October 4, 2002

Photo by BEN RUEHLMANN Sophomore midfielder Keren Larkin dribbles downfield in the Lady Marlin’s ODAC win against Washington and Lee University.

Sophomore Jenn Kozlowski scored the lone goal for the Marlins. Sunday’s goals were scored first by sophomore Morgan Gunn off an assist from sophomore Nicole Hite, and the second goal was scored by freshman Jakki Trappler on an assist by senior Merrie Tobler. “This win was big,” said head coach Jeff Bowers. “It prepared us for our next game against 11th-ranked Messiah.”

The Lady Marlins faired well against undefeated Messiah, but could not finalize a victory as they fell 2-1. “We played well,” said Bowers. “We lost in the last two minutes of the game, and we should have won.” Sophomore Jenn Kozlowski was the only one to find the cage that day off an assist from sophomore Angie Miller.

Messiah fired 11 shots against a strong Marlin defense. Freshman goalkeeper Laura Wiederwax recorded a second- time game high of six saves for the Marlins. A devastating 4-1 loss to Christopher Newport University sent the Lady Marlins into this past weekend, as they traveled to Eastern Mennonite University.

Although they out- shot the Royals 8-7, the Marlins ended with a 1-0 loss. This is their first ODAC loss so far this season, which moves the Marlins to a 1-1 record in the conference and a 4-4 record overall. Looking ahead to this week, the Lady Marlins will face a tough realm of teams. How will the team anticipate these games in their practice habits? “We are going to keep doing the same thing,” said Bowers. “There is no need to change anything as of now.”

Even though the Lady Marlins have seemed to hit a rut, their hopes are far from diminished. “We have the opportunity to make it to the NCAA’s and we just haven’t peaked yet,” said Bowers. “But we are on our way and are just looking for the right chemistry.” Come support your Lady Marlins on their home field as they meet two ODAC opponents this Homecoming Weekend. They will face #18 Roanoke College Sat., Oct. 5, at 11 a.m., and play again Sun. Oct. 6, at 1 p.m. vs. Sweet Briar College.

Recruit numbers increasing

By KATIE BOZZA

Athletics are a huge attraction to Virginia Wesleyan College. Not only do all of the teams consist of very talented student athletes, but the coaching staff is also very enthusiastic about their teams’ success and their players. Recruits are a big part of the program this year. VWC brought in 113 new student athletes, which include 20 transfer students, consisting of sophomores and juniors. The whole recruiting process takes a lot of time and dedication from the whole athletic department. The increase in numbers this year is because of VWC’s hard -working staff.

“One of the main reasons (for the increase) is the effort of the different coaching staffs to attract more student athletes to the VWC campus,” said Sports Information Director Joe Wasiluk. “I know that our coaches and their assistants logged many hours in person, and on the phone, talking with thousands of prospective student athletes who were being wooed by countless schools across the country.” The attention, enthusiasm and persistence of the VWC coaches are their best qualities. For a student athlete these aspects are very important when the time comes to make that final decision.

Freshman women’s soccer recruit Laura Wiederwax really enjoyed talking with the coaches here. “The recruiting process was a very exciting and new thing for me. Coach Bowers was very enthusiastic and excited about the whole thing and he made me feel like I was wanted and welcome,” said Wiederwax, who plays goalie. “You could feel the sense of dedication and strong commitment that the coaches bring to the program here at Wesleyan.”

Recruiting new players every year is very important. They are the reason the athletic program exists. They also bring new faces, personalities and ideas to the college community. The Jane P. Batten Center has played a significant role this past year in attracting new student athletes. The Batten Center is one of the newest in the nation and one of the largest in Division III. “Many small colleges like VWC do not have a student center, so the Batten Center gives the colleges added distinction,” said Wasiluk. “It is a trend right now to have this type of building on a DIII campus, and many are being built around the country.”

All of the new student athletes filled out information sheets for Wasiluk, stating their top five reasons for choosing VWC. The results were: 1.) friendliness of the coaches, staff, and students they met while on visits; 2.) size of campus; 3.) location of campus (they like the beach); 4.) beauty of the campus (they like the trees); 5.) their major was offered here. The athletic department impressed all of the new athletes, which is why the numbers increased so much this past year. “There are so many colleges and universities competing for the same individuals that it makes it necessary to stay in contact with the prospects as much as possible,” said Wasiluk. “Our coaching staff does a fantastic job of that.”

Assistant field hockey coach can relate to Lady Marlins

By JENN FELDER
and AMYLYNN CODDINGTON

Photo by BLADEN FINCH Summer Foster intercepts the ball from the CNU offense during the game at home Tuesday.

As stressful as it may seem, Kenney uses the situation to her advantage. “Being a coach helps me, as a player, be better,” said Kenney. “I feel like I have a good player’s perspective.” Good may be an understatement.

The New Jersey native graduated from Boston University last year. At, BU she served as co-captain and started in 84 of 85 games. In her career she captured two Eastern Conference Championships and made two NCAA appearances. Kenney was also voted Most Valuable Player her senior year. “She is an absolutely amazing player and brings a tremendous amount of skill to the team,” said sophomore Margie Baker. “Her knowledge of the game is phenomenal.”

Kenney said that the job as a coach has not been that hard because of the group she is working with. “I would say that the transition has been easy,” said Kenney. “The girls make it easy to coach them and I can relate to them. I really believe in their abilities.”

The players share her feelings. “She is still playing he game,” said junior Summer Foster. “so she understands when we get tired.” The Marlins were coming off a four- game losing streak when they defeated Christopher Newport University 2-1 in overtime Oct. 1. Foster scored on a penalty stroke to win the game. It was her first collegiate goal. Cara Byrd scored the goal to tie the game at one; Gayla Dalrymple-Smith got the assist on the goal. Previously the Marlins had lost to Villa Julie College, Washington College, Eastern Mennonite University and Washington Lee University.

The team is striving to improve its record. It is currently 4-5 overall and 3-2 in the ODAC. Leading the team with three goals and three assists is junior Gayla Dalrymple-Smith. Cara Byrd tallies three goals and Molly Deaton records two. Junior captain Jackie Griffin has one goal and two assists.

Kenney saidshe incorporates her ideas from her current coach to help the Lady Marlins. Her personal goal as a coach is to have a .500 or better season. Kenney is an advocate of teamwork. Teamwork may be what the Marlins need to focus on to improve their record. “Sometimes you need to sacrifice what you want to help the team,” said Kenney. Kenney sacrifices two days a week away from the Lady Marlins to attend her own practices. “I’m always doing something,” said Kenney. “I try to make sure the girls learn something new every day.” Foster said that the players are willing to learn.

“We are always asking her how her practices are going,” said Foster. Coach Kenney admits she was a little skeptical coming into Wesleyan. “I did not know what to expect,” she said. “but I’m pleasantly surprised.” Come and support the Lady Marlins as they take on the Maroons of Roanoke College at home, Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 5, at noon.

Meet the Captains

2002 Women’s Field Hockey

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