February 2005
February 25, 2005
Jazz Saxophonist, Educator To Teach Master Classes, Perform At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jazz tenor saxophonist Houston Person-a legendary recording artist who has played with jazz and soul greats such as Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Lou Rawls, Dakota Staton, and Horace Silver-will visit Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from March 2-5 to teach master classes in the SIUE Jazz Studies Program and to perform with faculty and students.
An internationally acclaimed jazz performer, Persons has recorded more than 75 albums under his own name for the Prestige, Westbound, Mercury, Savoy, and Muse recording labels. He currently records for HighNote Records, including Dialogues, with bassist Ron Carter, and his latest, Social Call. Earlier recordings for HighNote made the No. 1 spot on jazz charts each year from 1998-2001.
Two of Person's recordings that he also produced-My Buddy: Etta Jones Sings the Songs of Buddy Johnson and Etta Jones Sings Lady Day-were finalists for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal category in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Pianist Phillip Dunlap, a student in the SIU! E Jazz Studies Program and president of the SIUE chapter of the International Society of Jazz Educators, was responsible for bringing Persons to campus. "Houston came here once before in 2000 as a replacement for Stanley Turrentine, who had become ill," Dunlap said, "but he was only here for one concert. It occurred to me that having Houston teach and perform here over two or three days would be very beneficial for the jazz students."
With the help of Bob Burnett, an SIUE alum and operator of Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis, Dunlap was able to bring about the 70-year-old Persons' return to SIUE. "It's going to be great having an important jazz performer on campus," Dunlap said. "He's going to play in a student combo and in a faculty combo. It will be a great experience."
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February 25, 2005
SIUE International Trade Center To Conduct Roundtable Series
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville International Trade Center, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Illinois Trade Office will co-sponsor a Business Roundtable series over the next several months, providing a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences about international trade. The trade center is operated by the SIUE School of Business.
The first meeting in the series, "Finding Export Assistance in Illinois," is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. Monday, March 14, in the International Room of SIUE's Morris University Center. The forum will feature foreign market experts who will conduct in-depth discussions about specific market opportunities.
Representatives from the International Trade Center Network and the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment, as well as the U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide a complete overview of the various local, state, and federal programs available to assist Illinois exporters.
The following are some of the topics to be covered during the seminar:
• Local export assistance and counseling resources for international trade
• Federal programs to assist Illinois exporters
• State of Illinois programs to promote Illinois exports
Who should attend?
• Financing programs for Illinois exporters
• Meet the International Trade Center experts in the region
• Q & A session about the needs of Illinois exporters
• CEOs/presidents
• Vice presidents for international
• Export managers
• Distribution managers
• Administrative support staff
• Shipping staff and management
• International sales staff and management
• Those involved in international trade
Admission is free but registration is required. A continental breakfast and parking will be provided. For more information, please call the International Trade Center at SIUE, (618) 650-2452. Space is limited.
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February 25, 2005
SIUE Club Hockey Wins Second Gold Division Championship In A Row
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For the second time in as many years, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Hockey Club won the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) Division II Gold Tier Championship after defeating Robert Morris College 4-3 in sudden death overtime this past weekend in Springfield, Mo..The club won the Silver Division in 2003 and the Gold Division in 2004.
Coach Larry Thatcher said he is pleased with the growth of the club. "From roughly eleven guys in the first season to 44 this past year speaks highly of the organization," Thatcher said "As you know, not only did the varsity team just win its second MACHA Gold Division Title in as many years, but the team also won the Silver Division Title three years ago.
"I think another big story may be that the junior varsity team finished at .500 this season," Thatcher said. "They achieved the .500 mark in the last game of the season when they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 7-0. Northwestern finished in 2nd place in the Silver Division for the season.
"All in all, great work by a great bunch of kids."
Chad Rodgers, assistant director of Recreational Programs for the SIUE Office of Campus Recreation, said SIUE hockey is quickly becoming one of the most recognized club programs in the nation. "The team continued their incredible! success last season by winning the 2003-2004 Regular Season a! nd Playo ff MACHA Championships for the first time in school history," Rodgers said.
"The club's success in winning the '01-'02 MACHA Regular Season title, '02-'03 MACHA Silver Tier Championship, the 2003 Big Muddy Tournament title and '03-'04 MACHA titles resulted in development of two teams. Last year, we gained national attention by participating in an invitation-only premier showcase tournament against some of the top Division II teams in the nation as well as being asked to play in Division I tournaments this year," Rodgers pointed out.
Rodgers also praised the loyal fans who made the four-hour drive to Springfield for the recent weekend tournament. "We were supported by a great crowd."
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February 21, 2005
SIUE School Of Pharmacy Granted Pre-Candidate Status By The ACPE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, poised to open its doors in August as the only Pharmacy doctorate program offered in downstate Illinois, has been granted pre-candidate accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
SIUE Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon said the ACPE accreditation is a tribute to the advanced planning and strong commitment by the University in opening a Pharmacy program. "This also is a strong endorsement of the preliminary work being done by the faculty and staff in preparing for the August opening," Medon said.
"ACPE accreditation is a rigorous process, involving three steps," Medon said. He pointed out the ACPE evaluation team will return in spring 2006 for the second phase of the accreditation process- Candidate Status, which will consider elements of continued progress by the School.
"The final part of the process comes when the ACPE considers us for full accreditation," Medon said. "That occurs when the program is found to have met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class.
"The pre-candidate status is an important milestone in the history of the SIUE School of Pharmacy and granting this status reflects the ACPE's understanding of our plans and progress," the dean said. Medon praised former SIUE Chancellor David Werner and SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs and her staff for their efforts in laying the groundwork for the new school.
"They saw to it that preliminary planning for the Pharmacy program took place in the context of the University's mission of providing health-care related curricula," Medon said.
"ACPE evaluators were impressed with how the Pharmacy program fits with our other health care programs-the School of Nursing and the School of Dental Medicine," he said. "And, we continue to receive exceptional support from the current administration under Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who believes strongly in the University's commitment to serving the citizens of Southern Illinois."
Medon said the pre-candidate status indicates that SIUE's planning has followed stringent ACPE guidelines in creating a Pharmacy doctorate program and also indicates that the School continues to follow ACPE guidelines in continued program development. "Pre-candidate status is not granted lightly by the ACPE," Medon pointed out. "Not all schools that apply are given such status by the ACPE."
The granting of pre-candidate status was based on several criteria, including the School's application addressing ACPE's 30 standards for accreditation, findings from a visit by an ACPE evaluation team, discussions with the faculty and staff, and discussions with Provost Hahs and Dean Medon. ACPE evaluators considered the School's planning papers, with an eye to such areas as faculty and staff recruiting, faculty development plans, student recruiting, and facilities available.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, which offers a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy, values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research/scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies.
The School will collaborate with rural and urban health care institutions to meet the health care needs of Central and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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February 21, 2005
SIUE Technology Fair Set For March 3 In Morris University Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Faculty Technology Center and the Excellence in Learning and Teaching Initiative will offer the Third Annual Teaching, Learning, and Technology Fair on Thursday, March 3, with its theme of "Exploring the Digital Horizon, Without Falling Off the Edge."
SIUE faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to attend the event, to be offered from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in SIUE's Morris University Center.
The fair will feature panel discussions, poster presentations, workshops, and vendor booths. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Tom Peters, founder of TAP Information Services. The Keynote Address, "The Digital Convergence," is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in the Mississippi/Illinois Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center.
Participating vendors will provide items for attendance prizes such as an MP3 Player, memory sticks, mini keyboard, digital cameras, Sony Walkman, iPod Shuffles, and photo finishing gift cards.
For more information, contact Jennifer Vandever, (618) 650-5697, or Cathy Santanello, (618) 650-3636.
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February 16, 2005
SIUE Black Theater Workshop Opens Feb. 25
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) In an effort to blend culture and history through the performing arts, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Theater Workshop director Kathryn Bentley is enthusiastic about presenting three one-act plays that chronicle the African-American experience during the past 100 years.
The Annual Black Theatre Workshop, produced each year by the SIUE Department of Theatre and Dance, opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, and will continue at 7:30 p.m. that evening and at the same curtain time Saturday, Feb. 26, all in the Dunham Hall theater. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved and picked up through the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
The plays-woven together by song, dance, and visuals, all under the theme of "The Color Connection"-include Zora Neale Hurston's Color Struck, Ted Shine's Contribution, and the premiere of St. Louis playwright Gregory S. Carr's A Colored Funeral.
"These three plays take the audience on a cultural journey," Bentley said, "making stops in 1900, 1969, and present day. They highlight self identity, the quest for freedom and social-cultural reflection."
The Color Connection is collaboration with SIUE's East St. Louis Performing Arts Center and the East St. Louis Charter School, with a performance ensemble that includes 11 SIUE students along with 10 students from the Charter School and the Performing Arts Center.
Bentley, a guest artist and an SIUE alumna, joins choreographer Theodore Jamison, director of the Performing Arts Center, for the production with Andrea Smythe as assistant choreographer and Associate Music Professor Reggie Thomas as musical director and accompanist.
Hurston's Color Struck deals with the issues of color among blacks in the early 1900s. Emma, a darker-hued woman struggles with her feelings of inadequacy and is unable to return the affection given by John, her lighter-skinned lover. "The play is one of the premier contributors to the Harlem Renaissance era," Bentley pointed out. "Although it is rarely performed, its issues are still relevant even in today's society.
Bentley said Contribution was written during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the turmoil that Blacks lived through as they struggled for freedom and equality. "Eugene is a college student who is participating in a sit-in with some of his colleagues in hopes of integrating a 'whites only' lunch counter," Bentley explained. "He believes that his grandmother is too old to participate in the freedom marches and sit-ins. She reveals t! o him that she, too, is making a contribution to the struggle-in her own way."
Carr's A Colored Funeral is a satirical, comedic, poignant and sometimes irreverent look at death in the African-American community, Bentley said. "The excerpts of this work that will be performed span from a monologue of a little girl killed by a drive-by shooting, a vaudeville spoof of a character actually being late for his own funeral, and a satirical spoof on a Black funeral.
"I hope everyone leaves the production having learned something, having felt something, having remembered something," Bentley said. "I want people to take what they've experienced and discuss it over dessert. Each audience member should become a teacher-letting someone else know about what they've learned.
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February 16, 2005
School Of Business Accounting Students To Offer Tax Preparation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business accounting students will offer income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which over the past several years has aided hundreds of local taxpayers.
Students and low-income citizens are eligible to receive assistance from qualified SIUE students under the supervision of instructor James Dixon.
VITA student volunteers prepare tax returns for U.S. citizens filing only Forms 1040 EZ and 1040A. Students do not prepare Form 1040, known as the long form, and no dual state income tax returns can be prepared. A state return is prepared only if the individual worked and resided in a single state for the entire year. VITA personnel reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return based on a review of the situation.
Tax returns will be prepared in the SIUE Department of Accounting offices in Room 2114 of Founders Hall. Services are available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and from 10 a.m.-noon Fridays through April 9. No service is available the week of March 6 -13. In addition, SIUE students will prepare tax returns at the Edwardsville Public Library each Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through April 9. Services are not available Saturday, March 12.
Individuals should bring Social Security cards and driver's licenses for themselves and all dependents, along with exemptions that are being claimed. They also should bring all supporting documentation, such as Forms W-2 and all relevant 1099s. Individuals also are encouraged to provide a copy of the previous year's tax return.
For more information, contact James Dixon, (618) 650-2622.
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February 16, 2005
35th Annual Antiques Show Set For March 19-20 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 65 dealers in antiques ! from the Midwest will display and sell a variety of items including furniture, fine glass, porcelain, china, tools, toys, and books Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, at the 35th Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Antiques Show and Sale at SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
The event, sponsored by the Friends of Lovejoy Library, will take place in the center's gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free informal appraisals with paid admission (2 item limit) will be offered Saturday from 2-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the door; tickets are good for both days. For a $10 fee, "early bird" patrons may enter the show between 9 and 10 a.m. Saturday. Children under 13 years of age are admitted free. For more information, call the Friends of Lovejoy Library, (618) 650-2730.
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February 16, 2005
ICTM Mathematics Regional Contest At SIUE Feb. 26
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 200 students from 12 schools will compete at the regional level of the 25th Annual High School Mathematics Contest to be conducted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Saturday, Feb. 26, according to co-director Marilyn Hasty, an SIUE associate professor of Mathematics and Statistics.
Regionals will be conducted the same day throughout the state. Organized by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) with financial support from CNA Insurance Companies, the statewide event will involve 232 schools at 21 regional sites.
Winners of the SIUE regional will advance to the state finals at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana on April 30. Skills to be tested include factoring logarithms, inequalities, logical reasoning, and creative analysis used in algebra through calculus.
Plaques and ribbons will be presented to individuals and schools with the best scores; an awards ! ceremony will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at SIUE on the day of the competition.
The ICTM competition is open to any high school math teacher interested in observing, Hasty said. For more information, call (618) 650-2382.
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February 16, 2005
SIUE Dental School Hosts 2nd Annual Give Kids A Smile Day
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton recently provided more than 320 children with oral health treatment during its Second Annual Give Kids A Smile Day for the Metro East region.
The number of children served was nearly double the number served the previous year, according to Dr. Randy Parmlee, the 2005 Give Kids A Smile Day regional chairperson. "An estimated $69,000 in dental care was administered before the end of that day," Parmlee said. "We are excited by the increase in turnout from the community. It really shows the need for Give Kids A Smile Day."
Additional children were able to attend the event, Parmlee said, in part because of support from The Meridian Society, a philanthropic group of women at the University. The society awarded a $3,400 grant for bus transportation from nine area school systems.
The care given at the event was administered by some 300 dental professionals of the Madison and St. Clair District Dental Societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the dental school and the Lewis and Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting program. Other volunteers included many from various local service organizations, participating as escorts for children through registration, through X-ray and screenings, and, finally, to treatment.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. Free dental care-including examinations, X-'rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and fillings and extractions-was provided to children who attended the event and who may not otherwise have received it.
Give Kids A Smile is meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone cannot solve this problem without a solid commitment from government and society. It is a way to show that dentists care and are willing to do their part. This program also helps to communicate the dental profession's perspective that it is going to take a commitment on the part of the public and elected leaders to reach a true solution.
Dr. Ann Boyle, dean of the SIUE School of Dental Medicine, noted that the issue of providing better access to dental care is a pressing health concern. "Children with oral health problems can have severe infections and be in chronic pain," Boyle said. "They can have difficulty eating, sleeping, and paying attention in school.
"The result is that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to kids' dental illness," said Boyle. "Give Kids A Smile Day is a significant step toward addressing the issue. However, there is only so much that we can do in one day. Access to dental care is an issue that state and local government officials genuinely need to review."
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February 10, 2005
SIUE Open House To Showcase Future of Engineering
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering will conduct its 5th Annual Open House from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the SIUE Engineering Building. This year's focus is on the future of engineering.
Visitors may observe teaching situations and visit research laboratories throughout the School, while meeting with faculty and students to learn about the fields of engineering, computer science, and construction.
Some scheduled activities during the day include:
• A panel of representatives from leading St. Louis Metropolitan Area firms will explaining engineering projects taking place in those companies and will discuss future trends and career opportunities for new engineers in the Greater St. Louis Area.
• The SIUE solar-powered car will be on display in the Engineering Building lobby. This work-in-progress will be entered in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge race.
• Visitors also may operate one of the School's two roaming robots, Taz and Marvin.
• Assist Construction Management and Civil Engineering Faculty to explore what happens when an earthquake shakes a structure, and witness other tests in the Structures Laboratory.
• Demonstrations are scheduled for the School's powerful wind tunnel as objects are buffeted by tornado-like wind speeds.
• Demonstrations are planned to show how virtual reality technology will revolutionize engineering practice in the future.
• Visitors will find how computer engineers design and fabricate large-scale 100,000-transistor integrated chips.
• Participants may try their hand at packaging by entering the Egg Drop Contest conducted by the Society of Women Engineers.
• Demonstrations will show computer-operated robots and assembly lines as used in modern manufacturing facilities.
Campus-wide tours also will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Prospective students who visit all the exhibits will have an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship to any SIUE School of Engineering program.
Anyone interested in learning how engineering will shape the future is invited to arrive early Saturday morning to enjoy all the events throughout the Engineering Building.
For more information, contact Tonja Smith, (618) 650-2541, or visit the School of Engineering Web site: www.siue.edu/ENGINEER.
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February 10, 2005
Board Approves Awarding Two Honorary Degrees At May 7 Commencement
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) One of the greatest female athletes of all time and an historian who edited and annotated the 19th Century journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, will receive honorary degrees at the May 7 commencement at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, according to action taken today by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, sports legend and philanthropist, and Gary Evan Moulton, retired Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of American History at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, will each receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Moulton produced 13 scholarly volumes and a single abridged volume that contain the accounts written by members of Lewis and Clark's historic Corps of Discovery.
During the winter of 1803-04, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set up camp near what later became the city of Wood River, Illinois, as members of the expedition readied for exploration of the Louisiana Territory, newly acquired by the United States under then-President Thomas Jefferson. The president had charged the explorers with mapping the territory and also finding a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Some 180 years later, Professor Moulton began the arduous and painstaking task of editing and annotating, for publication by the University of Nebraska Press, the various contemporary accounts written by the members of that historic expedition. To accomplish this feat, Moulton drew on several disciplines including botany, medicine, astronomy, cartography, as well as history.
In addition to winning three Olympic gold medals, Joyner-Kersee garnered one silver and two bronze, as well as four World Championship gold medals. Surviving poverty, racism, and sexism to succeed, Joyner-Kersee went on to a storied sports career and continues a winning lifestyle in philanthropy and volunteerism.
Joyner-Kersee raised more than $12 million to build a community center in her native East St. Louis, while her philanthropic foundation continues to award college scholarships to Metro East high school students.
She has been recognized with a variety of awards and honors, including the Jesse Owens Award, the Fair Play Award, and the Humanitarian of the Year Award.
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February 10, 2005
BOT Approves Bids For $2 Million SDM Clinic Expansion
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling more than $2 million to five Metro East businesses for expansion of the Main Clinic at the SIUE School of Dental Medicine. The board also approved an increase in the project budget from $2 million to $2.6 million. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting today at SIU Edwardsville.
The contracts-totaling $2,055,421-were awarded to: Hart Contracting Inc., Alton, for general contracting, $1,058,480; Wegman Electric Co., East Alton, for electrical, $237,460; Amsco Mechanical, Granite City, for heating and cooling, $237,500; Belleville Mechanical Inc., Belleville, for ventilation, $85,129; and GRP Mechanical Inc., Bethalto, for plumbing, $436,852.
The total budget for the project was re-set at $2.6 million from the original $2 million estimate because bids came in higher than expected, University officials said. The overall budget also covers $283,345 in architect and consultant fees, $8,248 for materials testing, $24,900 in construction observation, and $22,544 for technology costs.
The clinic addition, to be known as the Advanced Care Wing, will add about 6,000 square feet to the clinic on the Alton campus, providing space for 24 new clinical "operatories" and a classroom for 75 students. The additional space will allow the SDM to consolidate teaching in specialty disciplines-periodontal, endodontic, and pediatric, among others-and general dentistry in one location. The project is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
The cost of the project will be funded through the issuance of $2 million in Certificates of Participation to be retired by dental school tuition revenue, and $500,000 through an internal loan, to be repaid through tuition revenue over 10 years, and $100,000 from University operating funds.
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February 9, 2005
Editor, Scholar, Poet J. Ward To Conduct Workshop Feb. 15
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Editor and renowned scholar-poet Jerry Ward will conduct a workshop, "Words, Speech, History, and Musical Referents in the Poetry of Langston Hughes," at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Room 1007 (Library, Building B) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis.
Ward, a professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, is a renowned authority on African-American literature. He formerly served as professor and chair of the English Department at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Ward also has written and lectured on Southern literature, novelist Richard Wright, and poet-cultural historian Margaret Walker. He also has authored or edited numerous creative and scholarly texts including "Trouble the Water: 250 Years of African American Poetry" and a teacher's guide for "Richard Wright: BLACK BOY."
Earlier in the day on Feb. 15, at 12:30, Ward also will address students in the "Literature of the Third World" class in Room 3417 of Peck Hall on the SIUE campus. The class is taught by Eugene B. Redmond, an SIUE professor of English Language and Literature.
The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club is playing host for Ward's visit which is underwritten by the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project of the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Hughes (1902-2002) spent a part of his childhood in Lawrence.
The EBR Club is one of several organizations in the United States chosen to participate in a multi-year observance of Hughes's centennial. Howard Rambsy, a member of the Writers Club's Board of Directors and an assistant professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE, is facilitator for the local event.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-3991, or the EBRWriters Club, (618) 277-8076.
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February 8, 2005
SIUE School Of Education To Meet With Prospective Grad Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University's School of Education will conduct an informational meeting for prospective candidates for a master of arts in teaching at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in Room 1407 of SIUE's Founders Hall.
Participants must bring a résumé, unofficial copies of their transcripts, and two letters of reference.
For further information about the master's in teaching at SIUE and the informational meeting, contact David DeWeese, SIUE Secondary Education program director, by telephone, (618) 650-3432, or by e-mail: ddewees@siue.edu.
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February 8, 2005
NCERC Among Only Eight Groups To Receive STAC Grant
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has been notified it is among eight awardees of funding from The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC).
SIUE's award comes to $633,000, part of a total $6.4 million awarded for various energy research projects.
The NCERC will use the funding to develop ways to better utilize co-products of corn-based ethanol production to gain new markets. The NCERC and its research partners were among only four groups in the Midwest to receive funding as a result of STAC's Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy Science Solicitation.
"The funding will allow the NCERC, working with its research partners on this project, to better ensure the economic future of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants," says Martha Schlicher, director of the NCERC at SIU Edwardsville. The NCERC's research partners are Washington University in St. Louis, Emerson Process Management, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Schlicher said the research project is made possible in part because of preliminary work funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Division of Renewable Fuels. The research focuses on Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles, or DDGS, which is a co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol production.
"Used as animal feed for cattle, poultry, and swine, DDGS is an important part of the overall economic value of dry-grind ethanol production," Schlicher explained. "This funding will help ensure the continued success of these ethanol plants that are located throughout this country, existing in rural communities across the Corn Belt."
The research being conducted by the NCERC will help to determine what factors in the ethanol production process influence the quality of the DDGS. With this information in hand, fuel ethanol plants and corn growers will have better information with which to ensure they are delivering the highest value products to the marketplace. In addition, livestock producers will benefit as a result of the research which will provide a better feed product.
Some 35 proposals totaling $29 million were competing for the STAC funding, but only eight were chosen, representing state and regional Department of Energy offices, state research institutions, public and private universities, and other qualified organizations in response to the STAC solicitation for proposals. STAC is a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies.
The NCERC was constructed with state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and USDA Agricultural Research Services funds secured with the help of Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
The mission of NCERC's research is to assist in the long-term growth and sustainability of fuel ethanol production from corn by accelerating the commercialization of new technologies.
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February 3, 2005
SIUE Chosen As Host Of The 2005 Lincoln Academy Gala
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been chosen as the host of the 2005 Lincoln Academy convocation and investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball on Saturday, April 30. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries.
The gala event will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center. The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established in 1965 to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens who have brought honor to the state by their achievements.
"We are honored to be chosen to host this prestigious event on the SIUE campus," SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said. Vandegrift is currently pulling together a group of civic volunteers to help plan the event. "This is a great opportunity for the University to partner with the community in showing the entire state our Southern Illinois brand of hospitality."
Gov. Blagojevich recently announced that six world-famous Illinoisans-who have excelled in communications, business, education, sports, science, and social service-will receive the Order of Lincoln Medallion at the SIUE event. The award is the highest that can be bestowed by the state.
This year's Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois are: Edward Brennan, retired chairman, president, and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; David S. Broder, Washington Post political correspondent who received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary; Nick Holonyak Jr., head of the University of Illinois' Micro and Nano Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; George E. Inglett, innovator and marketer of corn and soybean-based weight loss and fat replacement products that have improved the health of millions of people around the world; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Sports Illustrated "Female Athlete of the 20th Century" and Olympic gold medalist; and Stephanie Pace Marshall, an international leader, speaker, and writer on the issues of educational innovation, schooling re-design, gifted education, and mathematics and science education.
Lincoln Academy Chancellor John B. Simon of Chicago will preside over the April 30 ceremony. The traditional reception, banquet and ball will follow the ceremony.
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February 3, 2005
Ionesco's Gem, The Bald Soprano, To Run Feb. 16-20 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.)Playwright Eugene Ionesco defined what he called "theater of derision"-which is commonly referred to as the "theater of the absurd"-when he introduced The Bald Soprano to the world in 1950. Southern Illinois audiences will be able to enjoy the play again when it runs Feb. 16-20 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
A Romanian, living in France and writing in French, Ionesco referred to The Bald Soprano (originally titled The Bald Prima Donna) as an "anti-play," a concept embraced by Peter Bukalski, director of this upcoming production of Ionesco's gem.
The English version of the play runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Feb. 16-19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, all in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater, located behind the Vadalabene Center.
"I love The Bald Soprano because it works against our expectations of what a play should be," Bukalski said. The director, a professor of Theater and Dance at SIUE, may be remembered for his 1990 directorial effort at SIUE, The Three penny Opera.
Ionesco was a fervent believer in human rights and a longtime foe of political tyranny. His work conveyed what he viewed as humanity's struggle to survive in a society that he said formed barriers between human beings. Critics have said The Bald Soprano "satirizes the deadliness and idiocy of the daily life of a bourgeois society frozen in meaningless formalities." Bukalski said: "Ionesco labeled this work an 'anti-play' and it clearly satirizes theatrical traditions and the audiences' conventional expectations.
In this attack on the conformity and the banalities of everyday life, Ionesco demonstrates his belief that ordinary language has become 'fossilized' and devoid of significant meaning. He challenges us at every turn in The Bald Soprano, all the while reminding us that we are just watching a play, nothing more."
Bukalski also has made a statement of his own by introducing gender-bending among the characters. He also comments on society by using three different sets of actors to play the Smiths, the central characters. "The first Smith couple represents the 1950s; they're drinking martinis and smoking cigarettes. The second couple is the '60s, and they're smoking pot; while the third couple, from the '70s, snorts cocaine," Bukalski said.
"In keeping with Ionesco's satirization of bourgeois, everyday life, I'm trying to show that, although the times may change, couples pretty much stay the same. In society, we carry on with our mundane conversations and, whatever we think we are, at home we stay the same."
Why did he choose the Metcalf Theater instead of SIUE's Dunham Hall theater to stage the play? "It's an intimate space, which I think is perfect for this play," Bukalski said. "I think it will work well with Ionesco's juxtaposition of illusion against reality."
Tickets are $10; students, senior citizens, and SIUE employees, $6; and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
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February 3, 2005
SIUE School Of Nursing To Offer Credit Courses On-Line
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beginning in August, the Southern Illinois University School of Nursing will offer a 12-credit-hour program featuring online courses. The program is intended for registered nurses who supervise or provide direct care for older adults. Registration materials must be sent to arrive by July 1 for timely enrollment.
The SIUE program is designed to strengthen and expand the knowledge of registered nurses who work with the elderly in hospitals, home health agencies, long-term care, and other health care settings. Licensure as a registered nurse is required; nurses with an associate degree, diploma, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree are eligible to enroll.
The program will include four courses, each for three hours of academic credit. The courses will be delivered online with one or two classroom meetings in each course. Students need to possess basic knowledge of e-mail, internet, and word processing to participate.
Each course will be eight weeks in length; one course will begin at the start of the semester, the second will begin at mid-semester. Students enrolling in two courses each semester will complete the program in two semesters. Credit earned in this program may be transferable to the RN-BS program in the School of Nursing. Experienced nursing faculty will teach the courses.
Course content will include:
• The myths and stereotypes of aging;
• Normal aging process;
• Wellness approach to aging;
• Best practices with older adults;
• Geriatric syndromes;
• Commonly occurring chronic disorders;
• Family centered care;
• Social issues (depression, dementia, abuse);
• Culture change in long term care;
• Palliative and end-of-life care.
To save a spot in the new program, contact Mollie Fedor in the Department of Continuing Education, (618) 650-3215, or by e-mail; mfedor@siue.edu or Emily Coffin, (618) 650-3207, or by -mail: ecoffin@siue.edu.
The first class of the fall semester will begin the week of Aug. 22; registrants will be notified of a day, time, and location for an orientation session during that week.
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February 3, 2005
Applications Available For Carol Kimmel Scholarship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nomination-applications for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Carol Kimmel Scholarship are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center on campus. Deadline for the nomination is Monday, March 14. The scholarship is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
The annual scholarship was established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, as well as academic excellence. The scholarship was named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has dedicated her time and talent over the years to volunteerism.
For the scholarship, individuals may nominate a student, or students may nominate themselves, according to the following criteria:
• currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SIUE, with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate standing;
• an accumulative SIUE grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• demonstrated volunteer contributions within the last two years in leadership, service, and/or citizenship, including leadership in a student organization or at least one elected office;
• and more than 30 hours of nonpaid service to a community agency or community organization.
In addition, a nominee must provide two letters of documented university service and leadership from university employees, as well as two letters documenting community service and leadership from external community members.
In order for a student to be considered for a second Kimmel Scholarship, documentation submitted for previous Kimmel Scholarships will not be reconsidered. The scholarship provides one full year of tuition at the SIUE in-state rate.
Winners will be recognized Wednesday, April 27, at the 16th Annual Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program. For more information about nomination procedures or for a nomination-application form, call the Kimmel Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
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February 3, 2005
Applications Available For Carol Kimmel Community Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The deadline for filing nomination applications for the Carol Kimmel Community Service Awards, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 14.
Nomination-applications for the awards are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. The award is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
There are six award categories: education, social service-social welfare, environmental and civic betterment, regional leadership, agency/organizational concerns, and special populations. Winners will be recognized Wednesday, April 27, at the 16th Annual Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program at SIUE.
The awards were established to recognize outstanding community leaders for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has been very active in dedicating her time and talent to volunteerism.
Organizations, agencies, businesses, or individuals may nominate those who have been residents of Illinois or Missouri for at least two years and who are at least 16 years of age, and who have been a volunteer with at least one agency, organization, or business for at least two or more continuous years.
In addition, nominees must have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period of time; demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service (outside of the applicant's regular job duties), as well as a commitment to the citizens of Southern Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities.
Joint applications will not be accepted; prior recipients also are not eligible. Posthumous applications will be considered if the nominee has died in the past 12 months.
For more information about complete nomination guidelines, or for a nomination application form, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
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February 1, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
SIUE Dental School to Host Second Annual Give Kids A Smile Day
• What: More than 200 children will receive free dental care
• When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5 (A media conference is set for 10 a.m.)
• Where: SIUE School of Dental Medicine, Alton
Congressman Jerry Costello plans to attend this event that will serve more than 200 area children who are expected to participate in "Give Kids A Smile Day," sponsored by the SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton.
The SIUE/SDM will serve as the host site for the Metro East region, bringing together members of the Madison and St. Clair District dental societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the School of Dental Medicine and the Lewis & Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. These oral health professionals will provide free dental care, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions, for children who may not otherwise receive dental care.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. The day is also meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone can not solve this problem without a real commitment from government and society.
All children ages three to 13, who are eligible for public aid and/or the free lunch program, are invited to participate. Due to the need for signed parental permission and other documentation, Give Kids A Smile will serve only pre-registered children and children accompanied by a parent or guardian. While the event will continue until 3 p.m., parents wishing to ensure that their child will receive dental care on Give Kids A Smile Day should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m.
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February 1, 2005
SIUE School Of Education To Conduct Annual Open House Feb. 19
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University School of Education will conduct its second annual open house Saturday, Feb. 19, for prospective undergraduate students and their families.
"The event is a great opportunity for students interested in programs offered by the School of Education to tour and see specialized labs and equipment, while speaking with faculty, staff, and current students," said Julie Babington, director of Development for the School.
"They'll also have a chance to meet the 'Dean's Dozen,' a select group of students who have achieved academic excellence and have been chosen to help with student recruiting and serve as ambassadors on behalf of the School," Babington said. "Last year, we had more than 400 prospective students and family members, and we're expecting more this year."
Babington said visitors also will be able to meet with the School of Education Dean Elliott Lessen and associate deans, as well as department chairs, program directors and faculty. "They'll also be able to speak with SIUE admissions and financial aid counselors, while also generally exploring campus.
"In order to provide prospective students with the information that is of the most use, they also will be able to choose three separate breakout sessions in which to participate," Babington pointed out. "While at these sessions, the students will be able to obtain detailed information about prospective areas of studies."
The SIUE School of Education offers undergraduate programs in psychology, speech pathology/audiology, exercise wellness (kinesiology and health education), and the teaching fields of early childhood education, elementary education, special education, physical education, and secondary education.
For additional information and to pre-register, please visit the School of Education Web site: www.siue.edu/education, or call: (618) 650-3350.
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Retention Figures Increased For Spring Semester
Student retention continues to increase at SIUE as Spring Semester enrollment figures show continuing undergraduate enrollment up more than 230 students from spring semester 2004, according to Boyd Bradshaw, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management at SIUE.
The continuing undergraduate population for the current spring semester is at 9,309, compared with 9,076, at the same time last year. Overall, Spring Semester 2005 enrollment is steady at 12,600, compared with last spring's 12,597. Compared with spring 2002, spring enrollment is up by more than 1,000 students.
Bradshaw said he was pleased with the retention figures. "The increase in retention is an indication that students have a high level of investment in SIUE," Bradshaw said. "In addition to the retention increases, the School of Nursing continues to see an increase in its enrollment, with a current increase of more than 24 percent.
"Enrollment also has benefited from more students enrolling in pre-pharmacy curriculum with anticipation of applying to the new SIUE School of Pharmacy," he said. Bradshaw also noted that first-semester freshmen this past fall declared their majors at a higher rate than in past years. "This will have a more positive effect on both retention and graduation rates in the future."
SIUE's fall (2004) enrollment was 13,493, continuing a 10-year trend of enrollment growth. Fall enrollment was up about more than six percent over fall 2002.
Todd Burrell, Director of Admissions, said early projections for Fall '05 point to a slight growth in enrollment. "We believe that maintaining enrollment at a certain level best serves our students in terms of size of classes, access to professors, available resources and student services," Burrell said.
The admission application deadline for freshmen entering Fall '05 is May 1; for all other undergraduate students, including transfer students, the deadline is July 22. Graduate students also should submit applications no later than July 22. Additional information about applying for admission to SIUE is available online at www.admission.siue.edu.
Black Heritage Month Activities Set For February
SIUE will present its Eighth Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Remembering Our Past: Building Our Future.
Below is a calendar of events (any activities that have already occurred are dimmed):
• Photography Exhibit-Feb. 1-27, Morris University Center Gallery (second floor)-"Warriors, Dreamers, and Rhymers: An Extra-Literary Exhibit from the Eugene B. Redmond Collection."
• Opening Ceremony-11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center-Features readings by SIUE Professor Eugene Redmond, a performance by the Fundisha Dance Troupe, and a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by the SIUE Gospel Choir.
• Panel Discussion-Blacks, Television, and History, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center-Panelists include Diane White, the first black weathercaster in the nation who was with what was then known as KSD-TV in St. Louis; Bernie Hayes, former host of historic television programs, "Soul Brotherhood" and "Black Circle Hour," in St. Louis; and Donn Johnson, a reporter and television anchor for 20 years in St. Louis.
• Steve Birdine, speaking about "I Never Thought About It That Way: Linking Black History and Taking Responsibility for Your Own Success," 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center.
• Voyage Through Africa, 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, Goshen Lounge-A family event with audience interaction, featuring storytelling by African Culture Specialist Janice Lesane Katambwa.
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Meridian Ballroom; admission, $12.50; students, $8.
• Forum Discussion-African American Women and Community Building-11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9, Goshen Lounge.
• Film and Panel Discussion-Emmett Till: A Tragedy Remembered, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, John C. Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of Lovejoy Library-Panelists will discuss the film, exploring the impact of Emmett Till's death in 1955 by a lynch mob and its effect on the Civil Rights Movement.
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Feb. 10-11, in Goshen Lounge-Offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• Panel discussion, "Sudan: Three Degrees of Genocide," noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, Mississippi Room, Morris University Center- Discussion will center on the genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. The discussion is co-sponsored by Iota Phi Theta fraternity.
• Performance by the SIUE Concert Jazz Band, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10-Goshen Lounge.
• Second Annual Gospel Explosion-6-10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, Meridian Ballroom-This event features poetry, rap, praise dance, and gospel music.
• Open forum-Mental Slavery Today, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, Goshen Lounge-Explores the physical slavery of black ancestors and how it contributed to "mental slavery of the present African-American generation today." Sponsored by SIUE's Black Student Union.
• Storytelling with Rudy Wilson-11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, Goshen Lounge-Wilson, SIUE assistant provost for cultural and social diversity, will weave tales of faith, hope, survival, and courage, illustrating African and African-American contributions to American history.
• Lecture-Sudan: From Slavery to Freedom-7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, Goshen Lounge-Francis Bok, a former slave from the Sudan, will share his life story and speak about issues of slavery and genocide in Africa and in the world.
• Divine Nine-7-10 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, Meridian Ballroom-The National Pan-Hellenic Council, consisting of the nine predominately black Greek organizations on college campuses, will showcase their national programmatic initiatives, both as individual organizations and as a unified body.
• Black Heritage Month Game Show-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, Goshen Lounge-Contestants compete concerning their knowledge about blacks in the entertainment world.
• Cosby's Comments: Criticism and Controversy-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, Goshen Lounge-Panel discussion about recent statements by comedian Bill Cosby that ignited comments from black leaders, the media, and others.
• Keepers of the Dream: Part III-6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, Meridian Ballroom-Carl Mack, president of the Seattle chapter of the NAACP, will speak about the importance of cultural awareness in today's society. Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.
• Blacks, Bullets, and Brigades-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, Goshen Lounge-A panel discussion, reviewing the historical and current role played by African Americans in the U.S. military.
• Seventh Annual Black Heritage Month Talent Show-7-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, Meridian Ballroom-Tickets are $3; students, $2.
Black Theatre Workshop-7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 25-26, in Dunham Hall theater-A showcase of the works of African-American playwrights.
For more information, call the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
Dance Professor Studies Movement As A Window To The Human Condition
Dance has been an integral part of Professor J. Calvin Jarrell's life for as long as he can recall, but during the past decade or so he has made in-depth studies of the intricacies and patterns of movement as a way to understand the human condition.
Unlike the Zen archer who became the ultimate hunter, only to eventually transcend the bow and arrow, Jarrell claims to have grown even closer to the art and theory of dance. "I use what's known as Movement Pattern Analysis, a system developed by Warren Lamb, to study how a person approaches decision-making, for example," Jarrell said. Currently, Lamb is continuing his management consultancy and teaching activities, and is researching movement and gender, while traveling frequently between U.S. and Europe. He also is chair of the Labanotation Institute at the University of Surrey, England.
Jarrell recently returned from South Africa, where he was a guest lecturer at the Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus in Johannesburg. There he worked with students and CIDA administrators in presenting a month-long workshop in team development. "African culture is filled with movement, dance, and song, so they could relate immediately to what I was trying to show them," Jarrell said.
Located in the heart of Johannesburg, CIDA City Campus serves students from disadvantaged communities throughout South Afruca. "At CIDA the students acquire much more than an academic degree," Jarrell said. "They control the daily operations of the university, from administrative duties to cooking and maintenance.
Jarrell said the students are considered the owners and the principal stakeholders. "You can definitely feel a different kind of energy and a sense of pride when you walk into the buildings," he said.
As for teaching the workshop, Jarrell said he had his work cut out for him. "The workshop participants, a group of black Africans, were skeptical about what a white guy from the United States could possibly know or understand about their own culture, but I did win their trust eventually," Jarrell said.
"At the end, they showed gracious appreciation for the work that I did with them by honoring me with a song and a dance."
In addition to teaching, Jarrell found time to explore the culture and environment outside the big city. This included visits to game preserves and to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. "After working with the workshop participants and becoming steeped in African culture, I came away with an even better sense of dance and how it can be a vehicle for human communication.
"I can apply the philosophy and theory of dance movement to my work in Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA), which is about body knowledge, body wisdom, and how our movement patterns affect our daily lives," Jarrell explained. "It's about body consciousness."
Jarrell also had the opportunity to use MPA to work with a group of executives from ESKOM (Electricity Supply Commisson), South Africa's largest electric utility. As a result, he was invited to participate in a drumming session with the ESKOM executives. "It was an exercise in team development," Jarrell said.
"Team development is something the South Africans are very interested in exploring further as a way of strengthening the economic development in their country," Jarrell said. "They are very interested in learning a wide variety of ways to work together to foster greater understanding and cooperation, while maintaining traditional African culture.
"The drumming sessions are definitely a strong element to team building. I think if every faculty meeting at SIUE opened with a drumming session, we'd get a lot more done," Jarrell said with a laugh. "I was also invited to participate in a traditional 'la-hote-lah,'" he said, "which is very similar to the Native American 'talking stick' ceremony. Everyone sits in a circle and participants are allowed to speak without interruption about their concerns regarding the company. Everyone is required to listen with an open mind until the speaker has finished."
But, it was the movement sessions that the workshop participants seemed to enjoy most. "Because their culture is steeped in dance, the role of movement as part of education is a very strong motivator," Jarrelle said.
"I find that MPA helps me merge deeper into dance, blending it with the theoretical study of movement in our lives. And, as it's used in team development, it can be a tool to understand someone's personal style of decision-making. It's not about body language or gestures," Jarrell said. "It's about integrated movement or how we merge our postures and gestures into movement 'phrases' that have a cohesive reflection throughout the entire body.
"Each of us has a unique style or manner in how we arrive at decisions or how we commit to action," Jarrell said. "We also have a unique way in how we choose to involve or not involve others in our decision-making.
"Many conflicts can occur in the workplace because of a lack of understanding about these various modes of interaction and of an individual's preferred style of decision-making," he said.
"MPA can have a profound influence on the understanding of ourselves and others, and how we work and interact with one another."
Nomination Packets Available To Faculty, Staff, Students For Kimmell Community Service Awards, Scholarship
Nomination-applications for the SIUE Carol Kimmel Scholarship and Community Service Award for Faculty and Staff are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center on campus. Deadline for the nominations is Monday, March 14.
The annual service award and scholarship were established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, as well as for academic excellence, and for faculty and staff who are community volunteers.
The awards were named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has been very active in dedicating her time and talent to volunteerism. The awards are co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
For the scholarship, individuals may nominate a student, or students may nominate themselves, according to the following criteria:
• currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SIUE, with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate standing;
• an accumulative SIUE grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• demonstrated volunteer contributions within the last two years in leadership, service, and/or citizenship, including leadership in a student organization or at least one elected office;
• and more than 30 hours of nonpaid service to a community agency or community organization.
In addition, a nominee must provide two letters of documented university service and leadership from university employees, as well as two letters documenting community service and leadership from external community members.
In order for a student to be considered for a second Kimmel Scholarship, documentation submitted for previous Kimmel Scholarships will not be reconsidered.
The scholarship provides one full year of tuition at the SIUE in-state rate.
For the community service award for staff or faculty, the following criteria apply:
• Organizations, agencies, businesses, or individuals, including colleagues, may nominate those who they have known through professional association for at least two years;
• who have been a full-time, continuing employee of SIUE for at least two years;
• who have demonstrated continuous service to a single community agency, organization, or business for at least two years.
• who have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period of time; and
• who have demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service, as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri.
Nominees must document leadership roles and responsibilities, and provide two letters of recommendation. Prior recipients are ineligible to apply. Only community service unrelated to a nominee's job duties will be considered. Posthumous nominations will be considered if the nominee died during the past 12 months. Past recipients are not eligible to re-apply.
Winners will be recognized Thursday, April 1, at the Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet. For more information about nomination procedures or for a nomination-application form, call the Kimmel Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
Ionesco's The Bald Soprano Opens Feb. 16 At The James F. Metcalf Theater
Eugene Ionesco defined what he called "theater of derision"-which is commonly referred to as the theater of the absurd-when he introduced The Bald Soprano to the world in 1950.
A Romanian, living in France and writing in French, Ionesco referred to The Bald Soprano (originally titled The Bald Prima Donna) as an "anti-play," a concept embraced by Peter Bukalski, director of SIUE's upcoming production of Ioensco's gem.
"I love The Bald Soprano because it works against our expectations of what a play should be," Bukalski said. The director, a professor of Theater and Dance, may be remembered for his 1990 directorial effort at SIUE, The Threepenny Opera.
The Bald Soprano will open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, and will continue at the same curtain time through Saturday, Feb. 19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, all in the James F. Metcalf Theater, located behind the Vadalabene Center.
Ionesco was a fervent believer in human rights and a longtime foe of political tyranny. His work conveyed what he viewed as humanity's struggle to survive in a society that he said formed barriers between human beings. A militant anti-communist, he had long campaigned from exile against the authoritarian regime of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who banned his plays.
Critics have said The Bald Soprano satirizes the deadliness and idiocy of the daily life of a bourgeois society frozen in meaningless formalities. "Ionesco labeled this work an 'anti-play' and it clearly satirizes theatrical traditions and the audiences' conventional expectations," Bukalski said.
"In this attack on the conformity and the banalities of everyday life, Ionesco demonstrates his belief that ordinary language has become 'fossilized' and devoid of significant meaning.
"He challenges us at every turn in The Bald Soprano, all the while reminding us that we are just watching a play, nothing more."
Bukalski also has made a statement of his own by introducing "gender-bending" among the characters. He also comments on society by using three different sets of actors to play the Smiths, the central characters. "The first Smith couple represents the 1950s; they're drinking martinis and smoking cigarettes. The second couple is the '60s, and they're smoking pot; while the third couple, from the '70s, snorts cocaine," Bukalski said.
"In keeping with Ionesco's satirization of bourgeois, everyday life, I'm trying to show that, although the times may change, couples pretty much stay the same. In society, we carry on with our mundane conversations and, whatever we think we are, at home we stay the same."
Why did he choose the Metcalf Theater to stage the play? "It's an intimate space, which I think is perfect for this play," Bukalski said. "I think it will work well with Ionesco's juxtaposition of illusion and reality."
Tickets for The Bald Soprano may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SIUE Alums Are Recipients Of 40-Under-40 Awards From The St. Louis Business Journal
Three successful SIUE alumni are among the winners of the annual St. Louis Business Journal "40 Under 40" Awards, sponsored by the Washington University Olin School of Business in St. Louis.
Sherry Mohr Hausmann, who earned a bachelor's in Nursing in 1987, and Michael Schoedel and Kathryn Szedlar, who each earned MBAs in 1992 and 2000, respectively, will receive their awards Thursday, Feb. 3, at a dinner at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
Hausmann, who recently became president of St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, Mo., part of the SSM Healthcare System, is leading a hospital of about 950 employees and a medical staff of 725. She's also in charge of bringing on line a $215 million SSM hospital in Fenton, which eventually will replace the Kirkwood facility.
Joining SSM in 1998 as director of surgical services at DePaul Health Center, Hausmann was promoted to vice president of specialty and ambulatory services less than two years later and then became executive vice president and chief operating officer.
As COO at DePaul, she helped increase admissions and labor productivity, as well as DePaul's market share, all in four years.
Schoedel, who has been city manager of Clayton, Mo., since last year, began his career after graduation with a regional planning commission in Indiana. From there, he returned to the St. Louis area as city manager of Richmond Heights, Mo., from 1998 until he took the position in Clayton.
Schoedel was instrumental in shepherding several high-profile developments during his tenure in Richmond Heights, including The Boulevard Development, just east of the Galleria on Brentwood Boulevard, and several projects totaling $24 million, such as the Richmond Heights public service garage, a recreation complex, a public library, and a public safety building. As Clayton city manager, Schoedel also is involved in efforts to increase density in downtown Clayton, including residential development
Szedlar, who is executive vice president and chief operating officer for Partners Bank in Glen Carbon, is responsible for daily operations, managing the organization's investments, and supervising accounting functions at the bank, to name a few. Before joining the Partners staff, Szedlar was at First Bank for eight years as vice president and credit department manager, among other titles.
Helping a "start-up" bank, such as Partners, from concept to reality was a challenge for Szedlar but one that was rewarding, she said. Her immediate career goal is to continue overseeing the growth and development of Partners Bank, which she said is now poised for growth. The bank has about $140 million in assets.
Events At SIUE Raise Funds For Tsunami Disaster Victims
Two campus-wide fund-raising events at SIUE were conducted to benefit the victims of the Dec. 26 Asian tsunami disaster, including a concert, and two basketball games. In addition, a walkathon is being planned for Feb. 27 which also will benefit victims of the disaster.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift hailed the response as an important show of the University's commitment to "global education and citizenship" in the face of sweeping tragedy. "We are united in our commitment to aiding and supporting the families of the victims of this tragic event," Vandegrift said. "These events provide opportunities for members of our academic community to reach out for this important need."
The Jan. 27 Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert by the SIUE Gospel Choir raised ($?) for the victims, while contributions totaling $? were collected this past weekend at two Cougar-Indianapolis basketball games, both in the Vadalabene Center.
The walkathon is set for Sunday, Feb. 27, at Korte Stadium, sponsored by the Master of Marketing Research Student Association. The time of the event will be announced later.
Other contributions may be sent to the SIUE Foundation, Birger Hall, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1082, attention the Tsunami Relief Fund.
Kendall To Return To Take Part In Suzuki Weekend
The SIUE Suzuki String Program will play host to SIUE Music Professor Emeritus John Kendall as he conducts classes at the Suzuki Weekend Workshop on March 5-6. Deadline for participation is Feb. 15.
Other clinicians include former SIUE graduates Goran Berg, of Livermore, Calif.; Celina Boldrey, of St. Louis; and Andrew Driscoll, of Chesterfield, Mo.
Joanne Bath, of Greenville, NC, and teachers from the Webster Community Music School and SIUE Suzuki faculty will instruct more than 200 young violin, viola, and cello students in technique, repertoire, jazz, and Swedish fiddling.
Kendall, of Takoma Park, Md., who founded the string program at SIUE in the early 1960s, taught for more than 24 years at the University before retiring in 1987. Even after "retirement," Kendall remained an active part of the University's music program until moving to Maryland in 1998.
A catered dinner is planned with Kendall and area Suzuki teachers at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, in the Morris University Center.
The final concert at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, March 6, is free and open to the public in Dunham Hall theater. For more information, contact the Office of the Suzuki String Program, (618) 650- 2839.
Scholarship Applications Available At Lovejoy Library
SIUE undergraduate students-with good academic standing and a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or above-are eligible to apply for the Ina Peabody Sledge Award. Application deadline is Feb. 23.
The award includes a stipend of $500; applicants will be selected on the following criteria that embody the positive ideology of Ina Sledge:
· Strong pursuit of educational goals;
· Strong character and moral fortitude;
· Caring, motivated, and giving attitude; and
· Active community involvement.
Preference will be given to students who are residents of Alorton, Brooklyn, Centreville, East St. Louis, Venice, and Washington Park.
Sledge, a native of East St. Louis, served as Education Librarian at Lovejoy Library from 1983 until her death in 1998. During 30 years of service at the University, she worked in a number of positions including head of the East St. Louis Center Library.
Colleagues said Sledge's caring, giving attitude motivated and encouraged students to pursue educational goals. She recognized and valued strong character and moral fortitude, co-workers said.
The Ina Peabody Sledge Award will to be given in the spring at the SIUE Honors Convocation on April 17. Applications are available on-line: www.library.siue.edu.
GLVC Men's Basketball Race Tightening Up
SIUE men's basketball remains in the thick of a tight Great Lakes Valley Conference race that will come down to the wire. The Cougars are 18-5 overall and 11-3 in conference action, one game behind Southern Indiana for first place.
"This is a tough league," said SIUE coach Marty Simmons. "The neat thing about this is that with six games to go we are competing for a championship."
SIUE continues a four-game road trip this week, traveling to battle Quincy on Thursday (2/9) and Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/11). The Quincy Hawks have won four games in a row and seven of their last nine contests. "They are a balanced team," said Simmons. "They are shooting the ball extremely well right now, and they are as hot as any team in the league. It's going to be a tough test."
The Cougars continue to build around a solid defense, giving up a GLVC-leading 60.6 points per game.
Senior Dan Heimos (Waterloo) is one of the reasons for SIUE's strong defense. Heimos, who transferred from the University of Nebraska after his sophomore season, became SIUE's all-time blocks leader with 104 blocks in his career. "For a guy to set a record at a four-year school only being here two years, is quite an accomplishment," said Simmons. "Dan is a very intelligent basketball player. He's got good anticipation and good timing. I am really happy for Dan." Heimos' abilities are not limited to the defensive end as he ranks second in GLVC field goal percentage (65.2) and leads SIUE in rebounding at 6.7 boards a game.
J.B. Jones (Belleville) continues to show why he should be considered for GLVC Freshman of the Year. Jones notched 46 points in two games over the weekend, scoring 24 in the win over UW-Parkside this past Thursday. Jones hit the game-winning shot with two seconds left and was a perfect 9 of 9 from the free throw line. "J.B. was just outstanding down the stretch at the free throw line and making big shots," said Simmons.
The Cougars will be at Pepsi Arena in Quincy on Thursday (2/10) night before visiting the Mark Twain Center and Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday night (2/12). Both games tip off at 7:30 p.m.
Women's Basketball Viewing Every Game As "Huge"
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg knows that every game is a "huge game" the rest of the season if her team wants to compete in the postseason Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
If the season ended today, the Cougars, 10-13 overall and 5-9 in league play, would be the eighth and final seed in the tournament. "We are on the bubble," said Hedberg. "We have to take care of our own business and not worry about anyone else."
The Cougars continue a four-game road swing, traveling to GLVC leading Quincy on Thursday (2/10) and then to Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12). The Cougars defeated both the Hawks and the Riverwomen earlier in the season at the Vadalabene Center.
"Quincy plays really tough at home," said Hedberg. "That is going to be a difficult game because we got one here. UMSL is a big rivalry. They play hard and are going to come at you for 40 minutes."
Freshman guard Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) became the single-season record holder for three-pointers in a season over the weekend. Sykes has scored 59 three-pointers this season making at least one for 21 consecutive games. "She works very hard at her shooting," said Hedberg. " I just see good things ahead for her. She is really going to be a tough guard in this league."
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) leads SIUE with 11.7 points per game after two solid performances this past weekend. McMillen netted 21 points in the loss to Lewis on Saturday, making 11 of 13 from the free throw line notching 83.9 percent free throws this season. "She is playing hard right now," said Hedberg. "She is doing a good job getting to the free throw line."
The Cougars will be in Quincy on Thursday (2/10) at 5:15 before visiting Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12) at 5:30.
Weeden Smashing Records
As the SIUE men's indoor track travels to the DePauw Invitational this weekend, senior Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) will find it hard to improve his mark from this past weekend.
Weeden broke his own school record twice, becoming the first Cougar to record a weight throw of better than 60 feet in indoor events. Weeden notched a throw of 59-5 (18.11 meters) on Friday (2/4) at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale. Then at the Titan Open in Bloomington on Saturday (2/5) he muscled his way to a throw of 60-3.75 (18.38 meters).
It is the third longest toss among those qualifying for the NCAA Division II indoor championships. "Lee just amazes me every week," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "He's come so far in the weight (throw) this year and I know that with his training he's looking to do even more."
Anthony Weber (Marengo) also became a school recorded holder in the pole vault over the weekend at 15-5.75. Weber becomes the 11th person in the nation to post a provisional NCAA qualifying mark in the pole vault. "Anthony just goes out every week and puts together very solid performances," said Beyers. "His consistent and steady improvement really shows that a break out meet is on the horizon soon."
Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) also provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.15.
The Cougars will get a good indication of its chances for the GLVC Championships this weekend at the DePauw Invitational, as it will feature five Great Lakes Valley Conference teams.
Women's Track Gets Five More Provisional Qualifiers
SIUE women's track looks to continue its success in the indoor season at the DePauw Invitational this weekend.
The Cougars picked up five more NCAA provisional qualifiers over the weekend at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale and the Titan Open in Bloomington.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) and Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) set school records in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash. Sawyer broke Levy's record in the 200 by running 25.54. Levy broke her own record in the 400 by running 57.30. Both marks improve NCAA provisional qualifying marks. "Jessica continues to perform and impress every time she steps on the track," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "Tairisha was definitely aiming to reach the time she ran. I'm sure we'll be seeing even better things in the coming weeks."
Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) provisionally qualified in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.90. "It was great to see Brittany put a complete race together in her 200," said Beyers.
The women's 4 X 400-meter relay team also sprinted to an improved time to provisionally qualify for the NCAA indoor meet. The group of Levy, Valerie Simmons (St. Louis, Mo.), Sawyer and Jenny Jaquez (Aurora) ran the event in 3:53.29. "I'm really looking forward to bringing the teams together next week and re- focusing on some team goals as we aim to defend our conference titles."
The Cougars will get a good indication of its chances for the GLVC Championships this weekend at the DePauw Invitational as it will feature five Great Lakes Valley Conference teams.
Wrestling Travels To CMSU Jamboree
SIUE wrestling will be back in Warrensburg, Mo., for the Central Missouri State Jamboree this Saturday (2/12). SIUE will battle Central Missouri State, Fort Hays State, Southwest State, Indianapolis, and Upper Iowa at the meet.
The Cougars went 0-2-1 during a recent quadrangle at Truman State for a record of 2-11-1 on the season. SIUE fell to Truman State 30-16 and Eastern Illinois 33-16 before tying Newman (Kan.) 18-18.
Senior Brandon Lorek (Bensenville) picked up three wins at the Truman State meet to improve his record to 16-13 on the season at 197 pounds and heavyweight. "He wrestled great," said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. "That is the best I have seen him wrestle all year. He kept after it."
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) continued his successful season, going 3-0 at 157 pounds to go to 17-14 on the year. "He is just an animal," said Whelan. "He mentally breaks down his opponents, and he gets the job done."
Sophomore Steve Chico (Hammond, Ind) ran his mark with 15-13 overall with three wins at 133 pounds during the meet.
Men's Tennis Faces Lindenwood
The SIUE men's tennis team returns to action against Lindenwood at King's Point in Belleville on Friday (2/11) at 1 p.m.
The Cougars are 0-1 on the young season, falling to Saint Louis University 7-2 on Jan. 28.
SIUE picked up a win on the double's side and one on the singles side thanks to Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville). Reznack won at No. 5 singles 6-0, 6-1 after he and Andy Renner (Belleville) won at No. 3 doubles 8-5.
Renner lost his No. 6 singles match after winning the first set 7-5, he fell in the final two 6-2, 10-5.
Justin Free (Danville) battled No. 2 singles for SIUE losing the first set 6-3, but coming back for a second set 6-3 win, before falling in 7-5 in the final set.
Weeden Breaks 60-foot Barrier
Lee Weeden became SIUE's first athlete to record a toss of 60 feet in the indoor weight throw and broke the school record twice over the weekend's events.
Weeden began his quest on Friday (2/4) with a throw of 59-5 (18.11 meters) at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale. He then ventured up to the Titan Open in Bloomington and muscled his way to a throw of 60-3.75 (18.38 meters). It is the third longest toss among those qualifying for the NCAA Division II indoor championships.
Weeden also improved his shot put markto 51-7.75 (15.74 meters).
Anthony Weber became the 11th person in the nation to post a provisional NCAA qualifying mark in the pole vault. He set a school record at 15-5.75.
On the women's side, Tairisha Sawyer and Jessica Levy set school records in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash, respectively. Sawyer broke Levy's record in the 200 by running 25.54. Levy broke her own record in the 400 by running 57.30. Both marks improve NCAA provisional qualifying marks.
The women's 4 X 400-meter relay team also sprinted to a improved time to qualify for the national meet. The group of Levy, Valerie Simmmons, Sawyer and Jenny Jaquez ran the event in 3:53.29.
The Cougars placed third at the McDonald's Invitational but bested Division I schools Vanderbilt, Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Illinois.
Heimos Sets Blocks Record In Road Loss
Dan Heimos (Waterloo) set a career record for blocks at SIUE; however, the men's basketball Cougars suffered a road loss at Lewis 69-62.
The Cougars lost to Lewis despite a 22-point effort from J.B. Jones and 14 points from Heimos. Randy Wright lifted the Flyers with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
With the loss, SIUE is now 18-5 overall and 11-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Lewis improved to 9-12 and 4-10 in the GLVC.
Heimos now has 104 blocks in his career at SIUE, passing Antone Gallishaw, who blocked 102 shots during the 1988-90 seasons. Heimos' record-breaker came at the 9:54 mark of the first half against Lewis when he thwarted a layup by Steve Turner.
SIUE now turns its attention to the second half of its four-game road trip. The Cougars next face Quincy on Thursday (2/10) at 7:30 p.m.
Lewis Hands SIUE 81-71 Loss
SIUE suffered its fourth straight setback Saturday (2/5) with an 81-71 loss at Lewis.
Lewis, 12-9 overall and 9-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, led for all but three minutes of the game. The Flyers finished with five players in double figures with Mary Moskal leading the way with 17 points.
SIUE, 10-13 and 5-9 in the GLVC, picked up a season-high 21 points from Julianne McMillen. Whitney Sykes added 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Lewis led at halftime 37-27 and built a second-half lead as much as 17 points. The Cougars were strong from the field throw line, hitting 23 of 26 shots. However, SIUE didn't shoot as well from the field, scoring 4 of 22 from three-point range (18.2 percent) and 22 of 56 (39.3 percent) overall.
After building its halftime lead, Lewis got stronger in the second half. The Flyers shot 53 percent from the field in the second half.
SIUE now heads to Quincy for a meeting on Thursday (2/10) against the Hawks. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Starts Crucial Road Swing
With six of its final eight regular season games on the road, SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons says it won't be easy to win the school's first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship.
"We are very fortunate. There is no doubt about it," said Simmons. "It is up to us to use that as motivation as we prepare for these games. We need to take that enthusiasm and energy on the road with us."
The seventh-ranked Cougars are 17-4 overall and 10-2 in the GLVC, tied for first with Southern Indiana as they begin a four game road trip. SIUE travels to play UW-Parkside on Thursday (2/3). "They (UW-Parkside) are really hard to guard," said Simmons. "They shoot three-pointers very well. They will be ready for us."
Following the matchup with the Rangers, SIUE visits Romeoville on Saturday (2/5) to face Lewis.
SIUE split its last two games over the weekend defeating Northern Kentucky and falling to Indianapolis for its first home loss this season.
In the win over the Norse, seniors Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Dan Heimos (Waterloo) each recorded double-doubles. Bauersachs and Heimos rank in the top four in the conference in field goal percentage, while being No. 1 and No. 2 on the team in scoring and rebounds. "What he (Bauersachs) does for the team is unbelievable," said Simmons. "The leadership he brings to this basketball team is immeasurable. Heimos has worked his way into that same boat. They both mean so much to our team."
Fellow senior Calvin Sykes (Chicago) netted a season-best 18 points in the loss to the Greyhounds. Sykes, who was trouble by a knee injury at the beginning of the year, is playing up to form. "He (Calvin) was really aggressive to the basket and let his offense come to him," said Simmons. "That is nice to see."
Freshman J.B. Jones (Belleville) continues his solid play with averaging 9.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. "He is solid as a rock," said Simmons. "He is a lot like Bauersachs. He does what it takes for his team to win."
SIUE continues to lead the GLVC in scoring defense (60.0 points per game) and field goal percentage defense (39.7 percent). "We have to get back to paying attention to details," said Simmons. "That has what has got us to 17 wins. Our guys have been willing to give a lot of effort and pay attention to details -- to do the little things right."
The Cougars face off against the Rangers on Thursday night (2/3) at 5:30 and battling the Flyers on Saturday (2/5) at 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball Set For Four-Game Trip
After losing three of their last four games, SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg believes that her team has to play like "there is no tomorrow" in the final eight regular season games .
The Cougars currently sit in seventh place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, with eight of the 11 teams making the postseason tournament. SIUE has a record of 10-11 overall and 5-7 in league play. "We have to find ourselves and play with the same energy and confidence we had when we were winning," said Hedberg. "We need to go back to the basics and fine tune everything for the stretch run."
Of their final eight games, the Cougars play six of eight games on the road with five of those contests coming against teams that are ahead of SIUE in the GLVC. "They are not going to be easy games," said Hedberg. "The two that we have at home are going to be tough."
SIUE travels north to face UW-Parkside on Thursday (2/3), then visit Lewis for another tough matchup on Saturday (2/5). "They are going to be ready for us," said Hedberg. "Lewis is a tough place to play and so is Parkside. It is going to be a battle."
Even though the Cougars dropped two games over this past weekend, they did pick up some solid performance from two bench players.
Freshman Tiffany Sproat (Belleville) recorded a career-high 19 points in the contest versus Indianapolis, shooting 8 of 11 from the field. "Tiffany is starting to shoot the ball better in practice," said Hedberg. "She is a competitor. She plays hard, and she is on the floor for everything. She gives us that extra boost or energy that we need."
Sophomore Jamie Kennedy (Colfax) came in off the bench to chip in a season-high 10 points while grabbing six rebounds against the Greyhounds. "She came in and had a great game," said Hedberg. "I was happy to see her play well."
Freshman Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) needs just three three-pointers to break the school record for threes made in a season, at 57.
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) and Sykes rank first on the team in scoring at 11.1 points a contest.
SIUE will be in Kenosha, Wis., Thursday (2/3) to face the Rangers at 5:30 p.m. and then on to Lewis on Saturday (2/5) at 1 p.m.
Men's, Women's Track Improve Provisional Qualifying Marks
SIUE men's and women's track and field will split up to the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open and the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale this weekend. That move comes after the Cougars picked up more NCAA provisional qualifiers over the weekend at the Illinois State Redbird Invitational on Saturday (1/29).
"All in all we had another successful weekend; we need to continue to stay focused and work hard at practice," said SIUE Men's Track and Field coach David Astrauskas.
The Cougars had only six performers at the indoor event. Senior Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) broke the school record in the 20-pound weight throw with a toss of 17.90 meters (58-08.75 feet). He finished second in the event and the throw, the fourth longest in the nation, improved his NCAA provisional qualifying mark. "Lee again had another big performance," said Astrauskas. "One of our goals before the season started was to break the SIUE school record."
On the women's side, Holly Noller (Pawnee) provisionally qualified for the national championships in the shot put with a throw of 13.44 meters (44-01.25 feet). Noller's throw was the longest for SIUE this season. "Holly is a great competitor who was very determined to have a good performance this past weekend," said Astrauskas. "Holly has come a long way from the ACL tear that she suffered at the outdoor conference meet last season."
Senior Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) finished first in the mile, setting a season-best time of 5 minutes, 14.81 seconds in the event.
Wrestling Faces Three Teams At Truman State
The SIUE wrestling team travels to Kirksville, Mo., this weekend for the Truman State Quadrangle on Saturday (2/5) at 5 p.m.
The Cougars have a record of 2-9 on the year after falling at Central Missouri State 21-14 last Thursday (1/27).
SIUE trailed 15-14 heading into the final two matches. After a double forfeit at 197 pounds, senior Brandon Lorek (Bensenville) lost at heavyweight with a fall in 4:11 to give the Mules the win.
Freshman Eric Scholle (Waukegan) improved his record to 7-2 on the season with a win at 174 pounds. Scholle has won his last three matches.
Sophomore Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) continued his solid season with a win at 149 pounds to run his mark to 12-9 on the season.
Fellow sophomore Scott Audo (Glenarm) notched a win at 125 pounds for SIUE as he improves to 6-12 on the season.
Junior Jamie Johnson (Woodward, Okla.) received his fourth win this year at 157 pounds, defeating Central Missouri's Andrew Hicklin 3-0 in a tightly contested match.
The Cougars battle Truman State, Eastern Illinois, and Carson Newman on Saturday (2/5).
Weeden, Noller Post Qualifying Marks
SIUE men's and women's track and field received another solid performances in the indoor from Lee Weeden and Holly Noller at Illinois State University today.
Weeden broke the school record in the 20-pound weight throw with a toss of 17.90 meters (58-08.75 feet). He finished second in the event and the throw, the fourth longest in the nation, improves his NCAA provisional qualifying mark.
Noller set the tone on the women's side, provisionally qualifying in the shot put with a throw of 13.44 meters(44-01.25 feet). Noller throw was the longest for SIUE this season.
Senior Christen Carducci finished first in the mile, setting a season-best time of 5 minutes, 14.81 seconds, in the event.
The Cougars will be back in action at the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open on Saturday (2/6).
BOT Approves Two Honorary Degrees For Commencement At SIUE
One of the greatest female athletes of all time and an historian who edited and annotated the 19th Century journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, have been chosen to receive honorary degrees at the May 7 commencement, according to action taken by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting last week.
However, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, one of the recipients chosen, has notified the board she will be unable to attend because of scheduling conflicts. University officials said another candidate will be chosen for the May 7 commencement and she will receive her award at a later date.
The other recipient is Gary Evan Moulton, retired Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of American History at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Moulton produced 13 scholarly volumes and a single abridged volume that contain the accounts written by members of Lewis and Clark's historic Corps of Discovery.
During the winter of 1803-04, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set up camp at what later became the city of Wood River as members of the expedition readied for exploration of the Louisiana Territory, newly acquired by the United States under then-President Thomas Jefferson. The president had charged the explorers with mapping the territory and also finding a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Some 180 years later, Professor Moulton began the arduous and painstaking task of editing and annotating, for publication by the University of Nebraska Press, the various contemporary accounts written by the members of that historic expedition. To accomplish this feat, Moulton drew on several disciplines including botany, medicine, astronomy, cartography, as well as history.
SIUE Chosen As Host Of The 2005 Lincoln Academy Convocation And Investiture
SIUE has been chosen as the host of the 2005 Lincoln Academy convocation and investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball on Saturday, April 30. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries.
The gala event will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Delyte W. Morris University Center. The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established in 1965 to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens who have brought honor to the state by their achievements. "We are honored to be chosen to host this prestigious event on the SIUE campus," SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said.
Vandegrift is currently pulling together a group of civic volunteers to help plan the event. "This is a great opportunity for the University to partner with the community in showing the entire state our Southern Illinois brand of hospitality."
Gov. Blagojevich recently announced that six world-famous Illinoisans-who have excelled in communications, business, education, sports, science, and social service-will receive the Order of Lincoln Medallion at the SIUE event. The award is the highest that can be bestowed by the state.
This year's Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois are: Edward Brennan, retired chairman, president, and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; David S. Broder, Washington Post political correspondent who received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary; Nick Holonyak Jr., head of the University of Illinois' Micro and Nano Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; George E. Inglett, innovator and marketer of corn and soybean-based weight loss and fat replacement products that have improved the health of millions of people around the world; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Sports Illustrated "Female Athlete of the 20th Century" and Olympic gold medalist; and Stephanie Pace Marshall, an international leader, speaker, and writer on the issues of educational innovation, schooling re-design, gifted education, and mathematics and science education.
Lincoln Academy Chancellor John B. Simon of Chicago will preside over the April 30 ceremony. The traditional reception, banquet and ball will follow the ceremony.
Black Theater Workshop To Blend Culture, History
In an effort to blend culture and history through the performing arts, SIUE's Black Theater Workshop director Kathryn Bentley is enthusiastic about presenting three one-act plays that chronicle the African-American experience during the past 100 years.
The Annual Black Theatre Workshop, produced each year by the Department of Theatre and Dance, opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, and will continue at 7:30 p.m. that evening and at the same curtain time Saturday, Feb. 26, all in the Dunham Hall theater. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved or picked up through the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
The plays-woven together by song, dance, and visuals, all under the theme of "The Color Connection"-include Zora Neale Hurston's Color Struck, Ted Shine's Contribution, and the premiere of St. Louis playwright Gregory S. Carr's A Colored Funeral.
"These three plays take the audience on a cultural journey," Bentley said, "making stops in 1900, 1969, and present day. They highlight self identity, the quest for freedom and social-cultural reflection."
The Color Connection is a collaboration with the East St. Louis Performing Arts Center and the East St. Louis Charter School, with a performance ensemble that includes 11 SIUE students along with 10 students from the Charter School and the Performing Arts Center.
Bentley, a guest artist, joins Theodore Jamison, director of the Performing Arts Center, as choreographer for the production with Andrea Smythe as assistant choreographer and Associate Music Professor Reggie Thomas as musical director and accompanist.
Color Struck deals with the issues of color among blacks in the early 1900s. Emma, a darker-hued woman struggles with her feelings of inadequacy and is unable to return the affection given by John, her lighter-skinned lover. "Hurston's play is one of the premier contributors to the Harlem Renaissance era," Bentley pointed out. "Although it is rarely performed, its issues are still relevant even in today's society.
Bentley said Contribution was written during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the turmoil that Blacks lived through as they struggled for freedom and equality. "Eugene is a college student who is participating in a sit-in with some of his colleagues in hopes of integrating a 'whites only' lunch counter," Bentley explained. "He believes that his grandmother is too old to participate in the freedom marches and sit-ins. She reveals to him that she, too, is making a contribution to the struggle-in her own way."
Carr's A Colored Funeral is a satirical, comedic, poignant and sometimes irreverent look at death in the African-American community, Bentley said. "The excerpts of this work that will be performed span from a monologue of a little girl killed by a drive-by shooting, a vaudeville spoof of a character actually being late for his own funeral, and a satirical spoof on a Black funeral."
The director, an alumna of SIUE, is very enthusiastic about the collaboration with the East St. Louis staff and students. "It has been an extremely important part of this process," Bentley said. "There is so much talent there, with Theodore Jamison and Andrea Smythe, along with the professional Dunham Dancers. This is a great opportunity for our students on the Edwardsville campus to be exposed to that talent.
"Also, the students from the Charter School are benefiting from being part of this production, in which they are not only learning about life at the turn of the century, but are having the opportunity to perform on the main stage at Dunham Hall. This has been a wonderful experience.
"And to top it off, we are blessed to have the musical expertise of Reggie Thomas who is not only the musical director but is also performing in the show. SIUE students also will get a kick out of seeing Assistant Provost Rudy Wilson making a cameo appearance."
"I hope everyone leaves the production having learned something, having felt something, having remembered something," Bentley said. "I want people to take what they've experienced and discuss it over dessert. Each audience member should become a teacher-letting someone else know about what they've learned.
"Theater and the arts are the most tangible ways to transmit culture and history. Theatre-goers make an emotional investment when they allow themselves to experience a play. The Color Connection is an opportunity for audience members of all ethnic backgrounds to learn about some aspects of the African-American culture that may have been unfamiliar to them."
NCERC Among Only Eight Groups To Receive Grant
SIUE's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has been notified it is among eight awardees of funding from The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC). The award comes to $633,000, part of a total $6.4 million awarded for various energy research projects.
The NCERC will use the funding to develop ways to better utilize co-products of corn-based ethanol production to gain new markets. The NCERC and its research partners were among only four groups in the Midwest to receive funding as a result of STAC's Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy Science Solicitation.
"The funding will allow the NCERC, working with its research partners on this project, to better ensure the economic future of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants," says Martha Schlicher, director of the NCERC at SIU Edwardsville. The NCERC's research partners are Washington University in St. Louis, Emerson Process Management, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Schlicher said the research project also is made possible in part because of preliminary work funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Division of Renewable Fuels.
The research focuses on Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles, or DDGS, which is a co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol production. "Used as animal feed for cattle, poultry, and swine, DDGS is an important part of the overall economic value of dry-grind ethanol production," Schlicher explained. "This funding will help ensure the continued success of these ethanol plants that are located throughout this country, existing in rural communities across the Corn Belt."
The research being conducted by the NCERC will help to determine what factors in the ethanol production process influence the quality of the DDGS. With this information in hand, fuel ethanol plants and corn growers will have better information with which to ensure they are delivering the highest value products to the marketplace. In addition, livestock producers will benefit as a result of the research which will provide a better feed product.
Some 35 proposals totaling $29 million were competing for the STAC funding, but only eight were chosen, representing state and regional Department of Energy offices, state research institutions, public and private universities, and other qualified organizations in response to the STAC solicitation for proposals. STAC is a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies.
The NCERC was constructed with state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and USDA Agricultural Research Services funds secured with the help of Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
The mission of NCERC's research is to assist in the long-term growth and sustainability of fuel ethanol production from corn by accelerating the commercialization of new technologies.
Editor, Scholar, Poet J. Ward To Conduct Workshop Today In ESTL; Teaching Today On Campus
Editor and renowned scholar-poet Jerry Ward will conduct a workshop, "Words, Speech, History, and Musical Referents in the Poetry of Langston Hughes," at 6 p.m. today in Room 1007 (Library, Building B) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis.
Ward, a professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, is a renowned authority on African-American literature. He formerly served as professor and chair of the English Department at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Ward also has written and lectured on Southern literature, novelist Richard Wright, and poet-cultural historian Margaret Walker.
He also has authored or edited numerous creative and scholarly texts including "Trouble the Water: 250 Years of African American Poetry" and a teacher's guide for "Richard Wright: BLACK BOY."
At 12:30 today, Ward also will address students in the "Literature of the Third World" class in Room 3417 of Peck Hall. The class is taught by Eugene B. Redmond, a professor of English Language and Literature.
The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club is playing host for Ward's visit which is underwritten by the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project of the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Hughes (1902-2002) spent a part of his childhood in Lawrence.
The EBR Club is one of several organizations in the United States chosen to participate in a multi-year observance of Hughes's centennial. Howard Rambsy, a member of the Writers Club's Board of Directors and an assistant professor of English Language and Literature, is facilitator for the local event.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-3991, or the EBR Writers Club, (618) 277-8076.
BOT Approves Bids For $2M SDM Clinic Expansion
The SIU Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling more than $2 million to five Metro East businesses for expansion of the Main Clinic at the SIUE School of Dental Medicine. The board also approved an increase in the project budget from $2 million to $2.6 million. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting last week at SIU Edwardsville.
The contracts-totaling $2,055,421-were awarded to: Hart Contracting Inc., Alton, for general contracting, $1,058,480; Wegman Electric Co., East Alton, for electrical, $237,460; Amsco Mechanical, Granite City, for heating and cooling, $237,500; Belleville Mechanical Inc., Belleville, for ventilation, $85,129; and GRP Mechanical Inc., Bethalto, for plumbing, $436,852.
The total budget for the project was re-set at $2.6 million from the original $2 million estimate because bids came in higher than expected, University officials said. The overall budget also covers $283,345 in architect and consultant fees, $8,248 for materials testing, $24,900 in construction observation, and $22,544 for technology costs.
The clinic addition, to be known as the Advanced Care Wing, will add about 6,000 square feet to the clinic on the Alton campus, providing space for 24 new clinical "operatories" and a classroom for 75 students. The additional space will allow the SDM to consolidate teaching in specialty disciplines- periodontal, endodontic, and pediatric, among others-and general dentistry in one location. The project is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
The cost of the project will be funded through the issuance of $2 million in Certificates of Participation to be retired by dental school tuition revenue, and $500,000 through an internal loan, to be repaid through tuition revenue over 10 years, and $100,000 from University operating funds.
Indianapolis Rains Three-Pointers On Cougars
SIUE missed the game-tying shot with four seconds left as Indianapolis held off a late Cougar charge 85-81 in men's Great Lakes Valley Conference basketball on Thursday (2/24) at Nicoson Hall.
The Cougars, 21-7 overall and 14-5 in the GLVC, have an identical record with Indianapolis in league play. Indianapolis, 19-7 overall, can grab the No. 3 seed for next week's GLVC Tournament in Evansville, Ind., with a win over Quincy or an SIUE loss at Saint Joseph's on Saturday (2/26).
SIUE was bombarded by 16 three-pointers, which tied the GLVC high for the season. Justin Barnard hit 6 of 8 as seven different Greyhound players hit from behind the three-point line.
The Cougars were no slouch from behind the three-point themselves, hitting 12 of 22 shots. Anthony Jones, who scored a team-high 22 points, had five three-pointers. Justin Ward added four and Joel Jaye nailed three-three-pointers.
Indianapolis was down 41-40 with seconds left on the clock to end the first half. Mickey McGill hit a three-pointer with one second left to give the Greyhounds the advantage going into halftime.
The Greyhounds controlled play for most of the second half, leading by as much as 13 points on a three-pointer from Barnard with 3:59 left to play.
SIUE scratched back to six points with 18 seconds. Anthony Jones hit a three-pointer with 12 seconds left. Indianapolis' David Logan then turned the ball over by falling down with nine seconds to go. SIUE's final shot by Anthony Jones hit the rim but bounced out.
Indianapolis Holds Off Cougars
Four players finished in double figures as Indianapolis held off SIUE 70-63 in women's college basketball at Nicoson Hall.
SIUE, which fell to 11-17 overall and 6-13 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, will need a win on Saturday (2/26) at Saint Joseph's for any hope of gaining a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Julianne McMillen powered the SIUE offense with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Alisa Carrillo added 16 points for the Cougars.
Indianapolis led 36-32 at halftime and picked up its shooting in the second half. The Greyhounds shot nearly 65 percent in the second half. Amy Wisser led the Greyhounds with 17 points. Eileen Patton, Erin Morna and Amanda Davidson also recorded double figures in scoring for Indianapolis, which improved to 19-7 overall and 12-7 in the GLVC.
The win was career victory No. 100 for Indianapolis coach Teri Moren.
Men's Basketball Faces Indy, SJC In Final Road Trip
As SIUE men's basketball begins its final road trip of the season, the Cougars know one thing for sure. The Cougars will receive their highest seed ever in the season-ending Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The 25th-ranked Cougars, 21-6 overall and 14-4 in the league, will at least be the No. 3 seed in the tournament.
SIUE will travel to Indianapolis to face the Greyhounds and GLVC leading scorer David Logan on Thursday night. "We haven't been very successful against Indianapolis," said SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons. "David Logan might be the best player in the country. It is that time of the season where there is a lot at stake."
After visiting Indianapolis, the Cougars finish out the regular season against St. Joseph's on Saturday afternoon.
SIUE is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Bellarmine 83-53 on Senior Day. "We took good shots. We handled the ball well. We attacked the zone very aggressively," said Simmons. "Defensively, our guys made it difficult for them to score against us."
Kris Crosby (Belleville) netted a career-high 15 points in the game on 7 of 10 shooting. "I thought Kris came in and gave us a huge lift off the bench. He gave us a lot of energy inside. He seemed to pick up our level of play when he came in the game."
Also chipping in off the bench is junior Justin Ward (Moline) who is averaging 12.3 points per game during the last three games. "The depth is becoming a big strength of ours," Simmons. "We will need that as we approach the end of the season."
Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Dan Heimos (Waterloo) rank second and third in the GLVC in field goal percentage at 64.8 (127-196) and 64.6 (102-158).
SIUE leads the league in points per game allowed (60.3) and are fourth in the nation in that category.
The Cougars take on the Greyhounds at 7:30 on Thursday (2/24). SIUE battles the Pumas at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Relays Lift Cougar Track And Field Before Championships
With the Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Championships set for Saturday (2/26) in Crawfordsville, Ind., the SIUE men's track and field team hopes to defend last year's crown.
The Cougars' final meet before the GLVC Championships was an impressive showing at the Eastern Illinois Friday Night (2/18) Meet in Charleston.
Three individuals and two relays set provisional qualifying marks.
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) threw the shot put 52 feet, 10.75 inches and equalled his previous best in the weight throw at 60-3.75. Ben Willard (Manito) moved onto the NCAA provisional list with a throw of 55-11.75. Anthony Weber (Marengo) tied his previous best in the pole vault at 15-5.75. "Ben has come along way since he first got to SIUE, and I am very excited about his future," said SIUE Coach David David Astrauskas. "He works very hard and it is nice to see his name included with other elite Division II throwers."
The men's distance medley relay and the 1,600-meter relay broke into the national qualifying list with their performances at the EIU Friday Night Meet.
Ryan Boyll (Normal), Wes Smith (Bloomington), Cody Ellermeyer (DuQuoin) and Brian Taghon (East Moline) boasted a time of 10 minutes, 19.66 seconds in the distance relay. Kyle Rose (Kankakee), Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas), Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester), and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) ran the 1,600-meter relay in 3:17.00, breaking the school record in the process. "It was great to see the men's 4 X 400 meter team run such a great race," said Coach Ben Beyers. "We've been aiming at that school record and the national qualifying time ever since I began coaching here."
Ellermeyer also posted a win in the 800 meters as an individual. "Cody ran a solid race," said Beyers. "I think this could be a springboard for bigger things down the road."
Erik Steffens (Moline) turned in a winning performance at 3,000 meters. "Erik got his first collegiate win on only his second 3,000-meter race. He stayed mentally tough throughout the race and made some excellent strategic moves in the last 400 meters," said SIUE assistant coach Eileen McAllister.
Levy, Cougars Make Strong Showing At EIU
With one more event before the NCAA Indoor Championships, the Cougars are making more strides toward qualifying.
Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) improved her position on the national qualifying list at 400 meters and helped the 1,600-meter relay to an improved national qualifying mark.
Levy ran the 400 meter dash in 57.14. The team of Levy, Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago), Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) and Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) set a school record in 3 minutes, 50.33 seconds. "The women's 4 X 400-meter team did a tremendous job of putting it all together," said Coach Ben Beyers. "All four girls gave everything they had. We're hoping that time will get them into the national meet."
The women's distance relays also set a school record and posted a national qualifying mark. The group of Mary Witte (Normal), Jenny Jaquez (Aurora), Lee Ann Lomax (Georgetown) and Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) ran the distance medley in 12:30.46.
Lomax also was a winner at 800 meters in 2:18.75. "Bird (Lomax) had a very solid race. She was not distracted by all of the other competitors in the race. She stayed with her game plan and ran a very smart and gutsy race," said Beyers.
SIUE's final chance for national qualifiers comes at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships, set for Saturday (2/26) in Crawfordsville, Ind.
Women's Basketball Remain In GLVC Hunt
SIUE women's basketball begins the week on the outside looking in as far as their standing for the eight-team Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
Even though the Cougars, 11-16 overall and 6-12 in the league, have only won two of their last 10 games. They are tied with Southern Indiana for eighth place and one-half game behind Kentucky Wesleyan for the seventh spot. "The good news is that we are still in the hunt," said SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg. "We are not out of it by any means yet. "We are going to give it our best shot."
The Screaming Eagles hold the the tie-breaker over the Cougars after defeating them twice this season. The Cougars would hold the tie-breaker over Kentucky Wesleyan by splitting the two regular season games with the Panthers yet winning the next tie-breaker which is wins over the highest seed in the league. SIUE split with Quincy and UW-Parkside, while the Panthers were swept by both teams.
This weekend, SIUE travels to Indianapolis and Saint Joseph's for the final two games of the season. "Indy is playing really well," said Hedberg. "You never know what you are going to get from St. Joe's, especially at their place."
Freshman Whitney Skyes (Pontoon Beach) has scored a three-pointer in 25 consecutive games and 26 of 27 games this season. Sykes is second on the team averaging 11.1 points per game. "She probably has as good of shot as anyone," said Hedberg. "It's amazing what she has done as a freshman."
The Cougars tip off against Indianapolis is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday before the regular season finale with St. Joseph's on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Wrestling Heads To NCAA Regionals
SIUE wrestling will take its 4-13-1 record to the NCAA Regionals in Kenosha, Wis., this weekend. The Cougars ended their regular season schedule with a tough 25-18 loss to Central Oklahoma on Feb. 15.
Coach Khris Whelan said he has only one question mark heading into the regional at 157 pounds. Jamie Johnson (Woodward, Okla.) and Matt Warren (East Peoria) will face off in a challenge match to determine who will wrestle for the Cougars at the regional championships.
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) has a record of 19-17 on the year and has been one of the Cougars strongest wrestlers.
At 197 pounds, Branden Lorek (Bensenville) heads to the regionals with a 19-14 mark. Eric Scholle (Waukegan) has had a solid year going 10-4 this season. "Branden has been the most consistent this year," said Whelan. "If Eric can stay consistent, he will do well. He can beat anybody on any given day."
Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) has gone 15-11 at 149 pounds, and Bill Breheny (Burbank) has notched a mark of 10-8 during the season.
Softball Finds Positives In 1-3 Start
SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery can find many positives in her teams 1-3 opening weekend performance.
"Overall, I was not unhappy with our play. I was just unhappy with the results," said Montgomery. "We could have very easily come back 3-1."
The Cougars offense went cold in the first game of the year as Delta delivered a no-hitter, with the final score 2-0.
SIUE would rebound in the second game blasting Ouachita Baptist 16-8. The Cougars recorded four home runs in the contest from Ashley Price (O'Fallon), Veronica Schmidt (Westmont), Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz.), and Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton). "We have a lot of power," said Montgomery. "We can make a lot of things happen offensively."
DeShasier would hit another home run in the 7-6 loss to Henderson State on Saturday (2/19).
Freshman Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) picked up the lone win over the weekend. The Cougars pitchers gave up five home runs and 14 walks in the four games. "We have some things to work on with our pitchers," said Montgomery. "We need to keep the ball in the park and cut down on our walks."
The Cougars fell in the final game of the weekend to Emporia State 10-1. "It is always tough to take early losses when you come back on the losing side of it," said Montgomery. "That leaves a bad taste in your mouth."
SIUE will be at home this weekend for the Cougars Tournament when the Cougars will face Saint Joseph's, McKendree, and UI-Springfield. "We will be ready to go this weekend," said Montgomery. "We are anxious to be at home and hopefully get back on the winning track."
Baseball Travels To CMSU
SIUE baseball travels to the Central Missouri State Tournament in Warrensburg, Mo., trying to erase the memory of an 0-2 start at North Alabama this past weekend.
The Cougars fell to North Alabama 7-1 and Delta State 8-1 on Saturday (2/19) before the game on Sunday (2/20) was a wash. "I thought the pitching pitched a lot better than the scores indicated," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "I thought our pitchers threw really well."
In the loss to North Alabama, Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) threw three plus innings, giving up one run on two hits. Freshman Cody Litteken (St. Jacob) threw a scoreless inning as well.
Kyle Jones (New Baden) made the start in game two, going three innings giving up five hits and two earned runs. Derek Stratman (O'Fallon) had a perfect inning striking out three.
Robert Rahn (Wood River) had the team's lone home run in the two games. The Cougars offense never got rolling as the team managed only six hits in the two contests.
"I was not pleased with our offense," said Collins. "I didn't think that anyone took any real good swings. We just didn't hit any balls hard."
SIUE plays Winona State on Friday (2/25) at 1 p.m., then battles Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday (2/26) at noon, before finishing out the tournament against Central Missouri State on Sunday (2/27) at 2 p.m.
"I am not going to judge us by what we did this last weekend," said Collins. "This upcoming weekend will be a little more telling. The teams we will be playing are just like us. They haven't been practicing outdoors for five weeks."
Men's Tennis Heads To Principia
SIUE men's tennis competes in the Principia Tournament this weekend as the Cougars will face Truman State, Washington (Mo.) University, and Principia.
The Cougars currently have a record of 1-2 after falling at Western Illinois on Sunday (2/20). "We were just out played against Western," said SIUE tennis coach Bill Logan. "I thought we were going to do a little bit better and that didn't happen.
"We plan to work on our mistakes and work on that," said Logan.
Cougars Put Bronchos On Their Heels
SIUE won five of the eight contested matches today but lost the overall battle to No. 5-ranked Central Oklahoma 25-18 in collegiate wrestling at the Vadalabene Center.
The Cougars couldn't overcome forfeited two weight classes in running its record to 4-13-1. Central Oklahoma improved to 12-7. Both teams next travel to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regionals in Kenosha, Wis., on Feb. 27.
Pat Healy (Salem, Ore.) provided the biggest charge for the Cougars, pinning Carson Kleinfeldt at 184 pounds.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came from 174-pounder Eric Scholle (Bartlett), who hustled to a 10-5 victory over Ryan Daniels. The UCO wrestler is currently ranked third in the nation at 174 pounds.
SIUE also picked up wins from Bill Breheny (Burbank) at 141 pounds, Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) at 149 pounds, and Branden Lorek (Bensenville) at 197 pounds.
John Ficht (Burbank) nearly pulled of an upset of his own. Cort Peterson, the fifth-ranked wrestler in the nation at 157 pounds, edged Ficht 2-1.
Success Follows SIUE Cougar Softball
When SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery takes a look at her team roster and notices only two seniors, she doesn't get worried.
The Cougars return six starters from a team that finished last season 35-19 and 15-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and made its fifth straight NCAA appearance in 2004.
After a successful recruiting season, in which SIUE picked up five players, the Cougars will try and replace one of the best hitters in SIUE history after graduation of All-Great Lakes Region and All-GLVC first-teamer Jenny Esker.
Success is nothing new to the SIUE program, posting an overall record of 210-78 and a mark of 82-21 in GLVC play over the past five seasons. This season, the Cougars are primed for a run at the league title after being picked second in the GLVC preseason softball poll behind Northern Kentucky. "We all had a very good fall," said Montgomery. "I am very happy with our team offensively and defensively. "
SIUE's outfield will return three players who saw considerable playing time last season. Senior Samantha Easterley (Belleville) will see time both in left and right field. Easterley is the only returning Cougar with a home run last season. "She is going to provide a lot of leadership," said Montgomery. "She has been hitting the ball very well in practice. I look for good things out of her. "
Junior Shanna Waldo (Peoria) continues her stay in center field and will be the Cougars leadoff hitter after stealing 28 bases last season. "She provides us with a tremendous amount of speed," said Montgomery. "She makes a lot of things happen when she is on base."
Joining Easterley and Waldo in the outfield will be 2004 All-Region first team selection junior Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton). DeShasier will see time in the outfield as the team's No. 3 hitter after finishing last season second on the team in batting average (.324) and hits (55), while leading the club with 17 doubles. "She is very athletic, very versatile," said Montgomery. "She caught her freshman year. She played outfield and second last year, and she is going to pitch and play outfield this year."
Megan Gaitros (Pekin) will also see action in the outfield after appearing in 17 games last season. "She played very well this fall," said Montgomery. "I could see her seeing some time as well."
Leading the charge on defense will be in the infield as the Cougars return three starters including senior shortstop Veronica Schmidt (Westmont), third baseman Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz), and second baseman Holly Neuerburg (Orion).
Neuerburg looks to get back to the level she played at during the 2003 season as an All-American and Rogers will build on a successful sophomore year at the hot corner. "Holly has been hitting the ball really well," said Montgomery. "Amy has a cannon for an arm, and she knows the game exceptionally well."
Schmidt, fourth on the team in RBIs, with 25 last season, will be sidelined to begin the season with a knee injury. "She has been a steady player for us for three years," said Montgomery. "She had her knee scoped and is going to be out for this week's games. "It is possible she could be ready for next weekend's games at home (Feb. 26)."
Starting in Schmidt's place to begin the season will be freshman Kaeleigh Rousey (Bloomington). "She has great hands," said Montgomery. "She doesn't have the experience Veronica has, but she has some of the best hands I have seen on a young player in a long time."
Sophomore Emily Lenart (Bartonville) and freshman Mallory Ruggles (Nashville) will battle for time at first base. "Emily has a lot of power and works very hard," said Montgomery. "Mallory is another very good hitter. First base is still up in the air. Whoever is performing will be in there."
Another position in which SIUE looks to have two young players battling is at the catcher's spot. Sophomore Libby Lenart (Bartonville) and freshman Ashley Price (O'Fallon) are both vying for the job. "Libby has great hands for a catcher and also hits the ball very well," said Montgomery. "Ashley has a great arm. She hits the ball extremely hard. They are both learning to catch and how to call a game."
Sophomore Katy Biggs (Yipsilanti, Mich.) appeared 24 games for SIUE coming off the bench for base running. "She is very fast and she can steal bases," said Montgomery. "I can see her making an appearance in every game."
A revamped Cougar pitching staff will have new faces but looks to continue the success from last season's 1.47 earned run average and 17 shutouts. "The pitchers have come a long way," said Montgomery. "They will improve everyday we get an opportunity to play."
Newcomers freshman Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) and junior Casey Wantland (Fisher) will join DeShasier on the staff. "Lindsey has made a lot of progress," said Montomery. "She has a lot of different pitches. She throws a lot of off speed and keeps hitters off balance." The left-handed Wantland will "provide a whole different look to the pitching staff," Montgomery said.
The Cougars head to the Central Arkansas Tournament in Conway, Ark., to begin the season this weekend. SIUE will battle Delta State and Ouachita Baptist on Friday (2/18) , before facing Henderson State and Emporia State on Saturday (2/19).
Baseball Cougars Will Be Revived In '05
With a revamped lineup and a stronger pitching staff, SIUE baseball is eager to get back into the hunt in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
SIUE did not qualify for the GLVC Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 1996 after finishing with a 20-32 record overall and a 17-22 mark in league play. SIUE Coach Gary Collins believes the Cougars have improved at nearly every position.
The Cougars get their first chance to show off this Saturday in Florence, Ala. SIUE faces North Alabama at 1 p.m. and Delta State at 4 p.m. On Sunday, the Cougars play a single game against Delta State at noon. "Pitching is probably the area we have improved the most," said Collins.
The Cougars have eight pitchers back from a squad which had a combined earned run average of 4.14, which was third best in the GLVC.
Kyle Jones (New Baden) led the Cougars in strikeouts with 48 and posted a 3.34 ERA behind teammate Ron Jones (Kankakee), who hopes to return from breaking his throwing arm last summer. Ron Jones threw for a team-leading 6-1 record and a 1.24 ERA. Collins said he hopes to have Ron Jones back before league play begins. "Kyle Jones is improving to the point where he's the No. 1 starter," said Collins. "And Adam Tallman (Gillespie) is right behind him." Tallman was 2-2 last season with a 4.30 ERA.
Jarad Rettberg (Divernon) enters his senior season with the Cougars after leading the team in innings pitched last season with 66. He finished last season with a 4-5 record and a 3.41 ERA. "A lot of this team's success may be in how well he can regain his consistency," Collins said of the former GLVC Freshman of the Year.
The Cougars also return Ryan Spurgeon (Bethalto), David Briesacher (Waterloo), Chip Durland (Villa Grove), and Jameson Sheley (Lincoln). All four will begin the season working out of the bullpen.
SIUE added some strength to the pitching staff with its newcomers.
Clay Zavada (Streator), a transfer from Illinois Valley Community College, is a projected starter for the GLVC portion of the schedule. The left-hander throws in the upper 80s and has good movement on his fastball, Collins noted.
Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) was the conference Player of the Year last season at Illinois Central College. Collins said Cheek reminds him of former All-American Pete Delkus with command of his fastball and a good sinker.
Patrick Keller (Newton) may end up as a starter during the conference season, Collins said. The freshman from Newton is another left-hander that Collins said has the best curve ball on the team.
Collins said freshman Cody Litteken (St. Jacob) also is not too far behind. "He has good command of his pitches and good location," Collins said.
Derek Stratman (O'Fallon) comes to SIUE from Southwest Missouri State. "He has the opportunity to be this team's closer," said Collins.
Jake Smith (East Peoria) will take over the catching duties this season. The transfer from Illinois Central is the team's No. 1 catcher. "He's got a great arm, and we expect him to control our opponents' baserunners," Collins said.
Cory Bunner (Jacksonville), a freshman, figures to be the backup to Smith. Robert Rahn (Wood River) also could see catching duties, but the Cougars plan to use Rahn in a more offensive role as the team's cleanup hitter. "Robert has looked better than he ever has because he has been attacking the ball at the plate," Collins said.
Half of the infield returns this season with Craig Ohlau (Chester) and Kyle Martin (Byron) playing first base and shortstop, respectively.
Ohlau will continue to hit third in the Cougar lineup after hitting .331 in each of his first two seasons with SIUE. "He's proven he's one of the better hitters in the conference," Collins said.
Martin batted .295 last season in GLVC play and surged at the end of last season. "He's not a flashy player but rather a solid player with good hands and a good arm at shortstop," said Collins.
Jeremy Bond (Alton) will take over at second base. The transfer from Southwestern Illinois College will start the season as the leadoff hitter.
Tallman will be the team's third baseman. And when he's on the mound, a handful of players could fill in, including Cheek, Bryan Newby (Bartonville) and Michael DalPozzo (Livingston).
Left field also figures to have the same situation as third base. Collins foresees Rahn, Bunner or DalPozzo patrolling left field.
The rest of the outfield is more solid for the Cougars with Joe Wargo (Streator) in center and Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) in right.
Wargo batted .262 with a team-leading 16 stolen bases last season. Darnall, a transfer from Parkland College, is another left-handed hitter who Collins hopes will be driving in a lot of runs in the No. 5 slot in the lineup.
SIUE was picked to finish seventh in this year's GLVC standings. The Cougars first goal is to return to the GLVC Tournament, which will be played at T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo., on May 12-15. The top six teams qualify.
Cougars Ranked For School-Record 7th Straight Week
SIUE men's basketball continued its string of being ranked in the top 25 nationally as the Cougars check in at No. 25 this week. SIUE has now been ranked for a school-record seven consecutive weeks.
The Cougars jumped into the rankings this year on Jan 4. and have been ranked ever since. SIUE defeated Missouri-St. Louis 82-52 on Saturday (2/12) for its largest Great Lakes Valley Conference road win.
SIUE, 19-6 overall and 12-4 in Great Lakes Valley Conference, is two games behind Southern Indiana for first place in the league.
SIUE Coach Marty Simmons and his Cougars return home this Thursday (2/17) evening to face Kentucky Wesleyan at the Vadalabene Center. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Set for Final Homestand Of The Season
As the SIUE's men's basketball team heads into the final homestand of the season, coach Marty Simmons has devoted the final two home games of the season to five players playing their last games at the Vadalabene Center.
"This week is all about the seniors," said Simmons. "This group of guys has meant a lot to the program. All of our energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for this week's practice is in honor of those guys." SIUE's seniors are Calvin Sykes (Chicago), Dan Heimos (Waterloo), Joel Jaye (Chicago), Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Kris Crosby (Belleville).
The Cougars, 19-6 overall and 12-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, battles Kentucky Wesleyan and Bellarmine to finish what has been a successful year at home for SIUE. The Cougars are 12-1 at home this season, with their best record at the Vadalabene Center since 1990-91 when SIUE went 13-1.
SIUE returns home after its largest GLVC road win ever, an 82-52 triumph over Missouri-St. Louis in which four Cougars scored in double figures. "They played extremely well," said Simmons. "One through 11-every guy had himself ready to play, and it was a total team effort."
Justin Ward (Moline) led all Cougars with 16 points. Ward is averaging 8.1 points per game, leading the team in three-point field goal percentage at 43.3 percent (29-67). "He played a complete game. He had very balanced offensive night, and he was sound on the defensive end."
Heimos (Waterloo) reached another milestone with five blocked shots against Missouri-St. Louis Heimos became the single-season record holder for blocks at SIUE with 62. Heimos already holds the record for block shots in a career. "He is the anchor of our defense," said Simmons. "When he plays well defensively, everybody follows his lead."
Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) needs just two games to break the school record for games played in a career set by Travis Wallbaum with 106 from 1996-2000. Bauersachs leads the team in scoring at 11.7 points per contest this season. "How fortunate was I when I took over the program to inherit a player like Tim," said Simmons. "That is a tribute to Tim to set a record like that. He earns everyone's respect through his hard work, his determination, and his character."
The Cougars will face the Panthers on Thursday (2/17) at 7:30 p.m. before taking on the Knights of Bellarmine on Saturday (2/19) for Senior Day at 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball Prepares For Crucial Homestand
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg knows that the game against Kentucky Wesleyan this Thursday (2/17) will be important as her team looks to qualify for the eight-team Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The Cougars, 11-14 overall and 6-10 in the GLVC, sit just one-half game (loss side) ahead of the Panthers for the seventh spot in the league. It is a three-team race as Southern Indiana trails SIUE by a full game for the final two spots in the eight-team tournament. "It will be fun," said Hedberg. "Everything is at stake in that game (against Kentucky Wesleyan). They are a very dangerous team. It is a huge game."
A win would give SIUE the head-to-head tiebreaker against Kentucky Wesleyan after the Cougars defeated the Panthers 65-64 on Jan. 22.
SIUE will head into the game after a 13-point win at Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12). The Cougars shot a season-high 65.2 percent in the contest. "It is just big for confidence reasons," said Hedberg. "They responded considering the circumstances at this time of the year."
Amber Wisdom (Geneso) netted a career-high 21 points. Wisdom is leading the team in assists per game at 3.0. "She had a great game," said Hedberg. "She can shoot the ball well, and she put it all together against UM-St. Louis."
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) continues to lead the team in scoring at 11.7 points a contest and is fourth in the conference in field goal percentage at 56.6 percent (99-175). "She has really been carrying us," said Hedberg. "She draws a lot of double teams. She has some great moves down on the block."
After facing Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday night (2/17) at 5:30, Bellarmine visits the Vadalabene Center on Saturday (2/19). "It will be senior day," said Hedberg. "They are kind of a rival for us. They are a high scoring team, and we want to slow their offense down."
Tip off against the Knights is set for 1 p.m.
Men's Track Glides To Win At DePauw
The SIUE men's indoor track team added an item to its already impressive résumé, winning the DePauw Invitational on Saturday (2/12). In all, the Cougars set four meet records.
"I felt that we had a chance to win the meet, but it took a total team effort to go in there and get it done," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers.
Kyle Rose (Kankakee) set a school record at 200 meters with a time of 22.30, breaking the old mark by three-tenths of a second. Rose also was a double winner, placing first at 400 meters with a time of 49.18. That mark puts him on the provisional qualifying list for the NCAA Division II Championships. "Kyle really came out and made a statement," said Beyers. "He's certainly on the right path, and the best is definitely yet to come."
SIUE's Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) placed second in the 400 meters at 49.28.
Brian Taghon (East Moline) finished first in both the mile and the 3,000-meter run. Taghon recorded a time of 8:31.68 in the 3,000 and 4:15.70 the mile. His mile time provisionally qualifies him for the championships. "Brian really looked super in the mile," said Beyers. "He came out and ran a very strong race right from the start."
The men's 4x200 meter relay team composed of Rose, Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), Jason Hall (Chicago), and Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester) broke the school-record with a time of 1:29.89.
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) continued his successful indoor season, finishing first in the weight throw and the shot put. Weeden's throw on Saturday (2/12) in the shot put of 16.01 meters (52 feet, 6.5 inches) adds him to the provisional qualifying list for the NCAA championships in both events.
Women's Track Picks Up Win At DePauw
SIUE's women's indoor track team won the DePauw Invitational over the weekend, notching three more NCAA provisional qualifiers at DePauw, setting three meet records, and breaking two school records.
"I felt that everyone involved, both the athletes and the entire coaching staff, all did a fabulous job of staying focused and preparing for a good meet this weekend," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) broke her own school-record in the 200 meters with a mark of 25.31 improving her provisional qualifying mark. Her time ranks 10th nationally. "Tairisha had another big drop in time this week in her 200," said Beyers. "She's been aiming for this since last year, and this performance really puts her on track to achieve her goals."
Callie Glover (Barlett) recorded a new school-record in the weight throw with a toss of 53 feet, 9 inches (16.38 meters) to improve her provisional qualifying mark for the NCAA Championships. "Callie is still improving in the weight throw, and with Coach (David) Astrauskas' help, she is only going to keep getting better," said Beyers.
Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) provisionally qualified in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 8.40. "Brittany had another terrific meet," said Beyers. "Her hurdles have looked very strong in practice lately, and it was great to see her put together a solid performance there."
Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) finished first in both the one mile and the 3,000 meters. Carducci set season best in both races with a time of 5:07.99 in the mile and 10:29.79 in the 3,000.
Wrestling Faces No. 5 Central Oklahoma
SIUE grapplers notched two more victories on Friday night (2/11) at the Central Missouri State Jamboree to improve their season record to 4-12-1.
The Cougar wrestlers picked up wins over Southwest Minnesota 25-12 and 14th-ranked Fort Hays State 28-15. "It was nice to pick up a couple of wins," said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. "The guys really wrestled well."
The Cougars will end the regular season with a match against fifth-ranked Central Oklahoma on Wednesday evening (2/16) at the Vadalabene Center at 7.
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) went 2-2 at 165 pounds improving his record to 19-16 on the year. "He is a tough kid who always wrestles hard," said Whelan.
Bill Breheny (Burbank) recorded 3-1 mark in the four matches at 141 pounds improving to 9-8 on the year. "He is deceiving," said Whelan. "He is a tough kid and tough on top. He is so strong."
Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) finished with a 2-2 record at 149 pounds over the weekend to go to 14-11 on the season.
Logan Gets Win No. 100
SIUE men's tennis coach Bill Logan earned career win No. 100 as the Cougars defeated Lindenwood 5-3 on Friday afternoon (2/11).
"It was nice, really nice to get that win," said Logan. "I was really happy with our performance. It was a significant win."
The Cougars, 1-1 on the season, swept the three doubles matches against the Lions, sparking the way to the victory. "That was the key to the match," said Logan. "Everybody just played well, and we were on top of the net."
At No. 1 doubles, Matthew Warner (SIUE) and Justin Free (Danville) won 8-2. No. 2 doubles pair Matt Kuban (Pekin) and Dan Glon (Mt. Prospect) out lasted their opponents 8-2, and No. 3 doubles Andrew Rezneck (Edwardsville) and Andy Renner (Belleville) finished the sweep with a 8-3 win.
Free picked up an important 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles to seal the win for SIUE. "Justin played really well when he had too," said Logan. "It was a very good win for him."
Glon notched the other victory at No. 4 singles winning 6-1, 6-2. "Dan had a solid performance." said Logan.
The Cougars will be back in action today (2/15) traveling to Elsah to face Principia at 4 p.m.
