Desales University Athletic Profiles in Character Casey Opdyke ’08, Field Hockey

DeSales University Athletic Profiles in Character Casey Opdyke ’08, field hockey...... 34 Gina Lucrezi ’05, women’s track and field...... 36 Marian Karnas ’09, field hockey...... 38 Val Valach ’09, softball...... 40 Courtney McClurkin ’08, women’s tennis...... 42 Table of Contents Transcendence...... 44 Brian Manning ’97, baseball...... 45 Brett Vargo ’04, baseball...... 46 Lori (Schwartz) Olivi ’00, women’s track and field...... 48 Dedication...... 4 by Dr. Gregg Amore Nathan Branosky ’99, men’s soccer...... 50 Harry Morra ’04, basketball...... 51 Foreword...... 8 by Dr. Gregg Amore Justice...... 52 Ted Gladue ’94, men’s basketball...... 53 Temperance...... 10 Kelly Magrann ’10, women’s basketball...... 54 Kim Rarick ’09, women’s basketball...... 11 Danielle Jenson ’06, softball...... 56 Kelly Moran ’09, softball...... 12 LeighAnn Burke ’09, women’s basketball...... 58 Jen Rautzhan ’04, women’s track and field...... 14 Shannon Mascio ’09, field hockey...... 60 Ashley Sparango ’08, field hockey...... 16 Humanity...... 64 Wisdom and Knowledge...... 18 Gina Locke ’10, women’s soccer...... 65 Erin Lynn ’98, women’s basketball and soccer...... 19 Kevin Hopkins ’03, men’s basketball...... 66 Nolan Neiman ’05, baseball...... 20 Martin Brett ’98, men’s soccer...... 67 Amy Yencho ’04, women’s basketball...... 22 Randy Sturm ’07, men’s soccer...... 68 Sarah Lumi ’09, field hockey...... 24 Liz Kelly ’04, women’s basketball...... 70 Erica Ecklund-Piantone ’08, field hockey...... 72 Courage...... 28 Bill Neal ’05, men’s tennis...... 29 The Legacy of a Man—A Lesson on Humility...... 74 Jeff Clifford ’04, men’s basketball...... 30 by Kate Steiner ’11 Phil Yetter ’07, men’s soccer...... 32

2 3 accompanying athletic fields. Compardo created weights from buckets of cement and broomsticks for the first exercise classes. Such vitality and persistence is hard to imagine as we enjoy our current multi-million-dollar complex. It would be hard to say that any one of the six character strengths highlighted in this book was the most dominant for the coach. However, the trait of humanity is most clear in my mind. First, Christian Humanism is Dedication the signature strength of Salesian teaching at DeSales University. Also Com- pardo’s kindness and love of humanity is rarely surpassed. Nearly four decades have passed since my first encounter with Com- n our efforts to help students develop character, pardo. I was a young, fresh-out-of-grad-school new kid on the block my we often suggest that they identify a positive first year at Allentown College. That first year, I hatched a plan for a major in role model—someone who exemplifies the I psychology with an accompanying child development center for preschool virtue they are trying to grow. DeSales University, children. Classroom space for psychology was not a problem, but a place to and particularly the athletic department, has been house a dozen preschool children with special needs was a greater challenge. truly blessed with an incredible role model—Dr. Someone suggested that Billera Hall might be a possibility. Imagine John Compardo. Typically, we encourage students the new kid going to the seasoned veteran who just spent a few years to find a separate role model for each of the in- picking rocks and teaching with broomsticks and cement blocks, asking to dividual character strengths. Conventional wisdom Coach John Compardo share his new gymnasium with special-needs preschoolers. I suspect most would be that we can’t be all things to all people. college athletic directors would have concluded that I was another nutcase However, I submit that Coach Compardo, as he is affectionately called, psychologist; but not John Compardo. Not only did he embrace the idea, comes as close to this as anyone I know. but he offered up prime real-estate in the front of the building with ceil- First, wisdom and knowledge: the fact that Compardo had degrees from ing to floor windows next to his office and an adjacent wrestling room for Moravian College (B.A.), Springfield College (M.A.), and Lehigh Univer- kid roughhousing. The most amazing thing is that Compardo enjoyed the sity (Ed.D.), is more than sufficient to be a great role model. However, children more than anyone on campus. Compardo also served in World War II, coached football, basketball, and We could fill pages of examples of Compardo’s humanity, but permit baseball at Allentown Central Catholic High School, and in 1965, became a me just one more. In addition to his vast array of responsibilities, he gave one-man show at Allentown College (now DeSales University)—serving as freely of his time by doing physical therapy with people from the commu- physical education professor, trainer, equipment manager, athletic director, nity. He was a model for community service long before that term was ever intramural director, and sports information director. In addition, he has a used on campus. wealth of wisdom pertaining to everyday life that is unequaled. The science of positive psychology suggests that the character strength Courage, our second character strength, is second nature to Compardo. justice is made up of three virtues: fairness, active citizenship, and leadership. Perhaps his bravery is the result of his service in the Navy during WWII. It There is no greater evidence of Compardo’s outstanding qualities is this area certainly took courage to leave a secure position at Allentown Central Catholic than his having been recognized as the 1984 Teacher of the Year, having re- High School to come to Center Valley’s “field of dreams” to help convert corn ceived the 1987 Fr. J. Stuart Dooling Distinguished Award, and having been fields into a vibrant athletic complex. Students in his early physical education inducted into the Allentown College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. classes removed rocks from fields—clearing the site for Billera Hall and its

4 5 The virtues of humility and gentleness are the cornerstone of Salesian teaching. They are among the virtues that contribute to the character strength temperance. Always a gentleman, always in control, prudent, kind, and humble, Compardo always maintained his cool. In the arena of sport, where we see daily displays of ill-mannered, bad-tempered, unprofessional behavior, Com- pardo was the quintessential gentleman and humble servant leader. Perhaps it is only fitting to end with the character strength transcendence. To look at vast fields of corn filled with rocks and see athletic fields, a new gymnasium, and thousands of students growing and developing into young ladies and gentlemen in the Salesian tradition of humility and gentleness is the true test—a test Compardo passed with flying colors. Perhaps this poem says it all:

That Man is a Success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche And accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. —Robert Louis Stevenson

Dr. Gregg Amore Associate Dean of Students for Student Development

6 7 ter strengths exhibited by the athletes. However, as you might suspect, you will find many athletes exhibiting multiple character strengths and virtues. I hope you will be moved and inspired by the words you are about to read. This is a true team effort, combining the work of faculty, staff, and most importantly, students writing about former students. There are those that would say athletics builds character, and I believe Foreword this is true. Sometimes, when winning is the only thing, it builds bad character. Building good character is a challenge and a two-way street. Not only do athletics build character, but good character builds athletics and success- sincerely hope you will enjoy this book—it is the epitome of team ful teams. work. What you are about to read is a series of stories about student Please enjoy these stories of our character-exemplifying athletes. Iathletes written by students in courses offered by Dr. Angie Corbo, a former faculty member in the DeSales humanities department. (Contribut- ing authors: Chelsey Armstrong, Mary Azzalina, Justin Carbonari, Bridget Charity, Antonette Ciccone, Sabrina Englot, Susan Gatanis, Amy Herzog, Nathaniel Jastrzemski, Jessica Kloss, Andrew Leidig, Ashley Matisak, Nicho- las Mondi, Peter Paavola, Amy Pulcini, Paul Rakszawski, Andrew Ritter, Kimberly Schultz, Caitlin Scott, and Jenna Turner) Dr. Gregg Amore Each of the stories has been told to student writers by coaches who Associate Dean of Students for Student Development had the privilege to coach the respective athletes. Stories are grouped ac- 2011 cording to six primary character strengths exhibited by each athlete: Wis- dom and Knowledge, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Tran- scendence. These six character strengths are all exemplary of both Salesian teaching and positive psychology. Each of the six is made-up of its own set of special virtues. Wisdom and Knowledge is made up of love of learning, curiosity, creativity, perspective, and open-mindedness. The virtues for courage include bravery, integrity, vitality, and persistence. Humanity is made up of love, kindness, and social intelligence. Fairness, active citizenship and leadership are the virtues essential to Justice. Temperance, one of the cornerstones of Salesian teachings, claims the virtues of humanity, prudence, self-regulation, and forgiveness. One of the most challenging character strength—Transcendence—lays claim to the virtues of hope, humor/play, gratitude, spirituality, the appreciation of beauty, and excellence. The following stories are grouped on the basis of the primary charac-

8 9 “Have patience with all things, but first of all with Kim Rarick ’09, women’s basketball yourself.” St. Francis de Sales Temperance is needed in all as- pects of the lives of DeSales athletes. For some, it is not enough to simply excel in their sport—they also work Temperance hard to achieve in the classroom. It takes dedication to excel as a student and passion to become a top athlete. It takes temperance to succeed in both. n the world of collegiate athletics, natural, God-given talent can only Kim Rarick, a chemistry/pre- take you so far. For athletes to truly reach their potential—both on and medicine major, was a Dean’s List stu- Ioff the field—they must master temperance. But self-regulation and dent and an honor society member prudence in work is often hard. Young men and women face many distrac- while earning national accolades on tions and obstacles between them and their goals. the court for the women’s basketball St. Francis de Sales often preached about the value of temperance. He team. Rarick’s teammate and the oth- knew that to become a better person, you must first know yourself. DeSales er half of their dynamite combo, fel- University student athletes must learn and practice temperance on a daily low all-star athlete LeighAnn Burke basis to compete on the highest level and pursue knowledge and growth. ’09, said that during their four years playing together, Rarick proved she It would be easy to fill these pages with stories of athletes who trained had an incredible ability to balance the many facets of her college career. very hard to achieve great things athletically. But being an exemplary “She spent a lot of time in the library and had great time-management DeSales athlete is about more than points on a scoreboard. Student-athletes skills,” said Burke. “Her major required a lot of time and effort.” learn and grow in very personal ways, and those who can connect their Rarick gave equal importance to her time on the court—she put as personal growth with their athletic lives often have the greatest results. much energy into practices as she did games. Before graduation, Rarick earned 10th place in the women’s basketball program for average points per game, and she tops the lists for 3-point goal and free throw percentages. Rarick led by example and reached out to younger players to keep them motivated. With humility and gratefulness, she won awards and rec- ognition for her skills. As far as Rarick was concerned, the good of the team was always more important than private issues, said Burke. She always resolved conflicts with the team in mind.

10 11 Kelly Moran ’09, softball

As a college freshman, Kelly Moran ’09 never dreamed she would accomplish so much by the time she graduated. Before playing softball for the University, Moran had always applied her talents to the outfield position, where she was most comfortable. But as the 2006 season began, Coach Rachel Turoscy challenged Moran to take on a different role within the Bulldogs’ lineup. A native of nearby Bethlehem, Pa., Moran found herself in a predica- ment when she realized that she was one of four players vying for a starting outfield position. Acknowledging that only three players could be chosen, Turoscy viewed the dilemma as a major obstacle, finding it difficult to de- cide which player would get the bad news. But Turoscy put a positive spin on the situation when she saw the potential for Moran to fulfill another position on the team’s roster. Tall and skinny, Moran had more power than anyone guessed. But her coach encouraged her to focus her strength primarily toward batting, which eventually lead her to become one of the best hitters the DeSales softball the bench when it came time for her team to play defense. While this was a team has ever seen. However, her new role as the Bulldogs’ power hitter hard pill to swallow, she rose to the challenge and accepted her new-found came at a price. Focusing on her hitting skills meant that Moran had to ride position on the team, never looking back at her days as an outfielder. Moran’s actions demonstrate humility because she sacrificed her personal preferences to benefit the softball team as a whole. The decision to focus on hitting paid off when Moran found herself a recipient of Regional All-American honors two years in a row. During her junior year, Moran achieved an incredible .400 batting average, a statistic that has not been matched by any Bulldog since. Moran’s collegiate softball career serves as an example of the rewards that may come from selfless behavior. Deciding to bow out of the starting outfield position was difficult, but it lead to a new chapter in her career— one that will be remembered by many DSU softball players to come. Moran’s hard decision showed positive results and allowed her to see how her actions affected her team in a positive way. In these circumstances it is easy to see that she made the right decision. Sometimes, however, positive results are not so visible—people must simply know themselves and take comfort in the knowledge that they did the right thing in their hearts.

12 13 Jen Rautzhan ’04, track and field and women’s basketball

Women’s Track Head Coach stands out about her to me is that most people didn’t recognize all of her Gordon Hornig ’92, has coached great qualities because she was so quiet. But she was probably the best many high-character athletes in his thrower I have ever coached,” said Hornig. “She just loved to throw—she 14 years at DeSales University. One was always outside, practicing by herself even when her teammates had of those athletes, Jen Rautzhan, stood called it quits for the day.” out in all of the right ways. Rautzhan set many DeSales records, some of which have since been Rautzhan was a thrower for the bettered. But regardless of whose name appears in the record books, Hornig track team as well as a basketball play- recognizes that Rautzhan was special and a very important part of the team. er during the winter. She was one of “She brought so much to the team, in terms of leading by example a few athletes who had the ability to and determination. She was never very vocal, but the other girls saw how play two sports and be good at both. hard she worked and how she never quit on her teammates—even when As Hornig recalls, Rautzhan had a it would have been to her benefit. Her character was outstanding. Looking special ability in the throwing events. back, she was one of the most humble and hard working people I have ever “Jen always had a lot of abil- coached, and really, this is what made her into the thrower that she was,” ity, and I remember when she was a Hornig said. freshman and a sophomore, she did “She was a fine example to all those around her, including the coaches very well at the MAC Championship and track athletes who were with her every day. Jen was quiet and humble, meet, placing in the discus throw,” Hornig said. “When Jen got to be a but she definitely wasn’t a quitter—that’s for sure.” junior, she really had a big break through and managed to provisionally Each player can have an incredible affect on the rest of the team. qualify for NCAA Nationals in the discus.” Rautzhan practiced humility in the choices she made and knew she could Unfortunately, Rautzhan ultimately did not get to go to nationals, as not quit. Knowing what is right can be the easy part, doing the right thing the cutoff was one inch beyond what she had thrown, and Hornig sat down often provides the source of the struggle. Some athletes seek only glory with her to talk about her upcoming senior year. from others for their accomplishments—the tougher road is to seek honor “I remember telling her that her involvement in basketball was limit- within. ing her ability to train over the winter for the discus,” said Hornig. “If she wanted to continue to improve and make it to nationals, she needed to focus more on track. “But Jen decided to continue to play basketball, even though it probably meant giving up a chance to go to nationals. She just didn’t want to quit on her teammates on the basketball team.” In Rautzhan’s senior year, she once again missed a chance to go the NCAA championship—this time by less than an inch. “Jen was very, very quiet, and she was humble, too. The thing that

14 15 Ashley Sparango ’08, field hockey

There are times when great athletes must lead by example. Temperance initial group was tied together in a provides the humility and prudence to show others how to come together unique bond,” said Sparango. Every and work as a team to achieve their goals. year, as freshmen were added to the Named offensive player of the conference her senior year, Ashley Spa- team, the original team members ac- rango stands as, statistically, the best field hockey player at DeSales Universi- cepted freshman as they improved, ty. Though she may not have appeared to be the best or most athletic player, made connections with teammates, standing at only 4'10", her skill and passion for the game made up for her and gave their all out on the field. small stature. She was the best player out there, and she knew it. However, At the start of her senior year, she was always humble and never let her achievements go to her head. Sparango was not pleased with the Sparango, aside from having a great deal of talent, always displayed an freshmen who were added to the immense amount of support for her fellow teammates, both on and off the team. It was not that they lacked skill field. Although mistakes were made, she always forgave those who made or ability that bothered her and the them and continuously supported her team. She was a leader, and her win- other girls—it was their lack in moti- ning attitude and knowledge of what needed to be done and how to do it vation and desire to win. helped her lead her team in victory. “It was frustrating as a captain As a freshman, Sparango had the unique opportunity to be on the and team member to watch our team, inaugural field hockey team. Because the entire team was new, it felt as if who was highly skilled and capable of every member of the team was a freshman. “Because of this feeling, the winning, lose games,” said Sparango. It wasn’t until the homecoming game that things turned around and the team stopped playing as individuals and started playing as a team. “I think that was the moment that made me proud to be the leader of the team,” Sparango said. “All I wanted was for the team to follow my lead and play every game as if it was their last, and finally that time came.” New field positions and changes in the line-up were not made because of the freshmen, but were made to benefit the whole team. “There might be struggles, but at some point in the season, the team came together and played for each other rather than playing to win. That is what every team should strive for.”

16 17 “Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.” Erin Lynn ’98, women’s basketball and women’s soccer St. Francis de Sales In her freshman and sophomore years, Erin Lynn played on the women’s basketball team. Then, in 1996, when DeSales established a women’s Wisdom & Knowledge soccer program, Lynn quit basketball to join the soccer team. Because she was open to playing on a new team and in a different sport, she learned to Stories compiled by Sabrina Englot ’10 better herself and, in turn, help others. Lynn’s coaches saw her as the first isdom is the deep understanding of people, things, events, true leader of the soccer team. She was or situations. This understanding results in a choice to ap- not the best athlete or a starter, but she Wply knowledge consistently and efficiently to create a desired was described as having the most heart. result. Wisdom can be an insight that requires controlling emotional and She was the woman who welcomed passionate reactions to let knowledge and reason determine one’s actions. everyone—the one who didn’t care Wisdom can also be knowledge of causes and why things exist the way they what level of player you were so long do. Knowledge thrives through experience and education. as you loved the game. While she did Wisdom and knowledge involve several character traits: open-minded- not see much playing time, she had a presence on the field and on the team. ness, curiosity, and creativity. It is important to maintain open-mindedness— Whether winning or losing, she supported her teammates from the start of without openness there is no room for innovation and new knowledge. the game to the final buzzer. Curiosity creates opportunities to explore and investigate the unfamiliar, “Players looked to her for leadership, and she was always a help to which can lead to wisdom and knowledge. Without creativity, new ideas everyone, no matter what their skill level,” Coach Martin “Doc” Brett ’98 and concepts do not flourish and revolutionary inventions are stunted. remembers. “She was the type who never looked down on anyone. She was Wisdom and knowledge require a sense of perspective, adaptation of someone who helped a teammate no matter what. Erin was open to any original points of view, and a love of learning. As their coaches attest, the woman who loved soccer and wanted to be part of the team. She had a athletes in this chapter truly exhibit these qualities. perspective of the game that is lost for some players, and she loved learning new tricks and new plays that could help her team win.” In her senior year, Lynn was nominated by her coaches and teammates to be a senior captain—a much-deserved honor. With her leadership and her open-mindedness, she led her team to victory on the field and off. As a math and secondary education major, she was a perfect leader and teacher for a new soccer team. Lynn’s openness to others and to her own strengths allowed her to fully develop into a knowledgeable individual.

18 19 Nolan Neiman ’05, baseball

From an early age, Nolan Neiman was destined to love baseball. As had played baseball since his hands a child, his younger brother, Deron, regularly wheeled out their baseball were big enough to fit in a mitt, his equipment in a red wagon, complete with a stereo blasting the national knowledge of the game allowed him anthem to signal the start of their backyard ball game. to be versatile enough to step-up to “I remember when I was eight or nine, my dad would throw with me the catcher position on the team and in the backyard, like so many other fathers in our country. But my dad was adapt to the skills he had learned his a college baseball coach,” recalls Neiman. first two years of college baseball. Neiman’s father, Coach Timothy Neiman, has been the DeSales Uni- Neiman played the position so well versity baseball coach for more than 20 years. While Coach Neiman fos- he received Player of the Year a third tered Neiman’s love for baseball throughout his adolescent, is wasn’t until time; this time as a catcher. Neiman joined the team at DeSales that he was actually coached by his Neiman went on to lend his tal- father. ents to the team even after graduating. “I tried not to coach him in Little League,” said he father, smiling, “I He served as a coach’s assistant under waited for my turn.” his father for a year, before becoming After joining the Bulldogs, Neiman proved to be an effective second an assistant coach at the University of baseman, winning the Player of the Year award during both his freshmen Maryland. and sophomore years. He even helped lead his father’s team to the College While Neiman’s position may World Series in 2003. change over the years, his love for the game remains unchanged. Without “Being able to help get my dad his flexibility to step outside of his familiar territory, Neiman would not to the World Series—that’s a proud have tackled new challenges. By keeping an open mind, he discovered new moment as a player,” Neiman said. talents and is now helping others find and develop their own skills. Neiman’s true test as a player came the following year, however, when an off-campus party left several baseball players suspended—wreck- ing havoc on the team’s line-up in the wake of their World Series showing. With the team in disarray, DeSales was left without a catcher. Coach Neiman nominated his son to learn the position. “There was definitely a learning curve,” Neiman said, “You’re catch- ing all day long.” Because Neiman

20 21 Amy Yencho ’04, women’s basketball

Amy Yencho is a wonderful example of how a person’s love of learning and perspective can make that individual great. It’s hard to find players who care enough about the sport they play to stay with it through the years and stay in contact with their previous coaches. Yencho did just that. Before Yencho became a DeSales Bulldog, she attended home games— watching players as they ran through the plays. She saw so many games that she was actually analyzed and memorized the plays. Women’s basketball Head Coach Fred Richter said: “During her recruiting process, Amy was unique. She dissected the plays occurring on the court and sometimes knew the plays better than some of my players. She was such a surprise to the up- perclassmen when, during one of her first practices, she said ‘oh this play is when I get thrown the ball.’ Half of the returning players didn’t remember the play themselves. Her knowledge of the game and eagerness to learn was admirable.” During her career at DeSales, Yencho scored 1,341 points. She is within the top ten all-time high scorers for the University. “She was a good player, back to me about a potential game,” Richter said. but she lacked foot quickness,” said Richter. “But what she didn’t have in Yencho continues to keep basketball in her life as a coach at Liberty foot speed she made up for with knowledge and her love of learning. She High School in Bethlehem, Pa. With luck, her love of learning and hunger was a four-year starter for the University—a ‘tell me what to do, and I will for wisdom will transfer onto the players she coaches in the game she loves. do it’ kind of athlete, one you could count on to do what she was told. She was tough and she didn’t allow herself to get bullied,” Yencho’s senior year, the women’s team was invited to play in a Christ- mas tournament in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Yencho played a tremendous championship game. When a girl from the other team messed up her hair, which she had delib- erately placed the way she wanted, Yencho got mad. However, she focused that anger into a drive to score. “She got so focused after that,” said Richter. “The other girls had to tell me what happened because Amy wouldn’t. She was quiet and reserved. That game she drained so many shots. I knew I could always count on Amy, no matter what I needed done. She was well-respected by her teammates and by the coaching staff. I can count on her today, as well. I called her the other day asking about an alumni game, and she called up a bunch of her old teammates and got right

22 23 Sarah Lumi ’09, field hockey

Freshman year is the hardest year for many college students. It’s a new environment with new people, and it’s the time when many students are on their own for the first time. Being a freshman on a college sports team can be even more difficult. The athletes have to prove themselves not only to their coaches, but also their new teammates—who can become like a family who support each other on and off the field. For Sarah Lumi, the DeSales field hockey team was that family. “As a team, each and every player had to come together to succeed,” she said. In 2007, the field hockey team was small. As a program, it had only entered its fourth year—its third as a competitive program in the Freedom Conference, and as a small team in a new program, the atmosphere was difficult for some players—particularly those who were asked to step out of their comfort zones and play in less familiar field positions. Lumi, a defensive player, wasn’t asked to take on a new position, but in her junior year, she did her best to help a freshman, Amy, who was asked to learn to play defense for the first time. to offense before the end of the season. Amy, who was honored as rookie of “I wanted to help a freshman learn a new position because that is what the year by the conference, says that Lumi gave her a whole new perspective being a teammate is about,” said Lumi. on the field and that she doesn’t think she would have been named rookie Amy came onto the team as part of the offense but was later asked to of the year without Lumi’s guidance. play defense—a position she had never played before. Lumi could see how In her senior year, Lumi wasn’t the fastest player on the field or the nervous Amy was when the starting line-up was called and she was named the most skilled, but she was the most supportive and the most vocal captain. In right back—the exact opposite of her comfort zone. the 2008 season, the three seniors on the team had a difficult task: the coach Lumi played sweeper, the position behind Amy’s and the last line of who had been with them for the past three years had been replaced by a new defense before the goalie. The first game they played beside each other was coach, Sarah Fosdick. Fosdick had a different coaching style and, though it can in August 2007 at a tournament in Ohio. Although the game did not count be difficult for athletes to learn a new coaching technique in the final year of for the season record, it was a test for the newcomer and Lumi knew it. So their collegiate careers, it was their task for the season to adjust. she gave Amy a pre-game pep talk to calm her nerves. The seniors had a set way of doing things because they had played the During the game, Amy made a few errors, but Lumi assured her it was same way for nine or ten years. Lumi kept the team’s attitude positive even okay, saying that one of the great things about the game of field hockey is though she had differences with the new coach’s style. that one player may make a mistake, but there are ten other women on the “Being able to focus on encouraging [my team] helped me not to field who are there to back that player up for all 70 minutes of play. After focus on my problems,” Lumi said. hearing this, Amy knew her team would be there for her and she would be Lumi knew she would never be the best athlete, but she also knew there for them. she could be the athlete who worked the hardest. She knew her strengths Lumi helped Amy become a better player, although she moved back

24 25 and always wanted to improve—whether that involved conditioning a little harder or asking a teammate for help. She was involved in campus life both on and off the field—the presi- dent of the Student Government Association (SGA), a member of DeSales Admissions Welcoming Guides (DAWGs), a Character U mentor, a DeSales Delegate, and a member of PACE (Peer Advising, Counseling and Educat- ing). Most students cannot handle that workload in addition to athletics, but Lumi was an expert at balancing her responsibilities. “Managing time with field hockey has always been a challenge, but at the same time multitasking has come natural to me,” Lumi said. “I had to stay organized, ask for some flexibility from my extracurricular groups, and work at the times when I could be involved to make up for missed times. “After a while, most people got used to my varied involvement, which helped. They knew that what I occasionally lacked in attendance I made up for in dedication and hard work.” Fosdick’s favorite thing about Lumi was that she never appeared to be anywhere else but the present. “She was always fully engrossed with field hockey while at practice or playing in a game. She never seemed to be thinking about how much she had to do later,” said Fosdick. Lumi had a passion for her sport. She was a great player who knew her strengths and knew when someone could teach her to improve a weakness. She was the heart of the defense, a captain who conveyed the wishes of the team, and a player with a positive attitude. She shared her creativity, love of learning, and wisdom with her teammates.

26 27 “Let your heart be full of courage and your courage full Bill Neal ’05, men’s tennis of confidence in God, for He will never abandon you if Bill Neal played four years on the men’s tennis team at DeSales Uni- you do not first abandon Him.” St. Francis de Sales versity, but he found himself in a tough situation that may have made other athletes quit. Every day throughout the tennis season, Neal went to practice and challenged his teammates for the number one spot on the team—and Courage every one of those days, he lost. Like anyone would, Neal became very discouraged but he never gave up on the challenge. Through perseverance, by the end of his four years at DeSales, Neal was the number one player on the team. Stories compiled by Jessica Kloss ’11 Neal knew that the easy way out of constant defeat is to give up, but he wanted to make a difference and stand out. He challenged his defeat ourage allows someone to face any situation without letting fear or day after day, and although Neal did not reach his goal until the end of his intimidation overwhelm them. Courage, whether physical or mor- fourth year at DeSales, he later went on to coach the DeSales men’s tennis Cal, is having the emotional strength to pursue goals in the face of team for two strong years. external or internal opposition. Physical courage faces physical pain, hard- Neal transitioned from a tennis player to a tennis coach and he went ship, death, or threat of death. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in on to inspire his players with his story of persistence and determination. the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. His story has touched a lot of his players, encouraging them to follow in his The character trait courage is made up of four important sub-categories: footsteps as a character with courage. bravery, persistence, integrity, and vitality. Bravery is standing up to threats, challenges, difficulties, and pain. Persistence is continuity—it is finishing efforts and persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles, sometimes even taking pleasure in doing it. Integrity is speaking the truth with honesty, pre- senting oneself in a genuine way, acting without pretense, and taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions. Finally, Vitality is the capacity to live, grow, and develop. It is about approaching life with zest, excitement, and energy. Vitality is living life as an adventure—feeling alive and activated. In sports, students face challenging hardships and painful injuries that make them lose playing time. When athletes are injured, the pain can sometimes be crippling, but the athletes profiled on the following pages are unique in their courage. They demonstrated physical courage, which gave them a boost to face the physical pain and finish what they started. Here you will read several stories about the athletes from their coaches’ point of view. These athletes came from different places, played different sports, and experienced different injuries, but they all shared two things—they loved their sports, and their courage helped them stand out from their peers.

28 29 Jeff Clifford ’04, men’s basketball

In his first year at DeSales, Jeff Institute of Technology, and he did get back on the court. Clifford was very excited to begin “According to our athletic trainer, Jeff’s ankle healed,” Coval said. “How- classes and work towards his future ever, throughout the game, he grimaced and seemed to be in terrible pain.” career. Not only was he driven, but he Coval and Clifford knew the injury was worse than it first seemed, and was aggressive and competitive, which when Clifford consulted an orthopedic doctor, he discovered the bone had made him a successful first-year point never returned to a normal range of motion. He had permanent damage. guard on the men’s basketball team. “I expected Jeff to quit,” Coval said. “Like many sports, basketball in- Scott Coval, the director of cludes a lot of running, a lot of pivoting, and a lot of jumping. Such move- athletics and head men’s basketball ments put a lot of pressure on the ankle.” coach, described Clifford’s first year But Clifford surprised everyone when he stayed with the game he at DeSales as an academic and ath- loved, and even started every game. letic success. “Jeff enjoyed classes, and “After games, Jeff spent long hours in the training room. He took Advil whether at practice or on a bus ride, for the inflammation and swelling and dipped the ankle into buckets of ice,” he always talked about learning,” Co- Coval said. “It was courageous—he didn’t back away from the challenge.” val said. At the end of the season, Clifford was a statistical leader—he led the Not only did Clifford enjoy his Bulldogs’ with 72 assists and 262 points. The team’s final record was a re- academic work, but he was a dependable player on the court. Coval described verse of the previous season—an improved 16 wins and 10 losses. Clifford as an essential man on the team: “Jeff also enjoyed our ‘sixth man’ po- “Jeff competed with an incredible amount of pain, but he never per- sition. When a starter needed rest, he played consistent and reliable basketball.” formed halfway or halfheartedly. That By the end of his first year, Clifford had made an outstanding impres- season, he was our best player,” said sion both academically and athletically, though the Bulldogs’ season con- Coval. cluded with a dismal 10 wins and 16 losses. Coval began preparing for the While Clifford’s ankle never im- following season and decided to make Clifford the starting point guard. proved, he played through his third “The team needed a change, and I reviewed our individual records and fourth years. More significantly, and statistics,” Coval said. “Jeff was an intelligent and complete player. He in the DeSales University record analyzed each situation and accurately passed the ball. He hit three pointers book, he ranks 10th, with 108 con- from anywhere on the court.” secutive games. Though the 2001-02 season promised to be Clifford’s for the tak- “Jeff’s hard work and dedication ing, he injured his left ankle before the season started. “In the beginning paid off,” Coval said. “He was an ex- of October, while at practice, Jeff fell awkwardly,” Coval said. “His ankle ceptional student—always wanting to immediately bruised and swelled, and we later found out it was fractured.” learn, and he was an exceptional play- Clifford was devastated and stood on crutches for six weeks as the er and teammate—always competing bone mended and his ankle returned to a normal range of motion. His goal with guts.” was to get well in time to compete in the season opener against Stevens

30 31 Phil Yetter ’07, men’s soccer

Phil Yetter never missed a game during his college career, and he was a stand-out athlete and student who led the team for three years. He was the youngest captain for the soccer team, but according to George Crampton, head coach of the men’s soccer team, even the seniors looked up to Yetter. October 7, 2006, was a brisk fall afternoon, and the DeSales soccer team was excited to play against The University Scranton. The Bull- dogs had not lost in two years and everyone, including the Scranton team, wanted a chance to beat the DeSales team. The team beat Scranton in the finals. Not only did the men’s soccer During the game, Yetter caught team win the championship, but more importantly the team learned never an elbow to the face. Everyone watching, including Crampton knew Yetter to give up and to always try their best even in the face of adversity. was severely injured, but he wanted to stay on the field, even when Cramp- “Phil was always self-motivated,” said Crampton. “I never had to press ton yelled for Yetter to get off the field, insisting he was hurt badly. With him to get back into the game.” determination, Yetter insisted he stay on the playing field, claiming he was okay and that he must finish playing the game. After the game, Yetter had to face his injury—a fractured cheek bone that later required reconstructive surgery. The injury required him to sit out for two weeks, meaning he had to miss four games. However, when those two weeks were up, Yetter wore a facemask to protect his cheek and got right back into the groove of the game in time to lead his team to the finals. The finals were played on November 4, 2006, and ironically enough was against The University of Scranton. Although Phil’s cheek was injured in a game against Scranton, Crampton said: “Phil showed no fear. He wanted no revenge on the guy that injured him. It was all business.” According to Crampton, instead of seeking physical revenge, Yetter knew “winning for the team, was the best revenge.”

32 33 Casey Opdyke ’08, field hockey

Winning a game is more than a win for an athlete—it’s an accomplishment. Even more of an accomplishment is winning with integrity, passion, and persistence. Casey Opdyke is a DeSales athlete who played with integrity. Opdyke was a strong player both physically and mentally. Her coaches claimed that she had the hardest shot they had ever seen, and she had an undeniable confidence and passion for the game. She played by the rules— using her stick skills as opposed to false fouls to help her team succeed. While there were times when she was hard on herself, Opdyke was careful not to let her teammates know about it. She knew that teammates feed off one another and, as a leader, she didn’t want them to pick up a doubting attitude from her. Opdyke was so dedicated and passionate about field hockey that she refused to allow injuries to stand between her and the game. During one particular important game, Opdyke was injured when she was hacked in She then ignored the pain and continued playing. Once the game was over, the hand by an opposing team stick. Opdyke didn’t want to let her team Opdyke discovered that her injury was worse then she thought—she had a down, so she played through her pain, determined to help lead her team to broken hand. a win. She wanted to prove to their “I didn’t want to be the injured person,” Opdyke said. “I would’ve felt opponent that the Bulldogs were the guilty because my teammates were probably hurting as well, just in different better team. “Teams in our confer- ways.” Opdyke knew that she had to be tough for her team and they in turn ence had no respect for us,” she said. were tough for her. “They didn’t take us seriously so we “When I play hockey I am in a totally different mind-set. My friends wanted to give them a fight.” know me as a light-hearted person off the field, but on the field it’s differ- While she was playing, how- ent. I hope I was able to inspire my team, because they inspired and pushed ever, her coach noticed that Opdyke’s me everyday.” hand was bruising and very swollen. The coach wanted to remove Op- dyke from the game and tend to her hand. Opdyke was the heart of the defense and didn’t want to sit out. So she compromised with her coach—she had her hand temporarily wrapped by the trainer to avoid further injury.

34 35 Gina Lucrezi ’05, Women’s Track and Field

In the history of the DeSales women’s track and cross country teams, From that point onward, Hornig paid close attention to Lucrezi’s high there is one runner who stands above everyone—Gina Lucrezi, a highly- school season, and, to her new coach’s delight, by the beginning of May she touted recruit in long distance running. had decided to attend DeSales. In Spring 2001, women’s track and cross country Head Coach Gor- When the cross country season began in the fall, Lucrezi made her first don Hornig received a call from the admissions department about a “pretty impression on both Hornig and her teammates. good high school runner” who was coming to visit and was interested in “In the first week of practice, and we had a time trial at the end of a talking with him about the possibility of running for DeSales. particularly hard week of practice,” Hornig remembered. “Gina just blew all “Back then, Moravian College had a lock on the local prospects, and I the girls on the team away. But at the end, she was humble and encourag- didn’t think that we would have a shot at getting Gina to come to DeSales,” ing to the other girls. They could have been jealousy or bitterness towards Hornig said. “When I got that call from admissions, I called Gina and found Gina—because a freshman was running so much faster than the upper class- out that she was looking for a good school with an established TV/film de- men. But instead, the team recognized how hard Gina worked, and that partment. She said she wanted to schedule a visit, and we met the next week.” work ethic rubbed off on everyone.” When Lucrezi came to visit, she had some questions for the running Lucrezi went on to become a 10-time All-American in both cross coach. country and track and field. According to Hornig, her brightest moment “She asked me why I didn’t recruit her for my program,” he recalled, came in her senior year when she won a National Championship in the in- “and I told her that I assumed that she was going to Moravian. I had no idea door 1,500-meters in a nail-biting photo-finish. This victory capped off the she was still looking at other schools. She got annoyed—not at me, but at career of a woman who is undoubtedly the most successful women’s track the idea that it was a forgone conclusion that she would attend Moravian.” or cross country athlete DeSales has ever had. “Gina’s work ethic was unbelievable—she was just so persistent in getting better at running,” Hornig said. “She did really well academically, but everyone knew she was all about running and willing to do whatever it took to get better. Her teammates wanted to emulate her and work as hard as she did. Really, it was her persistent efforts to improve that stood out to everyone who watched her.” Lucrezi was an ultimate example of an athlete who led by example and hard work. Her persistence in improving her running ability and rais- ing the bar of excellence for her teammates was what made her not only an outstanding athlete, but also an outstanding person of character “Gina was the team leader, and all of the girls rallied around her. Even though she graduated in 2005, Gina still calls my recruits to encourage them to come to DeSales and she stays involved with our team,” Hornig said. “Her 10 All-American awards were a testament to the hard work and character that she displayed every day on the track.”

36 37 Marian Karnas ’09, field hockey

Tearing an ACL is a horrible ex- against Ramapo College of New Jersey was at an offensive halt, with Ra- perience for anyone. Many athletes mapo leading 2-1. One of the Bulldogs noticed that the goalie was hunched would give up because the pain of over in pain and got the attention of the coaches. The goalie was injured, surgery and recovery is so great. But and she was the last player left with any goalie experience. that injury and recovery didn’t stop The coaches were at a loss of what to do when Karnas stepped up. Marian Karnas from returning to the She made her way to the coaches and offered to play goalie. “I knew I was sport she loved—field hockey. needed. Nobody else was going to step up, and as captain, I knew what was Karnas was injured in her soph- expected of me” said Karnas. omore season, but she never doubted “The half was winding down and Marian took a second to get into a that she would return the moment new mindset. She would be playing a new position and didn’t want to let she got the go ahead from her physi- the team down. During half time, she suited up and took her place at the cal therapist. In the off months, she end of the field between the pipes” said Fosdick. spent her time training and rebuilding The team had Karnas’s back for the last 35 minutes of play and did her strength so she could return for their best to keep the ball on the offensive side of the field. DeSales scored her junior season. shortly into the second half—tying the score and fueling Karnas’s adrena- “After the injury, I was devas- line. Although the game ended 5-2 and DeSales added a loss to their record, tated and felt like I had let my team Karnas was the hero of the game. down. So while I was recovering and training to return, I felt a huge desire “I felt disappointed that I didn’t play better, but also proud of myself and pressure to come back stronger than ever and prove myself,” said Karnas. for stepping up and going outside my comfort zone,” Karnas said. Karnas was not a key field player her freshman year or in the games Karnas was a player who didn’t take the easy route. She worked hard before her injury. She didn’t think she would have more playing time her on her fitness and tried to be in the best shape possible. Her old knee injury junior and senior years, but she worked to come back anyway. Even if she sometimes bothered her, but she never let others notice and she didn’t let it wasn’t playing much, she knew the importance of supporting her team affect her playing—she could keep up with anyone on the field. mates on and off of the field and wanted to be there in that role, at least. Captains are normally the most vocal players on the field, but Karnas In Karnas’s senior season, the Bulldogs struggled to find a goalie. The was quiet and reserved. Her teammates knew she had a heavy work load in previous goalie had transferred at the last minute, leaving the first year school, but that didn’t affected her on the field. The other players knew they coach, Sarah Fosdick, a short amount of time to find a new goalie. Fosdick’s could come to her with anything, whether it involved field hockey or how efforts proved fruitless as the team entered pre-season with no prospects to do a math problem. for a goalie. So she picked two players who would not have received much “Marian was the most well-rounded player her senior year” says Fos- playing time and gave them the opportunity to learn goalie. dick. Her attitude was her biggest asset on the field. Karnas was not one of these players. She took her position as a substi- tute defender when the starters needed a break, and she never complained because she knew she was an intricate part of that second string. Six games into the season, Karnas had her chance to step up. The game

38 39 Val Valach ’05, softball

In the Freedom Conference, the double play award for that season—a first for the softball team. To this Wilkes University is usually one of day, Turoscy refers to that award as the “Val Valach Award” because Valach’s the DeSales softball team’s top oppo- phenomenal defensive skills as a second base player was the main reason the nents. The Bulldogs have always given Bulldogs garnered the most double plays. In that same season, Valach made the Colonels a run for their money, DeSales history by becoming the first ever regional All-American Bulldog but from 2002 to 2005, one player— softball player. Val Valach—really became a nuisance After Valach graduated in the spring of 2005, the Wilkes University for them. coach said “She’s gone?” and then let out a sigh of relief. Even he recog- A phenomenal second base play- nized the tremendous talent and character that Valach demonstrated in her er, Valach was tremendously persistent persistent performances. during her four-year collegiate softball career. Her quiet personality was contrasted by her powerful performances on the field as both a defensive and offensive player. Her achievements are legendary. During her sophomore season, Valach began to excel as a hitter—eventually leading the team in hits. But while Head Coach Rachel Turoscy had always been impressed with the young athlete, she became amazed by Valach’s skill after two days of double headers against Wilkes. On the first day in the first game, the Bulldogs lost to Wilkes. Toward the end of the second game, with a close score, the Colonels maintained a slight lead. Then Valach stepped to the plate. She had already delivered a solid performance throughout the day, but in her final at-bat, she knocked the ball over the fence for a homerun—winning the game for her team. Pulling DeSales from a second loss in that first double header was an outstanding feat in itself, but during the next day’s double header, Valach hit another homerun! Just like the first time, the Bulldogs went on to win the game, in large part thanks to Valach’s performance. The double homerun weekend was certainly one of the highlights of Valach’s career, but it was not her only notable accomplishment. In the spring 2005 season, the softball team had made more double plays than any other team within the Freedom Conference and was presented with

40 41 Courtney McClurkin ’08, women’s tennis

Sometimes, the finest examples of true character are developed from life’s most demanding tests. Courtney McClurkin is very familiar with some of life’s intense tests, and she’s passed with flying colors. In 2008, McClurkin was honored as player of the year in tennis by The Lehigh Valley Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. By the time she concluded her four years at DeSales, she had racketed up 65 career single wins and 60 career double victories—allowing her to graduate with the honor of being the most successful tennis player ever at the University. However, McClurkin faced a personal challenge during her winning sweep on the tennis team. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and McClurkin struggled to balance her life as both a dedicated daughter to her family and a devoted tennis player on the courts. She was known by her coaches as a young woman who would wear out her opponents on the court with her relentless returns. McClurkin didn’t miss a trick—she launched and returned the ball with such power and persistence that many of her rival players would grow tired and eventually throw in the towel. McClurkin’s teammates and coaches respected her persistence in the face of her mother’s illness. They would have understood if she decided to stop playing tennis to help support her family, but decided to stay and fight her battles on the tennis courts. In her senior year, she collected many accolades on the courts and she graduated with honors. McClurkin not only proved her abilities as a strong player and student, but as a loyal and dedicated member of her family.

42 43 “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle Brian Manning ’97, baseball as real strength.” St. Francis de Sales Brian Manning, a member of the baseball team at DeSales, struggled to balance academics and athletics. Heading into his midterm exams, he Transcendence held an abysmal 0.9 grade point average and was in danger of losing his spot on the baseball team. Tim Neiman, head baseball Stories compiled by Susan Gatanis ’10 coach at DeSales, was upset and frustrated with his player during a prac- ranscendence is achievement through beauty and excellence. tice and told the young man that he We transcend when we realize that success cannot be measured was letting his teammates down. Tthrough winning or losing but through appreciating our own life Even Manning’s mother was journeys. Transcending helps us pursue personal growth, and through this ready to give up on him because of growth, we fulfill the natural human instinct to better ourselves. his poor academics. Neiman remem- Transcendence can happen through awareness of the splendor of the bers her calling him saying, “You can world. We can be in awe of nature, knowledge, athletics, or the cases of some do anything you want with him, even DeSales University athletes, a combination of all these elements. Through kick him off the team.” their journeys on DeSales athletic teams, many students have found deeper Without the support of his mother or his coach, Manning had to de- meanings in their athletic experiences. Some have transcended through cide: would he stay on the team and earn his degree, or would he fail and their hope and ever-present optimism. A blend of spirituality, faith, religion, let everyone down? and purpose guided others toward their goals and achievements. Other In the end, he took his studies seriously. He changed his attitude and athletes found humor in their high-pressure situations, constantly bringing studied hard leading up to his exams. After taking his exams, Manning also smiles to other people’s faces. increased the effort he put into baseball practice—dedicating himself to By keeping their lives and situations in perspective, these extraordinary improving his game. This showed Neiman that Manning truly valued his athletes have paid proper gratitude to the mysteries of life. As philosopher spot on the team. and ethicist Sissela Bok said, “To mature is in part to realize that while com- Manning’s attitude change, both academically and physically, was im- plete intimacy and omniscience and power cannot be had, self-transcen- portant. He turned the semester around and proved to his team, coach, and dence, growth, and closeness to others are nevertheless within one’s reach.” mother that he was as dedicated to both baseball and academics. From that point on, according to Neiman, he kept his head in the game. After graduating, Manning played baseball professionally for several years in the minor leagues. He was later drafted in the ninth round by the San Francisco Giants major league baseball team and has been inducted into the DeSales Athletic Hall of Fame.

44 45 Brett Vargo ’04, baseball

Brett Vargo embodied transcendence through his dedication to baseball and his teammates. He loved nothing more than playing the game and remained optimistic when it would have been easier to give up. Vargo was not a typical baseball player. Unlike most of his teammates, who were tall and strong, Vargo was short and less robust. However, this size difference didn’t affect Vargo’s effort and attitude on the baseball field. As of 2010, he held the all-time record at DeSales University for homerun hits in a NCAA tournament, with an outstanding 27 homeruns. Vargo’s skills extended beyond his time at the plate and into the outfield. During an away game against Ithaca College in 2003, he dove for a ball even though his team already had a ten run lead. After making the catch, Vargo remained lying on the field for several moments before his teammates realized something was wrong. Ithaca’s medical trainer ran onto the field to evaluate him and found Vargo in a great deal of pain. The medical trainer examined Vargo’s collarbone and advised him to have it checked by a professional as soon as he returned to Center Valley. broken collarbone and had been playing injured for the past two weeks. After the medical trainer finished, Head Coach Tim Neiman ap- Even with this painful injury, Vargo managed to hit three homeruns during proached his player. the last game of the tournament. “How ya feeling?” Neiman asked. Vargo’s tremendous aptitude and exuberance for the game were such “I’m great!” Vargo beamed back. that he not only continued to play with a broken collarbone, but he ex- Contrary to the medical trainer’s suggest, Vargo decided not to have his celled in the sport. Vargo’s appreciation of the game helped him overcome injury checked. A week later, Vargo was up and ready for the next game of his pain. His determination was an inspiration not only to his teammates, the baseball tournament. but his coaches as well. Though mentally ready for the game, Vargo’s body showed signs of continued injury. Vargo had difficulty throwing the ball to his teammates during the pre-game warm-up. Neiman noticed Vargo’s uncharacteristic struggles and advised him to be cautious of his injured collarbone. “I want to play, coach,” Vargo responded, and Neiman didn’t argue. Vargo went on to play the entire game, hitting three homeruns. Al- though DeSales lost that last game of the tournament, Vargo had reason to be pleased with his effort and performance. A week after the tournament ended, Vargo finally had his injury examined by a doctor. That was when his stellar performance during the tournament became even more amazing. The doctor found that Vargo had a

46 47 Lori (Schwartz) Olivi ’00, women’s track and field

Overcoming challenges often goes beyond sports and into an athlete’s Olivi wasn’t the best runner on the team—she never qualified for personal life. These challenges add a new dimension to being an athlete. For championships—but her presence alone was inspiring. For Olivi, it didn’t Lori (Schwartz) Olivi, the greatest challenge to overcome was her health, matter how well she did—she was proud just to be a member of the team. which put in perspective her role on the team and the simple joy of partici- She was an encouraging motivator and the team respected her for that. She pating in an activity she loved. traveled to every meet, even if she didn’t run, to give her teammates support. When she first came to DeSales, Olivi was interested in playing soccer. “She was the first athlete to really make me realize that the teamwork, But after she sustained two serious head injuries, she was no longer able to motivation, and leadership of my team wasn’t only on the track,” Hornig continue to play. Still, she loved sports and looked for a new athletic outlet said. “She made me realize how much of an impact one young woman that her body could handle. could have on her team.” Olivi approached Gordon Hornig, head coach of the women’s track Hornig also remembers how Olivi placed great value in her spirituality and field team, during her sophomore year in hopes of joining his team. In and was never afraid to show her faith. It was through her trust in a higher that first meeting with Olivi, Hornig noticed her bubbly personality, knew power that she found the strength to battle cancer and continue running. she was something special, and welcomed her to the team. “She didn’t take chances when it came to her spirituality. She practiced Olivi’s transition from the soccer field to the track was not easy. She her faith in everything she did,” Hornig said. had trouble understanding how different running for track was from the By the time she was a senior, Olivi’s running and endurance drastically running she had done for years in soccer. Even with an initial learning improved, and it has continued to improve since then. In 2004, Olivi ran her curve about the technique of track running, she always gave phenomenal first marathon as a cancer survivor. She has since moved to Maryland, where effort. she teaches high school theology. She continues to stay active in the DeSales Her persistence on the track led to eventual improvement. As her run- community by speaking about her fight against cancer and spreading her ning got better and better, devastating news from her doctor changed Olivi’s philosophy of living each day to its fullest. life. During her sophomore year, she was diagnosed with cancer. From that moment on, she was not only battling other runners on the track, but also battling for her life. With a strong will and positive attitude, Olivi never let cancer slow her down. She never gave in and never complained. “Lori didn’t give up with anything we did. She would do anything for the team,” said Hornig. He also remembers Olivi’s modesty. “I would tell her how well she did, but she would always say, ‘you know what, so-and-so did really well, too. So we established the Bird Award.” The Bird Award was given to an outstanding runner after a meet. The runner could then choose to keep it or pass it on to a teammate. “It just became a nice team-building tool. We were a team who flocked together,” Hornig said.

48 49 Nathan Branosky ’99, men’s soccer Harry Morra ’04, men’s basketball

Some athletes forget that sports should be fun, but not Nathan Bra- Harry Morra struggled to find nosky. He found joy in encouraging his team and worked hard to stay posi- a place he felt comfortable until he tive and lighthearted. He was a true team player. came to DeSales and found his niche: Dr. Martin Brett ’98, director of the sports management program at basketball. DeSales and a former teammate of Branosky, can’t help but laugh when he In his first year, Morra had remembers his time on the soccer team. He said Branosky’s most valuable plenty of playing time and his love of contribution to the team was his ever-positive attitude. the game was apparent to everyone. Perhaps not the most skilled player on the team, Branosky’s role was However, during his sophomore and primarily a supportive one—he showed spirit and dedication to his team- junior years, Morra began to his see his mates. His presence inspired others to remain persistent and to keep big- time on the court decline. Instead of picture goals in mind rather than focusing on small setbacks. Branosky also giving into his frustrations or quitting kept the mood light through his sense of humor. the team, however, Morra remained Brett said Branosky often laughed and make jokes about soccer with hopeful and positive. the other players, even though his athletic skills were often far from perfect. Men’s Basketball Head Coach “Sometimes he’d make a mistake and someone would rib him over it, Scott Coval said Morra “stuck it out” and he’d try to shoot back and then mess that up, making it even funnier,” through those two years of reduced Brett said. “He’d trip over the ball during drills, things like that. We were a playing time and emerged as a leader in his senior year. Coval commended year older than him, but we knew if we saw Nate out there practicing alone, Morra’s transcendence, describing him as a good teammate with an “ability we had to work harder.” to reach everyone on the team.” According to Coval, Morra embodied the Brett said Branosky’s greatest strengths came from his pure, infectious values of community and togetherness. joy with being on the field. After graduating from DeSales, Morra continued to exhibit strong “He loved being out there—bringing energy and helping whenever moral character and tie them into his love of basketball when he began he could.” working for PeacePlayers International (PPI.) PPI is an innovative global Brett also admired how Branosky joined anyone working individually organization that uses sports to unite and educate adolescents in divided on their skill drills to give them a partner. He also offered support if he communities. The organization was founded under the mission that “chil- saw someone falling behind their goal time while on a run. Even if he had dren who play together can learn to live together”—a statement that re- already finished the run himself, Branosky didn’t hesitate to run back to his flects the values Morra developed while playing basketball at DeSales. teammate’s side and offer encouragement. Through PPI, Morra has worked in a variety of segregated commu- “He had fun. He approached the game the right way.” nities in South Africa and Ireland teaching children to play basketball. In Branosky’s pleasure in participating and helping others continued after Ireland, children used the game as an escape from the constant quarreling of graduation when he became a nurse and served in the Army Reserves as a religious groups. Likewise, basketball brought joy to less fortunate villages medic. Today, Branosky is a Pennsylvania state trooper in the Fogelsville area. in South Africa, where some children’s families could not even afford shoes. “Those facts speak to what kind of person he is,” Brett said. Today, Morra is active in both PPI and at DeSales, returning to speak with basketball players about PPI and the importance of giving back.

50 51 “No one is esteemed before God for having lived long, Ted Gladue ’94, men’s basketball but for having lived well.” St. Francis de Sales As a fourth-year shooting guard on the DeSales men’s basketball team, Ted Gladue hoped for personal glory. He wanted to play in more than 100 games and score more than 1,000 points. As a first-year coach on the men’s basketball team, Scott Coval hoped Justice to win games. He wanted to enforce teamwork and to earn respect. There were times when the player’s sense of self and coach’s sense of team conflicted. “I walked onto the basketball court noticing several problems. The players competed as individuals, not as a team. Overall, there was Stories compiled by Chelsey Armstrong ’11 a lack of discipline and obedience,” Coval said. “I was an inexperienced 30-year-old, but I needed to change the team’s culture.” ot everyone is just. Justice requires a person to engage themselves Changing the team’s culture, however, was challenging and over- in the qualities of leadership, teamwork, fairness, and active citi- whelming. “Some players ignored change and abandoned the team. Other Nzenship. People who demonstrate these qualities promote unity players acknowledged change but remained self-centered. We had four wins and help form a society’s sense of community. Because justice helps society and ten losses,” Coval said. He was desperate for improvement and sought function, a person of character who shows justice benefits the greater good leadership. of society. “Ted was an all-around player. On offense, he shot from inside and DeSales athletes are often noted for their qualities of justice. For a team from outside. On defense, he read the zones and stole the basketball,” Coval to function successfully, all of the qualities of justice—leadership, teamwork, said. “If Ted understood my philosophy, the entire team would follow suit.” fairness and active citizenship—must be present. Characterics of justice help Gladue accepted the leadership position and the Bulldogs found suc- a team form a special bond, creating a union among team members. cess. On January 24, they defeated Ursinus College 86-56. “Ted became a dedicated player, and competed for the entire team. The other players followed him,” Coval said. “Defeating Ursinus College was inspirational—it was our season’s turning point.” The Bulldogs rallied, defeating opponents by large and small margins. They defeated Catholic University 90-70 and defeated Wesley College 93- 90. “Ted encouraged our team to compete for 40 minutes. We concluded the season with eight wins and one loss. It was a miraculous improvement.” Moreover, Gladue still earned personal glory. Throughout the season, he scored 264 points. In the DeSales University record book, he ranks 14th with 105 consecutive games and 20th with 1,053 points. “For a fourth-year player, comfortable with one culture and one philosophy, change was difficult. Nevertheless, Ted remained dedicated and encouraged,” Coval said. “His leadership salvaged my first season.”

52 53 Kelly Magrann ’10, Women’s Basketball

Kelly Magrann showed her Richter said that Magrann’s character through justice when she coming to the forefront of the team stepped up to the plate when her was exactly what the Bulldogs need- team needed her the most. ed—someone taking initiative and The 2009-10 season for the responsibility to fill a need for their DeSales women’s basketball team friends and fellow student-athletes. began well enough, but games be- “And if that’s going to happen, it came harder and wins started to slip should come from within the team,” through their fingers. The team was Richter said. sinking, and after the season’s 11th Richter is certain their oppo- game, the starting captain of the Bull- nents sat up to take notice of Ma- dogs suffered an injury. grann’s transformation on the court. Then in mid-January, Ma- “If you look at her statistics for the grann—a heavily used reserve play- year, you see that she raised her level er—came off the bench during a of play. If you look at the game stories game against Florham University and over the course of the season, you see sprang into action to score a career- that Kelly had a tremendous impact high 21 points. In that game, she led the team to victory and took over as on the court after her teammate was injured.” captain, matching her scholastic excellence with as-yet untapped potential as a team leader. “Things happen,” said Fred Richter, head women’s basketball coach. “When a key player gets injured, you either let it slide or someone can step up and be the voice.” That voice was Magrann’s, and the reservist quickly found herself in the pivotal central position of the team, both on and off the court. Magrann became a respectable presence during games, again topping her own best score and leading by example. On her 22nd birthday, she scored 30 points to cement a resounding 81-52 win against FDU Florham. Between games, she did whatever was necessary for her team and teammates’ success—including an ever-increasing number of administrative tasks. Through the second half of the season, Magrann led the team to 13 straight wins and deep into the NCAA tournament for a final record of 11-3. She did this while maintaining a 3.97 GPA and was named the Mid- American Conference Women’s Basketball scholar-athlete for 2010.

54 55 Danielle Jenson ’06, softball

Since beginning her softball- the example set by their senior captain and took it to heart. By the end coaching career at DeSales, Head of their senior year—spring of 2009—the softball team’s reputation and Coach Rachel Turoscy had never seen record had improved significantly and three players were named regional a better leader than Jenson. The player All-American athletes. This was a dramatic improvement compared to three was more than a leader, however. She years earlier when the Bulldogs couldn’t earn a winning record. also demonstrated active citizenship. Jenson’s leadership role inspired younger players, and her impact on Jenson played all four years at the team has helped the softball program become stronger over all. She was DeSales, and by the time she was a not only a leader, but a role model. junior, she had been named co-captain—an honor typically reserved for senior athletes. A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, Jenson exemplified justice through her natural leadership qualities. While many of her teammates were quiet, Jenson was quite the opposite. She engaged in active citizenship—encouraging all of her teammates to work together. She kept the team in shape, correcting her teammates when they were out of line, and didn’t avoid confrontation. This uncanny knack for communication not only impacted the DeSales softball team during her tenure but for years after. In was the 2006 season—Jenson’s senior year—the pitcher really stepped into her leadership role. She was not pitching well because of chronic shoulder pain, and the team’s win-loss record was suffering. How- ever, that season turned out to be influential in determining the future of the women’s softball team, primarily because of Jenson’s efforts. As senior co-captain of the team, Jenson gave that season her all. She focused on the game and gave all of her energy—both physical and emotional—to every game, regardless of how badly her team was being beaten. Ending with a record of 17-18, Jenson’s role as leader may not have helped the Bulldogs’ record that season, but her impact on the team’s morale has since been indelible. Four freshman players that year, Maddie Roxan- dich, Kelly Moran, Jamie Pfitzenmayer, and Amanda Kensecki, witnessed

56 57 LeighAnn Burke ’09, women’s basketball

LeighAnn Burke, a four-year the team in a more dynamic way,” said member of the women’s basketball Richter. team, was also determined to improve Despite the fact that her coach as an athlete. Fred Richter, DeSales was tough on her, Burke took the University’s women’s basketball head constructive criticism that he gave coach, described Burke as one of his her and made the necessary changes “all-time great players.” in her game. She would do anything “She was one of the best players to win—whether it was out-working I’ve ever had. She worked to become or out-thinking her opponents. a better player for the benefit for the Burke played for DeSales for team. She was awarded for her per- four years and gained multiple titles sonal performance but her main con- as a student. She finished her career cern was getting the team ready to do averaging 20.4 points per game her their best,” said Richter. last season and led the team with 113 During Burke’s senior year, the assists and 77 steals. Burke broke her Bulldogs went to the Sweet 16 round own school record with 81 three- of the NCAA tournament. It was the pointers, and she shot 44.6 percent first time in school history that the Bulldogs had advanced that far in the from the field in her senior year. In addition, she had a school record 46 tournament. points with another school record 10 three-pointers in a late season win While Burke’s many talents and her just character helped the team over Delaware Valley College in her senior season. during her senior year, it was not always the case. In her sophomore year, Burke was named to a D3hoops.com Second-Team All-American and Burke had trouble focusing. Knowing she wasn’t keeping her head in the WBCA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior and was a pre-season game, she approached her coach for help. First-Team All-American by D3hoops.com at the start of her senior year. “She came to me and asked me how we could fix her problem. We That same year, she was named an ESPN The Magazine Academic Second- met and evaluated her game and got a better understanding of what she was Team All-American, a Jostens Trophy Finalist, and the D3hoops.com Mid- doing wrong and how we could fix it to work better in our system of play,” Atlantic Region Player of the Year. said Richter. Because of dedication to active citizenship and teamwork, she was able Burke and Richter then came up with what was known as “LeighAnn’s to improve her skills as an athlete and become an asset to the team. focus sheet”—a list of things for Burke to focus on during the game. “She was a great player before we made the focus sheet, but after we did she became a superior player,” said Richter. Burke soon became more dedicated to improving her whole team. “She was in my office constantly. We watched game film and tried to figure out how we can be better as a team and what she could do to lead

58 59 Shannon Mascio ’09, field hockey

Shannon Mascio was not known Her teammates knew they could look to her for advice on how to be- in field hockey because of her captain come a better player, but they also knew she could put a smile on their faces. status or for her number of defensive “I don’t like to see people stressed or in a poor mood, so I try to find saves. Instead, she was known for her positives or make the best of things no matter what the situation,” said ability to speak her mind and to use Mascio. humor in tough situations. During Athletes often get frustrated with themselves when they make an error her senior year, Mascio faced a situ- on the field, and Mascio was there to help. She made it a point to cheer her ation that challenged her to stand up teammates up, and there were times when that was more important than for her beliefs. scoring a goal. Mascio kept the mood light and the team fed off of her posi- “Shannon had to deal with a new tive attitude. coach her senior year and a new way Besides being looked up to on the field, Mascio was involved outside of doing things. That’s hard for any of field hockey. She was the team leader when they were involved with player, especially a senior,” said Sarah Cops N Kids, which is a program to help improve a child’s reading skills. Fosdick, head field hockey coach. The team became involved her senior year and she quickly stepped up as The one thing Mascio wouldn’t the leader. She met with organizations to help collect books and took time change was her block tackle—a de- out of her busy schedule to categorize and label each book. fensive skill in which the defender “I loved being a part of Cops ‘n’ Kids. It was wonderful to see how just puts her stick flat on the ground to stop the ball from being driven down giving a child a book that was just there was amazing,” said Mascio. the field by the offense. It’s a hard skill to master because it is easy to foul in the attempt. Fosdick tried to show Mascio a new way of doing a block tackle. However, Mascio knew she had great success in the way she’d block tackled for ten years. So instead of conceding to the coach, Mascio kept to her old method. Once Fosdick saw that it worked, she asked Mascio to show the rest of the players the technique. The players, in turn, saw Mascio’s defensive skills and began looking to her for help and guidance. Her greatest contribution to the team was not her skill but her willingness to speak up. Mascio also had a sense of active citizenship. Not only did she em- power her team through leadership, but she also encouraged a special bond among her teammates. Her personality helped boost the morale of the team and created a community. “She was silly—fooling around to lift the spirits of her teammates during the rough times. She was the comic relief on the days when practice consisted of just running and sprinting,” said Laura Gibbs , a former teammate.

60 61 As a team, the players traveled to Bethlehem to read to elementary school students during their Christmas break. Mascio was loved by the children she read to, as well as the leaders of the Lehigh Valley division of Cops ‘n’ Kids, because of her enthusiasm to help and her positive attitude. Mascio was a player to look up to. She took time to help others who were in need and could find a positive in every situation. “Even though my senior year was not what I expected, I really tried to find and focus on the positives in a situation,” said Mascio. She knew when to step out of her comfort level and stand her ground with an authority figure and gained respect in the process. Mascio was an all-around good athlete and caring person whose teammates respected her.

62 63 “It is wonderful how attractive a gentle, pleasant Gina Locke ’10, women’s soccer manner is, and how much it wins hearts.” In 2010, senior nursing major St. Francis de Sales Gina Locke was finishing her last year on the DeSales women’s soccer team. She loved her sport and always Humanity showed up ready to support her team, regardless of the score. Although she wasn’t a starter, Locke’s attitude made her a team leader, both on and off the Stories compiled by Jenna Turner ’10 field. She encouraged her teammates and offered her help in any way she ertain characteristics come from our humanity and separate us could. Locke’s heart secured her place from others in the animal kingdom. Three of those characteristics, as a member of the team. Clove, kindness, and social intelligence, are components of the char- Regardless of the situation, acter trait humanity. Locke was a hard worker who sup- Love transcends the limits of language—humans share the capacity ported her teammates, something that to love and be loved. Intimate relationships are at the core of a healthy made her stand out in the eyes of her lifestyle—whether it is love for our spouses, friends, or even pets. Loving coaches. relationships depend on reciprocal closeness and is essential in life. “They had to run a certain distance in under a certain time. Gina Like love, anyone can be kind. As a Catholic university, DeSales values would finish under the time allowed and then would go back and run kindness, caring, and generosity. The University operates in accordance with with the women who may not make the time,” said Martin Brett ’98, the Christian Humanism—the idea that every aspect of the human experience women’s assistant soccer coach. When playing soccer, Locke didn’t believe can be enlightened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and acting with kindness in individualism—she believed in the team. Therefore, she tried to create an personifies Christian Humanism. environment where her teammates were united and successful. Humanity also comprises social intelligence. Having a high social intel- Even though Locke didn’t start every game in her soccer career at ligence involves awareness of others in social interactions; it has everything DeSales, she continued to practice hard. In 2006, she appeared in 7 games. to do with understanding the feelings and motives of others and using that In 2007, she appeared in 13 games and was named to the MASCAC Fall understanding to better relate to each other. Socially intelligent people are Academic Honor Roll and Fall MASCAC women’s soccer sportsmanship sensitive to these around them. This skill is at the center of human nature. team. As Locke worked hard to improve her game, she began to see results. The following stories each represent humanity in one of its forms. All Locke was and is a true humanitarian. Although she had to work hard of these athletes were recognized by their coaches or peers for demonstrat- to play, her desire and willingness to help her friends made her the ideal ing their humanity throughout their athletic careers at DeSales University. teammate. Though the stories may be different, the messages are all the same.

64 65 Kevin Hopkins ’03, men’s basketball Martin Brett ’98, men’s soccer

The DeSales men’s basketball team has many memorable players. Some As a member of the DeSales men’s soccer team, Martin Brett was athletes are remembered for the records and statistics, but others are re- described by his teammates as being loyal, caring, and a true leader. Dur- membered for their generosity and kindness. One of those players, Kevin ing pre-season practices and games, Brett’s relationships with his teammates Hopkins played only three or four minutes per game, but he enjoyed the developed into a strong bond as he supported them in their preparation for camaraderie of playing on a team. the upcoming season. More importantly, he did whatever he could to get “Kevin was a good player, but we didn’t recruit him. He earned a posi- the new students accommodated to college life at DeSales. tion on our junior varsity team,” said Scott Coval, athletic director and head Every semester, as course work began to pile up and students became men’s basketball coach, of Hopkins’ first year on the team. busy with homework, Brett made it a priority to spend time in recreation Hopkins excelled on the junior varsity team, but as a second-year and with his soccer friends, whom he would otherwise have seen only during third-year player, he was determined to practice and compete with the var- practices. Maintaining strong friendships was obviously important to Brett. sity team. Nate Branosky ’99 (see Nate’s story on page 56)—a fellow soccer “I admired Kevin’s determination and toughness,” Coval said. “Never- player and a good friend of Brett’s from their years at DeSales—remem- theless, he didn’t compare athletically with his classmates, and he stayed on bered a time where he was running late for lunch and everyone was ready the junior varsity team.” to leave by the time he got there. Brett was the only one that chose to stay Before Hopkins’s fourth year, however, the athletic department ter- and keep him company. minated the junior varsity team. Hopkins worked doubly hard and finally “It was the little things that Martin did that made him such a great earned a position on the varsity team. person. You realize after you graduate that the big things that happened to “That year, at tryouts and at practices, Kevin competed for a position,” you in college aren’t really what you remember. It’s the little things. Martin Coach Coval said. “He pushed our star players to their absolute limit.” just waiting with me at lunch is one of those things,” said Branosky. Still, during scrimmages and games, Hopkins didn’t see much court Another example of the little things that Brett did that meant a lot to time. “If the scrimmage or game was close, he sat on the bench,” Coval said. Branosky: “We didn’t get to see each other a lot, so every Sunday night he “If we were ahead by 20 or 30 points, he played five or six minutes.” would call me and ask if I would walk to church with him. It gave us the Even though he didn’t hold a integral position on the team, Hopkins time to talk about our week and what happened.” understood his coaches’ and teammates’ motives and continually encouraged and supported them “Kevin never questioned the game plan and he never abandoned the team. He clearly valued being part of a team—valued the friendships and the relationships,” Coval said. In return for his camaraderie, Hopkins’ coaches and teammates respected his effort. According to Coval, his effort at practice and in encouraging his teammates was an important aspect to the 23-7 season. “Many players wouldn’t work hard at tryouts and at practices only to sit on the bench during scrimmages and games,” Coval said. “Overall, with a competitor like Kevin, we had a great team.”

66 67 Randy Sturm ’07, men’s soccer

In fall 2003, Randy Sturm was bus, people jokingly said, “Don’t let Randy give directions back to campus!” preparing himself for a one of a kind It was a moment that broke the ice for the team. experience. He had recently started Despite his goofy answer that day, Strum did not have his head in the what many consider the best four clouds. During his years at DeSales, he was praised for his skill and dedica- years of your life as a college student tion on the playing field. He earned a spot on the Regional American and at DeSales, but on a misty autumn All-American soccer teams. morning over Labor Day weekend, “Randy never let any accolades go to his head. He showed up and gave Sturm was gearing up to play his first his best each practice and each game,” said Crampton, remembering Strum away game against the men’s soccer for his hard work and excellence on the field. team at LaRouche College. The bus In addition to being a star ath- was packed, and as the anticipation lete, Sturm excelled in the classroom. mounted for the big game, Sturm’s He graduated in 2007 with an educa- emotions whirled from nervous ten- tion degree and a 3.8 GPA. He went sion to crackling excitement. on to work in southern New Jersey as George Crampton, head coach an elementary school teacher, where for men’s soccer, always asked his his sense of humor stayed with him. team to be polite and cordial to ev- “As a fifth grade elementary eryone they meet in their travels to and from different games. Each team teacher, I incorporate humor every- member not only had the responsibility to do their best out on the playing day in my classroom,” Strum said. “I field, but also to conduct themselves in a way that represents the values of want my students to want to show up the DeSales University and makes their teammates proud. every day and have a positive attitude The bus stopped at a rest stop and the athletes, wearing their game-day about school. A little bit of laughter polo shirts, filed off the bus. As Sturm approached the building, he noticed in a subject such as math can make a an elderly woman ahead of him. Remembering Crampton’s words to the world of differences in both the atti- team about acting as representatives of the University, Sturm opened the tude and effort of the students.” door for the woman. The red and blue team polo shirt he wore said DeSales University in bold font. The old woman noticed the shirt and asked, “Are you in college?” Sturm, proud of his recent move to DeSales, answered her: “Yes, I play on the men’s soccer team at DeSales University.” The woman replied, “DeSales University—where is that?” Joking with her, Strum said, “I’m not sure. My parents just dropped me off on campus!” After hearing about the incident, Strum’s teammates laughed and accepted him as a member of the team. As they made their way back to the

68 69 Liz Kelly ’04, women’s basketball “It was the last game of the season, in the ECAC Regional Champi- onship game—held on our home court,” Richter remembered. “We were Of the many players that DeSales women’s basketball Head Coach trailing by one point as the clock ticked down, and with only a few seconds Fred Richter has coached over the years, few have stood out for their char- left, I called time-out to draw up a play. The play was supposed to go to acter as much as Liz Kelly, both on and off the court. someone else, but their shot missed and Liz grabbed the rebound and got “When Liz started her freshman year in 2000, she wasn’t the best ath- fouled with almost no time left. With the game on the line, Liz had to make lete or a vocal leader,” Richter said. “But she played hard when she got the both foul shots for us to win, and she did. We won because of her. chance and she was very positive, even as a bench player.” “It just seemed so poetic that she got the chance to win the game for As her college career progressed, Kelly became more and more of a us. She was always the hardest worker and the girl that everyone respected. presence on the team as she learned new roles. She was comfortable in She deserved it.” every position on the court, except for center. However, Kelly struggled Something that really made Kelly stand out, according to Richter, was with severe asthma and was limited to playing only three to four minutes her kindness to the other girls on the team and her constantly positive at- at a time. titude. “Even though Liz had asthma, she never let it stop her from playing as “Liz worked really hard to get into our starting lineup and showed a hard as everyone else,” Richter said. “She played on our basketball team for tremendous amount of leadership—even though she wasn’t one of our best four years, and she was a very positive influence on the rest of the girls. I never players,” Richter explained. “She was always positive, always. She was very once heard her complain, and she just continued to work and improve.” mature, and more than anything, her positive influence was her legacy.” By the time Liz was a senior, she made the starting lineup, and at the end of the season, as the entire season hung in the balance, she gave Richter one of his favorite memories of her.

70 71 Erica Ecklund-Piantone ’08, field hockey

One of the kindest people her teammates ever encountered, Erica Ecklund-Piantone seemed to bring smiles to the field. Even during the extremely long, hot, and tiring pre- season practices, she encouraged and motivated her teammates to be the best that they could be. Even off the field, Erica supported her field hockey teammates in every way she could. She supported her team and gave whatever advice she could. Although Ecklund-Piantone had a particularly full schedule as a student-athlete and a nursing major, she didn’t let it distract her while she She had finished the drills, so she became a cheerleader for the players who played. She was persistent and moti- were lagging behind. As tired as she was, Ecklund-Piantone decided to run vated when it came to working out and being in good shape while in- with her teammates and encouraged them to push themselves further. Each season. Everyday, both in and out of season, she woke up early for morning of her teammates finished their drills that day thanks to her support and workouts and encouraged her teammates to follow in her footsteps. guidance. On one particularly hot pre-season day in Ecklund-Piantone’s senior year, the team conditioned by doing track work—sprints, long-distance running, and strength training exercises like sit-ups, cage sits, and push-ups. Because of the difficulty of these training seasons, many of the underclass- men who were not used to this level of conditioning began to fall behind. They were sore, tired, and lacked the motivation to keep up with their more experienced teammates. Ecklund-Piantone noticed that these girls were on the verge of giving up, and she couldn’t stand to see her teammates give up on themselves.

72 73 tennis teams, as well as the golf team. Under his guidance, the women’s tennis team won the Freedom Conference Championship in 2005 and the men’s team reached the playoffs yearly. Al also taught the tennis class offered at DeSales each year. Giving and helping was always part of Al’s nature and he showed that when the women’s tennis team was in need of a coach in the beginning The Legacy of a Man—A Lesson on Humility of their 2009 season. The retired tennis coach stepped in and took control By Kate Steiner ’11 of the team. He bonded with the girls and made them feel as if they had The Minstrel known each other for years. mazing. Humorous. Competitive. Humble. “He came into coaching us and was ready to make us work,” remi- Giving. Inspiring. These are just some of nisced senior and former tennis player, Amelia Lloyd. “Through that I think Athe many words that describe DeSales’ for- we not only bonded with each other by pushing one another, but also with mer tennis coach and teacher Albert ‘Al’ Senavitis. him, too. He was the definition of ‘tough love.’” Sadly, on the morning of November 5, 2010, Even though he was only with the team a short time, the connection Al, 70, passed away from a short battle with leu- between the players and Al was undeniable, and his loss is hard. kemia at Hershey Medical Center. The news of “I am really upset that he is no longer with us,” said Lloyd. “Although his illness and passing is such a short time period I did not know him long, he certainly was an inspiration.” shocked the DeSales community. Al Senavitis 1940-2010 Al was also heavily involved with Special Olympics Pennsylvania “We were called in for a staff meeting on (SOPA), for which he volunteered, coached, and served as a board member Thursday and were informed about Al,” said athletic trainer, Nan Miller. and chairman. Working with special children because his life, his passion, “He passed away the next day. It’s heartbreaking. I guess the only way you his calling. He became a special education teacher at Liberty High School can look at this unfortunate passing is that it was fast and he didn’t suffer. in 1969 and became involved with SOPA in 1970. Al had a desire to as- But I will surely miss the moments where he strolled in [to the office] and sist those who just need a little bit of extra help from others. Doing special just humored us with his jokes.” things for the kids was important to him. Throughout his life, Al was an outstanding athlete, playing basketball at “Every year, Al would take the seniors, get all dressed up, and go to Liberty High School and Seton Hall University. In 1980, he was inducted New York City. They would go to dinner and see a play because they were into the Lehigh Valley Basketball Hall of Fame. Later in his life, he became not going to prom,” said Coval with a smile. “I mean, what guy does that? a master on the tennis court and was ranked in the Mid Atlantic Region He just treated them the right way.” in his age group. However, one would not know any of these achievements It is hard to replace a man like Al, who was truly one of a kind, who has because Al never talked about his successes. touched the lives of thousands, and who simply cared and loved. Doing all “He was an amazing player and a great athlete,” said DeSales direc- those things day in and day out may seem like a handful and be exhausting tor of Athletics and men’s basketball coach, Scott Coval. “He was always to some. However, Al made it look easy and forever will be remembered for humble of all of his accomplishments. From the years that I have known Al, his gentle soul. his stories have been about everyone else, never himself.” “He lived a good life,” said Coval. “If your life is judged by the impact Al was the former head coach for both the DeSales men’s and women’s and legacy you left, Al’s was extraordinary. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

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