NLC Newsletter (Summer 2013) by Nittany Lion

DID YOU KNOW?

Number of Penn State football players who earned a 3.0 or higher GPA during the Spring 2013 academic semester.

296

Number of Penn State student-athletes who earned Academic All-Big honors during the 2012-13 academic year. The previous school record was 261 during the 2007-08 academic year.

Inside this Issue

Options drive NLC donor increase..............3 Website first of planned upgrades............4 Student-athlete displays ‘True Grit’..........5 Q&A with Mark Wharton....................... 6-7 Coaches do much more than coach......... 8-9 PHOTOS: Pegula Progress.................. 10-11 Doctors, trainers offer strong support..... 13 Academic success boosts tradition...... 14-15 Many championship highlights............... 16 PHOTOS: Blue-White Event...................... 18

The Nittany Lion Club Newsletter is a quarterly publication sent to all Nittany Lion Club members. The newsletter is published by the Penn State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Nittany Lion Club Web Site www.nittanylionclub.com Athletics Web Site www.gopsusports.com Executive Editors Greg Myford, Mark Wharton Contributors Penn State Athletic Communications

Departments

3 NLC Notebook // 12 Compliance Corner // 17 Gift List

On the Cover

About the Newsletter

Volume 33, No. 5 / Summer 2013 U.Ed. ICA-13-xxx

Junior wide receiver Allen Robinson (Southfield, Mich.) started all 12 games last season, amassing a school-record 77 receptions for 1,013 yards (the third-highest, single-season total in Penn State history). He’s one of several preseason honorees on the team, which opens its season Aug. 31 against Syracuse at MetLife Stadium. The opener against Eastern Michigan at Beaver Stadium kicks off at noon Sept. 7. (Photo by Mark Selders)

Nittany Lion Club Mission Statement The Nittany Lion Club, comprised of Penn State alumni and friends of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, was established in 1959 to create greater interest in and financial support of Penn State varsity athletics. Members of the Nittany Lion Club make possible grant-in-aid support for more than 800 student-athletes each academic year and provide operational support for the University’s entire 31-sport intercollegiate athletics program.

STARTING SHOT

Members of the football team who earned their degrees during spring commencement exercises pose for a photo with coach Bill O’Brien. Beyond just graduating, 450 Penn State student-athletes earned at least a 3.0 grade-point average during the spring. For more about the academic efforts of student-athletes, see pages 14-15. (Photo by Mark Selders)

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NLC NOTEBOOK

Bag policy provides flexibility for fans

Ticket choices offer options, protect investment, loyalty of NLC members

The bag policy, implemented for the Blue-White Game, will remain in effect for all athletic events during the 2013 fall semester. According to the policy, backpacks, bags and purses will not be permitted in Beaver Stadium and at all athletic events.

Tickets this fall have been designed to provide options for Nittany Lion Club members while protecting their investments and loyalty. At the same time, the program has been designed to bolster attendance and support for Penn State football at Beaver Stadium which was ranked, in the offseason, as the toughest place to play in the Big Ten Conference. It’s even tougher with all 100,000-plus seats filled—and that was a driving force in “bundling” tickets for Michigan/Eastern Michigan and Nebraska/ Kent State for individual game purchases. Plus, those bundles start at $140/seat for two games, which reflects the investment of season-ticket holders in similar seats. All season ticket holders are now NLC members, which was not the case as recently as three years ago. The commitment of NLC members helps secure our position for success moving forward. In addition, more than 80 percent of NLC members have signed on for the five-year One Team Commitment! Ticket options available to NLC members this football season are: Additional Season Tickets Members may purchase additional season tickets at face value without making a corresponding NLC donation.

Kickoff to Tipoff A pairing of tickets for the Nov. 16 football game vs. Purdue and the Nov. 17 women’s basketball game vs. UConn. See page 9 for details. Seats for Soldiers A chance to buy and donate tickets to the Nov. 16 game vs. Purdue to members of the military. NLC members may purchase tickets for half price ($35 each), which will then be given to servicemen and servicewomen. Single-Game Prices Public single-game football tickets went on sale in late July. Pricing for the tickets was set in order to protect the investment of season ticket holders. The 2013 public single game ticket prices are: $70 (bench) and $74 (chairback) per ticket in the Blue Zone (end zones to 10-yard lines); $110 per ticket in the Red Zone (10- to 30-yard lines); and $140 per ticket in the Black Zone (between the 30yard lines).

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and tickets will be in the same location for every game, based on availability. The option offers a chance to share the excitement of Penn State football with family, friends, charities, coworkers and others.

“This pricing allows us to offer tickets to the general public in all seating areas while assuring that the season ticket and donation commitments, that our Nittany Lion Club members have made, are not compromised,” said Associate Athletic Director Greg Myford. “This option highlights the value of Nittany Lion Club membership and being a season ticket holder, while still offering single game tickets more broadly.”

Additional tickets come with the usual Ticket Exchange privileges and tickets could then be added to an account for 2014.

Public single game ticket locations were made available after all season ticket and Nittany Lion Club single game ticket purchase assignments had been made.

One clear one-gallon plastic bag per person will be permitted for: l medical needs; l child care needs; and l general items such as keys, wallet or wristlet (less than 4” x 6” x 1”), cell phones, glasses, cameras, sunscreen, lip balm and make-up. There are vendors who make commercially available clear plastic bags equal to a one-gallon bag. Some of these provide carrying straps. These are acceptable as well. All clear bags will be inspected through the bag and article check stations as in prior years. Those without bags are able to bypass the bag and article check stations at most gates as in prior years. Fans are able to bring loose items, including: l coats; l blankets; l a seat cushion that can be rolled and that does not have pockets; l iPads or other mobile devices; l cameras and binoculars. Babies may be brought in soft carriers or slings. Rigid-frame baby or toddler carriers or strollers are not permitted. No other bags are permitted including: backpacks, fanny packs, purses, string bags, messenger bags, camera bags, brief cases, roll bags or any other bags. Bags for equipment and computers for those working the game such as the press and media photographers are permitted. These bags will be checked and tagged at the Employee Entrance or the Media Gate.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS ONETEAM

Updated website part of effort to assist members The Nittany Lion Club has launched a more engaging website and the online presence provides easier-to-find routes to giving, membership and ticketing. The site represents the first step in planned improvements for customer service for NLC members. Other conveniences and improvements underway include a combination of membership and ticketing sites—allowing NLC members to visit just one site to manage their account, make annual gifts and purchase tickets and parking. At present, those functions exist online, but through separate sites. In addition, the improved site will allow the NLC to debut more behind-the-scenes and special-access stories and video for NLC members.

Variety of travel packages available for trip to Ireland Penn State faithful interested in securing their tickets for the Nittany Lions’ historic appearance in the Croke Park Classic in Dublin on Aug. 30, 2014, can select from a variety of travel packages to Ireland. The official Penn State tour, presented by the Penn State Alumni Association and the Nittany Lion Club, provides alumni, members, students and fans an opportunity to discover Ireland’s rich history, unique traditions and scenic beauty – as well as attend the Nittany Lions’ first international game. The contest vs. UCF will kickoff at 1:30 p.m. at Croke Park. Game tickets are currently only available through the Official Penn State Tour. Fans considering traveling to the Emerald Isle for the Croke Park Classic should heed travel advice to plan ahead. Many travel and tourism experts anticipate an influx of American tourists to Ireland surrounding the game. Fans may select from a host of city tours ranging in length from four to eight days. Packages include accommodations at three-, four- or five-star hotels, game tickets, an exclusive private party at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse,

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excursion tours, gameday transportation, a full Irish breakfast each morning and much more. In addition to these package inclusions, Anthony Travel, our tour partner, will offer special rates on airfare through Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline. Game tickets are currently only available by purchasing an official Penn State tour package provided by Anthony Travel. Those fans purchasing an official package prior to Dec. 31, 2013 will be assigned seats based on Nittany Lion Club priority points. For fans who are not NLC members, seating will be determined by the date the travel package was purchased. After Dec. 31, 2013, game ticket assignments will be made on a first-come, firstserved basis. All tickets will be allocated in the official Penn State seating sections. For complete information on travel packages to this historic game, visit PSU.CrokeParkClassic.com online. An unspecified number of individual game tickets in other areas of the stadium (not in the Penn State sections) may be available at a later date. The only way

to assure seating in the Penn State sections is via the official tour packages. Penn State will be playing its first international game since the program’s 1887 inception when it meets UCF at Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. There have been only seven prior American football games in Ireland; four involving Football Bowl Subdivision programs. The last game hosted in Croke Park was in 1996 when Notre Dame played Navy. “The collaboration and friendly connections between UCF, Penn State and Ireland are very significant,” said Dave Joyner, Penn State director of athletics, who led the Nittany Lions’ delegation to Dublin to announce the game earlier this summer. “The family and ‘One Team’ feel in Ireland is amazing. This is a game and experience that is well beyond just a college football game. It is about a country embracing us and joining together with us for a great International exchange and experience. Penn State fans are going to love their time in Ireland around the 2014 season opener.”

Award recipient faces adversity, overcomes with attitude Getting Rachel Casciano to tell her story can be a challenge.

The ever-smiling, upbeat junior has abundant athletic talent, but ironically, even as an advertising/ public relations major, she does not have much of a taste for selfpromotion. Casciano (Wyomissing, Pa.), the female recipient of the True Grit Award from the Nittany Lion Club this past spring, certainly has a story. It’s a take-your-breath-away tale of determination and how a young woman facing adversity never stops smiling. As a standout at Holy Name High School in Reading, Pa., Casciano envisioned life as a student-athlete at Penn State playing soccer or field hockey. Unfortunately, severe concussions ended her career in contact sports as a high school sophomore. As a result, she moved to running— and qualified for the PIAA Championships in three different events her first season—catching the eye of many coaches, including those at Penn State.

Rachel dropped one class, but maintained 13 credits last fall (again earning straight A’s) before having lengthy surgery. Recovery was slow, but her approach was consistent. Each challenge was just another obstacle to overcome. Dating back to high school, Rachel’s perspective was always the same. The serious concussions that ended her career were “just some concussions” and the five-hour surgery that took her thyroid gland and dozens of lymph nodes was “a little longer surgery than planned, but no big deal.” Family and friends, coaches and faculty members provided information and a rock-solid support network. Of course, Casciano’s understated determination and drive, along with that ever-present upbeat attitude, were instrumental in what happened next. She was admittedly disappointed this spring when her first 1,500-meter run of the season was 20 seconds slower than the time that had helped her advance to Big Tens as a freshman. Several weeks later, she trimmed that time significantly and by the end of the season was within a tick of the times she had run before the cancer diagnosis.

She transitioned smoothly to college, earning Dean’s List Coach Beth Alford-Sullivan (left) and Nikki Potoczny (right), of the Nittany Lion Club, present Rachel Casciano with her True Grit Award. (Photo by Mark Selders) grades and advancing to the Big Ten Outdoor Championships as In the future, Rachel faces So we got in the car and drove to campus. a freshman. All the while she was humble, additional scans to see what has happened We knew she was practicing. We parked focused and always smiling. with her body. She’s completing a summer outside the indoor track and waited.” internship and focusing on fall classes and At the start of her sophomore year, though, the upcoming cross country season. She’s It was a long wait, and it seemed even a doctor’s visit for a swollen gland prompted longer with each passing moment. The leaving the worry to others. a savvy recommendation to perform a CT emotions remain with him nearly a year scan, the results of which found calcification later. “It was a very difficult moment ...,” “As a parent, you wish it was like a mole, on her thyroid gland—a sign of thyroid something they’d cut out and it’d be over he said. “She thought something had cancer. happened to her grandparents. It was just ... forever,” Dan said. “That’s just not the case. Her prognosis is excellent, but it’s not like such a tough conversation.” “My wife and I were devastated. How they can tell you 90 percent or 89 percent. could something like that be happening to That’s the tough part.” Still, Rachel did what she had always done a healthy, nutrition conscious 19-year-old? when faced with a challenge—listened and Our first reaction was to do what we needed took aim at what was ahead with a smile. Of course, it’s tough for Rachel as well. for Rachel, and to do it right away,” said Dan “It’s inspiring to me,” Dan said. “I’m amazed She’s just not about to worry. She’s just Casciano. Rachel is his and wife Melanie’s going to keep working hard, and keep by her all the time.” only child. “The first step was to tell her. smiling.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE ONETEAM TEAMS

Q&A: New NLC leader, Mark Wharton, ready to learn, grow Two days into his job Mark Wharton already had things off his desk.

the programs and all the sports. What’s already been done has been pretty special. I’m sure we’ll look at things, but having done this for a while, you cannot just come in and make changes. Plus, it’s not just the external audience and your members, you have to have internal folks supporting anything you do. We’ll move and we might try some things, but there’s an expectation among fans of familiarity and we’ll have to be methodical about certain things. People want to know and rely on deadlines, or when their tickets will be mailed. Most of all, we have to be committed to communicating and communicating well.

His desk was not really cleared, though. Instead, Wharton was working at the table in his office, with a handful of topics organized neatly down the left side. Wharton, 44, joined Penn State as Assistant Athletic Director for the Nittany Lion Club in mid-July. In that role, part of a restructured NLC, he reports to the University’s overall fundraising leaders as well as leaders in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Wharton came to Penn State from East Carolina University—where he helped the athletic department raise more money than any other non-Bowl Championship Series program in the nation—and he previously worked at UNLV and James Madison. He’s an ECU graduate, and the lure of the position at Penn State was strong enough to get him to leave his alma mater. He grew up living what he calls a “Leave it to Beaver” lifestyle in Winston-Salem, N.C., until his father retired and became a gentleman farmer when Wharton was 9. At that point, the family moved to a 47acre farm in Davie County, N.C., with eight cows, a pond and all the work that came along with a small farm. “I loved it,” Wharton said. “My routine every day, from age 9 until I went to college, was to get up, feed the cows, catch a fish and show it to daddy and then go to school. It was great.”

Mark Wharton

of Penn State from other places—and it’s pretty spectacular. My goal is to help us improve the things we’re already doing well, work on areas that need improvement and just be as responsive as possible to our members.

Wharton and his wife Angela have four children.

What do we do well? MW: There’s no bigger passionate fan base. There is no question about the people that love this place. There were two people from Pennsylvania that I worked with at East Carolina and when they found out I had gotten the job they were almost as excited as me, because they grew up Penn State. For me that was even more validating. People I respected and worked with thought this place was the Taj Mahal—and it is.

So, are you excited? MW: Oh, certainly. Penn State is one of the top five schools in the country. The sky’s the limit here, and one of the nice things about coming in from the outside is you have a sense of the perception

At the same time, you probably have some ideas about changes, right? MW: Again, the perception is that Penn State is a great place and when you get here and get up close, you really see the quality of the people across all

These days, it’s filling Beaver Stadium, not fulfilling a “Leave it to Beaver” storyline that matters—although the job still entails reeling in some big fish.

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What did you find out during the interview process that made you even more interested in the job? MW: I knew it from the very beginning. It clicked for me right away. The whole thing about jobs is being the last man standing. What works for me is what you see is what you get. I’m not the kind of guy that’s going to be talking to you and looking over your shoulder for someone bigger or better. In this position, it’s about knowing and meeting the people and about dealing with them honestly. Who was the first person you called when you got the job? MW: My brother. He’s a banker in Johnson City, Tenn. He’s 18 months older and he’s been kind of like the father figure and best friend since my father died my freshman year in college. Penn State is much larger than other places you’ve been, what do you believe is the biggest challenge because of that? MW: Actually, for me it’s the similarities. We’re blessed here with a lot of people who care about Penn State and give—just average folks who want to support the program and our student-athletes. We’ve been blessed to have some great people at the top who can make big gifts, but just like other places I’ve been, the core seems to be hard-working people that make this place special. What’s the first thing you need to do? MW: Meet people, NLC members

and coaches alike. My vision is to get ingrained in Penn State and you do that by meeting people. I like to read a lot, but you learn from listening. I already have a sense of some of the things that make this place special, but I’ll get a better sense by hearing people share their stories about why they love Penn State and what it means to them. Plus, the coaches need to know we’re busting our behinds to support them as much as they’re working hard to get their teams better. How much time will it take to do that? MW: It’s important, and it has to happen pretty quickly. I’ve got to get out on the road and see people. The worst thing would be if we got to the next-tolast football game of the season and somebody said, ‘Hey this is the first time I’ve met you.’ Along with meeting people, what are the things we need to do? We need to sell football tickets. We need to take advantage of the hockey situation and the excitement around that, and we need to take advantage of the growth and success with men’s basketball and women’s basketball. There are so many positives. Along with that, our No. 1 priority has to be the annual fund. It pays the light bill and supports scholarships. And from that we can develop major gift prospects. What’s your philosophy on protecting season ticket holders and still selling individual game tickets? MW: From a professional point of view, the best thing that’s established here is the priority points system because you’re going to reward loyalty. At the same time, you’re going to make a clear statement to those people who do not make that commitment. We need to maintain the integrity of the priority points system in everything we do. How did you come to athletic development as your career path? MW: Actually, my first thought was professional sports and my first job before grad school was in minor league baseball. After grad school, I got involved with athletic development at ECU. It was a very grassroots level. We had clubs from

Atlanta to Charleston, S.C. You had to be on the road and I just got the bug. I loved it and loved meeting people. Now, what I’m proud of is a lot of those people that worked for me have gone on to be directors of programs at a lot of different schools. I have made lifelong relationships as a result. What’s the toughest part of the job? MW: It’s not so much tough for me, but sometimes there are tough conversations. No matter what, you have to have integrity and you have to be fair and consistent. Every place I’ve been there are always people who want to try to cut a deal or get special treatment because they’re giving money. If that’s the case, they’re not giving for the right reasons. I’d hope that when Mark Wharton (middle) with (left to right) wife Angela, Thomas (11), we have those conversations me, Allison (9), Hannah (14) and Taylor (10). they might not be happy with fantasy baseball. me at the time, but that they’ll respect us for being consistent and fair. Any hobbies? You just can’t have someone saying, ‘I’ll MW: Reading. I love reading. You always give $100,000, what am I going to get for it?’ You can’t be put in the corner that way. hear about those leadership books, Lincoln on Leadership, Joe Blow on Most people give for the right reasons, Leadership, whatever. I started out young though, and you just have to set the reading those and seeing what I could ground rules. learn. Later, I had a friend from James Did you play sports in high school or college? Madison and we started talking about MW: At a small county high school that ran presidents and leadership, wondering if the wishbone, I ended up being very good Lincoln read a leadership book? Or Teddy Roosevelt? Or Woodrow Wilson? So we at football in high school but ‘very good’ committed that we’d read a biography of meaning I should’ve played at James every president and talk about it. I’ve got Madison or something. I was an invited nine to go. Every day I get up at 5:30, walk-on to East Carolina, where Kevin check my fantasy league team and then Gilbride was the assistant coach that read until 7. worked with me, and less than 30 days into my freshman year my dad died. That ended things. I probably should’ve gone to Western Carolina or Appalachian State if I really wanted to play, but I don’t regret it for a minute. Do you have a favorite team or teams? MW: I love the Miami Dolphins, 1972 is my first memory of pro sports. I’m not an NBA guy and I grew up in the time of the Cincinnati Reds, the ‘Big Red Machine,’ and the New York Yankees. So those are still my teams. Also, I stay connected with

When’s the workout? MW: In the afternoon if I can. But it’s getting less these days so I just try to watch what I eat a little more. What’s your favorite food? MW: Everything, that’s the problem with fewer workouts. I like meat and potatoes mostly, but salads, too. And my wife makes cheesy chicken which is phenomenal.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE ONETEAM TEAMS

Basketball coaches Patrick Chambers and Coquese Washington enjoy time with Penn State alumni during the Coaches Caravan in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Selders)

Coquese’s Drive

For Coquese Washington (and all coaches), the job is more than practice and games Her business card officially lists her title as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball, but Coquese Washington is much more.

country or track to ice hockey, the coaches for all 31 Penn State teams face similar challenges.

There’s just not room for the rest of it on that little 2- by 3.5-inch card. And it requires abundant organization and planning to make all she does work. Beyond “coach” she’s an ambassador, boss, crusader, lawyer, marketer, mom, recruiter, travel agent and wife. That’s still just a partial list.

Being a Division I coach means more than gameday strategy. It means more than conducting an efficient practice. And it even means more than recruiting. All of those things are part of a bigger job—one that comes with definite on-the-job training because even the most qualified assistant coaches face a learning curve when they become the boss.

“As an assistant coach you can be very task oriented but when you become a head coach your to-do list is people oriented,” Washington said. “Time becomes your most precious commodity. You’re trying to balance all you have to do so you learn to plan and schedule. You make time to do your job and you make time for your family. A lot of times they overlap, but sometimes that’s not the case.” No matter the sport—from football to women’s volleyball, cross

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“When you’re an assistant, nobody’s asking you to visit the Rotary Club and do TV shows or other events,” Washington said. “That comes with being a head coach, and those things provide nice opportunities to build a fan base and connect to charities and the community. It’s a different set of responsibilities that comes with more requests for your time. It’s a great part of the job—those are things that certainly keep a day interesting—but they’re not things you initially think about when you take a job.

Whether it’s autographs for fans or in-game strategy for her team, Washington spends a great deal of time in the Bryce Jordan Center. (Photos by Mark Selders)

They’re not always things that give you more time to prepare for the next opponent or review game tapes, either.” Even in the “slow” summer months, many coaches remain busy with necessary preparations for the next season, including marketing plans, providing input on special events and staying connected with alumni. There’s always recruiting—and even service to the sport. Like track coach Beth-Alford Sullivan, who served as Team USA’s coach for the 14th IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Moscow (and prepared for that with a training camp in Monaco), Washington traveled internationally during the summer with USA Basketball as an assistant coach with the gold-medal winning team at the World University Games. She’s also active and mindful of some responsibilities because of her gender and race.

‘Kickoff to Tipoff’ pairs football game, women’s basketball matchup vs. UConn The Penn State football team and the Lady Lion basketball team have joined forces to offer Penn State fans a fantastic weekend of Penn State sports with the “Kickoff to Tipoff” package for the weekend of Nov. 16-17. Tickets cost just $75 for the package that includes one Blue Zone ticket to the Nittany Lion football game against Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 16, one ticket to the Lady Lion contest against defending national champion Connecticut on Sunday, Nov. 17, and a photo of head coaches Bill O’Brien and Coquese Washington. Fans can purchase the football-women’s basketball ticket package by calling

“You want to mentor and help people get their own opportunities,” she said. “It’s not always easy for black coaches or women’s coaches and it’s important to be an advocate.” Washington conducted her annual charity golf tournament for the Women’s Resource Center in State College in August, dealt with an off-season injury that sidelined a key player and holds a position with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Her travels took her from Happy Valley to Russia and even to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” with a three-day trip to Disney World. “A lot of what I do are things I’m passionate about. They’re just different ways of sharing the mission and values of Lady Lion basketball,” Washington said. “So, the golf tournament meets

1-800-NITTANY (648-8269). Penn State Athletics ticket sales representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, the Penn State Alumni Association affiliation groups or Nittany Lion Club chapters, that purchase the most ticket packages, will be eligible to have Washington speak at a function. The football team opens its 127th season Aug. 31 vs. Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The women’s basketball team, which has won two straight Big Ten regular season titles, plays its first game Nov. 8 vs. St. Francis (Pa.) at the Bryce Jordan Center.

a passion, serving on national committees and groups is a good way to help younger coaches and family time is always important. You learn to turn down some things to have more time, but you never say ‘no’ to a family thing. Before I ever took the job I just decided there would never be any ‘mom guilt.” We do a lot and the kids are involved in the program. Plus, my husband Ray and my mom are very supportive.” Still, Washington was never far from work (coaches never are) after committing to Twitter a bit more this year for recruiting reasons and gladly promoting another strong schedule that includes a visit by perennial powerhouse Connecticut to Penn State. “Every day is a little different, and that’s great, “Washington said. “At the same time, my ultimate responsibility is to our studentathletes, and you most certainly want to win games.”

ONETEAM NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS

Hockey

With the first game at Pegula Ice Arena set Friday, progressed on the facility that will welco

Since ground breaking in February 2012, construction of Pegula Ice Arena has continued ahead of schedule. As a result, when visitors come to “Hockey Valley,” they will experience some of the best amenities college hockey has to offer. The facility was made possible with a $102 million gift from Terry and Kim Pegula. And dozens of other donors have subsequently supported the facility that will be the home of the men’s and women’s hockey teams. The facility includes two NHL-size ice surfaces that will host professional hockey games and ice shows (including the Musselman’s Applesauce Family Skating Tribute on Nov. 3), local hockey and figure skating programs, and numerous other activities and events.

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y Home

Oct. 11 vs. Army, here’s a look at how construction ome 6,000 fans for that inaugural game.

Limited number of tickets remain for single games After strong demand and seat selection for season ticket holders, information about single-game tickets for men’s ice hockey will be available in late August or early September. About 200 tickets and 200 additional standing-room tickets, will be available for most games. Additional tickets for games scheduled during the University’s holiday and semester breaks will be available in what would typically be the student section of Pegula Ice Arena. Information about single-game sales will be posted at gopsusports.com as soon as sale dates and related information is finalized. After the Oct. 11 home opener vs. Army, the men’s team plays its second home game Oct. 25 vs. RIT. Games during the holiday and semester break include a two-game series against recent Frozen Four qualifier Union (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1). Along with Big Ten Conference rivals Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota Ohio State and Wisconsin, the men’s home schedule includes visits by Boston College, and UMass Lowell and Sacred Heart. The women’s team opens at home vs. Union. That two-game series (Oct. 18-19) kicks off a slate that includes Mercyhurst, New Hampshire, Robert Morris, RIT and Syracuse.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE ONETEAM TEAMS 11

COMPLIANCE CORNER

New people, styles help maintain time-tested success

As recently as four years ago, the compliance staff for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics included just two people.

These days, the staff comprises five administrators and two staff assistants—an important increase for everyone, especially for coaches and student-athletes. The growth in recent years has been significant and well-reasoned. With the addition of people from different institutions or with slightly different backgrounds, the Office of Compliance and Student-Athlete Services has adapted to changing technologies, never-ending updates in NCAA rules and a remarkable expansion in the number of challenges for any compliance office. At the same time, the larger office has retained its Penn State identity—mixing different approaches and perspectives to continue to support the time-tested Penn State tradition of success in the classroom and on the field of play. Members of the current office include compliance experts with experience at other schools as well as others with a rich amount of institutional history at Penn State after working at different University units. “Our mix of people and their experiences allows us to bring new things to the table while retaining our own identity,” said Matt Stolberg, associate athletic director of compliance and student-athlete services. “Plus, the role of compliance offices has changed greatly in recent years and our staffing level allow us to go beyond the basics.”

STRONG STAFF Members of the Office of Compliance and Student-Athlete Services encourage Nittany Lion Club members and Penn State fans to contact the office with any questions they have related to compliance. Call (814) 863-8048 The experienced and diverse office includes:

Matt Stolberg

Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Services ... Primary duties: administration, rules education. Previously: Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, St. Bonaventure. At Penn State: Since 2010

Andy Banse

Director of Compliance ... Primary duties: Violations, interpretations, personnel matters. Previously: Iowa, Stetson University. At Penn State: Since 2010

Bruce Ellis

Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services ... Primary duties: Initial eligibility, transfers, housing, roster management. Previously: Smeal College of Business at Penn State. At Penn State: Since 1984

Tiffini Grimes

Assistant Director of Athletics Compliance ... Primary duties: Donations, appearances, monitoring. Previously: Georgia Tech, Georgia Department of Labor. At Penn State: Since 2012

player who worked in the Smeal College of Business before moving to the athletic department.

“Penn State is a great place, and we have great people,” Ellis said. “Plus, we have an outstanding record of compliance, of our coaches and their staffs doing things the way they should.” After Ellis, others in the office are relative newcomers, but they come with abundant expertise and passion. Andy Banse, the director of compliance, worked at the University of Iowa and was an assistant coach for the Penn State track team, before joining the office. Todd Moss worked on campus in the Office of Student Affairs before joining Intercollegiate Athletics in his role as financial aid coordinator. And Tiffini Grimes came to Penn State from Georgia Tech in July 2012. “At that time, people would ask me ‘Why Penn State?’ and ‘Aren’t you worried about the sanctions?’ and the answers were easy,” Grimes said. “It’s a great place, with wonderful people. It was clear to me that everyone values compliance and doing things the right way. The best thing we do is serve our customers—coaches and especially student-athletes.”

Sometimes serving those folks means being the final, official “no” in a process, Financial Aid Coordinator ... Primary duties: but members of the compliance office Financial aid, scholarships. Previously: Office know that’s the job. At the same time, the of Student Affairs at Penn State. At Penn State: staff brings practical experience to its work Since 1998 (with, for example, Banse having been an assistant coach and Moss coming across campus from student affairs) and takes pride in its positive, proIn the past year alone, the compliance office has taken a proacactive approach. That often means the necessity of “no” can be tive approach and conducted rules training sessions for many avoided with better information and preparation. different groups associated with Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. While coaching staffs regularly work closely with the “That’s how a diversity of ideas and experiences benefits us compliance staff, recent information and training sessions have most,” Stolberg said. “Yes, the rules are set—deadlines, eligibilibeen conducted specifically for athletic department executives, ty, timetables and much more—but maybe there’s a process we Nittany Lion Club officials, sports information personnel and the can try that we’ve never done before. Or maybe the collaboration equipment staff, among others. on something will benefit everyone. We’re not afraid to try things and I think it’s making us even better as a result. That’s why I For Bruce Ellis, the assistant athletic director for student-athlete think the recent scrutiny on Penn State is a good thing in a way. services and the longest-tenured member of the compliance ofPeople are taking a closer look and they’re seeing that we do fice, the approach works well. He’s a former Penn State football things the right way.”

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Todd Moss

Dedicated doctors, trainers focus on student-athletes

Most fans and supporters of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics expect coaches and their assistants to have a game plan, a practice plan and a plan of attack for just about every eventuality during a season. Those coaches are not alone in their focus on Penn State student-athletes or in terms of having a plan, though.

Saxton, who calls herself a “team mom,” share one overriding motivation for their work. “There’s a lot of pros to the job, but the biggest are the student-athletes themselves,” Millard said. “It’s a population of individuals who are motivated and upbeat. It’s just great being around them.”

Both Millard and Saxton have times when they have to hold back the Dedicated doctors student-athletes, though. and trainers for every Forward Raquel Rodriguez (San Jose, Costa Rica) gains possession of the ball during a match last season When dealing with an varsity sports team injury or recovery from against Michigan at Jeffrey Field. She and her teammates benefit from the support of the medical staff. (Photo by Mark Selders) focus on the stuan injury, they have the dent-athletes year final word when deciding them to do the same,” she said. “We look round with the goal of preventing injuries when someone can begin competition. forward to meeting family members beand, when necessary, reducing recovery Coach Erica Walsh gives them her full cause we all have the same goal. We’re times from injuries. They do that primarily striving for healthy, productive athletic support and their cautious, student-first with a personal touch. They know the approach—along with their abundant careers.” student-athletes medical histories, pracexpertise—merits that backing. tice habits and, most importantly, their After initial evaluations, Millard then personalities. “You never feel good telling a stumeets with the athletic trainer for each dent-athlete they have to sit out. Your team. For women’s soccer, that’s Kelly Those doctors and trainers are also heart goes out to them because we know Saxton, a former collegiate gymnast. armed with a bevy of resources to keep and care about them as if they were your She works closely with student-athletes student-athletes—no matter what the own,” Millard said. “On the flip side, we’ll before, during and after their season. sport—as safe as possible. It all starts do everything in our power to help them with a personal approach. recover as quickly as possible.” During the season, Saxton’s responsibilities begin at 7 a.m. with rehab and treat“We get to know them even before their ment sessions. She squeezes in her own Leading up to the team’s first official first day on campus,” said Dr. Roberta meetings and practice on Aug. 7, after a personal workout around lunchtime and Millard, a former Penn State swimsummer that included some MMA-style by 1 p.m. it’s time for pre-practice taping mer who works with 14 varsity sports workouts, Saxton’s focus has been knee and mobility sessions. Most student-athteams—a group comprising men’s and injuries. In the past five years, 35 percent letes are on the field by 2:15 p.m. and, women’s cross country and track, womof the team’s lost practice and game time depending on the day, practice can end en’s golf, women’s basketball, men’s has come from such injuries. as early at 4:30 p.m. or late as 6 p.m. and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and “That’s just unreasonably high,” Saxton On a practice day, Saxton can get home said. So she has implemented an emwomen’s volleyball. by 8 p.m.—after moving all her training phasis on a particular approach that’s supplies back from the practice pitch at both preventative and potentially producThrough health history questionnaires, Jeffrey Field to the training office at Rec in-person meetings and baseline evaluaHall. On gamedays, her workday extends tive—encouraging student-athletes to not play so “tall,” to bend their knees, which tions for cardiac health and concussions, until around 11 p.m. allows them to move laterally more quickMillard finds out about the student-athly and limits the chance of potentially letes—and their families—quickly. Millard, who works more than 125 Penn dangerous leg angles during competition. State events a year (along with her regu“We’re asking questions and encouraging lar medical practice in State College) and

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS 13 ONETEAM

Academic success bolsters tradition of classroom excellence Whether measured individually or as teams, according to Big Ten Conference standards or those for all NCAA programs, Penn State student-athletes again distinguished themselves in the classroom during the 2012-13 academic year. They set records while achieving that success, too. For example, a record total of 68 Penn State student-athletes were selected for the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award by earning a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher during 2012-13. Penn State’s 68 Distinguished Scholars are a significant increase from the 2011-12 total of 51 and were tied with Nebraska for second-highest (behind Northwestern) in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions’ previous high was 62 honorees in 2008-09. Twenty-six sports were represented among the Nittany Lions’ honorees, led by women’s cross country/track and field (10), wom- Three members of the Penn State men’s basketball team (left to right: Tim Frazier, Nick Colella and Sasa Borovnjak) earned their degrees during the spring, representing coach Patrick Chambers’ squad well. (Photo by Mark Selders) en’s swimming and diving (eight), men’s basketball, a sophomore majoring student-athletes earned Academic All-Big field hockey (six), men’s golf in business administration; Ten accolades among the spring and at(five) and women’s volleyball (four). l Kathleen Rodden (Ardmore, Pa.), large programs -- giving the Nittany Lions women’s cross country/track and field, a school record 296 honorees for the Eight of Penn State’s Distinguished a sophomore majoring in health and 2012-13 academic year. Scholar Award recipients earned a perhuman development; fect 4.0 grade point average during the l Gabrielle Shishkoff (Franklin, Mass.), The 296 Penn State honorees crushed 2012-13 academic year. They were: women’s swimming and diving, a junior the previous record of 261 during the l Megan Boyer (Millersburg, Pa.), majoring in psychology; and 2007-08 academic year, and ranked No. women’s track and field, a junior majorl John Urschel (Wlliamsville, N.Y.), 3 in the Big Ten this year. The Nittany ing in human development and family football, a senior majoring in mathematLions had 240 Academic All-Big Ten studies; selections in 2011-12. l Rachel Casciano (Wyomissing, Pa.), ics. women’s cross country/track and field, a Also among Penn State’s Distinguished Penn State student-athletes broke the sophomore majoring in public relations; Scholars were members of Penn State’s school record for Academic All-Big Ten l Kalyn Fisher (Lewisburg, Pa.), womhonorees during all three seasons this en’s cross country/track and field, a junior NCAA and Big Ten champion wrestling team and conference champion women’s year. The 132 honorees from the 15 majoring in childhood and early adolesbasketball, women’s outdoor track and spring and at-large programs broke cent education; field, women’s lacrosse, field hockey, the previous school mark of 128, set in l Maggie Harding (State College), men’s soccer, women’s soccer and wom- 2004-05 and 2005-06. The Nittany Lions women’s volleyball, a junior majoring in en’s volleyball teams. significantly improved upon their spring food science; and at-large honoree total of 108 from l Kevin Montminy (Centre Hall, Pa.), In addition, a record 132 Penn State 2011-12.

14 31 SPORTS ... ONETEAM

The fall total of 100 Academic All-Big Ten honorees (81 in 2007-08) and winter total of 64 (63 in 2011-12) also were season records for Penn State student-athletes. To be eligible for Academic All-Big Ten selection, student-athletes must be letterwinners who are in at least their second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Penn State has had a total of 4,477 Academic All-Big Ten honorees through its 20 years of full membership in the conference. Emily Giannotti (Coudersport, Pa.) added an individual accolade and provided an example of combining academics and athletics at Penn State, as well. A standout in track and cross country, she represented the College of Education during summer commencement exercises Aug. 10. She earned a degree in rehabilitation and human services and plans to pursue a master’s degree in counselor education. Groups of team members had their acadmic prowess recognized, too. Nine members of the men’s and women’s swimming teams were named to the 2013 CSCAA Division I Scholar All-America team. In addition, both the men’s and women’s teams earned the Team Scholar All America award. Measured by team standards, Penn State was equally successful -- with student-athletes continuing to make better progress toward graduation in comparison with the nation’s Division I institutions, according to data released by the NCAA. Six Penn State squads earned perfect multi-year Academic Progress Rate scores of 1,000: field hockey, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s golf, men’s tennis and women’s tennis. The average multi-year APR score for Penn State’s 29 varsity teams is 984, easily above the Division I average of 974, according to the NCAA. (It’s 29 teams because men’s and women’s hockey,

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES

Legendary coach Wettstone dies

189

A record 189 student-athletes earned dean’s list honors with a 3.5 grade-point average or higher during the 2013 spring semester.

Longtime former Penn State men’s gymnastics coach Gene Wettstone died July 30, 2013, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He was 100.

450

A school record 450 student-athletes earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher during the spring semester. That’s means 60 percent of all Penn State student-athletes.

which get Penn State to its total of 31 teams, have not existed long enough to be included in multi-year measures.) The NCAA released data from the 201112 academic year as the ninth set of results in the APR, a formula introduced as part of the Division I Academic Performance Program. The NCAA released sport specific data for 2011-12 to each institution, as well as the most recent four years of collected data that is used to determine a rolling multi-year APR score for all athletic teams to provide a meaningful assessment of a team’s academic performance. According to the APR data, all 29 of Penn State’s teams had an APR score of 950 or higher (20 points above the NCAA’s 930 figure for possible penalties). Also, the football team earned an APR score of 961, 12 points higher than the Division I football average of 949. Men’s basketball (with an APR score of 974) and women’s basketball (985) were higher than their Division I averages as well. The men were 22 points higher and the women 13 above the average of their peers. Eight Nittany Lions squads have multiyear APR scores that rank in the Top 10 percent nationally for their respective sport: field hockey, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s golf, men’s indoor track and field, men’s outdoor track and field, men’s tennis, women’s tennis. Earlier this month, those eight squads earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards for their superlative APR scores.

Born on July 15, 1913, Wettstone, a University of Iowa graduate who guided Penn State from 1939-1976, coached nine NCAA team champions and a total of 14 athletes who went on to compete in the Olympic Games. He coached Bill Bonsall, Louis Bordo and Ray Sorensen in the 1948 Olympic Games, while serving as an Olympic judge in 1952. He then coached Karl Schier and Armando Vega in the 1956 Games, before again becoming a judge in the Games in 1968. Wettstone also managed the U.S. Olympic team in 1976, joining Nittany Lions Marshall Avener, Gene Whelan, Wayne Young and coach Karl Schier on the national team. Wettstone also served on the Olympic Committee for 20 years, and spent 18 years on the NCAA Gymnastics Committee. At Penn State, Wettstone oversaw 26 major events at Rec Hall during his 37 years, including three NCAA men’s championships and four Olympic Trials. Among Penn State’s 12 national championships, Wettstone coached nine of those teams, and coached 12 of the school’s 15 all-around national champions, which is an NCAA record. Penn State still holds the NCAA mark with 47 individual champions—a record which was fueled by Wettstone. During his tenure, Wettstone coached a total of 37 national champions. Wettstone also coached three gymnasts — Steve Cohen (1967), Bob Emery (1969) and Whelan (1976) — to the Nissen-Emery Award, given annually to the nation’s top gymnast, an award equivalent to college football’s Heisman Trophy.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE ONETEAM TEAMS 15

Championship efforts, honors provide on-field highlights Penn State coaches and student-athletes produced one of the most outstanding years in Nittany Lion history in 2012-13 with school-record competitive accomplishments in almost every sport. Twenty-one of the Nittany Lions’ 31 varsity teams participated in their respective NCAA A third consecutive national championship for the wresling team was among the many highlights for Penn State teams and student-athletes championships in during the 2012-13 academic year. Penn State claimed conference championships in 11 different sports this past year. (Photo by Mark Selders) 2012-13, boosting Championship, in addition to a third Penn State to No. 6 in the final Learfield NOTABLE NUMBERS straight Big Ten title. The Nittany LiSports Directors’ Cup standings. The ons also crowned two NCAA individual Nittany Lions earned their ninth topnational champions as Ed Ruth (Harris1 Team national championship: wrestling 10 finish in the past 20 years and their burg, Pa.) and Quentin Wright (Wingate, highest finish since placing fifth in the Pa.) each claimed their second career 6 Final finish in Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, 2002-03 standings. NCAA titles. Penn State’s highest since 2002-03, and coming “Our student-athletes and coaches continue to reach new levels of excellence each year,” said Director of Athletics Dave Joyner. “Their record-breaking performances in 2012-13 are testaments to their hard work and dedication during their respective seasons. I congratulate them on a tremendous year and look forward to their achievements in 2013-14.” In 2012-13, Penn State student-athletes won a school-record 11 conference championships, including a record eight Big Ten crowns. Penn State earned Big Ten titles in women’s outdoor track and field, women’s basketball, wrestling, field hockey (regular season and tournament), men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

with the highest point total in school history

8 Big Ten Conference champions 10 Coaches recognized as Coach of the Year in their respective sports 11 Teams that earned a conference championship—eight in Big Ten and three in other conferences 21 Teams that made appearances in their respective NCAA championships 51 Student-athletes selected to first-team

all-conference teams

75 Student-athletes who earned All-America status in their respective sports

Penn State, which has won 81 Big Ten Championships all-time also claimed 2012-13 conference crowns in men’s lacrosse (Colonial Athletic Association), women’s lacrosse (American Lacrosse Conference) and men’s volleyball (Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association). The Penn State wrestling team, under the guidance of coach Cael Sanderson, won its third consecutive NCAA Wrestling

16 31 SPORTS ... ONETEAM

The wrestling title gave Penn State 12 NCAA championships in five different sports since March 2007. The Nittany Lions are tied with USC for the most championships over the past six years. Penn State has won 23 NCAA championships since 1993-94, its first full year in the Big Ten. That’s more than double every other Big Ten institution. The Nittany Lions have won 69 team national championships all-time. During the 2012-13 campaign, Penn State produced 75 All-Americans and 51 first-team all-conference selections. Ten Nittany Lion coaches earned Coach of the Year Honors, including a school-record eight Big Ten Coach of the Year recipients.

Penn State is one of only nine programs nationwide to have finished in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Top 25 in all 20 years, joined by Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Southern California, Stanford, Texas and UCLA.

We’re pleased to announce these gifts and pledges of $25,000 and above to our For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. We sincerely thank the donors who, through their generosity, made these important funds a reality. Opportunities exist to endow scholarships in specific sports, in areas that meets your interest or support one of our facility projects. Of course, all such opportunities provide tax benefits. If you would like information on how to participate, please call us at (814) 863-GIFT (4438).

Donors...................................................... Scholarship/Naming Opportunity Anonymous....................................................................................... Program Support Fund for Women’s Fencing Michael and Patricia Allegrucci.............................. Michael and Patricia Allegrucci Wrestling Position Scholarship Robert Boarman..................................................................................Lasch Football Building Naming Opportunity

Matthew and Kelly Curtin............................................... Kelly Sunderland Curtin Endowed Fund for Cheerleading

Michael and Susan Delaney.......................................................Delaney Family Student-Athlete Technology Fund Joesph and Sandra DeLauter....................................Pegula Ice Arena Naming Opportunity--Hydrotherapy Room

Walter and Gladys Dunkle.................................... Walter L. Dunkle Trustee Scholarship in Intercollegiate Athletics

John C. Evans..................................Evans Family Endowed Football Scholarship in Memoriy of Tom “red” Evans

Janet Fox................................... Tom and Janet Fox Family Program Support Endowment for Women’s Volleyball

Kenneth and Susan Gentilezza Family...................................................................... Porgram Support for Football

Richard C. Hambright................................... Endowed Program Support Fund for Men’s Track and Cross Country

in Memory of Chick Werner

Michael Hodes................. Ominsky Family Foundation and Michael and Ellen Hodes Athletic Trustee Scholarship

Martha Jordan...................................................................................................................................... Field Hockey

Corinne Leparik and Jodi Maslo..........................................Corinne Leparik and Jodi Maslo Endowed Scholarship

for Lady Lion Basketball

John R. McWhirter and Jeanette D. McWhirter...............Maggie Lucas Scholarship for Lady Lion Shooting Guard

William F. Oldsey and Lulie Levin Alexander............................ William F. Oldsey and Julie Levin Alexander Family Endowed Football Scholarship

Karen and David Peetz....................................................................................Women’s Lacross and Field Hockey Bruce and Pat Rambo..........................................................Bruce and Pat Rambo Endowed Football Scholarship

John T. and Paige S. Smith........................................... John T. and Paige S. Smith Endowed Athletic Scholarship

James M. and Margaret V. Stine Foundation...................... Peg Stine Women’s Endowed Ice Hockey Scholarship

for the Goalie

Stephen G. Taylor...................................................................................... Nittany Lion Club Progam Support Fund

for the Morgan Academic Support Center

Harold and Helen Wright........................................Hal and Helen Wright Endowed Men’s Ice Hockey Scholarship

ONETEAM NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS 17

Blue-White Event

Annual event, at Bryce Jordan Center, draws a big crowd as Nittany Lion Club members interact with coaches, student-athletes and fellow NLC members. (Photos by Mark Selders)

18 31 SPORTS ... ONETEAM

STATE STORIES, SUCCESSES

Get the latest Penn State sports news

Athletes of the Year

Women’s soccer standout Christine Nairn (Arnold, Md.) and three-time All-America wrestler Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) were selected as Penn State Athletes of the Year for 2012-13. Nairn garnered Big Ten Midfielder of the Year accolades and first team NSCAA All-America honors to cap a stellar career that featured the four-time All-Big Ten first team choice being selected with the seventh overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League Draft. Ruth won his second consecutive national championship this past season. He has a 102-2 career record and a 42-0 mark against Big Ten opponents.

Men’s Basketball

Dwayne Anderson, a standout on Villanova’s 2009 NCAA Final Four team, joined the Penn State staff as an assistant coach. Also, Andrew Jones, a former Nittany Lion letterman, joined the squad as a graduate assistant.

Hockey

Feshmen Eamon McAdam (Perkasie, Pa.) and Mike Williamson (Leduc, Alta.) were both selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. McAdam was picked by the New York Islanders in the third round (70th overall). He was the sixth goaltender selected. Williamson was taken in the sixth round (175th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks. Along with McAdam and Williamson, three other team members participated in NHL development camps in July. Others were: Sophomore Casey Bailey (Anchor-

www.gopsusports.com age, Alaska), Boston Bruins; junior Patrick Koudys (Smithfield, Ontario), Washington Capitals; and sophomore Matthew Skoff (McKees Rocks, Pa.), Philadelphia Flyers.

Softball

Amanda Lehotak was named as coach of the softball team. She previously coached two seasons at Texas-San Antonio, leading the team to its first winning record in seven years this past season, and at Jacksonville University, where the team improved its record in each of her five seasons as head coach and she was named Coach of the Year in 2011. A native of Omaha, Neb., Lehotak played two seasons at the University of Mississippi before finishing her career a Nebraska-Omaha.

Swimming

The nine members of the Penn State men’s and women’s swimming teams named to 2013 CSCAA Division I Scholar All America team were: Merritt Krawczyk (Kingwood, Texas), Gabrielle Shishkoff (Franklin, Mass.), Megan Siverling (Chester Springs, Pa.) and Chelsea Weedman (Poway, Calif.) earned first team honors, while Jenna Bickel (Slingerlands, N.Y.), Carolyn Fittin (Sea Girt, N.J.), Allie Roberts (Emmaus, Pa.), Matt Salig (Downingtown, Pa.) and Haley Sinatro (West Hartford, Conn.) were named honorable mention. The eight female selections are the most for the women’s team since 2005.

Phone: 1-800-NITTANY (648-8269) / Email: nittanylionclub@athletics.psu.edu Mail: 157 Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA 16802 Mark Wharton

Assistant Athletic Director for Development mtw13@psu.edu

Ken Cutler

Michelle Davidson Director of Stewardship and Events Coordinator oyd3@psu.edu

Casey Keiber

Director of Major Gifts kmc2@psu.edu

Major Gifts Officer cmk184@psu.edu

Nikki Potoczny

Rick Janac

Director of Annual Fund nlw10@psu.edu

Major Gifts Officer rjj13@psu.edu

Bob White

Clint Eury

Director of Suites and Club Seats blw6@psu.edu

Director of Varsity ‘S’ Club and Sport Restricted Giving cee126@psu.edu

Janine Hawk

Carol Spangler

Diane Crebs

Sharon Ries

Financial Assistant dmc33@psu.edu

Support Staff sxr33@psu.edu

Jennifer Barnhart

Lynne Rotan

Jennifer DeAngelo

Barbara Marsden

Development Assistant jkh6@psu.edu

Support Staff jnb148@psu.edu

Support Staff jxk298@psu.edu

Support Staff cmh7@psu.edu

Support Staff lsr14@psu.edu

Support Staff blm18@psu.edu

Ann Goeke Support Staff agg12@psu.edu

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS 19

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University 157 Bryce Jordan Center University Park, PA 16802

Ticket Info

Capacity -- 6,300 General public (4,200) Students (2,100)

Ticket On-Sale Dates Sept. 10 NLC season ticket holders and Hoops Club members Sept 16 Season ticket holders Sept. 24 General public October TBA Students

1-800-NITTANY