2009-10 WRESTLING
Gardner-Webb University Wrestling Mission Statement It is the belief of this wrestling staff that the program is a ministry, first and foremost. It is our firm conviction that as long as we keep our focus on witnessing for the Lord Jesus Christ, that all other aspects of the program will be unfold according to His will. While we certainly believe that winning is preferable to losing, we also believe the truth in Romans 8:28, that ... “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called to His purpose and witness His name.” In the words of Jim Elliott, “He is no fool who gives up what he can never keep, to gain what he can never lose.” We further believe that this wrestling program functions as an ambassador for Gardner-Webb University, and that we at all times will work to preserve and advance the overall mission of this institution. We recognize, as well, that we are ambassadors for the sport of wrestling, and that it is imperative that we do all that we can to perpetuate the sport of wrestling, not only at the university, but also in the NCAA. We must at all times present our witness, our institution, and our sport in the best possible light. Written by Head Coach Richard Wince (Fall 1994)
GARDNER-WEBB WRESTLING TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents/Credits ............................................................................ 1 2009-10 Season Outlook .............................................................................. 2 2009-10 Gardner-Webb Wrestling Schedule ............................................. 3 Coaching Staff ...........................................................................................4-5 Head Coach Richard Wince ......................................................... 4 Assistant Coach Daniel Elliott ..................................................... 5 Graduate Assistant Coach Rocco Caponi .................................... 5 2009-10 Roster .............................................................................................. 6 Bulldog Wrestlers ....................................................................................7-17 Dustin Porter ................................................................................ 7 David Pelsang .............................................................................. 7 Tim Burdine ................................................................................. 8 Evan Rhodes ................................................................................ 8 Randall Herring............................................................................ 8 Nick Roehrick .............................................................................. 9 Jonathan Velazquez ...................................................................... 9 Windell Wilson .......................................................................... 10 Matthew Featherston.................................................................. 10 Michael Slaughter ...................................................................... 11 Dave Sweeney ............................................................................ 11 Kurt Wentink .............................................................................. 11 Justin Guthrie ............................................................................. 12 Ty Kinslow ................................................................................. 12 Tom Pennington ......................................................................... 13 Frederick Pope ........................................................................... 13 Blake Salyer ............................................................................... 14 Alex Medved.............................................................................. 14 Ryan Medved ............................................................................. 15 Jason Porter ................................................................................ 15 Travis Porter ............................................................................... 15 Richie Spicel .............................................................................. 16 Zack Burke ................................................................................. 16 Andrew Campbell ...................................................................... 16 Miguel Gordon ........................................................................... 17 Brett Kostern .............................................................................. 17 Morgan McDaniel ...................................................................... 17 Marc Rocha ................................................................................ 17 2008-09 Season Review .............................................................................. 18 GWU All-Time Roster ............................................................................... 19 This is Gardner-Webb University ............................................................ 20 Gardner-Webb Academics ....................................................................... 21 GWU Administration................................................................................. 22 President Dr. A. Frank Bonner ................................................... 22 V.P. for Athletics Chuck Burch ................................................. 22 GWU Athletic Training ............................................................................. 23 GWU Facilities ........................................................................................... 24
CREDITS The 2009-10 Gardner-Webb University wrestling media guide was designed, written and edited by Kevin Davis, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations, using Adobe InDesign CS2 and Photoshop CS2 software. Editor: ....................................................................Kevin Davis Editorial Assistance: .............................................. Bailey Holt Cover Design: ........................................................Kevin Davis Photos Provided By: ................... Rebecca Elliott, Kevin Davis .................... Brent C. Hager, Jessica Jones, GWU Photo Team
A special thanks to the Gardner-Webb coaching staff for its assistance with this publication.
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2009-10 SEASON PREVIEW The Gardner-Webb University wrestling team has high expectations for 2009-10 both individually and as a team. Coach Richard Wince has returned to the sidelines as head coach, after serving as the Director of Wrestling Operations the last two seasons. The Bulldogs roster is a mix of both new and old faces in 2009-10, highlighted by the return of three-time East Regional champion Dustin Porter at the heavyweight class. Junior Matthew Featherston returns having seen the bulk of the action at 133 last season, while redshirt-senior David Pelsang returns after finishing second at 165 the East Regional meet last season. Other returners that will compete this season for starts include Dave Sweeney, who saw action last season at four different weight classes, Jonathan Velazquez at the upper weights, and both Blake Salyer and Tom Pennington at both 174 and 184. The new faces are highlighted by a quartet of redshirt-freshman in Richie Spicel, Travis Porter, Ryan Medved and Alex Medved. Spicel, who was ranked at the No. 30 top challenger in the 141-pound weight class by Wrestling USA Magazine in the preseason, will look to compete for the Bulldogs at both 133 and 141 this season. Porter, who is the younger brother of Dustin, is the front runner for the Bulldogs at 197, while the Ryan Medved, who competed last season in some open tournaments, will look to fill the void left at 149 with the departure of Austin Reece and Thomas Knapp from last season. Like his twin brother Ryan, Alex will be asked to fill a whole at 157, as Justin Guthrie will redshirt this season. With Courtney Roberts, who competed for GWU at 125 in every match last season, graduating in the off season, there is an opening at 125. Junior transfer and former National Junior College Association All-American Michael Slaughter will compete with freshmen Marc Rocha and Brett Kostern, as well as sophomore Ty Kinslow, all season long for the starting spot at both 125 and 133. While Spicel will see some time at 141, while both redshirt-sophomore Kurt Wentink and freshman Morgan McDaniel, as well as Featherston, will see time at 141 in both open tournaments as well as in dual meet action. Healthy competition will also take place at the middle weights, as Coach Wince’s squad is deep at those positions. Senior Tim Burdine should see time for the Bulldogs at 149 this season, while at 157, depth will come by way of two freshman in Miguel Gordon and Andrew Campbell, as both with push Alex Medved for starting time. With the return of redshirt-junior Randall Herring, sophomore Frederick Pope, in addition to Sweeney, Pelsang, Salyer and Pennington, competition for mat time at 165 and 174 will be both tough and ongoing, as all bring a wealth of both knowledge and experience to the table. At 184, Velazquez is the most experience returner for GWU, however, redshirt-freshman Jason Porter and senior Evan Rhodes will both look to compete immediately for Coach Wince this season. While Porter, who was ranked 16th in the nation among heavyweights in the Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine 2009-10 Preseason Division I Tournament Power Index, will see most of the action at the heavyweight position, depth will come from redshirt-juniors Nick Roehrick and Windell Wilson, as well as freshman newcomer Zack Burke. Gardner-Webb has had at least one grappler qualify for the NCAA National Championships in each of the last six seasons and will look to continue the trend this season. While, Porter is the favorite, as he looks to become the first fourtime regional champion in the history of GWU, a handful of other Bulldog wrestlers are capable to become east regional champions themselves this season.
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2009-10 GARDNER-WEBB SCHEDULE Date November 8 November 14 November 15 November 19 November 21 December 5 December 11 December 29 December 30 January 16 January 16 January 17 January 17 JANUARY 20 JANUARY 20 JANUARY 26 JANUARY 26 January 30 February 6 FEBRUARY 15 February 19 March 6 March 18-20
Opponent Hokie Open Chattanooga ACC Open Utah Valley N.C. State Open Davidson Open VMI Southern Scuffle Southern Scuffle Davidson Franklin & Marshall Virginia Tech UNC Greensboro N.C. STATE APPALACHIAN STATE CAMPBELL BELMONT ABBEY Appalachian State Open East Regional Duals THE CITADEL Duke NCAA East Regionals NCAA National Championships
Location Salem, Va. Chattanooga, Tenn. Chapel Hill, N.C. Greensboro, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. Davidson, N.C. Lexington, Va. Greensboro, N.C. Greensboro, N.C. Davidson, N.C. Davidson, N.C. Blacksburg, Va. Blacksburg, Va. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. Boone, N.C. Buies Creek, N.C. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. Durham, N.C. Millersville, Pa. Omaha, Nebraska
Time 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 9 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA 5 P.M. 5 P.M. 6 P.M. 6 P.M. TBA TBA 7 P.M. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Bold & Caps denotes Home Games
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HEAD COACH RICHARD WINCE RICHARD WINCE HEAD COACH 18TH SEASON (20TH SEASON OVERALL) Wince, who has been a part of Gardner-Webb University wrestling for 20 years, returned as the head wrestling coach in the summer of 2009. Wince, who served as the Director of Wrestling Operations for the last two years, will enter his 18th season as the programs head coach, having been the leader of the program from 1990 – 2007. “We are also excited with Dick Wince’s decision to return to the head coaching position,” commented Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. “He has spent the better part of two decades nurturing and developing young men at Gardner-Webb, and will continue to do so at a high level.” Wince has overseen the program from its days as a small NAIA competitor all the way up to its current status as a competitive mid-major program at the NCAA Division I level. During his time as head coach, Wince steadily built a winning tradition in Boiling Springs and has seen at least one Gardner-Webb wrestler make it to the NCAA National Championships in each of the past six seasons. In 2008-09, redshirt-junior Dustin Porter, who reached as high as 11th in the national rankings at the 285 pound weight class, qualified for the NCAA Championships for the third consecutive year, while in 2006-07, Rob Tate advanced to the NCAA Championships where he picked up the squad’s only victory that year at the NCAA Championships and had one of only two wins for the East Region. During the 2005-2006 season, Wince’s last year as head coach, his team sent a school-record four student-athletes to the NCAA National Championships. For the second straight season, Josh Pniewski picked up a first-round win. Fellow senior Daniel Elliott became the only person in GWU history to earn a top-10 ranking, finishing his season with a 40-4 mark. For their efforts, both Elliott and Pniewski were named first-team All-Carolina by The Takedown Report. Entering the season, Pniewski and Elliott had each garnered top-20 rankings in their respective weight classes by numerous organizations. Wince’s squad was highly successful off the mat as well. Pniewski was named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic Division I Team. As a team, GWU was honored as one of 30 NCAA Division I programs to post a team GPA of 2.80 or higher during the season. The Bulldogs recorded a GPA of 2.899 to rank 21st in the nation.
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During the 2004-2005 season, GWU sent Pniewski and Elliott to Nationals after the duo each claimed the East Regional Championship. Not only did Pniewski and Elliott make history by becoming GWU’s first set of teammates to compete at Nationals on the Division I level, but each grappler picked up a win in the second round to mark the first time in the program’s history that multiple wins had been recorded at the NCAA Division I National Tournament. Along with its outstanding accomplishments on the mats, Gardner-Webb has excelled in the classroom under Coach Wince’s guidance. The 2004-2005 team was honored by the NWCA as an All-Academic Top-30 Team after posting a team grade-point-average of 2.95. Pniewski was also named individually to the NWCA All-Academic Team for his cumulative GPA of 3.56. In all, eight wrestlers have earned Academic All-America honors during Wince’s time at GWU. A native of Ohio, Wince was a standout grappler at Mount Union College prior to beginning his coaching career. Wince was a four-time team captain and three-time team MVP at the school before graduating in 1970 with an undergraduate degree in English. Before taking the job at Gardner-Webb, Wince was a highly successful prep coach in Ohio where he was twice named as Northeast Ohio’s ‘Coach of the Year’ while tutoring several junior college All-Americans and one eventual NAIA national champion. Wince was named the 2003 USA Wrestling’s FILA Junior University Person of the Year. The prestigious award goes to a leader who works with athletes and programs on the FILA Junior (ages 17-19) and University levels. Wince was also named as the 2003 North Carolina Person of the Year for wrestling. Wince’s first NCAA Qualifier was his son, Erik, who is now an assistant coach at Davidson. Wince and his wife Carolyn reside in Lattimore, N.C., and are the proud grandparents of Rachael Elizabeth Wince and Carson Alexander Wince.
ASSISTANT COACHES DANIEL ELLIOTT
ROCCO CAPONI
ASSISTANT COACH
GRADUATE ASSISTANT COACH
FOURTH SEASON FIRST SEASON Daniel Elliott begins his fourth season with the GardnerWebb program. It is Elliott’s second season as an assistant coach after spending the first two seasons as a graduate assistant following a stellar collegiate career for Head Coach Dick Wince. Since moving over to the bench as a coach, Elliott has seen at least one GWU wrestler make it to the NCAA Championships in each of the last three years, including Dustin Porter who has reached the NCAA Championships all three-years. Fellow GWU grappler Rob Tate reached the Championships in 2006-07, earning the Bulldogs lone victory at the national event. During his career for the Bulldogs, Elliott was a two-time NCAA Qualifier. He was also a two-time regional champion at 149. In his last regional meet, Elliott was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. He finished the regular season with a record of 39-2 during his senior campaign and was ranked 10th in the nation in the final standings. Elliott holds the school record for career wins, single-season wins in addition to consecutive wins. He also led the team in each of his last three seasons in takedowns. In the spring of 2008, Elliott competed in the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional and placed third in his weight class, marking the first time that he had placed at a senior-level event. Elliott graduated in May 2006 with a double major in history and communications. Elliott then went on to earn his masters in sports sciences and pedagogy from Gardner-Webb in the summer of 2008.
Rocco Caponi is entering his first year on the Gardner-Webb Wrestling coaching staff in 2009-10. Caponi brings a wealth of experience with him to GardnerWebb as he was a member of the wrestling team and a team captain at the University of Virginia from 2004-2009. While at Virginia, Caponi qualified for the NCAA Tournament four times and was a three-time individual ACC Tournament Champion en route to picking up 111 career wins. Caponi, who graduated from the University of Virginia in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Studies of Women and Gender, is also the creator, camp director and clinician of the Rocco Caponi’s National Champ Camp, which was held in June 2004. While at Gardner-Webb, Caponi will be pursuing his master’s degree in Sports Science and Pedagogy.
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2009-10 GARDNER-WEBB ROSTER
Name Tim Burdine Zack Burke Andrew Campbell Matthew Featherston Miguel Gordon Justin Guthrie Randall Herring Ty Kinslow Brett Kostern Morgan McDaniel Alex Medved Ryan Medved David Pelsang Tom Pennington Frederick Pope Dustin Porter Jason Porter Travis Porter Evan Rhodes Marc Rocha Nick Roehrick Blake Salyer Michael Slaughter Richie Spicel Dave Sweeney Jonathan Velazquez Kurt Wentink Windell Wilson
Wt. Class 149 HVY 157 141 174 157 165 125 125 141 157 149 165 184 165 HVY 174 197 184 125 HVY 174 125 133 174 184 141 HVY
Head Coach: Richard Wince Assistant Coach: Daniel Elliott Graduate Assistant Coach: Rocco Caponi 6
Yr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. R-Jr. So. Fr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Sr. So. So. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Sr. Fr. R-Jr. So. Jr. R-Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-So. R-Jr.
Hometown/Previous School Brandon, Fla. (Durant) Raleigh, N.C. (East Wake) Hendersonville, N.C. (North Henderson) Gastonia, N.C. (Shelby) Winston-Salem, N.C. (North Forsyth) Asheville, N.C. (Enka) Nuenburg, Germany (Wilson Fike) Matthews, N.C. (Bacone College) Raleigh, N.C. (Sanderson) Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown) Marietta, Ga. (Harrison) Marietta, Ga. (Harrison) Jacksonville, N.C. (White Oaks) Gainesville, Ga. (Flowery Branch) Atlanta, Ga. (Banneker) Burton, Ohio (Berkshire) Burton, Ohio (Berkshire) Burton, Ohio (Berkshire) Martin, Ga. (Stephens County) Houston, Texas (Bishop Lynch) Orlando, Fla. (Oviedo) Taylorsville, N.C. (Alexander) Dublin, Ga. (Spartanburg Methodist) Cleveland, Ohio (Brunswick) Cleveland, Ohio (Chardon) Jupiter, Fla. (Jupiter) Lodi, Ohio (Cloverleaf) Rocky Mount, N.C. (Rocky Mount)
BULLDOG WRESTLERS DUSTIN PORTER
DAVID PELSANG
Redshirt-Senior Burton, Ohio Berkshire H.S.
Redshirt-Senior Jacksonville, N.C. White Oaks H.S.
HVY
165
Notes: Looking to make a run at All-American status … has improved each and every year since coming to GWU … has high expectations this season having been to the NCAA National tournament the last three seasons … looking to be the first four-time regional champion from GWU. 2008-09: Recorded his third consecutive East Region title … Was ranked for most of the season nationally, reaching as high as No. 10 on the season … Posted 31 wins on the season, which was first on the team … Took third-place at the Naval Academy Classic, going 4-1 at the meet … Finished in fifth-place at the 2008 Southern Scuffle, picking up a win over the then No. 11 nationally ranked wrestler Zach Hammond … Recorded a record of 21-2 in dual match competition. 2007-08: Recorded his second consecutive East Region title, winning three consecutive matches to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship … Posted 28 wins, which was first on the team … Had a 15-6 record in dual match competition … Picked up three wins via a fall and two by major decision. 2006-07: Won the East Region title, advancing to the NCAA Championship … Led the team with 28 wins while losing just nine matches … Also had a team-high five pins … Posted an 18-5 mark in dual competition … Had four major decisions and two technical falls. 2005-06: Redshirted.
Notes: He is committed to wrestling, training and wrestling when and wherever he can … Took third at the NCAA Regionals last year … the team has high expectations for him at 165 this season. 2008-09: Picked up seven wins on the year at the 165 pound weight class … Finished third at the NCAA Regionals in March … Picked up two wins, including a 15-3 major decision win at the 165 weight class at the regional meet … The only Bulldog to have a win at 165 on the year … Posted a win against Carson Newman, Delaware State, Wagner, Spartanburg Methodist and at the Naval Academy Classic. 2007-08: Redshirted. 2006-07: Recorded a 4-10 mark … Was 1-6 in dual match competition … Picked up a major decision victory and had one win via pin … Had five takedowns and two near falls. 2005-06: Won two matches, both by decision … Recorded 12 escapes … Had two takedowns, a reverse and a two-point near fall. High School: Four-time state qualifier at White Oak H.S. … Two-time regional champion … Four-time conference champion … Reached the state finals once. Personal: Born March 19, 1987 in Jacksonville, N.C. … Son of Dave and Carol Pelsang … Majoring in nursing.
High School: Had a career record of 95-15 at Berkshire H.S. … Was 10th in the nation after senior nationals … Finished seventh in the state … Was a two-time state qualifier. Personal: Born December 18, 1986 in Burton, Ohio … Son of Ray and Beth Porter … Brother Travis is also on the GWU wrestling team … Majoring in business.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS TIM BURDINE
RANDALL HERRING
Senior Brandon, Fla. Spartanburg Meth.
Redshirt-Junior Nuenburg, Germany Wilson Fike H.S.
149
165
Notes: A former JUCO All-American and NJCAA National Runner up at the 149 weight class; coming off a medical redshirt year … will challenge for a starting spot at 149 and 157.
Notes: Could see time at both the 174 and the 184 weight class … provides depth and options at both weight classes … picked up experience over the last three seasons.
2008-09: Redshirted.
2008-09: Saw action at 174 and at 197 for the Bulldogs … Posted a 1-1 record at 174 on the year … Picked up a major decision win versus Spartanburg Methodist College … Lost his only bout at 197 versus The Citadel.
Prior to Gardner-Webb: Wrestled for two years at Spartanburg Methodist College … Was the National Junior College Athletic Association national runner up at the 149 weight class. Personal: Born September 15, 1987 in Indianapolis, Indiana … Son of Tim and Leigh Burdine … Majoring in business administration.
2007-08: Recorded six takedowns and three reversals in limited action … Tallied eight escapes on the season. 2006-07: Redshirted.
EVAN RHODES Senior Martin, Ga. Stephens County H.S.
184 Notes: Is solid in the classroom … Adds much needed depth at the upper weight classes. 2008-09: Did not compete. 2007-08: Won four matches on the season … Tallied one fall … Posted four takedowns and 17 escapes … Also notched two reversals. 2006-07: Did compete in dual matches … Was 2-4 in tournament competition … Had six takedowns and one win via fall. High School: Went 125-27 at Stephens County H.S. … Two-time state qualifier … Won the Wildcat Tournament … Had an undefeated regular season his senior season … Two-time team MVP … Team captain … Also participated in football and track all four years. Personal: Born August 15, 1987 in Brooksville, Fla. … Son of William and Adele Leverett and Tim Rhodes … Majoring in education.
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High School: Posted 112 career wins at Wilson Fike H.S. … Three-time all-conference selection … Three-time state qualifier … Placed at states his senior season … Two-time member of the N.C. National Team … Greco state champion. Personal: Born March 15, 1988 in Nuenburg, Germany … Son of Randolph and Beverly Herring … Majoring in accounting.
BULLDOG WRESTLERS NICK ROEHRICK
JONATHAN VELAZQUEZ
Redshirt-Junior Orlando, Fla. Oviedo H.S.
Redshirt-Junior Jupiter, Fla. Jupiter H.S.
HVY
184
Notes: Appears to finally be healthy this season … looking to bounce back from multiple surgeries … will see time at the heavyweight weight class.
Notes: Pound for pound the strongest kid on the team … Perhaps the best athlete on the team … Is a hard worker … Will see time at 184 this season.
2008-09: Did not compete.
2008-09: Posted a 6-10 record overall on the season … Saw action at 174, 184 and 197 … Picked up a pin fall win at 174 against Anderson … Had a win at 184 versus Campbell … Also posted a victory at 184 win in GWU’s win over VMI …Won all three of his matches at 184 at the East Regional Duals.
2007-08: Redshirted. 2006-07: Won nine matches on the season, all of which came in dual matches … Won two matches by way of fall, with the fastest coming in 2:13. High School: Earned all-state honors his senior season at Oviedo H.S. … Helped his school to two state championships … Two-time member of the Florida National Team his senior year. Personal: Born July 6, 1987 in Dayton, Ohio … Son of Nick and Kelly Roehrick … Majoring in communications.
2007-08: Did not compete. 2006-07: Redshirted. High School: State champion at Jupiter H.S. … Was fourth at the state championship as a junior … Coached by Jeff Prescott. Personal: Born September 15, 1986 in Harford, Conn. … Son of Joe and Teresa Raich … Brother of former GWU wrestler Nick Raich … Majoring in business.
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BULLDOGS WRESTLERS WINDELL WILSON
MATTHEW FEATHERSTON
Redshirt-Junior Rocky Mount, N.C. Rocky Mount H.S.
Junior Gastonia, N.C. Shelby H.S.
HVY
141
Notes: Works hard and will add depth to the heavyweights. 2008-09: Did not compete. 2007-08: Walked onto the team midway through the season … Picked up two wins on the season … Had two takedowns and three escapes.
Notes: A local kid from Shelby … always reliable and there when needed … started 133 last season … always makes weight and is one of the hardest workers on the team day-in and day-out. 2008-09: Saw action at the 133 pound weight class last season … Picked up an 8-4 win at 133 against Duquesne at the East Regional Duals.
2006-08: Played two seasons on the GWU football team. High School: Earned all-conference honors in wrestling and football at Rocky Mount H.S.
2007-08: Recorded 26 escapes on the year … Had five takedowns and two reversals in 12 matches. 2006-07: Went 0-4 on the season … Recorded one takedown.
Personal: Born November 10, 1987 … Son of George and Cathy Wilson … Majoring in business administration with a minor in YMCA management.
High School: Finished 73-66 with 30 pins at neighboring Shelby H.S. … Earned second-team all-conference honors his senior season … Four-time wrestling scholar-athlete … Three-time track scholar-athlete … Two-time football scholar-athlete. Personal: Born January 21, 1988 in Gastonia, N.C. … Son of Christine Schau and Jhonny Featherston … Majoring in middle school education.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS MICHAEL SLAUGHTER
KURT WENTINK
Junior Dublin, Ga. Spartanburg Meth.
Redshirt-Sophomore
125
141
Notes: A JUCO all-american last year from Spartanburg Methodist … A great kid all around and one of the hardest workers on the team … Will challenge at 125. Prior to Gardner-Webb: Was a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American last season at Spartanburg Methodist College. High School: Attended West Laurens H.S. in Dublin, Ga. … Was a three-time state champion …Was a state runner-up as a freshman … Was also a member of the football team … A four-year scholar-athlete … Was a member of Team Georgia. Personal: Born on October 6, 1988 in Dublin, Ga. … Has not yet declared a major.
Lodi, Ohio Cloverleaf H.S.
Notes: Saw some action last season and is a highly skilled technician … Is a hard worker … Should challenge for time at 141 this season. 2008-09: Posted a 1-8 record on the season, competing at both 141 and 149 throughout the year … Picked up a win at the Naval Academy Classic in the 149 weight class … Competed at the 2008 Southern Scuffle in the 141 weight class. 2007-08: Redshirted. High School: Compiled a 119-49 mark at Cloverleaf H.S. … Finished seventh in the state his senior season … Three-time district qualifier … Four-year letterwinner … Two-time Ohio Junior National Freestyle and Greco team member. Personal: Born January 6, 1989 in Medina, Ohio … Son of Mike and Connie Wentink … Intends to major in business.
DAVE SWEENEY Redshirt-Sophomore
Cleveland, Ohio Chardon H.S.
174 Notes: A hard worker in both practice and in workouts … Will challenge for time at 165 and at 174 this season. 2008-09: Saw action at 165, 174, 184 and 197 last season … Recorded four wins on the season … Picked up two wins at 174 at the East Regional Duals, including a pin fall at 6:36 against Wagner. 2007-08: Redshirted. High School: Won sectionals his senior season at Chardon H.S. … Placed third at districts and at Kenston his senior campaign … Was third at the sectional championship his junior year … Earned first-team all-state honors his senior season … Had the most takedowns and tech falls on the team. Personal: Born April 25, 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio … Son of Tim Sweeney … Intends to major in athletic training.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS JUSTIN GUTHRIE
TY KINSLOW
Sophomore asheville, N.C. Enka H.S.
Sophomore Matthews, N.C. Bacone College
157
125
Notes: One of the better leaders on the team … started at 157 last year … will compete at 165 in open tournaments this year. 2008-09: Posted a 5-18 record at the 157 pound weight class as a true freshman … Picked up his first collegiate win at the Naval Academy Classic … Also picked up the decision versus VMI in GWU’s 20-17 win … Also had a win against Davidson at the Bulldog Duals … Had a pin fall win at 157 against Wagner at the East Regional Duals. High School: Totaled 196 wins versus 41 losses at Enka H.S. … Finished third in the state his junior and senior seasons … Three-time conference champion … Two-time regional champion … Conference Wrestler of the Year … Also competed for the Hominy Valley Wrestling Club …Competed at the J-Robinson 28-day intensive camp as a sophomore … Four-sport student-athlete having also participated in cross country, track and baseball. Personal: Born November 15, 1989 in Asheville, N.C. … Son of Mike and Angelia Guthrie … Has not yet declared a major.
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Notes: A transfer from Bacone College …A local kid from Butler High School in Charlotte, N.C. … provides much needed depth at the 125weight class. High School: Wrestled for Butler H.S. in Charlotte, N.C. … Posted an 80-10 record in his final two years at Butler H.S. … Was a two-time regional champion … Finished fifth in the state as a senior and sixth in the state as a junior … Was also a member of the Arichion Wrestling Club. Personal: Born January 3, 1990 in Charlotte, N.C. … Son of Steve and Betsy Kinslow … Transfer from Bacone College … Has not yet declared a major.
BULLDOGS WRESTLERS TOM PENNINGTON
FREDERICK POPE
Sophomore Gainesville, Ga. Flowery Branch H.S.
Sophomore Atlanta, Ga. Banneker H.S.
184
165
Notes: Will provide depth at the upper weight classes ranging from 174 to 197.
Notes: A great kid and the spiritual leader on the team … a hard worker and a good person all around.
2008-09: Posted a 0-5 record in limited action as a true freshman … Competed at both 184 and 197 … Competed at 184 at the Naval Academy Classic … Wrestled at 184 against The Citadel and versus Virginia Tech at the Bulldog duals … Saw action at the 197 pound class in the Bulldogs 40-10 win over Spartanburg Methodist College.
2008-09: Did not compete.
High School: Two-time county champion at Flowery Branch H.S. … Compiled a 115-30 record … Placed fourth in the state his senior season … Area champion … Named Most Outstanding Wrestler his senior season … Garnered 2008 all-area team honors … Won four regularseason tournaments …Three-time state qualifier … Four-year member of Team Georgia National Duals squad … Three-year letterwinner in football … 2006-07 Georgia State Freestyle and Greco State runner-up … 2008 Junior National Greco Championships top-12 performer … Combined to win or place in 25 USA tournaments, winning over 100 off-season matches from 2006-2008.
High School: Posted 80 wins and 15 losses at Banneker H.S. … Two-time state qualifier … Posted a 25-2 mark as a senior … Threesport letterwinner … Two-time Most Dedicated Wrestler award winner … Four-year letterwinner in wrestling … Also played basketball and tennis for a season … Member of the Beta Club … National Honor Roll member. Personal: Born February 22, 1987 in Daytona Beach, Fla. … Son of Elvin and Cynthia Kelly … Majoring in business administration.
Personal: Born January 26, 1990 in Gainesville, Ga. … Son of Tom and Patrice Pennington … Intends to major in biology.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS BLAKE SALYER
ALEX MEDVED
Sophomore Taylorsville, N.C. Alexander H.S.
Redshirt-Freshman
174
157
Notes: Saw action last season at 174, 184 and 197 … Will compete for time at 174 this season … A hard worker that is reliable and always there for the team. 2008-09: Had three wins on the season … Competed at 174, 184 and 197 last season as a true freshman … Picked up a win by pin fall at 3:17 in the Bulldogs win over Anderson … Won at 174 versus VMI … Also picked up a win at 174 in the Bulldogs win over Davidson at the Bulldog Duals. High School: Four-year standout at Alexander H.S. … Compiled a 155-34 record … Totaled 111 pins and 138 takedowns … Two-time first-team all conference selection … Earned second-team all-conference honors as a sophomore … Finished third in the state as a senior … Scholar-athlete … Finished first four consecutive years at the Tar Heel Classic … Wrestled for the North Carolina National Team. Personal: Born May 10, 1990 in Ypsilanti, Michigan … Son of Vincent and Tracie Salyer … Intends to major in athletic training.
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Marietta, Ga. Harrison H.S.
Notes: Coming off a redshirt year … is a student of the sport and always looking to learn … is an incredible technician … great in the classroom … also a great leader by example and is always there for the team … will compete for a starting spot at 157. 2008-09: Redshirted. High School: Recorded a 189-36 mark at Harrison H.S. … Won the state championship his senior season … Four-time state qualifier … Three time region champion … Two-time Cobb County champion … Three-time Team Georgia member … Two-time team captain … Atlanta Journal and Marietta Daily Journal Wrestler of the Year in 2008 … Marietta Daily Journal Wrestler of the Year in 2006 … Honor roll member. Personal: Born February 18, 1990 in Marietta, Ga. … Son of Steve and Chris Medved … Brother Ryan is also on the GWU wrestling team … Majoring in biology.
BULLDOG WRESTLERS RYAN MEDVED
TRAVIS PORTER
Redshirt-Freshman Marietta, Ga. Harrison H.S.
Redshirt-Freshman Burton, Ohio Berkshire H.S.
149
197
Notes: Coming off a redshirt year … is a student of the sport and always looking to learn … is an incredible technician … great in the classroom … also a great leader by example and is always there for the team … will compete for a starting spot at 149. 2008-09: Redshirted. High School: Posted 184 wins against 38 losses at Harrison H.S. … Recorded a third-place finish his junior year at the state meet … Was fourth his senior season … Four-time state qualifier … Two-time regional champion … Was the Cobb County champion his senior season … Three-time Team Georgia member … Recorded a 62-7 mark his senior season … Two-time team captain … Was named to the Atlanta Journal All-Star Team … Earned the academic achievement award. Personal: Born February 18, 1990 in Marietta, Ga. … Son of Steve and Chris Medved … Brother Alex is also on the GWU wrestling team … Intends to major in international business.
JASON PORTER
Notes: Highly touted and highly skilled grappler … Shows great technical skills … Should start at 197 this season. 2008-09: Posted a 2-5 record at 197 for the Bulldogs … Won by pin fall at 197 against Davidson at the Bulldog Duals … Picked up a win versus Campbell. High School: Three-time NHSAA All-American … The third-ranked wrestler in the state of Ohio at 215 ... Won the state championship his senior season posting a 42-0 mark at 215 pounds … Placed seventh in the state his junior season and eighth his sophomore year … Two-time medal winner at the AAU Nationals … Posted an impressive 143-36 record at Berkshire H.S. … Tallied 54 pins for his career … Won three invitational tournaments his senior season … Won the Chagrin Valley Conference and was named MVP … Was the sectional and district champion … Lake/Geauga County Wrestler of the Year … News Herald 2008 Wrestler of the Year … Plain Dealer Seven County All-Star wrestling team member … Captained the football and wrestling teams his senior season … Earned honorable mention all-state honors in football and was first-team all district his senior season. Personal: Born July 1, 1989 in Burton, Ohio … Son of Ray and Beth Porter … Brother Dustin is also on the GWU wrestling team … Intends to major in business.
Redshirt-Freshman Burton, Ohio Berkshire H.S.
174 Notes: Could see time at 174 and 184 … depth at the upper weight classes. 2008-09: Did not compete. High School: Wrapped up his high school career by placing seventh at the state championship his senior year … Finished second at sectionals and third at districts his senior season … Garnered a 32-15 mark his junior season … Was third at sectionals as a sophomore … Also grappled for Team Ohio. Personal: Born March 5, 1989 in Grand Berry, Texas … Son of Jeff Porter … Cousin of Dustin and Travis Porter … Intends to major in math education.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS RICHIE SPICEL
ZACK BURKE
Redshirt-Freshman Cleveland, Ohio Brunswick H.S.
Freshman Raleigh, N.C. East Wake H.S.
133
HVY
Notes: Is one of the most technical kids on the team … Is coming off a redshirt year … Coaches are expecting big things from him at 133 this season. 2008-09: Redshirted. High School: Top-50 overall recruit nationally … The No. 1 wrestler in the state of Ohio at 140 pounds … Four-time state qualifier at Brunswick H.S. … Compiled a 157-12 record … Two-time state champion … Recorded a 43-0 mark his senior season … Three-time Bill Dies Champion … Two-time MIT champion … Four-time competitor in the Junior Olympics … Three-time competitor in the Disney Duals … Two-time AAU Folkstyle Champion … Four-time team MVP and fourtime first-team Medina County … Won the Northeast Ohio Lee Kemp award his senior season … Shattered every Brunswick H.S. record.
Notes: Adds depth to the heavyweight position. High School: Posted a 35-15 record as a senior at East Wake High School … Was named the Most Improved on the team his senior season … Also played football for three seasons at East Wake. Personal: Born May 14, 1991 in Raleigh, N.C. … Son of Charles Burke … Intends to major in history education.
Personal: Born October 30, 1989 in Cleveland, Ohio … Son of Richard and Kimberly Spicel … Has not yet declared a major.
ANDREW CAMPBELL Freshman Hendersonville, N.C. North Henderson
157 Notes: A walk-on, from nearby Hendersonville, N.C. … was a Conference Champion in high school. High School: Attended North Henderson High School … Was a conference champion and a state qualifier at the 149 weight class … Was a member of the Yellow Jackets Wrestling Club. Personal: Born April 30, 1991 in Atlanta, Ga. … Son of Richard Campbell and Danita Ensley … Intends to major in psychology.
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BULLDOG WRESTLERS MIGUEL GORDON
MORGAN McDANIEL
Freshman Winston-Salem, N.C. North Forsyth H.S.
Freshman Kannapolis, N.C. A.L. Brown H.S.
174
141
Notes: A hard-worker in both practice and in the weight room … pushes teammates in practice and competes every day. High School: Attended North Forsyth H.S. in Winston-Salem, N.C. … Wrestled and played football all four years at North Forsyth. Personal: Born January 31, 1991 in Buffalo, New York … Son of Andrew and Ronda Gordon … Intends to major in computer science.
Notes: A good kid that does everything he is asked to do … is solid in the classroom and works hard on and off the mat… may see time at 141 this season. High school: Posted a 139-29 overall record at A.L. Brown High School … Posted a 24-2 record his senior season … Was an All-Conference selection all four years … Was twice named as an All-Country Wrestler … Was also twice named as an All-State Wrestler … Finished fourth in the state tournament in his senior season … Placed sixth in the state his junior year … Also played on the football team where he was an All-Conference, All-Region and Second-Team All-State kicker … Was a scholar-athlete all four years while at A.L. Brown … Graduated 11th in his class and was the Vice President of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born January 1, 1991 in Colorado Springs, Colorado … Son of Mallory and Debbie McDaniel … Intends to major in nursing.
BRETT KOSTERN Freshman Raleigh, N.C. Sanderson H.S.
125 Notes: Finished third in the state as a senior last season … works hard and improves each and every day … could see time at 125 and 133. High School: Attended Sanderson H.S. in Raleigh, N.C. … Compiled a 127-40 record in four years at Sanderson … Finished third at the states his senior season … Was named the Team MVP as a senior … Broke the team record for wins in one season as a senior with 44 wins and career wins with 127 … Was a Greco State Champion both his junior and senior seasons … Also wrestled for the Carolina Club Team, the Dynamic Club Team, the Carolina Underdogs Club Team and was a member of the N.C. All-Star Teams. Personal: Born November 5, 1990 in Raleigh, N.C. … Son of Fred and Debbie Kostern … Intends to major in computer science.
MARC ROCHA Freshman Houston, Texas Bishop Lynch H.S.
125 Notes: Attended Bishop Lynch – one of the highest prep wrestling schools in the country … Is a hard worker and adds much needed depth at the lower and middle weight classes … Could push for time at 125 and 133. High School: Attended Bishop Lynch H.S. in Houston, Texas … Competed for two years on the wrestling team at 125. Personal: Born November 13, 1990 in Houston, Texas … Son of Marco Rocha … Intends to major in nursing.
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2008-09 SEASON REVIEW The 2008-09 season for the Gardner-Webb wrestling team was one of ups and downs, yet it was capped off nicely with the Bulldogs third-place team finish at the 2009 NCAA East Regional meet in front of the home crowd in Boiling Springs, N.C. For the sixth straight year, the Bulldogs had at least one grappler win his weight class at the East Regional meet and advance to the NCAA National Championships, as redshirt-junior Dustin Porter took first-place in the heavyweight division at the East Regional meet and advanced to the NCAA National Championships for the third straight year. Redshirt-junior David Pelsang defeated Liberty’s Brad Clark 6-2 for a “true second” finish at 165 at the East Regional meet, while redshirt-sophomore Alex Piasecki took second place at 184 overall, falling in the finals 2-0 to Liberty’s Chris Daggert. The performance at the East Regional meet capped off a season in which the Bulldogs went 4-15 in dual meet action, suffering losses to the likes of Liberty, Appalachian State, Virginia Tech, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Lock Haven and The Citadel. Gardner-Webb struggled to start the season, falling at Liberty 43-6 and then at Appalachian State 27-12, before bouncing back with a 27-16 win over Anderson College in Anderson, S.C. After a handful of strong performances at the Naval Academy Classic in Annapolis, Md., highlighted by Porter’s third-place finish at 285 and redshirt-junior Rob Tate’s sixth-place showing at 141, the Bulldogs returned home to edge the VMI Keydets 20-17 with a win at the 285-pound class by Porter in the final match of the meet. Sitting at 2-2 in dual meet action, the Bulldogs suffered a tough weekend prior to the Christmas break, as Gardner-Webb dropped back-to-back matches to Cumberland, 28-18, and Chattanooga, 42-3, to fall to 2-4 on the season. Gardner-Webb returned from Christmas break to compete in the 2008 Southern Scuffle, as the Bulldogs took 18th-place overall as a team out of 28 schools, which was highlighted by Porter’s fifth-place finish and huge win over the then No. 11 nationally ranked Zack Hammond. The Bulldogs then returned home to host the Bulldog Duals, in which GWU defeated Davidson 25-19, yet dropped its other three bouts to Virginia Tech, 39-3, Lock Haven, 34-15, and The Citadel, 40-3. Coach Shipman’s squad tried to bounce back from its three losses at the Bulldog Duals in its next bout, however, the Bulldogs did not fair well at the Indiana Duals, falling to No. 20 Indiana 43-3, to Clarion 37-4, and to No. 27 American, 37-9. After snow cancelled its home match versus the Wolfpack of N.C. State, Gardner-Webb traveled to Buies Creek, N.C. in late January, only to have Campbell not be so inviting, defeating the Bulldogs 30-13 in dual meet action. The Bulldogs bounced back only four days later to host the GWU Duals, where the ‘Dogs defeated Spartanburg Methodist rather easily at 40-10 to start the event. Yet, it would be the Bulldogs final win of the day, as Gardner-Webb went on to drop its next two matches, falling to Duke 31-15 and then to Eastern Michigan 38-6. GWU then set its sights on the East Regional Duals, as the Bulldogs finished the event at 2-2, picking up a 20-19 win over Delaware State and a 40-13 win over Wagner. With the two wins at the East Regional Duals, Gardner-Webb finished its regional season at 2-4, good enough for fifth-place overall. Yet Gardner-Webb dropped its final two dual meet matches, falling at Carson-Newman 31-18 and then at The Citadel 42-3, to end its season at 4-15 in dual meet competition. GWU’s Porter made history as he was ranked as high as No. 10 nationally, the highest national ranking for a Bulldog individual in the program’s division I history, en route to a 31-7 overall record and his third straight trip to the NCAA National Championships. Along with Porter, Tate and Alex Piasecki both posted winning records on the season, as Tate was 19-11 overall at 141 on the season, while Piasecki was a combined 6-5 at 184 and 197 for the Bulldogs.
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GARDNER-WEBB ALL-TIME ROSTER -AAllen, Zeke Anderson, Aaron Anderson, Ashley Anza Michael Ard, Mike Ard, Ryan Austin, Chris
1991-95 2000 1996 2001-02 2001-04 2001-04 1993-96 -B-
Baker, Anthony Baird, Kyle Ballantyne, Jimmy Barber, Jason Barfield, Matt Barrett, Johnny Barton, Matt Bauman, Steve Beach, Brandon Beard, Cain Bennett, Tommy Blackwell, Brent Blow, Brian Boland, Rich Bopp, Marcus Bowd, Damon Brablec, T.J. Bradford, Garrett Bristow, Tim Brookshire, Shawn Bundrick, Phillip Burdine, Tim Burke, Zack
1996-99 2007-08 2006-08 1998-00 1995 1997 1997-99 1993 2003-07 1995 2007-08 2001-06 1995-99 2005-2007 1992-93 1993 1998-99 2000 1993 2000 1995-96 2008-present 2009-present -C-
Cain, Noah Caldwell, Andrew Cameron, Clark Campbell, A. Campbell, Andrew Carr, Mike Chambers, Ramsey Chenevey, Scott Clark, Jeff Cofer, John Cook, Lee Coombs, Derek Cotterman, Chad Couture, Brendan Cox, Kenneth Cox, Rich Creedy, Ben
1996 1998-00 1990 1998 2009-present 2000 1997-00 1997-00 1996 2002 2003 2001 2005 2003-08 1995-96 1997-99 1995 -D-
Davis, Chad Davis, Freddie Davis, Troy Dawley, Brian Deal, Richard DeBean, Chris Delozier, Delbert DeMarco, Louis DiNardo, Jeremy Dixon, Brian Dougherty, Mike Dovley, Cason Dowda, Damon Drayton, Myran Dukes, Dustin Durham, John Dye, Michael
2004-08 1995 2000 1996-99 2002 1996 1995 2001-02 1997-99 1997-99 2000 1996 1992-94 2000 1997-99 1996-97 1995-99 -E-
Eller, Gary Elliott, Daniel Ellis, Shad Ellison, Daniel
1994-96 2001-06 1993 1997
-FFarmer, Justin Featherston, Matthew Fields, Kevin Florio, Paul Fox, Greg Franz, Chas Frasor, Kevin Fries, Leonard Fuller, Will
-L1998 2006-present 2000-01 2005 1997-99 2004-08 1997 1995 1995-97
-GGianfala, Mike Gilman, Craig Glaser, Adam Goodwin, Phillip Gonzaleza, Adolfo Gonzolas, Alex Goodall, Adam Gordon, Miguel Gore, Roger Gori, George Green, David Gulliver, Justin Guthrie, Justin
1994-95 2000-01 2002-04 2007-08 1995 1993 1992-93 2009-present 2003-05 1997-99 2007-08 2002 2008-present
-HHarrington, Matt Hedgecock, Brian Hernandez, Irving Herring, Randall Hill, Joseph Hillman, Anthony Hillman, Daron Hillman, Matt Hoke, Joe Homan, Zachary Hood, Kyle Hoppenbrouwer, Ben Horne, Justin Horne, Nick Houston, Ken Houston, Richie Hyler, Jason
1990 2000 2006-08 2006-present 2001 2000 1988 1998-01 2003 2000-01 2004 2007-08 1997-99 2007-08 1990-91 1988-90 1997-00
Laird, John Laldwell, Andrew Lansley, Justin Ledford, Shawn Lee, Ronnie Lewis, Andrae Lewis, Rent Loff, John Longano, Joe Lowe, Jordan Lowe, Joshua
1994-95 2000 2000-04 1996-99 1997 2002 1997 2003 1994-95 2005-07 2004-08 -M-
Manigault, Jamar Martin, Jimbo Mays, Michael McCausland, Gary McCrary, Benjamin McCurry, Tony Medved, Alex Medved, Ryan Mehovic, Vinny Merritt, C. Miller, Ken Mobley, Ben Mobley, Bob Mobley, Gordan Moore, Steven Morris, Jason Morrow, S. Mostoller, Joel Mullis, Lucas
2000 1988 2000-02 2000 1997-99 2006-08 2008-present 2008-present 1993-96 2000 1991-93 1994-97 1994-96 1995 2001 1995-99 2000 1996 2000 -N-
Neal, Jon Nelson, Michael Neplo, Garmonyou Nugue, Albert
2002-06 1995 2006-08 1994 -O-
O’Brien, Seamus Osteen, N.
2005-06 1999 -P-
-IIsaac, Bennie
2002 -J-
Jacobi, Shane Jaimez, Johnny Jefferson, Jim Jimmo, Jeffrey Jones, Anthony Jones, Dana Jones, James Jones, Lyman Jordan, John Jordan, Michael
1990 2000 1991-92 1993-95 2000 1995 1996 1988 1990 1998 -K-
Kennedy, Larry King, Andrew King, Paul Kinslow, Ty Klinger, Matt Knapp, Thomas Knox, J. Koppe, John Kostern, Brett Kotheimer, Jason
1993 2000 1994-95 2009-present 2001 2007-08 2000 1991 2009-present 1997-99
Page, John Pelsang, Dave Pennington, Tom Perrine, Marc Peters, Dominic Phile, Titus Piasecki, Alex Piasecki, Matthias Pniewski, Josh Pope, Frederick Porter, Dustin Porter, Jason Porter, Travis Preece, Josh Pritz, Robert Probst, Laban
1992-95 2005-present 2008-present 1992-93 1996 2003 2006-09 2004-09 2002-06 2008-present 2005-present 2008-present 2008-present 1998-99 2000-01 1996 -R-
Raich, Nick Reece, Austin Reed, Nick Regan, Derrich Renteria, A.J. Rhodes, Evan Rhodes, Jeremy Richard, Jonathan Rivera, Lennie Roberts, Cortney Robertson, Shawn Rocha, Marc Roehrick, Nick Rose, Matt Roten, Jack
2006-09 2007-09 1996 1995 2003-06 2006-present 1997-01 2000-03 1990 2005-09 2006-07 2009-present 2006-present 1994 1992-93
-SSalahuddin, Wali Salyer, Blake Schaefer, Kevin Schweitzer, Brandon Scott, Darryl Scott, Pete Scott, T. Seabald, Jim Shea, John Short, James Short, Steven Siatowski, Bryan Siewcumtewa, Mike Sims, Joshua Sisk, Sheldon Slanton, Steve Slaughter, Michael Sly, Telly Smith, Adam Smith, Chris Smith, Jason Smith, Josh Spicel, Richie Stack, Dan Stephens, Robert Stewart, Bryan Stewart, Chip Stone, Michael Sweeney, Dave
1997-99 2008-present 1994-95 2004-06 2001 1994-99 2000 1995 2003-07 1996-99 1996-99 1991 1994-95 2002 2002-05 1990 2009-present 1996 2000 2007-08 1996-00 1998-00 2008-present 2001-03 1995-96 1992-93 1994-95 1997-00 2007-present
-TTate, Rob Thomas, Josh Tickle, Travis Todd, Johnny Turner, Billy
2005-09 2000 1991-93 1995 1994
-VVarner, Jason Velazquez, Jonathon Ventura, Alex
1995 2006-present 2001-04
-WWall, Travis Ward, Ryan Washington, Kennett Washington, S. Washington, Vincent Watson, Josh Watson, Shawn Webster, Shawn Wentink, Kurt Wentzel, Daniel Wesson, David West, Joshua West, Keith White, John Whitmore, Ryan Wilhelm, C. Williams, Drew Williamson, Wendall Willingham, Chris Wilson, Herman Wilson Jr., Ricky Wilson, Windell Wince, Erik Wince, Kenny Winters, Dwight Wolfe, Jim Wood, Blake Woodard, Andy Wright, Carlton Wright III, John
1995 1991 1997-99 2000 1995 1996-99 1990-91 2002 2007-present 2000 1988 1997-01 1990 1989-93 1996-99 1999 2000 1991-93 1997 1994-96 2004-06 2007-present 2000-03 1997-00 1995 1990 2006-07 1995 1998-00 1997
-YYakich, Ed Young, Neil
2000 1995
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THIS IS GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY Gardner-Webb University (GWU), located on 250 acres in Boiling Springs, N.C., is a private, four-year, NCAA Division I institution affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. GWU has been recognized as one of only 134 institutions in America on the John Templeton Foundation’s Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges. GWU enrolls over 4,000 students from 33 states and 34 foreign countries in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Small classes in a personal learning environment allow the university to feature a 15-to-1 student-tofaculty ratio. With increased national exposure and attention given to the institution’s academic programs and character building opportunities, the enrollment has grown over 60 percent in the last 10 years. There are 45 major fields of study on the undergraduate level. Graduate programs such as the School of Divinity, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, and the Graduate School are gaining regional acclaim for numbers of students served and quality of programs exhibited. Gardner-Webb’s GOAL Program (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners) operates on 17 satellite campuses around North Carolina for working adults who are seeking to complete their fouryear degrees at night. Recent expansion efforts also have created two new modern facilities for off-campus students - GWU at Statesville and GWU at Charlotte.
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GARDNER-WEBB ACADEMICS Perhaps there is no greater time to observe the academic quality of Gardner-Webb University than right now. All of the necessary factors for academic excellence – faculty, students, resources, curriculum – are working in conjunction with one another to gain widespread acclaim from alumni, friends, trustees, the media and the community. Over 130 full-time faculty members comprise a group of educators at GWU being heralded as the "premiere class of instructors ever assembled at the University." Over 80 percent of the faculty hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, and many boast of well-documented activities in the business and professional worlds. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, Gardner-Webb is able to provide personal instruction to its students, who now number over 4,000, making Gardner-Webb the fifth-largest private institution in North Carolina. New technological features in our library enhance the learning experience for a higher quality student. The incoming freshman class this year averaged over 1020 on the SAT and a 3.5 GPA. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS Accounting American Sign Language Art Athletic Training Biology Business Administration Chemistry Communications
Computer Science Elementary Education (K-6) English Finance French Health & Wellness History International Business
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA in Business Administration M.Acc. in Accounting I.MBA in International Business
GOAL PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science in: Accounting Business Administration Criminal Justice Health Management Human Services Management Information Systems Nursing Religious Studies
DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED
Journalism Management Information Systems Mathematics Medical Technology Middle School Education (6-9) Music Business Music Composition Music Education
Music Performance Nursing Physical Education Physician Assistant Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Sacred Music
Social Science Sociology Spanish Sports Management Theater Arts
GRADUATE SCHOOL M.A. in Mental Health Counselling M.A. in Elementary Education (K-6) M.A. in English M.A. in English Education (K-6) M.A. in Middle Grades Education (9-12) M.A. in Nursing M.A. in School Administration (K-12) M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in Sport Science & Pedagogy
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Master of Divinity (M.Div.) M.D M.Div. in Christian Education M.Div. in Church Music M.Div/MBA M.Div. in Missiology M.Div. in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
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GARDNER-WEBB ADMINISTRATION DR. A. FRANK BONNER
CHUCK BURCH
Gardner-Webb University President
Vice President for Athletics
Dr. A. Frank Bonner, in his fifth year as the president of GardnerWebb University, took office on May 2, 2005, and was inaugurated on April 6, 2006. Bonner is no stranger to Gardner-Webb, having been a part of the University family since 1987. A native of Greenville, S.C., Bonner graduated from Furman University in 1969, has a M.A. degree from the University of Georgia and earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a faculty member and Associate Dean at Anderson College in Anderson, S.C., prior to beginning his career in Boiling Springs as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1992, Bonner was promoted to provost and senior vice president at Gardner-Webb, a post he held until assuming his current role in 2005. After a comprehensive, national search for the university’s new president, chairman of the presidential search committee and the board of trustees, Frank Beam, said, “We came to the conclusion that we had the most qualified candidate right here at the university.” Bonner succeeded Dr. Frank Campbell, who served GardnerWebb University as president from October, 2002 until June, 2005. Active in civic life and in the community, Bonner has served on the boards of the United Way, the YMCA, and Communities in Schools, and he serves on the Cleveland County Sports Commission. He is a past chairman of the Cleveland County Chamber, a past president of the Shelby Rotary Club, and a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Baptist Church in Shelby. Bonner is also a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. During Bonner’s time as provost, Gardner-Webb emerged as a vibrant institution for higher learning, officially moving from college to university in 1993. The institution’s academic reputation has steadily improved during Bonner’s time in Boiling Springs, with a tremendous faculty and consistently evolving curriculum. Bonner is married to the former Florence “Flossie” Black of Chester, S.C., also a graduate of Furman University. They are parents of two adult daughters and four grandchildren.
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Gardner-Webb alumnus Chuck Burch is in his 13th year as Vice President for Athletics and his 28th year in athletics administration. The Charlotte, N.C., native spearheaded the Bulldogs move into Division I athletics, which resulted in Gardner-Webb’s addition to the Big South Conference as an associate member for football in 2001, and GWU’s move to the Big South as a full member – which became official on July 1, 2008. Burch oversees all athletic operations at Gardner-Webb, including management and supervision of athletic programs, facilities and budgets. During his career at GWU, Burch has overseen across-the-board improvements in facilities and the addition of five new sports since arriving in 1997. A sixth sport, men’s swimming was added in 2007-08. Burch is also responsible for continued improvements in the quality and quantity of Gardner-Webb’s athletics staff – with a number of full-time positions created to assist and enhance the entire department. GWU athletics has seen a steady increase in academic performance since Burch’s arrival, and the department has posted a combined GPA above 3.0 in each of the last two academic years. Gardner-Webb’s final year in the Atlantic Sun Conference was fruitful, with several notable wins and the usual high number of strong academic performances by the Bulldogs’ student-athletes. GWU enjoyed its most successful athletics year as a Division I member in 2006-07. Gardner-Webb won its first Atlantic Sun Conference Academic Championship, unseating Belmont University for the title. The Bulldogs also finished third in the men’s and women’s combined sports standings – a very impressive effort in the race for the inaugural Bill Bibb Trophy. Gardner-Webb’s men’s soccer team captured the imagination of faces across Cleveland County during its run to the 2006 A-Sun Championship and the NCAA Tournament second round. National qualifiers in Track & Field, swimming and wrestling highlighted competitive success for the Bulldogs in 2006-2007. Burch, a graduate of Independence (N.C.) High in Charlotte, and former member of Gardner-Webb’s football team, spent 1991-1997 as Director of Athletics at Liberty (Va.) University, and was instrumental in a successful and well run department in Lynchburg as well. He also served Liberty as Associate Director of Athletics (1988-1990), Assistant Director of Athletics (1984-1988), Sports Information Director (19861988) and Assistant Director of Sports Information (1982-1984). After graduating from Gardner-Webb in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Burch, 52, earned his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1982. His wife, Franki, holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Virginia, and is a member of the faculty at Gardner-Webb. The couple has three children, Travis, a recent graduate of Furman University, Danielle, a sophomore soccer player at Brevard (N.C.) College and Amy (15).
GARDNER-WEBB ATHLETIC TRAINING An integral part of the entire Gardner-Webb University athletics program, the Athletic Training Program emphasizes the importance of wellness in the teams’ pursuit of success. Under the supervision of Kevin Jones, ATC, and the rest of the Athletic Training faculty and staff, athletic training students complete part of their clinical education with the University’s 21 varsity sports. Jones and his staff work toward the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The athletic training students at GWU are fortunate to have a faculty and staff of nine certified athletic trainers and a cooperative intercollegiate athletics staff to enhance their learning experience. The clinical education that is conducted while serving the student-athletes at Gardner-Webb University allows for comprehensive medical care in a learning environment. The athletic training educational program recently completed its full accreditation by CAAHEP, marking an exciting moment in the program’s history. Athletic training students are able to pursue a B.S. in Athletic Training through the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies. Upon graduation, athletic training students must complete a three-part examination conducted by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association’s Board of Certification to become Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC). One of the most respected academic majors on campus, the Gardner-Webb Athletic Training educational program boasts a growing enrollment and provides students with first-class instruction and practical experience in their chosen field of study. Currently, Gardner-Webb graduates are working with NFL teams, colleges and universities, high schools and physical therapy clinics. After their academic careers at Gardner-Webb, many students also choose to seek graduate assistant positions at colleges and universities around the nation.
ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF DIRECTORY Kevin Jones, MA, ATC Jon T. Mitchell, MA, ATC Heather Hartsell, MA, ATC Kat Ayotte, MA, ATC Stephenie Stark, MS, ATC Bill Harvard, MA, ATC, CSCS Mathea Hungerford, MS, ATC Patti Denny, MA, ATC Josh Martin Heather Byrd Brianna Shevlin
Director of Athletic Training Service Program Director Educational Program Director Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Graduate Assistant Graduate Assistant Graduate Assistant
kjones@gardner-webb.edu jmitchell@gardner-webb.edu hhartsell@gardner-webb.edu kayotte@gardner-webb.edu sstark@gardner-webb.edu wharvard@gardner-webb.edu mhungerford@gardner-webb.edu pdenny@gardner-webb.edu jmartin10@gardner-webb.edu hbyrd1@gardner-webb.edu bshevlin@gardner-webb.edu
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GARDNER-WEBB FACILITIES Gardner-Webb University’s campus has experienced tremendous growth and improvements to facilities, both academic and athletic, over the past 10 years. The school provides students with an excellent environment for learning and enjoying the college experience to its fullest. One of the newest facilities on campus, the Suttle Wellness Center is one of the most modern facilities of its kind on any campus in America. Whether you’re there to play billiards, ping-pong or air hockey, you can relax with friends in its cozy atmosphere. A spacious area with countless fitness machines and free weights is located in the heart of the building, providing a top-notch facility for aerobic and anaerobic training for the entire student body. The Complex is also home to the legendary Bost Gymnasium, where countless intramural contests are held. University Commons, a set of apartment-style dormitories just adjacent to the beautiful Lake Hollifield Complex, is the newest and most impressive living facility on campus. A cutting-edge concept in on-campus housing, University Commons combines all the amenities of comfortable living – full kitchens, spacious living quarters, washer/dryers, and private bedrooms and baths. Internet connections and instant access to the GWU technology center make living conditions both modern and functional. Six separate buildings comprise University Commons, which has quickly become a popular choice among resident students. The postcard site of the University, the Lake Hollifield Complex, features the most modern bell tower in America on its six-acre facility. Walking trails, a picturesque lake, gazebo and swings are popular features for GWU students, faculty and staff, as well as residents from the surrounding communities. A newer feature of campus, the Broyhill Adventure Course has an impressive ropes course and climbing wall used by church and student groups, businesses and organizations to teach leadership and teambuilding skills. Located just beyond Lake Hollifield, the Broyhill Adventure Course is nestled in a wooded area that provides the perfect outdoor setting for physical exercise and activity. The Broyhill Course is one of the many campus features that make Gardner-Webb a nationally recognized character-building institution, an award designated by the Templeton Foundation of Washington, D.C. New technological features on our campus enhance the learning experience for a higher quality student. For example, Gardner-Webb’s Dover Library provides students with all the research and reference tools necessary for undergraduate and graduate educational pursuits. A helpful staff, computer databases, stacks of research materials and NC Live – a special computer system linking library resources from around the world – are all featured. One of the newest buildings on campus is also the oldest. Hamrick Hall, the only building remaining from the original GWU campus, was dormant for several years before being completely refurbished with ultra-modern amenities. It now houses the School of Business, with state-of-the-art computer labs, offices for business faculty and a 310-seat multimedia auditorium. Newly renovated Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, once voted one of the best venues to watch collegiate football in North Carolina, now seats over 7,500 and provides fans with a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a college football Saturday. The brand new football center, opened in September, 2004, houses state-of-the-art offices, locker rooms and a 5,600-square foot weight room which is open to all Gardner-Webb student-athletes. The wrestling team holds its home meets in the 3,500-seat Paul Porter Arena located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The Bulldogs have competed in the arena since moving to NCAA Division I in 2000-01. On March 8, 2009, Gardner-Webb hosted the 2009 NCAA East Regional Championships, hosting seven different schools from all over the east-coast, with the winners of each weight class moving on to the 2009 NCAA National Championships.
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DUSTIN PORTER
3 TIME NCAA EAST REGIONAL CHAMPION