March 21, 2007

Two Time Conference Champs Become Three Time Champs in Intramural Basketball Playoffs
By: Brandon Van Hook

Five teams with one dream. A dream to be world champions—world champions of intramural basketball at Marian College. Intramurals are serious business for some, most teams practice several times a week, scout the most talented eligible student-athletes, and celebrate every victory on the path toward destiny. Yet, others play alongside friends without focus on winning or losing, for fun. This season showcased the talents of teams Griffin, Mike Honcho, Rauch, White, and Two Time Conference Champs in a season spanning four-and-a-half weeks and six games per team. Games were played on Sundays in the late afternoon and early evening. Two Time Conference Champs clenched this year’s championship in a win over second place team Rauch.

Clint Brand and David Lockridge have been on the winning team for the past four seasons. “ We’ve actually gone undefeated each of the four years too. It feels great winning it every year. It never gets old,” said senior Brand. The Two TimeConference Champs nearly had to fight it out in a four-on-five scenario after Neal Knies’ suffered a severe ankle sprain. “Well, we started out with five [players], but then Neal hurt his ankle. Luckily, we had Brandon Malone this year,” said team member Andrew Hanna, “Every year seems a little easier.” Champion Garrett Lickliter could not be reached for comment.

Four-time winner Lockridge has a message for future ballers: “Play because it’s fun, not because you have something to prove. If you’re setting up plays and holding practices, you’re in the wrong league.” Congratulations Two Time Conference Champs! You might want to consider changing your name.

Softball Squad Ready for 2007 Campaign
By: Gary Yohe 

The Lady Knights look to build on their 22-16 record from 2006. An 11-5 conference record put them in third place for the 2006 season behind Indiana Wesleyan and Bethel. Losing only 1 senior field player, the 2007 season looks bright especially after a successful fall season. The team went 7-2 in the 9 game fall season. The only losses came to Butler University and Olivet Nazarene, both by one run. The big win came over IUPUI 3-1 at the Jaguars home field. This year’s squad will be led by four seniors, all retuning starters for the Knights. Senior Shortstop Kerri Schludecker was named to the MCC First Team All-Conference Team in 2006. Schludecker led the team in hits with 45 and runs scored with 32. Kerri had a batting percentage of .360 and led the team in assists with 58 on the defensive side of the ball.

The season opener is set for March 18 th against Purdue North Central at home. The conference opener will come on the road against Bethel on March 24. The Lady Knights split games with the Pilots during the 2006 regular season, but Bethel ended Marian’s season in the conference tournament. “With most of our starters returning, we expect to be contending for the championship at the end of the season,” says Senior Kathleen Roesinger. “Like most seasons, it will come down to pitching which our pitchers should be up to the challenge this season.” Junior Stephanie Westberry turned in the best pitching record in 2006 going 9-3 in her twelve starts. Westberry pitched the most innings out of the returning hurlers with 88.

Losing the team’s number one starter, Brandi Thomas to graduation, Westberry and the rest of the pitching staff will need to step up to fill the gap. The Lady Knights have been practicing since January to gear up for this 2007 season. “The early morning and late night practices have prepared us for this year,” adds Roesinger. With the weather not allowing the team to practice out on the diamond, practices have been held as early as 6a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. in order to get workouts in the gym. The Lady Knights will host 18 games (9 double headers) at home this spring season, so make your way out to the field to cheer them to victory!