2011-12 Concordia Eagles

Table of Contents Men’s Soccer...... 2 Men’s Basketball...... 12 Cross Country...... 3 Women’s Water Polo...... 16 Women’s Soccer...... 4 Softball...... 17 Volleyball...... 5 Baseball...... 21 Men’s Water Polo...... 7 Women’s Tennis...... 25 Swimming and Diving...... 8 Men’s Tennis...... 28 Women’s Basketball...... 11 Track & Field...... 31 Sport - By - Sport Season Wraps

Written by: Brian Gaul Concordia Sports Information Director Men’s Soccer Men's Soccer Sees Jump In Wins In 2011, Offensive Power Back In 2012 12.06.2011 - [Men's Soccer]

William Prado Selected NAIA All-American

The 2011 Concordia men's soccer season showcased an explosive team that could score in bunches and shows a lot of promise for 2012, with a strong core of returners.

The men went 14-4-1 this year, 6-2-1 in the GSAC, and took third in the GSAC regular season and second in the GSAC Postseason Tournament. The team finished the season #11 nationally, the highest ranking among conference teams, and just missed an at-large berth to the NAIA Tournament. CUI was ranked #22 in the final postseason poll, even though they were not accepted into the 32-team NAIA Tournament. The Eagles were led by juniors William Prado and Chris- William Prado in the GSAC Championship against Biola (11/12) tian Ramirez. Between the two of them, they led every statistical category in the conference.

Prado was selected as a 2011 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. Prado, Ramirez, sophomore Edgar Oro- zco, and senior Armando Padilla were all chosen All-GSAC. For head coach Chris Gould it was the most wins his team has had in his three seasons at CUI.

The team finished nationally ranked in six categories. They were 13th in assists per game (2.420), 18th in total assists (46), 20th in goals per game (2.89), 21st in total goals (55), 25th in shutouts per game (.37), and 28th in total shutouts (7).

Individually, Ramirez was ranked nationally in a number of categories. He finished fifth in points per game (2.530), 10th in total points (48), 11th in total assists (12), 12th in total goals (18), 13th in shots per game (4.790), 17th in shots on goal per game (2.58), 17th in assists per game (.63), 18th in goals per game (.95), and 32nd in total game winning goals (4). Ramirez was also the NAIA Player of the Week one time and GSAC Player of the Week three times. Prado, the team's facilitator, was nationally ranked in four statistical areas. He was first in total assists (18), first in assists per game (1.06), 30th in points per game (2), and 39th in total points (34). 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 2 One of the high points of the year had to be the GSAC Semifinals game at Azusa Pacific, where the Eagles dominated the NCAA-bound APU squad from start to finish in the 4-2 win. It was only the sixth win against APU all-time. The Eagles graduate eight seniors, but return some talented underclassmen, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Christian Ramirez set some individual records on September 2nd against William Jessup, when he had five goals and two assists to break the school single-game goal and point records in the 10-0 win. 2011 was a great season for CUI soccer and there are many reasons to believe this program will continue to get better and achieve even more. Cross Country Avila Caps Cross Country Programs' Season Long Improvement 12.06.2011 - [Cross Country]

All-American Avila Leads Brewer's First Season at Concordia

The 2011 Concordia cross country season was all about making giant strides, and first- year head coach Jim Brewer and his squads certainly lived up to that. Brewer, who only had a handful of returning runners from 2010, spent the year building a program and at the same time trying to put a competitive team on the course immediately. The Vanguard Invitational on October 8 was the first race that Concordia was able to place a team score. The ladies placed 11th and set the building blocks for the remainder of the season. The women improved to sixth at the Biola University Invitational on October 22 and finished eighth at the GSAC Championships on November 5. The end- L to R: Coach Mark Sellers, Rick Avila, and Coach Jim Brewer at ing results were a dramatic change from just NAIA Championships (11/19) trying to record a score, and built the core of a solid program getting better every day.

The men were not able to place a team score until the GSAC Championships, but junior Rick Avila was the highlight of the entire cross country program. Rick, from Sylmar HS and North Hollywood, CA, was outstanding for the Eagles in 2011. He hit his stride at the Biola Invite where he placed third, and he followed that with another third place finish at the GSAC Championships, which sent him to the NAIA National Championship in Vancou- ver, WA. The junior made Concordia cross country very visible at nationals, as Rick ran a personal best of 24:39 and finished 20th, in addition to being named a 2011 NAIA All-American.

There is no doubt Concordia cross country is in good hands with head coach Jim Brewer and his staff. What they did in a short period of time this season is extremely impressive and very promising for the future.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 3 Women’s Soccer Women's Soccer Punched First NAIA Tournament Berth In 2011 12.07.2011 - [Women's Soccer]

Athletes Represent True Meaning of Student-Athlete, Audrey McKay 2011 NAIA All-American

The Concordia women’s soccer program made the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the first time in program history, and even though the ladies would have liked to advance further, 2011 represents a big turn- ing point in the program’s history. The women went 13-5-2 and 5-3-1 in conference in 2011, and hosted Graceland (IA) University in the Opening Round of the NAIA Na- tional Championship. The Eagles fell to the Yellowjackets 5-4 in pen- alty kicks, but this year was exem- plary on and off the field for CUI.

On the field CUI played an extremely challenging schedule, only the aforementioned Yellowjackets played a tougher one among all NAIA teams. The ladies proved they were for real very early, with wins over then #3 Concordia Oregon, 2-1 on September 3, and always good Southern Oregon, 1-0 on September 5. They beat #9 Cal State San Marcos, 1-0, on the road on September 21, and defeated NAIA Opening Round Banquet (11/18) #24 The Master’s College at home, 2-1 on October 22. The ladies were undefeated at home in 2011. For head coach Chris Gould it was a two-win improvement from his 2010 team. As a team they recorded ten shutouts, tying the school record. Senior Tamara Chagas, junior Audrey McKay, and junior Jaqueline Turner were all selected to the All-GSAC team. McKay earned Honorable Mention All-American honors as well.

The Eagles were nationally ranked in two categories. They were 35th in total shutouts (10) and 36th in shutouts per game (.35). Goalkeeper Bekah Garvin ranked 18th in goals against per game (.35). In the GSAC she finished third in shutouts (7), fourth in shutouts per game (.37), eighth in save percentage (.764), eighth in saves (42), and tenth in saves per game (2.21). Additionally, Garvin was selected as the GSAC Defensive Player of the Week twice.

Off the field CUI was equally impressive. The team competed in the Habitat for Humanity Invitational in -Day tona Beach, FL on September 9-11. As part of the tournament they participated in some community service to support the local Habitat For Humanity. Coach Gould’s ladies got it done in the classroom as well. Garvin, McKay, and senior Shannon Smith were all selected GSAC Scholar-Athletes. Tamara Chagas, Smith, Garvin, and 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 4 junior Felicia Franco were all chosen as 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athletes. In addition, Garvin was honored as a Capital One First Team Academic All-American.

The ladies graduate eight seniors, losing some of their defensive standouts. But there are solid returners in the midfield and forward positions. CUI women’s soccer is headed in a great direction for the years to come. Volleyball Volleyball Has Season Unlike Any Other 12.08.2011 - [Volleyball]

Brooke Marino Selected NAIA and AVCA Player of the Year, Dan Fisher Tabbed NAIA and AVCA Coach of the Year

The 2011 Concordia volleyball season was one for the record books, literally. CUI volleyball has had some fantastic seasons in the past, but 2011 was different for a number of reasons. Head coach Dan Fisher entered his first season at the helm with only one of his own recruits, but the cupboard was far from bare, and with Fisher and his staff's tutelage, great things were accomplished.

Some of the program-firsts accomplished by this group included, winning the Golden State Athletic Conference (the team posted an unblemished 18-0 conference record, the most conference wins in school history), being ranked #1 in the nation (they earned that ranking on November 1st and held it until the end of the season), beating Fresno Pacific in Fresno (they downed the Sunbirds 3-0 and did not drop a set to FPU all year, as it was 2011 NAIA Runner-Up - Iowa City, IA (12/3)

only the third and fourth wins all-time against FPU), winning 36 straight matches (the streak began with a 3-0 win over Eastern Oregon on August 18 and ended in the national championship against Texas at Brownsville on December 3, that's three and a half months without a loss), and winning 37 matches (with a .949 winning percentage).

It was a true team effort, because most nights the stats were very evenly divided and new ladies would step up each time out. But there were two rocks for the 2011 Eagles, coach Fisher and junior opposite hitter Brooke Marino.

2011 NAIA Player of the Year Brooke Marino w/ Misty May Marino, a 2010 3rd Team All-American, was honored as the 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 5 2011 NAIA Player of the Year. Brooke is the second CUI player to be tabbed POY, as she joins Raquel Ferreira, who won in 2004. She was also selected the Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year and the Ameri- can Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year. She was chosen First Team All-American, American Vol- leyball Coaches Association First Team All-American, NAIA All-Tournament, AVCA All-Region, AVCA Southwest Region Player of the Year, All-GSAC, and won NAIA Player of the Week once and GSAC Player of the Week twice. Marino was an outstanding team captain and leader, on and off the court. In the NAIA she was eighth in total service aces (69), 11th in total kills (523), 15th in kills per game (3.99), and 19th in service aces per game (.53). Among conference foes she led in kills per game (3.95), was third in service aces per game (.49), and ninth in hitting percentage (.289). Marino, from Mission Viejo, CA and Mission Viejo HS, is headed to San Antonio next week to be honored with the NCAA Player of Year recipi- ents. 2011 NAIA Coach of the Year Dan Fisher Coach Fisher, who came from the University of Hawaii as an associate head coach, immediately put his stamp on the CUI program. He was selected as the NAIA Coach of the Year, AVCA Coach of the Year, GSAC Coach of the Year, and AVCA Southwest Region Coach of the Year. Fisher is the first head coach at CUI to earn the NAIA Volleyball Coach of the Year award. His head assistant Trevor Johnson was tabbed the AVCA Southwest Re- gion Assistant Coach of the Year. Fisher and his staff had a team that always seemed to find a way to win.

As a team CUI was nationally ranked in nine categories. They were first in assists per game (13.460), first in kills per game (14.53), ninth in total assists (1831), 13th in total kills (1976), 15th in hitting percentage (.258), 28th in total service aces (235), 37th in total blocks (281.5), 46th in total digs (2164), 49th in service aces per game (1.73). In the GSAC Concordia led in hitting percentage, opponent hitting percentage (.139), assists per game, kills per game, and were third in blocks per game (2.07) and second in service aces 2011 GSAC Champions per game (1.72).

In addition to Marino, other individuals were honored in 2011. Junior Fei Gao was a NAIA Second Team All-American, All-GSAC, AVCA Second Team All-American, AVCA All-Region, and GSAC Scholar –Athlete selection. Gao was also selected NAIA Player of the Week once and GSAC Player of the Week twice. Freshman Reanna Schelhaas was selected All-GSAC. Junior Madison Ekis was a NAIA All-Tournament selection. The team ran through the NAIA National Championship Tournament, but fell a bit short against a tough and talented University of Texas at Brownsville team in the NAIA National Championship game. It's is difficult to find a specific high point in a season that kept getting better and better. It was a constant struggle for the coaches to nominate a player of the week every week, because the team was so balanced, the ladies almost stole statistics from each other. But with all the accomplishments, awards, and outstanding performances of 2011, there was one glaring thing missing. There was no senior night this year. That's right, CUI had no -se niors in 2011. So watch for the CUI train to keep rolling in 2012.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 6 Men’s Water Polo Water Polo Hung With The Big Boys In 2011 12.13.2011 - [Men's Water Polo]

Tallied School-Record 32 Wins

The 2011 men's water polo season was one played on the national stage. Water Polo is not a NAIA- sponsored sport, so CUI competes against teams in the full spectrum of collegiate competition, and in 2011, they did more than hold their own. The Eagles went 32-5 in 2011, the most wins in school history, eclipsing the 26 wins in 2009. Head coach Steve Carrera has been at the helm since the programs' inaugural season in 2007.

CUI did not lose a game to a non- NCAA Division I foe all season. Their losses came to UC Santa Freshman Stefano Ragosa against Occidental (9/11) Barbara, UC Davis, University of the Pacific, CSU Long Beach, and eventual national champion, USC. Concordia recorded a huge win on September 24 when they beat #7 UC Santa Barbara on the road, 8-6. With no true home pool, CUI played all their games on the road or at neutral site tournaments. Through that experience coach Carrera developed a tightly-knit group that strived under non-ideal circumstances. Concordia had a great season against their rivals. They defeated California Baptist twice, Vanguard twice, and Fresno Pacific three times. They ended the season ranked #14 nationally and were ranked in the top 20 for the majority of the year. CUI loses some strong seniors to graduation, but coach Carrera has created a base to keep Senior Caleb Hamilton against Redlands (10/9) expectations high for 2012.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 7 Swimming and Diving Records Fall For CU At Swim Nationals 03.07.2012 - [Swimming]

Salgado and Runkle Crowned National Champions

During the week of February 29 to March 5, the Concordia men's and women's swimming and diving teams competed at the 2012 NAIA National Championships in Oklahoma City, OK. The Eagles competed in 40 events against 20 schools. In the end, Concordia's women placed fourth (score 374) and the men finished in third place (score 574.5).

CU senior diver Christine Runkle was crowned the national champion in the 1 Meter and 3 Meter diving events. She was awarded the Women's Outstanding Performer in Diving. Chris Salgado claimed a national championship in the 3 meter dive, and was honored as the Men's Outstanding Performer in Diving. CU head coach Ken Dory was honored as the 2012 NAIA Men's Coach of the Year.

In the women's 1 Meter Dive, CUI's Christine Runkle placed first with a final score of 274.5. Runkle won her third consecutive one-meter title with a final score of 274.50. Runkle became just the second diver in the history of the NAIA to win the women's one-meter diving championship three years in a row. Belinda Eddy of Simon Fraser (B.C.), who won the event four years in a row from 1990-1993, last accomplished the feat. On the men's side, Chris Salgado and Jose Bahena placed second and third respectively, their final scores were 314.55 and 283.7. L to R: Divers Chris Salgado, Jose Bahena, and Christine Runkle Again placing in the top three for the Eagles was Chris Salgado and Jose Bahena, who placed first and third in the men's 3 Meter Dive. Salgado ran away with the men's three-meter title, posting a final score of 332.75. Salgado's and Behena's final scores were 332.75 and 272.70. On the women's side, Christine Runkle again placed first with a final score of 287.05 in the 3 Meter Dive. Runkle also won the event in 2010.

CUI placed third in the men's 200 Yard Medley Relay, their final time was 1:32.03. In the women's 500 Yard Freestyle, CUI's Alex Peters came in third with a final time of 5:02.56. The Eagles women's relay team finished in third in the 800 Yard Freestyle Relay, their final time was 7:41.64. On the men's side, the Eagles came in second with a final time of 6:42.80. The CUI men's team came in fourth in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay with a final time of 1:23.41.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 8 CUI's Carly Colin placed fourth out of 16 other swimmers in the women's 400 Yard IM; her final time was 4:34.36. On the men's side, swimmer Matt Nellor also placed fourth out of 16 competitors. His final time was 4:03.20.

In the men's 100 Yard Butterfly, CUI's John Arnold came in fourth with a final time of 48.85. Alex Peters placed second in the women's 200 Yard Freestyle, with a final time of 1:51.49. On the men's side, Lawrence Oxborough came in third with a final time of 1:37.85.

CUI's David Kauffmann placed fourth in the men's 100 Yard Breaststroke. His final time was 56.31. The Eagles placed fourth in the men's 400 Yard Medley Relay with a final time 3:21.95. Coming in fourth in the women's 1650 Yard Freestyle was CUI's Carly Colin; she had a final time of 17:31.35.

In the men's 200 Yard Backstroke, Concordia's Rex Lear- mouth placed fourth with a final time of 1:51.46. Alex Peters placed fourth for the Eagles in the women's 100 Yard Freestyle. Her final time was 51.70. On the men's side, John Arnold came in third with a final time of 44.99. The Eagles men's relay team placed third in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Their final time was 3:01.85.

Seven CU men were honored as NAIA All-Americans in 17 events. They included senior Chris Salgado (3 meter diving, 1 meter diving), junior Cody Ditsler (800 free relay), senior John Arnold (200 medley relay, 800 free relay, 100 free, 400 free relay), junior Jose Bahena (3 meter diving, 1 meter diving), junior Josh Kloppenburg (200 medley relay), freshman Lawrence Oxborough (800 free relay, 200 free, 400 free relay), sophomore Lucas Spencer (800 free relay, 400 free relay), junior Rex Learmouth (200 medley relay), and senior Simon Harling (200 medley relay).

Five Concordia women earned NAIA All-American honors in eight events. They included senior Alex Peters (500 free, 800 free relay, 200 free), senior Ana Gomez (800 free relay), sophomore Carly Colin (800 free relay), senior Christine Runkle (1 Meter Diving, 3 Meter Diving), and junior Valerie Thorp (800 free relay).

In the 800 Free Relay, Arnold, Ditsler, Spencer, and Ox- Senior Christine Runkle bourough set a new CU record with a time of 6.42.80. Earli- er in the year, the team of Ryan Kauth, Arnold, Spencer, and Oxborough ranked sixth with a time of 6.58.27 and the squad of Arnold, Kauth, Hall, and Oxborough finished eighth with a time of 7.01.13.

In the 200 Free Relay the team of Harling, Spencer, Oxborough, and Arnold ranked third all-time with a time of 1.23.41. Also at nationals, the team of Spencer, Drew Wissler, Kloppenburg, and Arnold ranked ninth all-time with a time of 1.24.33. Earlier in the year, Eric Anderssen, Arnold, Simmons, and Harling ranked sixth with a time of 1.24.15 and Spencer, Wissler, Kloppenburg, and Arnold ranked eighth with a time of 1.24.33.

In the 400 free relay, two records were set at nationals. The team of Arnold, Spencer, Harling, and Oxborough 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 9 ranked second all-time with a time of 3.01.85. The squad of Spencer, Ditsler, Wissler, and Oxborough ranked seventh with a time of 3.06.86. Earlier in the year, the team of Anderssen, Spencer, Oxborough, and Arnold ranked eighth with a time of 3.07.06.

In the 200 Medley Relay, the team of Learmouth, Kloppenburg, Arnold, and Harling recorded the second best time in CU history at 1.32.03. Earlier in the season, Anderssen, Spencer, Arnold, and Oxborough ranked eighth with a time of 1.34.73. At nationals in the 400 Medley Relay, Learmouth, David Kauffman, Arnold, and Oxbor- ough ranked second all-time with a time of 3.21.95.

Tons of individual CU records were broken at nationals. John Arnold set the 100 Free record with a time of 44.99. Lawrence Oxborough ranked fourth (45.51), and Cody Ditsler ranked eighth (45.56). Oxborough broke the 200 Free record with a time of 1.37.85. John Arnold ranked second (1.41.03), Ryan Kauth ranked fourth (1.41.84), and Kevin Rice ranked eighth (1.43.80).

Matt Nellor broke the 500 Free record with a finish of 4.38.08. Ryan Kauth ranked third all-time with a time of 4.40.12. Nellor broke the 1000 Free record with a time of 9.47.91. Brad Fuller ranked second (9.50.55), Kevin Rice ranked fifth (10.01.36), and Evan Norton ranked sixth (10.05.56). Earlier in the year, Lawrence Oxborough ranked ninth at 10.20.64 and John Arnold ranked 10th with a time of 10.27.32.

Nellor also broke a record at nationals in the 1650 Free with a time of 16.18. Fuller ranked second (16.25.95) and Evan Norton ranked sixth (16.45.78). Earlier in the year Oxborough ranked eighth (17.10.49) and Peter Brecht ranked 10th (17.31.28). John Arnold broke the record in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 48.85. Oxborough ranked third (49.43), Learmouth ranked fifth (50.51), and Ditsler ranked seventh (50.81).

Lucas Spencer broke the 200 Breastroke record with a time of 2.04.48. Kloppenburg ranked second (4.04.49) and David Kauffmann ranked third (2.05.85). Earlier in the year, Davin Grimalda ranked seventh with a time of 2.09.85.

In the 50 Free at nationals Arnold ranked fourth (20.77), Kloppenburg ranked eighth (21.36), and Drew Wissler ranked 10th (21.45). Earlier in the season Parker Simmons ranked fifth with a time of 21.21. At nationals in the 200 Butterfly, Elliot Billsland ranked fifth (1.53.21) and Wissler ranked (1.56.97).

In the 100 Backstroke at nationals, Richard Hall ranked fifth (51.69) and Rex Learmouth ranked (50.77). Earlier in the year Peter Smiley ranked ninth with a time of 53.60. In the 200 Backstroke, Rex Learmouth ranked fourth (1.51.46) and Richard Hall ranked sixth (1.53.59). Earlier in the year Elliot Bilsland ranked ninth with a time of 1.56.59.

Many records fell in the 100 Breastroke in Oklahoma City. David Kauffmann ranked second (56.31), Lucas Spencer ranked third (56.94), Josh Kloppenburg ranked fourth (57.42), and Peter Brecht ranked sixth (57.77). Earlier in the season Devin Grimalda ranked ninth with a finish of 59.42. In the 200 Individual Medley, Spen- cer ranked fifth (1.54.14), Kauffmann ranked sixth (1.54.35), and Richar Hall ranked seventh (1.55.31). Earlier in 2012, Grimalda ranked ninth with a time of 1.57.56. At nationals in the 400 IM, Matt Nellor ranked second (4.03.20), Elliot Bilsland ranked fourth (4.06.40), and Brad Fuller ranked fifth (4.07.43). Grimalda ranked eight earlier in the season with a time of 4.17.05.

It was a great swim season for the Eagles, and was capped by a fantastic finish at nationals.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 10 Women’s Basketball Women's Basketball Fought Adversity, Challenged Themselves In 2011-12 04.03.2012 - [Women's Basketball]

Players Competed in Unexpected Roles in Injury-Ridden Season

The 2011-12 Concordia women's basketball season was one of adversity if there ever was one. The ladies showed promise early with strong showings against #5 Lewis-Clark State College and Walla Walla University in Lew- iston, ID in late November. The Eagles defeated (RV) Carroll College at home on November 25th and opened their GSAC season with a win over San Diego Christian on November 29.

Promising freshman Katie Ogdon was lost for the season with a knee injury in the Carroll game, but not before she scored 18 points in the game and averaged 11 points and three rebounds through her first three games. The injury, unfortunately, was a sign of things to come. CU defeated Hope International by 20 on January 3 to go 2-1 in conference, and claimed a huge come-from-behind victory against The Master's on January 10, in a game where junior Asia Auberry scored 35 points, with 32 of those coming in the second half.

January 21 marked a tough night for the Eagles, as they lost to a talented Westmont team and lost three players to injury. Senior Elisha Taylor against Fresno Pacific (1/28) Junior guards Tay- lor Elliot and Asia Auberry both suffered injuries in that contest. Auberry would not return in 2012, and Elliot didn't get back on the floor until February 11 against Azusa Pacific. The Westmont game also marked the last time junior Abby Lange would play, as the post player battled medical issues for the remainder of the year. Those three, paired with Ogdon, represented the loss of 38 points per game.

Junior Camesha Patton tried to battle through her previous injuries, and made a big impact for CU in the paint in GSAC contests on January 3rd, 7th, and 10th, but in the end she could not compete on a regular basis. CU was searching for points all season, and found some in senior-transfer Elisha Taylor.

Taylor came from California Baptist and started the season for the Eagles coming off the bench, but was a regular 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 11 starter by January 10th. She averaged 12 points on the year and scored in double figures in 16 games, highlighted by 27 points against Vanguard on February 14 and 20 against The Master's on February 7. She also grabbed six boards a game and was rock solid for the Eagles when things could fall apart at a moment's notice.

Her partner on the wing, junior guard Melody Chavez, provided buckets in bunches and kept the CU offense afloat on multiple occasions. She averaged nine points per game and scored in double figures on 11 occasions. The contributions of players like Megan Hansen, Carly Bishop, Amanda Fielder, Jade Reed, and Sam Bodle can- not be ignored, as they all shouldered bigger loads and more tasks than was anticipated. Freshman point guard Nikki Kraus was a mainstay, as she started all 25 games and kept the Eagles offense in motion all season.

The Eagles lack of depth was unfortunately apparent on a nightly basis. Concordia hung with all their opponents in the first half, but always seemed to hit a scoring drought in the second half, fall behind, and they could never recover. The ladies bucked that trend on February 14 against local rival #12 Vanguard. CU trailed by as much as 16 in the second half, but fired back on a 28-11 to take the lead with 44 seconds left. The Eagles would come out on the wrong end of an apparent jump-ball-called-foul, and didn't have anything left in the tank in overtime, falling 83-76. It was a great moment nonetheless for a team looking for something, and showed the ladies never lost their heart through the tough winter stretch.

As head coach Jenny Hansen enters her fifth season in 2012-13, she returns 10 players who saw significant time this season on the youngest squad in the conference, and they were all pushed outside their comfort zones, something that can only force a player to improve. There is no doubt Hansen and her staff, returning players, and new recruits will be hard at work this offseason looking to improve and make some noise in the new-look GSAC next season. Men’s Basketball A True Team Effort In 2012 04.29.2012 - [Men's Basketball]

Tough Road Losses Brought Team Together for One Great Run

For someone looking for a case study in team growth, they need look no further than the 2011-12 Concordia men's basketball team.

Long before the clock hit zero inside Kansas City's historic Municipal Auditorium on March 20, crowning the Eagles 2012 NAIA National Champs, there was a tremendous progression by this year's Eagles squad. Back in early November, CU head coach Ken Ammann had a team looking for someone to step up and be the star player. That never really happened, and this Concordia team strived on their balanced attack and The Eagles were honored by Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang (4/24) 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 12 team defense. The four seniors, Cameron Gliddon, Ed Willis, Tommy Granado, and Austin Simon all averaged double-digit points per game, but no one averaged more than 15 per game.

The Eagles were selected preseason #4 in the country and needed to replace 2011 NAIA Player of the Year Justin Johnson. The 2012 Eagles started the season strong, losing to NCAA Division I West Coast Conference member University of Portland 99-97 in OT in an exhibition. CU jumped out to a 9-0 season start, scoring 90+ points in seven of their first nine games and sweeping their Annual Las Vegas Shootout. Along with the hot start came a #1 NAIA ranking and a showdown with #2 Robert Morris in Chicago on December 17. CU lost a heartbreaker, 99-92 in OT for their first loss of the year. In response, they rattled off four more victories and went to 13-1 and 3-0 in early GSAC play.

CU faced adversity at #15 Biola on January 7, as they were routed by the home Eagles, 83-68. Concordia took another tough loss a week later at #7 Azusa Pacific, 85-66. CU bounced back to crush Vanguard on the road, 94-69, on January 17. The hard times were not over though, and CU fell at home to #16 Westmont, 90-85 on January 21. Con- cordia had gone 3-3 in their last six GSAC games, with two of them being blowout losses. The team had two routes, continue on the .500 path, or learn from those losses, and take control of the brutal GSAC. Concordia chose the latter and finished their GSAC season 8-2, with the only big setback being a home loss to Biola on February 2012 NAIA National Champions - Kansas City, MO (3/20) 4. The streak was started by a great road win against Point Loma Nazarene, who advanced to the NAIA tourney and won a game, on January 24. On February 7, CU traveled to #25 The Master's and took a 12-point win, followed by a 78-61 home win against #11 Azusa Pacific on February 11 in true payback fashion. After taking down Vanguard, the Eagles had a chance to claim control of the conference. They traveled to Santa Barbara on February 18 and defeated #8 Westmont, 86-83 in OT, to seize conference command. Three days later they clinched their fifth regular-season conference championship in six years, with a 70-67 home win over Point Loma. To say the Eagles were battled tested would be an understate- ment. They had survived an 18-game guillotine of conference games, and reigned supreme in arguably Ameri- ca's toughest NAIA conference. Coach Amman called it the "most hard earned" of his five conference titles.

Concordia hosted all three rounds of the GSAC postseason tournament, but things almost ended early. The #4 Eagles found themselves down big early to Fresno Pacific in the first round, but, calmed by their senior leadership that would be needed again, the Eagles fought back and defeated FPU, 87-83. Next up, was one last opportunity to play Azusa Pacific as a GSAC foes inside CU Arena. Concordia was ready for the challenge and dominated the Cougars from start to finish in an 85-62 victory. Concordia fell to #19 Biola by four in the conference 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 13 championship and were unable to beat the visiting Eagles in 2012. Coach Ammann's men did not dwell on the loss and immediately focused on the 2012 NAIA Tournament in Kansas City, MO, where they were the #4 overall seed.

Concordia drew a first round matchup with Oklahoma Christian, and their outstanding big man, Will Reinke. Reinke got his, 28 points, but CU's balanced attack prevailed in a 81-74 win. Up next were the #20 Montana Western Bulldogs, who upset #13 John Brown in the first round. Concordia was led by Cameron Gliddon's career-high 30 points and seven threes, and freshman DeLaun Fra- zier's career-high 19 points and five threes. The Eagles moved on to the quarterfinals with a 100-85 win. The Eagles found their shooting touch in KC in that game, and would never lose it.

Athletic and upset-minded #12 LSU-Shreveport was CU's quarterfinal matchup. A brilliant and perfectly executed game plan, along with some fantastic team defense, took the Pilots out of their game from the tip. Concordia moved on with a 84-65 win. CU advanced to the NAIA Fab Four, but were still focused on their ultimate goal, which remained two wins away.

Concordia battled #1 overall seed Shorter (GA) in the semifinals. The Hawks were the #1 team in the nation and came in with an impressive 34-2 record. CU relied on their calling card, aggressive defense, and forced Shorter into uncomfortable shots all game long. The Hawks never settled in and the Eagles' hot three-point shooting continued in the 81-67 win.

#2 Oklahoma Baptist awaited CU in the national championship on Tuesday night, March 20, and it was broadcast live on national 2012 NAIA Coach of the Year Ken Ammann television. There was no doubt the nation's two best teams were fighting for the title. The Bison jumped all over Concordia and led early, 16-1. Concordia's seniors were not going out like that, locked down on the defensive end, and started getting some shots to fall. CU came all the way back and led 33-31 at halftime. CU took a big lead in the second half, but after Cameron Gliddon fouled out, the Bison came charging back. NAIA Player of the Year Emmaneul Wilson had two opportunities to tie the game in the last 16 seconds, and when OBU guard Heath McKay's buzzer-beating three went awry, the CU bench exploded in hysteria. The scoreboard read 72-69 in favor of CU and head coach Ken Ammann won his second national championship in 11 years, and saw Concordia end the season with a 31-7 mark.

"The toughest team wins the national championship and we became that towards the end of the year," head coach Ken Ammann said. "Winning this year was the most rewarding it has been in a long time. Our seniors were a special group and they did a great job trusting themselves in the tournament. My coaching staff was outstanding in the tournament and all year long. We have a great group of guys back and we are looking forward to another fun year."

In the NAIA's 75th Anniversary year of the Men's Basketball National Championship, a truly special team won the title. The Eagles were awarded the championship trophy by James Naismith's granddaughter. Seniors Cam- eron Gliddon, Austin Simon, Tommy Granado, and Edward Willis ended their collegiate careers with a national championship. Willis said it best in his postgame interview. "Hard work truly does pay off."

"Everybody was willing to sacrifice for each other," senior All-American Cameron Gliddon said. "The coaches 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 14 really set me up for success this year. I am just really happy to have been able to finish it off with a championship."

With the championship came many individual honors. Gliddon was named a First-Team NAIA All-American, GSAC Player of the Year, and the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player for his tournament effort. Austin Simon was honored as a Honorable Mention All-American, All-GSAC, and All-Tournament selection. Tommy Gra- nado was also selected as an All-Tournament choice. For the third straight year, Ken Ammann was named the GSAC Coach of the Year. He also won NAIA Coach of the Year for the second time in his CU tenure. Junior Dakota Downs was named the NAIA Tournament's Charles Stevenson Hustle Award winner.

"Being able to go out with a national championship is really all you can ask for," senior All-American Austin Simon said. "That tough stretch this year brought us together and taught us how to fight. I feel like all the hard work really paid off and I am truly blessed."

The 2012 Eagles started the season as an of- fensively explosive team, but after a couple rough outings, regrouped and hung their hats on the defensive end. The saying "defense wins championships" never rang so true. It was a pleasure to watch this team play together, especially inside historic Municipal Audi- torium in those mid-March days. The Eagles L to R: Seniors Cameron Gliddon, Ed Willis, Austin Simon, Tommy Granado won five games in six days and conquered America's Toughest Tournament. The NAIA's crown jewel tournament is a drawn out week and a half, but the Concordia Eagles stayed focused every day. The coaching staff worked endless hours preparing for extremely talented teams they had less than 24 hours to game plan for. It was clear to any objective spectator that CU was always the more prepared team.

Concordia's fourth national championship was truly special (2000 Women's Cross Country, 2003 Men's Basket- ball, 2011 Baseball). The NAIA spent the tournament celebrating the 75th Anniversary and their rich basketball tradition. To be crowned at the end was truly remarkable. Coach Ammann, who has had so many talented teams, genuinely enjoyed some perspective at the end. He has seen one team win it all before, and two teams come up one game short, and understood how special his 2012 bunch was.

During a team dinner on the first night hosted by CU's honorary coaches, NAIA Hall of Famers Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison, the Eagles were given some heartfelt advice. Dr. Phil proclaimed that he had been a part of this historic tournament for decades and one thing always, always rang true. The team that plays the best team defense always prevails. Boy did the 2012 Eagles take that sentiment to heart.

Concordia University and the Athletic Department would like to thank Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison for their tremendous hospitability during the 2012 tournament.

Season Note: This season was the 75th Anniversary of the Men's NAIA and NIT Basketball Tournaments. This season's NIT Champions were the Stanford Cardinal from Palo Alto, CA. It was Stanford's first NIT title since 1991. Stanford's starting senior guard in 1991 was Concordia's head coach Ken Ammann. Ammann scored 22 points in the 78-72 win over Oklahoma in Madison Square Garden in the 1991 NIT Final. 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 15 Women’s Water Polo Eagles Snag Most Wins In School History In 2012 05.05.2012 - [Women's Water Polo]

Conquer Grueling Road Schedule

The Concordia women's water polo team continued to strive in 2012, as head coach Steve Carrera, in his fourth season, saw his team go 21-11, eclipsing last year's win total by two and setting a new program record in wins. The Eagles had three seniors, Abby Tsukamoto, Alex Barnes, Michaela Hund, and a strong stable of goal scor- ers in the underclassmen ranks. Junior Chelsea Datt was outstanding in goal all year. The scoring was fairly balanced all season, with junior Kathryn Manderino, junior Jamie Clark, junior Haley Ring, senior Abby Tsukamoto, and junior Ashley Dorrego leading the charge all year.

CU was strong against GSAC opponents in 2012. They were 2-0 against Azusa Pacific and Fresno Pacific, and 1-0 against Vanguard. In late January, they defeated NCAA foes Sonoma State and Santa Clara at the UC Santa Barbara Winter Invite. They crushed Cal State San Bernardino 19-4 in in Febru- ary at the Lancer Invite at California Baptist. In their lone home game of the year, the ladies hosted East Coast school #9 (CWPA Division I/II) George Washington University at the William Woolet Aquatic Complex on March 14, and were victori- Junior Ashley Dorrego against CSU Monterey Bay (3/31) ous, 12-7.

In their most exciting road trip of the year, the Eagles traveled to the historic campus of the University of Michi- gan in Ann Arbor, MI for the Michigan Invite. The ladies went 4-1 at the tournament and almost defeated the host #13 Wolverines, 9-14.

Concordia defeated a number of ranked teams in 2012. They beat #6 (DIII) Whittier College 4-1 on March 3 and #3 (CWPA) Wheaton College 12-5 later in the day. They defeated #10 (CWPA Division I/II) Mercyhurst on March 17, 11-3. Their last victory over a ranked opponent came on April 11 as they beat #8 (DIII) Whittier Col- lege, 10-2.

The Eagles wrapped up their season at the National Invite at Fresno Pacific, April 20 and 21. On Friday they -de feated Vanguard 18-3 and Azusa Pacific 10-6. They fell to California Baptist, 7-14, in their Saturday opener, but bounced back to down Fresno Pacific 10-4 to take second place at the invite.

Concordia improved on their all-time numbers, and are now 8-1 against Azusa Pacific, 9-0 against Fresno Pa- cific, and 5-0 against Vanguard. It was another great step for a program that grows and improves every season.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 16 Softball What A Roll In 2012 05.31.2012 - [Softball]

Eagles Won 44 Straight Games in 2012; Amanda Fama, Katie Cotta, Katie Carson, and Jenna Jorgenson Named NAIA All-Americans

It is very rare at the NAIA level for seven four-year seniors to move through a program together, graduate together, and build a program into a national contender. It is even rarer for that class of seniors to be a coaches' first recruiting class. All those attributes were true for Concordia softball in 2012, as the Eagles rose to #1 in the nation and won a NAIA softball-record 44-straight games.

The Eagles' season came to an end on Saturday, May 19 in a 2-0 loss to Brenau (GA) in eight innings in the Pool A Championship. But looking past that, this season was remarkable for Concordia.

Concordia finished the season ranked #6 in the NAIA Polls, but spent six weeks as #1 for the first time in program history. CU rose to #1 on April 3 following wins over Hope International that saw the Eagles go to 46-2. They were #1 until the final polls came out May 29. CU finished the season 56-4, breaking the school mark in wins. Concordia defeated College of Idaho on February 11 and did not lose until falling 0-2 to Azusa Pacific on April 17. That is a little over two months without a loss. CU broke Shawnee State's (Ohio) mark of 42-consecutive established during the 1996 season.

"During that stretch we never talked about it and we were having a really good time playing softball," head coach Crystal Rosenthal said. "Everyone contributed, we played some good opponents in that stretch, but we just got on a roll. Our pitching was good and our hitting was unbelievable."

The Eagles won the GSAC Conference Championship for the first time since 1990 and the second time in school history. They won the inaugural GSAC/Cal Pac Conference Softball Tournament, hosted at Eagles Field, May 3-5.

Senior shortstop Amanda Fama was chosen as a First Team NAIA All-American and junior pitcher Katie Cotta joined her with first team honors. Senior first baseman Katie Carson was selected Second Team NAIA All- American, becoming a two-time All-American, previously in 2009. Sophomore second baseman Jenna Jorgen- son was the fourth Eagle honored, being tabbed to the Second Team. Carson was the only previous Concordia softball player selected as an All-American in program history prior to 2012.

The four were also selected National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Americans.

GSAC Player of the Year Amanda Fama led the nation in home runs (26) and slugging percentage (1.019). She was 11th in RBI with 70, and 12th in batting average (.450) and runs (65). Fama finishes her career as the single- season leader in home runs and RBI. She is ranked in single-season stats in batting average (3rd), runs (2nd), hits (72 – 9th), doubles (13 – 10th), extra base hits (39 – 2nd), total bases (163 – 2nd), stolen bases (19 – 6th), and multiple hit games (23 – 7th). She is equally impressive in career rankings. Fama is first all-time with a .415 career batting average and 42 home runs. She is also ranked all-time in runs (117 – 7th), RBI (128 – 4th), extra base hits (72 – 3rd), total bases (295 – 6th), and stolen bases (34 – 9th). She was a two-time All-GSAC selection in her two years at Concordia. Fama was outstanding at the plate, but just as good in the field. Her range and 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 17 arm strength from the shortstop position kept opponents off the base paths all season.

"It's something super cool to win and I am very honored," Fama said. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without my team and it was a great way to end my college career."

GSAC Pitcher of the Year Katie Cotta led the NAIA in opponent batting average (.130) and strikeouts per nine (16.88). She was seventh in ERA (1.02) and ninth in K's (245). She was 14th after only allowing 19 earned runs all year. Cotta is the single-season leader in K's and shutouts with 10. She is also ranked in games started (24 – 7th), complete games (18 – 7th), wins (20 – 3rd), winning percentage (.952 – 2nd), and ERA (1.02 – 5th). In one season, Cotta is the Senior Amanda Fama against Bethany (KS) at NAIA Championships (5/18) career leader in winning percentage. She is ranked all-time in career shutouts (7th) and strikeouts (5th).

Two-time All-American and three-time All-GSAC selection Katie Carson, was 10th in the country in home runs with 17. She was 11th with 67 runs scored and 14th with a .806 slugging percentage. She was 15th in the nation with six triples. She was fifth in the GSAC with a .418 batting average. She led the conference with 82 hits and was second with 61 RBI's. Her six triples led the conference and she was second with 17 bombs. She is the CU career-leader in games played (242), at-bats (811), runs (229), hits (332), doubles (67), triples (24), RBI (178), extra-base hits (123), multiple Junior Katie Cotta against Brenau (GA) at NAIA Championships (5/19) hit games (89), and total bases (543). She is ranked all-time in home runs (32 – 3rd), walks (71 – 2nd), batting avg. (.409 – 3rd), and stolen bases (55 – 3rd). She broke single-season records in runs (67), and is ranked in games played (60 – 10th), batting average (.418 – 7th), at-bats (196 – 4th), hits (82 – 4th) doubles (13 – 10th), triples (6 – 3rd), home runs (17 – 3rd), RBI (61 – 3rd), extra base hits (36 – 4th), total bases (158 – 3rd), walks (23 – 8th), and multiple hit games (28 – 2nd). She finishes her career as arguably the most potent hitter in Concordia history.

"It is an honor to be named an All-American," Carson said. "Softball has given me so much and I am so thankful God gave me the opportunity and the ability to play the sport I love. I owe a lot of my success to my teammates and coaching staff for always encouraging and inspiring me."

Carson was also honored as the 2012 Capital One College Division Softball Academic All-American of the Year with a 4.0 GPA. 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 18 "It is a great honor and I am very proud of myself. Hard work does pay off," Carson said.

Sophomore All-GSAC honoree Jenna Jor- genson was sixth in the GSAC with a .411 average. She was second in hits with 76 and fourth in runs scored (51). Jorgenson was first in triples (6), sixth in home runs (9), third in total bases (129), and second in doubles (15). In the NAIA, Jorgenson was 11th in triples, 19th in total bases, and 25th in hits. She was selected All-GSAC in 2011. She has single-season rankings in games played (60 – 10th), batting average (.411 – 8th), hits (76 – 5th), doubles (15 – 5th), triples (6 – 3rd), home runs (9 – 5th), RBI (53 – 5th), extra base hits (30 – 6th), total bases (130 – 6th), and multiple hit games (23 – 7th). Jorgenson is also on the CU career batting rankings in batting average Senior Katie Carson against Brenau (GA) at NAIA Championships (5/19) (.396 – 4th), triples (12 – 3rd), home runs (10 -10th), and extra base hits (50 – 10th). She has been selected All-GSAC in her first two years at Concordia.

"I feel honored for being recognized for this award and I want to thank my coaches, because without them and my team this wouldn't be possible," Jorgen- son said.

The 2012 Eagles set the bar high as a team as well. The Eagles were second in the NAIA in runs (482) and slugging percentage (.633). They were third in RBI (431) and batting average (.382). They ranked fourth in ERA (1.28) and hits (606). The Eagles were fifth in the nation in runs per game (8.1) and strikeouts (430). They were sixth in doubles (105) and seventh in triples (21). They ranked 11th in stolen bases with 126. They set team records with 482 runs, a .382 batting average, 606 hits, 105 doubles, 21 triples, 84 home runs, 430 RBI, 126 stolen bases, and 430 strikeouts. Sophomore Jenna Jorgenson against Talladega (AL) at NAIA Championships (5/17) GSAC Coach of the Year Crystal Rosenthal now has an impressive 186-58 record in four seasons as the CU head coach. In addition to the All-Americans, Fama, Cotta, Carson, Jorgenson, Courtney Young, Bryana Simpson, Jennifer Simons, and Emily Craig were all selected All-GSAC. Carson, Alicia Lucatero, Alyssa Erickson, and Brieana Eckel were all chosen GSAC Scholar-Athletes and NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Carson, Lucatero, and Erickson were Capital One Academic All- Americans. Cotta, Carson, Fama, Jorgenson, and Simons were National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-West Region First Team. Ashlee Leon and Bryana Simpson were second team selections.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 19 Concordia started the season as the preseason #8 team in the NAIA Poll. They raced out to a 4-0 record, before taking a trip to Redding, CA for the Simpson University Invitational February 10-11. The Eagles went 4-2 at the tournament and returned for their first home stand of the year. Concordia won seven straight against William Jessup, La Sierra, Northwest Christian College, and #12 Bethel College. CU run-ruled their opponent in six of the seven games and outscored their opponents 65-0 in that stretch. The domination in those weeks in late Feb- ruary set the tone for the year.

"From the early part in the fall you could tell something special was happening," coach Rosenthal said. "We had great team chemistry, a great work ethic, and a drive to reach the national tournament."

The Eagles finished a rain-delayed game with Simpson on February 29th, and won two more against the Red Hawks to win three games in one day and improve to 19-2. March 2-4, CU traveled down to Arizona for the Tucson Invitational where they went 7-0 going to 28-2. Six more run-rule games in seven outings continued the win streak and Concordia went to 36-2 with road wins over Hope Inter- national on March 13 to open the GSAC schedule. CU went to #9 Azusa Pacific on March 24th and dominated the Cougars 8-3, 8-4 to Senior Day (4/17) claim dominance in the conference. The Eagles won seven straight games from that point, until APU nipped them 2-0 in the final game on senior day to end CU's win streak at 44. Concordia won the GSAC for the first time in 21 years with a 15-1 conference record, their best GSAC winning percentage in school history.

As the conference champs, CU hosted the inaugural GSAC/Cal Pac/Frontier Conference Tournament, May 3-5. The Concordia staff put in days of hard work to create a softball complex and put on a great event. The ladies took care of business on the field as well, as they went 3-0, including two wins over APU to claim the tournament title. It was the last home game for the seniors and coach Rosenthal received the Gatorade ice bath in post-game celebrations.

The #1 Eagles traveled to Gulf Shores, AL for the 2012 NAIA National Championships, May 17-24. CU was the #1 seed in Pool A and defeated Talladega College 8-0 and #25 Bethany College 8-2 in the first two days. Concor- dia played a very talented #16 Brenau University in the pool championship, and fell 2-0 in eight innings on May 19 to be denied entrance to the double-elimination eight-team tournament.

Concordia received contributions from all over in 2012. Senior Jennifer Simons was outstanding at the plate, hitting .400, and going 11-0 with a 1.75 ERA on the mound. She is on the CU career rankings in batting avg, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI, extra-base hits, total bases, walks, pitching appearances, games started, complete games, shutouts, innings pitched, strikeouts, wins, and ERA.

Starter Courtney Young was 12-0 with a .95 ERA for CU, and freshman Brittani McGue was 10-2 with a 1.44 ERA. Junior Bryana Simpson hit .344 and senior Ashlee Leon batted .348. Freshman leadoff specialist Chanele Dresser had 63 hits with a .387 average. Sophomore Emily Craig started 55 games behind the plate and had 29 RBI. Senior Alyssa Erickson hit .363 and carried the offensive load down the stretch, including an enormous grand slam against Azusa Pacific in the Conference Tournament Championship. Senior Alicia Lucatero hit .371 off the bench and started 23 games. CU was a great team top-to-bottom.

Concordia must say goodbye to seniors Katie Carson, Amanda Fama, Alyssa Erickson, Ashlee Leon, Jennifer Si- mons, Alicia Lucatero, Brieana Eckel, and Courtney Fik. Those ladies have brought the program to new heights in four years and the momentum will no doubt continue for years to come. 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 20 Baseball Eagles Establish Themselves In 2012 06.07.2012 - [Baseball]

2012 GSAC Tournament Champions

There may no tougher feat in sports than defending a national championship. You represent everyone's biggest game of the year and make headlines for that team win or lose. That challenge faced the 2012 Concordia baseball team, and given the circumstances, it was a very successful year.

"I thought our guys grew up and handled having a target on their back very well," head coach Mike Grahovac said. "

In 2012 the Eagles (38-18) improved their GSAC regular-season record from a year ago by two wins and six losses, going 22-10 enroute to a second-place finish behind Azusa Pacific. One can argue California Baptist was no longer in the GSAC, but the Eagles squashed that statement by traveling to Riverside in early April and split- ting a two-game series with the Lancers. CU did repeat some postseason magic from a year ago, as they trekked to Azusa, CA for the GSAC Conference Tourney and took the title by winning four straight over (RV) Fresno Pacific, (RV) The Master's, Westmont, and #4 Azusa Pacific, May 1-4. It was the second-straight, and second conference tournament championship in program history. The run did not continue at the NAIA Opening Round in Marion, IN, as Concordia dropped two games to Doane College (NE). CU entered the round as the #1 seed in Marion and established Concordia baseball as a perennial national power. It was CU's second trip to the NAIA Opening Round and their record in that round now stands at 4-2 all-time.

"I like to load up the schedule early and it taught us how to deal with adversity," Gra- hovac said. "It got us ready for the GSAC Tournament and the playoffs. I want to play anybody. I'd like to play NCAA Division I teams if we could just to show our players what it is about."

The team set season records in doubles, with 124, and triples, with 29. They led the NAIA in triples. They were only caught stealing 44 times, fourth best in the country. They were eighth in putouts per game (25.804), eighth in doubles per game (2.214), 15th in stolen bases (129), and 15th in doubles (124). Concordia was 13th in Senior Kyle Konicek against Fresno Pacific (4/27) Senior Day hits per game (10.464), 23rd in slugging percentage (.461), 26th in batting average (.318), 23rd in hits (586), and 27th in runs per game (7.071). The Eagles finshed #8 according to the NAIA Baseball Iterative Strength Rankings.

"Our team really gelled together well, especially with all the new faces," Grahovac said.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 21 Kyle Konicek, a four-year player at Concordia and 2012 All-GSAC and GSAC Gold Glove honoree, set the Concordia career hits mark with 249. He was 12th in the GSAC in hitting with a .360 average. He led the league with six triples, was third in doubles (18), fourth in runs scored (55), and third in stolen bases (20). His six triples ranked 11th in the nation. Konicek ranked 30th nationally in hits per game (1.481). He is a career .345 hitter with at least 160 at-bats in all four years at CU. Konicek was also a GSAC Gold Glove selection with a .940 fielding percentage, 96 putouts, and an impressive 13 assists from left field.

Konicek leaves quite the legacy at CU and is one of the most productive hitters in history. In 2012 he ranked all-time in individual batting records in games played (54 – 8th), at-bats (222 – 2nd), runs (55 – 5th), hits (80 – 4th), doubles (18 – 4th), triples (6 – 7th), and multiple-hit games (24 – 6th). His career marks leave an indelible impact. Konicek is the CU career leader in games played (198), at-bats (720), runs (172), and hits (249). He is also ranked all-time in doubles (42 – 4th), triples (13 – 2nd), RBI (139 – 2nd), extra-base hits (62 – 3rd), total bases (338 – 2nd), and stolen bases (42 – 8th). Konicek's production and leadership will no doubt be missed. Senior Jake Hovis against Doane College (NE) (5/12) NAIA Opening Round "It was a blast, absolutely," Kyle Konicek said. "We had great support from the coaches, administration, and fans, and it was an honor to play for them."

Aaron Gates, a senior transfer from Pepperdine and All-GSAC selection, hit .348 and was third in the GSAC with 11 home runs. Nationally, he was ninth in slugging percentage (.742) and 36th in home runs (11). His 11 bombs are fifth in the season rankings for CU. His 26 extra-base hits rank ninth. Sophomore outfielder John Doering, was third in the GSAC in hitting with a .398 average, ranking 10th on the CU season list. Junior Spencer Ofeltwas sixth in the GSAC with a .358 average. Senior starter Jake Hovis was 10th in the conference with a 4.04 average, and his 13 starts rank 14th on the CU single-season rankings and his 100.1 innings pitched are eighth. The Eagles were second in the league with a .318 team batting average and third with a 4.53 team ERA.

"Playing here is something I will never forget," Tony Harkey, Jr. said. "It was a great group of guys and I was proud to wear CU on my shirt everyday."

Shortstop Matt Palmer was fifth in the NAIA with 3.143 assists per game. Palmer ranks fifth in school history with 56 games played. Starter Thomas Hoenshell was 9th in the NAIAwith only nine walks allowed all year. Leadoff man Ty Holm was 36th in the country in steals (28) and 33rd in triples (5). He is eighth in school history after playing in 54 games and sixth with 52 runs scored. His five triples rank ninth on the CU single-season rankings and his 28 swiped bags are second. Senior bullpen man Josh White was 36th in the NAIA with six saves, which was good for third on the CU single-season lists. Sean Buford was right behind him with five saves, good for 48th in the nation. His 23 appearances are 10th on the CU single-season rankings. His .875 winning percentage is third on the CU rankings and his five saves are fifth.

"I've played with a great group of guys here at Concordia, it was a lot of fun, and they are great friends for life," 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 22 Josh White said.

Junior All-GSAC honoree Ryan DiMascio hit .323 in 46 games with five home runs, 12 doubles, two triples, and 38 RBI from his third base position. Sophomore pitcher Andrew Brooks was selected Capital One Academic All-District and pitched very well down the stretch for the Eagles to finish with a 4.17 ERA in 41 innings pitched. Senior Brent Clapper ranks eighth on the CU single-season rankings with 14 starts, fifth with 104.2 innings pitched, ninth with 66 K's, and 10th with a .700 winning percentage. Senior Thomas Hoenshell is 14th with 13 starts, fifth with eight wins, and fourth with a .800 winning percentage.

CU pitchers dot the Concordia career rankings as well. Josh White finishes sixth all-time with 53 appearances and second with nine saves. Brent Clapper is seventh with 28 starts, sixth with 194.1 innings pitched, fourth with 16 wins, and fourth with a .696 winning percentage. Sean Buford currently leads with a .909 winning percentage and is seventh with five saves.

Head coach Mike Grahovac, 2011 NAIA Coach of the Year, has had six All-GSAC selections, six gold glove honorees, one NAIA All-American, and five All-Tournament selections in his four years at Concordia. Grahovac won his 100th game on February 23 against San Diego Christian in a 5-4 win at home. In four short years, he has trans- formed a program happy to advance to the NAIA Tournament to a national championship contender on a yearly basis. He now has a career record at CU of 130-87 with two GSAC Tournament Championships, One NAIA Opening Round Title, and one NAIA National Championship. Senior Josh White against Doane College (NE) (5/12) NAIA Opening Round Concordia started the season #2 in the nation with 10 first-place votes. They never fell farther than 14th, but hovered around the 11th spot for the majority of the year. CU finished the year #16 in the nation.

The Eagles started the season 3-0, but dropped four-straight games to NCAA Division II schools Cal State LA and Cal Poly Pomona. The team was 3-4, but those challenging games against NCAA schools were extremely important to the development of the team. CU responded by winning 10 of their next 11 games to improve to 13-5 and 7-1 in the GSAC. They took three-out-of-four from San Diego Christian and swept local rival Van- guard in a four-game series. The Eagles outscored their opponents 113-49 in that stretch, including a 20-6 win at Vanguard on March 2.

They won two-out-of-three from (RV) CSU San Marcos, split a four-game series with (RV) Point Loma Naza- rene, and swept a two-game series from visiting Sioux Falls to go to 19-8, and 9-3 in conference. CU opened a four-gamer with (RV) Azusa Pacific on March 22. They Eagles took the opener on Ryan Scornaienchi's walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to prevail 8-7. Unfortunately, Concordia dropped the next three games to APU, giving them the edge in the regular-season standings. CU had a chance to win in every game, including a 13-inning affair on March 23 where they had many opportunities to end it. The Eagles learned from those losses and would get their revenge on the Cougars later in the year.

Concordia showed great resolve, bouncing back with a four-game sweep of (RV) Biola and taking one-of-two 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 23 on the road against NCAA Division II member California Baptist. They split four games with Westmont, March 7-10, and turned around to take three-out-of-four from (16) The Master's, March 19-21. CU finished the season strong, winning three-out-of-four against (RV) Fresno Pacific to finish the regular season 33-16 and 22-10 in conference. The Eagles won or split 13 of their 16 series in 2012.

CU opened the GSAC Conference Tournament at Azusa Pacific University against a (RV) Fresno Pacific team they had just played four straight times the previous weekend. As expected it was a battle, but starter Brent Clap- per went 10 innings, striking out 11 while only allowing two runs. Spencer Ofelt drove a walk-off RBI single up the middle to win 3-2 in 10 innings. The next night against (RV) The Master's, CU starter Thomas Hoenshell went nine innings, striking out a career-high 10 in his first shutout of the year. Dave Peterson hit two home runs and Aaron Gates smashed one as CU won 6-0. The Eagles faced Westmont in the semifinals. CU starter Jake Hovis pitched six effective innings and bullpen men Josh White and Sean Buford were solid in relief. Chris Kuber went two-for-three with two RBI and a home run, and Con- cordia advanced with a 6-4 win. In the championship the Eagles got the chance to avenge their three losses to #4 APU earlier in the year. Andrew Brooks started for Concordia, going seven innings allowing four runs and Sean Buford allowed two runs in the final two innings. Ryan DiMascio's go-ahead sac fly in the eighth inning made it 7-6 Eagles, and Buford closed down the ninth. Aaron Gates hit two home runs for four RBI as CU won its second-straight GSAC Con- ference Tournament. Defeat Fresno Pacific in First Round of GSAC Playoffs (5/1) Concordia received the #1 seed for the NAIA Opening Round in Marion, IN. CU led Do- ane College (NE) 3-1 entering the ninth inning in the first round, but allowed three runs across late to lose 3-4 in heartbreaking fashion. Bumped to the loser-out bracket, CU battled local team Taylor (IN) on Friday night, May 11. CU started Thomas Hoen- shell threw 148 pitches in a nine-inning complete-game effort. He struck out eight, while only allowing two runs and no walks. Aaron Gates' RBI double in the seventh led CU to a 4-2 win. CU got another chance at Doane on Saturday afternoon, May 12. Senior Day (4/27) It was not to be though, as the Tigers prevailed 5-6 to end CU's season. The highlight of the game for CU was Kyle Konicek's single through the right side in the first inning to break the school career mark with 248 hits. Concordia threatened to come all the way back with runners in scoring position in the ninth, but couldn't get the big hit.

"Kyle Konicek was phenomenal player, leader, talker, and he's been with us from the beginning," Grahovac said. "Josh White grew up as a man and baseball player, and was very dependable for four years. Those are the type of guys we want in our program. We have a lot of great guys coming back with good new recruits, and we are very excited."

Concordia says goodbye to seniors Kyle Konicek, Chris Lemus, Aaron Gates, Keith Murakami, Brent Clapper, Jake Hovis, Tony Harkey, Jr., Matt Stropoli, Ryan Scornaienchi, Josh White, and Thomas Hoenshell. Konicek, Clapper, Hovis, Harkey, Scornaienchi, and White all leave the program as national champions. Those seniors, along with many returning players, have seen Concordia turn into a perennial top-15 program and national contender for years to come. 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 24 Women’s Tennis Another Great Season For The Eagles 06.08.2012 - [Women's Tennis]

As the Auburn Montgomery Warhawks were on their way to their eighth national championship in nine years at the 2012 NAIA Women's National Championship in May in Mobile, AL, word kept reverberating through the Mobile Tennis Center about how tough the quarterfinal match had been for the favorite. They battled the #8 Concordia Eagles in that match and, like so many teams before, took quite a shot from the feisty Eagles.

The 2011-2012 season ended with numerous awards honoring the careers of co-captains Jordan Kimura and Bettina Radke, including being named All-Americans (1st team) by the NAIA and ITA (singles and doubles). As the top CU doubles team, Kimura and Radke end the year with a #6 NAIA national team ranking.

"Our success had a lot to do with having five seniors on the team," head coach Jonathan Sanchez said. "They knew it was their last shot and they gave it everything they had. We lost to the team at nationals that won it all and gave them a real run. I am satisfied with how everyone played."

Starting off with impressive showings in the fall preseason tournaments, Bettina Radke and Jordan Kimura were doubles finalists in the ITA Regional Tournament and Radke appeared in the ITA Fullerton and North- ridge finals. In the prestigious Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament on April 30th in Ojai, CA, Kimura and Radke played their way into the doubles finals and Radke became the 112th Independent College Singles Champion with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Cal State LA's Christie Lau.

"It's such an honor to be a three-time All-American," Jordan Kimura said. "It's been a stellar journey these past four years in collegiate athletics, and it has been a fantastic experience. To see all the focus and hard work pay off, and be recognized as an All-American is truly rewarding."

"Those two (Radke and Kimura) are so driven and self-motivated," Sanchez said. "It was a team effort this year and it took everyone for us to be as successful this season."

The Eagles never let a losing streak get started in 2012, as they won four straight from March 5 to March 20. They dropped three in a row, but responded with five in a row, including wins over GSAC rivals #15 Vanguard, The Master's, and #20 Westmont. After falling to Fresno Pacific, the ladies were victorious against #15 Vanguard on senior day, 7-2, on April 24th. The Eagles were preseason #5 in the NAIA, but spend the vast majority of the year locked in as the #8 team in the NAIA.

In regular season play, the Eagles went 14-7 overall and 10-6 in the GSAC on their way to their fourth consecutive showing at the NAIA National Championship in Mobile, AL, May 15-19.. They entered the tournament as the eighth seed. After a victory over William Carey in the Round of 16, they faced the #1 seed and defending champions Auburn Montgomery in the quarterfinals, a team that they had met in three out of the last four 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 25 championships. Despite a loss of 2-5, the team played AUM with strength and determination while recording one of the highest scores against a team that has won the last eight out of the last nine national titles. Concor- dia trailed 2-1 coming out of doubles, after Johanna Sceresini and Kristen Yep took a commanding 8-4 victory over Tiffany William and Hagar Caro on court two. CU took a win at the third single spot as Johanna Sceresini downed Tiffany William 7-6, 6-4. All other matches were extremely tight as Concordia refused to go quietly. "I knew Concordia was going to be a tough match," Auburn Montgomery head coach Rolando Vargas said.

"When we played their doubles, I thought they were definitely better than I thought. They had good depth. One through six they had really good players."

"I give a lot of credit to Concordia. They were fighting to the end. Even when they were down a couple matches, they were still fighting like they were up,” Vargas said. Senior Jordan Kimura against William Carey (MS) (5/16) NAIA Championships After the championships, the CU women's tennis team ranking went up a notch as they end the year with a final national ranking of #7.

At the NAIA National Championship Banquet, Bettina Radke was given the CU Champions of Character Award. After being named the winner of the West Region, Jordan Kimura was selected as the National Winner of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Leader- ship and Sportsmanship Award, the first in Concordia history, and will be flown to New York where she will be honored at the 2012 U.S. Open.

Bettina Radke and Jordan Kimura were named to the All-GSAC team, each for the fourth consecutive year. Radke earned the GSAC team honor as a freshman at Hope Senior Bettina Radke against William Carey (MS) (5/16) NAIA Championships International while Kimura earned hers as a CU freshman. Radke and Kimura received ITA final singles rankings of #8 and #18 respectively. Radke was named the GSAC Outstanding Player of the Year. Summer Beaird and Jordan Kimura received All-GSAC Scholar Athlete honors. Beaird also received NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition and Kimura earned ITA Academic Achievement honors.

"We have some big shoes to fill next season, but I am excited to work with the new recruits, and I think we can do just as well next year," Sanchez said.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 26 The team said farewell to five of its players. Jordan Kimura, Johanna Sceresini and Kristin Yep played the past four seasons, Bettina Radke the past three, and Summer Beaird the past two. The CU Tennis program will greatly miss the dedication, talent and achievements of these gifted players who helped put CU on the map with four consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances and a ranking as high as #3 in the nation.

The numerous athletic awards and honors of these graduating seniors throughout their time as CU Eagles are vast and include:

Jordan Kimura (2009-2012): NAIA All-American 1st Team ("12) NAIA All-American 2nd Team ("09, "11) NAIA NATIONAL Arthur Ashe Jr. Leader- ship & Sportsmanship Award ("12) NAIA West Region Arthur Ashe Jr. Leader- ship & Sportsmanship Award ("12) ITA All-American Singles & Doubles ("11, "12) All-GSAC Team ("09, "10, "11, "12) NAIA Champions of Character Award ("10, "11) ITA Academic Achievement Award ("11, "12) NAIA Scholar-Athlete ("11) Senior Kristin Yep against William Carey (MS) (5/16) NAIA Championships GSAC Scholar-Athlete ("11, "12) CU Golden Eagles Award for having the only undefeated season in CU history ("10)

Bettina Radke (2010-2012): NAIA All-American 1st Team ("12) NAIA All-American 2nd Team ("11) ITA All-American Singles & Doubles ("10, "11, "12) All-GSAC Team ("10, "11, "12) GSAC Outstanding Player of the Year Award ("12) NAIA Champions of Character Award ("12) CU Iron Eagle Award for sportsmanship ("10) 112th Ojai Independent College Champion ("12)

Senior Johanna Sceresini against William Carey (MS) (5/16) Kristin Yep (2009-2012): NAIA Championships NAIA All-American Honorable Mention ("09) ITA All-American Doubles ("09) CU Fearless Fighter Award for team spirit ("10)

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 27 Johanna Sceresini (2009-2012): NAIA All-American Honorable Mention ("09)

Summer Beaird ("11, "12): GSAC Scholar-Athlete ("12) NAIA Scholar-Athlete ("12)

Junior Summer Beaird against William Carey (MS) (5/16) NAIA Championships Men’s Tennis Eagles Played Through Adversity In 2012; Advanced To NAIA Championships Again 06.15.2012 - [Men's Tennis]

Senior Bruno Santarelli had a big year as he walked away with First Team NAIA and ITA All-American and All-GSAC recognition. He also was honored as the ITA Senior Player of the Year and NAIA CU Champions of Character awards at the NAIA National Championships Banquet held in Mobile, AL. Santarelli moved from the #3 singles spot in 2011 to the #1 slot in 2012. In addition to Santarelli, Rafael Coutinho was also named to the All-GSAC team.

"Bruno Santarelli had a really inspiring year," head coach Jonathan Sanchez said. "He knew he had to step up this year and he did. He was so self-motivated, he pushed everyone on the team, and really played for the team."

"Being the 2012 ITA Senior Player of the Year is a great honor," Bruno Santarelli said. "This past season was the best of my career, Bruno Santarelli and Gernot Hagemann win Ojai Doubles - Ojai, CA (4/30) and probably one of the best years of my life. Everything worked well, I graduated from Concordia, and had a great time and

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 28 season with my friends and teammates, and I was able to compete and play at the same level of the best players of the NAIA. Finishing it as the Senior of the Year and the First Team All-American is an honor, and a great achievement that I never thought I could reach."

Bruno Santarelli and Gernot Hagemann started the year off with wins over BYU and UCLA in the 55th Annual Southern California Intercollegiate Championships last fall before falling to the #1 seed USC in the semifinals. In season play, the pair went 16-5 in doubles play with key wins over #9 Vanguard, #7 Westmont and #1 Fresno Pa- cific. In post-season play, Santarelli and Hagemann claimed the Independent College Doubles Title in the 112th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament on April 30.

"The transition from #3 singles to #1 singles was tough, but I believe that most of the players in our team raised their level of tennis, which means that everybody played better and harder than the previous year," Santarelli said. "Because of that I believe was a natural transition since we didn't get any new players that were sup- posed to play at the top position in singles. I had to step up my game. I also believe that being a senior gave me a lot of experience and confidence to believe that I could do it, but it is normal for most of the players to play some positions higher in the following years. I just have to say thanks to my teammates and coaches who helped me play better and raise the bar this year."

The GSAC was loaded in 2012, with seven of the eight teams ranked at the end of the year. Concordia ended the year at #12 in the NAIA polls. They were preseason #11 and L to R: Coach Jeff Das, Bruno Santarelli, Coach Jonathan Sanchez the spent the majority of the year in the #11 Bruno Santarelli ITA Senior Player of the Year - Mobile, AL (5/14) and #12 slots.

"Gernot Hagemann is a great player! He is probably the player with the best hands and volleys in the game in our conference," Santarelli said. "He also has a great serve and returns, and a strong head to handle the situations of pressure. He is a great player and it was a pleasure to play with him and win The Ojai doubles this year. But I would say that what made our partnership good was our friendship. He has a similar character to me, and we are great friends. We think of things in the same way, which makes it easier on the court."

The Eagles started the season with GSAC wins over (RV) Hope and (RV) Biola on the road. They fell into a three-game losing streak after that though, dropping matches to #4 Azusa Pacific, #7 Point Loma Nazarene, and NCAA Division II school UC San Diego. They bounced back with another win over (RV) Biola, before falling to #1 Fresno Pacific. Injuries and other problems bothered Concordia for the remainder of the season, as coach Jonathan Sanchez was never able to put the team on the court he envisioned before the season. But credit CU, as they kept battling every day.

"It was a struggle for sure. But considering, I think we did quite well," Sanchez said. "At any point during the year we had at least one of our top six players out. I would have loved to have seen our full lineup play, but it doesn't always go your way."

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 29 On March 10, the Eagles recorded their biggest win of the regular season, with a 5-4 home win over #7 West- mont. They swept Hope 9-0, before losing three-straight again against East Coast schools Amherst College and Middlebury College, in addition to a 3-6 loss to #7 Point Loma Nazarene on March 27. CU came back again though with a 7-2 win over the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs on March 30 and a 5-4 win over #9 Xavier (LA), which were sandwiched over a loss to #4 Azusa Pacific. They beat #7 Vanguard on the road on April 9, before losing three straight to #10 Westmont, #1 FPU, and #9 Vanguard to close the regular season. Concordia finished sixth in the brutal GSAC.

The Eagles Men went 9-13 overall, 6-8 GSAC and went to the NAIA National Championships in Mobile, Ala- bama where they played into the second round. It marked CU's fifth-straight trip to the NAIA Championships and fifth in school history. In the first round the 12th seeded Eagles claimed a 9-0 victory over Asbury (Ky.) and then faced 5th seed Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) where they took a 1-5 loss. Despite the loss, the Eagles played to win until the end. CU head coach Jonathan Sanchez called the win over Asbury his team's most complete victory of the year, with everyone playing well. Against Auburn Montgomery, Santarelli and Hagemann won at the #1 doubles spot. Concordia lost 1-5, but had three singles matches going where they were looking to split in game three in all of them.

Bruno Santarelli and Rafael Coutinho ended the year with #12 and #25 ITA national singles rankings respectively.

This season marks the end of college tennis for Bruno Santarelli and Ryan McNamara who have been on the team for the past four years (2009-2012). CU has truly benefited from the performances from these two seniors.

"After four years of Concordia, is hard to describe my best memories," Santarelli said. "But without a doubt I would mention all the seasons we had, all the great moments where we traveled to matches, stayed in hotels together, and visited new places that in my whole life I thought I would never visit. But I think that the National Championship of my sophomore year, and senior year are my best memories. The first one because it was the last moments with our ex-coach John Norton, and we did very well and had a great time as a team. The second because it was my last one, where I got to spend time with friends and people that I will have forever in my life, and also because I played my best season and was recognized by many people. Also, my friends and teammates, which I plan to stay in contact for many years in my life, are in my favorite memories."

"I am really excited for next year," Sanchez said. "We are bringing in some good players and I am eager to see where it goes."

Here are highlights of the awards of the CU Men's Tennis team throughout the past four years:

Bruno Santarelli (2009-2012) NAIA All-American First Team (2012) NAIA All-American Honorable Mention (2011) NAIA Champions of Character Award ("09, "11, "12) ITA Senior Player of the Year ("12) ALL-GSAC Team ("12) CU Iron Eagle Award for sportsmanship ("10) Ojai Independent College Doubles Champion ("12)

Rafael Coutinho (2012) All-GSAC Team ("12)

Gernot Hagemann (2012) 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 30 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete (2012) GSAC Scholar-Athlete (2012) Ojai Independent College Doubles Champion ("12)

Track & Field Records Fall In Coach Brewer's First Track & Field Season 06.20.2012 - [Track and Field]

Concordia track and field coach Jim Brewer and his staff continued to build on the fly in 2012 as they are work- ing diligently to return Concordia's team presence at the NAIA National Championships.

Even though they did not score as a team at the 2012 NAIA Outdoor National Championships in Marion, IN, May 24-26, the Eagles did have some individuals representing them. 2012 NAIA All-American junior Caleb McCurry led CU with a second place finish in the discus with a throw of 55.40 m, a new school record. Senior Jordan Baker set a school record at the NAIA Champion- ships in the 100 m hurdles with a time of 14.92 s. She set a school record at the 2012 GSAC Championships, April 27 and 28 in Azusa, CA, in the 400 m hurdles with a time of 1:02.67 s.

"It feels really good. I have been putting in so much work and effort this year," Caleb McCurry said. "It was nice to be able to compete so well and I am very thankful. I am going to be very ambitious with weight lifting this offseason and work to throw farther."

"Caleb McCurry did a fantastic job and broke a former national champion's school record in the discus with a huge personal record," head coach Jim Brewer said. "Our Junior Caleb McCurry at UC Irvine Invite (3/24) throws coach did a great job with him this year."

Junior Trey Williams competed in the 200 m dash and 400 m dash at the NAIA Championships, advancing to the semifinals of the 400 meter race with a time of 48.56 s.

"This year was definitely a rebuilding year," head coach Jim Brewer said. "We did a good job increasing Concor- dia's team presence at track meets. We had a small team, but we had our athletes compete in a variety of events."

Junior Emily Ramey represented the Eagles in the women's heptathlon in Marion. She took eighth in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 16.50. She finished 14th in the high jump with a height of 1.40 m. Ramey also took 14th in the shot put with a distance of 9.10 m. She was outstanding in the 200 meter dash, finishing fourth with a time of 25.75. She took ninth in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:34.92. Ramey finished seventh in the long jump with a distance of 5.22 m. She finished 14th in the javelin with a distance of 27.13 m. She finished in 11th place among 14 competitors with 4130 points. She set a school record in the heptathlon at the Pomona-Pitzer meet in Claremont, CA, April 14, with 4244 points.

2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 31 Also at the NAIA Championships, Caleb McCurry took 15th in the finals of the shot put with a distance of 15.97 m. Bryan Harkins took seventh in flight two of the men's long jump with a distance of 7.09 m.

At the 2012 GSAC Championships, Trey Williams won the 400 m dash with a time of 48.34 s and Caleb Mc- Curry won the shot put with a distance of 16.62 m. Earlier in the outdoor season, Williams set the school record at the Bryan Clay Invite in Azusa, CA in the 400 m dash with a time of 48.04 s. At the GSAC Championships, Tommy Faust set a school record in the Hammer Throw with a toss of 111 feet 1 inch. On March 24th at the UC Irvine Spring Break Meet, Bryan Harkins set the school mark in the long jump with a jump of 23 feet and 3.5 inches.

In the women's outdoor season, Laura Pluemer was selected a GSAC Scholar-Athlete. At the GSAC Champion- ships, sophomore Mikaila Davis broke the school record in the hammer throw with a toss of 29.57 m.

Three school records fell in the men's indoor season. On February 18 at the Azusa Pacific Last Chance Meet, Bryan Harkins broke the long jump mark with a leap of 22 feet 8 inches. On February 11 at the Azusa Pacific Indoor Meet, Trey Williams set the record in the 400 m dash with a time of 50.02 s. On February 4 at the Westmont Invite in Santa Barbara, the relay team of Trey Williams, Brad Battenberg, Senior Samantha Moser at UC Irvine Invite (3/24) Rick Avila, and Alexis Bersabe set the school record in the 4x400 m relay with a time of 3:26.70 s.

"We wanted to break a lot of school records and we did a good job of that," Brewer said.

Freshman Julia Townsend led the Eagles women's indoor season, as she placed seventh at the 2012 NAIA Indoor Championships in the 3000 m racewalk, earning NAIA All-American status. She set the school record in San Diego on February 4 in the event with a time of 17:04 s. She ran the exact same time at the 2012 NAIA Indoor Championships at the Spire Institute in Geneva, OH, March 1-3. The women's distance medley relay team of Laura Pluemer, Jordan Baker, Samantha Moser, and Arielly Conde finished 12th at Indoor Nationals with a time of 12:52.86 s.

Brewer and his staff continue to add promising athletes every day and Concordia track and field is certainly heading in the right direction. In a short time, he has already set the foundation for a successful program in Irvine.

"This year was a great springboard and we are looking forward to our returners and incoming recruits," Brewer said. "We are looking forward to next year and creating a stronger presence for Concordia in the track and field world."

View All Season Wraps & Video Interviews at www.cuieagles.com 2011-12 Concordia University Irvine Eagles Season Wraps • Page 32