Spartan Report November 2017

SPARTAN REPORT News from Aurora University Athletics | November 2017

Spartan Athletic Park inspires whole new ball game The first scoring goal (by a Spartan!) at Spartan Athletic Park kicked off a sensational start to competition at the new facility.

As many AU student-athletes are discovering, there really is a home-field advantage.

Spartan Stadium, the park’s home to soccer and lacrosse, is regularly being used for practices and games. The football team has also used the field for practices and competition.

Over at Spartan Softball Stadium, players are benefiting from new batting cages. The cages, which include pitching machines, hitting tees and screens, allow multiple players to use them at the same time. Players can also workout on their own at the park, providing a quality alternative to Alumni Hall facilities.

The onsite athletic training facility and expansive locker rooms at the park are providing the ultimate “game day� experience.

Now student-athletes can prepare, practice and play at one location. The extra space at Spartan Athletic Park also allows the student-athletes who use Alumni Hall as their main location to have more space and access to the athletic training room and locker rooms there.

Spartan fans are also enjoying the new electronic scoreboard at Spartan Stadium. The 17' x 24' board features full color graphics and video capabilities.

Plans call for moving quickly into the next stage of development of the park this spring. Phase II will include the construction of a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, which will open in spring 2019.

Lacrosse players say ‘oui’ to France Two lacrosse players are taking advantage of the offseason for study-abroad opportunities at the University of Strasbourg in France. Junior Bryce Wallgard is studying European relations and international business and junior Sean Arfsten is studying communication. The student-athletes pursued the program with guidance from Dr. Terri Schroth, AU director of international programs. While the University of Strasbourg is large — 50,000 students — both student-athletes look forward to applying what they have learned back to their smaller world of Aurora University.

“My experience here has taught me a lot about different cultures,” said Wallgard. “Strasbourg has students from all over the world and learning to work with them will benefit my collaborative skills when I return to the U.S.” Arfsten agrees. “I’m learning how to be confident operating in an area that is outside of my comfort zone,” he said. “I’m maturing and improving as a student and a young adult. These qualities will help me as I return to my classes and team at AU.”

What does Spartan Athletic Park and its home-field

Head Softball Coach Mike McKenzie

“Our current players are very excited and it will be a huge recruiting tool.

The key is to bring recruits to the facility because it is really unbelievable. I have told several prospective students that our stadium is more impressive than most Division I facilities in the country. We have had a great softball tradition at AU, and many former players have returned to take a look at the stadium. Even though our alumni base will never play in the new stadium, they understand that their efforts have helped build a great AU softball tradition.”

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Ryan Lakin

“Spartan Athletic Park advances our program and is a statement to the conference and region that the Spartans are pushing the bar and others need to take notice.

This field allows us to play our brand of soccer and shows that Aurora University is dedicated to athletics. My players can’t get enough time out there. They linger before and after practices to shoot extra or work on some skills. The park has helped us polish our soccer culture and will continue to attract high-level studentathletes looking for an atmosphere and program to call home.”

Schane sets pace for success at AU Jackie Schane hasn’t always considered herself a runner, yet her AU cross-country record reflects the experience of a longtime, dedicated competitor. This is her third year running for AU after only two years on her high school cross-country team. It’s been an impressive season for Schane, who was twice named the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for her win at the Spartan Classic and her impressive finish at the University of St. Francis Twilight Invitational.

“I wasn’t very into running before coming to AU,” said Schane. “Now as a pre-nursing student, I’ve made running

part of my lifestyle. It helps me stay healthy and disciplined.

If I don’t get good grades, I can’t perform. My whole life has revolved around doing well in school so I can run at meets or go to practice.”

Schane is also inspired to succeed because of the support she receives from teammates and coaches. “The team atmosphere at AU is friendly and welcoming,” she said.

“We’re always there for one another. My coaches believe in me and guide me. Without them, I wouldn’t be the runner or student that I am today.”

advantage mean to you and your team?

Taylor Arcivar ’19

“Spartan Athletic Park is a symbol that student-athletes are valued and appreciated. I chose AU in part to play on the new women’s lacrosse team.

It was an opportunity to participate in something special. Now with the new home field, I’m truly part of a great athletics future.”

Will Craig ’18

“I love that AU values student-athletes and has a vision for the athletics program.

With the park being only a few blocks from the main campus, athletes can still feel connected to the university and have a great place to practice and play as well as awesome team facilities. This brings our AU family closer together while maintaining a consistent work environment for our athletes.”

#WEA R EO N EAU

Congratulations, Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Last month during Homecoming festivities, Corey Breyne ’98, and Therese (Plachetka) Nelson ’83, ’96, were inducted into the Aurora University Athletic Hall of Fame.

As a baseball player, Breyne was a twotime NCAA All-American and four-time AllConference selection. He still holds 10 Spartan baseball records for career, season and singlegame accolades, which includes being the alltime hit leader with 235. During his junior year,

Breyne set the single season hits record with 85, while driving in a record 68 runs.

Nelson, a softball and volleyball player, was a two-time Female Athlete of the Year, volleyball All-Conference, Academic All-Conference and volleyball Most Valuable Player as well as three-time softball All-Conference. She recorded a 7–0 pitching record. Nelson and her teammates represented AU in the NCAA Final Four Softball tournament for Division III in 1982.

Visit Spartan Athletics for the latest scores, student-athlete news, team schedules and construction updates athletics.aurora.edu

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News from Aurora University Athletics | November 2017