Five Minutes With ... Kevin Snyder

Allegheny sophomore tennis player Kevin Snyder

Name: Kevin Snyder

Hometown/High School: Medina, NY/Medina

Institution: Allegheny College

Majors: Political Science and Communication Arts

Sport: Tennis


•    I am originally from ... Medina, NY. It’s a really small town on the Erie Canal in between Buffalo and Rochester.

•    Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution? The chance to play tennis while getting a great education was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I really valued the small campus at Allegheny as well.

•    How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? Division III is all about playing for the name on the front of our jerseys. We play our sports because we love practicing and competing, and we also do it because our school, teammates, and friends are important to us. We also realize that academics are our top priority while at college and we treat it as such.

•    How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics Allegheny? It’s not easy, but it is doable. Allegheny is a tough school and in order to do well in the classroom and on the field I’ve had to really maximize my time when I am free, even if that means taking less naps! The professors at Allegheny are supportive of the student-athletes and when I do have to miss class for matches, they understand, but I still have to get the work done.

•    How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level? I.e. What do you do all day? I usually wake up, get some breakfast, and then head to class. After class I work at my work study job in our Office of Student Involvement. After that I either get some homework done or get some extra practice in with my coaches before our team practice. After practice, we usually get dinner as a team and then I head to the library to finish up my homework. Then I repeat.

•    Favorite thing about Allegheny? The greatest thing about Allegheny by far is our community. That is something that set it apart from other schools for me. It’s special and when we say “We Are Allegheny,” we mean it. We are one big community and we support each other in the things that we do.

•    Favorite thing about the NCAC? The competition of the conference is awesome. Being able to go up against some of the top tennis teams in the country is challenging but great at the same time. We are definitely one of the best tennis conferences in the nation.

•    What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d love to work in Marketing and Public Relations. But I wouldn’t pass up a job in college sports.

•    If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Jay Carney, he is the White House Press Secretary. I’ve always loved that job and if I was to go into politics, it would be my dream to do that.

•    People may be surprised to know that ……All the names in my family start with the letter K. Even our pets.

•    What’s currently playing on your I-Pod? “Mind Your Manners” by Chiddy Bang

•    Do you have one coach and/or professor that has impacted your career the most at Allegheny? Jared Luteran, my Head Coach has definitely impacted me. He has taught me a lot about not just tennis but attention to details in life, which is something that I will use forever. He’s also helped me establish a good work ethic on the court and in the classroom. As far as Professors, Jim Bulman in our English department was my first experience with a college professor, and he was fantastic. He taught me what Allegheny was really about and how to make the most out of my time here. He was my advisor for my first year and a half, and the advice he gave me was gold.


•    What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution? Do it. It’s the best possible decision you could make. I’ve made lifelong friends on my team, developed great habits, and am doing something that I love to do. There isn’t much that beats competing for your school. I could not see myself not being a student-athlete.

•    Who do you look up to? My Dad. He is one of the wisest people that I know.

•    if you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose? I’ve always wanted to play volleyball. I’ve always had fun playing it.

•    Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness? The 1993 Wild Card Playoff game between the Bills and the Oilers. You can’t beat great comebacks.

•    What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? The Buffalo Bills are my favorite team, and my favorite athlete is Sam Querrey.

•    My favorite sports memory is…? Playing at the National Tennis Center in New York City.


•    Favorite ice cream? Chocolate Panda Paws.

Call Me Maybe - Dueling WLAX Spring Break Videos

There's plenty of time on spring trips for teams to have a little fun. The Allegheny and Ohio Wesleyan women's lacrosse teams both share some of their recent fun in dueling Call Me Maybe videos. Who had more fun? Might be a toss-up!

Allegheny Gators:





Battling Bishops:

Five Minutes With ... Audra Batdorff

Allegheny Senior Volleyball Player Audra Batdorff

Name: Audra Batdorff

Hometown/High School: Louisville, OH/ Louisville High School

Institution: Allegheny College

Major: Biology

Minor: Psychology

Sport: Volleyball

I am originally from ... Louisville Ohio

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution? Allegheny is known for having an amazing biology department and I have always wanted to go into the medical field. So it just fit.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? I really love the atmosphere of Div. III because people are here for no other reason than the love of the game.

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Allegheny?  It has been difficult at times, but the professors are very flexible here and they love to make things work.

How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level? My day is really simple eat, class, practice homework, and maybe some sleep. If I am lucky.

Favorite thing about Allegheny? I love the campus. It’s really beautiful in every season.

Favorite thing about the NCAC? Competitive level of the teams we play.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I plan to be a Nurse Practitioner.

Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about? I like to knit.

What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life? Having good time management skills.

What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career? Traveling to Europe with the team.

What’s currently playing on your I-Pod? Long Hot Summer- Keith Urban

What is your most prized possession? My grandmother’s engagement ring. It meant so much when she gave it to me. It can never be replaced.

How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook? Seven-ish.

What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution? Pick a school that you could see yourself going to without athletics. You need to make sure that you are going to a college for a great experience as well as education.

What are the toughest issues facing Div. III athletes today?  Some people believe there is no incentive to play at the Div. III level.

Who do you look up to? My mom.  Anytime I am having a problem I call her and she listens no matter what.

If you could be a superhero which special power would you choose to have? I would be Batman. He is just a normal guy with a lot of cool gadgets.

If you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose? Basketball. I love the intensity of the game.

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? Browns. Payton Hillis!!

Favorite hobbies outside work/school? I love to fish!

First job? I worked at a Cheese Factory. I had to wear a hat net and all.

Favorite ice cream? Vanilla

Best/worst summer job? I love working at Victoria’s Secret.

Five Minutes With ...

Name: Bret Billhardt

Institution: North Coast Athletic Conference

Title: Assistant Director

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management, Otterbein University


• Why did you choose to work at the NCAA Division III level?

BB: After competing and earning my undergraduate education at an NCAA Div. III institution, I immediately knew that I wanted to pursue a career at that level. The purity of the athletic competition combined with the academic excellence that so many of the student-athletes possess at this level is what drives me to continue to be a part of the division in my professional career.


• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

BB: Don Hunsinger… Is there really an explanation needed?


• How would you most accurately describe or define the ideals on which the NCAA Div. III was founded?

BB: The division provides student-athletes the ability to be just that, students first and athletes second. Often times the best stories connected to division III student-athletes have little to do with their achievements on the field, but rather their contributions and successes within the community and the academic world.


• People may be surprised to know that ……

BB: My favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins….Although born and raised in the Cleveland area, I have never been and will never be a fan of the Browns.


• Are there any major obstacles that you’ve had to overcome when dealing with Div. III athletics?

BB: I think one of the toughest challenges in working in division III athletics is educating the general public on how we are structured and operate. Instead of looking at Div. III as a well-balanced opportunity for recent high school graduates to continue their athletic and academic careers, many people view it as a “step down” from Div. I and II institutions.


• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

BB: If I had any unique talents, I surely wouldn’t keep them hidden. So, I guess the answer is NO.


• How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?

BB: Being a former Div. III student-athlete, I’m able to relate with the issues and concerns that many of our current student-athletes continue to face on a day-to-day basis.


• If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with ……

BB: Don Hunsinger, Bear Grylls and Macgyver....I wouldn't have to do anything to contribute to the survival efforts.

• What has been your most memorable moment in your administrative career?

BB: Well it hasn’t been a very long administrative career, but it has been a rewarding experience to be accepted into an administrative role at the conference office at such a young age.


• What are the toughest issues facing Div. III athletes in today’s world?

BB: Athletic burnout. Children are being forced into competitive athletic environments at such a young age, and by the time they get to college they are burned out and have little desire to continue competing.


• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

BB: I have my “Walkman” tuned to country at all times!!!


• What are some of the life lessons that you believe student-athletes can learn by competing at the Div. III level?

BB: The ability to have balance in life is a valuable trait, and there is no doubt in my mind that Div. III student-athletes learn to develop this trait from the very first day they step foot on campus.


• What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

BB: I would recommend that anyone with the opportunity to do so, DO IT.


• How would you best describe your normal day as an administrator at the Div. III level?

BB: I don’t think the word “normal day” and athletics administration really go hand-in-hand. Some days you can be staring at schedules for eight hours, while the very next day you're out at a field handing out a trophy at a championship game. The most normal part of my day-to-day work is that in some shape or form, no matter what I am doing, I am contributing to the numerous outstanding student-athletes that make up the NCAC.

Five Minutes With ...

Name: Keri Alexander Luchowski

Institution: North Coast Athletic Conference

Title: Executive Director

Education: Masters in Sport Management, Kent State University; Bachelors in Professional Writing, Wheeling Jesuit University


• Why did you choose to work in NCAA Division III?

KAL: I have worked in various levels of sport throughout my career, but have really chosen to make Division III my home because I identify with the ideas of balance and sportsmanship among others in the Division’s philosophy. I can relate to the passion our students bring to everything they fill their lives with, both academically and athletically.

• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

KAL: Mark Recchi, so I could know what it feels like to hoist a Stanley Cup.


• People may be surprised to know that ……

KAL: A lot of people probably know I played soccer in college, but most would be surprised that I was a swimmer and a soccer player when I was in high school.


• How has your experience been in making sure that student-athletes have a proper balance among athletics and academics in the Conference?

KAL: The idea of balance is one that, while not expressly stated in our philosophy, guides our every decision. We continually look to the experience students have and strive to allow them the most space to explore and learn both in academics and athletics. For me, it is a wonderful experience to see when we succeed in reaching that goal.

• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

KAL: I am an excellent cook, if I do say so myself!


• How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?

KAL: Without my experience as a student-athlete, I would not be nearly as effective an administrator today. I learned so much during those years, both in the classroom and in all of the different roles I was encouraged to try on. I learned how to better manage my time, how to prioritize, how to work well with others. I was incredibly lucky that my sport led me to the place that was a perfect fit for me. I would wish my experience for anyone hoping to get the most out of college.


• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

KAL: A random mix: Pink, Rod Stewart, Rick Springfield, Pete Townshend, Maroon 5, Simple Plan, Foo Fighters

• What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of being a college administrator at the Div. III level, and what may be some of the least rewarding aspects of the job?

KAL: The absolute most rewarding thing about being at the NCAC is working with our student-athletes. Seeing how hard they work; seeing how gracefully they deal when things don’t quite go according to plan; seeing what they accomplish. It’s inspiring.


• What are some of the life lessons that you believe student athletes can learn by competing at the Div. III level?

KAL: How to prioritize, time management, teamwork, how to set goals and then how to plan to reach those goals successfully


• How would you best describe your normal day as an administrator at the Div. III level?

KAL: What I like best is that there is no “normal” day. As part of a conference office, I have different opportunities every day. I can work on a future schedule, help someone navigate NCAA legislation and hand out a trophy all in the same day! I spoke at a career day recently and some students were disappointed in how much of my job is done behind a desk. But what we do is so different every day that the “desk” part of the job is just as interesting and challenging as the “games” part of my job is fun.

Five Minutes With ...

Throughout the 2010-11 academic year, the North Coast Athletic Conference will give you an in-depth look into the lives of the student-athletes, administrators and faculty members of the conference who epitomize what it means to compete, study and educate at the NCAA Div. III level. We hope that this feature will help people gain a better understanding of why individuals have decided to make NCAA Div. III a cornerstone of their life.

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Name: Zack Nichols

Hometown/High School: Burton, OH/Berkshire

Institution: Allegheny College

Major: History

Minor: Communication Arts

Sport: Baseball




• Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution?

ZN: Division III athletics allowed me to participate in the sport I love while getting the individualized attention in the classroom that I desired.


• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

ZN: I would trade places with JFK because he was a great leader and a ladies’ man.


• How would you most accurately describe or define the ideals on which the NCAA Div. III was founded?

ZN: A more hands on educational experience in which an athlete can compete on the field while actively engaging in the classroom.


• People may be surprised to know that ……

ZN: I love shows on the History Channel about giant prehistoric animals.


• How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Allegheny College?

ZN: The experience has been admittedly tough; however, the time management skills I acquired have been well worth the hard work. Sometimes as a student-athlete you have to sacrifice social/family relationships for the greater cause of participating and competing in Div. III athletics.


• If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with ……

ZN: Brian Wilson – Pitcher for the San Francisco Giants

• What is the life of a student-athlete studying history like at Allegheny College?

ZN: As a history major I am constantly reading and writing. Therefore, while on the bus on the way to games I delve into a steady diet of reading as a means to pass the time.

• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

ZN: I make the best pierogies you’ll ever have in your life. No question about it.

• What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life?

ZN: Hands down my time-management skills. I’ve learned how to allocate my time in order to achieve success in college. In the real world I know that I will be challenged with deadlines, reports, meetings, etc., and my time-management skills will help me exponentially.


• What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career?

ZN: I hit a walk-off homerun vs. the #3 team in the nation, Wooster, my junior year. The homerun was also off an All-American pitcher.


• What would you like to accomplish, both in academics and athletics, before you graduate?

ZN: Get an "A" on my senior thesis and make the All-Conference team.

• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

ZN: Nirvana, Bob Seger, Kid Cudi, Brad Paisley, Led Zepplin.


• Do you have one coach and or professor in mind that has impacted your career the most at Allegheny College?

ZN: Professor Lyons of the history department has taught me to critically think better than any professor I have ever had. He actively engages and challenges students while allowing them to express their opinions and ideas in their own way.

• What is your most prized possession?

ZN: My college memories.


• In your opinion, what is the most important life lesson you learned while competing at the NCAA Div. III level?

AN: That every member of a team plays a role. Whether that shows up in the stat column, on the field or in advice an upper classmen can give to and underclassmen. Leadership and setting an example doesn’t always show up in the stat column.


• How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook?

ZN: Maybe 1 hour.


• What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

ZN: It’s one of the most rewarding, memorable experiences an athlete can ever have if you’re willing to work hard, give it you’re all and be patient. It teaches you maturity that is unlike a “regular” college experience.


• How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level?

ZN: Wake up, go to class, eat lunch, study in the afternoon until practice, go to practice, come back home, eat dinner, study for a few more hours (if necessary) and chill with the homies.

Five Minutes With ...

Throughout the 2010-11 academic year, the North Coast Athletic Conference will give you an in-depth look into the lives of the student-athletes, administrators and faculty members of the conference who epitomize what it means to compete, study and educate at the NCAA Div. III level. We hope that this feature will help people gain a better understanding of why individuals have decided to make NCAA Div. III a cornerstone of their life.

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Name: Caileigh Hughes

Hometown/High School: Newark, OH/Newark Catholic

Institution: Allegheny College

Major: History

Sport: Track and Field

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution?

CH: I wanted to take a gradual step between high school and graduate school. My high school graduating class only had 65 people and the thought of going to a big school was a little daunting. I also wanted a college where I could be academically challenged and continue my athletic endeavors. Division III just seemed to fit, because Division III colleges/universities understand that while sports are important, academics come first.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

CH: My Great-Great Grandmother before she passed away. She was born in 1900 and passed away in 1994. Throughout her lifetime she saw so many things. The sinking of the Titanic, two World Wars, the invention of cars, planes, refrigerators, television, a man on the moon, Jessie Owens winning a Gold Medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, The Civil Rights Movement and the falling of the Berlin Wall to name a few. To be able to witness everything that she did, is amazing to me. She truly lived history.

How would you most accurately describe or define the ideals on which the NCAA Div. III was founded?

CH: Commitment, Tradition and Excellence. They are committed to their athletes, there is a rich tradition in NCAA Div. III athletics and they always strive to be better.

People may be surprised to know that ……

CH: I am a history major, but I am planning on going to nursing school.

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at your Allegheny College?

CH: It is not as hard as some people may lead you to believe. The trick is to be proactive. I have found it helpful to introduce myself to every professor after our first class, let them know what team I’m on, and hand them our game/meet schedule with departure times listed on it. Then I highlight the days I will either have to leave class early or miss entirely. The professors are very appreciative and have been very helpful when I have to take quizzes, exams or hand in assignments early. I also think it’s helpful to have a day planner or a large calendar. I write down when I have quizzes, exams or assignments due and I write down when I have practices, games or meets. I find when I keep everything in order, I do not end up feeling overwhelmed because I know what is coming and can plan accordingly.

If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with ……

CH: My Grandma MaryAnn. She is the most amazing person I know and we always have a good time when we are together.

What is the life of a student-athlete studying history like at Allegheny College?

CH: Honestly, I think all student athletes’ lives are very similar. We are very busy people and we are involved not only in athletics, but clubs and other student organizations. Ours days are busy and it is just about learning what our priorities are and finding a way to get things done. For me, I am currently working on my senior comprehensive project, preparing for the upcoming NCAC SAAC meeting (I am the Secretary), training my replacement here as Allegheny’s SAAC Secretary, going to class, practice, work, and making sure all of my school work is done.

Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

CH: I ride motorcycles and have a Harley Sportster 100 Anniversary Edition motorcycle.

What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life?

CH: I hope to take my determination, work-ethic, leadership skills, communication skills and people skills with me. Many things we learn through being athletes transition over into the real word.

What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career?

CH: There are two. The first is the first time I did the heptathlon my sophomore year. My coach came to me two days before the event and told me he was going to teach me how to hurdle, high jump and throw shot-put in fifteen minutes. The second was having the opportunity to go to Europe with the volleyball team and play teams from Germany, Holland and Belgium.

What would you like to accomplish, both in academics and athletics, before you graduate?

CH: I would like to get at least a B+ on my senior comprehensive project and I would like to earn first team All NCAC in one of my events in Track and Field.

What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

CH: Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones

Do you have one coach and or professor in mind that has impacted your career the most at Allegheny College?

CH: Bonnie Mailliard, she is the secretary in our athletic office. She has been my work study boss for all four years. She is an amazing person and she is always looking out not only for those in the office, but the student-athletes as well. She is a kind hearted person who leads by example. She has always been there when I needed someone to listen or when I needed help hashing through a tough decision.

What is your most prized possession?

CH: The girls that I live with in the “Nut” House or the Nutrition House. The four of them have been great friends. We are so lucky because we challenge each other academically and on the track, and we are great stress relievers for each other because we are such a light hearted and goofy bunch.

In your opinion, what is the most important life lesson you learned while competing at the NCAA Div. III level?

CH: To relax, live in the moment and have fun.

How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook?

CH: Probably about two because I try to limit myself to fifteen minutes a day.

What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

CH: Do it. I have enjoyed it because it helped me attain the balance in my life that I strive for between academics, athletics, and social life.

How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level?

CH: Every day I have at least one class, work (work study in the athletic office), practice and homework. Every day is a puzzle, the trick is finding where everything best fits.

NCAC Basketball Team Previews

We're in the opening week of basketball season. Check out the prognosis of your favorite team (updated as available):

Allegheny: men - women

Denison: men - women

Hiram: men - women - winter sports video preview

Kenyon: men - women

Oberlin: men - women

Ohio Wesleyan: men - women

Wabash: men

Wittenberg: men - women

Wooster: men - women

NCAC Teams Amongst Best in Academics, Athletics

Several North Coast Conference Athletic departments earned recognition in the recent National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) Collegiate Power Rankings, which honor colleges for exceptional achievement in both athletics and academics. In the overall ranking of the NCSA's Top 100 schools, for which less than six percent of all colleges and universities nationwide qualified, Kenyon earned a spot at number 43, followed by Wooster at 54 and Denison at 60.

Six NCAC schools found a place in the eighth annual ranking of NCAA Division III institutions:

26. Kenyon

31. Wooster

35. Denison

64. Oberlin

65. Allegheny

82. Wabash

Click for the complete rankings or for the Division III listing.

NCAC Fall Sport Previews ...

Check out how the NCAC's teams will fare this fall as numerous schools have posted their fall sports' previews ...

Allegheny: Football -- Women's Cross Country -- Men's Soccer -- Women's Soccer -- Men's Cross Country --

Denison: Football -- Field Hockey -- Men's Soccer --Women's Soccer -- Volleyball -- Cross Country --

Hiram: Football -- Men's Soccer -- Women's Soccer -- Volleyball --

Kenyon: Football -- Men's Soccer -- Women's Soccer -- Volleyball --Field Hockey -- Men's Cross Country -- Women's Cross Country --

Wabash: Cross Country --

Wittenberg: Men's Golf --

Wooster: Football -- Volleyball -- Women's Soccer -- Men's Cross Country -- Women's Cross Country -- Field Hockey -- Men's Soccer --

Allegheny's Zipf Named to Fred Mitchell Award Watch List

Allegheny junior Ryan Zipf was one of 40 kickers named to the Fred Mitchell Award Watch List. The award is presented to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker among more than 600 FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA football teams.

The award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community. The Award’s Watch List is released in August, top performers are recognized monthly during the college football season, and the winner (who is not required to be on the Watch List) is announced in mid-December.

Notes on Ryan Zipf: Junior from Cranberry Township, PA....2009 Fred Mitchell Award Finalist....led the Gators in 2009 scoring with 60 points from 24 of 26 PATs and 12 of 14 FGs including a 40-yard FG against Wabash on October 3....made six straight FG’s before going 3 of 4 in the last game of the 2009 season....game-winning 39-yard FG on October 31 in 24-21 win over Wooster....four game winning streak for the Gators included 5 of 5 PAT's in wins over Carnegie Mellon and Denison and 3 of 3 PATs in wins over Kenyon and Wooster....2009 All-North Coast Athletic Conference Team Honorable Mention....volunteers at the Active Aging senior center in Meadville

2010 Watch List

NCAC in the News

It's August and the fall season is just around the corner. We released our annual football coaches' poll yesterday along with the 2010 NCAC Football Media Guide. Coverage is starting to pick up in the local news media as well:

The Meadville Tribune: Gator football picked third in NCAC

The Paper of Montgomery County: Wabash picked second

Springfield News Sun: Witt voted preseason favorite in NCAC

The Cleveland Plain Dealer: Wittenberg football team selected as North Coast Athletic Conference favorites

The Wooster Daily Record: Scots Picked for Fourth in NCAC

Follow NCAC Basketball Tournament Action

The NCAC men's and women's basketball tournaments tip off with quarterfinal action tonight! If you can't make a game in person, follow your favorite teams online:

Women's Tournament
#8 Hiram at #1 Wittenberg, 8:00 p.m. - audio video live stats
#7 Oberlin at #2 Ohio Wesleyan, 7:30 p.m. - video live stats
#6 Allegheny at #3 Denison, 7:30 p.m. - audio live stats
#5 Wooster at #4 Kenyon, 7:30 p.m. - audio/video live stats

Men's Tournament
#8 Kenyon at #1 Wooster, 7:30 p.m. - audio video live stats
#7 Denison at #2 Wabash, 7:30 p.m. - audio video live stats
#6 Hiram at #3 Wittenberg, 6:00 p.m. - audio video live stats
#5 Ohio Wesleyan at #4 Allegheny, 7:30 p.m. - audio/video live stats

Did you know? ... NCAC Swimming & Diving Championships Edition

Allegheny is the host for next week's NCAC Swimming & Diving championships at Branin Natatorium in Canton, Ohio. Did you know Allegheny has a long history of hosting meets?

The first NCAA DIII Swimming & Diving Championships were hosted by Allegheny at Mellon Pool, March 19-22, 1975. Chico State took the team title and the Gators finished ninth.

In 1980, Allegheny hosted the first Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) DIII championship. Two years later, the Gators hosted what would be the last AIAW meet before the organization merged with the NCAA.

Wabash looks to join 600 club

A conference win on Saturday for Wabash would mean more to the Little Giants than just another "w". The Little Giants could strengthen their hold on the top of the NCAC standings and they would also collect the 600th win in program history.

Wabash topped Kenyon last week for their 599 victory in 123 years. The Little Giants stand at 599-372-59 over than span. They would join Wittenberg (680), Washington & Jefferson (661), Mount Union (660), Widener (636) and Williams (610) in the NCAA Division III 600 club with a victory at Allegheny this weekend.

Find out more about Wabash and Allegheny football.

2009 Fall NCAC SAAC Meeting

In the Polls

Men's Cross Country

Allegheny moved into the fifth spot in the USTFCCCA national poll and tops the Mideast Region, while Denison is eighth and Oberlin 10th in the Great Lakes.

Women's Cross Country

Oberlin is 27th in the USTFCCCA national poll and is fourth in the Great Lakes Region, followed by Wittenberg in ninth and Denison in 10th. Allegheny is seventh in the Mideast Region.

Football

Wabash is ninth in the first AFCA Coaches poll of 2009. Wittenberg and Wooster also received votes, but did not crack the top 25. The Little Giants are 14th in the latest D3football.com Top 25.

Golf
Ohio Wesleyan is ranked 12th in the season's first Golf World Division III Coaches' Poll.

Men's Soccer

Ohio Wesleyan is third in the NSCAA national poll. The Battling Bishops top the Great Lakes Region, followed by Kenyon in fourth. OWU sits fourth in the D3soccer.com men's Top 25.

Women's Soccer

Wittenberg is third in the NSCAA Great Lakes Regional poll. Wooster is sixth and Denison is eighth. Denison and Wittenberg received votes in the latest D3soccer.com women's Top 25.

Volleyball

Wittenberg is ninth in the latest AVCA Top 25

In the Polls

The NCAC is represented on many of the national and regional sport polls conducted by media and coaching groups.

Cross Country
Allegheny is sixth in the USTFCCCA national poll, while Wabash received votes but didn't crack the top 25. The Gators also head up the Mideast Region. In the Great Lakes, Wabash is fifth, followed by Denison in sixth.

The Allegheny women are eighth in the Mideast Region, while Oberlin, Kenyon and Wittenberg hold sports five through seven in the Great Lakes. Ohio Wesleyan is 10th.

Football
Wabash is 13th in the D3football Top 25.

Soccer
Ohio Wesleyan men's soccer is ranked third in the NSCAA national poll and are second in the D3soccer.com Top 25, where Denison and Kenyon also received votes. The Battling Bishops top the NSCAA Great Lakes Region, while Oberlin is fifth, Denison is sixth and Kenyon is seventh.

Denison is tabbed 14th in the NSCAA women's national poll and 15th in the D3soccer.com Top 25. Ohio Wesleyan and Wittenberg also received votes in the D3soccer.com poll. The Big Red top the NSCAA Great Lakes Region, while Wittenberg is fifth, Wooster is seventh and Ohio Wesleyan 10th.

Volleyball
Wittenberg is tabbed 12th in the AVCA Top 25.

NCAC Football in the News

Short of a playoff run, this might be the most exciting time of the football season. Every team is full of promise and high hopes. Players are on pins and needles, anxious to get out on the field. Fans can't wait for the opener, they've gone a whole year without their fix.

Readers can get ready for opening day with some season previews:

NCAC
League preview in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
The three "Ws" listed in D3football's Around the Great Lakes column

Allegheny
Allegheny counting on healthy Tate via GoErie.com

Denison
Big Red not resting on their past via The Newark Advocate

Earlham
After strong finish, Quakers eager to prove winning's no fluke via the Richmond Palladium-Item

Hiram
2009 Preview

Kenyon
Lords revving up for 2009 season

Oberlin
Oberlin at Washington & Jefferson

Ohio Wesleyan
Bishops set to tackle challenging campaign via The Delaware Gazette (login required)

Wabash
The Indianapolis Star small-college football preview
Adjustments up front via The Paper of Montgomery County
Drive for five via The Paper of Montgomery County

Wittenberg (all from Springfield News-Sun)
Tigers Return 21 starters
Witt QB ready to return after missing most of 2008

Wooster (all from Wooster Daily Record)
DeGrand found niche as linebacker
His job is to twin the game
Capsule look at the Wooster Defense
Position-by-position look at the Scots Offense

NCAC football kicks off tomorrow with eight games across the league:
Kenyon at Case, 12:00
Juniata at Allegheny, 1:00
Kalamazoo at Denison, 1:00
Ohio Wesleyan at Carnegie Mellon, 1:00
Rose-Hulman at Earlham, 1:00
Waynesburg at Wooster, 1:00
Oberlin at Washington & Jefferson, 7:00
Wittenberg at Olivet, 7:00

Former Gator to Compete at 2009 IAAF World Championships

Jeremy Scott ’03 qualified to become a member of Team USA and compete at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, after finishing second in the pole vault with a height of 18-10.25 at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Scott, the NCAC record-holder in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault events, will represent the US for the fourth time in his career.

The 2009 World Championships, Aug. 15-23, will be the first major international meet to be held at the Belin Olympic Stadium since the 1936 Olympic Games, where Jesse Owens won four gold medals. The championships will be broadcast in the United States daily on NBC and Versus or you can follow through Twitter. The pole vault event begins on Aug. 20 and the finals are on Aug. 22.