Judson Athletics

JU WS: Blogging from Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Freshman Kelly Creager (Huntley, Ill.) will be updating all the fans about the trip to Arizona. Here is her first update:

Wednesday/Thursday, September 1st-2nd

Facebook Pics l Season Preview
Yesterday was fun at the airport! We had a good time relaxing and enjoying each others company. Our plane took off at 9pm and we had a few first timers, Kailyn Quinn and Season Gillian. On the flight we passed through a storm and were able to watch the lighting, which was awesome! After the plane we were very tired, pilled into 2 rentals and headed off to our hotel which was an hour away. We arrived around 230am this morning as passed out in our rooms right away! When we awoke we were able to go out to eat; had a big breakfast at the restaurant Zekes! So delicious! We practiced on Embry Riddle Universities practice field. It was VERY dry, the temperature was not unbearable. Due to the dryness of the air, the water tasted extra refreshing and went through a lot of it! After that we took a trip to Walmart and then Olive Garden for dinner. The mountains were amazing! Not a cloud in the sky and the scenery is breath taking. God is so good! We stopped to take some pictures which was fun :) So we just got in from dinner and are stuffed! We're relaxing and waiting to see what tomorrow has in store for us. We're all very excited to be here!

Judson Baseball in CCAC

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0000

In the latest NAIA/CCAC update of rankings for the conference, Judson University is first. Here are the rankings:

Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference

1. Judson University (Ill.) (7-1 / 17-9)
2. University of St. Francis (Ill.) (4-1 / 10-7)
3. Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) (4-1 / 13-7-1)
4. Saint Xavier University (Ill.) (5-3 / 15-9-1)
5. Illinois Institute of Technology (5-3 / 5-8)

Judson Baseball/Softball in NCCAA

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:56:00 +0000

The newest NCCAA National Polls have come out and Judson University is making their presence known. Softball is #5 in the nation while baseball is #11. Here are the polls:

Softball
1 Olivet Nazarene University 20-2
2 Central Baptist College 28-0
3 Bethel College 17-2-1
4 Palm Beach Atlantic University 21-7
5 Judson University 14-8
6 King College 12-8
7 Spring Arbor University 11-9
8 North Greenville University 17-12
9 Asbury College 11-3
10 Indiana Wesleyan 10-10

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Baseball
1 Bluefield College 15-7-1
2 Malone University 20-5
3 Mt. Vernon Nazarene 12-6
4 Trinity International 15-8
5 Spring Arbor 15-6
6 Olivet Nazarene 13-7-1
7 King College 14-8
8 North Greenville 21-7
9 Cedarville 15-7
10 Southeastern University 17-12
11 Judson University 17-9

New Video: Men's Lacrosse

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Judson University will start men's lacrosse in the 2010-11 athletic season. Check out what new head coach A.J. Collier has to say about the new program.

SID Blog: Thoughts from Branson

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:48:00 +0000

Follow Adam Ledyard (Assistant Athletic Director) at the NAIA Division II National Tournament as he is with the men's basketball team.

NAIA Men’s Basketball Blog

Thursday Day 3

It was a day of travelling back to Illinois. Everybody left about 10 a.m. for the nine hour drive. We all had breakfast together at the Grand Country buffet one last time and ate with our sponsor Mitch from Copy Run. Everybody is still tired and drained from the emotional game vs. Oregon Tech. I think this trip will stay with the people that went a long time.

It is hard saying good bye to the five seniors that contributed to the Judson basketball program the past two years. They have helped to turn it around under Tony Tompkins. Two CCAC Championships (1 regular season, 1 tournament) and one NAIA National Tournament bid. Not a bad way to go out as a class. They also won 38 games and now Judson has had three straight winning seasons for the first time since the early 1960s. Congratulations to the seniors. You will be missed. The underclassmen all of something to live up to now and know what it tastes like to play at the national level.

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Wednesday Day 2

It was a bittersweet day for us all. The game vs. Oregon Tech was a very good game but left us all emotionally drained. After being down 21 points in the first half and then coming back to take the lead by three with just over four minutes to go and then losing by six was a roller coaster ride. I am so proud of the team and the coaches. To take on the Goliath of #2 Oregon Tech and to face them the way we did - the team should be proud.

I had a chance to talk to the team before the game and I talked to them about Facing the Giants and a parable from that movie about the two farmers asking God for rain on their crops. The parable came at a point in the movie where the football coach thought he was done with the team and then the pastor came in and told him that God was not done with him yet and then proceeded to tell him the parable about the faith of two farmers: Two farmers were in a drought and needed rain badly. Both farmers were praying for rain but only one farmer was preparing for the rain by working the fields. The pastor asked the coach - who do you think had the faith that it was going to rain. Then in the championship game, the coach told his other coach that he was preparing for rain because God was getting ready to come. With all that said, Judson was preparing for rain on Wednesday against Oregon Tech. God did provide for Judson in a way that we may not be able to know about. Coming back from 21 points down and then taking the lead in the second half, that was God working. The team did wonders in that game against the #2 team in the nation. Maybe God is preparing Judson athletics and basketball for rain! We just need to have the faith that God will rain on us.

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Tuesday: Day 1

Heading back to Missouri is always a nice thought for me because of my family friends and ties here in the Ozark area. It is even better this week as Judson is playing in the NAIA National Tournament. This is the second time I have been down here in three years as I came with the men two years ago in their first-ever appearance in the tournament.

Leaving at 6:45 a.m. this morning, Athletics Director Nancy Binger and I drove down to Branson for the big game. We made it in pretty decent time with just a couple of stops. As soon as we made it to Branson, we met up with the team to go to the kickoff banquet at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. The show and food were great as they kept you entertained the whole time. We had no silverware and had to eat everything with our hands. It was quite fun!

Our sponsor, Mitch and Sue Rooker of Copy Run, is a very sweet couple. He is our sponsor for the national tournament and will be around with the team this week. He took the guys to a nice Italian restaurant earlier today and then was with us tonight at the Dixie Stampede. He and his wife were called upon for participation in the horse race (fake wooden horse that you put between your legs) with his wife down on the main floor. They both preceded to win and score a point for the North and receive a medal.

It has been nice catching up with the guys to see how they are doing. They are focused and ready to play Oregon Tech. They know they are down here on a business trip with a little fun mixed in. They want to help put Judson on the map in the national scene and an upset over the #2 team might just do that.

Well, that is it for now. We play at 5:45 p.m. tomorrow with a day full of watching basketball on schedule. Follow us through Twitter as I will be posting some of my thoughts as the game goes on at www.twitter.com/adam_ledyard.

JU Softball: Interview with Becky Stenning

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:39:00 +0000

The Judson University softball team opened up the season in Arizona on Monday. Read below what head coach Becky Stenning has to stay about the season. (AL: Adam Ledyard - Asst. Athletic Director; BS: Becky Stenning).

AL: How do you feel about the upcoming softball season?

BS: I am so excited to play! This is a great group of girls that have spent the winter working hard and bonding on and off the field. There is a plethora of talent on this team, and I am ready to see it come together between the lines.

AL: What are some of the goals for the team?

BS: Winning is an obvious goal, but we want to win the conference, play as one united team, and be all in and all out! We also want to break the 30-win barrier this year and win the NCCAA National Championship and go to the NAIA World Series in Alabama.

AL: How will the newcomers impact the team?

BS: We have five new faces on our team and each of them has a huge role. Not only do they provide depth, but their spirit and hard work ethic make us stronger every day.

AL: What will it take to win the CCAC and go to the NAIA National Tournament?

BS: I definitely think we have the talent. We just need to trust in ourselves, work as a team, and execute. Each of us has a role, and as long as we embrace those roles we are going to have a great year! We are at our best when we are aggressive and loud, so that is our plan!

AL: How does the competition look to be on your schedule?

BS: The competition is tough, but that's what we want. We want to push ourselves, and exceed others expectations! It's fun to go out and show people they need to worry about JU Softball!

AL: How has the team prepared to improve upon last year’s 25 wins?

BS: As a staff we have worked on getting in individuals that add depth so that in the long stretches of games we have more arms to push us through. But the team has really worked on accuracy, aggressive swings, execution, and most of all team chemistry.

AL: Heading into your sixth season as a head coach, how do you feel your program has grown in that time?

BS: I feel so blessed to see how God has grown our team. Returners continue to mature and really pick up leadership roles. They have seen improvement and really buy into our concepts. In addition, the newcomers seem very excited to be part of Judson softball. Building a tradition is important, but sometimes difficult, and it is really amazing to see it all come together. We get stronger and stronger every day, and I love to see the girls really committing to a total team effort. I am excited to see what God has planned for us next.

MBB Preview: Judson vs. #2 Oregon Tech

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:12:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (17-12, 10-2) will face #2 Oregon Tech (29-4, 15-3) in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Division II Men’s Basketball National Tournament. This will be the Eagles second tournament appearance. They lost in their only game played in the tournament. The Owls boast the second most tournament appearances this year with 12 to go along with a record of 26-9. Oregon Tech has won two NAIA Division II National Championships with their recent coming in 2008 and their other one coming during the 2004 season. The Owls have never lost in the opening round of the NAIA Division II Tournament.

The Eagles rank in the top 25 for seven different NAIA Men’s Division II team statistical categories. They rank fourth overall in assists per game (17.655), ninth in defensive rebounds per game (28.103), 10th in field goal percentage (0.487), 11th in scoring offense per game (85.310), 11th in total assists (512), 17th in assist/turnover ratio (1.087), and 25th in blocks per game (3.379). Judson University also has two players ranked in the top 25 for individual statistics in five different categories. Junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) ranks 13th in total assists (142) and assists per game (4.897). Sophomore Josh Edwards (Mapleton, IL) ranks 21st in 3-pt. field goal made per game (2.857), 24th in 3-pt. field goal percentage (0.417), and 25th in total 3-pt. field goal made (80). The Eagles leading scorer is CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) All-Conference Team member in sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX) with 15.3 points per game. Skinner is also the team leader in steals with 1.2 per game. The Eagles leading rebounder is CCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention in senior Ben Rayhorn (Dakota, IL) with 5.9 rebounds per game. Leading the team in assists per game is another CCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention in junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) with 4.9 assists per game. The Eagles leading shot blocker is freshman standout Anthony Ahlers (Magnolia, IL) with 1 block per game.

The Owls of Oregon Tech captured their second straight CCC (Cascade Collegiate Conference) Tournament title. The Owls have both the CCC Player of the Year in senior Justin Parnell and CCC Coach of the Year in Danny Miles. Recently Coach Miles became the third winningest coach in college basketball history with 903 wins in his 39th season as head coach of Oregon Tech. Miles has passed many coaching legends with his 903rd career win such as Bob Knight, Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, and Mike Krzyzewski. The Owls rank in the top 25 in 17 different NAIA Men’s Division II team statistical categories. They rank first overall in assist/turnover ratio (1.509), second in total rebound defense (29.303), second in field goal percentage (0.501), fourth in scoring margin (16.606), fourth in total rebound margin (9.152), sixth in total scoring offense (2732), seventh in free throw percentage (0.740), seventh in total assists (528), ninth in 3-pt. field goal percentage (0.379), 10th in total 3-pt. field goal made (270), 12th in scoring defense per game (66.182), 15th in 3-pt. field goal made per game (8.182), 17th in assists per game (16), 18th in total rebound offense (1269), 19th in scoring offense per game (82.788), 20th in 3-pt. field goal percentage defense (0.310), and 20th in total blocks (104). Leading the way for the Owls is senior Justin Parnell who leads the team in points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game. Parnell is averaging 17.52 points per game, 6.94 rebounds per game, and 4.88 assists per game, which ranks him 14th in NAIA Men’s Division II. The Owls three conference losses were to College of Idaho, Northwest Christian, and Eastern Oregon University, who are also in the NAIA tournament as the 14th seed.

The opening round game between the Eagles and Owls will feature two of the top scoring offenses in NAIA Division II and will be worth the price of admission, as both teams will play extremely hard. The Owls have the upper hand in terms of coaching experience as they are riding a nine game winning streak under head coach Danny Miles. The Eagles are also coming in on a seven game winning streak under head coach Tony Tompkins after starting the season 1-10.

JU Softball Blog: Kristin Krueger

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Kristin Krueger, a starter on the softball team, will be blogging from Arizona and telling us what is happening with the team.

Saturday Blog: Day 7

Not much to report today. I was ticked off last night shortly after sending in my last post because our games got postponed once again for no reason... and i mean NO REASON! So there was no Gates Pass at sunset. :(

Got to sleep in and then played two games. Game 1 was against Dickinson State and we lost something like 13-6. We started off strong and then errors by us and big hits from them took away our intensity. Game 2 was against Black Hills and we lost 10-4. Our bats just were not coming around and they also made some very nice defensive plays to take away some hits.

Needless to say, we end our spring break trip 6-4 which isn't bad, we were just hoping to come out with more wins. We leave in the early afternoon tomorrow so this will be my last posting. Thanks to all of you who are/were reading this.
KK

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Friday Blog: Day 6

Well... For the first time all week games were ON TIME!!! We had a little bit of time before the games, so my room was on laundry. Nothing too special about that except, Coach was doing laundry and her machine flooded the whole room... and there was some crazy lady who seemed a little desperate to get her laundry in the machines...

We had 2 games today. The first was against the Jamestown Jimmies. We didn't play our best, but we won 8-5. Our hitting was what really helped us out. Nicole had her first homer of the year! Game 2 was against Great Falls. Again not our best game, but it was on the offensive side. We lost 2-1. The only run was actually off of an in-the-park home run by yours truly. I still can't believe it! Not to mention my family was there to see it! My mom flew in last night and joined my dad and sister so they were all there.

Today was really all about softball. Although we only played 2 games, we ate dinner at the park between our games and stayed there for a while. After the games was a trip to Chipotle for a later dinner and then quite a few laughs in the van and again at our team meeting.

Tomorrow has our last 2 games of the trip and a trip to Gates Pass to watch the sunset. So until then!

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Thursday Blog: Day 5

Thursday Blog:

It was another LONG day for the Judson softball team. We started off thinking our first game was at noon. However, by 10:15am when we got to the fields, we found out that due to the rain last night, our games were postponed. That postponement put our noon game at about 3:30pm. And we played 3 games back to back to back.

So we stayed at the fields and watched some games until lunch, grabbed our lunch and came back to watch more games and finally warm-up. Our first game of the day was against Bellevue University. Haley and Lizzy both pitched well in that game and we hit really well to beat them 13-7.

The next game was against Minot University who funny enough are staying at our hotel. Some of the girls and I got a chance to talk to their coaches a little bit before we left the hotel and they seemed pretty confident that they were going to beat us. They obviously didn't know who they were messing with... We played a tough back and forth pitcher's battle and made some awesome defensive plays until we strung together 2 runs. they came back in the 7th and scored one, but Big Mama (Sarah) came around for us and finished up her first full game of the season. We won 2-1.

Our 3rd and final game of the day was against NAIA ranked Madonna University. After a just finishing a close game against Minot, we were hoping to keep that momentum going into that game as well. We played hard the first few innings but found ourselves behind 5-0 after 3. We battled back to tie the game up in the 5th at 5 runs apiece, but they answered right back with 4 more runs and eventually another 3 to make it a 12-5 game going into the bottom of the 7th. We fought hard, but fell short for a final score of 12-11. Hallie and Big Mama came through and pitched great even though we fell a little short.

Since this is my blog, I need to brag a little bit by saying that I hit my first triple since high school against Madonna! Ok, enough of that... I'm not that type of person... Anyway, it's after 1 in the morning and although a our first game isn't until 2 tomorrow, I need to get some sleep! JU softball is now 5-1 which is spectacular! We look forward to adding 2 more wins tomorrow!

Unitl then,

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Wednesday Blog: Day 4

Wednesday Blog:

It has been a LONG day! It's nearly 1am here in Tucson and we literally just got back to our rooms. Today was supposed to be our day off, but we were able to pick up 2 late games to help make-up for all of the rain outs.

The day started with some hiking at Sabino Canyon. It's a beautiful national park that has mountains and dams and plenty of trails to hike. Plus if you're lucky (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) you might even see a bobcat! Everyone got to go on their own trail as long as they had a buddy. I was fortunate to get to spend some time with my dad and sister while we hiked as well as Lizzy and her mom, Kaiti, Trish, and Alli all with us as we hiked to the Sabino Dam. I myself love hiking so I found this a nice relaxing time to just experience nature and get some sun (although it's still chilly outside).

After Sabino, the team got some lunch and headed back to the hotel get ready for our games at 6 and 8. It was wonderful to get to play softball again after all of the rainouts. We played Peru State College in our first game and won 6-5 in 8 innings. Nikki started the game and Sarah (Big Mama) finished it up. Game 2 was against Cornerstone University and that had a final score of 13-8. Also a win for us! Concetta had her first homer of the season in a long 3rd inning where we scored all 13 runs and went through the batting order twice. Bri started the game while Haley came in and Hallie finished it off. It was a great team effort to pull out both W's and Coach's 100th win!

Tomorrow brings us 3 more games at 12, 4, and 6 so it'll be another long day of softball. The good news, no more rain in the forecast (knock on wood)! We look forward to taking on some more teams out here and kicking some butt!

Until tomorrow!

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Tuesday Blog: Day 3

Today was a bitter sweet day. We got to play our first game (after being pushed back and then delayed another hour...) but due to rain the remaining two games were called. We are hoping to pick up some games tomorrow on our off day, but that is still to be determined.

Our game today was against Iowa Wesleyan. Haley Secor dropped a bomb and we won the game 6-4. Lunch was at Eegee's which is a local sub chain. I've been told they have great slushies, but because we thought we were still playing today, we didn't get them. It's also the best place in the area for semi-healthy food for between games.

While wasting time to start our next games, the rain clouds starting rolling in and the rain started pouring down. We took refuge in our vans and while the coaches were waiting to see what the rest of the day had in store for us, a battle started between the two vans. My van totally won, bombarding them with banana peels and water bottles and the only successful attempt they had at us was an apple... a whole apple... that I think they got out of the trash...

Tonight, we plan on chilling in the hotel eating pizza and watching movies. "What About Bob?" is the first one on the list, a personal favorite of mine.

Like I said, we'll wait and see what tomorrow has in store. It's supposed to be our day off in which case, majority of the team will go to the Cubs game and those of us who have parents here with us can spend some time with them. My dad and twin sister are here so if we don't have games or if they are later, we plan on going hiking. Tonight is also supposed to be the end of the rain and it should be sunny the rest of the week and getting progressively warmer. We look forward to playing more softball... but for now, being undefeated isn't too bad. 1-0 baby!

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Monday Blog: Day 2

So we get up and are ready to play softball... Unfortunately the weather wasn't. Our two games today were cancelled and needless to say our team was not too happy about it. So instead of hitting homers and fielding ground balls, the Judson Softball team went shopping at the mall. I myself am not much of a shopper, but I can see how people can find release in it. Well, after shopping, we took some fly balls in the parking lot outside the hotel to better prepare us for our three games tomorrow, which as of now are still on time.

Tonight was also our big team dinner where we all get dressed up and look our best while eating some good food. My friends from home like to refer to this day as "dress up KK day" because if you know me, it is not everyday that I wear make-up let alone a dress... This year, we went to World Sports Grille and enjoyed some wonderful food and quite a few laughs.

Shortly after getting back to the hotel, we had a quick team meeting and now we're all off to bed to get ourselves ready for the games tomorrow.

More to come tomorrow!

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Sunday Blog: Day 1

So today was all about travelling... Left school at 7:30 this morning to head for the airport with the golf team. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally made it to good ole Tuscan, AZ. At the airport, the cameras were flashing like crazy by many of the newbies who got their first glimpse of a real cactus. The rest of the day was filled with eating, a short running session in an underground parking garage (it was a little scary, not gonna lie), a team meeting to get us pumped for the games tomorrow, and an early bedtime. The only downside, with all the rain Tuscan has gotten in the past week, our games have been moved back to 2 and 4 tomorrow.

There will be plenty more to come with the first games of the season! We are all super excited and ready to go!

Former JU Goalie Now Helping Chicago Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:52:00 +0000

Check out the ESPNChicago article on former Judson men's soccer player Aron Hyde. He is the new goal keeper coach for the MLS team Chicago Fire.

ESPN Chicago - Hyde Energizing Fire's GK Corps

MBB Preview: Judson vs. Purdue North Central (1st Round of the CCAC Tournament)

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (14-12, 10-2) is hosting the first round of the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) tournament against visiting Purdue North Central (7-21, 2-10). Judson swept the season series with scores of 83-73 and 98-71. This is head coach Tony Tompkins second straight playoff birth with the Eagles. Tompkins team finished with a record of 21-11 and a first place finish in the CCAC with a record of 10-2 during the 2008-2009 season. His postseason record as a head coach is 1-1 with a crushing lose to Trinity Christian by a score of 91-79.

Leading the way for the Eagles is sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX) who recently reached his 1,000 career point in his second year at Judson. Skinner is averaging a team high 15.8 points per game to go along with his 2.7 assists per game and 1.2 steals per game. He is second on the team in minutes played per game with 28.7. During these two teams latest matchup senior Josh Weber (Sterling, IL) went perfect from the floor for a team high 24 points on 12-12 shooting. The Eagles offense starts with junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) who has surged late in the season to bump his scoring average to 11.2 points per game, along with 4.4 rebounds, and a team high 4.9 assists.

Junior Ryan Sisson has been the team’s most consistent player all season averaging 21.4 points per game, which puts him atop the conferences leading scorers. Sisson also averages 6.1 rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per game. He also leads his team in minutes played with 36.3 per game. Rounding out the scoring for the Panthers are sophomores Nathaniel Carroll and Jordan Delks. The two of them combine to score 24.6 points per game. The Panthers are averaging just 73.0 points per game with a scoring margin of minus 6.1. Overall the Panthers shoot the basketball well but with the lack of scoring besides the big three they have failed to win many games.

Expect the Eagles to come out fired up and ready to put on a show for the home crowd. Judson is 5-1 at home when playing a conference game. The Eagles offense will be too much for the Panthers to handle.

WBB Preview: Judson vs. Trinity International (1st Round of the CCAC Tournament)

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:59:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (9-18, 3-7) will travel to Trinity International (9-19, 4-6) for the first round of the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) tournament. Trinity International swept the season series with two wins and scores of 75-73 and 70-60. The Trojans are entering the postseason on a four game winning streak.

This is head coach Jim Cook’s sixth season as basketball coach for the Eagles and fifth as the women’s basketball coach for Judson University. He split head coaching duties with both the men and women’s teams during the years of 2005 through 2008 where he went 53-66 with the men’s team and 52-58 with the women’s team. Trinity International defeated the Eagles in last years CCAC tournament during the semi-final round by a score of 60-58.

The Eagles are led by seniors, Aubrey Parsons (Sterling, IL), Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, IL), and Kirstin Johns (Belvidere, IL). The three of them combine to score 50% of the teams scoring. Judson however has another player stepping up big as of late with that being senior Kristi Siemers (Bensenville, IL). Siemers is averaging 7.2 points per game and has hit a team high 40 three pointers on the year. She is shooting 35% from beyond the arc. Senior Crystal Goodall (Atlanta, GA) is leading the team in steals with 2.1 per game to go along with her 2.2 assists and 6.1 points per game.

Trinity International has four players averaging double figures this season. Leading the charge for the Trojans is junior Melanie Duplessis who is averaging 16.6 points per game. The other three players are sophomore Vivianne Kindt averaging 11.0 points per game, junior Reanna Perera averaging 11.2 points per game, and senior Lavina Price averaging 11.5 points per game.

The Eagles are looking to forget about last year’s loss to the Trojans along with this seasons two losses and extend their season another day. The five seniors for the Eagles will look to play hard to keep their collegiate playing days alive.

MBB Preview: Judson vs. Trinity International

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:28:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (13-12, 9-2) will host visiting Trinity International (6-21, 4-7) for the Eagles final regular season game of the season. The two teams met earlier this year with Judson defeating Trinity International with a score of 89-72.

The Eagles have averaged to outscore their opponents by a scoring margin of +2.7 on the season. Leading the way for them is sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX) with 16 points per game. Skinner has been referred to by many as one of the most talented and athletic players in the conference. A few other players offer some assistance with them being sophomore Josh Edwards (Mapleton, IL) who is averaging 14.1 points per game and may be the best three-point shooter in the conference. Edwards has the ability to light it up on any given night and from way beyond the three-point line. The Eagles also get huge contribution from big-men and seniors Josh Weber (Sterling, IL) and Ben Rayhorn (Dakota, IL) who combine to average 20 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game.

The Trojans are led by two very talented juniors, Ignas Verbus and Patrick Atkins. The two of them combine to score 35.8 points per game and 13 rebounds per game. The Trojans other player averaging in double figures is junior Tyrone Smith who averages 12 points per game. The three players combine to average 62% of the teams scoring. Trinity International is allowing their opponents to a scoring margin of -9.2 points per game and averaging 77.3 points per game along the way.

The Eagles will finish out the season extremely well with a win against TIU and will give them 10 conference wins, which is second behind Cardinal Stritch.

WBB Preview: Judson vs. Trinity International

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:26:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (9-17, 3-6) will host visiting Trinity International (8-19, 3-6) for the Eagles final regular season game of the season. The two teams met earlier this year with Trinity International defeating Judson with a score of 75-73.

The Eagles are led by seniors, Aubrey Parsons (Sterling, IL), Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, IL), and Kirstin Johns (Belvidere, IL). The three of them combine to score 50% of the teams scoring. Judson however has another player stepping up big as of late with that being senior Kristi Siemers (Bensenville, IL). Siemers is averaging 7.2 points per game and has hit a team high 40 three pointers on the year. She is shooting 35% from beyond the arc.

Trinity International has four players averaging double figures this season. Leading the charge for the Trojans is junior Melanie Duplessis who is averaging 16.5 points per game. The other three players are sophomore Vivianne Kindt averaging 11. 7 points per game, junior Reanna Perera averaging 11.4 points per game, and senior Lavina Price averaging 11 points per game.

I believe that the Eagles will split the season series tomorrow with a win against TIU. The Eagles will need to shoot the three extremely well early for them to stay in the game.

Video: JU Professor Darren Wilson on The 700 Club

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:41:00 +0000

Check out his interview on The 700 Club:

Click here for link to CBN - The 700 Club

New JUSE Videos: Check Them Out

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:26:00 +0000

Check out the new JUSE Videos made by senior Ben Weltzin:

JU Commercial

Adam Westhauser - Identity in Christ

Rachel Bradley - Identity in Christ

Joel Cotton - Identity in Christ

SIDs Thoughts from Metrodome Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:24:00 +0000

Two days removed from the Minnesota Metrodome trip, I am still feeling the effects. I am not as young as I use to be but I had a blast. The trip, in itself, went good overall. It was one of the better athletic trips I have been on in my eight years of doing sports information.

The experience of doing statistics from the press box at the Metrodome will be one that I will not forget. It was so cool sitting up in the press box behind home plate. The view was phenomenal and I had it all to myself – along with men’s and women’s golf coach Chris Watson who came to hang out with me up there on day two. I felt like a real press person walking down to the dugouts the back way and onto the field. It gave you a sense of what the big press people do.

I enjoyed getting to know the baseball team some more. It is a whole new group of players from what was here last year. I had a chance to talk to some of the new freshmen and transfers and listen to some of their conversations on the bus. Needless to say, there are some characters on the team. Doc Ryder also made the trip with us. His presence was nice to have around and he enhanced the trip with his overall knowledge of life.

The games did not go as well as I would have thought but it is early. Basically, Clarke showed up to play and we were trying to figure it out. The third game was the best game, overall, for Judson as we won 8-5. The team looks good when they can hit the ball. The pitching did a great job as all four pitchers went atleast five innings deep. They just need a little more run support to receive the win. I believe the run support will come. Judson has a talented team and will come together as they play more games together.

Thanks to all of you that followed us on JUsports_live on twitter and through adam_ledyard and juathletics. I apologize for the Live Stats not working. I have it figured it out now. I don’t know what the problem. I am just glad that Social Media has a lot of different avenues to make information available. I hope you continue to follow the Judson University athletic department through our blog, twitter, facebook, and the website. Thanks for being a fan.

Thoughts from Metrodome Press Box

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:43:00 +0000

Nice is all I have to say!!! The view and temperature of the game is great. Check out some of the twit pics at www.twitter.com/juathletics.

It is such a neat site to see these college athletes playing on a professional field. It is a large field from up here but the home run lines are just like playing at Judson - 327 to right field, 343 to left field and 408 in centerfield. It is the seating that makes everything else look bigger.

Capacity crowd tonight - I wish. There are a few Judson fans here and some Clarke College fans. Probably 25 in all. Doc Ryder made the trip up with the team. Doc is the academic liason for Judson and has been at Judson for over 40 years. He is a New York Yankees fan and graduated from Yale.

Also making the trip is head men's and women's golf coach Chris Watson as he drove the bus. I rode with him. It was an interesting trip. The guys did not do much except talk and sleep. They tried playing a name game with professional baseball players that lasted like 30 minutes.

On the other bus, I guess they played like 2 1/2 hours of mafia. That would be cool.

Well, Coach Benjamin is on the field right now for fielding practice. Should start soon!!!

JU BB: Interview with Rich Benjamin

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:23:00 +0000

Here is a quick interview with head baseball coach Rich Benjamin on the upcoming season. A.L. is Adam Ledyard (Assistant Athletic Director) and R.B. is Rich Benjamin (head coach):

A.L.: How do you feel about the upcoming season?

R.B.: I’m optimistic about the season. I like the make up of our guys. We have a lot of guys that like to compete.

A.L. What are the team’s goals this season?

R.B.: Our goals are process goals. The focus is to arrive to the park each day with the same focus and routine. We are just focused on having quality at bats and competing on the mound and in the field.

A.L.: How has the program been growing in the past two seasons?

R.B.: We have experience a positive shift in culture over the last two years. Our guys have been committed to the classroom and to the process necessary to play at a high level.

A.L.: Are you looking forward to the playing in Minnesota at the Metrodome and the Tennessee spring break trip?

R.B.: In the north you look forward to any opportunity to get outside! I know our guys are excited to play and they should be. We are blessed that our university supports such a trip. The memories our guys will have of the dome and our spring trip will be some of their best memories. I think it is important when developing leaders that you expose them to a lot of different opportunities.

A.L.: You currently pre-season rated 3^rd in the CCAC, what will you do to try and win the CCAC this season?

R.B.: The most important factor in college baseball is to show up to the park the same way every day. There is a major need for quality time management to allow for proper rest and preparation.

MBB Preview: Judson vs. Trinity Christian

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:29:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (12-12, 8-2) will head back on the road to face Trinity Christian (10-16, 5-5) as both teams are on a two game winning streak. The two teams have met earlier in the year with Judson defeating Trinity Christian by a score of 81-66. This will be the final regular season matchup between these two teams this year.

The Eagles were lead by junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) in their last game against Calumet St. Joseph. Kuban never missed a minute of action in the first half as he racked up five points, six rebounds, and four assists. He finished the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Leading the way for the Eagles though was sophomore Josh Edwards (Mapleton, IL) scoring a game high 23 points. Judson has been getting production everywhere and it shows with them now having four players scoring 10 points or more a game. The Eagles probably most talented player is sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX) who gave his team a bit of a scare last game as he dislocated his left ring finger but came back and played through it. Skinner is only 23 points shy of 1,000 points for his career in only his second year. Senior Ben Rayhorn (Dakota, IL) has played exceptional recently posting 22 points against Purdue Calumet and 16 points against Calumet St. Joseph.

Leading the Trolls are senior Will Bruinsma and junior Josh Flikkema. Bruinsma has led the Trolls in scoring 19-of-26 games this year while Flikkema has led them in rebounding in 15-26 games. The two of them together along with a solid effort from sophomores Matt Buren and Jamie King have been tough to stop at times. The four of them combine for 83% of the Trolls offense while Bruinsma leads the way with 22.1 points per game. Flikkema and Buren combine for 42% of the Trolls rebounding this season while Flikkema is averaging 7.9 per game.

I expect both teams to be ready to play for this CCAC matchup and one of the final games of the regular season. Judson will have to go into the Trolls place and quiet the crowd from the start. However, I think that Judson at this point of the season is just too talented for the Trolls to handle.

WBB Preview: Judson vs. Trinity Christian

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:28:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (9-14, 3-5) will head back on the road to face Trinity Christian (5-22, 2-6) as both teams won their last game. The two teams have met earlier in the year with Judson defeating Trinity Christian by a score of 68-55. This will be the final regular season matchup between these two teams this year.

Leading the way for the Eagles is senior Aubrey Parsons (Sterling, IL) who is coming off probably her best game of the season as she posted 21 of her 24 points in the second half against Calumet St. Joseph. Another player the Eagles have relied on all year is senior Kirstin Johns (Belvidere, IL) who is averaging 10.2 points per game, 75% from the charity stripe, and 2.3 assists per game. The most consistent player for the Eagles is senior Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, IL) who is averaging 10 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game.

The Trolls have three players averaging 10 points or more each game. Leading the way is sophomore Jennifer Brink with 11.5 points per game while junior Tiffany Deckinga adds 10.4 points per game and freshman Skakyla Vassar with 10.9 points per game. Deckinga is also the Trolls leading rebounder with 6.4 per game while Vassar leads the team in assists with 3.4 per game.

This game should be rather interesting based on their first matchup but the Eagles have shot the lights out of the basketball from beyond the arc in their last couple of games. I expect Judson to hand Trinity Christian another loss on the road which would be a big step for this Eagles team.

MBB Preview: Judson vs. Calumet St. Joseph

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:35:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (11-12, 7-2) will host visiting CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) opponent Calumet St. Joseph (10-16, 3-5). The Eagles and Crimson Wave have already met this year with Judson winning with a score of 98-82.

Judson University has been getting a lot of production from many different players in their recent games and have three players averaging 10 points per game or more and two players just under 10 points per game. Senior Ben Rayhorn (Dakota, IL) is coming off one of his best games of the season against Purdue Calumet where he scored a game high 22 points and eight rebounds. The Eagles balanced scoring is led by sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX), averaging 16.3 points per game. Judson’s other players helping out offensively are sophomore Josh Edwards (Mapleton, IL) averaging 13.5 points per game, junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) averaging 10.3 points per game along with 4.8 assists per game, and senior Josh Weber (Sterling, IL) who is averaging 9.9 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game.

The Crimson Wave are led by junior Keith Dean who has been their leading scorer in 16-of-26 games this year and averaging 20.1 points per game. Dean also leads the team in rebounding with 5.6 per game, steals with 2.0 per game, and made 3-point field goals with 2.3 per game. Helping out with the scoring load is junior Wilfredo Escobar who averages 17.0 points per game and leads the team in assists with 3.0 per game. The Crimson Wave is allowing their opponents to outscore them on the season by 4.5 points per game.

I expect the Eagles to come out strong at home after a two game road trip, which they swept against #10 Cardinal Stritch and Purdue Calumet. The Eagles have outscored their opponents in the second half by a combined score of 987-927. Judson University will come out victorious on the night but will need help from everyone to do so.

WBB Preview: Judson vs. Calumet St. Joseph

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:34:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (8-14, 2-5) will host visiting CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) opponent Calumet St. Joseph (13-14, 4-3). The Eagles and Crimson Wave have already met this year with Judson winning with a score of 59-56.

The Eagles will look to rebound at home after a recent three game road trip and a record of 0-3. The Eagles most potent threat is senior Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, IL) averaging 10.1 points per game and 9.4 rebounds per game. She has posted nine double-doubles on the season and most recent coming against Trinity International. The Eagles have been living by three points shot this season and it shows by them shooting 511 three’s which is nearly 180 more than their opponents. They have however out shot their opponents and made 7.3 three point field goals per game. Freshman Rachel McBride (Decatur, IL) is coming off one of her best games on the season with six points and 10 rebounds, which is her second best effort on the boards this year.

The Crimson Wave are led by junior Lisa Upshaw who has been the teams leading scorer in 15-of-26 games on the season very similar to their men’s team. Upshaw is averaging 13.8 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game. The Crimson Wave are also led by junior Jackie Feldpausch who is averaging 11.9 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game. Feldpausch is also the teams leader in steals with 1.4 per game and personal fouls with 3.4 per game.

The Eagles are hoping that they can get Calumet’s Feldpausch in foul trouble early since she has posted five foul outs on the year. Judson University will need help from everyone and will need to shoot well from three early or else they will lose confidence. However, I see them coming out strong at home and getting a win tonight.

Baseball Season Opener: What a Change !

noreply@blogger.com (Judson Athletics) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:02:00 +0000

What looked like a trip to the south (Kentucky) for a season opener vs. Asbury has now turned into a trip north to play baseball. You ask how you can go north and play baseball in this weather: one word - Metrodome!

Judson cancelled their trip to Kentucky due to the inclement weather (a huge snow storm that is sweeping the country) and then head baseball coach Rich Benjamin worked hard all day today to figure out a way to open up the season. He found it.

Judson will be playing at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Monday night and Tuesday. They have scheduled four games with Clarke College out of Iowa. They will play two double headers with the first to start at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday night.

The official announcement will come on Wednesday sometime with more details.

Video of the Week: Ed Werder talks with Saints QB after leading to New Orleans to its first Super Bowl title

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:04:00 +0000

In retrospect to last nights Super Bowl game between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, here is a video from a great player and even better person. Drew Brees was named the SB 44 MVP completing 32-39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdown's with no interceptions. This win is huge for the city of New Orleans and after Hurricane Katrina swept through the city.

MBB Preview: Judson vs. Purdue Calumet

ryanplinske@gmail.com (Ryan Plinske) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:41:00 +0000

By: Ryan Plinske | Judson University Student Sports Information Assistant

Judson University (10-12, 6-2) is coming off a recent loss to #10 Cardinal Stritch on the road and hopes to regain their intensity against Purdue Calumet (6-15, 3-5). The two teams met earlier this season with the Eagles defeating the Peregrines by a score of 83-74.

The Eagles offense is their biggest weapon going into games. They are lead by four players while having three of those average 10 or more points. Sophomore Landon Skinner (Plano, TX) averages 16.1 points per game, 2.7 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game. The other two players are sophomore Josh Edwards (Mapleton, IL) averaging 13.5 points per game and junior Jim Kuban (Pekin, IL) averaging 10.5 points per game to go along with a team high 4.5 assists per game. One player who has stepped up as of late is senior Josh Weber (Sterling, IL) who averages just under 10 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. He recently went 12-of-12 from the floor for career high 24 points against Purdue-North Central. Weber has been one of the most consistent players despite starting only one game this season.

Purdue Calumet has struggled this season but has won three games this 2010 calendar year. They are coming off a win against Trinity Christian by a score of 72-68. The Peregrines are led by three players scoring 10 or more points per game with one of them being freshman Jordan Champion. Champion is averaging 10.2 points per game coming of the bench for the Peregrines and has an excellent outside shot. On the defensive side they are lead by junior Neal Hudson grabbing 7 rebounds per game and can contribute scoring the ball with 14.2 points per game.

This matchup of CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletics Conference) opponents should be very exciting as both teams are extremely athletic and can bring down the house on any one possession. I expect the Eagles to come out on top and regroup going forward into the playoff picture.