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(04/21/12 9:14pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Six years ago, Delta Tau Delta finished the Little 500 in 31st place after qualifying in 33rd.After Saturday’s race, DTD is on top of the world.Led by a breakaway effort from RJ Stuart, Delta Tau Delta won its first-ever Little 500 in front of a packed Bill Armstrong Stadium, ending the Cutters’ five-year winning streak.“This is probably the greatest feeling I’ve ever experienced,” DTD rider Luke Momper said. “Like I said earlier, we qualed 33rd six years ago, and to come out and qualify top 10 the last couple times and come away with the victory six years later, it’s the best turnaround the program has had in it’s recent history.”In a race where there was no clear leader for the first 183 laps, as teams such as Theta Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi and the Cutters fought with Delta Tau Delta for the lead, Momper decided to pull away from the field and make a move.It paid off. DTD never lost the lead from that point on, as riders Phil Sojka and Stuart, the Individual Time Trials champion, carried the team through to the finish line.“You never know you’re going to win until the last lap is counted because anything can happen,” Sojka said. “I knew RJ was the fastest guy on the track and had the biggest heart here and I expected him to hold on, but you’ve got to be on pins and needles because it’s a scary situation. Luckily it worked out.”Delta Tau Delta’s win also signified the end of an era dominated by the Cutters. After five consecutive championships, the Cutters found themselves in fourth place on Saturday when things were all said and done. Their finish was contributed to two crashes, including one late in the race as rider Kevin Depasse attempted to speed past Beta Theta Pi to move into first place. Depasse slipped and crashed, as other leading teams such as Black Key Bulls and Theta Chi were brought down.“We had two crashes that were hard to come back from, and we were coming back from the last one, but there just weren’t enough laps for us,” Cutters rider Tim Nixon said. “It hurts, but we’ll be back next year.”Despite having a clean race and being in the lead peloton throughout, Phi Delta Theta was never able to respond to Delta Tau Delta’s breakaway. Out of the remaining finishers, Phi Delt finished second in the race.Following Phi Delt in third was Sigma Chi, who overcame a 10-second penalty around lap 110 after trying to advance their position during a caution to being in contention towards the end. Saturday’s finish was Sigma Chi’s second year in a row in finishing third in the race.“We were just in attack mode, just go as fast as you can, hammer, hammer, hammer, and suffer as much as possible while you’re out there,” Sigma Chi rider Brian Arfmann said. “Unfortunately RJ had too much of a lead and we were working as hard as we could, so I’m definitely glad for our house.”Rounding out the top ten was Theta Chi in fifth, followed by Black Key Bulls, Beta Theta Pi, Gray Goat, Acacia and Wright Cycling.Wright went from finishing in 30th in qualifications to number 10 overall. Their 20-spot improvement was the highest out of any team in this year’s race. “As soon as we got the Quals position and knew we were in the way back, that was our goal that we would get the Dixie Highway (Trophy) no matter what,” Wright rider Jack McMahon said. “The great thing was, we crashed in Lap 50 and lost two laps from it, but we stayed on that lap for the rest of the race. We really pulled together and made it happen.”With Delta Tau Delta’s first title in the books after 62 races in the Little 500 history, DTD is ready to celebrate, and is hopeful Saturday’s finish will put them at the top for years to come. “I just don’t hope we get kicked off campus tonight honestly,” Stuart said. “It’s a big moment.”
(04/21/12 1:30am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Teter, Wing It, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Delta Sigma Pi had been battling back-and-forth all night with no one team ever taking a commanding lead. As the 100th and final lap began, the six teams found themselves in an all-out, one lap sprint to decide the 25th Women’s Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium.Miss-N-Out and Individual Time Trials champion Kathleen Chelminiak of Kappa Alpha Theta and Kayce Doogs of Delta Gamma broke away from the rest of the pack, with Chelminiak leading on the back stretch. Doogs began to diminish Chelminiak’s lead going into turn three, and caught up to take the lead by the time turn four was through. Doogs was able hold on to the lead for the final sprint, giving Delta Gamma their first Little 500 victory since 2008, with an unofficial time fo 1:12:59.“It feels great,” Doogs said. “We’ve been imagining this since they won back in 2008…I got a little scared because Theta was cranking away, and I said ‘I need to stay on her wheel’. I just found that energy in me and just went around in turn four.”The win was Delta Gamma’s second ever, putting them behind only Teter, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma for most all time. “It’s unbelievable,” junior Kelsey Phillips said. “I’ve been riding since I was a freshman, and this is finally happening. All the hard work and preparation that got us to this point was worth it.”“I absolutely cannot put it into words,” junior Emily Loebig said. “This is unbelievable.”Kappa Alpha Theta found themselves a half lap down from the lead after a bike fumbling towards the beginning of the race. The team eventually worked their way back to the lead group a little after the halfway mark.“I’m proud of the way everyone performed,” Chelminiak said. “There’s four people on our team. You can only do it together. There’s no way one of us by ourselves could have gotten back from that gap.”While Teter was looking to win an unprecedented third consecutive victory, they had to settle instead for third place.“I’m happy with our placement,” senior Teter rider Lisa Hutcheson said. “I love competitive sprinting, and that’s what it came down to. That’s the funnest thing for me to do. It was an amazing experience and I’m happy.”Wing It came in after Teter to finish fourth, while Delta Sigma Pi and Kappa Kappa Gamma placed fifth and sixth, respectively. According to unofficial times, each of the top six teams finished one second behind their predecessor. The seventh-place team, Collins, finished one minute and six seconds after Kappa Kappa Gamma.Rounding out the rest of the top ten were Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Omega, and Alpha Chi Omega, respectively.With Doogs, Phillips, and Loebig all being juniors, Delta Gamma is confident they will be even more of a threat next year.“We’re going to come back strong next year,” Doogs said. “We’ll definitely be looking for a repeat. That’s for sure.”Unofficial standings1. Delta Gamma2. Kappa Alpha Theta3. Teter4. Wing It5. Delta Sigma Pi6. Kappa Kappa Gamma7. Collins8. Alpha Gamma Delta9. Chi Omega10. Alpha Chi Omega11. Cru Cycling12. Kappa Delta13. Zeta Tau Alpha14. RideOn15. Melanzana16. Army Women17. Rainbow Cycling18. Delta Zeta19. Gamma Phi Beta20. Last Chance21. Alpha Xi Delta22. Sigma Delta Tau23. Willkie24. Pi Beta Phi25. Mezcla26. Air Force Cycling27. Anchors Away28. Alpha Phi29. Alpha Omicron Pi30. Alphie31. Delta Delta Delta32. Theta Phi Alpha33. Alpha Delta Pi
(04/19/12 1:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On April 28, Special Olympics Indiana-Monroe County will have a fundraiser dinner and silent auction at AMVETS Post 2000 at 5227 W. Airport Rd. in Bloomington. At that dinner, IU Diving Coach Jeff Huber and USA Diving national champion Amy Cozad will speak about their keys to success in their respective careers. Huber is a three-time Olympic coach and will share the 15 lessons he has learned about reaching potential. Cozad, a junior at IU and the 2011 U.S. Diving Champion in the 10-meter platform synchronized dive (with sophomore IU teammate Laura Ryan), will talk about her experiences, successes and difficulties in the sport. SOIMC offers year-round sports opportunities for children, 8 years and older, and adults who have intellectual, cognitive or learning disabilities. The group is funded entirely by donations that go toward covering registration fees for prospective athletes.“I believe that sport involvement makes a positive difference in the lives of all people,” Huber said in a press release. “The Special Olympics is a wonderful growth experience for the participants, volunteers and community.”The dinner will cost $20 for adults and $10 for children and will start at 5 p.m. with food options of steak, chicken or vegetarian lasagna. The event will also have door prizes, games and other special guests, including Hoosier Country 105.1 radio personality Sheila Stephen. To purchase tickets, contact AMVETS at 812-825-2200. A full list of silent-auction items, including local restaurant gift cards and IU diving gear, is available at www.soimc.org/benefit.
(04/18/12 3:33pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On the weekend of April 16, 2011, all eyes were on the track of Bill Armstrong Stadium for the annual running of the Little 500. This past year, those eyes included the likes of Lambda Chi Alpha rider Tom Bolling and Alpha Epsilon Pi rider Robert Langer. Instead of being on the famed track on race day, the two painstakingly watched from the stands, both having failed to qualify for the race.There were also people such as then-freshman Courtney Roessler, who watched the race from Buffalo Wild Wings with dreams of participating in the event one day, and former Teter rider Dana VanderGenugten, who watched the race at Bill Armstrong Stadium as a fan, not on the track as a biker as she had been only a year prior.Now, with only days to go until this year’s Little 500, all four will be watching the race again — this time, though, from the track in their team’s respective pit, with a guarantee that they will get to participate in the main event of the world’s greatest college weekend.The long journey back for Bolling and the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity began March 26, 2011, the day of the Little 500 Qualifications.That day, Lambda Chi finished its attempt with a time of 2:40.31. Little did the riders know that had they finished 0.09 seconds faster, they would have been in the 61st Little 500 and not in 35th place and out of the running.“Not qualifying for the Little 500 was certainly a learning experience,” Bolling said. “We believe our team was better than our performance at quals last year, so that was certainly disappointing, but our team has responded with a refreshed, motivated attitude.”It was that discontent that drove the Lambda Chi Alpha team to work harder and become better organized. When the riders took the track at Bill Armstrong Stadium for the 2012 quals, their result left no doubt on if they would be in the race.Lambda Chi Alpha finished in 11th place, its highest in more than 12 years, with a time of 2:26.77, securing a spot in this year’s Little 500.“The Little 500 is an experience our riders and brotherhood will remember for the rest of their lives,” Bolling said. “It will be a great day for Lambda Chi Alpha, and we hope to make the most of it by performing our best in the race."Alpha Epsilon Pi has been in 35 Little 500 races, has had nine top-10 finishes and has had one Little 500 title. All of that history, however, came to an abrupt end Jan. 23, 2008, when IU banned the fraternity for two years for a hazing violation. Four years later, AEPi is back. After failing to qualify for last year’s Little 500, the team finished 19th in this year’s quals, securing its spot after a four-year wait.“It is very important to (Alpha Epsilon Pi) that we are in the race,” Langer said. “It was a very big tradition of our fraternity to race in the Little 500 and a great source of pride to already reestablishing a tradition of excellence in racing.”In fact, Saturday’s race will be a culmination of a long journey for Langer. He is a senior who will be riding in his first Little 500, after his father and uncle rode for the same fraternity in the 1970s. For many members and alumni of AEPi, hearing their name called Saturday will mark the end of a long and painful gap.“Hearing our name April 21, for me, will be a culmination of a dream I had coming into IU my freshmen year of something I wanted to achieve,” Langer said. “But most importantly, it will really be a comeback for AEPi on the Bloomington campus and to hopefully build on our success every year, making us a top-tier team.” When Roessler came to IU in fall 2010 to be a member of the school’s swimming and diving team, she never imagined she would be preparing for her first Little 500, only days away.The same can be said for her teammates of Theta Phi Alpha, a first-year sorority that will be competing in its first Little 500 on April 20. Coming from all different backgrounds, the Theta Phi bike team members, much like the entire sorority, have bonded together as their team nears its first race.“The support from my sisters is none other,” Roessler said. “I have always swam and been a part of teams, and we’ve had fans and supporters, but nothing like the support I’ve gotten from the girls. They’ve come to every event and even practice sometimes to cheer us on. It’s an incredible feeling, having 120 friends coming to watch you compete.”Because this is the first time for the members of Theta Phi Alpha, riders and sisters alike, this race will be extra special, a moment marking what they are hoping could be the start of a great history ahead. Roessler said she and her teammates have embraced their new family and will be ready for the test come Friday.“This sorority started just this year, and for us to build it so well and in such a short amount of time is amazing,” Roessler said. “I think the best way to reward the girls with their hard work is to have a team out there on the track competing with the rest of the organizations because it shows how far we’ve come.”VanderGenugten is a Little 500 champion — just not with her current team.Two years ago, VanderGenugten was a member of the 2010 Little 500-winning Teter squad. However, she fell in love with rock climbing and gave up biking, with the expectation that she would never be riding again. Yet only months ago, VanderGenugten met Rose Mullaney and Christine Ball through mutual friends, and out of chance, the three decided to make their own biking team. Melanzana Cycling was born.“Christine, Rose and I took a training trip to Florida over Christmas break, and that was a great opportunity for us to really get to know each other and create the friendships that we have now,” VanderGenugten said. “Being such a small team, we do pretty much everything together. We’re very fortunate that our friendships have grown beyond cycling.”During this year’s qualifications, Melanzana finished its first attempt in a flawless effort, posting a 2:50.09 time, ninth overall. No matter what happens on race day, VanderGenugten knows that her teammates will put their hearts on the line on the track and, in her words, ride hard and ride smart.“It hasn’t been a smooth journey for us, but we’ve all put a lot of effort into this year’s race,” VanderGenugten said. “I think we’re stronger because of the challenges that come with being a first-year team.”When these four riders have their turns on the track on race day, it will be the culmination of long journeys — ones of pain and ones of destiny — to get to this point.Though some bikers might take the Little 500 for granted, all four riders realize that it has been their tough work and hardships that have brought them through to where they are now, only days from the race they have dreamed of. It is only certain that when these riders take the track for their teams Friday and Saturday, it will be a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives.
(04/18/12 3:23pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As fun as it is to root for the underdog in sports, there wouldn’t be any if it wasn’t for the top dogs who set the bar high. Here’s a look at some of the men and women favorites to win this year’s Little 500 races.The Cutters are the prime players of the top dogs. Although they’ve only been in existence since 1984, they have won a record 12 races. The next closest is eight by Delta Chi, the fraternity from which the Cutters originated. They have also won five consecutive Little 500 races dating back to 2007, another unprecedented mark. In 28 total races, the Cutters have placed in the top ten 26 times, with their worst performance resulting in a 12th-place finish. Their average placement per year is 3.54, a best among all current teams. Senior rider Kevin Depasse said he is thankful to represent one of the most successful teams in Little 500 history.“It’s an awesome feeling to be behind that five (consecutive) years and 12 wins,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing how many awesome guys have come through this team and affected it in various ways. On race day, you can feel all the passion and all the rides that they went on.”In only their seventh year of existence, the Black Key Bulls have wasted no time vaulting themselves into a yearly threat to take home the Borg-Warner Trophy. Although they haven’t won the race yet, the Bulls have placed in the top 10 every time they have competed, with a peak of third place in 2007. Team captain Stephen Mis is confident 2012 can be the year the Bulls finally break through.“Every year, we just keep getting better and better,” Mis said. “We’ve got a team completely devoted to winning this year. Everybody’s really ready to race, and it’s a wonderful thing to be able to represent the Black Key Bulls.”The Bulls were the only men’s team this year to send three members to the semifinals of Miss-N-Out. Those three riders — Daniel Kinn, Rex Rafferty and Brant Powell — all placed in the top 20 of Individual Time Trials.Much like the Cutters, Teter has become the women’s team to dominate after coming on late. Unlike the Cutters, however, Teter’s run didn’t start until 2003, when they placed fifth. Since then, they have placed in the top two six times. They have also recorded three wins in that span, including the past two. To grab their third consecutive victory, four-year rider and Cocaptain Lauren Gowdy said her team must have teamwork and confidence.“Right now, we have four really strong riders,” she said. “As long as we go out there and do what we know how to do as far as riding goes, I think we will be successful.”The four riders Gowdy alluded to, including herself, Lisa Hutcheson, Emma Caughlin and Ashton DeHanhn, all recorded ITT times in the top 15. Hutcheson and Caughlin placed second and fifth in Miss-N-Out, respectively.The third-most successful team in women’s Little 500 history, Delta Gamma experienced some ups and downs early in their history. From 1989 to 1994, DG registered four top-five finishes but also didn’t qualify twice. Since 2000, however, they have consistently been a top threat. In that span, DG has placed in the top six eight times, including a win in 2008. They have also placed third the past two years. DG’s top rider, Kayce Doogs, finished fifth in the 2011 Miss-N-Out and second this year. She also placed 10th in last year’s ITTs and third in 2012. Junior Emily Loebig said her team’s closeness is key.“We’ve had such a great bond between everyone on this team,” she said. “It’s easy to get sick of people that you spend a lot of time with, but these girls are my best friends, and I think that bond we have is really something special. I think that helps us a lot to trust each other to do the best we can on race day.”
(04/18/12 3:21pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Exchanges are what can make or break a Little 500 for any team. If successful, exchanges can keep a team in the race and potentially allow it to vie for the win. When failed, however, they can kill precious seconds of a team’s effort and ruin its race. Precision, speed and coordination are key. Below is a step-by-step guide with rider input about what makes a perfect exchange.1 On the preceding lap, the rider on the track signals to the rest of the main pack, or peloton, that he or she will be making an exchange. The rider moves to the outside of the field and begins a burnout lap while the new rider takes position at his or her respective pit.2 Heading into the final turn before the exchange, the outgoing rider should be well outside the peloton. Once the biker completes the turn, depending on where the pit is, the rider should begin the braking process.3 At this point, the outgoing rider should be slowing down as he or she nears the pit. The incoming rider should also begin running from his or her dead stop to catch up to the bike and keep momentum during the exchange.4 Once the outgoing rider enters the pit, the rider should have his or her pedals adjusted so the new rider can start from where the old left off. The outgoing rider also adjusts his or her hands on the handlebar so that the new rider can jump on. The two meet. 5 The new rider puts his or her hands on the handlebar as the outgoing rider jumps off inside the designated area. The incoming rider then hops on as the bike is still moving and begins pedaling to catch back up with the peloton. 1 On the preceding lap, the rider on the track signals to the rest of the main pack that he or she will be making an exchange. The rider moves to the outside of the field and begins a burnout lap while the new rider takes position at his or her respective pit with the new bike.2 Heading into the final turn before the exchange, the outgoing rider should be well outside the peloton. Once the biker completes the turn, depending on where the pit is, the rider should begin the braking process.3 At this point, the outgoing rider should be slowing down as he or she nears the pit. The incoming rider should also take position to hop on the bike for the quickest start possible. 4 Once the outgoing rider enters the pit, he or she should be slow enough to make an immediate stop. The outgoing rider and the incoming rider meet, and the outgoing rider jumps off the bike in the designated zone to avoid any penalty.5 The new rider then jumps on the new bike from a dead start and begins pedaling to catch back up with the peloton.
(04/18/12 3:14pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Men“This year Kappa Sigma has an all-rookie team, so this is a rebuilding year. For this year’s race, we plan on competing at a high level with hopes of finishing near the top 10, but our main goal as a team is to use this year as a learning experience in order to better prepare ourselves to be a top contending team in next year’s race.”Scott Moyer, Kappa Sigma“Broken bones, cinder burns and eternal glory.” — Ted Tarricone, Team Amalgam “We are looking to win Dixie Highway Award this year, awarded to the team that improves their quals position the most during the race. Last year, Acacia won the award and was able to finish an impressive fifth in the race after qualifying 30th. We have a strong ensemble of riders this year, and if we ride a smart race, Wright Cycling will have a good chance to impress some people come race day!” — Jack McMahon, Wright Cycling“In this year’s race our team hopes to achieve a top-20 finish but above all establish a base for future teams to be built around. This is our house’s first time competing in four years, and we hope to ensure that we are a yearly participant and future contender in the race.” — Bryan Medema, Phi Kappa TauWomen“As a team made up entirely of new riders, we’re all incredibly excited for our first Little 500! We’ve been training hard since we first joined Alpha Delta Pi in January, and I’m astonished and proud at the progress this team has made. I’ve watched my teammates sweat, push themselves till they can barely breathe, fall off their bikes and instantly pick themselves back up to ride again. I can’t wait to see all of our hard work pay off at the track!”— Kelsey McBarron, Alphie“Being a team of all rookies, I think we just really want to get some experience racing the Little Five. We will definitely give it our all, but we have no expectation of winning. For us, it’s all about the journey and the experience.” — Paige Daumeyer, Anchors Away“The SDT bike team is so excited to be riding in the race this year, and we’re really hoping to reach our goal of being in the top 20 for our end result when we finish the race. I think we all hope, as a team, that we can compete competitively in the race while having an amazing time together!” — Leila Gorstein, Sigma Delta Tau“Basically, we want to improve from last year, and since we have more vets returning and have been working hard at the track, we are excited to see what will happen.” — Mary Hidde, Alpha Omicron Pi
(04/18/12 3:10pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Men’s race29. Sigma Alpha EpsilonQualifying time: 02:32.12Time ahead of 34th place: 1.3 secondsStat of note: This is SAE’s second Little 500 since 2001, when it finished 20th.30. Wright CyclingQualifying time: 02:32.24Time ahead of 34th place: 1.18 secondsStat of note: Wright Cycling has had one top-10 finish in its history — a seventh-place effort in 2008.31. AmalgamQualifying time: 02:32.34Time ahead of 34th place: 1.08 secondsStat of note: This is Amalgam’s first Little 500.32. Kappa SigmaQualifying time: 02:32.61Time ahead of 34th place: 0.81 secondsStat of note: During the 1970s, Kappa Sigma finished in the top two on four occasions, including its lone Little 500 crown in 1972.33. Phi Kappa PsiQualifying time: 02:32.84Time ahead of 34th place: 0.58 secondsStat of note: Phi Psi is the only team to have qualified for every Little 500. This year is its 62nd time in the annual race.Women’s race29. Zeta Tau AlphaQualifying time: 03:08.35Time behind 1st place: 25.4 secondsStat of note: ZTA has had two top-10 finishes in its Little 500 history — an eighth-place finish in 1995 and a 10th-place effort in 1991.30. Alpha PhiQualifying time: 03:10.62Time behind 1st place: 27.67 secondsStat of note: Alpha Phi has participated in every Little 500 in its history. This is its 25th year.31. Anchors awayQualifying time: 03:15.19Time behind 1st place: 32.24 secondsStat of note: Anchors Away is the all-rookie team of the Delta Gamma sorority.32. Theta Phi AlphaQualifying time: 03:25.89Time behind 1st place: 42.94 secondsStat of note: This is Theta Phi Alpha’s first Little 500 and its first year on campus as an IU sorority.33. Alpha Delta PiQualifying time: 04:06.07Time behind 1st place: 1:23.12 minutesStat of note: ADPi qualified on its fourth attempt after three faults on botched exchanges. Because there was no 34th team, ADPi automatically qualified for the race.
(04/18/12 3:03pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Men“After a disappointing finish in 2011, we’re hoping to stay safe and up front for the majority of the race and get positioned as best we can for the final sprint. Most other teams will be trying to do the same, but our depth is a key advantage. We’re hoping for excellent weather and track conditions that will allow us to perform our best.” — Will Kragie, Beta Theta Pi“We expect Black Key Bulls rookie rider Spencer Brauchla to surprise the field with his incredible endurance this year. He has thrown down some wicked 50-lap sets on the track this preseason, and we expect him to do the same come race day.” — Daniel Kinn, Black Key Bulls“On race day, the goal is to have fun and ride our race. We hope to stay at the front, control the tempo and ride smart.” — Adam Fish, Sigma Chi“As long as we avoid the wrecks on race day, I feel there is a very good possibility of the Borg-Warner Trophy coming back to Delta Tau Delta. With 2012 being RJ’s (Stuart) and my last race, we are expecting a lot from ourselves come race day, and we feel pretty good about ending the Cutter’s Dynasty.” — Nick Lenard, Delta Tau DeltaWomen“This is the day where we get to apply our year-round hard work and dedication. We’re going to go out there, race hard and have fun.” — Emma Caughlin, Teter“Our expectations for this year’s race are the same we’ve had for every previous race. As a part of the Delta Gamma Cycling legacy, we are expected to ride a fair race, work with other teams and show the depth of our team with every member riding at her peak. This year, we’re here to win.” — Kayce Doogs, Delta Gamma“After years of building a new and independent team, come April 20th, Wing It hopes to finally establish itself as a top contending women’s Little 500 team. We are aiming for a fast, clean and safe race.” — Melissa Moeller, Wing It Cycling“With only two veteran riders, we strive to get our rookies the experience they need to excel on race day. After qualifying fourth, we hope to use our excellent starting position to help keep us on the lead pack all the way through lap 100!” — Marguerite Huber, Alpha Gamma Delta
(04/16/12 3:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The start to the 62nd Little 500 week is officially underway. On Saturday afternoon, 47 teams took to the track at the Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex to participate in the 10th annual Little 50. The races did not disappoint.Pole-sitter Cream won its second-straight women’s Little 50 despite trailing Las Corredores for the majority of the race, while in the men’s race, Mercury won its first race since 2009, also taking the lead late against the then-two-time defending champion Los Corredores.“I can’t believe it,” Cream runner Aubrey Little said. “We were so far behind. What a fantastic way to end senior year and especially our running career.”The event kicked off at 5 p.m. at Billy Hayes Track when the women’s teams started their race. For the first few laps, Cream, Las Corredores and The Plastics exchanged leads. However, Las Corredores decided to make a move and took the lead for the majority of the race.“We felt like starting off, to not worry about taking the lead and just staying with the top of the pack,” Las Corredores runner Lavina Schwartz said. “Toward the middle, we started pushing it and trying to gain a lead, and then it was just all about maintaining it.”When there were only four laps remaining, Cream surged ahead and regained the lead from Las Corredores. They never looked back. When the final runner for Cream crossed the finish line, she, along with her teammates — the same ones they had won with last year — collapsed to the ground in disbelief.“For a couple laps, we just felt like maybe we hadn’t given it our all, and I came back and every single one of them, at different points, we were saying, ‘Just leave it all out on the track,’” Cream runner Tricia Oxford said. “When we saw the (checkered) flag, we did not know what was happening at all. That was sick.”Two hours after the women’s race started, the men’s race began, in which Los Corredores was vying for a third-straight title. It was then that Los Corredores got out to a strong lead, holding the top spot for the first 45 laps against its second-place rival and best friends, Mercury.“We wanted to get out really hard and hope to break them. We figured that was the only way to do it with the wind how it was,” Los Corredores runner Michael Nussa said. “We ran our race plan perfectly, but we just were probably a little too aggressive and blew up at the end. It’s just how it went.”During those final five laps, Mercury took the lead from Los Corredores and held on for the remainder of the race.“Corredores won the past two years, and they were definitely the favorites coming in,” Mercury runner Kevin Murphy said. “We were down by 15 seconds or more at one point, but the last few laps, we just believed and we pulled through.”
(04/16/12 2:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Despite a two-hour rain delay that caused a total of 27 teams to not show up Saturday at Bill Armstrong Stadium, the 2012 Team Pursuit results are in the books. Delta Tau Delta and Teter repeated as Team Pursuit champions, with the Delts winning their second in a row and Teter members winning their third.Early Saturday afternoon, Phi Delta Theta and Delta Tau Delta met in their first heat for Team Pursuit. Little did the teams know they would meet again in the finals.After the Phi Delts won their first matchup, Delta Tau Delta came back and won the finals, finishing the 15-lap race with a time of 9:11.96.“We actually stuck to the plan this time compared to the first time when we were a bit free-minded,” Phi Delt rider Luke Momper said. “The track got better as the night went on, and as the day went on it dried out, but I think there is a bit of a different atmosphere under the lights at night. “We had some fans here this time, and you get the whole championship mentality and take it up a notch.”Delta Tau Delta got off to a fast start in the finals, taking an early four-second lead against Phi Delta Tau. Though Phi Delta Theta closed the gap to nearly a virtual tie midway through the race, Delta Tau Delta retook a large lead and never looked back, taking the title along the way.“This one was more about consistency,” Momper said. “We just wanted to be consistent with our numbers and hold the same count the whole time, and it paid off.”Despite losing in the finals, Phi Delt’s second-place finish ensured the team would receive the Spring Series title with 56 points. The team members will wear the white jerseys on race day.Finishing in third place was Little 500 pole-sitter Beta Theta Pi, with the Cutters and Black Key Bulls rounding out the top five. Meanwhile, three might be Teter’s lucky number this year as it tries for its third consecutive Little 500 crown. On Saturday, three definitely was a lucky number.Teter surged to its third consecutive Team Pursuit title with a time of 8:23.99, topping Individual Time Trials and Miss-N-Out champion Kathleen Chelminiak and Kappa Alpha Theta in the finals.“We train really hard together as a team, and so we are always practicing pace lines together,” Teter rider Emma Caughlin said. “We know each other really well and know when someone feels tired without them actually saying that, so that helped with consistency tonight.”The Little 500 defending champions dominated throughout the day, passing Army Women during their first heat in an 8:14.49 finish and keeping a steady lead against Kappa Alpha Theta in the finals. Saturday’s victory also guaranteed Teter the Spring Series title, meaning the team will hold the rights to the white, green and yellow jerseys, the first time for any team since Kappa Kappa Gamma landed the rights in 2005. “It feels awesome to have all three jerseys,” Caughlin said. “I don’t think we’ve ever done that, and we work really hard, so it feels awesome going into the race with this.”Rounding out the top five for the women were Wing It Cycling, Delta Gamma and Cru Cycling. However, a total of 17 women’s teams and 10 men’s teams that were slated to ride did not compete Saturday. The women will compete in the 2012 Little 500 on Friday night and the men will compete Saturday.“I don’t know why they decided to scratch,” said Assistant Director of Little 500 races Jordan Bailey. “The weather probably kept them away, but if this were April 20 or 21, we would have ran in the rain.”
(04/13/12 3:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>From the time she saw her first Little 500 race, senior Brittany Strumbel dreamt of one day taking the track at Bill Armstrong Stadium.It was just a matter of achieving that goal.Strumbel, a four-year swimmer with Coach Ray Looze and the IU swimming and diving team, is now only one week away from potentially competing in her first Little 500. She is currently an alternate for Wing It Cycling.Her journey included the realization she will have to give up swimming — the sport she grew up with — and move to cycling. But already in this new sport, Strumbel has achieved success with a top-35 finish in the 2012 Individual Time Trials. It shows how anyone’s dreams can be achieved as long as the effort is made to do so, she said.“I wanted to come away from the Little Five with new experiences and friends and a way into the world of cycling,” Strumbel said. “I have always had a sport, and now I want to pursue this one. The Little 500 seemed like the best way to become involved.”Strumbel came to IU to swim in fall 2008 with 13 Ohio state swimming championships and a two-event performance in the 2008 Olympic Trials already under her belt. During her four-year tenure as an IU swimmer, Strumbel earned four school records, including the Big Ten record 1:43.93 in the 200-yard freestyle.During her first three years, she also attended every Little 500 and grew an aspiration to compete in the race. Then something happened that made Strumbel realize her dream could be fulfilled.“I knew I wanted to have that experience for myself after watching two senior swimmers finish their seasons and go on to pursue biking in the Little 500,” Strumbel said. “I have been swimming my whole life and was ready to try a different type of sport and stay in shape.”Last summer, Strumbel reached out to the IU Student Foundation, which organizes Little 500, in hopes of being placed onto a team as a rider or an alternate. In the fall, IUSF placed her on Wing It as an alternate rider. She and the team met for the first time late in the fall 2011 semester.“I met with the team late fall, and we clicked,” Strumbel said. “The girls on Wing It Cycling have been fantastic and have made this experience more than what I hoped for. As Abigail (Legg) says, ‘We’re a hodge-podge of awesomeness,’ and you would just have to meet one of them to know that.”Once the swimming season began, however, Strumbel quickly realized making time for training for the Little 500 would be more difficult than expected. During spring training, she would be swimming from 5:45 to 7:30 a.m., attending classes and work throughout the day, swimming again from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and practicing with Wing It from 5 to 7:15 p.m. Strumbel said there were multiple times when she had to miss Little 500 practice due to scheduling conflicts and would instead practice exchanges on her own.“We were rooting for her to have a great senior season before worrying about getting her on a bike,” Wing It rider Melissa Moeller said. “I really am taken aback by the number of things she has been able to balance because she gives 100 percent in everything she does and never misses a beat.”When swimming season ended March 17 after the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, at which Strumbel finished as an All-American in two events, she was finally able to fully participate in Little 500 events. Though she did not compete in Qualifications, in which Wing It finished 11th, she did participate in ITTs and Miss-N-Out. In ITTs, Strumbel finished in 32nd place with a time of 2:51.12, putting her in the top third of riders competing in this year’s race. Days later, Strumbel made it to the quarterfinals of Miss-N-Out.“I came into this situation knowing that I was not going to actually be in the race unless something like an injury occurred,” Strumbel said. “However, I am going to experience Little Five in the way that I wanted to, being on and supporting a great team. I have learned so much about cycling so far, and the Spring Series Events have been a lot of fun.”Even if she does not compete in this year’s race, Strumbel’s improvement as a biker has been notable, her teammates said. What she said she hopes for, though, is that her swimming training and newfound biking desire will help her compete in triathlons after her collegiate career. She will graduate in May with a degree in environmental management.“Brittany brings the utmost enthusiasm and genuine interest in improvement to every practice and team function,” Moeller said. “Her positivity just makes her a great person to be around.”
(04/05/12 2:55am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Don’t count out the Cutters just yet. After finishing eighth in Little 500 Qualifications and having no rider win the Individual Time Trials or Miss-N-Out for the first time since 2008, the five-time defending Little 500 champion won the first practice race of the 2012 Spring Series on Wednesday afternoon in a tight finish.The team won the 50-lap race after a series of crashes eliminated some of the top competition, including pole-sitter Beta Theta Pi and 10th-seed Delta Tau Delta.Third-seed Black Key Bulls and seventh-seed Sigma Chi joined the Cutters at the finish line, as Kevin Depasse of Cutters stayed ahead of Rex Rafferty of BKB and Brian Arfmann of Sigma Chi. BKB finished second in the race and Sigma Chi in third.For the women, pole-sitter and 2012 Spring Series leader Teter continued its domination of the Spring Series events Wednesday night.Already leading co-second place teams Wing It Cycling and Kappa Alpha Theta by 22 points in the series standings, Teter won the practice race in convincing fashion.Anchor rider Lisa Hutcheson grabbed the lead for the team late in the 25-lap race and never looked back. Kathleen Chelminiak of Kappa Alpha Theta challenged Hutcheson for the last few laps as it came down to a two-woman race. Coming in third place for the women’s race was Wing It Cycling, which will be in 11th position on race day.The teams will next have a practice race Tuesday, April 10, which will be the final practice before race day, Friday, April 20, for women and Saturday, April 21, for men.
(03/31/12 10:13pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>After the first week of action in the 2012 Little 500 Spring Series from Quals last weekend to Individual Time Trials on Wednesday, two champions were crowned Saturday in this year’s Miss-N-Out competition.Fifth-year rider Steven Sharp from Phi Delta Theta won this year’s men’s Miss-N-Out for his second career title in the event. In addition, second-year rider Kathleen Chelminiak (Kappa Alpha Theta) won her first career Miss-N-Out title, only days after winning the ITT on Wednesday.“I feel like I did pretty well,” Chelminiak said. “Everyone did great all day and gave me a run for it. I’m so mind-boggled. I don’t really know how to answer how I feel about this performance.”After losing last season’s Miss-N-Out to Eric Young, Sharp was able to get back on top of the Little 500 Spring Series after his first Miss-N-Out Championship in 2010, albeit with some major drama. Heading into the final lap of the final heat, Sharp trailed 2012 ITT champion RJ Stuart (Delta Tau Delta), however during the final two turns, Sharp kicked into another gear and passed Stuart, taking the 2012 Miss-N-Out Championship in the process. “I thought it was a good race and I thought Steve rode a great set,” Stuart said. “I simply didn't play my cards right and I'm looking forward to the race. The race will be a different story.”Stuart, the number one overall seed, finished second in the finals, while Beta Theta Pi’s William Kragie finished third. Last year’s fourth-place finisher and this year’s 17 seed Adam Fish (Sigma Chi) also made the finals as the lowest seed, and placed fifth in the final heat.“I was happy, but you want to win, so it was tough,” Fish said. “There were a lot of strong guys this year, especially this year. The goal was to get to the final and see what happens. Sometimes there’s dumb luck and you get lucky and sometimes you don’t.”In the women’s competition, Chelminiak continued the process of making herself well known amongst the Little 500 elite. Saturday’s title was her second this week. Chelminiak was in control throughout the entire day, holding the lead and winning in every heat she competed in. “I feel like everything we’ve been doing as a team has been worth it, and I just feel like everything was done because of total trust in what our coaches have us do,” Chelminiak said. “I just came and showed up and did my thing, but with so many things happening behind the scenes like teammates and coaches helping me out, it wasn’t just me.”Chelminiak held the lead throughout the entire final heat without faltering, while Delta Gamma rider and No. 3 seed Kayce Doogs finished as the runner-up, holding off No. 2 seed Teter’s Lisa Hutcheson. Fourth-seeded Melissa Moeller (Wing It Cycling) also made the final four, meaning the top four riders finished in the top four.“The last three races are right after another so honestly you never know what is going to happen,” Doogs said. “A lot of it comes down to luck, and it definitely got harder, but the race was good.”Another factor in Saturday's races was crashes, as dry track conditions led to multiple pileups. One of the most notable crashes was in the second men’s semifinal, when No. 6 seed Daniel Kinn crashed in the first elimination lap with the No. 15 seed Gregory Bortz of Acacia. Both riders were eliminated from the race. “I think the biggest concern I think for everyone out here is not to wreck, because it is a lot about strategy and you just have to position yourself,” Doogs said. “Everyone wants to win obviously, but when it comes down to it, it should be a safe race. It’s not necessarily the fastest rider, it’s the person with the best strategy who wins.”Riders will now have two practice races and time for training over the next two weeks heading into the next Spring Series event, Team Pursuit on April 14. With that break from competition, Stuart said his team is focused on using those two weeks to do only one thing.“We will train hard.”
(03/29/12 4:57am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>1. Kathleen ChelminiakKappa Alpha ThetaFemale02:38.8702:39.1202:38.8502:38.952. Lisa HutchesonTeter Female02:39.8502:39.8502:39.8502:39.853. Kayce DoogsDelta GammaFemale02:39.9802:40.1302:40.2202:40.114. Melissa MoellerWing It CyclingFemale02:41.0602:41.1002:41.1502:41.105. Christine MelloyDelta Sigma Pi (W)Female02:41.5602:41.4002:41.5602:41.516. Megan GruberKappa Kappa GammaFemale02:41.8202:41.8302:41.9402:41.867. Lauren KohutKappa DeltaFemale02:43.2502:43.1202:43.2802:43.228. Emma CaughlinTeterFemale02:43.6202:43.5302:43.6002:43.589. Lauren GowdyTeterFemale02:44.0002:43.8702:43.5602:43.8110. Rachel MetherdKappa Alpha Theta Female02:44.8802:44.8702:44.9102:44.8911. Aileen OttenwellerArmyFemale02:45.1802:45.3102:45.3102:45.2712. Laura BlissRideOnFemale02:45.3502:45.2502:45.2802:45.2913. Carly DeanWing It CyclingFemale02:45.7502:45.4702:45.5902:45.6014. Laura MillerWing It CyclingFemale02:46.0302:46.0602:45.9102:46.0015. Ashton DeHahnTeterFemale02:45.9702:45.8802:46.1902:46.0116. Kelsey TharnstromAlpha Chi OmegaFemale02:46.3802:46.4602:46.5902:46.4817. Abigail LeggWing It CyclingFemale02:46.8802:46.9002:46.7202:46.8318. Lindsey ZiembaKappa DeltaFemale02:47.2202:47.3102:47.2702:47.2719. Kelsey PhillipsDelta GammaFemale02:47.3102:47.1902:47.3402:47.2820. Aryn DollChi OmegaFemale02:47.4002:47.4402:47.4202:47.4221. Emily PalmerCru CyclingFemale02:47.5702:47.4302:47.5302:47.5122. Susan LaurieTeterFemale02:47.6602:47.4302:47.7502:47.6123. Caitlin BurkeArmyFemale02:47.7802:47.7502:47.8402:47.7924. Jacqueline StevensKappa Kappa GammaFemale02:47.7902:47.9702:47.7802:47.8525. Kate McDougalKappa Alpha ThetaFemale02:48.5602:48.3502:48.6502:48.5226. Christine BeyerKappa Alpha ThetaFemale02:49.7502:49.1902:49.4802:49.4727. Katelyn DawsonChi OmegaFemale02:50.2802:50.0602:49.5002:49.9528. Emily LoebigDelta GammaFemale02:49.8702:50.1602:50.1602:50.0629. Jenna KovachDelta GammaFemale02:50.3702:50.4702:50.4902:50.4430. Amanda GratziannaGamma Phi BetaFemale02:50.5702:50.4702:50.5102:50.5231. Kristen ColemanRainbow CyclingFemale02:50.9702:51.0602:51.1302:51.0532. Brittany StrumbelWing It CyclingFemale02:54.5002:44.7502:54.1202:51.1233. Shannon O'NeillAlpha Gamma DeltaFemale02:51.6002:51.6902:51.6202:51.6434. Katie ReedAlpha Gamma DeltaFemale02:51.7902:51.7202:51.7502:51.7535. Megan BurgerCollinsFemale02:52.2202:51.7802:51.9702:51.9936. Christine BallMelanzanaFemale02:52.2502:52.2802:52.0902:52.2137. Rose MullaneyMelanzanaFemale02:52.0602:52.5202:52.2002:52.2638. Mary CutlerKappa DeltaFemale02:53.4102:53.3502:53.0202:53.2639. Claire NesslerArmyFemale02:53.3102:53.2202:53.3102:53.2840. Sarah HugusRainbow CyclingFemale02:53.5302:53.5002:53.5602:53.5341. Keely KorstanjeKappa Delta Female02:53.8102:53.7502:53.7802:53.7842. Lyndi HollisCru CyclingFemale02:53.8802:53.8802:53.7802:53.8543. Chelsie HaflerAir Force Cycling (W)Female02:54.2502:54.3202:54.2502:54.2744. Mackenzie LloydTeterFemale02:54.4702:54.3802:54.3002:54.3845. Lindsey CongerLast ChanceFemale02:54.4102:54.3002:54.4702:54.3946. Leila GorsteinSigma Delta TauFemale02:54.6602:54.5302:54.5302:54.5747. Marguerite HuberAlpha Gamma DeltaFemale02:54.9702:55.0302:55.0002:55.0048. Carrie GordenDelta Sigma Pi (W)Female02:55.1102:55.0402:55.0802:55.0849. Kirsten PowellDelta GammaFemale02:55.5302:55.5302:55.5302:55.5350. Caitlin PittsChi OmegaFemale02:55.6902:55.5002:55.5302:55.57
(03/29/12 4:47am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>1. RJ StuartDelta tau deltaMale02:18.5602:18.7202:18.6602:18.652. Steven SharpPhi Delta ThetaMale02:20.0602:20.1002:20.1602:20.113. Andrew MorrowSigma ChiMale02:20.6902:20.8102:20.7802:20.764. Paul SmithUnattachedMale02:23.3102:23.3302:23.3802:23.345. Kevin DepasseCuttersMale02:23.2402:23.4402:23.3602:23.356. Nick TorranceSigma Phi EpsilonMale02:24.2802:24.3102:23.9002:24.167. Daniel KinnBlack Key BullsMale02:24.282:24.1202:24.1902:24.238. William KragieBeta Theta PiMale02:24.2502:24.2202:24.3402:24.279. Timothy NixonCuttersMale02:24.2502:24.3002:24.2702:24.2710. Matthew GreenBeta Theta PiMale02:24.3702:24.3402:24.1502:24.2911. Rex RaffertyBlack Key BullsMale02:24.5002:24.4002:24.4302:24.4412. Sven GartnerPhi Delta ThetaMale02:24.6602:24.5302:24.6002:24.6013. Phil SojkaDelta Tau DeltaMale02:24.7802:24.2202:25.0002:24.6714. Turner DuncanTheta ChiMale02:24.6902:25.0002:24.8902:24.8615. Jacob RowlandPhi Delta ThetaMale02:24.9402:25.3802:25.0602:25.1316. Gregory BortzAcaciaMale02:25.5002:25.5002:25.5002:25.5017. Thomas WalshCuttersMale02:25.6902:25.7202:25.5902:25.6718. Adam FishSigma ChiMale02:25.8102:25.6002:25.6202:25.6819. Chris WestUnattachedMale02:25.9402:25.7202:25.7802:25.8120. Brant PowellBlack Key Bull Male02:26.3702:26.4102:26.4002:26.3921. Tyler LucasPhi Kappa PsiMale02:26.6902:26.6902:26.3502:26.5822. Zach StineAir Force CyclingMale02:26.7502:26.7802:26.7202:26.7523. Eric AndersonBeta Theta PiMale02:26.8102:27.0002:26.7202:26.8424. Tobias KempDelta Sigma PiMale02:26.9702:27.4102:26.6902:27.0225. Tom LaserBeta Theta PiMale02:27.2802:27.0902:27.1202:27.16 26. Brice BrookshireSigma NuMale02:27.2502:27.5002:27.2502:27.3327. Sam HarbisonCuttersMale02:27.6602:27.6602:27.6602:27.6628. Matt AndressFijiMale02:27.5302:27.9102:27.7002:27.7129. Kevin NewkirkTheta ChiMale02:28.0402:27.6302:28.0702:27.9130. Rodney RichardsonWright CyclingMale02:28.0902:27.9002:27.9102:27.9731. Luke MomperDelta Tau DeltaMale02:28.6602:28.5002:27.7902:28.3232. Steve MisBlack Key BullsMale02:29.0302:28.9002:28.8802:28.9433. Ryan GranholmTheta ChiMale02:28.9402:29.4102:29.0602:29.1434. Alex RayAlpha Tau OmegaMale02:29.1902:29.1202:29.1102:29.1435. Ben DuwellPhi Delta ThetaMale02:29.2202:29.1602:29.1802:29.1936. Tyler DennisBlack Key BullsMale02:29.3102:29.3702:29.1802:29.2937. Miles JohnsonPhi Kappa PsiMale02:29.6002:29.4102:29.1202:29.3838. Thomas WimmerSigma Phi EpsilonMale02:29.6602:29.3002:29.4502:29.4739. Jake BidnerCru CyclingMale02:29.9702:30.0002:29.7202:29.9040. Steve FerrahSigma NuMale02:30.0302:30.0702:30.0502:30.0541. Allan BrenerPhi Kappa SigmaMale02:30.6002:29.9402:29.9402:30.1642. Michael KhamisFIJIMale02:30.7502:30.7502:30.5902:30.7043. John BeckerTheta ChiMale02:30.7502:30.9102:30.7802:30.8144. Chris CraigBeta Theta PiMale02:30.9002:30.7802:30.9102:30.8645. Nick LenardDelta Tau DeltaMale02:31.0302:30.7202:30.9702:30.9146. Matthew HabelPhi Delta ThetaMale02:30.9402:31.0302:31.0002:30.9947. Brian ArfmannSigma ChiMale02:31.0602:30.9102:31.0902:31.0248. Joe GreenleeSigma ChiMale02:31.2202:31.1902:31.3102:31.2449. Steven GomezBlack Key BullsMale02:31.4402:31.2802:31.3402:31.3550. Jack McMahonWright CyclingMale02:31.7202:31.3502:31.7702:31.61
(03/28/12 4:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On the wall in the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center, a large banner reminds all IU swimmers and divers of the goal they dream of achieving in their lifetimes.That poster lists every IU swimmer and diver who has made it to the Summer Olympics dating back to 1952. According to that list, an IU swimmer or diver has made every Summer Olympics since that year.That streak will continue for this year’s 2012 London Olympics, as senior Margaux Farrell qualified for the 4X200 freestyle relay team at the French National Championships this past week in Dunkerque, France. “I can’t believe that I can call myself an Olympian. It is still very surreal, and I don’t think it has fully hit me yet,” Farrell said. “I’m really honored and proud to continue a tradition and legacy of IU swimming excellence.”Farrell’s journey to the Olympics has been a balance between academics and her sport. A journalism major from Woodbridge, Conn., Farrell had to make sure her grades were strong while improving enough as a swimmer with the IU swimming and diving team to have a shot at the Olympics.A dedicated student athlete, Farrell has achieved a 3.8 grade-point average during her time at IU and plans to attend graduate school. In addition, as a Hoosier swimmer, Farrell has been a member of two Big Ten Championship winning teams, is a 12-time NCAA All-American and set six IU record swims. “Growing up, I reached a point where I realized that there were things I had to put aside and things I needed to give up to make time for swimming, all of this meanwhile with the long-term dream of eventually reaching the Olympics,” Farrell said. “Looking back on when I was upset that I couldn’t go to the homecoming dance because I had state the next day or that I couldn’t go to a Sweet 16 because I was at championships or things like that, all of that to me is forgotten or made up for, in a sense.”Heading into the French National Championships and Olympic Trials, Farrell faced an obstacle she had prepared for throughout the past four years. The French Nationals were from March 18 to 24, while the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships were from March 15 to 17 in Auburn, Ala. After earning two All-American times at the NCAA Championships in the 200-yard freestyle and the 800-yard freestyle relay, Farrell, two flights and about 4,500 miles later on March 19, arrived in Dunkerque ready for trials, where only a day later, she was competing in the 200-meter freestyle preliminaries. The prior three seasons at IU, Farrell had done the same trip so as to be ready for this one occasion.“I was tired, sore and ready to know my fate, but my body and mind were ready for that competition,” Farrell said. “I think that was why I was able to achieve what I wanted to do.” Despite much traveling, Farrell had to participate in the finals for the 200-meter freestyle on Wednesday. After finishing in fifth in the finals with a time of 1:59.31, Farrell had to wait until Sunday afternoon before finding out she would make the Olympic team.“Waiting during those days, I experienced a mix of emotions because I didn’t want to allow myself to believe I had made the team until I officially had,” Farrell said. “When I landed in Chicago for my layover coming home, I turned on my phone and received a mass amount of text messages letting me know I had made it, so it wasn’t even the press release that I found out from. It was my friends and family. That made it all the more better in my eyes.” Farrell could also qualify for the 4X100 freestyle relay, as she finished fourth at the French Nationals in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 56.32. Though France currently is not qualified for the event, should the nation hold one of the world’s four fastest times (from March 1, 2011, to June 1, 2012) of the teams yet to qualify for it, Farrell most likely would be selected for the team. Currently, France holds the third-fastest time of those teams yet to qualify in the event. “Obviously, I would like to swim as much as possible at the Olympics, so being in the 4x1 would be awesome,” Farrell said. “However, I’m not focusing so much on that right now. It is what it is, and at the end of the day, my goal all along was the 4x2, so I’m just honored I get at least one opportunity to swim my best event.”After years of preparation for this opportunity, Farrell has finally seized it. She will swim in the 2012 Olympics in London, and her name will be added to the prestigious banner hanging over the pool she swims in every day as a Hoosier. Margaux Farrell has sealed her name in IU history.“It truly has not hit me that I’m an ‘Olympian.’ I feel weird saying it,” Farrell said. “I always dreamed of this, and this was always the utmost goal of mine. However, it’s the Olympics, and growing up, all little kids say they want to go, but the percentage of them that actually do is far different. I can’t believe that now that’s me. I’m going to the Olympics.“
(03/28/12 1:56am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>With the Little 500 season getting into full swing, tonight will mark the recognition of this year’s elite riders.Starting at 4 p.m., 329 riders will take to Bill Armstrong Stadium in 83 heats for the 2012 Individual Time Trials to determine the fastest riders for this year’s races.“ITTs are a big indicator of how strong each rider is during the season,” Army Women rider Aileen Ottenweller said. “No one is tapering or slowing down their efforts during practice yet, so it is a more realistic look at the overall strength of the rider.” This year’s ITTs field will feature two new champions and a new look at the top. Last year’s men’s champion, Cutters’ Eric Young, is gone — as is last year’s runner-up, Fiji’s David Ellis. In addition, the women lose their top-three finishers from last year: Teter’s Caitlin van Kooten, Alpha Gamma Delta’s Melinda Balchan and Pi Beta Phi’s Caroline Brown."While Eric Young and Caitlin Van Kooten have both graduated, I would say that the competition has tightened up," Little 500 Races Assistant Director Jordan Bailey said. "The Qualifications results from Saturday revealed that the 1st and 33rd team were separated by a margin of only 11 seconds, the lowest in over 12 years. The track has been in considerably better condition than it was last year, which should lead to faster times for all riders tomorrow night."Hoping to fill the void in the men’s field is this past year’s fourth-place finisher, Kevin Depasse from Cutters. After Saturday’s eighth-place finish in men’s qualifications and the loss of Young, a win Wednesday night could prove the Cutters are still a force to be reckoned with in their quest for a sixth consecutive Little 500 title.“The two top finishers may have graduated, yes. However, the field is packed with strong guys and, of course, the unknowns who have yet to stretch their legs in such a unique venue,” Depasse said. “The nice thing about our team is that we take everything in stride, and while a win tomorrow night by one of us would be great, it’s not the race.”Also looking to make an statement is senior RJ Stuart of Delta Tau Delta, who last year finished third in ITTs, only .39 seconds faster than Depasse. With last year’s top two finishers gone, Stuart says he is ready to be Delts first ITT champion in more than 12 years. “I'm only going for the win. I respect all the riders in my heat, but at the end of the day I'm not worried at all,” Stuart said. “This is my last year in the Little 500, and I've taken my training to another level by training consistently with professional riders throughout the fall. Although I am confident, I won't ever let it get to my head because I'd be foolish to take my competition lightly.”Another rider worth watching out for is Ottenweller, who is competing for Army Women, Saturday’s third-place finisher in the women’s qualifications. Ottenweller finished fifth in this past year’s ITTs, and with only one faster rider in this past year’s event returning for this year’s race, she said that while she has a chance at winning the event, this year’s field is wide open.“The girls’ competition this year will be really exciting for fans to watch,” she said. “All of us competing, in my eyes, have a fair shot at placing first in ITTs. Of course, I’d like to say my chances are strong for pulling off a win. However, I’m more excited to be able to race against the girls I’ve grown up on the track with. We’ve all improved a lot this year.”ITTs give teams a chance to let all of their riders play a part in the Little 500 festivities. While riders from some teams will not have the opportunity to compete in Little 500, the ITTs give riders a chance to take their turn on the famed track.With so many riders competing, to win this year’s ITTs on either side, riders will have to put in their best effort to take a victory.All in all, Ottenweller sums up the keys to the race quite simply.“Warm up well,” Ottenweller said. “Go fast, and turn left.”
(03/26/12 2:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Heading into the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in Federal Way, Wash., IU junior diver Zac Nees said the team’s goal would be to finish in the top 10 in the standings when it was all said and done.After three days of competition against the best swimmers and divers across the nation, the goal was achieved. IU finished with 140 points through the span of the meet, good enough for a 10th place finish at the NCAA Championships. That is the Hoosiers’ highest placing since 2008, when the team also finished in 10th.“I can’t tell you how proud I am of this group,” IU Coach Ray Looze said. “What a way to finish the season. To finish top 10 in the country, when we were arguably without our best swimmer, just all the credit goes to our guys. They represented Hoosier Nation extremely well tonight.”The Hoosiers’ Top 10 effort was led by a slew of five NCAA diving first team All-American finishes and three honorable mention All-American efforts. Leading the Hoosiers in the pool was Nees, who finished as a first team All-American in the 3-meter (380.00 points) and platform dive (343.95) and an honorable mention in the 1-meter dive (370.10).“I built up my confidence through success in dual meets all year, and even though I had an off meet at Big Tens, I knew that I could compete with the guys at NCAAs,” Nees said. “I think that is the main reason I was successful at this meet, and that is the lesson I will take away.“In addition to Nees, sophomore Darian Schmidt was a first team All-American in the 3-meter dive, junior Mick Dell’Orco a first team All-American in the 1-meter dive and sophomore Conor Murphy a first team All-American in the platform dive. Combined, the Hoosier divers accounted for 71 of the team’s overall 140 points.“You know, last year we got nine points from diving, and we had Eric Ress in that meet, arguably our best swimmer,” Looze said. “After last year, we got together and decided we wanted to have a good meet, and I have to give the credit to (Diving Coach) Jeff Huber for turning that group of divers into the kind of group we have now.”The Hoosiers also got major points from sophomore Cody Miller, who scored in the 200-yard Individual Medley, 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard breaststroke. Miller first broke the IU school record in the 200 IM in a 10th-place finish, racing a 1:44.02 in the finals. Miller then followed with a seventh-place finish and first team All-American award in the 100 breast Friday, and he finished ninth Saturday in the 200 breast.“I was really pleased with my performance in the 2IM,” Miller said. “I really wanted to break 1:44, but I fell short by two-one-hundredths of a second, which is slightly painful. However, being a three time All-American is really satisfying, and I couldn’t be more proud of my teammates.“Teams say every year, ‘Well, next year, that will be our year. We will do better next year,’ but seriously, we just established ourselves as a top-10 program with 10 guys,” Miller said. “We aren’t losing anyone, and we are only gaining in points, which is rare for teams. Next year we will have more guys, and we will be an even bigger impact at the NCAA level.”Finally, junior Sam Trahin earned first team All-American honors after finishing fourth in the 400-yard IM on Friday. Not only did Trahin set the IU school record in the finals for the event with a time of 3:44.37, but he also broke the record during preliminaries, when he raced a 3:44.49.“Setting the school record in the 400 IM was a great accomplishment, but more important than the record was my impact for the team,” Trahin said. “I really wanted to help the program, and I believe I did the best I could.”Looze also credits Assistant Head Coach Mike Westphal for staying back with the team while the women’s team competed in their NCAA Championships. Looze said that without him pushing the team while he and the remaining coaches were gone, the Hoosiers would not have been ready for this meet.“We’ve got a great staff from top to bottom,” Looze said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve got good people producing good results, and we’re looking forward to keeping that going.”Things are only looking up from here for the IU swimming and diving team. The Hoosiers will return every point scorer from the NCAA’s next season and will return future senior Eric Ress, who most recently finished second in the 200-meter backstroke at the French National Championships on Thursday. For now, though, the wait to return to the pool next fall begins.“I think we are in a good place and that we have a potential top-five team on our hands,” Looze said. “We’re excited about the future. Everyone comes back, and we’re still adding good people, so right now, this is the men’s time to shine.”
(03/26/12 1:50am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Men’s Qualifications1. Beta Theta PiI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:21.05II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 17th; 2:15:54III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 7th; 2:29.272. CSF CyclingI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:21.38II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 23rd; 2:15:57III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 18th; 2:34.233. Black Key BullsI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:23.21II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 6th; 2:14:29III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 6th; 2:29.094. Phi Delta ThetaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:23.92II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 2nd; 2:12:38III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 4th; 2:27.895. FijiI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:24.85II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 15th; 2:15:57III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 32nd; 2:39.656. Sigma NuI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:24.99II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 9th; 2:14:50III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 1st; 2:25.917. Sigma ChiI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:25.76II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 3rd; 2:12:41III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 3rd; 2:26.718. CuttersI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:26.07II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 1st; 2:12:34III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 2nd; 2:26.469. Delta UpsilonI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:26.23II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 29th; 2:15:57III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 26th; 2:36.7610. Delta Tau DeltaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:26.60II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 4th; 2:13:22III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 5th; 2:28.03Women’s qualifications1. TeterI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:42.95II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 1st; 1:10:43III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 2nd; 2:47.522. Delta GammaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:44.19II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 3rd; 1:11:57III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 1st; 2:44.763. Army WomenI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:44.37II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 4th; 1:12:32III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 3rd; 2:48.744. Alpha Gamma DeltaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:45.12II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 6th; 1:12:43III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 6th; 2:52.005. Kappa DeltAI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:45.87II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 8th; 1:13.24III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 17th; 2:59.006. Kappa Alpha ThetaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:47.03II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 11th; 1:14:23III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 11th; 2:56.987. Kappa kappa gammaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:49.43II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 7th; 1:12:44III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 5th; 2:51.248. Chi OmegaI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:49.55II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 20th; 1:14:13III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 12th; 2:57.299. Melanzana CyclingI. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:50.09II. 2011 Little 500 Result: DID NOT COMPETEIII. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: DID NOT COMPETE10. Air Force (W)I. 2012 Little 500 Qualifying Time: 2:50.25II. 2011 Little 500 Result: 30th; 1:13:39III. 2011 Little 500 Qualifications Result: 28th; 3:13.95