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Three Vikings sign pro hockey contracts

Three Lawrence University hockey players have signed to play for professional teams in the United States and Sweden.

Defenseman Jameson Raymond, forward Matt Hughes and forward Ben DiMarco, all 2012 Lawrence graduates, have signed pro contracts.

“This is an exciting time for the three young men and our program,” Lawrence coach Mike Szkodzinski said. “The program has grown and is respected at the professional level. Ben, Jameson and Matt have all worked extremely hard for their opportunities and most certainly are the type of young men who represent Lawrence University hockey very, very well. The coaching staff couldn’t be happier for them.”

 

Raymond, a native of Flint, Mich., has signed with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Raymond was an All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection in 2011-12 after scoring three goals and adding 16 assists for 29 points. Raymond scored 18 goals and had 55 assists for 73 points in 111 career games.

Hughes, who hails from Goodrich, Mich., is playing with Hedemora SK of the Swedish Division 1. Hughes, also an All-MCHA selection in 2011-12, scored 15 goals and added 12 assists for 27 points. Hughes scored 46 goals and handed out 45 assists for 91 points in his career.

A native of Galveston, Texas, DiMarco signed with Vallentuna BK of the Swedish Division 1. DiMarco had one goal and three assists for four points this past season and finished his career with 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points.

This trio of players was key over the past four seasons as Lawrence won 53 games, the best four-year stretch in the program’s history.

The trio of Hughes, Raymond and DiMarco join five other Lawrence players that have signed pro contracts during Szkodzinski’s tenure. Josh Peterson (Flint Generals), Nick Jennette (Huntsville Havoc), Corey Garrett (Finland), Josh DeSmit (Finland) and Billy Siers (Elmira Jackals) have all played professionally.

Lawrence opens its season on Oct. 27 at the Appleton Family Ice Center with an exhibition game against the Wisconsin Rampage.

Proctor, four from class of 2002 headed to Hall of Fame

Long-time women’s basketball coach Amy Proctor and four athletes from the class of 2002 will be inducted into the Lawrence University Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 5.

Proctor is joined by wrestler Andy Kazik, hockey and soccer star Tom Conti, dominating swimmer Daniel Hurley and soccer standout Megan Tiemann.

Amy Proctor

A native of Green Bay, Wis., Amy Proctor resurrected the Lawrence women’s basketball program and no basketball coach has won more games with the Vikings.

Proctor served as the head women’s basketball coach for 19 seasons from 1988 to 2007 and compiled a record of 247-192 for a .563 winning percentage. Proctor won two Midwest Conference championships, one Lake Michigan Conference championship and her teams made one NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.

Proctor took over a program that had seen its season canceled in 1987-88 and immediately led the squad to the 1989 Lake Michigan Conference title. The Vikings followed that by winning the Midwest Conference title in 1990. Lawrence won the Midwest Conference championship again in 1999 and played in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Proctor was named Midwest Conference Coach of the Year in 1999.

Proctor’s teams won a school-record 19 games in 1992-93 and matched that mark again in 2005-06. The Vikings had 14 winning seasons and 16 seasons of .500 or better in Proctor’s 19 years at the helm. Lawrence also qualified for the four-team Midwest Conference Tournament 12 times under Proctor.

When Proctor first came to Lawrence, she also served as head volleyball coach. She coached the Vikings for five seasons (1988-92) and had a record of 56-82. Proctor had two winning seasons and the team set a school record with 18 victories in 1992, a mark that stood until 2001.

Proctor also served as director of athletics from 1993-99 and oversaw a transformation of the coaching staff. Proctor hired John Tharp to guide the men’s basketball program and Kim Tatro to coach the softball and volleyball squads. Proctor also expanded the coaching staff to allow men’s and women’s soccer and hockey to have full-time coaches.

Proctor retired from college coaching in 2007 and now works as a commercial lines underwriter at Secura Insurance.

Tom Conti ’02

Tom Conti starred on the pitch and the ice for the Vikings.

For the Lawrence hockey team, Conti scored goals. For the Lawrence soccer team, Conti stopped the opposition from scoring.

A forward on the hockey team, Conti was the school’s career scoring leader with 89 points when he graduated. Conti’s 40 goals and 49 assists also made him the career leader when his career was complete.

An All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection in 2002, Conti set Lawrence records with nine points and seven assists in the same game against Illinois Benedictine College back in 1998. A team captain, Conti set school season records with 29 points and 19 assists in 1998-99.

A defender for the soccer team, Conti spearheaded the Lawrence defense for four seasons. A three-time All-Midwest Conference selection (1999, 2000, 2001), Conti was at the forefront of the renaissance of the men’s soccer program under head coach Blake Johnson. Conti also earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region honors in 2001.

Conti won Lawrence’s Outstanding Freshman Athletic Award for Men and also earned the Iden Charles Champion Cup. In addition, Conti was one of four finalists for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.

A stellar student, Conti was a CoSIDA four-time Academic All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection. He earned the maximum of three Academic All-Midwest Conference selections and was a two-time Academic All-District 5 selection.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Conti is a software developer at Epic Systems and lives in Monona, Wis.

Daniel Hurley ’02

I guess you could say Daniel Hurley is a perfectionist.

The native of St. Phillip’s, Newfoundland, went 12-for-12 in individual races at the Midwest Conference Championships and was named the league’s Swimmer of the Year three times. Hurley never lost an individual race at the Midwest Conference Championships and led Lawrence to the 2000 team title. Hurley finished his career with 17 conference titles, earning five relay crowns to go with the 12 individual titles.

Hurley won the 1,650-yard freestyle, 500 freestyle and 400 individual medley to go along with being on the winning 800 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay teams at the 1999 Midwest Conference Championships. Lawrence won the team title in 2000, and Hurley won his first of three consecutive Midwest Conference Swimmer of the Year awards. He again won 1,650 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 400 IM and also swam on the winning 400 freestyle relay and 800 freestyle relay teams.

Hurley took home individual titles in the 500 freestyle and 400 IM but added his first crown in the 200 butterfly at the 2001 Midwest Conference Championships. He also was part of the winning 400 freestyle relay team on his way to winning Swimmer of the Year honors. Hurley swept the same three races (200 butterfly, 400 IM, 500 freestyle) at the 2002 Midwest Conference Championships on his way to his third consecutive Swimmer of the Year award.

Hurley set Midwest Conference records in 500 freestyle (4:41.01), 1,000 freestyle (9:51.40) and 1,650 freestyle (16:29.69). He also set Midwest Conference Championships records in 500 freestyle (4:41.01), 1,000 freestyle (9:51.40), 1,650 freestyle (16:29.69) and 400 IM (4:10.44). Hurley also continues to hold Lawrence records in the 500 freestyle, 1,000 freestyle, 1,650 freestyle and 800 freestyle relay.

Hurley also is a 12-time Wisconsin Private College Championship champion (four titles in 2002, three in 2001, three in 2000, two in 1999) and helped the Vikings win the team title in 1999, 2000 and 2002.

An outstanding student as well, Hurley earned the maximum of three Academic All-Midwest Conference selections. He also was named a NCAA Postgraduate Scholar.

Hurley is a postdoctoral psychology resident at the Washington State University Psychology Clinic and lives in Moscow, Idaho.

Andy Kazik ’02

Andy Kazik stands alone atop the podium of Lawrence wrestling because behind his name are the words “national champion.”

The native of De Pere, Wis., became the only Lawrence wrestler to win a NCAA Division III title when he won the crown at 184 pounds in 2002.

A two-time All-American, Kazik compiled a career record of 129-18, and that is good for second on the Lawrence career wins list. His career .878 winning percentage ranks fourth all-time, but it is first among wrestlers with at least 50 victories.

A three-time qualifier for the NCAA Division III Championships, Kazik completed a 40-0 season in 2002 by winning the national title. He defeated Augsburg College’s Ricky Crone 4-2 in the national title match. Kazik’s 40-0 record ranks first in season winning percentage and is the third-most wins in a season.

Kazik finished 41-4 in 2000-01 and earned All-America honors for the first time when he finished third at 184 pounds at the NCAA Championships. Kazik and teammate Ross Mueller both finished third at the NCAA Championships in 2001, and the Vikings finished 10th in the team standings, the highest finish ever by a Lawrence team at the national meet. Kazik’s 41 wins in 2000-01 is the second-highest season total in Lawrence history.

As a sophomore in 1999-2000, Kazik went 32-6 and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time. Kazik, who ranks eighth on the Lawrence list with 22 pins, began his career with a 16-8 mark as a freshman in 1998-99.

Kazik also played football in the 2002 season, started at linebacker and led the team with 89 tackles.

Kazik lives in De Pere and is an outside sales representative at McJunkin Red Man Corp., in Appleton.

Megan Tiemann ’02

Megan Tiemann was the offensive force that powered Lawrence women’s soccer to the top of the Midwest Conference.

A forward for the Vikings, Tiemann was a two-time Midwest Conference Player of the Year and four-time all-conference selection. Tiemann led the Vikings to two Midwest Conference Tournament titles and the 2000 Midwest Conference championship.

A native of Kent, Wash., Tiemann graduated as Lawrence’s career leader with 55 goals, 25 assists and 135 points.

Tiemann scored 17 goals and had five assists for 39 points on her way to being named Midwest Conference Player of the Year in 1998. The Vikings finished 11-6-1 and went 7-1-1 in the conference that season. Tiemann was a first-team all-conference selection in 1999 as she scored 17 goals and had 10 assists for 44 points in 1999. The Vikings advanced to the Midwest Conference Tournament championship game in both 1998 and 1999.

Tiemann scored both goals, including the game-winner in the third overtime, in the 2000 Midwest Conference Tournament championship game. In leading Lawrence to its first Midwest Conference championship, Tiemann scored eight goals and had five assists for 21 points and was a first-team all-conference pick for the 2000 season. The Vikings also played in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in 2000.

Tiemann was named the 2001 Midwest Conference Player of the Year when she scored 13 goals and had five assists for 31 points. Lawrence won a school-record 13 games, and Tiemann scored the only goal in the Vikings’ 1-0 win over St. Norbert College in the title game at the Midwest Conference Tournament.

Lawrence became the first Midwest Conference team to host, and win, a NCAA Division III Tournament game when the Vikings beat Aurora University 2-1 in 2001. Tiemann scored both goals in Lawrence’s victory.

Tiemann lives in Washington, D.C., and is a sergeant with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department.

 

Track teams capture academic honor for third consecutive year

The Lawrence University track and field squads have been chosen as All-Academic Teams by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for the third consecutive year.

The Vikings earned the All-Academic Team designation by having at least a 3.10 cumulative grade point average. Lawrence has earned the award in each of head coach Jason Fast’s three seasons with the Vikings.

“I’m very proud of our men and women for earning this great distinction for three consecutive years,” Fast said. “This award is a testament to the dedication of this group of student-athletes both on and off the track.”

The Lawrence women were among 137 Division III teams to earn the award. Lawrence had a grade point average of 3.51, which was the 14th-best grade point average in the nation. The Vikings were one of four women’s teams from the Midwest Conference to earn the award, and Lawrence had the highest grade point average among those schools.

The Lawrence men were among 74 Division III teams to earn the All-Academic Team award. The Vikings had a grade point average of 3.38, and that was the highest among the three Midwest Conference teams that earned the award. Lawrence had the 16th-best grade point average in the country.

Lawrence also saw its fortunes improve on the track during this past season. The Lawrence men posted their best finish at the Midwest Conference Championships since 2005, and the women had their best finish at the league championships since 2006.

Lawrence volleyball team earns AVCA academic honor

The Lawrence University volleyball team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 2011-12 season.

The award is given to teams that display excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average. Lawrence was one of 90 NCAA Division III teams to receive the award. The Vikings posted an impressive 3.398 team grade point average.

“We are proud of our team’s academic accomplishments,” Lawrence coach Matt Schoultz said. “Our players are motivated to be great in the classroom. They truly represent the balance that NCAA Division III student-athletes are meant to have.”

Members of the Lawrence volleyball team were recently honored by the Midwest Conference for their academic achievement as well. The Vikings had 11 players earn Academic All-Midwest Conference honors. To be eligible for that award, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.33 grade point average during the academic season.

Lawrence opens its 2012 season when it travels to compete in the Virginia Wesleyan Tournament in Virginia Beach, Va., on Aug. 31.

Vikings add talent, depth to volleyball squad with seven newcomers

The Lawrence University volleyball team adds seven faces when it takes to the court this fall, Vikings coach Matt Schoultz announced Tuesday (July 17).

The newcomers are: Megan Conley of Elroy, Wis., Molly Hopkins of Shorewood, Wis., Savanah McCarthy of Bryant, Wis., Kelsey Stalker of Milton, Wis., Terese Swords of Evanston, Ill., Anna Wawiorka of Oconto Falls, Wis., and Andrea Wilkinson of Racine, Wis.

“The 2012 class has talent and numbers,” Schoultz said. “This class will help us with all phases of the game. I am extremely excited about this group and how they will fit into our team for the 2012 season.”

Megan Conley, Elroy, Wis./Royall, 6-0, Middle Hitter/Outside Hitter

Conley was a three-year varsity player and three-year letter winner for Royall High School.  A team captain as a senior, Conley led her team in blocks, kills and aces in her final prep season. A three time all-conference selection, Conley was unanimous first-team pick as a senior, first team as a junior and a second-team pick her sophomore year. Conley helped her volleyball teams earn two conference championships and three regional titles. Conley also competed in three years of varsity track, two years of varsity basketball and one year of varsity softball. Conley has been named to the National Honor Society and received High Honors. She also was a four-year member of concert choir and FFA. Conley has played club volleyball for Wisconsin Power Volleyball Club and is the daughter of Annette Bender. She plans to major in biology (pre-medicine).

Molly Hopkins, Shorewood, Wis./Shorewood, 5-9, Rightside Hitter

Hopkins was a four-year varsity player and four-year letter winner for Shorewood High School. Hopkins also participated in varsity track for one year at Shorewood. Hopkins was named to the National Honor Society and was involved with student council, the school newspaper (editor) and served as a peer mentor. Hopkins has played club volleyball for Riptide, Ozaukee Wave, Lakeside and, most recently, G-Force. The daughter of Michael and Mary Hopkins, she plans to major in biology (pre-medicine).

Savanah McCarthy, Bryant, Wis./Antigo, 5-6, Setter

McCarthy was a three-year varsity player and two-year letter winner for Antigo High School, where she served as team captain as a senior.  McCarthy earned honorable mention on the all-conference team as a senior. Academically, McCarthy was named to Who’s Who Among Honor Students and received High Honors. McCarthy has played club volleyball for Northern Pride and Northern Trailblazers. The daughter of Trent and Valerie McCarthy, she plans on majoring in biology (marine).

Kelsey Stalker, Milton, Wis./Milton, 5-9, Outside Hitter

Stalker was a four-year varsity player and three-year letter winner for Milton High School, where she served as team captain her senior year.  Stalker earned honorable mention on the all-conference team as a junior and senior. Stalker also helped her volleyball team earn conference and regional championships in her senior season. Stalker also participated in varsity track for three seasons and plans to run track at Lawrence. Academically, Stalker has received High Honors. Stalker was a section leader in band and a member of wind ensemble, jazz band and orchestra and has received many state awards for her playing of the clarinet. Stalker also received first place in digital photography onsite at the Visual Arts Classic Regionals and at the State VAC for Digital photography. Stalker has played club volleyball for Wisconsin Performance. The daughter of Keith and Bonnie Stalker, she plans on majoring in environmental studies and art.

Terese Swords, Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township, 5-9, Outside Hitter

Swords was a two-year varsity player and two-year letter winner for Evanston High School. Swords helped her team earn two regional championship crowns. Swords also competed in two years of badminton. Swords was awarded the Michael O. Houlahan Memorial Scholarship and received High Honors. Swords played club volleyball for Wildcat Juniors and Energy Volleyball Club. The daughter of Mark and Valerie Swords, she plans on majoring in English and psychology (pre-medicine).

Anna Wawiorka, Oconto Falls, Wis./Oconto Falls, 5-5, Libero/DS

Wawiorka was a three-year varsity player and three-year letter winner for Oconto Falls High School, where she served as team captain her senior year. Wawiorka helped her team earn two conference championships, two regional championships and one sectional championship in her last two seasons. Wawiorka also is a standout softball player and won four letters on the diamond. Wawiorka has received all-conference honors in softball and helped her team to two conference championships, two regional titles and one sectional crown. Wawiorka also plans to play softball for the Vikings. In the classroom, Wawiorka was a WIAA Scholar Athlete, a member of National Honor Society and received High Honors. The daughter of Robert and Jackie Wawiorka, she plans on majoring in chemistry.

Andrea Wilkinson, Racine, Wis./Lutheran, 5-10, Outside Hitter

Wilkinson was a three-year varsity player and three-year letter winner for Racine Lutheran High School, where she served as team captain her senior year. A two-time all-conference selection, Wilkinson was a second-team pick as a senior and earned honorable mention as a junior. She also received honorable mention on the All-Racine County team and was selected as the team’s offensive MVP. Wilkinson also played three years of varsity basketball, three years of varsity softball and one year of varsity trap shooting and plans to compete on the Lawrence women’s basketball team. Academically, Wilkinson was the class valedictorian, U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete and a WIAA Scholar Athlete. Wilkinson has received the State of Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholar Award, Racine Lutheran High School Scholastic/Athletic Excellence Award, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, U.S. President’s Acadmic Excellence Award and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. Wilkinson has played club volleyball for Foxfire Volleyball Club and Razor Sharp Volleyball Club. The daughter of Mike and Cheryl Lynn Wilkinson, she plans on majoring in biology (pre-medicine).

Lawrence opens its season Aug. 31 when the Vikings travel to compete in the Virginia Wesleyan Tournament in Virginia Beach, Va.

Student-athletes receive awards at Honors Celebration

Fourteen Lawrence University student-athletes were recently honored at the 2012 Honors Celebration.

The awards and winners are as follows.

The Ruth Bateman Award is given for excellence in scholarship, athletic ability and leadership by a female athlete. Senior Mallory Koula (Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) completed a record-setting career as a forward on the women’s soccer team. Koula set Lawrence career records for goals and points and set the NCAA Division III record for fastest three consecutive goals in a game. Koula was named the Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

The Iden Charles Champion Cup is given for excellence in scholarship, athletic ability, college spirit and loyalty. Junior Sam Stevens (Suamico, Wis./Bay Port) was the Midwest Conference cross country champion and led Lawrence to the team championship. Stevens is a nine-time All-Midwest Conference honoree and won a pair of conference titles this past season. He took the 5,000 indoors and won the 1,500 outdoors.

The Outstanding Freshman Athletic Award for Men is given the freshman man who has made the most outstanding contribution to Lawrence athletics. Peter Emery (Goleta, Calif./Virtual) won the award after posting a 12-9-3 record for the Vikings with a 2.37 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

The Outstanding Freshman Athletic Award for Women is given to the freshman woman who has made the most outstanding contribution to Lawrence athletics. Swimmer Taylor Winter (Bayside, Wis./Nicolet) won the first Midwest Conference title of her career by taking the 500-yard freestyle at the league championships. Winter, who was named a Midwest Conference Swimmer of the Week, also swam to victory in the 1,650 freestyle at the Wisconsin Private College Championships.

The Ralph V. Landis Award was established by the Lettermen of Lawrence in honor of Dr. Landis, physician to Lawrence students from 1926-78, and is awarded for outstanding contributions to Lawrence athletics by a senior male athlete. Senior hockey players Matt Hughes (Goodrich, Mich./Goodrich) and Jameson Raymond (Flint, Mich./Kearsley) shared the award. Hughes and Raymond were the the key players in leading Lawrence to its best four-year stretch in the program’s history. Both players were All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selections.

The Charles E. Pond Award for Men is given for all-around athletic ability by a senior man in two or more sports and for sportsmanship, school spirit and scholarship. Cam Blegen (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay) has lettered in both track and field and soccer during his time at Lawrence. In addition to his performance on the track, Blegen also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was an Academic All-Midwest Conference selection.

The Charles E. Pond Award for Women is given for all-around athletic ability by a senior woman in two or more sports and for sportsmanship, school spirit, and scholarship. Sam Nimmer (Appleton, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) won four letters in volleyball and when an injury prevented her from completing her basketball career, she served as a student assistant coach this past season. Nimmer also is a member of the Academic All-Midwest Conference team.

The Marion Read Award is given for outstanding contributions to Lawrence athletics. Shannon Murray (Lawrenceville, Ga./Dacula) earned All-Midwest Conference honors in softball and was chosen for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region team. Murray also serves as a student athletic trainer for both women’s tennis and basketball.

The Letterwinner Award is presented by the L Club to those outstanding seniors who have earned eight or more letters. The winners are:

Cam Blegen (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay), soccer and track and field;

Tom Coben (St. Paul, Minn./Central), cross country and track and field;

Sam Estrem (Newberg, Ore./Catlin Gabel), cross country and track and field;

Nick Kerkman (Mequon, Wis./Homestead), football and track and field;

Emily Muhs (Janesville, Wis./Craig), cross country and track and field;

Rachel Young (Minneapolis, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall), cross country and track and field.

Lawrence places 168 on Academic All-Midwest Conference team

Lawrence University had 168 student-athletes earn Academic All-Midwest Conference honors for the 2011-12 academic year.

The women’s indoor track team led the way with 17 selections, and women’s outdoor track had 14 selections. Nearly 75 percent of the women on the indoor track team earned academic all-conference honors. Leading the way among the men’s teams was football, which had 13 players selected.

To be eligible for the team, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.33 grade point average during the awarded academic season.

Teams and selections are as follows.

Football

Sam Ausloos, Jr., Baileys Harbor, Wis., history;

Luke Barthelmess, So., Appleton, Wis., economics and mathematics;

Alex Brewer, Jr., Rio, Wis., economics;

Dan Dubnicka, So., Slinger, Wis., undecided;

Eric Follett, Sr., West Bend, Wis., economics;

Ben Hartman, Sr., Portage, Wis., history;

Mats Jonsson, Sr., Barcelona, Spain, economics;

Tyler Mazur, Jr., Reedsburg, Wis., biology;

Alex Schmitt, Jr., Reedsburg, Wis., biology;

Nick Schubert, So., Beaver Dam, Wis., economics;

Nick Thackston, Sr., Lake Villa, Ill., government;

Brandon Van Zeeland, Jr., Kimberly, Wis., economics;

Sam Wagner, So., Salem, Wis., undecided.

Men’s Soccer

Hashim Allah-Morad, Jr., Fresh Meadows, N.Y., government;

Vince Butitta, Sr., Delavan, Wis., biology;

David Caprile, Jr., Evanston, Ill., economics;

Joe Cullen, So., White Bear Lake, Minn., physics;

Stephen Exarhos, Sr., Richland, Wash., physics;

Erich Lohrmann, So., Mooresville, N.C., physics and mathematics;

Karl Mayer, Jr., Northbrook, Ill., physics and mathematics;

Simon Newsom, Jr., Shorewood, Wis., biology;

Cameron Pieper, So., Fond du Lac, Wis., mathematics and music performance;

Colin Potts, Jr., Berkeley Lake, Ga., mathematics and computer science;

Cooper Sinai-Yunker, So., Seattle, Wash., undecided;

Kelson Warner, So., Fish Creek, Wis., undecided.

Women’s Soccer

Jennifer Angeli, Fr., Glendale, Wis., undecided;

Anita Babbitt, So., Evanston, Ill., history;

Cassie Burke, Jr., Golden Valley, Minn., biochemistry;

Elyse Daly, Jr., Rockford, Ill., psychology;

Shea Davis, So., Manhattan Beach, Calif., biology;

Ellie Galvin, Jr., Elmhurst, Ill., environmental studies;

Dani Glass, Fr., Deerfield, Ill., English;

Natalie Jin, Sr., Plymouth, Minn., chemistry;

Mallory Koula, Sr., Kimberly, Wis., biochemistry;

Aubrey Lawlor, Fr., Chisago, Minn., undecided;

Cadence Peckham, Sr., Walnut Creek, Calif., music performance.

Volleyball

Clare Bohrer, Sr., Eau Claire, Wis., music performance;

Alissa Geipel, So., Hartland, Wis., undecided;

Lily Heun, So., Port Washington, Wis., biology;

Emma Kane, Jr., Racine, Wis., anthropology;

Bethany Larsen, Jr., Pleasant Prairie, Wis., anthropology;

Shannon McLain, Jr., Mukwonago, Wis., psychology;

Diane McLeod, So., Hartland, Wis., undecided;

Presley Neuman, Fr., Appleton, Wis., undecided;

Sam Nimmer, Sr., Appleton, Wis., economics;

Kate Rosenbalm, So., Waterford, Wis., biochemistry and biology;

Kathleen Rowland, So., Champaign, Ill., undecided.

Men’s Cross Country

Jamie Brisbois, So., Falcon Heights, Minn., biochemistry, chemistry and French;

Tom Coben, Sr., St. Paul, Minn., environmental studies;

Sam Estrem, Sr., Newberg, Ore., mathematics and computer science;

Kevin Fitzgerald, So., Naperville, Ill., undecided;

Sam Stevens, Jr., Suamico, Wis., biology;

Dan Thoresen, So., Verona, Wis., biochemistry.

Women’s Cross Country

Marty Allen, Jr., Weston, Mass., art history and history;

Amanda Dwyer, So., Ralston, Neb., biology, environmental studies;

Rosie Graber, Sr., St. Paul, Minn., German and music;

Maggie Mahaffa, Fr., Iowa City, Iowa, undecided;

Emily Muhs, Sr., Janesville, Wis., government;

Anna Ratliff, So., Elmhurst, Ill., biochemistry;

Kristina Riemer, Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, biology;

Kassidy Rinehart, Fr., Hortonville, Wis., undecided;

Amelia Sancilio, Sr., Roseville, Minn., anthropology and biology;

Kelsey Steffens, Fr., Wildwood, Ill., biology, environmental studies and psychology;

Savannah Vogel, Fr., Deerfield, Wis., undecided;

Rachel Young, Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Chinese language and literature and Spanish.

Women’s Tennis

Polly Dalton, Fr., Hartford, Wis., undecided;

Brenna Decker, So., Johnsburg, Ill., biology;

Melissa Heeren, Fr., Wausau, Wis., undecided;

Allison Juda, Fr., Maple Grove, Minn., English;

Beth Larson, Sr., Maplewood, Minn., French;

Gayatri Malhotra, So., Litchfield Park, Ariz., undecided;

Martha McConnell, So., Wayne, Ill., music performance;

Jennifer Roesch, Jr., Cedarburg, Wis., German and history;

Tess Vogel, Fr., Southbury, Conn., music performance;

Elena Watson, Fr., Sunbury, Ohio, anthropology and biology.

Men’s Basketball

Tom Antosz, Sro., Norridge, Ill., history;

Andrew Borresen, Fr., West Bend, Wis., undecided;

Adam Breseman, So., Baileys Harbor, Wis., undecided;

Conor Klusendorf, Jr., Chicago, Ill., psychology;

Tyler Mazur, Jr., Reedsburg, Wis., biology;

Chase Nelson, So., Custer, Wis., undecided.

Women’s Basketball

Aubrey Lawlor, Fr., Chisago, Minn., undecided;

Amber Lisowe, So., Chilton, Wis., biology;

Presley Neuman, Fr., Appleton, Wis., undecided;

Kassidy Rinehart, Fr., Hortonville, Wis., undecided.

Men’s Swimming

Peter Brengel, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., government;

Walker Brengel, So., Milwaukee, Wis., studio art;

David Dulak, Sr., Red Wing, Minn., biochemistry and Spanish;

Cameron Gmehlin, So., Montgomery, Ala., biology and Russian studies;

Charlie Malchow, So., Minneapolis, Minn., undecided;

Peter Mohr, Sr., Sheboygan, Wis., history;

Caleb Stellmach, Sr., St. Cloud, Minn., philosophy;

Karl Vogel, Sr., Oak Park, Ill., classics.

Women’s Swimming

Hannah Gabriel, So., Elmhurst, Ill., French and physics;

Julia Heller, Jr., Daly City, Calif., English;

Molly Ingram, Sr., Topeka, Kan., economics and anthropology;

Diana Jurand, Sr., Shenandoah Junction, W.V., theatre arts;

Jennifer Loepfe, So., LaCrescent, Minn., undecided;

Helen Noble, So., St. Louis Park, Minn., biology and environmental studies;

Katie Obermiller, So., Wayzata, Minn., French and government;

Lina Rosenberg, Fr., Washington, D.C., undecided;

Sam Schilsky, Jr., Pleasantville, N.Y., biology;

Shannon Strombom, So., Peachtree City, Ga., psychology;

Taylor Winter, Fr., Bayside, Wis., undecided.

Men’s Indoor Track

Cam Blegen, Sr., Whitefish Bay, Wis., biology;

Jamie Brisbois, So., Falcon Heights, Minn., biochemistry, chemistry and French;

Tom Coben, Sr., St. Paul, Minn., environmental studies;

Sam Estrem, Sr., Newberg, Ore., mathematics and computer science;

Kevin Fitzgerald, So., Naperville, Ill., undecided;

Stan Jablonski, Sr., River Hills, Wis., biology;

Graham Jones, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind., undecided;

Sam Stevens, Jr., Suamico, Wis., biology;

Dan Thoresen, So., Verona, Wis., biochemistry.

Women’s Indoor Track

Marty Allen, Jr., Weston, Mass., art history and history;

Anna Bolgrien, Fr., Duluth, Minn., undecided;

Shea Davis, So., Manhattan Beach, Calif., biology;

Amanda Dwyer, So., Ralston, Neb., biology, environmental studies;

Rosie Graber, Sr., St. Paul, Minn., German and music;

Mallory Koula, Sr., Kimberly, Wis., biochemistry;

Sam Luebke, So., Greendale, Wis., undecided;

Maggie Mahaffa, Fr., Iowa City, Iowa, undecided;

Emily Muhs, Sr., Janesville, Wis., government;

Anna Ratliff, So., Elmhurst, Ill., biochemistry;

Kristina Riemer, Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, biology;

Amelia Sancilio, Sr., Roseville, Minn., anthropology and biology;

Kelsey Steffens, Fr., Wildwood, Ill., biology, environmental studies and psychology;

Rose Tepper, Jr., Mount Vernon, Iowa, psychology and Spanish;

Savannah Vogel, Fr., Deerfield, Wis., undecided;

Rachel Young, Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Chinese language and literature and Spanish;

Lin Zhao, Jr., Tianjin, China, biology and philosophy.

Golf

Aubrey Lawlor, Fr., Chisago, Minn., undecided;

Tyler Mazur, Jr., Reedsburg, Wis., biology;

Evan Link, Jr., Wilmette, Ill., biology.

Men’s Tennis

Shota Nakada, Fr., Kanagawa, Japan;

Caleb Ray, Sr., Austin, Texas, anthropology.

Baseball

Sam Ausloos, Jr., Baileys Harbor, Wis., history;

Alex Brewer, Jr., Rio, Wis., economics;

Drew Doares, Fr., Holly Springs, N.C., undecided;

Josh Graber, So., Oregon, Wis., undecided;

Tim Kinsella, Fr., Winnetka, Ill., undecided;

Chad Skaer, So., Fond du Lac, Wis., undecided;

Phil Wisniewski, Jr., Chicago, Ill., English.

Softball

Mary Diduch, So., Park Ridge, Ill., English and Spanish;

Alissa Geipel, So., Hartland, Wis., undecided;

Cory Paquette, So., Manitowoc, Wis., government;

Emily Perish, Sr., Frankfort, Ill., government and religious studies.

Men’s Outdoor Track

Cam Blegen, Sr., Whitefish Bay, Wis., biology;

Tom Coben, Sr., St. Paul, Minn., environmental studies;

Sam Estrem, Sr., Newberg, Ore., mathematics and computer science;

Kevin Fitzgerald, So., Naperville, Ill., undecided;

Stan Jablonski, Sr., River Hills, Wis., biology;

Graham Jones, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind., undecided;

Sam Stevens, Jr., Suamico, Wis., biology;

Dan Thoresen, So., Verona, Wis., biochemistry.

Women’s Outdoor Track

Marty Allen, Jr., Weston, Mass., art history and history;

Anna Bolgrien, Fr., Duluth, Minn., undecided;

Amanda Dwyer, So., Ralston, Neb., biology, environmental studies;

Sam Luebke, So., Greendale, Wis., undecided;

Emily Muhs, Sr., Janesville, Wis., government;

Anna Ratliff, So., Elmhurst, Ill., biochemistry;

Kristina Riemer, Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, biology;

Kassidy Rinehart, Fr., Hortonville, Wis., undecided.

Amelia Sancilio, Sr., Roseville, Minn., anthropology and biology;

Kelsey Steffens, Fr., Wildwood, Ill., biology, environmental studies and psychology;

Rose Tepper, Jr., Mount Vernon, Iowa, psychology and Spanish;

Savannah Vogel, Fr., Deerfield, Wis., undecided;

Rachel Young, Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Chinese language and literature and Spanish;

Lin Zhao, Jr., Tianjin, China, biology and philosophy.

 

Lawrence Welcomes Old, New Rivals to Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association

The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association continues to grow. And this time, it will change the face of NCAA Division III hockey in the West.

The league announced Tuesday (6/19) that St. Norbert College and the College of St. Scholastica have accepted invitations to become members of the league beginning in the 2013-14 campaign.

“This is a great and exciting day for the MCHA,” league commissioner Dr. G. Steven Larson said. “We are very enthused about having the College of St. Scholastica and St. Norbert College as colleagues. The strong academic and hockey tradition they bring will be an outstanding fit for our new members and the MCHA membership.”

Mike Szkodzinski, Lawrence’s director of athletics and head coach of the Vikings’ hockey team since 2006, said the league would gain “instant credibility in some different circles”  with the additions of the two programs.

“It will enhance our recruiting efforts. Now we will be able to state that our conference includes the defending national champions, the 2011 national runners-up and four different teams who have appeared in the NCAA tournament over the past two years,” said Szkodzinski, who earned All-America honors as a goaltender in 1999 for St. Norbert.  “We couldn’t say those things in years past, but now we can and the future of this conference is as bright as ever.

“St. Norbert and St. Scholastica have always welcomed MCHA competition with open arms,” Szkodzinski added. “To have them in our conference now seems very fitting.  We have like philosophies and we seem to conduct business similarly on and off the ice.  Coach Wick and Coach Coghlin are two of the most respected coaches in the nation. It is personally gratifying to be in the same conference as my alma mater but it is even more exciting to know that the conference just got better.”

The MCHA, which enters its 15th season of play in 2012-13, has grown steadily from a small, six-member conference back in 1998 into 10 teams when the Green Knights and Saints are added to the league slate starting in 2013.

“We are very pleased to have the College of St. Scholastica and St. Norbert College join the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association,” MCHA Presidents Council Chair Dr. Jeffery Docking said. “Their tradition of excellence in academics and athletics will further enhance the quality and reputation of the MCHA as one of the premier conferences in NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey.”

“This is a monumental occasion for the MCHA and its member institutions,” MCHA DASC Chair Rob Barnhill said. “We are all very excited and enthusiastic about the addition of these institutions and full-well realize that the conference title just became more difficult to obtain.  St. Scholastica and St. Norbert are perfect fits for us at this time, and their membership enhances the visibility and viability of our league.”

The Green Knights bring an impressive resume to the MCHA, having won NCAA D-III national championships in 2008, 2011 and again in 2012 when they compiled a record of 21-5-5.

Lawrence University hockey head coach Mike Szkodzinski (back row, far left) attends a press conference announcing the addition of St. Norbert College and College of St. Scholastica to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.

“This also strengthens and elevates the national reputation of the MCHA in NCAA III men’s ice hockey, as demonstrated by St. Norbert’s consecutive national championships in 2011 and 2012 along with the national runner-up finish of Adrian College in 2011,” Larson said. “This past season alone, four teams finished in the national rankings with St. Norbert at No. 1, MSOE at No. 8, Adrian at No. 11, and St. Scholastica at No. 19 [receiving votes].  In addition, Lawrence and Marian were ranked during the course of the year.”

St. Norbert has claimed 13 of the past 16 conference regular-season crowns it has competed for, with head coach Tim Coghlin accumulating a 19-year mark of 411-113-45.

“St. Norbert College is excited to be joining a hockey conference with a membership of liberal arts institutions with similar profiles,” said St. Norbert Director of Athletics Tim Bald. “During its history, the MCHA has been very progressive in its leadership and as a result has seen the profile of the conference rise exponentially. We are excited to become a part of that and look forward to the future as a MCHA member.”

St. Scholastica went 15-8-5 last season and was nationally-ranked the majority of the year, rising as high as No. 11. During the past four seasons, it has compiled an impressive 61-37-14 record, finishing fifth in the country at the end of the 2008-09 season, a campaign that saw CSS rise to as high as No. 2 in the polls in January of 2009.

“The College of St. Scholastica was honored to receive and pleased to accept an invitation to become a member of the MCHA,” CSS Director of Athletics Don Olson said. “St. Scholastica’s philosophy and competitive goals align perfectly with the other members of the conference. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with the other nine members of the MCHA.”

The expansion is the first since the start of the 2009-10 season, when Lake Forest College joined the conference. Both new members come to the MCHA from the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.

“The past and present coaches within our conference have always worked diligently to improve not only their individual programs, but the entire MCHA,” said  Szkodzinski. “There is a real sense of pride amongst the members of the MCHA and that has translated into excellent hockey. It is amazing to see how quickly our member institutions have improved – and very satisfying.  There is no doubt that the addition of St. Norbert and St. Scholastica will only bolster that growth. The hockey that this conference will display in the future should be tremendous.”

Starting in 2013-14, the MCHA will play a complete 18-game round-robin schedule with a two-game series vs. each team. Discussions are also underway with the commissioners of both the MIAC and WIAC regarding collaborative scheduling.

“Our student-athletes and fans can look forward to very entertaining and exciting collegiate hockey at a high caliber that will encompass four states,” Larson said. “Needless to say, the future of MCHA hockey looks bright as we move ahead.”

Murray picks up NFCA all-region honors

Lawrence University softball standout Shannon Murray has been named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region Team.

Murray (Lawrenceville, Ga./Dacula) was a third-team selection. This marks the second time Murray has been chosen for the all-region team. Murray, who was an All-Midwest Conference selection this spring as well, was a third-team all-region selection in 2010.

Murray led the team in hitting with a .344 average and was the team’s top pitcher. Murray had a team-best nine doubles, tied for the team lead with two triples, smacked two homers and drove in a team-high 21 runs. Murray finished with an impressive .956 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

On the mound, Murray posted an 8-14 record with a 3.70 earned run average. Murray struck out 107 and walked only 19 in 143.2 innings.

This marks the 16th consecutive season that Lawrence has had at least one all-region selection.

Murray tabbed for All-Midwest Conference squad

Lawrence University softball standout Shannon Murray has been chosen for the All-Midwest Conference North Division team in a vote by league coaches.

Murray (Lawrenceville, Ga./Dacula), a junior pitcher/infielder, was chosen for the team for the first time.

Murray hit .292 in eight conference games with one double, one homer and two runs batted in. She also posted a 2-6 record on the mound with a 3.37 earned run average. Murray struck out 37 and walked six in 52 innings.

On the season, Murray hit a team-high .344 with nine doubles, two triples, two homers and 21 runs batted in. Murray led the team in doubles, tied for the team lead in triples and led the team in RBIs.

Murray finished with an 8-14 record and a 3.70 ERA on the mound. She struck out 107 and walked only 19 in 143.2 innings. Murray also tossed the second no-hitter of her career and only the third in Lawrence history when the Vikings beat Grinnell College 12-0 on April 14.

This was second post-season honor in Murray’s career. She was chosen for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region team in 2010.