lincoln university
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY LION TALES
Volume 4, Issue 1
The Official Publication of the Lincoln University Athletics Department
FEBRUARY 2007
Women’s basketball enjoys month to remember Inside this issue: FOOTBALL UPDATE Moving forward
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PROFILE OF MATT MARTUCCI, The voice of the Lions
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Men’s basketball team ranked 7th in MidAtlantic region
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Alum Mike Taylor continues to make an impact for Lincoln
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Track teams finish in second place at the University of Delaware meet
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2007 Baseball Preview: Lions ready to soar behind improved pitching.
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Men’s basketball team prevails in thriller over Ramapo.
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Freshman guard Sha’nice Nesmith averaged 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.4 assists in January.
For all the in-depth info, visit our website at: www. lincoln.edu/athletics/index
By ROB KNOX Sports Information Director The month of January concluded for the Lincoln University women’s basketball team the same way it began: with consecutive defeats. However, in between the defeats were a program-record eight-game winning streak, several outstanding individual performances, national recognition and an unforgettable road trip to New England during a month to remember for the Lady Lions. All one needs to know about Asha Atkinson (44), Sharell McMillan (4) and the rest of the the Lady Lions’ 8-4 January is Lincoln women’s basketball team enjoyed a month to rememthey finished 2003 and 2004 with seven wins each and 2005 ber by ripping off an eight-game winning streak. and 2006 with eight triumphs each. Lincoln won eight games our goals of a winning season, in steals and 16th in blocked in 31 days and that’s something establishing the school record shots. Senior forward Mary to be cherished despite a 78-71 for wins and returning to the Rotimi was eighth in the nadefeat to Ramapo that ended postseason.” tion in rebounding and Lincoln’s five-game home winJanuary proved to be the freshman guard Shanice Nening streak. springboard to help the Lady smith was 30th in scoring. Like a perfectly blended fruit Lions set the school record for Lincoln won five games by beverage, the winning streak wins in a season with 15 and double digits in January. featured the correct mixture of achieve their first winning sea“It feels great to win these championship ingredients: A son since 2000. Lincoln has amount of games,” junior bunch of funny characters, won- also been selected to host the forward Asha Atkinson said. derful personalities, selfless attiAssociation of Division III “We know we needed to tudes, scholars, hard work and Independents tournament for show people that we’re not talented players. Together, they the first time in school history an 8-16 team. The confiproduced the finest month in on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24. dence level in the returning the history of the 37-year proLincoln concluded January players is higher. Our (firstgram. by winning eight of its last 10 year) players have made an “I really do appreciate what games. A far cry from when immediate impact plus we the team has accomplished in Lincoln stumbled through an have more outside shooting. the month of January,” third0-7 January in 2005 and a peWe are like a family. We year coach Andy Haman said. destrian 4-4 mark in the same eat, cry, laugh and really en“This team has character, pride month last year. joy each other and it really and heart. We are still trying to The Lady Lions ended the helps on the court.” finish strong and accomplish month ranked 11th nationally Continued on PAGE 4
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Martucci: the perfect voice of Lincoln athletics Matt Martucci comes to Lincoln fresh off his graduation from Syracuse University back in May. Martucci is the play-by-play voice of the Lincoln University men’s basketball team for radio station WCOJ (1420 AM), the voice of Chester County. While at Syracuse, he had a double major in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. From the time he was very young, Martucci knew he wanted to be a sportscaster. Friends of his older brothers would ask him where certain players went to college and he almost always had the answers. At Syracuse, Martucci was fortunate enough to broadcast Orange basketball, football, and lacrosse on WAER-FM including an NCAA Tournament First Matt Martucci’s smooth voice and Round hoops contest and several Big exciting one-liners has made him a East Conference games. His fondest perfect fit for Lincoln University. memory of his college experience remains watching Carmelo Anthony and the Orange win the 2002 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship with his fellow students on April 5. Martucci also serves as the voice of the Saint Joseph's University Women's Basketball team. When he's not immersed in game preparation, Martucci's hobbies include shooting hoops, reading, photography, and watching his endless collection of DVDs. LU
Football moving forward By DR. ALFONSO SCANDRETT JR. Director of Athletics After a 40 plus year hiatus we held our first football meeting on Monday February 6, 2007 at 7 pm and we had a great turnout. About 63 young men turned out. They were very attentive and did ask a lot of questions about the process and what was to come. We discussed academics and the need to place football second and graduation first. We appeal to their sense of being a part of history and the return of football to Lincoln's campus. Football operations coach Elliot Lightfoot will conduct tryouts in a combine format this spring and again in the fall once all the football candidates have arrived on campus. LU
Men’s basketball team ranked The Lincoln University men’s basketball team is ranked seventh in the first Mid-Atlantic regional rankings of the 2006-07 season, which was released Wednesday Feb. 7 by the NCAA Division III men’s basketball committee. Lincoln, which received one vote in the latest D3hoops.com Top 25 poll, earned its ranking based on its 9-3 record
against “in-region” opponents. Two of three Lincoln’s “in-region” defeats were on the road to teams who are ranked in the Atlantic region: Ramapo (No. 1) and Richard Stockton (No. 4). Lincoln has also defeated ranked teams Ramapo and New Jersey City (No. 5 in the Atlantic region). LU
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF ● Alfonso Scandrett, Athletics Director ● Cyrus Jones, Associate Athletics Director ● James Elliott Lightfoot, Assistant Athletics Director for External Affairs ● Linda Peterson, Administrative Assistant ● Natasha Wilson, Assistant A.D. of Compliance/Senior Women’s Administrator ● Brian Fletcher, Interim Trainer ● Rob Knox, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information Management
HEAD COACHES ● Andy Haman, Women’s Basketball ● Cyrus Jones, Men’s & Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country ● Tim Lewis, Volleyball ● Domingo Montes, Men’s & Women’s Tennis ● Mass Sarr Jr,. Men’s Soccer ● Francine Taylor, Women’s Soccer ● Doug Thompson, Baseball ● Antoinette Wallace, Cheerleading ● Garfield Yuille, Men’s Basketball LION TALES Volume 4, Issue 1 LION TALES is published monthly. LION TALES was written, designed and edited by Rob Knox, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information Management. Photo credits to Bill Rudick.
For more stories, statistics, and photos on our student-athletes and athletic programs, please visit: www.lincoln.edu/athletics. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT
Lincoln University is a premier Historically Black University that combines the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of those living in a highly technological and
global society.
VOLU ME 4, ISSUE 1
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
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National champ Taylor still making an impact for Lincoln Jersey in the 800 meters. By JORDEAN C. MATTHEWS Taylor heard about LinSports Information Student Assistant coln’s track team from ichael C. Taylor has returned to his alma mater as his former coach. Taylor was recruited by Division the Admissions Director after a successful career as a I, II and III schools. Taymember of Lincoln University’s legendary lor’s original plan didn’t involve getting his degree men’s track program during the mid 90s. from Lincoln. He was Immediately after graduating in 1997, going to come to Lincoln Taylor returned to Lincoln to work as an admissions counselor and associate director for a year and then transfer. However, Taylor of admissions. Taylor held that position until 2000, where he left Lincoln to work at ended up receiving a huSaint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville (Va.) man services degree. One of the unique trawhere he helped to significantly increase ditions associated with enrollment. Lincoln’s track program Taylor came back to Lincoln in 2002 is that every runner rewhere he worked in Alumni Relations, ceives helping to signifian cantly raise the ALUMNI FEATURE number of One in an occasional series on former affectionate alumni contribu- Lincoln University athletes. nicktors each year. In name from Jones. Tay2004 Taylor was given the opportunity to become the Direc- lor was nicknamed “Pipe” because of his slender body. tor of Admissions, where he continues to During Taylor’s freshman year he was make an impact and excel. “He’s had record breaking enrollments,” given the opportunity to anchor the sprint said Lincoln University Vice President for medley at the annual Penn Relay carnival Student Enrollment and Management Wil- held every April in Philadelphia. Taylor remembers receiving the baton in last place liam Bynum. “If you give him a number while competing against Arkansas, Army, goal he will accomplish it. He has that innate hunger and drive that can’t be taught. I Georgia Tech and George Mason. When think his history as an athlete under (track Taylor arrived at Lincoln he met former and national champ Clive Terrelonge, coach Cyrus D.) Jones helped with his whom which he looked up to and trained drive to be successful.” with. Terrelonge, who ran in the 1992 and Although Lincoln wasn’t Taylor’s first 1996 Olympics for his native country of choice, he made the most of his experience. He felt a connection with the incom- Jamaica, holds the NCAA Division III reing freshman. A talk with Jones was all the cord in the 800-meter run (1:47). “He made me a better runner,” said Taymotivation Taylor needed to give Lincoln a try. Taylor’s campus visit had him in a state lor said of Terrelonge. Taylor says what he remembers the of awe, as a city boy the change of scenery most are the unforgettable motivational wasn’t what he expected. As a student, Taylor was a member of speeches given by Jones at meets and pracOmega Psi Phi Fraternity and the president tices. He believes they made him run better and gave him an unbeatable attitude. of Lincoln’s Pan-Hellenic council. Taylor “He is a strong athlete,” said Jones. “A was also a key member of the 1995 indoor and outdoor national championship track strong cross country runner, which made him into a champion half-miler.” teams. Interviewing Taylor was filled with lots of “He was a young naïve kid,” Jones said. “I remember picking him up from the bus laughs as he reminisced about fun times and jokes played by his team. Some of the stop, he was wearing a full suit and tie, he best times Taylor remembers winning looked like a model athlete,” In high school Taylor ran for Neptune meets and the joyful rides back to campus. “Those were exciting times,” laughed where he was fourth in the state of New
M
Taylor. However Taylor only ran track until after his sophomore year because he suffered a career ending injury that cut short his all-American awards to six. That same year he became a national champion in the 800, the last Lincoln runner to do so. “He has one of the best closing kicks I ever seen in an 800 runner,” said Jones. Lincoln University has been going through many changes one being a transition from Division III to Division II. With that transition also returns Lincoln football. “Personally I am elated,” said Taylor. “I wish I had the opportunity to experience Friday night lights or to watch Saturday games.” Taylor believes the transition will help market more male enrollment and bring more visibility to Lincoln. Also with the move in Division most of Lincoln’s sports teams will have to sit out from championships for at least a year. Taylor describes this setback as “bittersweet,” but feels as though it will be better for the school in the long run. Taylor a native of Neptune, NJ now resides in Delaware with his wife, Tullettia,of six years and their three children. Taylor hopes to become Vice President of Enrollment Management and maybe one-day get involved in the world of politics. LU
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
V OLU ME 4, ISSUE 1
‘14 Strong’ lifting women’s basketball to the top CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 On its recent weekend trip to New England, Lincoln was greeted by bonechilling minus 6-degree temperatures and snow in Rutland (Vt.). The trip showcased the Lady Lions at their very best and most hilarious during the extended bus rides along Interstates 95, 91, 90 and 87. Spending the weekend with the Lady Lions was more like a
first time since her junior year at Adlai Stevenson High School in the Bronx. Wright tore her ACL and did not play basketball for three years until deciding to try out for the team this season. “I didn’t plan on playing ball again when I tore my ACL,” Wright said. “I was scared to play on it again because I thought I would injure it again. Last year, I was nervous to play because of my knee, but this year, I really wanted to go out for the team READ THIS ENTIRE STORY AND so I tried out. It’s good to actually be on the team because I didn’t think I was going VIEW THE EXCLUSIVE SLIDE SHOW at www.lincoln.edu/athletics to make it. I am actually glad to be here.” Haman was excited about the entire weekend experience. He made the most of his quality time around the team by vacation at a comedy cabaret because the laughs were non-stop throughout the “embarrassing” Cook and Wright during Saturday’s continental breakfast at the Best weekend especially off the court. Team members made the most of the Western Hotel. After Cook (not living up to her last name) butchered a long bus rides by talking on Belgian waffle, Haman could cell phones, sleeping, looknot stop laughing at her. Haing at pictures, harassing man enjoys joking with his playHaman, playing cards & ers. board games, watching “(The waffle) got stuck and I DVD’s including the grueused the spray, but it got stuck some thriller, “Saw III”, lisand broke in half,” Cook said. tening to the latest tunes on “(Haman) was so embarrassing I-Pods, doing hair, reading at breakfast. Coach is goofy, chapters for their various but you can relate to him. This classes and downloading the year, it’s not as much stress on latest ring tones on their cell him because it’s all on us. I phones while riding past the can’t put this season into Basketball Hall of Fame in Coach Andy Haman words. The fun doesn’t stop Springfield (Mass). especially when you’re winning. Each player brings something special to this team away from the There is nothing to be sad about.” During the winning streak, Lincoln’s avcourt. If anybody had a melancholic erage margin of victory was 15.9 points per spirit, then 20 minutes around any game. The Lady Lions scored 70 or more member of the Lady Lion basketball points in seven straight games. Lincoln also team would be the perfect cure. developed a reputation as a second half “Everyone is different and loving,” team by outscoring seven opponents after junior guard Sharell McMillan said. intermission and scoring 40 or more sec“Everybody is welcoming of all the difond half points six times. The Lady Lions ferent personalities. That has really helped us this year. If you don’t want to also scored 80 or more points during the streak four times. Lincoln trailed at halfchill with this one, you can chill with that person and still have fun with every- time two times during the winning streak. It seemed as if everybody except the body.” Lion mascot had a big moment during the Sophomore Kiah Wright tried to winning streak. McMillan, who knocks cope with the off-key singing of sophodown jumpers like former NBA star more Tanina Cook and sophomore Reggie Miller, scored in double figures in manager Renee Gonzalez while being every game of the win streak, recording her interviewed. Wright, a first-year player, first career double-double with 17 points is playing organized basketball for the
Kiah Wright and Tanina Cook share a moment in the snow during their recent trip to Vermont. and 10 rebounds in a win over Penn College. A pleasant package of electricity, elusiveness and excitement, Nesmith continued to dazzle while scoring 20 or more points five times including a 32-point performance during a dramatic overtime victory at Wilkes University. Senior Mary Rotimi continued to be a pillar of strength in the middle by averaging 13.9 points and 11.3 rebounds during the streak. Rotimi ended the month by tying her career-high in rebounds with 23. Cook scored a career-high 19 points in a win over Lycoming. Atkinson was steady while compiling 8.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and recording 25 steals. Freshman Chanelle Harris, who is not too fond of scary movies, led the Lady Lions with 31 assists. Senior Latoya Thompson scored a career high 12 points in a 69-49 victory over Lebanon Valley that started the winning streak. “We are more together this year,” Rotimi said. “Plus we have been more committed to defense than offense. Our team is young, willing to work and strong. We believe in each other and our motto all season has been ’14 Strong.’" Freshmen Saharra Robinson, who loves Dora the Explorer, and Tia Hilton, a big fan of Tigger, supplied energy during a victory over Penn College by reaching career highs in points. Robinson scored 12 points and Hilton added eight points including a couple of 3-pointers. Freshman Noel Webster’s defense sparked the Lady Lions during a tough road win against Wilkes. Freshman Elissa Jackson had CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
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Jackson wins two races as Lincoln women finish second NEWARK, Del. – Strong performances by Shanda Jackson and Corey Wright helped the Lincoln University men’s and women’s indoor track teams finish in second place in the Division II-III sections of the Thompson Invitational hosted by the University of Delaware Saturday afternoon. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished behind Salisbury. The Seagulls edged the Lincoln women, 108-102 and the Lincoln men, 177-170. Despite the second place team finishes, Lincoln had a lot of athletes win individual events. Individual winners on the men’s side were Anthony Bishop (60-meter dash), Wayne Davis (200-meter dash), Corey Wright (400-meter dash). Kendrick Gibbons (60-meter hurdles), Jared Randle (long jump) and Aaron Hunter (triple jump). On the women’s side, Jackson was a double winner. She won the 60 and 200 meter dashes. Corsica Campbell won the 800 and Jordean Matthews provisionally qualified for the 400-meter dash at next month’s NCAA Division III Championship meet after winning her race. Marissa Gaskin was victorious in the shot put. Also, for each team, a 4 x 400-relay squad won the event. Although Jackson won the 60-meter dash (7.87) and the 200meter dash (25.93), she was not entirely pleased with her effort. Jackson teamed with Donneisha Smith, Alisha McKeithan and Corsica Campbell to win the 4 x 400-meter relay in 4:02.36. Lincoln’s other 4 x 400-meter relay team was disqualified because of
interference in one of the exchange zones. Campbell won the 800-meter dash (2:28.08), Gaskin won the shot put (10.38 meters) and Matthews won the 400-meter dash (58.41). The men dominated many of the sprinting events. In the 200-meter dash, the Lions claimed the top five places: Wright (49.37), Francisco Santos (50.85), Keko Goldman (51.90), Antwan Butler (53.18) Shanda Jackson won the 60 and and Joseph Papino200 meter dashes at the University Wood (53.31). Lincoln of Delaware Invitational. held the top three spots in the 60-meter hurdles with Gibbons (8.09), Jermaine Morris (8.31) and Randle (8.42) crossing the tape after one another. LU
Winning streak featured contributions from everybody CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE some meaningful moments during January as well. “We have a good team and a good coaching staff,” McMillan said. “I thought when the season started and I looked at the schedule, I knew we could have a good season. It’s nice to have everybody come through. We’re an all-around team.” The family atmosphere was born during the summer when several returning veterans and incoming freshmen played together in the Cabrini College summer league. The seeds for the Lady Lions’ current successful season were planted during the games in the hot, stuffy and steamy sweatbox of a gym on Cabrini’s campus. That has helped forge an unbreakable bond. Another key component in the overall development of the team has been the “twin” concept. Many of the younger players have been paired up with an older player as a way to help ease the transition to college life and the basketball team.
are Harris and Thompson. “We say it as a joke, but it really means something to us to have a freshman look up to us,” McMillan said. “It encourages them because when their number is called, they can come into the game with the same excitement level because in a way they want to be like us.” The season has held more significance for the senior triumvirate of Thompson, Rotimi and James. During their first year Natasha James, Mary Rotimi, coach on the team, the small group of fans in the stands would wince when Lincoln took the Andy Haman, Sharell McMillan, Shanice Nesmith and Asha Atkinson court because they knew another lopsided all had shining moments in January. defeat was coming. Fast forward four years later and more people are interested in the women’s basketball program. Some twins are obvious like Atkinson Now, Thompson, James and Rotimi are and Robinson, who are both 5-11, live in going out as winners and with enough memoNew Jersey, play the same on the court ries to last a lifetime. and at one point had the same blond braid “I was expecting a lot this season considerhairstyle. Others, like McMillan and Skyla ing we played with a lot of the freshman playFore are together because they are built ers over the summer,” James said. “I am the same, although Fore is probably proud of our season so far. Everybody has slightly bigger by a couple of pounds, and been supporting each other. I think the bigare goofy, according to several teammates. gest difference this season is everybody is Cook and Hilton are considered twins, as happy and together.” LU
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
Baseball team ready to build on last year’s success The Lincoln University baseball team enters the 2007 season with great expectations and armed with five returning players who batted .300 or better during last year’s history-making season. Coming off a season in which the Lions finished with a 14-14 record, the most wins in a single season according to athletics records dating back to 1970, Lincoln has the perfect blend of experience, leadership and talent to equal or better last year’s victory total. “Our goal this season is to exceed the 14 games we won and build upon the success of last years record setting team,” third-year coach Doug Thompson said. “We are deep at every position. This team has the potential to set what I believe will be the standard for which all future LU Baseball teams will be measured by.” Leading the cast of returnees for Lincoln is senior catcher Tim O’Rear (Baltimore, MD/Archbishop Curley), sophomore first baseman Joe Kruemmer (Middletown, DE/ Hodgson Vo-Tech), senior second baseman Duane Wyse (Philadelphia, PA/West Catholic), senior outfielder Vincent Curtis (Philadelphia, PA/Overbrook) and junior outfielder Peter Fisher (Raleigh, NC/ Stamford (Ct). Also returning to anchor the pitching staff will be junior Josh Graber (Baltimore, MD/Mt. Carmel). O’Rear was Lincoln’s leading hitter last season with a .387 average. He also had a .661 slugging percentage. O’Rear also smacked three home runs, including a grand slam, recorded six doubles and walked 15 times for an on-base percentage of .519. Curtis enjoyed a solid season. He batted .348 and led the Lions with 27 runs batted in. Curtis, who also had a grand slam last year against Washington (Md.) College, was Lincoln’s leading hitter with runners in scoring position. Curtis tied for the team lead in doubles with Fisher with seven. Fisher, who batted .325, knocked in 21 runs and tied for the team lead in hits with 27. Fisher also tied for the team lead in home runs with three. Kruemmer had a strong freshman season for the Lions batting .321, collecting 27 hits and leading the team with two triples. “I am really excited about my line-up this year,” Thompson said. “I believe we’ll be able to put pressure on pitchers and opposing defenses with our combination of con-
tact and speed. We are really experienced and I think that’s going to help us handle any adversity we may encounter.” Wyse didn’t bat over .300, but he was on base often. One of the fastest runners in Division III, Wyse was 25-for28 in stolen bases last season. Wyse scored 22 runs, knocked in 12 runs and walked 16 times. Wyse also finished sixth in Division III in stolen bases per game (1.0). Wyse was also 11th nationally Joe Kruemmer leads a balanced Lincoln attack in 2007. Kruemmer was one of five players to post in hit by pitches. He was hit a .300 or better batting average last year. by a pitch 12 times. Graber batted .333 and son expects all four players to improve with knocked in 10 runs last year. He was an excellent No. 2 pitcher last season. Graber increased playing time. McQuaide is also slated to start at third tossed a no-hitter two years ago against Saint Paul’s College. He was a perfect com- base on days he is not pitching. Hawkins is plement to Matt Sample. Graber compiled expected to play shortstop. Hawkins and Wyse could blossom into an effective mida 3-4 record along with a 5.03 earned run dle infield combination. Defensively, the average. Graber struck out 51 batters in 47.1 innings. Graber’s contributions helped Lions are solid. “We expect them to contribute right Lincoln finish first nationally in strikeouts away,” Thompson said of his newcomers. per nine innings (12.1). Thompson will rely on freshmen Omar “Each of them had stellar careers in high school and they are proven winners.” Ongay (Wilmington, DE/Glasgow) and The Lions have a full slate of 41 games Jeremy McQuaide (Elkton, MD/ including a six-game, three-day road trip to Salesianium) to balance the rest of the Lions’ starting pitching rotation after Graber. North Carolina to play CIAA schools ElizaThompson also expects freshman Marvin beth City State, Shaw and North Carolina Hawkins (Wilmington, DE/Howard), fresh- Central. The game against NCCU will be played at the stadium of the Durham Bulls, man Peter S. Reyes (Bronx, NY/ Environmental Studies), junior Martin Rod- the triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay riguez (Philadelphia, PA/Parkway) and Will Devil Rays. Lincoln will also host the inaugural LiSimon (Philadelphia, PA/Lamberton) to pitch effectively in middle relief and eat up ons’ Cup tournament on March 16-18. The inaugural Lions Cup will feature Gallaudet some innings. “Health and consistency are the key con- University, St. Paul's College, Southern Vermont College, and University of Scicerns,” Thompson said. “Health is the ences in Philadelphia. main priority, given the fact our pitching staff was riddled with injuries last season, “I wanted to develop and provide a but we had players step up and gain some tournament that would instill pride, motivaluable experience. Our goal during the vation and respect for the LU Baseball off-season was to bolster our pitching staff Team,” Thompson said. “It's also my inand I believe we’ve done that.” tention to bridge the gap between the LU Other key returnees include junior Josiah Baseball team and the local high schools, Barnes (Philadelphia, PA/Overbrook), jun- various community teams within the surior Michael Loving (Washington, DC/ rounding area of the campus, by providing Eastern), sophomore Darnell Walker a tournament that consists of small but (Bronx, NY/Law & Government), and respected college programs, that will show sophomore Mike Greenwood case the talents of their players at this (Philadelphia, PA/Girard College). Thomp- level.” LU
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
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Miller’s late heroics keep Lincoln’s NCAA chances alive Miller time arrived at the right moment for the Lincoln University men’s basketball team during its pulsating, 73-72 nonconference victory over Ramapo College of New Jersey Wednesday January 31 at Manuel Rivero Hall. With the Lincoln University men’s basketball team’s fragile NCAA Division III tournament chances on life-support and expiring with each ticking second courtesy of a late five-point deficit, Earl Miller stepped to the rescue by scoring 10 points in the final five minutes, including a pair of made foul shots with 11 seconds remaining to lift Lincoln to its 24th consecutive home victory. Lincoln improved to 13-8 overall while Ramapo dropped to 15-5. Both teams received votes in this week’s D3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Ramapo got four votes and Lincoln, which was ranked as high as 10th earlier this season, got two votes. The Lions improved to 10-3 against region opponents, a major criteria used the committee to select teams to the NCAA Division III tournament. “I think today, this game had a lot to do with heart,” Miller said. “We could’ve easily given up when we were down by five and our shots weren’t falling, but I felt I needed to be more aggressive on offense at the end. This was a big, big win for us.” Tyreek Byard scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Miller set a career-high in scoring for the third consecutive game with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Dwight Dean had 13 points. Darryl White contributed nine points and seven blocked shots. He has 205 career blocks for his career. Lavine Grimes grabbed 10 rebounds for Lincoln. Ramapo got 21 points from Antoine Pryor. Omar Alston finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Also reaching double figures for Ramapo was Tim Wesley, who scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds and Shawn Frost, who finished with 10 points. Aasad Shakir grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. It was Lincoln’s first win over Ramapo in school history. The Lions improved to 13-7 overall and avenged a 91-75 loss to the Roadrunners suffered on December 9. The Lions improved to 19-0 at home against Division III schools under third-
day. We played good defense and got one big stop at the end of the game.” The two teams had fans on the edge of their seats especially in the final five minutes. Trailing, 72-71 following a Byard jumper with 54 seconds remaining. Ramapo had several chances to ice the game, but it missed four free-throws with 36 seconds remaining. On Lincoln’s ensuing possession, Byard missed a short jumper and players from both teams went diving on the floor and scrambling after the loose ball, which was going out of bounds. Eventually, Lincoln retained possession with 24 seconds remaining. Miller was fouled as he tried to turn the corner on a drive. He calmly stepped to the line and with the capacity crowd on its feet, made both foul shots without touching the rim on either attempt. Earl Miller soars to the basket for “All I knew is the foul shots were going two points in a game against John in,” Miller said. “I knew I wasn’t going to Jay College. let my teammates or our fans down. I wanted to be on the foul line in that situayear coach Garfield Yuille. Also, Lincoln tion. I wanted to be in that position and I wanted the pressure to be on me.” snapped a two-game losing streak. The The Roadrunners’ Antoine Pryor made Lions have never lost three straight games two foul shots for a 60-55 advantage with under Yuille. Lincoln’s victory wasn’t secured until a 5:37 remaining. Byard missed his two freepair of Ramapo shots fell short in the final throws. However, Lincoln survived behind five seconds. The wild and final sequence an aggressive defense that forced 29 turnovers. Thomas Lahart stole a Ramapo of events unfolded like this: Ramapo’s pass and fed Miller for a layup. On LinTim Wesby, while falling to the ground coln’s next possession, Miller tied the with five seconds remaining heaved up a game with a 3-pointer from the top of the shot towards the basket that was gobbled key. After a Ramapo turnover, Miller gave up by teammate Assad Shaakir underLincoln a short-lived, 63-60 lead with anneath the basket. Shaakir was wide open other 3-pointer. LU underneath the basket with two seconds left, but his shot rolled around the Miller honored by Small College Coaches Association back of the rim Earl Miller was named as one of the bi-weekly recipients of and fell harmlessly the Sam Cozen Small College Award. to the floor. The award presented by the Philadelphia Small College “That last 11 Coaches Association recognizes an individual for on-court excelseconds seemed lence, sportsmanship and personal growth exhibited during the like a whole season. Miller has exemplified those qualities during the last two game,” Miller said. weeks since entering the starting line-up for Lincoln (14-7 over“It seemed like the all). clock was not “This award means a lot to me because I had some tough moving and it was roads to overcome at the beginning of the year,” Miller said. “It taking forever for seemed like I pulled things together to help our team get through the buzzer to some tough times.” sound. The ball In four starts, Miller is averaging 13.8 points per game, 4.2 aswent our way tosists per game and 4.8 rebounds. LU
Kevon Pearce chills with Dwight Howard in Orlando
Men’s basketball coach Garfield Yuille does a postgame interview with Matt Martucci, the voice of the Lions.
Assistant women’s basketball coach Kisha Middleton and Senior Women’s Administrator Natasha Wilson share a moment in the snow up in Vermont.
Skyla Fore catches up on her reading on the bus ride home from Vermont.
Duane Wyse
Jordean Matthews
Track athletes Chianne Ashman, Ashley Parker, Corsica Campbell, Donneisha Smith and Alisha McKeithan
Ashley Warren
Men’s basketball assistant coach Eugene Lett sets the scoring record in this pinball game in Orlando.
Volume 4, Issue 1
The Official Publication of the Lincoln University Athletics Department
FEBRUARY 2007
Women’s basketball enjoys month to remember Inside this issue: FOOTBALL UPDATE Moving forward
2
PROFILE OF MATT MARTUCCI, The voice of the Lions
2
Men’s basketball team ranked 7th in MidAtlantic region
2
Alum Mike Taylor continues to make an impact for Lincoln
3
Track teams finish in second place at the University of Delaware meet
5
2007 Baseball Preview: Lions ready to soar behind improved pitching.
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Men’s basketball team prevails in thriller over Ramapo.
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Freshman guard Sha’nice Nesmith averaged 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.4 assists in January.
For all the in-depth info, visit our website at: www. lincoln.edu/athletics/index
By ROB KNOX Sports Information Director The month of January concluded for the Lincoln University women’s basketball team the same way it began: with consecutive defeats. However, in between the defeats were a program-record eight-game winning streak, several outstanding individual performances, national recognition and an unforgettable road trip to New England during a month to remember for the Lady Lions. All one needs to know about Asha Atkinson (44), Sharell McMillan (4) and the rest of the the Lady Lions’ 8-4 January is Lincoln women’s basketball team enjoyed a month to rememthey finished 2003 and 2004 with seven wins each and 2005 ber by ripping off an eight-game winning streak. and 2006 with eight triumphs each. Lincoln won eight games our goals of a winning season, in steals and 16th in blocked in 31 days and that’s something establishing the school record shots. Senior forward Mary to be cherished despite a 78-71 for wins and returning to the Rotimi was eighth in the nadefeat to Ramapo that ended postseason.” tion in rebounding and Lincoln’s five-game home winJanuary proved to be the freshman guard Shanice Nening streak. springboard to help the Lady smith was 30th in scoring. Like a perfectly blended fruit Lions set the school record for Lincoln won five games by beverage, the winning streak wins in a season with 15 and double digits in January. featured the correct mixture of achieve their first winning sea“It feels great to win these championship ingredients: A son since 2000. Lincoln has amount of games,” junior bunch of funny characters, won- also been selected to host the forward Asha Atkinson said. derful personalities, selfless attiAssociation of Division III “We know we needed to tudes, scholars, hard work and Independents tournament for show people that we’re not talented players. Together, they the first time in school history an 8-16 team. The confiproduced the finest month in on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24. dence level in the returning the history of the 37-year proLincoln concluded January players is higher. Our (firstgram. by winning eight of its last 10 year) players have made an “I really do appreciate what games. A far cry from when immediate impact plus we the team has accomplished in Lincoln stumbled through an have more outside shooting. the month of January,” third0-7 January in 2005 and a peWe are like a family. We year coach Andy Haman said. destrian 4-4 mark in the same eat, cry, laugh and really en“This team has character, pride month last year. joy each other and it really and heart. We are still trying to The Lady Lions ended the helps on the court.” finish strong and accomplish month ranked 11th nationally Continued on PAGE 4
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Martucci: the perfect voice of Lincoln athletics Matt Martucci comes to Lincoln fresh off his graduation from Syracuse University back in May. Martucci is the play-by-play voice of the Lincoln University men’s basketball team for radio station WCOJ (1420 AM), the voice of Chester County. While at Syracuse, he had a double major in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. From the time he was very young, Martucci knew he wanted to be a sportscaster. Friends of his older brothers would ask him where certain players went to college and he almost always had the answers. At Syracuse, Martucci was fortunate enough to broadcast Orange basketball, football, and lacrosse on WAER-FM including an NCAA Tournament First Matt Martucci’s smooth voice and Round hoops contest and several Big exciting one-liners has made him a East Conference games. His fondest perfect fit for Lincoln University. memory of his college experience remains watching Carmelo Anthony and the Orange win the 2002 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship with his fellow students on April 5. Martucci also serves as the voice of the Saint Joseph's University Women's Basketball team. When he's not immersed in game preparation, Martucci's hobbies include shooting hoops, reading, photography, and watching his endless collection of DVDs. LU
Football moving forward By DR. ALFONSO SCANDRETT JR. Director of Athletics After a 40 plus year hiatus we held our first football meeting on Monday February 6, 2007 at 7 pm and we had a great turnout. About 63 young men turned out. They were very attentive and did ask a lot of questions about the process and what was to come. We discussed academics and the need to place football second and graduation first. We appeal to their sense of being a part of history and the return of football to Lincoln's campus. Football operations coach Elliot Lightfoot will conduct tryouts in a combine format this spring and again in the fall once all the football candidates have arrived on campus. LU
Men’s basketball team ranked The Lincoln University men’s basketball team is ranked seventh in the first Mid-Atlantic regional rankings of the 2006-07 season, which was released Wednesday Feb. 7 by the NCAA Division III men’s basketball committee. Lincoln, which received one vote in the latest D3hoops.com Top 25 poll, earned its ranking based on its 9-3 record
against “in-region” opponents. Two of three Lincoln’s “in-region” defeats were on the road to teams who are ranked in the Atlantic region: Ramapo (No. 1) and Richard Stockton (No. 4). Lincoln has also defeated ranked teams Ramapo and New Jersey City (No. 5 in the Atlantic region). LU
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF ● Alfonso Scandrett, Athletics Director ● Cyrus Jones, Associate Athletics Director ● James Elliott Lightfoot, Assistant Athletics Director for External Affairs ● Linda Peterson, Administrative Assistant ● Natasha Wilson, Assistant A.D. of Compliance/Senior Women’s Administrator ● Brian Fletcher, Interim Trainer ● Rob Knox, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information Management
HEAD COACHES ● Andy Haman, Women’s Basketball ● Cyrus Jones, Men’s & Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country ● Tim Lewis, Volleyball ● Domingo Montes, Men’s & Women’s Tennis ● Mass Sarr Jr,. Men’s Soccer ● Francine Taylor, Women’s Soccer ● Doug Thompson, Baseball ● Antoinette Wallace, Cheerleading ● Garfield Yuille, Men’s Basketball LION TALES Volume 4, Issue 1 LION TALES is published monthly. LION TALES was written, designed and edited by Rob Knox, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information Management. Photo credits to Bill Rudick.
For more stories, statistics, and photos on our student-athletes and athletic programs, please visit: www.lincoln.edu/athletics. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT
Lincoln University is a premier Historically Black University that combines the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of those living in a highly technological and
global society.
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National champ Taylor still making an impact for Lincoln Jersey in the 800 meters. By JORDEAN C. MATTHEWS Taylor heard about LinSports Information Student Assistant coln’s track team from ichael C. Taylor has returned to his alma mater as his former coach. Taylor was recruited by Division the Admissions Director after a successful career as a I, II and III schools. Taymember of Lincoln University’s legendary lor’s original plan didn’t involve getting his degree men’s track program during the mid 90s. from Lincoln. He was Immediately after graduating in 1997, going to come to Lincoln Taylor returned to Lincoln to work as an admissions counselor and associate director for a year and then transfer. However, Taylor of admissions. Taylor held that position until 2000, where he left Lincoln to work at ended up receiving a huSaint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville (Va.) man services degree. One of the unique trawhere he helped to significantly increase ditions associated with enrollment. Lincoln’s track program Taylor came back to Lincoln in 2002 is that every runner rewhere he worked in Alumni Relations, ceives helping to signifian cantly raise the ALUMNI FEATURE number of One in an occasional series on former affectionate alumni contribu- Lincoln University athletes. nicktors each year. In name from Jones. Tay2004 Taylor was given the opportunity to become the Direc- lor was nicknamed “Pipe” because of his slender body. tor of Admissions, where he continues to During Taylor’s freshman year he was make an impact and excel. “He’s had record breaking enrollments,” given the opportunity to anchor the sprint said Lincoln University Vice President for medley at the annual Penn Relay carnival Student Enrollment and Management Wil- held every April in Philadelphia. Taylor remembers receiving the baton in last place liam Bynum. “If you give him a number while competing against Arkansas, Army, goal he will accomplish it. He has that innate hunger and drive that can’t be taught. I Georgia Tech and George Mason. When think his history as an athlete under (track Taylor arrived at Lincoln he met former and national champ Clive Terrelonge, coach Cyrus D.) Jones helped with his whom which he looked up to and trained drive to be successful.” with. Terrelonge, who ran in the 1992 and Although Lincoln wasn’t Taylor’s first 1996 Olympics for his native country of choice, he made the most of his experience. He felt a connection with the incom- Jamaica, holds the NCAA Division III reing freshman. A talk with Jones was all the cord in the 800-meter run (1:47). “He made me a better runner,” said Taymotivation Taylor needed to give Lincoln a try. Taylor’s campus visit had him in a state lor said of Terrelonge. Taylor says what he remembers the of awe, as a city boy the change of scenery most are the unforgettable motivational wasn’t what he expected. As a student, Taylor was a member of speeches given by Jones at meets and pracOmega Psi Phi Fraternity and the president tices. He believes they made him run better and gave him an unbeatable attitude. of Lincoln’s Pan-Hellenic council. Taylor “He is a strong athlete,” said Jones. “A was also a key member of the 1995 indoor and outdoor national championship track strong cross country runner, which made him into a champion half-miler.” teams. Interviewing Taylor was filled with lots of “He was a young naïve kid,” Jones said. “I remember picking him up from the bus laughs as he reminisced about fun times and jokes played by his team. Some of the stop, he was wearing a full suit and tie, he best times Taylor remembers winning looked like a model athlete,” In high school Taylor ran for Neptune meets and the joyful rides back to campus. “Those were exciting times,” laughed where he was fourth in the state of New
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Taylor. However Taylor only ran track until after his sophomore year because he suffered a career ending injury that cut short his all-American awards to six. That same year he became a national champion in the 800, the last Lincoln runner to do so. “He has one of the best closing kicks I ever seen in an 800 runner,” said Jones. Lincoln University has been going through many changes one being a transition from Division III to Division II. With that transition also returns Lincoln football. “Personally I am elated,” said Taylor. “I wish I had the opportunity to experience Friday night lights or to watch Saturday games.” Taylor believes the transition will help market more male enrollment and bring more visibility to Lincoln. Also with the move in Division most of Lincoln’s sports teams will have to sit out from championships for at least a year. Taylor describes this setback as “bittersweet,” but feels as though it will be better for the school in the long run. Taylor a native of Neptune, NJ now resides in Delaware with his wife, Tullettia,of six years and their three children. Taylor hopes to become Vice President of Enrollment Management and maybe one-day get involved in the world of politics. LU
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‘14 Strong’ lifting women’s basketball to the top CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 On its recent weekend trip to New England, Lincoln was greeted by bonechilling minus 6-degree temperatures and snow in Rutland (Vt.). The trip showcased the Lady Lions at their very best and most hilarious during the extended bus rides along Interstates 95, 91, 90 and 87. Spending the weekend with the Lady Lions was more like a
first time since her junior year at Adlai Stevenson High School in the Bronx. Wright tore her ACL and did not play basketball for three years until deciding to try out for the team this season. “I didn’t plan on playing ball again when I tore my ACL,” Wright said. “I was scared to play on it again because I thought I would injure it again. Last year, I was nervous to play because of my knee, but this year, I really wanted to go out for the team READ THIS ENTIRE STORY AND so I tried out. It’s good to actually be on the team because I didn’t think I was going VIEW THE EXCLUSIVE SLIDE SHOW at www.lincoln.edu/athletics to make it. I am actually glad to be here.” Haman was excited about the entire weekend experience. He made the most of his quality time around the team by vacation at a comedy cabaret because the laughs were non-stop throughout the “embarrassing” Cook and Wright during Saturday’s continental breakfast at the Best weekend especially off the court. Team members made the most of the Western Hotel. After Cook (not living up to her last name) butchered a long bus rides by talking on Belgian waffle, Haman could cell phones, sleeping, looknot stop laughing at her. Haing at pictures, harassing man enjoys joking with his playHaman, playing cards & ers. board games, watching “(The waffle) got stuck and I DVD’s including the grueused the spray, but it got stuck some thriller, “Saw III”, lisand broke in half,” Cook said. tening to the latest tunes on “(Haman) was so embarrassing I-Pods, doing hair, reading at breakfast. Coach is goofy, chapters for their various but you can relate to him. This classes and downloading the year, it’s not as much stress on latest ring tones on their cell him because it’s all on us. I phones while riding past the can’t put this season into Basketball Hall of Fame in Coach Andy Haman words. The fun doesn’t stop Springfield (Mass). especially when you’re winning. Each player brings something special to this team away from the There is nothing to be sad about.” During the winning streak, Lincoln’s avcourt. If anybody had a melancholic erage margin of victory was 15.9 points per spirit, then 20 minutes around any game. The Lady Lions scored 70 or more member of the Lady Lion basketball points in seven straight games. Lincoln also team would be the perfect cure. developed a reputation as a second half “Everyone is different and loving,” team by outscoring seven opponents after junior guard Sharell McMillan said. intermission and scoring 40 or more sec“Everybody is welcoming of all the difond half points six times. The Lady Lions ferent personalities. That has really helped us this year. If you don’t want to also scored 80 or more points during the streak four times. Lincoln trailed at halfchill with this one, you can chill with that person and still have fun with every- time two times during the winning streak. It seemed as if everybody except the body.” Lion mascot had a big moment during the Sophomore Kiah Wright tried to winning streak. McMillan, who knocks cope with the off-key singing of sophodown jumpers like former NBA star more Tanina Cook and sophomore Reggie Miller, scored in double figures in manager Renee Gonzalez while being every game of the win streak, recording her interviewed. Wright, a first-year player, first career double-double with 17 points is playing organized basketball for the
Kiah Wright and Tanina Cook share a moment in the snow during their recent trip to Vermont. and 10 rebounds in a win over Penn College. A pleasant package of electricity, elusiveness and excitement, Nesmith continued to dazzle while scoring 20 or more points five times including a 32-point performance during a dramatic overtime victory at Wilkes University. Senior Mary Rotimi continued to be a pillar of strength in the middle by averaging 13.9 points and 11.3 rebounds during the streak. Rotimi ended the month by tying her career-high in rebounds with 23. Cook scored a career-high 19 points in a win over Lycoming. Atkinson was steady while compiling 8.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and recording 25 steals. Freshman Chanelle Harris, who is not too fond of scary movies, led the Lady Lions with 31 assists. Senior Latoya Thompson scored a career high 12 points in a 69-49 victory over Lebanon Valley that started the winning streak. “We are more together this year,” Rotimi said. “Plus we have been more committed to defense than offense. Our team is young, willing to work and strong. We believe in each other and our motto all season has been ’14 Strong.’" Freshmen Saharra Robinson, who loves Dora the Explorer, and Tia Hilton, a big fan of Tigger, supplied energy during a victory over Penn College by reaching career highs in points. Robinson scored 12 points and Hilton added eight points including a couple of 3-pointers. Freshman Noel Webster’s defense sparked the Lady Lions during a tough road win against Wilkes. Freshman Elissa Jackson had CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Jackson wins two races as Lincoln women finish second NEWARK, Del. – Strong performances by Shanda Jackson and Corey Wright helped the Lincoln University men’s and women’s indoor track teams finish in second place in the Division II-III sections of the Thompson Invitational hosted by the University of Delaware Saturday afternoon. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished behind Salisbury. The Seagulls edged the Lincoln women, 108-102 and the Lincoln men, 177-170. Despite the second place team finishes, Lincoln had a lot of athletes win individual events. Individual winners on the men’s side were Anthony Bishop (60-meter dash), Wayne Davis (200-meter dash), Corey Wright (400-meter dash). Kendrick Gibbons (60-meter hurdles), Jared Randle (long jump) and Aaron Hunter (triple jump). On the women’s side, Jackson was a double winner. She won the 60 and 200 meter dashes. Corsica Campbell won the 800 and Jordean Matthews provisionally qualified for the 400-meter dash at next month’s NCAA Division III Championship meet after winning her race. Marissa Gaskin was victorious in the shot put. Also, for each team, a 4 x 400-relay squad won the event. Although Jackson won the 60-meter dash (7.87) and the 200meter dash (25.93), she was not entirely pleased with her effort. Jackson teamed with Donneisha Smith, Alisha McKeithan and Corsica Campbell to win the 4 x 400-meter relay in 4:02.36. Lincoln’s other 4 x 400-meter relay team was disqualified because of
interference in one of the exchange zones. Campbell won the 800-meter dash (2:28.08), Gaskin won the shot put (10.38 meters) and Matthews won the 400-meter dash (58.41). The men dominated many of the sprinting events. In the 200-meter dash, the Lions claimed the top five places: Wright (49.37), Francisco Santos (50.85), Keko Goldman (51.90), Antwan Butler (53.18) Shanda Jackson won the 60 and and Joseph Papino200 meter dashes at the University Wood (53.31). Lincoln of Delaware Invitational. held the top three spots in the 60-meter hurdles with Gibbons (8.09), Jermaine Morris (8.31) and Randle (8.42) crossing the tape after one another. LU
Winning streak featured contributions from everybody CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE some meaningful moments during January as well. “We have a good team and a good coaching staff,” McMillan said. “I thought when the season started and I looked at the schedule, I knew we could have a good season. It’s nice to have everybody come through. We’re an all-around team.” The family atmosphere was born during the summer when several returning veterans and incoming freshmen played together in the Cabrini College summer league. The seeds for the Lady Lions’ current successful season were planted during the games in the hot, stuffy and steamy sweatbox of a gym on Cabrini’s campus. That has helped forge an unbreakable bond. Another key component in the overall development of the team has been the “twin” concept. Many of the younger players have been paired up with an older player as a way to help ease the transition to college life and the basketball team.
are Harris and Thompson. “We say it as a joke, but it really means something to us to have a freshman look up to us,” McMillan said. “It encourages them because when their number is called, they can come into the game with the same excitement level because in a way they want to be like us.” The season has held more significance for the senior triumvirate of Thompson, Rotimi and James. During their first year Natasha James, Mary Rotimi, coach on the team, the small group of fans in the stands would wince when Lincoln took the Andy Haman, Sharell McMillan, Shanice Nesmith and Asha Atkinson court because they knew another lopsided all had shining moments in January. defeat was coming. Fast forward four years later and more people are interested in the women’s basketball program. Some twins are obvious like Atkinson Now, Thompson, James and Rotimi are and Robinson, who are both 5-11, live in going out as winners and with enough memoNew Jersey, play the same on the court ries to last a lifetime. and at one point had the same blond braid “I was expecting a lot this season considerhairstyle. Others, like McMillan and Skyla ing we played with a lot of the freshman playFore are together because they are built ers over the summer,” James said. “I am the same, although Fore is probably proud of our season so far. Everybody has slightly bigger by a couple of pounds, and been supporting each other. I think the bigare goofy, according to several teammates. gest difference this season is everybody is Cook and Hilton are considered twins, as happy and together.” LU
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Baseball team ready to build on last year’s success The Lincoln University baseball team enters the 2007 season with great expectations and armed with five returning players who batted .300 or better during last year’s history-making season. Coming off a season in which the Lions finished with a 14-14 record, the most wins in a single season according to athletics records dating back to 1970, Lincoln has the perfect blend of experience, leadership and talent to equal or better last year’s victory total. “Our goal this season is to exceed the 14 games we won and build upon the success of last years record setting team,” third-year coach Doug Thompson said. “We are deep at every position. This team has the potential to set what I believe will be the standard for which all future LU Baseball teams will be measured by.” Leading the cast of returnees for Lincoln is senior catcher Tim O’Rear (Baltimore, MD/Archbishop Curley), sophomore first baseman Joe Kruemmer (Middletown, DE/ Hodgson Vo-Tech), senior second baseman Duane Wyse (Philadelphia, PA/West Catholic), senior outfielder Vincent Curtis (Philadelphia, PA/Overbrook) and junior outfielder Peter Fisher (Raleigh, NC/ Stamford (Ct). Also returning to anchor the pitching staff will be junior Josh Graber (Baltimore, MD/Mt. Carmel). O’Rear was Lincoln’s leading hitter last season with a .387 average. He also had a .661 slugging percentage. O’Rear also smacked three home runs, including a grand slam, recorded six doubles and walked 15 times for an on-base percentage of .519. Curtis enjoyed a solid season. He batted .348 and led the Lions with 27 runs batted in. Curtis, who also had a grand slam last year against Washington (Md.) College, was Lincoln’s leading hitter with runners in scoring position. Curtis tied for the team lead in doubles with Fisher with seven. Fisher, who batted .325, knocked in 21 runs and tied for the team lead in hits with 27. Fisher also tied for the team lead in home runs with three. Kruemmer had a strong freshman season for the Lions batting .321, collecting 27 hits and leading the team with two triples. “I am really excited about my line-up this year,” Thompson said. “I believe we’ll be able to put pressure on pitchers and opposing defenses with our combination of con-
tact and speed. We are really experienced and I think that’s going to help us handle any adversity we may encounter.” Wyse didn’t bat over .300, but he was on base often. One of the fastest runners in Division III, Wyse was 25-for28 in stolen bases last season. Wyse scored 22 runs, knocked in 12 runs and walked 16 times. Wyse also finished sixth in Division III in stolen bases per game (1.0). Wyse was also 11th nationally Joe Kruemmer leads a balanced Lincoln attack in 2007. Kruemmer was one of five players to post in hit by pitches. He was hit a .300 or better batting average last year. by a pitch 12 times. Graber batted .333 and son expects all four players to improve with knocked in 10 runs last year. He was an excellent No. 2 pitcher last season. Graber increased playing time. McQuaide is also slated to start at third tossed a no-hitter two years ago against Saint Paul’s College. He was a perfect com- base on days he is not pitching. Hawkins is plement to Matt Sample. Graber compiled expected to play shortstop. Hawkins and Wyse could blossom into an effective mida 3-4 record along with a 5.03 earned run dle infield combination. Defensively, the average. Graber struck out 51 batters in 47.1 innings. Graber’s contributions helped Lions are solid. “We expect them to contribute right Lincoln finish first nationally in strikeouts away,” Thompson said of his newcomers. per nine innings (12.1). Thompson will rely on freshmen Omar “Each of them had stellar careers in high school and they are proven winners.” Ongay (Wilmington, DE/Glasgow) and The Lions have a full slate of 41 games Jeremy McQuaide (Elkton, MD/ including a six-game, three-day road trip to Salesianium) to balance the rest of the Lions’ starting pitching rotation after Graber. North Carolina to play CIAA schools ElizaThompson also expects freshman Marvin beth City State, Shaw and North Carolina Hawkins (Wilmington, DE/Howard), fresh- Central. The game against NCCU will be played at the stadium of the Durham Bulls, man Peter S. Reyes (Bronx, NY/ Environmental Studies), junior Martin Rod- the triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay riguez (Philadelphia, PA/Parkway) and Will Devil Rays. Lincoln will also host the inaugural LiSimon (Philadelphia, PA/Lamberton) to pitch effectively in middle relief and eat up ons’ Cup tournament on March 16-18. The inaugural Lions Cup will feature Gallaudet some innings. “Health and consistency are the key con- University, St. Paul's College, Southern Vermont College, and University of Scicerns,” Thompson said. “Health is the ences in Philadelphia. main priority, given the fact our pitching staff was riddled with injuries last season, “I wanted to develop and provide a but we had players step up and gain some tournament that would instill pride, motivaluable experience. Our goal during the vation and respect for the LU Baseball off-season was to bolster our pitching staff Team,” Thompson said. “It's also my inand I believe we’ve done that.” tention to bridge the gap between the LU Other key returnees include junior Josiah Baseball team and the local high schools, Barnes (Philadelphia, PA/Overbrook), jun- various community teams within the surior Michael Loving (Washington, DC/ rounding area of the campus, by providing Eastern), sophomore Darnell Walker a tournament that consists of small but (Bronx, NY/Law & Government), and respected college programs, that will show sophomore Mike Greenwood case the talents of their players at this (Philadelphia, PA/Girard College). Thomp- level.” LU
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
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Miller’s late heroics keep Lincoln’s NCAA chances alive Miller time arrived at the right moment for the Lincoln University men’s basketball team during its pulsating, 73-72 nonconference victory over Ramapo College of New Jersey Wednesday January 31 at Manuel Rivero Hall. With the Lincoln University men’s basketball team’s fragile NCAA Division III tournament chances on life-support and expiring with each ticking second courtesy of a late five-point deficit, Earl Miller stepped to the rescue by scoring 10 points in the final five minutes, including a pair of made foul shots with 11 seconds remaining to lift Lincoln to its 24th consecutive home victory. Lincoln improved to 13-8 overall while Ramapo dropped to 15-5. Both teams received votes in this week’s D3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Ramapo got four votes and Lincoln, which was ranked as high as 10th earlier this season, got two votes. The Lions improved to 10-3 against region opponents, a major criteria used the committee to select teams to the NCAA Division III tournament. “I think today, this game had a lot to do with heart,” Miller said. “We could’ve easily given up when we were down by five and our shots weren’t falling, but I felt I needed to be more aggressive on offense at the end. This was a big, big win for us.” Tyreek Byard scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Miller set a career-high in scoring for the third consecutive game with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Dwight Dean had 13 points. Darryl White contributed nine points and seven blocked shots. He has 205 career blocks for his career. Lavine Grimes grabbed 10 rebounds for Lincoln. Ramapo got 21 points from Antoine Pryor. Omar Alston finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Also reaching double figures for Ramapo was Tim Wesley, who scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds and Shawn Frost, who finished with 10 points. Aasad Shakir grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. It was Lincoln’s first win over Ramapo in school history. The Lions improved to 13-7 overall and avenged a 91-75 loss to the Roadrunners suffered on December 9. The Lions improved to 19-0 at home against Division III schools under third-
day. We played good defense and got one big stop at the end of the game.” The two teams had fans on the edge of their seats especially in the final five minutes. Trailing, 72-71 following a Byard jumper with 54 seconds remaining. Ramapo had several chances to ice the game, but it missed four free-throws with 36 seconds remaining. On Lincoln’s ensuing possession, Byard missed a short jumper and players from both teams went diving on the floor and scrambling after the loose ball, which was going out of bounds. Eventually, Lincoln retained possession with 24 seconds remaining. Miller was fouled as he tried to turn the corner on a drive. He calmly stepped to the line and with the capacity crowd on its feet, made both foul shots without touching the rim on either attempt. Earl Miller soars to the basket for “All I knew is the foul shots were going two points in a game against John in,” Miller said. “I knew I wasn’t going to Jay College. let my teammates or our fans down. I wanted to be on the foul line in that situayear coach Garfield Yuille. Also, Lincoln tion. I wanted to be in that position and I wanted the pressure to be on me.” snapped a two-game losing streak. The The Roadrunners’ Antoine Pryor made Lions have never lost three straight games two foul shots for a 60-55 advantage with under Yuille. Lincoln’s victory wasn’t secured until a 5:37 remaining. Byard missed his two freepair of Ramapo shots fell short in the final throws. However, Lincoln survived behind five seconds. The wild and final sequence an aggressive defense that forced 29 turnovers. Thomas Lahart stole a Ramapo of events unfolded like this: Ramapo’s pass and fed Miller for a layup. On LinTim Wesby, while falling to the ground coln’s next possession, Miller tied the with five seconds remaining heaved up a game with a 3-pointer from the top of the shot towards the basket that was gobbled key. After a Ramapo turnover, Miller gave up by teammate Assad Shaakir underLincoln a short-lived, 63-60 lead with anneath the basket. Shaakir was wide open other 3-pointer. LU underneath the basket with two seconds left, but his shot rolled around the Miller honored by Small College Coaches Association back of the rim Earl Miller was named as one of the bi-weekly recipients of and fell harmlessly the Sam Cozen Small College Award. to the floor. The award presented by the Philadelphia Small College “That last 11 Coaches Association recognizes an individual for on-court excelseconds seemed lence, sportsmanship and personal growth exhibited during the like a whole season. Miller has exemplified those qualities during the last two game,” Miller said. weeks since entering the starting line-up for Lincoln (14-7 over“It seemed like the all). clock was not “This award means a lot to me because I had some tough moving and it was roads to overcome at the beginning of the year,” Miller said. “It taking forever for seemed like I pulled things together to help our team get through the buzzer to some tough times.” sound. The ball In four starts, Miller is averaging 13.8 points per game, 4.2 aswent our way tosists per game and 4.8 rebounds. LU
Kevon Pearce chills with Dwight Howard in Orlando
Men’s basketball coach Garfield Yuille does a postgame interview with Matt Martucci, the voice of the Lions.
Assistant women’s basketball coach Kisha Middleton and Senior Women’s Administrator Natasha Wilson share a moment in the snow up in Vermont.
Skyla Fore catches up on her reading on the bus ride home from Vermont.
Duane Wyse
Jordean Matthews
Track athletes Chianne Ashman, Ashley Parker, Corsica Campbell, Donneisha Smith and Alisha McKeithan
Ashley Warren
Men’s basketball assistant coach Eugene Lett sets the scoring record in this pinball game in Orlando.
