SPARTAN REPORT News from Aurora University Athletics | March 2018
Athletics and academics come together for the win The impressive season for women’s volleyball was very much an all-Spartan effort. Of course, the players themselves had a huge part in finishing the regular season with a 26–7 overall record. Though credit also goes to the students — exercise science majors — who played a key role in improving the student-athletes’ training regimen. Women’s volleyball players and students in the exercise science program teamed up for a study that examined power, reaction time and vertical jump performance throughout the season. Once measures were recorded after practices and games, the students provided reports that detailed the level of stress placed on the body within different environments, allowing the coaches to modify training sessions to maximize performance. “The information gained about how quickly our studentathletes can recover after matches and practices is invaluable,” said James Seitelman, head women’s volleyball coach. “It tells me how hard to train the players and if we can train more without losing quality repetitions.” Seitelman also appreciates the collaboration between students, student-athletes and coaches. “It’s fun to work with the student trainers,” he said. “They have a different relationship with the student-athletes than coaches do. This peer-to-peer partnership allows both the studentathletes and those in training to gain from the experience of working together.” Chris Pitsikoulis, chair and assistant professor of exercise science, agrees. “Student-athletes are always excited to have their peers aid in their athletic performance,” he said. “They’re always curious about new ways they can gain an advantage through training equipment and performance data.” Through her work with student-athletes, junior Megan Bell has found a deeper appreciation for research. She is
pursuing an exercise science degree with an emphasis in fitness and wellness. “My favorite activity so far has been helping administer a pushup study,” said Bell. “During data collection, electrodes are placed on several muscles that are involved in a pushup. We then complete a series of tests to establish baseline values for each muscle. Participants attend six sessions and complete as many pushups as they can, using proper form, during various speeds. At the end of this study, we will be able to assess each muscle and how and when it is being recruited during a pushup at different speeds.” Much of the research and training is done in a state-ofthe-art exercise laboratory in Alumni Hall. “Using the lab equipment not only improves performance from a physical standpoint, but it’s motivating, too,” said Seitelman. “Our student-athletes and students are using equipment that, in most cases, is only found at Division 1 institutions.” Women’s volleyball was the third athletics program to work with exercise science majors. More data collection of individual student-athletes and teams continues.
New teams start in Spartan style The opportunity to contribute to the rich history and tradition of Spartan Athletes has attracted 33 studentathletes to compete in two new sports this year: women’s hockey and men’s volleyball. Representing six states and three countries, the group of undergraduates has already experienced success and looks to build upon the lessons learned during the first season of play. Women’s hockey coach Grant Kimball sees a lot of growth in his players. “I think our team has understood that success isn’t always a straight line; there are peaks and valleys,” he said. “One constant throughout the entire season has been a ‘never quit’ attitude no matter what the score has been.” The team is certainly working on its resolve and ability to stay positive throughout the season. The players had opportunities to build off the momentum from their debut game, in which they scored the first goal. It was also their first win, a shutout against Northland College at home.
“We have a group of young men who are competitive and full of energy,” said Rob Wolter, head men’s volleyball coach. “Because this new program is made up of almost all freshmen, they have to get used to the speed and style of play at the collegiate level. These players will have to grow faster and mature quicker than student-athletes who walk into an established program.”
The players are also carrying on the tradition of Spartan excellence off the ice. They exceeded a team goal GPA of 3.0 with an overall team GPA of 3.1.
Fortunately, in the spirit of “We Are One AU,” the Spartan community is behind the team 100 percent. Many fans were on hand for the first home matches against Augustana College and Illinois Institute of Technology. The team won both sets by 3–0 scores.
Now in midseason, the new men’s volleyball team hopes to match the positive attitude and determination of the women’s hockey team.
There’s a reason for the early success and optimism for the future. “Our goal is to work hard, take care of each other and strive to get better daily,” said Wolter.
Last season, junior Katie Vondra became the first Aurora University women’s volleyball player in the program’s 42 years of play to receive an All-American recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. In 2017, Vondra led the Spartans with 4.21 kills per set and a .226 hitting percentage. She also averaged 3.03 digs per set on the defensive side of the net. Against regionally ranked opponents, Vondra had even better numbers with 4.34 kills per set, a .252 hit percentage and 3.29 digs per set. AU finished the 2017 season with a 26–8 overall record and were 10–1 with a second-place finish in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
Aurora University women’s volleyball junior setter Emily Lines was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America District VII Academic All-District Team. Lines, an accounting major, was selected for her combined performances in the classroom and on the field. She finished the 2017 season as a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference All-Conference selection. Lines ran the Spartan offense averaging 10.58 assists, which ranked among the best in Division III, and she contributed 2.71 digs per set. The women’s volleyball team made program history in becoming the first team to reach the NCAA Division III Tournament, in which they won the opening set.
From the field to the workforce Hannah Meager is no stranger to hard work. In addition to her four years on the track and field team, she’s held three on-campus jobs and pursued majors in communication and psychology. She also interned at Alright Solutions, the leading third-party human resources outsourcing company in the world. That internship has led to a job with the corporation and an opportunity for Meager to return to her home state of California this summer. As a student and an athlete, Meager has gained experience to prepare her for a bright future. “AU has taught me about time management and task management — even about the management of a group of people,” she said. “During my interviews, I was able to talk about these experiences, as well as my leadership skills and dedication to teamwork. And I was able to apply what I learned in college during my internship. I think this was a big advantage in ultimately getting hired.” Meager’s new job will consist of administering health and welfare benefits. She’s up to the challenge in large part because of the support she’s received from her coaches and teammates. “They’ve helped me grow in confidence,” she said. “I’ve learned that while mistakes will happen on and off the field, they can often be incredible learning experiences. I’ll be taking that lesson with me as I begin my career.”
Men’s basketball earns NACC championship The 2017–2018 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference men’s basketball regular season championship returned to Aurora University with a 96–75 win over Marian University last month. Coupled with the Spartan win, rival Benedictine University fell at Edgewood College giving AU the outright NACC crown. The NACC title is the seventh for AU men’s basketball in the 12 years of the league. Congratulations, Spartans!
#WEAREON EAU
New softball stadium enhances home-field advantage Play ball! The next phase of competition at Spartan Athletic Park comes this month with the first game at Spartan Softball Stadium. The Spartans will take on Wheaton College in a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. The new stadium features premium synthetic turf; recommended NCAA mix of clay, sand and silt; two 800-square-foot dugouts; bullpens with professional quality mounds; light towers to illuminate the stadium; seating for 300 fans; state-of-the-art digital scoreboard; press box; public address system; and a hospitality room.
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SPARTAN REPORT
News from Aurora University Athletics | March 2018