Soaring GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC FOUNDATION
Fall 2010
Inside Parker Small: In the Ready Position Fall Sports’ Previews Coach Tom Melton: Summer Workouts Reap Autumn Wins For All the Right Reasons
In the Ready Position
N Late in her sophomore year, Parker Small began playing volleyball for the first time. In spring 2009, she was voted most improved freshman at GSU.
o one would ever deny Parker Small’s enthusiasm — she’s bubbling over with it in fact. Her effervescent energy and positive uplifting spirit is exactly what helps her, as a middle blocker, to stop her opponent’s attack on Georgia Southern’s rising volleyball team. At 6’2”, Parker can bounce high on the vertical and smash the ball down onto her rival’s floor. She is the defensive player, at the middle of the net, pledged to keeping the opponent’s ball out of Georgia Southern airspace. But Parker is a late-blooming volleyball player in a sport where young girls begin their vigorous odyssey in their middle school years. Back then she was still captivated by basketball and softball. Over the years, Parker watched her mother and sisters play volleyball and finally decided to join them. By high school, late in her sophomore year, she was
playing club volleyball and she began to treasure the game as her own. There was little chance that Parker would be anything else but an athlete. Her parents, Glenn and Patty Small, both played at Duke — Glenn football and basketball, and Patty, volleyball. And it is not uncommon to find her with her parents and four siblings, who all play or have played collegiate sports, occupied in a competitive game of basketball on their court at home. “Whatever we do is a competition,” says Parker. “And we could never have a bad attitude. My parents would never accept that.” Perhaps it was the positive team attitude that appealed to Parker in her choice of sports. According to Parker, volleyball has “better team energy” than any other sport. To her, when a mistake is made by a player, the team rallies behind them with upbeat remarks reinforcing the player’s ability to do better next time. “Your team stays behind you,” says Parker. “They are part players and part cheerleaders.” So how did Parker, who was only a 5th year
player when she was recruited as a freshman by Georgia Southern, get to the top of her game? “I felt at the beginning that I had a lot to prove because I had started the sport so much later than other players,” says Parker. She simply worked hard. Parker attributes her success in part to her coach, Chad Callihan, who according to Parker, “has single-handedly improved my technique.” “I knew how to run and jump,” she says, “but now I am loose and more athletic.” Because of her hard work, she was voted most improved freshman in the spring 2009. “I had really stepped up and developed my game,” she beams. “This is a team of girls who share the same love, so I would be shocked if we do not come out with an extremely successful season this year.” That quest for a championship win is in every player’s ‘volleyball DNA.’ The team, led by Callihan, already tipped the scales of expectation when they roared through last year with a 20-game season that was so remarkable that the home game attendance jumped 176%. Who wouldn’t want to witness success? They were just great fun to watch. That boost of fan energy was also enhanced by the team’s very own pep band that raised the home court roof at Hanner Fieldhouse in support of their team. The game-day environment has helped to create a lot of the excitement.
Last year’s success is an example of their advancement so far, and they have gotten to where they are in a very short period of time. “There are 335 Division I schools, we finished in the top 100 last year, and our goal now is to get to the top 50,” says Callihan. “Two years ago, the program was down and there were only six players who stayed on my roster,” he recalls. So in February 2008, they began to revamp the program. “A lot of schools look for height while we looked for speed and athleticism.” And it is that speed and athleticism that has made the team a force on the court and ready to play again this season. It is hard to put the excitement of their performance into words. Go see them play!
GSU’s volleyball team, led by Callihan, roared through last year with a 20-game season – the home game attendance jumped 176%.
Season tickets can be purchased by calling the Georgia Southern Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-GSU-WINS.
2010 Fall Sports’ Preview Football With a dedicated commitment to the hard work and focused training that wins games, first year head coach Jeff Monken and his staff have rallied together a team that has embraced a new defensive system and the return of the triple option offense. Returning sophomore defensive lineman, Brent Russell (right) is the most likely Eagle to lead the defense. “Brent is coming back as a good leader and I am pleased with him,” says Monken. He received numerous accolades as a freshman with his performances in 2009 for Georgia Southern including recognition as a first-team All-SoCon selection by the SoCon Sports Media Association and a second-team pick by the league’s coaches. He was also selected to the organization’s 2010 preseason All-Southern Conference first team. Brent was named the 2009 FCS Freshman of the Year by the College Sporting News and when SouthernPickskin.com released its All-Southern Conference team he was named the website’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also earned a spot on the 28-man team at defensive tackle. Junior Dion Dubois (left) is another defensive player to watch. He was moved from inside linebacker to defensive end this year. “He will make a difference in this position,” says Monken. “This change added depth and he had a solid spring in this position.” Dion was selected by the SoCon Sports Media Association for its 2010 preseason second team for defense.
Men’s Soccer For the offense, junior Brandavious Mann (left), who was a tackle last year has been moved to center. “Brandavious has leadership promise and I expect to get to a lot out of him,” remarks Monken. Senior Brett Moore, formerly back-up on the long snap was asked to change positions in February. He changed to offensive tackle which will be his starting position in the fall. “Brett has promise in his athleticism and his ability to learn,” notes Monken. The only player with some experience playing option offense, junior quarterback Jaybo Shaw, a transfer from Georgia Tech, will be joining the Eagle football team in the field. Jaybo was rated as one of the top high school prospects in the state of Georgia. His talent combined with his two years experience with the option offense brings needed leadership to the team. “We are in a tough league with teams that are well coached so we have our challenges this season,” acknowledges Monken. And while the change offensively is different, the goal remains the same — to win. “If the guys play as good as they can play — be the best that they can be — that is what we are asking for.”
See inside for the 2010 Football Schedule. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Georgia Southern Athletics ticket office at 1-800-GSU-WINS.
After a rough 2009 season that fell short due to injuries, head coach Kevin Kennedy is looking forward to this year with optimism. “We are bringing in a good class this year. We signed eight new players and their skills will address all that we need,” says Kennedy. With a number one goal of staying healthy and injury free, the young team will be up to the challenge of the 2010 schedule with strong leadership from two returning players in particular who have the experience and are important to the team. Captain and center back, senior Austin Steele (top of page right) is the lead of the defense efforts. “Austin will be a fouryear starter and is a dependable guy,” says Kennedy. Another returning leader is senior, Jon Cox (right), who plays forward. Jon was Georgia Southern’s first SoCon Freshman of the Year. “Look for Jon to score goals and cause the other teams problems,” remarks Kennedy. A main goal is to be in the top four of the conference in the regular season. The top four teams get to host the bottom four in the first round of the tournament. “Our goal is always for the team to host a first round game,” says Kennedy. Several tough non-conference games are on the schedule but one that stands out is Clemson on October 19. In 2008, the Eagles became just the 16th different team to beat Clemson on Riggs Field by defeating the Tigers 2-1 in one of the biggest non-conference wins in school history.
Women’s Soccer The challenge for women’s soccer this season will be to mesh the newcomers with the returning players. “These are exciting times with new faces and ideas,” says head coach Ashley Hart. We have 12 newcomers and 13 returners, so we have a young team this year.”
Among several leaders on the team is forward, Jenny Anderson (left), the only senior player this year. She has been a starter for the past three years and is expected to do the same this year. “Jenny is the emotional leader of the team. She can pump up the team or calm them down and give instructions,” says Hart. Two other team leaders include junior center midfield, Danae Kaimuloa (left) and junior forward, Sara Oland (below right). Danae’s skills include controlling the game and directing the team forward while Sara is the goal scorer. New players are bringing new strength so different results are expected this year. The top eight teams make it to the conference tournament. “Our goal is to be in the top eight,” says Hart. “The players are excited and had a good spring. Players stepped into leadership positions and their confidence is strong.” Of 19 total regular-season contests, the Georgia Southern women’s soccer team will play 10 at Eagle Field during the 2010 season which kicks off on Eagle Field on Friday, August 20 at 4:00 PM against Winthrop.
Volleyball If last year’s striking accomplishments of a young team, that included just one senior and 10 freshmen and sophomores, are any indication of the level of play this season then fans are in for a treat. After finishing the best season since 2005 with 21-10 overall, head volleyball coach, Chad Callihan, has high expectations for his recordsetting team this year. With two All-Conference selections, three SoCon Player of the Week picks, two
record-setting players, four season series sweeps, four different All-Tournament Team honorees and one Tournament MVP last year, more great Eagle volleyball is in the forecast for 2010. “Sophomore setter Kate Van Dyke (right) is the ‘quarterback’ of the program,” says Callihan. “She runs the offense.” Kate was one of the All-Conference selections and also picked up All-Freshman Team honors last year. The second All-Southern Conference selection, junior hitter Bethany Sanford (above left) is a “wonderful athlete and very physical,” according to Callihan. “If we need a big killer point, the team can turn to her. She can bring the heat when she hits the ball.” Another Eagle to watch is junior Lauren Claybaugh (right) who Callihan considers the team’s ‘emotional leader.’ Lauren plays with a great level of intensity and excitement and is a crowd favorite who brings great energy to the court. Callihan has upped the schedule for non-conference play this season including Auburn, Southern Mississippi, Miami, Duke, and NC State. The Eagles open on the road at Auburn the last weekend in August. Their first home game will be against Savannah State on Tuesday August 31st. Get your season tickets now for this exciting up and coming team.
Swimming and Diving Looking to set school records at the 2010 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA) championships, Georgia Southern Eagles finished fifth in the meet while setting five school records. The Southern Conference is one of four conferences that combined to form the CCSA in 2008. “The CCSA meet is the true measurement of the season,” says head coach Nate Kellogg. “The team swam and dove well last year. I was happy with their performances.”
This year, six returning seniors are the strength of the team and Kellogg expects them to be leaders both in and out of the pool. “We always want to do better and this year we hope to be in the top three. They are phenomenal kids,” he says. Training for a winning senior season are Eagles, Caroline Bevillard (Free/IM), Ali Campbell (Free), Meredith Fehr (Free/ Fly), Lindsay Goodman (Back/IM), Kristen Haudenschild (Fly/ Breast) and Laurie Stephens (Free). Three incoming freshman divers will be the biggest group of divers the team has signed in a while and are considered key for the depth of the team. Academic achievement is a point of pride for these Eagles. For the last six semesters, including the spring 2010 semester, they were a Scholar All-American team ranked by College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) which means the team carried a team GPA of 3.25 or higher. “We do not stress academics, we demand it,” says Kellogg. Caroline Bevillard (Free/IM)
Ali Campbell (Free)
Kristen Haudenschild (Fly/Breast) Lindsay Goodman (Back/IM)
Meredith Fehr (Free/Fly)
Laurie Stephens (Free)
Summer Workouts Reap Autumn Wins
T “We meet with the position coaches to get a sense of what needs to be addressed, it could be weight issues, agility or any other area that could hinder top performance,” says Tom Melton.
he easy warm days of summer tend to melt into long periods of relaxation for most people. Not so for Eagle athletes. From the sweat and toil of summer workouts, sports careers are made and future championships are won. Starting in mid-May, with August football camp several months off, there are over 70 football players back on campus. It is the beginning of intense days of training and the hard work required to reap an autumn harvest of winning games that begin in the strength and conditioning rooms. “This time of year is critical because it is the longest period of continuous training for the athletes,” says Tom Melton, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, and head strength and conditioning coach at Georgia Southern. Under NCAA rules, Melton and his assistants are the only coaches allowed to work with any members of the football team until August camp. By late June, the number of football players swells to 100, adding those players who may have taken an extra class, worked to assist with their expenses or needed some time off to overcome health related issues. “It is a credit to the students that they are here,” says Tom, adding that “peer pressure and the
individual desire to succeed brings them in.” NCAA rules dictate that off-season training cannot be made mandatory and attendance may not be monitored. All training sessions have two main goals. The first is to train to prevent injury. “No matter how big and strong an athlete is, sitting on the sideline is not a good thing for him or the team,” remarks Melton. The second goal is maximum sports performance which includes strength, speed, explosive power, conditioning, flexibility, agility and nutrition. So for four days a week, football players are put through their paces at Ironworks, the training facility, or on the field with each athlete challenged by a program designed just for his position and skill level. For example, defensive and offensive players are conditioned to meet the demands of their particular positions. A skill player, such as a receiver, will do a greater number of long sprints because he is covering more ground in each play. A lineman, on the other hand, who is also considered a speed guy, trains for his shorter rest and recovery periods on the field. He needs to be in condition so that those little quick sprints requiring short bursts of energy come easily. Although gung ho and energetic, the players can also rely on the strength and conditioning staff, consisting of Coach Melton, two full-time assistants,
one graduate assistant, a number of interns and student volunteers to motivate them to fitness. As a year-round presence, these coaches sometimes become a sounding board for personal stories that can put emotional pressure on an otherwise well-rounded athlete. “Sometimes they need us to just listen, to work through a tough time they are having,” says Melton. It is all part of the process. The football team also works with Dr. Rebecca Black, a nutritionist with the school. While some players are trying to lose weight, some are trying to gain it, and others just need to pay better attention to what they are eating. Their diet is their fuel and it needs to be the fuel required to get the job done. All nutritional supplements need to be NCAA compliant. While recovery shakes and nutrition bars are available from the school, some players take their own supplements which must be checked by the coaches for any ingredients or products that are against NCAA rules. “We meet with the position coaches to get a sense of what needs to be addressed, it could be weight issues, agility or any other area that could hinder top performance,” says Melton. This year, flexibility has been identified as an area for improvement so yoga has been added as an exercise.
It is during the summer when the individual players come together as a team blending with a common spirit and cohesiveness. Older players are often instrumental in getting the younger ones to come to strength and conditioning, encouraging them to do their best for the team. “But the only way to really get them ready to play football is to play football,” says Melton. So in August, when practice begins, training drops to three days a week and is not as intense. Keeping the strength they have acquired during the early summer training is the main goal. And players have already started to bond together as a team, and that team spirit signals the making of a collective force. Georgia Southern’s other teams, also hungry to win, are getting ready for their seasons, too. They train specifically for their sport and individual requirements starting that process over the summer. “We train with our student-athletes to assist them in getting to the top of his or her genetic ability,” says Melton. And to be fit enough to compete at championship levels requires a summer of work-outs.
Below: Tom Melton, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, and head strength and conditioning coach at Georgia Southern
Rings and Diplomas Getting Started
New student athletes, whether they are freshman or just new to the squad, get a multitude of tests before they are able to begin August camp. The following measurements guide the strength and conditioning staff when creating an individual’s work-out regimen: • Physical by the team physician • Photograph for future development comparisons • Body fat test • Strength test • Speed test • Agility test • Conditioning/endurance tests
Life Skills Taught
Student athletes work hard at their sport and in the classroom. They graduate with life skills that will benefit them in future endeavors. • Time management • Prioritization • Motivation • Self sacrifice • Goal setting • Team building • Positive thinking The GSU student athlete grade point average (GPA) and graduation rate are higher than the overall student body.
The Daily School Life of an Eagle Athlete
Competing in a championship-caliber sports’ program requires individual commitment, sacrifice and a passion to win. Seems like a full-time job as 14-hour days are the norm. Remember though, that our Eagle athletes are also students who are required by NCAA regulations to successfully complete a minimum of 12 academic credits a semester. Here is a snapshot of a GSU football player’s school day. • Breakfast • Classes • Weightlifting • Training (rehabilitation for injuries) • Meetings (films, meetings with position coaches and team meetings) • Lunch is in here somewhere • Practice • Team dinner • Study Hall • Community volunteer activities Weekends are left for study, planning, resting and travel to games. Winning titles requires teamwork, but each member of the team must do his personal best — in school and on the field. Life as an Eagle football player requires nothing less.
Support Georgia Southern University student-athletes who are seeking to rise to new personal heights by advancing their lives through sports and education while earning their “Rings and Diplomas.” Call 1.912.478.5520 or visit www.ringsanddiplomas.com to find out how you can help.
For All the Right Reasons
Congratulations to the 2010 Eagle Graduates Bottom Row (L-R) Christine Caforio (Women’s-Tennis, Sport Management), Kristi Kegerreis (Women’s-Tennis, Exercise Science), Laura Fuller (Cross Country/Track & Field-Chemistry), Blake Thompson (Men’s Basketball-Finance), Antonio Hanson (Men’s Basketball-General Studies) Middle: Sam Russo (Softball-Early Childhood Education), Nina Iduate (Softball-Mathematics), Antoine Johnson (Men’s Basketball-General Studies), Jessica Geiger (Women’s Basketball-Marketing), Lauren Parr (Swimming and Diving-Public Relations), Jordyn Pasley (Swimming and Diving-Interior Design) Top: Brennan Peacock (Men’s Soccer-Exercise Science), Joey Ralph (Men’s Soccer-Sports Medicine), Krzysztof Janiszewski (Men’s BasketballLogistics/HR Management), Jayraj Jadeja (Men’s Tennis-Business Administration)
Eagles of Note Nina Iduate
Caroline Bevillard
GSU Softball - Shortstop 2010 Graduate Major: Mathematics
GSU Swimming and Diving Junior (2009-2010) Major: Sport Management • Cumulative 3.65 GPA
• GSU President’s List (4.0 GPA) five times
or higher) five times
• GSU Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or
- President’s List (4.0
higher) one time
GPA) one time
• ESPN The Magazine:
• EPSN The Magazine: First Team Academic
Academic all-District women’s
All-American Honors,
at-large second team for District III
third Eagle in school
• Georgia Southern’s Scholar-
history
Athlete for 2009-2010
• 2010 SoCon Player of the Year batting average • Led Eagles with a 2010 Southern Conference singleseason record .450 batting average - 11th-leading hitter in NCAA Division I - Led the conference with 85 base hits • Named first team All-Southern Conference three times • 10th Academic All-American at Georgia Southern, the second softball player to earn the honor
GSU Golf Junior (2009-2010) Major: Finance
• Cumulative 3.96 GPA
- Dean’s List (3.5 GPA
• Finished career as the all-time leader at GSU with a .371
Logan Blondell
• Selected by NCAA to participate in 2010 Career in Sports Forum held in Indianapolis • 2010 Coleman Lew Leadership Award for leadership, academic excellence and athletic achievement in both the college environment and the community • Holds University record in the 200-yard Freestyle event • Member of the University record-holding 200-, 400-, and 800-yard Freestyle Relay Teams • Named to the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association All-Academic Team • Eagles team member selected as a Scholar All-American team by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America
• 2010 Coleman Lew Leadership Award for leadership, academic excellence and athletic achievement in both the college environment and the community • Led Eagles Golf Team to 2009-2010 NCAA Championships • 2009 Southern Conference Player of the Year • 2008 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year
2010 Football Schedule
Soaring Welcome to the third edition of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation’s quarterly newsletter, Soaring. As an organization, we are committed to bringing you the original content, feature articles and sports highlights that keep you connected with our program. GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Date
Opponent
Location
Sat, Sep 04
SAVANNAH STATE
STATESBORO
6 p.m.
Sat, Sep 11
Navy
at Annapolis, MD
3:30 p.m.
Sat, Sep 18
Coastal Carolina
at Conway, S.C.
6 p.m.
Sat, Sep 25
ELON *
STATESBORO
6 p.m.
Sat, Oct 09
WOFFORD - Family Weekend *
STATESBORO
6 p.m.
Sat, Oct 16
Chattanooga *
at Chattanooga, TN
6 p.m.
Sat, Oct 23
The Citadel *
at Charleston, S.C.
1 p.m.
Sat, Oct 30
SAMFORD - Hall of Fame Weekend *
STATESBORO
2 p.m.
Sat, Nov 06
APPALACHIAN STATE - Homecoming *
STATESBORO
2 p.m.
Sat, Nov 13
Western Carolina *
at Cullowhee, N.C.
3 p.m.
Sat, Nov 20
Furman *
at Greenville, S.C.
TBA
* Conference Games
Time (ET)
ATHLETIC FOUNDATION, INC. P.O. BOX 81150-01, STATESBORO, GEORGIA 30460-8115
1-912-478-5520 www.ringsanddiplomas.com
John Mulherin President johnmul@ georgiasouthern.edu
Kathryn Bryant Office Manager kathrynbryant@ georgiasouthern.edu
Lucas Stuckey Eagle Fund Director lstuckey@ georgiasouthern.edu
Dee Parker Records Manager dparker@ georgiasouthern.edu
Kay Shuman Athletic Ticket Manager kayshu@ georgiasouthern.edu
Writer/Editor: Bonnie Jaeger Graphic Design: Hilde Keldermans