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(02/20/03 6:24am)
Being stuck in middle of the "Storm of the Decade" felt a little sweeter for the women's water polo team after coming off its successful weekend. They finally made it back to Bloomington two and half days after they were supposed to return.\nAfter finishing their four win and no loss performance at the Princeton Invitational in Princeton, N.J., the No. 12 Hoosiers were part of the millions stranded throughout the Northeast because of the largest snowfall of this winter season.\nWhen the 19-member party left the pool Sunday at 3:30 after their victory against No. 12 University of California at Santa Barbara, the flurries began. The snow continued to fall during the hour drive to Philadelphia, where they were scheduled to take a 7:30 flight back to Indianapolis. \n"I'm from Michigan, and I was still shocked at how much snow was coming down," senior Jamie Marley said. "The snow flakes were just that big."\nAbout 10 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport, the girls were notified that their flight was canceled and the airport was closed. Luckily for the parents who traveled to the game, they were able to re-route their flights through Newark Airport in New Jersey. However, for an entourage as big as the water polo team, finding 19 seats on a plane was all the more difficult. \nAfter returning their rental cars, the girls were told they were stuck in Philly until at least 4 p.m. Monday, which was the designated time the airport was to be closed until. \nThe group took up shelter at the Residence Inn by Mariott, located in snow-ridden downtown Philadelphia across from city hall. \nAt the hotel, the girls shacked four to a room, where they finished some homework, rented movies and sat around to pass the time. The girls were told to stay near the hotel just in case the weather cleared and they were able to leave.\n"Philly is a great town," Marley said. "It's awesome and beautiful; however in a snowstorm there is nothing to do."\nThe hotel's room service wasn't operational, but every morning the girls were treated to a continental breakfast, which was great, said Marley.\nA major issue during their stay in Philadelphia was food. Because the city was closed down for the most part, the girls had limited options when it came to finding meals. \n"We went to a nice chinese restaurant one night, and some girls had it delivered another night," said senior Kristin Stanford.\nOne of those options was a nearby 7-11, where the girls went numerous times, said junior Kristy Streefkerk. \n"The food experience was adventurous," Marley said. "I think only about three restaurants were open, and because of that the waits were about two to three hours long. There were kitchens running out of food and limited menus. But it was nice to see the girls be patient about the whole ordeal."\nOne highlight during the three days of blizzard-like conditions was being across from the NBC studios. Freshmen Emily Schmitt and Clare Meadows made an attempt to get on television as part of the massive coverage brought on by the national media, but the girls were uncertain if the two first-year players were successful.\nAnother major issue that struck fear some of the players was missing classes. \n"A lot of girls had tests this week that they studied for this weekend," Marley said. "Everyone worried about classes." \nBut once they were reassured by the academic advisors from the athletic department that because of the extenuating circumstances the girls would be excused, a sigh of relief swept those worried.\nWhen the girls were notified that the airport would re-open at 10 a.m., they returned to find the masses trying to catch a flight out.\nTheir flight again was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and as that time grew closer, the girls knew anything could happen. The girls were relieved when they were on the plane and it took off, Marley said.\nAfter being gone from campus for a work week, the girls were all in good spirits. \n"We were puzzled at first," Streefkerk said. "But it got kinda funny, and we laughed the whole time."\nThe girls returned to Bloomington at 1 a.m. Wednesday morning after their flight was delayed leaving Philadelphia by two hours.
(02/07/03 5:34am)
Early Thursday morning, Indiana Daily Student photographer and creative/marketing team member, senior Melinda Fryman was involved in a serious car accident that has left her in critical condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, said a hospital spokeswoman.\nThe accident occurred as Fryman was driving on Fairfax Road in Bloomington. Her father Mark Fryman said she was on her way to work.\nFryman was struck by a truck and had to be cut out of her car by rescue personnel, said friends, who also work at the IDS. She was then rushed to Methodist Hospital by ambulance where she will be spending a few nights under observation, her father said. \nFryman broke ribs and her pelvis among other bones as a result of the wreck. \nShe spent Thursday night under observation for internal bleeding and swelling of the brain. Doctors have begun relieving the pressure through drainage. She has been stabilized throughout the process.\nShe went in and out of consciousness, but was able to open her eyes, friends said. Fryman is also able to move the right side of her body through stimulus but has not moved her left side. \nFriends of Fryman made the trip to Indianapolis to be by her and her family. \n"Everybody is looking out for her," said her father. "Everybody is praying for her"
(01/29/03 4:46pm)
No, Bracey Wright and Jeff Newton have not been suspended from the IU basketball team.\nA hoax Web site meant to be an office joke gave several Hoosier fans quite a scare Tuesday.\nThe link to a fake CNN Web site circulated around campus and indicated the two players had been suspended. The story, along with the Web site, are false.\nAnd it turns out IU was not the only place impacted by the phony CNN Web sites.\nInteroffice humor quickly turned serious Tuesday for workers of Budget Management, LLC, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a Web site it hosts confused Internet searchers with fake news stories.\nThe company, which manages the Web site www.spo0fed.com, posted a link to "The CNN.com Fake Generator," which produces authentic-looking copies of CNN.com's World web page that can be personalized by the user.\nThe site produces an exact replica of a CNN Web page, down to ads and working links. \nEmployees at CNN confirmed Tuesday that the network is aware of the phony Web site, but would not expand on the topic.\nThe issue became local when several phony Web pages, including the one about the suspensions, began circulating around IU. \nThe article included a false statement attributed to Interim Athletics Director J. Terry Clapacs.\nWhoever posted the site could face legal action, according to an Indianapolis attorney.\n"Mr. Wright and Mr. Newton could both possibly take libelous action, such as suing," said David Klinestiver, an attorney at Lowe, Gray, Steele and Darko, LLP, in Indianapolis. "Who ever posted it can be sought through the libel act."\nPete Salas Jr., who owns Budget Management, LLC, said the site was never supposed to be for public use.\n"We originally used it for ribbing a friend or an online buddy," Salas said. "But on Sunday, a member of the general public somehow accessed the site and within three days it has spread all over the country."\nHowever, within those three days the company has not received many calls concerning the content of the sites. IU athletics media relations reported few calls regarding Newton and Wright.\nBudget Management, LLC, does not receive the content of each "spoof" written, Salas said. However, if needed, they can track the creator by the IP address through the site, and if necessary, hand over the names of the creators.\nSuch may occur in the case of rappers Jay-Z and 50 Cent. On Sunday, a spoof Web site circulated nationwide stating that both men were killed in a Los Angeles hotel lobby. \nAccording to Salas, both men could sue the creator for libel. \nBut on the other hand, Salas' company is open to legal action of a different type. \nSince the site is a very accurate copy of CNN's actual Web site, the AOL Time Warner station could seek litigation concerning trademark infringement and publicity rights, said Klinestiver, the Indianapolis attorney.\nHowever, no such actions were taken by CNN as of Tuesday.\nAnd Salas said he is not looking to become legally involved. He said the site would be taken down shortly before or upon contact with CNN.\n"I have sent numerous e-mails, and left voicemails, but no one has returned either," Salas said.\nAccording to Klinestiver, the only thing that might insulate Budget Management, LLC, is its disclaimer on its Web site, which states: "This is intended for private use only. This site is not associated with CNN.com nor is it affiliated with CNN or AOL Time Warner. This is merely setup to play jokes on our friends and not to be taken seriously … "\nThose who clicked on the link did not see the disclaimer.\nKlinestiver said the "intended for private use only" clause may not hold up in court.\n"The sites are virtually identical," Klinestiver said. "Because of that, the intent can be determined to be malicious."\nSalas, who works as a tax repair agent, said running the Web site is a side job of his. He has done web hosting for about five years. \nHe said the spoof of CNN's site was abused by the general public.\n"I believe it could be copyright infringement. If it is, we will take it down," Salas said.
(01/14/03 12:58am)
Part of the epicenter of former athletic director Michael McNeely's demise has been put on the back burner by current interim athletic director Terry Clapacs. \nThe building that was proclaimed to become the "heart" of IU Athletics was withdrawn temporarily from the IU's "Master Plan" on Monday by Clapacs, due to the $40 million price tag that came with it. \nMcNeely had developed the Student-Athlete Center as the focal point of the athletic department's "Master Plan," which is a comprehensive mission to renovate and construct new athletic facilities for many of Indiana's teams. \nThe athletic department is still running a deficit from last year, currently it is at $3.3 million, and Clapacs does not think it can be erased this year. \nEven though Clapacs put the center on hold for now, the rest of the "Master Plan" is still in the developmental phase, as it was before McNeely left. Clapacs said IU is in need of more space for athletics, but now is just not the time to spend $40 million. \nThe 225,000 square-foot center would have been surrounded by Assembly Hall, Mellencamp Pavilion, Memorial Stadium and the Tennis Pavilion. \nIt would have included: an academic resource center, strength training center, sports medicine center, locker rooms, "Gallery of Champions," practice courts, recruiting hall, champions theater, dining facility, tickets and merchandise, coaches and administrative offices, equipment center and meeting rooms. It would have been been able to convert the practice facilities for volleyball and wrestling into competition sites for game days.\n"I'm not sure it was the right mix, or that all the things that were in that building need to be in that building," Clapacs said. "But we do need additional space. A new structure of some kind is a high priority."\nThe initial description and reasoning behind the "Master Plan" said "The multifaceted project will provide outstanding athletics and fan facilities and enhance the University's already outstanding academic reputation, in turn attracting top-level prospects, athletics personnel and conference and national championship events." \nThis building was an attempt to sway young athlete's to commit to IU, which would lead to the gaining of much needed funds. The same can be said by hosting conference and national championship events, which brings in millions of dollars to the host school as well as the surrounding economies. \nClapacs appears to be settling into his role after being appointed interim athletic director after McNeely's resignation Nov. 8, 2002. He altered the spotlight of McNeely's 16-month tenure at IU, while being in his position for just a little over two months. Whether Clapacs will remain on as IU's athletic director is still unknown. \nThe Associated Press contributed to this report.
(01/13/03 9:43am)
Sunday night current NCAA President and former IU President, Myles Brand was formally introduced to the 1,200 members he will preside over as he gave the State of the Association address at the opening business session of the 97th annual NCAA Convention in Anaheim, Calif.\nHis speech focused on his "academics first" agenda, which he first addressed while president of IU. Brand identified reform and advocacy as his "dual guideposts to the future success of intercollegiate athletics."\nComparing his excitement and energy for his new position to that of a newly enrolled student, Brand made it clear that it is about the student-athlete and not the athlete-student.\n"We have a new reform focus for student-athletics," Brand said. "We are making progress, for example, in Division I through the recent passage of strengthened academic standards."\nThrough efforts such as the new academic reform package, which was passed in November 2002, the NCAA is looking to eradicate situations in which students are simply in school to participate in athletics.\nBrand said he would indeed need help and guidance from those who have been involved with the every day workings of college athletics, but he made sure to note that he is not coming into this position with an absent mind. \n"My views are not cut in limestone, as we say in Indiana," Brand said. "They are certainly open to revision and change. There are areas about which I have everything to learn. But I start this effort with an overall perspective and with some clear guiding principles in mind."\nBrand also spoke about the deteriorating situation in college athletics concerning the academic status of numerous athletes. The new reforms he is seeking will only be successful if introduced in the correct manner, he said.\nOne possible solution he mentioned Sunday night that has been brought up in past few months is penalization for poor academics. Whether this be loss of scholarship or the inability to participate in post-season and championship play, these penalties would be affected by both team and individual performance. \nFor as much thought and time that has been placed on the disincentives for poor academic performance, there has not been much discussion on the incentives for good or excellent academic performance.\n"Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in encouraging coaches and universities to enhance academic performance and graduation," Brand said. "It is my belief that the final package should include both strong disincentives and strong incentives."\nThese are just ideas for the time being, as Brand noted that any change to the current system would have to go through numerous mark ups and "extensive consultation, data collection and analysis."\nBrand stressed the importance of presidents and chancellors to the success of colleges and universities. He said it is up to them to decide the future of the NCAA, and it is just his job to lead. \nA major contribution to the low academic performance is the schedules of the student-athletes. Brand addressed the lack of time for them to study and have a social life. He said change is needed in order to give athletes all the opportunities that non-athlete students have in terms of academic freedom, including choosing a major. \n"We must not allow their athletic training and competition to overwhelm their educational opportunities," Brand said. "Their commitment to their sport and their regimen for athletics preparedness should permit adequate time for study and a social life."\nReferring to the Hoosiers unpredictable run to the 2002 Final Four, Brand said he was filled with great excitement and pride. \nDuring a time when commercialization is a growing trend in college athletics, sometimes comparable to that of professional sports, Brand said the integrity of the game is still very much alive. \n"Not much can compare to the sense of camaraderie apparent on a Saturday afternoon in a stadium where over 100,000 fans dressed in their school colors cheer their alma mater to victory," Brand said. \nTowards the latter end of his speech, Brand touched on gender in college athletics and Title IX. There are currently 150,000 women competing in intercollegiate athletics. A concern that was brought up by Brand was the need for more creative ways for those, both men and women, wanting to compete in college athletics having a chance to do so. \nHe also noted the lack of African-American head coaches, and offensive and defensive coordinators in Division I football. \n"The current situation is simply unjustifiable," Brand said. "I will work with the key constituency organizations as well as the universities that do the hiring to change current practices."\nAfter making his presidency official Jan. 2, Brand has taken on a position that according to his intended changes has a heavy future awaiting him. He was able to change IU athletics with the firing of former men's basketball coach Bob Knight, and with the goals he spoke about last night, he wants to have that impact on the entire body of college athletics, not just one university. \n"This is an appropriate moment for us to look into the future," Brand said. "The problems for intercollegiate athletics have become glaringly obvious, and the reform movement has begun"
(12/13/02 5:31am)
One of the most basic functions in the game of basketball is the jump shot. Without this weapon, the game would still be grounded in its original roots of underhanded shots, which date back to the sport's beginnings in 1891 with Dr. James Naismith. \nThe inception of the jump shot into the game of basketball is forever unknown, despite what many say. But, the one man that brought the jumper to the college game, which transformed the sport forever, is located right here at basketball-crazed IU. \nA 91-year-old Emeritus Professor of Kinesiology at the School of HPER, John Miller Cooper is the sole reason why basketball is what it is today. He popularized the jump shot during his college days at the University of Missouri.\nBack in his playing days, the main shooting style of choice was the underhand shot. But that all changed when Cooper began shooting jump shots for Missouri. \nCooper is often credited with inventing the jump shot, but that is not the case. He is the first college basketball player to use the jump shot as his primary offensive weapon, despite what many of the experts might think. \n"It is not accurate really," Cooper said.\nOne afternoon during his high school years, Cooper was shooting in a gymnasium on his own in his hometown of Corydon, Ky., when he noticed a member of the University of Chicago basketball team shooting what at the time was considered a jump shot.\n"The ball came off the board; he jumped and shot it back in, in mid-air," Cooper said.\nHaving tried the jumper to no avail in his high school days at Corydon High School as well as Hopkinsville High School, where he transferred his senior year, Cooper brought the shot and the future of basketball with him to Missouri. \nBack in that era of basketball, Cooper said jump shots were shot on accident. But no one used it or perfected it like he did. \n"Players would jump to catch a pass in mid-air and have nowhere to throw it, so they would toss it to the basket," Cooper said. "Or they would jump to pass it and have no one open, so they would shoot it instead."\nCooper took the jump shot to new levels during his stay at Missouri, which included being named All-Conference in the former Big-Six conference in 1932, compiling a 29-25 record in a season that lasted from Dec. 9 to March 6. He also participated in the first Illinois-Missouri basketball game, in which he scored 11 points. \nHe was first notified by his former coach George Edwards about him being the only, and subsequently the first player to use the jump shot in the college game, Cooper said. \nEdwards was the secretary of the College Basketball Coaches Association at the time, and during one of their meetings, which included coaches from the east, midwest and south, Edwards asked if they had seen or heard about anyone using the jump shot. They all said no. \n"No one at the meetings saw the jump shot being used consistently or at all," Cooper said. \nAs the games wore on, he said, the jump shot was the only way to go. After a player would hit a few shots from outside with the underhand style, the defense would then start to defend them tight. This would then stifle the offense and not allow them to get their shots off. But that was not the case with Cooper, who just jumped over everybody and released it in the air with great accuracy. \nIn given seasons, Cooper scored 47 percent of his teams total points, and as a sophomore during the 1931-1932 season, he averaged 10.7 points per game. \nCooper was known to be able to jump on top of his shooting. During his future studies in Kinesiology he would learn why, but in an unnamed newspaper article from 1973, Edwards described how his leaping ability helped him get his shot off.\n"Johnny is a great leaper," Edwards said. "He was about six feet tall, but he could jump up and put a hand on the rim, so he'd always be guarded by a big fella. He'd leap up over the fella, and shoot his jump shot. He had to, it was the only way he could get it off."\nEdwards thought back then that leaping was an essential part of being a great jump shooter. Now, assistant basketball coach John Treloar thinks differently, he said.\n"It takes great balance, great footwork, great judgment and an understanding when to use it or when to drive," he said.\nThe man who has also been credited for inventing the jump shot and is recognized by the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., is Kenny Sailors. Cooper's name has been proposed to the HOF because of his contributions to the game of basketball, but each time the HOF has rejected the proposal. \n"Sailors was after my time," Cooper said. "He took the jump shot into the pros." \nEven though he did not make it to the Hall, Cooper was elected to the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, and has also been elected to the University of Missouri Hall of Fame. Cooper was selected as a member of the top 14 Tiger Heroes of Yesteryear when Missouri moved from the Breuer field house in 1971. He was also a candidate for Missouri's All-Time basketball team.\nThe one accomplishment Cooper said has brought the most notoriety was him being the answer to a question on a College Basketball Trivia Game on the back of Raisin Bran boxes in May of 1992.\nAccording to an excerpt from the book, "Origins of the Jump Shot: Eight Men Who Shook the World of Basketball" by John Christgau, Sailors began shooting jump shots in 1934, about five years after Cooper took his, and Sailors was not in the NBA until 1946, over 15 years after Cooper first used the jump shot as his main weapon of scoring. Christgau does not mention Cooper when referencing the foundations of the jump shot. \nSince Cooper first brought the jumper to the college game, which then spurred it to become the choice offensive weapon of almost every basketball player on the face of the earth, he said the individual expression was lost when everyone began to shoot the same way. \n"Television brought it all over the country," Cooper said. "Everyone wanted to copy the great shooters. Now, all players shoot a jump shot. They shoot the jump shot from all over the court, no matter where you are."\nCooper said he thinks Washington Wizard and basketball legend Michael Jordan is the greatest jump shooter ever. \nIU star point guard and jump shot marksman Tom Coverdale said Larry Bird is the all-time best jump shooter.\n"I think he is the best shooter of all time, even if he was not the most athletic player," Coverdale said.\nCooper could not have been working at a better school than IU, whose team for the last 30 years has been jump shot focused, with such players as Quinn Buckner, Isiah Thomas, Steve Alford, Calbert Cheaney and Coverdale. \nCooper has been here for those players and then some. After teaching at the University of Southern California from 1945 to 1966, he accepted a position at IU, and was a professor of Kinesiology at the School of HPER from 1966 until his retirement on June 30, 1982. \nAfter being a prominent figure in the field of Kinesiology, and writing numerous books, Cooper now works every Thursday at the HPER on new experiments focusing on the elderly.
(12/06/02 5:24am)
Two upper-level associates of former Athletic Director Michael McNeely have left the department weeks following McNeely's abrupt resignation. Chief Financial Officer Jason Lewis and Assistant Athletics Director of Personnel and Administration Lauren Rochet, among McNeely's first hires as AD, are out of their Assembly Hall offices as the department continues to restructure since McNeely's departure.\nNeither was forced out, IU officials said.\nAssistant Athletic Director Jeff Fanter said Lewis left under his own will. Fanter would not comment further. \n"I don't speak for Jason Lewis," he said.\nDirector of Executive Services Terri Smithson, who is an assistant for Interim Athletic Director Terry Clapacs, said Lewis is still under employment by the University but just not as the CFO. Smithson said she didn't know Lewis' new position. Lewis could not be reached for comment Thursday, and Clapacs was traveling and unavailable for comment.\nLewis' former duties have been taken on by Associate Athletic Director and Financial Business Office Manager Kevin Clark and others, Smithson said. Clark did not return phone calls made to his office.\nLewis and Rochet were hired in August of 2001, shortly after McNeely began his 16-month tenure as athletic director, which ended with his resignation Nov. 8. \nRochet, who came with McNeely from the NFL's San Diego Chargers, said her decision to leave the University was part of an agreement.\n"I am not working (at IU) anymore," Rochet said. "(My leaving) was a mutual understanding."\nRochet would not comment further.\nRochet was a special assistant to McNeely with the Chargers as community relations manager from August of 1999 to August of 2001. \nThis year Lewis was to make $112,050, while Rochet was to make $44,094.
(11/19/02 5:38am)
When many students checked their mailboxes Monday, they found the envelope that has been the cause of much controversy over the last few weeks. \nContained within those envelopes were the season tickets for the 2002-2003 men's basketball season. Each envelope had either six or seven tickets, as well a note from the IU Athletic Ticket Office explaining the reason for the decrease in season tickets per student.\n"Based on the success of our basketball team in the early 1970s, the University community expressed desire for all students to watch and enjoy Indiana basketball each year as a part of their on-campus experience," the IU Athletic Ticket Office note said.\nAs students ripped open the envelopes, they found out which games they will have tickets for, while sitting in the 7,800 seat student section of Assembly Hall.\nTheir reactions were mixed; most were either satisfied with the games they received, displeased with their seats or not happy they were not receiving the entire 10-game home package. Others were dissatisfied with the games they got, their seats, and the fact they were not receiving the 10 tickets promised at the beginning of the semester.\n"I was quite pleased," senior Mike Aldersons said. "I got seven games instead of six, and I got the majority of Big Ten games. Out of the seven games I got five of them are Big Ten, so I'm not that upset."\nAnother cause for concern that has resulted from the ticket selection process is that groups of students are being split up between games and seats.\nSenior Joel Keirns and his group of 12 people have been split up by games and by seats. \n"I'm satisfied with the games I got, but I'm not so satisfied with the group being divided," Keirns said. \nHe said the group did not all get the same games, and for the ones that they do have together, they are not sitting as a 12-man group.\n"I think there needs to be senior priority," he said. "Had I gotten a worse ticket selection, I would be more upset." \nThe 10 games that students were eligible to receive were: North Texas, Dec. 1; Illinois-Chicago, Dec. 7; Vanderbilt, Dec. 9; Northwestern, Jan. 15; Illinois, Jan. 18; Ohio State, Jan. 21; Michigan State, Feb. 8; Michigan, Feb. 12; Iowa, March 1; and Minnesota, Mar. 3. Of those, seven are Big Ten Conference games, and three, North Texas, Illinois-Chicago and Vanderbilt are not. Not available in the student season ticket package are Charlotte and Penn State.\n"It is disappointing that we got less than the 10 games," junior Richelle Baker said.\nThe Athletic Ticket Office received a few phone calls regarding the whereabouts of students' tickets, as well as some complaints that were forwarded to ticket managers. \nAssistant Ticket Manager Kenny Roll declined comment to the IDS. \nDespite displeasure for the reasoning behind the reduction in tickets, students are still pleased they are able to watch IU basketball.\n"I'm pretty happy," senior Mike Jaffe said. "I wanted to see Ohio State and I got them. I'm just happy that I got seven instead of six"
(11/12/02 5:12am)
Although his tenure lasted only 16 months, athletic director Michael McNeely made a barrage of changes to IU's program. At each football game, students were met with new team colors, shiny new helmets, a new logo and new locations for student and band seating.\nThe changes also meant new policies for the Marching Hundred -- a seat change, more distant parking spots, new uniforms and changes to the traditional run-on. While the sides had resolved some of the issues, they were working toward a resolution on the rest when McNeely resigned Friday.\n"I'm very happy to see him gone," said junior trombone player Jeremy Mitchell. "He claimed to be very supportive of the band, but he really wasn't."\nMarching Hundred members say they hope the search for a new athletic director, which will begin in the coming months, yields more of the support they desire.\nMarching Hundred director David Woodley said it's sad for the University that McNeely only stayed for 16 months. He said he thinks the next athletic director needs to have a constructive influence on the band.\n"When they rethink the next president, the decision needs to be made in order to make the University better," Woodley said. "They will have to have a positive impact on the school band."\nWith McNeely out and veteran IU administrator Terry Clapacs in as interim athletic director, Marching Hundred members are hopeful their issues will be fully resolved.\n"After this season, since we only have one home game left, everything will be reviewed," Clapacs said. "Even if I wanted to make changes in the coming week, it is not possible to change everything before the game on Saturday."\nWhen a new athletic director is chosen, Mitchell said the band is hopeful they will be more up front than McNeely.\n"I'd like to see someone who says they are supportive of us, and then really shows us they are," Mitchell said.\nChanges for the band this year included new assigned seating, a revamped pregame run-on, wool uniforms and more distant parking spots. The most noticeable change was their move from the 20-yard-line on the east side of the stadium to the north endzone bleachers.\nIn the new seats, the band plays directly behind the north endzone goalposts. Without a net to catch kicked balls, the safety of band members during points-after-touchdowns and fieldgoals, became an issue. \nAnother change was to the 20-year tradition of the band's pre-game run-on. The members of the Marching Hundred would line up in four tunnels connected to the football office, each located on a corner of the football field. Then, with the sousaphones, percussion and flag corp all beginning on the field, the rest of the Marching Hundred would file on and begin performing their pregame routine. During the initial changes, McNeely disbanded the run-on, but shortly before his resignation re-instated it. \n"I'm very happy that we are able to do the run-on again," Woodley said. "We still have our element of secrecy, which is our main goal."\nAnother change for the band came in their new cream and crimson uniforms. Last year's uniforms were a cotton polyblend that allowed for easy wearing during the warmer part of the football season, and when the temperature dropped, the band members either wore extra layers underneath, or sported their red raincoats, which added more warmth. The new uniforms are made from a wool polyblend which is a heavier than cotton, and some members have complained that they're too warm and uncomfortable. The change in material was blamed for three Marching Hundred members passing out during Band Day earlier this fall.\n"We got the band wool uniforms because there are different seasons throughout August to November," McNeely told the IDS prior to his resignation. "We wanted one top quality uniform. Looks are important."\nAnother issue that raised concern among the Marching Hundred is their parking situation. Last season, they were given access to the parking spots in between the north side of Assembly Hall and the Mellencamp Pavilion during games. The band now parks at Bill Armstrong stadium and walks to Memorial Stadium with their equipment. \nAll parties participating in the game day experience at Memorial Stadium had their parking moved to prepare IU for future football success and to give fans more space, McNeely said. \nAll of these issues were raised in a meeting between McNeely and drum major Chris Stokdyk, Kappa Kappa Psi president Brett Battjer, Tau Beta Sigma President Rob Blatchford, graduate instructor Eric Smedly, and the band's two directors, Woodley and Dr. Douglas Stotter.\nBattjer said he was disappointed McNeely would compromise the tradition of the Marching Hundred.\n"We are big football fans, that's why we do Marching Hundred," Battjer said. "It's a disappointment to have to watch the jumbotron to see what is going on."\nAmid all the upheaval and dismay, few members of the Marching Hundred found positives in McNeely's tenure. \n"Sure I was upset with the changes in regard to the Marching Hundred," sophomore clarinet player Alexis Hunt said. "I just want us to keep up the tradition of excellence we have always had regardless"
(11/11/02 10:49pm)
During a weekend in which nine IU athletic teams were in action, there was not much time to grieve over the resignation of Athletic Director Michael McNeely.\n"We have to continue to work like we always did, day in and day out," IU athletic department spokesman Jeff Fanter said.\nBut it wasn't easy to ignore the fact the department's leader abruptly resigned amid a $1 million deficit.\nThe University announced McNeely's resignation at 11:30 a.m. Friday, to the chagrin of some athletes.\nWhen the rumors began floating that the athletic director was leaving, some football players said McNeely was great for the University because his track record and ideas were beneficial to players and the future of IU athletics.\n"(McNeely) had a good vision," IU spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said. "He was committed to student athletes, but the situation made for not a good fit."\nThe University will pay McNeely in accordance with his five year contract. The total payout is being calculated by University officials, but it is expected to be approximately $800,000. He was supposed to make $256,250 this year.\nIU Vice President for Administration and Chief Administrative Officer Terry Clapacs will replace McNeely on an interim basis. \nBrand and Clapacs held a meeting Friday morning in the athletic offices with several staff members, in which Clapacs introduced himself and asked for the support of the department staff. \nAccording to a statement released by the University, matters within the athletics department did not work out for McNeely or IU.\n"It was a mutual decision between both parties," Clapacs said. "It was not a good fit for Mr. McNeely or IU and both recognized that, and (McNeely leaving) was the outcome."\nJankowski gave a possible explanation of the business aspect of McNeely's leaving.\n"There are occasions where business units have operating losses," Jankowski said. "This was a situation where there was an operating loss. There is no direct tie to one thing, however." \nFanter said everyone in the athletic department is doing their best to stay focused on student athletes.\nSince six of the nine teams in action this weekend were competing at home, the athletic department kept busy, which kept their minds from thinking about McNeely.\n"Days like this can be difficult," Fanter said Friday. "You just need to accept them and move on."\nBefore McNeely's leaving, the main focus of the athletic office was the student athletes, and now, after his departure, their objective remains the same.\n"Sure we are disappointed," Fanter said. "But if the focus is on the student athletes, which it should be, then we do not have much time to think about it." \nFocus was the main point for the basketball team.\n"I was surprised (about the decision)," basketball coach Mike Davis said. "You hate to see anyone lose their job, but I have a team I have to coach. I have to focus on my team. There has been so much that's gone on here, but I've got to focus on these guys here."\nAs Assistant Athletic Director, Fanter's role will not be altered in any way. During the transition from former athletic director Clarence Donninger to McNeely, Fanter kept the same active role in the sports administration. He expects it to be same outcome this time around.\n"My role has been consistent. It doesn't vary much in what I do," Fanter said. "My drive doesn't change." \nThere was no final decision on Thursday regarding McNeely's future with IU, Clapacs said, and the University could not comment on the matter because of the uncertainty. \n"When you are dealing with personnel issues there needs to be a period of confidentiality," Clapacs said. "When you are dealing with their careers and their family life there always needs to be dignity and care in those sorts of matters. (McNeely resigning) wasn't finalized until it was announced"
(11/07/02 6:08am)
As students recover from the initial shock of finding that men's basketball season ticket packages will be reduced, they can find solace in the next two weeks when refund checks will be mailed out for the games that are being deducted.\nThose students who ordered season tickets will receive a refund of $11 per ticket, totaling either $33 or $44 depending on how many games they receive.\nAll checks should be mailed out by Nov. 18.\nEvery season 7,800 tickets are reserved for students per game included in the student season package, which includes 10 games for the 2002-2003 season. This year, however, 12,200 students ordered the 10-game student season ticket page for $115, causing the athletic ticket office to decrease the number of games students will receive from 10 to a minimum of six, and for some seven games. A computerized lottery will determine who will receive a seventh ticket. \n"Some students will receive seven games due to the full six-game rotation not selling out," assistant Athletic Director Jeff Fanter said.\n"I'm glad we are getting our money back, but it doesn't make up for the games we don't get to see," sophomore Jamie Greenbaum said.\nThe numbers of games was determined by taking the 7,800 tickets per game and multiplying it by 10 games which gives 78,000 student tickets for the season ticket package. The 78,000 tickets were then divided by the 12,200 students ordering tickets giving each student who ordered six or seven tickets.\n"It's really frustrating that we expected to get 10 games and we only get six or seven, because it's their responsibility to give us all 10 games, and just because they oversold and made a mistake we have to suffer," sophomore Kathryn Nelson said. "It doesn't really make sense."\nThe ticket office accepted orders after the Oct. 15 deadline, however the number of orders exceeded 7,800 before that date came around, Fanter said. Those orders received after the 15th did not affect the six-game seat rotation system. \n"Any applications received after Oct. 15 were accepted to best accommodate the student body and provide access to as many students as possible," Fanter said. "This has been the acceptable procedure used in years past."\nThe 12,200 students able to watch an IU basketball game is the highest in the Big Ten, and one of the highest numbers in the country, according to the IU Athletic Department. Last season, IU had the third largest home attendance average in NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball with 17,183 people per game during the 11 game home season last year. That was large enough for tops in the Big Ten, with Ohio State and Wisconsin ranking in at 5th and 6th, respectively. The average home attendance was up from 2001 when the IU was ranked 14th in the country among Division 1 teams at 14, 905 fans per home game. \nIU was also the most watched team in the country at home, on the road and at neutral sites in Division 1 in 2001-2002 with 644,641 people seeing the national runner-ups. \nThis system of assigning season tickets has been in place for over a decade, Fanter said. It was developed to ensure that every student receives a fair distribution of seat locations within the student section. \nThe seat rotation system was last used in 1995 when student season ticket sales was at 9,499. For all the seasons before that year, within the 1990s, the seat rotation system had to be applied. \nThe 12,200 students ordering tickets is the highest since 1992, when 15,097 students ordered tickets, when coincidentally the Hoosiers won the Big Ten tournament in 1991. \nThe largest amount of students tickets ordered in the 1990s was in 1990 when 16,842 ordered, and each student received four tickets each. \nStatistics show that following a successful season, student season ticket orders has increased dramatically. Last years number was 7,748, which is under the allotted student seats. \nThe notion of using a lottery system or a priority system has been brought up, but nothing has come of it. As of right now, the Athletic Department is content with the system in place.\n"A loyalty and priority system has been looked at, but nothing has been made of it," Fanter said. "We always evaluate our systems here, and so far this is the best system that allows us to give the students an opportunity to watch a game."\nFanter said the goal in athletics is to attempt to accommodate as many students as possible with season tickets.\n"We do this in a manner that does not force students to wait in long lines for hours and even days to be able to purchase tickets," Fanter said.
(11/01/02 6:08am)
A season after the men's basketball team was the most watched team in the country, the students at IU will not get the opportunity to watch the team as much as they once planned.\nThe 10 game student season ticket package, which cost $115, will be narrowed down to six or seven games per student because of an increase in season ticket orders. \nSince students have already paid for their 10 games, the IU Ticket Office will refund them for the games cut from their ticket package. According to a student worker in the ticket office, students will be receiving a check in the mail for the difference.\nIU has allotted 7,500 seats as the student section in Assembly Hall, the most of any school in the Big Ten. But, the overflow occurs in the 12,000 season-ticket orders the Ticket Office received and processed. Since there are 4,500 more students than seats, the Athletic Department decided to reduce the number of games the students can attend, and on a rotational basis, allow all 12,000 students an opportunity to experience an IU basketball game. \n"We have more student seating than any school in the Big Ten, so we're able to accommodate more students than anyone else," Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Fanter said. \nThe increase in demand can be drawn from the success of last year's squad. Their run to the NCAA championship game combined with the biggest freshman class of over 7,000, equaled the largest amount of season ticket orders since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Fanter said during those times students were only given four tickets a season. \nA point of controversy is whether or not ticket orders were accepted after the deadline. The Athletic Department would not confirm whether or not late orders were taken. \nFreshman Josh Pruett said taking away games from the students isn't fair.\n"To cut it down to six or seven games, that's not right," Pruett said. "They should have taken out the last few that turned them in. First come, first serve is the way it should have been." \nFanter said his department is handling the influx as a positive and added that it was not unexpected.\n"We are proud that we can accomodate 12,000 people," Fanter said. "This gives everyone who wanted to a chance to experience Indiana basketball."\nBut for some students, a price cannot be put on the opportunity to see the 2002-2003 Hoosiers \nin action.\n"I'd rather pay more money to see all ten games than be refunded for those games I don't get to see," sophomore Jamie Greenbaum said.\nSome IU students said they understand what the school is doing, but they also want to see the national runner-up as much as they can. \n"I guess I would say it's annoying because we were expecting to get 10, and we are only getting six or seven. And a big part of going to IU is our basketball team," sophomore Heather Olsen said. \nThe team that beat the Hoosiers for the national championship, the Maryland Terrapins are also expecting an increase in student interest. In their new arena, the Comcast Center, the student section is only allotted 4,000 seats, which are dispersed behind the west basket and the sections surrounding the court. Tickets for students, however, are free and distributed on a first come, first serve system. \nAccording to the University of Maryland athletics Web site, their system provides a safe and convenient way to distribute student tickets.\nBut some students are not displeased with the decisions resulting from the 12,000 season ticket orders.\n"I'm disappointed that I won't get to see all the games but at the same time, coming off of a runner-up season, I think it makes sense to do the tickets the way they are," senior Ryan Room said. "If I could get to see half the games, that's ok with me"
(10/18/02 5:29am)
In 190 days, the 53rd running of the Little 500 will take place. \nBut preparations for the event are beginning now.\nIn an attempt to better educate the student body, specifically freshmen, about what has been dubbed "College's Greatest Weekend," the IU Student Foundation held an interactive orientation about the Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium last night. During the meeting, which lasted from 6 to 7 p.m., students were given a tour of the stadium, had the chance to speak with current riders and take a bike on the quarter-mile track if they liked. \n"This gives people an opportunity to check out the track, and ride on it in the fall," said Alex Ihnen, Little 500 coordinator and assistant director of IUSF. \nThis is the first year of orientation, and with a turnout of approximately 60 students.\n"I was very impressed with the turnout," said senior Meg Haney, a third year rider for Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Haney spent Wednesday night in the SRSC handing out fliers.\nThe night began with a brief introduction by current Little 500 riders from both the men's and women's races. The group then had a chance to look at the bike shop, and the indoor training facility, which is open for use anytime after soccer season ends. After the introduction and the tours, the group was able to take a few laps on the track to get a feel for the cinder surface. \nForming teams came up quite often throughout the evening, with groups of freshmen inquiring about what it takes to make a Little 500 team. \nStudents can sign up as a team, small groups or individually. They first have to contact the IUSF offices and Ihnen. The students then need to consider what their goals are concerning the race and how well they want to do, and then they need to commit to trying, Ihnen said. \nThe entry fee is $100, and bikes are free to use when riding at the track. \nThe organizers of the orientation said they hope last night will cause a domino effect.\n"I spoke to about 10 people today who were interested," Kloppenburg said. "Now, hopefully they will go home and talk to their friends, who will then talk to their friends, and get them all interested in riding in Little 5." \nThe women's callout meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Tues. Oct. 22 at the IUSF Showalter House, located off of 45/46. The men's callout meeting is the next day, at 7:30 p.m., Wed. Oct 23 in Psychology 100. \n"Experience does not matter," Ihnen said. "The hard thing is to decide to do it"
(10/16/02 5:05am)
During a fall season that was marked with one bad round every tournament, the IU men's golf team concluded the first half of the 2002-2003 campaign with a fifth place finish at the Xavier Invitational Tuesday in Mason, Ohio.\nIn a course of 48 hours, the Hoosiers bounced around the leaderboard. From starting the first round shooting a nine-over-par, 293 to taking the lead for the middle holes in the second round in which they finished in fourth place with a 287. This left them 12 shots back from the top spot to starting the third round in atrocious fashion, and finishing the round with a 288 which left them 16 shots from the tournament winner, Wright State. \n"We got off to a horrendous start in the third round, but these guys are tough and battled back as much as we could," coach Mike Mayer said. "They showed a lot of determination."\nMayer contributes the awful start Tuesday as a carry over from the end of the second round. He said that a poor second round finish, their play carried over to the third round.\nWhat has become commonplace for the Hoosiers -- one bad round -- did not appear to plague the squad this tournament, though the Hoosiers' first round was difficult, Mayer said.\n"We got off to a tough start," Mayer said.\nHaving been on the course, working with the players, Mayer did not have the opportunity to bask in the glory of having IU atop the leaderboard. But that opportunity did not last for long, as IU slipped down the ranks into the top four rather than the top one.\nSophomore Jeff Overton said, success will come when all the steps are taken to secure a victory.\n"The next step is to know when to think about birdies and bogies," Overton said. "The guys do a good job of battling back from a bogey, but when they make a birdie they think about it too much." \nSenior captain Ben Davidson has his own take on what the Hoosiers need to do to become a victorious squad.\n"The guys seem to be too tentative," Davidson said. "We need to stay with the game plan, no matter how low we are shooting."\nFor as dissatisfied as the Hoosiers are with their finish as a team, individually, there was one bright spot that was expected to shine all season, but has just begun to demonstrate his role as senior captain.\nDavidson had been expected all season to shoot low numbers and compete for the top individual spot at the tournaments, but it wasn't until this last tournament that Davidson posted low numbers.\nHe ended the tournament with a one-under-par, 212 for the 54 holes, which landed him in fifth place overall. \n"Ben played really well this weekend," Mayer said. "We needed him to perform, and we expected this from him all season."\nIf one positive had to come out of this tournament, Mayer said Davidson was it. \n"I had a pretty good weekend," Davidson said. "This was by far my best tournament of the fall, and it feels good to end with a good tournament." \nThe only other Hoosier to crack the top ten was Overton. \nFor most an eighth place finish, shooting two-over-par, 215 would be more than satisfactory, but not for the Hoosiers number one golfer.\n"I didn't play very well," Overton said. "I had rough starts all tournament, and I came back but I could never get under par." \nThe rest of the squad made a good showing as well. Sophomore Heath Peters shot five-over-par, 218 to finish tied for 16th. Freshman Scott Seibert shot a ten-over-par, 223, which was good to tie for 49th, and in his first competition in three weeks, senior Aldo Jordan finished tied for 75th.\nAs the Hoosiers teed off Monday morning, frost covered the course. \n"It was harder to get a feel, but we had to play through that," Overton said.\nNow, that the fall season is over, the Hoosiers are going to begin their quest for the Big Ten championship which, they will be vying for on their home course in May. \n"We know what we have to do," Mayer said. "We want to be as prepared as we can be for the Big Red Classic in Florida in March"
(10/14/02 5:30am)
Heading into their last tournament of the fall season, the Hoosier men's golf team is looking for a breakthrough performance -- finally. \nThat opportunity will come at the hands of the 17 other teams on Monday and Tuesday at the Xavier Invitational at the Grizzly Tournament Course at the Golf Center at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. The par 71, 6,550-yard PGA and Senior PGA caliber course has hosted tournaments for both associations in the last 30 years. \n"If (the course is) compared to Wisconsin, it's not long, and it's not tree-lined," coach Mike Mayer said. "But it does have holes that demand positioning and accuracy is the key."\nAt Wisconsin, the men finished seventh out of 15 teams, but that was more than a month ago. Sophomore Heath Peters said he expects a better finish at this tournament. \n"It is a good course," Peters said. "I played it a year ago, and I think it sets up well to our team," \nIU is coming off their best finish of the season as they finished fourth at the Wolverine Invitational last week. Now, as they prepare to enter their winter break from competition, the Hoosiers said they want to end their fall season on a winning note. And to do so, Mayer has altered the lineup a bit, in search of a first place finish.\nThe starting five for the tournament will be: sophomores Jeff Overton and Peters; senior Ben Davidson; freshman Scott Seibert; and senior Aldo Jordan.\nThe only change from last weekend was the addition of Jordan, a senior who had not been part of the 5-man rotation for the last two tournaments. Jordan said he has refocused and is ready to bring home a first place finish.\n"I have been working on my game, and I feel myself and this team is ready to win one," Jordan said.\nPeters said Jordan's leadership and seniority will be a welcome addition to the lineup.\n"It always helps to get seniority back in the lineup," Peters said. "And he's pumped to be back,"\nCompeting against the Hoosiers will be: Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Georgetown, Iowa, Marshall, Michigan, Ohio, Penn State, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Western Kentucky, Wright State, and host Xavier. \nMayer said the field is reminiscent of the one the Hoosiers faced at the Wolverine Invitational.\n"The field is similar to Michigan in talent. It is a mixed field with some very good teams," Mayer said. \nIU has seen most of the teams competing in this tournament before, so Mayer said the shock value of seeing new teams should not be a factor. But Mayer added he didn't expect an easy win.\n"The host team Xavier is one of the hottest teams in the country right now, and then there are teams like Eastern Kentucky who can place second at one tournament and second from last at another tournament," Mayer said. "One week a team can play well and the next they can play bad."\nPeters said the Hoosiers will try to focus on avoiding bad rounds and on playing up to their potential. Seibert said if the Hoosiers do that, they will be in prime position for their first win of the year.\n"It seems the first round everyone is not playing up to their capabilities, hopefully this week that won't happen," Seibert said.\nPlay begins at 8:30 a.m. today and Tuesday with a shotgun start.
(10/10/02 6:17am)
In the last couple of weeks a familiar name to IU men's golf has not been posted on the leader board. \nComing back from a two week hiatus from team competition, senior Aldo Jordan said he is excited to get back on the five man team and finish the semester on a positive, if not winning, note.\n"I am excited, very excited in fact. This is the last tournament of the fall, and we are on the right track," Jordan said.\nHis break from play was unexpected, but at the same time helpful.\nThe 5 ft. 8 in. 21-year-old from Lima, Peru went through a period in which a string of events led to a loss of concentration and then to a loss of position on the starting five. \nBecause of school and the loss of a friend, Jordan's game slowly declined, which prompted coach Mike Mayer to remove Jordan from the five men competing team for the Northern Intercollegiate and the Wolverine Invitational, in which he finished tied for ninth a year ago. \nIn the Northern Intercollegiate Jordan was able to participate as an individual for the first time in his career at IU. \n"Being an individual played with my mind," he said. "It didn't affect me, but it did at the same time. I wasn't used to my outcome not affecting the team and only affecting me," \nThe week leading up to the Northern Intercollegiate was just one of those weeks, Jordan said.\n"Everything went bad that week," Jordan said.\nBut it seemed as if everything began to unravel the week before at the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational at Ball State. \n"Nothing went my way at Ball State. I made a lot of mistakes, and I had too many bogeys," Jordan said.\nThat is all history now. Beginning the season with a disappointing finish at the Badger Invitational, and the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational, Jordan said he hopes to finish the fall season on the opposite end of those tournaments, and he is ready to do it.\n"I needed a week to refocus. I think I can go out of this semester with a win, and a top two or three finish for the team. I have seen this team improve a thousand times each week," Jordan said.\nHe earned his spot back on the five man competing team with a solid week of practice and a good weekend of qualifying. \n"He had a good weekend in qualifying and made it clear he can play. We were counting on him to help the team all year, and now especially," Mayer said.\n"My game is much better now," Jordan said. "From the driver to the putting stroke, I feel very confident."\nHe has stressed that confidence is a major factor in his game. He can now step over a shot, whether it be a 500 yard hole or a three-foot putt, and knows he can make the shots he needs to win, he said. \n"I just had to tweek some glitches in my game, and it is going a lot smoother now," Jordan said.\nThe one thing that has caught his attention is the Hoosiers tendency to get caught with one bad round, which leads to a poor finish overall. This has been brought up numerous times and can be seen in their round-per-round scores from every tournament.\n"I've been thinking about that for a few days now, and we just need to get motivated from the start," Jordan said. "We all play well the second round because we are either in the hunt for the top three or out of it, and we know we have to keep it up.\n"We need to do whatever we can to stay motivated. Whether it is singing a song or whatever can get us motivated we need to do it," Jordan said.\nOne thing that he stresses is how the team needs to get ready to play once they arrive at the course. \nThis is coming from a senior who has played since his freshman year, reaching the number two spot in the lineup his sophomore year.\n"It always helps to get seniority back in the lineup, and Aldo is a good source," sophomore Heath Peters said. "He is pumped to be back in the lineup"
(10/07/02 6:03am)
In its second to last tournament of the season, the IU men's golf team was seeking to eliminate what has been their demise all season long -- one high round. Even though the team did not quite accomplish the goal, they placed fourth at the Wolverine Invitational on Sunday, recording the team's best finish of the year.\nThe Hoosiers competed as a five-man team that included two freshmen, Scott Seibert and Brad Marek.\nSeibert, who was featured on Golfweek.com's 'Around Campus' section for his eagle he fired on his first collegiate hole last week, impressed coach Mike Mayer with his consistent play and tenth place finish. Seibert shot 72-72-72, for a total of plus-3, 216.\n"Scott played pretty impressive and pretty consistent," Mayer said. "He finished 10th in his second collegiate start."\nSeibert said he was happy with his play, but noted his putting could improve.\n"I felt a lot more comfortable, and felt a lot more energy on the course," Seibert said. "I played consistent this weekend, and drove the ball well," Seibert said.\nMarek's play at the Northern Intercollegiate on Sept. 28 earned him his spot on the roster this weekend. However, his results could not compare. Sandwiched into two rounds of 10 over par and eight over par respectively, was his only low round of the tournament, a 73 during the second 18. \n"I had a rough weekend," Marek said. "I didn't get off to a good start. The first day, I wasn't swinging well, and my putting let me down all weekend."\nMayer saw promise in Marek's second round play in which he shot a two-over-par 73.\n"He'll be back. He just had two bad rounds sandwiched around one good round. I expect to see him back in the lineup," Mayer said.\nThe nerves of playing in his first team tournament hit Marek during the first round of play. Nervous about not letting down his teammates, Marek kept his mind in the tournament for all 54 holes. \nMarek finished tied for 77th place with a final score of 20-over-par, 233.\n"I was a little nervous during the first round. I just feel bad I let the team down. But next time I'm in the lineup it won't happen again," Marek said.\nThe two sophomores in the lineup, Jeff Overton and Heath Peters, added to the Hoosiers scores. Overton shot an even-par 213, which left him in fifth place overall in the individuals division, and Peters shot a ten-over-par 223, and finished in 10th place. \nSenior captain Ben Davidson saw the action from the tee in front of him and behind him. His score for the weekend was also very consistent. Davidson shot 74-74-74 for a tournament score of +9, 222 which left him in 31st place.\n"Davidson played consistently mediocre. He had no big rounds, but also no low rounds," Mayer said.\nBesides his own play, the captain feels the team played pretty well.\n"My weekend wasn't terrible, but wasn't good. We had that one bad round that kept us out of contention," Davidson said.\nThat one bad round has been pestering this team for the entire fall season. Davidson said he thinks the team does not come into the tournament focused. \n"It always seems to be the first round. We get behind the eight ball and we have to work our way back," Davidson said.
(10/04/02 8:28pm)
The youth movement, which has swept across American athletics, has now added the Hoosiers men's golf team to its list of victims. When the Hoosiers tee off today in Ann Arbor, Mich. at the Wolverine Invitational at the University of Michigan Golf Course, they will be starting two freshmen, two sophomores and one senior.\nThe lineup is a dramatic difference from their first tournament, which included two sophomores and three seniors.\nA week after playing in their first collegiate tournament, freshman Scott Seibert and Brad Marek are being thrown into the mix of big-time college golf. In a tournament in which 17 teams will be competing, including four Big Ten foes, the Hoosiers are paired with Michigan and Michigan State the first two rounds. \nThe other teams competing are Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, IUPUI, Iowa, Miami-Ohio, UNC Greensboro, Ohio, Ohio Wesleyan, Seton Hall, St. John's, William & Mary, Wisconsin and Xavier.\n"This field is not as strong as last week's, but any college field has good players," sophomore Heath Peters said.\nMichigan State is ranked No. 14 in the country by Golfweek.com, and is among four Big Ten teams in the top 25. Illinois (No. 12), Minnesota (No. 13) and Penn State (No. 23) are the others. IU is ranked No. 73.\nThe Hoosiers are familiar with the stiff competition they will be facing this weekend, after having played all of the Big Ten teams at the Northern Intercollegiate on Sept. 28. The Hoosiers finished that tournament in 5th place.\n"(The players) had a lighter week; they were off on Monday," Coach Mike Mayer said. "They have been working hard this fall."\nBut the focus of this weekend will be on the two freshmen. Seibert and Marek came into this season putting heat on the four and five spots in the rotation and with their performances in practice, Mayer said it was a no-brainer.\n"The choice to play Marek was an easy one. He has a lot of enthusiasm, and a deep desire for competition," Mayer said\nMarek's first collegiate performance came last weekend at the Northern Intercollegiate, in which he participated as an individual and finished tied for 28th. \n"I was very pleased with my 1st collegiate tournament," Marek said. "It helped that I started as an individual, there was less pressure on me, and that helped me succeed."\nThis time around though, Marek is part of the competing five. He said he understands he needs to play well in order for the Hoosiers to win.\n"My goal is always to win, and to do so I need to play the best that I can," Marek said. "Sure, I would like to win the tournament this weekend, but I would much rather see the team win instead."\nWith that mindset, Marek is teaming up with classmate Seibert for a freshmen combination among the best in the Big Ten. Seibert has more experience than Marek in the pressure situations. He was part of the starting five last week at the Northern, which he said has given him a relaxed edge.\n"There is no more first tournament," Seibert said. "I'm ready for this tournament. I just need to go out, play solid and shoot low."\nMayer also said experience is nothing but a positive for Seibert.\n"I know he can play better than he did last week," Mayer said. "Historically, he is very consistent and he just keeps on impressing."\nIn the midst of this young lineup is the lone upper classman, captain Ben Davidson, who is starting this weekend at the third spot.\n"Ben Davidson is the key to this tournament," Mayer said. "Being the old man out there, he is being looked at by the younger guys as a leader. We just need him to step up."\nHis contributions on and off the course this weekend are essential to the team's success. \nIn the three tournaments this fall, one common trend has been that one bad round knocks the Hoosiers out of contention. The team shot a 307 final round at the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational at Ball State to fall to 5th place on Sept. 22.\n"Each tournament makes us a better team," Mayer said. "The final round at Ball State made us a tougher team." \nMayer said he was proud of the team's persistence at their last tournament.\n"Last week at the Northern Intercollegiate, the guys could have hung it up and didn't," Mayer said. "They are just too tough of a team"
(10/01/02 4:54am)
Even though the Hoosiers were not overly successful as a whole this weekend at the Northern Intercollegiate, a few individuals brought light to the tournament. Playing on their home course, one that coach Mike Mayer said does not yield many low scores, the team's experience was evident. The team tied for fifth place, shooting an 860.\nSophomore Jeff Overton, an Evansville native, showed why he could be considered among some of the best golfers in this country. Paired up with James Lepp of Illinois, the No. 10 player in the country according to Golfweek.com, and Simon Nash, of defending national champion Minnesota, the No. 48 player in the country, Overton showed that he could play with the big shots.\nFinishing in fourth place overall, which was five positions better than Nash, Overton set and tied school records including tying the best 54-hole round in school history with a 207. \n"I just played all right, I could have hit the ball better," Overton said.\nHe also rewrote two individual school records for the Northern Intercollegiate with his 36-hole score (136) and his 54-hole score (207). Both of those records were previously held by former Hoosier Shaun Micheel, set in 1990, who since then has been successful playing on the PGA Tour. Overton's second round score of 4-under-par, 67, was one stroke away from his career-best single round score.Another Hoosier who found success against the tough competition was sophomore Heath Peters. The Garrett, Ind. native helped IU to a 283 team performance in the third round with a career best 3-under-par, 68. "This round was big for Heath," Mayer said. "Hopefully this can spark him for the rest of the season," \nThe shot of the weekend for the Hoosiers went to freshman Scott Seibert of Chesterfield, Mo. \nOn his first collegiate hole, the par-4 number three, Seibert holed out from over 100 yards for an eagle. He finished the weekend tied in 56th place with a 222. \n"I thought I was hitting the ball well, but I still have to work on parts of my game," Seibert said.\nA major surprise for Mayer was the play of freshman Brad Marek. Playing as an individual, Marek placed an impressive 28th in his first collegiate competition as well. \n"Marek is giving some pressure to our number four and five guys," Mayer said.
(09/30/02 5:35am)
First came the rain, then came the fog, and then came the self-unraveling. After the massive downpour Thursday night, the entire outlook of this past weekend's Northern Intercollegiate was altered. As the players awoke Saturday morning, a thick blanket of fog had settled in overnight, which postponed play until 10 am. When play finally began, the Hoosiers came out lackluster during the first round. \nFortunately, for the Hoosiers at least, the lifeless performance lasted for only one round. The team went on to regain its composure and take fifth place alongside Ohio State for the weekend.\nIn a field that included Minnesota and Illinois, who won the event, two of the nation's Top 25 according to GolfDigest.com, as well as the two teams IU was paired with for the tournament, the Hoosiers could not afford to start off as poorly as they did. They shot a first round 295, +11, which left IU in 13th place after the first 18. But the men in the crimson and cream golf shirts battled their way back throughout the weekend.\nThe lone bright spot Saturday morning for IU was sophomore Jeff Overton, who shot a -2, 69 during an elements filled first round. Overton finished the round tied for fifth place.\nAlso, on his first hole, number three on the course, in collegiate play, freshman Scott Seibert holed in his second shot for an eagle. After making the shot, Seibert cleaned his club off and went along like nothing happened.\n"I was nervous on the first hole a little bit, but I only had to hit two shots which helped me calm down," Seibert said. \nBut, the tournament had the teams play two rounds on Saturday, which gave the Hoosiers a chance to finish the day better than they started it. And the squad took advantage of the change of weather, and the change of rounds.\nThe weather became near ideal as the second round began to heat up. On a cloudless afternoon, the Hoosiers scores began to resemble the temperature which was in the low 70's. \nOverton was scorching once again, as he shot a -4, 67. Senior captain Bed Davidson also shot under par with a -1, 70. \nBecause of the two hour delay, the men were not able to complete the second round within the confines of daylight on Saturday. Play was called due to darkness at 6:20 pm Saturday night, with most of the teams having two or three holes left.\nThe Hoosiers battled their way back during the second round to finish Saturday in fifth place, four-under-par when the horn was blown.\nWhen play resumed Sunday morning, the squad had stumbled a little out of the gate to finish the second round 2-under-par, tied for seventh. \nOne of the reasons why the Hoosiers faltered throughout Saturday was the uncontrollable effect that the rain had on how the course played. Due to the Thursday night showers, the course became extremely saturated, which made the fairways and greens much softer than anticipated. \n"The greens ran a little slower than usual. We just didn't worry about hitting it on top of the pin," Overton said.\nBecause the greens were so soft, shots would just land and not roll, which caused for a little readjustment on the part of the Hoosiers.\n"We had to change our game plan," coach Mike Mayer said. "The rain softened things up. The rain changed the condition of the course."\nAs the first round wore on, and the sun came through the clouds, the soft greens became harder little by little.\nBy the time the third round came, the Hoosiers started to get back on top of their game. \nOverton shot a 71, Davidson shot a 70, but the story of the day was sophomore Heath Peters, who shot a -3, 68.\n"The last round was a big round for Heath. He needed that kind of round. We are hoping it will be a spark for him," Mayer said.\nThe Hoosiers ended the third round one-under-par, and finished the tournament eight-over-par and tied for fifth place with conference rival Ohio State. Illinois and Minnesota finished the tourney in first and second place.\nFor as much of a comeback as they had, the Hoosiers were still disappointed with their play on Saturday morning. \n"We shot ourselves out of the tournament in the first round," Overton said.\nMayer agreed and said the team needs to play consistently.\n"We need to figure out a way to get bad rounds out of our system. We can't give away 10 strokes like we did in the first round," Mayer said.\nOverton showed again why he is a force to be reckoned with for the Hoosiers. Playing with Minnesota's and Illinois' number one players, he held his own, and sometimes impressed.\n"He played against a few All-American's out there, and they went toe to toe with them," Mayer said.\nBeing paired with defending champions Minnesota and Illinois, two of the toughest teams in the country, gave IU some very valuable experience. \n"It was interesting but also fun to play with [Minnesota and Illinois]. Now we saw that we have to work harder to catch up with them," Seibert said.\nBesides the team competition, IU had five individuals participating: freshman Brad Marek, sophomores Kirk Wood, Rob Ockenfuss, junior Ryan Cassidy and senior Aldo Jordan.\nThe Hoosiers know what they need to do in order to compete. Mayer was proud with the team's performance in the second and third rounds. \n"I can't be anymore pleased with the way they played after the first round," Mayer said. "They played with such moxy that I'm so proud of them. They represented Indiana very well"