Five Minutes With ... Kait Fiore

Senior Kait Fiore

Name: Kait Fiore

Homecoming/High School: Millburn, NJ/Millburn

Insititution: Denison University

Major: Biology

Minor: Spanish

I am originally from ... Midland Park, NJ

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution? I have been playing sports for pretty much my whole life and softball has become very important to me. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy my college career as much unless I was playing softball. However, I also believe that focusing on my academics is very important as well. Division III schools are perfect for allowing student-athletes to balance academics and athletics and I am currently getting a great education and I am also able to play my sport.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? NCAA Division III aims to give student-athletes the ability to focus on academics as well as athletics. Student-athletes at the Division III level still train hard and are still competitive, but we are given the opportunity to be more than just an athlete. We truly define the term “student-athlete.”

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Denison? My experience has been great. My coach is very understanding and recognizes the importance of academics and my professors also recognize the importance of athletics in my life. At times it is difficult to manage my time, but with all of the support I receive from coaches and professors I have had a lot of success balancing athletics and academics.

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? All of my classes are in the morning so softball does not conflict with them as much. I wake up in the morning and go to class and then I go to work in the Varsity weight room where I coach other athletes at my school. Then I go to practice or my games. When I get home I make dinner and do my homework and then get ready for the next day.

Favorite thing about Denison? The athletic presence on campus. So many students at Denison play sports (Varsity, club, intramural, or just for fun) and many students who don’t play sports just enjoy watching them.

Favorite thing about the NCAC?  Our level of sportsmanship. The conference is very competitive, but as a conference we have a great amount of respect for the teams we play.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I would love to be a Physician Assistant.

 If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why? I would trade places with my grandma for several reasons. First of all, she is someone who I look up to and respect greatly. She has experienced tough times and has developed into a very strong person with a great head on her shoulders. I would love to learn the things that she has learned. I also would love to have more time to just enjoy my days. While I love playing softball and being a student, it would be nice to have more time to read for pleasure and to do more things that I’m not normally able to do.

What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life? I have learned how to interact with people better and how to be a better leader. I think these skills are very important for one’s professional life.

Do you have one coach and/or professor that has impacted your career the most at Denison? My softball coach, Tiffany Ozbun. During my years at Denison I have matured so much and I believe this is largely because of her influence on me.

What are the toughest issues facing Div. III athletes today? Respect for what we do. Many people who are not involved in the Division III community do not understand exactly what DIII student-athletes do. We practice, we lift and we condition, but we also spend a lot of time on our academics and we do it all without athletic scholarships or other aid that athletes in other divisions receive.

 If you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose? Gymnastics

 What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? The NY Giants and Mario Manningham (although I’m sad that he’s no longer a Giant)

Favorite ice cream? Mint chocolate chip!

People may be surprised to know that ... I am not italian

Five Minutes With ... Hilary Callen

Denison senior swimmer Hilary Callen

Name: Hilary Callen

Hometown/High School: Oswego, NY/ Oswego

Institution: Denison University

Major: Economics

Sport: Swimming

I am originally from ... Oswego, New York

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution? I decided to attend an NCAA Division III school because I wanted to be a major contributor in my sport while still earning a college degree from a great institution.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? I would describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III to be the place where true student-athletes study and compete, both at a high and competitive level.

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Denison? My coach tells my team that in order to be a successful student-athlete you need to have an appropriate balance of three aspects of your college career; academics, athletics and your social life. If one of these isn’t balanced, then the others will more than likely be unbalanced as well. I have tried my best to stay in a routine throughout college in order to make sure my academics, sport and social life are all equally weighed.  

How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level? What do you do all day? My day is VERY routine. I have morning workout at 6 am four days a week. After practice I go to class for a majority of the morning and early afternoon. Following classes I usually take a nap ( I depend on them!) and then head to afternoon practice. Once practice is over, I eat dinner and do homework before I go to bed around 11:00pm…..then repeat Monday-Friday!

Favorite thing about Denison? How beautiful it is. I love walking to class and looking at all the trees and pretty buildings. Denison is on top of a hill and I love driving up the main road to get to campus because it is so beautiful.

Favorite thing about the NCAC? I really like how all the NCAC schools have a great sense of sportsmanship. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? When I “grow up” I would really like to work in the health care industry, either in hospital administration or medical sales. Right now, I am leaning towards Orthopedic Sales. I’ve always had a great interest in orthopedics and I think this would be a good career path for me.

People may be surprised to know that …… I grew up on a horse farm!

Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about? I taught myself how to whistle, and I’m actually pretty good at it. 

What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career? Some people would think that my most memorable moment would be at NCAA's last year when my 800 free relay broke the National Record; however, my most memorable moment was NCAA's my sophomore year. The 800 free relay that I was on was not expected to win, but we did. I remember swimming the last 100 of that race and seeing my whole team and crowd standing and cheering for us. I will always remember that feeling. 

Do you have one coach and/or professor that has impacted your career the most at Denison? My coach Gregg Parini has definitely impacted my career at Denison. To say that he is just my swim coach is such an understatement. He has taught me so many valuable lessons that I plan to carry on throughout my life after my college career is over. I am so thankful to have met and been coached by a man like, Gregg.

What are the toughest issues facing Div. III athletes today? I think trying to prove to other people and divisions higher than ours that Div. III athletics are very competitive! 

If you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose? I would really like to try to play volleyball.

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness? The 2008, men's 4X100 freestyle swimming relay in Beijing. I remember I missed watching the race on TV so I watched it the next day on the computer, and I cried! That race was so inspirational.  

Any Pet Peeves? I hate the noise of squeaking styrofoam

Five Minutes With ... Mike Garabedian

Denison Men's Basketball Player Mike Garabedian

Name: Mike Garabedian

Hometown/High School: La Grange, IL/Nazareth Academy

Institution: Denison University

Major: Communicationd

Sport: Men’s Basketball


I am originally from ... La Grange, Illinois

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution? Basketball was definitely one of the reasons that I came to Denison, but I also liked the “family-like” atmosphere that it presented.  It reminded me a lot of the high school I went to because it’s relatively small and you get to know pretty much everyone.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? That’s kind of a tough question to answer. But from an athlete’s perspective, the D-III level contains some of the most hard-working and dedicated student-athletes that I’ve ever been around.  It isn’t about the money or publicity to us; it’s about the love of the game and being a part of a team.

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Denison? Believe it or not, I actually think playing basketball in college has helped me academically.  I always seem to do better in school while we are in-season because it forces me to make sure I get everything done ahead of time in case we have a long road trip or game the next day.  When we aren’t in-season it’s really easy to procrastinate.

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? It’s a little different for me because I twist my ankles all the time so after classes I go down to the training room for treatment before practices and work-outs.  Other than that I think it’s pretty much the same compared to what other student-athletes do.  Go to class, eat as much as possible during the day to keep you going and get all your homework done at night after work-outs.

Favorite thing about Denison? My teammates.

Favorite thing about the NCAC? Tremendous competition.  Anyone can beat anyone any night and that’s what makes it fun.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to get involved in Sports Media Relations or a related field but I’m mostly just concerned about getting a job when I get out of college.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Derrick Rose.  I love that guy.

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

What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career? Beating Wabash last year at our place.  They were 15th in the nation at the time and Jim Leffew drained a 35-footer off the glass at the buzzer to beat them by three.  That was such a good team that Wabash had last year so it meant a lot to us to beat them and I felt really good for Jim when he hit the shot because he’s been through so much in his career.  Plus, he saved me after I committed a stupid foul at the end of the game so it was a combination between jubilation and relief for me that night.

What’s currently playing on your I-Pod? Bruce Springsteen

What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution? First of all, don’t hesitate to do it.  Playing basketball in college was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  It really bugs me when people come up to me and ask “What’s the point of playing D-III? No one cares about it because it’s not D-1.”  I’m not kidding – people have asked me that before.  Make the decision to play, stick to it and then take in every moment.  There aren’t that many people out there that can say they played a sport in college and the relationships that you develop with your teammates and coaches over the four years are priceless.

If you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose? Baseball

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness? When the Cubs won the 1908 World Series.  Every year they make me believe less and less that they’ll win one in my lifetime.

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls.  And I’m really annoying about it too.  Favorite athletes are Derrick Rose and Ryne Sandberg.

Any Pet Peeves? It really bothers me when broadcasters say “lacksadaisical” instead of “lackadaisical.”  I’m looking at you, Billy Packer.

Five Minutes With ... Nan Carney-DeBord

Denison AD Nan Carney-DeBord

Name/Institution: Nan Carney-DeBord, Denison University

Title: Director of Athletics and Recreation; Chair, Physical Education

Education: Bachelor's in physical education, Denison; M.A. Athletics Administration, Kent State University

I am originally from ... South Jersey. A jersey girl!

Why do you have an awesome job?  Having the opportunity to serve in a leadership position at one’s alma mater is a privilege. But, working with the staff in Athletics, Recreation, Physical Education and the faculty and administrative leaders at Denison, is an honor.

When did you know you wanted to be a an Athletic Director?  My passion is in leadership development. Being a Director of Athletics and Academic Chair is one forum in which I can put theory into practice.

Favorite thing about Denison? There are many. First and foremost, the students. They are curious. They have a thirst for knowledge. They question, they research, they question again. They are engaged. The faculty is advanced. They challenge the student and nurture simultaneously. It’s magic. They are incredible leaders completely dedicated to their professional growth and development in teaching, research and leadership in an effort to better serve the student. Like the Denison mission statement, the Division III “inspires and educates students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.”

Favorite thing about the NCAC? Its broad-based programming. Its philosophy of equity: athletically & academically

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III?  It is one of balance, self-exploration, integrated thought and worldwide view.  Division III is a pure form of athletic competition. It has always been my belief that competition is a neutral term. Our student-athletes are fierce competitors, in the playing arena and in the classroom.

How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?  Being a dual-sport athlete at Denison transformed me. I was exposed to some of the greatest mentors, role models, and teammates. It is not surprising that many of my teammates are in leadership positions and that my mentors have continued to grow and succeed in their own professions.

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness?  The Harry Vardon vs. Francis Willmette Early 1900’s Golf Match.

What's the most impressive meal you've ever cooked?  The only domestic quality I have is that I live in a house!

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? Other than ALL OF THE DENISON TEAMS ... The Red Sox.  Favorite athlete: Jackie Robinson

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 ...

Name: Makorobondo “Dee” Salukombo

Hometown/High School: Lakewood, OH/Lakewood

Institution: Denison University

Major: Chemistry

Sport (s): Cross Country, Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field


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

MDS: I chose a DIII institution for three reasons: the strong academics, the close community where everyone knows each other and getting to participate in the sports I love while putting my academics as the first priority.


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

MDS: I would trade places with my cousin Timothy who lives in Africa. He thinks that once someone comes to America, he or she automatically becomes rich. I don’t know if one day would be enough but I would love for him to see that America is not heaven. Even though there are so many more opportunities in America than Congo, I would love for him to know that even rich people in America have to WORK HARD to get where they are.


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

MDS: I think the ideals where founded on diversity because you could be a great athlete, an outstanding student and still have enough time to make an impact on your community through volunteering and other projects


• People may be surprised to know that ……

MDS: In May, I will be running from Granville to Lakewood (120 miles, 40 miles/day) in 3 days to raise some funds to help students in my native village of Kirotshe in the D.R. Congo.


• How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Denison University?

MDS: At first, I thought that I had everything under control as I did in high school. Then I realized that I was wrong. So I went to my teachers, advisors and coaches, and they helped me come up with a better study and running schedule.


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

MDS: I would love to be with my entire family because my brothers and sisters tell the funniest jokes and we will all be laughing and forget about time…until someone finds us.


• What is the life of a student-athlete studying chemistry like at Denison University?

MDS: Two words: EXTREMELY CHALLENGING. I run about 80 miles a week, which always leaves me empty. I don’t know if I could be able to do what I have done so far if we didn’t have amazing professors and coaching staff who care about you not only when you're on the track, but in everything you do, and are willing to help in any way they can.


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

MDS: I was a very good dancer in Africa and I could do a few tricks with a soccer ball (well, any ball). Also, I can make my stomach big as if I am 6 months pregnant right after I finish eating.


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

MDS: I hope to always be a self motivator and a benefit to my team


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

MDS: Being an All-American for the first time! I went from being 236th my freshmen year to be 33rd my sophomore year. The best part was the joy that it brought to Coach T. I always like to see him happy.

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

MDS: I want to get all A’s for the rest of my college classes and I want to win a national championship.


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

MDS: I don’t own an I-Pod


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

MDS: My cross-country coach Phil Torrens has impacted me the most. As a high school senior, he came to most of my track meets to show his support. I thought that was because he just wanted me to come to Denison. But, I am a junior now, and he has been there for me from day one of my college career to now with the same passion and excitement from those good old high school days.


• What is your most prized possession?

MDS: My extremely colorful African shirt my aunt Marie Jeanne gave me about 8yrs ago!!! It was huge then, but it fits me perfectly now!


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

MDS: Never give up. Even though you may fail the first, second, or even third time, keep learning from your mistakes and find the best plan to make you the best you can possibly be.


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

MDS: 3.5 to 5.


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

MDS: If you want a quality education and meeting long lasting friends, then you are doing the right thing.


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

MDS: Wake up, eat my bagel and banana for breakfast, go to class, get some lunch, go to work, go to practice, dinner with the team, fun time, then homework for the rest of the night.

Denison President Knobel on the value of independent colleges

Independent Colleges Need Support, too. That was the message by Denison President Dale Knobel in an op-ed piece in Sunday's Columbus Dispatch. Knobel discusses the importance of independent, nonprofit colleges, and offers up some statistics on the value of an education at NCAC schools that some may find surprising.

Read the full Dispatch article.

All-America Recognition

Denison senior forward Jen Clemmer became the 12th player in Big Red women's soccer history to receive All-American honors. The senior forward was named a second-team All-American by the NSCAA after leading DU in goals (14), assists (6), points (34) and game winners (7), and being named the 2010 NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, just the sixth player to received "Offensive Player of the Year" status in program history. Clemmer was also a 2010 NCAA Division III All-Great Lakes Region first-team selection after earning second-team all-region honors a year ago. Clemmer, pictured above, center, accepted her award at the recent NSCAA Convention in Baltimore, MD. She had plenty of support from head coach Gail Murphy, left, and assistant coach Tiffany Pins, right.

Denison's Crawford, Wittenberg's O'Rourke Honored for Citizenship

Denison senior Dan Crawford has been selected as one of five finalists for the 7th annual Coach John Wooden Citizenship Cup. The award is presented to the most outstanding role model among college athletes and recognizes athletes who make the greatest difference in the lives of others.

Joining Crawford among the impressive list of finalists are University of Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, University of Oklahoma defensive back Quinton Carter, Amherst College basketball player Sarah Leyman, and Agnes Scott College basketball player Kimberly Reeves.

The winner of the 2010 Wooden Cup will be announced on January 25, 2011 at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga.

The Wooden Cup is named in honor of John Wooden. Wooden's legacy as a person of integrity, high moral character, compassion, and civic-mindedness continues to make him one of the most revered coaches in the history of sport. The Cup recognizes those athletes whose character represents the highest and best in sport, and who make the greatest difference in the lives of others. Since it is open to all athletes, all sports, it is regarded as the highest award in all of college sports.

Crawford, a co-captain for the Big Red football team in 2010, capped off his career with 433 yards rushing and 242 yards receiving and five total touchdowns this season. Since 2007 he has rushed for 1,404 yards and has scored 16 touchdowns. Crawford is the current president of the Denison Student Athlete Advisory Council and boasts a 3.66 grade point average while majoring in biochemistry.

In November, Crawford was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District squad and he will represent Denison at the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet in February. He received the 2010 Dale Googins Commitment Award which is given by the athletic department to a student-athlete who best demonstrates a commitment to self discipline and excellence.

In addition to all of the accolades on the field and in the classroom, Crawford has done extensive work in the community. In the fall of 2009 he organized the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Adopt-a-Child holiday toy drive, which raised $2,700 to provide gifts for 54 local children. He also established a "Pay it Forward" challenge, named in honor of Denison alum Woody Hayes '35 who coined the phrase "You can never pay back, but you can always pay forward." The challenge issued by Crawford encouraged athletes from all 23 of Denison's varsity teams to become involved with an individual and team-based community service initiative.

Crawford has already received a position with the highly selective "Teach for America" program. He will begin a two-year teaching assignment in the fall of 2011.

Wittenberg senior Conor O’Rourke was named one of 13 semifinalists for the award. O'Rourke, a member of the swim team who is one of the Tigers' top competitors in the butterfly events, began doing volunteer work with orphaned boys in Haiti during his summer vacations as a high school student, and he has continued those efforts during various breaks from studies at Wittenberg. The devastation caused by a 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010, only increased his motivation, so he organized a fundraising event that became part of the first-ever "Hope For Haiti Weekend" at Wittenberg University less than a month later.

A history major at Wittenberg, O'Rourke organized a concert titled "In Harmony for Haiti" on Feb. 6 that featured performances by Wittenberg a cappella groups Wittmen Crew and Just Eve, a raffle and a T-shirt sale. All proceeds went to CRUDEM-Hopital Sacre Coeur, one of many overwhelmed medical facilities operating in parts of Haiti not directly impacted by the earthquake.

He returned to Haiti in May 2010 to volunteer at CRUDEM-Hopital Sacre Coeur for nearly three months, helping to develop infrastructure for the hospital by installing renewable energy sources to generate the freshwater pumps, and also working alongside physical and occupational therapists who are rehabilitating earthquake victims by building walkers for injured children.

He hasn't limited his efforts to the Haitian people, teaching kindergarten in a small fishing village in the African nation of Ghana in 2006, working with his Wittenberg fraternity to organize a fundraiser for victims of persecution in Darfur in 2008 and raising money for cancer research with his swimming and diving teammates through the annual Ted Mullin Leave it in the Pool, Hour of Power Relay each of the last four years.

Along the way, O'Rourke was voted Most Improved Swimmer by his teammates following the 2007-08 season and Most Dedicated following the 2008-09 season.

The award is presented annually to distinguished athletes that display character, teamwork and citizenship by Athletes for a Better World. The recipient is chosen by a screening committee, a national group of electors, and a committee chaired by Vincent Dooley, former University of Georgia athletic director, and other distinguished individuals involved in athletics across the country.

NCAA campaign bids to pump up fans’ interest in Division III sports Read more: NCAA campaign bids to pump up fans’ interest in Division III sports

From Columbus Business First:

Wittenberg University Athletics Director Garnett Purnell is glad the NCAA is addressing the identity problem that can be as much a part of Division III sports as Saturday football games.
Many know Division III schools as the ones that don’t offer athletic scholarships, he said, but perceptions are sketchy after that. They may not realize the volume of D-III schools – 447 of them – or that the division sponsors 13 national sports championships for men and 14 for women.

Observers may also be unaware of Division III’s mission to create an environment where student-athletes can balance academics with sports away from the pressures that typically come with an athletic scholarship at the major colleges.

“People just don’t know about us,” said Purnell, athletics director for 12 years at Wittenberg, a 1,900-student private university in Springfield. “We’re the best-kept secret that doesn’t want to be the best-kept secret anymore.”

Vital expense

The NCAA is spending $600,000 this school year and has pledged the same amount next year to help Division III members with a national branding campaign. Members, including 21 colleges in Ohio, can receive $1,000 a year for promotional videos and signs, banners and backdrops for gyms, stadiums and other venues.

It may not be much compared with the $100 million-plus athletics budgets at Division I mega-schools such as Ohio State University and University of Texas, but it is a step in the right direction, said Purnell during a recent press tour in Columbus.

Athletics remains a key recruiting tool for D-III colleges, helping bring in tuition that is vital to their stability, said Thomas Chema, president of 1,200-student Hiram College, southeast of Cleveland.

“We’re still driven by student revenue,” he said, “and our customers – the students – still want to play their sport. They will not come to us unless we offer them the opportunity to continue (in athletics).”

D-III schools offer an average of 17 sports, according to the NCAA, and they subsidize much of that with tuition and other sources outside athletics. For example, Wittenberg is spending $1.8 million on athletics this year, Purnell said. About $400,000 comes from gate receipts, concessions, fundraising and alumni gifts, with the rest from the university budget.

Division III schools continued their financial commitments to athletics even during the recession, seeing their value to those who participate and campus communities, said Dale Knobel, president of Denison University in Granville, which offers 17 sports to its 2,200 students.

“It’s strictly an expense for us,” he said. “We invest the same resources in it as we do in other areas in which we invest. We think athletics are an integrated part of the educational experience.”

Knobel estimated from a quarter to a third of Denison’s student body plays on its sports teams, and those who don’t participate likely know someone who does.

“Virtually the whole student body has a connection with athletics,” he said.

The student in student-athlete

Among the marketing points in the NCAA’s campaign is how academics are the primary focus at Division III schools. The schools conduct shorter practices and playing seasons than Divisions I and II, and prohibit redshirting that keeps students in school an extra year. They also emphasize regional competition to minimize travel and time away from the classroom. For example, Wittenberg, Hiram and Denison are among the seven Ohio schools that compete in the North Coast Athletic Conference, with three colleges from western Pennsylvania and Indiana.

The NCAA campaign puts a spotlight on the character lessons – teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership – that D-III students can gain from athletics.

“We can offer something that companies consider when they are looking for well-rounded individuals they want to be part of their organization,” Purnell said. “That’s the individual we’ve been developing the last four years.”

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

Piper Gave Single Wing New Life

Todd Jones of the Columbus Dispatch takes a look at Denison's Keith Piper and his legacy. Denison and Piper supporters hope to see the legendary former coach, who headed up the Big Red program from 1954 to 1992, make the College Football Hall of Fame. Piper amassed 200 wins in 39 seasons Denison, a remarkable record, both for his of on-the-field achievements and for his longevity and loyalty to one school.

See the formation in action here.

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 --

Denison Strength & Conditioning Spring Calendar of Events

Spring will be busier than usual for Denison. In addition to the usual bustle of spring sports contests and fall sport athletes in out-of-season training, Denison Strength & Conditioning is offering several fundraisers and clinics:

Kieth Piper Memorial Football Clinic
Saturday, March 13 @ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Burton Morgan Conference Center Lecture Hall

This is the first time the event is being offered. Eight coaches are scheduled to present on such topics as: Building a Program, Defending the Spread in the 4-3 Defense and Transitioning from the Jet Series to the Screen Game. Lunch will be provided by Elms Pizza. Cost is $25 ($10 for each additional coach on staff). Download a registration form here (pdf).

Level 1 Weightlifting Coach Course - Level 1 Sports Performance Certification
Saturday, March 27-28 in the Burton Morgan Center

The Level 1 Weightlifting Coach course focuses on the utilization and application of the Olympic lifts and their assistance exercises, plyometrics and medicine ball training to the realm of sport specific training, power development and injury prevention. The course is appropriate for high school, college and professional sports coaches who work with athletes from other sports besides weightlifting, such as football, track and field, wrestling, etc. It is also appropriate for personal trainers who work with private clients, incorporating weightlifting into their personal fitness routines. Successful completion of this comprehensive introductory course results in a Level 1 Coaches certification.

There are no prerequisites to take this course. Materials include a manual, a video and once the course is passed, an official Level 1 USA Weightlifting Coach polo shirt.

Annual renewal of USA Weightlifting membership and recertification testing, along with payment of renewal/recertification fee, are required in order to maintain valid USA Weightlifting coaching certification. Coaching certification expires immediately upon expiration of USA Weightlifting membership. COST = $340 - includes one year of USA Weightlifting membership, a manual, a video and (upon successful passing of the course) an official USA Level 1 Weightlifting Coach polo-shirt.

Registration Deadline—March 12, 2010 by 5pm MST. $35 fee for late registration. Register online, printable registration forms, lodging information, directions, and itinerary available online.

Joe Torrens Memorial Team Strongman Competition
Saturday, April 24 @ 11:00 a.m. in the Mitchell Center

Teams consisting of five competitors, one for each weight class, will compete in three divisions: Collegiate Division: All team members must be currently enrolled as full-time students of their respective college or university, Women's Division: Open to all female competitors (No weight classes), Open Division: Open to any competitors not affiliated with a college or university.

The entry fee is $120 per team and all proceeds will benefit the Joseph Edward Torrens Memorial Fund. The entry deadline is Friday, April 2. Men's weigh-ins will be Friday, April 24, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the men's locker room. There will be a rules clinic Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Center. For entry forms click here.

Events (events, distances & weights subject to change):

Standing Medicine Ball Throw for Distance

Clean & Press Team Medley

Deadlift Team Medley

Strongman Medley Team Relay

Central Ohio Strongman Classic

Saturday, May 22 @ 11:00 a.m. in the Mitchell Center

The first of what promises to be an annual event. Entrants will compete in one of four divisions: OPEN DIVISION: Open to all competitors (winners of each weight class will qualify for nationals); NOVICE DIVISION: For first time competitors only. If you have competed in an open class at a sanctioned NAS contest, you cannot compete as a Novice; MASTER’S DIVISION: For any competitors 40 years of age or older at the time of contest and the WOMEN’S DIVISION: open to all female competitors (no weight classes).

The entry fee is $40 (All athletes must have a current North American Strongman Inc. membership card at the time of contest. Cards may be purchased contest day for $40). All competitors will receive a T-shirt and awards will be given for 1st through 3rd place in each division and weight class.

The entry deadline is Friday, April 30. Men's weigh-ins will be Friday, April 21, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the men's locker room. There will be a rules clinic Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Center. For entry forms click here.

Events (events, distances & weights subject to change without notice)

Log Clean & Press

Axle Deadlift

Keg Carry and Farmer’s Medley

Tire Flip Medley for Time (total of 2 tires)

Atlas Stone

For more information on any of these events, contact:
Denison Head Strength Coach, Mark Watts

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