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(11/16/11 4:33am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>With a struggling volleyball team, a one-win Big Ten football team led by a new head coach and a men’s soccer team looking toward its 25th NCAA Tournament appearance, it has been a roller coaster fall for IU Athletics. As the leaves fall off the trees, many of IU’s fall sports are concluding their seasons, and that brings a new set of schedules for winter sports.Women’s Basketball (1-1)Coming off the second-worst season in program history, IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack should have the Hoosiers prepared for a much more successful season this year.However, success will rely on the Hoosiers’ ability to win at home, which is something IU struggled with last season. If IU cannot win at Assembly Hall, I do not see them having much success as they have a tough slate of games on the road.The toughest challenge IU will face is filling the void left by Jori Davis. She graduated and now plays basketball in Israel.“I am not trying to build just one leader. We must create leaders all over the court,” Legette-Jack said. “If I can create 14 leaders, my job is done and that is important for any coach, to build a team of leaders.”IU will have another rough season, but I do see a much-improved team on the horizon.The Hoosiers hit the road for the first of two straight road games when they travel to Nashville, Tenn., Friday to face the Belmont Bruins.Men’s Basketball (2-0)The much-anticipated IU men’s basketball season tipped off with two blowout victories during the weekend against Stony Brook (96-66) and Chattanooga (78-53).The young experience that has developed along with the addition of 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball, Cody Zeller, should allow IU to succeed. The fast, up-tempo play on both sides of the ball will be key for IU to win a lot of games.“I think we can run, and with anyone in the country, so might as well just do it,” sophomore Victor Oladipo said. Last season, IU struggled in close game situations. If they can close out opponents, expect the Hoosiers to have a special season ahead, but not without a lot of tough games along the way. I think the Hoosiers are poised to erase the dim memory of the past three seasons because of their depth and willingness to improve under IU Coach Tom Crean. IU plays away from Assembly Hall for the first time tonight at Evansville.Swimming and Diving (Men 2-2, Women 2-2)The swimming and diving teams have taken to the water already this season and must continue to have solid individual performances if they hope for team success. Senior Allysa Vavra and sophomore Brenna MacLean must continue their top performances to lead the IU women. Vavra won the Big Ten 400-meter individual medley last season and took home a bronze medal from the 2011 Pan Am Games. She must look to improve her time, though it is already an impressive 4:48.05.MacLean swam for Team Canada and finished sixth in the 200-meter butterfly at the Pan Am Games with a time of 2:16.13.Sophomore Laura Ryan has also seen success early as she has twice been named Big Ten Diver of the Week.Junior Zac Nees must continue to improve as he looks to lead the men’s team. He won the 1-meter springboard competition in the team’s last meet against Texas and Michigan.It was the first career dual-meet victory for Nees, something IU Coach Jeff Huber called “intrinsically rewarding.”Sophomores Cody Miller and Darian Schmidt have taken home Big Ten honors this season and look to lead the Hoosiers this weekend.With Huber at the helm, IU is always in a position to compete at the highest level. Expect more Hoosier names to appear in the headlines as the season progresses.Both the men and women head to State College, Penn., for a meet with Penn State and Virginia on Friday.
(11/09/11 5:03am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>High expectations and sub-par results should be a thing of the past for the Indiana women’s basketball team. However, it must first buy into IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s message of playing “fun, physical basketball.”At a recent morning practice, it was apparent the players were having fun. Every player was smiling and high-fiving, and the team morale was through the roof of Assembly Hall — exactly what a team needs coming off a 9-20 season.“It’s easy to keep our team focused after last season where we only won nine games,” Legette-Jack said. “They’ve done nothing thus far, and they’re hungry to be successful.” Time will tell if the 2011-12 Hoosiers are more physical, but sit down with Legette-Jack for five minutes and you will see that this season could special if they find all the right pieces to the puzzle. “Last year was absolutely not good enough,” Legette-Jack said. “(Our players) trust me, and I trust them. Together, we have to be willing to change and, together, we are going to find a way to win.”The Hoosiers concluded their exhibition slate last night at Assembly Hall and now turn their focus to the regular season.The first piece to the puzzle for having a successful season is taking advantage of their soft non-conference schedule.IU will face 13 opponents before heading into Big Ten play. If IU can play smart, physical basketball, expect the Hoosiers to be in the upper half of the conference heading into Big Ten season. Anything less than nine wins would be a big disappointment. IU must also find success on Branch McCracken Court. The Hoosiers were a dismal 4-10 inside Assembly Hall last year and that must change immediately. Home wins will be key this season, as IU plays 16 of their 29 games on the road. The Hoosiers should be able to win eight games at home but will need more home wins if they struggle on the road.The missing puzzle piece IU must locate is finding who will step up to replace Jori Davis, Hope Elam and Whitney Lindsey, who all exhausted their eligibility last season. “You don’t replace those seniors,” Legette-Jack said. “We have to try and continue the process of creating a foundation for our team, and I love our players’ energy and spirit.”Indiana has a young roster, and they must rely on a newcomer, junior Jasmine McGhee.The Hoosiers must also turn to junior Aulani Sinclair for scoring success. She is the team’s top returning scorer from last season.The final piece of the puzzle will be to find a way to eliminate the team from so many close-game situations.Last year’s drama-filled season had 17 contests decided by less than 10 points. IU won only six of those games, and the numbers show why they struggled. IU was outrebounded by 4.7 rebounds per game, which led to the Hoosiers being outscored by 5.7 points.“We have a good group of kids and they realize a lot went wrong last year, but they are ready to get better,” Legette-Jack said.The Hoosiers must remain focused and piece together the puzzle as the season progresses. Legette-Jack said it is a “day-to-day task.”“Tomorrow is not promised,” she said. “The most important day is today. If we start to look ahead, we are going to be in trouble. However, if we stay grounded, I think we will prosper.”Legette-Jack said she believes there will soon be another banner in the rafters — one that reads, “Women’s National Champions.” “If we win a national title, not just the country, but the whole world will know our story,” Legette-Jack said. “That is the platform we need to be on.”
(11/02/11 1:21am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana, the Big Ten preseason favorite to take home the regular-season crown, will likely be the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament next week in Ann Arbor, Mich.However, the top four spots are anything but set.The No. 9 IU men’s soccer team (10-3-4, 2-1-2) will look to scrape together one final, regular-season win on Saturday.The pivotal conference clash with Ohio State (10-5-2, 4-1-0) is the regular-season finale and one that IU must win heading into the conference tournament.The Hoosiers did not live up to preseason expectations. This should serve as their motivation going into Saturday. However, winning at Ohio State will be anything but easy as the Buckeyes look to clinch the top seed and a first-round bye in the tournament with a win against the Hoosiers.But forget Ohio State’s implications. IU must win this weekend if there is any chance at an easier route to the conference title game next week.The Hoosiers have spent the season painting a canvas for a difficult postseason. If that canvas says anything about this weekend, it’s that they will not win. They will come home with a late-game letdown and, at best, another tie. A win could be just what the doctor ordered.With a loss or tie this weekend, IU will be locked into the No. 4 seed and be pitted against No. 5 seed, Michigan State (6-7-4, 2-2-2). It would be a first-round rematch of their contest in Bloomington last month, which the Hoosiers, should have won. IU had another second-half collapse in a 2-2 tie.This possible game would be a tough match for IU, especially in a tournament setting, as the Spartans’ record does not reflect how good they really are. An upset could be in the making.The Hoosiers should be rooting for Penn State this weekend when the Nittany Lions play Wisconsin. If the Badgers somehow falter at University Park, the Hoosiers could land the No. 3 seed if they win. They would go up against No. 6 seed Michigan (5-12-1, 1-4-0) in the conference tournament’s opening round.The Wolverines have struggled all year long, and IU won the regular season match-up with a blowout, 4-1.This is by far the best scenario for IU because it has done nothing but prove all year long that it cannot run with the big boys. And who in their right mind thinks it will suddenly do so now?The Big Ten’s top-ranked team has not been able to find a way to win against its toughest opponents in a season full of late-game letdowns.Three leads have been washed down the drain, two at the hands of conference foes. The inconsistent play after halftime has me wondering what goes on inside the locker room during the break.The Hoosiers cannot be perfect in every game, but consistent play is expected with a No. 9 ranking. If there is a time to be inconsistent, the team has chosen all the wrong times, resulting in a dismal 0-2-1 record against the nation’s top-25 and a 0-1-1 record against the Big Ten elite.Saturday should be a statement game for IU. Not only to prove it is a solid team, but also to prove it can win against other championship contending programs, something it has not done all season.If the Hoosiers lose this weekend, expect the Buckeyes to say “Thanks” instead of “Good game” at game’s end, as IU will have given away the top seed in next week’s tournament.
(10/26/11 3:22am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The No. 22 IU field hockey team (9-6, 2-3) has its eyes on a fifth 10-win season in the past seven years when it travels to Ann Arbor, Mich., this Friday.The Hoosiers should expect a tough match, however. A win versus the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines (12-4, 4-1) could give the Hoosiers a much-needed spark as they prepare for the Big Ten Conference tournament next week.The Wolverines are in first place in the conference and will be the favorite going into Friday’s contest. The Hoosiers are 3-5 away from Bloomington while Michigan holds a solid 7-1 on its home turf. The lone loss came at the hands of the No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels (17-1) earlier this season.The Hoosiers must abolish their road jitters and focus on the task at hand if they want to be considered a “contender” rather than a “pretender” in the Big Ten.The upperclassmen must step up and lead the team if they hope to pull the upset north of the border this weekend. Junior forward Morgan Fleetwood has had a stellar season, and she must step up again this weekend for IU.Fleetwood has netted four goals in the last five games and 11 on the season overall.The Hoosiers cannot afford to be outplayed on offense, or Michigan will capitalize as other Hoosier opponents have thus far. In true road games, IU has been outscored 16-10, resulting in a 1-5 record.The defense must be on top of its game as the Wolverines have outscored their opponents 49-21.Graduate student goalkeeper Viki Green must keep everything in front of her in Friday’s match. The Hoosiers are 3-4 when she plays in front of the net and her save percentage is a mediocre .553.In the other net for Michigan is goalkeeper Christi Barwick who has a save percentage of .735.By these numbers alone, the season finale will be anything but easy for IU, which has been the case in conference play all year.IU must find consistency if it plans to have any postseason success. The Hoosiers have faltered in the first round of the conference tournament three of the past four seasons and would like to repeat their success of the 2009 season when they appeared in the title game.Defeating Michigan this weekend could bolster the Hoosiers’ confidence and could even their conference record at 3-3, which would allow them to keep pace with the upper half of the conference.A loss could make it more difficult to focus on the tournament next week in State College, Penn. The Big Ten Quarterfinals begin Nov. 3 and wrap up with the Championship game the following Sunday.For now, the Hoosiers’ focus rests solely on Michigan. At least, it should.
(10/19/11 3:14am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Midterms are underway, and the semester is halfway complete. With the first eight weeks in the books, it is time to hand out grades to each of IU’s fall sports teams.Football: DNot many people envisioned a 1-6, 0-3 start for first-year IU Coach Kevin Wilson’s team. His motto, “Win Today,” and fiery attitude had many fans excited to begin a new era of Indiana football. Two months later, the offensive struggles continue as the team lacks any consistency on either side of the ball. The Hoosiers have been outscored 222-147 through the first seven games, which includes a 59-7 thumping from the Wisconsin Badgers last weekend. The Hoosiers need to find a way to piece together four quarters of football if they hope to win again this season.Volleyball: C-The volleyball team (8-12, 0-8) came into the season with high hopes after a run to the Sweet Sixteen last season. After an 8-2 start, it looked to be another solid season for the Hoosiers. However, they remain winless in Big Ten play and have plummeted to dead-last in the conference standings after a 10-game losing streak. The season is not lost, as 12 matches remain. However, the team’s postseason hopes are shrinking fast with each loss.Women’s Soccer: C+The women’s soccer team (6-9-1, 2-6-0) has had one consistency all season: being inconsistent. The Hoosiers are currently on a three-game losing streak and rest in 11th place in the Big Ten standings. They have managed to win back-to-back games only once this season and have struggled week after week. IU looks to avoid its second straight losing season; however, it will need to win out the regular season to do so. Three games remain before the Big Ten tournament, and IU has a lot to figure out if it plans to have success.Men’s Soccer: A-The men’s soccer team (8-3-2, 2-1-0) had an almost perfect grade before losing three straight games to opponents that all have a solid chance to reach the College Cup. Although the Hoosiers hit a bump in the road, they are a solid team and still have time for improvement before tournament season. They are currently third in the conference and are still in the run for the regular season crown. Do not forget this seven-star team, as it seem to be back to its winning ways.Women’s Field Hockey: B+After a .500 finish last season, not many knew what to expect from this year’s field hockey team. However, the Hoosiers (8-5, 2-3) have improved and found themselves in the top 25 for the past few weeks. When at home, it is almost a lock that the Hoosiers will find success. However, on the road, it is a much different story. IU is 6-1 at home and a dismal 1-4 away from Bloomington. IU needs to fix its traveling blues, as all four of its remaining matches are on the road.Men’s Cross Country: A-The cross country team is gearing up for the Big Ten Championships and should expect to do well. The Hoosier men find themselves ranked No. 7 in the country. The women are working hard to find their stride as both the men and the women near the end of the 2011 season.— smitmatt@indiana.edu
(10/14/11 3:48am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Hoosier Hysteria tips off the 2011-12 IU basketball season Saturday at Assembly Hall.For one man, it marks the beginning of his 35th season working as the “Voice of Assembly Hall.”His voice is the sound that booms through the speakers and has become an iconic staple of basketball at IU.A native of Brazil, Ind., Chuck Crabb, the assistant athletic director for facilities, has served as the public address announcer for Assembly Hall since 1977.He is a 1973 graduate from the IU School of Journalism and has worked with IU Athletics since 1976.“My predecessor was in the role for over 40 years and, by the grace of God, if I remain healthy, I will hopefully be here for a few more than that,” Crabb said.During the last 34 seasons, Crabb has hardly been absent on game day. He has missed approximately eight games due to illness or being needed for other sports events.When sitting at a game inside the “Carnegie Hall of Basketball,” you will not hear his voice pump up the crowd, nor will he put any more inflection behind calls for Indiana than that of the opponent.“I am a true fan of Indiana and our student athletes,” he said. “My wife thinks (my style is) boring, but I have conditioned myself to have a style of announcing that does not cheerlead the crowd.”Crabb began announcing in former IU Coach Bob Knight’s seventh season at Indiana. Since that time, he has seen many great players come through the program and play on McCracken Court. The list consists of many former All-American stars, such as Kent Benson, Isaiah Thomas, Calbert Cheney, Steve Alford and countless more. The memories he has witnessed are endless.“(My favorite moment) would be hard to pick, but the senior days stand out because players are remembering their years at Indiana,” he said. “Also, the 1981 Mideast Regional was here, which Indiana won en route to their fourth championship, and that was special.” Although not amusing to the athletics department, one of the most iconic moments he said he witnessed was during a game versus rival Purdue. After a technical foul, Knight displayed his displeasure by launching a chair across the hardwood during the foul shots and was then ejected.“‘Oh gosh’ has to be the mild way of putting the thoughts I was thinking at that moment,” Crabb said. ”Coach had many different moods and moments during his 26 years, but that ranks as the lowest point, unfortunately.”Crabb currently announces for the women’s basketball team as well as the men’s and women’s track and field teams. In the past, he has announced for soccer and football. He was the “Voice of Memorial Stadium” for 29 years before handing the reigns to current announcer Rob Lower.“I try and be aware that I am somewhat the voice of the institution, and I maintain the standards that have always been associated with Indiana basketball,” Crabb said. “And I remember the words of Coach Knight: ‘No individual by his endeavors is any greater than the school they represent.’ And I believe that to be true.”Crabb has brought something to Indiana basketball that is irreplaceable. It is not wins or losses; it is not a swift jumper, nor is an ability to coach. It is a voice that captivates thousands of fans every time they watch a game at Assembly Hall.
(10/12/11 3:12am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>At IU, the three big sports are football, basketball and soccer. The senior class, in relation to these sports, is doomed. That’s the only word that comes to mind when I think of these sports and the past four years spent at IU.The senior class has been in Bloomington for what is arguably the worst era of IU athletics ... ever.If it feels like all the Hoosiers have done for four years is lose, well, they have. The football and basketball programs have combined for a staggering 41-95 record overall and a mind-blowing 14 wins and 74 losses in Big Ten competition.Every time there is a shining glimmer of hope, it all seems to vanish in the blink of an eye. This certainly was true this year.As fall approached, it seemed as if Hoosiers would finally have something to be proud of. No, the seniors would not be carried off the field, but they would be able to say, “I saw the rebuilding process pay off my final year.” The memories of the football program’s miseries, such as the 83-20 loss to Wisconsin and the other embarrassing Big Ten blowouts, would be just that — memories. This has not been the case, and fans are hoping the score is not worse than 2010 on Saturday in Madison. The Badgers are much improved, and, needless to say, IU might be even worse than last year. With the upcoming schedule, will the football program win another game this year? Scary question.Yes, it takes time, but a 1-5 start and losses to Ball State and North Texas are not exactly what fans had in mind coming into the season.So, we turn to the soccer program. The women’s team (6-7-1) has not been able to find any consistency, while the men’s team showed during the weekend that it may not be able to run with the big boys come tournament time.Three straight losses have the Hoosiers (6-3-2) scrapping for a win tonight at Butler. With seven games remaining, a lack of consistency is the last thing this team needs right now. And now for the knockout punch. Hoosier Hysteria is only three days away, and just when the excitement was mounting, IU Coach Tom Crean told Hoosier Nation that Maurice Creek had surgery Monday to repair an Achilles tendon, his third injury during his IU career. The loss of Creek makes things no easier for the Hoosiers, but until the season gets underway, Hoosier fans can only hope for the best. Is the last glimmer of light burned out before the season begins? The way things have been going the past four years, I would say yes — a dagger to every Hoosier’s heart.It takes passion to be a Hoosier fan. It takes pride to be a Hoosier fan. And it takes a ton of guts to be a Hoosier fan. Just ask members of the senior class.—smitmatt@indiana.eduMatt Smith is a senior in journalism.
(10/05/11 2:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A season ago, the Indiana volleyball program swept away the non-conference portion of the schedule before failing to register a win in the first four conference matches of the season.When the Hoosiers seemed done for the season, they came crawling back to win nine of their final 16 matches before rallying for their best postseason finish in school history.This season, they could use a little more of that magic, as they are again stuck at zero wins in conference play after four Big Ten matches.The grueling conference schedule has yet again proven to be a nemesis, but welcome to Big Ten Athletics, where more than half the conference appears in the Top-25 NCAA volleyball rankings this week.Is the IU volleyball team experiencing a roadblock like last year, or is it subpar this season? In the offseason, IU Coach Sherry Dunbar received a hefty contract extension. It seemed to be well-deserved after the team posted a program-best Sweet Sixteen appearance a season ago.A few months later, her team started with an 8-2 record and looked to have another promising season ahead.Now, three weeks later, this team seems to be far from any sort of promise or success.IU has been awful since returning from a West Coast road swing last month, which provided just one win in three matches.The Hoosiers have lost their first four Big Ten Conference matches for the second straight season, and they have not been close to victory in any match.This weekend’s defeats at the hands of two Illinois institutions leveled the team’s record at a dismal .500 win percentage. No. 1 Illinois took out IU on Friday, 3-1, before Northwestern pummeled the Hoosiers 3-0 Saturday.“There are a lot of individual inconsistencies,” Dunbar said. In their last six defeats, the Hoosiers have managed to win only four of the 22 sets. Something has to change quickly if Dunbar’s extension is to pay off.“When that light goes on, some people are not stepping up to that challenge, and they are not enjoying the challenge like they need to be at this level,” Dunbar said. “The hunger is not there.”Despite the struggles, the players cannot afford to hang their heads, or the conference will continue to put a stranglehold on IU.In three short weeks, IU has plunged to last place in the Big Ten standings. Sixteen matches remain for IU, and 11 of those are against ranked opponents.It is time for the senior leadership to grab the reigns and lead the Hoosiers out of the dark hole they have dug themselves into.No coach can step on the floor and play for her players. Now is the time for the Hoosiers, senior to freshman, to get to University Gym and work to improve their skills both on the floor and in the film room.The Hoosiers have been mentally ready, it seems, but nothing has worked. It needs to be fixed now if a Sweet Sixteen run is in any deck of cards.So, what do you think — Is Dunbar overpaid, or is this team underachieving? The coming weeks are sure to be a telling sign because it is win now or bust for the 2011 campaign.
(09/28/11 3:56am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana football fans, wait.Do not jump off the bridge — not yet, at least.Building a program takes time. Take Tom Crean’s team, for example.Many, myself included, thought the Hoosiers would get through the non-conference season with, at worst, a 3-1 record. At least, they should have, considering they only played one BCS automatic qualifying team.First-year IU Coach Kevin Wilson’s team has fallen flat on its face.The offensive and defensive lines are a wreck, the run game is non-existent and the defense has been shaky at best.Wilson called the effort against North Texas “a bad start, not-very-good defense and horrible offense.”Sounds like harsh words coming from the head coach, but Wilson described exactly what Hoosier fans, players and coaches witnessed this past weekend.A 1-3 non-conference record has been nothing short of embarrassing. To make matters worse, Big Ten Conference play begins Saturday against Penn State.IU’s hopes of a bowl game are technically still intact, but let’s be realistic. It will take a minor miracle for this team to be playing 13 games this season. Indiana’s next eight opponents have a combined 24-6 record, and no team has more than one loss.If Indiana finds a way to win five games in Big Ten play, it would be the most conference wins since 1993 with Bill Mallory. I would not expect to see that happen, at least not with these players giving lackluster efforts.Therefore, it looks as if it will be at least another year before IU becomes bowl eligible for the first time since 2007.The one bright spot, if you can even call it bright, is that the Hoosiers have lost their games by an aggregate 13 points.Unfortunately they have not yet found a way to put together four solid quarters of football.Two second-half rallies have fallen short against Virginia and North Texas, whereas the Hoosiers could not hold a halftime lead against Ball State.“We were lucky it was only (a 21-point lead) at the half,” Wilson said, referring to Saturday’s game. “We battled in the second half, but maybe (North Texas) was a little lax.”The loss this past weekend was embarrassing, and now IU has a chance to rebound with two straight home games. Bad Tuesday practices and poor preparations are inexcusable, but it is exactly what the Hoosier players have given, according to Wilson.After four games, there has to be a question of whether or not Wilson is just another coach who will not succeed at building a contending football program.The players must rally around their coaches and take pride in their school, fans and families. The time to put together a winning effort is now. If you saw the team fired up on the sidelines against Virginia, you have to be wondering where that fiery attitude has been during the other three games.Now the question is: Which IU team will show up to Memorial Stadium on Saturday?
(09/21/11 4:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>OK. I admit, I thought the No. 9 IU soccer team (5-0-2) was in trouble with a somewhat unproductive preseason.Wow, was I wrong or what?With the Hoosiers not playing up to their full potential, it was easy to question what to expect this season. They seemed somewhat flat in the preseason, and the offense was not complementing their defensive play.Their offensive struggles continued in the first match of the season against the University of Notre Dame, which lead to a 0-0 draw.Since the Hoosiers left South Bend, they have been the team many envisioned at the beginning of the season. The slow start has since become a distant memory after their solid performance in the first seven games.Other Big Ten teams should not be looking forward to their upcoming dates with the Hoosiers. IU is clearly the best team in the conference thus far, and it remains the lone undefeated team in the conference.The preseason pick to win the Big Ten regular season title is hitting its stride, and it comes at just the right time.The Hoosiers are also among the three Big Ten teams to find their name in the Division 1 Top 25 this week. No. 15 Penn State and No. 24 Ohio State are the other two teams that join IU on that list.IU plays Penn State in their Big Ten conference opener Friday. Indiana must continue its impressive defensive play and execute its shots on goal if it hopes to win. Mistakes could lead to the first loss of the season, as Penn State is a very similar team to Indiana.The Hoosiers’ defense as a whole has been nothing short of incredible thus far. They’ve hoisted four shutouts in seven games. The offense has outscored its opponents 16-4.Penn State has not played as impressive a schedule as IU, but do not count it out. It boasts six shutouts, scoring 10 goals to its opponents’ three.If the Hoosiers can get by Penn State, the rest of the conference slate gets a little easier. The other five competing members of the Big Ten — Ohio State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan and Michigan State — have a combined 13-19-5 record. IU also has five contests remaining against non-conference teams, but the team is in good shape to finish among the nation’s elite.At the season’s beginning, it was in question who would be the leader of the 2011 squad. However, in four weeks of the Big Ten Conference announcing Player of the Week honors, IU has had a player announced each week. This week it was senior defender Tommy Meyer, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.Having a conference player of the week each week is huge for the Hoosiers and is the reason they are the Big Ten’s best team thus far. If the team looks to continue to be successful, this streak must continue.No matter what happens this weekend, the slow start of IU’s past is long gone. The Hoosiers are for real. If they continue to play like the last three weeks, do not just expect a Big Ten title. Expect that eighth star to be added to the IU Soccer logo.
(09/14/11 3:19am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Big Ten Conference has some of the best volleyball in the country.When Indiana (7-2) began the season losing two of three in Blacksburg, Va., it looked as if it could be a long season in Bloomington.The Hoosiers had different plans.Last season, IU finished 23-12 and had a record-setting run to the NCAA Regional. The strong finish set the expectations high for this season.In the offseason, IU Coach Sherry Dunbar signed a multi-year contract through 2017 for her efforts in rebuilding IU’s volleyball programShe now has a base salary of more than $141,000, raising expectations even higher for 2011 success.A team with many new players led to a shaky start this season. However, the Hoosiers knew that a new lineup should not be the reason for a slow beginning. Upon returning to IU, the Hoosiers refocused and have been spectacular since their opening trip.The Hoosiers have ripped off six straight victories and have looked nothing short of impressive. During this win streak, IU has dropped just one set out of 19. The lost set came last weekend in the first match of the Hoosier Classic against Gonzaga. During the weekend, senior libero Caitlin Cox became the all-time digs leader at IU. Her 61 digs took her to 1,569 for her career, a number that will continue to grow during the remainder of the season.On Monday, the Big Ten Conference announced that Cox was the Co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.Earlier this season, Dunbar and the Hoosiers were looking for a player to lead the Hoosiers to success. With the absence of Ashley Benson, arguably the best volleyball player in IU history, the Hoosiers found themselves leaning on their upperclassmen to lead them back to prominence. Not only has Cox stepped up, but juniors Samantha Thrower and Kelci Marschall have helped lead the Hoosiers to an impressive turnaround.This weekend, IU heads west for the final three matches before the Big Ten season begins. The Hoosiers have a tough road ahead as they take part in the University of San Diego Tournament on Friday and Saturday. George Washington (9-0) is first up before a double-header on Saturday. The weekend slate concludes with matches against UC Santa Barbara (5-4) first and host San Diego (10-0) in the finale.If the Hoosiers can sweep the weekend, or even take two of three, expect big things for the remainder of the season. However, a losing road trip could bring back the questions of whether or not this team will continue its success as conference play begins after the weekend.This week, seven Big Ten teams appeared in the Top-25 rankings. IU did not receive any votes, but expect that to change if this streak continues.High expectations and a determined bunch of Hoosiers should all be reasons to head over to University Gym to witness great volleyball. When the Hoosiers return to Bloomington, they’ll make a deep run in the tournament yet again — if they have Big Ten success.
(09/12/11 4:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ten years and one day ago, at 8:46 a.m., life in the United States was forever changed.Many, if not all, Americans still remember their exact location when they found out the U.S. was under attack.In the ensuing decade, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities Chuck Crabb said Indiana athletics has had a more diligent review for how it operates “large crowd events,” mainly at Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium. Fan safety became a big question after the attacks because nobody knew what to expect. Was there another attack to come?Before each home football and basketball game, Hoosier fans have coats, bags and other items checked by security personal to ensure the safety of all fans. The searches have become routine at almost any sporting event across the country. Indiana athletics treats its venues like others around the country, both professional and collegiate. Fans are its top priority.When the IU football team played its home opener Saturday, IU Athletics commemorated the tenth anniversary before the game. Two F-10 jets flew low over the stadium following the national anthem. During the first quarter, the audience rose to their feet to recognize all men and women in the service.In the wake of the attacks, nobody was sure what was to come, and security was heightened everywhere throughout the country. Many sporting events across campus, the state and the country were canceled or postponed.“We had a significant review on what to do the rest of the week, and we had a home game against the University of Kentucky that Saturday,” Crabb said. “The University ultimately made the decision not to play any athletic events that week, as it would be a period of remembrance, while trying to take in the loss of many fellow Americans.”As sports returned a few days later, it became obvious sports would bring thousands of Americans together and allow them to heal.No matter the day, no matter the time, for three hours, fans join together to root for their favorite teams. On the days following 9/11, this was one way people could, for a few hours, take their mind off the horrible attacks.Sept. 11, 2001, began as any normal Tuesday morning. However, that day would forever change the way we live our lives, sports included.“I was eating breakfast with a priest,” Director of Athletics Fred Glass said. “He and I were members of the Board of Directors at Brebuf (Jesuit Preparatory School). I felt what many people must have felt like when Pearl Harbor happened — grateful for what I have, because it can be taken away so quickly.”Even though the day has passed, take a minute to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and the war that has followed. Think of their families, friends and each American that has been affected.“I am grateful for my family and country,” Glass said. “It’s encouraged me to live each day to the fullest.”
(09/07/11 4:11am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Classes are back in full swing, and five of IU’s 24 varsity sports have begun their 2011-12 campaigns. From dominance to question marks, IU has seen it all in the early part of the semester. Here’s what we can take away from the first portion of the fall season:FootballMany did not expect IU Coach Kevin Wilson and his staff to lead the Hoosiers (0-1) to an undefeated season. However, not many predicted a loss to open the season, either. The Hoosiers’ 27-20 loss to Ball State (1-0) at Lucas Oil Stadium had fans scratching their heads as the fourth-quarter clock melted away.Neither line looked good. The run game was awful, and a loss to Ball State raises question marks for the remainder of the season.The Big Ten has some of the most talented teams in the country, and if IU does not find answers quickly, it could be a long season in Bloomington.I am not saying Bill Lynch would have led the Hoosiers to victory, nor am I jumping off the Coach Wilson bandwagon, but I bet Zakk and Jack are laughing at the season-opening loss.Field HockeyA young roster and a .500 season a year ago would lead to concern for any program heading into a new season. However, being undefeated at 4-0 with a win against a top-15 opponent should silence any doubt about what is to come.The Hoosiers’ field hockey team has done just that. An impressive start thus far should result in high hopes for the remainder of the season.The Hoosiers head west for a date with Stanford (3-1) Friday and University of California-Berkeley (3-0) Sunday.Men’s SoccerAfter zero goals in the season opener, the Hoosiers’ (2-0-1) offense ignited this past weekend at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic.On Friday, Saint Louis (1-2-0) was up first for the Hoosiers, who had a big weekend.A 3-1 victory was only the beginning as Indiana dominated 6-0 against Dayton (0-3-0) on Sunday. The wins allowed the Hoosiers to claim their first Classic title since 2005.Freshman striker Eriq Zavaleta earned Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week honors for his two-goals, two-assists performance during the weekend games.Any questions the lack of offense posed earlier are gone. The Hoosiers are a solid team and have a lot to look forward to for the remainder of the season.The quest for an eighth star has begun, and if the Hoosiers keep up their early season success, they could be a force to be reckoned with later in the year.Women’s SoccerIt is still early and has been tough to gauge the women’s soccer team (3-2-1).The Hoosiers finished second at the Notre Dame adidas Invitational last weekend.In the first-place match, No. 10 Notre Dame (3-2-0) defeated Indiana 4-1.The Hoosiers looked strong for all but eight minutes when the Irish scored three of their four goals.IU will close out the non-conference portion of the schedule this weekend when the Hoosiers face Xavier and Marquette on Friday and Saturday, respectively.A five-game home stand is nice, but the Hoosiers need momentum since the Big Ten schedule comes calling next week.VolleyballThe IU volleyball team (4-2) did not experience defeat until its 13th match last season.This year has been much different as the Hoosiers continue to search for someone to fill the void of middle blocker Ashley Benson.The Hoosiers need a key performance each night if they expect to have a solid year. They received that from junior Samantha Thrower, the key ingredient to the Hoosiers’ success Saturday.Her 15 kills on 15 attempts set a new Big Ten record for hitting percentage and tied the national record for hitting percentage from a player with between 15-19 attempts.The Hoosiers need more stellar performances like this one as they continue their push for another successful season.IU now prepares for the Hoosier Classic this weekend.
(08/31/11 3:19am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Offense. Offense. We all scream for offense.The tunes of a stellar season seem to be getting closer, don’t they?Surely the Hoosier soccer team will score goals, lots of them. But the void of 2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Will Bruin and the lack of offense thus far this season has left lingering questions about whether or not the 2011 Hoosiers will repeat as Big Ten Champions under second-year coach Todd Yeagley.After being named the preseason favorite to take home the Big Ten regular season crown and playing two preseason contests and the regular season opener, the No. 17 Hoosiers (0-0-1) have yet to taste victory this season.There may be questions, but stop.Do not push the panic button on Indiana soccer yet. It is still very early.Anyone who thinks the team will not taste success has to be crazy, but it is hard not to question after the slow offensive start.Junior goalkeeper Luis Soffner was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for his stellar performance against No. 12 Notre Dame this past weekend in South Bend.The Hoosiers and Irish tied 0-0 in a double-overtime thriller.Each member of the Hoosier soccer team should personally pat Soffner on the back. He is the sole reason there is still a zero in the loss column after the Irish out-shot the Hoosiers 24-11.Even if one of the 24 shots for the Irish went in, the Hoosiers would have lost due to Indiana’s failure to produce offensively.Notre Dame is arguably more mature than the Hoosiers, therefore a 0-0 tie is at least respectable for Indiana.However, one total goal in three games, two of them preseason, is flat-out unacceptable.The void of Bruin and former defender Rich Balchan in the Hoosier lineup leaves a hole that two Hoosiers must now step up to fill. They were a big reason Indiana won the Big Ten regular season title a season ago, their fourteenth overall.The Hoosiers may be young, but they have reason to believe they can be successful.Sophomore Harrison Petts started all 19 matches a season ago while leading the Hoosiers with three shots this past weekend. He could be the straw that stirs the drink in 2011, much like Bruin was in 2010.The Hoosiers look to enter the win column this weekend when they return home for the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The Hoosiers will face Saint Louis University (0-1-0) on Friday before taking on the University of Dayton (0-1-0) on Sunday.This weekend should erase some question marks as Indiana comes into both matches as clear favorites. Indiana must, however, score goals and take advantage of its opportunities in both matches.The team has yet to reach its full potential this season, and if it does not start to play like the No. 17 team in the country, it could be in serious trouble. It is not yet time to panic, but Yeagley needs to earn his paycheck and get the offense rolling.
(08/24/11 3:01am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Welcome home, Hoosier Nation. IU Athletics will soon be in full swing with the fall season. Here is a snapshot of the upcoming fall season.FootballIt finally begins: a season without Bill Lynch as coach.Coach Kevin Wilson’s new attitude and “win today” mentality should be all the reason someone needs to trek over to Memorial Stadium for Big Ten football. This team will not be Pasadena-bound, but a bowl game is within legitimate reach.At games’ end, do not worry. Lynch will not be there saying, ‘We played hard, just came up short,’ as it seemed he did after every loss in past years.Cross Country (Men & Women)IU Coach Ron Helmer is a lot like Wilson: he demands success and is not pleased without a solid effort. The men finished second in the Big Ten Championship and had an overall solid season a year ago. Former Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year, junior Andy Bayer, makes his return from injury and should lead IU to another successful year this season.A solid group of experienced women look to lead the Hoosiers out of the middle of the pack in the Big Ten this season.Soccer (Men & Women)Many people have long said IU is a basketball school because of the five banners and the Bobby Knight years, but let’s be realistic, those years are long gone.Focus on the seven stars representing soccer championships. Indiana is a soccer school. The No. 17 men’s team begins the quest for its eighth star and opens up the season Saturday at Notre Dame.The women continue their season Friday in Tampa, Fla., when they play the University of South Florida. If sophomore forward Lisa Nouanesengsy continues her successful start, this team is in solid shape to be competitive. Indiana is 1-0-1 to start the young season.Field Hockey (Women)Freshman Nicole Volgraf enjoyed instant success Sep. 20 when she scored three goals on the Hoosiers’ way to a 11-2 domination of Ball State in their preseason finale. A rather young roster poses a lot of question marks after a 9-9 record a season ago.Golf (Men & Women)Senior David Erdy will begin the last chapter of his stellar college career when the Hoosiers tee off their season Sept. 10. Erdy, a 2011 All-America scholar, looks to help the Hoosiers improve from their eighth-place finish at the NCAA Regional a season ago. Former IU women’s golfer Lauren Harling, who competed in 2007 and 2008, returned this offseason as an assistant coach. Hopefully her success will benefit a current roster that did not see much success last season.VolleyballIU Coach Sherry Dunbar and the Hoosiers are coming off one of the most successful seasons in IU Volleyball history. The team should have high expectations as they look to match the success of their Sweet 16 run a season ago.But who will be the Hoosier that fills the void of middle blocker Ashley Benson, since she exhausted her eligibility after last season?The long summer without Hoosier athletics is over. Hopefully this fall the Hoosiers bring home more trophies and banners to add to their already sterling success.
(08/16/11 1:35am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Professionalism is the most important quality to maintain while holding a job. Everybody knows this, save for a few. This past week, Indiana football head coach Kevin Wilson joined 1260-WNDE in Indianapolis for a live phone interview on the nationally broadcasted Zakk and Jack Show.Wilson was on hold for a commercial break before the segment began. As the commercial break ended, the show returned with the playing of the IU fight song. Upon conclusion, host Jack Trudeau, a former University of Illinois and Indianapolis Colts quarterback, said, “When I played Indiana, we didn’t hear this song very often because I don’t remember them even scoring on us.”After Wilson came on the air, he expressed his displeasure for the joke about the program before sharing his memory of playing Illinois.“I remember putting up 61 up on the Illini a few years back when I was (coaching) at Northwestern and they kind of stunk it up, too,” Wilson said. “But anyway, I’ve got some things to do, what do you guys need?” Trudeau fought back by saying the coach’s attitude was not fair and his co-host Dominic Zaccagnini eventually hung up on Wilson. Trudeau then began firing upon the program expressing his disgust saying that the IU football program “stinks” and that it gets zero attention from the media. “I thought this guy had a pretty good chance at being successful,” Trudeau added. “If that is his attitude and he was really honest with us right there, that is the way he is going to be, he has no chance. Here is a guy that is in over his head and has no chance.”Maybe Trudeau was right. Wilson did not have to be defensive on national radio, but what coach would not defend his program’s honor? After two national radio hosts make fun of your program, a defensive attitude is necessary to prove that you believe in the future of your program and for that, kudos to coach Wilson. Bottom line, the professionalism was absent before and during the interview from the hosts of the show. Many fans, the local media and even people from across the country thought an apology was necessary, but it was not there. A day later they appeared on the WNDE website expressing their disbelief with the situation and that they felt Wilson was in the wrong.“We’re catching heat for our reaction, but what do you when (Wilson) has the action he has?” Trudeau said. “He got that upset about nothing and comes on and basically dogs our show and dogs us.”How is Wilson supposed to act when these guys “basically dog the Indiana program?”Wilson has not been in Bloomington long, nor has he coached a game, but the hosts of the Zakk and Jack show need to look at the facts before saying the coach has “zero chance.”Indiana parted ways with Bill Lynch because of his soft style and failure to produce. Yes, he was a nice guy, but football is a tough sport and Indiana cannot be the weak younger brother of the mighty Big Ten Conference.Wilson is a proven winner who recently received a commitment from the top quarterback recruit in the country. In just a few short months, he has completely changed the mentality of the Indiana program not only with the players, but also with the IU faithful. Maybe the program did stink as Trudeau said, but any professional journalist would never place a collegiate head coach on hold while they dog the program and expect a smooth interview. Indiana fans, your coach believes in the program. You can believe too.— smitmatt@indiana.edu
(05/02/11 3:46am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Penn Relays have been an annual competition since 1895. The IU track and field teams continued the tradition, as they traveled
to Philadelphia on Thursday to participate in the oldest and largest
competition in the United States.On the first day of competition, Hoosier names began to light up the scoreboard. Senior Faith Sherrill broke the IU shot put record, as she sprung to the top of the leaderboard with a throw of 17.64 meters. Junior Monique Riddick had a solid performance and finished fifth with a throw of 15.79 meters.“I was very excited and pleased with my effort,” Sherrill said. “I knew the atmosphere would be different with a lot of people watching, but I handled my nerves and set a school record.”Sophomore Emma Kimoto won the women’s collegiate high jump with the sixth best jump in IU history. Her feat of 1.75 meters matches her career best.Sophomore Kelsie Ahbe and senior Vera Neuenswander are now at the top of the Big Ten after going 1-2 in the championship section of the women’s pole vault. Ahbe posted a career-best jump while moving into second place all-time at the Penn Relays. Her clearance of 4.25 meters is now tied for second all-time at IU as well.On Friday, the Hoosiers’ distance medley relay landed a solid performance, finishing fourth in the Championship of America race. Junior De’Sean Turner finished his leg of 1,200 meters in 2:56.53 while sophomore Chris Vaughn finished his 400-meter leg in 47.46. However, IU still crossed the finish line 1.31 seconds behind race winner Villanova. The Hoosiers’ time, though, is the eighth-fastest in the IU record books.“We did not get the victory, but we fought hard,” Turner said. “I was happy with my performance, and I thought we finished well.”For Andy Weatherford, Turner, Andrew Poore and Ben Hubers, the 4xMile Championship of America relay was the last opportunity to leave their mark on Philadelphia. They finished in 16:22.02 to take third place, good for fifth place all-time at IU.Heading into the Big Ten Outdoor Championship meet May 13, Turner said he is confident with the Hoosiers’ performance thus far.“We are definitely on the map even without (Andy) Bayer,” Turner said. “I know we are on teams’ radar heading into Big Tens.”IU also advanced to the Championship of America in the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays. The Hoosiers finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the events.“Everybody did great (this weekend),” Sherrill said. “Everyone was either close to or hit their (personal record). It was a great weekend for IU.”The Hoosiers return to the Haugh Track and Field Complex to sponsor the final regular season meet this coming weekend. IU will sponsor the Billy Hayes Invitational before traveling to Iowa City, Iowa, for the Big Ten Championships.
(04/29/11 2:38am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Throughout the 2011 outdoor track and field season, meet locations change and atmospheres are different.However, the scoreboard is the same for sophomore runner Aireonna Bailey. Every week, her name appears in bright lights, shining alongside a personal record.As a freshman on the track and field team, she was coached in consistency and how to perform every day at a high level. When Bailey was recruited, IU coach Ron Helmer saw her potential to be a great athlete who could put up strong numbers. Now that Bailey is in her sophomore season and first outdoor season, Helmer said she has learned how to perform consistently.“We knew there was potential for her to put these marks on the board, but she is really coming on and (her effort and consistency) is there,” Helmer said.April 21-23 at the Polytan Invitational, Bailey continued to perform at a high level. Amidst the poor weather conditions, she was in third place of the Women’s 100m after 95 meters.“I was definitely fighting for the final spots,” Bailey said. “I’m a fighter and a competitor, so I do not like being beat.”After fighting for the final five meters, Bailey crossed the finish line first in a time of 11.93 seconds. Her new personal record is only .1 seconds off the top-ten fastest times at IU.“Winning the 100 was outstanding because the field she beat included some solid, legitimate sprinters,” Helmer said.Bailey continues to set personal records every weekend. According to Helmer, she has come a long way since the beginning of last season due to her preparation, hard work and effort each day in practice.Recently, Bailey added a new workout with Helmer. In practice, she focuses on being a 400m runner, which is something she had not done in her career. She credited her achievements thus far to the new workout.“I like (the new workout) better because I know it is making me faster,” Bailey said. In three weeks, the Hoosiers will travel to Iowa City, Iowa, for the Big Ten Championships. Bailey hopes to continue her improvement and set new records. She said she believes her growth will allow her to score in the Big Ten meet and move into the NCAA East Regional, which will be in Bloomington beginning May 26.As for this weekend, Bailey will be among the Hoosiers competing in the coveted Penn Relays in Philadelphia. If the weather is nice, Helmer said there could be more than 60,000 spectators in the stands. Bailey said she hopes to stay focused in the events she competes in, or possibly even win.
(04/28/11 2:32am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Indiana Track and Field teams continue their season in Philadelphia this weekend at the Penn Relays.The oldest track and field competition in the United States will feature some of the best competition from around the country.IU will be among the approximately 15,000 participants ranging from the high school level to the collegiate ranks, as well as club teams and individuals. Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt competed at the 2010 event.The first college event begins Thursday at 1 p.m. ESPN2 will broadcast coverage of the event starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.“For anyone who has never been there, you have no idea,” IU coach Ron Helmer said. “The competition level is as good as you’ll find at any track meet in the country.”The event is part of the team’s continuing preparations for the Big Ten Championships. Helmer said he expects all of the men’s relay teams to come home with exceptional finishes.“We’re going in with an opportunity to compete very well,” Helmer said. “On the men’s side, (our relays) hopefully will come out in the top three, four, or five in the country.”Helmer said the women also expect to compete well. He said it will be important to compete with a solid effort that will put up solid marks on the scoreboard.Indiana returns home next weekend to host the Billy Hayes Invitational, which will conclude the regular season.
(04/21/11 3:17am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Billy Hayes Track at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex is ready to show off a face-lift.Last May, Polytan USA installed a new Polytan material track to replace the old Mondo surface. The replacement came just before last year’s outdoor season.Today, the track will be on display as the Hoosiers track and field teams go against some of the country’s best in the Polytan Invitational. Several teams from across the nation will be on hand for the event, which begins today and continues through Saturday. For the Hoosiers, this weekend is a chance to begin preparing for the Big Ten Championships.“It is a different meet in that it is scored individually rather than team scoring,” IU coach Ron Helmer said. He said this will be an opportunity for his student-athletes to focus on their individual goals rather than team goals. The Hoosiers are attempting to put their best marks on the scoreboard with only three weeks remaining before the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. Several athletes have their goals set on attending the NCAA East Preliminaries in Bloomington. Those who qualify are only invited if they are in the top 43 of their event. In addition to the collegiate competition, IU alumna Mollye Beckwith will attempt to break her own 800-meter track record of 2:02.18.