2011-12 udm fencing yearbook

1DetroitTitans.com

DECEMBERSun. 4 @ Istvan Danosi (Hosted by Wayne State) Detroit, MI

Fri.-Mon. 9-12 @ North America Cup Kansas City, MO

JANUARYSun. 15 *UDM INVITATIONAL (Hosted by UDM) Detroit, MI

Sat. 21 @ West Point Duals (Hosted by West Point) West Point, NY

Sun. 22 @ Vassar Quads (Hosted by Vassar) Poughkeepsie, NY

Sat.-Sun. 28-29 @ Notre Dame Duals (Hosted by Notre Dame) South Bend, IN

FEBRUARYSat.-Sun. 4-5 @ Northwestern Mega-Meet (Hosted by Northwestern) Evanston, IL

Fri.-Mon. 17-20 @ USFA National Junior Olympics Salt Lake City, UT

MARCHSat.-Sun. 3-4 @ Midwest Fencing Conf. Championships (Hosted by Notre Dame) South Bend, IN

Sat.-Sun. 10-11 @ NCAA Midwest Regional (Hosted by Cleveland State) Cleveland, OH

Wed.-Sun 21-25 @ NCAA Championships (Hosted by Ohio State) Columbus, OH

*Home Invitational held at Calihan Hall; Events run all day and are subject to change

2011-12

Sophomore Eva Berndt

Senior Michael Purdy-Sachs

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1972 NCAA Men’s National Champions2

The 2011-12 UDM Fencing Yearbook is a production of the Detroit Sports Information Department. The guide was written and designed by Sports Information Assistant Joel Walrath and edited by the Sports Information Department. Photos by Blake Imagery and UDM Sports Info.

Attention: Media Membersand Opposing Schools

Since the consolidation of the University of Detroit and Mercy College in 1990, UDM athletic teams have found themselves referred to in many different forms.

In order to maintain consistency, we ask that the media continue to refer to us as UDM -- or use Detroit or Detroit Titans -- and eliminate the use of such abbreviations as U-D, U of D Mercy, Detroit Mercy, University of Detroit, etc.

When refering to Detroit women's intercollegiate athletic teams, please do not use the term "Lady Titans". All of our teams should be called the Titans.

Thank you for your cooperation and your continuing coverage of the Detroit Titans.

Table of ConTenTsUDM Quick Facts .......................................................................................................................................................32011-12 Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................4Men’s and Women’s Rosters ......................................................................................................................................5Coaching Staff ......................................................................................................................................................... 6-8Pictured Roster ............................................................................................................................................................92010-11 Review ....................................................................................................................................................10-11Female Individual Bios .......................................................................................................................................12-20Male Individual Bios ...........................................................................................................................................21-33Team Picture ..............................................................................................................................................................342011-12 Preview ..................................................................................................................................................35-361972 Fencing National Champions .................................................................................................................37-38Titan Athletics ......................................................................................................................................................39-43Titan Hall of Fame ............................................................................................................................................44-45Athletic Director .......................................................................................................................................................46Titans Athletic Staff ..................................................................................................................................................47Titan Head Coaches ..................................................................................................................................................48Titan Points of Pride ..........................................................................................................................................49-50

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UDM QUiCk faCTsUNIVERSITY INFORMATION

School Name: ............................................................................................................University of Detroit MercyLocation: ..................................................................................................................................................Detroit, MIFounded: ..............................................................................................................................................................1877Enrollment: .........................................................................................................................................................5,600Nickname: ..........................................................................................................................................................TitansColors: ............................................................................................................................................ Red, White, BlueAffiliation: .....................................................................................................................................NCAA Division IConference:..............................................................................................................Midwest Fencing ConferencePresident: ..............................................................................................................................Dr. Antoine Garabaldi

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATIONAthletic Director: ..................................................................................................................................Keri GaitherAssociate AD for Business Ops./SWA: ..........................................................................................Teri Kromrei Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs..............................................................................Jason HornAssistant AD for NCAA Compliance: ............................................................................................ Steve CorderAsst. AD for Facilities & Special Events: ......................................................................................... Jeff LatinenUniversity Minister for Athletics ........................................................................................ Sr. Beth Finster S.S.J.Dir. of Ticket Sales & Fan Experience: .........................................................................................Greg HaapalaDir. of Marketing & Promotions: .......................................................................................Brandon LongmeierDir. of Ticket Ops. & Special Events: ...........................................................................................Emily VanniceDir. of Development for Athletics and Student Facilities..................................................... Dennis CarlessoDir. of Concessions and Merchandising ....................................................................................... Jordan SamesAsst. Director of Compliance/Academic Coordinator .................................................................Amy GasahlAsst. AD for Sports Medicine: .......................................................................................................Michael MillerAsst. AD for Strength & Conditioning: ...............................................................................................Joe TofferiFaculty Athletic Representative:...............................................................................Erick Barnes, Tom StantonAthletic Department Phone: ............................................................................................................313-993-1700Fax: ........................................................................................................................................................313-993-2449Mailing Address: ...............................................................................................................4001 W. McNichols Rd.........................................................................................................................................................Detroit, MI 48221

SPORTS INFORMATION STAFFSports Information Director: .........................................................................................................Mitch WignessAsst. Sports Information Directors: .........................................................................P.J. Gradowski, Kit StetzelSports Information Asst. (Fencing Contact): ...................................................................................Joel WalrathEmail: ............................................................................................................................Joel.Walrath@udmercy.eduSports Info. Office Phone: ...............................................................................................................313-993-1745Sports Info Office Fax: .....................................................................................................................313-993-1765Website: ........................................................................................................................................DetroitTitans.com

FENCING STAFFHead Coach: ...............................................................................................................Todd Dressel (Oakland ‘90)Office Phone: ......................................................................................................................................313-993-1725Email: ....................................................................................................................................dresselt@udmercy.eduGraduate Assistant Coaches: ..................................................Nick Tobianski, Doug Sollman, Tom Lorenzo


DECEMBER12/4 at Istvan Danosi (Hosted by Wayne State) Detroit, MI12/9 at North America Cup at Kansas City, MOJANUARY1/15 *UDM INVITATIONAL (HOSTED BY UDM) DETROIT, MI1/21 at West Point Duals (Hosted by West Point) West Point, NY1/22 at Vassar Quads (Hosted by Vassar) Poughkeepsie, NY1/28-29 at Notre Dame Duals (Hosted by Notre Dame) South Bend, INFEBRUARY2/4-5 at Northwestern Mega-Meet (Hosted by Northwestern) Evanston, IL2/12 *UDM ALUMNI MEET DETROIT, MI (HOSTED BY UDM)2/17-20 at USFA National Junior Olympics at Salt Lake City, UTMARCH3/3-4 at Midwest Fencing Conference Championships (Hosted by Notre Dame) South Bend, IN3/10-11 at NCAA Midwest Regional (Hosted by Cleveland State) Cleveland, OH3/21-25 at NCAA Championships (Hosted by Ohio State) Columbus, OH

*Denotes event at Calihan Hall; Dates and times remain subject to change. Events run all day unless otherwise noted.

DeTroiT TiTans fenCing

2011-12 Fencing Schedule

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NAME WEAPON YR. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOLSarah Armitage Foil So. Canton, MI/PlymouthEva Berndt Sabre So. Fremont, MI/Providence ChristianKaylah Berndt Epee Fr. Fremont, MI/FremontShannon Canavan Foil So. Lake Orion, MI/Lake OrionMary Colombo Foil Fr. Rochester Hills, MI/RochesterJill Johnson Foil Fr. Livonia, MI/MercyKatie Lang Sabre Fr. Rochester Hills, MI/Divine Child Elaina Silva Sabre So. Marine City, MI/Marine CityAriel Skellet Sabre So. Flint, MI/Powers CatholicLauren Snarski Epee Fr. Fraser, MI/FraserPaige Zmudczynski Epee So. Fraser, MI/Dakota

DeTroiT TiTans fenCing2011-12 Women’s Fencing Roster

2011-12 Men’s Fencing RosterNAME WEAPON YR. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOLFrank Adamini Epee Fr. Shelby Twp., MI/De La Salle

Kyle Cisco Foil So. Brownstown Twp., MI/Oscar Carlson

John Faski Sabre Fr. Grand Rapids, MI/West Catholic

Cole Goike Epee So. Ray Twp., MI/Romeo

Kurt Hilton Sabre So. Toronto, ON/Loren Park

Yaroslav Ivanov Foil So. Louisville, KY/Ballard

Clint Mikek Epee Jr. St. Louis, MI/St. Louis

Phil Nelson Foil Fr. Trenton, MI/Gabriel Richard

Michael Purdy-Sachs Foil Sr. Port Huron, MI/Port Huron Northern & Ind. Studies

Elijah Robertson Foil So. Plymouth, MI/Salem

Elliott Trombley Epee Sr. Pleasant Ridge, MI/Ferndale

Head Coach: Todd Dressell (13th Year)

Graduate Assistant Coaches: Nick Tobianski, Doug Sollman, Tom Lorenzo

Women/Men fencers by class: Seniors (0/2) Juniors (0/1) Sophomores (6/4) Freshmen (5/4)

Women/Men fencers by weapon: Epee (3/4) Foil (4/5) Sabre (4/2)


Todd Dressell13th Year

Oakland, ‘90

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Coaching Staff

Head Coach Todd Dressell

Todd Dressell is entering his 13th season as the head coach of the Titan Fencing program in 2011-12. A graduate of nearby Oakland University, Dressell obtained his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and a minor in English Literature.

A former competitive fencer, Dressell was a five-time Michigan Division Champion and a three-time Great Lakes Section Champion, all with the sabre weapon. He is now a member of the United States Fencing Coaches Association and a two-time member of the NCAA Fencing Committee.

Dressell was a member of the Oakland University Fencing Club while in college and he has remained an active member of the fencing community since that time.

Upon graduation, Dressell has worked with the University of Windsor Fencing Club, the University of Michigan-Dearborn Fencing Club, and was a founding partner of the Renaissance Fencing Club in Troy, MI that began in 1997. He still is an active member of the club serving as the sabre coach and as the Chairman of the Board holding both positions since 2008. Dressell has accreditation from the US Fencing Coaches Association as a foil, epee, and sabre moniteur and also has attained referee credentials. He has Level 5 referee status for the foil and sabre weapons and also Level 6 referee status for epee.

Dressell also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Oakland Community College teaching in the Natural Sciences Department in the discipline of Physical Education and Recreation.

Dressell began coaching the Titans in 1999 and inherited a team with a great deal of tradition. The 1972 fencing team is the only Titan team to ever win an NCAA National Championship. Detroit served notice to the rest of the country that season as they were a team to be reckoned with posting a 19-1 record on the season. Foilist Tyrone Simmons led Detroit with a 43-4 dual meet record on the season. Ken Blake finished the dual season at 46-6 in the sabre, while Fred Hooker went 33-11 in the epee under Titan Hall of Fame Coach Richard Perry. It is with great pride and dedication that Dressell continues to cultivate and nurture fencing at UDM.

Dressell and his wife Christine reside in Royal Oak with their children, Wiley and Wyatt.

Dressell was a five-time Michigan Division Sabre

Champion and a three-time Great Lakes Section Champion

CoaChing sTaff


CoaChing sTaff

Graduate AssistantNick Tobianski

Tobianski begins his second year as a graduate assistant with the fencing teams. A graduate of Central Michigan with a bachelors degree in Sports Medicine, he also has a masters degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia. He is currently pursuing a Physician Assistant masters degree at UDM.

He currently works at the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Orthopedics and also works on the UDM campus as a teaching assistant for graduate level anatomy and cadaver lab.

Tobianski previously worked as an athletic trainer for the United States Fencing Association in major North American and International tournaments. He also was an athletic trainer on the USA National Fencing Teams for five World Championships from 2005-09 in Austria, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, and Northern Ireland.

A native of Sterling Heights, he went to high school at Immaculate Conception in Warren, MI. Tobianski played soccer at Central and has participated in Olympic Weightlifting, hockey, and also fencing throughout high school and college.

Graduate AssistantDoug Sollman

Sollman begins his first year coaching with the Titans. He has fenced for Detroit the past four years and was named UDM’s Fencing Newcomer of the Year in 2006. Prior to Detroit, he had eight years of fencing experience with the Renaissance Fencing Club.

In March 2010 while fencing for the Titans at the Midwest Conference Championship, he sustained an injury to his dominant hand and after being stitched up he returned to win three more individual matches and finish 19th out of 81 competitors.

A native of Sterling Heights, he attended Stevenson High School and will be graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a minor in Psychology from UDM. He currently works for a home health care company in Grosse Pointe, MI.

Graduate AssistantTom Lorenzo

Tom Lorenzo begins his first year as a member of the men’s and women’s fencing coaching staff in 2011-12. Lorenzo is no stranger to the program after earning four letters as a fencer at UDM as an undergrad and graduating from the university in the spring of 2011 with a degree in electrical engineering.

In his senior season in 2010-11, he led the men’s sabre team with 43 wins on the season which was also the third best overall total on the men’s squad. He totaled a team-high 14 wins at the Notre Dame Duals, including a pair of 3-0 victories over both Florida and Northwestern. He was also one of eight Titans to represent Detroit at the NCAA Regional Qualifier at Wayne State in March.

Lorenzo is from Cleveland, OH and was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School in the Cleveland area. In high school, he was part of the rugby and swimming teams.

He currently works at Denso International America and is pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering at UDM.

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DeTroiT TiTan fenCers

Sarah ArmitageFoil

Sophomore

Jill JohnsonSabre

Freshman

Frank AdaminiEpee

Freshman

Eva BerndtSabre

Sophomore

Kaylah BerndtEpee

Freshman

Shannon CanavanFoil

Sophomore

Mary ColomboFoil

Freshman

Katie LangSabre

Freshman

Phil NelsonEpee

Freshman

MichaelPurdy-Sachs

FoilSenior

Kyle CiscoFoil

Sophomore

Elaina SilvaSabre

Sophomore

Ariel SkelletSabre

Sophomore

Lauren SnarskiEpee

Freshman

Paige Zmudczynski

SabreSophomore

John FaskiSabre

Freshman

Cole GoikeEpee

Sophomore

Elijah RobertsonFoil

Sophomore

Elliott TrombleySabreSenior

Kurt HiltonSabre

Sophomore

Clint MikekEpeeJunior

Yaroslav IvanovFoil

Sophomore



The2010-11DetroitTitanfencingteamsfeaturedareturntotheNCAATournamentasjuniorfoilistMichaelPurdy-SachsrepresentedDetroitattheNCAAFencingChampionshipsinColumbus,OHasoneofthetop-24rankedindividualsinmen’sfoilinthecountry. Overthetwo-daytournament,Purdy-Sachsfinished20thoveralltakingeightwins.Purdy-SachswasthefirstTitantomaketheNCAAChampionshipsinceJerikJelnikin2008.Jelnik,whoseweaponwasasabre,reachedthechampionshipineachofhisfouryearsasaTitan.Hefinishedwithateam-best60winsontheyearandforhisefforts,hewasrecognizedasthemen’sMVP. EarlierintheyearPurdy-SachswasoneofeightTitanstoparticipateintheNCAARegionalQualifiersheldatWayneState.SeniorsBradCoon,TimNelson,TomLorenzo,Purdy-Sachs,andfreshmenYaroslavIvanov,ColeGoike,andLoganClementsandfreshmanEvaBerndtonthewomen’ssideallrepresentedDetroitattheQualifiers. Boththemen’sandwomen’steamshadmeetsatWayneStateinapreseasontune-upattheannualIstvanDanosiwhereDetroitcontinueditsstreakofmen’sfoilgoldmedalswinningitssixthinarowasPurdy-SachscapturedthetopspotandIvanovfinishedthird.ForPurdy-Sachs,itwasthesecondstraightgoldmedalattheevent.AftertheIstvanDanosi,DetroitthenwentontocompeteinmeetsatClevelandState,NotreDame,Northwestern,inadditiontotheUDMInvitationalheldatCalihanHall.Thepostseason

2010-11SeasonReview

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Michael Purdy-Sachs (left) and Yaroslav Ivanov (right) show off their medals with coach Todd Dressell from the Istvan Danosi at Wayne State. Purdy-Sachs captured the gold medal in men’s foil for the second straight year while

freshman Ivanov took home third place. Photo courtesy of Sarah Armitage


2010-11SeasonReview

includedtheMidwestFencingConferenceChampionshipsheldatNotreDame,theNCAARegionalQualifieratWayneStateandtheNCAAChampionshipshostedbyOhioState. Ivanovwon47boutsinmen’sfoilontheyeartofinishwiththesecondhighesttotalonthemen’ssquadwhileLorenzohad43inmen’ssabre,Coonhad39inmen’sfoil,andNelsonfinishedwith37inmen’sepee.Berndtwasrecognizedasthewomen’sMVPasshewasthelonefemalefencerforDetroitattheNCAARegionalQualifierfinishingwith25winsontheseasoninwomen’ssabretoleadthewomen’ssquad.ArielSkellett,alsoinwomen’ssabre,captured20winstofinishwiththesecond-highesttotal.

The2010-11fencingrostersfeatured12menandsixwomen.Themenhadthreeseniors,twojuniors,twosophomores,andfivefreshmenwhilethewomen’steamfeaturedayearofgrowthwithsixfreshmen.Itwasalearningexperienceformanyoftheyoungerfencersincompetitionasanumberofindividualswerefencingforthefirsttime.Fourmembersofthemen’steamandeachofthesixfencersonthewomen’steamallparticipatedintheirfirstcompetitiveactionattheIstvanDanosi. Purdy-SachswasnamedtotheMidwestConferenceAll-LeaguesecondteamwhileIvanovwasnamedtothehonorablementionsquadafterplacingtenthattheConferenceChampionships.Inotherawards,Nelsonwasnamedthemen’sMostImprovedandfreshmanPaigeZmudczynskiearnedthehonoronthewomen’sside.IvanovtookhomemaleNewcomeroftheYearhonorsandSkellettearnedthefemalenewcomeraward.


2011-12 Women’s TeamFront Row: (Left to right) Lauren Snarski, Sarah Armitage, Mary Colombo, Shannon Canavan, Paige Zmudczynski

Second Row: Katie Lang, Kaylah Berndt, Eva Berndt, Ariel Skellet, Jill JohnsonBack Row: Graduate Assistant Coach Doug Sollman, Graduate Assistant Coach Tom

Lorenzo, Head Coach Todd Dressell


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2010-11: Recorded first two fencing wins at the Istvan Danosi (Dec. 5)... Registered a 2-1 win over Cleveland State at the Duals at Notre Dame (Jan. 29-30)... Took home three wins at Notre Dame and added three more at the Northwestern Megameet (Feb. 5-6)... Tallied four wins at the MFC Championships (Mar. 5-6)... Finished third on the women’s team with 14 wins on the season... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to Detroit: Earned two varsity letters for swimming in high school.

Personal: Daughter of Maureen and Keith Armitage... Born in Ann Arbor... Has a sister, Julie... Was the editor of the school yearbook... Enrolled in the five-year physician’s assistant program

SarahArmitage

Year:Sophomore Weapon:FoilHometown:Canton,MI HighSchool:Plymouth

SarahArmitage



2010-11: Topped all Detroit women fencers with 25 wins on the season... Was the lone female and one of eight Titans to represent Detroit at the NCAA Regional Qualifier (Mar. 12-13)... Tied for the team-lead in wins with eight at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15) which included a 3-0 victory Case Western, a 2-1 win against Wayne State, and a 2-0 defeat of Cleveland State... Captured team-best seven wins at Duals at Notre Dame (Jan. 29-30)... Tallied a 2-1 victory over California Tech at the Northwestern Megameet (Feb. 5-6) and had a 2-1 win over Michigan State at the UDM Invitational (Feb. 13) to lead the Titans...Went 10-7 at the MFC Championships to lead the Titan women... She was named the women’s team MVP as recognized by the coaches... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to Detroit: Earned varsity letters in high school in soccer (1), basketball (1), and cross country (1) at Providence Christian.

Personal: Daughter of Mark Berndt & Julie Gage... Born in Dearborn... Has two siblings, Kaylah and Jesse... Younger sister Kaylah is also part of the women’s fencing team at Detroit... Was part of the National Honors Society... Both parents fenced in college... Her mom at UDM and her dad at U-M Dearborn... Three cousins, an aunt, and two uncles all previously attended UDM... Won the Girl Scout Silver and Girl Scout Gold Awards... Was part of the drama club, the student council, yearbook, and orchestra club in high school... Majoring in electrical engineering.

EvaBerndt

Year: Sophomore Weapon:SabreHometown: Fremont,MI High School: ProvidenceChristian

EvaBerndt

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2010-11: Posted four wins at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15) with single victories over Case Western, Michigan, Wayne State, and Cleveland State... Added four wins at the MFC Championships to finish with 11 on the season... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to Detroit: Earned varsity letters for cross country, track, and powerlifting in high school... Finished second at the state powerlifting meet in 2010.

Personal: Daughter of Kenneth and Karen Canavan...Born in Pontiac... Has two siblings, Chelsea and Brendan... Was part of the Earth Club, Mountain Biking Club, and also the President of the Business Professionals of America Club in high school... Enrolled in the five-year physician’s assistant program.

ShannonCanavan

Year:Sophomore Weapon:FoilHometown:LakeOrion,MI HighSchool:LakeOrion

ShannonCanavan



2010-11: Posted a team-high three wins at the Istvan Danosi (Dec. 5)... Tied for the team-lead in wins with eight at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15) which included a 3-0 victory Case Western, a 2-0 win over Cleveland State, and single wins over Michigan, Vassar, and Wayne State... Tied for a team-best seven wins at Duals at Notre Dame (Jan. 29-30)... Registered a 2-1 victory over California Tech at the Northwestern Megameet (Feb. 5-6) and totaled seven wins at the MFC Championships (Mar. 5-6), the second-best mark on the team... Finished with 20 wins on the season behind teammate Eva Berndt’s 25... Named the female Newcomer of the Year by the coaches... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to Detroit: Earned two varsity letters for lacrosse in high school... Earned Academic All-League honors for lacrosse in 2010.

Personal: Daughter of Kim and Patrick Skellet... Born in Flint... Has a sister, Gina... A certified Emergency Medical Technician at the basic level... Has played hockey for 14 years... Chose UDM for its physician assistant program in which she is now enrolled.

ArielSkellet

Year: Sophomore Weapon:SabreHometown: Flint,MI High School: PowersCatholic

ArielSkellett

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2010-11: Earned the Most Improved award on the women’s side... Finished with 11 wins on the season.

Prior to Detroit: Earned a varsity letter as a sprinter in high school on the track team.

Personal: Daughter of Paul and Kathy Zmudczynski... Born in Detroit... Has a sister, Alexis... Was part of the National Honors Society, Medical Careers, and Writing Club in high school... Enjoys reading, music, spending time with friends and spanish... Her uncle Christopher also attended UDM... Majoring in nursing.

PaigeZmudczynski

Year:Sophomore Weapon:EpeeHometown:Fraser,MI HighSchool:Dakota

PaigeZmudczynski



Prior to Detroit: Attended Fremont High School and earned four letters for swimming.

Personal: Daughter of Mark Berndt and Julie Gage... Born in Wisconsin... Has two siblings Eva and Jesse... Older sister Eva is also on the Detroit fencing team... Enjoys reading, drawing, swimming and watching movies... Both parents fenced in college... Her mom at UDM and her dad at U-M Dearborn... Three cousins, an aunt, and two uncles also previously attended UDM... Major is mechanical engineering.

KaylahBerndt

Year:Freshman Weapon:EpeeHometown:Fremont,MI HighSchool:Fremont

KaylahBerndt

Prior to Detroit: Earned four varsity letters for swimming at Rochester... As a junior in 2010, was part of a team that captured the league championship... Was named All-State Academic in both 2010 and 2011... Garnered the 2009 Captain’s Award in swimming as a sophomore... Also earned three letters in track and field in high school.

Personal: Daughter of Allen and Gail Colombo... Has three siblings, Anne Marie, Allen and Robert... Sister Anne Marie graduated from UDM in 2009 with degree in economics and cousin Marisa is currently enrolled in Detroit’s five-year physician assistant program... Was part of the choir, praise & worship team, the environmental club and the key club in high school... Enjoys school musicals, choir and coaching... Coaches swimming at a swim club in Rochester Hills... Biggest thrill came when her Rochester swim team captured the league championship... Majoring in secondary education.

MaryColombo

Year:Freshman Weapon:FoilHometown:RochesterHills,MI HighSchool:Rochester

MaryColombo

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Prior to Detroit: Earned two letters for swimming at Mercy... Was part of two league, county and state championships.

Personal: Daughter of Amy and Ray Johnson... Born in Livonia... Is an only child... Cousin Lisa attends UDM and is an architecture major... Her uncle played football at West Point... Biggest thrill came from reaching her goal of a new best time in swimming and being part of a state championship... In addition to swimming, was part of the science club and the National Honor Society in high school... Hobbies include scuba diving and boxing... Went to Tuscaloosa, AL with UDM’s University Ministry Alternative Winter Break Program from Jan. 1-8, 2012 to provide tornado relief... Majoring in nursing.

JillJohnson

Year:Freshman Weapon:SabreHometown:Livonia,MI HighSchool:Mercy

JillJohnson

Prior to Detroit: Earned a varsity letter for figure skating at Divine Child... In 2008, was part of a district and state championship figure skating team.

Personal: Daughter of Carolyn and Gordon Lang... Born in Detroit... Has two siblings, Meghan and Jordan... Biggest thrill came when her team captured the state championship in high school... Majoring in nursing.

KatieLang

Year:Freshman Weapon:SabreHometown:RochesterHills,MI HighSchool:DivineChild

KatieLang



Prior to Detroit: Played volleyball in high school... No previous fencing experience. Personal: Daughter of Kimberly Moody and Oscar Silva... Born in New Orleans, LA... Has two siblings, Stonewall and Jackson... Was part of choir and dance in high school... Uncle Sean Touchett played two years in the Florida Marlins farm system... Major is psychology.

ElainaSilva

Year:Sophomore Weapon:SabreHometown:NewOrleans,LA HighSchool:MarineCity(MI)

ElainaSilva

Prior to Detroit: Attended Macomb Community College.

Personal: Daugher of Julie and Ted Snarski... Born in Grosse Pointe... Has two siblings, Alex and Kyle... Cousin Steph graduated from UDM nursing program in 2010... Was part of the marching band and jazz band in high school... Was the president of the National Honor Society... A member of the student council and health occupations of America... Also participated in dance... Enjoys playing the piano, reading, drawing, knitting, dancing and walking her dog... Enrolled in the five-year physician assistant’s program at Detroit.Lauren

Snarski

Year:Freshman Weapon:EpeeHometown:Fraser,MI HighSchool:Fraser

LaurenSnarski

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2011-12 Men’s TeamFront Row: (Left to right) Marlowe Crawford, Kyle Cisco, Cole Goike,

Jovan Kelley-Butler, Phil Nelson, Frank AdaminiSecond Row: JaeVeine Covington, Yaroslav Ivanov, Clint Mikek,

Michael Purdy-Sachs, Elliott Trombley, Elijah Robertson, John FaskiBack Row: Graduate Assistant Coach Doug Sollman, Graduate Assistant

Coach Tom Lorenzo, Head Coach Todd Dressell



Michael Purdy-Sachs

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2010-11: Reached the NCAA Fencing Championships in Columbus, OH as one of the top-24 in men’s foil in the NCAA Division I, II, or III... Was the first Titan to make the championship since Jerik Jelnik (sabre) in 2008 who reached the championship in each of his four years as a Titan... Finished 20th overall taking eight wins over the two-day tournament... At the NCAA Regional Qualifiers at Wayne State (March 13), earned a fifth place finish... Won the gold medal for a first place finish for the second straight year in the men’s foil at the Istvan Danosi at Wayne State (Dec. 5)... Went 9-0 at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15) and 6-0 at the UDM Invitational (Feb. 13)... In six meets (not including the Istvan Danosi meet and the NCAA Championships), finished with a 70% win rate and a 60-26 record... Was named the men’s team MVP... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

2009-10: Placed 8th at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships in Evanston, IL... Earned third varsity letter… Went 2-0 against Cal Tech in a 14-12 loss at the Duals at Stanford and went 5-2 overall on the day... Won the gold medal for a first place finish in the men’s foil at the Istvan Danosi at Wayne State and earned his “A” rating... Went to the North America Cup in Pittsburgh, PA and finished 3-3... Finished 8-1 at the Detroit Invitational held at UDM... Named to the 2009 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

2008-09: Finished second and earned “B08” ranking at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in men’s foil competition... Posted an overall record of 68-27 for the season and was second on the team in winning percentage (72 percent)... Recorded a 5-7 mark at NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier... Tallied a 23-6 mark, second best among Titans, at Northwestern Megameet where Detroit posted wins against Michigan State, Oberlin, Lawrence and CalTech... Led Titans with a winning percentage of 82 and a record of 14-3 at MFC Championships, helping men’s foil squad to a third place finish and a 3-1 record while placing 13th individually... Part of the men’s foil squad that went 35-1 overall and won four duals at the Notre

Dame Duals.

Prior to UDM: Was a solid competitor in the Michigan Division and has fenced for the Renaissance Fencing Club... Competed nationally attending North America Cup (NAC) competitions... Won the Michigan Division Championships in 2006 and earned a “B” rating in addition to finishing in the finals of a Division II/III competition.

Personal: Son of Jeanie Purdy and Robert Sachs...Has a sister, Alinah... Born in Detroit... Enjoys competitive horse show jumping... Majoring in biology.

Michael Purdy-Sachs

Year: Senior Weapon:Foil Hometown: PortHuron,MI High School: PortHuronNorthern&IndependentStudies

MichaelPurdy-Sachs


ElliottTrombley

25DetroitTitans.com


2010-11: Finished with nine wins on the season... Captured a win vs. Cleveland State in an 18-9 Detroit win at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15)... Took home three wins at the Duals of Notre Dame (Jan. 29-30) with single wins against Florida, Swarthmore, and Lawrence... Recorded season-best four wins at the MFC Championships (Mar. 5-6).

2008-09: Earned a varsity letter on the fencing team.

Prior to Detroit: Earned a varsity letter in high school in soccer.

Personal: Son of UDM Director of Athletics Keri Gaither and Brad Trombley... Has a sister, Kennedy... Majoring in mechanical engineering.

ElliottTrombley

Year:Senior Weapon:EpeeHometown:PleasantRidge,MI HighSchool:Ferndale

ElliottTrombley


Clint Mikek

27DetroitTitans.com


2010-11: Took home two wins at the Istvan Danosi (Dec. 5)... Went 1-1 in a Detroit 19-8 victory vs. Case Western at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15)... Went 1-0 against a tough Northwestern squad capturing the lone men’s epee win in the match-up at the Northwestern Megameet (Feb. 5-6)... Also had a 1-0 record over North Carolina at the Megameet... At the UDM Invitational (Feb. 13), totaled a 1-1 mark vs. Wayne State... Registered two wins at the MFC Championships (Mar. 5-6)... Named to the 2010 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

2009-10: Finished 12th in men’s epee at the Istvan Danosi at Wayne State in his first ever fencing tournament... Named to the 2009 UDM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to Detroit: Competed in golf and cross country at St. Louis High School... Member of divisional co-championship cross country squad... Participated in Tae Kwon Do in addition to golf and cross country... Active as a member of National Honor Society, 4-H Youth Development Organization, Model United Nations and Business Professionals of America.

Personal: Son of Greg and Tresha Mikek... Born in Alma... Has a younger brother, Trent... Enjoys bike riding and reading... Majoring in biochemistry.

Clint Mikek

Year:Junior Weapon:EpeeHometown:St.Louis,MI HighSchool:St.Louis

ClintMikek



2010-11: In his first year of fencing, with the foil he had 27 bouts in five tournaments throughout the year as well as four more bouts at the Istvan Danosi (Dec. 5)... Scored a 5-0 win over Cleveland State at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15)... Participated in a season-high eight bouts at the Duals at Notre Dame (Jan. 30).

Prior to UDM: No fencing experience.... Was part of rowing team for two years.

Personal: Son of Robert and Leslie Cisco... Born in Wayne... Was a section leader in the high school marching band from 2008-2010... Was also part of the Drama Club, band and S.A.D.D (Students Against Destructive Decisions)... Enjoys music, fishing, spending time with friends, tennis and ping pong... Biggest thrill comes from the feel of victory in a competition... Majoring in biochemistry.

KyleCisco

Year:Sophomore Weapon:FoilHometown:BrownstownTwp.,MI HighSchool:OscarCarlson

KyleCisco

29DetroitTitans.com


2010-11: Captured first bout win at the Istvan Danosi (Dec. 5)... Finished with 19 wins on the season... Took home two out of three wins vs. Wayne State at the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15)... Also went 2-1 vs. Florida and Lawrence (both Detroit wins) at the Duals at Notre Dame (Jan. 29-30)... Totaled 2-1 mark against North Carolina at the Northwestern Megameet (Feb. 5-6)... Was one of eight Titans to represent Detroit at the NCAA Regional Qualifiers (Mar. 12-13).

Prior to Detroit: Received a letter for tennis in high school.

Personal: Son of Mark and Karen Goike... Born in Troy... Was named the 2010 Romeo Salutatorian and a member of the Romeo National Honors Society... Was in the jazz band in high school... Plays the bass guitar... Has served as a People-to-People Sports Ambassador to Europe... His Uncle Greg Goike played baseball at nearby Oakland... Enjoys guitar, running, cycling and disc golf... Receives a thrill in athletic competition when he beats an opponent better than himself... Majoring in civil engineering.

ColeGoike

Year:Sophomore Weapon:EpeeHometown:RayTwp.,MI HighSchool:Romeo

ColeGoike



2010-11: Earned his “A” rating...Won a bronze medal for placing third at the Istvan Danosi at Wayne State beating out teammate Brad Coon 15-10... At the Cleveland State Duals (Jan. 15), he finished tied atop the men’s foil team in wins with 10 on the day.... Went 5-1 at the UDM Invitational (Feb. 13)... Ivanov was named to the Midwest Conference All-League honorable mention team after placing tenth at the Conference Championships (Mar. 5-6)... Totaled the second best record on the Titans with a 47-30 (.610) record... Was one of eight Titans to represent Detroit at the NCAA Regional Qualifier (Mar. 12-13) finishing with five wins at the meet... Was recognized by the coaches as the men’s Newcomer of the Year.

Prior to Detroit: Was a part of the Louisville Fencing Center...Took first place at the North American Cup Division II Tournament in 2009...Earned second place in local region in 2008....Placed first in back-to-back years at the Cory Stauble Memorial Tournament in Louisville, KY in 2009 and 2010.

Personal: Son of Margarita Ivanov... Born in Moscow... Has two siblings, Elizabeth and Alexander... Fences left-handed... Was a member of the jazz band, marching band and the chess club in high school at Ballard... Enjoys music, art and cars... Chose Detroit to see the city and aid his choice of architecture for his major.

YaroslavIvanov

Year:Sophomore Weapon:FoilHometown:Louisville,KY HighSchool:Ballard

YaroslavIvanov

31DetroitTitans.com


2010-11: Earned a varsity letter appearing in 25 bouts capturing two wins on the season.

Prior to Detroit: No fencing experience.

Personal: Born in Detroit... Son of Liz Robertson and John Knisely... Has three siblings Zac, Josh, and Hannah... Brothers Josh and Zac both have UDM roots with Josh already graduated and Zac a CIS major... Enjoys playing music, reading, drawing, and traveling... Majoring in biology.

ElijahRobertson

Year:Sophomore Weapon:FoilHometown:Plymouth,MI HighSchool:Salem

ElijahRobertson



Prior to Detroit: Played club lacrosse at De La Salle High School.

Personal: Son of Chris and Irene Adamini... Born in Royal Oak... Has a younger sibling Paige... Had two uncles previously attend UDM... Part of the marching band in high school... Enjoys playing video games and playing various sports... Major is biology.

Frank Adamini

Year:Freshman Weapon:EpeeHometown:ShelbyTwp.,MI HighSchool:DeLaSalle

FrankAdamini

Prior to Detroit: Was part of the Mississauga Fencing Club for five years... Part of alpine and cross-country ski team for the Lorne Park Spartans... Named Alpine Skiing Most Improved Player in 2010.

Personal: Son of Stuart Hilton and Lily Pong-Hilton... Born in Toronto, ON... Has one sibling, Jade... Biggest thrill comes when you make it to the finals of a tournament and overcoming the pressure... Enjoys woodworking, gardening, kayaking and camping... Major is architecture.

KurtHilton

Year:Sophomore Weapon:SabreHometown:Toronto,ON HighSchool:LorenPark

KurtHilton

33DetroitTitans.com


Prior to Detroit: Earned three letters for cross country and track and field at Gabriel Richard... Set cross country personal record of 18:05 in 5k race.

Personal: Son of Marlene and Steven Nelson... Older brother Tim graduated in May 2011 from Detroit and was a two-year epee fencer at Detroit... Mother Marlene also attended UDM... Enjoys watching TV, playing video games, surfing the internet and playing the piano... Was also part of theatre and varsity band in high school... Biggest thrill in sports come from being able to push yourself beyond your limits... Major is software engineering.Phil

Nelson

Year:Freshman Weapon:EpeeHometown:Trenton,MI HighSchool:GabrielRichard

PhilNelson

Prior to Detroit: Attended West Catholic High School.

Personal: Son of Kelly and Stanley Faski... Born in Grand Rapids... Has two siblings, Joseph and Daniel... Was part of mock trials, golf, cross country and the National Honor Society in high school... Enjoys golf, playing cards and watching TV... Major is biology.

JohnFaski

Year:Freshman Weapon:SabreHometown:GrandRapids,MI HighSchool:WestCatholic

JohnFaski


2011-12 Women’s and Men’s TeamFront Row: (Left to right) Lauren Snarski, Sarah Armitage, Mary Colombo, Shannon Canavan,

Jovan Kelley-Butler, Paige Zmudczynski, Frank AdaminiSecond Row: Michael Purdy-Sachs, Katie Lang, Kaylah Berndt, Kyle Cisco,

Phil Nelson, Ariel Skellet, Jill Johnson, Eva BerndtThird Row: Graduate Assistant Coach Doug Sollman, JaeVeine Covington, Yaroslav Ivanov, Clint Mikek,

Elliott Trombley, Elijah Robertson, Cole Goike, John Faski, Marlowe Crawford, Graduate Assistant Coach Tom Lorenzo, Head Coach Todd Dressell


35DetroitTitans.com


2011-12SeasonPreview The2011-12Titansfeatureafullyloadedroster.Thewomen’steamfeatures11underclassmenwithsixsophomores,fivereturning,andfivefreshmenwhilethemen’steamhas11fencersaltogetherwithtwoseniors,ajunioralongwithfoursophomoresandfourfreshmen. Lastseason,theNCAARegionalQualifierTournamentatWayneStatefeatured2011-12TitanreturnersMichaelPurdy-Sachs,ColeGoike,YaroslavIvanovonthemen’ssideandEvaBerndtforthewomen.SeniorPurdy-Sachsledthemen’ssquadafterreachingtheNCAAFencingChampionshipsinColumbus,OHasoneofthetop-24rankedindividualsinmen’sfoilinthecountryattheNCAADivisionI,II,orIIIlevel.HebecamethefirstTitantomakethetournamentsinceJerikJelnik(sabre)in2008.Purdy-Sachsfinished20thoveralltakingeightwinsoverthetwo-daytournament ThewomenwillfeatureafullteamwithsophomoresBerndtandArielSkellettleadingthesabresquad.Berndtwasthelonefemalefencer,andoneofeightTitansoverall,toreachtheNCAARegionalQualifierayearago.Berndtadvancedtothequalifierafterleadingallfemalefencerswitha10-7recordattheMidwestFencingConferenceChampionshipsinherfreshmanseason.SophomorefoilistsSarahArmitageandShannonCanavanreturninadditiontoPaigeZmudczynskiwiththeepeeweapon. Thisyear’ssquadwillfeatureanumberofnewfaces.Newtothisyear’swomen’ssquadwillbeKaylahBerndt,LaurenSnarski,MaryColombo,JillJohnson,KatieLangandsophomoreElainaSilva.KaylahBerndtistheyoungersisterofEvaBerndt.Themen’steamwillhavetwoseniorsasPurdy-Sachs

Newcomer Kurt Hilton captured a silver medal at the Istvan Danosi



andElliottTrombleyrepresenttheelderstatesmenofthegroup. JuniorClintMikekandfivesophomoresmakeupthesophomoreclassasGoike,KyleCisco,YaroslavIvanov,ElijahRobertsonandnewcomerKurtHiltonroundoutthegroup.Inhisfreshmanyear,IvanovwasnamedtotheMidwestConferenceAll-LeaguehonorablementionteamafterplacingtenthattheConferenceChampionships. Therearefournewcomersthatwilljointhemen’ssquadasfreshmenFrankAdamini,PhilNelson,JohnFaskiandHiltonalladddepthtotheTitans.AnotherfamilyconnectionfeaturesNelsonasheistheyoungerbrotherofTimNelsonwhograduatedfromUDMinthespringandwasatwo-yearepeeistatDetroit.

TheyearstartedattheIstvanDanosibouthostedbylocalWayneStateasfivemedalswereclaimedbytheTitans.Purdy-Sachscapturedthesilvermedalinmen’sfoilgivinghimapairofsilvermedalsinfouryearsatthetournamentendinghisrunoftwo-straightgoldmedals.Mikektookhomeabronzeinmen’sepeeafterafineperformanceinthedirecteliminationroundsandHiltonstormedbackfromaslowstartinthepoolstomakeittothemen’ssabresemifinalsearningabronzemedalforhisefforts.EvaBerndtwonabronzeinwomen’ssabreandthefifthTitanmedalwenttograduateassistantcoachNickTobianskiwhowentperfectinpoolplayandreachedthechampionshipmatchinmen’ssabreleavingthecompetitionwithasilvermedal.

2011-12SeasonPreview

Sarah Armitage is one of six sophomores on this year’s women’s roster.

37DetroitTitans.com


TheDetroit Titans have seven fencers in the Titans Hall of Fame. Dan Cantillon, William Giovan, Fred Hooker, Greg Kocab, Pat McDonald, Tyrone Simmons, and Gerry Surowiec, as well as former head coach Richard Perry. Three fencers (and Perry) are from the 1972 men’s fencing team and hold the honor of being the only team in the history of the University of Detroit or University of Detroit Mercy to win a team national NCAA Championship.

Detroit served notice to the rest of the country that they were a team to be reckoned with as they posted a 19-1 record on the season. Foilist Tyrone Simmons led Detroit with a 43-4 dual meet record on the season. Ken Blake finished the dual season at 46-6 in the sabre, while Fred Hooker went 33-11 in the epee.

In the NCAA Championship in Chicago, IL that year, Detroit held a slim 49-48 lead over Columbia following the first day of competition, and Simmons vowed that he was “...not going to let them even hit me.”

Day-two saw Detroit fence beautifully as Simmons went undefeated in the foil, scoring 115 touches to just 32 against. Hooker and Blake combined to post a 35-11 record in the epee and sabre. Detroit ended the competition with 73 points, three ahead of New York University and seven in front of Columbia.

Simmons ended up winning the foil competition, Blake took second in the sabre, and Hooker captured fourth in epee. In addition to being the first trio of African-Americans to win the fencing crown, all three members of the squad earned All-America honors.

Simmons was also the NCAA Foil Champion in 1971 and was named as the Illinois Memorial Award winner in both 1971 and 1972 presented annually to the College Fencer of the Year. He was a member of the 1972 Olympic Team and also the 1971 Gold Medal U.S. Foil team at the Pan American Games. He posted an outstanding three-season record of 126-10 for a winning percentage of .927.

Coach Perry had an amazing 228-96 record in his first 18 years as head coach of the fencing team. He took home National Coach of the Year honors in 1971. He coached five All-Americans and two U.S. Collegiate Fencers of the Year during his career.

Hooker was an All-America epeeist in 1972 and placed fourth that year in the NCAA Tournament as an individual. He was seventh nationally in 1970 and again in 1971, the year where the Titans finished third as a team. He was the co-captain of the National Championship team and left with a sterling career record of 173-37, good for a winning percentage of .832. His 173 career victories, and the 46 he recorded in 1970, both set school records in the epee.

1972 nCaa naTional ChaMpions

1972 All-Americans (L-R) Ken Blake, Tyrone Simmons, Fred Hoooker

1972 (L-R): Head Coach Richard Perry, Assistant Coach Stan Sieja and Tyrone Simmons. Simmons is being awarded the Illinois Memorial Award which is presented annually to the College Fencer of the Year.

39DetroitTitans.com

Welcome To

Titan Athletics


The main goal of the Strength and Conditioning Department is to help the student-athlete improve physically and mentally in their respected sport. This will be accomplished in such a way that is safe and efficient for each individual athlete. As the student-athlete participates in these activities we will work to lessen the possibility of injury or re-injury. If an injury should occur, we will work with the Sports Medicine Staff and the student-athlete to complete rehabilitation.

Each team will have an individualized program based on their particular sport. Each program takes into account the intensity level, the physical demands, and skill involved in each individual sport and also each individual student-athlete. All teams and individuals will be subject to performance tests that will help design each program and also will help to determine the success of the program.

The Strength and Conditioning Staff will work with each individual coach at all times. Each coach will receive updated attendance, evaluation, and comments on a regular basis about each student-athlete. Communication is the key to success in the weight room and on the playing field.

The Titans condition and train in the Larry Bleach Fitness Center, located in Calihan Hall. All UDM student-athletes are trained under the supervision of two full-time certified strength and conditioning coaches, as well as two

intern assistants. Every member of the Titan strength and conditioning staff is assigned a team, which allows daily interaction between the athletes and the coaches. Such interaction is a tremendous asset when developing a program that best serves the athlete and the team.

In the past three years, the fitness center expanded by over 400 square feet. Olympic style platforms, squat racks, stretch and other auxiliary speed equipment have also been

added, all designed and implemented to improve the Titans’ speed and power. The center also features the ONS Performance nutritional shake, which is designed to help every athlete recover from training and conditioning with a supplement increase in their protein and carbohydrate intake.

The UDM strength and conditioning staff has not only helped the Titan student-athletes, but professional athletes as well as UDM graduate and current New Orleans Hornets guard Willie Green comes back to use the facilities during the offseason.

sTrengTh & ConDiTioning

Joe TofferiAsst. AD for Strength &

Conditioning

Nick WilsonAsst. Strength

& Conditioning Coach

Aaron Short Strength and Conditioning

Assistant

Marcus WilliamsStrength and Conditioning

Assistant

41DetroitTitans.com

At the University of Detroit Mercy, the sports medicine staff is committed to providing the best care to all Titan athletes. Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Michael Miller coordinates and oversees the sports medicine services at UDM for over 250 student-athletes.

The sports medicine staff is responsible for assessing athletic injuries and illnesses, administering first aid and CPR care, making medical referrals, and preventing and rehabilitating athletic injuries that occur during the school year.

The sports medicine department is under the guidance of Dr. Michael Workings, a family practice physician from the Henry Ford Health System. Dr. Workings also acts as the Team Physician for the Detroit Tigers. Dr. Terrence Lock is back as the team orthopedic, while joining the staff for the 2010-11 season is Dr. Rehal Bhojani and Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre, who will provide clinic and game coverage.

The athletic training facility is located at Calihan Hall. This training facility is equipped with a taping and first aid station, treatment and modality tables, hydrotherapy whirlpools, and rehabilitative equipment.

The goals of the University of Detroit Mercy Sports Medicine Department are to prevent athletic injuries as much as possible through effective injury prevention

sporTs MeDiCine

Lainie Bisbee Asst. Dir. of

Sports Medicine

Ashley VanMeter

Asst. Dir. of Sports Medicine

Kyle BowenAthletic Training Intern

Victoria Vintevoghel Graduate

Athletic Trainer

Michael MillerAsst. AD for

Sports Medicine

Jen Aldea Athletic

Training Intern

Dr. Michael G. Workings

TeamPhysician

Dr. Terrence R LockTeam

Orthopedist


When talking about students who compete in a varsity sport, the term typically used is “student-athlete.” The word “student” comes first, and that’s the way the University of Detroit Mercy approaches all of its athletic team members. Although performance in competition is important, they are students first, and athletes second, with their performance in the classroom plenty important in Titan Territory.

UDM’s Center for Student-Athlete Development, one of the first of its kind, offers programs for academic classes, drug education, student enhancement and works to improve communication skills. All 19 varsity teams are encouraged to take full advantage of the programs offered at the center. The center also heads up the NCAA Life Skills Program, which focuses on the student in student-athlete and how to deal with issues that all student-athletes today must face. Through seminars, guest speakers and NCAA videos, student-athletes are made aware of issues such as gambling and drug and alcohol abuse, and how to deal with these concerns.

The center is made possible, in part, by a grant from the NCAA. In conjunction with the staff of the University Learning Center, members of the center’s staff teach UAS 107, “Athletes in Transition,” each year. All freshman and transfer student-athletes must take this course during their studies at UDM. The course deals with how student-athletes can make the transition from high school to college. This important class teaches student-athletes to deal with time and stress management, study skills and the importance of

good nutritional habits. Another example of Detroit’s commitment to its student-athletes’ academic excellence is the Athletic Academic Coordinator’s post. Since the position was created, UDM’s graduation rate for student-athletes has steadily risen. Assistant Athletic Director For NCAA Compliance Steve Corder, no stranger to collegiate athletics as he played soccer for Detroit from 1994-98, and his staff carefully track each Titan’s academic progress to make sure they are on the right path toward graduation. In addition, student-athletes are helped with their tutorial needs through the use of the student-run Learning Center, where professors and students donate their time as tutors.

The student-athletes’ academic progress is closely monitored and study table is set up to assist the Titans with any and all academic areas, including providing tutors and a writing lab. The center is open daily and also has evening hours to work around a student-athlete’s busy schedule. All freshmen must take part in the study table, as well as other student-athletes who have not yet achieved a 2.75 GPA.

The University of Detroit Mercy is committed to the principles of institutional control in operating our athletic department. We are responsible for adhering to the rules, regulations and spirit of the NCAA, Horizon League and the University.

The University of Detroit Mercy Compliance Office directs this effort and acts a primary resource concerning NCAA rules, regulations and compliance issues. We ensure that our institution complies with all NCAA standards and we are responsible for monitoring all athletic programs to assure compliance.

aCaDeMiCs/CoMplianCe

Steve CorderAsst. AD for

NCAA Compliance

Amy GasahlAsst. Dir. of

Compliance/ Academic Cord.

43DetroitTitans.com

noTable alUMni A-Richard Abdoo (Retired President & CEO, Wisconsin Energy) .................... BusAdm’69Thomas Angott (Chairman, CF Burger Creamery) ......................................... BusAdm ’49-B-Anita Barone (Actress) ................................................................................................LAE ’86Stephanie Bergeron (Ret. VP & Treasurer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber) .............. BusAdm ’81Emil Brolick (President, YUM! Brands) .....................................................BusAdm ’69, ’70-C-Cynthia Canty (Radio Personality, WMGC-FM) ..................................................... LAE ’75Thomas Capo (Chairman, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group) ............. BusAdm ’73, ’75, ’80Michael F. Cavanagh (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) .......................LAE ’62, LW ’66Maura Corrigon (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) ................................................ LW ’73Matthew Cullen (President & COO Rock Enterprises) .................................. BusAdm ’83-D-Richard Damman (Retired President Damman Hardware) ....................BusAdm ‘68, ‘74Christopher Darga (Actor) .........................................................................................LAE ‘80Thomas Denomme (Ret. Vice Chair & CAO, DaimlerChrysler) .................. BusAdm ’61-E-Michael Evans (President Loyola High School, MI) .............................................. LAE ‘75 -F-W. James Farrell (Retired Chairman & CEO, Illinois Tool Works) ...................... E&S ’68Robert Ficano (Executive, Wayne County) ................................................................ LW ’77Angelina Fiordellis (Actress) ......................................................................................LAE ‘81-G-Eugene A. Gargaro (Sr. Vice President, Masco Corporation) ................................ LW ’67Robert Goodenow (Former Executive Director, NHL Players Assoc.) ............... LW ’79Roman S. Gribbs (Former Mayor, City of Detroit) ......................... BusAdm ’52, LW ’54-H-John P. Hayes (Retired Chairman & CEO, National Gypsum) ..................... BusAdm ’43Robert Hendry (Retired CFO, General Motors) .............................................. BusAdm ’69Sister Mary Ellen Howard (Director, St. Frances Cabrini Clinic) .........................CHP ’68William Hermann (Managing Partner, Plante & Moran) ................................ BusAdm ‘72-K-Frank Kelley (Attorney General Emeritus, State of Michigan) .............................. LW ’51David Patrick Kelley (Actor) ......................................................................................LAE ‘77John C. Kennedy (President & CEO, Autocam Corp.) ................................... BusAdm ’79James Kokas (President/Owner, Opus One) ......................................................... LAE ‘73-L-James D Lark (Owner, The Lark) ..............................................................................LAE ‘52 Elmore Leonard (Author/Screenplay Writer) ......................................................... LAE ’50Albert Lorenzo (President, Macomb County CC) ....................................BusAdm ’65, ’66-M-Thaddeus McCotter (Congressman, US House of Representatives) ............ LAE ’87, LW ’90Isaiah McKinnon (Former Chief of Police, City of Detroit) .......................LAE ‘75, ‘78William Morrow (Executive Vice President, Crain Communications) ...............BusAdm ’68Peter Munoz (Director, Michigan State Police) ....................................................... LAE ’76-N-Benny Napoleon (Sheriff, Wayne County) ............................................................... LAE ‘82 Joseph Nathan (Retired President & COO, Compuware Corp.) .............LAE ’74, BusAdm ’78 James Norrod (President, Segway) .................................................................... BusAdm ‘75-O-James O’Sullivan (Pres. & CEO, Mazda North American Oper.) .............BusAdm ’76, ’84-P-L. Brooks Patterson (Executive, Oakland County) ..................................LAE ’61, LW ’67Marlena Lazar-Peleo (Chief Creative Officer, McDonald’s Corp.) ...................... LAE ‘72-R-Arlene Robinson (CEO, Girl Scouts of Metro Detroit) ........................................ LAE ’75Louis Rossetti (Chairman & CEO, Rossetti Associates) ...........................................AR ’59-S-David Schembri (President, Smart USA) .......................................................... BusAdm ‘75David Stangis (VP Corp Social Responsibilitiy, Campbell Soup) .......................E & S ‘87Robert Soulliere (President & CEO, ThyssenKrupp) ..................................... BusAdm ‘85-V-Andy Vazzano (President & Managing Partner, SmithGroup) ...................... BusAdm ’80-Y-William C. Young (President, Absopure Water Co.) ...............................................E&S, ’66

A former Horizon League Player of the Year as well as the fourth all-time scorer in Titan history, Willie Green

has played eight years in the NBA with Philadelphia and New Orleans. Green

graduated with an education degree in 2003.

Titan fencer Tyrone Simmons graduated from Detroit in 1974 with a liberal arts degree. He went on to

be inducted into the Titan Hall of Fame in 1984 and

finished with an overall .923 fencing winning percentage.


TiTan hall of faMe UDM established its Sports Hall of Fame in 1977 in order to honor those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have helped develop the successful tradition of Titan Athletics. The Hall of Fame now has 112 members, following the 10 latest additions made on Homecoming Weekend on Jan. 26, 2010.

The 2002 induction dinner was truly one to remember. The inductees included two of the Titans’ former basketball All-Americans, Terry Tyler and John Long – or Thunder and Lightning, as they were affectionately known during their playing days – as well as the 1960 Titan football team as a unit. Additionally, the beautiful new Hall of Fame display in the Calihan Hall lobby was unveiled that night for a crowd which would fill the arena’s main floor during the induction dinner.

Long and Tyler were part of one of the winningest eras of Titan basketball, having helped their team to an 86-25 record over their four years combined. They helped the Titans to an NCAA Tournament berth in 1977, and an NIT appearance one year later.

Long was the only player ever to lead the Titans in scoring for four straight varsity seasons, and he’s still the second-leading point producer in school history. Tyler, meanwhile, is the all-time Detroit leader for blocked shots in a game, a season and a career. He is also second in career field goal percentage and sixth in scoring.

The pair’s old coach, none other than Dick Vitale, was the keynote speaker at his former players’ induction dinner. The present-day ESPN/ABC telecaster kept the audience captivated for more than an hour with his memories of coaching the Titans.

The 1960 football squad became the first team ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame en masse. That team finished the season 7-2 – the winningest U-D record of the post-World War II era. Two of those victories, over Cincinnati and Xavier, came by shutout. Future pro stars Larry Vargo, Bruce Maher, Steve Stonebreaker and Jerry Gross were all part of the 1960 Titan roster.

The most recent induction class included four former basketball players – Joe Kopicki, Jermaine Jackson, Rashad Phillips and, from the women’s team, Cassandra Pack – as well as former stars from baseball (Pat Adams and Mike Pesci), cross country/track and field (Ken Dubois and Kim Jess), golf (Adam Walicki) and tennis (Maria Pandele).

L-R: Adam Walicki, Joe Kopicki, Kim Jess, Pat Adams, Ken Dubois, Mike Pesci, Maria Pandele (Not Pictured: Jermaine Jackson, Rashad Phillips, Cassandra Pack) The latest Titan Hall of Fame Class was inducted at halftime of the men’s basketball game

against Wright State on Jan. 26, 2010

45DetroitTitans.com

TiTan hall of faMeInductee Sport YearThe 1960 Football Team Football 2001Harry Ackermann Swimming 1986Pat Adams Baseball 2010Grady Alderman Football 1979Bob Babbish Golf 1980Chuck Baer Football Coach 1980Vince Banonis Football 1977Ed Barbour Football Player/Coach 1980Al Baumgart Football 1989Joseph Beer Football 1985Paul Bibeau Baseball 1982John Biringer Football 1982Larry Bleach Basketball 1980Lloyd Brazil Football 1977Dad Butler Trainer, Coach 1977Bob Calihan Basketball 1977Dan Cantillon Fencing 1980Pudge Cavanaugh Tennis 1988Mary (Lillie) Cicerone Basketball 2007Earl “Dutch” Clark Football Coach 1978Earl Clark Jr. Tennis Player/Coach 1985Tom Connell Football 1980John Conti Football 1984Frank Corej Baseball 1986Pete Craig Baseball 1980Cindy Crosbie Softball 2007Earl Cureton Basketball 2007Bill Daly Track 1987Coretta Daniels Basketball 1989Dave DeBusschere Basketball 1977Gus Dorais Football Coach 1977Ken Dubois Cross Country, Track 2010Terry Duerod Basketball 1993Dick Dzik Basketball 1983Bill Ebben Basketball 1978Andy Farkas Football 1977George Fefles Basketball 1988Tim Finnin Football 1980Cindy Fix Soccer 2007Al Ghesquiere Football 1981William Giovan Fencing 1980Ralph Goldstein Basketball 1982Nate Goodnow Football 1980Bob Greiner Football 1986Jerry Gross Football 1980Wally Gruber Football, Track 1983Ken Hamann Baseball 1988Spencer Haywood Basketball 1993Fred Hooker Fencing 1986Bob Ivory Football 1981Jermaine Jackson Basketball 2010Kim Jess Track 2010William Kelly Joyce Golf Coach 1981Mike Kaysserian Football 1980Howard Keating Football 1984Kal Kaliszewski Soccer 2007John Kirwan Basketball 1981Brad Kinsman Athletic Director 2007Greg Kocab Fencing 1987

Sam Kocsis Golf 1986Joe Kopicki Basketball 2010Robert Koval Football 1988Jack Kurkowski Football 1982Harold Lauer Football 1981John Long Basketball 2001Ed Lukas Basketball Player/Coach 1983Dick Lutz Football 1981Bruce Maher Football 1979Gene Malinowski Football 1981Ted Marchibroda Football 1983James Massey Football 1986Art Masucci Football 1981Denny McCotter Football 1988Pat McDonald Fencing 1981Brendan McNamara Basketball 1982Bob Miller Baseball 1979Cheryl (Williams) Miller Basketball 2005Dorie Murrey Basketball 1984John Mulroy Administration 2005Charley North Basketball 2005Doug Nott Football 1980Brakie Orr Baseball 1984Cassandra Pack Basketball 2010Terry Page Basketball 1985Ed Palumbo Football 1983Maria Pandele Tennis 2010Bud Payne Football 1984Richard Perry Fencing Coach 1980Mike Pesci Baseball 2010Rashad Phillips Basketball 2010Walter Poff Basketball 1981Mike Polvi Baseball 1989Bob Prendergast Baseball 1981Al Rappaport Track 1987Bruce Rodwan Basketball 1987Harold Ryan Track 1988Larry Salci Basketball 1986John Shada Football Player/Coach 1980Tyrone Simmons Fencing 1982Steve Stonebreaker Football 1987Gerry Surowiec Fencing 1989Norm Swanson Basketball 1980Tom Thornton Football 1981Bill Turkington Baseball 1987Terry Tyler Basketball 2001Larry Vargo Football 1987Dick Vitale Basketball Coach 1993Tillie Voss Football, Basketball 1978Tom Watrous Golf 1984Adam Walicki Golf 2010Mike Walsh Basketball, Baseball 1989Bonnie (Fitzpatrick) Wood Cross Country/Track 2007Ed Wood Football 1983Joe Wright Football/Basketball/Baseball 1980


aThleTiC DireCTorKeri Gaither was appointed as University of Detroit Mercy’s Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President in May of 2007, less than six months after being asked to serve as Interim Athletic Director.

Soon after taking the helm of Titan athletics, Gaither announced the expansion of the Detroit Titans Division I sports program from 16 to 19 teams with the addition of men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis. In her first two years, Gaither also expanded the athletic staff by

adding eight full-time positions to the department, directed the building and completion of a new $1.6 million all-purpose synthetic turf field and track, and was responsible for the hiring of men’s basketball coach Ray McCallum, women’s basketball coach Autumn Rademacher, and softball coach Sunny Jones.

Gaither also completed a successful fundraising campaign for the renovation of the men’s basketball office suite, press conference room as well as the addition of a new film room.

Other projects that have been completed in her tenure is a brand new basketball court dedicated to Dick Vitale, the Titan Tennis Complex and a new grass field to accommodate the lacrosse and soccer teams.

Gaither was recognized for her strong leadership as UDM’s Director of Athletics when she was appointed to the University of Detroit Mercy’s (UDM) senior leadership team as a member of the Associate Vice President’s group in June of 2007.

For the three years preceding her appointment, Gaither served as second in command for the Titan Athletic Department and also supervised nine women’s varsity sports as the Senior Athletic Director. During her tenure in that position, Gaither played an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of women’s golf in 2004 when it became UDM’s 16th varsity team. She has also served in several key administrative roles for Athletics, including stints as Senior Woman Administrator and Director of Business Operations.

Gaither Chaired the Detroit Local Organizing Committee (DLOC) for the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four which was played in front of a record-setting crowd of 72,922 at Ford Field in Detroit as UDM served as the host institution. As the DLOC Chair, Gaither provided strong leadership for the DLOC and maintained ultimate responsibility for the local operations of the Final Four event. Gaither held the same position, in addition to being designated Tournament Director, for the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional.

As a current member of the Horizon League’s Executive Council, Gaither is actively involved with League operations. She currently serves on the League’s Men’s Basketball Strategic Planning Committee and has served on both the finance and television committees.

In July of 2010, Gaither was appointed a new member of the Executive Committee of the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association. She is one of just 13 members serving on the Committee, which works on behalf of the membership of the D1-AAA, in addition to its President and five other officers.

Gaither was also appointed to the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) in September of 2009. As one of six Division I members on the 15-person committee, Gaither is currently in year two of a four-year term. The MOIC was formed to review issues related to the interests of ethnic minorities and women with a focus on education and welfare of minority student-athletes, as well as the enhancement of opportunities for ethnic minorities and women in coaching, athletics administration, officiating and the NCAA governance structure.

In March of 2008, Gaither was presented with the Phenomenal Women’s Ashley Gray Legacy Award by the University of Detroit Mercy’s Student Programming Board. This award was presented for her outstanding contribution toward the growth and development of students as the Director of Athletics at UDM. Gaither was also honored in September of 2008 when she was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “2008 Women to Watch” for her goals and initiatives in the Detroit Titans athletics program and her leadership in serving as chair of Detroit’s Local Organizing Committee for the 2009 NCAA Final Four.

While a member of the 2006 UDM Self-Study Steering Committee for NCAA Athletic Certification, Gaither also served on the Equity and Student-Athletic Welfare Sub-Committee and was designated the campus liaison during the certification process. Shortly after the University received its full certification in April of 2007, Gaither was asked by the NCAA to serve as a Peer-Review Team Member.

Past University appointments include chairing UDM’s prioritization sub-committee and serving on various search committees. She is a past Board Member for the University of Detroit Mercy’s Women’s Studies Program and served on the Women’s Studies Program Development Sub-committee.

She also participated as a member of the Tourism Action Group (TAG) Hospitality Committee, a group organized by the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitor Bureau dedicated to training the hospitality industry for Detroit-area events such as the 2005 MLB All Star Game and Super Bowl XL.

In 2006, the Titan Athletic Director completed the NCAA’s inaugural Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Females, a leadership development program sponsored by the NCAA Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. The Leadership Institute, designed to address the critical shortage of senior-level minority administrators at NCAA member institutions and conference offices, prepares diverse leaders through a 12-month leadership training and skills development experience.

Gaither served as a past steering committee member of the Women’s Leadership Symposium for Intercollegiate Athletics and recently assisted in coordinating its national leadership conference. Gaither is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), and the Black Coaches Association (BCA).

Graduating magna cum laude from UDM, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. During her undergraduate studies, she was a two-time recipient of the College of Liberal of Arts’ Economics Student of the Year Award.

Gaither and her husband, Brad Trombley, reside in Pleasant Ridge with their two children, Elliott, a senior at the University of Detroit Mercy majoring in Engineering, and daughter Kennedy.

47DetroitTitans.com

aThleTiC sTaff

Stacey Barns Men’s

Basketball Office Manager

Jen Aldea Athletic Training Intern

Tanya CarperCheer Team

Coach

Steve CorderAsst. AD for

NCAA Compliance

Sr. Beth Finster S.S.J

University Minister for Athletics

Amy GasahlAsst. Dir. of

Compliance/Acad. Coord.

Tom StantonFaculty Athletics Representative

Greg Haapala Director of Ticket

Sales & Fan Experience

Lainee Bisbee Asst. Director of Sports Medicine

Jordan Sames Director of

Concessions & Merchandising

Jeff Latinen Asst. AD for Facilities &

Special Events

Phuong LeAssistant

Business and Ticket Manager

Jessica LiebnerFacility Ops. Graduate Assistant

Aaron Short Strength and Conditioning

Assistant

Emily Vannice Dir. of Ticket

Ops. & Special Events/Dance

Brandon Longmeier

Dir. of Athletic Mktg. & Promotions

Dennis MoreyEquipment

Room Graduate Assistant

Chad PitkinEquipment &

Facilities Intern

P.J. GradowskiSenior Asst. Sports

Information Director

Dennis CarlessoDir. of Devel. For Athletics &

Student Facilities

Harvey TheeckAthletic

Equipment Manager

Nick WilsonAsst. Strength

and Conditioning Coach

Joe Tofferi Asst. AD for Strength and Conditioning

Ashley VanMeter

Asst. Director of Sports Medicine

Victoria Vintevoghel

Graduate Asst. Athletic Trainer

Joel WalrathSports Info.Assistant

Mitch Wigness Sports

InformationDirector

Jason HornAssociate Athletic

Director for External Affairs

Keri GaitherAssociate V.P. &

Athletic Director

Marcus WilliamsStrength and Conditioning

Assistant

Kyle Bowen Athletic

Training Intern

Taylor Blakely Athletic

Administration Intern

Erick BarnesFacultyAthletics

Representative

Joe DouglasGA Athletic Training/

Strength & Cond.

Teri KromreiAssociate AD for Business

Operations/SWA

Andrea MosherAcademic

Coordinator Assistant

Mike MillerAsst. AD for

Sports Medicine

Kit StetzelAsst. Sports Information

Director

Dean HaddadPep Band Director


TiTan heaD CoaChes

Terri Anthony-Ryan

Women’s GolfHL - 2010

Grant AsherMen’s Tennis

Nick DerenMen’s Soccer

Todd DressellFencing

MFC - 2009

Mark EngelMen’s Golf

HL- 1992-1999-2007-2009-2010

Matt HoltzMen’s Lacrosse

Sunny JonesSoftball

Mike LupenecWomen’s SoccerHL- 1995-1996-

2005

Ray McCallumMen’s Basketball

Laura ManessWomen’s Lacrosse

Guy MurrayTrack & Field/CCHL-1996-1998-

1999-2000-2002-2003

Pjotrs NecajevsWomen’s Tennis

Autumn Rademacher

Women’s BasketballHL-2010

Detroit’s 13 current varsity head coaches have been named Coach of the Year in their respective conference on 15 different occasions during their celebrated careers. And, they have brought 20 conference tournament championships back to

Detroit. On the field of play, and in the classroom...

AT UDM, WE WANT GREAT THINGS FOR YOU

49DetroitTitans.com

poinTs of priDeBYRNE WINS BIG BREAK

Former Titan David Byrne made Detroit proud as he won the Golf Channel’s reality television show Big Break Indian Wells in July of 2011. The victory gave Byrne a number of prizes, with the best of all a chance to play on the PGA Tour giving him an automatic exemption to the 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Along with the opportunity to play in the 2012 Zurich Classic, he took home over $70,000 in cash, a paid trip for two back to the Indian Wells Golf Resort, an Adams golf endorsement deal and a $10,000 shopping spree to Dicks Sporting Goods.

Byrne outperformed 10 other contestants on the 10-episode series that was shot at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif. When he competes at the Zurich Classic, he will be the first Titan in school history to play on the PGA Tour.

RAY MCCALLUM TO REPRESENT USA BASKETBALL

Sophomore Ray McCallum continued to find himself in the national spotlight. Over the summer, he participated as a counselor in the LeBron James Skills Academy and was one of 10 collegiate point guards invited to the Deron Williams Skills Academy. Then in August, he

received an invitation to attend USA Basketball’s World University Games training camp, where he eventually made the final 12-man roster.

The squad practiced and trained in Colorado Springs, Colo., before embarking to China on Aug. 8 to begin competition. Despite being the youngest athlete on the US squad, and a late addition to the original invitees to the training camp, he impressed coaches enough to make the team and represent the US as the red, white and blue looked for its 14th all-time medal in the competition.

McCallum teamed with players from

national powerhouses like Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Syracuse. The team was coached by Matt Painter of Purdue, while Cuonzo Martin of Tennessee and Butler’s Brad Stevens served as assistants.

APR REPORT HAS TITANS RATED HIGH

The NCAA honored more than 900 Division I sports teams for their high marks academically last spring, including a pair of University of Detroit Mercy teams that achieved perfect scores. The Titan men’s golfers and men’s fencing teams each earned perfect 1000’s in the latest edition of the NCAA’s Public Recognition Awards, released in May.

The NCAA announcement showed that 909 teams have earned the awards, based on their most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rates. These awards are given each year to teams scoring in the top 10 percent in each sport with their APRs. Through its innovative APR, which provides an annual scorecard of academic achievement, the NCAA tracks the classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I sports team.

A week later, Detroit brought home high marks in the NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate as 16 Titan teams were at or above the NCAA’s minimum standard (925) for the entire seven years since the association instituted the APR system (men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis are all entering their

Ray McCallum was part of the final 12-man roster for USA Basketball’s World University Games team that left for China Aug. 8, 2011

Former Titan David Byrne won an automatic exemption to the PGA’s 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans


poinTs of priDethird year of varsity status at the school). The Detroit men’s fencing and men’s golf team each scored perfect multi-year 1000 APR scores, while women’s basketball, women’s golf and women’s tennis were all cited with perfect 1000 scores in the 2009-10 academic year. Nine UDM teams were above the national averages among their peers within their sport. The new report was based on data supplied for the 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.

Each year the NCAA honors select Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multi-year APR. This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams who demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports. Specifically, these teams posted multi-year APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport.

DETROIT TITAN ATHLETICS TO NAME COURT IN HONOR OF DICK VITALE

Dick Vitale, ESPN broadcaster, college basketball ambassador and former Titan head coach and athletic director, received a tremendous honor from Detroit as the Titans announced that they will rename its basketball court in Calihan Hall after the legendary college basketball figure.

The Dick Vitale Court at Calihan Hall will be dedicated in conjunction with a nationally-televised men’s basketball game against Big EAST foe St. John’s on December 5, 2011 on ESPN2. Vitale will be celebrating his 32nd anniversary of calling games for ESPN at the event having started on the sports television outlet on Dec. 5, 1979.

Vitale coached at the University of Detroit (1973-77), compiling a winning percentage of .722 (78-30), which included a 21-game winning streak during the 1976-77 season when the team participated in the NCAA Tournament. Included in the streak was a victory in Milwaukee over Al McGuire’s eventual national champion Marquette team. In April 1977, Vitale was named Athletic Director at Detroit and later that year was named the United Fund’s Detroit

Man of the Year.

The Dick Vitale Court at Calihan Hall project will feature a brand new, state-of-the-art hardwood floor for the home of the Detroit Titans men’s and women’s basketball teams. Fundraising for the project will include several other key improvements to the facility, including men’s basketball “Phase II” renovations, which began with new offices and upgraded locker room accommodations.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT A PRIORITY FOR DETROIT

The University of Detroit Mercy Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) did a great job as always in trying to help out the local community. Throughout the school year, SAAC got together for a number of community initiatives, including the highly successful Sandwich Bus. The event gives Titan student-athletes a chance to come together in preparing a lunch and distributing it to the local community.

SAAC also helped raise money for the Michigan Special Olympics with a Pie In The Face Fundraiser during a men’s lacrosse game as well as hosting a coat drive during a men’s basketball game for Nardly Human Services, Inc.

Other student-athletes were involved outside of the field and classroom too as men’s lacrosse players Brandon Davenport, Matt Lining and Adam Parrottino participated in a Habitat for Humanity project near Grosse Pointe, while men’s basketball standouts Eli Holman and Ray McCallum greeted attendees and showed support of the United Way and downtown Detroit at the annual Blocktoberfest. UDM also partnered with the Southeastern Michigan “Toys for Tots” during Thanksgiving Weekend where the Titans played host to the Legend’s Classic.

STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE ACADEMIC ACCOLADES.

Another year went by with a number of academic honor rolls and awards that University of Detroit Mercy student-athletes received. For the 2010-11 season, 138 student-athletes had cumulative GPA’s over a 3.0, while 16 of the Titans’ 19 varsity teams were also over a 3.0 GPA.

It started with 210 Titans being named to the Athletic Director’s honor roll. The Titans then saw 58 members named to the Horizon League’s fall academic honor roll, while 54 appeared on the HL’s spring honor roll. In addition, 10 men’s lacrosse players were placed on the MAAC’s honor roll.

As a team, both the Titan men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams earned All-Academic Team honors from the USTFCCCA, while the UDM men’s and women’s tennis squads were tabbed ITA All-Academic Teams. The men’s golf program was also recognized as an All-Academic Team by the GCAA.

Eight Titans (Taylor Hennrick, Vushaun Landrum, Susan Kalkstein, Katrina Oberski, Jeff Clarridge, Britt Pronk, Alainna Stefan, Erin Weldon) were selected to the Horizon League’s Spring All-Academic Team. Three Detroit student-athletes (Patrick Liederbach, Kirstin Mooney and Landrum) were tabbed All-HL Academic for the winter, while Lauren Roffey was named to the League’s All-Academic team in the fall.

In lacrosse, four members of the women’s program earned their way onto the National Lacrosse Conference’s Academic All-League Team in Britany Busch, Anna Eidem, Corina Mahorn and Alycsa Valentine. In men’s lacrosse, 10 players were tabbed Academic All-MAAC in Brandon Davenport, John Dwyer, Brad Janer, Ty Maruyama, Jason McDonald, Chris Nemes, John Nowicki, Adam Parrottino, Nick Schesnuk and Wes Steen.

Also individually, Jeff Clarridge of the men’s golf team was named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar, while Marni Achterhoff, Alainna Stefan and Lindsey Lammers were honored as the National Golf Coaches Association’s Women’s All-American Scholar Team.

2011-12 udm fencing yearbook

Documents

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