INSIDE THE EYE OF THE STORM The 2011-2012 academic year at Georgia Southwestern State University has begun, which means a new year of GSW Hurricane action has also begun. The Eye of the Storm will be your monthly source for all of the on-goings of the athletic department at GSW. Readers can briefly catch up on action that has already took place, look ahead at the month’s upcoming athletic events and get the inside scoop on everything the Hurricanes do.
Eric McCombie Assistant Baseball Coach La Roche College (PA) graduate From Homer City, Pennsylvania
Jennifer Pittman Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Georgia Southwestern graduate From Hahira, Georgia
NEW FACES FROM DIFFERENT PLACES A new year means new faces have joined the athletic department. This past summer saw as many as seven new members join the staff. Here’s a chance to meet them all. Matt Ensor Assistant Sports Information Director University of Oregon graduate From Eugene, Oregon
Samantha Floyd Assistant Softball Coach Armstrong Atlantic State graduate From Rossville, Georgia
Curran Keough Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach University of Rhode Island graduate From Exeter, Rhode Island
Carrie Rahn Head Athletic Trainer Valdosta State graduate From Clyo, Georgia
Amber Trevino Intern Athletic Trainer University of New Mexico graduate From Sierra Vista, Arizona
FACEBOOK FACE LIFT If you were already keeping tabs on the Hurricanes via the world’s most popular social media website, then you already know about the brand new page. In case you haven’t heard, the ‘Canes have a new official Facebook page. Now you can “Like” the Hurricanes, list them as one of your favorite teams, check-in at home sporting venues and really show off how big of a fan you are. Check out the new page and see if you “like” it! www.facebook.com/GSWHurricanes
GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT The beginning of the 2011 soccer season for the GSW men’s and women’s teams has already begun. The Hurricanes registered three wins in four matches on opening weekend. The men’s team won back-to-back matches against Southeastern University and Johnson & Wales, both of which hail from Florida. Sophomore forward Ryan Wakenigg, a transfer from La Grange College, scored three goals in the two victories. Returning midfielder, senior Shane McKay, scored a goal in each match as well. Coach Warren Russ and crew will attempt to keep the momentum going in September with six matches still left to play in the month. The women’s team split their two games at the VSU Tri-Conference Challenge. After losing 6-0 in the opening game against host Valdosta State, the Hurricanes rallied to defeat Queen’s College (N.C.) 3-1. The victory saw true freshman Zada Hyatt score her first two career goals in the blue and gold, The native of Marietta was supported by fellow newcomer Kelsi Krohn’s goal. The Lady ‘Canes will also be busy in September. They will look to keep the success going in the seven games they still have to play in the month, which includes six home matches. TEEING OFF The Georgia Southwestern golf team is also participating in some fall competition. The ‘Canes won the 2011 Kiawah Island Invitational hosted by USC Aiken. The
Blue & Gold were paced by J.P. Griffin who finished in second place after shooting 68 and 72 respectively. However he was only one of three GSW golfers to finish in the Top 10. Nate Gahman (6th, E) and Craig Gibson (t-7th, +1) supported Griffin’s blistering -4 to help secure the victory. The team’s success and the three individual Top 10 scores wasn’t the only success for GSW golf. Freshman Travis Oestermann didn’t bother with a bounce or a roll on the sixth hole Tuesday, catching an ace on the fly en route to his 81. FIRST OF MANY STEPS The Georgia Southwestern cross country team opened the 2011 season on Friday evening with a fourth-place finish at the Third Annual Bobcat Invitational hosted by Georgia College. Newcomer Lisa Espino led the Lady Hurricanes on the 5K course with a time of 24:26. Espino finished 21st in the four-team event. Freshman Micah Bucher followed for GSW with a time of 25:49 and sophomore Mollie McGowan was right on her heels, crossing the finish line in 25th at 25:50. Kelsey Baker grabbed the fourth spot in GSW’s team result and Leady Cuellar’s 27:46 time earned the fifth, and final, score. With 21 points, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) finished ahead of Georgia College (36) for the team title. Southwestern hosts the Second Annual Georgia Southwestern Remembrance Run on Sept. 10 at Central Baptist Church in Americus. Start time is 8 a.m.
SEPTEMBER HURRICANE HOME MATCHES Friday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. West Alabama Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 a.m. - Cross Country Rememberance Run At Central Baptist Curch Sunday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. - Men’s Soccer vs. Florida Tech Monday, Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. Palm Beach Atl. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. - Men’s Soccer vs. Flagler Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. West Georgia Sunday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. LaGrange College Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. Brewton-Parker Saturday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs. Georgia College Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. - Men’s Soccer vs. Florida Memorial
Men’s and Women’s Soccer pocket-sized schedule cards are avaliable in the GSW Athletic Department offices located in the Student Success Center
See you in October!