You Should Know . . . Nickname: Gyrenes Colors: Tanzanite Blue and Kelly Green Conference: Sun
world,” says Lady Gyrenes guard Emily Huber. The 22-year old feels these friendships translate to success on the basketball court as well. “I know what my teammates are going to do before they do it.” Helped by their friendships and the much-needed construction of the Golisano Fieldhouse, the athletes began to master their craft and the wins began to pile up. Suddenly, a program that was once a laughing matter had to be taken very seriously. One of the highlights for 23-year old Dylan Fugate (below, with ball) came at the end of his freshman year, when the men’s basketball program beat their rival and then fourthranked St. Thomas University of Miami.
“I think we knew at that point that we could be really good, and it gave us a lot of confidence and a foundation to work harder for the next year,” he said. Now a 22-year old grad student finishing his master’s degree in theology, Lesniewski reflects on just how far the baseball program has come. “I think this is the year we’ve really turned the corner,” he says. Their success on the field helps to promote strong academic performance in the classrooms. Ludwick, a volleyball player, spent a semester as Butler University in 2010, but
found that the quality of the professors at Ave Maria makes the curricula unique. Her teammate Arago explains: “Whether it’s athletically or spiritually or academically, the education at Ave Maria helps to build up your whole person.” This creates an atmosphere where, according to tennis player Duval, learning is constantly just around the corner. “I think you learn more outside the classroom than you do inside,” he says. Their leadership in sports and academics has led them to give back to the community as well. Eckard, Ludwick and Arago all took part in mission trips to Nicaragua. Janet and the softball team have read for kids at the local elementary school. This past summer, Huber biked from Maine to Washington to raise awareness and money for a cure for multiple sclerosis. “It feels good,” Huber said. “Every time we do something new, we bring good PR for the university.” So there is good reason to be excited about what the athletics program has accomplished. This year’s seniors demonstrate passion for athletics, academics, and leadership. By laying the foundation for athletics, they have laid the foundation for a broader pursuit of excellence, one that expands the mission of AMU, and in part fulfulls the vision of Founder Tom Monaghan—AMU’s No. 1 Athletics fan. amu
Dylan Fugate, No. 22 Photo Courtesy AMU Sports Information Office
avemaria.edu | spring 2013 |
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