bloomington, Minnesota Melissa Ann Goshow, Health and Physical Education ...... Telford, Pennsylvania Julie Christine Grier, Athletic Training ...... Salisbury, Maryland Elizabeth Anne Hansen, Athletic Training ...... Tolland, Connecticut Sara Jean Hughes, Health and Physical Education ...... Pelham, NY Jonathan Don Hulcher, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Oakton, Virginia Trevor Kilbourn Ives, Health and Physical Education ...... Lakeville, Connecticut Brandon Todd Kaufman, Sport and Exercise Science ...... West Redding, Connecticut Emily Christine Kelly, Sport and Exercise Science ...... New Castle, Pennsylvania Christa Joy Lauchle, Sport and Exercise Science/Elementary Education ...... Montoursville, Pennsylvania Megan Joy Lucia, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Meriden, Connecticut Jenna Lindsay Mang, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Lederach, Pennsylvania Melinda Beth Miller, Health and Physical Education ...... Dillsburg, Pennsylvania Angela Joy Munchel, Health and Physical Education ...... Manahawkin, New Jersey Amy Louise Murray, Health and Physical Education ...... Frederick, Maryland Derek Allen Newcomer, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Emporium, Pennsylvania Desiree L. Ney, Recreation ...... Pottsville, Pennsylvania Rebecca Lynn Ober, Recreation ...... Manchester, Maryland Christopher Bryon Oles, Sport and Exercise Science ...... York, Pennsylvania Sarah M. Orr, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Darien, Connecticut Jennifer Elizabeth Porter, Health and Physical Education ...... Worthington, Pennsylvania Jennifer Nichole Quigley, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Carlisle, Pennsylvania Crystal Gail Sensenig, Therapeutic Recreation ...... New Holland, Pennsylvania Ashley Blaine Sollenberger, Health and Physical Education ...... Ephrata, Pennsylvania Jessica R. Spier, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Perkasie, Pennsylvania Susan Beth Tome, Therapeutic Recreation ...... York, Pennsylvania Grace Glory Trabulsi, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Whitinsville, Massachusetts Jessica Lynn Unick, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Rockaway, New Jersey Bradley M. Varner, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Carlisle, Pennsylvania Steven Daniel Videon, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Newtown Square, Pennsylvania Scott Alan Wedemeyer, Health and Physical Education ...... Randolph, New Jersey Amy L. Whiteman, Therapeutic Recreation ...... LaVale, Maryland Elizabeth A. Wilson, Athletic Training ...... Boyertown, Pennsylvania Robert E. Wright, Jr., Sport and Exercise Science ...... Carlisle, Pennsylvania Anna Marie Kline Yackoski, Sport and Exercise Science ...... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

7 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID department of Health Grantham, PA 17027 and human performance Permit No. 3

P.O. Box 4501 One College Avenue Grantham, PA 17027

Address Service Requested

Alumni news & information

The Department of Health and Human Performance would like to include your Inside this issue alumni news in future editions of Strengthening the Core. Please take a few min- utes to complete the following form. • Dancin’ for a cause (p. 1) ______NAME YEAR GRADUATED • Professor Scott Kieffer honored (p. 2) ______• Twists and turns in life (p. 3) STREET ______• Boston Marathon (p. 4) CITY STATE ZIP CODE

______• Amy Murray (p. 5) E-MAIL ADDRESS

• Alumni news/notes (p. 6) News/Information: ______• Health and Human Performance ______graduates (p. 7) ______

Send completed form to: Jack Cole, Messiah College, P.O. Box 4501, One College Avenue, Grantham, PA 17027 E-mail: [email protected]