With a roster one-third full of Wabash Valley natives, the University of Indianapolis women’s basketball team is ranked fourth in the 2009-10 Division II Bulletin Preseason Poll, released this week.
UIndy (24-10 in 2008-09) enters the season returning most of the nucleus of a club that made its first NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance a season ago.
Terre Haute North junior Samantha Meissel, who needs only 42 points to reach the 1,000 mark for her young career, leads nine returning players for third-year Head Coach LeAnn Freeland.
Meissel was named a first-team pre-season all-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection. South Putnam senior Jessica Canary was a second-team all-GLVC pick. Canary needs just 25 points to join the 1,000-point club.
Owen Valley freshmen guards Nickole and Heather Gonser are newcomers for the Greyhounds this year.
Last season, Meissel averaged 18.7 points per game in earning first-team all-GLVC honors. Canary led the team in rebounding and blocks and averaged 14.4 points per game.
The Greyhounds ended the season ranked 24th in the USA Today/ESPN/Women's Basketball Coaches Association Division II Final Poll.
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• Whitted first-team all-Summit — IUPUI senior post player Julia Whitted of Northview was recently named to the pre-season first-team all-Summit League women’s basketball team.
IUPUI, which finished fourth in The Summit League a year ago, returns two starters from the 2008-09 squad, including Whitted, who averaged 13.2 points per game to go along with 8.4 rebounds. In conference play, the 6-foot-5 center upped her play, posting 14.2 points and 9.3 boards in 18 games.
She became the 19th IUPUI women’s basketball player to go over the 1,000-point plateau in her final game of the 2008-09 season and has 1,004 points in her career. Overall, the first-team selection was the fourth straight for Whitted, who earned the honors at the end of her sophomore year and was on both preseason and postseason first teams last year.
IUPUI was picked to finish sixth in the conference, and will open the 2009-10 campaign with an exhibition versus Kentucky State on Monday at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Jaguars will open the regular season at Akron on Nov. 13 and will head to Bloomington to take on Indiana at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15.
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• Duncan to EIU — Marshall quarterback Taylor Duncan recently made a verbal commitment to play college football at Eastern Illinois.
He also considered Illinois State and Ball State.
Eastern loses both starter Jake Christensen, who is a graduate student after transferring from Iowa, and previous starter Bodie Reeder, also in his final year of college eligibility.
“My mindset is to go there and compete,” Duncan told the Mattoon Journal-Gazette. “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen. I’m not expecting to start or anything. I am expecting to go there and work hard.”
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Duncan has passed for more than 1,000 yards this season. As a junior he racked up 1,891 yards on 105-for-186 passing with 24 touchdowns and four interceptions and 743 yards and 13 touchdowns on 156 rushes for a 7-4 team.
“Last year we were a pass-oriented team and this year we’re 50-50,” Marshall Coach Todd Evers told the Journal-Gazette. “He’s done a good job taking on the leadership as a senior. His (passing) attempts are 60 percent of what they were last year. His numbers being down really don’t reflect how he has progressed. He’s a very smart quarterback. I know he’ll succeed at the next level.”
FOOTBALL
Casey-Westfield
• Nick Murphy, Rose-Hulman, Sr. — Has two interceptions, including one he returned 52 yards for a touchdown.
• Mitch Snyder, Rose-Hulman, Fr. — Has completed 3 of 7 passes for 24 yards and one touchdown.
• Aaron Rhoads, Eastern Illinois, Fr. — No statistics this season.
• Kaleb Brandenburg, McKendree, Fr. — No statistics available.
• Andrew Kuhn, McKendree, Fr. — No statistics available.
Greencastle
• Kyle Nobles, Indianapolis, Fr. — Has not played this season.
Hutsonville-Palestine
• Ryan Roberts, Indiana State, So. — Has rushed 70 times for 279 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 38 of 83 passes for 360 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Local connections
• Shaine Tierney, St. Francis, Jr. — Has rushed 55 times for 373 yards and seven touchdowns, and has also completed 120 of 180 passes for 1,448 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
• James Kirkendoll, Texas, Jr. — Has made 22 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown.
• Anthony Oden, Fr., Arkansas — No statistics available.
Linton
• Lance Irwin, Rose-Hulman, So. — Has made four tackles, including 0.5 for losses.
• Derek Barker, Rose-Hulman, Fr. — No statistics available.
Marshall
• Derek Eitel, Rose-Hulman, Sr. — Has completed 143 of 240 passes for 1,989 yards and seven touchdowns with nine interceptions.
• Tyler Howard, Indiana State, So. — No statistics available.
• Travis Johnson, Indiana State, Fr. — Has completed 22 of 48 passes for 152 yards with three interceptions.
Martinsville
• Bobby Short, Rose-Hulman, So. — Has made eight tackles.
• Ethan Nash, Rose-Hulman, So. — No statistics available.
Northview
• Joe Evinger, Louisville, Jr. — Has moved up to No. 2 on the depth chart at left guard after missing the first two weeks of practice due to administrative problems with his transfer. Has played in the last three games against Southern Mississippi, Connecticut and Cincinnati.
• Matt Crooks, Marian, Jr. — Has not yet kicked in a varsity game.
• Dylan Kruse, Marian, Fr. — No statistics available.
• Damon Smith, Indiana State, Fr. — No statistics available.
Owen Valley
• Ethan Kestenman, Rose-Hulman, So. — No statistics available.
Robinson
• Ben Wassel, Rose-Hulman, Sr. — Has made 20 tackles, including 2.5 for losses.
• Logan Laflin, Rose-Hulman, Fr. — Has carried the ball twice for four yards.
• Josh Kincaid, Southern Illinois, Fr. — Has made one solo tackle.
Rockville
• Mitch Downs, Franklin, Jr. — Has 57 carries for 247 yards and two touchdowns to lead team in rushing.
• Zach Clapp, DePauw, So. — Has not played this season.
• Kyle Fahey, Manchester, So. — No statistics available.
• Matt King, Indiana State, Fr. — No statistics available.
South Putnam
• Drew Christy, Rose-Hulman, Sr. — Remains sidelined due to injury.
• Conor Frame, Wabash, Fr. — Has played in one game this season.
Terre Haute North
• Steve Englehart, Rose-Hulman, head coach — Coached team to 4-4 record through eight games.
• Mike Ellis, Rose-Hulman, assistant coach — Has helped coach team to 4-4 record through eight games.
• Ethan Tyler, Rose-Hulman, assistant coach — Has helped coach team to 4-4 record through eight games.
• Derek Guggenberger, Butler, Sr. — Ranks third on team with 38 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and also has three sacks and one fumble recovery.
• Shawn Hines, Franklin, Sr. — No statistics available.
• Dan Millington, Indiana State, Sr. — Has made 31 tackles, six for loss, with three sacks.
• Justin Hall, Marian, Jr. — Has made four catches for 38 yards.
• Dan Watson, Marian, Jr. — Has played in one game this season.
• Chris Russell, Anderson, Jr. — Has 12 catches for 96 yards.
• Matt Seliger, Indiana State, So. — Has one incomplete pass this season.
• Aaron Edwards, Indiana State, So. — No statistics available.
• Jake Schaffer, Wabash, So. — Has not played this season.
• Scott Weatherford, Eastern Illinois, Fr. — Has not punted yet this season.
• Wade Bush, Indiana State, Fr. — Has no statistics this season.
• Frank Willis, Taylor, Fr. — Has one reception for four yards.
Terre Haute South
• Trent Miles, Indiana State, head coach — Picked up first collegiate head coaching victory against Western Illinois on Oct. 24.
• Pat Duncan, Rose-Hulman, Sr. — Has made 33 tackles, 7 for losses, 3.5 for sacks and four passes broken up.
• Michael Engle, DePauw, Jr. — Has rushed 6 times for 14 yards and one touchdown, and also has completed 22 of 41 passes for 420 yards with three TD passes and one interception.
• Kyle Harruff, Southern Illinois, Jr. — Has one pass reception for 14 yards.
• Kyle Toney, Indiana State, Jr. — Has no statistics for this season.
• Derrelle Hankins, Marian, So. — Has played in nine games, starting six, with 22 tackles (one for loss) and one fumble recovery.
• Koby Kraemer, Indiana State, So. — Has returned 23 kickoffs for 423 yards with a long of 36.
• Brock Lough, Indiana State, So. — Has four carries for seven yards and four receptions for 37 yards.
• Michael Mardis, Indiana State, Fr. — Has six catches for 30 yards this season.
• Josh Bridwell, Indianapolis, Fr. — Has started last eight games as offensive lineman.
• Brandon Heaton, Indianapolis, Fr. — Has not played this season.
• Elias Brown, Indiana State, Fr. — Has no statistics this season.
West Vigo
• Kameron Silcock, Franklin, Fr. — Has one pass reception for 19 yards and one kickoff return for 15 yards.
• Lucas Mackey, Hanover, Fr. — Has made one interception and ranks eighth on team with 22 tackles (two for losses).
College Report
College Report: Valley natives helping UIndy girls basketball thrive
- College Report
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College report: Bloomfield runner to join IUPUI track, cross country teams
Bloomfield track/cross country standout Julie Riggins will be joining the developing IUPUI program next fall as one of six incoming recruits.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Roberts takes coaching position at UNC-Greensboro
Terre Haute native Mike Roberts is continuing his climb up the college basketball coaching ladder, recently departing Rice for a spot as the associate head coach at North Carolina-Greensboro.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Valley grads playing role for No. 13 Vincennes
A few springtime odds and ends:
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COLLEGE REPORT: Shouse making his mark for Danville Community College
Derek Shouse definitely flew under the radar in his one season of playing for the Terre Haute South boys basketball team last winter.
Not highly recruited, he made his way to Danville Area Community College as a walk-on with the hopes he could find his way onto the court at some point. -
COLLEGE REPORT: Bullock finds sunny home to continue tennis career
Most college athletes progress along similar paths to get to their final destinations athletically, but Terre Haute South grad Taylor Bullock’s route to the Eckerd College women’s tennis team was a little different than most.
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COLLEGE REPORT: TH South QB entertains Division I offers
Danny Etling’s trek to being a big-time college quarterback took a huge step this week when the Terre Haute South junior picked up a scholarship offer from Purdue, according to 247sports.com.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Seibert stepping up her game
Terre Haute South grad Haley Seibert has seen the usual ups and downs of her freshman basketball season at Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne and is making the most of her opportunities this season.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Vikings Waters, Barton excited about college basketball
West Vigo grad Lauren Dailey helped the Lady Vikings basketball program to a lot of success at the end of the 1990s, and went on to play for Eastern Illinois from 2001-2004.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Some odds and ends from College Report mailbag
Here are some odds and ends from Santa’s mailbag:
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COLLEGE REPORT: Hayne makes immediate impact at Lindsey Wilson College
Coming from a long line of volleyball players, including standout sisters Madison (Hayne) Minnick and Casey Hayne, it shouldn’t have been surprising that Terre Haute South grad Taylor Hayne made a big impact as a freshman this fall for the Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College squad.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Witt wraps up great season for Grand Valley State
It’s 337 miles from Shakamak High School to Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., if you’re thinking of taking a long jog.
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COLLEGE REPORT: North senior O’Leary signs with Loyola (Chicago)
Two standout senior basketball players were among several Wabash Valley athletes who made previous college sports commitments official this week, with others expected to make their commitments official soon.
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COLLEGE REPORT: A battle of Witt’s: Shakamak grad has championship aspirations at Grand Valley State
It’s 337 miles from Shakamak High School to Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., if you’re thinking of taking a long jog.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Potter named to all-conference team after freshman season
There are many clear differences between high school tennis and collegiate tennis.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Younger Weatherford following in brother’s footsteps
“Weatherford punts well for central Illinois college” is an example of a frequent newspaper headline around eight years ago when Terre Haute North grad Steve Weatherford was booming long punts for the Illinois Fighting Illini.
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COLLEGE REPORT: West Vigo grad Coombs excels for Wallace State volleyball
Wallace State volleyball may not come to mind when you think of college athletic dominance, unless you happen to follow Alabama Community College Conference volleyball.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Engle coaching at DePauw, younger Weatherford punting for Eastern Illinois
Pigskins are now flying through the muggy, late summer air and several Wabash Valley grads are continuing their careers at the next level as either players or coaches.
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JOEY BENNETT: ISU baseball assistant headed to Iowa JUCO
Following a standout baseball career at Terre Haute North, Max Hutson took his talents to one of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate programs at Wichita State.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Terre Haute North’s O’Leary drawing Division I offers
Interest has picked up tremendously lately for Terre Haute North senior-to-be Matt O’Leary, as the 6-7, 200-pounder now has eight college basketball scholarship offers and six at the Division I level after a strong July AAU season for the Indiana Elite One squad.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Sullivan's Trimble to run for IPFW
Summertime comings and goings:
• Sullivan standout to IPFW — Sullivan grad Olivia Trimble will be taking her track and field talents to the Division I level at Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne next spring.
Trimble comes to IPFW with personal-bests of 13.1 in the 100-meter dash, 27.5 in the 200-meter dash, 1:04 in the 400-meter dash, and a long jump personal best of 15-5. -
COLLEGE REPORT: Some final notes on the spring season
Cleaning out the end-of-year college sports mailbag:
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COLLEGE REPORT: Eberle to play for ISU, Fulkerson going to Rose for baseball
Michael Eberle and Parker Fulkerson are both Terre Haute North grads who were key hitters in the middle of the lineup for last summer’s Wayne Newton Post 346 state championship American Legion baseball team.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Vicars pitches Alcorn to top seed
Terre Haute South grad Cole Vicars was the fifth leading hitter for Alcorn State’s baseball team last spring, but this year he has found more success on the pitching mound in leading the Braves to the top seed in the Eastern Division for the upcoming Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Three North volleyball players to play at next level
Terre Haute North’s volleyball program has made tremendous strides over the past few years, and the college ranks are starting to notice.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Eighty Valley natives playing college softball, baseball
Eighty Wabash Valley natives are playing collegiate softball and baseball this spring, while another 11 serve as college coaches.
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COLLEGE REPORT: North grad’s college softball career off to strong start
The transition from high school softball to college softball has been a smooth one for Terre Haute North grad Bethany Sullivan.
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College Report: Akers’ D-1 dream comes true, heading to nearby EIU
Austin Akers hoped to land a Division I scholarship two years ago following a standout high school career at Northview, but that goal wasn’t achieved at that time.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Molly Martin ends college career with run in NCAA Division III Tournament
The stellar college basketball career of Terre Haute North grad Molly Martin came to an end March 4, as Hanover College’s women’s team dropped a 76-62 decision to the University of Chicago in the opening round of the NCAA Division III national tournament at Grand Rapids, Mich.
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COLLEGE REPORT: SV'S Craigmyle to play football at Division II Harding
Harding University knows exactly what it wants in terms of football players to fit Coach Ronnie Huckeba’s system.
South Vermillion’s James Craigmyle knew exactly what he was looking for in a college. -
COLLEGE REPORT: WRC diamond standouts make college plans
Three Wabash River Conference diamond standouts have decided where they will continue their careers collegiately after graduating this spring.
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