the spartan report - aurora
TRANSCRIPT
the scores on the
S PA R TA N S P O R T S
H OT L I N E 6 30 - 8 4 4 - 3 8 3 8
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• statistics • highlights • upcoming games
The Spartan Report is published quarterly by the Aurora University Spartan Club booster organization. It is written by Brian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, and designed by Kristin Savas, Graphic Designer. Photos were taken by Al Benson, Media Relations Director.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please direct all correspondence to:
Pete Watkins AU Spartan Club Liaison Aurora University Athletics 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL 60506-4892
To receive information or for questions regarding the Spartan Club, call the AU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at 630-844-5268.
Interested in receiving Aurora University Athletics e-mail
updates?
Sign up for a subscription to AU Spartan Sports at
www.aurora.edu/athletics/ emailupdates.htm.
Wo m e n ’s Cross Country: Raising the Bar
The 2005 Aurora University women’s cross country season brings great expectations for the third-year program at AU. Coming off a school-best second-place fin- ish in last year’s Northern Illinois- Iowa Conference meet, the Spartans will attempt to raise the bar in the upcoming year.
“To reach our goals, the women will need to develop a stronger and tighter race pack this year. Our depth one through seven should be one of our strengths. And, as always, we will need to stay healthy and be racing our best at confer- ence and regionals,” Head Coach James Kluckhohn said.
AU returns a solid core of run- ners for the 2005 season. Seniors Jesena Gonzalez (Aurora, IL/West Aurora HS), Cami Loving (Streator, IL/Streator HS) and Jenn Garlinsky (Sugar Grove, IL/ Kaneland HS) provide veteran leadership for the Spartans. Juniors Fran Sikorski (Lombard, IL/University of St. Francis), a NIIC All-Conference selection in 2004, and Stephanie Carson (Aurora, IL/Waubonsie Valley HS) return to lead the AU runners on a team with high expec- tations.
“Fran Sikorski was our top run- ner in 2004 and had a great sum- mer of training. I expect she will lead our team in that respect again this season. Jenn Garlinsky will have a big impact on this year's team after an illness slowed her at the finish of the 2004 season. Stephanie Carson, a surprise No. 2 runner at conference last year, should be another strong runner by season’s end,” Kluckhohn stated.
The Spartans welcomed two tal- ented freshmen who Kluckhohn
believes will aid the 2005 squad: Kristen Renninger (Aurora, IL/Aurora Christian HS) and Christian Rodriguez (Beardstown, IL/Beardstown HS)
“Freshman Kristen Renninger and Christian Rodriguez are expected to be part of a stronger running pack as they gain racing experience at the 6k distance,” Kluckhohn said.
A big step in enhancing the image of a new program was origi- nating and hosting the Spartan Classic in September at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.
“It’s important to have a home meet and have the home-course advantage,” Kluckhohn said.
Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall Renovation Project
Originally constructed 36 years ago, Alumni Hall and Thornton Gymnasium have served Aurora University well. To enable the uni- versity to continue to meet the needs of its students — for today and tomorrow — a renovation of these facilities is necessary.
A $500,000 investment is required to renovate Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall. The renovation will take place in two phases. Phase one upgrades to Thornton Gymnasium will focus on the interior. The upgrades will include a wireless sound system, rear-lit scoreboard, wood floor, ban- ners, a fresh coat of paint and refin- ishing the bleachers. Phase two of the project will concentrate on the exterior façade and the lobby/Spartan Hall of Fame.
For more information on the Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall Renovation project, please con- tact Aurora University Advancement at 866-GIVE-4-AU or 630-844-3778. Or check the AU Web site at www.aurora.edu/advancement.
Changing of the Guard
The 2005 Aurora University Spartans football team is returning 13 starters from last season’s 6-5 team, which ended with a 41-34 NCAA Division III playoff loss at Wooster College after capturing the Illini-Badger Football Conference Championship. First-year Head Coach Rich Duncan took over the reins of the AU football program from Jim Scott (102-70-3) after 19 seasons. Duncan leads a Spartan team that is 42-6 in the Illini- Badger conference and four-time conference champions since 1998.
The key to the Spartans’ 2005 season is the ability of a veteran ball club and a new coaching staff to mesh. “Our players need to
make a transition to a new coach- ing staff, and our coaching staff needs to make a transition to a new set of players. The quicker we are able to make this adjustment, the better football team we will have,” said Duncan.
With 19 seniors on the roster, AU boasts a veteran group that provides strength. Duncan stated, “We have a great group of leaders who have done an outstanding job of leading us in camp. We have a veteran group returning on both sides of the football, and we will need their leadership to be success- ful this season.”
Veterans on Defense The defense, which will shift to
a 4-2-5 scheme, returns seven starters and nine play- ers who saw significant time last season. Senior co-captains — defensive lineman Randy Mosier (39.5 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries and one-half sacks), and linebacker Sean Carlson (65.5 tackles, one sack and four tackles for loss) — lead the Spartan defense. Senior line- backer Falton Tate (69.5 tackles, 10.5 for loss and six sacks), senior defensive backs Jerral Davidson (four INTs) and Robbie Parry, a
D3football.com Preseason All- American (four INTs and a Division III leading 24 pass break- ups), are key contributors on defense, along with senior defen- sive linemen Kyle Simons (17.5 tackles and two sacks) and Kyle Dentino (60 tackles, 15 for loss and two sacks), as well as newcom- ers defensive lineman Donald Bell Jr. and defensive back Bobby Speer.
Experienced Offense Like their defensive counter-
parts, the Spartans return an expe- rienced offense with 11 players who saw significant action a year ago, six of whom were starters. “We will utilize more three-receiver and one-running-back sets than AU has in the past. We will maintain the physical style of play on both sides of the ball that Spartan foot- ball is known for, but our methods
A publication of the Aurora University Spartan Club Booster Organization
Junior Quarterback Drew Hornung on the run.
Head Football Coach Rich Duncan (right) and Defensive Coordinator Rob Ericksen in action.
of scheme will change,” Duncan stated.
Led by junior quarterback and co-captain Drew Hornung, the Spartan offense hopes to repeat its efforts of last season. In 2004, Hornung set new AU marks for total offense (1,901 yards), passing yards (1,916), pass completions (135) and pass attempts (241).
Hornung will look to pass the ball to a trio of senior receivers: Kevin Rynne (40 rec, 536 yards, seven TDs in 2003), co-captain Troy Blaser (34 rec, 449 yards, one TD) and Joe Folliard (25 rec, 279 yards, three TDs, 11 rushes, 35 yards, one TD). Duncan expects freshman receiver Jared Wells to make an impact on the 2005 sea- son. Senior tight end Nate Fincham (five rec, 91 yards) will continue to be a go-to guy in the red zone, as well as a key cog in the Spartan ground attack. Senior Chase Dooley, junior Nick Koch and junior Mike Murphy Jr. will anchor an offensive line that will open holes for a talented core of running backs led by sopho- more Travis Paro (149 rushes, 711 yards and 11 TDs) and sophomore Brent Harner.
The special teams unit returns several veterans. Senior Eric Guthrie (31.1 avg, 10 inside the 20) is once again the Spartans’ punter. Anchoring the punt and kickoff-return game is senior co- captain Troy Blaser (punt returns 12 att, 136 yards; kick-returns 19 att, 396 yards). Newcomer James Unger will handle the kicking duties for the Spartans.
The 2005 Spartans aim to make a return trip to the NCAA Division III playoffs once they recapture the title as Illini-Badger Conference Champions. Saturday afternoons at AU Field will have a new look on the sidelines, but the same success is expected.
11 Makes Seven!
In this, the eleventh and final season of the Northern Illinois- Iowa Conference (NIIC), the Aurora University women’s soccer program is determined to make it their seventh championship and the final championship of the NIIC. AU qualified for all 10 championship games in the his- tory of the NIIC, winning six of them.
Junior forward Anna Wallace (Madisonville, KY/Madisonville- North Hopkins HS), a NIIC All- Conference selection as a fresh- man, says, “We want that last championship. We win that one, and the NIIC champions will be us, last and for always.”
The Spartans have enjoyed a decade of success in the NIIC. Their 10-year conference record is 51-9-4, with a winning percentage of 83%. AU has dominated the past five years with an overall con- ference record of 31-1-2, a win per- centage of more than 94%, and a streak of 38 consecutive wins in NIIC play.
The Spartans are also seeking
their third NCAA National Championship tournament appearance in the last five seasons.
Gaining another bid to the tournament may prove challenging for the Spartans. Of the 20 regular season games on AU’s schedule, 16 teams have winning records, five of which are NCAA tournament teams.
Head Coach Kanute Drugan expects the Spartans to rise to the challenge of a demanding sched- ule. “We will be prepared. The off-season work ethic and work rate for this team have been truly inspiring,” said Drugan. “This is a focused and motivated team. I am excited. I have never seen this level of commitment from our team before. I am hopeful that means we have prepared to be suc- cessful.”
Talented and Experienced Returners
AU returns 26 players from last season, including all four captains, all 11 starters, and all nine NIIC All-Conference players. Returning as captains are seniors Allison Banta (Griffith, IN/ Griffith HS), NIIC Player of the Year in 2003; Corey Krysiak (Milwaukee/Thomas More HS); Meghan Stoltman (Algonquin, IL/ Jacobs HS), two- time NIIC All-Conference selec- tion; and Lynn Sukach (Ypsilanti, MI/Ann Arbor Huron HS), an NIIC All-Conference selection.
Two-time NIIC All-Conference selection and goalkeeper Alicia Martin (Roselle, IL/Lake Park HS), Abby Wackerly (Godfrey, IL/ Alton Marquette HS) and Hilary O’Friel (Dixon, IL/Dixon HS) will provide support.
In addition to Anna Wallace, AU’s junior class will be led by two-time NIIC All-Conference selection Morgan Roewer (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock HS), NIIC All-Conference selections Erin Kwiatkowski (Rockford, MI/ Rockford HS) and Shalisse
Junior midfielder Lauren Thomas on the offensive.
Mathieu (West Chicago, IL/ Glenbard North HS), Spartan team MVP Lauren Thomas (Milwaukee/ Thomas More HS) and Kristen Buehler (Griffith, IN/ Griffith HS), as well as Ashley Camillo (Collinsville, IL/ Collinsville HS), Amanda Haines (North Muskegon, MI/North Muskegon HS), Ashley Steiling (Decatur, IL/St. Teresa HS) and Shari Sterling (Lombard, IL/ Glenbard East HS).
NIIC All-Conference selection and NIIC Newcomer of the Year Lyndsey Mica (Naperville, IL/ Naperville North HS) returns to the Spartans after leading the team and the NIIC conference in every offensive category as a freshman. Also returning are sophomores Erin Anthony (Tinley Park, IL/ Tinley Park HS), Alexandra Contreras (Plainfield, IL/ Plainfield Central HS), Katie Dean (Big Rock, IL/Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Angela Garza (Glendale Heights, IL/ Glenbard East HS), Erin McDonald (Rockford, IL/ Rockford Lutheran HS), Laura Wagley (Sycamore, IL/Sycamore HS) and Danielle Wagner (Mokena, IL/Tinley Park HS).
The Newest Spartans Leading the incoming fresh-
men is Maria Shipe (Bexley, OH/ Bexley HS). First Team All-State, Player of the Year in the Ohio Central District and Player of the Year in her conference, Shipe also was selected as a High School All- American by the 18,000-member National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The NSCAA also selected Shipe as one of the top 33 players in the United States at her position.
Joining Shipe from out of state are Second Team All-State selection Kendra Sickinger (Lansing, KS/Lansing HS), Katie Powell (Loveland, OH/Mount Notre Dame HS), Heather Skeen (Loveland, CO/Loveland HS), Amanda Robinson (Federal Way,
WA/Decatur HS), Kelly Corstange (Kalamazoo, MI/Plainwell HS), Kristin Persick (Oconomowoc, WI/Oconomowoc HS) and Liz Knock (New Richmond, WI/Rock Island Alleman HS).
Four-time All-Sectional and four-time All-Conference selection Allison Bailey (Dixon, IL/Dixon HS) is the highly regarded jewel of the Illinois part of the AU recruit- ing class. Closing out her high school career with 75 goals, Bailey is also a participant in the Illinois Olympic Development Program.
Lindsey Horneck (St. Charles, IL/St. Charles North HS) joins Bailey along with two-time All- Sectional selection Stephanie Walker (Peoria, IL/Peoria HS) and Whitney Johnson (Belvidere, IL/ Rockford Lutheran HS). Transfer Sarah Tandet (Buffalo Grove, IL/ College of Lake County, Stevenson HS) is also expected to contribute right away.
In 2006, the NIIC merges with the Lake Michigan Conference to form a new 12-team super-confer- ence that begins league play next fall. Before making that transition, AU wants to end 11 seasons of NIIC play with their seventh cham- pionship. AU has the depth and talent to compete strongly for that final NIIC championship. So, the unanswered question for the Spartans is, will 11 make seven?
Defending the Crown
When the 2005 AU men’s soc- cer team steps on the field, they will attempt to repeat the success of the 2004 campaign, when the Spartans were 15-3-4 and captured the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) championship. With a substantial core of returning student-athletes, the 2005 squad aims to use the experience gained by the current junior and sopho- more classes.
“This season’s juniors and sophomores have significant expe- rience in key games as freshman,” Head Coach Pete Watkins said.
Watkins, entering his third sea- son this fall, has a 22-14-6 overall record and 7-3-0 in NIIC competi- tion. The 2004 AU squad captured the NIIC title in a double-overtime shootout against NIIC juggernaut Dominican University. AU also had key victories over regional opponents from the Lake Michigan Conference (LMC) (Wisconsin Lutheran and Lakeland), CCIW (North Central College), Midwest Conference (Monmouth College and Grinnell College) and Iowa Intercollegiate (Dubuque University). The NIIC and LMC will merge following 2005 season.
Youthful Experience The 2005 Spartans have only
one senior, goalkeeper Jeff Bishop (Norridge, IL/Harper C.C.). Bishop is a transfer and did not see signifi- cant playing time in his first season at AU.
The most unique element of the AU team this season is the experienced junior class, many of whom played a significant role in the team’s improvement as fresh- men and sophomores. Local standouts Alex DeGurian (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley HS), Rob Michaels (Hinckley, IL/Hinckley-Big Rock HS) and Amador Contreras (Aurora, IL/Central Catholic HS) all had key playing time over the past two years.
DeGurian was a NIIC First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region selection in 2004. Taylor Kilcrease (Wichita Falls, TX/Rider HS), Jeff Horst (Greenville, MI/Greenville HS) and Mike Skupien, (Western Springs, IL/Carthage College) made major contributions and play with com- posure and a high level of experi- ence. Junior transfer Brad Johns (Aurora, IL/Butler University)
brings experience to the Spartan defense after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Division I Butler University.
The talented sophomore class had a big impact on the Aurora University men’s soccer program. Tyler Klotz (Hinckley, IL/ Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Jordan Barry (Decatur, IL/St. Teresa HS), Marshall Reed (Otsego, MI/ Otsego HS), Scott Anderson (West Dundee, IL/Jacobs HS), Jody Hall (Sugar Grove, IL/Bartlett HS) and Phil Tedford (Morris, IL/Morris HS) all played significant roles for the AU offense last season.
Reed scored seven goals and tallied four assists for 18 points. Klotz scored six goals, five assists and 17 points, while Hall had four goals and three assists for 11 points. As a group, the sopho- mores scored 21 goals and dished out 13 assists for 55 points.
“We need to remain a balanced scoring squad to defend our NIIC title. We lost two key players, but that provides an opportunity for Tyler Klotz, Marshall Reed, Jordan Barry and Amador Contreras to step up,” said Watkins.
Battle-Tested Defense Last year, one of the most-
improved areas for the Spartans was the defensive corps. Drew Taylor (DeKalb, IL/DeKalb HS) settled into the AU backline seamlessly and captured NIIC Newcomer of the Year honors and First Team All-Conference. Jim Spann (Park Ridge, IL/Maine South HS), a NIIC First Team All- Conference selection, proved he could handle the job as a stalwart for the Spartan defense. Joey Catrino (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) and Lance Austin (Otsego, MI/Otsego HS) were significant contributers to the AU defense and proved to be vital assets in win- ning the championship.
“Our leadership in goal is a key. Senior Jeff Bishop and fresh- men Jon Unruh (St. Joseph, MO/Central HS) and Tyler Italiano (St. Louis/St. Louis HS) are dead- locked in the competition to start. Both freshmen come from top- flight clubs, where they have sig- nificant experience at a high level,” Waktins mentioned.
Talented Newcomers The freshman class boasts two
players from the Peoria Notre Dame Illinois Class A State Championship team: Forward Chase Corricelli (Peoria, IL) was the leading scorer with 26 goals as a senior, and backer Brian Barnett (Peoria, IL) brings talent and expe- rience to the Spartan defense. Other newcomers to the 2005 Spartans are Jon Sample (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley HS), Adam Prevost (Hinckley, IL/ Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Jared Shavrnoch (Millington, MI/ Lakeville HS), Rich Sylvester (Roscommon, MI/Roscommon HS), Matt Wasowicz (Moberly, MO/Moberly HS), Akira J. Host (Chicago/Yokuta HS – Japan), Sam Kilani (Westmont, IL/ Hinsdale Central HS), Ricardo Gallegos
(Chicago/Chicago Prosser HS), Eric Main (Millington, MI/ Millington HS) and Winston McCauley (Bloomington, IL/ Winston-Salem State HS).
Watkins added, “Our guys should compete internally during the week and then compete as a united force 20 times a year. For us to step up to our top regional competition — UW-Whitewater, Wheaton College, Loras College, Centre College and Principia — we must remain a family.”
Volleyball: Blending New and Veterans
The success of the Spartan volleyball team will depend on the ability of the team to blend return- ing players with the new players entering the program. With 11 returning players and the addition of 12 transfer and freshman play- ers, the Spartans have the depth they lacked last season and should improve both offensively and defensively.
“Last season, the 7-31 record didn’t meet our expectations,” Coach Jerry Angle said, “but the team was very young and inexperi- enced, with the starting lineup made up of mainly freshmen and sophomores. Despite the setbacks, the team gained valuable experi- ence for the coming year. With the addition of some quality transfers and freshmen, there will be more competition for playing time, and this will only help our players become better both skill-wise and mentally.”
2005 Spartans Sophomore captain Brook
Sunleaf moves from the setting position to her natural right-side hitting position. Junior Julia Eggert, transfer Lindsey Gruber, Sarah Campbell and senior Kayla Holmbeck add depth to the left- side position.
Junior forward Alex DeGurian tallies a goal.
Meghan Michalek, a transfer from College of DuPage and a jun- ior college All-American, will be the middle blocker, as will sopho- more Breann Kurkurin and fresh- man Andrea Buss.
Junior Courtney Lillard will move from the middle blocker to right side attacker position; she will be joined by transfers Jill Luckenbill and Beth Shimkus, who will add depth.
Sophomore Dina Kyriakoulis, a starting setter last season, returns with a year’s experience under her belt. Freshmen Lindsay Augustine and Diane Mennecke should see considerable playing time.
The libero position will have senior Jamie McPherrin and fresh- man Jamie Hansen helping to make the team a better passing and defensive team.
The Schedule The team opens up the season
at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, a nationally ranked team; The Spartans play at home in the Jim Coleman Invitational Tournament. They travel to Colorado Springs to play at Colorado College and will host the last Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Volleyball Championship.
“Developing the chemistry of this team is important,” Coach Angle said. “We need to improve our attacking both off of serve receive and in transition. We also need to become a better ball-han- dling team and hopefully become a team whose block scores us points. If we can accomplish these things, then we will have a success- ful season.”
Men’s Cross Country Stepping Toward the Future
The Aurora University men’s cross country program is in its third year under Head Coach James Kluckhohn.
“The biggest area we need to develop is our racing experience. And the only way to do that is to race. We are young but not with- out talent,” Head Coach James Kluckhohn said.
Last season, the Spartans com- peted against a formidable sched- ule, finishing with a season and school-best second place showing at the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference meet.
“We look to continue to grow and develop a successful, nation- ally recognized Division III cross country team. We must be healthy during our championship season so we can put our best team on the course. With limited depth, we need to be healthy to compete in the NIIC,” Kluckhohn stated.
A big step in enhancing the image of the new program was originating and hosting the Spartan Classic in September at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.
“It’s important to have a home meet and have the home-course
advantage. It’s also a chance to highlight our program and allow many of the junior college pro- grams that will compete, along with the high school teams we invited out for the day, to see what Spartan Cross Country is all about,” Kluckhohn said.
Kluckhohn will look to sopho- more David Mathew (Aurora, IL/Aurora Central Catholic HS), whose experience and leadership will be important for the team’s success in 2005. Sophomores Travis Quigley (Wilmington, IL/ Wilmington HS) and Matt Waite (Burlington, IL/Burlington Central HS) are returning athletes from track and field who could be strong competitors by the end of the season.
The Spartans welcomed a cou- ple of talented freshmen who Kluckhohn believes will make an impact on the 2005 squad, includ- ing Craig Mariano (Schaumburg, IL/Schaumburg HS), Edward Lawson (Chesterton, IN/ Chesterton HS), Isaac Ricks (Chicago/Hyde Park HS) and Donald Pugh (Chicago/Chicago Agricultural Science HS).
“Both Craig Mariano and Edward Lawson could surprise some people and make a big impact on our team. Each come from successful high school pro-
S PA R TA N S P O R T S
H OT L I N E 6 30 - 8 4 4 - 3 8 3 8
touchtone phone required
• statistics • highlights • upcoming games
The Spartan Report is published quarterly by the Aurora University Spartan Club booster organization. It is written by Brian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, and designed by Kristin Savas, Graphic Designer. Photos were taken by Al Benson, Media Relations Director.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please direct all correspondence to:
Pete Watkins AU Spartan Club Liaison Aurora University Athletics 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL 60506-4892
To receive information or for questions regarding the Spartan Club, call the AU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at 630-844-5268.
Interested in receiving Aurora University Athletics e-mail
updates?
Sign up for a subscription to AU Spartan Sports at
www.aurora.edu/athletics/ emailupdates.htm.
Wo m e n ’s Cross Country: Raising the Bar
The 2005 Aurora University women’s cross country season brings great expectations for the third-year program at AU. Coming off a school-best second-place fin- ish in last year’s Northern Illinois- Iowa Conference meet, the Spartans will attempt to raise the bar in the upcoming year.
“To reach our goals, the women will need to develop a stronger and tighter race pack this year. Our depth one through seven should be one of our strengths. And, as always, we will need to stay healthy and be racing our best at confer- ence and regionals,” Head Coach James Kluckhohn said.
AU returns a solid core of run- ners for the 2005 season. Seniors Jesena Gonzalez (Aurora, IL/West Aurora HS), Cami Loving (Streator, IL/Streator HS) and Jenn Garlinsky (Sugar Grove, IL/ Kaneland HS) provide veteran leadership for the Spartans. Juniors Fran Sikorski (Lombard, IL/University of St. Francis), a NIIC All-Conference selection in 2004, and Stephanie Carson (Aurora, IL/Waubonsie Valley HS) return to lead the AU runners on a team with high expec- tations.
“Fran Sikorski was our top run- ner in 2004 and had a great sum- mer of training. I expect she will lead our team in that respect again this season. Jenn Garlinsky will have a big impact on this year's team after an illness slowed her at the finish of the 2004 season. Stephanie Carson, a surprise No. 2 runner at conference last year, should be another strong runner by season’s end,” Kluckhohn stated.
The Spartans welcomed two tal- ented freshmen who Kluckhohn
believes will aid the 2005 squad: Kristen Renninger (Aurora, IL/Aurora Christian HS) and Christian Rodriguez (Beardstown, IL/Beardstown HS)
“Freshman Kristen Renninger and Christian Rodriguez are expected to be part of a stronger running pack as they gain racing experience at the 6k distance,” Kluckhohn said.
A big step in enhancing the image of a new program was origi- nating and hosting the Spartan Classic in September at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.
“It’s important to have a home meet and have the home-course advantage,” Kluckhohn said.
Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall Renovation Project
Originally constructed 36 years ago, Alumni Hall and Thornton Gymnasium have served Aurora University well. To enable the uni- versity to continue to meet the needs of its students — for today and tomorrow — a renovation of these facilities is necessary.
A $500,000 investment is required to renovate Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall. The renovation will take place in two phases. Phase one upgrades to Thornton Gymnasium will focus on the interior. The upgrades will include a wireless sound system, rear-lit scoreboard, wood floor, ban- ners, a fresh coat of paint and refin- ishing the bleachers. Phase two of the project will concentrate on the exterior façade and the lobby/Spartan Hall of Fame.
For more information on the Thornton Gymnasium and Alumni Hall Renovation project, please con- tact Aurora University Advancement at 866-GIVE-4-AU or 630-844-3778. Or check the AU Web site at www.aurora.edu/advancement.
Changing of the Guard
The 2005 Aurora University Spartans football team is returning 13 starters from last season’s 6-5 team, which ended with a 41-34 NCAA Division III playoff loss at Wooster College after capturing the Illini-Badger Football Conference Championship. First-year Head Coach Rich Duncan took over the reins of the AU football program from Jim Scott (102-70-3) after 19 seasons. Duncan leads a Spartan team that is 42-6 in the Illini- Badger conference and four-time conference champions since 1998.
The key to the Spartans’ 2005 season is the ability of a veteran ball club and a new coaching staff to mesh. “Our players need to
make a transition to a new coach- ing staff, and our coaching staff needs to make a transition to a new set of players. The quicker we are able to make this adjustment, the better football team we will have,” said Duncan.
With 19 seniors on the roster, AU boasts a veteran group that provides strength. Duncan stated, “We have a great group of leaders who have done an outstanding job of leading us in camp. We have a veteran group returning on both sides of the football, and we will need their leadership to be success- ful this season.”
Veterans on Defense The defense, which will shift to
a 4-2-5 scheme, returns seven starters and nine play- ers who saw significant time last season. Senior co-captains — defensive lineman Randy Mosier (39.5 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries and one-half sacks), and linebacker Sean Carlson (65.5 tackles, one sack and four tackles for loss) — lead the Spartan defense. Senior line- backer Falton Tate (69.5 tackles, 10.5 for loss and six sacks), senior defensive backs Jerral Davidson (four INTs) and Robbie Parry, a
D3football.com Preseason All- American (four INTs and a Division III leading 24 pass break- ups), are key contributors on defense, along with senior defen- sive linemen Kyle Simons (17.5 tackles and two sacks) and Kyle Dentino (60 tackles, 15 for loss and two sacks), as well as newcom- ers defensive lineman Donald Bell Jr. and defensive back Bobby Speer.
Experienced Offense Like their defensive counter-
parts, the Spartans return an expe- rienced offense with 11 players who saw significant action a year ago, six of whom were starters. “We will utilize more three-receiver and one-running-back sets than AU has in the past. We will maintain the physical style of play on both sides of the ball that Spartan foot- ball is known for, but our methods
A publication of the Aurora University Spartan Club Booster Organization
Junior Quarterback Drew Hornung on the run.
Head Football Coach Rich Duncan (right) and Defensive Coordinator Rob Ericksen in action.
of scheme will change,” Duncan stated.
Led by junior quarterback and co-captain Drew Hornung, the Spartan offense hopes to repeat its efforts of last season. In 2004, Hornung set new AU marks for total offense (1,901 yards), passing yards (1,916), pass completions (135) and pass attempts (241).
Hornung will look to pass the ball to a trio of senior receivers: Kevin Rynne (40 rec, 536 yards, seven TDs in 2003), co-captain Troy Blaser (34 rec, 449 yards, one TD) and Joe Folliard (25 rec, 279 yards, three TDs, 11 rushes, 35 yards, one TD). Duncan expects freshman receiver Jared Wells to make an impact on the 2005 sea- son. Senior tight end Nate Fincham (five rec, 91 yards) will continue to be a go-to guy in the red zone, as well as a key cog in the Spartan ground attack. Senior Chase Dooley, junior Nick Koch and junior Mike Murphy Jr. will anchor an offensive line that will open holes for a talented core of running backs led by sopho- more Travis Paro (149 rushes, 711 yards and 11 TDs) and sophomore Brent Harner.
The special teams unit returns several veterans. Senior Eric Guthrie (31.1 avg, 10 inside the 20) is once again the Spartans’ punter. Anchoring the punt and kickoff-return game is senior co- captain Troy Blaser (punt returns 12 att, 136 yards; kick-returns 19 att, 396 yards). Newcomer James Unger will handle the kicking duties for the Spartans.
The 2005 Spartans aim to make a return trip to the NCAA Division III playoffs once they recapture the title as Illini-Badger Conference Champions. Saturday afternoons at AU Field will have a new look on the sidelines, but the same success is expected.
11 Makes Seven!
In this, the eleventh and final season of the Northern Illinois- Iowa Conference (NIIC), the Aurora University women’s soccer program is determined to make it their seventh championship and the final championship of the NIIC. AU qualified for all 10 championship games in the his- tory of the NIIC, winning six of them.
Junior forward Anna Wallace (Madisonville, KY/Madisonville- North Hopkins HS), a NIIC All- Conference selection as a fresh- man, says, “We want that last championship. We win that one, and the NIIC champions will be us, last and for always.”
The Spartans have enjoyed a decade of success in the NIIC. Their 10-year conference record is 51-9-4, with a winning percentage of 83%. AU has dominated the past five years with an overall con- ference record of 31-1-2, a win per- centage of more than 94%, and a streak of 38 consecutive wins in NIIC play.
The Spartans are also seeking
their third NCAA National Championship tournament appearance in the last five seasons.
Gaining another bid to the tournament may prove challenging for the Spartans. Of the 20 regular season games on AU’s schedule, 16 teams have winning records, five of which are NCAA tournament teams.
Head Coach Kanute Drugan expects the Spartans to rise to the challenge of a demanding sched- ule. “We will be prepared. The off-season work ethic and work rate for this team have been truly inspiring,” said Drugan. “This is a focused and motivated team. I am excited. I have never seen this level of commitment from our team before. I am hopeful that means we have prepared to be suc- cessful.”
Talented and Experienced Returners
AU returns 26 players from last season, including all four captains, all 11 starters, and all nine NIIC All-Conference players. Returning as captains are seniors Allison Banta (Griffith, IN/ Griffith HS), NIIC Player of the Year in 2003; Corey Krysiak (Milwaukee/Thomas More HS); Meghan Stoltman (Algonquin, IL/ Jacobs HS), two- time NIIC All-Conference selec- tion; and Lynn Sukach (Ypsilanti, MI/Ann Arbor Huron HS), an NIIC All-Conference selection.
Two-time NIIC All-Conference selection and goalkeeper Alicia Martin (Roselle, IL/Lake Park HS), Abby Wackerly (Godfrey, IL/ Alton Marquette HS) and Hilary O’Friel (Dixon, IL/Dixon HS) will provide support.
In addition to Anna Wallace, AU’s junior class will be led by two-time NIIC All-Conference selection Morgan Roewer (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock HS), NIIC All-Conference selections Erin Kwiatkowski (Rockford, MI/ Rockford HS) and Shalisse
Junior midfielder Lauren Thomas on the offensive.
Mathieu (West Chicago, IL/ Glenbard North HS), Spartan team MVP Lauren Thomas (Milwaukee/ Thomas More HS) and Kristen Buehler (Griffith, IN/ Griffith HS), as well as Ashley Camillo (Collinsville, IL/ Collinsville HS), Amanda Haines (North Muskegon, MI/North Muskegon HS), Ashley Steiling (Decatur, IL/St. Teresa HS) and Shari Sterling (Lombard, IL/ Glenbard East HS).
NIIC All-Conference selection and NIIC Newcomer of the Year Lyndsey Mica (Naperville, IL/ Naperville North HS) returns to the Spartans after leading the team and the NIIC conference in every offensive category as a freshman. Also returning are sophomores Erin Anthony (Tinley Park, IL/ Tinley Park HS), Alexandra Contreras (Plainfield, IL/ Plainfield Central HS), Katie Dean (Big Rock, IL/Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Angela Garza (Glendale Heights, IL/ Glenbard East HS), Erin McDonald (Rockford, IL/ Rockford Lutheran HS), Laura Wagley (Sycamore, IL/Sycamore HS) and Danielle Wagner (Mokena, IL/Tinley Park HS).
The Newest Spartans Leading the incoming fresh-
men is Maria Shipe (Bexley, OH/ Bexley HS). First Team All-State, Player of the Year in the Ohio Central District and Player of the Year in her conference, Shipe also was selected as a High School All- American by the 18,000-member National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The NSCAA also selected Shipe as one of the top 33 players in the United States at her position.
Joining Shipe from out of state are Second Team All-State selection Kendra Sickinger (Lansing, KS/Lansing HS), Katie Powell (Loveland, OH/Mount Notre Dame HS), Heather Skeen (Loveland, CO/Loveland HS), Amanda Robinson (Federal Way,
WA/Decatur HS), Kelly Corstange (Kalamazoo, MI/Plainwell HS), Kristin Persick (Oconomowoc, WI/Oconomowoc HS) and Liz Knock (New Richmond, WI/Rock Island Alleman HS).
Four-time All-Sectional and four-time All-Conference selection Allison Bailey (Dixon, IL/Dixon HS) is the highly regarded jewel of the Illinois part of the AU recruit- ing class. Closing out her high school career with 75 goals, Bailey is also a participant in the Illinois Olympic Development Program.
Lindsey Horneck (St. Charles, IL/St. Charles North HS) joins Bailey along with two-time All- Sectional selection Stephanie Walker (Peoria, IL/Peoria HS) and Whitney Johnson (Belvidere, IL/ Rockford Lutheran HS). Transfer Sarah Tandet (Buffalo Grove, IL/ College of Lake County, Stevenson HS) is also expected to contribute right away.
In 2006, the NIIC merges with the Lake Michigan Conference to form a new 12-team super-confer- ence that begins league play next fall. Before making that transition, AU wants to end 11 seasons of NIIC play with their seventh cham- pionship. AU has the depth and talent to compete strongly for that final NIIC championship. So, the unanswered question for the Spartans is, will 11 make seven?
Defending the Crown
When the 2005 AU men’s soc- cer team steps on the field, they will attempt to repeat the success of the 2004 campaign, when the Spartans were 15-3-4 and captured the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) championship. With a substantial core of returning student-athletes, the 2005 squad aims to use the experience gained by the current junior and sopho- more classes.
“This season’s juniors and sophomores have significant expe- rience in key games as freshman,” Head Coach Pete Watkins said.
Watkins, entering his third sea- son this fall, has a 22-14-6 overall record and 7-3-0 in NIIC competi- tion. The 2004 AU squad captured the NIIC title in a double-overtime shootout against NIIC juggernaut Dominican University. AU also had key victories over regional opponents from the Lake Michigan Conference (LMC) (Wisconsin Lutheran and Lakeland), CCIW (North Central College), Midwest Conference (Monmouth College and Grinnell College) and Iowa Intercollegiate (Dubuque University). The NIIC and LMC will merge following 2005 season.
Youthful Experience The 2005 Spartans have only
one senior, goalkeeper Jeff Bishop (Norridge, IL/Harper C.C.). Bishop is a transfer and did not see signifi- cant playing time in his first season at AU.
The most unique element of the AU team this season is the experienced junior class, many of whom played a significant role in the team’s improvement as fresh- men and sophomores. Local standouts Alex DeGurian (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley HS), Rob Michaels (Hinckley, IL/Hinckley-Big Rock HS) and Amador Contreras (Aurora, IL/Central Catholic HS) all had key playing time over the past two years.
DeGurian was a NIIC First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region selection in 2004. Taylor Kilcrease (Wichita Falls, TX/Rider HS), Jeff Horst (Greenville, MI/Greenville HS) and Mike Skupien, (Western Springs, IL/Carthage College) made major contributions and play with com- posure and a high level of experi- ence. Junior transfer Brad Johns (Aurora, IL/Butler University)
brings experience to the Spartan defense after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Division I Butler University.
The talented sophomore class had a big impact on the Aurora University men’s soccer program. Tyler Klotz (Hinckley, IL/ Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Jordan Barry (Decatur, IL/St. Teresa HS), Marshall Reed (Otsego, MI/ Otsego HS), Scott Anderson (West Dundee, IL/Jacobs HS), Jody Hall (Sugar Grove, IL/Bartlett HS) and Phil Tedford (Morris, IL/Morris HS) all played significant roles for the AU offense last season.
Reed scored seven goals and tallied four assists for 18 points. Klotz scored six goals, five assists and 17 points, while Hall had four goals and three assists for 11 points. As a group, the sopho- mores scored 21 goals and dished out 13 assists for 55 points.
“We need to remain a balanced scoring squad to defend our NIIC title. We lost two key players, but that provides an opportunity for Tyler Klotz, Marshall Reed, Jordan Barry and Amador Contreras to step up,” said Watkins.
Battle-Tested Defense Last year, one of the most-
improved areas for the Spartans was the defensive corps. Drew Taylor (DeKalb, IL/DeKalb HS) settled into the AU backline seamlessly and captured NIIC Newcomer of the Year honors and First Team All-Conference. Jim Spann (Park Ridge, IL/Maine South HS), a NIIC First Team All- Conference selection, proved he could handle the job as a stalwart for the Spartan defense. Joey Catrino (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) and Lance Austin (Otsego, MI/Otsego HS) were significant contributers to the AU defense and proved to be vital assets in win- ning the championship.
“Our leadership in goal is a key. Senior Jeff Bishop and fresh- men Jon Unruh (St. Joseph, MO/Central HS) and Tyler Italiano (St. Louis/St. Louis HS) are dead- locked in the competition to start. Both freshmen come from top- flight clubs, where they have sig- nificant experience at a high level,” Waktins mentioned.
Talented Newcomers The freshman class boasts two
players from the Peoria Notre Dame Illinois Class A State Championship team: Forward Chase Corricelli (Peoria, IL) was the leading scorer with 26 goals as a senior, and backer Brian Barnett (Peoria, IL) brings talent and expe- rience to the Spartan defense. Other newcomers to the 2005 Spartans are Jon Sample (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley HS), Adam Prevost (Hinckley, IL/ Hinckley-Big Rock HS), Jared Shavrnoch (Millington, MI/ Lakeville HS), Rich Sylvester (Roscommon, MI/Roscommon HS), Matt Wasowicz (Moberly, MO/Moberly HS), Akira J. Host (Chicago/Yokuta HS – Japan), Sam Kilani (Westmont, IL/ Hinsdale Central HS), Ricardo Gallegos
(Chicago/Chicago Prosser HS), Eric Main (Millington, MI/ Millington HS) and Winston McCauley (Bloomington, IL/ Winston-Salem State HS).
Watkins added, “Our guys should compete internally during the week and then compete as a united force 20 times a year. For us to step up to our top regional competition — UW-Whitewater, Wheaton College, Loras College, Centre College and Principia — we must remain a family.”
Volleyball: Blending New and Veterans
The success of the Spartan volleyball team will depend on the ability of the team to blend return- ing players with the new players entering the program. With 11 returning players and the addition of 12 transfer and freshman play- ers, the Spartans have the depth they lacked last season and should improve both offensively and defensively.
“Last season, the 7-31 record didn’t meet our expectations,” Coach Jerry Angle said, “but the team was very young and inexperi- enced, with the starting lineup made up of mainly freshmen and sophomores. Despite the setbacks, the team gained valuable experi- ence for the coming year. With the addition of some quality transfers and freshmen, there will be more competition for playing time, and this will only help our players become better both skill-wise and mentally.”
2005 Spartans Sophomore captain Brook
Sunleaf moves from the setting position to her natural right-side hitting position. Junior Julia Eggert, transfer Lindsey Gruber, Sarah Campbell and senior Kayla Holmbeck add depth to the left- side position.
Junior forward Alex DeGurian tallies a goal.
Meghan Michalek, a transfer from College of DuPage and a jun- ior college All-American, will be the middle blocker, as will sopho- more Breann Kurkurin and fresh- man Andrea Buss.
Junior Courtney Lillard will move from the middle blocker to right side attacker position; she will be joined by transfers Jill Luckenbill and Beth Shimkus, who will add depth.
Sophomore Dina Kyriakoulis, a starting setter last season, returns with a year’s experience under her belt. Freshmen Lindsay Augustine and Diane Mennecke should see considerable playing time.
The libero position will have senior Jamie McPherrin and fresh- man Jamie Hansen helping to make the team a better passing and defensive team.
The Schedule The team opens up the season
at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, a nationally ranked team; The Spartans play at home in the Jim Coleman Invitational Tournament. They travel to Colorado Springs to play at Colorado College and will host the last Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Volleyball Championship.
“Developing the chemistry of this team is important,” Coach Angle said. “We need to improve our attacking both off of serve receive and in transition. We also need to become a better ball-han- dling team and hopefully become a team whose block scores us points. If we can accomplish these things, then we will have a success- ful season.”
Men’s Cross Country Stepping Toward the Future
The Aurora University men’s cross country program is in its third year under Head Coach James Kluckhohn.
“The biggest area we need to develop is our racing experience. And the only way to do that is to race. We are young but not with- out talent,” Head Coach James Kluckhohn said.
Last season, the Spartans com- peted against a formidable sched- ule, finishing with a season and school-best second place showing at the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference meet.
“We look to continue to grow and develop a successful, nation- ally recognized Division III cross country team. We must be healthy during our championship season so we can put our best team on the course. With limited depth, we need to be healthy to compete in the NIIC,” Kluckhohn stated.
A big step in enhancing the image of the new program was originating and hosting the Spartan Classic in September at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.
“It’s important to have a home meet and have the home-course
advantage. It’s also a chance to highlight our program and allow many of the junior college pro- grams that will compete, along with the high school teams we invited out for the day, to see what Spartan Cross Country is all about,” Kluckhohn said.
Kluckhohn will look to sopho- more David Mathew (Aurora, IL/Aurora Central Catholic HS), whose experience and leadership will be important for the team’s success in 2005. Sophomores Travis Quigley (Wilmington, IL/ Wilmington HS) and Matt Waite (Burlington, IL/Burlington Central HS) are returning athletes from track and field who could be strong competitors by the end of the season.
The Spartans welcomed a cou- ple of talented freshmen who Kluckhohn believes will make an impact on the 2005 squad, includ- ing Craig Mariano (Schaumburg, IL/Schaumburg HS), Edward Lawson (Chesterton, IN/ Chesterton HS), Isaac Ricks (Chicago/Hyde Park HS) and Donald Pugh (Chicago/Chicago Agricultural Science HS).
“Both Craig Mariano and Edward Lawson could surprise some people and make a big impact on our team. Each come from successful high school pro-