2011-12 News and Awards
5/14 - Four Softball Players Named All-Region by NFCA
STARKVILLE, Miss. - After breaking nearly every school record in their best season in school history, the Trine University softball team added one more honor to the year placing four players on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region Central Team. Trine was one of three teams to have four players selected to the All-Region team joining DePauw and Ohio Northern. It also marks the second straight year and third time in the past four years that they have had multiple All-Region players.
For the second straight year, junior pitcher Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was named an NFCA First Team honoree. After being named an at-large selection in 2010, Gasco becomes the first Thunder player to be named to the NFCA All-Region First Team twice in her career. Gasco was also named to the third team in 2009. Trine’s other first team selection was Kara Graham in 2009.
Joining Gasco on the list were second team selections junior catcher Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) and freshman designated player Tori Cuebas (Greenfield, Ind./Greenfield). Both were All-MIAA First Team selections this season while Belote was also named to the All-Tournament team at the NCAA Regional.
Earning a spot on the third team was freshman Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey). In addition to being named to the All-MIAA Second Team, Searles was also named to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament team.
The four-some marks the first time in school history that more than two players have been honored in the same season, and the first time that four players have been honored from a single team out of the MIAA since Hope had five named All-Region in 2005.
5/9 - Three Thunder Baseball Players Named All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Three Trine University baseball players were named All-MIAA as announced by the conference Wednesday, including senior Ryan Smith (Danville, Ind./Danville) being named First Team for the third straight season.
Smith is the only three-time honoree on the list, and one of only two multiple first team honorees. In all, Smith ranked in the top 10 of the conference in seven offensive categories including sixth in batting with a .361 average. Smith was third in RBI with 18, tied for fifth with 41 total bases, tied for sixth in doubles with six and tied for seventh in hits with 30. In addition, Smith was fourth with a slugging percentage of .494 and sixth in on base percentage at .411.
Named to the All-MIAA Second Team were junior catcher Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) and senior outfielder Josh Rivera (Somonauk, Ill./Somonauk).
Rivera, an All-MIAA Second Team member in 2011 as well, ranked fifth in the conference with 20 runs scored. Rivera, the only Trine player to start all 28 conference games, tied for third in the conference with fellow second team selection Zurbriggen with seven hit by pitches while hitting .298 in MIAA action.
Zurbriggen has been a mainstay behind the dish for the Thunder, starting 23 games. Zurbriggen hit .239 in conference action and was third with nine runners thrown out stealing. Zurbriggen’s caught stealing percentage of .409 was tops in the conference.
5/9 - Three Trine Tracksters Named All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - For the first time in school history, the Trine University Track and Field teams have had three athletes named to the All-MIAA team announced by the MIAA Wednesday.
On the men’s side, junior Dustin Stutzman (Topeka, Ind./Westview) and freshman Tyler Bourdo (Plainwell, Mich./Delton-Kellogg) were honored.
Bourdo was a member of the runner-up 4x400m relay team last week at the MIAA Field Day, along with finishing third in the 400m, fourth in the long jump and sixth in the 200m.
Stutzman picked up third place finishes at Field Day in the hammer throw and shot put.
On the women’s side, freshman Trish King (Archbold, Ohio/Archbold) becomes the first-ever Thunder female athlete named All-MIAA. King won the 400m in a school record time while anchoring the 4x400m relay that also set a school record. King also finished sixth in the 200m.
5/7 - Gasco Named MIAA Most Valuable Player and Pitcher
Gasco, Belote and Cuebas Named All-MIAA First Team
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - For the first time in MIAA softball history, the conference Most Valuable Player and the Most Valuable Pitcher are shared by the same player, and that distinction now belongs to Trine University junior Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey). Gasco is one of three Thunder athletes named All-MIAA First Team joining fellow junior Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) and freshman Tori Cuebas (Greenfield, Ind./Greenfield). Joining the trio as a second team selection is Gasco’s sister, freshman Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey).
Since the MIAA began awarding a Most Valuable Pitcher and Player award in 2006, no player had taken both honors. Gasco joins Trine’s two other MVPs, Most Valuable Player Rainbow Bednarsk in 2007 and Most Valuable Pitcher Elise English in 2008. Gasco is one of only two players who are multi All-MIAA First Team selections, joining Adrian’s Kelly Eberhardt.
As a hitter, Gasco earned the conference batting title by hitting .547 in conference play and temporarily tying the conference record with 29 hits. She also led the conference in slugging percentage with a remarkable 1.000%, runs scored with 22, total bases with 53 and home runs with 5 while being second with 19 RBI, 7 doubles and an on base percentage of .593.
On the mound, Gasco also earned the conference pitching title with a 0.99 ERA. Gasco was second in the conference with 8 wins, third with 55 strikeouts in just 56.2 innings of work and was one of only two pitchers to record a save in conference play. Conference opponents hit just .203 off Gasco, the second lowest in the MIAA, while she tied for second with three shutouts.
Belote earned first team honors this season after being selected to the second team a season ago. As a catcher, Belote was sixth in the conference in batting average at .429. Belote was also tied for fifth in runs scored with 15 and on base percentage, reaching at a .529 rate. She was also tied for ninth with 8 walks in conference play.
Cuebas, the only freshman to be named All-MIAA First Team, was second in the conference in slugging percentage, hitting at a .791 clip. She was also tied for second in the conference with 4 home runs and fifth in total bases with 34. Cuebas was tied for eighth with 14 RBI, and 11th in batting average, hitting .395 in conference action.
Searles tied a conference record with 4 triples in MIAA play on the year, finished the season hitting .362 in conference games. Searles led the conference with 8 stolen bases and was third in the league in runs scored with 17. Searles finished conference action with 16 RBI, which ranked fourth, tied for fifth in hits with 21 and was tied for seventh with 32 total bases.
Searles also appeared in five games on the mound, pitching 17.2 innings of conference work and finishing 10th with a 3.17 ERA. Searles won two games while striking out 16 batters.
This marks the third straight season that the Trine softball team has had three players named to the first team, and the sixth straight season that multiple players have been named All-MIAA First Team. The Thunder have now had at least one All-MIAA selection in each of the eight years they have been a member of the MIAA.
5/7 - Rightnowar Named MIAA Pitcher of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University lefthander Jake Rightnowar its Pitcher of the Week for games played through May 5.
Rightnowar, a junior from Oregon, Ohio (Toledo Christian HS), threw a two-hitter and did not walk a batter in pitching the Thunder to a 1-0 victory over MIAA champion Adrian. He struck out four batters and also picked off a runner in pitching his first collegiate shutout.
5/7 - Raupp, Kocsis and Shreeve Named All-MWLC
NAPERVILLE, Ill. - In their final season as a member of the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference, the Trine University squad placed all three of their seniors, Shelly Raupp, Ashley Kocsis and Emily Shreeve, on the All-MWLC Second Team. All three were also garnered second team honors in 2011.
Raupp (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) finished the year seventh in the conference with 16 goals scored in conference play. On the season, Raupp scored a team-high 20 goals. Raupp completes her four years at Trine as the second leading scorer in school history with 85 goals.
Kocsis (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson) led the conference with 24 groundballs and was tied for the league lead with 10 caused turnovers. In her final season at Trine, Kocsis ended the year with 10 goals and a team-high four assist. Kocsis also led the team with 34 groundballs, 27 draw controls and 13 caused turnovers. Kocsis leaves Trine as the third leading scorer with 83 goals along with holding the career marks in assists (20), groundballs (156), caused turnovers (59) and draw controls (122).
Shreeve (Manchester, Md./North Carroll) finished second on the team this season with 17 goals and picking up 15 groundballs. Shreeve’s 65 career goals ranks fourth all-time in school history.
5/5 - Desper Named Second Team All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine University men’s tennis player Dan Desper has been named to the All-MIAA Second Team.
Desper, a junior from Kendallville, Indiana (East Noble), was also a first team selection in 2011. Desper finished the season with a record of 14-11, including going 4-2 in conference action at second singles. Desper also had a doubles record of 9-12.
This marks the fourth straight year that the men’s squad has had a player named All-MIAA. It’s also the first time in school history that both a men’s and women’s player has been named All-Conference in the same season.
5/4 - Huhnke Named First Team All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Trine University women’s tennis player Jessica Huhnke became the school’s first ever play to be named to the All-MIAA First Team as the conference announced their postseason awards.
Huhnke, a sophomore from Newburgh, Indiana (Castle HS), finished the season 15-3 in the first singles position, including going 6-2 in conference play. In doubles action, Huhnke was 7-11 on the year.
Huhnke is just the second Trine player to be named All-MIAA, the other was Holly Kimball in 2007 who was a second team honoree.
5/3 - Olney and Thompson Named All-MLC
NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Midwest Lacrosse Conference has named Trine University men’s lacrosse players Chris Olney (Columbus, Ohio/Pickerington) and Eric Thompson (Cumberland, Maine/Greely) Second Team All-MLC. In their final season in the MLC before moving to the MIAA, the Thunder also had five players named Honorable Mention.
Olney, a senior, finished his final season at Trine anchoring the defense starting all 14 games. Olney recovered 22 groundballs on the season and caused 15 turnovers.
Thompson, also a senior, led the Thunder with 31 goals on the year, while assisting on six. Thompson also won 45 percent of his faceoffs while recovering a team-high 69 groundballs and causing 12 turnovers.
The five Honorable Mention’s for the Thunder were: Alex Gregg (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) - Goalie; Sam Swerdlow (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) - Defense; Blaine Stahley (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) - Midfield; Dalton Madsen (Westminster, Colo./Northglenn) - Attack; and Rob Brzezinski (Livonia, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central) - Face-Off.
5/2 - Football Players Named NFF Hampshire Honor Society
DALLAS - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced that five Trine University seniors as members of the 2012 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career.
Trine University’s Ryan Braun (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc), Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Central), Ben Hendricks (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers), Tyson Kaase (Syracuse, Ind./Wawasee) and Aaron Shoemaker (Onsted, Mich./Onsted) were each honored for their athletic and academic merits.
Trine was one of only two MIAA schools to have players honored (Albion) and had the most between the two schools. The five players honored for Thunder is the most in a single season and just the second time in program history that more than one player has been honored. The other came in 2009 when Joe Curtis and Sam Hartman were selected.
A total of 721 players from 232 schools qualified for membership in the society's sixth year, marking this year's class as the largest since the program's creation in 2007. Other names included the likes of Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Ryan Tannehill. The full list can be found at http://www.footballfoundation.org
Braun is a Civil Engineering major with three varsity letters for the Thunder. Braun played in 23 games over his career as a defensive lineman, making 35 tackles.
Brown, a Finance major, earned three varsity letters despite sitting out a year due to injury. Brown, a wide receiver, caught 64 passes for 793 yards and 3 touchdowns in 30 games while serving as a captain in 2010 and 2011 for Trine. Brown was also an All-MIAA Second Team honoree in 2009 and earned MIAA Player of the Week honors.
Hendricks played in 22 career games, anchoring the thunder offensive line while earning three letters. An All-MIAA First Team member in 2011, Hendricks was also a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and will graduate with a degree in Finance.
Kaase earned three letters playing cornerback for Trine, playing in 31 games and making 106 tackles. Kaase, a 2-Time MIAA Academic Honor Roll Honoree, will graduate with a degree in Social Studies Education.
Shoemaker anchored the defense all four season as a member of the Thunder team, playing in 44 games and making 259 tackles, which is fifth all-time in school history. Shoemaker, a Mechanical Engineering major, was named to the All-MIAA Second Team in 2009 and 2010 while twice being named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week. A team captain for the 2011 season, Shoemaker was also an MIAA Academic Honor Roll Honoree.
4/23 - Gasco Named MIAA Softball Pitcher of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine righthander Andi Gasco its Pitcher of the Week for the second straight week in softball for games played through April 21.
Gasco, a junior from Levering (Petoskey HS), allowed just one earned run in 12-2/3 innings pitched for the week in MIAA play, including two complete-game victories. She tossed a six-hitter and struck out seven in a 7-1 victory over Saint Mary’s, then scattered five hits and fanned seven over five innings in blanking Calvin, 10-0. She also struck out 11 in a nonconference loss to Ohio Northern. Gasco, who is being honored as Pitcher of the Week for the third time this season and fourth time in her career, also went 7-for-16 at the plate for .438 average, five runs scored, a home run and three RBIs for the week as Trine won four straight MIAA contests.
4/23 - Bourdo Named MIAA Athlete of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine’s Tyler Bourdo has been named the MIAA’s Men’s Track Athletes of the Week for meets through April 21. This is the first time that a Trine University Track Athlete has been honored.
Bourdo, a freshman from Plainwell (Delton-Kellogg HS), won the 400 meters at the Sparky Adams Invitational at Baldwin-Wallace, Ohio, with a time of 49.64, third-best in the MIAA this season. Bourdo is being honored as Athlete of the Week for the first time this season.
4/23 - Football coach promoted to athletic director
ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University head football coach Matt Land is now the university’s athletic director, officials announced today. In his new role, he will continue to serve as head football coach.
“Coach Land has had an exceptional record of success since he started at Trine in 2006, completely turning around our football program,” said Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “In addition, he has a solid understanding of NCAA and MIAA rules. He has elevated our program to national recognition while exhibiting outstanding organizational, managerial and leadership skills, while representing Trine University well in the community.”
Land has coached the Thunder for six seasons, leading the team to three Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships. In 2010, he was named d3football.com’s North Region Football Coach of the Year. Eric Watt, a 2010 graduate, won the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy under Land’s leadership. Land believes his success as a coach has come through hard work, attention to detail and work ethic, and he plans to implement the same in his role as athletic director.
Land has been coaching football since 1998, leading the United Indoor Football League’s Fort Wayne Freedom from 2003-2005 and 2008-2009. In Fort Wayne, as South Side High School teacher and coach, he took the Archers to three football sectional finals, one regional final and one appearance in the final four in four years. He came to Trine in 2007 with one goal: “To win, and I expected nothing less.”
At Trine, Land has endeavored to cultivate 150 football players, athletic trainers, staff and student coaches. He has experienced tremendous success as a coach, but his first priority has always been academics, and he doesn’t expect that to change.
In addition to administrative and supervisory experience, Land has overseen and approved schedules and contracts for NCAA events, taken active roles in fundraising efforts, and administered fiscal operations, including budget development and approval.
“In this role, I can now work to instill my philosophy that performance on the field is directly proportionate to behavior off the field,” Land said. “I hope to come alongside other coaches, offer support and guidance. In addition, and this will be the bulk of my workload, I plan to continue to improve Trine athletics from an administrative standpoint.”
A graduate of Fort Wayne Northrop High School, he earned his undergraduate degree at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and his master’s degree from Walden University. He lives in Fremont with his wife, Julie, daughter Emily, 10, and son Jake, 7. He enjoys his kids′ athletic endeavors, and coaches softball for Emily and basketball and baseball for Jake.
“With all that having been said, I view this opportunity as being a representative of and for the university, as a role model for young student-athletes and as a leader of the athletic department, in that order,” Land said. “I am excited about the opportunity to continue my career at Trine and to further demonstrate my leadership abilities to continue to improve Trine’s athletic programs.”
4/16 - Ohanesian and Senf Named Greim and Coons Honorees
ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University will honor two student-athletes, Andy Ohanesian and Danielle Senf, with the Cheryl L. Coons Award and Robert L. Greim Award during ceremonies April 29.
Ohanesian is the Robert Greim Award recipient. This award is given to a senior male athlete who demonstrates leadership ability. Ohanesian was a three-year team captain and four-year starter on the soccer team. On the field, Ohanesian was twice named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week and earned All-MIAA First Team honors in 2011. In addition, he was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region Second Team.
Ohanesian will graduate in May with a degree in electrical engineering. He has maintained a 3.5 grade-point average. His outstanding academic success garnered honors as an NSCAA All-Regional Scholar in 2010 and 2011 in addition to being named an NSCAA All-American Scholar Honorable Mention in the same years. Ohanesian was named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll in 2009 and is a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society.
Outside of the university, Ohanesian has spent the last four years volunteering as a coach for the Angola Youth Soccer League.
“Andy has not only be one of our most talented players, but one our hardest working players [on the team],” head coach Trevor Ferrell says. “He has been a defensive leader for us since his freshmen year. Every game he sacrifices his body and constantly makes outstanding plays.”
Senf is the recipient of the Cheryl L. Coons Award, which is given to a senior female athlete who embodies the spirit of true competition. Senf has dealt with a heart condition that had to be constantly checked during games, but she never let that stop her. She overcame adversity and became the best defensive player in the conference. She was named one of the four finalists for the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Courageous Player Award, which was eventually given to Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. Senf doesn’t let her condition phase her though as she spends time each week with Boston and Brooklyn McNamara, both of whom have special needs.
A four-year starter on the basketball team, Senf was a team captain during her senior season and set a single game record for steals. Senf became one of the best defensive players in the country during her time at Trine as she ranked 13th, 27th and again 13th in the country in steals per game from 2009-2012. Senf closed out her career at Trine with 335 steals, the second most steals in school history while adding 901 points, 429 rebounds and 267 assists. She was a two-time All-MIAA Second Team honoree during her sophomore and junior seasons.
Senf will graduate in May and has kept a 3.66 grade-point average while double majoring in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in communication. After graduation, Senf plans to attend graduate school to pursue a career in child psychology. A three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll honoree, Senf was named to the Trine President’s List three times and the Dean’s List three times. She is a founding member of the National Society of Leadership and Success while earning multiple scholarships including the Distinguished Student Scholarship and MACC (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) Scholarship.
“Danielle embodies everything we hope for in our student-athletes at Trine,” interim athletic director Rob Harmon says. “She has worked hard her entire career both on and off the court and has the determination to succeed in anything she does. Danielle doesn’t let anything or anyone off or on the court stop her.”
The Cheryl L. Coons and Robert L. Greim Awards were established during the 1989-90 season by the then Tri-State University Athletic Department and were awarded for the first time in May 1990. The recipients of these awards are chosen by the Trine University coaching staff to recognize the outstanding male and female senior athlete each year. Nominations are based on athletic accomplishment, leadership, character, citizenship and scholarship. Each honoree will be recognized at Honors Day on April 29 from 2-4 p.m. in Hershey Hall.
4/16 - Belote, Gasco Named MIAA Softball POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine catcher Sarah Belote its Position Player of the Week and Trine righthander Andi Gasco its Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 15.
Belote, a junior from Bronson (Bronson HS), went 7-for-13 at the plate for a .538 batting average, scored three runs and added six RBIs in leading the Thunder to four straight wins that moved them into first place in the MIAA. She went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs as Trine completed a doubleheader sweep of Hope with a 15-4 romp, after going 2-for-3 in a 9-1 win in the opener. Belote is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career.
Gasco, a junior from Levering (Petoskey HS), won three games and saved a fourth, while posting a 1.22 earned run average in 23 innings pitched for the week. She fired a four-hitter and struck out six in a 1-0 victory over Alma in the first game of a doubleheader, then shook off a shaky start to blank the Scots over the final five innings and belted a three-run homer as Trine rallied to win the nightcap, 6-4, completing its first-ever sweep of Alma. She also tossed a two-hitter in a 9-1 win over Hope while picking up a three inning save in game two. Gasco is being honored as Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season and third time in her career.
4/4 - Huhnke Named MIAA Women’s Tennis Player of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine’s Jessica Huhnke its Player of the Week in women’s tennis for matches played through April 1.
Huhnke, a sophomore from Newburgh, Ind. (Castle HS), won all three of her matches for the week in straight sets at No. 1 singles, and also won two of three matches at No. 1 doubles. She posted a 6-1, 6-0 victory against Adrian and a 6-3, 6-1 win against Saint Mary’s. Huhnke is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career.
4/2 - Retired NBA player Picked to Lead women’s basketball
ANGOLA, Ind. - A retired NBA sports legend, successful entrepreneur, and television and radio commentator will take the helm as Trine University’s head women’s basketball coach.
Steve Mix will head to Trine after more than 25 years of coaching, scouting and broadcasting experience and 13 years of professional basketball experience. Mix was a forward with a 13-year career from 1969-1972 and from 1973-1983. He played for the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers all of the NBA and the Denver Rockets of the ABA. Mix represented the 76ers in the 1975 NBA All-Star Game. He made it to the NBA Finals four times during his illustrious career.
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Coach Mix to Trine University,” said Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of the sport, as a player, coach and scout. He has a keen ability to hone in on players’ strengths and take them to the next level.”
Most recently, Mix has served as the assistant director of the Toledo Elite Women’s AAU Program, where he helped numerous players reach their goals of playing college basketball. He is the owner and president of Steve Mix Basketball Academy and Camps and the president of Find a Way, a nonprofit organization that helps Toledo Public School athletes.
Mix will cultivate high school coach relationships to maximize recruiting efforts and ensure the Lady Thunder continue to improve their game. This year the team started the season 6-0, their best start since 1996-97, when they also started the year 6-0. Senior Danielle Senf broke her own school record for steals, picking up 11. Although the team didn’t qualify for the MIAA tournament, they secured a double-digit winning season for the third time in the last four seasons.
“I am excited to be a part of the Trine University athletic community. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build my own program and reaching championship level at Trine,” Mix said. “It’s a thriving campus with serious student-athletes. I have no doubt that with my experience in the sport and their hard work and determination, the Lady Thunder can meet with success.”
4/2 - Daniels, Gasco Named MIAA Players of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Trine University softball swept the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Player of the Week honors as Trine shortstop Haleigh Daniels was named its Position Player of the Week and Trine right-hander Andi Gasco its Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 1.
Daniels, a sophomore from Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton HS), went 8-for-13 at the plate for a .615 average, drove in six runs and scored five in leading the Thunder to a 4-0 record for the week. She was a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate, including four hits in the nightcap, as Trine swept a doubleheader from Defiance, Ohio, 10-0 and 16-2. Daniels also belted a three-run homer and added an RBI double in a 6-1 victory over Case Western Reserve, Ohio, completing a sweep of the Spartans. Daniels is being honored as Position Player of the Week for the first time in her career.
Gasco, a junior from Levering (Petoskey HS), had an outstanding all-around week, both in the pitching circle and at the plate, as Trine went 4-0 for the week. As a pitcher, Gasco won two games and saved a third, including her first career no-hitter in a 10-0 win over Defiance, Ohio. She struck out seven and walked one in that contest. Gasco also came in on relief to pitch out of bases-loaded, no out situation in the sixth inning of Trine’s 6-1 win over Case Western Reserve, Ohio. Gasco also hit .429 (6-for-14) at the plate with three home runs and seven RBIs for the week, including two round-trippers in the sweep of Defiance. Gasco is being honored as Pitcher of the Week for the second time in her career.
3/19 - Madsen Named MLC Player of the Week
NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Trine’s Dalton Madsen was named the Midwest Lacrosse Conference Offensive Player of the Week Monday.
Madsen, a junior attacker from Westminster, Colo., and Northglenn High School, tallied four goals and five assists as the Thunder went 1-1 last week. He had two goals and two assists in a 21-7 loss to Ohio Wesleyan on March 14. He then tallied two goals and three assists in a 14-6 win over Augustana on March 18.
3/13 - Three Wrestlers Named Scholar All-Americans
ANGOLA, Ind. - The recent success for the Trine University wrestling team at the Division III national tournament wasn’t the only place the Thunder were accepting awards. Three Thunder wrestlers were named to the NWCA Scholar All-American team during the tournament.
Junior Elias Larson (Chicago, Ill./Marion Catholic), who placed fourth this past week at nationals, was honored for the second time in his career. Senior Jason Alber (Manchester, Mich./Manchester) earned All-American honors for the third consecutive year and fellow senior and national participant, Ryan Pieper (Onsted, Mich./Onsted) was honored for the first time in his career.
To be eligible, a wrestler must have at least a 3.2 GPA and a sophomore standing. Wrestlers must also either place in the top six at his respective regional tournament and have a .500 winning percentage or a .670 winning percentage and compete in 50 percent of the teams competitions.
2/27 - Jackson and Rogers Named All-MIAA First Team
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine University men’s basketball juniors Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) and Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering) have been named to the All-MIAA First Team.
This marks the first time in school history that a pair of players has been named to the First Team, and marks the second straight season Jackson and Rogers have been named All-MIAA.
Jackson, also named First Team All-MIAA last season, was second in the conference in scoring averaging 16.9 points per game and 10th in assists per game. On the season, Jackson average 18.3 ppg., as he reached the 1,000 point mark. Jackson also finished the year second on the team in assists per game and fourth in rebounding and steals. Jackson becomes just the second Trine player in school history to be named to the first time in back-to-back seasons joining Tony Benford in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
Rogers, was named to the All-MIAA First Team for the first time in his career after being a Second Team member in his first two seasons. Rogers was ninth in the conference in scoring, with 13.0 ppg., and was third in field goal percentage of .551. Rogers also joined the 1,000 point club this season as he was second on the team with 13.7 ppg. and 4.9 rebounds per game.
1/10 - Ravellette Named Offensive Line Coach
Abbs Promoted to Full-Time Position
ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University head football coach Matt Land has announced the appointment of Eric Ravellette as an assistant coach and that current assistant coach Troy Abbs has been promoted to a full-time position.
Ravellette, who will serve as the offensive line coach for the Thunder, previously spent four seasons at Division II Ferris State where oversaw the Bulldogs’ offensive line and strength and conditioning. Prior to Ferris, Ravellette spent two seasons as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Division I Southeast Missouri State University.
Ravellette, a Vincennes, Ind. Native, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2003 where he was a starter for the 2002 team that won the Division I-AA national championship. Ravellette also spent two seasons at WKU where he worked the 2003 and 2005 seasons coaching the tight ends. Between stints, Ravellette served as a graduate assistant at New Mexico State.
Coach Ravellette earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky.
Abbs has been a part Thunder football since he arrived at Trine in 2006 and currently serves as the defensive coordinator. Under Abbs, the Thunder defense has set several team records and been near the top in Division III in several defensive categories including turnover margin and total defense.
Before joining the Thunder, coach Abbs worked with the Fort Wayne Freedom as the defensive line coach. Prior to his time with the Freedom, Abbs coached for eight years at Fort Wayne Carroll High School and one year at East Noble High School.
Prior to coaching, Abbs was a member of both the baseball and football teams while working on his bachelor degree at Hanover College where he was a member of two ICAC Football Championships. Abbs was also an All-Conference baseball player. In 2006, Abbs earned his Masters of Science in educational leadership from Indiana University.
1/9 - Ian Jackson Named MIAA Player of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine guard Ian Jackson and Albion forward Kolin Kazen its Players of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through January 7.
Jackson, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind. (Perry Meridian), averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 assists and two steals as the Thunder opened MIAA conference action with wins over Kalamazoo and Alma. He scored 19 points in a 65-56 victory over the Hornets, then added 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals as Trine defeated the Scots, 79-56. Jackson made 15-of-19 from the free-throw line (79 percent) during the week, including 10-of-11 against Alma. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and fourth time in his career.
12/19 - Ian Jackson Named MIAA Men’s Basketball POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University guard Ian Jackson its Player of the Week for games played through December 17.
Jackson, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind. (Perry Meridian HS), scored 34 points in leading the Thunder to their fifth straight victory, 86-76, over Heidelberg, Ohio. Jackson, who leads all MIAA players in scoring at 21.3 points per game, has scored 30 or more points three times this season. He made 14 of 24 shots from the field and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line in the game. Jackson is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and third time in his career.
12/19 - Trine no longer sponsoring field hockey
ANGOLA, Ind. - After a review of its athletic programs, Trine University no longer will field its intercollegiate field hockey program, effective at the end of the 2011 season.
Trine, a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) at the NCAA Division III level, started its field hockey program in 2009 with high hopes. Although the MIAA does not sponsor field hockey as a conference sport, Trine University officials were hoping it would gain interest throughout the region.
“After two full seasons and evaluating the program, we made the difficult decision to discontinue field hockey,” said athletic director Jeff Posendek.
Head field hockey coach, Kylie Burghardt, will continue to serve as assistant women’s lacrosse coach in the Trine athletic department.
Trine has an enrollment of a 2,345 students and maintains 21 sponsored varsity athletic programs - nine for women and ten for men. The women’s programs include: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball. The men’s programs include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field and wrestling.
12/14 - Adediji, Ohanesian and Webb Named Soccer All-Region
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) has announced that Trine University men’s soccer players Femi Adediji (Cedar Park, Texas/Vista Ridge), Andy Ohanesian (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon) and Foster Webb (Auburn, Ind./Dekalb) have been named to the All-Central Region Second Team. All three are seniors and were also honored as All-MIAA First Team members earlier in the off-season.
Trine was one of only three MIAA schools to have players honored on the All-Region team joining Calvin and Hope.
This marks the first time in school history that multiple players for Trine have been named All-Region since becoming an NCAA member. It also marks the second straight year that Trine has had a player named All-Region as Rudy Cantrell was named to the third team a season ago.
Adediji finished his final season at Trine with two goals and five assists, while being tied for sixth in the conference with four assists.
Ohanesian led the Thunder defense that finished in the top 10 in the country with 12 shutouts on the seasons. Ohanesian also contributed to the offense with two goals and an assist.
Webb led the Thunder with 10 goals and six assists. Webb led the conference with five game-winning goals. Webb also tied for the lead with nine goals, was second with 22 points while also tying for sixth with four assists in conference play.
12/6 - Puryear Named D3football.com All-North Region
MINNEAPOLIS - Trine University football player Myron Puryear (Canton, Mich./Plymouth) has been named to the D3football.com 2011 All-North Region Second team.
Puryear, a junior cornerback, was the lone MIAA representative on the All-North Region Second team. Puryear led the team with five interceptions and 12 passes broken up while also forcing and recovering two fumbles including one 71 yards for a touchdown. Tied for fourth on the team with 52 tackles, Puryear is the first Trine cornerback to be selected as an All-North Region player.
Puryear is the eighth Trine/Tri-State player named to the All-North Region team. It also marks the third consecutive year that Trine has had a player named to the All-North Region squad.
Wheaton (Ill.) quarterback Garrett Meador and Mount Union safety Nick Driskill lead the D3football.com 2011 All-North Region team. Driskill was named North Region Defensive Player of the Year, while Meador was named the North Region Offensive Player of the Year.
The teams, selected in balloting by North Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 193 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen.
11/28 - Tim Pearcy Named MIAA Men’s Basketball POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine center Tim Pearcy its Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through November 27.
Pearcy, a senior from Vicksburg, Michigan (Vicksburg HS), scored 61 points and pulled down 18 rebounds for the week as Trine won two of three games. He scored 26 points and added seven rebounds in a loss to Concordia (MI), and then came through with 27 points on 12-of-13 shooting from the field as the Thunder defeated Earlham, 71-59, at the MIAA/Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Challenge hosted by Trine. Pearcy, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career, made 71 percent of his field-goal attempts (27 of 38) for the week.
11/16 - Trevor Ferrell Named Men’s Soccer Head Coach
ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University Athletic Director Jeff Posendek announced that head men’s soccer coach Mike Ferrell has stepped down from his position and assistant coach Trevor Ferrell will take over as head coach effective immediately. Mike will continue to work with the team as an assistant coach while continuing his work with the Thunder Club.
“Trevor has been a part of the program here for eight years and we are excited for him to take over for his father,” Posendek said. “We are eager to see what Trevor can do and look forward to the continued success our program has had recently.”
Trevor, a 2006 graduate of Trine (then Tri-State), played soccer for the Thunder from 2003-2006. Trevor began serving as an assistant coach in 2008 when Mike took over the program. During his time as an assistant, Trevor coordinated practices along with implemented game philosophies. Trevor will now take over the day-to-day decisions of the team along with added recruiting decisions.
“I appreciate the opportunity Jeff and the university have given me,” Trevor said. “The team is excited about the change and I think I can bring a sense of youth and excitement to our current and incoming players. I look forward to ensuring stability for our program and continue the success of this season.”
The Thunder are coming off one of their best seasons in the past decade as they finished third in the MIAA with an overall record of 13-5-2. The team was ranked as high as third in the NSCAA regional rankings as well as being national ranked in several statistical categories. The program is losing nine seniors but Trevor knows that the legacy they are leaving behind will help built for a better future.
Mike spent 19 seasons leading the men's soccer program. In 2008 he returned to lead the Thunder after being away for four years. Ferrell moved to the Office of Alumni & Development in 2004 after serving as head coach since 1988
11/14 - Six Football Players Named All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that six Trine University football players have been named All-MIAA. Junior Ja Vontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord), senior Ben Hendricks (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) and junior Myron Puryear (Canton, Mich./Plymouth) were named All-MIAA First Team.
Seniors Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood) and Brock Reinig (Leo, Ind./Leo) along with sophomore Nick Muir (Edwardsburg, Mich./Edwardsburg) Puryear were named to the All-MIAA Second Team.
Hence, a wide receiver, led the team with 648 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. Hence also led the team with 209 punt return yards and 504 kick return yards. Hence was a second team member in 2010.
Ben Hendricks, an offensive lineman, is being honored for the first time in his career. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a Thunder offensive lineman has been named to the first team.
Puryear was named to the first team as a defensive back and the second team as a return specialist. Puryear led the team with five interceptions and also returned a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown. As a kickoff returner, Puryear returned eight kicks for 252 yards including an 85 yard return for a touchdown. This is the second straight year that a player has been named All-MIAA First Team and Second Team in the same year joining Dimeko Price of Kalamazoo who was named first team return specialist and second team running back.
Biller finished his Trine career as the schools second all-time leading rusher. Biller finished his final season leading the team with 644 yards and four touchdowns. Biller was an All-MIAA First Team member in 2010 and 2009.
Reinig finished his final season with the Thunder making 33 tackles, including a team-leading 9.5 tackles for loss. Reinig also finished with three sacks and a forced fumble. Reinig was honored last season as All-MIAA First Team.
Muir finished his first season handling the punting duties for the Thunder amassing 1,621 yards for a 36.8 average. Muir punted a season long 63 yarder along with three other 50 plus yard kicks including 14 that were downed inside the
opponents 20.
11/8 - Four Men’s Soccer Players Named All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The MIAA has announced that Trine University men’s soccer players Femi Adediji (Cedar Park, Texas/Vista Ridge), Andy Ohanesian (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon) and Foster Webb (Auburn, Ind./Dekalb)have been named to the All-MIAA First Team.
The Thunder also had Sean Sullivan (Brighton, Mich./Brighton) named to the second team.
This marks the first time in Trine school history they have had a men’s soccer played named to the All-MIAA first team and also the first time they have has multiple players named All-MIAA.
Adediji, named to the All-MIAA Second Team the previous two seasons, finished his final season at Trine with two goals and five assists at the midfield position. Adediji tied for sixth in the conference with four assists.
Ohanesian, a senior, led the Thunder defense that finished in the top 10 in the country with 12 shutouts on the seasons. Ohanesian also contributed to the offense with two goals and an assist.
Webb, a senior forward, led the Thunder with 10 goals and six assists. Webb led the conference with five game-winning goals, including the goal against Kalamazoo that secured the Thunder of the third seed in the MIAA tournament. Webb also tied for the lead with nine goals, was second with 22 points while also tying for sixth with four assists in conference play.
Sullivan, a midfielder, finished his final season at Trine amassing four goals and three assists as well as scoring two goals at Albion including the game-winner.
11/7 - Wall Named All-MIAA Second Team
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The MIAA has announced that Trine University women’s soccer player Jen Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) has been named to the All-MIAA Second Team.
Wall, a senior, is just the second player in school history to be named All-MIAA, joining Jackie Havenaar who was also named second team in 2007. Wall finished her final season at Trine starting 13 games in goal and six games at forward. In goal, wall posted three shutouts in just over 1,182 minutes of time making 86 saves. In the field, Wall tallied a goal and two assists.
11/7 - Hence Named MIAA Football Player of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine wide receiver Ja Vontae Hence its Offensive Player of the Week in football for games played November 5.
Hence, a junior from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord), caught six passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in leading the Thunder to a 35-21 victory over Kalamazoo. Hence caught scoring passes of 71 and 58 yards five minutes apart in the second quarter as Trine built up a 28-7 lead. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and in his career.
11/5 - Irwin and Radekin Named All-MIAA
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The MIAA has announced that Trine University volleyball players Betsy Irwin (Athens, Ohio/Alexander) and Sarah Radekin (Athens, Ohio/Alexander) have been named to the All-MIAA team.
Irwin, a junior, was named to the All-MIAA First Team for the second straight year after being named to the second team in her first season at Trine. Irwin finished second in the conference in total kills with 199 and third with 3.55 kills per game in 16 conference matches. Irwin also finished eighth with a .272 hitting percentage. For the season Irwin led the Thunder with 347 kills and 77 blocks.
Radekin, also a junior, earns her first All-MIAA honor being named to the second team after finishing the season third in the conference with 512 assists for a 9.31 assists per game average. Radekin also finished 10th in the MIAA with 0.38 aces per game. Radekin finished the season leading the team with 880 assists and 44 aces.
10/31 - Soccers Elliott and Webb Named MIAA POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine midfielder Foster Webb its Offensive Player of the Week in men’s soccer and Trine forward Kristin Elliott its Offensive Player of the Week in women’s soccer for games played through October 29.
Webb, a senior from Auburn, Ind. (DeKalb), scored two goals and assisted on another for the week as the Thunder won twice to lock up a berth in this weekend’s MIAA tournament. He scored the game’s first goal in a 4-0 victory over Olivet, and added another goal and set up the game-winner in a 2-1 overtime win over Adrian. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
Elliott, a sophomore from Wooster, Ohio (Wooster), assisted on the game-winning goal in the Thunder’s 1-0 victory over Saint Mary’s and also made an outstanding play to set up a goal to give her team the lead in a 3-2 overtime loss to Kalamazoo. Elliott is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career.
10/24 - Radekin Named MIAA Volleyball Player of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University setter Sarah Radekin its Specialty Player of the Week in volleyball for matches played through October 22.
Radekin, a junior from Athens, Ohio (Alexander), dished out 133 assists (11.1 per set) and added 28 digs for the week as the Thunder won two of three MIAA matches. She had 38 assists and 13 digs in a sweep of Albion, 46 assists and three service aces in a four-set victory over Saint Mary’s, and 49 assists and 11 digs in a five-set loss to Kalamazoo. Radekin is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in her career.
10/17 - Hilson and Muir Named MIAA Players of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine men’s soccer forward Andre Hilson football punter Nicholas Muir Player of the Week for games played through October 15.
Hilson, a junior from Bremen, Ind. (Bremen), had a hand in four of the Thunder’s five goals for the week as Trine won twice to remain in the thick of the MIAA race. Hilson assisted on an insurance goal in a 2-0 win over Albion, then scored twice and assisted on a third goal as Trine blanked Alma, 3-0. Hilson is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.
Muir, a sophomore from Edwardsburg (Edwardsburg), punted five times for a 40-yard average in Trine’s 26-0 victory over Alma. His punts included a 52-yarder that pinned the Scots deep in their own territory, setting up a short field for a Thunder touchdown when Alma turned the ball over moments later. Muir is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
10/10 - Combs and Hence Named MIAA Football POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine defensive back Blaek Combs and wide receiver/return specialist Ja Vontae Hence its Players of the Week in football for games played October 8.
Combs, a sophomore from Rushville, Ind. (Rushville HS) was named the Defensive Player of the Week after intercepted two passes, including one in overtime, as the Thunder defeated LaGrange, Ga., 20-14. Combs returned his first interception 17 yards to set up the game’s first touchdown, then set the stage for the Thunder’s game-winning score by picking off a LaGrange pass on the Panthers’ overtime possession. He also made six tackles, four of them solo stops. Combs is being as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
Hence, a junior from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord HS) was named the Special Teams Player of the Week with 101 yards in return yardage in Trine’s win over LaGrange. He returned two kickoffs for 61 yards and three punts for 40 yards. Hence is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and in his career.
10/10 - Wolcott and Niehans Named All-MIAA Second Team
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named its 2011 All-MIAA Golf Team as the Thunder received two members on the second team, for the second consecutive year. The Thunder finished runner-up for the MIAA Championship for the second straight year.
Junior Pat Wolcott (Lansing, Mich./East Lansing) was tied for seventh in the conference with a total score of 614 for an average of 76.7. Senior Max Niehans (Nashville, Ind./Brown County) also earned second team honors with a season score of 619 for an average of 77.4. Niehans score placed him tied for 11th in the conference on the season.
10/3 - Goalkeepers Thon and Wall Named MIAA POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University goalkeeper Nick Thon its Defensive Player of the Week in men’s soccer and goalkeeper Jen Wall its Defensive Player of the Week in women’s soccer for games played through October 1.
Thon, a senior from South Haven (South Haven HS), continued his strong play in the net as he blanked Calvin, 2-0, for his fourth straight shutout in MIAA play. He made four saves against the Knights and four more in a 1-0 loss to Olivet. Thon, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and in his career, has allowed just one goal in 470 minutes of MIAA play for a 0.19 goals-against average. Thon ran his scoreless streak for 842:41 dating back to the end of the 2010 season. His streak ranks him 9th all-time in NCAA Division III men’s soccer history.
Wall, a senior from New Haven, Ind. (New Haven HS), earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second straight week as she turned away 11 shots in a scoreless tie with Alma. It was the first time the defending MIAA champion Scots had been shut out this season. Wall is being honored as Player of the Week for the third time in her career.
9/26 - Jen Wall Named MIAA defensive POW in Women’s Soccer
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine goalkeeper Jen Wall its Defensive Player of the Week in women’s soccer for games played through September 24.
Wall, a senior from New Haven, Ind. (New Haven HS), allowed two goals in three games and made 24 saves for a save percentage of .923 for the week. She had five saves in a shutout over Albion, 1-0, made 10 saves in a 1-0 loss to Adrian and nine saves in a 1-0 overtime loss to Kalamazoo. Wall is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in her career.
9/18 - Hence, Irwin, Ohanesian and Puryear Named MIAA POW
The MIAA has named four Trine University student-athletes Player of the Week for games played through September 18. The men's soccer team had a player named for the third straight week and football for the second week in a row
Andy Ohanesian, a senior from South Lyon, Michigan (South Lyon HS) was named defensive Players of the Week in men’s soccer. Ohanesian anchored the Thunder backline as Trine remained unbeaten with two shutout victories, defeating Defiance, Ohio, 3-0 and Albion, 2-0. He scored an insurance goal against Albion and led the defense as Trine played two men short the final 20 minutes of the game. Ohanesian is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
Betsy Irwin, a junior from Athens, Ohio (Alexander HS), was named MIAA Volleyball Player of the Week. Irwin earned Most Valuable Player honors in leading the Thunder to four consecutive victories at the 23rd Annual Rochester Institute of Technology (N.Y.) Volleyball Invitational. She also led Trine to a sweep of Albion in MIAA action with 14 kills. For the week, Irwin had 74 kills for a hitting percentage of .412, and added 16 blocks, nine digs and six service aces. She is being honored as Player of the Week for the third time in her career.
In Football, cornerback Myron Puryear was named Defensive Player of the Week and return specialist Ja Vontae Hence was named Special Teams Players of the Week
Puryear, a sophomore from Plymouth, Michigan (Canton HS), returned a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown and made 10 tackles, six of them solo stops, as the Thunder defeated Wisconsin-River Falls, 42-20. Puryear is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
Hence, a junior from Elkhart, Indiana (Concord HS), had 172 yards in kick return yardage, highlighted by a 89-yard kickoff return for Trine’s first touchdown of the game. Hence returned three kickoffs for 140 yards and had a 32-yard punt return. He also caught three passes for 44 yards. Hence is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
9/10 - Hargraves Named MIAA Offensive POW in Football
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine quarterback Ryan Hargraves its Offensive Players of the Week in football for games played September 10.
Hargraves, a junior from Taylor, Mich. (Truman HS), completed 27 of 35 passes for 402 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes and zero interceptions as the Thunder defeated Bluffton, Ohio, 41-27. Hargraves is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
9/10 - Holcom Named MIAA offensive POW in Men’s Soccer
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine forward Curtis Holcom its Offensive Players of the Week in men’s soccer for games played through September 11.
Holcom, a junior from Converse, Ind. (Oak Hill HS), scored the winning goal in both games as the Thunder captured their own Ketner Classic tournament over the weekend. Holcom scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Transylvania, Ky., and then scored again in a 3-1 win over Manchester. Holcom is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
9/6 - MIAA To Add Men’s, Women’s Lacrosse in 2012-13
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced today (Tuesday, Sept. 6) that it will add men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse as varsity conference sports, effective with the 2012-13 season, the 125th anniversary season for America’s oldest collegiate athletic conference.
Competition in men’s and women’s lacrosse will begin with the fall non-traditional season in 2012 and conclude with conference regular season and tournament play in the spring of 2013, Commissioner David Neilson said.
The addition of these sports brings to 20 the number of varsity sports the MIAA will sponsor in 2012-13, and marks the first new sports to be added to the conference’s lineup since it added women’s golf in 1991.
Seven MIAA member schools will sponsor men’s and women’s lacrosse in the 2012-13 season – Adrian, Albion, Alma, Calvin, Hope, Olivet and Trine, Neilson said.
With the minimum of seven participating conference schools, the MIAA will receive an automatic qualification to NCAA Division III postseason competition immediately.
Founded in 1888, the MIAA is the nation’s oldest collegiate athletic conference. Member institutions are Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin College, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Olivet College, Saint Mary’s College and Trine University.
9/5 - Thon Named MIAA Men’s Soccer POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine goalkeeper Nick Thon its Player of the Week in men’s soccer for games played through September 4.
Thon, a senior from South Haven, Michigan (South Haven HS), was named Defensive Player of the Week after he opened the season with back-to-back shutouts as Trine played to a 0-0 tie with Wabash, Ind., and blanked DePauw, Ind., 1-0. In the win over DePauw, Thon made nine saves as the Thunder played one man short during the final 40 minutes of the game. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career
