DePauw Tips Austin College; Advances to Second Straight Semi-Final

DePauw University (18-8, 12-4 SCAC) overcame a four point halftime deficit and withstood an Austin College rally late in the second half and advanced to the SCAC semifinals with a 61-56 win Friday afternoon.

Trailing 59-56 with 6.2 seconds left in the game, Austin College had a chance to tie the game. The No. 3 West seed Kangaroos inbounded the ball from underneath its own hoop and had a potential 3-on-2 break away only to be fouled on the inbounds pass. Ransom Okpala missed the ensuing free throw and DePaw's Steve Lemasters grabbed the rebound and iced the game with a pair of free throws.

The Kangaroos (12-14, 7-9 SCAC) shot just under 43 percent in the first half in jumping out to a 30-26 lead. Austin College was led by Walter Phillips' 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Also scoring in double-figures for the Kangaroos was Scott Straley who chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds.

DePauw's Michael Wilkison scored a team-high 14 points while teammate Tommy Weakley added 11 points. Wilkison added five assits to go along with four rebounds. Senior Ryan Sever nearly tallied a double-double as he scored eight points and grabbed a team high 10 rebounds, including a crucial offensive rebound with under 10 seconds to play and his team clinging to a 58-56 lead.

DePauw advances to the SCAC semifinals on Saturday, February 26. The Tigers square off against No. 1 West seed Trinity, who beat Rhodes 62-42 earlier in the day. The Tigers will make its second straight appearance in the SCAC semifinals and the program's fifth semifinal appearance since 2003.

After the game SCAC Sports Information Director Jeff DeBaldo caught up with both head coaches along with senior forward Ryan Sever of DePauw.

To listen to Austin College head coach Rodney Wecker, click here.

To listen to senior Ryan Sever of DePauw, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Bill Fenlon, click here.

2011 - SCAC Softball Media Days - Austin College

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its first annual softball "media days" event beginning Monday, February 14.

Day one features a sit down with head coach Edie Fletcher along with senior first baseman Stefanie Faith of Austin College.

Fletcher and the 'Roos enter their fifth season since joining the SCAC with a combined conference record of 24-36 in the previous four seasons. Fletcher guided Austin College to a record of 12-18 a year ago, 5-11 in SCAC play.

Faith, a three time all conference performer, enters her senior season just two home runs shy of breaking the SCAC career record. As a junior, Faith hit .381 with 27 hits, 32 RBIs, 20 runs scored and nine home runs.

To listen to head coach Edie Fletcher, click here.

To listen to senior Stefanie Faith, click here.

2011 - SCAC Baseball Media Days - Austin College

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its first annual baseball "media days" event beginning Monday, February 7.

Day one features a sit down with head coach James Rise along with senior shortstop Andy White of Austin College.

Rise, enters his first year at the helm of the 'Roos, inherits a team that is coming off a 2010 season posting a 19-20 record 9-11 in SCAC play.

White is a two-time All-SCAC performer coming off a junior campaign in which he hit .413 from the plate with 57 hits and 33 RBIs. White was also spectacular in the field with 121 assists on .957 fielding percentage.

To listen to first year head coach James Rise, click here.

To listen to senior shortstop Andy White, click here.

SCAC Men's Basketball Podcast - Week 2

On this week's SCAC Men's Basketball Podcast Director of Communications Russell Kramer caught up with Player-of-the-Week Josh Saunders of Austin College.

Saunders a junior forward from Athens, Texas, has been named SCAC Basketball Player-of-the-Week for games played Monday, December 6 through Sunday, December 12.

Saunders scored a game-high 18 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds in the Kangaroos’ 79-64 win over Rhema Bible College. He finished the game one assists shy of a triple-double and tallied three steals.

Saunders shot 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from floor while connecting on all four of his free throws. He also was 2-of-3 shooting from three-point range in the win.

To listen to Saunders, a junior forward from Austin College, click here.

2010 SCAC Basketball Media Days - Austin College

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its first annual basketball "media days" event beginning Monday, November 15.

Day one features a sit down with both head coaches at Austin College Michelle Filander and Rodney Wecker along with senior forward Spenser Cruikshank and junior forward Josh Saunders.

The Roos enter the 2010-11 season under head coach Rodney Wecker coming of a banner season just a year ago. Austin College behind SCAC Player-of-the-Year Kola Alade posted a 20-7 record 12-4 in conference play and the top seed in the Western Division. Josh Saunders returns to lead a team with no seniors after posting 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per contest.

To listen to Austin College head coach Rodney Wecker, click here.

To listen to junior forward Josh Saunders, click here.

The Lady Roos return to the hardwood under new head coach Michelle Filander who arrives in Sherman from Washington and Jefferson College. Behind Player-of-the-Year Katy Williams Austin College posted its best record since joining the SCAC at 18-8 (12-4). Senior Spenser Cruikshank returns to lead the Roos after a junior campaign which she averaged 5.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24.2 minutes a ballgame.

To listen to first year head coach Michelle Filander of Austin College, click here.

To listen to senior forward Spenser Cruikshank, click here.

SCAC Women's Soccer Podcast

This week on the SCAC Women's Soccer Podcast Director of Communications Russell Kramer had the chance to catch up with SCAC C0-Offensive Players-of-the-Week Ali Ryan of Austin College and Alicia Plotky of Birmingham-Southern.

Kramer also caught up with SCAC Defensive Player-of-the-Week Kelli Lenz of Centre.

Ryan scored twice in Austin College’s lone game last week and added an assist, giving the junior six goals in five games so far this year. Ryan has scored a goal in every game so far this season for the ‘Roos.

Plotky scored a hat trick in the Panthers’ home opener on Sunday against Agnes Scott College, and also recorded two assists in the 7-0 victory. One of her assists was on the first goal of the game, which would become the game-winner. Plotky also led the team with five shots, four of those on-goal.

Lenz earned a pair of shut-out wins on the road this past weekend for the Colonels. Saturday afternoon in Hanover, Ind., Centre defeated Hanover College 1-0. Lenz faced seven shots and recorded four saves in the net.

Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati, Ohio, Centre defeated the College of Mount Saint Joseph 4-0 in which Lenz faced eight shots and recorded four more saves. In over 500 minutes of play, Lenz has earned three shutouts and posts a GAA of 0.66.

In seven opening games, Lenz’s leadership in goal has helped earn the Colonels four shut-outs and has limited their opponents to three goals and only seven corners.

To listen to Ali Ryan of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Alicia Plotky of Birmingham-Southern, click here.

To listen to Kelli Lenz of Centre, click here.

SCAC Men's Soccer Podcast

This week on the SCAC Men's Soccer Podcast Director of Communications Russell Kramer had the chance to catch up with SCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week Sam Temple of Austin College.

Kramer also spoke with SCAC Defensive Player-of-the-Week Chris Jackson of Centre.

Temple scored five goals, including a first half hat trick, despite playing less than half the game in a 6-0 victory over Dallas Christian College in Austin College’s lone match of the week. Temple has a team-best eight goals in six games this season.

Jackson had a great weekend for the Colonels in the net. Over the weekend, the Colonels traveled to Mount Saint Joseph’s on Friday and Wilmington College on Saturday. In the first match at MSJ, Jackson made several breakaway stops on his way to five total saves in the game, to secure the win for Centre.

The following game, Jackson posted his third shutout of the year against Wilmington College, making three saves along the way for the Colonels. helping Centre improve to a 5-1 record. On the weekend, Jackson made eight saves and had a .50 GAA.

To listen to Sam Temple of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Chris Jackson of Centre, click here.

SCAC Football Podcast

This week on the SCAC Football Podcast; Director of Communications Russell Kramer sat down with SCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week Michael Engle of DePauw, Defensive Player-of-the-Week Matt Finke of Austin College and Special Teams Player-of-the-Week Jordan Albright of Centre.

Engle equaled a DePauw single-game school record with six touchdown passes as the Tigers' cruised to a 45-16 season-opening victory over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Engle completed 26-of-36 passes for 300 yards in just his second career start, and tied the school mark of six TD passes set by Spud Dick against Rhodes last year. The senior signal-caller tossed two TD each passes to all-American wideout Alex Koors (7 and 12 yards) and Nathan Evans (9 and 5 yards). Jon Ellis (12 yards) and Bobby Coburn (1 yard) each hauled in one scoring reception from Engle.

Finke tallied five tackles (two solo) while also intercepting two passes and returning one interception 68-yards to the Texas Lutheran one-yard line. Both interceptions led to Kangaroo touchdowns in a 20-14 home win over TLU.

Albright returned four punts for 119 yards for an average of 29.8 yards per punt in the Colonels’ 35-0 home-opening win over Maryville (Tenn.). Albright had a long return of 54 yards in the game.

To listen to Michael Engle of DePauw, click here.

To listen to Matt Finke of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Jordan Albright of Centre, click here.

SCAC Women's Soccer Podcast

This week on the SCAC Women's Soccer Podcast Director of Communications Russell Kramer had the chance to catch up with SCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week Brittany Garr of Centre and SCAC Defensive Player-of-the-Week Kaitlin Elledge of Austin College.

Garr continues to be a driving force for the Colonels offense, currently leading the team with five goals and two assists. Saturday evening, while only playing 15 minutes, she earned a goal in the Colonels 5-0 win over Spalding.

Sunday afternoon against Berry, Garr earned two more goals and also posted three shots on the outing. For the weekend, Garr earned 6 points for the Colonels. On the season, Garr has earned 12 points in four games.

Elledge had a pair of shutouts over the weekend, blanking East Texas Baptist and the University of Dallas.
Elledge has three clean sheets in four games this season, surrendering a lone goal during a 4-0 start for Austin College.

To listen to Brittany Garr of Centre, click here.

To listen to Kaitlin Elledge of Austin College, click here.

SCAC Football Media Days - Day One

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its second annual "media days" event beginning Monday, August 30.

Day one is a sit down with Austin College head coach Loren Dawson along with seniors Austin Light and Evan Coachman.

The SCAC also had the opportunity to talk with Birmingham-Southern head coach Eddie Garfinkle and seniors Jeremy Jones and Ryan Creel.

To listen to head coach Loren Dawson of Austin College, click here.

To listen to senior DB Evan Coachman of Austin College, click here.

To listen to senior OT Austin Light of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Birmingham-Southern head coach Eddie Garfinkle, click here.

To listen to senior DL Jeremy Jones of Birmingham-Southern, click here.

To listen to senior OL Ryan Creel of Birmingham-Southern, click here.

SCAC Volleyball Media Days - Day One

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its second annual "media days" event beginning Monday, August 30.

Day one is a sit down with Austin College head coach Ed Garza and Birmingham-Southern head coach April Fricke.

To listen to Ed Garza of Austin College, click here.

To listen to April Fricke of Birmingham-Southern, click here.

SCAC Women's Soccer Media Days - Day One

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its second annual "media days" event beginning Monday, August 30.

Day one is a sit down with Austin College head coach Paul Burns, Birmingham-Southern head coach Benji Walton and finally Centre head coach Jay Hoffman.

To listen to Paul Burns of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Benji Walton of Birmingham-Southern, click here.

To listen to Jay Hoffman of Centre, click here.

SCAC Men's Soccer Media Days - Day One

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference office will conduct its second annual "media days" event beginning Monday, August 30.

Day one is a sit down with Austin College head coach Mark Hudson, Birmingham-Southern head coach Preston Goldfarb and finally Centre head coach Jeb Burch.

To listen to Mark Hudson of Austin College, click here.

To listen to Preston Goldfarb of Birmingham-Southern, click here. Part Two.

To listen to Jeb Burch of Centre, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Trinity vs. Austin College

The Trinity University Tigers jumped out to an 11-3 lead after three innings and survived numerous Austin College rallies, to eliminate the Kangaroos from the SCAC Baseball championship with an 18-12 win at USA Stadium Friday afternoon.

Trinity, the 19th-ranked team in the nation, received solid offensive production throughout the entire lineup. Seven of the nine players in the lineup recorded multi-hits for the Tigers (30-7) led by left fielder Nick Papas' four RBI (3-for-6, two doubles) and third baseman Dominick Robusto's three RBI (3-for-5, three runs, one double).

Other Tigers that recorded tallied multi-hit performances included Jonathan Hall (two), Kevin Jackson (two), Evan Jones (two), Chris Walden (two), Kevin Calbrik (two) and Dylan Early (three).

Trinity's Michael Bentz, in relief of starter Noah Soloman, picked up the win by tossing 3.2 innings of relief and scattered four hits, struck out two and allowed four earned runs. Christian Curtis picked up the loss for the 'Roos (19-21) by pitching two innings while allowing six hits and five earned runs.

The game was an offensive outburst from the beginning. In fact, the only pitcher from either team to pitch four or more innings was Austin College's Scooter Merritt. Merritt allowed just one run in pitching the eighth and ninth innings.

Though Trinity jumped to an 11-3 lead after three innings, the 'Roos refused to go quietly. By the end of the fifth inning, Austin College had cut Trinity's lead to 11-7 thanks in large part to a four run Kangaroo fourth inning. Shortstop Andy White paced the Austin College offense as he was 4-for-6 with one run scored and drove in four more. Jordan Robison was 3-for-4 with a run scored and Philip Gonzales was 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

Trinity will take on DePauw (who beat Millsaps earlier in the afternoon at Rhodes), Saturday at Noon for the right to advance through the winner's bracket and into the championship game.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC caught up with both head coaches.

To listen to Austin College head coach Carl Iwasaki, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Tim Scannell, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - DePauw vs. Austin College

The game of the night during the first day of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament was the nightcap between the DePauw University Tigers and the Austin College Kangaroos. After two slugfests preceded the game, DePauw and Austin College played a classic pitchers duel with the Tigers hanging on for a 3-2 win at USA Stadium.

DePauw, the East's #1 seed, scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the first inning and survived a furious Austin College rally in the top of the ninth. The #3 West seeded Kangaroos had runners on first and second with two outs in the top of the ninth when a wild pitch advanced Scooter Merritt and Jamie Garcia to second and third respectively. That was as close as the 'Roos got as Andy White flew out to center field to end the game.

Tigers starting pitcher Brad Gerlach tossed wonderful 7.1 innings, scattering eight hits while yielding two earned runs and striking out seven. Any Manson relieved Gerlach to pick up the last two outs in the eighth before freshman T.J. Witham closed the door in the ninth for the save. Gerlach improved to 3-2 on the year.

Kanaroo starting pitcher Tyler Steed was the tough luck losing pitcher. He pitched a solid eight innings scattering six hits, three earned runs and struck out four. He dropped to 5-6 this season.

DePauw got on the board thanks to a Jon Newman two-out RBI single. The next batter, Alex Wright, then doubled to right center scoring Newman and Rob McPike.

Austin College got on the board in the fourth. After Jordon Robison doubled to right center he was sacrificed to third. Robison then scored on Bennett Herrick's single to center field. The 'Roos then cut the lead in half in the top of the eighth when Tyler Appelquist doubled home Andy White.

DePauw will play Millsaps at 7 p.m. Friday while Austin College will take on West Division rival Trinity at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

After the game Jeff Debaldo of the SCAC caught up with both managers.

To listen to Austin College head coach Carl Iwasaki, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Jake Martin, click here.

Stage Set; DePauw defeats Austin College 53-47 Advancing to face Centre in SCAC Title Game

DePauw University, the second seed from the East, used a 17 point effort from Drew Wills to defeat Austin College in the semifinals of the 2010 SCAC Tournament, 53-47.

The Tigers' win was the first win for a lower seeded team during the tournament. DePauw's Tony James was the only other Tiger to score in double-figures as he chipped in with 11 points and four assists.

The first half was marked by poor shooting as from both teams as DePauw shot 21.9 percent (7-for-32) and Austin College shot 26.9 percent (7-for-26). The Tigers held a 17-16 halftime lead. However, DePauw shot nearly 58 percent (11-for-19) while Austin College shot 11-for-29 (37.9 percent).

The Kangaroos were paced by senior guard, and 2009-10 SCAC Player of the Year, Kola Alade. Alade tallied a team-high 14 points on six-for-19 shooting to go along with six assists and two steals.

DePauw held a slight advantage on the glass, 39-32. With the win, the Tigers advance to their second SCAC championship game and look for the program's third league title since joining the SCAC in 1998-99. The Tigers improved to 20-7. Austin College dropped to 20-7, a school record season.

After the game SCAC Director of Communications Russell Kramer caught up with both head coaches and DePauw senior guard Tony James.

To listen to Austin College head coach Rodney Wecker, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Bill Fenlon, click here.

To listen to DePauw senior guard Tony James, click here.

Alade's 23 Pushes Austin College past Rhodes 74-68

Senior point guard Kola Alade scored 23 points and fell one rebound shy of a double-double as the #1W Austin College Kangaroos earned the school's first-ever 20 win season with a 74-68 win over #4E Rhodes College.

Alade was 8-for-20 from the field (7-for-8 from the free throw line) and five of his nine rebounds were offensive rebounds. The 'Roos relied on a steady does of second chance opportunities in the win. Austin College held a 26-6 margin in second chance points and out paced Rhodes by a 36-3 mark in points off the bench.

Teammate Josh Saunders chipped in with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting and tallied eight rebounds while Nick Wade scored 14 points while shooting 4-for-7 from 3-point range.

The game was a tight affair throughout, evidenced by the nine ties and seven lead changes. The 'Roos were able to build a 37-34 halftime lead even though the Lynx shot 50 percent (10-for-20) in the first half.

Rhodes trimmed the Austin College lead to just four, at 59-55, with 7:27 remaining after a pair of Nathan Ollie free throws. However, the 'Roos went on a 9-3 run to build a 10 point lead (its largest of the night) with 3:26 left in the ball game.

The Lynx stayed in the game thanks in large part to their free throw shooting as Rhodes went to the line 22 more times than Austin College. Rhodes sank 30-of-39 from the charity stripe while the 'Roos shot 70.6 percent (12-for-17).

Rhodes was paced by first-year guard Andrew Galow's 22 points. Galow hit 13-of-15 from the line while shooting 4-for-6 from the floor. He also added four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Also leading Rhodes was Reid Hamilton (18 points) and Kory Kilpatrick (11 points).

SCAC Director of Sports Information Jeff Debaldo had the chance to catch up with both head coaches and Austin College senior Kola Alade.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Herb Hilgeman, click here.

To listen to Austin College head coach Rodney Wecker, click here.

To listen to Austin College senior Kola Alade, click here.

Rhodes defeats Austin College 57-42 to Advance to the SCAC Women's Semifinals for the First time since 2007

Rhodes College pulled the first upset of the 2010 SCAC Women's Basketball Tournament as the third-seed from the East Division upended the West Division second-seed Austin College, 57-42, Friday afternoon on the campus of Belhaven University.

Next up for the Lynx is a match-up with 17th-ranked DePauw University, the top seed who defeated Southwestern University, 81-43, the game before. Saturday's first semifinal tips at 5 p.m. CT.

Rhodes (14-12) was led by Becky Atnip, who finished with a game-high 15 points and teammates Becca Clarin and Sharwil Bell followed with 14 points each. Clarin added eight rebounds and was 4-for-6 form three point range.

Although neither team shot the ball particularly well - Austin College shot 31.5% to Rhodes' 30.2% - the Lynx used a full court press that forced the 'Roos in 20 turnovers. Rhodes also held Austin College to 2-for-20 shooting (10%) from beyond the three-point arc after the 'Roos led the SCAC in three-point shooting (37%) during the regular season.

Rhodes led 27-19 at the half.

Austin College, which ends its season with an 18-8 mark, was led by senior Katy Williams, who had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Williams ends her career as the league's all-time leading rebounder with 1,083. Her 320 rebounds this season are the most ever in a SCAC single-season by a women's player.

After the game SCAC Director of Communications Russell Kramer caught up with both head coaches and senior guard Becky Atnip of Rhodes.

To listen to Austin College head coach Deb Hunter, click here.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Matt Dean, click here.

To listen to senior guard Becky Atnip, click here.

SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast - Week Six

On this weeks SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast we will take a look back at the first weekend of cross-divisional action as the west protected home court holding a 9-3 advantage. We will also take a look forward to this weekends cross-divisional play as the east looks to even up the record and protect their home court advantage. Finally we will announce this weeks POTW, troll the polls taking a look inside the top 25 and bring you up to date on the latest SCAC standings.

The conference office also had a chance to catch up with Southwestern junior forward Shae Seagraves and Austin College head coach Deb Hunter.

To listen to this weeks SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast, click here.

SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast - Week Four

On this year's first edition of the 2010 SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast we will take a look back at the first conference action of the new year. Look ahead to the schedule of games this week as all 12 teams will be in action and finally bring you up to date with the latest conference standings.

The conference office also had a chance to catch up with DePauw head coach Kris Huffman and Austin College senior Kayla Redden.

To listen to this weeks SCAC Women's Basketball Podcast, click here.