2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
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Table of Contents Staff Directory ..........................................2 Roster Page.............................................3 Coaching Staff .........................................3 Men’s Bios ......................................... 6-10 Bingham, sr. ................................6 Sollman, sr. .................................6 Coon, jr .......................................7 Lorenzo, jr ...................................7 Nelson, jr. ....................................8 Purdy-Sachs, so .........................8 Mikek, fr ......................................9 Sivec, fr .......................................9 Tomaj, fr ....................................10 Women’s Bios .................................. 10-13 Colbert, sr .................................10 McLemore, sr ............................11 Cook, so....................................11 Diven, so ...................................12 LaFrance, so .............................12 McMahon, so ............................13 Furnas, fr...................................13 Welcome to Detroit ................................14 The University........................................15 Academics .............................................16 About UDM ............................................17 Notable Alumni ......................................18 Administration ........................................19 Academic Support .................................20 Points Of Pride ......................................21 UDM Head Coaches..............................22 Fencing Facts ........................................23 1972 National Champions .....................24
University Quick Facts Location ........................................................................ Detroit, MI Enrollment ............................................................................5,700 Founded ................................................................................1877 Affiliation .............................................................. NCAA Division I Conference .......................................................... Horizon League Fencing Affiliation .........................................Midwest Conference Nickname............................................................................. Titans School Colors .................................................. Red, White & Blue President .................................... Fr. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J. Athletic Director ......................................................... Keri Gaither Faculty Athletics Representative .............................. Erick Barnes Athletic Department Phone................................... (313) 993-1700 Athletic Department Fax ....................................... (313) 993-1765
The 2010 Detroit Men’s and Women’s Fencing Yearbook is a publication of the UDM Sports Information Office. Desing and layout of the guide done by Scott Kretzmann. Copy compiled, written and edited by Scott Kretzmann. Editorial assistance provided by Mark Engel, Maggie Walsh and P.J. Gradowski. Cover: Scott Kretzmann
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Directions to UDM’s McNichols Campus From Metro Airport - Take I-94 east to the Lodge Freeway (M-10). Take the Lodge north to the Livernois exit. At the top of the ramp, turn right onto Livernois, and proceed three-quarters of a mile north to W. McNichols (also known as 6 Mile), and turn right. McNichols is the third traffic light, after turning onto Livernois. The entrance to UDM is at the first stop light on McNichols. From Downtown Detroit - Take the Lodge Freeway north of downtown and follow the above directions from Metro Airport. From the Northwest on M-10 - Driving south on the Lodge Freeway, take the Livernois exit. At the traffic light, turn left onto Livernois and proceed three-quarters of a mile north to W. McNichols (third light) and turn right. Entrance to UDM is at the first light. From the North on I-75 - Driving south on I-75, exit Eight Mile Road and turn right off the ramp. Take Eight Mile west, and turn left (south) onto Livernois. Proceed 2.0 miles to W. McNichols and turn left (west). Entrance is at the first light.
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
Athletic Directory
Athletic Staff Directory
Sports Information
Titan Athletics Staff ........................................... (313) 993-1700
The Sports Information Department is located in Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus at the intersection of West McNichols and Livernois.
Athletic Director ......................................................... Keri Gaither Senior Associate A.D. .................................... Daron Montgomery Assistant A.D. for Facilities ........................................ Glenn Knott Assistant A.D. for NCAA Compliance ...................... Steve Corder Assistant A.D./Business/SWA....................................Teri Kromrei Director of Marketing/Promotions ................. Brandon Longmeier Director of Ticket Operations/Sales ........................Greg Haapala Office Manager ........................................................... Lezly Pruitt Athletic Administrative Interns .. Emily Vannice, Michelle Cordero Olympic Sports Office Administrator ..........................Anita Foster Assistant Facilities Managers ................ Jarrett Alford, Craig Yust Assistant Academic/Compliance Coordinator............. Amy Paling Compliance Graduate Assistant .................................. Joe Moore Strength and Conditioning Coach.................................Joe Tofferi Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach .............. Nick Wilson Strength and Conditioning Interns ..... Adam Gentry, Stephanie Lieto Head Athletic Trainer ................................................... Mike Miller Assistant Athletic Trainer .................................... Chris Hinderliter Assistant Athletic Trainer ................................... Ashley VanMeter Graduate Assistant Trainer ......................................... Lexie Perry Graduate Assistant Trainer ............................................Leah Dior Team Physician .......................................... Dr. Michael Workings Equipment Manager ............................................. Harvey Theeck Equipment/Facilities Intern .................................. Casey Hornung Pep Band Director ......................................... Jonathan Bjorklund Dance Team Coordinator...................................... Latrice Howard Cheer Team Coach..................................................Tanya Carper Sports Information Staff ................................... (313) 993-1745 Assistant A.D. for Sports Information.......................... Mark Engel Assistant Sports Information Director .................... Maggie Walsh Assistant Sports Information Director ................... P.J. Gradowski Sports Information Assistant (Fencing Contact) ...Scott Kretzmann
Mailing address: 4001 West McNichols Detroit, MI 48221
Media Services Web Site ..................................... DetroitTitans.com Sports Info. Office ....................... (313) 993-1745 Sports Info. Fax .......................... (313) 993-1765
To The Media Since the consolidation of the University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit in 1990, UDM athletic teams have found themsleves referred to in many different forms. In order to maintain consistency, we ask that the media and our opponents continue to refer to us as UDM or use Detroit or Detroit Titans, and eliminate the use of such abbreviations as U-D, U of D Mercy, Detroit Mercy, etc. Thank you for your cooperation and your continuing coverage of the Detroit Titans.
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
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Athletic Staff
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Jarrett Alford Facilities Asst.
Stacey Barns Men’s Basketball Admin. Asst.
Tanya Carper Cheerleading Coach
Steve Corder Assistant A.D./ Compliance
Michelle Cordero Athletic Admin. Intern
Leah Dior Athletic Training Intern
Mark Engel Assistant A.D./ Sports Info.
Anita Foster Olympic Sports Administrator
Keri Gaither Director Of Athletics
Adam Gentry Strength/Cond. Intern
P.J. Gradowski Sports Info Assistant
Greg Haapala Director of Ticket Ops.
Chris Hinderliter Asst. Director of Sports Medicine
Casey Hornung Equip./Facilities Intern
Latrice Howard Dance Team Coach
Glenn Knott Assistant A.D./ Facilities
Scott Kretzmann Sports Info Assistant
Teri Kromrei Assistant A.D./ Business/SWA
Phuong Le Asst. Business & Ticket Mgr.
Stephanie Lieto Strength/Cond. Intern
Brandon Longmeier Director of Marketing
Michael Miller Head Athletic Trainer
Daron Montgomery Sr. Assoc. A.D.
Joe Moore Compliance Intern
Amy Paling Compliance Assistant
Lexie Perry Athletic Training Intern
Lezly Pruitt Office Manager
Harvey Theeck Equipment Manger
Joe Tofferi Strength/Cond. Coach
Ashley VanMeter Asst. Athletic Trainer
Emily Vannice Administrative Intern
Maggie Walsh Asst. Sports Info. Director
Nick Wilson Strength/Cond. Asst. Coach
Craig Yust Asst. Facilities Manager
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
2009-10 Detroit Titan Roster Men Dan Bingham Brad Coon Tom Lorenzo Clint Mikek Tim Nelson Michael Purdy-Sachs Jared Sivec Doug Sollman Martin Tomaj
Year Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr.
Weapon Epee Foil Sabre Epee Epee Foil Foil Sabre Epee
Hometown/High School St. Clair Shores, MI/Fraser (Calvin) Jenison, MI/Hudsonville Avon, MI/St. Ignatius St. Louis, MI/St. Louis Riverview, MI/Gabriel Richard Port Huron, MI/Home School Macomb, MI/Dakota Sterling Hts., MI/Stevenson Farmington Hills, MI/Farmington
Women Ashley Colbert Brittany Cook Allison Diven Olivia Furnas Samantha LaFrance Ashlee McLemore Megan McMahon
Year Sr. So. So. Fr. So. Sr. So.
Weapon Foil Epee Sabre Sabre Sabre Sabre Foil
Hometown/High School Washington, MI/Romeo Burton, MI/Owosso Lake Orion, MI/Lake Orion Macomb, MI/Dakota Macomb, MI/Dakota Detroit, MI/Dominican Macomb, MI/Dakota
Head Coach: Assistant Coach: Graduate Assistant:
Todd Dressel (11th Year) Craig Budzynski Nicholas Tobianski
Fencers by class: Seniors (3) .......................Bingham, Sollman, Colbert, McLemore Juniors (2) .......................Coon, Lorenzo Sophomores (4) ..............Purdy-Sachs, Cook, Diven, LaFrance, McMahon Freshman (4) ...................Mikek, Sivec, Tomaj, Furnas Fencers by Weapon: Foil (4) ..............................Coon, Purdy-Sachs, Colbert, McMahon Epee (2)............................Bingham, Cook Sabre (3) ..........................Sollman, Lorenzo, Diven, LaFrance, McLemore
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Coaching Staff Head Coach Todd Dressell (Oakland ‘90) A graduate of nearby Oakland University, Todd Dressell is entering his 11th season as the man in charge of the Titan Fencing program. A member of the Oakland University Fencing Club while in college, Dressell has remained active in the fencing community since graduating. Upon graduation, Dressell moved to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he coached the school’s club team from 1992-96. Upon leaving his post at UM-Dearborn, Dressell helped found the Renaissance Fencing Club in nearby Madison Heights. Dressell is active with the club to this day, as both an owner and instructor. Dressell came to Detroit in 1998 and inherited a team with a great deal of tradition. The 1972 fencing team is the only team from Detroit to win a NCAA National Championship. It is with great pride and dedication that Todd continues to cultivate and nurture fencing at UDM. Dressell and his wife Christine reside in Royal Oak with their two children. Assistant Coaches Nicholas Tobianski (first season) and Craig Budzysnki (first season) The 2009-10 season will be the first that Tobianski and Budzynski have spent as part of the Titans coaching staff. Tobianski began fencing with the Renaissance Fencing Club in Detroit and continued to fence throughout college, both as an undergrad at Central Michigan and then during his graduate days at the University of Virginia. He spent five years as an athletic trainer for the Cadets fencing team as well as the junior national team, traveling with the team each year to the world championships. Now living in Sterling Heights, MI, Tobianski is currently enrolled in the UDM physician’s assistant graduate program.
Budzynski has been around the Titans fencing program for the last four years, but as a fencer, er, ed not a coach. After serving as a Detroit captain during the 2008-09 season and being awarded the team’s Most Valuable Player award, Budzynski has returned to pass on his knowledge of the sport to a new era of Titans.
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2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
Titan Fencers Dan Bingham
Doug Sollman
- Senior -
- Senior -
- Epee -
- Sabre -
St. Clair Shores, MI Fraser HS (Calvin College)
Sterling Hts., MI
2008-09: Won first varsity letter...In first season of fencing, tallied 17 wins as the Titans recorded eight dual meet victories...Went 8-14 at MFC Championships as men’s epee squad posted a 5-3 victory over Bowling Green and finished 59th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Involved in the marching band before arriving at Detroit from Calvin College...Personal: Son of Jacki Bingham...Born September 4, 1988...Majoring in criminal justice.
Stevenson HS
2008-09: Won third varsity letter...Claimed third place and a D08 ranking at the Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Went 9-0 and helped the Titans defeat Hunter College (20-7) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (19-8) at the West Point Duals...Recorded a 13-15 mark at the Northwestern Mega-Meet while helping the Titans’ men’s team to four victories...Posted a 13-6 mark at the MFC Championships as the men’s sabre squad finished in ninth place, and went on to place 35th in individual competition...Earned an at-large bid consideration at the NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier, placing 10th in the sabre competition...2007-08: Finished 26th at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships with a 9-6 mark...Compiled a 15-11 record to help Detroit to an 18-9 win over Purdue at the Notre Dame Duals...Went 4-5 at the UDM Invitational, helping Detroit to a 17-8 win over Wayne State...Opened the season with a 14-6 mark at Ohio State Duals, helping UDM to 11-4 win over Xavier and a 13-13 tie with Bowling Green...2006-07: Named Newcomer of the Year for 2007...Prior to UDM: Member of Renaissance Fencing Club for eight years...Also played soccer...Personal: Son of Michael and Carol Sollman...Born July 9, 1988... Majoring in nursing.
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Titan Fencers Brad Coon
Tom Lorenzo - Junior -
- Junior -
- Foil -
- Sabre -
Jenison, MI
Avon, OH
Hudsonville HS
St. Ignatius
2008-09: Won second varsity letter...Placed third in men’s foil at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Went 16-13 and helped men’s team win four duals at Northwestern Mega-Meet...Helped men’s foil team post a 3-1 mark and take third place at MFC Championships...Helped men’s foil team post an overall record of 35-1 in four victories at Notre Dame Duals...2007-08: Earned team newcomer of the Year honors...Ranked second on the team with a 68-36 overall record...Went 7-9 at MFC Championships with a 20th place finish while helping the foil squad to 5-2 wins over Purdue and Illinois...Finished 205th at the United State Fencing Association’s Junior Olympics...Compiled a 21-6 record helping UDM to a 18-9 win over Purdue at the Notre Dame Duals...Went 13-10 at Northwestern Duals to help Detroit to 15-12 win over Lawrence...Recorded a perfect 9-0 record at the UDM Invitational helping Detroit to 17-8 win over Wayne State...Began season with 17-4 mark at Ohio State Duals helping UDM to an 11-4 win over Xavier and a 13-13 tie with Bowling Green...Prior to UDM: Has been fencing for four years...Is a four-time Junior Olympian...Two-time Junior Medalist...Was top Michigan fencer at 2007 Junior Olympics held in Denver, CO...Personal: Son of Jim and Lisa Coon...Has a sister, Jennifer...Born November 28, 2989...Majoring in dentistry/biology.
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2008-09: Won second varsity letter...Honored as Detroit’s Most Improved performer...Placed 12th in Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State... Recorded 27 total wins on the season...Posted a 9-19 mark at Northwestern Mega-Meet...Went 6-10 at MFC Championships where men’s sabre posted a 3-1 record and ninth-place finish while Lorenzo placed 43rd in the individual competition...Part of a men’s sabre squad that posted a 26-10 overall mark and three dual victories at Notre Dame Duals...2007-08: Recorded 10 victories on the year... Placed 41st with a 5-7 record at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships while helping the sabre squad to wins over Case Western and Northwestern...Registered first career win at Northwestern Duals...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Four-year letterwinner in swimming and diving...Also played rugby and ultimate Frisbee... Personal: Son of Anthony and Jeannine Lorenzo... Has a sister, Caitlyn...Born July 7, 1989...Majoring in computer engineering.
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
Titan Fencers Tim Nelson
Michael Purdy-Sachs - Junior -
- Sophomore -
- Epee -
- Foil -
Riverview, MI
Port Huron, MI
Gabriel Richard HS
Home School
Prior to UDM: Was a standout in both cross country and baseball at Gabriel Richard High School... Earned four varsity letters and was the team’s No. 1 runner for four years in cross country, and earned three varsity letters in baseball while his team won back-to-back Catholic League championships...Recorded a personal best of 16:51 in cross country... An Eagle Scout, also served as Vice President in National Honor Society and student government... Personal: Son of Marlene and Steve Nelson...Has a younger brother, Phillip...Born Nov. 22, 1989 in Dearborn...Majoring in digital media studies.
2008-09: Won first varsity letter...Finished second and earned B08 ranking at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in men’s foil competition... Posted an overall record of 68-27 for the season and was second on the team in winning percentage (72 percent)...Recorded a 5-7 mark at NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier...Tallied a 23-6 mark, second best among Titans, at Northwestern Mega-Meet where Detroit posted wins against Michigan State, Oberlin, Lawrence and CalTech...Led Titans with a winning percentage of 82 and a record of 14-3 at MFC Championships, helping men’s foil squad to a third place finish and a 3-1 record while placing 13th individually...Part of the men’s foil squad that went 35-1 overall and won four duals at Notre Dame Duals...Prior to UDM: Was a solid competitor in the Michigan Division and has fenced for the Renaissance Fencing Club his entire career...Competed nationally attending many North American Cup (NAC) competitions...Won the Michigan Division Championships in 2006 and earned a “B” rating in addition to finishing in the finals of a Division II/III competition...Finished 2007 earning Junior points... Personal: Son of Jeanie Purdy and Robert Sachs... Has a sister, Alinah...Born June 5, 1989...Major is undecided.
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Titan Fencers Clint Mikek
Jared Sivec
- Freshman -
- Freshman -
- Epee -
- Foil -
St. Louis, MI
Macomb, MI
St. Louis HS
Dakota HS
Prior to UDM: Competed in golf and cross country at St. Louis High School...Member of divisional co-championship cross country squad...Participated in tae kwon do in addition to golf and cross country...Active as a member of National Honor Society, Model UN and Business Professionals of America... Personal: Son of Greg and Tresha Mikek...Has a younger brother, Trent...Born Jan. 14, 1991 in Alma, MI...Majoring in biology.
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Prior to UDM: Competed in four sports in high school and earned five varsity letters...Lettered twice in both swimming and track, and earned one letter in soccer...Was a captain for the swimming and track teams during 2008-09 seasons...Member of both National Honor Society and student government...Personal: Son of Andrea and John Sivec... Has three brothers, Jessie, Alex and Evan...Born April 7, 1991...Majoring in biochemistry.
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
Titan Fencers Martin Tomaj
Ashley Colbert
- Freshman -
- Senior -
- Epee -
- Foil -
Farmington Hills, MI
Washington, MI
Farmington HS
Romeo HS
Prior to UDM: Competed as a member of the Falcons’ track and field team setting personal bests of 105 feet in the discus; 39 feet, 6 inches in the shot put; and 24 seconds in the 200-meter dash...An AP Scholar with honors in 2009 and 2009...Member of the National Honor Society...Personal: Son of Nreca and Dila Tomaj...Has an older brother, Leonard, and two older sisters, Lindita and Leonita...Born April 24, 1991...Majoring in biology.
2008-09: Earned third varsity letter...Recorded a ninthplace finish at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State, tops among UDM women’s foil competitors...Tallied 39 wins on the season, second most on team...Posted a 16-13 mark at Northwestern Mega-Meet and posted a winning percentage of 55, second highest for UDM, and helped UDM record wins against CalTech (twice), Oberlin and Lawrence...Went 12-4 at MFC Championships as women’s foil squad notched a 5-1 win against Bowling Green, and placed 34th individually...2007-08: Tallied a 48-58 overall record...Finished 34th at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships with a 10-9 record and went 2-8 at the 2008 NCAA Regionals...Finished 10-14 at the Notre Dame Duals, helping UDM to victories over Purdue (15-11) and Wisconsin (11-7) along with a tie against Cal State-Fullerton (13-13)...Went 1113 at Northwestern Duals leading Detroit to wins over California Tech (13-8), Cal State-Fullerton (15-10) and Fairleigh Dickinson (15-10)...Posted a season-best 7-2 record at the UDM Invitational...Recorded an 8-12 mark at the Ohio State Duals helping UDM to a 14-9 win over Bowling Green to open the season...2006-07: Was named team captain and Newcomer of the Year for 2007...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Member of the Romeo Equestrian Team for four years and has been riding and showing horses for nine years...Also was a letterman in track...Member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and marching band...Volunteer for the 4-H Proud Equestrian Program and St. Joseph’s Hospital...Personal: Daughter of Tim and Aline Colbert...Has a sister, Alyssa...Born October 3, 1988...Majoring in biology.
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Titan Fencers Ashlee McLemore - Senior -
- Sophomore -
- Sabre -
- Epee -
Detroit, MI
Burton, MI
Dominican HS
Owosso HS
2008-09: Won third varsity letter and accumulated a record of 65-32 to lead all Detroit women’s fencers...Won the women’s sabre competition at the Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Recorded a 20-5 mark at the Northwestern Mega-Meet...Went 5-1 at the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships, earning a 13th-place finish...Named as the women’s team MVP...2007-08: Accumulated a 48-45 overall record...Tied for 25th place with an 8-7 record at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships leading the Titans’ sabre squad to wins over Michigan State (5-0) and Illinois (5-2)...Competed at the at the 2008 NCAA Regionals finishing with a 1-8 mark… Tallied a season-best 18-8 mark at the Notre Dame Duals leading Detroit to victories over Purdue (1511) and Wisconsin (11-7) along with a tie against Cal State-Fullerton (13-13)… Finished 8-16 at Northwestern Duals leading Detroit to wins over California Tech (13-8), Cal State-Fullerton (15-10) and Fairleigh Dickinson (15-10)…Opened the season with a 13-6 record at the Ohio State Duals helping UDM to a 14-9 win over Bowling Green...2006-07: Winner of 2007 Pin Cushion award...Prior to UDM: Member of Renaissance Fencing Club in 2006...Graduated from Dominican High School with honors in 2005…Letterwinner in basketball, cheerleading, soccer, track and field and volleyball…Also was a peer mediator and member of student congress and honors choir...Personal: Daughter of Andrew and Antonia McLemore...Has a sister, Amanda…Born August 11, 1988...Majoring in international business.
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Brittany Cook
2008-09: Won first varsity letter...Placed 13th in women’s epee at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in women’s epee event...Recorded 23 wins in her first season of fencing...Competed at NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier at Northwestern...Notched seven wins at Northwestern MegaMeet as the women’s team recorded four dual victories...Went 6-6 at the MFC Championships where women’s epee squad was 2-1 with wins over Bowling Green and Minnesota, and placed 37th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Two-year letterwinner in golf...Named golf’s Most Improved Player in 2007...Member of the National Honor Society and band...Personal: Daughter of Jon Cook and Teresa Pennington...Has two brothers, Justin and T.K....Born January 27, 1990...Majoring in engineering.
2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing
Titan Fencers Allison Diven
Samantha LaFrance
- Sophomore -
- Sophomore -
- Sabre -
- Sabre -
Lake Orion, MI
Macomb, MI
Lake Orion HS
Dakota HS
2008-09: Earned first varsity letter...Finished 10th at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in the women’s sabre competition...Accumulated 17 wins in her first season of fencing...Posted a 10-15 record at Northwestern Mega-Meet as UDM notched four team dual victories...Went 3-12 at MFC Championships to help women’s sabre squad to a 2-2 record and seventh-place finish, placed 49th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Three-year letterwinner in tennis and was named team captain in 2006 and 2008...Member of the marching band...Personal: Daughter of Keith and Cindy Diven...Has a brother, Brian...Born February 23, 1990...Majoring in the five-year physician’s assistant program.
2008-09: Won first varsity letter...Recorded an overall record of 13-29...Compiled an 8-9 mark at the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships, and went 4-2 in the individual competition to finish 20th in the women’s sabre...Was named as the UDM women’s team’s Newcomer of the Year... Prior to UDM: No fencing experience…Varsity letterwinner in basketball, volleyball and track…Named WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Student-Athlete of the Week in 2007 for basketball…Also garnered four-year All-Academic honors in each sport…Member of the student government and Vice President of the National Honor Society...Personal: Daughter of Joseph and Lorrie LaFrance…Has two sisters, Stephanie and Sara...Stephanie also attends UDM...Born August 31, 1990…Majoring in bio-chemistry.
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Titan Fencers Megan McMahon
Olivia Furnas
- Sophomore -
- Freshman -
- Foil -
- Sabre -
Macomb, MI
Macomb, MI
Dakota HS
Dakota HS
2008-09: Won first varsity letter...Placed 12th at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in the women’s foil competition...Tallied 17 victories in her first season of fencing...Won six bouts at Northwestern Mega-Meet and helped the UDM women’s team earn four dual victories...Went 4-10 at MFC Championships to help women’s foil squad top Bowling Green in the team competition and recorded a 65th place finish individually...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Four-year letterwinner in swimming...Named team captain as a junior and senior...Helped swim team to undefeated season and MAC Blue Division crown in 2007...Also a threeyear letterwinner in track...Member of the National Honor Society...Personal: Daughter of James and Janice McMahon...Has a brother, Trevor, and sister, Kaitlyn...Born July 19, 1990...Majoring in the fiveyear physician’s assistant program.
Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Spent three years on competitive dance team at Dakota High School and one year on competitive cheerleading squad...Served as a dance team captain for 2007-08 season...Won a gold medal for a solo at Shooting Stars Competition...Member of the National Honor Society and International/Cultural Diversity Club... Personal: Daughter of Dawn Furnas-Pomaville and Ron Furnas...Born July 26, 1991...Majoring in nursing.
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The City of Detroit Having celebrated its tricentennial in 2001, Greater Detroit has the best of the old and the most promising of the new. From Greektown to Bricktown, Detroit has it all. The oldest city in the Midwest, Detroit was discovered in 1701 and has since become the center of business and recreation for millions. It is the largest city in Michigan and the 11th largest in the United States. Encompassing three counties — Wayne, Oakland and Macomb — the Metropolitan Detroit area spans 2,026 square miles and is home to 4.4 million people, nearly one million of whom live within the City of Detroit. Detroit’s vibrant, 75-acre Civic Center is a riverfront mecca for convention, entertainment, festival and sporting activities. Home to Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center and Arena, Joe Louis Arena and Philip A. Hart Plaza, the Civic Center is adjacent to some of the area’s finest hotels, top-notch restaurants and the famous Renaissance Center. Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center underwent a $200 million expansion, which was completed in 1989 and increased the facility’s exhibit space to 720,000 square feet, making it one of the nation’s largest convention centers. Renaissance Center, now the world headquarters for General Motors, is the city’s largest office complex, with seven gleaming towers of activity located on the Detroit riverfront. The 73-story Marriott Hotel is housed within this symbol of downtown development. Long known as the automobile capital of the world, the Detroit area is headquarters to all of the major automobile companies. While a lot of the area’s industry centers around the “horseless carriage,” Detroit is more than a smokestack town. Home to 16 of the Fortune 1000 firms, greater Detroit ranks sixth among U.S. cities in total spendable income. A short walk from the riverfront and the rigors of business is the enjoyment of exciting ethnic nightlife, known to Detroiters as Greektown. A two-block area of authentic Greek food and entertainment, Greektown became an even more invigorating locale in recent years with the addition of the Greektown Casino, one of three major casinos now in operation near downtown Detroit. Detroit is a cultural showplace. Five minutes from down-
town is the Cultural Center. Consisting of 18 educational institutions — including one of the nation’s finest art museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts — the Cultural Center lets visitors walk from building to building all within one area. One can enjoy art and scan the shelves that house 2.5 million books in the Detroit Public Library; and experience Michigan’s Underground Railroad movement at the Museum of AfricanAmerican History. Americana at its finest is displayed at Dearborn’s Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. While The Henry Ford is a museum that displays artifacts and implements used in earlier times, Greenfield Village demonstrates how these items were used and how they affected lifestyles. Music for every taste abounds in Greater Detroit. The Detroit symphony is world-renowned. Jazz greats join local performers at the annual Montreaux Jazz Festival. Popular music fans are entertained at several area music houses including the Royal Oak Music Theater, Orchestra Hall and the Fox Theatre. Detroit is a great sports town, known throughout the country for its enthusiastic fans. The Detroit Tigers play in Comerica Park, which opened in 2000 and hosted the 2005 Major League All-Star Game as well as 2006 World Series contests. Immediately adjacent to the Tigers’ home, the NFL Lions play in another wonderful new facility, Ford Field, which hosted Super Bowl XL in 2006. The 2008 NCAA Basketball Midwest Regional and the 2009 Final Four, both hosted by UDM, were both played at Ford Field. The NHL Red Wings call Joe Louis Arena home. The NBA Detroit Pistons play in the Palace of Auburn Hills. Two-thirds of a mile across the Detroit River lies Windsor, Ontario, Canada. To celebrate the friendship and independence of the two nations, the International Freedom Festival is held for two weeks each summer, with activities in both countries.
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The University As Michigan’s largest Catholic university, the University of Detroit Mercy has built an outstanding tradition of academic excellence, firmly rooted in a strong liberal arts curriculum, for 130 years. The University has a rich tradition that emanates from its two predecessor institutions — the University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and Mercy College of Detroit, founded in 1944 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. In 1990, these schools consolidated to become the University of Detroit Mercy, a university dedicated to providing accessible, quality education while meeting the career-preparation needs of a diverse student population. Today, UDM offers approximately 100 majors and programs in seven different schools and colleges. Our faculty provides personal attention to students with a 1:12 faculty/ student ratio. Faculty members are known for their teaching excellence with 86 percent having a Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree. Approximately 5,600 students attend classes on three UDM campuses located in northwest and downtown Detroit. All undergraduate and graduate programs, except for Law and Dental programs, are now offered on the McNichols Campus. This campus also provides housing for almost 800 students in its six residence halls. The School of Dentistry and its Dental Clinic will move from the Outer Drive campus to a new location near downtown, by Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard and I-94 in January, 2008. UDM’s School of Law is located at the Riverfront Campus in downtown Detroit. The University is widely-recognized for its programs in engineering, law, business, architecture and education. UDM is also known for its strong programs in health care, such as nursing, dentistry, psychology, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and counseling and addiction studies. In addition to their classroom experience and research opportunities with faculty, students can explore career options and job opportunities through UDM’s cooperative education program — one of the oldest co-op programs in the United States. Co-op allows students to receive practical, on-the-job experience, giving them the extra edge in today’s competitive job market while earning a salary. UDM also provides an environment in which students grow to understand their social, leadership and service responsibility. Through academic projects, professional clinics and joint ventures with business and community organizations, the University contributes to the general well-being of the Detroit community. This commitment reflects the University’s mission, which seeks to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of its students.
UDM offers the challenge, support and hands-on experience to pursue a lifetime of great things. UDM has: • 100 fields of study, many of them nationally-recognized. • Co-op and internship opportunities in almost every field. • Distinguished faculty who know how the real world works. • A 13:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 20. • An Academic Exploration Program that allows students to try out different majors before committing to one. • Independent research and study abroad opportunities. • An active alumni network that includes research scientists, state supreme court justices, Fortune 500 executives, partners at major law and accouting firms and educators and health care providors throughout the Midwest.
At UDM, We Want Great Things For You!
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Academic Excellence UDM’s seven colleges and schools offer approximately 100 respected undergraduate and graduate and professional programs. Each provides a wealth of resources for advising, academic research and professional development. Here are UDM’s colleges, and the undergraduate programs they offer: SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Architecture (5-year Master’s Degree) Digital Media Studies (formerly Electronic Critique) COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Business Administration Computer Information Systems (BS and Certificate*) Concentrations in: - Finance - HR Management - International Business - Management - Marketing - CIS Software Production and Management *from U.S. Government SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY Dental Hygiene Six-year BS/DDS Program COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical and Computer Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Pre-Dentistry Pre-Med Pre-Physician Assistant Six-year BS/DDS Program
Great things in life start with a great education. Through our nationally recognized academic programs, caring faculty and a co-op program that takes full advantage of Detroit’s many professional opportunities, UDM offers just the right balance of challenge, support, and hands-on experience. That’s why UDM consistently ranks in the top tier of Midwestern master’s universities by U.S. News & World Report. COLLEGE COLL CO LLEG LL EGE EG E OF H HEALTH EALT EA LTH LT H PROFESSIONS Health Services Health Services Administration Physician Assistant (5-year Master’s Degree) COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND EDUCATION Academic Exploration Program (for undeclared majors) Addiction Studies (and Certificate) African American Studies (Certificate) Business (Certificate) Catholic Studies (Certificate) Communication Studies Criminal Justice Studies Economics Education Elementary Education English History Human Services Language and Cultural Training (Certificate) Legal Administration Legal Assistant (Certificate) Philosophy Political Science Pre-Law (Legal Studies Certificate) Psychology - General
- Developmental - Religious Studies Religous Studies Secondary Education Social Work Sociology Special Education - Emotionally Impaired/Behaviorally Disordered - Learning Disabilities Theatre Women’s Studies (Certificate) MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSING Nursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN Completion Program - Second Degree Option - Grand Rapids Program (with Aquinas)
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Did you know... University Quick Facts . . . U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UDM among the top tier of Midwestern master’s universities. The publication also ranks UDM eighth in its category for financial value related to academic quality. In addition, U.S.News ranks UDM fifth among Midwestern master’s universities for the diversity of its student body. . . .Through partnerships with local health care systems, the McAuley School of Nursing provides 19 cohorts of its BSN Degree Completion Program at hospitalbased sites throughout southeastern and western Michigan area, serving approximately 400 nurses. . . .UDM’s School of Law and University of Windsor’s Law School have a joint JD/ LLB program, the only program offering “face-to-face” courses in dual legal practices. . . .UDM’s Education Department
offers a yearlong, post-degree teacher certification program, called Experience Plus, for uncertified teachers in Catholic schools. . . .The School of Dentistry Clinic records approximately 85,000 patient visits annually for more than 15,000 patients, including services to the elderly, handicapped and homeless. . . .One-third of all Michigan dentists graduated from the University’s School of Dentistry. . . .Ninety percent of UDM co-op students are rated above average by co-op assignment employers. . . .The College of Business Administration offers a Master of Science in Information Assurance designed to help protect the nation’s information infrastructure.
. . .The College of Liberal Arts & Education houses two historically significant archives: The Black Abolitionist Archives and The Carney Latin American Archives. . . .The College of Engineering & Science is the eastern most Jesuit engineering school in the United States. The School of Architecture is the only full Architecture school among the 28 Jesuit universities in the country. . . .Through the University’s Leadership Development Institute, more than 1,200 students participate in volunteer service learning opportunities coordinated with classroom study. . . .UDM’s Physician Assistant Program was one of the first established in Michigan and the nation, and now offers an accelerated five-year PA program for full-time traditional udnergraduate students. . . .The McAuley School of Nursing is the only BSN degrees program in Michigan with a mandatory cooperative education requirement. . . .Architecture’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center was the first university-based design center in Metropolitan Detroit to provide design services to non-profit community and civic organizations. The Center was the focus of a documentary that was screened at the CineUrbana Film Festival in Vancouver, Canada in June, 2006.
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Notable Alumni -ARichard Abdoo (Retired President & CEO, Wisconsin Energy)..................... BusAdm’69 Thomas Angott (Chairman, CF Burger Creamery)........................................ BusAdm ’49 -BAnita Barone (Actress) ........................................................................................ LAE ’86 Sr. Gilmary Bauer (RSM, Pres., Sisters of Mercy, Regional Comm. of Detroit) LAE ’69 Gary Bauman (Partner & CEO, Ernest & Young; Continental Europe) .............. BusAdm Gurminder Bedi (Retired VP, Ford Motor Company) ................................... BusAdm ’75 Stephanie Bergeron (Retired VP & Treasurer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber) .... BusAdm ’81 Emil Brolick (President, YUM! Brands) ................................................BusAdm ’69, ’70 -CThomas Capo (Chairman, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group) ....... BusAdm ’73, ’75, ’80 Cynthia Canty (Radio Personality, WMGC-FM) ................................................ LAE ’75 Armando Cavazos (President & CEO, Credit Union One)............................ BusAdm ’74 Michael F. Cavanagh (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) .................... LAE ’62, LW ’66 Maura Corrigon (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) ............................................ LW ’73 Matthew Cullen (GM, Econ. Devel. & Ent. Services Grp., Gen. Motors) .... BusAdm ’83 -DThomas Denomme (Retired Vice Chair & CAO, DaimlerChrysler) ............. BusAdm ’61 Joel Dorfman (Retired President & CEO, Thorn Apple Valley) ............................ LW ’77 -EWarren Evans (Sheriff, Wayne County) ............................................................... LAE ’79 -FW. James Farrell (Retired Chairman & CEO, Illinois Tool Works)..................... E&S ’68 Robert Ficano (Executive, Wayne County) ........................................................... LW ’77 Gerald Fitzgerald (President & CEO, Oakwood Healthcare System) ........... BusAdm ’63 -GEugene A. Gargaro (Sr. Vice President, Masco Corporation) ................................ LW ’67 Robert Goodenow (Former Executive Director, NHL Players Assn.) ................... LW ’79 Roman S. Gribbs (Former Mayor, City of Detroit) .........................BusAdm ’52, LW ’54 -HJohn P. Hayes (Retired Chairman & CEO, National Gypsum)...................... BusAdm ’43 Robert Hendry (Retired CFO, General Motors) ............................................ BusAdm ’69 Jerome Horwitz (Scientist) ........................................................................... LAE ’42, ’44 Sister Mary Ellen Howard (Director, St. Frances Cabrini Clinic) ........................CHP ’68 -KFrank Kelley (Attorney General Emeritus, State of Michigan) ............................. LW ’51 John C. Kennedy (President & CEO, Autocam Corp.) .................................. BusAdm ’79 Jeanette Klemczak (Chief Nursing Executive, State of Michigan) ......................CHP ’65 -LElmore Leonard (Author/Screenplay Writer) ...................................................... LAE ’50 John Lewis (Retired Vice Chairman, Comerica Inc.) .................................... BusAdm ’74 Albert Lorenzo (President, Macomb County Community College) .......BusAdm ’65, ’66 -MThaddeus McCotter (Congressman, US House of Representatives) ..... LAE ’87, LW ’90 William Morrow (Executive Vice President, Crain Communications) ......... BusAdm ’68 Peter Munoz (Director, Michigan State Police) ................................................... LAE ’76 -NJoseph Nathan (Retired President & COO, Compuware Corp.) ....LAE ’74, BusAdm ’78 -OJames O’Sullivan (Pres. & CEO, Mazda North American Operations) .BusAdm ’76, ’84 -PJames J. Padilla (Retired President & COO, Ford Motor Co.) .................... E&S, ’69, ’70 Aaron Parchem (Olympic Skater) ........................................................................ LAE ’02 L. Brooks Patterson (Executive, Oakland County) ................................ LAE ’61, LW ’67 Allison Payne (News Anchor, WGN-TV) ........................................................... LAE ’85 Marlena Peleo-Lazar (Chief Creative Officer, McDonald’s Corp.) ..................... LAE ’72 -RArlene Robinson (CEO, Girl Scouts of Metro Detroit) ....................................... LAE ’75
Louis Rossetti (Chairman & CEO, Rossetti Associates) ........................................AR ’59 -SFr. Robert Scullin (S.J., Provincial, Detroit Province, Society of Jesus) ............. LAE ’69 Neal Shine (Retired Publisher, Detroit Free Press).............................................. LAE ’52 John Smyntek (Columnist, Detroit Free Press).................................................... LAE ’72 Marc Stepp (Retired Vice President, UAW) .................................................. BusAdm ’63 -WEd Wilhelm (CFO, Borders) .......................................................................... BusAdm ’80 -YWilliam C. Young (President, Absopure Water Co.)........................................... E&S, ’66
Dave DeBusschere ’62 Eight-Time NBA All-Star, Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.
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Willie Green ’03 2003 Horizon League Player of the Year, Member of the Philadelphia 76ers (2003-present).
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UDM Administration
Fr. Gerard Stockhausen, S.J. UDM President
Installed as the President of University of Detroit Mercy in 2004, Rev. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., Ph.D., continues to advance the University’s mission and its Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy traditions. An outstanding educator and administrator, Fr. Stockhausen previously served as the University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost from 2000 to 2004. Prior to joining UDM, Fr. Stockhausen was Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Internal Operations for Creighton University’s College of Business Administration. He was chair of the College’s Economics and Finance program in 1996 and became interim dean in 1997. During the 1991-92 school year, Fr. Stockhausen was a visiting associate professor of Economics at Makerere University in Uganda. Fr. Stockhausen holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan; a master’s degree in social ethics and a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of
Keri Gaither UDM Director of Athletics Keri Gaither was appointed as the University of Detroit Mercy’s Director of Athletics in May of 2007, less than six months after being asked to serve as the interim Director of Athletics. Soon after taking the helm of the department, Gaither anounced the expansion of the Detroit Titans Division I sports program from 16 to 19 teams with the addition of men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis, all of which began during the 2008-09 academic year. In her first year, Gaither also expanded the athletic staff by ading eight full-time positions to the department, directed the building and completion of a new $1.6 million all-purpose
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synthetic turf field and track, overseen numerous renovations and expansions to the facilities in Calihan Hall and was responsible for the hiring of new men’s basketball coach Ray McCallum and new women’s basketball coach Autumn Rademahcer. Gaither was recently recognized for her strong leadership as UDM’s Direcotr of Athletics when she was appointed to the University’s senior leadership team as a member of the Associate Vice President’s group in June of 2007. Gaither also chaired the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, which was played at Ford Field in Detroit, as the University of Detroit Mercy served as the host institution. As the committee’s chair, Gaither provided strong leadership for the DLOC and maintained ultimate responsibility for the local operations of the Final Four event. Gaither held the same position, in addition to being designated Tournament Director, for the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional which broke all previous NCAA Regional and Final Four attendance records with over 57,000 people each day at Ford Field. For the three years preceding her appointment as A.D., Gaither served as second in command for the Detroit Titans athletic department and also supervised nine Titan women’s varsity sports as the Senior Associate Athletics Director. During her tenure in that position, Gaither played an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of women’s golf in 2004 when it became UDM’s 16th varsity team. Prior to her
Theology in Berkley, California; and a master’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Louis University. His academic areas of expertise focus on international economics, including trade theory and policy, political economics and social ethics. He has written on topics such as free trade, protectionism, labor unions, and Catholic social teachings, including a book entitled, Threats of Quotas in International Trade: Their Effect on the Exporting Country. Fr. Stockhausen currently serves as a board trustee at Creighton University, Wheeling Jesuit University and Loyola Jesuit High School in Detroit. Raised in Milwaukee, Fr. Stockhausen grew up in an active household with two older brothers. He also has three Jesuit uncles. An avid reader, Fr. Stockhausen also enjoys music, theater and athletics.
selection as A.D., Gaither had served in several key administrative roles for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics including stints as senior woman administrator and director of business operations. As a current member of the Horizon League’s Executive Council, Gaither is actively involved with League operations. She has served on both the finance and television committees. She is also the council’s liaison to the track and cross country coaches. While a member of the 2006 UDM SelfStudy Steering Committee, Gaither also served on the Equity and Student-Athletic Welfare Sub-Committee and was designated the campus liaison during the certification process. In March of 2008, Gaither was presented with the Phenomenal Women’s Ashley Gray Legacy Award by the University of Detroit Mercy’s Student Programming Board. This award was presented for her outstanding contribution toward the growth and development of students as the Director of Athletics at UDM. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy, Gaither earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. During her undergraduate studies, she was a twotime recipient of the College of Liberal Arts’ Economics Student of the Year Award. Gaither and her husband, Bard Trombley, reside in Pleasant Ridge with their two children, Elliott (18), a sophomore at UDM, and Kennedy (11).
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Academic Support When talking about students who compete in a varsity sport, the term typically used is “student-athlete.” The word “student” comes first, and that’s the way the University of Detroit Mercy approaches all of its athletic team members. Although performance in competition is important, they are students first, and athletes second, with their performance in the classroom plenty important in Titan Territory. UDM has long proven its commitment to preparing students for on-court battles as well as those in the classroom. In 1995, UDM opened the Center for Student-Athlete Development, one of the first of its kind. The center offers programs for academic classes, drug education, student enhancement and works to improve communication skills. All 19 varsity teams, and more than 200 student-athletes, at UDM are encouraged to take full advantage of the programs offered at the center. The center also heads up the NCAA Life Skills Program, which focuses on the student in studentathlete and how to deal with issues that all student-athletes today must face. Through seminars, guest speakers and NCAA videos, student-athletes are made aware of issues such as gambling and drug and alcohol abuse, and how to deal with these concerns. The center is made possible, in part, by a grant from the NCAA. In conjunction with the staff of the University Learning Center, members of the center’s staff teach UAS 107, “Athletes in Transition,” each year. All freshman and transfer student-athletes must take this course during their studies at UDM. The course deals with how student-athletes can make the transition from high school to college. This important class teaches student-athletes to deal with time and stress manage-ment, study skills and the import-ance of good nutritional habits. Another example of Detroit’s commitment to its student-athletes’ academic excellence is Steve Corder’s position of Athletic Academic
Coordinator. The position was created in 1988 and, since then, UDM’s graduation rate for student-athletes has steadily risen. Corder, no stranger to collegiate athletics as he played soccer for Detroit from 1994-98, carefully tracks each Titan’s academic progress to make sure they are on the right path toward graduation, and is the Athletic Department’s link with the University faculty along with his assistant Amy Paling. In addition, Titan student-athletes are helped with their tutorial needs through the use of the student-run Learning Center, where professors and students alike donate their time as tutors. Members of the athletic department’s administrative staff work together to run the student-athlete study table. The student-athletes’ academic progress is closely monitored and the study table is set up to assist the Titans with any and all academic areas, including providing tutors and a writing lab. The center is open daily and also has evening hours to work around a student-athlete’s busy schedule. All freshmen must take part in the study table, as well as other studentathletes who have not yet achieved a 2.75 GPA. Detroit’s numbers on the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll have steadily increased. During the 200809 academic year, more than 50 Titans were honored for compiling a 3.25 grade point average or above. In an effort
to recognize academic excellence excellence, the Detroit Athletic Department created the President’s Academic Honor Roll in 1994. Detroit also annually recognizes student-athletes who attain a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average by naming them to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. During the 2008-09 school year, more than 150 Titans, well over half of UDM’s student-athletes, accomplished the feat. The number of honorees has steadily increased in the last decade. “Clearly, athletes come here to graduate,” Titans athletic director Keri Gaither noted. “Even though they want to compete at the Division I level, they want their degree, too. That’s the only thing which is more important. It’s the only thing that counts in the long run.”
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Points of Pride HOST WITH THE MOST The University of Detroit Mercy served as the host institution for the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional before taking on the same role for the Final Four at Ford Field in 2009. And there’s still more to come, because UDM will be the host of the 2011 NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championships. FACILITIES UPGRADES For the third straight year the University of Detroit Mercy athletics department unveiled a new facility on campus when the Titan Auxiliary Field on the James K. Campbell Complex (right) was introduced during the University’s Founders Celebration. Other recent additions and renovations to the Titans’ athletics facilities includes the new Wayne Wheeler Titan Golf Practice Center, a new bullpen and hitting cage at Buysse Ballpark and the expansion of the Larry Bleach Fitness Center. This winter Detroit began the expansion of the men’s basketball office and suite, including the installation of a state-of-the-art video/film room and the creation of a sports information suite/media workroom with press conference capabilities to better host Horizon League tournaments.
A host of Titans have experienced success during their respective off-seasons recently, putting up impressive finishes at national events. From the men’s golf team, senior David Byrne claimed a share of 29th place at the 105th Canadian Amateur Golf Championship in August, while UDM teammate Jeff Clarridge, a junior, placed 45th. It was simply the end of an impressive summer of golf for Byrne, who had already won the Ontario Champion of Champions in May and his third straight Ontario Match Play Championships in June. On the track, Titan sophomore Vushaun Landrum recorded top-10 finishes in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships, finishing in seventh and ninth place, respectively. In October, right before the start of the fencing season, sophomore Michael Purdy-Sachs made a splash stateside at the Remenyik Open tournament in Evanston, IL. At the prestigious national event, PurdySachs advanced to the final eight before suffering his first loss of the competition and wound up with a sixth-place finish. TITANS GO SOCIAL It’s now easier to stay up to date with all that’s going on in the world of Titan athletics than ever before. Since the unveiling of the University of Detroit Mercy’s new athletics website, detroittitans. com, in the fall of 2008, the Titans have branched out into various areas of social networking media. You can now follow all of UDM’s teams on Facebook by becoming friends with Tommy Titan, by signing up for the Titans’ Twitter feed, and you can even see Detroit in action by checking out the UDMTitanAthletics YouTube channel.
WORKING HARD ON THE FIELD, IN THE CLASSROOM University of Detroit Mercy student-athletes and teams received a slew of accolades for performances in the classroom over the past year. In May it was announced that all of the university’s varsity teams scored above the minimum score of 925 in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR), using data from the 2004-08 school years. The APR is calculated yearly based on each sport’s eligibility, retention and graduation of scholarship student-athletes. The UDM men’s fencing team was a leader among the Titans, receiving a perfect score of 1,000. Also, during the 2008-09 school year, 29 UDM student-athletes were named to All-Horizon League teams, inlcuding 10 Titans in the fall which was the most by any school in the league. And in the fall the National Fastpitch Coaches Association “girls got game” All-Academic Teams list was released, and Detroit was ranked No. 17 in the nation. Individually, senior golfer David Byrne was named to the Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars Team for 2009 by the Golf Coaches Association of America. He was awarded the honor after posting a 73.3 scoring average in the spring and having a grade point average of 3.54. ON THE NATIONAL SCENE
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UDM Head Coaches
Terri Anthony-Ryan Women’s Golf
Sunny Jones Softball
Grant Asher Men’s Tennis
Nick Deren Men’s Soccer
Mike Lupenec Women’s Soccer HL Coach of the Year 2000-2005
Ray McCallum Men’s Basketball
Todd Dressell Fencing
Mark Engel Men’s Golf HL Coach of the Year 1992-1999-2007
Matt Holtz Men’s Lacrosse
Mary Ann Meltzer Women’s Lacrosse
Guy Murray Track & Field/CC HL Coach of the Year 1994-1996-19981999-2000-2002-2003
Sam Poole Women’s Tennis
Todd Dressell has been at the helm of the University of Detroit Mercy Fencing Team since 1998.
Autumn Rademacher Women’s Basketball
Detroit’s 13 current varsity head coaches have been named Horizon League Coach of the Year on 12 different occasions during their celebrated careers. And, they have brought 20 Horizon League Tournament Championships back to Detroit. On the field of play, and in the classroom...
at UDM, We Want Great Things For You!
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Fencing 101 The Rules of Fencing In NCAA competition, teams compete with three weapons: epee, sabre, and foil. Both men’s and women’s teams compete with three fencers per weapon (squad), for a total of nine fencers. Dual meets are round robin format with nine bouts per squad, and 27 bouts total.
A bout is won by scoring five touches against an opponent within a three minute time limit. Touches are scored differently with each weapon.
Tools of the Trade
Epee: The entire body is the target. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon. First touch scores, and if fencers touch simultaneously, both fencers score.
Foil: The target is limited to the torso. The arms, head and legs are not viable targets. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon.
Sabre: The target is limited to the body above the waist, including the arms and head. Touches are scored with the blade of the weapon.
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Detroit Fencing Tradition 1972 NCAA National Champions The 1972 men’s fencing team has the honor of being the only team from the University of Detroit Mercy to win a team national Championship. Detroit served notice to the rest of the country that they were a team to be reckoned with as they posted a 19-1 record on the season. Foilist Tyrone Simmons led Detroit with a 43-4 dual meet record on the season. Ken Blake finished the dual season at 46-6 in the sabre, while Fred Hooker went 33-11 in the epee In March of 1972 the nation’s top teams met in Chicago, IL to take part in the NCAA National Championships. Detroit held a slim 49-48 lead over Columbia following the first day of competition, and Simmons vowed that he was “...not going to let them even hit me.” Day two saw Detroit fence beautifully as Simmons went undefeated in the foil, scoring 115 touches to just 32. Hooker and Blake combined to post a 35-11 record in the epee and sabre. Detroit ended the competition with 73 points, three ahead of New York University and seven in front of Columbia.
(L-R): 1972 All-Americans: Ken Blake, Tyrone Simmons, and Fred Hooker.
Simmons ended up winning ng the foil competition, Blake took second in the sabre, and Hooker captured tured fourth in epee. In addition to being the first st trio of African-Americans to win the fencing crown, all three members ers of the squad earned All-America honors, and Simmons was selected d as the Illinois Memorial Award winner, given to the most sportsmanlike anlike fencer of the tournament.
(L-R) Head Coach Richard Perry, coach Stan Sieja, and Tyrone Simmons, as Simmons is awarded the Illinois Memorial Award.
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