NLC Newsletter (Summer 2012) by Nittany Lion

Hanule Seo

Casimir Loxsom

Zach Slater

Matt Paradise

Lauren Kenney

Natalie Ettl

NIck Turko

St. Louis Women’s Golf

New Haven, Conn. Cross Country

Westport, Conn. Men’s Swimming

San Clemente, Calif. Baseball

State College Women’s Track

Waukesha, Wisc. Women’s Gymnastics

Lewisberry, Pa. Men’s Volleyball

Russell Bader

Brady Gehret

Tim Frazier

Tatum Coffey

Maddie Martin

Meghan Miceli

Cassidy Bell

Anthony DeGol

Austin, Texas Men’s Tennis

Altoona Men’s Track

Hoouston Men’s Basketball

Toms River, N.J. Women’s Lacrosse

Tampa, Fla. Women’s Volleyball

Moorestown, N.J. Women’s Swimming

Bakersfield, Calif. Softball

Hollidaysburg, Pa. Men’s Golf

David Taylor

Bill O’Brien

Parker Raque

Akil Howard

St. Paris, Ohio Wrestling

Coach Football

Louisville, Ky. Men’s Gymnastics

Queens, N.Y. Men’s Soccer

Gaspar Lesznik

Lauren Purvis

Guy Gadowsky

Josh Brandwene

John Urschel

Talia East

Wyckoff, N.J. Fencing

Maple Glen, Pa. Field Hockey

Coach Men’s Ice Hockey

Coach Women’s Ice Hockey

Williamsville, N.Y. Football

Philadelphia Women’s Basketball

Penn State has 800 studentathletes and 31 varsity sports, but just one team. Story, Pages 6-7

INSIDE: Soccer teams benefit from efficiency, recycling / Sports psychologist helps “remove goo”

— Inside this Issue —

DID YOU KNOW?

NLC Notebook: Support never more important.......................3 Football Gameday: Moving foward, prepare for stadium policy ...4 Since 2007, Penn State and USC lead Compliance Challenges: Sanctions provide opportunity ..........5 the nation with 10 One Team: Teams unified to move forward together................6-7 NCAA championships. Women’s Volleyball: Opportunities await for squad...............7 Fine Facility: Soccer teams benefit from recycling.....................8 Men’s Soccer: Start of season always exciting ........................9 Women's Soccer: More challenges for dynasty ......................9 Student-athletes earned deanʼs list Rise and Rally: Community supports student-athletes.........10-11 honors during the Useful Yuke: Sports psychologist helps ‘remove goo’ ...............12 spring semester by posting a 3.5 gradeMen’s Basketball: Staying steady for success ....................13 point average or Cross Country: Strong squad eyes host opportunity ................13 higher. A minimum of Women’s Basketball: Hunger drives Lady Lions.................14 12 credits are required for such Men’s Ice Hockey: Coach anticipates inaugural season ...........16 recognition. Field Hockey: Talented squad hopes for more success ..............16 Women’s Ice Hockey: Old-school approach key for new team ...17 Standout Scholars: Fifty-one selected from 23 sports .............17 Student-athletes who Our Olympians: Penn Staters make impact at London Games .....18

172

About the Newsletter Volume 33, No. 1 Summer 2012 U.Ed. ICA-13-XXX

The Nittany Lion Club Newsletter is a quarterly publication sent to all Nittany Lion Club members. The magazine is published by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Nittany Lion Club Web Site www.nittanylionclub.com

Official Web Site of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics www.gopsusports.com

Executive Editors

Greg Myford, John Nitardy

Assistant Editor Nikki Potoczny

Contributors

Penn State Athletic Communications, Steve Sampsell

Photographers

398

earned a 3.0 or higher grade-point average during the spring semester. Thatʼs 58 percent of all student-athletes.

DEPARTMENTS Recent Gift List, 13 NLC Calendar, 19 NLC Contacts, 19

ON THE COVER

Coaches and student-athletes who lead and compete in 31 different varsity sports are all part of one team at Penn State.

Penn State Athletic Communications, Mark Selders, Steve Manuel

Printing

Gazette Printers, Duncansville, Pa.

PENN STATE ATHLETICS Mission Statement

Consistent with the Universityʼs mission, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics offers students exemplary programs that develop scholarship, sportsmanship and leadership within the educational and social environments of the Pennsylvania State University.

STARTING SHOT

Football coach Bill O’Brien (right) talks with Mike Greenberg (left) and Mike Golic during an apperance on the popular ESPN Radio talk show “Mike & Mike in the Morning,” which is simulcast on ESPN2. Many Penn State employees at ESPN also welcomed O’Brien and wished him luck during the late July visit to the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn.

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

Member support of NLC never more important Dear NLC Member, First, thank you for your continued support of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. We sincerely appreciate the comments and opinions you have shared, as well as your expressions of concern and empathy, in recent months. As we prepare for the fall sports season, your membership and ongoing support has never been more important. Our mission remains to support Penn State student-athletes—and those 800 young women and men need the support you provide now more than ever. With your gifts, you support our academic advising center, our sports medicine program, scholarships and other aspects of Penn State Athletics. Our most recent giving year was the best ever, with NLC members giving $17.4 million to support student-athletes. Again, thank you. None of the accomplishments and successes of our student-athletes and teams would be possible without your support. As you read through this edition of the NLC Newsletter, youʼll find stories about our fall sports programs, the NCAA sanctions and the impact and influence of our One Team approach. Weʼre continually working to inform you as completely and quickly as possible. Please watch for information in upcoming NLC emails and newsletters about the incentives and rewards for membership renewal as we move toward another giving year.

As always, weʼre committed to customer service. If you have a question about your account, please contact us. We also plan to launch improvements that will allow members to better manage their accounts online in the near future. Clearly, the past few months have been challenging, and we understand many of you might have lingering questions. We appreciate your concerns. At the same time, we know we must move forward. We must support the coaches and student-athletes on our 31 varsity sports teams. (Maybe that means a gift, buying and extra ticket or simply attending a free event and cheering loudly.) We must be better than weʼve ever been before—providing a continued example about what it means to be a Penn Stater. And, we must remain united. If you have any questions, please let us know. Simply call 1-800-NITTANY (648-8269). Or, if you want information on major gift opportunities, please call our officers at (814) 863-GIFT (4438). We are ... —John Nitardy, NLC Director of Major Gifts and Annual Giving

Single-game policy for football tickets protects NLC investment A policy change on single-game pricing for football tickets will make those tickets available for patrons who did not purchase season tickets but protect the investment of season ticket holders at the same time. Season tickets for 2012 cost the same as 2011 ($385, $55 per game) and approximately 94 percent of season ticket holders renewed their seats for the coming season. A limited number of single-game tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pricing for single game tickets has

changed to better reflect the per-game pricing of a season ticket—making singlegame tickets cost as much as season tickets, but without NLC benefits. As a result, 2012 public single game ticket prices are: Black Zone (between 30-yard lines) $140 Red Zone (10- to 30-yard lines) $110 Blue Zone (end zones to 10-yard-lines) $70 (bench) $74 (chairback)

Payments for NCAA Fine

Penn State expects to pay the fine out of football reserves, the deferring of capital and maintenance expenditures and an internal Athletic Department loan. The University fully expects that these funds will satisfy the $60 million, and it is impossible to speculate beyond the life of the Consent Decree.

Penn State will not use state or philanthropic money to pay the fine, and the fine is expected to have no impact on the scope and quality of the University's academic enterprise or on student tuition costs. Great care will be given to developing a budget that will protect all of our students. Penn State remains committed to keeping opportunities affordable, as evidenced by the recent approval of tuition increases far below the national average at public universities.

State Selections

Sophomore Tatum Coffey (Toms River, N.J.) of the womenʼs lacrosse team was among 36 players selected to the U.S. Womenʼs National Senior Team. At 19, she is the youngest member of the team that will comprise the training pool for the squad that will defend Team USAʼs 2009 gold medal at the World Cup, scheduled July 11-20, 2013, in Canada. Freshman Candice Agee (Victorville, Calif./Silverado) of the womenʼs basketball team has been added to the 2012 USA Basketball U18 National Team roster for the upcoming FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

Men's lacrosse coach Jeff Tambroni and alumni Greg Gurenlian (2006) and Drew Adams (2009) will help the United States National Team against Canada on Sept. 8 in Commerce City, Colo.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Football team ready to move foward into season At this point, finally, itʼs all about on-field competition—and the Penn State coaching staff and members of the football team could not be happier. Theyʼre ready to move on, as the 126th season of Penn State football begins at noon Sept. 1 vs. Ohio University at Beaver Stadium.

Thirty letterwinners and 19 players with starting expeirence return for first-year head coach Bill O'Brien. “We have a fantastic group of players who have bonded together during some difficult times and will be a tough, smart football team,” OʼBrien said. “I really like the chemistry of the players and our staff and the open lines of communication.”

The Penn State defense returns 17 letterwinners and will be led by a trio of seniors who are pre-season candidates for Big Ten Conference and national honors.

Senior outside linebacker Gerald Hodges (Paulsboro, N.J.) was was a 2011 first-team All-Big Ten honoree. Hodges, who led Penn State with 106 tackles last year, has been named to 2012 watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award and Rotary Lombardi Award. Linebacker Michael Mauti (Mandeville, La.) joins Hodges on the Butkus Award watch list. Mauti is returning to the field after missing the final nine games last year with a knee injury. Senior defensive tackle Jordan Hill (Steelton, Pa.) has been named a candidate for the 2012 Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award after leading the defensive line last year with 59 tackles, including eight tackles

for loss. Joining Hill and Hodges as returning defensive starters are junior middle linebacker Glenn Carson (Manahawkin, N.J.) and senior defensive end Sean Stanley (Rockville, Md.).

Senior cornerback Stephon Morris (Greenbelt, Md.) has 13 career starts and will lead a secondary that graduated four seniors. Junior safety Malcolm Willis (Marbury, Md.) also has seen extensive action in the secondary. The Nittany Lion offense returns 13 letterwinners, including nine players with starting experience.

Quarterback Matt McGloin (Scranton, Pa.) and center Matt Stankiewitch (Orwigsburg, Pa.) are seniors who were 2011 starters. McGloin has 10 career starts and completed 54.1 percent of his passes (125 of 231) for Linebacker Gerald Hodges returns as a leader on defense. An All-America candidate, 1,571 yards and eight he’s also a preseason nominee for several national awards. (Photo by Mark Selders) touchdowns, last season, with five interceptions. McGloin has seven career 200-yard SCHEDULE passing games, good for No. 10 on the Penn Date.........................Opponent ...................Time/TV State list. Sept. 1 .....................OHIO.................Noon/ESPN

Sept. 8 .........................at Virginia.....................Noon/ABC

Gate, carry-in policies provide guidelines for Beaver Stadium While many things have changed about Penn State football and gamedays this season, several policies and timelines remain the same. All patrons are required to have bags checked at the gate. Bags or items larger and 8-1/2” x 11” x 11” will not be permitted into the stadium. Prohibited items include (but are not limited to): alcoholic beverages of any type backpacks bags, including diaper bags and purses larger than 8-1/2” x 11” x 11”

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

containers including bottles/cans/coolers/flasks fireworks food noisemakers objects that may become missles objects that may obstruct the view of other patrons pets umbrellas strollers television sets; and video cameras.

Sept. 15....................NAVY.............3:30 p.m./TBA (Military Appreciation Day) Sept. 22 ..................TEMPLE ........................TBA (Blue Out and All-University Day) Sept. 29 ........................at Illinois ...............................TBA Oct. 6................NORTHWESTERN .................Noon (Homecoming and Varsity ‘S’ Day) Oct. 20 ...........................at Iowa .....................8 p.m./BTN Oct. 27 .................OHIO STATE.............6 p.m./TBA (White Out) Nov. 3 ...........................at Purdue ...............................TBA Nov. 10 .......................at Nebraska .............................TBA Nov. 17 ...................INDIANA........................TBA Nov. 24.................WISCONSIN......................TBA (Senior Day)

Compliance requirements provide a positive opportunity We asked Matt Stolberg, associate athletic director for compliance and student-athlete services, to brief us on the NCAA sanctions and on what we can expect over the next few years:

Can you summarize the sanctions for us? There are four basic elements to the NCAA sanctions: (1) A fine of $60 million, which will go toward a fund to benefit the victims of child abuse, and in this connection I want to emphasize that we recognize the magnitude of this tragedy and the importance of Penn State taking an active role in child abuse prevention. (2) A four-year limit on football scholarships (see chart). (3) A four-year ineligibility for football postseason bowl play. (4) The lifting of various restrictions on student-athletes who wish to transfer, or who wish to retain their scholarships without playing.

In addition, the Big Ten Conference has, for the same four-year period, dis- Football Saturdays remain, as do appearances on TV for the football team, but the NCAA sanctions provide many chalqualified Penn State football from quali- lenges—for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics as well as for supporters of the program. (Photo by Mark Selders) fying for the conference championship and from sharing in the Conferenceʼs SCHOLARSHIP SITUATION bowl revenues.

2012# 2013# 2014# 2015# 2016 2017 2018 It is important to point out what the Initial Counters* 15 15 15 15 25 25 NCAA did not do: We were not, as had Scholarship Maximum 85 85 65 65 65 65 85 been feared, prevented from playing football, nor were we banned from hav- *-Incoming freshmen signed in February for the following fall and others who join the program as first-time NCAA ing our football team appear on TV. eligible student-athletes These two things are critical not only to #-No bowl game the football program, but to preserving monitor will do, and how you will work initial disappointour ability to support our many non-revwith him or her? ment to a strong enue sports. This gives us the opportunity To ensure compliance with the sanctions, feeling of deterto move forward with optimism and deterthere will be an NCAA-mandated “monitor,” mination and opmination. former Sen. George Mitchell. He will visit timism, tempered campus periodically and report back to the of course by an Do the sanctions apply to any sports NCAA on our adherence to the sanctions awareness of the other than football? and to the Athletics Integrity Agreement. I tragic events No. Aside from the probationary period that look forward to working with Sen. Mitchell, that led us to affects the department as a whole, there and I believe this represents an opportunity this point. I have are absolutely no sanctions on other to demonstrate our strong compliance culabsolutely no sports. They will be able to recruit, offer doubt that in four scholarships, compete, and qualify for tour- ture and also to explore ways of making it even better. In fact, Iʼm confident that the years you will naments and championships as always. In reports Sen. Mitchell provides back to the find that we have Matt Stolberg, fact, the NCAA explicitly required that the NCAA will help convey the message that evolved from a associate athletic director fine not be paid at the expense of the other we have the right approach and the right program that alfor compliance and sports. Our coaches have been assured of values. In addition to the monitor, we will ready had a student-athlete services this, and they are passing this fact along to be hiring an Athletic Integrity Officer who strong committheir student-athletes and to recruits. The will work on the day-to-day implementation ment to compliance with NCAA and Concoaches have also passed along the Nitof the AIA. ference rules to one with an even tany Lion Clubʼs encouragement and supstronger commitment—a commitment not port, and I know that support means a Looking ahead four years to the expionly to rules compliance, but also to the great deal to everyone involved in athletration of the sanctions, where do you paramount importance of transparency, ics–including me. expect Penn State to be? integrity, education, and the values befitWe have already begun to move from our ting a great University. Can you explain what the NCAA will

COMPLIANCE O R N E R

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

One Team: People, programs make measurable impact Pick a number, any number, and it will be just part of measuring the success of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics.

Even though 19 teams (an impressive number) qualified for NCAA championship competition last season, itʼs not at all a matter of points scored or wins and losses.

The numbers that really provide a glimpse at the soul of the program include graduation rates and gradepoint averages as well as funds raised and student-athlete participants in the annual Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) and the wide-ranging success of charitable endeavors such Coaches vs. Cancer, Coqueseʼs Drive, Lift for Life and many others.

Hands-on efforts by student-athletes during the United Way Day of Caring, or with reading programs and school visits sponsored by the Student-Athlete Advisory Board provide other examples of “one team” approach. That includes a willingness to collaborate, to band together for larger purposes and to serve the community. Coaches Beth Alford-Sullivan, Bill O’Brien, Patrick Chambers and Denise St. Pierre were among the featured speakers during the A scene—one of many—from the Penn State Coaches Caravan this summer provides another example.

first week of the Penn State Coaches Caravan earlier this summer. (Photo by Mark Selders)

In the back of the comfortable bus, on the highway somewhere between Youngstown, Ohio, and Cleveland during the last week of the trip, three coaches were talking strategy. They were crossing sports while they were doing it, with football coach Bill OʼBrien listening intently as menʼs ice hockey coach Guy Gadowsky recalled receiving a five-on-three power play idea from menʼs volleyball coach Mark Pavlik. Pavlik passed along the idea a few weeks after Gadowsky joined the Penn State coaching fraternity last year. “At first, I wondered why I was getting this scribbled play from the volleyball coach,” Gadowsky said. “But when I looked at it, the lineup he had for a volleyball depending on where the ball was on a certain play did look a lot like a five on three. And weʼre going to use it sometime.” OʼBrien listened and watched as his counterparts shared some specifics about the play.

“It was like a coaching think tank in the back of the bus,” OʼBrien said. “Thereʼs so much you could gain from everyone else. It was nice to be a part of that. If you listen, especially because of the quality of all our coaches and the quality of the people we have here at Penn State, you can learn so much. Weʼre all part of the same team.”

That was one of OʼBrienʼs main messages during much of the caravan. With 18 stops over a three-week period, the bus covered 1,968 miles

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

and reached nearly 5,000 Penn State alumni and friends. While OʼBrien was the featured attraction for many at the sessions, he was hardly alone as an A-list guest. And he never failed to drive home his messages.

“We’re one team. If hockey wins, we all win. ... If we can get 110,000 fans for football games we should be able to fill the Bryce Jordan Center for basketball.”

— Bill O’Brien

“Weʼre one team,” he said. “If hockey wins, we all win. If menʼs volleyball wins, we all win. If we can get 110,000 fans at Beaver Stadium for football games, we should be able to fill the Bryce Jordan Center for menʼs and womenʼs basketball. We should be able to support our coaches and student-athletes in every sport, no matter where they play.”

Best of all, as OʼBrien has proven since his arrival on campus, the words were not lip service. Just weeks after taking his job, he and his assistant coaches were outside the Bryce Jordan Center as part of a sendoff party when the womenʼs basketball team left campus to participate in the NCAA Tournament. He has made time to meet with other varsity coaches and teams, par-

Continued on Page 7

ticipate in community events, such as the Special Olympics and speak to numerous groups and organizations on campus and across the region. Best of all, everything about OʼBrienʼs sincere approach to his job and all that comes with it meshes smoothly with the approach traditionally practiced by other coaches and teams. At some point every year (and usually several times during the year), every team makes time to give back to the community—and to support each other.

Itʼs not unusual to see one coach watching another team compete. Those other coaches might not be watching from the most visible position in the stands, but they are there more often than not. And, as a testament to the collegial atmosphere that permeates Penn State Athletics, coaches regularly offer suggestions, share insights or just tell tales about times things did or did not work. During the past several months—and especially in the wake of the NCAA sanctions that include probation for the entire athletic program— that all-for-one, one-team approach has never been more important. For coaches and student-athletes, short-lived disappointment has

Women’s basketball standout Alex Bentley meets with young fans during an event as part of the annual Pink Zone game and festivities. (Photos by Mark Selders)

been replaced by across-the-board determination.

“We believe that itʼs a great time to be a Penn State student-athlete because from this point forward, we can decide together where we will go and what we will become,” womenʼs gymnastics coach Jeff Thompson said. “The darkest time in Penn State history is almost over, and we believe it will actually make us stronger in the long run. We believe that, years from now, fans and foes alike will look back and see the beginning of what became our finest hour.”

After 25 victories, team wants more Rare are the instances when a 25-8 season seems less than expected or out of character, but that was the case for the womenʼs volleyball team last season.

With significant turnover in the lineup after four consecutive national championships, the squad started slowly (enduring its first season-opening loss in six years to start the campaign) before becoming one of the better teams in the nation by the end of the season. Penn State finished second in the Big Ten Conference and reached the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. Along the way, the teamʼs abundant talent emerged. Entering this season, all six starters return and several others, including some underclassmen, could make an impact rather quickly.

Four juniors and two sophomores comprise the returning group for the third-ranked team. The juniors—outside hitters Maddie Martin (Tampa, Fla.), Deja McClendon (Louisville, Ky.) and Ariel Scott (Ridgewood, N.J.), along with middle hitter Katie Slay (Raleigh, N.C.)—pack a potentially powerful punch.

Sophomore middle hitter Nia Grant (Warren, Ohio) and classmate Micha Hancock (Edmond, Okla.) were a big part of the teamʼs success as it went 18-4 to close last season. The youthful team had stumbled, by the programʼs standards, to a 7-4 start of the season.

This season, though, the team hopes to avoid such struggles—although a daunting schedule will not make it easy. After traveling to Louisville for three matchups to open the season, perennial powers Stanford and Texas visit Rec Hall for the Nike Big Four (Aug. 31-Sept. 1). That special event should provide an early season measuring stick for each team involved in the round-robin event. After that, challenging conference play offers little relief. Several Big Ten teams have elevated their level of play to keep up to Penn State in recent seasons, and the addition of Nebraska made womenʼs volleyball in the conference tougher than ever last season.

Still, Hall of Fame Coach Russ Rose, with his 1,057-172 record, always enjoys a challenge. And he invariably finds ingenious ways to lead and motivate his teams.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Date ......................Opponent..................Time/TV Aug. 24 ...vs. Morehead State (at Lousivlle, Ky.)......5 p.m. Aug. 25 .....vs. W. Kentucky (at Louisville, Ky.)...1:30 p.m. Aug. 25.......................at Louisville.....................7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 ................STANFORD* ..................8 p.m. Sept. 1 ....................TEXAS* .....................7 p.m. Sept. 8 ..........................at DePaul..........................11 a.m. Sept. 8 ..........vs. Oregon State (in Chicago)............8 p.m. Sept. 9 ...................at Illinois-Chicago.....................2 p.m. Sept. 14 ................PORTLAND ...................7 p.m. Sept. 15 ...............DUQUESNE# ................10 a.m. Sept. 15...........EASTERN ILLINOIS# .............8 p.m. Sept. 19 ................NEBRASKA .............7 p.m./BTN Sept. 22....................IOWA ......................7 p.m. Sept. 28 .....................at Wisconsin.........................8 p.m. Sept. 29 .....................at Minnesota.........................8 p.m. Oct. 5.......................at Northwestern ......................8 p.m. Oct. 6 ............................at Illinois............................8 p.m. Oct. 12 ...................PURDUE...............8 p.m./BTN Oct. 13 ...................INDIANA ....................7 p.m. Oct. 17 .......................at Ohio State .................8 p.m./BTN Oct. 20 ........................at Michigan..........................7 p.m. Oct. 24 ...........................at Iowa .....................8 p.m./BTN Oct. 28 ........................at Nebraska..........................2 p.m. Nov. 2 ..................MINNESOTA ............8 p.m./BTN Nov. 4 ..................WISCONSIN .........2 p.m./ESPN2 Nov. 9 ....................ILLINOIS ....................7 p.m. Nov. 10..............NORTHWESTERN ...............7 p.m. Nov. 16.........................at Indiana ...........................7 p.m. Nov. 17 .........................at Purdue ...........................7 p.m. Nov. 21.................OHIO STATE ..................7 p.m. Nov. 24..............MICHIGAN STATE ..................TBA *-Nike Big Four #-Penn State Classic

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Cooperation, efficiency help create performance center

Men’s soccer coach Bob Warming points out planned changes underneath the east side of Jeffrey Field, which will create an on-site performance center for the soccer teams.

Some solid cooperation, efficient planning and even some recycling have added an important resource for the womenʼs and menʼs soccer teams this season—a first-of-its-kind outdoor performance center. Located under the east side of Jeffrey Field, the soccer-specific facility includes four stateof-the-art custom-designed ProStar Power Racks, a plyometric training area, balance training devices, multiple sets of dumbbells, free weights, spin bikes, regeneration equipment and more.

Best of all, most of the equipment found a home at Jeffrey Field after being previously used by the football program or in the East Area Lock Room. Costs of the upgrade were minimal. And, after installation, only some cosmetic and security measures were necessary.

For the soccer teams—which started using the facility when preseason practice began in August—the upgrade provides an important step up as well as a valuable resource for student-athletes. “No one else in the country has exactly this, where players can literally walk 20 steps and

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

do their conditioning and strength exercises in basically the same area where they practice,” menʼs soccer coach Bob Warming said. “Itʼs a huge improvement from what we had before and itʼs a testament to everyone involved.” Womenʼs coach Erica Walsh fully supported the project while Mark Bodenschatz, associate athletic director for facilities and operations, and Dave Joyner, acting athletic director, provided the necessary approvals.

Foundation supports soccer shoes

Coach Bob Wamingʼs daughter Audrey died in a car accident in April, and as part of the mourning process the Warming family created a foundation in her name. Dating to the coachʼs days at Creighton University, when he conducted youth camps, Audrey al-

“Along with hopefully helping performance, itʼs going to be extremely convenient for members of our teams,” Warming said. “We have people who have night classes and labs, and having this right at the practice field will allow them to get things done and get to class.” Menʼs team members have been working toward this season since Jan. 12, when the offseason program began. Often, their workouts in the winter and spring were conducted from 10 p.m. to midnight in Holuba Hall. Warming

ways wanted to assist children in the need. So, the foundation provides shoes and soccer equipment to children living in the Omaha, Neb., housing authority. For information and to support the foundation, search for Audreyʼs Shoes for Kids on Facebook.

said team members routinely showed up early and stayed late. Not surprisingly, heʼs excited about the season, hoping to build on a 9-9-4 result in 2011.

“Every season is exciting. Even if you change only one player from year to year, itʼs a different team,” Warming said. “You always want to see how that works out. That chemistry, the soul of the team, is so important in our sport.” The menʼs team returns its top four scorers

Continued on Page 9

Experienced, talent-laden squad has hefty expectations With most of the teamʼs top scorers back and a roster that includes 15 upperclassmen, the 14-time defending Big Ten champion womenʼs soccer team has high expectations entering this season.

“We expect to win,” senior midfielder and cocaptain Maddy Evans (Glenside, Pa.) said. “We have so many pieces and a lot of depth.”

Along with Evans and classmate Lexi Marton (Aurora, Ontario), also a team captain, the group of proven and talented players includes many of the student-athletes who provided important offensive punch as the team reached the Sweet 16 last season. That includes: junior Maya Hayes (West Orange, N.J.), a finalist for the Hermann Award in 2011; senior Christine Nairn (Arnold, Md.), a two-time NSCAA All-American; redshirt sophomore Emily Hurd (Sammamish, Wash.); and junior Taylor Schram (Canonsburg, Pa.). That quartet combined 52 goals and 38 assists (142 points) last season. As the team gets closer to its season opener Aug. 17 at Virginia and its home opening twinbill Aug. 24—with an afternoon game against St. Johnʼs and a nightcap against defending national champion Stanford—its focus has not changed in months. “The day the 2011 season ended we started preparing for this season,” coach Erica Walsh said. “This team has high expectations.”

Walsh said the team has been successful while considering itself “young” for several seasons. This season, every member of the team, from Walsh to the eight freshmen on the roster, know thereʼs relatively little time for paand a standout goaltender, a decent basis for a strong season. The offense must improve, though.

Those top four—senior Minh Vu (Tucson, Ariz.), senior Julian Cardona (Lincoln, Neb.), senior Hasani Sinclair (Coral Gables, Fla.) and junior Jordan Tyler (Rochester, Minn.)—combined for just 13 goals. As a result, the Nittany Lions were held scoreless in nine games and lost 1-0 six times.

Warming, who has amassed 406 victories in 31 seasons as a Division I coach, knows little things mean a lot in soccer. Whether itʼs the addition of a soccer-specific performance center or an evaluation of the teamʼs chemistry, he hopes to help the team find more offense. In the end, and especially in soccer, he knows

WOMEN’S SOCCER Date ......................Opponent......................Time Aug. 17 ........................at Virginia ...........................7 p.m. Aug. 19 .................ST. JOHN’S ...............2:30 p.m. Aug. 24 ................STANFORD* ..............7:30 p.m. Aug. 26...........CENTRAL MICHIGAN* ........2:30 p.m. Aug. 31...................at West Virginia# .....................7 p.m. Sept. 2 ...........................vs. Pitt# .......................2:30 p.m. Sept. 8 ............................at BYU..............................9 p.m. Sept. 16................WISCONSIN ..................1 p.m. Sept. 21...................at Northwestern ......................8 p.m. Sept. 23 ........................at Illinois............................2 p.m. Sept. 27 .....................at Ohio State.........................8 p.m. Sept. 30................MINNESOTA ....................Noon Oct. 2....................BUCKNELL ...................7 p.m. Oct. 7 .....................INDIANA ....................1 p.m. Oct. 12 ........................at Nebraska..........................5 p.m. Oct. 14 ...........................at Iowa .............................2 p.m. Oct. 19 ..............MICHIGAN STATE ...............7 p.m. Oct. 21 ..................MICHIGAN ...................1 p.m. Oct. 26..........................at Purdue ...........................7 p.m. *-Penn State Invitational #-WVU 90 Minute Classic

tience. Walsh likes the teamʼs returning standouts and the options provided by younger players on the roster. The accounplished upperclassmen might be asked to carry the load on both sides of the ball, but the newcomers should have ample opportunity to contribute. In addition, balance and perspective on the team could come from the captains, the seniors, or any variety of sources.

“The great thing about our leadership this year is the variety,” Walsh said. “We have some outspoken leaders and some lead-by-variety types. Plus, we have some young players who are anxious and excited—just looking to be led.”

Junior Maya Hayes led the nation with 31 goals and 70 points last season. (Photo by Mark Selders)

As always, the conference championship remains a primary goal. With its dynastic run to 14 consecutive championships, thatʼs always among the squadʼs to-do list at the start of the season. Beyond that, Walsh has clearly stated the goals and crafted a schedule to enable the team to go even farther.

a coach can mostly just facilitate and prepare the team.

MEN’S SOCCER

Warming should not have to worry about the situation in goal.

Date ......................Opponent......................Time Aug. 25 ..................STETSON ....................7 p.m. Aug. 27 .................HARTFORD...................7 p.m. Aug. 31 .................DUQUESNE...................8 p.m. Sept. 2 ......................at Georgetown .......................1 p.m. Sept. 6 ...............WEST VIRGINIA ................7 p.m. Sept. 14 ..................ALBANY.....................7 p.m. Sept. 16..................ADELPHI ................3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 .....................at Wisconsin....................8:30 p.m. Sept. 25 ........................at Lehigh............................7 p.m. Sept. 29 ..................INDIANA ....................7 p.m. Oct. 6 ..........................at Michigan..........................7 p.m. Oct. 10 ....................AKRON .....................7 p.m. Oct. 14 ..............MICHIGAN STATE ...............3 p.m. Oct. 17 ..................BUCKNELL ...................7 p.m. Oct. 21.....................at Northwestern ......................1 p.m. Oct. 28 .................OHIO STATE ..................1 p.m. Oct. 31 .............................Penn...............................7 p.m.

“In our sport there are no timeouts, or stoppages that lend themselves to a coach doing much once the game begins,” Warming said. “Thatʼs why weʼre looking for that chemistry, those relationships, who has whoʼs back, to put the best possible team on the field.”

Sophomore Andrew Wolverton (Snellvile, Ga.) returns in the net. Last season, he played every minute of every game. In those 22 games, he surrendered 14 goals and recorded 12 shutouts—with an impressive 0.61 goals-against average.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Rise an

Community members, fans, fellow student-athlet

Photos by Steve Manuel

For many football players, the walk from Pollock Dining Commons or their apartments to Lasch Building for an off-season morning workout usually ranks as an uneventful happening. On July 31, though, it became a one-of-a-kind event as nearly 3,000 blue-and-white clad Penn State football fans, community members and fellow student-athletes converged (some as early as 4:30 a.m. and some from as far away as California) on the Lasch Football Building to welcome team members to practice. It was a welcome feel-good moment for all involved, especially members of the football program who have been impacted by recent NCAA sanctions.

It was also show of supportâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a family gathering complete with hugs, high fives and a portion of the Blue Band as Penn Staters came together to support other Penn Staters. After cheering the student-athletes on their way to practice, fans were then welcomed into the practice facility to watch the session.

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

nd Rally

tes turn out to support members of football team.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Useful Yuke

Sports psychologist helps student-athletes ‘check in, move forward’ and ‘remove goo’

In the often fast-paced world of intercollegiate athletics, when coaches and competitors act and react almost instantaneously, and when the pressure to perform invariably seems to increase, Dave Yukelson provides a calming presence.

Itʼs his steady, unwavering voice. Itʼs his demeanor. And, itʼs his job. Yukelson, who has been at Penn State for 25 years as a sports psychologist in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, serves as a resource for every varsity sports team at the University. Heʼs one of just a handful of individuals to hold such a position at a Division I program, and he brings valuable perspectives and skills to the position.

Dave Yukelson, one of the few educational sports psychologists to hold a full-time position with a Division I university, has been at Penn State for 25 years.

“Thereʼs a variety of mental training skills that, just like physical skills, require practice to be perfected and theyʼre ongoing,” Yukelson said. “My job is really about excellence—in the athletic field and in the classroom. Itʼs about the growth and development of student-athletes from freshman year to senior year.”

kids, no matter how we see them as great competitors—are just managing stress or learning to manage interpersonal relationships. “Thatʼs a huge part of my job, helping high school student-athletes make the transition to college.”

It all boils down to talking, too. Yukelson listens, provides perspectives and shares insights when appropriate. Mostly, heʼs just there, a familiar, friendly face to talk about whatever might be bothering someone. Or helping someone develop strategies to remain focused during competition.

Any individual meetings are confidential, and Yukelson balances his responsibilities between coaches and student-athletes perfectly.

In general, he works with teams, coaches and individual student-athletes to enhance performance skills, stress-management skills and composure skills.

Yukelson, known to most coaches and student-athletes simply as “Yuke,” makes himself available to every team and every student-athlete. Some teams use his services more than others and, obviously, some individuals might want to talk more than others.

“Focus, thatʼs what itʼs all about,” Yukelson said. “Itʼs connecting with your performance emotionally, mentally and physically. Thereʼs a variety of different performance skills you can choose from. Itʼs like a buffet, and it boils down to how you get yourself ready to compete.” Of course, thatʼs easier said than done. And thatʼs why Yukelson usually has a pretty busy schedule.

Heʼs a resource for dozens of coaches and hundreds of talented young men and women. In addition, while Penn State student-athletes often earn abundant attention and accolades for their efforts, they remain college students at heart, facing fairly typical challenges related to academics, homesickness, their love life or even discovering for the first time ever that they are not the best person on their team. Yukelsonʼs encourages people he works with to keep themselves balanced and measure themselves. He tells them to “check in” and then “move froward,” creating consistent, reliable approaches to what they do in the classroom and when competing. “Typically a lot of the issues student-athletes face—and theyʼre still

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

“There’s a variety of different performance skills you can choose from. It’s like a buffet, and it boils down to how you get yourself ready to compete.”

— Dave Yukelson

Freshmen do not dominate Yukelsonʼs workload, though. According to a quarter century of statistics about his meetings, 23 percent have been with freshmen and other classes account for almost equal thirds of the remaining 75 percent. And the gender breakdowns on meetings is almost equal too, with, a slight 51-49 edge for women.

For example, he might hear from a student-athlete unsatisfied with their playing time or a situation on their team. Because he knows the coaches and their styles, he can help guide the student-athlete about how to best deal with the situation. “The coaches know Iʼm here for them. Iʼm not a coach, just a resource for the teams,” Yukelson said. “Weʼre here to help them reach Big Ten and national championships.”

In many ways, Yukelson envisions his position as player-personnel development. He works toward that goal by being seen—attending practices, making low-key visits, just being around and approachable. “Thereʼs just something about being visible that makes the job easier,” he said.

Plus, he knows that competing well consistently is not simple. At the same time, heʼs able to keep his approach, his hope to enhance a competitorʼs focus, as simple as possible. “You just want to keep them from thinking too much and getting suck in their own ʻmental goo,ʼ he said. “The goal is to help them relax, believe, trust and perform.”

We are 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 or an area 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).

gift list Scholarship/Naming Opportunity Donors Melinda Patterson Ampthor................................................................................Kathryn I. Beeken Endowed Women’s Golf Scholarship Anonymous.....................................................................................................................Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Ice Hockey Anonymous...........................................................................................................Joseph V. Paterno Scholarship in Women’s Volleyball Anonymous.............................................................................................................................................Trustee Scholarship in Athletics Anonymous ........................Endowed Scholarship in Men’s Athletics and Indoor Aquatics Center Naming Opportunity—Starting Block Anonymous .........................................................................................................................................Men’s Cross Country Scholarship William and Denise Burns.........................................Corey Matthew Burns and Kevin Michael Burns Endowed Scholarship for Football Michael Campbell ......................................................................................Campbell Family Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Ice Hockey John R. Cattoni .........................................................................................................Cattoni Family Intercollegiate Athletics Scholarship John J. Dowd.......................................................................................................................................Dowd Family Hockey Scholarship Theodore and Shelby Eichenlaub...........................................................................................Eichenlaub Family Endowment for Football Keith and Linda Forrest ............................................................................................................Various Women’s Endowed Scholarships Mary E. Gundel ......................................................................................................Mary E. Gundel Scholarship for Lady Lion Basketball Daniel M. Harrington ........................................................................Joseph D. and Jean D. Harrington and Family Football Scholarship Thomas and Dorothy Harshman................................................Indoor Aquatics Center Naming Opportunity—Assistant Coach’s Office Susan J. Hutchinson ...................................................................................................Hutchinson Family Men’s Ice Hockey Scholarship Jeffrey and Sharon Hyde ..........................................................................................Rec Hall Naming Opportunity—Men’s Locek Room Regina Izzo.........................................................................Pegula Ice Arena Namign Opportunity—Assistant General Manager’s Office W. Thomas and Sharon Kennedy ....................................................................................................................................Levi Lamb Fund Ira D. Kleinman................................................Pegula Ice Arena Naming Opportunity—Men’s Ice Hockey Director of Operations Office Andrew and Alison Lacey.......................................................................................................................Indoor Aquatics Center—Lane 7 David Lancaster...............................................................................................................David Lancaster Endowed Athletic Scholarship Gregory and Abbe Large ...........................George F. Large and Edward D. Hunder Endowed Scholarship for Men’s and Women’s Track The Raymond Lombra Family (Brian and Laura Lombra, Raymond and Bobbi Lombra, Sherri Lombra Zebrowski and Dan Zebrowski, Todd and Nancy Lombra) ...................................................Pegula Ice Arena Naming Opportunity—Home Team Bench Suzanne Lord ....................................................................Lasch Football Building Naming Opportuity—Football Administrator’s Office John and Cynthia Lynn ...................................................................................John and Cynthia Lynn Endowed Scholarship for Football Tara M. Maguire ................................................................................................................................................Field Hockey Scoreboard Mary O’Neill Marsh ...................................................................................................Martha C. O’Neill Lady Lion Basketball Scholarship Richard and Lois Mattern..............................................................Senior Researcher Position in the Penn State Sports Medicne Center Anthony F. Catherine A. and Brittany A. Misitano...................................Misitano Family Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Ice Hockey and Indoor Tennis Facility Naming Opportunity—Misitano Family Coach’s Office Suite A Davis and Marcy Mullholand ....................................................................................Mullholand Family Men’s Ice Hockey Scholarship Kathleen and Kevin Mustee ....................................Nittany Lion Club Program Support Fund for the Morgan Academic Support Center Barry and Faith Pennypacker.........................................................................................................Pegula Ice Arena Naming Opportunity Stephen and Rebecca Piekara ................................Nittany Lion Club Program Support Fund for the Morgan Academic Support Center Daniel and Laura Placha .............................................................................Placha Family Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Volleyball Susan Delaney Scheetz.....................................................................Susan Delaney Scheetz Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Sports Manuel N. Stamatakis .....................................................................................Manuel N. Stamatakis Intercollegiate Trustee Scholarship Paul Stecko ............................................................................................................................Indoor Tennis Facility Naming Opportunity Michael E. Tarvin..................................................Pegula Ice Arena Naming Opportunity—Men’s Ice Hockey Volunteer Assistant Office James C. White...........................................................................................James C. White Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Ice Hockey Douglas M. Worman...............................................................................Worman Family Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Basketball Penn State Wrestling Club.......................................................................................................................................Penn State Wrestling John and Sue Young ........................................................................................Sue F. Young Endowed Women’s Basketball Scholarship NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Chambers: Program’s progress requires even more hard work One of the most memorable victories for the menʼs basketball team last season was a 20point decision against Purdue at the Bryce Jordan Center. It was a rout from the outset, and it was pretty much a sneak attack on the visiting Boilermakers as Penn State unleashed a 3-2 defense for the first time of the season. Billy Oliver hit seven 3-pointers (another unexpected part of the plan) for the Nittany Lions. While attitude, hard work and hustle defined the inaugural season for coach Patrick Chambers, he also experimented—a lot. At some point during the season, he used every approach and strategy he knew to prepare the team for improvement and success.

More often than not (despite injuries to several key contributors, including Oliver), all the experimentation worked.

A 12-20 finish, with four Big Ten Conference victories, was better than some expected. Of course, Chambers would not be in that group—he always expects to win—but he does believe the approach was successful.

“We had to hide things. We had to mask some things. We had to protect some players and put them in the best position to be successful,” Chambers said. “We continually pushed them, and they responded. Sometimes we met in the middle, but we got out of them all we could.” As the team prepares for this season—after a summer when the coaches were allowed to work with team members two hours a week, according to a new NCAA rule—Chambers anticipates even more improvement.

The regular season begins with the home opener Nov. 9 against St. Francis at the Jordan Center. Chambers expects the foundation of attitude and effort to remain intact. And if the student-athletes need any model for effort and determination, they need only look to their coach, who hobbled through the off-season after knee surgery— but was hardly slowed by the procedure or the rehab.

Senior guard Tim Frazier (Houston) spent part of his summer at the invitation-only Deron Williams Skills Camp and the LeBron James Skills Camp. Heʼll serve as a team captain this season with redshirt sophoCoach Patrick Chambers said the approach established last season, with more guard D.J. Newbill attitude and hard work, remains a big part of his plan for the proram. (Philadelphia), who sat out last (Photo by Mark Selders) season (participating in every drill along the way) after transpushes every other during drills and practice, ferring back to the Keystone State following and because those who get on the floor during one season of college experience at Southern games have clearly made the most of that opMississippi. portunity to contribute.

Along with Frazier and Newbill, several key contributors return. They include: junior guard Jermaine Marshall (Etters, Pa.), sophomore forward Jon Graham (Baltimore) and sophomore forward Ross Travis (Chaska, Minn.). With Chambersʼ willingness to experiment, though, anyone on the roster could earn playing time. That earned-opportunity approach ultimately benefits everyone—because each player

Two teams share high-performane mission Cross country can be both a lonely and highly team-oriented sport, and the Penn State menʼs and womenʼs squads have traditionally found a successful balance of those somewhat contradictory approaches. This season, Penn State plays host to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional—the last step on the way to the NCAA Championships—giving the squads more motivation for a strong season. Overall, a wisely crafted schedule includes a traditional visit to Lock Haven as well as a trip to the Greater Louisville Classic in the same city that will host NCAAs. Several standout runners provide plenty of room for optimism.

For the women, junior Emily Giannotti (Coudersport, Pa.) finished 14th at the Big Ten Championships last season, the best result of any

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

returning member of either team. Other regular top finishers who return include: seniors Natalie Bower (Pleasant Unity, Pa.), senior Brooklyne Ridder (Cincinnati) and sophomore Abbie Benson (Elmira, N.Y.).

Honestly, Chambers expects the team to be better this season. But he knows preseason conference rankings will again place the Nittany Lions at the bottom of the Big Ten. Heʼs OK with that as some motivation, and he does not plan to change his approach.

“Nothing really changes about our plan,” he said. “Itʼs attitude, staying positive and working hard. I know where weʼll be ranked, but thatʼs OK. They donʼt know our heart.”

CROSS COUNTRY Date ......................Opponent......................Time Aug. 31 ................at Lock Haven Duals.......................TBA HARRY GROVES Sept. 8 .......SPIKED SHOE INVITATIONAL.......10 a.m. Sept. 29..........at Greater Louisville Classic.................TBA Oct. 12 ........at Adidas Wisconsin Invitational .............TBA Oct. 29.Big Ten Championships at Michigan State......TBA Nov. 9 ......NCAA MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL........Noon Nov. 17...NCAA Championships (Louisville, Ky.).........TBA

For the men, a deep squad includes redshirt junior Casimir Loxsom (New Haven, Conn.), junior Nick Scarpello (Jamison, Pa.), sophomore Matt Fischer (Kennett Square, Pa.) and sophomore Wade Endress (Altoona, Pa.).

Hunger drives Washington, veteran Lady Lions for more

Coquese Washington knows the difference between a taste and a hunger, and sheʼs on her way to satisfying both this year. She took care of the taste—specifically her love of French cuisine—during a 10-day overseas trip by the womenʼs basketball team in early August.

“The food there is just so fresh and flavorful,” Washington said. “Itʼs like an explosion in every bite. My mouth waters just thinking about it.” Of course, the food was not the main reason for making the trip, but it was one of the benefits.

Washington took her squad on its first international trip to provide a resource—a bonding and camaraderie experience interwoven with sightseeing and some international competition—and to address her hunger. And the teamʼs hunger.

After ending last season with a loss in the Sweet 16 to perennial national power UConn, the Lady Lions are motivated for an even better season in 2012-13. Theyʼre hungry for more. “I think the final loss every season kind of gnaws at you,” Washington said. “Three years ago, we lost to Hofstra in the first round of the NIT, so that was a driving force going into the following year. Then we lost to DePaul at home in the NCAA Tournament the next year and that was even a little more painful ending. “The way we ended last season against UConn, losing in the NCAA Tournament to a perennial top-five program, itʼs still tough to handle. When you have a team thatʼs as competitive as ours, you want to measure yourself against that standard of excellence.

“We did some good things. We did some things poorly. And we all want to get the chance to play that caliber of team again.” Make no mistake, though, Penn State is that caliber of team itself. With a 51-17 record the past two seasons, the Lady Lions—the defending Big Ten Conference champions—have developed into one of the premiere programs in the nation. Theyʼre especially potent at home, with a 26-6 record at the Bryce Jordan Center the past two seasons. This season—which opens Nov. 11 at home vs. Howard—those responsible for much of that success return. The roster features just

Coach Coquese Washington talks with Alex Bentley during a practice before the Lady Lions’ NCAA Tournament game against LSU last season. An eventual loss to UConn provided off-season motivation. (Photo by Mark Selders)

one newcomer, with proven talents such as senior guard Alex Bentley (Indianapolis), junior guard Maggie Lucas (Narberth, Pa.), and senior center Nikki Greene (Diboll, Texas). In fact, the first nine players in Washingtonʼs rotation return.

That experience and leadership provides some level of comfort for Washington as the players conducted their own off-season workouts. Practice officially begins in October. “We give them what our expectations are for them to improve over the summer and then itʼs up to them,” Washignton said.

She has little doubt about what will happen. The mix of determination and leadership on the squad serves as an ever-present hunger pain. Itʼs hard to imagine the bullheaded Bentley, a gym rat like Lucas or any of the other key contributors (many of whom seem to take turns exerting their positive influence) allowing anyone else to relax when they should be working. Despite such leadership, Washington ultimately has her finger on the teamʼs collective pulse.

“We have a group thatʼs pretty dedicated. They want to get better,” she said. “At the same time, they are still kids and they have heard our spiel before. When we do have time with them, we make sure to know whatʼs going on and offer encouragement or help keep them focused.” Ultimately, the difference between finishing hungry and reaching a little higher rests on

Season tickets provide benefits—even parking Season tickets for the menʼs and womenʼs basketball are on sale at the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office or by calling 1-800-NITTANY.

Menʼs tickets cost as little as $180 and womenʼs tickets $99. PNC Flex Books cost $99 again this year, too. The Flex Book gives fans 12 vouchers, 10 that can be redeemed in any combination of menʼs or womenʼs tickets throughout the season and two extra vouchers for the menʼs Coaches Vs. Cancer game and Lady Lions' Pink Zone game.

Season ticket holders will receive a complimentary parking pass and other exclusive benefits and gifts. Parking for non-season ticket holders will be $5 per game at the BJC this season.

consistency. Everyone on the team knows they can improve in that area, but itʼs not easy. it takes work to eliminate mistakes on a regular basis, to perform as the same level from night to night. Or, to at least find ways to succeed when not everyone reaches the same level on the same night.

If they can figure that out and find the right recipe, their hunger just might not be a problem by the end of the season.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Gadowsky: Ready for first season If he had any free time, Guy Gadowsky would be even more excited but heʼs pretty busy geting ready for the start of menʼs ice hockey season. As head coach, he has a roster full of mostly new-to-Penn State student-athletes to guide, a building project to monitor and an imposing first-season schedule with enough twists and turns, ups and downs to scare even an avid roller coaster enthusiast. In terms of personnel, 15 returning members from the club team—the successful and tradition-rich Icers—will mix with a dozen newcomers. And Gadowsky expects that core group of returning players, even if some might eventually cede playing time to the newcomers, to be the leaders of the program. “The guys that were here last year did a lot of work and had great fun doing it. Theyʼre focused, and theyʼre going to be more valuable than even the to coaching staff in making sure the foundation of our program gets established,” Gadowsky said. “They know what the program means, and what the expectations here are—on and off the ice.

“Some of the newcomers might become some of our better players, but those returners will

set the program standard for everyone.” As the hockey team moves from national-level club status to Division I competition, the speed of the game changes most. As does the size of some of the student-athletes on the ice. The season begins Oct. 12 in Greenberg Ice Pavilion against American International. Because the Nittany Lions will play an independent schedule this season, the lineup features a mix of everything from other club level teams to Division III opponents and, of course, Division I and Big Ten Conference rivals.

“Every seasonʼs schedule is different anyway, but Iʼve never done anything like this before,” Gadowsky said. “We just have to focus on every game, every opponent, one at a time. Itʼs certainly an interesting mix, but itʼll be good for us.” Among the many highlights on the schedule are two-game home series against Air Force (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) and the U.S. National Under18 Team (Jan. 11-12). Best of all, for the team itself, matchups against perennial Big Ten powers have been moved from early in the season until the last month or so. “Thatʼll help us better measure ourselves,” Gadowsky said.

MEN’S HOCKEY Date ......................Opponent......................Time Oct. 12........AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL.....7:30 p.m. Oct. 13.vs. American International (Wilkes-Barre) ..7 p.m. Oct. 19......at Buffalo State (NCAA Division III)........7 p.m. Oct. 20 ............................at RIT .........................7:35 p.m. Oct. 26 ...........................at Army.............................7 p.m. Oct. 27 .....................at Sacred Heart.......................7 p.m. Oct. 30.....at Fredonia State (NCAA Division III) ......7 p.m. Nov. 3 ....BUFFALO STATE (NCAA Division III) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 ...................AIR FORCE ...............7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 .................AIR FORCE ...............7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 ..........at Union (Schenectady, N.Y.) ............7 p.m. Nov. 25 ..........at Union (Schenectady, N.Y.) ............7 p.m. Nov. 30..........ARIZONA STATE (ACHA) .......7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 ...........ARIZONA STATE (ACHA) .......7:30 P.M. Dec. 7 ........................at Holy Cross ...................7:05 p.m. Dec. 8 ........................at Holy Cross ............................TBA Dec. 15 .............ROBERT MORRIS ...........7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 .......Pgh. College Hockey Invitational .............TBA Dec. 29 .......Pgh. College Hockey Invitational .............TBA Jan. 4........................at Connecticut....................... 7 p.m. Jan. 5 .......................at Connectitcut .......................7 p.m. Jan. 11 ........U.S. NATIONAL U18 TEAM......7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 ........U.S. NATIONAL U18 TEAM......7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 .......NEUMAN (NCAA Division III) ....7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 ..........vs. Vermont (in Philadelphia) ............7 p.m. Jan. 25 ...................at Michigan State .....................7 p.m. Jan. 26 ...................at Michigan State .....................7 p.m. Feb. 1..................OHIO (ACHA) ..............7:30 p.m. Feb. 2..................OHIO (ACHA) ..............7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 ...........ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE .......7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 ...........ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE .......7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 ............OKLAHOMA (ACHA) ..........7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 ............OKLAHOMA (ACHA) ..........3:30 p.m. Feb. 25.......................at Wisconsin.........................8 p.m.

Experienced, talented field hockey team seeks more success After a conference championship and trip to the NCAA Tournament last season, the field hockey team hopes for even more success this season.

They have strong reason for high hopes, too. The returning roster features 13 upperclassmen and several younger players who emerged as major contributors last season.

In addition, the team plays 11 of its 18 games at home. During the past four seasons, Penn State has crafted a 20-9 record in Happy Valley.

Last season the squad finished 17-6, with a victory over Michigan to secure the Big Ten Tournament and a victory against Northwestern in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Three standouts selected for the USA Field Hockey Womenʼs National Championship earlier this year rank among the returning team leaders. Sophomores Jenna Chrismer (Mountain Top,

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

Pa.) and Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa.) and junior Lauren Purvis (Maple Glen, Pa.) represented Penn State in the national event. Gebhart was later named to the national development squad.

As a freshman last season, Gebhart tied for third on the team with 24 points. Her 12 assists were second on the team and fifth in the conference. She was a First Team All-Big Ten selection and a third team All-American. Gebhart has started every game at midfield since she joined the program.

Purvis produced 12 points on five goals and two assists last season. A two-sport performer (field hockey and lacrosse), she earned second team all-conference honors as well as AllRegion recognition last season.

Chrismer had a strong freshman year, too. She started the season with goals against Old Dominion and Virginia and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after the first games of her career. She finished the campaign with 11 total points, coming on five goals and one assist.

FIELD HOCKEY Date ......................Opponent......................Time Aug. 24 ..............OLD DOMINION ................5 p.m. Aug. 26 ..................VIRGINIA......................Noon Aug. 31 .........................at UConn............................7 p.m. Sept. 2..................LAFAYETTE...................2 p.m. Sept. 6 .................PRINCETON ..................6 p.m. Sept. 8..........................at Temple ...........................1 p.m. Sept. 9...................CORNELL ....................2 p.m. Sept. 12 ...............LOCK HAVEN..................6 p.m. Sept. 14 ........................at Lehigh............................6 p.m. Sept. 15.................at Monmouth, N.J. ....................2 p.m. Sept. 21 ..................INDIANA ....................3 p.m. Sept. 23.................MICHIGAN .....................Noon Sept. 28...................at Northwestern ......................3 p.m. Oct. 7...................CALIFORNIA.................11 a.m. Oct. 14 .....................IOWA ........................Noon Oct. 19 .......................at Ohio State.........................3 p.m. Oct. 23 ..................BUCKNELL ...................6 p.m. Oct. 27....................at Michigan State .......................Noon Nov. 1-4..........................Big Ten Tournament at Iowa City Nov. 10-18............................................NCAA Tournament

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Ayla Halus (Hershey, Pa.) returns, too. An all-conference and all-region performer, she has posted a 1.33 goals-against average in her last 43 game.

Old-school approach, new challenges As he prepares to lead a team into many allnew endeavors, womenʼs ice hockey coach Josh Brandwene brings a lot of patience and some old-school perspective to the position.

He knows it might take time for the elevatedfrom-club-status squad to become competitive with other programs already at the Division I level. And just learning about conference rivals, traditions and travel should provide many lessons for team members. Still, Brandwene, who has a track record of building programs, knows just one approach to tackle all challenges and change: hard work. “Itʼs a pretty straightforward approach,” he said. “We have to work to get better. And we will.”

Junior Taylor Gross (Colorado Springs, Colo.) has been named the first captain for the Penn State womenʼs hockey team. She played on the Universityʼs club team during the 2012 spring semester after playing all of 2010-11 and part of 2011-12 at UConn. She appeared in 46 games for the Huskies and totaled 25 points (13 goals, 12 assist). In 2010-11, Gross was named the team's Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in scoring among league freshmen with 23 points.

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY

“Taylor is absolutely the ideal person to lead this team. She has significant experience and success at the Division I level, and has demonstrated the commitment to Penn Stateʼs academic and athletic values in her time here already,” said Brandwene. “She will be a tremendous leader for our program and a great mentor to our young student-athletes.”

The roster—revamped from last seasonʼs club lineup—includes 13 freshmen and numerous transfers. Among those newcomers are juniors Nicole Paniccia (Oakville, Ontario) and Jenna Welch (Austin, Texas), both of whom played with Gross at Connecticut. Paniccia, who hailed from the Toronto Junior Aeros program, compiled a 7-12-3 record with a 2.51 goals-against average and .924 save percentage during her two seasons with Connecticut. Welch, a forward from the North American Hockey Academy, recorded seven points in 67 games from 2010-12.

The Nittany Lions will join College Hockey America for their inaugural varsity season. Other members of the six-team conference are Lindenwood, Merychurst, RIT, Robert Morris and Syracuse.

Date .......................Opponent ....................Time Oct. 6 ............................at Vermont ........................2 p.m. Oct. 7 ............................at Vermont ........................2 p.m. Oct. 13...................SYRACUSE*.................7 p.m. Oct. 14...................SYRACUSE*.................2 p.m. Oct. 19 .......................at Sacred Heart.....................7 p.m. Oct. 20 .......................at Sacred Heart.....................2 p.m. Oct. 25 .......................RIT* .....................7 p.m. Oct. 26 .......................RIT* .....................7 p.m. Nov. 2 .................SACRED HEART...............7 p.m. Nov. 3 .................SACRED HEART...............2 p.m. Nov. 10 ..............ROBERT MORRIS*.............2 p.m. Nov. 11 ..............ROBERT MORRIS*.............2 p.m. Nov. 16......................at Lindenwood* ....................7 p.m. Nov. 17......................at Lindenwood* ....................2 p.m. Nov. 30.......................at Mercyhurst* .....................7 p.m. Dec. 1.........................at Mercyhurst* .....................2 p.m. Dec. 7 ........................at St. Lawrence.....................7 p.m. Dec. 8 ........................at St. Lawrence.....................2 p.m. Jan. 4 .........CHATHAM (NCAA Division III) ......7 p.m. Jan. 5 .........CHATHAM (NCAA Division III) ......7 p.m. Jan. 11.............at Union (Schenectady, N.Y.) ..........7 p.m. Jan. 12.............at Union (Schenectady, N.Y.) ..........4 p.m. Jan. 25.........................at Syracuse*.......................7 p.m. Jan. 26.........................at Syracuse*.......................2 p.m. Jan. 29...................PRINCETON .................7 p.m. Feb. 1..................MERCYHURST*...............2 p.m. Feb. 2..................MERCYHURST*...............2 p.m. Feb. 8..................LINDENWOOD*...............2 p.m. Feb. 9..................LINDENWOOD*...............2 p.m. Feb. 15 .............................at RIT* ...........................7 p.m. Feb. 16 .............................at RIT* ...........................7 p.m. Feb. 22 .....................at Robert Morris* ...................7 p.m. Feb. 23 .....................at Robert Morris* ...................3 p.m. *-College Hockey America opponent

Fifty-one from 23 sports selected as Big Ten Distinguished Scholars The Big Ten Conference announced that 569 student-athletes, including 51 from Penn State, have been selected recipients of the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award. The list includes student-athletes from every institution and 36 different sports who earned a minimum gradepoint average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher during the most recent academic year.

Fifty-one Penn State student-athletes were selected as recipients of the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award, which recognized those who earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 during the most recent academic year. During the 2011-12 academic year, 569 students from across 36 conference sports were honored.

The Penn State contingent represented 23 sports—womenʼs swimming and diving (eight), women's cross country/track and field (seven), menʼs gymnastics (five), softball (five), football (four) and womenʼs tennis (three). Nine of Penn Stateʼs Distinguished Scholar Award recipients earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average during the 2011-12 academic year. They were: Megan Boyer (womenʼs track and field, human development and family studies, Millersburg, Pa.); Christopher Cipro (men's cross country/track and field, elementary education, Harmony, Pa.);

Meghan Gill (womenʼs soccer, accounting, State College); Lindsey Graybill (womenʼs cross country/track and field, elementary education, Macungie, Pa.); Margaret Harding (womenʼs volleyball, agricultural sciences, State College); Kristen Roth (womenʼs tennis, communication arts and sciences, Ardmore, Pa.); Colleen Shea (womenʼs lacrosse, mathematics, Baltimore, Md.); Gabrielle Shishkoff (womenʼs swimming and diving, psychology, Franklin, Pa.); Rebecca Snyder (womenʼs swimming and diving, elementary education, Harmony, Pa.); and John Urschel (football, mathematics, Williamsville, N.Y.).

Also among Penn State's Distinguished Scholars were members of the NCAA and Big Ten champion wrestling team, the Big Ten champion women's soccer team and the field hockey team.

The Distinghished Scholar Award was created in 2008 because Big Ten Faculty Representatives wanted to supplement the Academic AllBig Ten program. Similar to the Academic All-Big Ten honor, Distinguished Scholar Award recipients must be letterwinners in at least their second academic year at their institution. However, the Distinguished Scholar Award encompasses only student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year, excluding summer school. The Academic All-Big Ten threshold is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for a student-athlete's academic career.

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Record 19 Penn Staters make mark during London Games More Penn Staters than ever in a single Olympiad—19—participated during the Summer Olympic Games in London.

All of them came home with memories and many of them earned medals.

The contingent included four current student-athletes, 14 alumni and one coach. Eight athletes represented seven countries other than the United States, including Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Suriname. The first Penn Stater to earn a medal at the Games was Natalie Dell, a 2007 Penn State graduate with a degree in public relations. A native of Everett, Pa., she earned a bronze medal in rowing (quadruple scull) during the first week of competition.

Former womenʼs track standout Bridget Franek qualified for the finals of the womenʼs steeplechase, and Ryan Whiting, a volunteer assistant coach for the track team qualified for the finals of the shot put. He finished ninth.

Womenʼs soccer players Erin McLeod and Carmelina Moscato were part of the Canadian national team that advanced until it was eliminated by the United States but eventually earned a bronze medal. Although womenʼs soccer coach Erica Walsh has been an assistant with the U.S. national team on a regular basis in recent years, she did not accompany the team to the Olympics in order to be with her mother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Some of the most successful, and visible, Penn Staters at the Games were volleyball players.

Menʼs standout Matt Anderson and womenʼs team members Christa Harmotto and Megan Hodge each played prominent roles for their respective teams. While NBC Sports aired every event from the Games online, and made most contests involving U.S. team sports available on cable or network television, the volleyball teams were especially prominent in the network coverage. So, the trio of former Penn Staters got plenty of TV exposure.

Penn State women's soccer coach and former Olympian Erica Walsh (left) describes the excitement of representing the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games during a panel discussion with Penn State Olympians held at the All-Sports Museum. Walsh was joined by fellow Penn Staters, and former Olympians (left to right) Mary Ellen Clark, diving 1992 and 1996, Royal Mitchell, 2000 and 2004 Paralympics track and field, and Char Morrett, 1984 field hockey. (Photo by Patrick Mansell)

While the menʼs team fell short of a medal, the womenʼs team advanced and earned a silver medal.

PENN STATE OLYMPIANS

Wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was at the Games, too. He was coaching and supporting Nittany Lion Wrestling Club member Jake Varner, who earned a gold medal. Sanderson regularly serves as Varnerʼs workout partner for the club, which is based in State College.

NAME SPORT COUNTRY Bobby Lea ................................cycling .........................United States

Entering the London Games, Penn State athletes had won 23 medals, including five gold medals in Olympic competition.

Kirstin Nieuwendam ...........track (sprints) .........................Suriname Bridget Franek................track (steeplechase)...............United States Ryan Whiting*...................track (shot put) ..................United States

Suzie McConnell was the last Penn Stater to earn gold medal as a member of the 1988 U.S. women's basketball team.

Erin McLeod......................women’s soccer ...........................Canada Carmelina Moscato ...........women’s soccer ...........................Canada

Miles Chamley-Watson ............fencing.........................United States Doris Willette ...........................fencing.........................United States Daniel Gomez-Tanamachi.........fencing ..................................Mexico Tommy Ramos .....................gymnastics ........................Puerto Rico Felix Aronovich .....................gymnastics..................................Israel

The blue-and-white contingent in London only added to the Universityʼs rich Dominique Blake.................track (sprints) ...........................Jamaica Shana Cox ..........................track (sprints)............................England history at the Olympics. Natalie Dell ...............................rowing .........................United States

Nicole Fawcett#...............women’s volleyball................United States Christa Harmotto .............women’s voleyball ................United States Alisha Glass# ..................women’s volleyball................United States Megan Hodge..................women’s volleyball................United States

Former men's gymnastics assistant coach, Kevin Tan, was the most recent Penn Stater to medal, winning a team Matt Anderson...................men’s volleyball ..................United States bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. #-Alternates *-Whiting did not attend Penn State but serves as a volunteer assistant coach for the Nittany Lion track and field team.

Manage your account and much more ... www.nittanylionclub.com 18

31 SPORTS ... ONE TEAM

NLC Calendar

NLC Golf Tournament a Success

With 125 golfers, 50 additional cookout attendees and numerous sponsors the second annual Nittany Lion Club Golf Outing was a success in July. Hereʼs a look:

SEPTEMBER

1 Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Women’s volleyball hosts Nike Big Four vs. Texas, Florida and Stanford (TBA, Rec Hall) Sept. 6: Men’s soccer vs. West Virginia (7 p.m., Jeffrey Field) Sept. 8: Cross country hosts Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational (10 a.m., Golf Courses) Sept. 16: Women’s soccer vs. Wisconsin (1 p.m., Jeffrey Field) Oct. 12: Men’s hockey vs. American International (7:30 p.m., Greenberg Ice Pavilion) Oct. 13: Women’s ice hockey vs. Syracuse (7 p.m., Greenberg Ice Pavilion)

— Contact Us —

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

Ken Cutler, 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 Universityʼs entire 31-sport intercollegiate athletics program.

Bob White,

NLC Director of Development for Athletics kmc2@psu.edu

NLC Director of Marketing/ Operations-Suites and Club Seats blw6@psu.edu

NLC Director of Major Gifts and Annual Giving jdn13@psu.edu

NLC Major Gifts Officer, cmk184@psu.edu

John Nitardy,

Nikki Potoczny, NLC Associate Director, nlw10@psu.edu

Casey Keiber,

Diane Crebs,

NLC Financial Assistant, dmc33@psu.edu

Michelle Davidson, NLC Stewardship and Events Coordinator, oyd3@psu.edu

Troy Miller,

NLC Major Gifts Officer, tmm39@psu.edu

Clint Eury,

Varsity ‘S’ and Sport Specific Giving Coordinator, cee126@psu.edu

Janine Hawk,

NLC Development Assistant, jkh6@psu.edu

Support Staff Jennifer Barnhart, jnb148@psu.edu

Jennifer DeAngelo, jxk298@psu.edu Jim Furlong, jpf14@psu.edu

Barbra Marsden, blm18@psu.edu

Kristin McKee, kmm21@psu.edu Carol Spangler, cmh7@psu.edu

Sharon Ries, sxr33@psu.edu

NLC: THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

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

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

6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 / Beaver Stadium Immediately After Football Eve

Men’s Soccer vs. Duquesne (8 p.m., Jeffrey Field) Women’s Volleyball vs. Stanford (8 p.m., Rec Hall)