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A publication of the Aurora University Spartan Club — Fall 2008
Athletics remains an important part of the Aurora University experience for student-athletes and fans alike. The fall season was highlighted by the dedication of the new Vago Field, a football and soccer complex featuring an artificial turf field, grandstand and sports information center. The community support for athletics has helped AU teams achieve outstanding objectives and pursue higher goals. As the Spartan teams move their talents indoors this winter, we invite you to share in the momentum of athletic success by attending an upcoming contest.
- Vago Field
- Football
- Women's Soccer
- Men's Basketball
- Women's Basketball
- Men's Soccer
- Women's Golf
- Women's Tennis
- Volleyball
- Spartans in Action
Homecoming weekend was highlighted by the long-awaited dedication of Vago Field, the new football and soccer complex on the northwest corner of the campus. Before kickoff of the Homecoming football game, Dr. Calvin Myers, AU B.A.’64, Chair of the AU Board of Trustees, led the dedication ceremony along with Rebecca L. Sherrick, President of Aurora University, and Head Football Coach Rich Duncan. They honored Louis Vago, AU ’ 51, for his leadership gift to the university that led to the field undergoing a renovation this past summer. Coach Duncan presented Vago with an autographed football, courtesy of the AU football team, and Dr. Sherrick presented him with an AU letterman’s jacket after the unveiling of the scoreboard bearing the name Vago Field. The Spartans celebrated the new field in style by winning the first football game played in the stadium.
Football
The Aurora University football team experienced one of their finest seasons in the program’s history. Under the guidance of Head Coach Rich Duncan, the Spartans had a
9-2 record overall, with a perfect 7-0 record in the Northern Athletics Conference play.
The Spartans opened the season in dominate fashion against Lake Forest College and MacMurray College, as they outscored their opponents 65-31 despite being on the road. However in week three, AU suffered a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin foe Illinois Wesleyan University 31-28 at home. After the first three contests, the Spartans stood at 2-1 heading into conference play.
Following a bye week, the Spartans opened up NAC play at home by crushing heated rival Benedictine University 31-7. Following the BU game, the Spartans traveled to Maranatha Bible Baptist College to challenge the Crusaders. Yet, like BU, the Spartans would make quick work of the Crusaders and record a convincing 45-6 victory.
Going into the Homecoming game and the new field dedication, the Spartans were 4-1 but faced a tough Concordia University Wisconsin team. After a back-and-forth contest, the Spartans prevailed 21-19. Next, the Spartans traveled to Rockford to take on the Rockford College Regents. The Spartans prevailed 28-12 to improve to 6-1 (3-0 NAC).
The next two opponents, Concordia University Chicago and Wisconsin Lutheran College, were little match for the league-leading Spartans as they combined to beat the Cougars and Warriors 114-12 to improve their record to 8-1 (5-0).
The Spartans finished the 2008 season averaging 350.3 yards per game of total offense, 183.6 on the ground and 166.6 through the air and scored 33.5 points per game. The defensive unit (ranked No. 3 in Division III in total defense) allowed 15.1 points per game, 237.8 yards of total offense, 63.4 on the ground, 174.5 through the air and average 3.7 turnovers per game with a 1.8 turnover margin per game, which led Division III.
The Spartans were led defensively by Meyer (60 tackles, 10 interceptions [led Division III] and 12 pass break-ups); Goedken (56 tackles, 13-1/2 for loss, six quarterback sacks); Budzinski (77 tackles, three interceptions and one quarterback sack); Musaraca (48 tackles, six interceptions and six pass break-ups); and Funk (49 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine quarterback sacks, one interception, three pass-break-ups and two forced fumbles). Offensively, AU was led by Reder (172 rushes for 838 yards and seven touchdowns) and Smith, who anchored the offensive line.
AU has set or tied numerous individual and team records this season including wins (nine); points scored (369); fewest yards rushing per game (63.4); lowest yards per carry (2.0); fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (four); interceptions in a season (31); interceptions in a game (seven vs. Wisconsin Lutheran College); touchdown passes in a season (21 by Nate Peterson); total offense (1,907 by Peterson); pass completions in a game (26 vs. Monmouth College) and season (137 by Peterson); pass attempts in a game (44 vs. Monmouth College) and season (268 by Peterson); interceptions in a game (four by Musaraca); interceptions in a season (10 by Meyer); extra points in a game (nine by Ryan Subick) and season (49 by Subick); and consecutive extra points made (35 by Subick).
Women's Soccer
After earning a first-seed bid in the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) for the third consecutive year, the Spartans moved straight ahead to the semifinals against Concordia University Wisconsin. The Spartans defeated the Falcons 5-1, also having beaten them earlier in the season, 4-1. From there, the Spartans faced NAC rival Edgewood College. A couple weeks before, the Eagles beat the Spartans, breaking AU’s 37 consecutive conference winning streak. Although they were eager to reassert their dominance in the conference, the Spartans were unable to top the Eagles and lost again, 1-0. This unexpected loss ended the Spartans season early.
In their 2008 campaign, the Spartans tallied 81 goals and 76 assists. Leading the way for the Spartans was junior forward Jess Novickas with 20 goals and 14 assists, earning her 54 points. Next in line was freshman Haley Pschirrer who totaled 17 goals and five assists for 39 points. Senior forward and Team Captain Allison Bailey scored eight goals this season and added 10 assists. In addition to these three student-athletes, the Spartans had 22 other players with assists and goals this season. Also, the Spartans allowed only 22 goals this season, earning them a 0.99 goals against average. The Spartan defense committed to 10 shutouts this season.
Men's Basketball
The make-up of the 2008-2009 Aurora University men’s basketball team is much different from the 2007-2008 season; however, the Spartans and Head Coach James Lancaster expect the same success this year. The Spartans are coming off back-to-back Northern Athletics Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. The Spartans are a combined 47-10 in these two seasons.
Head Coach James Lancaster is entering his 15th season as the Spartans coach, compiling a 262-109 record. Lancaster’s strong coaching skills have put Aurora University men’s basketball team on the national map, demonstrated by the tough non-conference schedule that the Spartans face in 2008–2009. The Spartans will compete against two pre-season d3hoops.com top 25 teams: #17 Elmhurst College and #1 Washington University. The Spartans also play Albion College, which received votes to be included in the top 25 rankings.
The 2008–2009 team lost key players who helped the Spartans achieve success during the past two seasons. Larry Welton, a four-time All-American player, finished his four years at AU and now plays basketball abroad. Welton, the second leading scorer in Aurora University history, played a vital role in the Spartans line-up and gave every team he faced a difficult task. Also graduating after the 2007–2008 season was forward Mike Leonard. He was an inside force for the Spartans averaging 7.4 rebounds per game and 10.7 points per game in his senior season. The Spartans also parted ways with graduate Doug Lambert. He averaged 12.9 points per game and made 56 three-point field goals in the 2007–2008 campaign. The Spartans will sorely miss all three of these outstanding athletes in their upcoming season.
Although the Spartans lost these three players, the team will be starting five players who have had significant amounts of playing time in their careers. Point guard Dusty Magee (Knightstown, IN) is back from a season-ending knee injury in 2007–2008. Magee played in 27 games in 2005–2006 and 28 games in 2006–2007. He brings added scoring depth with his three-point shot and outstanding court vision that helped him lead the team in assists (94) in the 2005–2006 season.
Also returning for the Spartans is senior shooting guard Chad Trudo (Yorkville, IL). Trudo has played in every game for the past three seasons. Last season, Trudo averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game and was named to the Northern Athletics Conference All-Conference Honorable Mention Team. Trudo led the starters last season in three-point field goal percentage and free-throw percentage.
The three other returning players who will finish the starting core are junior guard and forward Shane Roland, junior guard and forward Lance Robinson and junior forward Skylar Ormsbee. Roland (Knightstown, IN) played in 28 games last season averaging 7.4 points per game. He made 40 three-point field goals and had a .421 three-point field goal percentage. Lance Robinson (Danville, IN) returns to the Spartans lineup after playing in 29 games and starting 10 last season. Robinson filled the role at the point guard position last season and led the team with 108 assists with 65 steals. Finishing out the starting line-up for the Spartans is sophomore Skylar Ormsbee (Oswego, IL). Ormsbee played in 29 games and started 10 last season. He averaged 3.4 points per game while shooting .627 from the field.
The Spartan bench is a very young squad that will need to learn quickly to be included in tournaments. The lone senior coming off the bench is forward Chris Lee (Chicago). Lee is well prepared to be a force in the post. Junior Brandon Scott (Romeoville, IL) played in 11 games last season and will add depth to the Spartans roster. Sophomore Scott Malewig (Sugar Grove, IL) played in 12 games last season and averaged 2.3 points per game. Other noteable bench players are junior transfer Kari Coleman (Decatur, IL), sophomore Damian Lewis (Decatur, IL), freshman Ryan Suits (St. Charles, IL), and freshman Kevin Vandenberg (Aurora, IL). Sophomore Pete Carlson (Superior, WI), freshman Billy Cox (Crown Point, IN), freshman Richard Brownlee (Mounds, IL), freshman Kyle Erscher (Streator, IL) and freshman Iggy Bilinskas (Oswego, IL) are positioned to add depth to a young talented group of bench players.
With an experienced starting lineup and young talented bench, the Spartans hope to continue its impressive play. As the only team to hold a NAC championship, the Spartans will work hard this year to continue this impressive title.
Women's Basketball
The Aurora University women’s basketball team, led by Head Coach Michelle Roof, is set to reach the top of the Northern Athletics Conference standings in the 2008–2009 season. Coach Roof is entering her fourth season as the women’s basketball coach and has tallied a 44-35 record. The 2007–2008 Spartans were 13-13 with an 11-7 record in the conference.
Three key players to the Spartans 2007–2008 season graduated this past May: Kisha Miller, Lexi Pioli and Rachel Blanton. Miller, a point guard, led the team with 72 assists. She was also the team’s fourth-leading scorer averaging 6.5 points per game. Pioli, also a guard, played in 24 games for Coach Roof and was a vital bench player. Blanton played in 25 games and started 10 while averaging 4.0 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game.
The 2008–2009 Spartans are a young group that will need to follow the guidance of the few upper-classmen teammates in order to make a run for the NAC championship. Two seniors return for the Spartans in Megan Re (Belvidere, IL) and Kim Voiles (Garden Prarie, IL). Re was named to the All-Northern Athletics Conference Honorable Mention Team in the 2007–2008 season. Re started every game for the Spartans and averaged 10.8 points per game and 4.4 rebounds. She also led the team with 30 three-point field goals and 63 steals. Voiles led the Spartans in minutes played (794), rebounds (208) and points (295). Both of these senior athletes will need to continue their stellar play in order to help the team be successful this season.
Even though Re and Voiles are the only seniors on the team, the Spartans have a group of talented young women who have college basketball experience. Sophomore Michelle Perry (Maywood, IL) played in all 26 games for the Spartans last season. Perry averaged 9.5 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game. Her inside presence will be tough for opposing teams to defend. Sophomore guard Ashley Daniels (Waukegan, IL) played in 25 games last season and started 18. Daniels averaged 6.3 points per game and led the team with 72 assists. Sophomore Jessica Mason (Crystal Lake, IL) played all 26 games averaging 3.3 points per game. Other players who saw significant playing time were sophomore Angela Ozanic (Woodstock, IL) and sophomore Liz Pearlman (Chicago).
Men’s Soccer
After earning a third-seed bid in the conference tournament, AU hosted the sixth-seeded Lake College. The Spartans beat the Muskies 3-1, moving on to the semi-finals against Concordia University Wisconsin. Traveling north to Mequon, Wisconsin, the Spartans were considered the underdogs in the match-up, having lost to the Falcons 1-0 earlier in the season at Vago Field. However, this time the Spartans blanked the Falcons 1-0 during regulation play. AU then faced number one seed and NAC rival Dominican University. Unfortunately the Spartans lost 4-0, putting an early end to their season. The Spartans finished 14-8-1 overall, 7-3-1 in the Northern Athletics Conference regular season play.
Sophomore transfer Mike Emma and freshman Jim Kelly each posted 18 points in their first season with the Spartans. Emma tallied eight goals and two assists and Kelly totaled six goals and six assists. Emma and Kelly were followed by Anthony Amedei (15 points), Justin Pedersen (eight points), Nick Helmer (seven points), Walden Sterrett (five points) and Kyle Haumersen (five points).
Senior forward and Team Captain Chase Corricelli finished his last season with the Spartans as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 59 goals, as well as the leader in career points with 131. In the 2008 season, he posted 21 goals and eight assists. At defense, fellow senior and Team Captain Brian Barnett helped the team gain a 1.25 goals against average. These players will certainly be missed next year on the field.
Women’s Golf
This fall, the women’s golf team won the NAC championship — for the third consecutive time. The Spartans ended their season winning the two-day championship with a score of 798 (393/405). During the season they also won two other tournaments, including the Concordia University Wisconsin Invitational and the Lakeland College Invitational. Sophomore Kristen Richardson, junior Lindsey Pilmer and freshman Emily Densmore were selected to the NAC All-Conference Team. In the NAC championship, Richardson and Densmore were tied for fourth and Pilmer finished sixth.
Women’s Tennis
This year, the Spartans finished 8-4 overall and 9-1 in the Northern Athletics Conference, earning a second-place finish in the NAC championships. Singles players Raquel Schmitz (No. 4), Macey Pruett (No. 5) and Amanda Walden (No. 6) finished second place in the tournament. Schmitz and Siri Nelson also finished second as the No. 2 doubles. Nelson, the No. 3 singles, finished third. Rebecca Papke also earned third place in the No. 2 singles. No. 1 singles Lauren Hastings grabbed a fourth-place finish and she also worked with Papke to earn a fourth-place finish in the No. 1 doubles. Pruett and Courtney Ksioszk finished fifth in the No. 3 doubles.
Volleyball
The Spartans ended their 2008 season 7-24, 6-6 in the Northern Athletics Conference. With no seniors and only five returners from last year’s roster, the Spartans struggled to adjust this year. Fortunately, though, they earned a seventh-seed bid in the conference tournament. The Spartans faced Concordia University Chicago, but were unable to post a win, losing 3-0 and causing this game to be their last of the year.
Junior middle hitter Jill Smart was named to the NAC All-Conference Second-Team and freshman libero Carly Blask was selected as a NAC All-Rookie Team member. Smart was also named to two All-Tournament teams, including the AU Jim Coleman Classic and the Benedictine University Eagle Invitational. Smart averaged 3.07 kills and 0.97 blocks per game and Blask averaged 4.35 digs per game, serving as a key piece of the Spartan defense.
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