Tag: nccaa

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Campus News

Highlander Soccer Plays Tough at Nationals

Photo courtesy of Jason Mucher

The Highlander  men’s and women’s soccer teams competed in the Division I National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship last week in Kissimmee, Florida.

The men’s season ended sooner than anticipated after losing each of their two games in the first round of play in the tournament.

In the women’s championship, Houghton had one win and one tie in the first round, advancing them to the semi-finals where they ended their season, losing to Colorado Christian University, who went on to win the championship.

Going into the tournament the women were seeded 8th of 9 teams, and were placed in Pool B with the #2 and #5 seeds. “Our team played very well in the Pool Games and advanced to the Final Four by winning our pool” said Lewis.

Reflecting on last year’s tournament, Jennifer Zacchigna ’17 said, “We had a strong performance on the women’s side, making it to the final four in a tournament with a lot of talented teams.”

She continued, “We would’ve loved to make it to the championship to defend our title, but overall we were definitely happy we were able to make it as far as we did.”

According to David Lewis, Women’s Soccer Head Coach, the  team lost 14 players from last year’s National Champion Team due to graduation, injury, or academic conflicts.

“This team’s focus was to improve in two levels: quality of soccer and quality of effort. They improved significantly throughout the season it showed in their post-season play. From start to finish, they represented one of the most improved teams I have coached here at Houghton,” said Lewis.

Men’s midfielder Jesse Toth ’17 said, “We didn’t do as well as we wanted as we lost both our games, but I am super proud of our team and what we accomplished this season.”

He continued, “The National Christian tournament is a very competitive series with some of the best teams around the country. Being in Florida with your best friends is very hard to complain about. While losing was disappointing, when we put it in perspective, we knew we gave it all we had and left nothing on the field.”

Toth reflected on the opportunity to have both Houghton soccer teams in Florida. This is the first time in a few years both teams have been in the tournament at the same time. “Having both teams there was a blast. Our games were spaced out perfectly so we were able to watch each other’s games in their entirety.”

He continued, “It was very cool to get to know some of the girls better. It is so different interacting with people when school is not the focus on people’s minds and you can just have genuine conversation, especially on such a long bus ride.”

While in Florida, the women’s team completed a service project organized by Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and Feeding Children Everywhere.  The men and women’s teams who made it to the semi-finals had the opportunity to participate.

“We went to the CRU headquarters to help prepare meals for families to send to Haiti. It was a great time of fellowship with the other teams and a really successful effort to help families in need,” said Zacchigna.

Although neither team brought home a national title, the opportunity for both soccer teams to compete in the tournament was a huge success as they needed both a good record and success in the region tournament in order to move to post-season play.

Toth said, “It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the Houghton Men’s Soccer Program This team has taught me that it’s not about the result of the game. Win or lose, our main focus is glorifying God through our actions on the field. I truly believe that we accomplished that at the national tournament.”

The National Championship title was claimed by Southwestern Christian University for the men and Colorado Christian University for the women.

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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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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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News

Athletes Compete in Track and Field Championships

This weekend, Houghton’s indoor track and field team will be traveling to Bourbonnais, Illinois for the 2014 National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Indoor Track and Field Championship.  Interestingly, Olivet Nazarene University, which is hosting the event, is also fielding a purple and gold team.

After a nine-hour journey, Houghton’s athletes will prepare for a multitude of events including four short distance sprinting events and one hurdle event; 3 long distance races; triple, high, and long jump, and other field events such as the shot put and relays.  Two rigorous and lengthy events round out the meet: the women’s pentathlon (60 meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800 meter sprints) and the men’s heptathlon (60 meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60 meter hurdles, pole vault, & 1000 meter sprints).

trackfield_savannah_doviakSo far this season Houghton’s athletes have been competing well in their events.  Freshman Marshall Brady, once a local high school athlete, set a new school record in a meet this past Saturday in Ithaca.  Scoring 4141 points after his final event, Brady finished tenth out of twenty-three against a field of athletes from St. John Fisher, Cortland, Cornell, and other regional universities.  The week before, Brady was named as NCCAA Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Week.  Another freshman, Joanna Friesen, a native of Pennsylvania, nearly broke the school record with her pentathlon score of 2279 points in five events.  Friesen placed twelfth out of fifteen in her field.  Junior Andrea Melhorn also shattered an old school record in the hammer throw with a score that landed her in thirteenth place in her event.  These athletes will lead the charge for Houghton in their events in Illinois.

Travelling along with the athletes and trainers will be the meet’s Vice Chair Matt Dougherty, a Houghton graduate of the class of 2001, who was named men’s track coach in 2010.  Coach Dougherty provided solid endorsements for the swath of athletes Houghton will be bringing to the event.  “As always, we are looking to improve every chance we get to compete and we look to see how competitive we can be in the team rankings.  The men are fairly low this year with injuries to some key upperclassmen and some athletes who are just lacking their fitness from a year ago.  The women are a good mix of new and experienced athletes. Hopefully our seniors can help our first year runners adapt well to the national championships.”

Houghton’s men’s and women’s track and field team also performed at the Empire 8 Championships in Ithaca at the beginning of February.  While Ithaca ended up sweeping both the men’s and women’s overall titles, Houghton’s athletes successfully finished in the top five in a multitude of events. Friesen placed in the 800 meter sprint, the distance medley relay (DMR), and the 4×400 meter relay, while Figueroa placed in the triple jump and 60 meter sprint events.  Another female athlete, senior Leah Williams assisted in the DMR and ranked highly in the women’s mile race.  For the men, a fifth position in the DMR as well as strong performances by Brady in the long, triple, and high jumps rounded out Houghton’s first round of indoor championship events.

Houghton’s gradual integration into the NCCAA allows for continued involvement in NCCAA championship meets as well as NCAA events.  As a Christian organization, the NCCAA asks hosting universities to develop a service aspect of the event to parallel the athletic events.  This year’s project, sponsored by voluntary donations from participating colleges, is a partnership with an organization called Living Alternatives, a pro-life clinic and assistance program that seeks “to promote life-affirming options 
and provide practical assistance, while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed and to minister restoration to those who have been wounded by the trauma of abortion.”

Houghton’s track and field athletes head into this weekend’s championship events with great determination.  Coach Dougherty, when asked about pre-event jitters, commented, “I wouldn’t say we are nervous. It’s an excited anticipation to test ourselves to find out where we are.  This year’s national championship is as competitive as it has ever been and, as one of the smallest schools competing and the only NCAA DIII competing this year, we try and make our presence known as best we can.”

 

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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

Women’s and Men’s Soccer Teams Compete at Nationals Tournament

As both the men’s and women’s soccer teams have finished their season play, they are headed to Kissimmee, Florida to play in the NCCAA regionals. Still in a transitional year to NCAA division III, neither team is allowed to compete in Empire 8 championship games.

Courtesy of houghton.edu
Courtesy of houghton.edu

The tournament is run like the World Cup in that there are three pools of three teams each. Seven are their respective region’s champions and two are at large bids. The top team that earns the most points from each pool will advance to the final four along with one wild card team. Three points are earned for winning, one point for tying, and no points for losing.

The women finished strong with a record of 13-3-1. They hosted Regionals against Mount Vernon Nazarene University, defeating them 2-0, to go on to Nationals. This is the eleventh consecutive year that the women’s team has headed to Florida for Nationals.

Houghton’s pool includes: Trinity Christian College and Azusa Pacific University. The other teams competing are Palm Beach Atlantic University, Lee University, Grace College, Judson University, Point Loma University and Dallas Baptist University. Houghton is the eighth seed.

“Since we have made it to the final site for Nationals in the past, we are really seeking to get past that first game in the tournament with a win,” said senior captain Amanda Zacchigna, “I’d love to see our team make it to the final four playing in our style that we have been working on mastering all season.”

Unfortunately, the women lost both pool play games.  The score of the first game against the second seed, Trinity Christian College was 3-1 and 2-1 against Azusa Pacific University. They finished well with a record of 13-5-1.

“We would like to play good, quality soccer and advance to the Final Four,” said Coach David Lewis.

“The players have been working exceptionally hard since the close of the regular season. Despite very cold conditions and occasional snow they have put in some strong training sessions. The level of improvement since the onset of the season is quite evident.”

The men concluded their season against Roberts Wesleyan with a score of 2-0. Their final record was 15-2-1. They are headed to Florida to compete for the NCCAA Division I national championship.

As the fourth seed, their competition for pool play consisted of Southern Wesleyan University, to which Houghton lost 2-1, and Campbellsville University, which won with a score of 4-1, knocking Houghton out of the tournament. The other teams competing were Fresno Pacific University, Lee University, Mid-America Christian University, Judson University, Spring Arbor University, and Mississippi College.

“Goals are to play as many games as possible…and make it to the final,” said senior captain Paul Seddon, “But really to play to our full potential.”

Seddon was honored at the opening banquet with the Kyle Rote Jr. Award. He was honored for his leadership skills, academic performance, and contribution to the men’s soccer team throughout his years attending Houghton.

“I can see why old people move to Florida for retirement.  It is so mild and comfortable this time of year,” said Seddon, “I couldn’t think of a better way to end my college career.”

“I am thrilled to have our season end in Florida. We did what we needed to do throughout the season to make it to this point and we’re exactly where we should be,” said Zacchigna, “We’re good enough to compete with the teams at this tournament, so anything less than making it to the final site would have been a disappointment.”

 

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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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Sports

Athlete Profile: Mary Strand

Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu
Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu

Mary Strand was recently honored with the title of NCCAA Female Track and Field Athlete of the Week. Each week the NCCAA decides on one student athlete from a number of recognized schools to represent the accomplishments within that particular sport.  The recipient of the title exemplifies quality performances as well as Christian ideals.  

Strand set the new school record for the 200 meters, 4×200 meter relay, and qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 400 meter during a competition at Brockport State Invitational.  At Nationals, held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Strand helped the relay team beat the school record again and placed individually with her best time of the season.   

Strand, a sophomore, has been participating in track and field since seventh grade.  Although she is mostly a sprinter, she has also trained in other areas and was even part of last year’s JV soccer team.  

While Strand is appreciative of this award, she said she will continue to stay focused.  Strand said that  while running, “you push yourself as far as you can go and then you push yourself further.”
Strand attributes her success to the support of her coach and team.  Her captain, Sarah Munkittrick, said there is a lot to learn from Strand, describing her as a hard worker and a perfectionist who still remains humble.  Munkittrick also said that Strand “not only pushes the team to work harder but also brings them together.”

Track and field coach, Matthew Dougherty, said those honored with the title of Athlete of the Week are great performers, tremendous athletes and talented individuals, with Mary Strand possessing all of these qualities.  Dougherty defined Strand as someone who has strong motivation paired with a ferocity most would not expect, allowing her to achieve anything she sets her mind to.  

Strand plans on practicing just as hard in order to continually get better and achieve more later on in meets both as an individual and as a team.  Dougherty said that Strand’s position on the team is “integral in terms of chemistry,” helping to inspire others through her talent and fun attitude.  

Strand is excited to begin the outdoor track and field season, having used these recent experiences as a preparation phase.  She expects to practice and compete with the same determination, progressively challenging herself.  Dougherty said that Strand’s disposition is one of a “driven and focused individual who is strong spiritually, academically, and athletically.”  

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Sports

Indoor Track NCCAA National Championship

Fourteen of Houghton’s indoor track athletes made it to the the 2013 NCCAA National Championships, and will be competing at Indiana Wesleyan University in men’s and women’s indoor track today and tomorrow, February 15-16.

Courtesy of http://www.campbellsvilletigers.com/
Courtesy of http://www.campbellsvilletigers.com/

Those competing include Andrew McGinnis, Jordan Cady, Josiah Evans, Tim McGowan, Alyssa Figueroa, Mary Strand, Sarah Munkittrick, Tatum Mcleod, Savannah Doviak, Cara Davenport, Leah Williams, Andrea Melhorn, and Emilie Edwards. Senior Annelise Hein qualified but is unable to attend the meet.

There will be a number of well-ranked schools at the upcoming meet. Senior Captain Andrew McGinnis said he is “pumped to see the intensity of the competition.”   

Going into this meet, Smalley said the primary objective is to be “consistently successful in getting better.”  A realistic goal would include two All-American Athletes, a National Champion, and more personal bests.  

The track teams will have the opportunity to compete in the National Championship meet for the second time in recent years. This meet will conclude the indoor track season that started this past November.

Smalley said that during training an emphasis is put on “learning to compete, to relax, but still be strong and powerful.” Planning around academic schedules and the limited space in the gym made preparing for this meet difficult, Smalley commented.

With about a month before the outdoor season begins, the teams will be fully prepared for the transition. Robert Smalley, assistant coach to the track teams, said, “this is due to the developmental training that has happened up to this point.”

Weekly devotionals help bring the individual athletes together as a team. Both the men and women plan activities to bond. Junior captain Sarah Munkittrick said, “It’s easy to become self-focused. You have to remember you are not just an individual, but a team.”

Athletes must “drive themselves to be better – they don’t have teammates to pick up the slack,” said Smalley. Track is “difficult because you can’t hide in a team,” and Smalley said he hopes that in general the athletes will have learned to compete as individuals who encourage the team.  

The team is unique in that “there is no stereotype,” Munkittrick said.  All the athletes share a mental toughness that pushes them in essentially competing against themselves.  

Junior Alyssa Figueroa agreed that the sport “relies heavily on individual performance, and you must therefore set progressive goals.”

Figueroa recently beat the school record for the triple jump and is the defending National Champion for the 60m dash.  As a dual athlete who is also playing soccer, she said that she can see the differences competing in track has made in her running.  

Smalley said that “having dual athletes on the team really brings different body types and skills” that are beneficial. “Being a student athlete is difficult, but in the end builds good character.”