CASE ATHLETICS IN THE NEWS...
June 19, 2009
EIGHT SPARTANS NAMED TO INAUGURAL UAA TEAM...
CLEVELAND, OH - The University Athletic Association (UAA) announced the members of the first annual UAA Presidents Scholar-Athlete Team this week. Eight Case Western Reserve University student-athletes were named to the list of recipients. The announcement was made on the conference’s website.
The team is comprised of 80 student-athletes representing all eight UAA member institutions across eight men’s sports and eight women’s sports. To achieve this recognition, a student-athlete must earn first-team All-UAA honors and carry a 3.50 or greater cumulative grade point average during that playing season.
“We are tremendously proud of the student-athletes that earned this recognition from our university, and have great respect and admiration for all of the UAA students that were recognized,” Case Western Reserve Athletic Director Dave Diles stated. “I was honored to serve on the committee that worked with the UAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in developing and recommending this award to our Presidents.”
UAA Defensive Player of the Year and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American, senior defensive back Bobby Bott (Grafton, OH), headlined a group of four Spartan football players who made the cut. The others were alumnus Ben Chlebina, senior defensive back Mike Pelyak (Newton Falls, OH) and junior kicker Sam Coffey (Middleton, OH).
Two-time senior All-American Obinna Nwanna (Maumee, OH-pictured on page one) and alumnus Dominic Smith represented the Case Western Reserve track and field and cross country programs. NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipient’s and All-American’s Drew Gardella [wrestling-pictured above] and Kevin Bigart [men’s soccer] rounded out the list of honorees.
The UAA Presidents Council established this special recognition at its 2009 spring meeting. The original recommendation to establish this honor came from the UAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was supported by the UAA Athletic Administrators Committee and Delegates Committee.
ABOUT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY … Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
June 9, 2009
FOOTBALL TEAM RANKED 20TH, BOTT NAMED ALL-AMERICAN...
CLEVELAND, OH - The Case Western Reserve University football team has been ranked 20th [NCAA Division III] in the Sporting News’ newly released 2009 College Football publication.
The Spartans began the 2008 season ranked as high as No. 10 in preseason polls and during the year were ranked as high as No. 8 [final poll: 18th]. They won 21 consecutive regular season games [2006-2008] on their way to back-to-back University Athletic Association (UAA) titles and NCAA playoff appearances [2007: second round, 2008: first round].
“Preseason rankings are a reflection of last year’s accomplishments and record,” Head Coach Greg Debeljak explained. “It is nice to be recognized, but we are focused on our main goal, which is to win the UAA. Whatever rankings come along the way will be great.” 
Case Western Reserve kicks off the 2009 season by hosting Kenyon College at Case Field on September 5 at 12:00 p.m. The Spartans will honor Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology, the two institutions that federated in 1967 to form Case Western Reserve, that day by wearing red and brown jerseys with white pants, and a Rough Rider [CIT] and Red Cat [WRU] logo on their helmets as part of Heritage Day.
In the same publication, the Sporting News also released its 2009 Division III All-America Team and soon-to-be senior defensive back Bobby Bott (Grafton, OH) made the list. Bott, a 2008 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American, was the 2008 UAA Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team All-UAA selection. He has started at cornerback for the Spartans all three of his seasons and was the 2006 UAA Rookie of the Year.
“Bobby is a great example of someone who does the little things needed to put himself into position to be great,” Debeljak said. “We are looking for a great season out of him along with his senior classmates who have the chance to win the most regular season games in the history of our program.”
Bott, who was also named a second team All-America by the 2009 Lindy’s Football 2009 College Preview magazine, hauled in seven interceptions, which was just one short of the school single season record. He returned those interceptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, including a 35-yard return score against conference rival Carnegie Mellon in week nine. Bott also recorded 15 passes deflected, eight pass breakups, and forced a fumble on the season. He ended the season with 54 tackles, including 28 solo.
ABOUT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY … Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
June 2, 2009
A LOOK BACK AT VIDEO FEATURES ON THE SPARTANS...
CLEVELAND, OH - Over the last nine months, assistant sports information intern Nick Stroud produced 17 video stories that feature some of the most intriguing student-athletes at Case Western Reserve University. These stories illustrate the incredible successes that the University’s athletes have achieved in their respective sports as well as their accomplishments in the classroom and their promising young careers.
These videos have taken the department on many unique trips in order to capture the student-athletes in their own special environment – including an art museum, research laboratories, a highway construction site and even a ball game at Progressive Field. A special thanks to MediaVision, the Friedman Center, and Ignite TV for their equipment and services that made the production of the videos possible.
Listed below is a brief description of each piece and a link to watch.
Kevin Bigart, Men’s Soccer – Over the last four seasons, senior midfielder Kevin Bigart has done some remarkable things on the men’s soccer team. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he received the ultimate award for his hard work.
In video: Kevin Bigart, Dan Palmer (coach), Justin Steggerda (teammate)
Click here to watch this video.
Miranda Lange, Volleyball – When senior volleyball player Miranda Lange is not smashing down shots over the net, she is working at a museum to fulfill her love for art history.
In video: Miranda Lange, Julie Schaefer (teammate)
Click here to watch this video.
Dan Whalen, Football – While junior starting quarterback Dan Whalen makes headlines with his exciting play on the football field, he’s also writing headlines in the classroom as an aspiring journalist.
In video: Dan Whalen, Greg Debeljak (coach), Ted Gup (journalism professor)
Click here to watch this video.
Austin Schmidt, Cross Country – Being a top athlete on the cross country team, junior Austin Schmidt spends countless hours a week running to keep in shape. It’s hard to believe he still has time to run his own lawn care business on the side.
In video: Austin Schmidt, Kathy Lanese (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Ana Arruda, Women’s Soccer – While sophomore Ana Arruda helps the women's soccer team win games, she is also helping her 11-year-old pen pal become a better player as well.
In video: Ana Arruda, Katie Wheeler (pen pal)
Click here to watch this video.
Britta Kumley, Kristen Bowhers and Justine Jeroski, Women’s Cross Country – With the regional cross country meet right around the corner, these three women are set to make a run at their second straight NCAA Championship appearance. But as you will see, Britta, Kristen and Justine never let the pressure of a big meet stop them from having fun.
In video: Britta Kumley, Kristen Bowhers, Justine Jeroski, Kathy Lanese (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Kevin Herring and Colin Mulholland, Men’s Basketball – Kevin and Colin are two of the most talented young guards on the Case Western Reserve University basketball team. But they also work as office assistants in Adelbert Hall, making them the first line of defense for the University’s President, Barbara R. Snyder.
In video: Kevin Herring, Colin Mulholland, Barbara R. Snyder (president)
Click here to watch this video.
Ashleigh Tondo, Women’s Basketball – While it’s clear junior Ashleigh Tondo has becomes one of the premiere point guards in the UAA, she has also displayed the unique ability to make her teammates better on the basketball court. It comes as no surprise that her career path involves helping people, too, as an aspiring doctor.
In video: Ashleigh Tondo, Jennifer Reimer (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Isaac Dukes, Wrestling – Freshman grappler Isaac Dukes has moved up the ranks quickly, becoming a nationally ranked wrestler in his weight class in only his rookie season. But when he’s not on the mat, he’s looking to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve in the military as a member of the Air Force.
In video: Isaac Dukes, Bob Del Rosa (coach)
Chrissy Petzold, Women’s Swimming and Diving – Over the last three years, junior Chrissy Petzold has made a splash as a key leader on the women’s swimming and diving team. But this biochemistry major is also making waves in the classroom by doing some impressive research at the Case Western Reserve medical school.
In video: Chrissy Petzold, Chris Conlon (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Obinna Nwanna, Men’s Track and Field – Junior decathlete Obinna Nwanna may be the most impressive athlete on Case Western Reserve University’s campus. Just don’t ask him how he is able to do the things he does, because he probably won’t have the answer.
In video: Obinna Nwanna, Ryan Breon (teammate), Matt Kamalsky (teammate), Steve Rubin (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
John Somerville, Men’s Swimming and Diving – As a school record holder in two relay events, senior swimmer John Somerville has had no problems getting his name in the public eye. Now he is using his unique marketing abilities to help a local business come up with new ways to bring in customers.
In video: John Somerville, Chris Conlon (coach), Richard “Crick” Glass (Quizno’s store owner)
Click her to watch this video.
Elizabeth Ehrke, Women’s Track and Field – On the track and field team, senior Elizabeth Ehrke won the sport’s ultimate honor as an All-American in the discus. As graduation approaches, Ehrke will look to continue her hands-on success as she prepares for a career in aerospace engineer.
In video: Elizabeth Ehrke, Steve Rubin (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Marta Worwag, Women’s Tennis – She’s a photographer, an actress and the number one player on the women’s tennis team. You will be amazed at what this senior leader does during an average day on Case Western Reserve University’s campus.
In video: Marta Worwag, Todd Wojtkowski (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Beth Andrasik, Softball – Sophomore Beth Andrasik is a shooting guard in the winter and a shortstop in the spring, which means this two-sport standout is in season eight months a year. So how does she spend her summer break?
In video: Beth Andrasik
Click here to watch this video.
Adam Erickson, Allen Ye and Kenneth Nguyen, Men’s Tennis – Heading into the UAA Championships, these three seniors are looking to make their marks on the program in their last collegiate tennis matches. But according to those on the team, they already have.
In video: Adam Erickson, Allen Ye, Kenneth Nguyen, John Smetona (teammate), Todd Wojtkowski (coach)
Click here to watch this video.
Cory Pecoraro, Baseball – For most collegiate athletes, getting the chance to play in a major league ballpark is only a dream. But over the last three years sophomore Cory Pecoraro has made the Cleveland Indians ballpark his second home.
In video: Cory Pecoraro, Cory’s parents
Click her to watch this video.
ABOUT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY … Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
May 26, 2009
TRACK PROGRAM PROSPERS WITH YOUNG ALL-AMERICANS...
CLEVELAND, OH - Case Western Reserve University track and field Head Coach Steve Rubin wants to take a bus to the NCAA Championships one year and not as a spectator. Rubin took a van this past weekend to nationals with three Spartans student-athletes, but one day hopes more qualifiers will force him to upgrade.
“I don’t exactly know how many people you have to have to get on a bus, but I need a bus,” Rubin said with a smile.
The track and field program at Case Western Reserve is definitely headed in the right direction as two of the Spartans’ three national qualifiers brought back All-America accolades at the 2009 outdoor championships held at Marietta College this past weekend.
Junior Obinna Nwanna (Maumee, OH) placed eighth in the decathlon and freshman Erin Hollinger (Chardon, OH) finished tied for fifth in the high jump. The top eight finishers in each event are named All-Americans.
“It’s great because they both come back next year,” Rubin explained. “They will come back and sing the song of nationals to the rest of the team, who needs to get a feel for what it is all about in order to make them more excited about their efforts on getting there.”
Hollinger, a first time national qualifier, jumped a personal best 1.67 meters in the women’s high jump. That’s pretty impressive considering she did not begin training for the event this school year until after her rookie basketball season in early March.
“It’s unusual for a freshman to make it,” Rubin explained. “More experience and more time training are an advantage. But the high jump is one of those things that you can have a lot of natural advantages too. It’s something you could be really good at earlier.”
“I always say that during your first time, your job is just to get there,” Rubin explained. “Then your second time – you are going for All-American. You have to get a feel for what it is all about as it doesn’t run like a normal meet. What Erin did was rare and wonderful.”
Nwanna, a three-time national qualifier, placed eighth in the decathlon with 6,649 points earning All-America honors for the second time in three months. He was an All-American this past indoor season in the pentathlon.
“It was his best decathlon ever,” Rubin said. “I really cannot ask for a whole lot more than that. He was a little down in a couple events, which probably cost him 300 points. With those points he would have finished third, maybe second. The ironic thing is that it was only his fifth decathlon ever.”
Nwanna just began training for the multi events upon coach Rubin’s arrival to Case Western Reserve two seasons ago. He is still very young in the event. The two-time All-American just did a decathlon the weekend prior to nationals at a last chance meet.
“A lot people didn’t realize that,” Rubin said. “What he did was incredibly tough because he only had eight days rest. Doing a decathlon is like doing a marathon. You need a month afterwards to fully recover and prepare for the next one. For him to do what he did is phenomenal.”
ABOUT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY … Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.