HATTERS EXTRA • FEBRUARY 2016
Derick Newton Table of Contents
About the Magazine
Baseball Season Preview . . . . . . . 3, 5, 7 Softball Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hawn Locks Down Third Base . . . . . . 11 Beach Volleyball Ranked 10th . . . . . . . 13 Lacrosse Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . 15 Rowing Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hazel Promoted to Associate A.D. . . . . 19 Queally Selected for Pathway Program 21 Compliance Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2015-16 Stetson Spring Schedules . . . 25 Hatters Extra is a publication of the Stetson University Athletics Department. All rights reserved. Designed and edited by the Stetson Marketing and Athletic Communications offices. Photography by Jim Hogue, Kristi Tyrrell, ASunPhotos. com, Stetson University, and Stetson Athletics. Printing by Independent Printing.
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2016 BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Vance Vizcaino You’ll have to forgive Stetson baseball coach Pete Dunn if he cracks a little smile when talking about his 2016 Hatters team. It doesn’t take long to figure out that he likes his club and, after 36 seasons at the helm of the program, he knows better than most anyone what it takes to be successful in the Atlantic Sun Conference. There are multiple reasons for the optimism around the Melching Field clubhouse this spring. The Hatters return three of their top four offensive performers from 2015 despite the loss of catcher Patrick Mazeika to the New York Mets. Stetson also returns the front end of its pitching staff, along with the majority of the arms from the bullpen. In addition, there was an influx of talented freshmen in the fall. Those new players are eager to make an immediate mark on the program. The talent and enthusiasm that group displayed, as much as the determination and work of the veteran players, give Dunn a sense that something great could be in the offing this spring.
“We are talking about an A-Sun Championship,” Dunn said of his team’s expectations. “It has been four years (2011) since we won one, and we are overdue. Every coach will tell you that, if everything falls into place, they could win a championship, and it is not going to be easy in this league. “There are a good number of programs that can win the Atlantic Sun Championship, but I believe we can.” While there are holes to fill with the loss of seven seniors, the roster includes 12 freshmen who have shown the ability to step in and contribute. “We have to have some young guys step up, especially in the outfield, where we may have one or two freshmen starting,” Dunn said. “We are also going to have some young guys on the mound. It is different in the spring when the other guys on the field have on different color uniforms. These freshmen have pitched well beyond their years with their stuff, their command and their competitiveness. I am excited about those young guys.”
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2016 BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Cory Reid
Contributions from the newest Hatters will be crucial, but it is the cast of returning players who carry the bulk of the expectations into the season. Preseason All-Conference picks Vance Vizcaino, Cory Reid and Mitchell Jordan – along with returning starters Will Mackenzie, Jack Machonis, Kevin Fagan and John Fussell – will do most of the heavy lifting while the freshmen get their feet under them. Even among that group there will be some adjustments. Reid – who hit .322 with eight home runs while stealing 19 bases last year while playing in center field every day – is moving to third base for his senior season to plug a hole left by the graduation of Josh Powers. Vizcaino, who primarily played left field last year while hitting a team-best .341, will slide over to center this spring. “Cory is settling in at third,” Dunn said. “He played shortstop at Manatee Community College, so we weren’t overly concerned with moving him from a position that he played extremely well. To his credit, he made the move even though he was
more comfortable as an outfielder. As a team guy, he knew we needed him at third base, so he made the move without any hesitation.” Vizcaino, who earned All-Conference honors in 2015 and returned to Stetson despite being drafted for the third time last summer, will combine with Reid and Mackenzie to give the Hatters a potent heart of the batting order. The list of young players who are in position to contribute immediately includes outfielders Jacob Koos and Mike Spooner, shortstop Matt Morales, and pitchers Jack Perkins, Joey Gonzalez, Logan Gilbert and Erik Wiebke. It is on the mound where the new crop of Hatters has a chance to make the most profound impact. “There are four of those young guys, but the one guy who has the best chance to break into that rotation is Perkins,” Dunn said. “He knows how to pitch. He fills up the strike zone and has command of three different pitches. He really fields his position well. He understands hitters because he is a good hitter himself. I think
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2016 BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW Mitchell Jordan
that helps pitchers because, if they have an idea of what hitters are doing at the plate, they have a better understanding of what they need to do.” With Jordan back at the top of the rotation following his incredible performance in the Cape Cod League over the summer, it is a virtual certainty that Friday nights at Melching Field will be a meeting place for MLB scouts and personnel directors. After coming back from an illness last year, he beat the best pitchers in the A-Sun head-to-head down the stretch. He then dominated the best collegiate summer league in the nation. Jordan will be joined in the rotation this spring by right-hander Brooks Wilson, who led the A-Sun with nine wins last year as a freshman. The third weekend starter is still up in the air, with Fagan and sophomore Ben Onyshko in the mix with that quartet of freshmen. With the schedule the Hatters will face this spring, there is no doubt the team will be well-tested before conference play
starts. Early season opponents include Creighton, Illinois, Central Michigan, FIU, Miami, South Florida, Winthrop, Coastal Carolina and The Citadel. All of those programs are regular contenders for NCAA play. “In the old days, if you won 40 games you were going to a regional,” Dunn said. “Now, with the RPI, your schedule is such an important part of the picture. You can’t just win 40 games against a bad schedule anymore and get to the NCAA Tournament. We try to do the best we can to challenge our team and our abilities against good opponents. It is also a reward to our fans when we bring good teams in here.” The odyssey will begin on Friday, Feb. 19, when the Hatters host the Blue Hens from the University of Delaware. All-time Atlanta Braves great, and Volusia County native, Chipper Jones will be on hand to throw out the first pitch. For tickets to see the Hatters play during the 2016 season, visit www.GoHatters. com/tix or call 386-738-HATS.
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2016 SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Last year, the Stetson softball team had a great deal of success with the bats, hitting 43 home runs and averaging 5.4 runs per game. With several offensive components returning this season, head coach Frank Griffin anticipates another good year at the plate. “I think we are going to score some runs,” Griffin said. “We have a lot of team speed. I anticipate a lot of stolen bases. I think once the hitters see some live pitching, they will produce some runs.” Some of the top returning hitters from last year are sophomore Jazz Vasquez, who led the team with a .376 average, seniors Jessica Griffin (.310, 10 home runs) and Kayla Drury (.355), and junior Jessie TenBroeck (.293, 31 stolen bases). “Jessica has the ability to hit the long ball,” Frank Griffin said. “I was happy to see in the preseason she has been hitting a lot of balls to left field, going with the pitch. If she learns to take that pitch backside, then I think she will get some good inside pitches as well.”
The Hatters will feature a very young pitching staff in 2016 with one sophomore, Chelsea Hostetler, and three freshmen, Brooke Hutto, Tori Perkins and Curstin Taylor. Hostetler, along with Vasquez, earned A-Sun all-freshman team honors last season. “Just having that year of experience, Chelsea is a lot more confident and knows what to expect,” coach Griffin said. “She had a lot put on her there at the end of the season, and she handled it well. I am expecting good things from Chelsea this year and the following two years.” Stetson will play 36 home games in 2016, including 27 in the first two months of the season. The A-Sun tournament will be played in Fort Myers, Florida, for the second year in a row. “I think all the players are excited to start,” Frank Griffin said. “It is time to play ball.” For tickets to see the Hatters play during the 2016 season, visit www.GoHatters. com/tix or call 386-738-HATS.
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BRITTANY HAWN LOCKS DOWN THIRD BASE Brittany Hawn
Change is coming to the Stetson Hatters infield. After two full seasons of the same four infielders starting nearly every game, there will be several new faces in new places this season. However, there is one player and one position that remains a constant. Brittany Hawn has been a rock at third base for the Hatters over the past three seasons, and the 2016 season will be no different. “Brittany is an outstanding third baseman,” head coach Frank Griffin said. “She is so quick. She gets to balls no one else can get to. She makes accurate throws under pressure time and time again.” Hawn, a native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, has started 151 consecutive games at third base for the Hatters dating back to early in her freshman year. She was recently named the Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year, and she posted a remarkable 33-game errorless streak at third base during her sophomore season.
“I like that I am always moving,” Hawn said. “There is always something to be done, no matter what. Especially at this level, third basemen are so important. There are slappers, bunts are going down consistently, and girls can hit shots up the line.” Now, as a senior, Hawn has an even more important role as team leader. Griffin says that is something Hawn has already been doing throughout her career. “She takes charge of the team when she is on the field,” Griffin said. “You hear her over everyone. She gets everyone focused on what the situation is, and what we are going to do with the ball. She is just a natural leader.” Rest assured Hawn is not focused on errorless streaks or preseason awards, but rather on being part of a close-knit team looking to come together and compete for a conference championship. “For me it is not about the recognition; it is really just about being able to come out here and play softball with the people that I love every day,” Hawn said. “They are on the same mission as I am. It is just truly enjoyable to be a part of that.” 11
BEACH VOLLEYBALL RANKED 10TH NATIONALLY
The Stetson beach volleyball team is ranked 10th in the nation in the 2016 DiG Magazine Beach Volleyball preseason poll, the publication recently announced. The two-time defending Atlantic Sun Conference champions, the Hatters are the only conference team ranked in the preseason poll. Among teams in the Southeast, Stetson ranks fourth behind No. 5 Florida International, No. 6 Florida State, and No. 8 Georgia State. Stetson will play 26 dual matches in 2016, including five matches against Top 10 opponents. The Hatters will face No. 1 Southern Cal on April 2, No. 3 Hawaii on March 25, No. 5 FIU on March 26, No. 7 UCLA on March 26, and No. 8 Georgia State on March 12. Other top 20 opponents for Stetson include South Carolina, Tulane and LSU. Last season, the Hatters went 226, won their second straight Atlantic Sun Championship, earned their firstever victory in the AVCA Collegiate Championships, and finished the season ranked sixth in both national polls.
Stetson welcomes back seven letterwinners while adding 13 newcomers to the 2016 squad. Head coach Kristina Hernandez is in her third season. The Hatters open the season at home March 4-6 by hosting the Stetson Spring Break Invitational. Admission is free to all home matches, which are played on campus at the Cooper Beach Volleyball Courts on East Minnesota Avenue. DIG MAGAZINE PRESEASON POLL 1. USC 2. Pepperdine 3. Hawaii 4. Long Beach State 5. Florida International 6. Florida State 7. UCLA 8. Georgia State 9. Arizona 10. Stetson 11. Washington 12. Nebraska 13. Stanford 14. Loyola Marymount 15. Grand Canyon 16. Pacific 17. South Carolina 18. Tulane 19. LSU 20. Santa Clara
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2016 LACROSSE SEASON PREVIEW
With every new season come renewed expectations, excitement about annual challenges, and hopes of championship glory. For the 2016 Stetson women’s lacrosse team, you can add one more element to that list: a baby. When the season begins Feb. 12 at Fresno State, second-year head coach Christy Leach won’t be present. Instead, she will remain behind awaiting the birth of her and husband Joel’s first child. “It will be hard for me to be away from the team for those first few games,” said Leach. “I’ll probably be in a hospital bed trying to watch the games on a computer screen, but that’s OK. The team is prepared for it, and it hasn’t fazed them at all during the preseason.” Assistant coach Maggie Smith will guide the Hatters through their first several games, and Leach has prepared the team for her absence by letting Smith run the show throughout much of the team’s preseason workouts.
“This has been Maggie’s preseason,” said Leach. “This is our second year together, so she knows what to do. I’ve stepped back and acted like her assistant.” While the addition of the littlest Hatter to the program is a wonderful coincidence, Leach won’t let that distract the team. In fact, she believes this version of Stetson lacrosse may be the program’s best yet. “This team can accomplish a lot,” Leach said. “We can do a lot better than last year. We had five one-goal losses last year, and we want to be on the winning side of those games this year. It’s a long season, and we have to stay focused.” If the Hatters are to have the on-field success they appear poised to have, they will need a lift from their veterans. Most notable among them are goalie Whitney Meyers, attackers Hallie Merz and Lindsay Summers, midfielders Maddie Holvey, Sam Maguire and Christina Wittmeier, and defender Erin Busch. The Hatters host Cincinnati in the home opener on Feb. 19.
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2016 ROWING SEASON PREVIEW
After an outstanding fall, the Stetson men’s and women’s rowing teams are looking forward to their spring season, which begins March 5 with the first of three Stetson Sprints competitions on Lake Beresford. The Hatters will host the Stetson Sprints on March 5, 12 and 19, before gearing up for their spring championship competitions. Both teams will participate in the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) Championships, April 1-2, in Sarasota. The women’s squad will next compete in the annual Kerr Cup in Pennsylvania on April 16, while the men’s team participates in the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championships the same weekend. The men wrap up their spring season at the Aberdeen Dad Vail Championships, May 6-7, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The final weekend of the season has the women’s team looking for the title at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships, May 15, in New Jersey.
ROWING SCHEDULE Day Date Sat. March 5
Event Stetson Sprints Series DeLand, Fla. Lake Beresford
Sat. March 12
Stetson Sprints Series DeLand, Fla. Lake Beresford
Sat. March 19
Stetson Sprints Series DeLand, Fla. Lake Beresford
Fri.-Sat. April 1-2
FIRA Championship Sarasota, Fla.
Sat.-Sun. April 16-17 SIRA Championships (Men) Oak Ridge, Tenn. Sat.
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April 16 (Women)
Kerr Cup Philadelphia, Pa.
Fri.-Sat. May 6-7 (Men)
Dad Vail Championships Philadelphia, Pa.
Sun.
MAAC Championships West Windsor, N.J.
May 15 (Women)
HAZEL PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE A.D. Stetson University Director of overseeing communications of Athletics Jeff Altier announced efforts for Stetson Football, the promotion of Ricky Hazel Baseball, and men’s and from Assistant to Associate women’s Golf, Hazel also Director of Athletics. oversees coverage for all 18 A 1988 graduate of the Division I Athletics programs. University of Alabama, Hazel Hazel is also in charge of the is in his fifth year as a member Hatters’ Athletics website, of the Stetson Athletics GoHatters.com, and has been Senior Staff. He oversees behind the addition of fanRicky Hazel communications, serves as the friendly tools such as Hat Check, university’s chief licensing official and StetsonStats.com and PhotoShelter. is the athletic department’s liaison with In 2014, Hazel oversaw the creation Stetson Broadcast Productions. of Stetson Broadcast Productions, which “Ricky has been integral in expanding produces high-definition broadcasts from the reach of the Stetson Athletic brand,” Hatters football, volleyball, men’s and Altier said. “When you look at the areas women’s basketball and, starting in April, Ricky has taken a leadership role in – the baseball games. That unit also serves the Hatter Radio Network, Stetson Broadcast greater Stetson University community by Productions, NCAA Men’s Basketball producing video content and various live Championship, Stetson Licensing events such as Commencement, musical program, GoHatters.com – it is clear that and theater performances, and lectures. Ricky understands the role athletics plays As the University’s primary licensing in marketing Stetson University. official, Hazel ensures that all marks Upon arrival at Stetson, Hazel was and logos are used properly and all involved in the $3.3 million expansion and merchandise carrying those marks reflects renovation project at Spec Martin Memorial well on the university, including the Stetson Stadium, working alongside officials from University College of Law, in addition to the City of DeLand to completely refurbish Stetson Athletics. the facility in time for the reintroduction of “It has been a privilege for me to have the Stetson Football program in 2013. served the coaches and student-athletes He followed up by serving as of Stetson University over the last four-plus Tournament Manager for the NCAA Men’s years,” Hazel said. “I am truly appreciative Basketball Tournament Second and Third of the confidence Jeff has shown in me Round games at the Amway Center in since my arrival in DeLand, and I look Orlando, leading teams from Stetson, the forward to continuing my efforts to push Central Florida Sports Commission and Hatters Athletics forward. My passion has the Amway Center in producing a sold-out always been in providing our students with event in March 2014. the best possible experience during their In addition to his day-to-day duties athletic careers.” 19
QUEALLY SELECTED FOR NCAA PATHWAY PROGRAM
Stetson University’s Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Alicia Queally has been selected to participate in the 2016 NCAA Pathway Program. A 1999 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Queally is in her fourth year as a member of the Stetson Athletics staff. She oversees internal operations, including game management, budgets and Title IX compliance, in addition to direct oversight of several sport programs and multiple other duties. She was one of 23 senior-level administrators to be selected for the Pathway Program, which provides an unprecedented opportunity to gain insight into every facet of an athletics department, preparing them to become well-rounded leaders who are equipped with the tools an effective athletics director needs. Each program participant is mentored by a current NCAA athletics director and a current university chancellor or president who has committed to helping the Pathway participants grow during the program and after completing it.
Queally is one of 15 Pathway participants from Division I institutions that will come together for the first time in Portland, Oregon, Jan. 28-31. Eight Pathway participants representing NCAA Divisions II and III gathered together for the first time at the 2016 NCAA Convention in San Antonio. “I am honored to be selected for the 2016 NCAA Pathway Program,” Queally said. “It will provide me with immeasurable opportunities and experiences that will allow me to further enhance my qualifications as a senior-level athletics administrator.” In addition to her selection to the Pathway Program, Queally has also received a promotion within the Stetson Athletics Department. Director of Athletics Jeff Altier promoted her to Senior Associate Director of Athletics. She will continue in her role as Senior Woman Administrator. “The NCAA Pathway Program is designed to educate and mentor the next generation of athletic directors,” Altier said. “It is an honor, one that Alicia richly deserves, to be selected to participate.” 21
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COMPLIANCE CORNER As part of the Compliance Office’s continuing rules-education programming, we are publishing an NCAA Compliance specific column in each issue of Hatters Extra. These columns discuss trending topics in NCAA legislation that are directly related to those individuals classified as “Boosters.� Under NCAA rules, you are a Stetson University Booster if you a) are a member of any booster group that supports Stetson Athletics; b) have made financial contributions to the Stetson University Athletics Department; c) have assisted in the recruitment of Stetson University student-athletes; d) provide or have helped arrange benefits for enrolled studentathletes or their families; e) participated as a student-athlete of Stetson University; or f) have been a Stetson Athletics season ticket holder. Once you have been identified as a booster, you retain that identity indefinitely, regardless of your relation with our athletics program. In this issue of Hatters Extra, we will review gambling legislation as it applies to our coaches, staff members and student-athletes. In recent years, multiple institutions have been investigated for booster involvement in the gambling activities of student-athletes, coaches and athletic-department staff members. As a result, we believe this is a topic that is important for all to be aware of. NCAA rules do not permit studentathletes, coaches or athletic-department staff members to place bets legally or illegally on professional or amateur sporting events. All student-athletes, coaches and athletic-department staff
members are prohibited from soliciting or accepting a bet for money or nonmonetary material items that have tangible value such as clothing, meals, or services. Prohibited forms of gambling include, but are not limited to: betting pools, fantasy leagues, bets placed at a Sports Book or with a bookie, parlay cards, squares and other types of organized gambling. The prohibition on gambling activities extends to all sports that the NCAA conducts national championships in, Division I-FBS football, and emerging sports. Gambling activities include, but are not limited to, participating in NCAA tournament bracket contests, fantasy sports leagues and Super Bowl pools. The penalties for gambling activities are severe. If it is determined that a studentathlete was involved in activities designed to influence the outcome of a contest or the win/loss margin of a contest, the student-athlete will be ruled permanently ineligible for intercollegiate competition. If a student-athlete is found to be involved in any other type of sport-wagering activities, he or she shall forfeit at least one year of athletic eligibility. The Office of Athletic Compliance at Stetson University takes the time to educate all student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff members on the NCAA rules related to gambling. If you have questions relating to gambling legislation, please contact our office directly at (386) 8227490 or compliance@stetson.edu. As we tell our coaches and student-athletes, it is always important to ask before you act! Thank you for your continued support of Stetson Athletics and our efforts to remain compliant! 23
2016 SPRING SCHEDULES SCAN QR CODES FOR FULL SCHEDULES
BASEBALL
SOFTBALL
SEASON OPENER: FEB. 19 vs. DELAWARE
SEASON OPENER: FEB. 12 vs. AKRON
LACROSSE
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
MEN’S TENNIS
WOMEN’S TENNIS
SEASON OPENER: FEB. 12 AT FRESNO STATE
SEASON OPENER: MAR. 4 (HOME TOURNAMENT)
SEASON UNDERWAY
SEASON UNDERWAY
MEN’S GOLF
WOMEN’S GOLF
SEASON OPENER: FEB. 28 AT LAKE MARY
SEASON OPENER: FEB. 28 AT KIAWAH ISLAND
MEN’S ROWING
WOMEN’S ROWING
SEASON OPENER: MAR. 5 (STETSON SPRINTS)
SEASON OPENER: MAR. 5 (STETSON SPRINTS)
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