Tag: ncaa

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Campus News

Cross Country Competes In NCAA Regionals

On Saturday, November 12th the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams wrapped up their season at the NCAA Atlantic Cross Country Regional Championship in Glassboro, NJ.

houghton.edu
houghton.edu

These races, hosted by Rowan University, marked the first time any Houghton team or individual has competed in an NCAA Championship event.

Head coach, Patrick Hager said, “The opportunity to compete in the NCAA Regional means a chance to run with the best in NCAA Division III. This meet is the only way to qualify for the NCAA National Championship race.”

Last year, both cross country teams finished out their season at the NCCAA National Championship. “While the NCCAA is a great organization to be a part of, the NCAA is bigger and more competitive,” said Hager.

Reflecting on the races, Hager said, “The women ran the best race since I’ve been coach here. They went out a little fast, but finished well. Every single one of them set a personal record (PR) in the 6k race and they were able to beat a conference opponent, St. John Fisher, who beat them at the Empire 8 Championship.”

He continued, “The men had a bit of a rough day. They are young, and the season wore on them a bit. But, we can’t overlook what a good experience it was for them. Even with a tough race, a few of the men were able to pull through with PR’s.”

Ella Hotchkiss ‘16  finished first for the women in a time of 23:51.8. Behind her was a strong pack of Shelby Langlois ‘20, Gwen Stokes ‘20, and Rachel Hummel ‘17 who all finished within 22 seconds of each other.

“For Hotchkiss and Karah Ashley ‘16, this was their last collegiate cross country race,” said Hager.“ It was great to see them both PR by around 1:30, what an ending for both of them.”

Hotchkiss attributes her success to her coaches and teammates. “I had no idea what would happen going into this season, now that it’s over I cannot believe the outcomes.”

In the men’s 8k race, Daniel Burdo ‘20 finished first for the Highlanders in a time of 27:36.8, a big PR. He was followed close behind by Cory McCarty ‘17 who finished in 27:43.6. Both McCarty as well as Daniel Schulz ‘17, who finished fourth for the team, finished with their best times of the season.

Ashley said, “We had a lot of freshman on our team this year. It was great to see so many of them compete at this high level meet. Of the 14 who competed at Regionals eight of them were freshman. They really stepped up and helped us accomplish what we did at this race.”

In his reflection, Schultz said, “All the hard work put into this season, guided by our Coach, led us to the success we had this past weekend. We have a lot of teammates that came and gave it their all every race, and this race was certainly an example of that.”

McCarty credited the men for running their fastest average time of the year, although they did not receive many PR’s overall. For McCarty, “The best part of the season was how close the team grew. I am extremely proud of this young team and the potential they have.”

He continued, “As we move into our track season, I’m excited to see our team grow significantly more as Christians, students, and athletes.”

NCAA Atlantic Cross Country Regional Championship hosted 303 runners. The Houghton women finished 26 of 49 teams, and the men finished 31 of 51 teams.

For the NCAA competition, the top seven runners from each team were allowed to compete. This is the first year Houghton has been eligible for post-conference NCAA competition.

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Stories In Focus

Houghton Athletics Celebrates Major Milestones

Houghton College is embarking on a new chapter of athletics starting this year as it enters a full membership in the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. According to Jason Mucher, the Empire 8 (E-8) category has proved to be a great fit for Houghton College. “It’s allowed for less travel time, keeping students around,” said Mucher, who also mentioned how the schools themselves were more like Houghton, with the E-8 mainly composed of “small to midsized, private liberal arts colleges who emphasize good academics.” The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) ceased to be a viable fit for Houghton geographically, and was slowly diminishing, which led Houghton to pursue membership into the more widely known NCAA Division III.

The college embarked on a five-year process to earn this new status. The process began with one exploratory year, and then four provisional years. Each year, the college received a promotion until full membership was achieved. In order to start the process, Houghton had to add multiple sports, including baseball, softball, men and women’s lacrosse, men and women’s tennis, and men and women’s golf. When they first started on the path to NCAA Division III, athletic director, Harold “Skip” Lord, met with the Commissioner and the Council President of the E-8 to look at Houghton’s facilities. At the time, the campus only had Burke Field, a practice soccer field, and a field hockey field.

“The question was, what would we do for facilities,” said Lord. Houghton needed all-weather facilities to be viable along with a baseball and softball field. Mucher and Lord both commented that they started looking into what they would like to see built. This is when the Pegula and Kerr families asked what they could do to help. They then decided to give the gift of the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex (KPAC) that includes the Kerr-Pegula Field House (KPFH), baseball field, and softball field.

As Houghton celebrates a new chapter in athletics, it also celebrates its athletic history with this year making 50 years of athletics at Houghton. Lord praised Mucher and stated, “Jason Mucher has been doing a lot of the work.” He also stated it was a team effort and that “many have vision casted what it would look like.”

Mucher talked much about how Houghton is celebrating the milestone. The department created a timeline of milestones, a logo, the mural, giveaways, events, contests, and many other different ways to encourage students to come to athletic events, while also celebrating the legacy and tradition of sports at Houghton. Events started early in September and many students have participated through Homecoming weekend, the legacy chapel, and attending sports games on the Saturday of Homecoming weekend. According to Mucher, the original sports teams at Houghton in 1967 were all men’s and included soccer, cross-country and basketball. In 1968, Houghton added baseball, track, tennis and golf. Finally, in 1969 Houghton added its first women’s sport, basketball.

Students have been enjoying the celebrations and revisiting Houghton’s athletics history. Olivia Bullock ‘20, a women’s soccer player, said, “It’s meaningful to be a part of such a long tradition of high level athletics focused on glorifying God through sports.”

Mucher and Lord agreed this celebration has been a team effort throughout the department. Mucher is proud of the well-rounded teams at Houghton, and the attitude being taken beyond the school. As Houghton continues to celebrate its athletics, the department is looking to plant major events in February and April. There will be continual celebratory events throughout this semester, the next including Throwback Thursdays on Houghton social media, athletics panels, and reminders at games.

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News

Changes Made to Cross Country Course

This summer Houghton’s maintenance crew made significant changes to the cross-country course. Alterations included widening the course path and changing the overall route. The new course aspects will be vital as the college prepares to host nearly 500 athletes for the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Cross Country National Championships on November fifteenth.

Cross-country head coach, Patrick Hager, elaborated on the changes, “They cut out a section by the tree of life and there is a portion that goes through the center of the [soccer] field that is now part of the course as the start and finish.” Hager also elaborated on the widening of the course and stated, “It’s important because for NCAA the course needs to be 110 meters wide, so the widening of the course was necessary to make that happen.”

Patrick HagerThe widening of the course will also allow runners to be better able to pass one another in competition and reduce the chances of contestants cutting corners or running outside the lined course to gain position.

Senior cross-country member, Jonathan Lewis, appreciates the changes made to the course, but was disappointed with some aspects. Lewis said, “I personally don’t like the course as much. The previous course took us down a path that was scenic and that part is no longer in the current course.”

Lewis also commented on the versatility of the course, and the college’s ability to now hold larger meets and invitational events. He said, “It will allow us to host nationals which is a great incentive.”

This benefit of hosting larger meets and events is something Coach Hager is very excited about. From a recruiting perspective, Hager stated, “I think it’s going to be big because of the exposure from hosting the National Championship.”

He explained the surface of the course is nicer and recognized Houghton College employee, Dan Wolcott, as a necessary part of the process. Hager said, “He has been instrumental in this whole thing of providing a quality training surface.” Hager feels he and his team are being taken care of here, and there is a community that cares about how the team is doing and wants to see them succeed.

While Hagar thinks the course will benefit the future of the college, Lewis is unsure, he said, “Honestly I don’t know if the course change will benefit the college, yet in the long run it will allow us to hold larger meets.” This ability, he said, “Is good for the college.”

The course alterations provide a greater opportunity for the course to receive more exposure from hosting different events. Recently, on October 4, the course was used for the homecoming 5k fun run.

Junior, and participant in the race, Ashley Schenk, reflected on the race and the changes she noticed. “I definitely enjoyed running on the new course,” she said. “It felt like we were backtracking less with the new course than last year when I ran the race.” According to Schenk the most noticeable change was in the end of the course, she said, “There was a longer straight away where we were running toward the people, which made it more fun.”

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Stories In Focus

Athlete Profile: Stephany Ellison

Recent addition to the women’s basketball team, Stephany Ellison, brings both athletic skill and a competitive attitude to the court.

Ellison began her college career at Eastern Kentucky University where she had been recruited by their Division I women’s soccer team.  In hopes of “coming closer to home and in need of a change,” Ellison transferred to Houghton last year as a sophomore.

Ellison has continued in playing soccer but also competed on Houghton’s field and track team, running the 100 and 200.  She had first joined track to become faster for soccer season and was struck by the rigor of the program.  Ellison attributed track for “improving her running technique,” which has translated to all the sports she participates in.

Although her first love is soccer, Ellison has found motivation through basketball as well. She acknowledges that something particularly enjoyable about basketball is the proximity of the fans.  Ellison “feeds off the crowd and the close atmosphere,” she says. Coming into the season Ellison was unsure what to expect but has found the “chemistry to be so much better than anticipated and has come to know the team so well.”

Courtesy of Houghton.edu
Courtesy of Houghton.edu

Captain Kristen Moose, senior, likewise identified an intimate dynamic on the team.  Moose and Ellison played basketball at rival high schools and now as teammates look to each other for intensity on the court.  Moose said that, “Stephany makes people better and it is an advantage to have her around.”

Ellison plays the position of point guard but is also a “key defender . . . hustles and works hard,” says Women’s basketball coach, Alicia Mucher.

One need only to look at Ellison’s statistics to see that she has “made the transition to basketball really well,” commented Mucher. Ellison is number one on assists and number two in the categories of points, 3-point FGs, free throws, and steals.

Mucher says that Ellison has not only showed initiative on the team but also “effort towards managing academics while contributing athletically.”

Ellison similarly comments that her “competitive edge” even follows her into the classroom and into her major, Inclusive Childhood Education.

In looking towards the future, Ellison has tried out for the Charlotte Eagles, a professional women’s soccer team in North Carolina and will be receiving a decision shortly. Yet in the meantime, Ellison is “really glad” to have been able to have the experience of playing on the women’s basketball team while being at Houghton.

Contemplating the past season in coaching Ellison, Mucher said that the “fact that we have her in our program is an asset, Stephany shows no fear and provides a fire to those around her.”

 

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News

Men’s Basketball to Play Against Division I

This winter break the men’s varsity basketball team will be up against a competitive rival, Radford University, in their upcoming game on Monday, December 30th. Radford, a Division I school, will be the first Division I school the team has played since their game against SUNY Buffalo in 2010. Although Houghton is currently a Division III school, athletics faculty are quick to point out that this is not necessarily a discouraging fact. “The perception that Division III is not serious is an incorrect perception,” said Skip Lord, executive director of athletics, stating that the top 15-20 schools in Division III are competitive against bottom-tier schools in Division I. “Of course, they want to bring in someone where there’s a higher probability to win,” he added, but maintained that this is still an opportunity for the men’s team.

Courtesy of houghton.edu
Courtesy of houghton.edu

The chance to play against a Division I school is considered a beneficial and constructive one. “There are a lot of reasons to go into it,” said Drew Hannan, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “Generally speaking, the reason for us to go is the opportunity to play against that level of competition. …[I]t’s an opportunity to really test yourself against a very good team, a very good program….”  Lord described it as a “unique opportunity … to play a game that you probably wouldn’t get to play otherwise.” Chris Enlow, junior and a member of the team, sees the game as an opportunity to show a moral victory to any spectators. “If we come away from it together and just stick together through it, we can sort of make a statement to the Empire 8 that ‘Hey, we can actually play basketball; don’t just look down on us,'” he said.

In addition to providing a substantial challenge to players, the college also benefits from financial compensation from competitors. The practice of scheduling “guarantee games” between a higher-ranked school and a lower-ranked one is not uncommon amongst institutions of higher education. Each game a pair of schools plays is contracted for a certain time and place and financial consideration is often included in such contracts. Talks for such a game between Radford and Houghton began last April even though the men’s team had already filled its schedule at that point. The decision to play against Radford was made in June after a space opened up.

In Houghton’s case, a “modest sum,” as Lord described, was provided to the college by Radford to cover travel and lodging expenses. As the team boasts 20 members, this allows them to travel with a bigger roster. “We’re not able to get any frills or extra stuff with it, but we are able to then travel with a bigger squad then we’d normally be able to carry,” said Hannan. In previous years, extraneous funds have been used for other team expenses. “Even if there is money left in the budget, it goes right back in the institutional kitty,” explained Lord. Added Hannan, “I know one year we were able to use the money to buy uniforms, at least partially. It’s not a huge amount that doubles our budget or anything, but it’s enough to help some.”

Occasionally upsets do happen; Houghton has won guarantee games against colleges in higher divisions before. The chance of winning is still present. Overall, players remain optimistic, albeit anxious. “[O]ur guys are excited about it,” said Hannan. “There are some nerves coming in terms of playing a team that you know is going to be extremely talented. …[G]enerally the first few minutes are very difficult in that game; then you just adjust to that style, that level of play.” “Anything can happen,” said Enlow. “Like they say in football, ‘Any given Sunday.’ Really, if we go down there and play our top game… who knows?” When asked about the possibility of an upset, he laughed. “If we end up winning, we better get a freakin’ parade when we get back here.”

 

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Opinions

Selflessness and Humility in the NCCAA

This past weekend the Houghton cross country team competed at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship meet in Cedarville, Ohio. Roughly 50 meters before the finish, Cara Davenport, Houghton College junior, collapsed and was unable to keep going. Moments later, teammate Judith Marklin, Houghton freshman, stopped for Davenport and carried her through to the finish line, crossing it together.

The meet official disqualified both girls, saying they aided each other during the race. The whole situation pushed the women’s team from about seventh place to eighteenth place overall. But in a situation where helping another competitor damages ones own race-time, especially at a national championship meet, should a rule of aiding a teammate apply?

Section 8, subsection f, of the NCAA XC and Track and Field rule book states that an athlete can be disqualified “If unduly aided by a coach, a teammate not in the race or a non-competitor associated with the team.”

Marklin had not yet finished the race, so what exactly did she do wrong? The rule doesn’t include

runners who are also competing, allowing you to question the call made by the official. For those who witnessed the dramatic finish, it is safe to say cheating did not cross their minds, but instead I imagine they saw complete selflessness and love.

In a case where the “rules are rules” mentality wins, there is little to be done. Although many coaches of opposing colleges voted in favor of Davenport and Marklin, saying they should not be disqualified, the meet official had the final say. In the end, it was 100% the official’s decision in the disqualification. Had the assisting of an athlete helped the school, that would be cheating, but should the rule need to apply to all situations? Although the legality of it all makes sense, what does

the situation say about ethics?

The mission statement of the NCCAA reads, “The NCCAA is an association of Christ-centered collegiate institutions whose mission is to use athletics competition as an integral component of education, evangelism and encouragement.”

What happened on the course that day reflected exactly that. Those watching and competing alongside Davenport and Marklin were educated and encouraged at that moment. To see such humility can encourage everyone to do something great when the chance is presented to him or her.

nccaa

An organization, which is meant to be founded on the teaching and ways of Christ, disqualified an athlete for doing exactly what Christ calls us to do. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

“The selflessness of a teammate to stop their race and give up their individual glory to help a teammate to the finish. That is the reason I coach, because the spirit of sport is revealed and the true character of our athletes shines through,” said cross country and track and field coach, Matthew Dougherty.

“After the race as Judith and I were helping Cara to the bus a girl from another team came up to us and told Cara what an awesome finish she had and how great Judith was for helping her,” explained Houghton senior and cross-country captain Leah Williams.

Despite the NCCAA’s decision to disqualify both Davenport and Marklin, there is still a great story to be told. It almost brought me to tears watching the two of them cross the line. “Cara has been such a strong asset to the team this year and to see her give everything she had to get across the finish line makes me so proud to call her my teammate. And for Judith to sacrifice her own race is one of the most selfless acts I’ve ever seen,” said Williams.

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News

Update on Athletic Complex Construction

Due to the Kerr-Pegula donation and transition to NCAA division III, Houghton has seen Burke Field completed, the baseball and softball fields nearly done, and the ground-breaking of the field house thus far.

Courtesy of flickr.com
Courtesy of flickr.com

The baseball and softball fields have already been put to use as various teams have begun holding practice on the turf. Additionally, local baseball leagues have already played on the baseball field. While certain finishing touches still have to be made, such as the tower that will overlook the softball pitch and connect to the field house, the fields are now available for use.

Last year, the baseball and softball teams traveled everyday in order to practice on fields in  Angelica and Cuba-Rushford, so the completion of the fields at Houghton is eagerly anticipated amongst the players. “We are excited to play on our new beautiful field that is in our own backyard,” said junior softball player Sarah Beirne.

Skip Lord, Executive Director of Athletics, on the subject of the new tower and connected field house, said that “When [the workers] have the main work done on the tower, probably by the middle of October, they will pour the foundations for the [field house] and the concrete slab…for support.”

Jason Mucher, Director of Compliance and Communications, added to this and said that “This building is already pre-[fabricated], all the pieces and components of it are being put together now and designed in the factory. [The construction workers] will bring it here on trucks and connect it sort of like tinker toys.” Speaking to the construction process itself, Lord said that “they are going to put it together in sections, so it will unfold kind of like an accordion.”

Sections of the outdoor structure of the field house should be completed by the time cold weather comes, so that the construction workers can shift their focus to the inside of the field house throughout the winter and spring. Communication between on-site workers and the contractor is frequent and clear, allowing construction plans are adapted as needed to fit the layout of the worksite. Once a solid foundation has been finished, the workers will be able to move out of the ground, and the remainder of the work needed should be more predictable.

In addition to a 200 meter, 8 lane track, jumping pits, tennis courts, and bleachers seating 800-1000 people, the complex will have offices, locker rooms, VIP conference room, fitness center, weight room, training room, kitchen, and concessions stand. While fitting all of these components into one complex does pose challenges, the plans have been drawn up so that all the components fit together accordingly.

The new complex will be multi-functional and while it will directly cater to the athletic teams, students may make use of the fitness center, weight room, courts, etc. The field house itself will be accessible to the entire student body, allowing the intramural program to expand as well as creating more classrooms for the recreation and physical education departments. Lord and Mucher have both explored possible functions and events for the field house once it is completed.

“It is a big community convention center where you can have concerts, speakers, commencement, flea markets. Or those types of thing that require a lot of open space. It has accessibility and food preparation capability,” said Mucher, “So we can hold anything that requires a large area within this region that does not necessarily have anything to do with athletics. It is a service to the region.”

Following the completion of the field house, there are plans to do more renovations to the Nielsen Center. The movement of a number of offices to the new complex will give Nielsen significantly more space. The volleyball team and both basketball teams would have the opportunity to have their own respective team locker rooms. However, this is more of a long-term goal, and would not be put into action until the college has the appropriate funds.

Regarding the completion date of the field house, Lord said, “These things always get pushed around a little bit, but right now it is supposed to be done May 23rd.”

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Sports

Women’s Soccer Team Gears Up for Fall Season

The women’s soccer team has begun their second transitional year into NCAA Empire 8. This marks Coach David Lewis’s 22nd year coaching the lady Highlanders. Houghton alum, Katie Philips has returned as the team’s assistant coach along with Kevin Austin training the keepers.

Last year, the team was composed of 36 players. This high number was due in part to the termination of the JV soccer program. This year, the roster number remains high, but has dropped to 31. There are few overnight games this year, meaning that the whole team will travel for most of the games.

Womens_Soccer“I definitely think [having a couple less players] contributes to [doing better] because that is when we play as a team,” said junior Katherine Tomlinson, “It is a lot easier to be a team when there are less of us.”

“I like this year’s team chemistry. Not that last year’s was bad or anything, it is just really good this year,” said Lewis, “The overall team depth, the strength as we go deep into our line-up, is very good. It has improved.”

Coach Lewis highlighted senior captains, Alyssa Figueroa and Erin Miller’s play this season. The third captain, senior Amanda Zacchigna, has been injured from the start of the season, but is anticipated to contribute defensively with her recovery.

“Our bench was not as strong [last year], but our freshmen have come in and stepped it up. Our eleven seniors are holding their own on the field and giving us those wins,” said Tomlinson, “We are possessing well as a team and just working better as a team overall this season.”

“As a captain it is our job to…make sure the team is bonded on and off the field and also to continue pushing ourselves. Right now we are 3-0 and doing well, but we cannot afford to slack off,” said Miller, “So we have to maintain focus and also have fun on the field; not just be all serious all the time.”

Overall the team has a record of 4-0-0 thus far. Junior Danielle Lyndsley leads the team in total goals scored at three, while junior Stephany Ellison has the most points, shots, and assists, totaling seven, twenty-nine, and three, respectively. Senior Atalie Fite has also contributed to the attack statistics as she has stepped into the forward position this season.

Figueroa and sophomore Sarah Gabriele are noted for their defensive contribution to the team. Opposing teams have not scored against the Houghton women due to the women’s strong defense and sophomore Shawna Sprout and senior Michelle Mahoney playing in goal.

“Obviously we are still not eligible for qualifications for Empire 8, but we still want to compete with the top teams in the conference and finish with the top bracket,” said Lewis, “We want to finish with them as if it did count. We would also like to qualify for the national Christian tournament and…make a good run.”

“A goal, without a doubt, especially being a senior, is to go further than we ever have in nationals. I would love to win it,” said Miller, “Our next goal is to just continue going hard and winning each game. I would love to go undefeated this year.”