Navy Sports

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 5:51pm

EIWA FEATURE: Navy seniors and returning champs Stolpinski and Prendergast looking ahead
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
03/08/2008

The U.S. Naval Academy’s wrestling team feature a pair of seniors who are defending EIWA champions, Matt Stolpinski at 174 pounds and Ed Prendergast at 285 pounds. Both are competing in their final EIWA Championships, but have their gaze beyond this weekend’s tournament.

Both are unexpected stars on the college level, and are basically self-made successes in wrestling, according to Navy coach Bruce Burnett.

“Ed Prendergast is a one-time placewinner from Missouri, winning it that one time. Matt Stolpinski has a different background but Masschusetts is not known for its wrestling. They both made themselves winners. Both of them have worked real hard on their weaknesses, and it shows in their performance,” said Burnett.

Stolpinski came out of Philips Exeter Academy in Westfield, Mass., where he was a four-time state champion and three-time New England Prep champion. He spent a year training full-time at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. before going to college at the U.S. Naval Academy. It seems to him that his college wrestling career has gone past quickly.

“Out of season goes real slowly, but in season, it just flies by,” said Stolpinski about the final few weeks of his college wrestling career.

Stolpinski had a breakthrough season last year, winning the EIWA and going on to place fourth at the NCAA Championships. Of the current Navy team, he is the only wrestler to compete at the EIWA meet all four years. He is Navy’s all-time winningest wrestler, passing Mark Conley in career wins earlier this year.

Prendergast went to DeSmet Jesuit in St. Louis, where he was Missouri state champion. He spent a few years at the Naval Academy behind another top star at heavyweight, Tanner Gardner.

“The time has gone fast. The academics are tough and you have all of the military training. It is hard to believe we can balance it all, but we do,” said Prendergast.

After making the varsity last year, Prendergast won the conference meet. He was injured in his second match at the NCAA Championships and went 2-2. He has picked up his effort this year, with 21 straight wins coming into the tournament and 14 pins for the year. Prendergast is second in career pins in Navy’s record book with 37, behind only John Reich with 63 pins.

“They have earned the right to be where they are at. I am proud of them, both in the wrestling room and outside of it. They are going to be great leaders. They have been good leaders in the wrestling room,” said Burnett.

Both senior wrestlers set the same goals for the year, winning the EIWA championships again, then claiming the gold medal at the NCAA Championships.

“It is always the goal. I has always been taught, and Coach Burnett pounds it in hard, that being the national champion is our goal. If not, you are in the wrong sport,” said Stolpinski.

“My goal is to be the EIWA champion and the national champion,” said Prendergast. “I had a good season last year until my second match at the NCAA Championships when I hurt my knee. I had surgery and had to work hard on rehab. I started the season a little slow. It took awhile and I felt a bit rusty. I am doing better. We will see what happens at nationals.”

Stolpinski was ranked as high as No. 2 in national rankings in the early season. He is 34-6 for the year, and seeded No. 2 in the conference behind Steve Anceravage of Cornell, an EIWA champion last year who moved up from 165 pounds. Stolpinski lost to Anceravage at the Southern Scuffle, 5-3 this season.

“I don’t like rankings. I don’t look at them. You show up every day and you take it as it comes. It was an honor to be there, and hopefully, I will move up there again at the nationals,” said Stolpinski.

Stolpinski feels he is better now than when he was fourth last year at the NCAAs.

“I am better at everything, all around,” he said. “I am a better wrestler than I was a year ago. I have been working to fix little mistakes in every practice. I have done a good job at that.”

Prendergast is highly motivated for a strong showing at the NCAAs this year, which will be held back in his home state. His older brother Jim was an NCAA Div. I All-American at Southwest Missouri State, and Ed hopes to match or better his brother’s feat.

“That is why I started wrestling, because of him,” said Prendergast at his brother. “He got me into the sport. I guess I wanted to do better than him. I am from St. Louis and the NCAA Championships will be there this year. He will be there with a bunch of his friends from Southwest Missouri and they will be cheering me on.”

Both are in the EIWA semifinals on Sunday, and are expected to have high seeds at the NCAA Championships. It would be fitting if these Navy seniors were able to complete their careers as All-Americans side-by-side.

“Ed had an opportunity last year. He even won some matches after he was hurt. He is a mentally tough guy. He can get on the podium at the nationals. He is truly a good big wrestler,” said Burnett.

“Matt has wrestled 11 of the top 12 guys in the country. He hasn’t won all of them. However, he has gone head-to-head with them. I think he’s on track to win this and become an All-American again,” he continued.

Although both wrestlers have high goals for the next few weeks on the mat, they are also looking ahead to their future serving the nation as U.S. Naval officers. Stolpinski will serve with the Navy special warfare program. Prendergast will be assigned to a destroyer down in Norfolk, Va. Both are proud of their achievements as students, and are motivated to make a difference in their military careers.

“I am looking forward to moving on and seeing what lies ahead for me,” said Prendergast. “I kind of knew what to expect, but I really didn’t. People can tell you about it, but when you experience it firsthand, it is totally different.”

“It has been a great journey. I would trade it for the world,” said Stolpinski. “There is no way to explain what we have gone through. It is both good and bad. It is an experience that none of us will ever forget. I would recommend it to anybody. The Naval Academy is a special place.”

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 5:53pm

Weekend Navy Philly Flyer Results

Omnium Team Overall Place
Navy 10th out of 46 teams

Sunday’s Race: The Schulykill Challenge Circuit Race Men’s B: Midn Paul Lietzen 3rd place out 90 starters

Men’s C: Midn Blaine Tonking 7th place out of 48 starters
Midn Andy Mathes 16th place out of 48 starters

Sunday’s The Trophy Bikes Team Time Trial
Men’s A: 6th place
Women’s A: 6th place

Saturday’s The Phoenixville Fury Road Race
Women’s B: Midn Dominique Bastine, 3rd place out of 36 starters
Men’s A: Midn Ryan McFeely, 12th place out of 48 starters
Midn Andrew Christian, 14th place out of 48 starters

Men’s C: Midn Paul Lietzen, 1st place out of 55 starters

Summary:
Great event for a dual conference race in Philadelphia pitting the ECCC and ACCC against each other in 3 races over two days. Navy finished 10th overall in the standings out of 46 teams. Notable performances were Midn Paul Lietzen placing 1st in Men’s C in the Road Race on Saturday followed by 3rd in Men’s B in the Circuit Race on Sunday. Midn Dominique Bastine placed 3rd in the Women’s B Road Race on Saturday. Plebes, Midn Blaine Tonking and Midn Andy Mathes placed well for Navy in Men’s C on Sunday, placing 7th and 16th respectively. The Team Time Trial had Navy place 6th in both the Men’s A and Women’s A categories on Sunday.

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 5:57pm

Navy proves it’s at head of rookie lacrosse class

Mids roll over Cincinnati to start 4-0

By AARON GRAY For The Capital
Published March 09, 2008

The University of Cincinnati women’s lacrosse team won the opening draw and registered a shot on goal during its first possession. That was about as close as it got in a meeting of rookie Division I programs at Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium yesterday.

Sophomore midfielder Erin Rawlcik scored five goals and freshman midfielder Meg Decker added three goals and three assists to lead the Midshipmen to a convincing 18-6 victory in front of a sparse crowd that came out to support Navy despite the rainy conditions.

The Mids improved to 4-0 and have outscored their opponents, 84-21, to start their inaugural season. Navy did not allow a single shot during its 24-0 win over St. Francis (Pa.) on Tuesday.

“We knew Cincinnati was a feisty team and we had to come out strong early,” said Navy coach Cindy Timchal, whose team jumped to a 15-4 halftime lead. “We watched (Cincinnati) against Saint Mary’s yesterday and we saw how they came back after falling behind. It was key to grab the lead but we had to hang onto it.”

After the Bearcats’ first shot was saved by senior goalkeeper Natalie Blandon (six saves), Navy responded with four straight goals. Freshman midfielder Katrina Nietsch scored off a free position to open an 11-2 lead with 14:09 left in the first half and the rout was on.

“We play our best when we’re having fun and that’s what we did today,” said Decker, who scored twice off free-position shots and notched another unassisted goal with 10:05 left in the first half. “I thought we showed a little bit of everything today. We had some speed, we worked together and there was great balance.”

Timchal was impressed with the overall hustle on the offensive end but mentioned a particular goal set up by Decker.

Seven minutes into the game, Decker was asked by the referee not to enter the crease when Bobcat goalkeeper Haley Marvine had the ball. Decker took a step back but did not stop defending. She caught Marvine looking down field, knocked the ball loose and found a wide-open sophomore attacker Mary Ruttum (St. Mary’s) for her second goal.

“In practice, I always get yelled at by my own goalies for hitting them while I’m in the crease,” said Decker, a Catonsville native. “I guess it’s just an adrenaline rush to try and take the ball in those situations. It’s tempting. Mary is always awesome and I can always count on her to finish.”

The Mids owned the midfield and attacked quickly in transition. Rawlick proved that when she scooped a ball near midfield and capped her 40-yard run with a low shot past Marvine. Marvine (three saves) was replaced by sophomore Jenn Mott (two saves) after senior attacker Kaylene Klingenstein scored her second goal of the game to open a 12-4 lead for Navy with 6:57 left in the first half.

“Our offense is working together and I think that’s been a big difference compared to previous years,” said Rawlick, who aslo added two assists. “Most of our goals are assisted and that just shows how we’ve come together as a team.”

The Mids took advantage of their opportunities while scoring on five of their eight free-position shots. Navy also won 17 of 26 draws and out-shot the visitors, 27-19.

Defensively, the Mids surrendered a season-high six goals but Blandon said it was a strong performance and that the defense has gained confidence over the last four wins.

“Just talking to each other has been a big thing,” the senior goalkeeper said. “I always lose my voice because I’m constantly talking. But now the girls are picking up. The confidence is there and I really feel like we trust each other back there.”

Senior midfielder Amanda Towey had two goals and an assists for Navy.

The Bearcats were led by freshman attackers Jamie Desautels and Lynsey Burton with two goals each. Freshman Steph Cox (Chesapeake) added an assist for Cincinnati.

The Mids host Saint Mary’s (Calif.) today at noon, which is the last game before their Patriot League schedule starts. Navy will host two-time defending conference champion Holy Cross on March 15. There is free admission for home games.

“We can’t wait to start playing in the Patriots League,” Rawlick said. “We’ve gained some momentum with these early wins and we’re ready to get going.”

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 6:00pm

Take Five

<ol>
<li>Sophomore midfielder Erin Rawlcik scored five goals and freshman midfielder Meg Decker added three goals and three assists to lead the Navy women’s lacrosse team to a convincing 18-6 victory over Cincinnati in a battle of new Division I programs Saturday. The Midshipmen, who also beat St. Mary’s on Sunday, are 5-0 heading into Patriot League play this week.</li>
</ol>

My take: Navy’s schedule being what it is, and the Patriot League being what it is, can a first-year program go 16-0 by the end of April?

<ol>
<li>Stanford’s women’s lacrosse team registered its second straight top-10 upset Sunday when the No. 20-ranked Cardinal led wire to wire in a 10-8 win over No. 6-ranked Penn in California.</li>
</ol>

My take: This harkens back to my free verse Friday in LMO’s “Ten to Watch” feature, but if I’m a Division I women’s lacrosse coach, you could not pay me enough to play a team on the West Coast. Oregon also swept Notre Dame and Temple in the East West Challenge that culminated Saturday in the Rose Bowl. To quote myself, “The West Coast hasn’t been this good since Tupac.” To quote LMO editor Jac Coyne, “What’s a Tupac?”

<ol>
<li>A rematch of the 2007 Division II men’s lacrosse national championship game was not much of a rematch, after all. No. 1-ranked Le Moyne, the defending national champion, trounced No. 6-ranked Mercyhurst, 17-1, Sunday night in the Carrier Dome.</li>
</ol>

My take: Must have been a productive eight days in Erie, Pa., after the Lakers’ fall from grace really began March 1 with an overtime loss to Wingate.

<ol>
<li>No. 3 Virginia edged No. 11 Princeton, 12-10, Saturday at Princeton Stadium in the first-ever regular season college lacrosse game televised nationally on ESPN.</li>
</ol>

My take: I didn’t see the broadcast, but from what I’m told, the torrent weather kept fogging up the camera view. It’s unfortunate for the sport. I’d hate to see the worldwide leader get down on lacrosse and pan to bowling the next time it needs filler before college basketball. There’s nothing more anticlimactic than when the crew of “NFL Countdown” fades for a shot of Walter Ray Williams addressing the stripe during pro football season.

<ol>
<li>No. 1 Northwestern christened a new women’s lacrosse playing facility in Evanston, Ill., this weekend by beating Duquesne and No. 17 Boston University by a combined score of 40-18.</li>
</ol>

My take: The Wildcats are 5-0 and have outscored opponents 99-33, with Ohio State and UMass on tap as this week’s patsies. Check back in March 24, when Northwestern’s real season begins at Syracuse. Until then, the goals will continue to accumulate faster than the snow did Sunday against BU.

Quote of the Week

“I was just trying to stay alive when I saw the guys running out there. I thought I was going to get my head taken off. I got a fat lip from it, but it was all worth it.”

Hofstra freshman Jay Card, after scoring the winning goal, his fourth of the game, in overtime to down No. 1 Johns Hopkins.
(Source: Newsday)

Stat of the Week

The Navy women’s lacrosse team did not allow a single shot during its 24-0 win over St. Francis (Pa.) on Tuesday.

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 6:21pm

For: Immediate Release
Sent: March 10, 2008
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775

Mike Judge Joins Navy Football Coaching Staff

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo announced Monday that Mike Judge has joined the coaching staff and will coach the fullbacks. Judge comes to Navy from Harvard, where he served as the wide receivers coach.

“Mike is a young, energetic coach who has a lot of experience for his age,” said Niumatalolo. “He ran the option offense in college at Springfield and coached in this offense at Maine. He also gained a great deal of experience working with Bill Belichick and the New England coaching staff.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at a great institution like the United States Naval Academy,” said Judge. “I am excited to join Coach Niumatalolo and the outstanding staff he has assembled and I look forward to working with some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country.”

Judge has spent time around some of the premier football coaches in the country, serving as the quality control coach with the New England Patriots in 2005 and 2006. He spent his first year in New England working with current New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini as a defensive assistant and spent the following season under the direction of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Judge also spent four years as an intern on the Patriots staff, having a hand in three Super Bowl championships.

Judge enjoyed an outstanding playing career as a triple-option quarterback at Springfield College, where he was a four-year letterwinner in both football and baseball. He helped the Pride to two conference championships, two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, an ECAC Division III North championship and a combined four-year record of 30-10. He graduated from Springfield in 2005.

GreatAmerican · March 10, 2008, 7:02pm

For Immediate Release
Monday, March 10, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Maggart (410) 293-8771

Eckert Hurls One-Hitter, Mids Sweep Iona

ANNAPOLIS, Md. Navy southpaw pitcher Yale Eckert (So./La Selva Beach, Calif.) fired a complete-game, one-hit shutout in the opener as the Midshipmen swept a Monday doubleheader with Iona at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium. Navy won the first game, 5-0, before rallying to take the nightcap, 11-5.

The Midshipmen improved to 6-5 on the year, while Iona remained winless on the year and dropped to 0-8.

Eckert carried a no-hitter into the seventh and retired the first batter in the inning before Mike Walraven beat out the throw to first after a diving stop by shortstop Nick Driscoll (Fr./Riverview, Fla.) kept the ball in the infield. Eckert went on to get the final-two outs of the game in order to preserve the one-hit shutout. The Navy left-hander threw 95 pitches, 57 for strikes, to match his career high in strikeouts with nine.

For the third time in as many starts this season, Yale has given us a real solid performance, with this one today perhaps one notch better, stated Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos. He was in complete command of the game.

It always looks good when you have a combination of solid pitching, defense and some timely hitting.

For the year, Eckert owns a 1.40 ERA over 19.1 innings with only three walks and 24 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting just .145 (10-for-69) against the southpaw.

Navys offense provided all the support Eckert would need in the second inning, as Jonathan Wright (Fr./Arden, N.C.) delivered a two-out, two-run single. The Midshipmen also tacked on three insurance runs in the fourth. Driscoll smacked a RBI-triple to left-center, followed by Wright and Thomas Hamilton (Sr./Houston, Texas) run-scoring singles.

Wright went 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the opener, while Hamilton and Driscoll each recorded a two-hit performance.

In the nightcap, Iona struck first with a three-run first inning before the Midshipmen began to chip away. During the bottom half of the second, Driscoll blasted a two-out, two-run shot over the left-field fence to pull the hosts back within one at 3-2. It was the first round-tripper in Driscolls career and the fourth long ball hit by the Mids on the weekend.

The Gaels immediately answered back with a two-run shot in the third, but would be held in check for the remainder of the contest.

Navy pulled within two at 5-3 in the third on a two-out, RBI-single off the bat of Mitch Harris (Sr./Mt. Holly, N.C.). After two scoreless frames, the Mids knotted the contest at five, again working with two outs. With runners on second and third with two down, Renaldo Hollins (Sr./Virginia Beach, Va.) hit a dribbler to third that slipped under his glove and allowed both runs to score.

The Midshipmen took the lead for the first time in the nightcap and pulled away with back-to-back three runs innings in the seventh and eighth. In the seventh, Kendall Bolt (So./Stockton, Calif.) roped a RBI-double down the left field line and another run crossed home as the ball kicked around in the corner. Bolt would eventually score on a wild pitch. One inning later, Bolt and Soares highlighted the frame with back-to-back run-scoring singles through the left side.

Bolt concluded game two 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while seven other Midshipmen recorded a base knock. The Mids also took advantage of eight Iona walks and a hit by pitch.

The Navy bullpen of Drew Carlson (So./Boca Raton, Fla.), Chris Murray (So./Navarre, Fla.) and JD Melton (So./Myrtle Beach, S.C.) combined for 4.1 innings of shutout work with only two hits and two walks allowed. Murray was credited with his first-career win and has not allowed a run in 10.1 innings on the hill this spring.

Drew did a very nice job in filling a key role today out of the bullpen, said Kostacopoulos. He came in and got us the out we needed in the fifth while we were down two runs. He then came back and delivered a clean sixth, which then allowed us to turn it over to our short relief guys.

Wes Olson (Fr./Indianapolis, Ind.) made his first-career start on Monday, as he allowed five hits and five runs, only two of which were earned, over 4.2 innings with two walks and two strikeouts.

We did alright except for the first five minutes of the game, stated Kostacopoulos. Right off the bat, we made four defensive miscues. To the overall credit of the team, we did not let that snowball into some disastrous things. Wes worked his way out of it and we started to play better baseball.

The Midshipmen will return to action on Wednesday, when they travel to Charlottesville, Va., to take on 16th-ranked Virginia (11-2). First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

GreatAmerican · March 11, 2008, 12:57pm

For Immediate Release
Sent Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Tennis Team to Play Three Matches in Florida

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy tennis team will play a trio of matches this week on the team’s annual trip to Florida for spring break. The Mids will face both Appalachian State and North Carolina Wednesday, then will conclude the trip with a Thursday match against Bethune-Cookman.

“We feel good about how we are playing right now,” said Navy head coach John Officer. “The players are competing hard and are eager for the next match. Each of the teams we will face on our trip will provide a nice challenge for us.”

In addition to the matches, Navy will spend some time at the Malivai Washington Kids Foundation in Jacksonville, Fla. Washington, the former top-ranked collegiate player at Michigan and a finalist at Wimbledon in 1996, started the Foundation in 1994 and it has since enriched the lives of over 14,000 Jacksonville youth since its inception. One of the many programs the foundation offers is the Tennis-and-Tutoring after school program, which the Mids have participated in on a number of their past spring break trips.

The foundation has moved to a new headquarters this year and Navy’s matches against both Appalachian State and North Carolina will be played at the new complex. The Mids will play the Mountaineers at 9 a.m. and the Tar Heels at 4 p.m.

“We are also pleased to be playing at Malavai’s foundation,” said Officer. “We have developed a nice relationship with the program over the years and will enjoy competing in front of the kids.”

Appalachian State enters a Tuesday match against Bethune-Cookman with a 2-4 record on the year. North Carolina is ranked ninth in the country and has posted a 9-3 record on the season. Additionally, a pair of singles players and two doubles teams for the Tar Heels also have earned a national ranking.

Navy’s last match of the trip will be played against Bethune-Cookman at City Island Tennis Complex in Daytona Beach. The Wildcats have compiled a 2-6 record on the year heading into their Tuesday match against Appalachian State.

The Mids enter the trip with a 10-5 record on the year, with all four of their losses coming to nationally ranked teams (#49 East Tennessee State, #75 Maryland, #42 Clemson, #30 North Carolina State).

One of the keys to Navy’s success this season has been the play of its doubles teams. The Mids have won the lone available doubles point in 11 of their 15 matches this year and have compiled an overall doubles record of 30-11 on the season. Navy’s No. 1 team of Nate Nelms (Jr., St. Mary’s, Ga.) and Johnny Waters (Jr., Papillion, Neb.) has posted an 8-3 record, its No. 2 tandem of Alex James (Sr., Visalia, Calif.) and Ramsey Lemaich (So., Danville, Calif.) is 8-4 this year and the No. 3 team of Nick Birger (Fr., Belleville, Ill.) and Jason Hill (Jr., Marietta, Ga.) has compiled a 7-2 mark this spring.

GreatAmerican · March 11, 2008, 12:59pm

Navy Duo Earns Patriot League Women’s Lacrosse Weekly Awards

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy women’s lacrosse players Erin Rawlick and Caitlin Mandrin Hill have been named Patriot League Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for their roles in three Navy wins last week. It marks the second straight week a Navy sophomore has been named Player of the Week as Mary Ruttum was selected for the honor last week. The awards also give Navy four weekly awards during the first three weeks of the season.

Rawlick, a sophomore midfielder from Bel Air, Md., scored 18 points (11 g, 7 a) in wins last week over St. Francis (Pa.) (24-0), Cincinnati (18-6) and Saint Mary’s (Calif.) (18-6). She scored four goals with two assists in the win over St. Francis, then matched a career high with seven points (5 g, 2 a) against Cincinnati. She rounded out the week with a five-point showing, including a career-high three assists, in the victory over Saint Mary’s (Calif.). She also added five ground balls and 11 draw controls during the three games. Rawlick leads the team in scoring (29 points), goals (20), draw controls (21), shots (38) and is second on the team in assists (9). Rawlick ranks high in several categories on the NCAA leaderboard, ranking fifth in points (29), seventh in goals (20), 12th in assists (9), fourth in points per game (5.8), eighth in goals per game (4.0), 24th in assists per game (1.8) and eighth in draw controls per game (4.2).

Mandrin Hill, a freshman from Annapolis, had a stellar defensive week, helping the Mids hold three opponents to just 12 goals and 40 shots. In the win over St. Francis (Pa.), Mandrin Hill dished out two assists, and had three ground balls while causing one turnover. She was part of the reason that Navy allowed zero shots for the entire game in the victory. Then against Cincinnati, Mandrin Hill scored a goal with an assist and added two ground balls and one draw control. Lastly, in the win over Saint Mary’s (Calif.), she caused four turnovers and scooped up six ground balls. Originally a midfielder, injuries have caused her to move to the defensive side of the ball. For the season, Mandrin Hill has six points (2 g, 4 a), with a team-best 16 ground balls, four draw controls and a team-high nine caused turnovers. She is 28th nationally in ground balls per game (3.2).

Navy enters the weekend with a 5-0 record, after five season-opening routs. As a team, Navy is tops in the country in points per game (29.4), scoring offense (20.4), scoring defense (5.4), scoring margin (+15.0) and win percentage (1.000 / with seven other teams). The Mids are second in draw controls per game (18.4) and sixth in ground balls per game (23.6).

Individually, senior Amanda Towey is first in the country in assists (18), 11th in points (26), fourth in assists per game (3.6) and 10th in points per game (5.2). Freshman Meg Decker is 15th in points (23), 25th in points per game (4.6) and 20th in goals per game (4.0). Freshman Katrina Nietsch and sophomore Mary Ruttum are tied for 30th in goals per game (3.0). Lastly, senior goalkeeper Natalie Blandon is third nationally in goals against average at 5.50.

Navy will host two-time Patriot League defending champion Holy Cross on Saturday in the first league game for the Navy women’s lacrosse team in school history. The game is slated to start at noon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and admission is free to all home Navy women’s lacrosse games.

GreatAmerican · March 11, 2008, 5:31pm

NEWS RELEASE

NFF Contacts:
Phil Marwill, director of communications
Mobile: 917-579-4256
Email: <a href="mailto:pmarwill@footballfoundation.com">pmarwill@footballfoundation.com</a>

Hillary Jeffries, director of special projects
972-556-1000
Email: <a href="mailto:hjeffries@footballfoundation.com">hjeffries@footballfoundation.com</a>

2008 College Football Hall of Fame
Ballot Released
75 Players and Eight Coaches Vie for
College Football’s Ultimate Shrine

DALLAS, March 11 - The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today the names of 75 players and eight coaches who comprise the 2008 Football Bowl Subdivision Ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“Since our founding in 1947, the NFF has stood at the forefront of preserving the rich history of our game, and nothing better represents our efforts than the selection of college football’s greatest legends for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame,” said NFF President CEO Steven J. Hatchell. “We take great care in engaging all our key constituents in the process, especially our membership. Their enthusiasm to have a voice is a testament to America’s passion for college football.”

The ballot mailed this week to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which deliberates and selects the class. Chaired by Gene Corrigan, a former ACC Commissioner and NCAA president, the 11- member NFF Honors Court includes an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletics directors, conference commissioners, Hall of Famers and members of the media. Of the 4.6 million individuals who have played college football, only 829 players have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. From the coaching ranks, 178 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction.

“The College Football Hall of Fame symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in our sport,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Ole Miss. “Each year we go through a painstaking process to determine the names that will be added to a short list of our sport’s finest players and coaches, and it’s a privilege to play a role.”

The FBS Hall of Fame Class will be announced live on ESPNEWS at a press conference in New York City’s prestigious Waldorf=Astoria on May 1 and inducted at The National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner on December 9, 2008 also at the Waldorf=Astoria. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South Bend, Ind. in the summer of 2009.

To be eligible for the ballot, players must have been named a First Team All-America by a major/national selector as recognized and utilized by the NCAA for their consensus All-America teams; played their last year of intercollegiate football at least ten years prior; played within the last 50 years and cannot be currently playing professional football. Coaches must have coached a minimum of 10 years and 100 games as a head coach; won at least 60% of their games; and be retired from coaching for at least three years; be retired from coaching and over the age of 70 (no waiting period); or over the age of 75 (active coaches eligible). In both cases, the candidate’s post-football record as a citizen may also be weighed.

Once nominated for consideration, all player candidates are submitted to one of eight District Screening Committees, depending on their geographic location, which conducts a vote to determine who will appear on the ballot and represent their respective districts. Each year, 15 candidates, who are not selected for the Hall of Fame, will be named automatic holdovers and will bypass the district screening process and automatically appear on the ballot the following year. Additionally, the Honors Review Committee may make recommendations to Honors Court for exceptions that allow for the induction of players who played more than 50 years ago and coaches who have not won at least 60 percent of their games.

FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION
(formerly Div. I-A)
PLAYER CANDIDATES

Candidates are listed alphabetically.

(Player - School, Position (Years))

<ol>
<li> Billy Ray Adams - Mississippi, Fullback (1959-61)</li>
<li> Troy Aikman - UCLA, Quarterback (1987-88)</li>
<li> Trev Alberts - Nebraska, Linebacker (1990-93)</li>
<li> Otis Armstrong - Purdue, Running Back (1970-72)</li>
<li> Pervis Atkins - New Mexico State, Running Back (1958-60)</li>
<li> Steve Bartkowski - California, Quarterback (1972-74)</li>
<li> Hal Bedsole - Southern California, Split End (1961-63)</li>
<li> Bob Berry - Oregon, Quarterback (1962- 64)</li>
<li> Tim Brown - Notre Dame, Wide Receiver (1984-87)</li>
<li>Dave Butz - Purdue, Defensive Tackle (1970-72)</li>
<li>Billy Cannon - Louisiana State, Running Back (1957-59)</li>
<li>Dave Casper - Notre Dame, Tight End (1971-73)</li>
<li>Ronnie Caveness - Arkansas, Center (1962-64)</li>
<li>Chuck Cecil - Arizona, Defensive Back (1984-87)</li>
<li>Ray Childress - Texas A, Defensive Lineman (1981-84)</li>
<li>Randy Cross - UCLA, Offensive Guard (1973-75)</li>
<li>Randall Cunningham - Nevada-Las Vegas, Punter (1982-84)</li>
<li>Sam Cunningham - Southern California, Running Back (1970-72)</li>
<li>Eric Dickerson - Southern Methodist, Running Back (1979-82)</li>
<li>Jim Dombrowski - Virginia, Offensive Tackle (1982-85)</li>
<li>Bobby Douglass - Kansas, Quarterback (1966-68)</li>
<li>Ed Dyas - Auburn, Fullback (1958-60)</li>
<li>Luther Ellis - Utah, Defensive Lineman (1991-94)</li>
<li>Pat Fitzgerald - Northwestern, Linebacker (1994-96)</li>
<li>Willie Gault - Tennessee, Wide Receiver (1979-82)</li>
<li>Kirk Gibson - Michigan State, Wide Receiver (1975-78)</li>
<li>Al Harris - Arizona State, Defensive End (1975-78)</li>
<li>Major Harris - West Virginia, Quarterback (1987-89)</li>
<li>Mark Herrmann - Purdue, Quarterback (1977-80)</li>
<li>Dick Jauron - Yale, Running Back (1970-72)</li>
<li>Jess Lewis - Oregon State, Defensive Tackle (1966-67, 1969)</li>
<li>Woodrow Lowe - Alabama, Linebacker (1972-75)</li>
<li>Robert Lytle - Michigan, Running Back (1974-76)</li>
<li>Bobby Majors - Tennessee, Defensive Back (1969-71)</li>
<li>Tony Mandarich - Michigan State, Offensive Tackle (1985-88)</li>
<li>Wilber Marshall - Florida, Linebacker (1980-83)</li>
<li>Paul Martha - Pittsburgh, Running Back (1961-63)</li>
<li>Rueben Mayes - Washington State, Running Back (1982-85)</li>
<li>Randall McDaniel - Arizona State, Offensive Guard (1984-87)</li>
<li>Marlin McKeever - Southern California, Tight End (1958-60)</li>
<li>Steve McMichael - Texas, Defensive Tackle (1976-79)</li>
<li>Don McPherson - Syracuse, Quarterback (1984-87)</li>
<li>George Mira - Miami (Fla.), Quarterback (1961-63)</li>
<li>Art Monk - Syracuse, Wide Receiver (1976-79)</li>
<li>Paul Naumoff - Tennessee, Linebacker (1964-66)</li>
<li>Ken Norton, Jr. - UCLA, Linebacker (1984-87)</li>
<li>Jay Novacek - Wyoming, Tight End (1982-84)</li>
<li>Bob Novogratz - Army, Offensive Guard (1957-58)</li>
<li>Tom Nowatzke - Indiana, Fullback (1961-64)</li>
<li>Jim Otis - Ohio State, Fullback (1967- 69)</li>
<li>Paul Palmer - Temple, Running Back (1983-86)</li>
<li>Dave Parks - Texas Tech, Split End (1961-63)</li>
<li>Gabe Rivera - Texas Tech, Defensive Lineman (1979-82)</li>
<li>Ron Rivera - California, Linebacker (1980-83)</li>
<li>Deion Sanders - Florida State, Defensive Back (1985-88)</li>
<li>Jake Scott - Georgia, Defensive Back (1967-68)</li>
<li>Jim Seymour - Notre Dame, Wide Receiver (1966-68)</li>
<li>Will Shields - Nebraska, Offensive Guard (1989-92)</li>
<li>Rod Shoate - Oklahoma, Linebacker (1972-74)</li>
<li>Ron Simmons - Florida State,Nose Guard (1977-80)</li>
<li>Zeke Smith - Auburn,Defensive Guard (1957-59)</li>
<li>Percy Snow - Michigan State, Linebacker (1986-89)</li>
<li>Chris Spielman - Ohio State, Linebacker (1984-87)</li>
<li>Larry Station - Iowa, Linebacker (1982- 85)</li>
<li>Jerry Stovall - Louisiana State, Halfback (1960-62)</li>
<li>Darryl Talley - West Virginia, Linebacker (1979-82)</li>
<li>Lawrence Taylor - North Carolina, Linebacker (1977-80)</li>
<li>Thurman Thomas - Oklahoma State, Running Back (1984-87)</li>
<li>Pat Tillman - Arizona State, Linebacker (1994-97)</li>
<li>Gino Torretta - Miami (Fla.), Quarterback (1989-92)</li>
<li>Don Trull - Baylor, Quarterback (1961- 63)</li>
<li>Curt Warner - Penn State, Running Back (1979-82)</li>
<li>Alfred Williams - Colorado, Linebacker (1987-90)</li>
<li>Grant Wistrom - Nebraska, Defensive End (1994-97)</li>
<li>Scott Woerner - Georgia, Defensive Back (1977-80)</li>
</ol>

FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION
(formerly Div. I-A)
COACH CANDIDATES

Candidates are listed alphabetically.

(Coach - School (Years) - Overall Record (Winning Percentage))

<ol>
<li>John Cooper - Tulsa (1977-84), Arizona State (1985- 87), Ohio State
(1988-2000) - 193-83-6 (.695)</li>
<li>William “Lone Star” Dietz-Washington State (1915- 17), Purdue (1921),
Louisiana Tech (1922-23), Wyoming (1924-26), Haskell Indian Institute (Kan.)
(1929-32), Albright (Pa.) (1937-42) - 96-62-7 (.603)</li>
<li>Wayne Hardin-Navy (1959-64), Temple (1970-82) - 118-74-5 (.612)</li>
<li>Lou Holtz- William Mary (1969-71), NC State (1972-75), Arkansas
(1977-83), Minnesota (1984-85), Notre Dame (1986-96), South Carolina
(1999-2004) - 249-132-7 (.651)</li>
<li>Dick MacPherson-Massachusetts (1971-77), Syracuse (1981-90) - 111-73-5
(.601)</li>
<li>Billy Jack Murphy-Memphis (1958-71) - 91-44-1 (.673)</li>
<li>John Robinson-Southern California (1976-82, 1993- 97), Nevada-Las Vegas
(1999-2004) - 132-77-4 (.629)</li>
<li>Darryl Rogers-Cal State-Hayward (1965), Fresno State (1966-72), San Jose
State (1973-75), Michigan State (1976-79), Arizona State (1980-84) -
129-84-7 (.602)</li>
</ol>

2008 PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS

Billy Ray Adams, Mississippi-Fullback-1961 First Team All-America… Helped lead Ole Miss to a share of two National Championships (1959-60)… Led team to 1960 SEC title, topping the SEC in touchdowns (10) and ranking second in rushing (575 yds.) in 1961.

Troy Aikman, UCLA-Quarterback-Named consensus First Team All-America in 1988… Received the Davey O’Brien Award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988… Named PAC-10 Player of the Year in 1987 and led UCLA to two bowl game victories.

Trev Alberts, Nebraska-Linebacker-Named unanimous First Team All-America, BIG-8 Defensive Player of the Year and Academic All-America in 1993… Recipient of the 1993 Butkus Award and two-time First Team All-Conference pick… NFF National Scholar- Athlete in 1993.

Otis Armstrong, Purdue-Running Back- Named consensus All-America in 1972 after accumulating 3,315 career rushing yards, a school and Big Ten record… Named Big Ten MVP in 1972.

Pervis Atkins, New Mexico State-Running Back-Named First Team All-America in 1960… Twice led the nation in all-purpose yards (1959-60)… Led the nation in rushing yards (971) and punt return yards (241) in 1959… Two-time First Team All- Conference selection.

Steve Bartkowski, California-Quarterback- Named consensus First Team All-America in 1974… Led the nation in passing with 2,580 yards (1974)… Ranks 10th in school history with 4,434 passing yards and 8th in single-season yardage.

Hal Bedsole, Southern California-Split End- Helped lead USC to an undefeated season (11-0) and National Championship in 1962… Two-time First Team All-Conference selection… First Trojan to have 200 receiving yards in a single game.

Bob Berry, Oregon-Quarterback-Guided the Ducks to three consecutive winning seasons… First Oregon quarterback to surpass 1,000 yards in two different seasons…16 TD passes in 1963 and 39 career touchdowns passes were school records for 20 years.

Tim Brown, Notre Dame-Wide Receiver-Two- time First Team All-America (1986-87) - unanimous in 1987 and won 1987 Heisman Trophy… 1987 Walter Camp Player of the Year… Set 19 school records during his four-year career.

Dave Butz, Purdue-Defensive Tackle-1972 consensus First Team All-America… Finalist for the Lombardi Award in 1972 and named First Team All- Conference… Named Defensive MVP of the Senior Bowl.

Billy Cannon, Louisiana State-Running Back- 1958 unanimous First Team All-America and 1959 consensus All-America… 1959 Heisman Trophy winner… Led LSU to a perfect season and National Championship in 1958.

Dave Casper, Notre Dame-Tight End-Named 1973 consensus First Team All-America… Played on 1973 National Championship Team… 1973 ND Offensive MVP and recorded 21 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns in career .

Ronnie Caveness, Arkansas-Center-Named First Team All-America in 1964… Named Outstanding Lineman of the 1965 Cotton Bowl… Member of the 1964 Arkansas National Championship team… Holds the school record for most tackles in one game (29).

Chuck Cecil, Arizona-Defensive Back-1987 consensus First Team All-America… Named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1987… Set school records for career passes defended (38), interceptions in a single-game (four) and career interceptions (21).

Ray Childress, Texas A-Defensive Lineman-1984 First Team All-America and two- time All-Southwest Conference pick… Holds the Texas A record for tackles by a defensive lineman (360)… Upon leaving A, ranked second all-time in career sacks (25).

Randy Cross, UCLA-Offensive Guard-Named First Team All-America in 1975… Helped lead UCLA to a victory over top-ranked Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl… First Team All-Conference selection in 1975… Starter in 28 of 34 career games including his final 23.

Randall Cunningham, Nevada-Las Vegas- Punter-Named First Team All-America as a punter in 1983 and Second Team All-America as a punter and Honorable Mention as a quarterback in 1984… Led UNLV to their first-ever Bowl game… Broke 18 UNLV records.

Sam Cunningham, Southern California-Running Back-Named First Team All-America in 1972… Rushed for 1,579 yards and 23 touchdowns during career… Named 1973 Rose Bowl Player of the Game (four touchdowns)… Member of the 1972 National Championship team.

Eric Dickerson, Southern Methodist-Running Back-Named unanimous First Team All-America and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982… Twice named SWC Player of the Year, he holds 14 SMU records including career rushing yards (4,450).

Jim Dombrowski, Virginia-Offensive Tackle- Named unanimous First Team All-America in 1984… 1985 Lombardi Finalist… Two-time recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s best offensive lineman (1984-85).

Bobby Douglass, Kansas-Quarterback-1968 First Team All-America and finished seventh in the 1968 Heisman Trophy voting… 1968 Big Eight Player of the Year… Held nearly every KU offense/passing/rushing record by career’s end.

Ed Dyas, Auburn-Fullback-Named First Team All-America and All-Conference in 1960 at Fullback… Set numerous NCAA records for his placekicking… Led Auburn in rushing and scoring in 1960. NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 1960… Three-time Academic All-Conference selection.

Luther Ellis, Utah-Defensive Lineman-1994 consensus First Team All-America… Led Utes to 1992 Copper Bowl and two consecutive Freedom Bowls (1993, 94)… 1994 WAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern-Linebacker-Two- time consensus First Team All-America in 1995-96… Two-time winner of the Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Award… Two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year… Led NU to back-to-back Big Ten titles.

Willie Gault, Tennessee-Wide Receiver-1982 First Team All-America… Led Vols to three bowl berths… Set six conference and 12 school punt / kickoff return records… Tied NCAA record for most touchdowns by kick return in a single season (3) in 1980.

Kirk Gibson, Michigan State-Wide Receiver- Named First Team All-America, led BIG TEN in receiving in league play and helped the Spartans to a BIG TEN Co-Championship and a No.12 national ranking in 1978… Played MLB for 17 seasons.

Al Harris, Arizona State-Defensive End- Named unanimous First Team All-America and Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy finalist in 1978… Named First Team All-Conference, he set an ASU record with 19 sacks in 1978.

Major Harris, West Virginia-Quarterback- Named First Team All-America in 1989… Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1989 and fifth in 1988… Became the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 2,000 career yards and pass for more than 5,000.

Mark Herrmann, Purdue-Quarterback-Named unanimous First Team All-America, BIG TEN MVP and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1980… A First Team All-Conference selection, he broke NCAA career records for passing yards (9,188) and completions (707).

Dick Jauron, Yale-Running Back-Named First Team All-America in 1972… A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he received the Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League’s Player of the Year… Holds Yale’s career rushing record with 2,947 yards.

Jess Lewis, Oregon State-Defensive Tackle- Named First Team All-America in 1967… Played in the College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game and Coaches All-America Bowl in 1970… Two-time First Team All-Conference selection (1967, 1969).

Woodrow Lowe, Alabama-Linebacker-Three- time First Team All-America pick, garnering consensus honors in 1974… Led Alabama to four consecutive SEC titles and four consecutive bowl berths… Holds school record for most tackles in a single season (134).

Robert Lytle, Michigan-Running Back-Named consensus All-America in 1976… Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting… Named BIG TEN MVP in 1976 and led UM to two conference championships.

Bobby Majors, Tennessee-Defensive Back- 1971 unanimous First Team All-America… Led Vols to wins in 1971 Sugar Bowl and 1972 Liberty Bowl… Holds school records for punt returns in a career (117 for 1163 yards, 4 TDs) and season (42 for 457 yards, 2 TDs).

Tony Mandarich, Michigan State-Offensive Tackle-1988 consensus First Team All-America… Finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988… Helped the Spartans to three bowl game appearances and a victory in the 1987 Rose Bowl.

Wilber Marshall, Florida-Linebacker-Two-time consensus All-America… Three-time First Team All- SEC and holds school record for tackles for loss in a career (58)… Member of first UF senior class to play in four bowl games.

Paul Martha, Pittsburgh-Running Back-1963 consensus First Team All-America… Member of the 1963 team that went 9-1… By career’s end, ranked 10th all-time at Pitt in career scoring with 104 total points and recorded 17 career touchdowns.

Rueben Mayes, Washington State-Running Back-Named consensus First Team All-America in 1984… Two-time All-PAC-10 selection (1984-85)… Leads WSU in single-season (1,632) and career rushing yards (3,519)… Set NCAA single-game rushing mark with 357 yards vs. Oregon.

Randall McDaniel, Arizona State-Offensive Guard-Two-Time First Team All-America (1986- 87) - consensus in 1987… Named PAC-10’s Top Offensive Lineman (1987); Led ASU to their first-ever Rose Bowl appearance and victory in 1987… Two-time All Conference pick.

Marlin McKeever, Southern California-Tight End-Named First Team All-America in 1959… A three-time All-Conference selection (1958-60) and MVP of the USC/UCLA game in 1960… Two-time AP and Sports Illustrated Lineman of the Week.

Steve McMichael, Texas-Defensive Tackle- 1979 unanimous First Team All-America… Key member of the 1979 UT defense that allowed less than nine points per game and finished career as school leader for most career tackles (369) and most career sacks (30)… Three-time All-SWC.

Don McPherson, Syracuse-Quarterback- Named unanimous First Team All-America in 1987… Finished second in 1987 Heisman voting and won 18 Player of the Year honors… 1988 Sugar Bowl MVP… Holds or shares 11 Syracuse football records.

George Mira, Miami (Fla.)-Quarterback- Named First Team All-America in 1962 and finished fifth in Heisman voting that year… Broke nearly every Miami passing record and currently ranks eighth in Miami history in pass completions (368), passing yardage (4,633) total offense (5,135).

Art Monk, Syracuse-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-America in 1979… Holds the Syracuse record with 14 receptions in a game… Fourth on school’s all-time all-purpose yards list with 3,899 (1,150 rushing and 1,644 receiving).

Paul Naumoff, Tennessee-Linebacker- Named First Team All-America and All-Conference in 1966… Named team MVP in 1966… Played in the College All-Star Game and Senior Bowl in 1967.

Ken Norton, Jr., UCLA-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-America, leading Bruins to four consecutive bowl wins… Member of the 1985 conference championship team… Led team in tackles in 1986 (106) and in 1987 (125) and ranks sixth in school history with 339 career tackles.

Jay Novacek, Wyoming-Tight End-1984 consensus First Team All-America… Holds the NCAA record for highest average gain per reception by a tight end in a single season (22.6 in 1984)… Amassed 33 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns in career.

Bob Novogratz, Army-Guard-Named First Team All-America and Lineman of the Year by the Los Angeles Times in 1958… Played in the East-West Shrine Game in 1958… Blocked for three Hall of Famers, running backs Bob Anderson and Pete Dawkins and receiver Bill Carpenter.

Tom Nowatzke, Indiana-Fullback-Named First Team All-America in 1964… A two-time All-Conference selection (1963-64), he led the BIG TEN in rushing in 1963… Played in the East/West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl and Coaches All-American Game.

Jim Otis, Ohio State-Fullback-Named consensus First Team All-America in 1969… Member of the 1968 National Championship team… Named First Team All-BIG TEN conference in 1969 and led the Buckeyes to two conference titles… Led the team in rushing three times.

Paul Palmer, Temple-Running Back-1986 unanimous First Team All-America… Led the nation in rushing yards (1,866), rushing yards per game (169.6) and all-purpose yards (2,633) in 1986… Set 23 school records and was named ECAC Player of the Year in 1986.

Dave Parks, Texas Tech-End-Named First Team All-America and played in the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl in 1963… Two-time First Team All-Southwest Conference selection… Established numerous Texas Tech records and was team tri-captain in 1963.

Gabe Rivera, Texas Tech-Defensive Lineman- 1982 consensus First Team All-America… Leading tackler among Tech’s down linemen for four straight years, averaging 80 tackles per season… 1982 First Team All-SWC pick.

Ron Rivera, California-Linebacker-1983 consensus First Team All-America… Lombardi Award finalist in 1983 and named East-West Shrine Game Most Valuable Player… Selected as Pac-10 Co- Defensive Player of the Year in 1983… Led team in tackles from 1981-83.

Deion Sanders, Florida State-Defensive Back- Two-time unanimous First Team All-America in 1987 and 1988… 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner… Returned four interceptions for touchdowns in career… Holds school records for most punt return yards in a season and in a career.

Jake Scott, Georgia-Defensive Back-Named consensus First Team All-America in 1968… 1968 SEC Most Valuable Player… Twice led the SEC in interceptions and still holds the SEC record with two interceptions returned for a touchdown in a single game.

Jim Seymour, Notre Dame-Wide Receiver- Two-time First Team All-America selection (1967- 68)… Led the team in receiving from 1966-68… Holds Notre Dame’s receiving record for pass receptions in a game (13) and receiving yards in a game (276).

Will Shields, Nebraska-Offensive Guard-1992 unanimous First Team All-America and 1992 Outland Trophy winner… Key to three Huskers’ NCAA rushing titles (1989, '91, '92)… Led team to four bowl berths and back-to-back Big Eight titles in 1991 and 1992.

Rod Shoate, Oklahoma-Linebacker-1973 consensus and 1974 unanimous First Team All- America… Finished seventh in the 1974 Heisman Trophy voting and twice named Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year… Ranks third in school history with 420 career tackles.

Ron Simmons, Florida State-Noseguard-Two- time consensus First Team All-America selection (1979-80)… Three-time All-South pick (1978-80)… Set school records for quarterback sacks in a career (25) and season (12) in 1979… Ranks second on FSU all- time tackles list (483).

Zeke Smith, Auburn-Defensive Guard-Two- time First Team All-America, garnering consensus honors in 1958… 1958 Outland Trophy winner… Named SEC Lineman of the Year in 1958 and two- time First Team All-Conference selection.

Percy Snow, Michigan State-Linebacker-1989 unanimous First Team All-America and 1989 Butkus Award winner… Led MSU to 1987 Big Ten title and Rose Bowl win… Ranks second all-time in career tackles (473).

Chris Spielman, Ohio State-Linebacker-Two- time First Team All-America selection (1986-87) - unanimous in 1987, consensus in 1986… The recipient of the 1987 Lombardi Award, he is a three- time First Team All-Conference selection and a member of two BIG TEN title teams.

Larry Station, Iowa-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1984-85) - unanimous in 1985, consensus in 1984… A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was named team captain and MVP in 1985… Iowa’s all-time leader in tackles with 492.

Jerry Stovall, Louisiana State-Halfback-1962 unanimous First Team All-America and 1962 Walter Camp Player of the Year… Finished second in 1962 Heisman Trophy voting… Led Tigers to consecutive postseason wins in the Orange Bowl (1961) and Cotton Bowl (1962).

Darryl Talley, West Virginia-Linebacker- Named unanimous First Team All-America in 1982… Considered the most prolific tackler in school history holding the school’s record for career tackles (484)… Member of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.

Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina-Linebacker- Named unanimous First Team All-America and ACC Player of the Year in 1980… Recorded 16 sacks his senior year… Totaled 95 tackles and caused seven fumbles in 1979.

Thurman Thomas, Oklahoma State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1985, 1987) - consensus in 1985… Twice named BIG- 8 Offensive Player of the Year and finished seventh in the 1987 Heisman Trophy voting.

Pat Tillman, Arizona State-Linebacker-1997 First Team All-America… Led Sun Devils to two consecutive bowl berths… First-ever ASU player named Defensive Player of the Year (1997) and led team to 1996 Pac-10 title… Two-time First Team Academic All-Pac-10.

Gino Torretta, Miami (Fla.)-Quarterback-In 1992, he earned unanimous First Team All-America honors, won the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award and was named Walter Camp Player of the Year… Led Miami to a the 1991 National Championship.

Don Trull, Baylor-Quarterback-Named consensus First Team All-America and led the nation with 22 touchdowns in 1963… Named First Team All- Conference, he set a school record with 174 completions in 1963… Twice named First Team Academic All-America.

Curt Warner, Penn State-Running Back- Named First Team All-American in 1981 and led PSU to 1982 national championship… Most Outstanding Offensive Player in 1980 and 1982 Fiesta Bowls… Finished career with 11 season, 10 career, 14 bowl and 42 school records.

Alfred Williams, Colorado-Linebacker-Led Buffs to 1990 National Championship and three consecutive bowl berths… 1990 Butkus Award winner, two-time Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year and CU’s all-time leader in QB sacks (35)… Led CU to two Big Eight Championships.

Grant Wistrom, Nebraska-Defensive End-Two- time unanimous First Team All-America… Led Huskers to three National Championships (1994, 1995, 1997)… 1997 Lombardi Award winner and two- time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Scott Woerner, Georgia-Defensive Back- Named First Team All-America, All-Conference and team Most Valuable Back in 1980… Twice named Georgia’s Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Year (1977, 1980)… Led team to the 1980 National Championship.

2008 COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS

John Cooper-Tulsa (1977-84), Arizona State (1985-87), Ohio State (1988-2000) -Led his teams to at least a share of nine conference championships and 14 bowl game appearances, including two Rose Bowls… Coached Ohio State to a Top 25 finish in 12 of 13 seasons… Coached 21 First Team All-Americas.

William “Lone Star” Dietz-Washington State (1915- 17), Purdue (1921), Louisiana Tech (1922-23), Wyoming (1924-26), Haskell Indian Institute (Kan.) (1929-32), Albright (Pa.) (1937-42) -Coached 19 seasons as a head coach in addition to a highly successful assistant coaching career with Pop Warner among others… Guided Washington State to a Rose Bowl victory in 1915.

Wayne Hardin-Navy (1959-64), Temple (1970-82) - Led Navy to a No. 2 ranking in 1963 and Temple to a No. 17 ranking in 1979… Ranks third in wins (38) all-time at Navy and beat Army in five of six seasons… Temple’s all-time leader in wins (80), he led them to their only 10-win season and the Garden State Bowl in 1979.

Lou Holtz- William Mary (1969-71), NC State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83), Minnesota (1984-85), Notre Dame (1986-96), South Carolina (1999-2004) -Ranked eighth among all-time coaches in career wins (249)… Only coach in NCAA history to lead six different programs to bowl games and four different programs to final Top 20 rankings… Led Notre Dame to 1988 national championship.

Dick MacPherson-Massachusetts (1971-77), Syracuse (1981-90) -Named National Coach of the Year in 1987 while leading the Orangemen to an undefeated season… Led Massachusetts to four conference titles in seven years… Ranks third all-time at Syracuse in most wins (66) and seasons coached (10)… Made six bowl game appearances in his career - won four and tied one.

Billy Jack Murphy-Memphis (1958-71) -All- Time winningest coach in Memphis history… Had 11 winning seasons and retired as the 15th winningest coach in the nation… Member of the Memphis Hall of Fame and Mississippi State Hall of Fame.

John Robinson-Southern California (1976-82, 1993-97), Nevada-Las Vegas (1999-2004) -Led USC to 1978 national championship and three Pac-10 titles… Ranks first in highest bowl-winning percentage among coaches with at least five bowl appearances (89%)… 1979 National Coach of the Year, two-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year, 2000 Mountain West Coach of the Year.

Darryl Rogers-Cal State-Hayward (1965), Fresno State (1966-72), San Jose State (1973-75), Michigan State (1976-79), Arizona State (1980-84) -Took Fresno State to two bowl games. Achieved an unprecedented national ranking at San Jose State… Was BIG TEN Coach of the Year in 1977 and National Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 1978… Won the BIG TEN title in 1978.

GreatAmerican · March 11, 2008, 5:33pm

MUNCIE, Ind. – In conjunction with ESPN and the Mid-American Conference, the Ball State University athletics department has announced its 2008 football schedule, which includes four nationally televised games for the Cardinals.

The MAC will have 16 national television appearances on ESPN or ESPN2 plus feature games on ESPNU, ESPN Classic and ESPN 360.

In addition, Ball State¹s home game vs. Navy has been moved to Friday, Sept. 5, and will be shown live on national television on ESPN at 7 p.m. (ET).

“The Ball State football program is excited to be able to showcase Scheumann Stadium on national television again this year,” Ball State head coach Brady Hoke says. "Getting Ball State on national television is good for the football program, the student body, the university and the Muncie community.

The Cardinals completed the 2007 campaign with a 7-6 overall record and competed in the International Bowl, which was the first bowl appearance for Ball State since 1996. Ball State hosted Toledo on ESPN2 in 2007 plus played Rutgers in the bowl game on ESPN2 in Toronto, Canada.

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 4:56am

PREVIEWING THE ACTION AHEAD

The Navy baseball team will play it’s first games of the year on its opponent’s home field when it heads to Virginia on Wednesday before traveling to Maryland-Eastern Shore on Thursday. The Midshipmen will come back to Annapolis to host Duquesne, Maine and Monmouth in a weekend round-robin tournament.
The three games at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium mark the beginning of a nine-game homestand, as the Mids host Division II Belmont Abbey on Wednesday, March 19.

VIRGINIA … A CLOSER LOOK
The Virginia Cavaliers head into this week ranked 16th in the country with an 12-2 mark. Virginia set a school record with 11-straight wins to start the year before dropping a pair of contests against N.C. State last weekend.
The Cavaliers own a .338 batting average on the season and have averaged nearly nine runs per game. Jeremy Farrell leads the team with a .390 average with eight extra-base hits and four stolen bases.
Virginia has been downright dominating on the mound, as the staff owns an amazing 1.64 ERA with 138 strikeouts in 110 innings with a .199 opponent batting average. Each of Virginia’s weekend starters own a sub-2.00 ERA this spring.

MARYLAND-EASTERN SHORE … A CLOSER LOOK
Maryland-Eastern Shore is still looking for its first win of the year after starting the season 0-12. The Hawks played their first-nine games at home before heading to Charleston Southern. The Hawks are hitting .221 as a team and own a 9.09 ERA as a whole.

MONMOUTH … A CLOSER LOOK
Monmouth comes into the week with a 2- record after defeating Penn State on Monday. Prior to that, the Hawks dropped three close contests at Central Florida.

MAINE … A CLOSER LOOK
Maine will be coming back from its Spring Break trip to Florida this weekend in Annapolis, currently with a 5-7 mark. The Black Bears just defeated Ohio State, a NCAA Tournament team from a year ago, on Saturday.
Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos served as the head coach at Maine for nine years prior to coming to Annapolis. Kostacopoulos led the Black Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure in Orono.

DUQUESNE … A CLOSER LOOK
Duquesne has opened the year with an 0-10 record, much of that attributed to a tough schedule. The Dukes have dropped three-game sets with No. 8 South Carolina, No. 14 Florida State and LSU.

BELMONT ABBEY … A CLOSER LOOK
Without the schedule restrictions in place at the Division II level, Belmont Abbey begins the week with a 19-8 record. The Crusaders have won seven-straight contests, highlighted by a 28-13 victory over Bloomsburg. Belmont Abbey is hitting .320 as a team with 32 home runs. Prior to the their game with Navy, the Crusaders will play New Haven for two games in Annapolis.

NAVY AMIDST BEST STRETCH IN SCHOOL HISTORY
Navy won 67 games between the 2006 and '07 seasons, the highest win total over a two-year span in program history. The previous record stood at 60 wins between the 1982 and '83.
The Midshipmen, who have won 73 games since the start of the 2006 season, are on pace to smash the three-year win total record this season. The 1981-83 Navy baseball squads totaled a program-best 84 victories.

NAVY AIMING FOR BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK 30-WIN SEASONS
The Navy baseball team is aiming for its third-consecutive 30-win season in 2008. The Midshipmen set a school record with 35 wins last year and recorded 32 victories in 2006. In fact, prior to the 2006 season, Navy had won only 30 games in a year on three occasions.

NAVY’S SCHOOL-RECORD 35 WINS IN 2007
The Navy baseball team set a school record with 35 victories last season, topping the previous mark of 34 triumphs by the 1995 squad.

NAVY PRESEASON PATRIOT LEAGUE FAVORITE IN MANY CIRCLES
The Navy baseball team has been tabbed to win the Patriot League Championship and earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament by a slew of preseason predictions.
The Midshipmen were picked to finish first in the Patriot League by the league’s coaches and sports information contacts in the preseason poll. The Mids claimed 43 points and four first-place ballots to lead the way, while Lafayette came in a close second with 42 points and four first-place votes.
Navy has also been picked to win the Patriot League according to Baseball America, CollegeBaseballInsider.com and CSTV.com. In CSTV.com’s preseason prediction, the Mids will advance to the NCAA Tournament and compete in the Columbia, S.C., regional against No. 8 national seed South Carolina.

HISTORY OF SUCCESS IN THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Navy baseball team has enjoyed significant success since joining the Patriot League in 1993. Over that span, Navy has gone 180-122 (.596) in league play and advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times. The Midshipmen have won the league postseason title five times, more than any other school in the league.

NAVY IMPRESSIVE IN NON-LEAGUE ACTION
The Midshipmen have won 53 non-Patriot League games since the start of the 2006 season. Navy won 23 non-league games last year and a program-record 24 contests in 2006. Prior to the start of Patriot League play, the Mids won 18 games last year and a school-record 19 ballgames in 2006.

KOSTACOPOULOS LOOKING FOR WIN NO. 600 THIS YEAR
Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos will aim for his 600th career victory in his 19th year as a head coach in 2008. The third-year Navy skipper needs just 23 more victories to reach the mark, as he owns a career record of 577-378-3 (.604). Kostacopoulos has won 30-plus games in each of his last-seven seasons and 11 times in his career.

KOSTACOPOULOS GOES FOR CAREER WIN NO. 100 WITH NAVY
Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos will go for another milestone mark in 2008, attempting to become the fourth Navy coach to earn 100 career victories with the Mids. Over his first-two-plus seasons in Annapolis, he owns a career mark of 73-46-1 (.613). Kostacopoulos would need to go an eye-popping 27-2 over the next 29 games to match the amount of games Max Bishop reached the 100-win mark, the fastest in school history. A strong 27-11 mark would tie him for second fastest to 100 wins with Joe Duff.

HOME SWEET HOME
Navy is scheduled to play 33 games on its home field, Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium, this spring. The 33 home games would tie the school record for most in a season, as the Midshipmen went 22-11 in their 33 ballgames in Annapolis last season.
Since the installation of FieldTurf at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium before the start of the 2006 season, Navy has gone 42-26-1 (.616) in its 69 home games.

POWER OUTAGE IN ANNAPOLIS…
While the Midshipmen have produced a stellar mark at home since 2006, they primarily haven’t done so with the long ball. Last season, Navy and its opposition combined to hit just six home runs in 33 games inside the pitcher-friendly confines of Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.
Among those six long balls, only one came off the bat of a Navy hitter – a Mitch Harris opposite-field blast on Feb. 18, 2007, against Iona. Michael Speciale broke the 32-game drought with a three-run shot to right-center against Dartmouth on March 1.

BUT THE POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED
The Midshipmen have belted five home runs in their first-eight home games on its home field. The most prolific shot came against Rhode Island on March 8, when Steven Soares smashed a 420-foot shot over the scoreboard in left-center. Michael Speciale has hit two long balls in Annapolis already this season.

THE YOUNG MIDS
Navy’s 2008 roster is comprised of a combined 31 freshmen and sophomores out of its 40 roster spots. The Midshipmen boast the youngest squad in the Patriot League with 15 freshmen and 16 sophomores, while Lehigh follows in a close second with its 13 freshmen and 12 sophomores.

KEY TO WINNING BASEBALL … PITCHING
Much of the success Navy has enjoyed over the past two-plus seasons has derived from the work of its starting pitchers. This spring, the Midshipmen starting rotation have teamed up for a 3.88 ERA over 65.0 innings with 64 strikeouts.
Last season, Navy’s starting pitching combined for a 3.50 ERA over 308.1 innings with 289 strikeouts and a .238 opposition batting average. In 2006, the Midshipmen starters produced a 3.87 ERA in 288.1 innings with 251 strikeouts.

FITTING “WRIGHT” IN
In just his first-11 career games, Navy’s Jonathan Wright (Fr./Arden, N.C.) has provided a spark at the top of the order. The 6’5" leftfielder leads the team with an impressive .438 (21-for-48) batting average with three doubles, 10 RBIs and a stolen base.
He recorded back-to-back four-hit efforts against Dartmouth on March 1-2, a first by a Navy hitter this decade. Including his four-hit performance against Air Force, Wright has posted more four-hit games than any Navy hitter in a season since 2000.

THE JOE DUFF INDOOR HITTING & PITCHING FACILITY
The Navy baseball program will dedicate its new, state-of-the-art indoor hitting & pitching facility after longtime Navy skipper Joe Duff on Saturday, April 12, prior to the start of the 12 noon doubleheader against service academy foe Army.
Duff served as the head coach of the Navy baseball team from 1962-93 and won a school-record 595 games in the process. His teams combined to win six league titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament on three occasions. Prior to becoming the head coach of the baseball program, he served as the plebe baseball coach and an assistant basketball coach for 10 years at Navy.
In spring 2007, the Midshipmen opened one of the finest indoor hitting & pitching facilities in the nation. A 5,000-square foot, heated indoor hitting facility was constructed, enabling the Midshipmen to work on their skills, rain or shine. The 50-foot wide, 100-foot long, 16-foot high indoor facility features two pitching mounds and a state-of-the-art hitting screen. The Pro Batter Professional PX2 Video Pitching Machine allows hitters to bat against a simulated pitcher with several different pitches and a wide range of velocities.
The roof of the hitting & pitching facility has been surfaced with railings surrounding its perimeter, serving as a hospitality venue that provides an outstanding view of the entire ballpark and the Naval Academy.

MIDS GETTING IT DONE IN THE CLASSROOM, TOO
Being a member of a league that prides itself on maintaining high academic standards while pursuing athletic success, Navy ranks among the Patriot League’s top-three schools in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rates (APR) for baseball.
The Midshipmen earned a mark of 980, which also places them among the nation’s top-10th percentile in baseball. Navy’s athletic program also ranks among the premier institutions in each sport across the board. The Midshipmen boasted a mark higher than the Division I average in 22 of their 23 NCAA sports, including the nation’s highest score in seven sports (each with a perfect 1,000).
The APR is the fulcrum upon which the entire academic-reform structure rests. Developed as a more real-time assessment of teams’ academic performance than the six-year graduation-rate calculation provides, the APR awards two points each term to student-athletes who meet academic-eligibility standards and who remain with the institution. A team’s APR is the total points earned by the term at a given time divided by the total points possible.

ACCELERATING THEIR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
Each of Navy’s seven seniors on this year’s baseball team are going to serve their country in a variety of roles following commissioning in May. Graduates from the United States Naval Academy will begin their military careers as either an Ensign in the United States Navy or a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. This year, each of Navy’s seniors will be commissioned as Ensigns in the United States Navy, entering the Surface Warfare, Aviation, Submarine (Nuclear) and Supply Corps communities.

Mitch Harris … 29TH BEST COLLEGE PROSPECT BY BASEBALL AMERICA
Navy baseball right-handed pitcher Mitch Harris has been tabbed as the nation’s 29th-best college prospect for the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft, it was announced by Baseball America. The rankings were compiled by Baseball America through discussions with scouts and represent overall future potential.
Harris ranks as the second-highest collegiate prospect among seniors in this year’s draft class. Only Georgia senior right-handed pitcher Joshua Fields placed ahead of Harris, coming in at 27th on the list.
In the 2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft last June, Harris was selected in the 24th round by the Atlanta Braves organization. This past summer, he played in the prestigious Cape Cod League with the Bourne Braves. Facing some of the nation’s best collegiate hitters, he started seven contests and boasted a 3.94 ERA in 29.2 innings with 25 strikeouts. With the help of the Navy right-hander, Bourne won the Western Division regular season title with a 25-17-2 record.
Harris was selected Second-Team All-Patriot League as both a starting pitcher and a designated hitter last May, becoming the first player in school history to earn all-league accolades at two different positions within the same year. One month later, he became the first player in school history to earn ABCA all-region accolades multiple times during his career, as he was first-team selection in 2006 and a second-team member in 2007.
Prior to the start of the 2008 season, Harris was selected as a candidate for the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award, which is awarded to the nation’s top-collegiate player. Last year’s Brooks Wallace award went to Vanderbilt pitcher, David Price. Price was the first overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft and is pitching in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The 2006 winner was standout pitcher/designated hitter Brad Lincoln of Houston. Nebraska’s Alex Gordon, currently with the Kansas City Royals, took home the 2005 trophy. The inaugural award was given in 2004 to Kurt Suzuki of Cal State Fullerton, who is now catching for the Oakland A’s.

ARMY-NAVY SERIES NAMED TOP RIVALRY IN THE NORTH
With both teams participating in last year’s Patriot League Tournament and predicted to do so once again in 2008, the Army-Navy series has been billed as the No. 1 rivalry in the North Region by Baseball America.
The two teams are slated to meet in Annapolis on April 12-13, with Navy owning a 100-84 advantage over Army in the all-time series. In each of the last-two years, the first game of the series has been televised nationally on CSTV.

NAVY’S HOME SELECTED AS LEAGUE’S FAVORITE ROAD STADIUM
Navy’s home field, Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium, was voted as the favorite road stadium in the Patriot League, voted by the league’s coaches on CollegeBaseballInsider.com.
This does not particularly comes as a surprise, as the $2.5-million renovation process at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium commenced in October 2005 and featured a variety of upgrades that make the home of Navy baseball one of the finest facilities in the East to play and watch a game. The multi-million dollar baseball facility is named after the longtime baseball coach Max Bishop (1937-61) and the Terwilliger family for their generous support of the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Athletic Association.
The facility’s biggest improvement was the installation of a new playing surface, as the natural grass was dug up and 124,000-square feet of FieldTurf was put in January 2006. FieldTurf is the same surface used by Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays, as well as Navy’s Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Terwilliger Brothers Field became only the third field in college baseball to feature FieldTurf over the entire playing surface, with the exception of the pitcher’s mound and home plate.
In spring 2007, a 5,000-square foot, heated indoor hitting and pitching facility was constructed, enabling the Midshipmen to work on their skills, rain or shine. The 50-foot wide, 100-foot long, 16-foot high indoor facility features two pitching mounds and a state-of-the-art hitting screen. The Pro Batter Professional PX2 Video Pitching Machine allows hitters to bat against a simulated pitcher with several different pitches and a wide range of velocities.
The roof of the hitting and pitching facility has been surfaced with railings surrounding its perimeter, serving as a hospitality venue that provides an outstanding view of the entire ballpark and the Naval Academy.
Concurrent with the field transformation, 1,000 chair-back seats have been installed with brick archways surrounding the stadium. Behind the left field fence, one can find a state-of-the-art LED matrix scoreboard with a video screen. Additionally, a concession stand located on the concourse level behind home plate and a patio area help create an intimate surrounding to watch and enjoy a Navy baseball game.

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 9:25am

The American College Hockey Association (ACHA) announced today that Navy Hockey Defenseman Donnie Horner has been selected to participate in the ACHA Men’s Division 1 Club Hockey All-Star Game, which will showcase 40 of the top Division 1 club players in the country. This game is set to take place at the Penn State Ice Pavilion in University Park, PA on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

Horner was one of only 12 college hockey defensemen selected.

Horner was a co-recipient of the Eastern States Collegiate Hockey League (ESCHL) Sportsmanship Award and was named 2nd Team All-League. The State College, PA native accumulated just eight penalty minutes while playing in all of Navy’s 37 games this season. Donnie amassed an amazing plus/minus rating of plus 31, which lead the Midshipmen, while also leading the team in ice time.

He has scored seven goals and assisted on 16 others as a defenseman after playing last season primarily as a forward. During his Naval Academy career, the Political Science major and this year’s team president accumulated 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 96 games.

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 10:02am

Navy-Northern Illinois Football Game Moved To Tuesday, Nov. 25 and will be televised nationally by ESPN2 (7 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. local time)

Northern Illinois Announces 2008 Football Schedule

March 11, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - Six games at Huskie Stadium, including the first visit by the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy, as well as road trips to Minnesota and Tennessee, highlight the 2008 Northern Illinois University football schedule released Tuesday by NIU and the Mid-American Conference.

New Huskie head coach Jerry Kill will make his Northern Illinois debut on Saturday, Aug. 30 when the Huskies take on Minnesota, while NIU will play its first home game on Sept. 20 versus Indiana State.

Northern Illinois will play eight conference games in 2008, up from seven in 2007, beginning in the second week of the season when Northern Illinois travels to Kalamazoo to face Western Michigan on Sept. 6. The Huskies will play all three of the MAC’s 2007 bowl teams - MAC Champ Central Michigan (Motor City Bowl), Ball State (International Bowl) and Bowling Green (GMAC Bowl) - as well as championship game participant Miami (Ohio) in 2008. In addition to home games versus East Division foes Bowling Green and Miami, NIU’s remaining “cross over” game is at Kent State (Tues., Nov. 18); the Flashes feature the nation’s leading returning rusher in Eugene Jarvis.

The Huskies’ home schedule includes three straight October home contests as NIU will play five of its last seven 2008 contests in DeKalb. Following the Indiana State home opener on Sept. 20, Northern Illinois will play host to MAC foes Miami, Toledo and Bowling Green on successive Saturdays beginning Oct. 11 with the Toledo game on Oct. 18 designated as Homecoming. November weeknight games versus Central Michigan (Nov. 12) and Navy (Nov. 25) close out the home slate.

Road contests at Minnesota and Tennessee, along with the first visit by Navy to Huskie Stadium, highlight Northern Illinois’ 2008 non-conference slate. The Jerry Kill Era at NIU will begin on August 30 in Minneapolis when NIU takes on Minnesota for just the second time in school history, and the first time since 1988. The Huskies visit Tennessee’s famed Neyland Stadium on Oct. 4 in the first meeting between those teams.

“Going into the first game at Minnesota and then in October going to Tennessee will be tremendous challenges, and tremendous opportunities, for our program,” Kill said. “But this program has met a lot of challenges over the years. The key is to focus on what we can control, which is our team and how we play. I worry more about our team than I do about our opponents.”

Kill also cautioned not to forget about a very good non-conference opponent who the Huskies will face at the close of the season when Navy visits DeKalb for the first time in a series that started last year at Annapolis.

“Navy is right in there, and maybe even tougher, than those other two,” Kill said. “The offense that they run is so difficult to prepare for, that will be a huge task for our team as well.”

The Northern Illinois-Navy game has been selected for national television broadcast on ESPN2 and will be played on Tuesday, Nov. 25 with a 6 p.m. (Central) kickoff. That game will mark NIU’s 31st appearance on the ESPN family of networks as the Huskies’ 2008 games at Ball State (Weds., Nov. 5) and versus Central Michigan (Tues., Nov. 12) will be broadcast on either ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN360. Northern Illinois made five appearances on an ESPN broadcast in 2006 and three games, including the 2007 season opener versus Iowa on ESPNU, were televised by that organization a year ago.

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 11:16am

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Navy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk announced Tuesday that the Naval Academy Athletic Association has extended the contract of 2007-08 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year Billy Lange through the 2012-13 season.

“Over the past few years, we have observed Coach Lange re-establish Navy basketball in a manner that has addressed competitive spirit, the academic and professional development of our Midshipmen, staff, schedule, facilities and community relations,” said Gladchuk. “He has diligently and professionally rekindled a sense of excitement and pride within the basketball family. We are again legitimate contenders for the league.”

Lange led the Midshipmen to a 16-14 record and a 9-5 Patriot League record, good for a second-place finish in the regular-season standings. The Mids, which were picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll, played an exciting brand of basketball, leading the league in scoring, three-pointers made per game, free throw percentage and turnovers forced.

The Mids, fueled by a four-guard lineup, won 13 of their last 19 games and were in a race for the Patriot League regular-season title right up to the final day.

Led by Patriot League Player of the Year Greg Sprink, Navy averaged 76.3 points per game and boasted three of the league’s top 10 scorers. Besides Sprink’s 21.8 points per game average, sophomore Chris Harris (14.5 ppg) and junior Kaleo Kina (14.0 ppg) also averaged double-figures. Harris was a second-team All-Patriot League selection and freshman Romeo Garcia, the final member of Navy’s lethal four-guard attack, was named to the All-Rookie Team.

Lange was instrumental in the development of Sprink, who saw his scoring production increase every year at Navy. He became the first Patriot Leaguer to average 20.0 ppg since 1998, while finishing third on the Navy career scoring list with 1,785 points. He also finished his career 10th in career assists and 11th in career rebounds and started 105 games, the second most in school history.

Lange also has a knack for recruiting and developing talent. During his first four years at Navy, he has had five players named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team and will return four starters for the 2008-09 squad.

Lange’s teams have shown an increase in competitiveness during each of his four years. Navy’s 16-14 record this past winter was the program’s most successful since the 2000-01 campaign.

“I am humbled and very fortunate for the opportunity to lead this program and assist our Midshipmen with their leadership development. We had a very exciting past season and I am very encouraged about the future of this program,” said Lange. “I am deeply appreciative of the commitment that Mr. Gladchuk has made to the program, the coaching staff, players, alumni and fans associated with Navy basketball. We look forward to working with NAAA in continuing to improve the basketball program on and off the court.”

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 1:15pm

Visiting Midshipmen talk up their sport, which is getting more attention on the Island
By Stephen Hart

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Navy dropped anchor at Monsignor Farrell HS yesterday in Oakwood, but brought some battlers, not a battleship. Six members of the United States Naval Academy boxing team addressed Farrell students in the school’s wrestling room, fielding questions about military life and putting on a quick demonstration of ways even the most novice of fighters can warm up – from shadow boxing to trading punches into the training mitts of your sparring partner.

According to the boxers, it’s mandatory for every first-year Midshipman to participate in some kind of sport for eight weeks – whether it’s intramural, club or varsity. And for these six, their love of the “sweet science” is no passing fancy.

Not only are they members of the Navy’s team but, during this spring break period – when some of their classmates are taking a much-deserved vacation on some beach – they’re using their time off to visit some of the great boxing gyms throughout New York City.

“We just came from Gleason’s (Gym in Brooklyn),” said Midshipman First Class Victor Colon. The native of Huntsville, Ala., is in the 165-pound weight class and is a senior co-captain of the team along with 112-pounder Mikoto Yoshida of Los Angeles.

“When I first joined the Navy, I had never boxed and didn’t even know the Navy had boxing,” admitted Midn. 1/C Yoshida, one of 12 members of a team which competes in the National Collegiate Boxing Association. “Now, I love it … it’s great.”

The non-profit NCBA was founded in 1976 as an autonomous organization to supervise collegiate boxing after the NCAA stopped sanctioning the sport in 1960. Close to 40 colleges and universities have boxing teams in the NCBA, including all of the military academies.

The fighters – joined at the appearance by USNA representative Lt. John Jones, Field Diversity Admissions Counselor for the Northeast Region, who played a video documentary about the Navy boxing team – are hoping to gain some pointers on their city tour in preparation for the upcoming NCBA Regionals (March 27-29 in Lexington, Ky.) and Nationals (April 10-12 in Reno, Nev.).

Navy has won the national team championship five times, most recently in 2005.

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 1:18pm

This Week In Navy Sports Sponsored By Navy Federal Credit Union

[Page</a> loading…](<a href=“http://www.navyfederal.org/jump/x/navysports_email.html]Page”>http://www.navyfederal.org/jump/x/navysports_email.html)

Overall Navy Sports Record: 226-110-6 (.670)

Baseball (6-5, 0-0 in the Patriot League)
Last Week: Lost to UMBC, 18-6; defeated Rhode Island, 6-4; lost to Central Connecticut State, 5-3; defeated Iona, 5-0; defeated Iona, 11-5
This Week: at #16 Virginia (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Charlottesville, Va.); at Maryland-Eastern Shore (Thursday, 3 p.m., Princess Anne, Md.); Monmouth (Friday, 3 p.m., Annapolis, Md., GameTracker on navysports.com); Maine (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Annapolis, Md., GameTracker on navysports.com); Duquesne (Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Annapolis, Md., GameTracker on navysports.com)

Men’s Basketball (16-13, 9-5 in the Patriot League)
Last Week: Lost to Bucknell, 87-86 (3OT), in the Patriot League Quarterfinals
This Week: Season concluded

Women’s Basketball (7-23, 3-11 in the Patriot League)
Last Week: Lost to Holy Cross, 67-53, in the Patriot League Quarterfinals
This Week: Season concluded

Men’s Golf (1-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: at Cal State Monterey Bay (Friday, all day, Seaside, Calif.)

Men’s Gymnastics (8-6)
Last Week: Lost to Penn State, 357.7-336.7; lost to William & Marh, 338.9-336.7
This Week: Temple (Saturday, 2 p.m., Annapolis, Md.)

No. 11 Men’s Lacrosse (5-1, 2-0 in the Patriot League)
Last Week: Defeated Mount St. Mary¹s, 12-5; defeated Lafayette, 8-5; defeated Lehigh, 14-3
This Week: vs. Holy Cross (Saturday, 1 p.m. Eastern, Dallas, Texas, GameTracker on navysports.com)

Women’s Lacrosse (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated St. Francis (Pa.), 24-0; defeated Cincinnati, 18-6; defeated St. Mary¹s (Calif.), 18-6
This Week: Holy Cross (Saturday, 12 noon, Annapolis, Md., GameTracker on navysports.com)

<h1>4 Rifle (9-2)</h1>

Last Week: Idle
This Week: at the NCAA Championship (Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m., West Point, N.Y.)

Intercollegiate Sailing
Last Week: No results reported
This Week: St. Mary¹s Women (Saturday-Sunday, St. Mary’s City, Md.); Team Race Challenge (Saturday-Sunday, Chestertown, Md.); Truxtun Umsted (Saturday-Sunday, Annapolis, Md.)

Men’s Swimming & Diving (15-2, 6-2 in the EISL)
Last Week: Placed fifth out of nine teams at the EISL Championship
This Week: at the NCAA Zone A¹ Diving Championship (Friday-Sunday, all day, Buffalo, N.Y.)

Women’s Swimming & Diving (13-1)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: at the NCAA Zone A¹ Diving Championship (Friday-Sunday, all day, Buffalo, N.Y.)

Tennis (10-5, 1-0 in the Patriot League)
Last Week: Defeated Delaware, 7-0
This Week: vs. Appalachian State (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Jacksonville, Fla.); vs. North Carolina (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Jacksonville, Fla.); at Bethune-Cookman (Thursday, 1 p.m., Daytona Beach, Fla.)

Men’s Indoor Track & Field (7-1)
Last Week: Finished 19th at the IC4A Championship
This Week: at the NCAA Championship (Friday-Saturday, all day, Fayetteville, Ark.)

Men’s Outdoor Track (0-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: at the Point Loma Invitational (Saturday, 1 p.m., Point Loma, Calif.)

Women’s Indoor Track & Field (7-0)
Last Week: Finished 34th at the ECAC Championship
This Week: at the NCAA Championship (Friday-Saturday, all day, Fayetteville, Ark.)

Women’s Outdoor Track (0-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: at the Point Loma Invitational (Saturday, 1 p.m., Point Loma, Calif.)

Wrestling (6-4, 4-1 in the EIWA)
Last Week: Finished fourth out of 14 teams at the EIWA Championship
This Week: Idle

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 6:31pm

Boxing: 
Last Week: MD Invitational - 4 out of 5 boxers won in their respective divisions.
This Week - Idle

Cycling -
Last Week: Navy placed 10th overall out of 46 teams at the Philly Phlyer Races 
This Week: John Hopkins / U of MD (Sat. & Sun, Baltimore MD)

Hockey - (20-18-1)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Karate - (0-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Pistol - (6-2)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: @ Pistol Collegiate National Championships (Mon - Sat, Georgia)

Lacrosse - (1-0 )
Last Week: Idle 
This Week: Idle

Marathon - (2-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Powerlifting -
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Rugby (M) 
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Rugby (W) - A Side 20-2-1 / B Side 11-2-2
Last Week: Idle
This Week - vs. JMU (Sun., 12:00pm, Hospital Pt)

Soccer -
Last Week: Idle.
This Week: Idle

Softball -
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Tennis - (1-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week : Idle

Triathlon - (0-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

Volleyball - (11-8)
Last Week: Idle
This Week - Idle

Field Hockey -(0-0)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Idle

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 6:36pm

Lange gets new deal from Navy : Men’s basketball coach signs 5-year extension (Annapolis Capital)

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published March 12, 2008

Navy has rewarded men’s basketball coach Billy Lange for directing a turnaround season that came within a whisker of producing a Patriot League championship. Athletic director Chet Gladchuk announced this morning that Lange has received a five-year contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Lange is believed to have received a significant increase over his previous annual salary of $153,962.

Lange led Navy to records of 16-14 overall and 9-5 in the Patriot League, making this the program’s most successful season since 2000-2001. The Midshipmen finished second in the Patriot League after being picked seventh in the preseason poll.

“Over the past few years, we have observed Coach Lange re-establish Navy basketball in a manner that has addressed competitive spirit, the academic and professional development of our Midshipmen, staff, schedule, facilities and community relations,” Gladchuk said in a statement. “He has diligently and professionally rekindled a sense of excitement and pride within the basketball family. We are again legitimate contenders for the league.”

Lange was somewhat of a surprise hire to replace Don DeVoe as head coach back in 2004. He took over a program that had endured three straight losing seasons, compiling an 23-63 record during that period of decline.

Lange, who had previously served as Director of Basketball Operations at Villanova, installed an up-tempo system that emphasized forcing steals on defense and shooting quickly on offense.

Navy won 10 games in Lange’s initial two seasons at the helm then improved to 14-16 in 2006-2007. However, this season marked the first time Navy’s unique playing style made life difficult on Patriot League opponents.

Employing a four-guard lineup that focused on penetrating the lane and kicking the ball out for 3-pointers, Navy averaged 76.3 points per game and boasted three of the top 10 scorers in the Patriot League.

Navy won 13 of its final 16 games and held first place in the Patriot League entering the final weekend of the regular season. However, a loss to Colgate coupled with an American victory allowed the latter school to snatch the league title.

“I am humbled and very fortunate for the opportunity to lead this program and assist our Midshipmen with their leadership development. We had a very exciting past season and I am very encouraged about the future of this program,” Lange said in a statement.

“I am deeply appreciative of the commitment that Mr. Gladchuk has made to the program, the coaching staff, players, alumni and fans associated with Navy basketball. We look forward to working with Naval Academy Athletic Association in continuing to improve the basketball program on and off the court.”

Lange, who has compiled a 50-66 record during his four seasons in Annapolis, has dramatically improved the talent level at Navy through shrewd evaluation and nonstop hustle on the recruiting trail. The Midshipmen have placed five players on the Patriot League All-Rookie team during his tenure.

“I’m happy the coaching staff has been given a vote of confidence to continue doing things the way we have been, which I think is the right way,” Lange said. “It takes time to build a Division I basketball program, and it takes even longer in a challenging environment like a service academy. We are still a work in progress, we still have a long way to go, but I’m enthused the administration has shown an appreciation for everyone’s hard work up to this point.”

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 8:05pm

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Maggart (410) 293-8771

Navy Downed by No. 16 Virginia, 11-5

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The Navy baseball team battled but came up on the short end of an 11-5 decision to 16th-ranked Virginia in front of 1,234 fans at Davenport Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Midshipmen dropped back down to the .500 mark at 6-6, while the Cavaliers improved to 13-2 on the year.

The game was always in doubt. This was a battling game and the score may not reflect how it was played, stated Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos. We did a good job offensively really competed at the plate. Sometimes, you have to tip your hat to a very good Virginia team.

Virginia plated four runs in the first inning before Navy trimmed the deficit to two, 4-2, in the third. Renaldo Hollins (Sr./Virginia Beach, Va.) got things started with a one-out single and Michael Speciale (So./Pearland, Texas) singled through the right side with two outs. After a passed ball advanced the runners to second and third, Thomas Hamilton (Sr./Houston, Texas) laced a single up the middle to score both Mids.

One inning later, the Midshipmen knotted the game at four. Kendall Bolt (So./Stockton, Calif.) was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame and advanced to second on a Steven Soares (So./Coral Springs, Fla.) single through the left side. On a 0-1 count, the Mids went with a double steal and the catcher tried to gun down the backside runner, but nobody covered the bag and the ball sailed into centerfield and Bolt came around to score. Later in the at bat, Nick Driscoll (Fr./Riverview, Fla.) ripped a single to center to bring home Soares.

The score would not remain tied for long, as the Cavaliers put up a three spot in the bottom of the fourth and added two runs in the fifth to push their lead to 9-4.

The Mids cut the deficit back to four at 9-5 in the sixth, as Soares led off with a single up the middle, advanced to second on a groundout and would come home on a fielding error by the shortstop. However, that would be as close as they would get, as the host Cavaliers held the Mids scoreless over the final-three frames and scored twice in the seventh.

Navy starter Alec Thomas (So./Kernersville, N.C.) did not factor in the decision, as he allowed four runs on two hits with three walks and two hit batters in one inning. Thomas threw 43 pitches in the opening frame, 25 of which were strikes. Southpaw Kevin Heasley (Sr./Cincinnati, Ohio) yielded five hits and three runs over 2.2 innings of relief to get the loss.

Kevin did a good job, but his work is a two-inning role, said Kostacopoulos. Because of the early exit of our starter, we asked him to stay longer than accustomed.

Relievers Drew Carlson (So./Boca Raton, Fla.) and Kyle Millerd (So./La Quinta, Calif.) threw well over the final-4.1 innings. Carlson did not allow an earned run in 3.1 innings with four strikeouts, followed by a 1-2-3 eighth inning by Millerd with a strikeout.

Drew and Kyle both threw the ball very well, stated Kostacopoulos. Todays performances really helps in finding the pieces for our bullpen. Im starting to have more confidence in those guys.

Hamilton and Soares each had two hits for the Mids, as the guests were out-hit by the Cavaliers, 12-7.

The Midshipmen will travel during the night to take on Maryland-Eastern Shore (0-13) tomorrow in Princess Anne, Md. First pitch is slated for 2:30 p.m., and live stats will be available via GameTracker on <a href=“http://www.NavySports.com(%5B/url%5D.)”>www.NavySports.com(.)</a>

GreatAmerican · March 12, 2008, 9:44pm

Navy def. Appalachian State, 4-3

<h1>9 North Carolina def. Navy, 7-0</h1>

For Immediate Release
Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Tennis Team Splits Two Matches

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Navy tennis team opened its spring break trip to Florida by splitting a pair of matches Wednesday in Jacksonville. The Midshipmen first posted a 4-3 victory over Appalachian State before dropping a 7-0 decision to ninth-ranked North Carolina.

Navy (11-6) will conclude its series of matches on its trip Thursday afternoon when the Mids face Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach.

The Mids earned the doubles point for the 12th time this season when Navy recorded wins at Nos. 1 and 3 doubles against Appalachian State. Navy’s No. 1 team of Nate Nelms (Jr., St. Mary’s, Ga.) and Johnny Waters (Jr., Papillion, Neb.) posted an 8-4 win over Ryan Brookshaw and Lee Floyd, while Nick Birger (Fr., Belleville, Ill.) and Jason Hill (Jr., Marietta, Ga.) recorded a win over David Doverspike and Bobby Lake by an identical score at the No. 3 flight.

The Mountaineers (4-5) evened the match at one point apiece when Brookshaw recorded a 6-1, 6-1 win over Waters at No. 2 singles. Navy promptly pulled ahead by the score of 3-1 following straight-set wins by Alex James (Sr., Visalia, Calif.) at No. 5 singles (7-5, 6-2) and Nelms at No. 1 singles (6-3, 7-5). Appalachian State picked up the next two points, however, to again tie the match at 3-3. Floyd tallied a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) win over Ramsey Lemaich (So., Danville, Calif.) at the No. 4 flight, then Trent Constance posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Hill at the No. 3 flight.

The last match of the day featured Navy’s Owen Bullard (Fr., Concord, N.C.) taking on ASU’s David Doverspike. Bullard won the first set by the score of 6-1, but Doverspike won a 6-0 second set to send the match to a third and final set. Bullard would win the match and tally the winning point for the Mids with a 6-2 victory in the third set.

“We beat a good team in Appalachian State,” said Navy head coach John Officer. “We handled some of the distractions we went through in the match very well and did a nice job in picking up the win. I was pleased with how we performed.”

Though the Mids did not record a team point during their second match of the day against the Tar Heels (10-3), Navy’s No. 1 doubles team of Nelms and Waters did post an 8-5 win over Lenny Gullan and David Stone. The North Carolina duo was ranked among the top-10 doubles teams in the country last year.

After earning the doubles point with wins at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles, the Tar Heels did not drop a set in winning the six singles matches.

“We fought hard against a North Carolina team that is the most talented team we will face this season,” said Officer. “We worked hard and did not back down at any point. I feel we got a lot out of this match.”

Both of Navy’s matches were contested at the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation Tennis Complex in Jacksonville. The Navy team has made annual visits to the foundation to conduct clinics for the kids – which the Mids did again Monday night – but this was the first time Navy participated in a match at the complex.

“It was very special for us to be able to play these matches where we did today,” said Officer. “Mal (a finalist at Wimbledon in 1996) was there and so were all of the kids at the foundation. It meant a lot for us to be able to play here and in front of all of them.”

Navy (11-5) def. Appalachian State (4-5), 4-3
Doubles – Navy wins the doubles point (match finish order: 3-2-1)
1 - Nelms / Waters (N) def. Brookshaw / Floyd, 8-4
2 - Constance / Jacobs (A) def. James / Lemaich, 8-4
3 - Nick Birger / Hill (N) def. Doverspike / Lake, 8-4
Singles (match finish order: 2-5-1-4-3-6)
1 - Nate Nelms (N) def. Bobby Lake, 6-3, 7-5
2 - Ryan Brookshaw (A) def. Johnny Waters, 6-1, 6-1
3 - Trent Constance (A) def. Jason Hill, 6-4, 6-4
4 - Lee Floyd (A) def. Ramsey Lemaich, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
5 - Alex James (N) def. Peter Jacobs, 7-5, 6-2
6 - Owen Bullard (N) def. David Doverspike, 6-1, 0-6, 6-2

<h1>9 North Carolina (10-3) def. Navy (11-6), 7-0</h1>

Doubles – North Carolina wins the doubles point (match finish order: 3-2-1)
1 - Nelms / Waters (N) def. Lenny Gullan / David Stone, 8-5
2 - Fogelman / Hardy (UNC) def. James / Lemaich, 8-0
3 - Donato / Kearney (UNC) def. Nick Birger / Hill, 8-3
Singles (match finish order: 4-5-3-6-2-1)
1 - #112 Benjamin Carlotti (UNC) def. Nate Nelms, 6-1, 6-4
2 - Stefan Hardy (UNC) def. Johnny Waters, 6-4, 6-0
3 - Clay Donato (UNC) def. Jason Hill, 6-2, 6-3
4 - Chris Kearney (UNC) def. Ramsey Lemaich, 6-2, 6-2
5 - Taylor Fogelman (UNC) def. Alex James, 6-3, 6-0
6 - Will Plyler (UNC) def. Owen Bullard, 6-2, 6-1

Navy Sports

CONNECT WITH US