Athletics

Athletics

Walsh University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and competes in the American Mideast Conference and the Mid-States Football Association.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

"Megan McDonald, Joe Shardo Selected Female and Male Athletes of the Year"

Walsh University has selected Megan McDonald (5-10, Sr., Kirkland, IL/Rockford Lutheran) and Joe Shardo (6-5, Sr., Yorkshire, OH/Versailles) as Female and Male Athletes of the Year (2008-09) in a vote of University head coaches. McDonald led Walsh to the NAIA Volleyball National Tournament, while Shardo led the men's basketball team to their fifth straight NAIA National Tournament appearance. They will be honored at halftime of Walsh's home opening football game on Saturday, September 19 (12 pm) against Ohio Dominican University at Fawcett Stadium.

McDonald earned Second-Team NAIA All-American accolades in guiding the Cavaliers to a 29-13 overall record. Walsh won the American Mideast Conference regular season crown (13-1) and earned an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament, finishing 21st in the final NAIA poll. McDonald was named AMC Player of the Year, while also earning first-team Honors. Megan was also tabbed AMC Player of the Week four times. She was also named to the AVCA Northeast Region Team, while being selected the Northeast Region Player of the Year. McDonald averaged 4.01 kills per game (1st AMC/11th NAIA), totaling 602 for the year.

Shardo, who earned NAIA First-Team All-American and First-Team National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) State Farm Coaches’ NAIA All-America teams honors led Walsh to 27 wins, a co-American Mideast Conference Championship and a fifth straight NAIA Tournament appearance. Shardo, who was named American Mideast Conference Player of the Year and first-team All-AMC, scored 788 points in his two years at Walsh after transferring from Missouri-Rolla. Shardo was a three-time AMC Player of the Week, and led the Cavs in scoring (18.6 ppg). Joe shot .510 from the field, .843 from the free throw line, averaged 6.5 rebounds, handed out 72 assists and had 37 steals. He scored 30 points or more in a single game four times, with a career high of 45 points against Ohio Dominican University. He scored 31 points in Walsh's AMC Tournament Championship win against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

"Walsh Women Capture AMC All-Sports Award"

Walsh University has reclaimed the women’s title for the 2008-09 academic year. Walsh ended Malone’s three-year stranglehold on the women’s all-sports award. The Cavaliers were AMC champions in volleyball and golf while finishing second in tennis. Walsh, whose only other women’s title came 10 years ago, totaled 69 points. Cedarville was next with 65 points and Ohio Dominican placed third with 64.

On the men's side, Cedarville University finished with 53 points while runner-up and defending champ Malone tallied 49. Walsh was third with 45 points.

Friday, May 22, 2009

"Williams Fails to Qualify for Finals"

Brian Williams (Jr., Canton, OH/McKinley) finished seventh (14.73), and failed to qualify by .03 seconds for the finals of the 110m hurdles at the NAIA Track and Field Championships, being held at Ralph Korte Stadium in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

"Briain Williams Advances at NAIA Track Nationals"

Brian Williams (Jr., Canton, OH/McKinley) has qualified for the semifinals of the 110m hurdles at the NAIA Track and Field Championships, being held at Ralph Korte Stadium in Edwardsville, Illinois. Williams qualified in a time of 14.85 today. The semis will be run at 1:40 pm on Friday and the finals at 4:40 pm.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"WOMEN'S GOLF: Cavs 24th, Miss Cut for Final Round"

Walsh live scoring

Walsh is 24th, missing the cut for the final round of the NAIA National Championships, being held at the Meadowbrook Municipal Golf Course in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Cavs shot 355 today. The final round starts Friday morning. Nikka Kulasa (Fr., Amherst, OH/Amherst Steele) paced the Cavs with a 86 today for a three-day total of 270, good for a tie for 116th (94-90-86/270).

Kim Smith (Fr., Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central Regional) shot an 88 today and is tied for 79th (82-84-88/254). Katy Collins (Fr., Youngstown, OH/Ursuline) shot a 91 and is tied for 99th (81-87-91/259), Mackenzie Smith (Fr., Magnolia, OH/Canton Central Catholic) is tied for 123th (88-89-90/277) and Abbey Kimar (Fr., Canton, OH/Jackson) is 136th (99-102-92/293).

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

"BASEBALL: Seven Cavs Earn All-AMC Honors; Kelly Named to AMC Rawlings Gold Glove Team"

Seven Walsh University players were selected to the All-American Mideast Conference, with one being named to the All-AMC Rawlings Gold Glove Team. The Cavs placed four players on the second team, with three earning honorable mention recognition. Junior outfielder Mark Kelly (Norton, OH/HS) received the Rawlings Gold Glove for his outstanding defensive work in left field. Kelly made just one error in 72 chances for a .986 fielding percentage. Kelly also earned honorable mention recognition, after hitting .318. Kelly was second-team choice last year and honorable mention as a redshirt-freshman.

Dustin Lancy (So., Cuyahoga Falls, OH/HS), Tyler Maag (Sr., North Canton, OH/GlenOak) Mike Suliks (Jr., Norton, OH/HS) and Duston Walter (Jr., Malvern, OH/HS) were named second-team, with Kelly, Jeff Kotlar (Fr., Euclid, OH/HS) and Steve Weirich (Jr., Minerva, OH/HS) named honorable mention.

Lancy, the Cavs designated hitter, batted .348 with nine doubles, two triples, three homeruns and 29 RBI and a team-leading .507 slugging percentage. Maag, who transferred from Southern Arkansas, played centerfield in his only year in a Walsh uniform and hit .355 with ten doubles, four homeruns and 21 RBI. He also led the team with nine stolen bases and three outfield assists. Suliks, the Cavs shortstop, led the team with a .371 average, tied for the team lead in doubles (10). triples (2), hit two homeruns and drove in 28 runs. Suliks was first-team last year and second-team his freshman year. This season he made the switch from second base to shortstop. Walter, the Cavs durable catcher, hit .304 with seven doubles and a team-leading five homeruns and 32 RBI. Walter was a first-team selection last year.

Freshman Jeff Kotlar worked as a starter and relief pitcher for the Cavs and finished with a 5-3 mark and 4.03 ERA. His five wins led the team. His three complete games also tied for the team lead, and he led the team with three saves and 16 appearances. Steve Weirich led the team with a 3.93 ERA and in innings pitched (52.2). Weirich was 4-4 and tied Kotlar and two others with three complete games.

Monday, May 11, 2009

"WOMEN’S TENNIS: Ianni, Rossi, Yost Named to All-AMC Team"

Walsh placed three players on the All-American Mideast Conference Team. Jenamarie Ianni (Sr., North Canton, OH/Hoover) was selected to the singles and doubles team, with Alison Rossi (Fr., Warren, OH/JFK) being named to the doubles team and Jen Yost (Jr., Massillon, OH/Jackson) to the singles team.

Ianni played number one singles for the Cavs and recorded a 16-5 mark. She also played number one doubles and sported an 12-8 mark. She teamed with Alison Rossi to record a 11-7 mark. Ianni earned All-AMC honors all four years at Walsh. After starting the season at fifth singles, Yost moved into the second singles spot and finished with a record of 11-9.

Monday, May 11, 2009

"MEN’S TENNIS: Esber, Mark and Gary Innes Earn All-AMC Status"

Jonathan Esber (Fr., Canton, OH/Central Catholic), Gary Innes (So., Randburg, South Africa/Kings School Robin Hills) and Mark Innes (Fr., Randburg, South Africa/Kings School Robin Hills) have been selected to the All-American Mideast Conference Team. Esber and Gary Innes were named to the doubles team, with Mark Innes being selected to the singles and doubles teams.

Esber finished with a 12-6 record at mostly second singles. Gary Innes team with brother Mark at first singles to record a 10-5 mark. Mark started the season 9-0 at third and fourth singles, being moving into the number one position, where he finished the season with a 14-3 record.

Friday, May 8, 2009

"WOMEN'S GOLF: Cavs Set for NAIA Nationals"

NAIA Golf Championships

The American Mideast Conference Champion Cavs (53-22) are all set for play at the NAIA National Championships, being held May 12-15 in Rapid City, South Dakota (Meadowbrook Municipal Golf Course). Walsh will be making its third trip to nationals, and first under second year Head Coach Kevin Longanecker (AMC Coach of the Year). The Cavs also appeared at nationals in 2004 and 2005. Last year, Tammy Schumacher represented Walsh as the AMC Medalist.

Heading into championship play, AMC Medalist Kim Smith (Fr., Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central Regional) leads the Cavs with an 87.8 average. Smith recorded low rounds of 82 twice, at Ohio Northern University and at Ohio Dominican University.

Katy Collins (Fr., Youngstown, OH/Ursuline) is next at 88.4, Nikki Kulasa (Fr., Amherst, OH/Amherst Steele) at 89.3, Mackenzie Smith (Fr., Magnolia, OH/Canton Central Catholic) at 91.7 and Abbey Kimar (Fr., Canton, OH/Jackson) at 95.3.

Monday, May 4, 2009

"SOFTBALL: Cavs Place Five on All-AMC Team; Davidson First Team"

Walsh University placed five student-athletes on the American Mideast Conference Team, with Jessica Davidson (Jr., Akron, OH/Ellet) being the only first-team selection. The Cavs finished the season 20-29 overall and 11-9 in the AMC.

Davidson, a transfer from the University of Akron, played second base for the Cavs and led team in hitting with a .404 average. She tied for the team lead in doubles with ten, while driving in 26 runs with three homeruns and a team-best three triples.

Megan Allen (Fr., Akron, OH/Hoban) was named to the All-AMC Freshmen Team and as a honorable mention all-conference selection. Allen, who plays first base, was second to Davidson with a .355 average. She led the team with 49 hits, 35 RBI and tied for the team lead in homeruns (9) and doubles (10).

Catcher Erica Kreiling (Fr., Massillon, OH/Perry), shortstop Laura Schmidt (Sr., Canton, OH/Jackson) and third sacker Brittany Sostre (So., Parma, OH/Valley Forge) were also named honorable mention. Kreiling tied for the team lead in doubles (10), while hitting .333 with six homeruns and 29 RBI. Schmidt, a two-time member of the All-AMC Team, hit .275 with a career-high six homeruns, eight doubles and 19 RBI. She led the Cavs in runs scored with 30 and with 15 walks. Schmidt was a first-team selection last year and honorable mention as a sophomore. Sostre hit .289 and tied Allen for the homerun lead with nine. She also had six doubles and drove in 26 runs.

Friday. May 1, 2009

"MEN'S GOLF: Cavs Finish 8th at AMC Tournament"

Walsh (19-35-1) finished eighth at the American Mideast Conference Championships, held at the Apple Valley Golf Course in Howard, Ohio. The Cavs finished with a 54-hole score of 968 (312-336-320). Malone University won the tournament with a 54-hole score of 880.

Sam Troyer (Sr., Sugarcreek, OH/Garaway) tied for 16th at 233 (78-77-78). Jesse Green (Sr., Sugarcreek, OH/Garaway) tied for 31st at 244 (80-83-81), Collin Mottice (Fr., Manchester, OH/Green) tied for 40that 248 (78-88-82), Cody Cutright (Fr., Springfield, OH/HS) tied for 43rd at 252 (76-96-80) and Brant Harbert (Jr., Uniontown, OH/Green) finished 46th at 255 (86-88-81).

Friday, May 1, 2009

"WOMEN'S TENNIS: Walsh Loses 5-4 to Ohio Dominican in AMC Championship Match"

(Springfield, OH) In a match that lasted three-plus hours; Ohio Dominican University (15-6) edged Walsh University (12-9) 5-4 to win the American Mideast Conference Tournament Championship and earn the automatic berth to the NAIA National Championships.

Ohio Dominican also defeated Walsh in the championship match last year.

DOUBLES:
1. Katie Evans/Kate Rodgers (OD) def. Jenamarie Ianni/Alison Rossi, 8-2
2. Emily Sampsel/Mari Monaco (OD) def. Barbara Lewis/Hilary Rossi, 8-2
3. Madeline Lewis/Jennifer Yost (W) def. Ruchika Alahakoon/Amanda Hollenbaugh, 8-3

SINGLES:
1. Jenamarie Ianni (W) def. Emily Sampsel, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
2. Katie Evans (OD) vs. Jennifer Yost, 7-6, 1-6, 6-1
3. Kate Rodgers (OD) def. Barbara Lewis, 6-2, 6-3
4. Ruchika Alahakoon (OD) def. Alison Rossi, 6-3, 6-2
5. Hilary Rossi (W) def. Amanda Hollenbaugh, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
6. Julia Kole (W) def. Katie Strancar, 6-2, 5-7, 6-0

Friday, May 1, 2009

"MEN'S TENNIS: Walsh Falls 5-2 to Ohio Dominican in AMC Men's Tennis Tournament Championship Match"

Walsh (11-7) fell 5-2 to Ohio Dominican University (13-8) today in the championship match of the American Mideast Conference Tournament, held at the Springfield Racquet Club in Springfield, Ohio. Walsh, the AMC regular season co-champion and top seed for the tournament, defeated Ohio Dominican 5-4 in regular season. With the win, ODU earns the automatic berth to the NAIA National Champions (May-12-14) in Mobile, Alabama. For Walsh, it marks the second straight season that they were defeated in the AMC Tournament Championship match.

DOUBLES:
1. Mark Innes/Gary Innes (W) def. Greg Dillon/Conrad Klank, 8-2
2. Bernardo Feitosa/Bobby McMahan (OD) def. Jon Esber/Diego Yung, 8-2
3. Mike Simon/Claude Badowski (OD) def. Curtis Kugler/Miroslav Mihijlovic, 8-2

SINGLES:
1. Bernardo Feitosa (OD) vs. Mark Innes (W), DNF
2. Greg Dillon (OD) def. Jon Esber, 6-4, 6-3
3. Diego Yung (W) def. Conrad Klank, 6-1, 6-1
4. Mike Simon (OD) vs. Gary Innes (W), DNF
5. Claude Badowski (OD) def. Curtis Kugler, 6-4, 6-1
6. Bobby McMahan (OD) def. Corbin Eilander, 6-0, 6-4

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

"MEN'S TENNIS: Walsh Co-AMC Champs and Top Seed for AMC Tournament/One Win From Nationals"

Walsh (11-6, 5-1) is the top seed for the upcoming American Mideast Conference Tournament, starting Thursday at Cedarville University. Walsh and Ohio Dominican University (9-5, 5-1) tied for the AMC regular season championship, with Walsh winning the tie-breaker by virtue of a 5-4 win over the Panthers.

The three-team tournament begins on Thursday at 9 am, with Ohio Dominican facing third seed University of Northwestern Ohio (10-4, 4-2). The winner meets Walsh on Friday at 1pm for the AMC Championship and automatic berth to the 58th Annual NAIA Championships, May 12-16 at the Mobile (AL) Tennis Center.

The Cavs have won, or shared, 12 conference championships in the last 14 years and made 10 NAIA appearances in the last 12 years. They were upset by Malone University last year in the AMC title match.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Joe Shardo Named First Team 2009 State Farm Coaches NAIA All-American by National Association of Basketball Coaches "

KANSAS CITY, MO. (April 20, 2009) -- The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today the 2009 State Farm Coaches’ NAIA All-America teams. Selected and voted on by coaches, these student-athletes represent the finest basketball players across America. Walsh University's Joe Shardo (6-5, Sr., Yorkshire, OH/Versailles) was named First Team NAIA Division ll.

Shardo, who also earned NAIA First-Team All-American honors, and American Mideast Conference Player of the Year honors, scored 788 points in his two years at Walsh. He transferred from Missouri-Rolla. Shardo was a three-time AMC Player of the Week, and led the Cavs in scoring (18.6 ppg). Joe shot .510 from the field, .843 from the free throw line, averaged 6.5 rebounds, handed out 72 assists and had 37 steals. He scored 30 points or more in a single game four times, with a career high of 45 points against Ohio Dominican University. He scored 31 points in Walsh's AMC Tournament Championship win against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"WOMEN'S GOLF: Walsh Women Win AMC Golf Championship"

Walsh rallied from five strokes back to capture the American Mideast Conference Championship and qualify for the NAIA National Championships, May 11-14 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Walsh entered the final round five strokes back of Malone University (379), after shooting 384 on Monday. Today, led by medalist Kim Smith (Fr., Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central Regional), the Cavs shot 378, besting second place Ohio Dominican University by 13 strokes. Walsh finished at 762, Ohio Dominican 775, Malone 782, Northwestern Ohio 794 and Ursuline College 872.

Smith shot the only round under 90 in the 36-hole championships, with an 89 today, to finish at 181. Katy Collins (Fr., Youngstown, OH/Ursuline) finished tied for fourth at 188 (92+96), Nikki Kulasa (Fr., Amherst, OH/Amherst Steele) finished 12th at 198 (104+94), Mackenzie Smith (Fr., Magnolia, OH/Canton Central Catholic) was 14th at 201 (96+105) and Abbey Kimar (Fr., Canton, OH/Jackson) 19th (108+99=207).

Smith and Collins were each named first-team All-AMC.

Walsh Head Coach Kevin Longanecker was named AMC Coach of the Year.

AMC First Team
Kim Smith - Walsh
Katy Collins - Walsh

Monday, April 13, 2009

"Walsh Women's Basketball Team Named Buffalo Funds Five Star Award Recipeint; Coaches and Student-Athletes Recognized for Exhibiting Exceptional Character Values "

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. The following teams / member institutions were recognized during the winter sports season: Division I Men’s Basketball / Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University; Division I Women’s Basketball / Westmont (Calif.) College; Division II Men’s Basketball / Indiana University East; Division II Women’s Basketball / Walsh (Ohio) University; Men’s Swimming and Diving / The College of Idaho; Women’s Swimming and Diving / Mills (Calif.) College; Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field / Doane (Neb.) College; Wrestling / Northwestern (Iowa) College.

The award honors teams committed to the Champions of Character program’s five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The NAIA’s flagship character initiative is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide student-athletes and coaches the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. Champions of Character is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is about reaching your potential and making good decisions consistently in daily life.

By recognizing outstanding student-athletes and coaches who set the standard with their approach in and out of competition, the NAIA furthers its mission to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

Buffalo Funds
Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Men’s Division I Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

"Joe Shardo First Team NAIA All-American, Jeremy Shardo HM"

Walsh's Joe Shardo (6-5, Sr., Yorkshire, OH/Versailles) has been selected First Team NAIA All-American. Shardo is the fourth Cavalier to receive first team recognition. Jeremy Shardo (6-3, So., Yorkshire, OH/Versailles), Joe's younger brother, was named honorable mention. Walsh finished the season 27-4 and advanced to the NAIA Division ll National Tournament for the fifth straight year.

Joe Shardo, who also earned American Mideast Conference Player of the Year honors, scored 788 points in his two years at Walsh. He transferred from Missouri-Rolla. Shardo was a three-time AMC Player of the Week, and led the Cavs in scoring (18.6 ppg). Joe shot .510 from the field, .843 from the free throw line, averaged 6.5 rebounds, handed out 72 assists and had 37 steals. He scored 30 points or more in a single game four times, with a career high of 45 points against Ohio Dominican University. He scored 31 points in Walsh's AMC Tournament Championship win against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Jeremy Shardo led the NAIA in assists (249), averaging 8.0 per game. He shattered the Walsh single season mark in the AMC Championship game against Mount Vernon Nazarene when he handed out 12. Shardo averaged 15.4 points and scored a career-high 34 points in Walsh's 91-83 national tournament loss to Ottawa University. Jeremy shot .777 from the line, .467 from the field and .451 from three-point. He also led the team with 54 steals and earned AMC Player of the Week honors.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

"Katie Berry Named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American"

Katie Berry (So., Cleveland, OH/St. Joseph’s) has been named honorable mention All-American by the NAIA. Berry, also a first-team All-American Mideast Conference selection, led the Cavs in scoring (13.8), three-point goals (34), assists (104) and steals (63). She shot .474 from the field, .780 from the foul line and averaged 4.1 rebounds. Berry was the only Cavalier to start all 31 games.

She is the the third Walsh player to receive NAIA All-American honors and first since Melanie Scheetz was named second-team in 2000.