KU WOMEN'S SWIM TEAM EARNS CSCAA ACADEMIC HONORS

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — The Kutztown University women’s swimming team was one of 28 Division II programs recognized for its academic achievements during the 2007-08 season by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

With a 3.24, KU was ranked 18th on the list of CSCAA All-Academic teams, and was one of five Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools honored. Shippensburg, Millersville, Clarion and California (Pa.) were recognized as well.

“We are absolutely delighted with the performance of our Division II student-athletes,” commented Coach Sean Tedesco of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, who chairs the CSCAA's Academic All-American committee.

KU swimming coach Tim Flannery, who is in his 13th year with the Golden Bears, has had his women’s team recognized by the CSCAA every year since 1999. He also has had 32 swimmers named as PSAC Scholar-Athletes.

The Golden Bears women’s team, as well as the men’s team, will continue their 2008-09 season with the Golden Bear Invitational Friday and Saturday at Keystone Hall. The competition begins at 11 a.m. Friday.

Nov. 19, 2008 

KUTZTOWN’S KATIE MILLER NAMED ALL-PSAC EAST 

      KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University’s Katie Miller (jr. Elizabethtown/Elizabethtown) has been named to the 2008 women’s volleyball All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division second team.

      An opposite side hitter, Miller was selected in voting conducted by the league’s coaches.  It is her second-straight All-PSAC East second team honor.

      Miller led Kutztown with 213 kills and 690 attempts this season.  She had a .210 hitting percentage, and added 60 blocks. 

      Kutztown was 15-16 overall, 4-8 in the PSAC East. 

Nov. 19, 2008

JONES SWEEPS NEC AWARDS FOR SECOND TIME THIS SEASON

KUTZTOWN. Pa. — For the second time in three weeks, Kayla Jones (fr. Johnstown/Westmont Hilltop) was selected as the Northeast Conference Women’s Bowling Athlete and Rookie of the Week. 

In the first-ever Northeast Conference meet, Jones led the Golden Bears to a 5-1 finish.  In traditional team play, she averaged a meet-best 219 (1,314 total pins), over six games.  Across both traditional and baker games, the KU rookie struck 58 percent of the time and filled 87.5 percent of her frames.

In KU’s victory over Long Island, Jones posted a high game score of 247.  The Golden Bears knocked off No. 6 ranked Sacred Heart, with Jones rolling a 237.  She anchored KU in its 1984-1768 win over SHU in the baker game.

Jones and the rest of the Golden Bears (16-8, 5-1 NEC) will return to action on Friday, Nov. 21 in the Eastern Shore Hawk Classic in Millsboro, Del. at 11 a.m.

Nov. 18, 2008 

MELISSA McQUADE NAMED PSAC EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK 

            KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Kutztown University’s Melissa McQuade (so. Pittsburgh/Shaler) was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division women’s basketball Player of the Week. 

            McQuade led KU to a 2-0 start at the Golden Bear Classic this past weekend, earning All-Classic MVP honors. In the two games, she averaged a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds in wins over Slippery Rock and Pitt-Johnstown. The 5-10 guard/forward shot 13-of-24 (54%) from the field and was a perfect 14-for-14 from the foul line. She was 6-of-10 from 3-point range, and also added nine assists and five steals. 

            In Kutztown’s win over Slippery Rock on Saturday, McQuade had 16 points and 10 boards, along with five assists and five steals.  Against Pitt-Johnstown, she scored a career-high 30 points, including 19 in the second half to help eliminate a seven-point halftime deficit.   She added 14 rebounds and four assists.   

            McQuade and the rest of the Golden Bears will return to the court at 1 p.m. Nov. 22 at the University of Sciences.

Nov. 18, 2008 

JEPPESEN NAMED PSAC SWIMMER OF THE WEEK 

            KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Steph Jeppesen (JR, Bethlehem/Liberty HS) received the inaugural Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women’s Swimmer of the Week award this season. 

            Most recently, Jeppesen set pool records in the 100 breast (1:07.17) and the 200 breast (2:27.69), both events in which she has yet to be beaten in this season, at Lock Haven.   Her time in the 100 breast was also a NCAA-B cut time. She also placed first in the 200 IM, posting a time of 2:15.53.  In the 400 medley relay, Jeppesen and her teammates long set a Lock Haven pool record with a time of 4:07.47, giving Jeppesen her fourth win on the day. 

            Jeppesen has helped lead the Golden Bears women’s swim team to a 6-2 start. She has qualified for the PSACs in the 100 breast (1:07.17 at Lock Haven), 200 breast (2:25.86 at Edinboro) and the 200 IM (2:14.28 at Edinboro). 

            Jeppesen and the rest of the KU swimmers will return to action Nov.21 and 22, when they host the Golden Bear Invitational at Keystone Pool. The first session of events will start at 11 a.m. and the second start at 7 p.m. on Friday. Saturday’s first session begins at 10 a.m. and the second session at 4 p.m.

Nov. 14, 2008

KU WOMEN'S SOCCER FINISHES SEASON TIED FOR FIFTH IN ATLANTIC REGION

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — The Kutztown University women's soccer team finished the 2008 season tied for fifth in the NSCAA/Adidas Atlantic Regional poll.

The Golden Bears, who finished 12-6-2 overall and 6-4-2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East, qualified for the PSAC playoffs where they lost 3-0 in the first round to the region's second-ranked team West Chester (13-2-5).

Mercyhurst (13-4-4) finished No. 1 in the region, and East Stroudsburg (11-5-4) and Bloomsburg (13-5-1) tied for fourth. West Virginia Wesleyan (15-2-0) tied with KU for fifth.

KU notched 10 or more wins for a school record seventh straight time. The season included an eight-game winning streak, tying a school record.

Nov. 13, 2008 

THREE FROM KU NAMED ALL-PSAC EAST IN FOOTBALL 

Wilson

Coleman

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Three members of Kutztown University’s football team were honored by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference as members of the 2008 All-PSAC East football teams.

Running back Dontay Wilson (jr. Stamford, Conn./Stamford) and return specialist Kendell Coleman (so. Philadelphia/Martin Luther King) were named to the first team, while defensive back Mike Gardier (jr. Dunmore/Dunmore) was named to the second team, in voting conducted by the league’s coaches.

Wilson earns his second-straight All-PSAC East honor, after capturing second-team status in 2007.  Wilson ranked third in the PSAC in rushing, averaging 98.2 yards per game. Wilson finished with 884 yards and seven touchdowns on 120 carries in nine games.  The yards were the most by a KU back since 2001.  He averaged 7.4 yards per rush, best among PSAC runners with at least 100 carries.  He had five 100-yard rushing games and 11 rushes of 25-plus yards. 

Coleman, who is a first-time All-PSAC East selection, finished second in the PSAC in punt return average, netting 16.3 yards on 16 returns.  His 78-yard return for a touchdown vs. Shippensburg highlighted his efforts.  Coleman’s 261 punt return yards are tied for second-most in a season at KU.  He also averaged 20.8 yards on eight kickoff returns.

Gardier earns his third career All-PSAC East second-team award.  The safety had 72 tackles in nine games, with seven for loss and three sacks.  He forced three fumbles.  He was a second-team selection last year at KU after earning the same award at Mansfield as a freshman in 2006.

Kutztown was 5-6 overall, 4-3 in the PSAC East in 2008.

Nov. 12, 2008 

TWO GOLDEN BEAR MEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS HONORED BY PSAC 

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has announced its 2008 All-PSAC East men’s soccer awards and two Kutztown University student-athletes were among the honorees.

Forward Rusty Chapel (jr. Topton/Brandywine Heights) and midfielder James Robinson (so. Chester, ENGLAND) were named to the second team, in voting conducted by the conference’s coaches. 

Chapel earns his first career all-conference honor.  The 5-foot-9 forward had seven points off of two goals and three assists, while playing in 14 games. 

Robinson also was selected to his first All-PSAC East honor. In his second year with the Golden Bears, Robinson was second on the team with 11 points, scoring five goals and dishing one assist. He played in all 18 contests. 

The Golden Bears finished the 2008 season 2-15-1 overall and 1-8-1 in the PSAC East.

Nov.11, 2008

GOLDEN BEARS WOMEN SOCCER RECEIVE PLAYERS POSTSEASON AWARDS

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Forward Chelsea Bressler (fr. Cleona/Annville-Cleona) headlined three members of the Kutztown University women’s soccer team honored by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Wednesday.

Bressler, who led the offense 10 goals and six assists, was selected as the PSAC East Rookie of the Year. She was also honored by Daktronics as a second-team All-Atlantic Region selection.

Bressler is the second women’s soccer player at KU to win the PSAC East Rookie of the Year award (Kim Kelty, 2004)

Deeter, who was named All-PSAC East first team in 2007, was an honorable mention by Daktronics. She started in 19 games and anchored the KU defense which kept the opposition scoreless seven times in 2008.

For the second straight year, Tice was named All-PSAC East second team. She posted two goals and two assists with one game-winner, while playing in 19 games.

Starting in all 20 contests this season, first-year goalkeeper Steph Addleman (fr. Chambersburg/Chambersburg) was an honorable mention by Daktronics. She had a 1.01 goals against average with seven shutouts, while recording a 12-6-2 record.

Alex Butler (sr. Montoursville/Montoursville) was a 2008 Daktronics honorable mention after contributing solid defense for KU. The senior was a 2006 second-team all-PSAC performer.

The PSAC selections were made by the conference’s coaches and the Daktronics regional honors were decided by the region's sports information directors.

KU was 12-6-2 overall and 6-4-2 in the PSAC East, the seventh straight season with 10 or more wins for the Golden Bears, a school record. KU returned to the PSAC playoffs after missing out the season before.

Nov. 7, 2008

FOUR MEMBERS OF FIELD HOCKEY TEAM NAMED TO NFHCA SOUTH ALL-STAR TEAM

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Four seniors on the Kutztown University field hockey team have been selected to play in the 2008 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division II North/South Senior All-Star Game on Nov. 22.

Jennifer Belfatti (sr. Hatfield/Lansdale Catholic), Lyndsay Butler (sr. Annandale, N.J./Summit), Courtney Geibel (sr. Mifflintown/Juniata), Kelley Healey (sr. Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) and Kristin Snyder (sr. Dalton/Lackawanna Trail) will represent the Golden Bears and play on the South All-Star Team at the University of Louisville.

Healey finished with a team-high 30 points, while starting in all 19 games for the 13-6 Golden Bears. She scored nine goals and had 12 assists.

Healey’s 30 points gave her 161 for her career, second on KU’s all-time scoring list.

Belfatti, in the midfield, was strong both offensively and defensively. She played in 19 games, scoring six goals and tallying two assists.

Five of her goals came on penalty strokes, where she was 5-for-5. She also recorded a defensive save.

The NFHCA North/South Senior All-Star Game will start at 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 6, 2008

KU'S NYE HONORED BY ESPN THE MAGAZINE, CoSIDA

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Ryan Nye (sr. Bernville/Holy Name), a punter for the Kutztown University football team, was named to the ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-District II first team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Nye, a four-year starter for the Golden Bears, has earned a 3.63 GPA as an elementary education major. As a member of the Academic All-District first team, he is now eligible to be selected to the Academic All-America team.

On the field, Nye is third all-time at KU with 196 punts and 7,759 yards, equal to 4.4 miles. He will likely finish his career with the school’s best average, besting Pete Merkel (1988-91), who averaged 38.7 yards. Nye currently averages 39.6 yards per punt in his career, with a 41.2 average this season. He booted the longest punt of his career this season, a 70-yarder in a 42-21 win over Shippensburg.

His average in 2007 was second all-time and in 2006 it was fourth. In 2005, he was second in school history in for punts and punting yards in a single season. He also served as the Golden Bears' kickoff specialist and a backup place-kicker. He is 3-for-5 on field goals with a long of 34 yards. He also is 11-for-14 on extra points. On special teams, he's recorded 24 tackles.

He has twice been named to the All-PSAC East second team and once to Daktronics All-Northeast Regional second team.

The District II College Division consists of all NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA colleges, junior colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore with a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average and a starter or significant reserve on his team.

KU will close out its season this Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Indiana (Pa.) University. The Golden Bears can solidify their first winning season since 2003 with a win.

Nov. 5, 2008

KEMMERER AND ZEEK NATIONALLY RANKED

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — The NCAA Division II Wrestling Rankings were released last week with two Golden Bears individually ranked.

Joe Kemmerer (sr. Mountaintop/Crestwood H.S.) was atop the national rankings for the 133 pound division. Kemmerer, a redshirt last season, looks to follow up his 2006-07 season in which he won the national title and had a 32-3 record. He finished the season undefeated against Division II wrestlers that year.

In the 157 pound division, Dave Zeek (jr. Newtown/Council Rock North) is ranked eighth nationally and second in the East Region. Last season, Zeek split time between the 157 and 165 pound weight classes and finished with a 21-14 record. He placed sixth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and fourth regionally. Zeek holds a 29-27 record with KU.

Kemmerer and Zeek, along with the rest of the Golden Bear wrestlers, will open up the 2008-09 campaign at the East Stroudsburg Open on Saturday, Nov. 15.