Shawnee State University Athletics - Fall 2017

SSU BEARS A biannual publication for Shawnee State University alumni and fans

Fall 2017

Keeping

FAST Company

Anna Havranek manages being a three-sport athlete with pursuit of a Biomedical Science degree at Shawnee State University

SSU BEARS

WHAT’S INSIDE

A biannual publication for Shawnee State University alumni and fans

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PROFILE

KEEPING FAST COMPANY

Anna Havranek balances being a three-sport athlete with working on her Biomedical Science degree.

BOWLING

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ON A ROLL IN THE FIRST YEAR

Shawnee State’s bowling team rolls into its debut season, this fall. We hit coach Bryan Sturgell with a Q&A.

W. BASKETBALL

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TARGET IS IN SIGHT

Women’s basketball has a target painted on its back, and that is all that stands in the way to NAIA greatness.

M. BASKETBALL

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WORK WILL BRING RESULTS

Coach Delano Thomas and his men’s basketball team have been putting in the work over the summer.

SOCCER, XC, VB

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SOCCER, XC, VOLLEYBALL

We take a look at Shawnee State’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, cross country, and volleyball.

Jeff Hamilton Jonathon Loughridge Photography Athletics Director Sports Information Jeremy Reed Director Mark Romesser

Mike Kirtner Reeves Kirtner General Associate Manager General Manager

Greg Perry Creative Director

This magazine is published by Shawnee State University Athletics, with production assistance from Kindred Communications Inc in Huntington, WV

Jeannie Wheeler Sales Representative

CROSS

COUNTRY

Keeping

FAST Company

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Fall 2017

/ August 2017

/ THE INSIDER /

Anna Havranek (306, below) is not only a threesport star, she also manages to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science at Shawnee State University

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THE PROFILE | Anna Havranek | Cross Country/Track | Sugarcreek, Ohio

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hawnee State’s running programs have had a certain expectation of success since Eric Putnam became head coach in 2006. The cross country programs are mainstays at the NAIA National Championships, and since joining the Mid-South Conference in 2010 both teams have won multiple conference championships. Women’s cross country has won every Mid-South Conference championships since joining the league, with the men winning five of the last six.

good. It was a close race in the team scoring. That was pretty eye-opening.”

So it’s difficult to imagine that, with such a pedigree of success, that any runner could possibly raise the bar for what Coach Putnam’s teams expect.

That stride has never been broken. Entering her senior season, Havranek is already considered one of Shawnee State’s greatest student-athletes, and for good reason. She’s already made three appearances at the NAIA National Championships, and finished 23rd this year to be named an All-American. Her excellence at the NAIA Championships helped the women’s team to finish ninth overall, the best finish in program history.

Yet that’s exactly what Anna Havranek has done for three years now.

Coach Putnam remembered Anna’s freshman year well. The first time he saw her potential was at a meet at Aquinas. “Anna was our top runner in a meet that we won. It was the first time that the women had ever won up there and the competition was really

“Stepping into a program that contained such high caliber athletes my freshman year was one of the most intimidating things I have ever done,” said Anna. “But luckily, the team was very welcoming and encouraged and helped me to hit my stride by mid-season.”

Havranek was also named the Mid-South Conference Runner of the Year, winning the Mid-South Conference Championship meet

“Running for coach Putnam has been an honor. He is a man who truly is an inspiration to all. Throughout my college experience he has transformed me from a good runner to a great runner. By leading by example, he has taught me to love life and find joy in the little things.”

by nearly 30 seconds last season and leading her team to their sixth consecutive Mid-South Conference team championship. She won MSC Runner of the Week four times over the course of the season. Havranek also placed first in the Mid-South Conference Preview meet last season.

season in both sports, earning honors with a 3.84 GPA. “Balancing a biomedical science degree along with being a three-sport athlete has been an intense experience,” said Havranek, “but I am happy to say that I can see the finish line as I enter my senior year.”

The run of success has become an expectation for Havranek, who has earned first team all-conference honors the last three years.

Her contributions have solidified the women’s cross country program as the premier program in the Mid-South Conference, and a continued competitor on the national stage.

For Coach Putnam, that side of Havranek isn’t a surprise. He sees it every day at practice. “She is talented as an athlete but her greatest talent is her work ethic. It is relentless. There is never any excuses ever to not do something.”

With such a resume in just one sport, Havranek would be considered a sure-fire Hall of Famer. However, Havranek’s impressive career doesn’t end there.

Havranek returned the praise for Coach Putnam: “Running for Coach Putnam has been an honor, he is a man who truly is an inspiration to all. Throughout my college experience he has transformed me from a good runner to a great runner.

By leading by example, he has taught me to love life and find joy in the little things.”

Shawnee State’s young track and field program has been helped

by Havranek taking up the banner for that program as well.

Havranek is a two-time All-American in the 10,000 meter run, tied for a school record for All-American honors in track with recent graduate Sarah Biehl. Havranek is a five-time all-conference honoree, with three of those awards being first team honors.

Even with her career coming to an end, Coach Putnam said there’s still much to be excited for with Anna this upcoming year: “Anna has already been an NAIA All-American three times and still has all three seasons left this year. She just missed being an All-American in the 5k at outdoor track finishing 9th as the top 8 are All-American. So I know that she is going to want to earn All-American in that event in 2018…I would also say that the 35:59 10k has set the bar pretty high for that event. I do feel like if we can get her into a bigger race in the spring of ‘18 in the 10K, she can run a good bit faster.”

Havranek has also helped Shawnee State’s indoor track and field to get off the ground this season. She was first team all-conference in the 5000-meter run and second team in the 1000-meter run.

For Havranek, running for Shawnee State has been a truly humbling experience: “The three All-American titles that I have earned and being a National Runner-Up still feels surreal to me. I am thankful that I have the honor of representing Shawnee State University and hope to continue to make our university and community proud throughout my senior year.”

Even through all the success, Havranek has managed to keep things in perspective. “Traveling all over the country as a Bear are fond memories that I will always hold dear to my heart…Running for Shawnee has taught me to set goals, achieve them, and then to surpass them. Running has made me brave and to no longer have fear of the unknown.”

Beyond just her accomplishments in competition, Havranek has also been an excellent student at Shawnee State. She is a three-time Mid-South Conference All-Academic honoree in cross country, and has earned the same twice in track and field. In addition, she was a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete this past

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Fall 2017

THE TEAM | Bowling | Coach: Bryan Sturgell

BOWLING

ON A ROLL IN As Shawnee State Athletics expands into the world of bowling, head coach Bryan Sturgell (’99) shares an inside look at what it takes to build a team from scratch, the recruitment cycle, and his goals for the coming inaugural season.

Q: You were hired as the first bowling coach and asked to build a team of 15 men and 15 women ready to represent Shawnee State Athletics by the beginning of the fall season. Where do you start?

Sturgell: I started with what I know. I competed for Shawnee State (in golf ) during my time as a student so I know what it’s like to be a student-athlete here. I’ve also competed in the regional bowling community for more than 30 years and have made a lot of contacts. And, I’ve coached athletes at the high school level and understand their desire to keep competing. All of those things fed into my approach. I’ve spent the last several months traveling around the region, talking with students and coaches, and laying the groundwork for what I’m confident will be a strong first year.

Q: What does this first team look like?

Sturgell: We’re young, of course. We only have one senior, most are freshmen bowling at the college level for the first time. Our athletes are coming to us from all over the place — throughout Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana — and for a variety of reasons. For some, bowling is what made them consider Shawnee State. Others are coming because of specific majors and bowling is just an added bonus. That’s one of the benefits of being a student-athlete at Shawnee State. This program supports its students and their life goals. We push them to be successful both in their chosen sport and in their chosen future career. continued on page 10

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BOWLING

THE FIRST YEAR

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Q: How do you break into a conference with more mature teams?

Sturgell: The NAIA is a power division when it comes to bowling. The teams, particularly in our conference, are very competitive. That’s what we want – whether we are a new team or one that has built a reputation. We want to compete against the best. That’s what we plan to do — and the coaches in the Mid-South have been more than welcoming. They support our growth and our efforts, and they’ve been a valuable resource to us as we’ve built our team.

Q: How can fans support Shawnee State Bowling?

Sturgell: The community has already begun supporting us. We’ve gotten a great deal of positive feedback from high schools, the bowling community, parents, and future bowling fans. Our team is fortunate to have been offered Sunset Bowling Lanes here in Portsmouth as “home of SSU Bowling” and we’re very

“I can’t wait for our students to walk in to their first big event and realize they can hang. I remember what it felt like for me, and it’s a game changer.”

–Coach Bryan Sturgell (‘99)

grateful for everything they have done to support us.

We are planning 8-10 events this year with four conference matches. We’re traveling a lot. We invite people to attend any matches they can and to keep in touch with us online at ssubears.com Q: What does the future hold?

Sturgell: We hope to host some matches and high school showcases here.

My prediction is that within the next five years, high school bowling will be huge in southern Ohio. We hope to spark interest at all levels.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most with your first season?

Sturgell: I can’t wait for our students to walk in to their first big event and realize they can hang. I remember what that felt like for me, and it’s a game changer. I’m also looking forward to getting to know these students — and watching them grow over the coming months and years.

WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL

Target is

IN SIGHT After advancing all the way to the NAIA Tournament with a 31-3 record in 2016-17, the Shawnee State women’s basketball team has a target on their backs.

Which happens to be the same target they are aiming for: a return to NAIA greatness.

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WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL

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THE TEAM | Women’s Basketball | Coach: Jeff Nickel The 2016-17 season saw yet another highly successful chapter in the short but storied history of Shawnee State women’s basketball. A 31-3 record saw SSU capture their second consecutive Mid-South Conference regular season championship and their third straight MSC tournament championship, along with receiving a number one seed in the NAIA National Tournament.

However, despite the fantastic season, Shawnee State also saw bitter disappointment as the Bears were eliminated in the first round of the NAIA Tournament by William Woods (Mo.).

That afternoon in Billings, Montana is what drives Jeff Nickel and his team as they prepare for the 2017-18 season. And to that end, you could say expectations are business as usual in Portsmouth for the SSU women.

“We would like to once again win the league and conference tournament championships and reach the Fab Four in Billings, Montana to compete for a National Championship, which is our ultimate goal,” said Nickel.

Nickel should have a roster to do exactly that as the Bears return three of five starters from last season’s conference championship team. The Bears also return five other letter winners from last year’s team.

Among Shawnee State’s returners is senior guard Madison Ridout.

The Jackson, Ohio native averaged 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season and was a second team NAIA All-American, in addition to being first team Mid-South Conference and MSC Randy Vernon Defensive Player of the Year.

Two other starters return from last season, both of whom were only freshman a year ago. Brandie Snow was MSC Freshman of the Year, first team All-MSC and a NAIA All-American honorable mention player. Snow averaged 12.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. Meanwhile, Bailey Cummins will also return after being a second team All-Conference selection. Cummins averaged 11.0 points and 3.8 assists per game while starting every game at point guard as a freshman.

Experience will be a good thing for Shawnee State’s women, as

they will have a target on their backs from day one. In addition to having won the conference regular season two straight years and the conference tournament in three straight, Nickel’s team will likely be ranked in the top 10 when the NAIA preseason poll comes out later this season.

With all of the returning pieces, Coach Nickel expects his team to compete much better at the NAIA Tournament this season. “We were very young last season and our freshman and sophomores are a year older and wiser.

I do not think the bright lights at the National Tournament level will have the same effect on them this year. I believe they know what it takes to compete and win a national championship.”

Last season was a milestone year for Coach Nickel. The 31-3 record was Nickel’s best since becoming head coach before the 2013-14 season, and the best Shawnee State record overall since 2008-09, when the Bears went 31-1. Nickel also picked up a milestone win as he captured head coaching victory number 100, passing Robin Hagen-Smith as the fastest SSU coach to reach that milestone.

“To be able to have this success at home means a great deal to me. I love Shawnee State and having my family around to see our success means so much,” said Nickel.

“I have been fortunate to coach many fantastic players who have allowed us all to be highly successful. I have been blessed with a great family, staff, players and administration. None of this would have been possible without them.”

Shawnee State’s women’s team will open the season on Friday, October 27, hosting Kentucky Christian at Frank and Janis Waller Gymnasium.

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Madison Ridout (left) was a second team NAIA All-American, in addition to being first team Mid-South Conference and MSC Randy Vernon Defensive Player of the Year.

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THE TEAM | Men’s Basketball | Coach: Delano Thomas

WORK RESULTS will bring

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he 2016-17 season saw the end of an era for Shawnee State men’s basketball, as former head coach Jeff Hamilton ended his tenure at the helm after 15 seasons.

The 2017-18 season will be the beginning of an exciting new time for Shawnee State as men’s basketball alumni Delano Thomas takes over the program after three seasons as Hamilton’s assistant.

said Thomas. “I’m pleased with the guys’ willingness to work hard and develop. It’s a surreal feeling to be a head coach, especially at my alma mater. Jeff Hamilton has prepared me for this next step and it has helped to make a smooth transition. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward in the direction that Shawnee State is headed.”

Thomas’ first goal: rebounding from a 9-19 season and getting Shawnee State to their first ever NAIA National Tournament in the program’s 30-year history.

Work will be the theme this season as Thomas looks to take the program into the upper echelon of the Mid-South Conference, which is a daunting task. A Mid-South Conference team has been in the NAIA National Championship Game the last two seasons.

“It has been a very exciting summer so far to begin my tenure,”

“We have made strides this summer by taking it one workout at a

MEN’S

BASKETBALL

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Fall 2017

New coach Delano Thomas has all the ingredients to break in to the upper echelon of the Mid-South Conference.

time. On paper we stack up to anybody in the Mid-South Conference. In order for it to become a reality our focus this year will be about unselfish play. Our style of playing will lead to success,” said Thomas.

A blend of returners and newcomers will forge the way ahead for Shawnee State this season. SSU will have three seniors return as Frederick Moore, J Murrell and Jayllen Carter all look to carry the Bears to contention in one of the NAIA’s toughest conferences.

“Our senior group is experienced, and will take on a bigger leadership role this season. I’m excited about our returning player’s development this off-season and how it will carry over to the

upcoming season,” said Thomas.

Perhaps the biggest difference for Shawnee State this year will be in newcomers. Coach Thomas has already brought in an exciting recruiting class that could be the important next step in SSU’s ambitions.

On his newcomers, Thomas said, “Incoming freshmen EJ Onu, Matt Smith and Gavin Brown are great additions to our program.

Their selfless style of play will fit well with our team. EJ is an elite shot blocker, who will provide tremendous length inside and has a skill set that will offer immediate impact. Matt’s length will be an asset on the defensive end, and his versatility to play inside and

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out will create a tough matchup offensively. Gavin is a fearless competitor, who will help stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the ball. Redshirt Troy Gibbs is a local product that will bring leadership and experience at the point guard position. His ability to push the pace and read the floor will help us offensively, as well as his defensive prowess.”

Even with all the help, Shawnee State will face fierce competition. Mid-South Conference members Georgetown, Pikeville and Life will all likely find themselves ranked highly at the beginning of the season, with Cumberlands (Ky.), Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville also hoping for top 25 buzz. Thomas also hasn’t backed down from scheduling tough in the non-conference, as SSU will start the season with a likely top 10 ranked team in William Penn (Iowa), with the Bears also set to play multiple NCAA Division II programs this year.

Despite the steep climb, Thomas has kept his team’s goals simple: “Academically, finishing #1 for team GPA for fall semester amongst the other athletics SSU teams. We want to have our guys involved with campus life and build a relationship with the community which will lead to more support, our goal is to lead the MSC in attendance this season. Our goal on the court is to play unselfish basketball, be relentless on the defensive end and be a top rebounding team in the country.”

Shawnee State men’s basketball will begin the season on Sunday, October 29 when they host William Penn at 1:00pm at Frank and Janis Waller Gymnasium.

Fred Moore

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Jayllen Carter

“Our goal on the court is to play unselfish basketball, be relentless on the defensive end, and be a top rebounding team in the country.”

–Coach Delano Thomas

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Fall 2017

ATHLETICS

EXPANDS! A

s an NAIA school, athletes at Shawnee State University are students first. They want to earn degrees that prepare them for rewarding careers. They also want to continue to compete outside of the classroom in their chosen sport.

Now, thanks to the addition of six new teams — and plans for more with the 2018 and 2019 seasons, students have more opportunities for scholarships at Shawnee State than ever before.

“We’re helping more student-athletes receive an education and

compete in men’s and women’s bowling for the first time this fall.

Planned additions for 2018-19 include archery and E-sports, with swimming to follow.

“These are all new sports for us and provide some unique opportunities for students, fans, and community,” Hamilton said.

“E-sports in particular provides some nice tie-ins with our nationally-ranked game development programs and existing student clubs.”

“We’re helping more student-athletes receive an education and continue to compete while in college.”–Jeff Hamilton, SSU AD continue to compete while in college,” SSU Athletic Director Jeff Hamilton said. “We’re excited about where we’re headed as an athletics department — and of the accomplishments of our coaches and athletes. Everyone has been supportive of our growth, both on campus and in the community.”

SSU added women’s golf, men’s tennis, and men’s and women’s indoor track & field last fall and have recruited student-athletes to

Along with the expansion of teams, Shawnee State is upgrading its facilities and has entered partnerships throughout the community to accommodate growth. SSU is sharing facilities with Portsmouth City Schools to accommodate SSU’s new track & field teams and has entered a partnerships with Sunset Bowling Lanes to provide facilities for SSU Bowling. Renovations on campus include improvements to the Warsaw Natatorium, Hall of Fame lobby and varsity weight rooms in the Rhodes Athletics Center.

SAVE the DATE Shawnee State University Hall of Fame Weekend!

January 26-27 2018 Friday, January 26 Hall of Fame Banquet 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 27 Shawnee State vs Univ. of the Cumberlands Women - 2pm | Men - 4pm

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CROSS

COUNTRY

DEFENDING THE

DYNASTY

Eric Putnam’s cross country programs will be looking for yet another successful season. Both teams will be looking to defend Mid-South Conference championships, with the SSU women going for their seventh straight since joining the league in 2010 and the men looking for their sixth in seven years. SSU’s men finished 10th in the NAIA National Championships a year ago, with the women finishing 9th.

Putnam’s women return nearly the entire roster from last season, including Mid-South Conference Runner of the Year and NAIA All-American Anna Havranek.

Havranek finished 23rd in the NAIA National Championship meet last season and hopes to duplicate her MSC Individual Championships from a year ago.

Joining Havranek are all-conference runners Kate Spencer, Alyssa Taylor, Katie Saling and Brooke Smith.

Shawnee State’s men also return a talented stable as MSC Freshman of the Year Seth Farmer returns for SSU. David Jaeger, Cody Redman (right), Ethan Richter (above), Owen Reeher, and Parker Blain all return to help Shawnee State return to the NAIA National Championships.

Fall 2017

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Fall 2017

VOLLEYBALL

NEW SEASON, NEW PLAYERS

NEW OUTLOOK Shawnee State volleyball will look to improve on last season’s 5-25 season (0-14 MSC) which saw them finish last in the Mid-South Conference. Susan Shelton has added eight new players to this season’s squad.

Middle hitter Tyanna Smith join former Owens Community College teammate and returning setter Deanna Smith on this year’s squad, along with former SSU women’s basketball player Carson Roney. SSU also receives defensive specialist Stacia Martin from Indiana University East.

Brianna Wiget and Madison Knipp (left) are SSU’s two other returners from last year’s team. Wiget will move to defensive specialist after playing most of last season at the net. Shawnee State will also look to Christina Shelton for production after she spent all of last season on the bench.

SOCCER

COMING OUT

KICKING SSU men’s soccer is looking to rebound after a 5-12-1 season one year ago (2-4-1 MSC). Ron Goodson’s squad finished fifth in the Mid-South Conference.

SSU returns leading goal scorer Bryce Romanello. The sophomore forward from Lucasville netted eight goals last season, three more than SSU’s next highest. Shawnee State will also return Casper Nolte, a junior midfielder who scored four goals last season.

The Bears will have 14 new players this season, including Brazilian goalkeeper Leonardo Caruzo and English defender Ben Carrington.

Shawnee State women’s soccer will look to improve after a promising first season under Aubrey Sherman. The Bears were 6-7-2 (3-4 MSC) and finished fourth in the Mid-South Conference, winning six of their last nine games down the stretch after a 0-4-2 start.

Shawnee State returns most of last year’s squad, including first team All-Conference selection Jenny Campbell (right). The midfielder was fantastic last season, scoring 10 goals and anchoring the midfield.

Second team All-Conference goalkeeper Michaela Garner also returns, as do Maddie Woodard and Destiny Chester, SSU’s second and third leading scorers.

New players Laken Munn, Alyssa Johnson, Sydney Payne and Alison Cook are all transfers expected to contribute immediately. SSU also adds freshmen Lindsey Bates, Sammi Love and Emily Taylor.

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Fall 2017

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