Widener U Athletics

[dawrestling]

WIDENER’S VERONICA VIZZARD NAMED MAC VOLLEYBALL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE





Annville, PA (Dec. 18, 2013) ? Widener senior Veronica Vizzard (Havertown, PA/Haverford) picked up the highest individual honor a student-athlete can receive from the Middle Atlantic Conference in their sport as she was named the league’s Scholar-Athlete for volleyball.





This honor encompasses everything a student-athlete has done over a four-year period in athletics, academics and community service. This also is a combination of all student-athletes from that sport in both the Commonwealth and Freedom Conferences.





The award will be presented May 6 as part of the annual luncheon with the University Presidents, Directors of Athletics and Faculty Representatives at Albright College in Reading.





Vizzard earlier this month was picked Capital One CoSIDA third team Academic All-America, becoming the 47th Academic All-America in school history. She also was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team for the second straight year and is a three-time member of the MAC Academic Honor Roll.





Vizzard played a key role over her four years in the growth of the program and this season had another great campaign at right side and middle hitter. She ended the year seventh in the Commonwealth Conference with a .272 hitting percentage, fourth with 0.83 blocks per set, first on the team with 91 blocks, third with 174 kills and second with 25 aces.





She graduates ninth in school history with 207 blocks and also leaves with 495 kills, 48 aces, 223 digs and a .243 hitting percentage. Vizzard helped the Pride to three straight conference tournament berths and the only two home league tournament matches in school history.





In community service, Vizzard is involved with Habitat for Humanity and built houses in Pensacola, FL and Oklahoma City as part of an organization through campus. She also participated in the Philadelphia Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association, the Buddy Walk as part of the Trisomy 21 Program for the Children's Hospital and the Gay Pride Walk. She also has worked in canned food drives, multiple book drives, wrapping Christmas gifts for the poor, writing cards for military personnel and sick kids, and cleaning houses as part of a team fundraiser.





Vizzard is the second Widener volleyball player to win this award since the field’s expansion in 2005-06. Meghan Fitzsimmons won in 2008-09.





Widener (16-15) this year recorded its sixth straight non-losing season and won the very-competitive Bomber Invitational at Ithaca early in the campaign.



WIDENER’S ERIC SOLOMON PICKED MAC MEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK



Annville, PA (Feb. 3, 2014) ? [/B]Senior All-America Eric Solomon (Columbia, PA/Hempfield)[/B] got a reward for breaking his own school record, being named Middle Atlantic Conference Men’s Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Week.



Solomon broke the record in the weight throw by covering 18.65 meters (61’ 2.25”) Friday to win at the Widener Field Meet. The throw occurred a mere six days after he threw 18.64 meters at the Haverford Invitational for the Pride’s top mark.



Always among the nation’s elite, Friday’s throw now places him fifth in the country.



Solomon put his name amongst the school’s elite a year ago when he placed eighth at the NCAA Indoor Championships with a throw of 60’ 0.5” to become an All-America. He also was the MAC and ECAC champion in the indoor weight throw for Widener, the four-time defending league champion on the indoor circuit.



Widener is back in action this weekend at the McElligott Invitational in Haverford and the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston. Solomon and his teammates go for another league crown March 1 in Bethlehem, PA.








This post was edited on 12/18 7:42 PM by dawrestling

This post was edited on 2/3 3:43 PM by dawrestling

 

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SEVEN FOR WIDENER CHOSEN TO THE INAUGURAL MAC ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS

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Annville, PA (Dec. 19, 2013) ? In a new tradition that is sure to be another rousing success, Widener saw seven of its student-athletes named to the inaugural Middle Atlantic Conference All-Academic Teams.



Seniors Colin Masterson (Swarthmore, PA)[/B], Mike Pacitti (West Deptford, NJ)[/B], and Jermaine Quattlebaum (Upper Marlboro, MD)[/B] as well as junior Stacey Sunnerville (Freehold, NJ)[/B] were picked for football, senior Veronica Vizzard (Havertown, PA)[/B] was chosen for volleyball, junior Maggie Karmeris (Wilmington, DE)[/B] made it for field hockey and junior Chris Garrity (Glenolden, PA) [/B]was honored for men's cross country.



The aforementioned earlier this month also were named to the Philadelphia Inquirer[/I] Academic All-Area Teams.



Masterson was a Preseason All-America and lived up to his high expectations in being tabbed Honorable Mention All-America by the Beyond Sports Network[/I], first team All-MAC for the second straight year as well as D3Football.com[/I] third team All-East Region. This season, he was tied for fourth in the MAC with three interceptions, fourth on the team with 54 tackles and first with eight pass breakups.



Pacitti was picked first team All-MAC a second straight year after being tabbed second team in 2011. After moving this season from left tackle to center, the four-year starter this season played a mammoth role in the offense sitting third in the country with a .733 completion percentage, 17th with 291.9 yards passing per game and second in the league with 439.7 yards of total offense per contest. Pacitti earlier this month was named the Brooks Irvine Division III Player of the Year, which honors collegiate football players from the southern half of New Jersey.



Quattlebaum, named Honorable Mention All-MAC, came into this season with an important legacy after hauling in a crucial touchdown catch in the 2012 de facto conference title game against Delaware Valley. He added to that by ending seventh in the league with 4.7 receptions per contest, second on the team with 407 receiving yards to go with two touchdowns. Quattlebaum posted three games this season with at least seven receptions.



Sunnerville, picked second team All-MAC, took his place in the starting lineup late last season, proved in the NCAA Tournament that year he belonged and furthered his case as to why this season. Despite only playing seven games due to injury, he closed the campaign third in the league with nine sacks, tied for third with 12 1/2 tackles for a loss and seventh on the squad with 39 tackles.





Vizzard earlier this month was picked Capital One CoSIDA[/I] third team Academic All-America, becoming the 47th Academic All-America in school history, and the MAC's Scholar-Athlete for Volleyball. The two-time member of the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Honor Roll ended the year seventh in the Commonwealth Conference with a .272 hitting percentage, fourth with 0.83 blocks per set, first on the team with 91 blocks, third with 174 kills and second with 25 aces.



Karmeris had yet another strong year in which she played almost every minute in goal. She ended fifth in the Commonwealth Conference with 5.94 saves per game, seventh with a 2.37 goals-against average and seventh with a .754 save percentage. She had five games this season in which she recorded double figures in saves, including a career-best 14 in back-to-back outings vs. Arcadia and nationally ranked Messiah.



Garrity this fall won the MAC men's cross country title for his third all-league honor in this event. Last spring, he earned his spot as an All-America by closing eighth in the 1,500-meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. That was after he was tabbed MAC Track Athlete of the Year in helping the Pride to their third outdoor crown in the last four years. He was victorious in the 1,500-meter run and the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the outdoor championships and won the mile at the indoor meet, pacing Widener to a fourth straight MAC indoor title.

 

[dawrestling]

SEVEN FOR WIDENER CHOSEN TO THE INAUGURAL MAC ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS

[/B]

Annville, PA (Dec. 19, 2013) ? In a new tradition that is sure to be another rousing success, Widener saw seven of its student-athletes named to the inaugural Middle Atlantic Conference All-Academic Teams.



Seniors Colin Masterson (Swarthmore, PA)[/B], Mike Pacitti (West Deptford, NJ)[/B], and Jermaine Quattlebaum (Upper Marlboro, MD)[/B] as well as junior Stacey Sunnerville (Freehold, NJ)[/B] were picked for football, senior Veronica Vizzard (Havertown, PA)[/B] was chosen for volleyball, junior Maggie Karmeris (Wilmington, DE)[/B] made it for field hockey and junior Chris Garrity (Glenolden, PA) [/B]was honored for men's cross country.



The aforementioned earlier this month also were named to the Philadelphia Inquirer[/I] Academic All-Area Teams.



Masterson was a Preseason All-America and lived up to his high expectations in being tabbed Honorable Mention All-America by the Beyond Sports Network[/I], first team All-MAC for the second straight year as well as D3Football.com[/I] third team All-East Region. This season, he was tied for fourth in the MAC with three interceptions, fourth on the team with 54 tackles and first with eight pass breakups.



Pacitti was picked first team All-MAC a second straight year after being tabbed second team in 2011. After moving this season from left tackle to center, the four-year starter this season played a mammoth role in the offense sitting third in the country with a .733 completion percentage, 17th with 291.9 yards passing per game and second in the league with 439.7 yards of total offense per contest. Pacitti earlier this month was named the Brooks Irvine Division III Player of the Year, which honors collegiate football players from the southern half of New Jersey.



Quattlebaum, named Honorable Mention All-MAC, came into this season with an important legacy after hauling in a crucial touchdown catch in the 2012 de facto conference title game against Delaware Valley. He added to that by ending seventh in the league with 4.7 receptions per contest, second on the team with 407 receiving yards to go with two touchdowns. Quattlebaum posted three games this season with at least seven receptions.



Sunnerville, picked second team All-MAC, took his place in the starting lineup late last season, proved in the NCAA Tournament that year he belonged and furthered his case as to why this season. Despite only playing seven games due to injury, he closed the campaign third in the league with nine sacks, tied for third with 12 1/2 tackles for a loss and seventh on the squad with 39 tackles.





Vizzard earlier this month was picked Capital One CoSIDA[/I] third team Academic All-America, becoming the 47th Academic All-America in school history, and the MAC's Scholar-Athlete for Volleyball. The two-time member of the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Honor Roll ended the year seventh in the Commonwealth Conference with a .272 hitting percentage, fourth with 0.83 blocks per set, first on the team with 91 blocks, third with 174 kills and second with 25 aces.



Karmeris had yet another strong year in which she played almost every minute in goal. She ended fifth in the Commonwealth Conference with 5.94 saves per game, seventh with a 2.37 goals-against average and seventh with a .754 save percentage. She had five games this season in which she recorded double figures in saves, including a career-best 14 in back-to-back outings vs. Arcadia and nationally ranked Messiah.



Garrity this fall won the MAC men's cross country title for his third all-league honor in this event. Last spring, he earned his spot as an All-America by closing eighth in the 1,500-meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. That was after he was tabbed MAC Track Athlete of the Year in helping the Pride to their third outdoor crown in the last four years. He was victorious in the 1,500-meter run and the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the outdoor championships and won the mile at the indoor meet, pacing Widener to a fourth straight MAC indoor title.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER'S ANTHONY DAVIS NAMED D3FOOTBALL.COM[/I] FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICA[/B]

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Chester, PA (Dec. 30, 2013) ? [/B]Widener junior wide receiver/returner Anthony Davis (Upland, PA/Chester)[/B] notched another major award as D3Football.com[/I] picked him first team All-America.



Davis, who also was tabbed first team All-America by the Beyond Sports Network[/I], has made a name for himself as one of the nation's most prolific, dynamic and exhilarating players in Division III football. Even with teams adjusting their game plans to de-emphasize him, Davis still finds a way and he has helped Widener return to the ranks of the country's elite.



This season, Davis also was named the Middle Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Year to go with being picked first team all-league at wide receiver and special teams. He is sixth in the country with 9.1 receptions per game, 19th with 105.6 receiving yards per game, 29th with 10 touchdown receptions and 48th with 144.0 all-purpose yards per contest.



He broke the school's single-season record with 91 receptions this year and also is fifth in team annals with 35 touchdowns, second with 5,035 all-purpose yards, third with 31 touchdown receptions, second with 187 receptions, tied for fourth with 2,711 receiving yards, first with 67 kickoff returns and first with 1,515 kickoff return yards.



Davis was picked first team All-MAC for the third straight season and first team All-East Region by D3Football.com[/I] one year after he was tabbed second team All-America by the Beyond Sports Network, second team All-East Region by D3Football.com and ECAC South All-Region. In his freshman campaign, he was second team All-ECAC South Region and third team D3Football.com All-East Region.



Widener (6-4, 6-3 MAC) this season posted its third straight winning season, its fourth consecutive non-losing campaign and fell short of sharing the conference title by one game. The six victories this season from Bobby Acosta[/B] were the most for a first-year coach at Widener since Bill Zwaan went 7-3 in 1997.

 

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WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL POSTS 95-86 VICTORY OVER SWARTHMORE



Chester, PA (Dec. 30, 2013) ? [/B]Widener had six players score in double figures and used a run late in the contest to pull away en route to a 95-86 triumph over Swarthmore at Schwartz Center.



In a game both teams held a double-digit lead, it was Widener (7-3) that took control by scoring eight straight points to open an 81-72 cushion with 5:25 left. Senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD)[/B] netted four points in that span, capping it on a jumper.



Even with all the scoring, it was the Pride's defense that played a huge part in the outcome. The Garnet (4-6) were held without a point for almost nine minutes bridging both halves and shot only 41 percent (13-of-32) from the field in the second half.



Junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] was at it again for the Pride, closing with 14 points and 13 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season. He entered tonight fourth in the country in double-doubles and fourth in rebounds per contest, now standing at 13.4.



Junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ/Shawnee)[/B] scored 17 points and was 10-for-10 from the line, senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B] netted 12 points, junior Mark Pryzbylkowski (New Egypt, NJ)[/B] scored 11 with sophomores Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, PA)[/B] and David Nicholson (Odenton, MD)[/B] adding 10 apiece for Widener, which shot 42 percent (25-of-59) from the floor and 71 percent (37-for-52) from the line.



Karl Barkley netted 21 points, Seth Liebert had 18, Jay Kober scored 16 and Chris Bourne added 11 for the Garnet, who shot 49 percent (27-of-55) from the field and 9-of-22 from 3-point range.



Widener returns to Commonwealth Conference play Saturday at Stevenson, beginning at 3:00 pm.

 

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WIDENER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BEGINS 2014 WITH 67-63 VICTORY AT STEVENSON



Owings Mills, MD (Jan. 4, 2014) ? [/B]Senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA/Ridley) [/B]posted her second double-double of the season and sparked the decisive run for Widener, which held on for a 67-63 Commonwealth Conference triumph at Stevenson.



Things looked in the bag for Widener (7-4, 2-2 CC), which netted 14 straight points over four minutes to open a 45-35 lead with 12:11 remaining. Egee, who has been the catalyst all season for the Pride, netted 11 points in the spurt.



Stevenson hung around, scoring eight straight points later in the second half to close to 52-51 with 6:17 remaining. Kayla Kelly netted the last four points in that stretch for the Mustangs (5-5, 3-1), ending it with a layup.



The contest remained close the rest of the way and the Mustangs got within striking distance after Kayleigh Guzek's two free throws with 61 seconds left for a 65-63 deficit. Stevenson actually had a chance to tie following a Widener turnover, but Kelly missed two huge free throws with 51 seconds remaining.



Ty Bender stymied the Pride's next possession with a steal and the Mustangs again had a chance to tie the game. But Bender could not follow up her defensive effort, missing a layup with the ball going back to the visitors.



Senior Joanna Persiano (Ventnor, NJ/Holy Spirit)[/B], playing her first game after missing the last three due to injury, canned two free throws with six seconds left for the final and Widener's fourth victory in the last five outings.



Egee closed with 20 points and equaled her career best with 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. She drilled two 3-pointers and now stands eighth in Middle Atlantic Conference history with 192.



Junior Courtney Colella (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson)[/B] amassed career highs of 13 points and 13 rebounds for her first career double-double. Persiano had 15 points and seven assists, junior Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic)[/B] scored nine points and Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape)[/B] hauled in nine rebounds for the Pride, who shot 40 percent (24-of-60) from the field.



Kelly scored 15 points, Bender had nine and eight rebounds with Stephanie Martinez getting nine points for the Mustangs, who shot 29 percent (22-of-76) from the field on their home court.



Widener plays four of its next five games at home, starting Wednesday against Arcadia at 6:00 pm.

 

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WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL'S LATE RALLY COMES UP SHORT IN 105-100 SHOOTOUT LOSS AT STEVENSON



Owings Mills, MD (Jan. 4, 2014) ? [/B]Even with senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD/Caldwell College)[/B] matching his career high with 31 points and Widener taking the lead late after trailing Stevenson by 20 early in the second half, the visitors just fell short in a 105-100 Commonwealth Conference setback.



Down 68-48 with 18:28 remaining, Widener (7-4, 1-3 CC) later in the half scored eight straight points to close to 84-83 with 8:22 left. Freshman Kendall Green (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape)[/B] scored three points in that span and junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] capped it on a layup.



The Mustangs (9-2, 4-0) widened their lead to seven before the Pride used a 10-2 run in just over two minutes to go up 95-94 with 3:13 to play. McPherson poured in six points, Lawson had four and McPherson put Widener ahead with an old-fashioned three-point play.



Christian Roberts scored on consecutive possessions to put Stevenson up 98-95 with 2:01 left and then hit 1-of-2 two from the line with 73 seconds remaining for a four-point contest. Sophomore Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, PA)[/B] made a layup with 44 seconds to play for a two-point game before Erik Fisher and Darius Walker each hit twice from the line for Stevenson, the latter with 28 seconds left, to all but end things at 103-97.



McPherson canned a career-best six 3-pointers, grabbed 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season and shot 10-of-19 from the field. Lawson's eighth double-double of the season and fourth consecutive featured him closing with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting with 10 rebounds.



Sophomore David Nicholson (Odenton, MD/Arundel)[/B] poured in 17 points, two shy of his career best from January 30, 2013 at Stevenson. Byrd scored 13 points and senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B] had 11 for the Pride, who shot 45 percent (35-of-78) from the field and nailed 12 three-pointers that were two off a season best.



Alfonzo Hawkins scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, Colby Giacubeno netted 20, Justin Kuntz totaled 19 and 12 rebounds, Roberts had 16 points and Fisher added 11 for the Mustangs, who shot 60 percent (38-of-63) from the floor and got 52 points in the paint.



Stevenson in the first half took a page out of Widener's playbook, displaying a high-octane offense by scoring 60 points for a 17-point halftime lead. Giacubeno scored 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting off the bench and Kuntz had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Mustangs, who shot 66 percent (21-of-32) from the floor, 7-of-11 from 3-point range and 11-for-18 from the line.



Despite McPherson pouring in 15 points in the half, Widener shot 41 percent (16-of-39) from the field and 5-of-16 from beyond the arc.



Widener plays four of its next five games at home, beginning Wednesday against Arcadia at 8:00 pm.

 

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SECOND-HALF SCORING BINGE LIFTS WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL TO 94-83 VICTORY OVER ARCADIA



Chester, PA (Jan. 8, 2014) ? [/B]Widener shot 63 percent from the floor in the second half and used a big run to pull away en route to a 94-83 Commonwealth Conference triumph over Arcadia at Schwartz Center.



No team led by more than six points in the opening half and it was the Pride who owned a 67-62 cushion with 10:18 left. That was when the tide really turned for Widener, which scored eight straight points, thanks largely to 3-pointers from junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ/Shawnee)[/B] and sophomore David Nicholson (Odenton, MD)[/B], for a 75-62 margin with 6:56 to play.



Even with the Knights shooting 58 percent (15-of-26) from the field after intermission, they were held without a basket for almost four minutes during that stretch by the Pride. They shot 53 percent (31-of-59) overall and 7-of-14 from 3-point range.



But Widener hitting 17-of-27 from the field in the second half, including 7-of-12 from 3-point range, was the difference. The Pride (8-4, 2-3 CC), who have won three of their last five outings, hit 53 percent (33-of-62) overall and 9-of-16 from beyond the arc.



Senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD)[/B] scored 22 points on 6-of-16 shooting and was 5-of-6 from 3-point range, marking the sixth time this season he has eclipsed 20 points.



Junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] again was a force with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 11 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season. He entered the week second in the country in double-doubles and sixth with 13.1 rebounds per contest.



Also among the Pride's six in double figures, sophomore Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, PA)[/B] scored 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B] netted 11 with Fields and Nicholson getting 10 apiece.



Travis Saltus had 19 points and seven rebounds, Joe Brown scored 16 points, Jose Figueroa netted 14, and Rashon Brock added 10 for the Knights (6-6, 1-4).



Widener is back home Saturday against Lycoming, starting at 3:00 pm.



Egee Scores 26 as Widener Women's Basketball Pushes Past Arcadia, 66-51













1/8/2014


For the seventh time this season senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA) scored above 20 points as Widener controlled Arcadia 66-51 on Wednesday night at the Schwartz Center.


Widener (8-4, 3-2 CC) jumped out to an early four point lead thanks to two jumpers from sophomore Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, NJ), who finished with six points and six rebounds. Arcadia fought back in the first half by shooting 13-of-24 from the field and took a one point lead, 35-34, at halftime.


Widener regained control and capped off the game with an 18-2 run in the last nine minutes of play to improve to 3-2 in conference play. The Pride now sit fourth in the Commonwealth Conference with 13 league games left before the championships.


Egee entered the Arcadia game ranked 14th in the nation with 21.9 points per game. Against the Knights, Egee continued her dominance by shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 10-of-10 from the line for a total of 26 points. Defensively, Egee led the Pride with seven rebounds, made two steals and played all 40 minutes of the game.


Playing the entire game as well, junior Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ) contributed on both sides of the ball by scoring nine points, recording four rebounds, two steals and leading the Pride with five assists.


Fellow junior Courtney Colella (Cinnaminson, NJ) continued her defensive prowess by leading the team with four blocks and three steals, as well as bringing down six rebounds.


Coming off the bench to energize Widener in the closing minutes, sophomore Nikki Sutliff (Sweet Valley, PA) added five points, one assist and one steal to secure the victory for the Pride.


Widener will return to the Schwartz Center on Saturday at 1:00 to face off against the Lycoming Warriors.

 

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WIDENER MEN'S LACROSSE RANKED 19TH IN LACROSSE MAGAZINE[/I] PRESEASON POLL



Baltimore, MD (Jan. 9, 2014) ? The return of one All-America and three All-Commonwealth Conference players, in addition to a standout 2013 campaign, went a long way in Lacrosse Magazine[/I] selecting Widener in its preseason poll as the 19th-ranked team in the country.



Getting senior All-America goalkeeper Mac Nestler (Chatham, NJ/Chatham) back is a huge boost for a squad that always has had an exceptional defense. Nestler a season ago was tabbed Honorable Mention All-America by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) and first team all-conference, ending fourth in the country with a 5.96 goals-against average and sixth with a .649 save percentage in notching an 11-6 mark.



Among his top games, Nestler made a career-best 22 stops at eventual NCAA champion Stevenson in the conference final and 16 saves against then third-ranked Dickinson. His play helped buoy the defense to notch three games in which it did not yield more than two goals.



Senior Robert Clemens (Aston, PA/Sun Valley) had a standout campaign on attack and was picked Honorable Mention all-league, one year after being tabbed first team all-conference. Last season, he was fifth in the league with 1.85 assists per game (27 total) and fourth on the team with 31 points.



Senior Casey Decker (Morton, PA/Ridley) also is part of the standout defense and was named Honorable Mention all-league. He ended last season second on the team with 15 caused turnovers, fourth with 33 ground balls and was part of a defense which allowed seven or fewer goals 12 times.



Widener (11-6, 6-2 CC) had yet another great year in which it played in a conference final for the ninth straight season, was ranked as high as 16th in the country and more than held its own against nationally ranked schools. The squad defeated then No. 13 Gettysburg, 6-4, on March 27 and fell to four ranked teams by a total of eight goals.



Widener opens the season February 19 at Neumann, starting at 4:00 pm.

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Swimming (Jan. 11)






Widener Men's and Women's Swimming Overpower Cabrini









http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=xa-4a7320e7645958d0





Widener's men's and women's swimming dominated Cabrini with the men notching a 103-73 triumph and the women posting a 104-78 win at Schwartz Center on Saturday.

The 200-yard medley relay team of freshman Stephen Ranalli (Wildwood, NJ) captured first place with a time of 1:42.63.

Lahn and Ranalli returned to the pool to win individual races. Lahn, in the 200-yard IM swam 2:08.88 and Ranalli raced the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 58.52 seconds.

In the 1,000-yard freestyle, junior captain Jacob Lightman (Turnersville, NJ) placed second in 11:11.48.

Freshman standout Ian Gaynor (Donegal, Ireland), already having set multiple school records in his first season, won both the 50-yard freestyle in 21.24 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 47.03 seconds.

In the women's competition, Widener again controlled the meet as both Sara Leonelli (Vineland, NJ) won two individual races.

Barkofski won the 200-yard IM in 2:21.55 and returned to take first in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:08.18. Leonelli won both the 100-yard freestyle in 58:06 and the 1,000-yard freestyle in 11:42.24.

Senior All-America Melaney Heald (Georgetown, DE) recorded her first home victory in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:10.45.

Widener will return to its newly renovated pool on Thursday at 6:00 pm against Washington (MD).

 

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Widener Basketball (Jan. 11)






Widener Women's Basketball Wins Third Straight With 55-53 Defeat of Lycoming









http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=xa-4a7320e7645958d0




Widener came through in the end to win a hard-fought battle 55-53 over Lycoming at the Schwartz Center.


In a very exciting Saturday afternoon Commonwealth Conference game the winner was not decided until the final moments. Widener held a two-point advantage with eight seconds remaining when Lycoming's Nicole Calella drove the floor and attempted a layup to send the game into overtime. The ball went off the backboard, hit the rim and bounced away from the basket to secure the win for the Pride.


Widener (9-4, 4-2 CC) struggled early as the Lycoming Warriors went up 21-9 with six minutes remaining in the first half. With the half coming to a close the Pride went on a 15-6 run to decrease the Warriors' lead to one point at the break.


One minute into the second half sophomore Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, NJ) made a layup to give the Pride the lead. That would be the last time Lycoming was ahead of Widener. Wylie finished with a double-double, 13 points and 10 rebounds.


The game remained close, but Widener held on with great free throw shooting from sophomore Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA) down the stretch.


Egee finished with a team high 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and a season high five steals.


Junior center Courtney Colella (Cinnaminson, NJ) managed eight rebounds, five points and one block to lead the Pride in the post.


Lycoming (6-6, 3-3 CC) was led by Chelsea Henderson with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Julia Antonelli with 13 points and eight rebounds.


In a span of eight days Widener has won three conference matchups to improve to 4-2 in league play.


Widener looks to continue their winning streak when the team travels to Alvernia on Wednesday at 6:00 pm.







WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS, 72-53, TO LYCOMING



Chester, PA (Jan. 11, 2014) ? [/B]Widener fell into an early hole in the first half and could not recover in a 72-53 Commonwealth Conference loss to Lycoming at Schwartz Center.



The Warriors opened a 41-26 halftime lead by shooting 46 percent (16-of-35) from the floor and holding the Pride to just 26 percent (8-of-31). Kevin Anthony scored 10 points in the half with Michael Rudy adding nine for the visitors.



Lycoming (6-6, 2-4 CC), which led by as many as 71-48 late in the contest, shot 47 percent (27-of-58) from the field and posted a 53-44 rebounding edge.



Jourdan Wilson scored 20 points off the bench on 9-of-11 shooting, Rudy had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Anthony scored 12 points and Rob Pillow added 10 for the Warriors.



Sophomore Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, PA/California U.)[/B] scored 12 points, senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD/Caldwell College)[/B] netted eight points with junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ/Shawnee)[/B] adding seven, six rebounds and six steals for the Pride.



Junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B], who entered the day fifth in the country with 12.9 rebounds per contest, amassed seven points and nine rebounds for Widener.



The Pride (8-5, 2-4) entered the game first in the country with 281 made free throws and fourth with 93.5 points per contest.



Widener is on the road Wednesday at Alvernia, starting at 8:00 pm.

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Women's Basketball / Men's Track (Jan. 13)






WIDENER'S JEN EGEE AND GAVIN COLLEY EACH NAMED CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK A SECOND TIME



Annville, PA (Jan. 13, 2014) ? [/B]For the second time this season on the same day, Widener senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA/Ridley)[/B] was picked Commonwealth Conference Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week and junior Gavin Colley (Tunkhannock, PA/Tunkhannock)[/B] was tabbed Middle Atlantic Conference Men's Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Week.



Egee again had her foot on the gas pedal in leading Widener to a pair of victories, averaging 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. She scored 26 points on 6-of-12 shooting with four 3-pointers, seven rebounds and went 10-for-10 from the line Wednesday in the Pride's 66-51 win over Arcadia. Egee came back with 19 points, eight rebounds, two 3-pointers and went 11-for-16 from the stripe Saturday in the squad's 55-53 victory over Lycoming.



Her unbelievable stretch had her 12th in the country in scoring and 13th in made 3-pointers as of last week's stats. Presently, she is first in the league with 22.0 points per game, first with 2.9 three-pointers per contest, first with 34.8 minutes per game, fourth with a .388 three-point percentage, tied for sixth with 1.9 steals per contest, eighth with a .759 free throw percentage, tied for 10th with 6.8 rebounds per contest and 17th with a .453 shooting percentage.



Egee on December 19 became the 11th player in school history to reach 1,000 career points. The school's career and single-season leader in 3-pointers is just two away from becoming the eighth player in MAC history to have 200 for her career.



Colley has blitzed the field since stepping foot on campus and last Friday proved to be no different. He won the 200-meter dash in 22:68 seconds, defeating three Division I athletes and one unattached at the Southern Tier Collegiate Open in Ithaca, NY. He was second in the 60-meter dash in 6.96 seconds, qualifying for the ECAC Championships.



Colley last year qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 100-meter dash, placing ninth that was one spot from being an All-America. He also was third in the 100-meter dash, fourth in the 200-meter dash and was part of the winning 4x100-meter relay team that helped the Pride to a third team title in the last four seasons.



Last season's indoor campaign also was a showcase for Colley, who won the 60-meter dash at the MAC Indoor Championships, placed sixth in the 200-meter dash and helped Widener to a second place finish in the 4x200-meter relay. This all played a huge role in the Pride winning a fourth straight MAC indoor crown.



Both also received the same awards December 16. Egee was picked ECAC South Athlete of the Week just days later.



The women's basketball team (9-4, 4-2 CC) is on the road Wednesday at Alvernia. The track & field squad competes Saturday at the NYU Invitational.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER'S GAVIN COLLEY NAMED ECAC SOUTH MEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK



Centerville, MA (Jan. 16, 2014) ? [/B]Junior Gavin Colley (Tunkhannock, PA/Tunkhannock)[/B] was rewarded a second time for an outstanding week by being tabbed ECAC South Men's Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Week.



This comes days after the Middle Atlantic Conference named him the league's Men's Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Week.[/B]

[/B]

Colley has blitzed the field since stepping foot on campus and last Friday proved to be no different. He won the 200-meter dash in 22:68 seconds, defeating three Division I athletes and one unattached at the Southern Tier Collegiate Open in Ithaca, NY. He was second in the 60-meter dash in 6.96 seconds, qualifying for the ECAC Championships.



Colley last year qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 100-meter dash, placing ninth that was one spot from being an All-America. He also was third in the 100-meter dash, fourth in the 200-meter dash and was part of the winning 4x100-meter relay team that helped the Pride to a third team title in the last four seasons.



Last season's indoor campaign also was a showcase for Colley, who won the 60-meter dash at the MAC Indoor Championships, placed sixth in the 200-meter dash and helped Widener to a second place finish in the 4x200-meter relay. This all played a huge role in the Pride winning a fourth straight MAC indoor crown.



The squad competes this weekend at the Saturday Night Shootout in New York City, NY.

 

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WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL DEALT HEARTBREAKING 92-89 LOSS BY HOOD



Chester, PA (Jan. 16, 2014) ? [/B]Despite senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD/Caldwell College)[/B] hitting the tying layup with 8.7 seconds remaining, Widener allowed Chris Cook to drill a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left as Hood dealt it a tough 92-89 Commonwealth Conference loss at Schwartz Center.



Widener (8-7, 2-6 CC), which had first-half leads of 14-0 and 24-8, look to possess all the momentum when sophomore David Nicholson (Odenton, MD)[/B] canned a huge 3-pointer from the left corner for an 85-84 lead with 1:38 to play.



After the Pride called time out, senior Bob Makor (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic)[/B] got a big steal and fed junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ/Shawnee)[/B] for a layup and an 87-84 cushion with 1:18 to go.



Hood's Justin Bowens was fouled on a drive that disqualified junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] and canned two free throws with 67 seconds remaining for an 87-86 contest. Chris Cook then began entering the spotlight with a steal, a driving layup and a free throw with 50 seconds left for an 89-87 Blazers lead.



McPherson then missed a jumper, but Nicholson got the rebound and the Pride had possession with 33 seconds left. Following consecutive Widener time outs, senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B] had his 3-pointer from the right corner blocked out of bounds by Cameron Cook with 19 seconds left.



This set up Widener's final possession and it was McPherson who was the go-to player. He took the ball on the left wing and drove for the tying layup at 89-89.



Hood (11-4, 5-3) did not call time out and Chris Cook took matters into his own hands, nailing a 30-footer from the left wing for a 92-89 lead. Radomicki's desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer was off target.



McPherson ended with 31 points and six 3-pointers, both matching his career highs, and 12 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Lawson, among the nation's leaders in double-doubles, had 14 points and 10 rebounds for his 10th of the campaign.



Fields scored 12 points and Nicholson added 11 for the Pride, who shot 42 percent (24-of-57) overall and owned a 47-28 rebounding edge.



Chris Cook scored 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, Cameron Cook netted 16, Bowens and Jay Burke poured in 13 apiece with Davon Hill adding 11 for the Blazers, who shot 54 percent (13-of-24) from the field in the second half.



Widener has a monster test ahead of it Wednesday, when it hosts 15th-ranked Messiah at 8:00 pm.




Widener Women's Basketball Gets it Done Against Hood, 71-60
A strong team performance led Widener past Hood, 71-60, on Saturday afternoon at the Schwartz Center.

Widener (10-5, 5-3 CC) had nine separate players register an assist, as the Pride played dominantly and unselfishly against the Blazers.

Hood jumped out to an early lead, but Widener stormed back and tied the score with eight minutes remaining in the half. By the time halftime rolled around, the Pride held a 36-28 advantage.

Widener held that momentum and increased the lead to 21 points with minutes remaining in the game. Hood began a comeback, but Widener held on to win the first of two games against the Blazers this season.

Commonwealth Conference Women's Basketball player of the Week, senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA) secured her third double-double of the season. With 18 points and 11 rebounds, Egee continued her dominance on both sides of the court. Egee added three assists, one block and three steals to her credit against the Blazers. "We had a tough loss to Alvernia on Wednesday, but we were not going to let that effect us today. We went out there and went hard from the opening whistle to the final horn," said Egee.

Egee now stands with 204 career 3-pointers made, good enough for 5th in Commonwealth Conference history.

One rebound short of a double-double, junior Courtney Colella (Cinnaminson, NJ) went 7-of-12 for 15 points and nine rebounds. Colella also contributed three steals, one assist and one block on the day.

Fellow junior Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ) scored nine points and went 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

Senior guard Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, NJ) went 4-of-6 for eight points and three rebounds.

Hood (4-11, 1-7 CC) was led by Danni Medovich with 25 points on 9-of-16 from the floor and 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. Rachel Wiley led the team with seven rebounds to go along with her seven points.

Widener will be back in action at the Schwartz Center on Wednesday against the Messiah Falcons. Women begin at 6:00 pm, and the men to follow at 8:00 pm.








Widener Women's Track and Field Suffers Close Loss, 61-57, To DeSales




In Widener's first dual meet of 2014, the Pride squared off against the DeSales Bulldogs, resulting in a hard fought 61-57 loss.



With an outstanding meet, junior Rachel Heisler (Boyertown, PA) won the Weight Throw with a distance of 47-01.50, defeating DeSales' Megan Warner by almost five feet. That distance places Heisler third overall in Widener track history, and only 18 inches behind the record set back in 2008.

Also in the field events, senior Amber Char (Southampton, PA) also walked away in first place by clearing a height of 8-11.75.

Middle-distance sophomore Taylor Englert (Pottsville, PA) finished ahead of 10 Bulldogs and won the 800-meters in 2:33.95.

Junior sprinter Briana McKnight (Marcus Hook, PA) ran 9.71, and placed second behind DeSales' Janette Berger by .25 of a second.

The men's and women's teams will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Haverford Tri-Meet beginning at 12:00 noon.http://www.photoreflect.com/store/store.aspx?p=986

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER BASKETBALL TEAMS CONTINUE TO TEAR UP THE NCAA STATS



Indianapolis, IN (Jan. 21, 2014) ? [/B]Widener's basketball teams have been all over the NCAA stats this season and it is no surprise that this trend continues into the second half of the campaign.



On the men's side, junior forward Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] has enjoyed his finest year to date in the post. After leading the nation in total rebounds earlier this season, he is fifth with 10 double-doubles and sixth with 12.4 rebounds per contest.



The Pride also are first in free throws made and attempted (338-for-505), seventh with a 10.0 rebounding margin per game and eighth with 88.9 points per contest.



The women's team has been paced all season by senior guard Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA/Ridley)[/B], Widener's career and single-season leader in 3-pointers. She is 10th in the country with 22.5 points per contest and 15th with 2.93 three-pointers per game.



Egee is tied for fifth in Middle Atlantic Conference history with 204 three-pointers, matching Paula Fritz from Messiah (1987-91). Egee's 44 three-pointers this season are only 24 behind her own school record set last season, when the squad advanced to the national quarterfinals.




Both teams are in action Wednesday at home against Messiah. The women's game starts at 6:00 pm and the men begin at 8:00 pm.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL DEALT TOUGH 95-87 LOSS BY No. 17 MESSIAH



Chester, PA (Jan. 23, 2014) ? [/B]Widener battled hard and gave 17th-ranked Messiah all it could handle, but just came up short in a 95-87 Commonwealth Conference loss at Schwartz Center.



Widener (8-8, 2-7 CC) was down as many as 15 points in the first half and 73-61 with 6:17 left. That was when it really got going, using a 13-4 run over three minutes to close to 77-74 with 3:17 left. Junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] scored eight points in the spurt and senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B] capped it with a huge 3-pointer.



But from that point forward, Messiah got points on eight straight possessions to begin retaking control. Christyan DeVan's 3-pointer with 2:19 to play gave the Falcons an 82-76 lead and Brad Bolen's two free throws with 1:54 left made it 84-77.



Sophomore David Nicholson (Odenton, MD)[/B] made two free throws with 1:28 remaining to bring Widener within 87-81 before Bolen iced the game on the next two possessions. He had an old-fashioned three-point play with 1:15 left and added a reverse dunk off a steal for a 92-81 contest with 64 seconds to play.



Lawson matched his career high with 23 points, also accomplished December 7 vs. Lebanon Valley, on 8-of-9 shooting to go with eight rebounds. Junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ)[/B] scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting with eight rebounds, senior Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD)[/B] poured in 13 points and Nicholson added 10 for the Pride, who shot 56 percent (15-of-27) from the floor in the second half and 51 percent (31-of-61) overall.



Bolen poured in 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting, David Fernandez had 27 and 10 rebounds with Taylor Groff adding 12 points for the Falcons (14-1, 8-1), who shot a blistering 69 percent (20-of-29) in the second half and 62 percent (36-of-58) overall.



Widener opens the second half of league play Saturday at Albright, starting at 4:00 pm.


Widener Women's Basketball Suffers 59-55 Loss to Messiah


In a game which included 11 lead changes, Widener lost to the Messiah Falcons 59-55 in an intense Wednesday night game at the Schwartz Center.

The last time these two teams met was the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Widener would go on to win that game 67-52, before falling to Amherst in the Elite Eight.

Messiah held the lead for most of the first half, but the Pride fought back in the second by shooting 58.6 percent from the field. With the clock ticking down in the game, the teams were neck-and-neck on the scoreboard.

Junior guard Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ) made a jumper to give Widener a one point lead in the final minute 51-50. Reiter would finish with six points and six rebounds. With 30 seconds remaining Messiah's top scorer Chelsea Danel hit a game-saving 3-pointer to give the Falcons the two point advantage. Messiah then made six straight free throws to secure the win over the Pride, 59-55.

Widener (10-6, 5-4 CC) now sits in fifth place in the Commonwealth Conference with nine more games left to be played. Messiah, with the win, moves into third place.

Senior guard Joanna Persiano (Ventnor, NJ) led the Pride in points, rebounds and assists for the first time in her career. Persiano tied her season-high 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Persiano also managed five assists and tied for the team-lead with seven rebounds.

Fellow senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA) scored 11 points and brought down seven rebounds, along with registering one block and one steal in 40 minutes of play.

Messiah (10-6, 6-3 CC) was led in scoring by Danel with 20 points. Defensively, Gilliam Glackin led the team with seven rebounds, two blocks and three steals, along with scoring 17 points.

Widener will next travel to Albright on Saturday to face off against the Lions. Women begin at 2:00 pm, and the men to follow at 4:00 pm.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER MEN'S SWIMMING TOPS ELIZABETHTOWN, 140-31; WOMEN DEALT TOUGH 106-97 SETBACK



Elizabethtown, PA (Jan. 25, 2014) ? [/B]Widener's men's team won 10 of the 11 events in a 140-31 Middle Atlantic Conference triumph over Elizabethtown and the women, who captured five events, were handed a 106-97 setback.



Sophomore Andy Madore (State College, PA)[/B] recorded two of the Pride's eight individual wins, capturing the 400-yard IM in 4:46.91 and the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:26.41.



Freshman Ian Gaynor (Donegal, Ireland)[/B], who entered 38th in the country in the 100-yard freestyle, today took the 200-yard freestyle in 1:48.75. Junior Vadim Belogorodsky (Huntington Valley, PA)[/B] won the 1,000-yard freestyle in 10:49.78 and freshman Jeffrey Hicks (White Haven, PA)[/B] took the 50-yard freestyle in 23.62 seconds.



Freshman Jacob Lightman (Turnersville, NJ)[/B] got his first collegiate victory by taking the 200-yard butterfly in 2:15.94, senior Michael Lawley (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge)[/B] won the 100-yard freestyle in 49.76 seconds and freshman Michael Grajek (Freehold, NJ)[/B] captured the 200-yard backstroke in 2:12.72.



The 400-yard freestyle relay team won in 3:29.96 and included Grajek, Lightman, Lawley and freshman Jeremy Lahn (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge)[/B]. The 400-yard medley relay team was victorious in 3:50.00 and was comprised of Lawley, Lahn, Hicks and junior Andrew Olchowecky (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan)[/B].



Senior All-America Laura Harris (Phoenix, MD)[/B] entered 25th in the country in the 200-yard backstroke and won today in 2:13.78. She also took the 200-yard freestyle in 2:01.59.



Senior Jennifer Barkofski (Norristown, PA/Archbishop Carroll)[/B] also had two individual triumphs, winning the 400-yard IM in 5:02.62 and the 500-yard freestyle in 5:40.60.



The 400-yard medley relay squad won in 4:18.91 and included Harris, Barkofski, sophomore Erin Neugebauer (Eden Prairie, MN)[/B] and senior Sara Leonelli (Vineland, NJ)[/B].



This was Widener's final meet before the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, which will take place February 13-16 in York, PA.

 

[dawrestling]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2014


ROWAN WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING FALLS AT TCNJ, 184-115


EWING, NJ ? The Rowan University women's swimming and diving team lost at The College of New Jersey, 184-115 on Saturday afternoon.


The Lions are 5-2 overall and they finish undefeated in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with a 4-0 mark. The Profs have an 8-2 record and they are 2-1 in the conference.


Rowan took second in the 200 medley (1:56.64) and 400 freestyle (3:54.33) relays. The medley relay included Lauren Grajek (sr. Freehold, NJ/Freehold Twp.), Sam Wahl (so. Collingswood, NJ/Collingswood), Christine Gustafson (fr. Clifton, NJ/Clifton) and Victoria Grimsgaard (so. Eatontown, NJ/Monmouth Reg.). Grimsggard, Grajek, Julie Sheehan (fr. Haddonfield, NJ/Haddonfield Mem.) and Leanne Zaug (jr. Florham Park, NJ/Hanover Park) were on the freestyle relay.


Wahl was the winner in the 100 (1:11.32) and 200 (2:34.26) breaststrokes. Allison Schneider (sr. Cranford, NJ/Cranford) won the 1,000 freestyle with a time of 11:09.23. She finished second (5:30.14) in the 500 freestyle. Grimsgaard took second (24.58) in the 50 free and she was fourth (56.98) in the 100 freestyle.


Julia DelNero (so. Spring Lake Heights, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) finished second (11:11.52) in the 1000 freestyle and Nicole Vick (jr. Sewell, NJ/Clearview Reg.) was third (11:24.14). DelNero also had a third place (5:31.40) in the 500 freestyle. Olivia Wojtowicz (so. Centreville, MD/Queen Anne's County) took second in the 100 (1:11.84) and 200 (2:36.21) breaststrokes. She came in second (2:18.93) in the 200 individual medley. Grajek had third places in the 100 (1:04.12) and 200 (2:19.93) backstrokes. Catherine Anzano (sr. Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) came in second in the one (216.15 points) and three meter (221.25 points) diving. Rachel Anzano (jr. Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) had third places on the one (206.03 points) and three meter (215.55 points) boards.


Gustafson was third (2:25.94) in the 200 butterfly. In the 100 butterfly, Rikki Berk (so Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) and Abby Grasso (sr. Toms River, NJ/Toms River E.) were third (1:04.68) and fourth (1:05.53) respectively. Berk finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:14.10) and 200 individual medley (2:23.51). Ashley El Naggar (so. Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) was fourth (1:04.67) in the 100 backstroke. Sheehan took fourth (26.53) in the 50 free and fifth (58.52) in the 100 freestyle. Kelly Gallagher (so. Haddon Twp., NJ/Haddon Twp.) came in fourth (2:20.64) in the 200 backstroke.


Next week, Rowan hosts Ramapo College on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m. It is the Profs' last dual meet of the season.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HANDED 84-67 LOSS AT LYCOMING



Williamsport, PA (Feb. 1, 2014) ? [/B]Widener could not overcome a double-digit first-half deficit and was dealt an 84-67 Commonwealth Conference loss at Lycoming.



The Warriors (9-9, 6-6 CC) went on a 21-5 run over the last 7 1/2 minutes of the opening half to grab a 40-24 lead. Olivia Manges scored 13 of her 16 first-half points in that spurt and Ali Derr added six.



Lycoming for the half shot 49 percent (17-of-35) from the field and canned four 3-pointers. Widener hit just 25 percent (7-of-28) from the floor and was 2-of-7 from beyond the arc.



Senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA/Ridley)[/B], the league's leader in scoring and made 3-pointers, ended with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds and two 3-pointers for the Pride. She stands eighth in school history with 1,209 points.



Junior Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic)[/B] had 12 points and eight rebounds with senior Joanna Persiano (Ventnor, NJ/Holy Spirit)[/B] netting seven points for Widener (10-9, 5-7), which shot 39 percent (21-of-54) overall from the field.



Manges simply could not be stopped, scoring 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting and going 9-of-12 from 3-point range. Julia Antonelli had 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting, 12 rebounds and seven assists with Derr pouring in 11 points for the Warriors, who had their 10-game losing streak against the Pride halted.



Lycoming shot 51 percent (32-of-63) from the floor and 10-of-19 from beyond the arc.



Widener is home Wednesday against Stevenson as the team takes part in "Play 4Kay," the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's initiative to end breast cancer. Donations for the 6:00 pm contest will be accepted for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and fans are asked to wear pink.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER MEN'S BASKETBALL POSTS 57-51 VICTORY OVER STEVENSON



Chester, PA (Feb. 5, 2014) ? [/B]Junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ/Medford Tech)[/B] hauled in a career-best 22 rebounds to go with 11 points for Widener, which held off Stevenson for a 57-51 Commonwealth Conference victory at Schwartz Center.



Contrary to the 105-100 contest Stevenson won on January 4, this encounter saw defense reign as the visitors went more than four minutes late in the contest without a basket. Widener scored eight straight points over four minutes for a 54-47 lead with 2:30 left, thanks to four points from senior Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA/Penncrest)[/B].



After Alfonzo Hawkins' two free throws with 2:13 remaining and his layup with 1:26 left, the Mustangs closed to 54-51. Junior Dillon Fields (Medford, NJ/Shawnee)[/B] hit one free throw for a 55-51 margin with 51 seconds to play before Hawkins committed a crucial turnover.



Sophomore Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, PA/California-PA)[/B] hit once from the line with 32 seconds left and Lawson followed suit with 13 seconds remaining for the final.



Lawson was too much in the paint, besting his previous high of 21 rebounds set February 6, 2013 at Elizabethtown to notch his 12th double-double of the season. He entered the contest eighth in the country in rebounds and 14th in double-doubles.



Fields scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting with four 3-pointers and Byrd added 14 for the Pride (10-10, 4-9 CC), who shot 41 percent (18-of-44) from the field.



Hawkins scored 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting and Justin Kuntz netted 13 points for Stevenson (13-7, 8-5), which shot only 27 percent (7-of-26) from the field in the second half and 40 percent (19-of-47) overall.



Widener is back on the road Saturday at Hood, starting at 3:00 pm.
Widener Women's Basketball Rebounds Its Way Past Stevenson, 68-63

Widener's tremendous rebounding led the Pride to a 68-63 defeat over the Stevenson Mustangs on Wednesday night in the "Play 4Kay" game at the Schwartz Center.

Widener (11-9, 6-7 CC) held a huge 55-31 rebounding advantage over the Mustangs in Commonwealth Conference match up. Widener won the previous meeting between the two teams in a similar fashion, 67-63, back in early January.

The first half consisted of solid play from both teams as Widener held a slight advantage for the majority of the period. Going into halftime, the Pride led 33-30 as senior Jen Egee (Ridley Park, PA) recorded nine points and eight rebounds in the first half alone. Egee finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.

Widener skyrocketed to a 14 point lead nine minutes into the second half as junior Kristina Reiter (Sewell, NJ) went on a tear for eight points. Reiter finished with a season-high 20 points on 8-of-11 from the field, to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Stevenson made a great comeback to tie the game at 61, but Egee's two layups in the final minute secured the 68-63 win for the Pride.

Sophomore forward Courtney Colella (Cinnaminson, NJ) dominated the boards with eight and six rebounds respectively. Offensively, Wylie added ten points and Colella went a perfect 4-of-4 for 11 points.

Off the bench junior Caitlin Horan (Morristown, NJ) scored five points, recorded four rebounds and blocked a season-high three shots.

Stevenson (11-9, 9-4 CC) was led by Ty Bender with 17 points and six rebounds, along with five assists and a monstrous five steals. Kayla Kelly added 16 points and five rebounds for the Mustangs.

Widener will return to Commonwealth Conference action on Saturday at Hood. Women begin at 1:00, men at 3:00.

 

[dawrestling]

Michael Riverso's Two-Run Single Caps Ninth-Inning Rally for Widener Baseball in 6-5 Victory Over Thiel[/B]

[/B]

Senior Michael Riverso (Philadelphia, PA/Neumann-Goretti) lined a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning to cap Widener's three-run rally for a 6-5 triumph over Thiel in Fort Myers, FL.



Down 5-3 entering the last of the ninth, Widener turned to a freshman pinch hitter to start things and Justin Healey (Ocean City, NJ) came through with a walk. Freshman Michael Elfreth (Washington Twp., NJ/St. Augustine) singled and sophomore pinch hitter Joe Santone (Blackwood, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) intended to sacrifice, but his bunt turned into a single to load the bases.



Still with none out, junior Matt Scherer (Havertown, PA/Haverford) drew a bases-loaded walk to make it a 5-4 contest and send Riverso to the plate. The Pride's first baseman left no doubt by lining one up the middle to score Elfreth and Santone for the squad's second victory on the trip in three tries.



Riverso continued his stellar beginning to 2014 with two hits, a double and four RBI. It was his second multi-hit contest in the young season for Widener (3-1).



Elfreth closed with three hits and two runs, Scherer had three hits, two RBI and a run with senior Sam Christie (Upper Darby, PA/Monsignor Bonner) also getting three hits.



Junior Robert Barth (Norristown, PA/Pope John Paul II) pitched 7 2/3 innings for the Pride in a no-decision, yielding five runs and 11 hits with a strikeout. Freshman Joseph Richie (Reading, PA) notched his first collegiate victory, tossing a perfect top of the ninth inning.



The Tomcats (0-1) scored all of their runs in the top of the eighth inning for a 5-3 lead.



Widener returns to the field Monday against John Carroll for a 10:00 am start in Fort Myers, FL.

 

[dawrestling]

FRED BAXTER NAMED WIDENER'S NEW MEN'S GOLF COACH

[/B]

Chester, PA (Mar. 4, 2014) ? Fred Baxter can add another sport to his Widener resume as he was named the University's men's golf coach.



Baxter presently serves on Trenton's board of The First Tee, an international youth development organization introducing golf and its inherent values to young people. His help in the organization helps through after-school and in-school programs which help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through golf.



"It is an opportunity I feel I can help the University attract student-athletes and enjoy the disciplines golf brings in life," Baxter said of his new role. "We want a team that will compete and use the tools of the game that will help us be successful."



Baxter joined Widener last year as its tight ends coach for the football team. His intuition and experience helped the Pride close the year second in the country with a .733 completion percentage, 17th with a .468 third-down-conversion percentage and 19th with 291.1 passing yards per game. Widener (6-4, 6-3 MAC) last season posted its third straight winning campaign, its fourth consecutive non-losing season and fell short of sharing the conference title by one game. It also marked the third straight year the Pride went into the regular season's final game looking for the MAC title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.



A 12-year veteran of the National Football League, Baxter spent 2010 with the Cleveland Browns as part of the league's Coaching Internship Program after working with the New England Patriots in the same capacity in 2006. He was the offensive coordinator and special teams coach for Camden High School in 2009, the tight ends and special team coach for Camden Catholic High School in 2007 and as an assistant men's basketball coach at Burlington County College in 2006.



Baxter competed in the NFL with the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins, earning a ring with the Patriots after the team won Super Bowl XXXVIII. Baxter graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Education.

Baxter takes over for Brian Sheehan, the University's former golf and women's soccer coach who was named women's soccer coach at Division II Goldey-Beacom.

 

[dawrestling]

BARTH SOLID ON THE MOUND FOR WIDENER BASEBALL IN 3-1 VICTORY OVER DOMINICAN (IL)

[/B]

Fort Myers, FL (Mar. 7, 2014) ? [/B]Junior Robert Barth (Norristown, PA/Pope John Paul II)[/B] pitched another gem in getting his second victory of the year for Widener, which ended its Florida trip with a 3-1 win over Dominican (IL).



Barth (2-0), a second team All-Commonwealth Conference pick last season, was in control for his first complete game of the season after getting five in 2013. Today, he had a career-best nine strikeouts and permitted just an unearned run and four hits over nine innings.



Barth, who upended Gallaudet on February 22, walked just one and only faced six batters above the minimum.



Widener (6-2) grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning. Freshmen Michael Elfreth (Washington Twp., NJ/St. Augustine)[/B] and Bob Barnett (Glenolden, PA/Interboro)[/B] reached on singles and Barnett was erased on a fielder's choice from junior Matt Scherer (Havertown, PA/Havertown)[/B]. After Scherer stole second, senior Michael Riverso (Philadelphia, PA/Neumann-Goretti)[/B] drove them both home on a single to center field.



Dominican got within 2-1 in the last of the frame. Joe Lyons got a one-out single, took third on an error and then scored on another error off a batted ball from Thomas Smith.



The Pride got an insurance marker in the ninth for a 3-1 margin. Junior Michael Rytelewski (Brick, NJ/Ocean County CC)[/B] singled, reached second base on an error and crossed home when Barnett lined a two-out single to right field.



Barnett and Elfreth closed with three hits apiece and Rytelewski had two for the Pride, who ended with 11 hits. Barnett and Scherer have a hit in all eight contests this season and Riverso is on a seven-game hitting streak.



Dominican (2-3) had its modest two-game winning streak halted.



Widener is on the road next Wednesday to visit Rutgers-Camden for a 3:30 pm start in Camden, NJ.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER MEN'S SOCCER COACH BRENT JACQUETTE NOMINATED IN THE MLS WORKS COMMUNITY MVP CONTEST

Chester, PA (July 10, 2014) ? Widener men's soccer coach Brent Jacquette, who has been very active in the community with Soccer for Success, has been nominated in the MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest.

Jacquette is the nominee of the Philadelphia Union and is going against candidates from other squads in Major League Soccer. The voting goes from July 11-25 and to cast your vote for Jacquette, please check Widener's web site at WidenerPride.com.

Also, fans will have an opportunity over a 24-hour period to vote for Jacquette via Twitter. From noon on July 24 through noon on July 25, simply go on Twitter and type "I vote for the @MLSWORKS @WellsFargo @PhilaUnion #CommunityMVP."

If anyone is deserving of such an honor for their community service work, it is Jacquette. He has been heavily involved with Soccer for Success, a free after-school program that uses soccer as a tool to address children's health issues and juvenile delinquency while promoting healthy lifestyles in urban underserved communities. Jacquette has worked tirelessly to help promote the values of the program that stretch from physical activity, nutrition, mentorship and family engagement.

Jacquette has played a huge role getting his team involved with Friends of Jaclyn, a non-profit organization that matches children battling pediatric brain tumors with college sports teams. The squad three years ago adopted Mario Carpino and through this work, hosted Alex's Lemonade Stand to raise money for pediatric cancer.

Jacquette also founded Get Ahead Soccer, which developed youth soccer programs, camps and clinics, and organized the staff to conduct training sessions.

The winner of this contest receives a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice and an all-expenses paid trip to this year's MLS All-Star Game in Portland, OR.

The MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest focuses on individuals who set an example a leader in the community and uses soccer as a tool to help make a positive impact on social issues, health issues and community service for a local, national or international charity or community organization.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER'S MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SWIMMING SQUADS NAMED SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA TEAMS

Chester, PA (July 10, 2013) ? Widener's men's and women's swimming teams each have been named a Scholar All-America squad by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

For the women's squad, it is the third straight year it has made the list and the unit fashioned a 3.62 GPA that among the reporting schools placed it tied for sixth in the country.

To make the list, the team must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Highlighting the list for the women's team was senior Jennifer Barkofski (Norristown, PA/Archbishop Carroll), who last winter was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team and the inaugural Middle Atlantic Conference Academic All-Conference Team. The men's squad was boosted by junior Vadim Belogorodsky (Huntington Valley, PA), who was picked to the MAC Academic All-Conference Team.

Five for the women made the MAC Academic Honor Roll, which requires one to have at least a 3.2 GPA and be at least a sophomore. This includes Barkofski, senior Carli Rapp (Reading, PA) and sophomore Alicia Jenkins (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown), Kori Meighan (Holmes, PA/Ridley) and Annie Walker (New Castle, DE). The men had two on the list in Belogorodsky and sophomore Andy Madore (State College, PA).

Both squads last season once again had strong campaigns by closing fourth at the MAC Championships. The year was highlighted by senior Laura Harris (Phoenix, MD), who notched her fourth All-America honor, was picked the Women's Most Outstanding Swimmer for the third time and won four league crowns to end her career with 20. Freshman Ian Gaynor (Donegal, Ireland) won two league titles and was named the Men's Swimming Rookie of the Year.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER'S MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SWIMMING SQUADS NAMED SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA TEAMS

Chester, PA (July 10, 2013) ? Widener's men's and women's swimming teams each have been named a Scholar All-America squad by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

For the women's squad, it is the third straight year it has made the list and the unit fashioned a 3.62 GPA that among the reporting schools placed it tied for sixth in the country.

To make the list, the team must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Highlighting the list for the women's team was senior Jennifer Barkofski (Norristown, PA/Archbishop Carroll), who last winter was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team and the inaugural Middle Atlantic Conference Academic All-Conference Team. The men's squad was boosted by junior Vadim Belogorodsky (Huntington Valley, PA), who was picked to the MAC Academic All-Conference Team.

Five for the women made the MAC Academic Honor Roll, which requires one to have at least a 3.2 GPA and be at least a sophomore. This includes Barkofski, senior Carli Rapp (Reading, PA) and sophomore Alicia Jenkins (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown), Kori Meighan (Holmes, PA/Ridley) and Annie Walker (New Castle, DE). The men had two on the list in Belogorodsky and sophomore Andy Madore (State College, PA).

Both squads last season once again had strong campaigns by closing fourth at the MAC Championships. The year was highlighted by senior Laura Harris (Phoenix, MD), who notched her fourth All-America honor, was picked the Women's Most Outstanding Swimmer for the third time and won four league crowns to end her career with 20. Freshman Ian Gaynor (Donegal, Ireland) won two league titles and was named the Men's Swimming Rookie of the Year.

 

[dawrestling]

WIDENER VOLLEYBALL WINS AVCA TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

[/B]

Lexington, KY (Aug. 5, 2014) ? Widener's volleyball team has been named one of the winners of the America Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.



The award goes to teams who have a 3.30 grade-point average for the academic year.



Academic success is nothing new for the Pride. Veronica Vizzard (Havertown, PA/Haverford) last year was tabbed Widener's valedictorian, becoming the third from the squad over the last seven years to earn that honor. She also was picked the Middle Atlantic Conference Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, third team Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-America, twice named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team, a member of the fall's MAC Academic All-Conference Team, a three-year member of the MAC Academic Honor Roll and a member of the Dean's List every semester.



The Pride also had seven others named to the MAC Academic Honor Roll. This included the graduated Stephanie Schutt (Tucson, AZ), seniors Jessica Dembeck (Philadelphia, PA/Saint Basil), Victoria Miller (West Chester, PA/Unionville) and Kaitlin Schnalzer (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) as well as juniors Cassidy Kerezsi (Upper Chichester, PA/Chichester), Gina D'Allura (Broomall, PA/Marple Newtown) and Ashley Ferrill (Reading, PA/Exeter).



The squad also has been very active in the community. It once again participated in the Buddy Walk for the Trisomy 21 Program for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association and annually hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Day at one of its home matches.



Widener opens its season August 30 at the Haverford Invitational.

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Men’s Basketball Emerges Victorious in Seesaw Battle With Lycoming


CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 2, 2016) – Sophomore Sardayah Sambo (Middletown, Del.) nearly recorded a triple-double and junior Kendall Green (Mount Laurel, N.J.) poured in a career-best 21 points to help propel the Widener University men’s basketball team to an 81-74 triumph over Lycoming in Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth action on Saturday afternoon at the Schwartz Center.



After the Pride built up a 35-28 advantage at the recess, the teams played out a thriller over the final 20 minutes with eight lead changes and three ties in the second half alone. Trailing by double figures, Lycoming captured the momentum and jumped ahead by getting a layup from David Johnson to make it 48-47 in the opening minutes. The Warriors maintained control and concluded a 27-9 run when Nykolas King sank a free throw to give the guests an eight-point advantage at 55-47 with under 14 minutes left.



Widener, however, battled back and got life when Sambo drove in for a monster dunk following a missed free throw by the Warriors at the other end. Junior John Fender (Wallingford, Pa.) then drained two shots in a row from downtown just past the midway point before Green took over by notching a 3-point play in old fashion. The captain sank a layup and canned the ensuing free throw to put the Pride up by a 62-60 score at the 7:01 mark.



The play by Green set up a photo finish, as the teams would play a game of tug-of-war with the lead changing six times over a span of just 3:16. Fender put the Pride ahead for good by sinking a 3-pointer to make it 71-69 with 3:01 left before two Pride steals resulted in quick layups in transition. This included a key steal by Ryan McMahon (Mount Laurel, N.J.) that he finished on the other end to make it 77-69 with 1:51 remaining. Sambo then made charity shots down the stretch to produce the final outcome.



In a tight first half, Green put the hosts in control when he drove in for a layup and made a free throw to give the hosts a slight advantage slightly before the midway point of the first. After Willie Keep made it a one-point game at 20-19 with a layup at the 7:51 mark, Widener started to break loose and built up a seven-point lead on three occasions before eventually taking a lead by that margin into the break.



Sambo lit up the stat sheet for Widener by ending the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, a career-high eight assists and five blocks. Green registered a career-best 21 points to go along with seven boards, three helpers and two blocked shots. Fender scored 15 points off the bench for the Pride, who set season-best marks as a squad by shooting 54.9 percent from the floor and altering 11 shots in the contest.



Johnson netted 17 points and dished out six assists to lead the way for Lycoming (9-3, MAC Commonwealth 2-2), which had its four-game winning streak snapped with the loss. T.J. Duckett contributed 15 points, and Wallace added eight points and 11 boards.



Widener (5-6, MAC Commonwealth 1-2) returns to action when it visits Albright on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 8:00 p.m.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Women’s Basketball Drops Conference Game to Lycoming


CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 2, 2016) – Playing its third game over the last four days, the Widener University women’s basketball team fell to Lycoming by a 61-54 decision in Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth action on Saturday afternoon at the Schwartz Center.



Lycoming (8-4, MAC Commonwealth 3-1) opened the game with 10 unanswered points and never looked back. The Warriors used a balanced attack with four different scorers to seize an early lead before Jenn Grove drove in for a layup to make it 14-2 with 2:37 left in the first quarter. Chelsea Henderson then stole the ball and made a layup that beat the buzzer to give the visitors a 16-4 commanding advantage at the end of the frame.



Sparked by freshman Tasjah Davis (Hebron, Md.), who set a career high for scoring, Widener started to find some rhythm offensively in the second quarter. Davis cut through for a layup on the first possession and sank another three field goals in the stanza, which was capped by finishing a pass from senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.) to cut the deficit to 29-17. Brianna Cullen gave the Pride more momentum by putting back a missed shot as the buzzer sounded and sinking the ensuing free throw to create a 30-21 score at the break.



Widener (9-3, MAC Commonwealth 2-1) came out with a vengeance in the second half and slashed the margin all the way down to four with a strong finish. Senior Sarah Engman (Havertown, Pa.) led the hosts during the run by sinking four free throws, and Ferrucci converted a layup in transition in the waning seconds to cap an 8-2 run and make it 41-37.



But Lycoming would not allow the Pride to come any closer the rest of the way, as Shelby Mueller made two free throws to begin the fourth before Henderson drilled two of her own at the stripe to push the Warrior lead back up to double figures. Sophomores Julia Venturelli (Bridgewater, N.J.) and Allison Gallagher each drained shots from beyond the arc down the stretch to bring the margin down to five on two occasions, but the Warriors got a key layup from Henderson on an inbounds play and got some free throws for insurance in the final seconds to escape with the win.



Ferrucci fell just shy of a double-double with 14 points and eight assists to go along with four steals, while Gallagher also reached twin figures with 10 points to lead the way for Widener. Davis added a career-high nine by shooting 4-of-6 from the field and sinking her only attempt from long range in the first half.



Henderson and Grove finished with 15 points apiece to lead the way for Lycoming. Grove also contribured seven rebounds and three steals, while Henderson had eight boards and five steals. Mueller had four swipes and 11 points.



Widener will face arguably its toughest test of the season to date when it visits nationally-ranked Albright on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:00 p.m.









Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Women’s Basketball Closes Calendar Year With a 79-70 Triumph Over Eastern


RADNOR, Pa. (Dec. 31, 2015) – Freshman Emily Hardy (Lewisberry, Pa.) registered her first career double-double and senior Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, N.J.) scored 26 points as the Widener University women’s basketball team ran away with a 79-70 victory over Eastern on the second day of the Cabrini Holiday Classic at the Nerney Field House on Thursday afternoon. The Pride finished with a perfect 2-0 record at the two-day tournament and are off to their best start through 11 games since the record-breaking 2012-13 campaign.


Eastern (7-4) started off the game on fire by scoring the first five points and eight of the first 10. Emily McPeak, who entered the contest with two 3-pointers all season, drilled a pair of shots from downtown in the opening minutes to put her team ahead by an 8-2 score in the early going.


The Pride, however, got going after the Eagles called a timeout which killed their own momentum. Trailing 13-6 after Ashley Kurdziolek sank three free throws, Widener responded with eight unanswered points to get back into the game. Sophomore Allison Gallagher (Souderton, Pa.) hit a trey from the right arc to tie the game at 13-all, and Hardy made a free throw to give the Pride their first lead at 14-13 with 3:24 on the clock. Senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.), who had three assists in the frame, then converted a layup to give the squad an 18-16 edge at the end of the first.


Widener (9-2) picked right up where it left off to begin the second, opening its lead up to nine points on a Ferrucci layup that made it 25-16. The basket closed out a streak of 11 unanswered points that started in the waning minutes of the first quarter. Hardy, who had 13 points and five boards in the first half, put back a Ferrucci miss to extend the margin to twin figures and later drove in for a layup with just over a minute left to help give the Pride a 39-34 advantage when the teams headed to the locker rooms.


After scoring the last four points of the second quarter, Eastern continued chipping away at the deficit in the third and made it a one-possession game on two occasions in the opening minutes. But the Pride would not surrender the advantage they held dating back to the first quarter, as sophomore Julia Venturelli (Bridgewater, N.J.) got hot and scored five consecutive points by finishing passes from Ferrucci to keep the Eagles at bay. Wylie recovered a miss to make it 52-46 at the midway point. Despite needing a timeout with 3:54 on the clock after Taylor Azer sliced the lead to just two points, Widener got an old-fashioned 3-point play from sophomore Brianna Cullen (Lansdale, Pa.) and a pair of free throws from Wylie to boost the margin back up to six by the end of the third.


Clinging to a 59-53 lead through 30 minutes of action, Widener kept driving to the basket and feeding its players down low on the post where the Eagles were shorthanded to stay on top for the remainder of the contest. Eastern brought it down to 61-59 when Taylor Price made a layup with 8:32 to go, but Venturelli converted on the other end to keep the Pride ahead. Wylie then took over by scoring 12 of the last 14 points for the team over the final 5:18 to help the program pull out the nine-point victory.


Wylie, who came through in the clutch by scoring 14 of her points in the fourth quarter, finished with 26 by shooting 10-of-12 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the line for Widener. She also had 11 boards. Hardy finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, which were both career highs, and Gallagher and Venturelli contributed 13 points apiece.


Eastern was paced by Reggie Robinson and Amanda Riff. Robinson had 18 points, while Riff scored 16 and grabbed four rebounds. McPeak ended the game with 10 points, five boards and three steals.


Widener resumes Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth action when it hosts Lycoming on Saturday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m.





Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

Gallagher and Ferrucci Lead Widener Women’s Basketball Past Cabrini


RADNOR, Pa. (Dec. 30, 2015) – Sophomore Allison Gallagher (Souderton, Pa.) scored 14 points, including 12 in the final quarter, and senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.) netted 19 to propel the Widener University women’s basketball team to a 71-60 victory over Cabrini in the opening round of the Cabrini Holiday Classic at the Nerney Field House on Wednesday afternoon.


Leading 46-40 through three quarters, Widener held off multiple runs by a resilient Cabrini squad in the final frame to register its eighth win over its last nine games. Shortly after the Cavaliers made it a one-possession game, Gallagher came alive by sinking two free throws and finishing a 3-point play the old-fashioned way at the charity stripe to give the Pride a 53-46 cushion with 7:37 remaining. The visitors then extended their lead to twin figures courtesy of another layup followed by a free throw from Gallagher at 2:39 before Ferrucci made charity shots down the stretch to produce the final outcome.


Both teams were ice cold from the floor in a back-and-forth first quarter that featured one tie and three lead changes, but the Widener defense limited the Cavaliers to just 23.8 percent shooting over the first 10 minutes to end the frame with a two-point advantage. Trailing 8-4 with under four minutes left, the Pride rattled off seven unanswered to pull ahead. Ferrucci drew attention by driving inside and found a wide open Julia Venturelli (Bridgewater, N.J.), who sank a shot from beyond the arc to give the visitors a 9-8 advantage before freshman Emily Hardy (Lewisberry, Pa.) drove in for a layup on the team’s next possession to put the Pride up by three. Senior Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, N.J.) then converted a bucket with seven seconds on the clock to break a tie and give the visitors a 14-12 lead at the end of the quarter.


Cabrini (4-6), however, rode the hot hand of Meghan Martin to rally from behind in the second. The senior hit a jumper to tie the game at 16s, converted two free throws and then made a layup to give the hosts a 24-22 advantage at the 3:56 mark and their first lead since the closing minutes of the first quarter. But the Pride shook off the rally and responded with 10 straight, which was capped by a Venturelli trey that was set up once again by Ferrucci. The run gave Widener a boost and a 34-25 lead at recess.


In the third quarter, Renee Oliver helped the Cavaliers storm back and go on a 9-2 run out of the locker room to pull within two. The junior converted two field goals and found Kristina Startare for a trifecta to close the gap to 36-34 with 7:14 on the clock. After senior Nikki Sutliff (Sweet Valley, Pa.) sank two of her five free throws at the other end to keep the Pride ahead, Cabrini did not go away and got two charity stripe baskets and a jumper from Martin to move ahead by a 40-38 score.


Despite the strong start in the second half, the hosts though could not stay ahead for long. Ferrucci made four free throws in the waning minutes to give the Pride a 46-40 advantage at the end of the third and a lead they would never relinquish.


Ferrucci netted 19 points, which including going 15-of-20 from the line, for Widener in the winning effort. She also had five assists, three steals and committed just one turnover. Gallagher scored 14 points by shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 4-of-6 from the line in addition to altering two shots, while Sutliff added a season-best 13 points in a reserve role. Hardy was also solid off the bench and just missed a double-double with seven points and nine boards.


Cabrini was paced by Martin, who contributed a game-high 20 points for the host school. Sabrina Hackendorn finished with eight points and 12 rebounds, and Renee Oliver had a strong game across the board by adding 11 points, five boards, three assists and two blocks.


Widener (8-2) closes out tournament play at the Cabrini Holiday Classic when it faces Eastern, which fell to an undefeated Rowan squad earlier in the afternoon, tomorrow at 12:00 p.m.





Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

READING, Pa. (Jan. 6, 2016) – A double-double performance by senior Brianna Wylie (Mount Laurel, N.J.) was not enough as the Widener University women’s basketball team fell to nationally-ranked Albright by an 86-70 decision on Wednesday evening at the Bollman Center.


After a slow start, Widener used the long ball to play the Lions competitively in the first quarter. Sophomore Allison Gallagher, who lit up for 10 points in the opening frame, put the Pride ahead for the first time when she banked home a 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 11-10. The Lions recovered and went ahead by five when Jane Joyce stole the ball and drove in for a layup, but the visitors answered and got a trey from senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.) in the waning seconds to close out the frame trailing by only two.


Albright (12-1, MAC Commonwealth 4-0), which is ranked 14th nationally by the WBCA and 15th by D3hoops.com, started the second quarter off strong by scoring five consecutive points to move ahead by a 25-18 score. The Pride, however, once again chipped away at the deficit and made it a one-possession game on four occasions. Wylie converted a layup at the 5:49 mark and another at 1:31 to make it 36-33. A Julia Venturelli (Bridgewater, N.J.) basket then made it 38-35 in favor of the Lions at recess.


In the second half, Albright stayed ahead and jumped out to a double-digit lead when Shannon Thomas canned one of her three shots from downtown to make it 52-42 with 4:21 left. The junior guard scored eight consecutive points for the Lions, including 10 in the frame, as the hosts maintained their 10-point cushion heading into the fourth. Albright then built up its lead up to as many as 23 before eventually coming away with the 16-point win.


Wylie registered her seventh double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 boards to lead the way for Widener. Gallagher finished with 17 points, while Ferrucci finished with 12 points and seven helpers and Venturelli netted 10.


Albright, which is the only undefeated team remaining in league action, was paced by Kelecia Harris and Thomas. Harris had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to go along with four blocks, and Thomas finished with 21 points, five boards and three helpers. Devan Horka contributed 13 points off the bench.


Widener (9-4, MAC Commonwealth 2-2) returns home to face Alvernia on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1:00 p.m.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

Widener Women’s Basketball Routs Alvernia, 80-56; Gallagher Nets Career-High 30 Points


CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2016) – Sophomore Allison Gallagher (Souderton, Pa./Souderton HS) scored a career-high 30 points and freshman Emily Hardy (Lewisberry, Pa.) recorded a double-double to propel the Widener University women’s basketball team to a convincing 80-56 victory over Alvernia on Saturday afternoon at the Schwartz Center.


Alvernia (6-8, MAC Commonwealth 1-4) got off to a strong start and burst out to a 16-8 lead by the 4:46 mark of the first quarter, but the Pride came back with a vengeance. Gallagher canned a 3-pointer to begin the rally before senior Nikki Sutliff (Sweet Valley, Pa.) drained one from downtown to close out the scoring in theframe and give the hosts their first lead at 23-20.


By using a suffocating defense, Widener did not allow the Crusaders to convert a field goal for a span of 8:24 between the first and second quarters. Gallagher and freshman Tasjah Davis combined to net the Pride’s first 17 points of the frame and helped the hosts embark on a 28-5 run. Sophomore Julia Venturelli sank a jumper that was set up by Gallagher to make it a 42-24 contest, and the Pride would eventually take a 15-point advantage into the break.


The Pride, who had a commanding 53-20 advantage on the boards, maintained their double-digit lead throughout the third quarter and stayed in control for the duration of the fourth. Gallagher set her career scoring mark by sinking a jumper at the 9:09 mark before closing out her productive afternoon with a layup to make it 68-44 with under eight minutes left. The lead ballooned to 28 on a layup by senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.), and freshman Julia Sanders (Pitman, N.J.) scored her first basket to add more than enough insurance in the waning minutes.


In addition to setting a career high with 30 points, Gallagher also contributed seven rebounds, two assists and one steal to lead the way for Widener. Hardy notched her second double-double in the last four games by registering 10 points and 10 boards. She also shot 5-of-6 from the field and blocked two shots. Davis registered two career highs with five rebounds and three assists while also netting five points.


Alvernia was paced by Tyra Roberts, who contributed 18 points and six rebounds. Chelsea Ebersole and Jenna Wolff also reached twin figures by scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.


Widener (10-4, MAC Commonwealth 3-2) continues league play when it visits Lebanon Valley on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 6:00 p.m.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

[dawrestling]

Widener University Athletics

One University Place / Chester, PA 19013-5792


Contact: Matt Judge, SID

Phone: 610-499-4487

Fax: 610-499-4481

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MEN’S BASKETBALL TOPPED BY MAC COMMONWEALTH FOE ALVERNIA


CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2016) – The Widener men’s basketball team fought hard in a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth match-up with Alvernia, but fell 63-61 on Saturday at the Schwartz Athletic Center.



The Pride fall to 5-8 and 1-4 in conference play, while the Crusaders improve to 7-7 overall and 3-2 in MAC Commonwealth action.



Widener found themselves in trouble early, but were able to crawl back from a 16 point deficit to only a five point hole at half-time. The Pride outscored the Crusaders 13-5 in the final five minutes of the first half. Sophomore Sardayah Sambo (Middletown, Del.) led the Blue and Gold with 14 points on five of seven shooting. The guard added six rebounds, with four of them coming on the defensive glass, and three blocks.



Sambo was four-of-seven from the free throw line, and notched three assist in the conference game.



Kendall Green (Mount Laurel, N.J.) finished the game with a team-high nine rebounds and added ten points on the offensive side. The junior guard grabbed a game-high eight defensive boards.



Alvernia was aggressive from three-point range as they recorded 27 shots from beyond the arc. The Crusaders shot 44% from long range, with Alex Shippen shooting three-of-six from three point range. The sophomore guard finished with nine points and four rebounds.



Senior David Nicholson (Odenton, Md.) added ten points and one rebound for the Blue and Gold. Nicholson shot three-of-eight from long distance and recorded a steal against the Crusaders.



Matthew O’Hara (Royersford, Pa.) added four points on two-of-three shooting for Widener. The Pride finished with 20 points scored in the paint and recorded ten points off of 15 Alvernia turnovers.



The Blue and Gold will be back in action on Wednesday as they travel to Annville, Pa. to take on Lebanon Valley in a MAC Commonwealth match-up at 8:00 p.m.





www.WidenerPride.com


Matthew E. Judge
Widener University
Graduate Assistant Sports Information Director
mejudge@mail.widener.edu
Office: 610-499-4487
Cell: 610-613-2662

Widener University Athletics
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The college sports transaction is located at the bottom of this release.


Rachel Connely Named Assistant Athletic Trainer at Widener University


CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 11, 2016) – Head athletic trainer A.J. Duffy, III has announced Rachel Connely as the assistant athletic trainer at Widener University. Connely, who assumed her duties earlier this month, most recently worked in the same role at Neumann University.


At Neumann, Connely was directly responsible for overseeing the women’s volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s lacrosse programs while also maintaining a working relationship with NovaCare physical therapists and Rothman Institute physicians. In addition, Connely designed and implemented a strength and conditioning program for high school and college athletes and oversaw students in clinical proficiencies and professional skills as a preceptor.


Prior to her arrival at Neumann, Connely worked in several roles as a certified athletic trainer with Aspire Sports Medicine. In this position, she was the head athletic trainer at Octorara High School in Chester County and also provided medical coverage for Montgomery County Community College and the St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls.


In addition, Connely spent time as a graduate assistant athletic trainer and assistant women’s basketball coach at Bloomsburg University while pursuing a master’s degree at the institution. She most notably worked with the football program for two seasons and also assisted with coverage of varsity and junior varsity practices and competitions at nearby Lewisburg Area High School. Furthermore, she helped the women’s basketball coaching staff at Bloomsburg with post player development while also planning and implementing strength and conditioning sessions for the student-athletes.


At the collegiate level, Connely earned four letters as a member of the women’s basketball team at James Madison and was the recipient of the program’s most spirited and unselfish player award every season. The Dukes registered four winning campaigns, won two Colonial Athletic Association championships, advanced to two NCAA Tournaments and made it as far as the WNIT championship game while she was a member of the squad.


Connely, who was also named a basketball state and regional player of the year by several organizations on the scholastic level at Marian Catholic, received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science from James Madison in 2012 and a master’s in clinical athletic training from Bloomsburg in 2013. A member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainer’s Society, Connely enjoys staying active, reading books, and cooking in her free time and currently resides in Conshohocken.


COLLEGE SPORTS TRANSACTIONS:

Widener University – Named Rachel Connely assistant athletic trainer.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

One University Drive

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

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ower@gomacsports.com, DNscores@phillynews.com, WPVI-TV.DL-Sports@disney.com, acampbell@phillynews.com, andrews@gomacsports.com, bsankey@phoenixvillenews.com, dhunt37261@aol.com




Widener University Athletics

One University Place / Chester, PA 19013-5792


Contact: Matt Judge, SID

Phone: 610-499-4487

Fax: 610-499-4481

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS SHORT ON THE ROAD AGAINST ALVERNIA


READING, Pa. (Jan. 22, 2016) – The Widener men’s basketball team came up short against Alvernia in a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth match-up as they fell to the Crusaders, 78-74, at Jack McCloskey Court on Friday night.



The Pride fall to 8-10 and 3-6 in conference play, while Alvernia improves to 10-8 and 6-3 in MAC Commonwealth play.



Kendall Green (Mount Laurel, N.J.) recorded a double-double with 20 points and ten rebounds. The junior guard notched his third double-double in four games. Green added four assist, one block and a steal for Widener.



Sophomore Sardayah Sambo (Middletown, Del.) added 17 points on five-of-nine shooting for the Blue and Gold. The guard finished seven-of-eight from the free throw line and added nine rebounds in 29 minutes of play.



The Crusaders, who swept the season series against the Pride, was led by 27 points from forward Marquis Marshall. The junior was ten-of-15 from the field and six-of-seven from the free throw line.



Laron Byrd (Philadelphia, Pa.) finished with six rebounds and four points on two-of-five shooting from the field. The senior guard added three assist in 27 minutes of play for the Blue and Gold. Senior David Nicholson (Odenton, Md.) added 11 points on three-of-seven from three-point range.



Freshman Ryan McMahon (Mount Laurel, N.J.) added eight points, five rebounds, and a team-high five assist for the Pride. Widener finished with 15 second chance points, and recorded 28 points in the paint against Alvernia. Sophomore John Fender (Wallingford, Pa.), who finished with three rebounds, and the Pride held the advantage over the Crusaders on the glass 40 to 27.



The Blue and Gold return to action on Wednesday when they host Albright in MAC Commonwealth action at 8:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Athletic Center.



www.WidenerPride.com


Matthew E. Judge
Widener University
Graduate Assistant Sports Information Director
mejudge@mail.widener.edu
Office: 610-499-4487
Cell: 610-613-2662

Widener University Athletics
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

 

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ate Slade Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Widener


CHESTER, Pa. (July 13, 2016) – Director of Athletics Jack Shafer has announced Kate Slade as the new head women's lacrosse coach at Widener University. Slade was most recently an assistant coach at Franklin & Marshall College for the past two years.

"We are very excited to have Kate join us at Widener as our new women's lacrosse coach," said Shafer. "She stood out among a talented pool of candidates and brings a wealth of experience and success in her sport as both a player and a coach. We are confident that Kate can help continue to elevate our women's lacrosse program to achieve greater success, both on the field and in the classroom, while also living out our mission at Widener over the next several years."

At Franklin & Marshall, Slade helped continue the Diplomats' tradition of excellence by helping the program reach the NCAA Division III Final Four in each of her two seasons on the sidelines. She was responsible for assisting the head coach with all aspects of the program with an emphasis on the training and development of the team's midfielders, attackers and draw specialists. During her tenure, Slade coached seven IWLCA All-Americans, 12 IWLCA All-Region selections and 16 student-athletes who earned Centennial Conference postseason recognition. She also mentored Paige Moriarty, who was named the 2016 IWLCA Division III Attacker of the Year.

"I am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to coach at Widener University," said Slade. "I look forward to building upon the existing program and doing everything I can to ensure the continued growth and success of Widener women's lacrosse. I would also like to thank Jack Shafer and the entire athletics department for this opportunity."

Prior to Franklin & Marshall, Slade served as an assistant coach at the University of Scranton for three seasons following four years as a standout player with the Royals. She served as the recruiting coordinator and also spent time as the interim head coach during a transition period. Scranton also advanced to the semifinal round of the Landmark Conference Tournament in each of her three seasons on the sidelines.

Slade was a successful student-athlete herself on the collegiate level as a four-year letterwinner at Scranton between 2008-11. She was an All-Landmark Conference selection every year, which included making the first team three times, and earned a place on the Landmark Conference All-Academic Team as a senior. Furthermore, she holds the school record for caused turnovers (123) while also contributing 100 points on 84 goals and 16 assists. She also ranks fourth in the program annals in ground balls (195) and sixth in draw controls (130).

Slade, who received a merit award for academic excellence and athletic achievement, earned her bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Scranton in 2011. She will begin her duties at Widener later this month.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

1 University Place

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

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Widener Announces Resignation of Men’s Lacrosse Coach Brendan Dawson
CHESTER, Pa. (Aug. 29, 2016) – Widener University Director of Athletics Jack Shafer announced on Monday afternoon the resignation of head men’s lacrosse coach Brendan Dawson. He is leaving the institution to become the next head coach at Haverford College.
“We are disappointed to lose Brendan Dawson from our department,” said Shafer. “Brendan is a person who brought tremendous energy and character to our men’s lacrosse program, athletics department and institution. He earned the respect of his student-athletes, colleagues and peers and did an incredible job of helping our program maintain its standard of excellence as one of the best in the conference. Brendan also recruited and further developed young men of high character who have represented our athletics department and the school well and with great integrity over the past five years. He will be missed by all of us, and we wish him the best of luck moving forward.”
Dawson helped continue Widener's tradition of excellence in the sport of men's lacrosse by leading the program to a 29-9 regular season record against MAC Commonwealth opponents, the conference tournament every year and one championship since his arrival in 2012. He also recorded a winning record of 43-38 overall while consistently putting together a strong non-conference schedule to prepare his teams for league play.
This year's squad, which faced a challenging slate with four nationally-ranked opponents on the schedule, finished tied for second place in the league standings and nearly dealt perennial power Stevenson its first loss to a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth school by never trailing in the contest until the final play. The team's back line as well as the five goalkeepers Dawson mentored allowed just 43 goals against eight conference opponents, which matched a league best. For his efforts, Dawson was named the MAC Commonwealth Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons this past spring after previously earning the award following a successful 2014 campaign.
Off the field, Dawson’s student-athletes were highly recognized for their work in the classroom. This included producing 56 MAC Academic Honor Roll selections, seven Academic All-MAC picks and six who landed on the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team. Recent graduate Marc LaVine was also recognized as the MAC Men’s Lacrosse Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year this past spring.
A national search for a new men’s lacrosse coach will begin immediately.
Matthew Chmura
Sports Information Director
Widener University
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013
Office: 610-499-4436
Cell: 610-751-7330

 

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Kevin Cunningham Resigns as Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Widener


CHESTER, Pa. (Aug. 30, 2016) – Widener University Director of Athletics Jack Shafer announced on Tuesday afternoon the resignation of head women’s cross country and track & field coach Kevin Cunningham. He is leaving the institution for personal reasons.


“We are upset to lose Kevin Cunningham from our department,” said Shafer. “Kevin’s contributions and positive impact on our athletic programs go well beyond his five years as the head coach of the women’s cross country and track & field teams. He is an alum who represented our institution with class as a true student-athlete on and off the track before dedicating three more years as a graduate assistant and assistant coach with our track & field programs. Kevin brought a tireless work ethic to our department and has helped build a strong foundation in our women’s cross country and track & field programs for future success. Coach Cunningham will be missed, and we wish him the best of luck moving forward. He will always remain a part of our Widener family.”


Cunningham took over the women’s cross country and track & field programs in 2011 and has seen them become among the elite teams in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The Pride have recorded a combined nine top-five finishes over the three seasons since his arrival, which most notably included the 2014-15 academic year ending on a high note with the outdoor squad placing second at the conference championship meet.


Furthermore, Cunningham helped produce several of the conference and institution’s top female student-athletes as a head coach. He mentored two recent MAC Rookie of the Year recipients in Valerie McLaughlin and Emily Meade as well as standout thrower Erica Szpynda, who was named an NCAA Division III All-American, a CoSIDA Academic All-American and the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Performer of the Year. The women’s cross country and track & field programs were also consistently recognized by the USTFCCCA and other organizations for academic success under his tutelage.


Prior to beginning his coaching career, Cunningham was a vital part of the growth of the Widener men’s program as a student-athlete from 2001-06. The distance competitor made the MAC Academic Honor Roll nine times and helped the squad capture the league’s outdoor track & field crown as a senior before serving three years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for all six cross country and track & field programs. Cunningham graduated from Widener in 2006 with a double major in accounting and economics and earned a master’s in education from the institution in 2009.


A national search for a new women’s cross country and track & field coach will begin immediately.






Matthew Chmura

Sports Information Director

Widener University

1 University Place

Chester, PA 19013

Office: 610-499-4436

Cell: 610-751-7330

 

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Selheimer, Scott W. <selheime@udel.edu>
Date: Tue, Aug 30, 2016 at 5:14 PM
Subject: UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ATHLETICS DAILY RECAP August 30, 2016
To:


UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ATHLETICS DAILY RECAP – August 30, 2016

To read all the Blue Hens athletics news, visit www.bluehens.com

FIELD HOCKEY: Greta Nauck Garners CAA Player of the Week Accolades
RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 30) – Following a career weekend for the Blue Hens, sophomore Greta Nauck (Krefeld, Germany/Gymnasium am Moltekeplatz) was selected as the season’s first CAA Field Hockey Player of the Week, as announced by the conference Tuesday. FULL STORY

MEN'S GOLF: Registration Still Open For Scotty Duncan Memorial Golf Outing
NEWARK, Del. (Aug. 30) -- Registration is still available for the Scotty Duncan Memorial Alumni and Friends of Delaware Golf Outing which will take place at White Clay Creek Country Club on Monday, Sept. 26. FULL STORY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, September 1
#rv Football vs. Delaware State, 7 p.m. Tickets

Friday, September 2
Volleyball vs. New Orleans, 10 a.m. (Florida Gulf Coast Tournament)
Women's Cross Country at Lehigh Invitational, 5 p.m.
Volleyball at Florida Gulf Coast, 6 p.m. (Florida Gulf Coast Tournament)
#14 Field Hockey at Old Dominion, 6 p.m.
Women's Soccer vs. Princeton, 7 p.m.
Men's Soccer at Lehigh, 7 p.m.

HOME EVENTS IN BOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129