Press Releases - March 2004

The following are press releases for the Kutztown University Athletic Department, released during the time listed above.  For more information, contact the sports information office.  

March 31, 2004 

KU WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY RECEIVES CCCA ACADEMIC HONORS

KUTZTOWN, PA—The Kutztown University women’s cross country team and two individual members received honors from the NCAA Division II Cross Country Coaches Association. 

As a whole, the Golden Bears received a CCCA Division II All-Academic Team Award.  The team has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.07. 

Individually, Amanda Grant (jr. Whitehall/Whitehall HS) and Erin Peiffer (sr. New Providence/Solanco) were named to the CCCA All-Academic Team.  Grant, a communication design major, has a cumulative GPA of 3.28.  Peiffer, an elementary education major, has a cumulative GPA of 3.49.  Both runners were in Kutztown’s top seven runners throughout the season. 

The Golden Bears, coached by Ray Hoffman, finished the 2003 season fourth out of 14 schools at the PSAC Championships.  In regional competition the team finished fourth out of 24 teams.
 

March 31, 2004

 WOMEN’S SWIMMERS EARN TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

 KUTZTOWN, PA—The Kutztown University women’s swimming team was recognized by the College Swim Coaches Association of America as one of its All-Academic Teams.  

Head coach Tim Flannery’s squad was one of 22 NCAA Division II women’s teams included among the honorees.  Kutztown has a team cumulative grade-point average of 3.06. The CSCAA awards are given to men’s and women’s swim programs from each of the three NCAA divisions with GPAs of 2.80 or better. 

Kutztown’s women’s swim team finished with a 6-7 record overall dual meet record, and had a 4-4 record in the PSAC.  The Golden Bears finished eighth out of 13 teams at the 2004 PSAC Championships.
 

Monday, March 29

 GRIFFITH HONORED AS PSAC EAST PITCHER OF THE WEEK

 KUTZTOWN, PA—Kutztown University’s Cheryl Griffith (jr, Bethlehem/Freedom) of the softball team, was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Pitcher of the Week.

            Griffith receives the honor after not allowing an earned run and recording a 0.00 ERA in 19 innings pitched on the week.  She struck out 12 batters and only allowed eight hits.  Griffith gave up two hits and had five strikeouts in six innings pitched to lead KU to a 5-2 victory over Goldey-Beacom.   She also recorded shutout wins over West Chester (6IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 4 walks) and Millersville (7IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 4 walks).

           Griffith has a pitching record of 4-3 on the season, with an ERA of 0.70 in 38.2 innings pitched. 

The Golden Bears have a record of 11-7 overall and are 3-1 in conference play.  Kutztown competes in a double header at Mansfield Wednesday, March 31^st.

 

Thursday, March 25 

KLOEFFER NAMED PSAC ATHLETE OF THE WEEK 

KUTZTOWN, PA – Kerstin Kloeffer (fr. Ludwigs Hafen, GERMANY) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week for the period ending March 22.   

            Kloeffer receives the honor after starting her spring with a 4-0 record at first singles for the Golden Bears.  She has also posted a 3-2 record playing at first doubles. 

             The native of Germany is in her first semester on the Golden Bear squad. 

            Kloeffer has helped KU to a 6-5 record so far in 2003-04.  The Golden Bears return to action on Friday, when they host Georgian Court at 3:00 PM.

March 23, 2004

KUTZTOWN’S TIM FLANNERY NAMED PSAC MEN’S SWIMMING COACH OF THE YEAR

KUTZTOWN, PA – Kutztown University’s Tim Flannery has been named the 2003-04 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year, in voting conducted by his peers. 

Flannery

           The PSAC Coach of the Year award is the first for Flannery, who began his tenure at Kutztown in the 1996-97 season.   

            Flannery, finished his eighth season at Kutztown with a third-place finish at the conference championships. The men’s team improved one place from the previous year, earning its highest-ever finish in PSAC competition.  In addition, Flannery guided two individual champions. Flannery had one swimmer, Matt Rowan, advance to the NCAA Championships, where he was a two-time honorable mention All-American.  KU was 24th in the NCAA standings thanks to Rowan’s performances.  The Golden Bears recorded a 6-4 overall dual meet record this season. 

            Over his eight seasons at Kutztown, Flannery’s men’s and women’s swimmers have set school records 90 times, earned 23 All-America honors, won two individual national championships and nine PSAC individual and relay titles.  In 1997-98, the men’s and women’s teams turned in their then-best ever PSAC finishes of fourth (men) and fifth (women).  The men equaled their fourth-place finishes in 1999-2000 and 2002-03.  Additionally, Flannery has sent at least one swimmer to the NCAA Championships in each of his seasons at the helm at KU. 

March 23, 2004 

COLLINS, LARE, MONDSCHEIN EARN PSAC TRACK & FIELD AWARDS

KUTZTOWN, PA – Three members of the Kutztown University Indoor Track & Field programs have been honored by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, in voting conducted by the league’s coaches. 

Collins

Lare

Mondschein

           Justin Collins (sr. Lake Ariel/Western Wayne) was named PSAC Men’s Athlete of the Year, Molly Lare (fr. Bethlehem/Liberty) was named PSAC Women’s Rookie of the Year and head coach Brian Mondschein was named PSAC Women’s Coach of the Year. 

            Collins was a standout in the long and triple jumps.  He earned All-America status with his fifth-place showing in the long jump (24-0 ¼) following league titles in both events.  He registered a 23-10 ½ in the long jump and a 48-0 ¾ in the long jump at the PSAC meet.

            Lare had a second-place at the PSAC Championships in the 3,000-meter run.  Her time of 10:20.04 in the event set a school record.  She also placed fourth in the mile with a time of 5:12.02.  Throughout the season Lare had produced the fourth fastest time among conference runners in both events, marking the best standard for any PSAC freshman in the distance events.

March 12, 2004 

KUTZTOWN LEADS DIXON TROPHY RACE FOLLOWING WINTER SEASON 

KUTZTOWN, PA – For the first time ever, Kutztown University sits atop the standings of the race for the Dixon Trophy, awarded annually to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s most successful all-around athletics program. 

            Kutztown jumped from fifth after the fall, to the top spot after the completion of the winter sports’ conference championships.  KU has amassed 104 points, four points more than last year’s winner, Shippensburg.  Another four points separate Shippensburg and third-place Indiana (Pa.).   

            The Golden Bears won the women’s indoor track & field title and finished runners-up in men’s basketball.  In addition, the Kutztown men finished third in indoor track & field, the Kutztown women’s basketball team earned a postseason berth and the men’s swimming team finished a best-ever third at the conference championship meet.

        The Dixon Trophy takes into account each PSAC member's best overall finishes in conference championships and/or regular-season play.  During the course of the academic year, points are awarded based on an institution's finish in the 22 conference sports.  Only a school's best 12 finishes, six men's and six women's, are used in the final calculation of the Dixon Trophy standings.  The award is named in honor of F. Eugene Dixon Jr., former chairman of the State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.

            Also contributing to Kutztown’s current point total are men’s football (tied-4th in East), cross country (7th) and soccer (tie-5th); and women’s swimming (8th), volleyball (3rd), cross country (4th) and soccer (5th). 

            Eight conference titles will be decided in the spring season: men's and women’s tennis, golf, women's lacrosse, men's and women's outdoor track and field, softball and baseball. 

            Kutztown finished fourth in last year’s standings, after finishing third, its best-ever showing, in 2000-01 and 2001-02.   

    School        Points        
 1. Kutztown       104.0        
 2. Shippensburg   100.0        
 3. IUP             96.0        
 4. Lock Haven      93.0        
 5. Edinboro        91.5        
 5. West Chester    91.5        
 7. Bloomsburg      86.5        
 8. E. Stroudsburg  84.0        
 9. Slippery Rock   79.5        
10. Millersville    76.5        
11. Clarion         72.5        
12. California      60.0        
13. Mansfield       48.5        
14. Cheyney         18.0        

March 10, 2004 

THREE KUTZTOWN ATHLETES TO COMPETE AT NATIONALS

 KUTZTOWN, PA—Three Kutztown University athletes will represent the Golden Bears at NCAA Division II National Championships this week. 

            From the men’s indoor track and field team, Justin Collins (sr. Lake Ariel/Western Wayne) will compete in the long jump.  The NCAA National Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held March 12-13 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, MA.  Collins will enter the competition as the second ranked long jumper, with a season best jump of 24-7 ¾.  This mark set both a new Kutztown record and a new All-Time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Indoor Record.  Last year, Collins earned All-American in the long jump in national competition.  Collins will compete on Friday at 3:00 PM in the long jump finals. 

            Brett Wade (so. Phoenixville/Phoenixville), of the men’s wrestling team, qualified for national with his performance at the East Regional meet.  Wade placed fourth at 197 lbs. at East Regionals. Wade has a record of 17-12 on the season.  He went 14-9 at 197 lbs. and 3-3 at 184 lbs.  The NCAA National Championship will be March 12-13 at the Minnesota State University at Mankato.  Action gets underway Friday at 10:00 AM.

             Matt Rowan (sr. Upper Darby/Upper Darby) will represent the men’s swimming team in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100 free and the 100 back.  Rowan won the 50 free at the PSAC Championships.  Earlier in the season, he swam an NCAA A qualifying time and Kutztown school-record 20.92 at the Golden Bear Invitational.  He swam NCAA B qualifying times in the 100 free (46.30) and 100 back (52.32).  This will be Rowan’s third trip to nationals.  Nationals will be held March 10-13 in Buffalo, NY.   Rowan will swim the 50 free on Wednesday (3/10), the 100 back on Friday (3/12) and the 100 free on Saturday (3/13).

March 9, 2004 

FOUR GOLDEN BEARS NAMED TO ALL-PSAC BASKETBALL TEAMS 

KUTZTOWN, PA – Four members of the Kutztown University men’s and women’s basketball teams have been named to the 2003-04 All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division teams in voting conducted by the league’s coaches.  

J Brickus

Salaam

Boykins

Zinobile

          On the men’s side, Jeff Brickus (sr. Coatesville/Coatesville) was named to first team honors, while Bilal Salaam (jr. Wilmington, DE/Howard) earned a spot on the second team.  For the women, Monique Boykins (so. Yeadon/Penn Wood) and Amanda Zinobile (sr. Mapleton Depot/Southern Huntingdon) were named to the second team. 

            Brickus makes his second appearance on the first team, after earning the same distinction last season.  The senior point guard led the team in scoring (14.8 ppg) and assists (123, 4.2 apg).  He scored a career-high 28 points in January against Slippery Rock, scoring in double figures in 22 of 29 games this year.  He joined the 1,000-point club on January 19 against Columbia Union, finishing ninth all-time at KU with 1,218 points.  Brickus set the KU career assist record earlier this season, finishing his career with 425.    Brickus also set a KU career record with 317 made free throws.  With 41 steals this season, the guard moved into fourth place all-time at KU with 160.  His 12-of-12 performance from the free throw line in a February 11 win over Mansfield established a new school-record for free throws without a miss in a game.  In Kutztown's three playoff games this season, Brickus averaged 19.7 points, as he led the Golden Bears to its first appearance in the PSAC title game since 1988. 

             Salaam earned second team recognition for the third consecutive season.  The junior once again led the PSAC in blocks with 101 (3.5 bpg).  He became the first player in conference history with 300 blocks, and has 302 for his career.  He led KU in field goal percentage, shooting 55 percent from the floor.  Salaam also averaged 12.3 ppg. and led the squad with 8.8 rebounds per game.  The forward is second in the nation in blocked shots and is also the school-record holder in the category.

             The Golden Bear men’s basketball team, under head coach Bernie Driscoll, was 18-11 overall, 7-5 in the PSAC East this season, finishing second in the PSAC Playoffs. 

            Boykins was named to the second team for her first All-PSAC honor.  She set a career-high with 17 rebounds, and also scored 22 points, in a non-conference victory against the University of Sciences on February 14.  He 63 blocked shots this season led the PSAC.  The forward recorded seven double-doubles on the year.  Boykins led the team in rebounding at 8.8 per game and was third in scoring, averaging 8.0 ppg.  Her 2.3 blocks per game were also a team-best. 

            Zinobile also makes her first appearance on the All-PSAC suqad with a second-team selection.  The senior guard led the Golden Bears in scoring at 11.5 ppg and was second in both rebounding (4.4 rpg) and assists (84, 3.1 per game).  She finishes her career with 145 three-pointers, second most in school history.  Her 35.6 percent accuracy rate from beyond the arc is the fourth best mark in Kutztown history.  Zinobile went 10-of-10 from the line in a win at Cheyney to tie the school mark for free throws in a game without a miss. 

            The Golden Bear women’s basketball team, under head coach Janet Malouf, was 9-18 overall, 5-7 in the PSAC East this season.  KU lost in the quarterfinals of the PSAC Playoffs.

March 6, 2003 

KUTZTOWN MEN’S BASKETBALL FACES IUP FOR PSAC CROWN  

KUTZTOWN, PA – The Kutztown University men's basketball team (18-10, #3 seed in East) squares off against Indiana [PA] (20-9, #3 seed in West) for the 2004 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship.  Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM tonight (Saturday, March 6) at Cheyney’s Cope Hall.

            Kutztown advanced to the championship game after defeating California (PA), the #12 team in the nation, 91-84 last night.  KU defeated Mnasfield in the quarterfinals (76-72) on Tuesday.  IUP reaches the championship game after defeating Edinboro (72-56) and the host school, Cheyney (73-71).

            Kutztown is making its second straight playoff appearance and its first appearance in the title game since 1988.    It marks the first time since 1986-87 and 1987-88 that the Golden Bears qualified for the PSAC tournament in back-to-back years.  The win over Mansfield was Kutztown's first playoff win since the 1987-88 season. 

KU vs. Indiana (PA) 2003-04: IUP won the PSAC Crossover match, picking up an 82-75 win over the Golden Bears at Indiana.  T.J. Mann scored 21 points in the loss on 10-of-13 shooting.    Jeff Brickus added 20 points, four three-pointers and six assists for KU.  Bilal Salaam had 11 rebounds and five blocks.  For IUP, Ayyub Ali (17 points), Brian Kizzie (16), Gary Franklin (14), Ed Peterson (14) and Donovan Thomas (10) all scored in double figures.

 Scouting Kutztown:  The Golden Bears have enjoyed one of the most successful two-year runs in school history under fourth-year head coach Bernie Driscoll.  Driscoll's team clinched its trip to the PSAC playoffs with a 65-63 win over the West Chester on February 25.  Included in KU's 18 wins are two victories against California (Pa.), the number one seed in the West and number 16 team in the nation.   After starting the season 7-8, Kutztown has posted an 11-2 mark in the last 13 games.

In last night's win over Cal, T.J. Mann had 20 points and 12 rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting, while Jeff Brickus added 22 points, including 12-of-13 from the line.  Kutztown scored 91 points against the PSAC's top defense (62.1 points per game), only the second time in 29 games that the Vulcans surrendered more than 75 points.

The Golden Bears rank fourth in the PSAC in scoring offense with 76.6 points per game, led by Brickus, who leads the team in scoring (14.8 points per game), assists (121, 4.3 per game) and free throw percentage (80.3 percent).  Salaam scores 12.4 points per game and leads the team with 8.7 rebounds per game and a .549 field goal percentage. His 98 blocked shots are second in the nation, marking the third consecutive year he has ranked second nationally.  His 299 blocks are both a KU and PSAC record, and he is just one block from becoming the first player in conference history to reach 300.  Bobby Eberhart (11.1 ppg, 48-of-118 three-point field goals) has turned in another steady season.  Mann starts in the frontcourt with Salaam and scores 10 ppg and hauls in 6.9 rpg.  Frank Moultrie  (7.5 ppg, .421 three-point field goal percentage) and Tyree Brickus  (8.4 ppg, 53 three-pointers) team with Eberhart for a dangerous attack from beyond the arc.  As a team, the Golden Bears have hit 203 threes, just one short of the KU record of 204, set in the 1994-95 season.

Jeff Brickus has set numerous records in his senior season.  He set the KU career assist record earlier this season, breaking the old record of 405 held by Eddie McTague (1975-80).  Brickus now has 423 assists for his career.  Brickus joined the 1,000-point club on Jan. 19 against Columbia Union.  His 1,202 points rank ninth all-time at KU.  With 41 steals so far this season, Brickus has moved into fourth place all-time at KU with 160.  Brickus' 313 made free throws are the most in school history, eclipsing the 297 made by George Krell (1967-70).

            Driscoll is in his fourth season and has a 47-60 record, but is 36-20 (.643) the past two seasons.  He is 1-3 against IUP.  Kutztown's 18 wins are tied for the second most in school history (1916-17, 2002-03).

 Kutztown in PSAC Playoffs - History:  This is KU's second straight appearance in the PSAC playoffs.   In the quarterfinals, Kutztown defeated Mansfield 76-72, for its first playoff win in 16 years.  Last night, the Golden Bears knocked off the top West seed, California, by a final of 91-84 for KU's first trip to the finals in 16 years. 

Last season, the Golden Bears dropped a 74-66 decision in the first round at West Chester.  Kutztown also lost a first-round game to West Chester in 1998-99 (75-60).  Prior to that, the Golden Bears had not played in the postseason since 1987-88 when they won the PSAC Eastern Division title, defeated Lock Haven (86-84) in the semifinals and lost to California (PA), 73-64, in the championship.  That was also the last time the Golden Bears advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament, falling to Gannon in the first round. 

            Kutztown has appeared in the PSAC Playoffs three other times.  KU went to the post season in 1986-87 (first round-Bloomsburg 70, KU 62), 1983-84 (first round-Millersville 60, KU 53) and 1981-82 (first round-Cheyney 68, KU 40).   Kutztown is 2-6 all time in the playoffs.  Kutztown has won three conference championships (1917, 1919 and 1936), but all three came before the formation of the PSAC in 1951.   

Scouting Indiana (PA): IUP enters the game after knocking off the top East seed and the tournament host, Cheyney. The Indians rank third in the conference in scoring (79.4).  IUP features a balanced attack, with six players averaging between 9.7 and 12.3 points per game.  The team's top three scorers all reside in the frontcourt.  Donovan Thomas is the team's leading scorer (12.3) and ranks third on the squad in rebounding (6.7).  Ayyub Ali checks in with 12.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg to rank second in both categories.  G.J. Macon, who has been limited to just 19 games played, scores 11.6 ppg, while leading the team in rebounding (6.9 rpg).  Brian Kizzie (10 ppg, 125 assists) and Ed Peterson (10.7 ppg, 100 assists, 76 steals) start in the backcourt.  Gary Franklin comes off the bench for 9.7 ppg on .496 shooting.  IUP has won eight of its last 10 games this season.

            Head coach Gary Edwards is in his eighth year guiding the Indians.  He has posted a 162-69 record at IUP and his teams have made the playoffs seven times.  He is 9-4 in the PSAC playoffs, winning championships in 2000 and 2002. 

Indiana (PA) in PSAC Playoffs - History:  IUP has made 11 of the last 12 PSAC tournaments.  The Indians failed to reach the playoffs last season, after winning the PSAC crown in 2002 and advancing to the Division II Final Four.  It also ended a run of four Elite Eight appearances in nine years.  IUP is 19-14 all-time in the PSAC tournament, with four championships.  The Indians won the title in 1974, 1995, 2000 and 2002.   

What's at Stake:  The winner receives the PSAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  Neither Kutztown nor Indiana (PA) is ranked in the latest regional top 10, so the loser of the championship game is likely to see its season come to an end.  The NCAA East Regional is slated for March 13, 14 and 16  There are eight total berths in each region, with the top two seeds hosting the first two rounds March 13-14.  The two remaining teams play on March 16 for the right to advance to the Elite Eight, which will be held in Bakersfield, California on March 24, 25 and 27. 

Broadcast/Hotline Information: The game will be Webcast live beginning at 6:50 PM on the Golden Bear Network.  Listeners can access the Webcast via the KU Athletics Website at kubears.com.  Those who can’t listen to the game on the Web, can get in-game updates by calling the Golden Bear Hotline at 610-683-1515.

Probable Starters:

KU: Jeff Brickus (sr. G, 6-0, 14.8 ppg), Tyree Brickus (jr. G, 5-8, 8.4 ppg), Bobby Eberhart (jr. F, 6-3, 11.1 ppg), Bilal Salaam (jr. F, 6-7, 12.4 ppg), T.J. Mann (sr. F, 6-6, 10 ppg)

IUP: Brian Kizzie (jr. G, 5-10, 10 ppg), Ed Peterson (so. G, 6-3, 10.7 ppg), Ayyub Ali (jr. F, 6-5, 12.1 ppg), Donovan Thomas (sr. F, 6-7, 12.3 ppg), G.J. Macon (sr. C, 6-8, 11.6 ppg)

March 5, 2004

KU FIELD HOCKEY RECEIVES NFHCA ACADEMIC HONORS

KUTZTWON, PA—The Kutztown University field hockey team and several individual members have received honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).

             As a whole, the team earned a 2003 NFHCA Division II National Academic Team Award.  The Golden Bears rounded out the top five among all Division II teams with a team GPA of 3.15. 

             Individually, eight players were named to the 2003 NFHCA Division II National Academic Squad.  On the list are: 

Amanda Behney, (so. Lyons/Kutztown), a secondary education major, plays on the forward line.  She started 18 games and scored 3 goals and 1 assist. This is the second time that she has been honored by the NCFHA.  Academically, Behney has a 3.88 GPA and was named to the Dean’s list last fall.   

Laura Belfatti (fr. Hatfield/Lansdale Catholic), an elementary education major, is a midfielder for the Golden Bears.  Belfatti played in 19 games and was important to shutting down some of the top scorers in the conference.  She earned a 3.6 in the classroom, and landed a spot on the Dean’s list last fall. 

Ali Delich (so. Palmerton/Palmerton), an elementary education major, played in ten games at midfield and defense for Kutztown.  This is the second time that Delich has earned this honor.  She holds a 3.94 GPA, and was on the Dean’s List in the fall. 

Colleen Healey (so. Toms River, NJ/Toms River), an elementary education major, played 19 games for the Golden Bears at back.  She netted 3 goals and 1 assist for 7 points on the season.  This is the second time that Healey has been named to this list.  Academically, she has a GPA of 3.56 and was named to the Dean’s List last fall. 

Jamie Kennally (so. Lansdale/Lansdale Catholic), an elementary education major, plays midfield for the Golden Bears.  She played in 5 games this season.  Her 3.63 GPA earned her a spot on this list for the second year in a row.

Laura Kline (so. Reading/Reading), a special education major, played in 19 games as a midfielder.  She has a 4.0 GPA and earned herself a spot on the Dean’s List in the fall.

Erin Livingston (jr. Philadelphia/Archbishop Carroll), an elementary education major, played defense in 19 games this fall.  She scored 3 goals, 2 assists, and led the team in defensive saves with 8.  Livingston was named as an All-American and also a first team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) player. This is the third time Livingston has received this honor.   Livingston was named to the Dean’s List last fall and has a 3.44 GPA.

Lauren Maxwell (sr. Woburn, MA/ Woburn), a professional writing major, played midfield for the Golden Bears.  She played in 12 games this season.  This is the second time Maxwell has earned a spot on this list with a GPA of 3.34.

March 3, 2003 

KUTZTOWN MEN’S BASKETBALL TO FACE CALIFORNIA (PA) IN PSAC SEMIFINAL

KUTZTOWN, PA – The Kutztown University men's basketball team (17-10, #3 seed in East) will travel to Cheyney for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Final Four, where it will face California (PA) (23-5, #1 seed in the West) in the semifinals.  Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM on Friday at Cheyney’s Cope Hall.

            The Golden Bears advance to the semifinals after a 76-72 win at Mansfield, the East's second seed, on Tuesday.  Kutztown qualified for the PSAC playoffs for the second-straight year.  It marks the first time since 1986-87 and 1987-88 that the Golden Bears qualified for the PSAC tournament in back-to-back years.  The win over Mansfield was Kutztown's first playoff win since the 1987-88 season.  California advances to the final four after defeating Clarion, 68-58.

            Cheyney (22-6, #1 seed in East) hosts Indiana (PA) (19-9, #3 seed in the West) in the other semifinal at 8:00 PM. 

KU vs. California (PA) 2003-04: Kutztown won the PSAC Crossover match for the second straight year, picking up a 66-62 win over the Vulcans at Keystone Arena.  Frank Moultrie  scored a career-high 26 points in the victory on 8-of-12 shooting, including five threes.  Over a 10 minute span in the second half, he scored 14 consecutive KU points.  Jeff Brickus added 12 for KU.

 Kutztown 76, Mansfield 72: In Tuesday’s PSAC Quarterfinal, Brickus led Kutztown with 21 points, scoring 15 points in the second half.  His steal with 2.2 seconds left ended Mansfield’s final chance at tying the game, while his ensuing free throw after being fouled sealed the win.  Bobby Eberhart added 18 for the Golden Bears.  KU’s defense was stellar, limiting the Mountainers to a season-low 36.5% from the field. 

California (PA) 68, Clarion 58: The Vulcans punched their trip to the semifinals with a strong defensive effort against Clarion.  Cal limited Clarion to just 14 first half points and 38% shooting for the game.  Sharif Bray scored 20 points off the bench to lead the Vulcans. 

Scouting Kutztown:  The Golden Bears have enjoyed one of the most successful two-year runs in school history under fourth-year head coach Bernie Driscoll.  Driscoll's team clinched its trip to the PSAC playoffs with a 65-63 win over West Chester on February 25.  Included in KU's 17 wins was triumph against California (Pa.), the number one seed in the West and the Golden Bears semifinal opponent.   After starting the season 7-8, Kutztown closed the regular season with an 8-2 mark over its last 10 games. 

The Golden Bears rank fourth in the PSAC in scoring offense with 76.1 points per game, led by Brickus, who leads the team in scoring (14.5 points per game), assists (119, 4.3 per game) and free throw percentage (80.1 percent).  Salaam scores 12.3 points per game and leads the team with 8.7 rebounds per game and a .546 field goal percentage. His 95 blocked shots are second in the nation, marking the third consecutive year he has ranked second nationally.  Eberhart (11.2 ppg, 47-of-116 three-point field goal) has turned in another steady season.  T.J. Mann starts in the frontcourt with Salaam and scores 9.6 ppg and hauls in 6.7 rpg.  Frank Moultrie (7.6 ppg, .414 three-point field goal percentage) and Tyree Brickus  (8.1 ppg, 49 three-pointers) team with Eberhart for a dangerous attack from beyond the arc.  As a team, the Golden Bears have hit 194 threes.  The school record is 204, set in the 1994-95 season.

Jeff Brickus has set numerous records in his senior season.  He set the KU career assist record earlier this season, breaking the old record of 405 held by Eddie McTague (1975-80).  Brickus now has 421 assists for his career.  Brickus joined the 1,000-point club on Jan. 19 against Columbia Union.  His 1,180 points rank ninth all-time at KU.  With 38 steals so far this season, Brickus has moved into fourth place all-time at KU with 160.  Brickus' 301 made free throws are the most in school history, eclipsing the 297 made by George Krell (1967-70).

            Driscoll is in his fourth season and has a 46-60 record, but is 35-20 (.636) the past two seasons.  He is 2-2 against California (Pa.), 3-5 against Cheyney and 1-3 against IUP. 

Top Kutztown Performers vs. California (PA):  Jeff Brickus (4 games, 12.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.3 spg); Bobby Eberhart (13.0 ppg, .485 fg%, 3.0 spg), Frank Moultrie (1 game, 26 points, 5-9 threes), Bilal Salaam (3 games, 9.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.0 bpg). 

Kutztown in PSAC Playoffs - History:  This is KU's second straight appearance in the PSAC playoffs.   In the quarterfinals, Kutztown defeated Mansfield 76-72, for its first playoff win in 16 years. 

Last season, the Golden Bears dropped a 74-66 decision in the first round at West Chester.  Kutztown also lost a first-round game to West Chester in 1998-99 (75-60).  Prior to that, the Golden Bears had not played in the postseason since 1987-88 when they won the PSAC Eastern Division title, defeated Lock Haven (86-84) in the semifinals and lost to California (PA), 73-64, in the championship finals.  The Golden Bears advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament, falling to Gannon in the first round. 

            Kutztown has appeared in the PSAC Playoffs three other times.  KU went to the post season in 1986-87 (first round-Bloomsburg 70, KU 62), 1983-84 (first round-Millersville 60, KU 53) and 1981-82 (first round-Cheyney 68, KU 40).   Kutztown is 2-6 all time in the playoffs.  Kutztown has won three conference championships (1917, 1919 and 1936), but all three came before the formation of the PSAC in 1951.   

Scouting California (PA): Cal enters the game ranked 16th in the nation and first in the region, behind the PSAC's top defense (62.1 points per game).  Kutztown transfer Kevin Handy (13.3 ppg, 6.2 rebounds per game) leads five Vulcans in double figures.  Handy played at KU in 1999-2000 and 2000-01.  Four of the starting five, Handy (.503), Sherman Brittingham (.519), Michael Johnson (.525) and Ryan Boles (.500), hit over 50 percent from the floor.  Not surprisingly, Cal ranks second in the PSAC in field goal percentage (.484).  Brittingham adds 12.2 ppg, followed by Johnson (11.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg).  Top reserve Sharif Bray (11.7 ppg) and point guard Germarr Ballard (11.4 ppg, 86 assists, 62 threes) are the other Vulcans in double figures. Boles' 7.5 rpg leads the team.

            Cal was a perfect 15-0 at home in 2003-04, with all five losses coming away from Hamer Hall, including the loss against Kutztown.

            Head coach Bill Brown is in his eighth year guiding the Vulcans.  He has posted a 175-58 record at Cal and his teams have made the playoffs seven times.  Three of those squads reached the PSAC Championship, winning once. 

California (PA) in PSAC Playoffs - History:  California (PA) has made 12 of the last 13 PSAC tournaments.  The Vulcans were 25-9 last year, losing to Millersville in the championship game.  Cal is 25-11 all-time in the PSAC tournament, with seven championships.  The Vulcans last won the title in 1999, defeating Bloomsburg in the title game. 

What's at Stake:  A trip to the PSAC finals is one the line for the winners of Friday’s semifinals.  The PSAC Championship will be at 7:00 PM on Saturday, also at Cheyney.   

Golden Bear Network Webcast:  The game will be Webcast live beginning at 5:50 PM on the Golden Bear Network.  Listeners can access the Webcast via the KU Athletics Website at kubears.com.   

Probable Starters:

KU: Jeff Brickus (jr. G, 6-0, 14.5 ppg), Tyree Brickus (so. G, 5-8, 8.1 ppg), Bobby Eberhart (so. F, 6-3, 11.2 ppg), Bilal Salaam (so. F, 6-7, 12.3 ppg), T.J. Mann (jr. F, 6-6, 9.6 ppg)

CUP: Germarr Ballard (sr. G, 5-10, 11.4 ppg), Sherman Brittingham (jr. G, 6-4, 12.2 ppg), Michael Johnson (sr. F, 6-5, 11.8 ppg), Kevin Handy (sr. F, 6-7, 13.3 ppg), Ryan Boles (sr. F, 6-8, 5.6 ppg).

Driving Directions Note: The bridge on 926 leading into Cheyney is out, so alternate driving arrangements are necessary. Please use the following directions.

From the NORTH...take Route 202 south, past 926.  Turn left on Dillworthtown Road.  At second stop sign the road bears right, YOU NEED TO STAY STRAIGHT, on Dillworthtown Road. This will take you onto campus. 

If you are coming to Cheyney from the Blue Route (I-476), proceed as normal. 476 South to Route 3 West to 926 West. Left on Tangauy Road to campus.

March, 1, 2004 

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEADED TO WEST CHESTER FOR PSAC PLAYOFFS 

KUTZTOWN, PA – The Kutztown University Women’s Basketball team will take on the Golden Rams of West Chester University on Tuesday, March 2, in the first round of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Playoffs.

            Kutztown (9-17, 5-7 PSAC East, #4 seed in East) will travel to West Chester (16-11, 11-1 PSAC East, #1 seed in East) for the PSAC Quarterfinal matchup at Hollinger Field House at 7:00 PM.

            The Golden Bears lost their final two games of the regular season to West Chester and Millersville, but qualified for the playoffs by edging Mansfield (5-7) via tiebreaker for the fourth and final playoff berth.

            Kutztown faces the Golden Rams for the second-straight season in the quarterfinals.   

KU vs. West Chester 2003-04:  The teams met twice during the regular season.  West Chester won both of the games, though both were close calls.  On February 4, the Golden Rams beat Kutztown 63-59, led by Kiesha Mack’s 32 point effort at West Chester.  Kutztown suffered a 62-59 defeat last Wednesday (February 25) at Keystone Arena, despite holding a three-point lead in the game’s final minutes. 

            In the first meeting, West Chester led for most of the contest, but a three-pointer by Amanda Zinobile (sr. Mapleton Depot/Southern Huntingdon) with 10 seconds left pulled the Bears within two, 61-59.  The Rams, however, sank two free throws to secure the win.  Danielle Warntz (sr. Lewistown/Indian Valley) had 15 points for KU, while Zinobile added 10.  Jackie Daley (fr. Havertown/Haverford) had 11 points. 

            The second game played out similarly to the first, with Kutztown traling for most of the contest.  KU, however, overtook the Rams on a three-pointer by Megan Bainbridge (fr. Minersville/Nativity/BVM) with 4:45 to play.  KU would take a 59-56 lead later, but the Rams finished the game with a 6-0 run to pull out the win.  Zinobile scored 12 points, while Bainbridge added 11 for KU.  WCU’s Elise McCloy led all players with 21 points. 

Scouting Kutztown:  The Golden Bears’ appearance in the Playoffs comes after the team started the year 2-11, including an 11 game losing streak after winning its first two games.  Since losing to Mansfield in double-overtime on January 14, the Golden Bears are 7-6.  For many of KU’s games this year, the scores have been close, with Kutztown holding a 3-9 record in games decided by 10 points or less.  Zinobile and Warntz are the two leading scorers, averaging 11.4 and 10.7 points per game, respectively.  The duo will finish their careers in the top two spots on KU’s career three-pointers list, with Warntz having hit 189 and Zinobile connecting on 143 in their four seasons.  Zinobile is an 81.6% free throw shooter, and ranks among the team’s leaders in rebounds (4.3 per game), assists (3.2) and steals (1.1).  Warntz, who mainly comes off the bench, has hit 48 three pointers this year, the most on the team.

            Carolyn Franchetti (so. West Chester/West Chester East) and Bainbridge join Zinobile in the starting backcourt.  Franchetti averages 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, while Bainbridge chips in 7.7 points and leads the team with 113 assists (4.3 per game) and 43 steals (1.7).  Second-year players Trish Dudeck (so. Shamokin/Shamokin) and Monique Boykins (so. Yeadon/Penn Wood) comprise the frontcourt.  Dudeck is averaging 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.  Boykins is netting 8.0 points and leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.9 boards per game.  Her 59 blocks are the most in the PSAC this year.

            Forwards Jess Brady (fr. Wescosville/Emmaus) (5.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Daley (3.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Lindsay Wentz (fr. Souderton/Souderton) (3.5 ppg) and Brooke Martin (jr. Lock Haven/Central Mountain) (2.8 ppg) also contribute.

            Kutztown head coach Janet Malouf is 163-109 in her 10th season at KU.   

Kutztown in the PSAC Playoffs - History: Kutztown makes its ninth-straight appearance in the PSAC Playoffs.  KU lost to West Chester (69-56) in the first round last season.   

            Warntz and Zinobile are the team’s four-year seniors, and are the 10th and 11 players in KU history to qualify for the PSAC playoffs in each of their four seasons.  The other nine are 1998-99 seniors Amy Wahl and Jennifer Coss, 1999-2000 seniors Angie Holland and Stacie Miscavage, 2000-01 senior Brianne Homyak, 2001-02 seniors Patti Kline and Andrea Dougherty; and 2002-03 seniors Jessica Pieczynski and Becky Savage. 

            The Golden Bears are 3-11 in their 12th PSAC Playoff appearance.  KU is 2-8 under Malouf (1995-96: L-Edinboro, 98-83; 1996-97: L-Shippensburg, 68-59; 1997-98: W-Millersville, 48-41 & L-Shippensburg, 75-66; 1998-99: W-Bloomsburg, 61-59 & L-Shippensburg 54-51, 1999-2000: L, Bloomsburg, 69-61; 2000-01: L, Bloomsburg, 53-49; 2001-02: L, Millersville 67-51; 2002-03: L, West Chester 69-56). 

Scouting West Chester: The Golden Rams won the PSAC Eastern Division title with an 11-1 record, its second-straight division crown.  West Chester has won eight of its last 10 games, and enters the game with a three-game winning streak.  Three players average in double figures for the Rams, led by Mack, who nets 19.0 points per game.  She has connected on 89-of-229 three pointers (38.9%) this year, and is a 91.3% free throw shooter.  She has missed just seven free throws all year (73-80), but three of them came in the final 16 seconds of the game at KU on February 25.  Forward Carolyn Muldoon chips in 12.6 points and tops the Rams on the boards with 8.8 per game.  McCloy adds 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.  That trio, along with Shauna Palmer (9.3 ppg, 2.2 steals) account for 77% of the teams scoring.  Malinda Fife (1.3 ppg) rounds out the starting five.  West Chester head coach Dierdre Kane is 269-204 in her 17th season.   

West Chester in the PSAC Playoffs – History: West Chester makes its 15th appearance in the PSAC Playoffs.  The Golden Rams are 6-11 in the post-season under Kane.  All-time, the Golden Rams are 7-14 in the PSAC tournament, having advanced to the PSAC Finals last year before losing to California (PA) in the title game. 

What’s at Stake: A trip to the PSAC semifinals is on the line for the winner. In Tuesday’s other quarterfinals,

California (PA) (West #1) hosts Edinboro (West #4), Shippensburg (West #2) hosts Clarion (West #3) and Millersville (East #2) hosts Bloomsburg (East #3).  This year’s PSAC Final Four will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 5-6, at the highest remaining Western Division school.  

Golden Bear Network Webcast:  The game will be Webcast live beginning at 6:50 PM on the Golden Bear Network.  Listeners can access the Webcast via the KU Athletics Website at kubears.com.   

Probable Starters

KU: Amanda Zinobile (SR, G, 5-6, 11.4 ppg), Monique Boykins (SO, F, 6-2, 8.0 ppg), Megan Bainbridge (FR, G, 5-3, 7.7 ppg), Carolyn Franchetti (SO, G, 5-7, 4.2 ppg), Trish Dudeck (SO, F, 6-0, 4.4 ppg)

WCU: Kiesha Mack (JR, G, 5-7, 19.0 ppg), Carolyn Muldoon (SR, C, 6-0, 12.6 ppg), Elise McCloy (SO, F, 6-0, 11.5 ppg), Shauna Palmer (SR, G, 5-8, 9.3 ppg), Malinda Fife (JR, G, 5-4, 1.3 ppg)

March 1, 2003 

KUTZTOWN MEN’S BASKETBALL TO MEET MANSFIELD IN PSAC PLAYOFFS  

KUTZTOWN, PA – The Kutztown University men's basketball team (16-10, 7-5 PSAC East, #3 seed in East) will travel to Mansfield (21-6, 8-4 PSAC East, #2 seed in East) for the first round of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) playoffs.

            Kutztown is making its second-straight playoff appearance.  It marks the first time since 1986-87 and 1987-88 that the Golden Bears qualified for the PSAC tournament in back-to-back years.  Mansfield also makes its second-straight Playoff appearance. 

 KU vs. Mansfield 2003-04: The teams split the regular season series, with both schools defending their home court.  The Mounties scored a 78-64 win in Mansfield on January 14, powered by 22 points and 17 rebounds by Omari Pearson.  Kutztown avenged the loss on February 11, when Jeff Brickus (jr. Coatesville/Coatesville) scored 20 points on a KU record 12-of-12 from the line in a 77-67 win at Keystone Arena.

            In the first meeting, Kutztown led just once, 8-7 in the early going, as Mansfield led by ten at the half and never let the Golden Bears closer than seven.  Kutztown shot just 36 percent in the game.  Bilal Salaam (jr. Wilmington, DE/Howard) scored 16 points and grabbed eight boards, while Brickus added 12 points.

            In the rematch at Kutztown, Brickus made all 12 of his free throw attempts and scored 20 points.  The Golden Bears trailed in the second half, until a 13-2 run put Kutztown on top to stay.  Salaam added 11 points and six blocks and T.J. Mann (sr. Glen Mills/Malvern Prep) came off the bench for 13.  Kutztown held the Mounties to just 28 percent shooting in the second half.  Pearson scored 23 for the Mountaineers. 

Scouting Kutztown:  The Golden Bears have enjoyed one of the most successful two-year runs in school history under fourth-year head coach Bernie Driscoll.  Driscoll's team clinched its trip to the PSAC playoffs with a 65-63 win over the Golden Rams on February 25.  Included in KU's 16 wins was a triumph against California (Pa.), the number one seed in the West and the No. 16 team in the country.   The Golden Bears rank fourth in the PSAC in scoring offense with 76.1 points per game, led by Jeff Brickus, who leads the team in scoring (14.2 points per game), assists (113, 4.3 per game) and free throw percentage (81 percent).  Salaam scores 12.3 points per game and leads the team with nine rebounds per game and a .541 field goal percentage. His 91 blocked shots are second in the nation.  Bobby Eberhart (11.0 ppg, 47-of-115 three-point field goal) has turned in another steady season.  T.J. Mann starts in the frontcourt with Salaam and scores 9.7 ppg and hauls in 6.7 rpg.  Frank Moultrie (so. Southampton/William Tenant) (7.8 ppg, .423 three-point field goal percentage) and Tyree Brickus (jr. Coatesville/Coatesville) (7.9 ppg, 46 three-pointers) team with Eberhart for a dangerous attack from beyond the arc.

            After starting the season 7-8, Kutztown closed the regular season with an 8-2 mark over its last 10 games.

            Driscoll is in his fourth season and has a 45-60 record, but is 34-20 (.630) the past two seasons.  He is 4-4 against Mansfield.  

Top Kutztown Performers, vs. Mansfield: Jeff Brickus (7 games, 13.7 ppg); T.J. Mann (4 games, 15.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Bilal Salaam (6 games, 10.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.7 bpg) 

Kutztown in PSAC Playoffs - History:  This is KU's second straight appearance in the PSAC playoffs.   Last season, the Golden Bears dropped a 74-66 decision in the first round at West Chester.  Kutztown also lost a first-round game to West Chester in 1998-99 (75-60).  Prior to that, the Golden Bears had not played in the postseason since 1987-88 when they won the PSAC Eastern Division title, defeated Lock Haven (86-84) in the semifinals and lost to California (PA), 73-64, in the championship finals.  The Golden Bears advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament, falling to Gannon in the first round.   

            Kutztown has appeared in the PSAC Playoffs three other times.  KU went to the post season in 1986-87 (first round-Bloomsburg 70, KU 62), 1983-84 (first round-Millersville 60, KU 53) and 1981-82 (first round-Cheyney 68, KU 40).   Kutztown is 1-6 all time in the playoffs.  Kutztown has won three conference championships (1917, 1919 and 1936), but all three came before the formation of the PSAC in 1951.   

Scouting Mansfield: UNLV transfer Omari Pearson  and Brett Longpre' lead the Mounties, who are ranked sixth in the region.  Pearson leads the conference in scoring (19.6 per game) and ranks second in rebounding (11.4).  The forward also shoots 54.5% from the floor and 81.4% on free throws.  Longpre' forms a lethal one-two punch with Pearson, scoring 17.0 ppg (fourth in the PSAC).  He is one of the conference's best shooters, hitting 45.8% from the floor, 43.9% from three (third in the PSAC) and 88.5% (second in the PSAC) from the foul line.  Mansfield is the PSAC's top scoring offense, averaging 82.3 points per game and two other starters score in double figures.  Guard Bill McNeil scores 13.1 ppg, while forward Ian Connor chips in with 11.4.

            After starting the season 16-2, the Mounties were among the top-25 teams in the country.  However, Mansfield fell out of the rankings after going just 5-4 in their last nine games.  

            Head coach Vince Alexander is in his fifth season and owns a 71-56 record (.559).   

Mansfield in PSAC Playoffs - History:  Mansfield is no stranger to postseason play, as they are the only school to win a conference tournament every decade in the history of the tournament.  The Mounties were 18-11 last year, losing in the first round to Millersville.  Mansfield is 12-7 all-time in the PSAC tournament, with six championships.  The last title for the Mountaineers came during the 1996-97 season. 

What's at Stake:  A trip to the PSAC semifinals is one the line for the winner.  In Tuesday's other semifinals, California (Pa.) (West #1) hosts Clarion (West #4), Edinboro (West #2) hosts Indiana (Pa.) (West #3) and Cheyney (East #1) hosts West Chester (East #4).  This year's PSAC Final Four will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, at the highest remaining Eastern Division school. 

Broadcast Information: The game will be broadcast live by Mansfield’s student radio station, WNTE.  The Internet Webcast can be accessed via Mansfield’s Website at sports.mansfield.edu.  The Golden Bear hotline, 610-683-1515, will be updated frequently throughout the contest, as well.   

Probable Starters:

KU: Jeff Brickus (jr. G, 6-0, 14.2 ppg), Tyree Brickus (so. G, 5-8, 7.9 ppg), Bobby Eberhart (so. F, 6-3, 11.0 ppg), Bilal Salaam (so. F, 6-7, 12.3 ppg), T.J. Mann (jr. F, 6-6, 9.7 ppg)

MU: Brian Bryant (sr. G, 6-1, 3.0 ppg), Jason Roscoe (sr. G, 6-0, 0.7 ppg), Omari Pearson (sr. G, 6-3, 19.6 ppg), Brett Longpre' (sr. G, 6-5, 17.0 ppg), Ian Connor (sr. F, 6-9, 11.4 ppg)

March 1, 2004

MANN NAMED PSAC EASTERN DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK

 KUTZTOWN, PA—Kutztown University’s T.J. Mann (sr. Glenn Mills/Malvern Prep), of the men’s Basketball team, was named as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Player of the Week.

            Mann receives this honor after averaging 18.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting 70 percent from the floor in two games.  He tied his career high with 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in Kutztown’s win over West Chester, February 25. In the same game, Mann guaranteed the victory by stealing the ball with the clock running down. This win clinched a spot in the playoffs for Kutztown. 

So far this season, Mann has played in all 26 of Kutztown’s games.  He averages 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.  He has 19 steal and 15 blocks.  Mann shoots 47 percent from the floor, while he shoots 52 percent from the free throw line. 

            Kutztown finished the regular season 16-10 overall, 7-5 in the PSAC.  The Golden Bears will travel to Mansfield, Tuesday March 2, to take on the Mountaineers for round one of playoff action.