AthleteFocus Winning in the Water

The men’s water polo team continued its rise from a club team with its second consecutive winning season in 2003. Gannon finished 16–11 in only its third year at the varsity level. The Golden Knights finished seventh at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Division Championships with a 7–4 victory over Washington & Jefferson. Twelve Golden Knights scored goals throughout the season, including six players with at least 30 tallies. Charles Doane broke a school record with 65 goals. Sean Morphy had another outstanding season in goal, stopping 51 percent of the shots he faced.

Men’s Golf Hosts Championships

The Gannon men’s golf team completed a successful season with a 10th place finish at the 2003 GLIAC Championships. Gannon hosted the championships for the first time. Dave Patronik was Gannon’s top finisher, placing 13th with a three-day total of 225.

Fleet-footed Knights Keep Running

Both Gannon cross country teams concluded their seasons with 12th place finishes at the GLIAC championships at Ferris State University. The men’s team finished 12th of 12 teams with 334 points. Rich Custer was Gannon’s top male runner, placing 51st with a time of 27:29. Joe Covell (65th, 28:09), Neil Anderson (69th, 28:18), Aaron Nicka (73rd, 28:49) and Steve Curcio (76th, 29:11) also competed for the Golden Knights. The women’s squad finished 13th out of 13 teams with 390 points. Alicia Winters was Gannon’s top female runner, placing 74th with a time of 25:55. Amanda Steeves (76th, 26:17), Amanda Eidt (78th, 26: 29), Ashleigh Boise (80th, 26:39), Emily Opett (82nd, 26:50), Sara Santilli (85th, 27:54) and Sandi Klingensmith (87th, 28:20) also competed for the Lady Knights.

LeAnn Byer concluded her collegiate

career with one of the most prestigious awards in the sport of volleyball. Byer was named to the 2003 College Division Academic All-District II third team. It’s an award reserved for those players who sit at the head of the class and excel on the court. The Criminal Justice major earned a 3.93 cumulative grade point average. She started all 30 matches this season and led Gannon in service aces with 45. She was second on the team in digs (429) and assists (112). Byer acknowledged that balancing academics, athletics, and a part-time job can be difficult. She said the key for her was focus. “My professors have been fantastic.” In addition to practices, classes, and work, Byer is helping to form a Student Advisory Board. It will be a liaison between students and the Athletic Director. “All the coaches are excellent. I’ve been looking for an internship with a law firm because I’m planning to go to law school next year. My coaches have been helping me out and suggesting people to call.” Byer was one of 19 student-athletes named to the District II academic teams. The Division consists of all NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. To be nominated for the Academic AllAmerica program, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore with a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and a starter or significant reserve on the team.

“My professors have been fantastic.” 19