Friday, December 17, 2010

UMass Athletes Spread Holiday Cheer At Shriners


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Children spending the holiday in the hospital got a fun surprise today. UMass athletes made their annual trip to Shriners Hospital for Children, passing out toys to the kids. The trolleys they pulled looked a little like Santa's sleigh. UMass student-athletes Sean Carter, Rachel Miranda, Lindsey Diorio, Stu Amick, Katie Bettencourt, Samantha Schnoerr and Nazy Kerr were all on hand to distribute more than 330 toys that were donated by fans at UMass games.

Athletes from several different UMass teams helped give hundreds of toys away. Basketball player, Sean Carter, says it's important to brighten the kids' day.

"These kids enjoy it. There's some things in life they really don't get a chance to do so it helps them know that people care about them," he says.

UMass collected the toys at Minutemen basketball and hockey games. Doctors and trainers from UMass' athletic department donated money to give Shriners Hospital for Children a red Wiii this year.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Faces of the A-10

Click here to see this on GoExplorers.com

PHILADELPHIA - Rookie Jess Koci has made an immediate impact on the La Salle women's basketball team in just the first eight games of her career. The local product out of Archbishop Ryan High School has started all eight contests so far, averaging 8.4 points and a team-high 9.0 rebounds per game. She already has a double-double to her resume with 10 points and 14 rebounds in the Explorers' 87-67 win over Oral Roberts.

Why did you choose La Salle? To play basketball
Describe yourself in one word: Tough
Why did you pick your jersey number? #31 has been my basketball number since I was 10 years old.
One phrase to describe Coach Williams? Determined
What is the best advice you have received? Never give up!
What are some highlights of your basketball career? In high school, scoring 1,000 points and playing at Penn State for the state championship. Here at La Salle, my first double-double as a freshman.
Goals for the rest of the 2010-11 season? To help the team to a better record
Who influenced you to get involved with basketball? Mr. Matthews when I was eight.
When did you realize you could/wanted to take your game to the Division I level? During my senior year of high school when I was nominated for the McDonald's All-American team and when we made it to the state championship game.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? I pray before every game.
What are your off-the-court hobbies and interests? I love going to the beach, playing all sports and going to Phillies games.

Who is your funniest teammate? Brittany
If you could pick any place in the world to visit, where would you go and why? Bahamas, because I love the beach!
When you were five years old, what did you want to grow up to be? Veterinarian, because I loved animals.
What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now? Doing something in the nutrition field and coaching a basketball team.
25 years from now? Married with two kids.

Favorites:
Place to eat? Chickie's and Pete's
Food? Pizza
Movie? Coach Carter
TV show? One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries
Band/group/singer? Rihanna
Website? Facebook
Place to play in the A-10? Home, La Salle!
Pro sports team? Phillies
La Salle team to watch? Men's basketball

Friday, November 19, 2010

WSJ Feature on Catholic Schools and Academics


From the Wall Street Journal
Nuns and NCAA Hoops 
How Catholic schools do a better job graduating student-athletes.

By Mark Yost
 
Mr. Yost is the author of "Varsity Green: A Behind the Scenes Look at Culture and Corruption in College Athletics" (Stanford, 2010).

howyost


I've written much on these pages about the often problematic nexus of collegiate academics and athletics. Over the years, I've pilloried Kentucky and Memphis and their 30% graduation rates. By contrast, I've held up Catholic colleges like Notre Dame—one of the few schools where athletes have a higher graduation rate than the general student body—as examples of schools that refuse to accept academically unqualified students simply because they have good jump shots.

My faith was shaken earlier this year when the New York Times interviewed Sister Rose Ann Fleming. She's the feisty 5- foot-4-inch, 78-year-old nun who makes sure that the basketball players at Xavier University, a Jesuit Catholic college in Cincinnati, spend as much time in class as they do in the gym. Terrell Holloway, a sophomore guard at Xavier, praised Sister Rose in the Times article for keeping on him when he fell behind in a reading class during summer school.

Reading? Summer school?

It forced me to ask myself: Are the Catholic schools, after all, the same as Michigan or Temple when it comes to what kind of athletes they admit? The short answer seems to be yes. The critical difference is that schools like Xavier are making sure that their players receive diplomas.

Xavier's graduation rate for its men's basketball team is 82%, compared with an NCAA average of about 60%. And, on average, the graduation rate of athletes at Catholic schools is higher than at their secular counterparts.

"They may have been attracted to Xavier by a coach," Sister Rose told me, "but from the very start we make it fundamentally clear to them that they are here to receive an education."

She admitted that Xavier does accept students who don't meet its minimum standards in terms of grades or test scores, but pointed out that not all of them are athletes. All come recommended by a guidance counselor, teacher or mentor as a kid who "deserves a break."

"We place a great deal of emphasis on educating the individual," she said. "That's very much a Christian ideal." For those kids who deserve a break, Xavier has a special freshman curriculum that restricts them to 12 credit hours in core courses such as math and English. There's also a 13th credit hour they can take that teaches study skills, writing and note-taking.
 
 
To be sure, many universities have athlete tutoring centers. These million-dollar facilities are part of the façade that these kids are students first and athletes second. The difference is that many Catholic schools seem to actually try to make it the reality.

"The balance is making sure in some way that you're not misleading the kids," said Brother John Kane, director of academic advising for student-athletes at La Salle University in Philadelphia. "Can we support them? Can they earn a degree?"

Last year La Salle was five for five: All of its senior basketball players graduated. One was even an Academic All-American. Key to that success, Brother John told me, is the school's Academic Discovery Program, which provides extra help to poor students—but not at the expense of academic standards. "You're always trying to make sure that you're not losing sight of what you're about."

The College of the Holy Cross has been doing just that since it was founded in 1843. While the school does take athletes with poor academic backgrounds who wouldn't otherwise be admitted, the school president, Father Michael McFarland, said there are other students with "equally compelling stories."

"We always have a fair number of students who are the first generation to go to college," he said. "But we won't take anyone who can't make it here. That would just be cruel."

Of course, that has happened. The good brothers at Georgetown mostly looked the other way for three decades while John Thompson built a basketball dynasty with kids who didn't belong at a serious university. Mr. Thompson and Temple coach John Chaney also complained loudly whenever the NCAA tried to tighten academic standards. And right now there's a heated debate going on at Notre Dame about whether its academic standards are too high to field a BCS-caliber football team. Former football coach Charlie Weis is in favor of lowering standards, while other Notre Dame faithful are proud of the school's graduation rate.

Asked if Catholic colleges should be held to a higher standard when it comes to educating athletes, Holy Cross's Father McFarland said: "I think everyone should hold themselves to a higher standard. You have to feel a responsibility for the kids you bring in. You can't just use them and throw them away."

Amen, Father.

Faces of the A-10: Multimedia Edition


Kevin McDonnell, Saint Joseph's Men's Cross Country

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Basketball Season In Full Swing!

Check out some videos from the first two weeks of Basketball Season... A-10 teams are looking on point!

Dayton Men's highlights against Akron



Richmond vs. William & Mary men's basketball highlights




Charlotte Women's Basketball vs. Iona





Massachusetts' latest Men's Basketball pump up video



Saint Louis vs. Rockhurst Men's Basketball highlights




On the road with Saint Joseph's Women



Saint Louis Women's Highlights

Monday, November 15, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

In Case You Missed It: Championship Edition

All our coverage from our Championships so far this year!

Massachusetts Field Hockey reacts to receiving an At-Large Bid to the NCAA tournament....



Massachusetts interviews after winning A-10 Field Hockey Championship...



Dayton Women's Soccer watches the NCAA selection show...



Dayton Women's Soccer trip home after winning the Atlantic 10 tournament....



Women's Soccer Coaches reflect on the 2010 season and Atlantic 10 tournament...



Richmond wins both Men and Women's A-10 Cross Country Titles...

Monday, October 25, 2010

In Case You Missed It

2010 Men's Basketball Media Day at CBS College Sports Studios in NYC

Watch short videos from interviews with each Men's Basketball head coach at Media Day.
















Friday, October 22, 2010

Faces of the A-10



Getting to Know

Senior Alex Zamora

A team captain for the Fordham women’s basketball team, Zamora is anxious to return to the floor and help her Rams back to the Atlantic 10 Tournament, after missing the majority of her junior year due to injury.

Why did you choose Fordham? I chose Fordham because I wanted to contribute to the basketball program and go to a strong academic institution.

Career Ambition: A job in the marketing field.

What is your biggest inspiration? My parents because of all of the hard work they’ve put in to provide for my brother and me.

Best advice you’ve received: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

One word that describes you: Loyal

One word that describes your team: Determined

One word that describes your coach Cathy Andruzzi: Passionate

The one moment you’ll never forget: When my team and I had a dance off with South Carolina at the hotel in Cancun, Mexico during a tournament.

Favorite thing to do on a day off: Sleep or go see a movie with my friends.

The one thing I can’t live without: My teddy bear, Humphrey

Who are the three people (past or present) you’d have over for dinner: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Selena

Favorite Musician/Band: Alicia Keys
Favorite Athlete: Lebron James
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Fordham team to Watch besides Basketball: Volleyball
Favorite Class You’ve Taken at Fordham: Business Communications

Monday, October 18, 2010

Behind the Scenes

Check out GWU's Cribs- Go behind the scenes with George Washington basketball players Aaron Ware and Sara Mostafa as they take a tour of the newly renovated Charles E. Smith Center.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Faces of the A-10



Lindsay Fry
           Lindsay Fry  



Junior Lindsay Fry is a tri-captain for this year's La Salle field hockey team. She is a three-year starter for the Explorers that has scored a pair of overtime game-winning goals this fall. She is the next student-athlete featured in the GoExplorers.com "Getting to Know" series.

Getting to Know: Lindsay Fry
Why did you choose La Salle? It has a great psychology program, it is close to home for me, and it had what I was looking for in field hockey.
Describe yourself in one word: Understanding.
Why did you pick your jersey number? Number nine was already taken so I chose the closest number to nine (11). It was also my cousin's field hockey number at American University.
One phrase to describe Coach Marks? She has taught me a lot in the three yrs I've been here.
What are your off the field hobbies and interests? I ride horses and have a pony named Elmo.
What is the best advice you have received? Don't worry about things you cannot control.
Highlight of your La Salle career thus far? Overtime stroke vs. Robert Morris.
Goals for the rest of the 2010 season? Continue to play with hard and make it to Atlantic 10 Tournament.
Who influenced you to get involved with field hockey? My mom and sister.
Who is your funniest teammate? Maddie Doub.
Place you would most like to vist/or favorite vacation spot? I want to go to Montana or Wyoming and stay on a ranch.
Favorite Place to eat? Taco Bell Movie? Talledaga Nights
TV show? Glee
Band/group/singer? Sugarland.
Place to play in the A-10? La Salle.
Pro Sports Team? Phillies.
Favorite La Salle team to watch other then field hockey? Volleyball.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Submit Your Questions For 2010 Men's Basketball Media Day Now!



That's right fans, here's your chance to get the questions you want from the A-10 Men's Basketball coaches!

Media Day is a week away (October 21st) and in preparation, we want to hear from you! Follow us on twitter, and then tweet us your questions!  All you have to do is mention @atlantic10.  We'll be sitting down with each coach individually so don't be afraid to be specific.

If you don't have a twitter account, sign up! And if you don't want to sign up, feel free to leave your questions as comments on this blog.

Either way, get the ball rolling because Media Day is only a week away!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

This Week Around the A-10

This week's installment of Rach's Rundown
A look at the dorm room of Richmond freshman Leah Johnson





Massachusetts features its Men's Cross Country team and gets their thoughts on the 2010 Atlantic 10 Championship on October 30



Swimming & Diving is right around the corner...
Check out Fordham's reaction to the preseason coaches' poll results

Dayton gears up for Women's Basketball...




George Washington Men's Soccer reacts to defeating Rider



Charlotte Women's Soccer highlights vs. Duquesne

Friday, October 8, 2010

Faces of the A-10

Getting To Know: Kelly Rae Wright




Kelly Rae Wright
       Kelly Rae Wright  

Kelly Rae Wright is a freshman from Norfolk, Virginia where she achieved first team all-region and all-district accomplishments. She also was an honorable mention for the all-state team and looks forward to bringing her contributions to the Explorers.


Why did you choose La Salle? I chose La Salle because I was interested in going to a small, close-knit school and playing Field Hockey.
Describe yourself in one word: Energetic.
Why did you pick your jersey number? It's been my number since middle school; I didn't want to break the streak.
One phrase to describe Coach Marks? Always willing to help.
What are your off the field hobbies and interests? Beach, surfing, viola.
What is the best advice you ever received? Go with your gut. Be truthful to yourself.
Who is your funniest teammate? Kelly Meehan (Shmee)
Favorite vacation spot? Costa Rica.
Quick Hits
Favorite place to eat: Mi Hogar.
Movie: Sweet Home Alabama.
TV show: Grey's Anatomy.
Band/group/singer: Sugarland.
A-10 place to play: Richmond.
Pro sports team: Eagles.
Athlete: Brian Westbrook.
La Salle team to watch other than field hockey: Soccer.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

In Case You Missed It

Rhode Island Goalkeeper Scores in 1-1 Tie
Despite posting an 0-1-1 record in goal for Rhode Island, goalkeeper Peyton Warwick treated fans to one of the rarest occurrences in soccer when he scored the game-tying goal in dramatic fashion against Fairfield on Saturday night. With URI trailing by a goal and just under a minute left on the clock, the Rams got a corner kick... Realizing that this would likely be Rhody’s last scoring opportunity, Warwick also went into the box – and managed to direct the bobbling corner kick into the back of net with just 36 seconds left in regulation. The game ended tied 1-1 after two overtime periods and Warwick finished with five saves.




Cross Country Draws First-Ever Regional Ranking

For the first time in its history, the Saint Louis University women’s cross country program is ranked in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region rankings. The Billikens come in at No. 15 on the chart.

Rhode Island Baseball Walks for Autism, Receives Support from Dayton and Fordham







Go behind the scenes with Richmond Women's Basketball on Rach's Rundown:



Up close and personal during Saint Louis' last minute game-winning goal against Drake




Charlotte's Andres Cuero Named To College Soccer News National Team of the Week
Charlotte 49ers senior forward Andres Cuero was named to College Soccer News’ National Team of the Week after his performance last week in the 49ers’s 2-1 double overtime victory over Clemson. Cuero is the first Niner named to College Soccer News’ National Team of the Week this season.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A Week in Review

Massachusetts Field Hockey upsets No. 8 Syracuse, 2-0.... Watch the highlights here!



Dayton Volleyball is ranked No. 19 by American Volleyball Coaches Association... their 10th consecutive week in the rankings!

Check out highlights from their match against Rhode Island!



Check out coverage of the All-Ohio Cross Country Championship, Dayton's Chris Lemon is interviewed after finishing first...



Watch Richmond's recap of their first Women's Soccer conference contest against Saint Joseph's- an overtime thriller!



La Salle Men's Soccer reacts after they defeat A-10 rival Temple, 1-0...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Welcome To The New A-10 Blog

Gathering the best material from around the conference for one-stop shopping of A-10 material!!

Go behind the scenes and get valuable insight about the Atlantic 10

Here's some of our favorite videos so far this school year....




















Be sure to check back for more updated videos!