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After taking two of three against Wright State last weekend, the baseball team won two out of three games against Youngstown St. this weekend. The Crusaders now stand in third place in the Horizon League.

There were some fine performances by individual players in the two wins. In the opener Chris Manning scored four times, and in the second game Karch Kowalczyk had six RBIs after he got the save in the first game started by Cole Webb. Dalton Lundeen, already a two-time HL Pitcher of the Week, had 9 strikeouts and allowed no earned runs in the 8 innings he pitched in game two. He has now had three straight appearances without allowing an earned run, and he leads the league in ERA.

Here are a few of my photos from this weekend that include Webb, Manning, and Lundeen.

 The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been informed by the NCAA's Committee on Academic Performance that it was denied the final appeal of a postseason ban of its men's basketball team for 2014-15 because of past cumulative Academic Performance Rate (APR) scores. The decision means that Milwaukee is not eligible for the Horizon League Tournament or any other postseason competition following the regular season next year....

http://www.uwmpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040914aaa.html

I have posted a set of 30 baseball photos from this weekend, including the three below, at the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157643617718924/

The team won two out of three games against a very good Wright State squad and despite not much scoring. They swept the doubleheader with excellent pitching on Saturday (3-1 & 2-0), but gave up too many runs on Sunday and fell 4-2. The Raiders came into the series undefeated in the Horizon League with an 8-0 record.

In the fifth inning of the final game, starting pitcher Mario Losi had to leave with an injury. He looked to have a strained muscle, perhaps a pulled hamstring. If you check my photo gallery at the above link, I have an image of Losi's leg extension on the pitch where he was injured.

I also had the pleasure of meeting our own jetz at the game!

As we all know, the web site home page is the first impression most prospective students get of Valparaiso University. With that in mind, I thought I would note that VU today has introduced its re-designed home page, which now includes many more features. If you haven't checked it out, here it is: http://www.valpo.edu/

In case anyone had forgotten, on this date in 1998. Tried to find Todd's call, which is even better, but couldn't locate it. Also, I appreciate the brief glimpse at Bryce's teammates on the Valpo High School team, especially Tim Bishop!

Valparaiso v. Ole Miss, 1998-Bryce Drew Buzzer Beater

A comical take on all of the nation's basketball conferences with slogans and observations as suggested by each one's logo:

http://www.sportspickle.com/2014/03/unofficial-slogans-every-college-basketball-conference

Terrific and well-deserved article about our own Aaron Leavitt, the busiest man around, especially at this time of year: http://www.valpolife.com/community/serving/39616-a-valpo-life-that-matters-aaron-leavitt

Congratulations to LaVonte Dority on his First Team All-Conference selection: Well Deserved! 

I was at campus this afternoon and saw that the ARC box office was open on a Sunday afternoon to sell tickets for this Tuesday evening's game. I'm not sure what kind of a crowd to expect at the game, though I'm guessing it will be small and the weather today wasn't helping sales, since there was a snowstorm and sub-zero wind chills, plus the campus was mostly not plowed. As you can see in my photo below, the place was deserted.

However, this game could be a blessing in disguise. It gives the team, especially the seniors, a second chance at ending the home season on a high note. Also, as an optimist I might suggest a win on Tuesday for Valpo could sharpen its game for a possible run in Green Bay. Go Valpo!

This should be the biggest game of the conference season thus far for Valpo and for Green Bay, which will come into town undefeated in conference play after the home win over Detroit. Also, there ought to be a pretty good crowd since the #24 jersey of Bryce Drew / Bruce Lindner will be retired and raised to the rafters prior to the game.

In a related note: Alec Brown was injured in the Detroit game. Early reports suggest a dislocated shoulder, though the extent of the injury and his availability to play on Wednesday are yet to be decided.

Update: From the descriptions of Brown's injury by Green Bay fans, I'd guess we won't see him play on Wednesday.

Previews of the Horizon League teams in men and women's golf:

Men - http://golfweek.com/news/2014/jan/13/horizon-league-college-golf-men-preview/

Women - http://golfweek.com/news/2014/jan/13/horizon-league-college-golf-women-preview/

Word is that the first Valpo recruit to commit for 2014 football appears to be a quarterback, Conner Smith:

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/conner-smith/JFfvQ_ToEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/football-stats.htm#year=13-14

For those not on campus, and especially for those alums in warm weather locations, I thought you'd be interested to know that the university is officially closed for the next couple of days. From Provost Schwehn: "In light of the forecast for increasingly frigid temperatures and additional snow accumulation, Valparaiso University will suspend its operations from Sunday, January 5, until noon on Tuesday, January 7." The university is hoping to have operations ready for classes on Wednesday.

Below is a photo I took of the scene outside the ARC at halftime of the game Thursday night, which was before most of the snow had fallen from that storm and obviously before this weekend's big storm hit.

[ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com)]

View of game from the UCF web page, which declares "the ARC as a tough place to play"; however, with the students gone and the game on a Tuesday evening before Thanksgiving, I doubt there will be a large or noisy crowd.

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Last week the UCF men's basketball team picked up another impressive in-state victory under head coach Donnie Jones when the Knights topped defending ACC champion Miami. On Tuesday, UCF will face another 2013 NCAA Tournament team on the road when the squad plays at Valparaiso.

Tipoff from the Athletics-Recreation Center in Indiana is 8 p.m. Eastern. The contest will air on the UCF IMG Sports Network and WLOQ 102.5 FM in Orlando. The game is the second of three-consecutive contests on the road for the Knights, who will conclude the stretch next Tuesday at FAU.

The Knights (3-1) defeated Miami Thursday, 63-58, in Coral Gables. The win was the first in five tries against the Hurricanes in Miami for the Knights. UCF was led by Calvin Newell, who totaled 19 points. The senior guard is averaging a team-high 18.8 points.

UCF has been one of the nation's top rebounding team's this year. Jones' squad has had an edge on the glass in all four of its games and is averaging 45.8 rebounds while posting a +11.0 rebounding margin.

"The win at Miami was a great win for our program, but it is in the past now," Jones said. "We are trying to get better each and every day and I thought that last week, we got better. Valpo is a very well-coached team and it is a tough place to play. We need to be ready and need to be ready to play together."

The game at Valpo (3-3) is one of 12 for the Knights against 2013 NCAA Tournament teams this season. A year ago, the Crusaders won 26 contests.

UCF and the Crusaders will meet again in Orlando on Dec. 22 as part of the Jackson Hewitt UCF Holiday Classic.

Scott Adams will have the call Tuesday during the radio broadcast. Pregame coverage begins at 7:30 p.m.

UCF QUICK NOTES
• The Knights picked up an impressive in-state road win in its last outing, defeating Miami, 63-58, in Coral Gables. Against the defending ACC champions Thursday, UCF had four players finish with double digits in scoring, led by Calvin Newell (19 points). The Knights built a big second-half edge and then held off a late rally from the Hurricanes. The win was the first in five tries all time for UCF in Miami and the second in 26 games against ACC programs.

• Early on in 2013-14, the Knights have been one of the top rebounding squads in the country. UCF has outrebounded all four of its opponents and is averaging 45.8 boards, good for 17th in the country. The Knights own a +11.0 rebounding margin and are averaging 16.0 offensive boards. Last year, with Keith Clanton, the program's all-time leader in boards, on the squad, UCF owned just a +2.4 rebounding margin.

• The win at Miami was the latest impressive victory for the Knights under Donnie Jones. After joining the Division I ranks in 1984, UCF won just two games over "power" conference teams until Jones took over the helm of the program in 2010. In just over three years under Jones, the Knights have six wins over "power" conference programs.

• The game is the second of three straight on the road for the Knights. UCF has not had three-consecutive road non-conference games since 2008. The Knights will conclude the stretch next Tuesday back in south Florida at FAU.

• UCF will also meet Valpo on Dec. 22 in Orlando, marking the second-straight year that Donnie Jones' team has had a single-season home-and-home series. A year ago, the Knights faced USF in Tampa and Orlando.

SERIES INFO
• UCF and Valpo will be meeting for the fourth time and the Crusaders have a 2-1 series advantage
• The teams will meet next month in Orlando on Dec. 22 as part of the Jackson Hewitt UCF Holiday Classic
• The programs also had a single-season home-and-home series in 2008-09 and the home squad took both contests
• In the matchup in Indiana, the Crusaders shot 50.0 percent while limiting the Knights to only 30.4 percent shooting in a 69-52 victory for the hosts
• Jermaine Taylor led the Knights, who shot only 5-of-27 from deep, with 18 points and A.J. Rompza added 10 points in the losing effort
• UCF is 0-2 all-time in Indiana, having also faced Notre Dame in 2009

UCF GAME NOTES
A Newell Look
• Calvin Newell arrived at UCF in late 2011 as a transfer from Oklahoma with a reputation of a guard who could score in a variety of ways
• He showed flashes of his offensive ability a year ago when he averaged 11.1 points
• This season, Newell is scoring early and often for the Knights, averaging a team-high 18.8 points
• The senior has scored in double figures in all four games and most impressively for a guard, is shooting 55.8 percent from the field

The women on the bowling team don't get much attention. Indeed, I was looking for a thread to attach this note instead of starting a new conversation, but I was unable to locate one. I was asked about this lack of press coverage for bowling by a prominent university figure recently, and I was asked to take photos of the team; but I had to explain that they play almost all their tournaments elsewhere. They were only in Valparaiso one weekend all season, and unfortunately I was away that weekend.

Nevertheless, they should get more recognition for their success whenever possible. This weekend the bowlers are in Nebraska, and they defeated home team #1 ranked Nebraska. Coming into the tournament Valpo was ranked #14 nationally. They also have a fine record of beating top-ranked teams.

From the Valpo Athletics page: "[F]acing host #1 Nebraska, the Crusaders edged out a 973-964 victory, led by their best single game of the day, a 254 effort from Alvarez. The win was the eighth in program history over the nation's top-ranked team in their fifth season of competition."

http://valpoathletics.com/wbowling/news/2013-14/13182/valpo-continues-big-red-invitational-friday/

I have had a conversation with Coach Nantais, and I was impressed by what he had to say about the student-athletes on the team. I think he and the women are doing an excellent job. In only its fifth year, the Valpo bowling team is a huge success story that seems to be under the radar and should receive more attention.

Time to start a new thread with this week's billboard:

[Oakland University]

Two Oakland University basketball players -- including one NBA prospect -- were arrested Thursday morning after allegedly raping a woman in L.A., TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, 23-year-old starting guard Duke Mondy and 20-year-old Dante Williams were arrested inside a Culver City hotel following an SVU investigation, and subsequently booked for rape. They are each currently being held on $100,000 bail.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2013/11/15/oakland-university-dante-williams-murray-mondy-arrested-rape/#ixzz2kk64n6WX

Didn't see a thread started, so I thought I'd begin one with this year's men's basketball intro video:

2013-2014 Valpo Men's Basketball Intro Video

It is with great regret that I pass along this sad note on my friend Prof. Alan Bloom's death. Alan was a good friend to many of us, including those on this forum, and an avid fan of Valpo sports with his wife Colleen and their children, who are in my prayers. He was clearly one of the most popular professors and most liked individuals on campus. I never saw him without a smile. I remember this summer when Alan enthusiastically narrated to me how he played some basketball with Lubos Barton who was in town. The death of someone so full of life and joy on a daily basis at such a young age is shocking news that I have yet to fully comprehend. 

The softball team opened the 2013-2014 home schedule winning a pair of games in a doubleheader against Grand Valley State today. Unfortunately, those are the only home games scheduled for the fall. As can be seen in my photo below, the Valpo players wore special pink uniforms in honor of breast cancer awareness.

Unlike a number of years in the past, the weather for homecoming is excellent this year with clear skies and temperatures reaching the 80s during the day. Consequently, conditions are ideal for the many events taking place around campus, including Friday night's fireworks display. For those who couldn't be here this time around, I post the following photograph:

Since many on the board have had the privilege to know Prof. Schwehn the past three decades as a teacher, as the Director of Christ College, as the University Provost the last five years, and as an avid fan of Valpo sports, I thought I'd pass along the information now publicly released that he will be retiring as Provost at the end of this academic year.

Mark plans to return to teaching in Christ College after spending a year away on sabbatical. I believe he has done a great job. Finding an excellent person to fill the position of Provost will be crucial for the planned continuing growth of the university.

In case you didn't notice, the new year of Valpo sports begins today!

The women's soccer team is playing an exhibition game at NIU this afternoon. Therefore, I thought I'd begin a thread for following posts about the new season of women's soccer.

Media Day: Valpo Women's Soccer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iP0mw5h1ZsI#at=12

I regret to report that Prof. Arvid "Gus" Sponberg of the English Department died suddenly of a heart attack Tuesday night. I know some on this board have known Gus as I did, as a good friend; but also you may have known him as an avid supporter of VU Sports. In fact, Gus served as the announcer for football games at Brown Field for a number of years. Some on the board also may have been in his classes. I spoke to him on Tuesday, and he was looking forward to his fall courses and the new season of sports.

Therefore, I thought I'd pass along this sad news and the following information. For those in the area, services have now been set for 11 a.m. Saturday (8/10) at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Visitation will be at the church from 9 - 11 a.m. prior to the service. A campus memorial service is being planned for Nov. 8, Gus's birthday. President Heckler will release an official announcement soon.

Valparaiso University has lost one of its finest.

A 6'7" transfer from Charlotte:

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/12801/nickerson-joins-crusader-mens-basketball-program/

Word out that Max Joseph a 2014 point guard from Montreal, Canada has committed to Valpo.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/max-joseph

According to a report by Sean Ryan at College Baseball Insider, Kent State is considering Coach Woodson for its opening at head coach. "Hearing Valpo head coach Tracy Woodson is in mix at Kent State. Has taken Crusaders to NCAA tourney past two years." Others under consideration are Texas Assistant Coach Andy Sawyers and Purdue Associate Head Coach Jeff Duncan.

The new issue of VALPO magazine has a number of fine features and photos, including an article on the "Journey Around the Globe" with Ryan and Kevin, a piece about the basketball team's championship season in "Valpo Caps Season with Trip to NCAA Tournament," a profile of our own Greg Tonagel in "Answering the Call to Coach"—as well as other articles about Valpo women's soccer, the 2013 Hall of Fame class, Kyle Zobeck in the pros, and the golf team's trip to the NCAA.

In addition, there is an article, "Moving Forward," with Pres. Heckler interviewed about the University Strategic Plan: The whole issue is available online at the following:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/307830a6#/307830a6/1

Congratulations to the ladies! The championship game was entertaining to watch. (Appreciative again of the HL Network.)

Some on this board will forever remember the name Jaraan Cornell and this moment the way I do, as a painful memory: Bryce on the other end of "The Shot." (See video at the link.) Also, it is sad to see Tim Bishop in the video, as well as to note the huge crowd and enthusiasm before the unfortunate switch to class basketball.

The drive back to Valpo from Indy that evening was the longest and quietest ever, as nobody knew what to say. However, in the 19 years since then much has been said and the shot has come up often in conversations or arguments at diners and high school basketball games. As much as I like and admire coach Punter, I questioned aloud the defense with players inside the lane when only a three-pointer could tie the game as I watched from the stands: I didn't understand it then, and I still don't. 

http://www.wndu.com/sports/headlines/Clay-hires-Colonials-legend-Cornell-as-new-girls-head-basketball-coach-206741681.html

From the ARC Awards: Gangnam Style. Enjoy!

ARC Awards-Gangnam Style Video

Junior is only a junior. He'll be, hands down, the face of the HL next year as much as I hate to say it.  That will be big for HL exposure.  And they lose "only" Minerath and Anderson with 6th man Bruinsma moving into a starting role.  They need to find that 5th starter.  Any word on the recruiting class? 

Various reports today state that Ray Jr. has decided to enter the NBA draft. Of course, he has plenty of time to change his mind. Also, in addition to losing Minerath and Anderson, word is that at least two other Detroit players, including Jason Calliste, may be leaving.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has opened an investigation of men's basketball coach Brian Wardle after the school received a complaint from the parents of a former player, alleging mistreatment.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20130411/GPG020110/130411080/UWGB-opens-investigation-men-s-basketball-coach?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|&nclick_check=1

Just got home from the game, and I thought I'd share a few images of the post-game championship celebration.


The Championship Placard:




Bryce embraces the tournament MVP:




An all-tournament team player celebrates:




Displaying the trophy:




More championship hardware:




Coach gets doused with Gatorade in the locker room:

For those unable to attend Senior Night and missed the ceremonies, I thought I'd start a separate thread where I would post some of my photos. It was great to notice the closeness of this group, as can be seen in this picture I took of them with their coach.

I think the sports reporters for the local media have been doing a very good job in covering Valpo this year, and I know they read or post on this message board. Therefore, I thought I would begin a new ongoing topic where members can suggest reasonable, relative, and appropriate questions they would like addressed to Bryce, ML, or the coaches and administration about specific issues by those who have the opportunity to do so.

For instance, despite shooting 62.5% from 3-point range early on, Alex Rossi hasn't played in a long time, and he has seen no playing time at all in conference games. Obviously, there is a reason. This has led to speculation on the board about his physical condition, especially thoughts on a foot problem, or other concerns; however, a recent poster claimed to have knowledge that there is no foot problem and no disciplinary problem with Alex.

This suggests a couple of legitimate questions to Bryce from a reporter: "Why has Rossi sat on the bench throughout the entire conference season, even at times when Valpo has a big late-game lead or when a 3-point shooter could be helpful? Is there a petition for redshirt in the works or a consideration of petitioning?"

Another issue raised on the board concerns the Five-Year Athletics Plan that has been drawn up. Last month there was a suggestion from someone in a position to know that the plan would be revealed in January. However, since January is now over, I think a reporter could ask, without requesting advance details: "When will the plan be revealed and might it be part of President Heckler's State of the University Address on February 14? Does the plan take into account the expected expansion of the Horizon League?"

A third question concerns Horizon League expansion. Apparently, Wright State's university president publicly stated on the record in a television interview an announcement would be coming in March, it would include more than one addition to the league, and the news will be well received. A good question, one that would not require revelation of specifics from the VU administration, could cite the Wright State president's quote and ask for a confirmation by the VU administration: "Does the statement by the Wright State president that there will be more than one addition to the league match with an understanding of the situation held by VU?"   

Any additional reasonable and appropriate questions others would like asked?   

Seems Vegas still has confidence in the Crusaders: Valpo favored over IUPUI by 19 points in early lines. However, I think it will be difficult to beat that spread since a big lead would give Bryce reason to experiment with different combinations and play everyone. Let's just get the win.

A little delightful holiday diversion:

Happy Holidays from Valpo Athletics

Valpo listed as #21 among the preseason College Insider Top 25 Mid-Majors:

http://www.collegeinsider.com/new/mens-mid-major-top-25.php

The 2012-2013 Men's Intro Video:

2012-2013 Valpo Men's Basketball Intro Video

Reports are that Detroit assistant basketball coach Derek Thomas and Athletic Director Keri Gaither have both suddenly resigned, effective immediately. No details yet, but this can't be good for the program right at the beginning of a new season.

I thought this deserves a topic heading of its own. Welcome Alec Peters to the incoming class of 2013!

Word this morning is that Notre Dame will be exiting the Big East and moving to the ACC in all sports except football and hockey.

Wright State women's basketball coach Mike Bradbury has announced the hiring of former Valparaiso head coach Keith Freeman as an assistant coach for the Raiders.

"We are very excited to have Keith join our coaching staff," said Bradbury.  "To have his more than 20 years of experience on our staff will be a real asset to our program."

"I appreciate the opportunity to work with Mike Bradbury and join his staff," said Freeman.  "I'm looking forward to help build the program and compete for the Horizon League title."


http://www.wsuraiders.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27000&ATCLID=205500786

http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1976:valpo-lands-meanstreets-star-jubril-adekoya&catid=34:recruiting
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Received the following from President Heckler this morning:

It is with great anticipation and pleasure that I announce today the expansion of Valparaiso University into Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. The University is partnering with the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago to open a satellite campus.

Valparaiso University of Chicago is planning to offer three graduate programs at the new location, as well as an immigration law clinic.

Growth is a key focus of Valpo's Strategic Plan, and Chicago has a sizeable higher education community, which we are pleased to be joining. After much consideration and deliberation, we identified several graduate programs that we feel will add value and are very relevant to the higher education market in Chicago.

Classes are scheduled to begin this fall. The three initial graduate programs planned are a Master of Business   Administration; a Master of Health Administration; and a Master of Ministry Administration, which will be the first of its kind offered in the Chicago region.

Additionally, the Hyde Park campus will house the Valparaiso University Law School's Immigration Clinic. At the clinic, Valparaiso Law student representatives will learn trial practice, legal research and writing, and client interviewing and counseling skills by representing immigrants with claims grounded in human rights and domestic and international law. The immigration clinic will open in August.

The Master of Health Administration and Master of Ministry Administration are new programs for Valparaiso University.

The Master of Health Administration reflects the University's long history of engagement in issues   of health care, driven in part by the Lutheran tradition of outreach to the community through hospitals, nursing homes, other health care facilities, and indemnity programs. The program is grounded in best practices in the health care and business fields, and prepares persons of all beliefs to deal with current and forthcoming ethical challenges of medicine and health care.

The Master of Ministry Administration degree was created after much research with the faith-based community and focuses directly on the business needs of faith-based organizations.   

I am grateful to everyone who worked to make this partnership come to fruition and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Former Valparaiso University men's basketball coach Homer Drew was honored as the recipient of the 2012 Coach John Wooden "Keys to Life" Award at the annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast on Saturday in New Orleans.

The Keys to Life award, established by sports ministries Athletes in Action and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1998, is presented annually to a past or current college or professional basketball player or coach who models the characteristics of UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden....

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/drew-receives-wooden-keys-to-life-award/article_34f59cef-13a3-592b-8f00-121db2f12ef5.html