A publication of the Aurora University Spartan Club — Winter 2007
As the winter months approach, we're taking time to reflect upon the success and challenges of an impressive fall athletics season. We're also anticipating a bright outlook for our winter teams as detailed in this issue of Spartan Report. Our new electronic newsletter is published quarterly and offers new features such as Spartan Spotlights. As always, we welcome your feedback.
Stories in this Issue:
Looking for Repeat Success: Men's Basketball 
The 2007–2008 Aurora University men’s basketball team anticipates another successful season following last year in which the Spartans won a school record 25 games and posted a 25–3 record.
The Spartans enter the season having been recognized by several different preseason rankings as a Top 25 team, including 13th by D3hoops.com, 14th by Basketball Times and 17th in DIII News. The Northern Athletics Conference men’s basketball coaches also nabbed AU as the team to beat in the 2007–2008 season. The Spartans received 10 first-place votes out of a possible 12.
Four starters return to the team from last year. Senior forward Larry Welton, the 2006–2007 NAC Player of the Year and AU’s leading scorer, returns as a D3hoops.com and Street and Smith Preseason First-Team All-American. He has been recognized as an All-American by either D3hoops.com or the NABC in each of his three seasons, as well as being the Conference Player of the Year in each season.
Welton continued to add to his AU legacy during his junior season, which included moving into the top five on the AU all-time scoring list with 1,736 points, which places him fifth. The all-time leading scorer is AU legend Mickey Johnson with 2,453 points. Last season, Welton averaged 20.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Other key veterans joining Welton include junior Dusty Magee, junior Chad Trudo and senior Doug Lambert. Magee returns to lead the Spartans after averaging 10.5 points and 1.75 assists per game while shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range. Trudo, as a sophomore, averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1 percent from three-point range. Lambert averaged 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 40.2 percent from three- point range.
Head Coach James Lancaster returns for his 14th season, accumulating a record of 240-102 and hopes to repeat history with another winning season. Since 2000, the Spartans have a sparkling record of 143-48 (.749) and are 77-8 at home in Thornton Gymnasium.
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 Spartan Spotlight: Doug Lambert
Men's Basketball
Senior from Warrenville, IL
Majoring in Business
Why did you choose to come to AU and get involved with athletics?
AU has a winning program and the coaching staff is great. It just felt like the right choice.
What do you like most about your team sport?
Everybody gets along — on and off the court. Also, I love the game atmosphere (e.g., Pack the Place Day).
What benefits have you gained from participating in athletics at AU?
I have been able to apply time management skills and learn more about teamwork, responsibility, persistence and courage. And, it doesn’t hurt to say that I was part of a team that broke the school record for most wins in a season.
What has been the most memorable moment with your team?
Our record-breaking 25-3 season last year and experiencing the worst and best of times together as a team.
How do you balance being on a Division III athletic team with your other responsibilities and interests?
Two words: ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. It takes a great amount of time management. However, I have learned that those handy-dandy planners really do work. Right now, I attend classes, play basketball, am the Vice President of the Student Marketing Club and work 20 hours a week. It’s crazy, but I am able to juggle it all and still find time to let loose.
Which class has been your favorite here at AU?
My favorite class so far has been Sales Motivation and Performance with Dr. Shawn Green. There’s nothing better than listening to Dr. Green’s stories.
Which AU sport (not counting your own) do you most enjoy watching?
Volleyball. No particular reason!
What is your favorite campus-sponsored extracurricular activity?
The hypnotists and the Bulls game.
What do you enjoy about AU’s location?
I would have to say Wal-Mart is the best part of the location because you can find anything at Wal-Mart.
What is your favorite time of the year at AU?
Any time we have a break. And, of course, basketball season.
What's the last movie you saw?
Saw 4 and American Gangster.
What's the last book you read?
That’s a great question. I guess I should find more time to read.
What's currently playing in your Mp3 player?
Mp3 player=$250. But if I did have one: R. Kelly, Twista, The Dream, Kanye West, 50 Cent and Tootsie Roll.
What type of music do you like the most?
Hip-hop and rap.
Ten years from today, where do you see yourself?
As a top marketing executive at a Fortune 500 company. I already have a written plan on how I will achieve this goal.
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 Youthful Enthusiasm: Women’s Basketball
This year’s Spartan women’s basketball team will be without two Northern Athletic Conference selections: Naomi Guise and Beth Plucinski. Both of these players entered the AU record books in their senior seasons as 1,000-point scorers.
After losing these seniors, Coach Roof plans to pick up the pace with a greater defensive intensity. “With this group of newcomers, we have increased quickness and court awareness, especially on the defensive end. We will pick up the ball full court, putting pressure on our opponents, as well as mixing it up in our half-court defense,” said Roof.
For leadership, Roof will rely on a core of returning players including junior Meagan Re, senior Kisha Miller and senior Rachel Blanton. In the 2006–2007 season, Meagan Re averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while Blanton averaged 5.6 points and 2.5 rebound per game.
The Spartans also welcome new players. “With these players, all of whom are capable of eventually stepping into a playing role, we must wear teams down with our transition game and substitution abilities.”
Top newcomers for the Spartans include junior Kim Voiles, freshman Michelle Perry, freshman Ashley Daniels, freshman Jessica Mason, freshman Liz Pearlman and freshman Lisa McQuade.
Even though the young Spartans lost the experience and a great deal of scoring from older players, Roof has high expectations for her team on the offensive end of the court. “I anticipate more scoring and better defense in the paint. With a bigger line-up, including more back-to-the-basket scorers, we should be more balanced on the offensive end. In turn, this should open things up for our perimeter shooters and take some of the pressure off our penetraters.”
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REVISITING THE FALL SEASON
Men's Cross Country
 The 2007 Aurora University men’s cross country team returned to action this fall as defending Northern Athletics Conference champions from a year ago. Coach James Kluckhohn is now in his fourth year as head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams.
The Spartans were led by All-Conference honorees, sophomore Kevin Peters who finished 10th with a time of 28:14.2 at the NAC championship and sophomore Jake Schlueter who finished 11th with a time of 28:26.1.
Honorable Mention honors include senior David Mathew who finished 21st with a time of 28:50.6 at the NAC championship; senior Derek Babson who finished 20th with a time of 28:46.5; and senior Aaron Smith who finished 27th with a time of 29:20.5.
The season was highlighted by a first-place finish among nine teams at Wisconsin Lutheran College in September, a third-place finish at the NAC tournament, and a trip to the 2007 NCAA Division III Regional Championship which were hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. The Spartans placed 27th among 41 teams at the regional.
Women's Cross Country
 The 2007 Aurora University women’s cross country team returned to action in the fall as defending Northern Athletics Conference champions from a year ago.
The Spartans were led by the NAC Cross Country Runner of the Year and All-Conference runner sophomore Morgan Jacquette. She captured the NAC championship meet with a time of 23:21.3. Other Spartan NAC All-Conference members were junior Kristen Renninger who finished 13th with a time of 25:22.6 and sophomore Megan Cinto who finished with a time of 25:01.1. Freshman Kristen Rasich received honorable mention honors for her 19th place finish with a time of 26:03.8.
The season was highlighted by a second-place finish among nine teams at Concordia University–Chicago, a first-place finish among 12 teams at Wisconsin Lutheran College, a second-place finish at the NAC tournament, and a trip to the 2007 NCAA Division III Regional Championship. The Spartans placed 28th among 43 teams at the regional.
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Spartan Spotlight: Morgan Jacquette
Women’s Cross Country
Sophomore from Grayslake, IL
Majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish
Why did you choose to come to AU and get involved with athletics?
When I started my college search, I knew I wanted to attend a university with a good elementary education program and running (cross country) program as well. After being recruited for the cross country and track team here and learning more about the university, I knew AU would be a perfect fit.
What do you like most about your team sport?
I love that cross country is both a team and an individual sport. My teammates and I work together to place as high as we can as a team at races. At the same time, we can focus on bettering our own individual times.
What benefits have you gained from participating in athletics at AU?
Being involved in a sport provides me with an automatic group of friends. Most of my closest friends are on the team. Also, I think I’ve gained a greater sense of school pride from participating in athletics.
What has been the most memorable moment with your team?
I think that would have to be when we won the Northern Athletics Conference championship in 2006. We had six women on the team and every member contributed to our win.
How do you balance being on a Division III athletic team with your other responsibilities and interests?
Sports play an important role at AU; however, they do not dominate students' lives. I always have enough time to finish my homework, hangout with friends, work and visit with my family.
Which class has been your favorite here at AU?
I love my Spanish classes. I really want to learn to speak Spanish fluently.
Which AU sport (not counting your own) do you most enjoy watching?
Soccer.
What is your favorite campus-sponsored extracurricular activity?
I went on the Navy Pier trip last year and it was fun.
What do you enjoy about AU’s location?
I like that it's only 90 minutes from my hometown — far enough to live on campus, yet close enough to go home whenever needed.
What's the last movie you saw?
We Own the Night.
What's the last book you read?
Well, the last book I read for fun was the seventh Harry Potter book, and I loved it!!
What's currently playing in your Mp3 player?
I listen to all kinds; alternative, rock, country and Latin (to practice my Spanish).
What type of music do you like the most?
Alternative.
Ten years from today, where do you see yourself?
As a first grade teacher, hopefully teaching in a bilingual classroom. Also, I could be married with a family.
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Football
AU finished the 2007 season with a 4–6 overall record and 4–3 in the Illini-Badger Football Conference. The 2007 season marked the final season in the IBFC. Next year, AU will move to the Northern Athletics Conference for football, joining the rest of the AU athletic teams in the all-sports conference.
AU sophomore running back Ryne Reder was named the IBFC Most Outstanding Running Back and First-Team All-Conference. On the season, Reder rushed for 1,078 yards, becoming the sixth player in AU football history to break the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. Reder had 239 rushes (an AU single-season record) for the 1,078 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also was one-for-one passing for 12 yards and a touchdown. 
Joining Reder as IBFC First-Team All-Conference are junior defensive lineman Marcus Goedken, junior defensive back Matt Meyer, sophomore offensive lineman Adrian Kibiersza and sophomore linebacker Mike Budzinski. Kibiersza anchored the Spartan offensive line that rushed for 189 yards per game in IBFC action. Goedken, Meyer and Budzinski led the Spartan defense that allowed over 14 points per game and forced 19 turnovers in IBFC play. Goedken had a team-leading five-and-one-half quarterback sacks. Budzinski had a team-leading 92 tackles and Meyer had three interceptions.
Being honored with Illini-Badger Second-Team All-Conference recognitions are senior running back Brent Harner, senior defensive back Nick Gniedziejko, sophomore defensive lineman Pat Funk and freshman return specialist Sean Saglin. Illini-Badger Honorable Mention All-Conference selections include nine Spartans: senior defensive lineman Brandon McIntosh, junior offensive lineman Casey Schmit, junior offensive lineman Collin Smith, junior linebacker Chris Jackowiak, sophomore defensive back Tony Musaraca, sophomore defensive back Reed Sullivan and freshman return specialist Jeff Fellers.
The Spartans averaged 293.9 yards per game of total offense, 188.7 on the ground, 105.1 through the air and scored 23.1 points per game in IBFC play. The defensive unit allowed 14.3 points per game, 244.6 yards of total offense, 143.6 on the ground and 101.0 through the air.
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 Men's Soccer
This season, the men’s soccer team tallied a final record of 12-4-5 overall, 8-0-2 in conference. The Spartans fought some very close battles against a tough schedule that included several regional and nationally ranked teams such as Dominican University (1-1 tie), Carleton College (1-0 win), Centre College (1-1 tie), University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (1-1 tie) and University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (1-0 loss).
After beating Edgewood College 1-0 in the regular season to determine the number two seed in the NAC tournament, AU faced Edgewood again in the semi-finals. This match was even closer then the prior one, forcing the teams into a shootout where the Spartans won 3-2. After this extremely close game, the Spartans sought to knock off Dominican University to gain the conference tournament championship. Unfortunately, AU lost to the Stars 2-0, putting an end to AU’s hard-battled season. However, the Spartans played well this season to outscore their opponents 41-19, averaging 1.84-0.85 goals per game.
Senior defensive midfielder Drew Taylor was named to the ESPN the Magazine District V Academic All-District First-Team. To be considered for the honor, the nominated student-athletes are required to maintain a minimum 3.20 cumulative grade point average throughout their academic career at AU. Taylor moves on to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America ballot and will be among 96 college division men’s soccer players across the country eligible for the All-America Teams.
The men’s soccer team placed four players on the NAC First-Team, two players on the NAC Second-Team, four players on the All-Rookie Team and Head Coach Pete Watkins was named NAC Co-Coach of the Year. First-Team selections were: Taylor, senior Danny May, senior Jordan Barry and junior Chase Corricelli. Second-Team members were seniors Jody Hall and Tyler Klotz and All-Rookie Team members were Matt Ness, Kevin Soderstrom, Nick Helmer and Anthony Amedei
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 Women's Soccer
After a very rocky start at 0-2-1, the Spartans bounced back to finish the season 19-3-1, won the 2007 Northern Athletics Conference championship and made a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Championships. AU lost 1-0 in overtime at the University of Chicago in the NCAA tournament.
The Spartans had numerous postseason honors as five student-athletes were named to the 2007 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District V College Division Women’s Soccer Teams. Those receiving the academic honors include junior Heather Skeen (First-Team), sophomore Katie Lunsford (Second-Team), sophomore Jenny Jarvis (Third-Team), sophomore Nikki Counsell (Third-Team) and junior Allison Bailey (Third-Team). As a First-Team member, Skeen moves on to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America ballot and will be among 97 college division women’s soccer players across the country eligible for the All-America Teams.
As winners of the NAC women’s soccer championship for the second consecutive season, AU gathered three of the four top postseason conference honors. AU sophomore forward Jessica Novickas was named Offensive Player of the Year and freshman defender Cait Hartman was named Rookie of the Year as well as Head Coach Kanute Drugan being named Co-Coach of the Year.
The Spartans also placed five players on the First-Team All-Conference Team, one player on the Second-Team and one player on the All-Rookie Team. The AU women’s soccer program made its fifth NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship appearance in the last seven seasons and third consecutive. AU captured the Northern Athletics Conference championship with a 12-0 regular season record and went 2-0 in the NAC tournament.
On the season, the Spartans out-scored their opponents 77 to 15 (23 games). AU finished the regular season with a 19-3-1 overall record and captured their ninth conference title in the last 13 seasons. The Spartans set school or tied records for wins (19), consecutive games with a goal scored (22), consecutive wins (19), team shutouts (12) and lowest goals against average (0.65).
Those garnering NAC women’s soccer All-Conference First-Team recognition were Novickas, Hartman, junior forward Allison Bailey, senior defender Alex Contreras and sophomore midfielder Nikki Counsell. Spartan sophomore goalkeeper Jenny Jarvis was named NAC Second-Team All-Conference.
The 2008 campaign appears even brighter for the Spartans as they hope to return 10 starters.
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 Volleyball
The Spartans finished the 2007 season with a 10-21 overall record and were 4-8 in Northern Athletics Conference play.
AU’s junior middle hitter Andrea Buss and sophomore outside hitter Jill Smart were selected to the NAC All-Conference Second-Team.
On the season, Buss averaged 2.57 kills and 0.79 blocks per game, while Smart averaged 3.54 kills per game with a .249 kill percentage.
Buss was named to two all-tournament teams, Benedictine University Invitational and the North Central College Invitational, while Smart was named to the AU Jim Coleman Classic All-Tournament team.
Buss was also named an ESPN the Magazine District V Academic All-District Third-Team
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Spartans In Action!
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