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.

Five Minutes With ... Don Hunsinger

Former Oberlin College Football and Tennis coach Don Hunsinger

We recently sat down with former Oberlin College college football and tennis coach Don Hunsinger {right} for the NCAC's first video installment of "Five Minutes With ..."


The first portion of the two part interview can be found on the NCAC website at the address below. Part II of the interview will be posted on the same page on November 2nd.

http://www2.northcoast.org/fiveminuteswith/DonHunsinger

Five Minutes With ... Brian Casey

DePauw President Brian Casey

Name/Institution: Brian Casey, DePauw University

Title: President (official bio)

Education: B.A., University of Notre Dame; J.D., Stanford Law School; PhD (History and American Studies), Harvard University

I am originally from ... The Jersey Shore, really. And it’s nothing like that TV show. Trust me.

Why do you have an awesome job? I get to help shape and direct a wonderful old university and connect to its students, faculty and alumni. There has not been a single day in this position where I haven’t been amazed. I have never felt more engaged in anything in my life.

When did you know you wanted to be a college president? I don’t think anyone really plans on being a college president. But when I was in graduate school (getting my PHD in History) I do remember being interested in what the President was up to. I believe that leadership matters and I remember early interest in the leadership styles of presidents.

Favorite thing about DePauw? The energy of the students and the faculty – and the ways in which members of this community support and nurture each other. And, surprisingly, the wit of the members of the community. There are an incredible number of very smart, very witty and entertaining members of this community.

Favorite thing about the NCAC? The academic quality of the member institutions.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III? The classic model of the student-athlete engaged in sport for the love of the game and the pure thrill of the challenge. Div III athletes are as intense as any athletes I have ever seen, but they also have their eyes on other things.

How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level? Well, I was captain of the varsity swimming team at Notre Dame and competed at a pretty high level all four years. I know how challenging it is for our student athletes to balance the demands of the classroom and the playing fields. I also know how emotionally taxing it is when you lose. I hope I am sympathetic about all they are addressing every day.

People may be surprised to know that ... I still swim every day, very often dropping in on the workouts of the DePauw swimmers. I still keep trying to get better at my sport.

What’s currently playing on your I-Pod? Lots of jazz. And a surprising number of musical “guilty pleasures” – those pop songs that you don’t want to admit you download.

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness? The two great McEnroe-Borg Wimbledon finals of 1980 and 1981. There is something so immediate and exciting about two athletes engaged in such a battle of contrasting styles and temperaments.

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? I’m a huge fan of the New York Yankees. My favorite athlete right now is Ryan Lochte, Olympic swimmer, who dominated Michael Phelps at the last swimming world championships. The battles between Phelps and Lochte in London will be epic.

First job? Lifeguarding on the Jersey Shore. It’s remarkable how powerful you can feel to be 16 on a lifeguard stand with a whistle. (It’s also about the dumbest thing to do to a 16 year old!!)

In Honor of ...

The NCAC Tennis championship trophies won't be the only honors talked about on campuses this weekend. Denison, Kenyon and Oberlin are all finalizing plans to honor special alums at dedication ceremonies for new athletic facilities.

Oberlin will hold a dedication ceremony on Friday 5 p.m. to officially honor 1955 graduate Bob Kahn and the track and field complex that bears his name. The ceremony will be held in front of the entrance to the track, across from the concession stand. Kahn, who earned a bachelor of arts in music education, enjoyed success with several athletics teams while at Oberlin, earning varsity letters in both tennis and cross country. As a senior he led the men’s tennis team as their captain. He also ran track and wrestled. After the ceremony, teams from across the state will compete in the Bob Kahn Invitational. The track will also be in full use on Saturday and Sunday for the NCAC Multi-Event Championships.

Also on Friday, Denison will dedicate a plaque in honor of former head track and field coach Bob Shannon who passed away last April. The Big Red Track & Field Invitational is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dedication slated for 7 p.m., inside the stadium, during a break between running events. A reception will follow the dedication ceremony in the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. A 1950 graduate of Denison, Shannon began his collegiate coaching career in 1954 as an assistant football coach on Keith Piper's staff. In 1958 he was appointed head track and field coach, two positions he would hold until his retirement from Denison in 1993. During his tenure at Denison, Shannon had the opportunity to coach an Olympic gold medal sprinter and serve as an official at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He was voted by his peers in the NCAC as the league's Track and Field Coach of the Year on 10 different occasions and his Denison teams won numerous indoor and outdoor conference championships. In 1987 his Big Red track squad placed fifth at the Division III National Championships.

Kenyon hosts the NCAC Men's and Women's Tennis tournaments from Friday through Sunday. The men play Friday and Saturday morning, while the women begin play Saturday afternoon. Between the conclusion of the men's tournament and the beginning of the women's tournament Kenyon will have a dedication ceremony for the Peter VandenBerg Tennis Pavilion. Peter was a Kenyon Tennis Alum and the father of current tennis player Will VandenBerg.

Oberlin will also be hosting an Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently completed Williams Field House on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to tour the facility. President Marvin Krislov will be present to cut the ribbon at noon to officially open the new athletic facility. Director of Athletic Facilities, Mike Snyder will be on hand to answer questions.

Follow Obies on Spring Break

Oberlin is on spring break and the athletic teams are sharing all of their adventures. You can follow along on their blogs:

Baseball
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Men's Lacrosse
Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Women's Lacrosse
Location: Pomona, California

Softball
Location: Fort Myers, Florida

Women's Tennis
Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Track & Field
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Kenyon's Greenberg Set for Tennis All-Star Festivities

Kenyon's Michael Greenberg, the the 2008 NCAA Div. III national singles champion is the only Division III player named to the exclusive Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) Collegiate All-Star team.

He and his fellow honorees will have the unique experience of participating in tomorrow's Arthur Ashe Day, the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) festival that kicks off the U.S. Open.

The All-Star team will be recognized at a special luncheon and then for an awards presentation on center court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Later in the day, the All-Stars will get to mingle with professional players, including Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, and Ana Ivanovic. They'll also help out with clinics for children and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Open.

2008 Men's and Women's Academic All-District At-Large Teams

The 2008 Men's and Women's Academic All-District At-Large Teams were announced by CoSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Men's At-Large Teams
District 4
David Gatz, Ohio Wesleyan, sophomore, swimming & diving
Josh Mitchell, Kenyon, senior, swimming & diving

Women's At-Large Teams
District 2 - Second Team
Glenna Kramer, Allegheny, senior, swimming & diving

District 4 - First Team
Elizabeth Carleton, Kenyon, junior, swimming & diving
Erin Gorsich, Denison, senior, tennis
Kristen Hohl, Denison, junior, swimming & diving

Second Team
Paige MacDonald, Kenyon, senior, tennis

Free Kids Tennis Clinic at Oberlin

The Oberlin women's tennis team is hosting a free tennis clinic for kids aged 6-15 on Saturday, April 5.

The clinic begins at 12:00 p.m. and will run for two hours on the outdoor courts of Philips Gym.

Participants will be provided with free pizza from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. while they enjoy watching the Yeowomen in action during the GLCA tournament. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. kids will have the opportunity to meet and play with the Yeowomen.

The clinic is subject to cancellation due to weather. For more information please contact head coach Constantine Ananiadis at 440-775-6752 or via email.

Follow Along on Oberlin Spring Break Trips

Fans can get a taste of what a spring break trip is really like for student-athletes thanks to Oberlin's Brian Verne, Kimiko Glynn, Michelle Zanni and Ruth Allanbrook. They have all volunteered to share stories from this year's spring trips via blogs:

Verne’s Words: Inside the 2008 spring break trip to Phoenix for the Oberlin College baseball team

Sanders Speaks: An inside look at the 2008 spring break trip for Oberlin lacrosse

Serving It Up with Kimiko Glynn: Spring break trip to Hilton Head for the Yeowomen

Outside the Box w/Michelle Zanni & Ruth Allanbrook: Oberlin College softball spring break

Earlham Plans Busy Saturday

Earlham has packed a lot into its annual Community Day on Saturday - a pair of basketball games, a tennis match, National Girls and Women in Sports Day and a Think Pink event.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted with the proceeds supporting the Lamar Lundy Fund benefiting the Townsend Center.

The first event of the day gets underway early in the morning. Registration for National Girls and Women in Sports Day begins at 9:30 a.m. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Girls from 3rd-to-8th grade can take part in swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer and camp games. Lunch will be served and participants can then attend the women’s basketball contest.

Think Pink will be a part of the women’s basketball game against NCAC foe Kenyon at 1 p.m. Fans are asked to wear pink to support breast cancer awareness.

Basketball Senior Day - There are two seniors on the women’s team, Whitney McBurrows and Samantha Lurie, and three on the men’s squad, Nick Welsh, Neil Collins and Terrel Brown. The five players along with one cheerleader will be recognized on Saturday. The men’s contest against Ohio Wesleyan University is set for 3:00 p.m.

Tennis Match - the Earlham women’s team will open the spring season with a match against Wilmington at 1:00 p.m.

Wittenberg Freshman Tennis Player Announces Bid For State Senate Seat

Wittenberg freshman men's tennis player James Howard recently announced plans to run for the Ohio State Senate, representing the 10th district, which includes Clark, Greene and Madison counties.

He will compete in the March 4, 2008, Republican primary election that currently includes state Rep. Chris Widener and former Greene County Commissioner W. Reed Madden.

"I'm running because I didn't like any of the candidates, and I really think I can make a difference," Howard said.

James is from Beavercreek, Ohio and is just 18 years old. He has fittingly declared a political science major at Wittenberg. He is running on a platform that includes a pledge to eliminate regressive tax structures and an emphasis on education funding issues that have confounded Ohio legislators for years. He feels that he represents an opportunity for change.

"I'm from here so I'm going to look out for this district," Howard said. "What bugs me is that people get elected and they move away from the area."

If he wins the Republican primary, he would face a Democratic challenger in the Nov. 4, 2008, general election, which is likely to have a significant turnout due to the presidential election.

He is running for the seat currently held by Republican Steve Austria, who has served two four-year terms and cannot run again due to term limits.