women's basketballNorthern Michigan

2008-09 yearbookwww.nmu.edu/sports

Quick Facts

Table of Contents

Northern Michigan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status in employment or the provision of services and provides, upon request reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.

Quick FactsLocation: Marquette, Mich. Nickname: WildcatsFounded: 1899Enrollment: 9,400President: Dr. Leslie (Les) WongAffiliation: NCAA II Conference: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceHome Court (capacity): Berry Events Center (4,000)Colors: Old Gold and Olive GreenDirector of Athletics: Ken GodfreyHead Basketball Coach: Troy Mattson Alma Mater: Northern Michigan ’86 NMU Record/Years: 24-54/3 Overall Record/Years: 24-54/3 OfficePhone:906-227-2643Assistant Coach:BrigitteLaPointe AlmaMater:Finlandia‘07 OfficePhone:906-227-2109Head Trainer: Jim Winkler OfficePhone:906-227-2027Equipment Manager: John Tesssaro OfficePhone:906-227-1110Sports Information Director: David Faiella OfficePhone:906-227-1013 HomePhone:906-226-8435 E-mail: dfaiella@nmu.edu Fax:906-227-2492Sports Hotline:906-227-1014Web Address: www.nmu.edu/sports

Team Information2007-08 Overall Record:9-172007-08 GLIAC Record/Place:4-14/7thGLIACNorthLetterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/2Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1

2008-09 Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Head Coach Troy Mattson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Coaching Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32008-09 Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3PlayerProfiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-92007-08Game-by-GameReview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102007-08GLIACResults,Standings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11NMUProfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122008-09 Wildcat Women’s Basketball Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) wasfoundedinJune1972.Duringthetwoyearsprevioustothe

GLIAC’s founding, several attempts were made to create a new NCAA CollegeDivisionconference.In1971,theGreatLakesAthleticConfer-ence was formed, but plans for the new conference were put on hold, and several of the participating schools subsequently withdrew their support.

Theideadidnotdie,though,andsince1972-73theGLIAChasbeen a leader in the advancement and promotion of intercollegiate athletics for men and women.

The GLIAC features a membership of 12 schools: Ashland Uni-versity, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, University of Findlay, Hillsdale College, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Northwood University,SaginawValleyStateUniversity,TiffinUniversityandWayneState University.

Overall the GLIAC conducts championships in 20 sports, 10 for men and 10 for women. The policy-making body is the GLIAC Execu-tive Council, which is comprised of three representatives from each member institution – its director of athletics, faculty representative and senior woman administrator. Final approval of all GLIAC legislation is requiredbytheCouncilofGLIACPresidents.

As GLIAC commissioner, Tom Brown is responsible for all confer-ence administration. He is beginning his 16th season as the conference’s fifthcommissioner.

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2008-09 NMU Preview

Also returning for the Wildcats are sophomore Kellie Rietveld and juniors Natalie Larocque and Christa Erickson. Rietveld appeared in 26 games last season and aver-aged 5.2 points per game. She made 23 of 32 free throws and had 30 assists. Larocque appeared in 26 games and garnered a field goal percentage of .366 and a three-point per-centage of .323. She had a total of 16 steals. Erickson, who appeared in eight games, had a field goal percentage of .500 and averaged 4.8 points per game.

Mattson also has high hopes for fresh-man Brynn Larson and senior Holly Cole, who are expected to be major contributors off the bench. Cole was a member of the NMU team in 2003-05. “Larson and Cole have the capability of lighting the score boards up,” said Mattson.

ForwardsThe Wildcats should be strong at the forward position. Senior Cassi Rushford appeared in 26 games last season and had a field goal percentage of .444, 71 total rebounds and a three-point percentage of .424.

Also at the forward position are senior Cassie Hegbloom and sophomore Hillary Bowling. Hegbloom appeared in 25 games and had a field goal percentage of .459 with an average 4.4 rebounds. Bowling appeared in 19 games and had a field goal percentage of .350. Look for Hegbloom and Bowling’s num-bers to increase because of the hard work both have put in last year and in practice, according to Mattson.

Fourth-year coach Troy Mattson and his Northern Michigan University women’s

basketball team will begin a season of devel-opment. The team has lost its leading scorer from last year, Allison Carroll. Carroll was named to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division All-Conference Second Team. Carroll led the 2007-08 Wildcats in scoring with 389 points (15.0 ppg), rebounds with 148 (5.7 rpg) and blocked shots with 24 (0.92 bpg). She was also sixth in the GLIAC in blocked shots, ninth in scoring and 16th in rebounds.

The Wildcats, who were selected sixth in the GLIAC pre-season poll, will welcome back 12 players from last year’s squad. The team has four new players. NMU is coming off a 9-17 overall and 4-14 GLIAC slate for the 2007-08 season.

GuardsThe Wildcats are looking to their experience on the perimeter to advance the team this season. Senior Kelsey Deacon appeared in 26 games last year, averaging 12.3 points per game. With more time on the floor than any of her teammates, averaging 32.3 minutes per game, she led the team in assists, 2.7 per game and had a three-point percentage of .332.

Sophomore Steffani Stoeger also returns. Stoeger appeared in 26 games, averaging 8.3 points per game and she had 53 total assists. She also led the team in steals with 60 per game.

Sophomore Nicole Grengs, redshirt freshman Carla L’Esperance and true fresh-man Lauren Beeler provide great athleticism and energy at this position. Mattson says they all bring a strong work ethic and are compet-ing for some playing time.

CentersJunior Angie Leckson and sophomore Erin Powers are strong on the inside and de-fensively. Last season Leckson appeared in 26 games and averaged 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds. She contributed points from the free throw line making 54 of the 77 attempts. Powers appeared in 22 games, averaged two points per game and blocked a total of eight shots. She also went 13 of the 19 at the free throw line.

Junior Jaclyn Davey, who is 6-1, is ex-pected to have a presence and contribute to the team’s efforts.

ScheduleThe Wildcats are looking forward to using the home court to advantage. The 27 game schedule includes 15 home games. The ’Cats will face the North’s top seed Michigan Tech, twice this season, in Houghton on Dec. 13 and at home on Jan. 3. Last season the ‘Cats lost to Tech 74-61 in December and 54-52 in February.

Northern will also face the South’s top seed, Hillsdale twice, on Jan. 17 and Feb. 19. Last year the ’Cats faced Hillsdale once and lost 65-46. Number two in the North, Grand Valley State and No. 2 in the South, North-wood, will also face off with the ’Cats twice this year.

Although it will be a challenging season, Mattson is confident that his team will make drastic improvements from the previous sea-son. “I think we have 12 teams in the league that are good and truthfully it’s pretty tight. If people come to watch us play, they will see a high-energy team,” said Mattson. “We are as good as anybody in the league. Every game will be a great game right to the end.”

Kelsey Deacon is the top returning scorer for the 2008-09 Wildcats. She averaged 12.3 ppg for the 2007-08 season.

Cassie Hegbloom was second on the team in rebounds during the 2007-08 season with 111 rebounds (4.4 rpg). She is the top returning rebounder.

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Troy Mattson enters his fourth season as NMU’s head women’s basketball coach. His three-year total is 24-54. He led the Wildcats to a 6-19 mark in his inaugural 2005-06 season, was 9-18 in 2006-07 and 9-17 in 2007-08.

From 1994-2005, Mattson was the associate head coach of the NMU men’s basketball team and assistant coach from 1988. He also served as the head NMU women’s tennis coach from 1994-2003, where he was the GLIAC Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2002. His teams made three straight NCAA

II tournament appearances 2001-03.Prior to joining the Wildcat staff, he served as the assistant men’s

and women’s basketball coach at Lake Superior State University from 1986-88.

He began his coaching career at Munising High School, where he was the boy’s basketball coach for the 1985-86 season.

A Milwaukee, Wis., native who grew up in Ishpeming, Mattson is a 1981 Westwood High School graduate. He earned his bachelor’s degree from NMU in 1986, where he was a four-time letterwinner (1982-85) as a point guard for the Wildcats. He was the 10th player in school his-tory to score 1,000 career points.

Mattson is currently 27th on the career scoring list with 1,018 points. He is third in career assists with 486 and is tied for third in most assists in a single season with 187, along with Doug Ingalls. During his junior and senior years, Mattson helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA II playoffs. He served as team captain his senior year.Mattson and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters, Kristina and Tory.

Coaches

Back row (left to right): Assistant Coach Ben Olsen, Holly Cole, Cassie Hegbloom, Cassi Rushford, Jaclyn Davey, Angie Leckson, Erin Powers, Carla L’Esperance, Lauren Beeler and Assistant Coach Brigitte LaPointe.Front row (left to right): Steffani Stoeger, Brynn Larsen, Nicole Grengs, Natalie Larocque, Head Coach Troy Mattson, Christa Erickson, Kellie, Rietveld, Hillary Bowling and Kelsey Deacon.

Troy Mattson’s Head Coaching RecordSeason School G Won Lost GLIAC Finish2005-06 Northern Michigan 25 6 19 7th-North2006-07 Northern Michigan 27 9 18 6th-North2007-08 Northern Michigan 26 9 17 7th-NorthTotals 78 24 54

2008-09 Northern Michigan UniversityWomen’s Basketball Team

Head Coach Troy Mattson

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Ben OlsenAssistant CoachBen Olsen enters his second stint as an assistant coach on the Northern Michigan University women’s basketball coaching staff. He was a student-assistant in 2006-07. Previ-ously Olsen coached basketball at Marquette Senior High School.

A 2000 graduate of Iron Mountain High School, Olsen played three years of basketball for the Mountaineers. He played as a guard at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis. before transferring to NMU. He graduated from NMU with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and secondary education in 2005. He also has a teaching certification in social studies from NMU.

Olsen and his wife, Amber, a registered nurse on the cardiac unit at Marquette Gerneral Hospital, have a daughter, Taylor.

Brigitte LaPointe Assistant CoachBrigitte LaPointe enters her second season as assistant coach on the Northern Michigan University women’s basketball coaching staff. Last year (2007-08) she was a student- assistant. During her collegiate years, she was a four-time letterwinner for the Finlandia University program. At Finlandia, LaPointe received the team’s Most Improved Player award for 2004-05. As a senior, she received Most Valuable Player honors and was a team captain. LaPointe averaged 12.0 ppg and 5.2 rpg while canning 54 three-pointers in her final season as a Lion.

As an assistant for the Wildcats, she helps with recruiting, film exchange and daily practice duties.

LaPointe received her degree as a physical therapist assistant in May 2007 and is currently working on another bachelor’s degree in sports science at NMU.

A Baraga native, she now resides in Marquette.

Assistant Coaches/Roster

2008-09 Northern Michigan UniversityWomen’s Basketball Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Hometown/High School or College 3 Natalie Larocque G 5-7 Jr. Quebec City, Quebec/St. Patrick’s/Dawson College

4 Holly Cole G 5-9 Sr. St. Ignace, Mich./LaSalle

10 Kelsey Deacon G 5-7 Sr. Green Bay, Wis./Ashwaubenon

11 Steffani Stoeger G 5-7 So. Hortonville, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran

12 Angie Leckson C 6-1 Jr. Garden, Mich./Big Bay de Noc

14 Kellie Rietveld G 5-7 So. New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln Way Central

20 Christa Erickson G 5-9 Jr. Escanaba, Mich./Escanaba

22 Brynn Larsen G 5-8 Fr. Oconto Falls, Wis./Oconto Falls

24 Nicole Grengs F 5-10 So. Marquette, Mich./Marquette Senior

32 Lauren Beeler F 5-11 Fr. L’Anse, Mich./L’Anse

33 Carla L’Esperance F 5-9 Rfr. Brighton, Mich./Brighton

40 Cassie Hegbloom F 5-11 Sr. Ishpeming, Mich./Westwood/Michigan Tech

42 Cassi Rushford F 6-0 Sr. Rapid River, Mich./Rapid River

44 Jaclyn Davey C 6-1 Jr. Sterling, Ill./Sterling/Sauk Valley

45 Hillary Bowling F 5-10 So. Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove

50 Erin Powers C 6-1 So. Marquette, Mich./Marquette Senior

Head Coach: Troy Mattson

Assistant Coaches: Brigitte LaPointe and Ben Olsen

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Meet the Wildcats

Cole’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2003-04 27 51 150 .340 12 14 .857 31 105 .295 57 2.1 26 44-0 145 5.52004-05 28 86 243 .354 21 28 .750 50 156 .321 50 1.8 35 34-1 243 8.7Totals 55 137 393 .398 33 42 .785 81 261 .310 107 1.9 61 78-1 388 7.1

Holly ColeGuard, 5-9SeniorSt. Ignace, Mich.

2005-08: Did not play.2004-05: Lettered. Appeared in 28 games and started 20. Second on the team with 50 three-pointers. Scored a career-high 28 points against Nebraska-Kearney (11/20) on 9-15 shooting. All nine field goals against Nebraska-Kearney were three-pointers. 2003-04: Appeared in 27 games and started one to earn first letter. Scored a season-high 13 points against Rollins (11/21). Made four of seven three-pointers against Concordia (11/22). Also sank four three-pointers against Ashland in GLIAC Tournament game. Named the Outstanding Newcomer.High School: Earned three letters at LaSalle High school under Dorene Ingalls. Co-MVP of the Straits Area Conference. First-team all-state as

selected by AP. Second-team Detroit News and Detroit Free Press dream teams. All-U.P. first team. An academic all-state selection. Played on team that was Class C champion in 1999 and 2000. Team made final four in 2001 and was runner-up in 2001. Played on a team that went 102-5 during high school career. First-team all-conference in softball.Personal: Enjoys playing sports and riding wave runners. Majoring in zoology. Daughter of Howard and Kathy Cole. Born on June 10, 1985.

Cole’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 28 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/20/04)Rebounds: 6 at Northwood (12/13/03)Assists: 7 vs. Indiana University Pennsylvania (11/27/04)Field Goals: 9 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/20/04)Field Goal Attempts: 13 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/20/04)3-pt Field Goals: 9 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/20/04)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 13 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/20/04)Free Throws: 4, three times, most recently at Ashland (1/22/05)Free Throw Attempts: 5 vs. Rollins (11/21/03)

Kelsey DeaConGuard, 5-7SeniorGreen Bay, Wis.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in and started all 26 games. Had a season-high 22 points against Findlay (1/26). Second on team with 319 points (12.3 ppg). Led team in assists (70). Pulled down a career-high nine rebounds against Wayne State (1/19). Tied career high with five three-pointers against Lake Superior. Had 13 three-point attempts for a career-high against St. Cloud. 2006-07: Lettered. Started all 27 games. Second on the team in scor-ing with 326 points (12.1 ppg) and led the team with 74 assists. Had a career-high nine field goals at Northwood (1/25). Connected on five three-pointers to tie a career high against Grand Valley State (1/13). Dished the rock eight times against Gannon for a career high (2/3). Played every minute in six games. 2005-06: Lettered. Led team in assists (57). Had a career-high 29 points on eight field goals against Lake Superior State (2/9). Made five of 11

three-pointers against Ferris State (2/11) for a career high. Made all nine free throw attempts against Lake Superior (2/9) for a career high. Played all 40 minutes in five games during the season. High School: Lettered four times at Ashwaubenon High School under Kerry Janquart. Senior season was a second-team all-conference and all-state selection. Junior season was first-team all-conference, all-area and all-state. Second-team all-conference and all-area selection. Team was conference champions all four years. Personal: Daughter of Barb and Paul Deacon. Majoring in public rela-tions. Born on March 13, 1987.

Deacon’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 29 vs. Lake Superior (2/9/06)Rebounds: 9 vs. Wayne State (1/19/08)Assists: 8 vs. Gannon (2/3/2007)Field Goals: 9 at Northwood (1/25/07)Field Goal Attempts: 20 at Lake Superior (2/8/07)3-pt Field Goals: 5, four times, most recently vs. Lake Superior (2/23/08)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 13 vs. St. Cloud State (11/23/07)Free Throws: 9 vs. Lake Superior (2/9/06)Free Throw Attempts: 9 vs. Lake Superior (2/9/06)

Deacon’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2005-06 25 78 217 .359 51 59 .864 37 115 .322 70 2.8 57 34-0 244 9.82006-07 27 116 325 .357 51 73 .699 43 147 .293 77 2.9 74 40-0 326 12.12007-08 26 120 316 .380 18 26 .692 61 184 .332 96 3.7 70 36-0 319 12.3Totals 78 314 858 .365 120 158 .759 141 446 .316 243 3.1 201 110-0 889 11.3

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Cassie HegbloomForward, 5-11SeniorIshpeming, Mich.

2007-08: Lettered. Started 22 games and appeared in 25 games. Second on the team in rebounds (111). Tied a career-high with 11 points at Saginaw Valley (1/10). Had a career-high 12 rebounds at Northwood (1/12). Was 3-4 in three-pointers at Saginaw Valley (1/10) for a career high.2006-07: Lettered. Started all 27 games. Second on the team in rebounds with 150 (5.6 rpg). Scored a career-high 11 points against MSU-Moorhead (11/18). Made six free throws against Northwood (2/17). Had a season-high nine rebounds at Wayne State (1/20). Had four assists in a game three times. Tied for the team lead with 12 blocks.2005-06: Had to sit out the season because of transferring.2004-05: Played at Michigan Tech.

High School: Lettered three times in basketball at Westwood High School under Tom Hammar. Third-team all-state. First-team all-con-ference. First-team all-U.P. Also, first-team all-conference in volleyball and participated in track. Personal: Likes to go to different sporting events. Majoring in biology with an emphasis in physiology. Daughter of Diane and John Hegbloom. Born on May 29, 1986.

Hegblooom’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 11, twice, most recently at Saginaw Valley (1/10/08)Rebounds: 12 at Northwood (1/12/08)Assists: 4, three times, most recently vs. Lake Superior State (1/4/07)Field Goals: 5, three times, most recently at Northwood (1/12/08)Field Goal Attempts: 11 vs. Marygrove (12/30/06)3-pt Field Goals: 3 at Saginaw Valley (1/10/08)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 4 at Saginaw Valley (1/10/08)Free Throws: 6 vs. Northwood (2/17/07)Free Throw Attempts: 9 vs. Lake Superior State (1/4/07)

Hegbloom’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2006-07 27 55 134 .410 26 45 .578 1 9 .111 150 5.6 39 72-1 137 5.12007-08 25 45 98 .459 7 13 .538 5 18 .278 111 4.4 18 54-0 102 4.1Totals 52 100 232 .431 33 58 .568 6 27 .222 261 5.0 57 126-1 239 4.5

RusHfoRD’s CaReeR statsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2005-06 25 42 98 .429 9 14 .643 3 19 .158 84 3.4 19 42-0 96 3.82006-07 27 71 169 .420 26 31 .839 16 62 .258 160 5.9 26 55-1 184 6.82007-08 26 32 72 .444 13 20 .650 14 33 .424 71 2.7 16 30-0 91 3.5Totals 78 145 339 .427 48 65 .738 33 114 .289 315 4.0 61 127-1 371 4.7

Cassi RusHfoRDForward, 6-0SeniorRapid River, Mich.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in all 26 games and started three. Scored a season-high 12 points against Minnesota-Duluth (12/4). Was 3-4 in three-pointers against UM-Duluth. Had a season-high eight rebounds twice dur-ing the season against St. Cloud (11/23) and Finlandia (12/29).2006-07: Lettered. Led the team with 160 rebounds (5.9 rpg). Scored a career-high 17 points at Northwood (1/25) as she made seven shots from the floor. Grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds against Finlandia (12/29). Made three three-pointers twice during the season for a career high at Ferris State (2/10) and against Ferris State (1/11). 2005-06: Lettered. Scored a season-high 12 points against Michigan Tech (2/25) where she sank five field goals.Grabbed eight rebounds for a season high against Northland College (1/9), at Florida Southern

(12/29) and against Finlandia (11/29). Had four assists at Florida Southern for a career high. High School: Lettered four times at Rapid River High School under Jon Miller. Two-time all-state selection, first-team as a senior and fourth-team as a junior. Two-time all-U.P. first team selection. Scored over 1,000 points in high school. All-conference selection all four years.Personal: Likes to go camping. Majoring in community health education. Daughter of Monica and Morley Rushford. Born on February 8, 1987.

Rushford’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 17 at Northwood (1/25/07)Rebounds: 13 vs. Finlandia (12/29/06)Assists: 4 at Florida Southern (12/29/05)Field Goals: 7 at Northwood (1/25/07)Field Goal Attempts: 12 vs. Michigan Tech (2/25/06)3-pt Field Goals: 3, four times, most recently vs. Minnesota-Duluth (12/4/07)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 8 vs. Michigan Tech (2/25/06)Free Throws: 4, twice, most recently at Grand Valley State (1/6/07)Free Throw Attempts: 6 at Findlay (12/2/06)

Meet the Wildcats

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Meet the Wildcats

natalie laRoCqueGuard, 5-7JuniorQuebec City, Quebec

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 26 games and started three. Scored a career-high 19 points at Concordia-St. Paul (11/17). Had six rebounds against Lake Superior (2/23) for a career high.2006-07: Lettered. Scored nine points in a game twice for season high: against Northwood (2/17) and against Ashland (12/16). Made all six free throw attempts against Northwood (2/17). Had a career-high five assists against North-land College (1/8). Had a season-high four rebounds against Minnesota State-Moorhead (11/18).2003-06: Played at Dawson College in Montreal, Canada. Atlantic Coast

Tournament MVP. MVP of team. Conference first-team all-star.High School: Played at St. Patrick’s High School under Raymond Shea. Two-time Female Athlete of the Year. Five-time team MVP. Five-time league all-star. Personal: Likes to snowboard. Majoring in sports science. Daughter of Barbara Leger and Jean Larocque. Born on August 22, 1986.

Larocque’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 19 at Concordia-St. Paul (11/17/07)Rebounds: 6 vs. Lake Superior (2/23/08)Assists: 5 vs. Northland College (1/8/07)Field Goals: 5, twice, most recently at Minnesota-Duluth (11/24/07)Field Goal Attempts: 9 vs. Northland College (1/8/07)3-pt Field Goals: 5 at Concordia-St. Paul (11/17/07)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 7, twice, most recently vs. Wayne State (1/19/08)Free Throws: 6 vs. Northwood (2/17/07)Free Throw Attempts: 6 vs. Northwood (2/17/07)

Larocque’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2006-07 26 19 58 .328 21 30 .700 11 34 .324 29 1.1 34 21-0 70 2.7 2007-08 26 34 93 .366 5 7 .714 21 65 .323 50 1.9 35 15-0 94 3.6Totals 52 53 151 .350 26 37 .702 32 99 .323 79 1.5 69 36-0 164 3.2

CHRista eRiCKsonGuard, 5-9JuniorEscanaba, Mich.

2007-08: Appeared in eight games. Scored 11 points against Michigan Tech (12/8) for a career high. Had three rebounds at Mer-cyhurst (12/1) for a career high. Made two three-pointers twice in a game: at Gannon (11/29) and Mercyhurst (12/1). 2006-07: Took a redshirt season.High School: Lettered three times at Escanaba High School under Tracy Erickson. All-U.P. dream team pick. Greater Northern U.P. Conference Player of the Year. All-U.P. first team. Personal: Likes to go to the beach, read and watch movies. Major-

ing in physical education/secondary education Daughter of Tracy and Steve Erickson. Mom played basketball at Central Michigan. Born on June 28, 1986.

Erickson’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 11 vs. Michigan Tech (12/8/07)Rebounds: 3 at Mercyhurst (12/1/07)Assists: NoneField Goals: 4 vs. Michigan Tech (12/8/07) Field Goal Attempts: 6, three times, most recently vs. Michigan Tech (12/8/07)3-pt Field Goals: 2, three times, most recently vs. Michigan Tech (12/8/07)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 5 at Mercyhurst (12/1/07)Free Throws: 2 at Minnesota-Duluth (11/24/07)Free Throw Attempts: 2 at Minnesota-Duluth (11/24/07)

JaClyn DaveyCenter, 6-1JuniorSterling, Ill.

2006-08: Played at Sauk Valley Commu-nity College. NJCAA Region IV MVP for 2007-08.High School: Lettered twice at Sterling High School under Bruce Scheidegger. Holds school record for blocks in a career with 210. Team

was conference champions from 2002-06. Won the IBCA All-Star AA South Leadership Award in 2006. Member of the 4x800-meter school record relay team.Personal: Likes outdoor activities. Majoring in criminal justice. Daughter of Jan and Jeff Davey. Born on March 16, 1988.

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Erickson’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2007-08 8 13 26 .500 4 5 .800 8 18 .444 8 1.0 3 5-0 38 4.8

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Meet the Wildcats

angie leCKsonCenter, 6-1JuniorGarden, Mich.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 26 games and started 18. Had a season-high 18 points against Michigan Tech (12/8). Tied a career-high 11 rebounds against Northland College (1/7). Was a perfect two of two in three-pointers against Saginaw Valley (2/16). Sank 10 of 11 free throws against Michigan Tech (12/8). 2006-07: Lettered. Tied for the team lead with 12 blocks. Had 110 re-bounds (4.1 rpg) and 160 points (5.9 ppg). Scored a career-high 20 points against Northwood (2/17) where she was 6 of 10 from the floor. Was 11-14 from the free-throw line against Mercyhurst (2/1). Pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds against Northland College (1/8).High School: Lettered three times in basketball at Big Bay de Noc High

School under Angie LaLonde. Two-time all-U.P. selection. Special men-tion all-state as a senior. All-conference all-defensive team. Three-time all-conference selection including a first-team pick as a senior, second team as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore.Personal: Likes to golf. Daughter of Joyce and George Leckson. Major-ing in special education. Born on February 11, 1988.

Leckson’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 20 vs. Northwood (2/17/07)Rebounds: 11, twice, most recently vs. Northland College (1/7/08)Assists: 3 vs. Mercyhurst (2/1/07)Field Goals: 6, three times, most recently vs. Grand Valley (1/3/08)Field Goal Attempts: 11 vs. Ashland (12/16/06)3-pt Field Goals: 2 vs. Saginaw Valley (2/16/08)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 3, twice, most recently vs. Finlandia (12/29/07)Free Throws: 11 vs. Mercyhurst (2/1/07)Free Throw Attempts: 14 vs. Mercyhurst (2/1/07)

Leckson’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2006-07 27 39 105 .371 82 115 .713 0 4 .000 110 4.1 14 67-2 160 5.92007-08 26 60 135 .444 54 77 .701 6 20 .300 109 4.2 16 72-2 180 6.9Totals 53 99 240 .412 136 192 .708 6 24 .250 219 4.1 30 139-4 340 6.4

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HillaRy bowlingForward, 5-10SophomoreGreenwood, Ind.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 19 games. Scored a career-high six points against North-land College (1/7). Had four rebounds in a game four times during the season for a career high. Made two of three three-pointers against Northland College (1/7). Went three of four at the line against Lake Superior (2/23).High School: Lettered three times at Center Grove High School under Joe Lentz. Johnson County Player of the Year after her senior campaign. MVP and all-conference selection. First team All-Johnson County. Team was regional and sectional champion. Also

played softball.Personal: Favorite team is the Indianapolis Colts. Played AAU basketball for the Indiana Elite. Daughter of Maureen and Phil Bowling. Majoring in marketing. Born on July 25, 1989.

Bowling’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 6 vs. Northland College (1/7/08)Rebounds: 4, four times, vs. Lake Superior (2/23/08)Assists: NoneField Goals: 2, twice, most recently vs. Findlay (1/26/08)Field Goal Attempts: 4, twice, most recently vs. Northland College (1/7/08)3-pt Field Goals: 2 vs. Northland College (1/7/08)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 3 vs. Northland College (1/7/08)Free Throws: 3 vs. Lake Superior (2/23/08)Free Throw Attempts: 4 vs. Lake Superior (2/23/08)

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Bowling’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2007-08 19 7 20 .350 8 14 .571 2 5 .400 32 1.7 11 17-0 24 1.3

8

Meet the Wildcats

eRin PoweRsCenter, 6-1SophomoreMarquette, Mich.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 22 games. Scored a career-high nine points against Mary-grove (12/30). Pulled down a career-best 12 rebounds against Northland College (1/7). From the free throw line against Finlandia (12/29) went six of eight.High School: Lettered four times at Mar-quette Senior High School under Karla Strand. Named the 2006 Great Northern Conference Player of the Year. Selected as the 2006 Upper Peninsula Class A-B-C Player of the Year. Three-time first team All-GNC selection. Named to Class A all-state fourth team and was Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Class A honorable mention in 2006.

Selected to the BCAM Academic All-State Team in 2006. Broke school record for career rebounds (789).Personal: Likes to stay active. Majoring in biology/physiology. Daugh-ter of Jayne and Steve Powers. Both parents were student-athletes at Augustana College. Played AAU basketball for the Marquette Magic. Born on October 27, 1988.

Power’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 9 vs. Marygrove (12/30/07)Rebounds: 12 vs. Northland College (1/7/08)Assists: 3, twice, most recently vs. Grand Valley (1/3/08)Field Goals: 3, twice, most recently vs. Grand Valley (1/3/08)Field Goal Attempts: 5, twice, most recently vs. Marygrove (12/30/073-pt Field Goals: None3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 2 vs. Augustana (11/16/07) Free Throws: 6 vs. Finlandia (12/29/07)Free Throw Attempts: 8 vs. Finlandia (12/29/07)

Kellie RietvelDGuard, 5-7SophomoreNew Lenox, Ill.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 26 games and started five. Scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed a career-high six rebounds against Marygrove (12/30). From the arc went three of seven against Finlandia (12/29). Was five of six from the free throw line against Findlay (1/26).High School: Lettered three times in basketball at Lincoln Way Central High School under Ryan White . Two-time MVP. Player of the Year in 2007.

Team was conference and regional champion. Also played soccer. Personal: Likes to hike, swim and be outside. Majoring in psychology. Daughter of Valerie and Bill Rietveld. Born on June 17, 1989.

Rietveld’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 18 vs. Marygrove (12/30/07)Rebounds: 6 vs. Marygrove (12/30/07)Assists: 4, twice, most recently at Grand Valley (2/9/08)Field Goals: 9 vs. Marygrove (12/30/07)Field Goal Attempts: 15 vs. Marygrove (12/30/07)3-pt Field Goals: 3 vs. Finlandia (12/29/07) 3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 7 vs. Finlandia (12/29/07)Free Throws: 5 vs. Findlay (1/26/08)Free Throw Attempts: 6 vs. Findlay (1/26/08)

CaRla l’esPeRanCe Forward, 5-9Redshirt FreshmanBrighton, Mich.

2007-08: Took a redshirt year.High School: Lettered twice at Brighton High School under Jason Piepho. Second team all-conference selection. Chosen to receive the unsung hero award. Team was conference and district champs twice, regional champs once. Also played volleyball and soccer. Personal: Majoring in management of health and fitness. Daughter of Julie and Ron L’Esperance. Played AAU basketball for the Livingston Sting. Born on February 19, 1989.

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14

niCole gRengsForward, 5-10SophomoreMarquette, Mich.

2007-08: Squad member.2006-07: Took a redshirt season.High School: Lettered three times at Mar-quette Senior High School under Karla Strand. As a senior year named to all-state fourth team, all-conference first team and all-U.P. first team. Selected all-conference first team three times. Also participated in softball.Personal: Likes to be active. Majoring in community health education. Daughter of Michelle Grengs and Nick Grengs. Born on August 30, 1987.

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Power’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2007-08 22 16 39 .410 13 19 .684 0 5 .000 61 2.8 14 20-0 45 2.0

Rietveld’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2007-08 26 49 135 .363 23 32 .719 13 45 .289 50 1.9 30 43-2 134 5.2

9

Meet the Wildcats

steffani stoegeRGuard, 5-7SophomoreHortonville, Wis.

2007-08: Lettered. Appeared in 26 games and started 23. Scored a career-high 27 points against Saginaw Valley (2/16). Fourteen of her points against the Cardinals came from the free throw line in 16 attempts. Was 9-13 from the floor against Lake Superior (1/31). Pulled down a career-high eight rebounds against Saginaw Valley (2/16). Led team in steals (60).High School: Lettered three times at Fox Valley Lutheran High School under Rev. David Wenzel. Named to Valley 8 all-conference first team team three times. Valley 8 Player of the Year as a senior. Two-time all-area first team selection. Appleton Post Crescent Player of the Year for

2006-07. Honorable mention all-state. Also participated in volleyball, cross country and softball. Personal: Played AAU basketball for Team Wisconsin Select. Majoring in sports science. Daughter of Kathy and Ed Stoeger. Born on February 22, 1989.

Stoeger’s Single-Game HighsPoints: 27 vs. Saginaw Valley (2/16/08)Rebounds: 8 vs. Saginaw Valley (2/16/08)Assists: 5 at Northwood (1/12/08)Field Goals: 9 at Lake Superior (1/31/08)Field Goal Attempts: 13, twice, most recently at Lake Superior (1/31/08)3-pt Field Goals: 3 at Lake Superior (1/31/08)3-pt Field Goal Attempts: 6, twice, most recently vs. Saginaw Val-ley (2/16/08)Free Throws: 14 vs. Saginaw Valley (2/16/08)Free Throw Attempts: 16 vs. Saginaw Valley (2/16/08)

11

Stoeger’s Career StatsYear G FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct 3PFG 3PFGA Pct Reb Avg Assists PF-D TP Avg2007-08 26 80 202 .396 41 67 .612 15 60 .250 60 2.3 53 51-2 216 8.3

lauRen beeleRForward, 5-11FreshmanL’Anse, Mich.

High School: Lettered four times at L’Anse High School under Shawn Hendrickson. All-conference first team in 2006 and 2007 and was conference MVP in 2007. Honorable mention all-conference in 2005. First-team all-U.P. in 2006 and U.P. Dream Team pick in 2007. Honorable mention all-U.P. in 2005. All-state honorable mention in 2006 and first team pick in 2007. Scored 1,115 points in high school.Personal: Played AAU basketball for the Marquette Magic. Undecided on major. Daughter of Janelle and Mark Beeler. Born on December 5, 1989.

3

bRynn laRsenGuard, 5-8FreshmanOconto Falls, Wis.

High School: Lettered four times at Oconto Falls High School under Duane Rogatzki. Four-time all-conference first teams in basketball, volleyball and softball. Two-time all-state in volleyball. Bay Conference Player of the Year for volleyball. Four-time all-state for softball and 2008 state MVP. Two-time conference Player of the Year for softball. Green Bay Press Gazette Girl’s Athlete of the Year. Personal: Likes to downhill ski and sled. Majoring in physical educa-tion/secondary education. Daughter of Dawn and Todd Larsen. Born on August 11, 1989.

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Steffani Stoeger led the 2007-08 Wildcats with 60 steals.

10

2007-08 Game by Game Review

NMU Team HonorsMost Valuable PlayerAllison Carroll

Outstanding NewcomerSteffani Stoeger

Outstanding Defensive PlayerCassie Hegbloom

Outstanding RebounderAllison Carroll

Free Throw AwardAllison Carroll

Coaches AwardErin Powers

Date W-L Opponent NMU-Opp Leading Scorer Leading Rebounder11/16 L Augustana 57-67 Carroll (17) Carroll (11)11/17 L Concordia-St. Paul 66-86 Larocque (19) Powers (7)11/23 Lot St. Cloud State 77-81 Carroll (24) Carroll (9)11/24 W Minnesota Duluth 70-53 Carroll (16) Leckson, Carroll & Powers (5)11/29 L Gannon University* 79-80 Carroll (25) Leckson (8)12/1 W Mercyhurst College* 76-69 Deacon (16) Leckson (7)12/4 W Minnesota Duluth 62-58 Deacon (18) Deacon (7)12/8 L Michigan Tech* 61-74 Leckson (18) Leckson (9)12/15 L Ashland* 53-56 Carroll (14) Hegbloom (7)12/29 W Finlandia 91-42 Carroll (21) Leckson & Powers (10)12/30 W Marygrove 88-20 Rietveld (18) Rushford & Carroll (8)1/3 L Grand Valley State* 61-63 Deacon (21) Carroll (7)1/7 W Northland College 92-33 Carroll(19) Powers (12)1/10 W Saginaw Valley State* 47-39 Carroll (13) Powers & Carroll (7)1/12 Lot Northwood* 62-63 Carroll (16) Hegbloom (12)1/19 L Wayne State* 56-64 Carroll (24) Hegbloom (10)1/20 L Hillsdale* 46-65 Carroll (13) Hegbloom (7)1/24 L Ferris State* 66-81 Carroll (16) Bowling, Lambert & Stoeger (4)1/26 W University of Findlay* 74-65 Deacon (22) Carroll (7)1/31 L Lake Superior State* 59-73 Stoeger (22) Carroll (5)2/7 L Ferris State* 59-64 Carroll (24) Carroll (5)2/9 L Grand Valley State * 50-63 Deacon (17) Lambert (9)2/14 Lot Northwood 70-71 Carroll (18) Carroll (9)2/16 W Saginaw Valley State* 79-68 Stoeger (27) Stoeger( 8)2/20 L Michigan Tech* 52-54 Carroll, Lambert & Lambert (8) Rietveld (10)2/23 L Lake Superior State* 64-79 Deacon (19) Carroll & Larocque (6)

* Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Game

ReboundsPlayer GP-GS FG-FGA Pct 3FG-FGA Pct FT-FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg A TO Blk Stl Pts AvgLarocque 26-3 34-93 .366 21-65 .323 5-7 .714 10 40 50 1.9 35 40 2 16 94 3.6Deacon 26-26 120-316 .380 61-184 .332 18-26 .692 6 90 96 3.7 70 45 1 39 319 12.3Stoeger 26-23 80-202 .396 15-60 .250 41-67 .612 18 42 60 2.3 53 72 0 60 216 8.3Leckson 26-18 60-135 .444 6-20 .300 54-77 .701 40 69 109 4.2 16 38 9 11 180 6.9Rietveld 26-5 49-135 .363 13-45 .288 23-32 .719 20 30 50 1.9 30 34 0 17 134 5.2Erickson 8-0 13-26 .500 8-18 .444 4-5 .800 4 4 8 1.0 3 5 1 0 38 4.8Grengs 1-0 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0Carroll 26-26 153-326 469 5-19 .263 78-102 .765 55 93 148 5.7 19 64 24 35 389 15.0L’Esperance 1-0 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0 1 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0Lambert 19-4 36-94 .383 3-13 .231 10-14 .714 21 45 66 3.5 5 23 2 12 85 4.5Hegbloom 25-22 45-98 .459 5-18 .278 7-13 .538 49 62 111 4.4 18 24 7 9 102 4.1Rushford 26-3 32-72 .444 14-33 .424 13-20 .650 21 50 71 2.7 16 23 3 11 91 3.5Bowling 19-0 7-20 .350 2-5 .400 8-14 .571 7 25 32 1.7 11 21 1 15 24 1.3Powers 22-0 16-39 .410 0-5 .000 13-19 .684 23 38 61 2.8 14 14 8 10 45 2.0

NMU 26 645-1556 .415 153-485 .415 274-396 .692 311 647 958 36.8 290 417 58 235 1717 66.0Opponents 26 592-1408 .420 123-362 .420 324-457 .709 252 667 919 35.3 370 460 66 226 1631 62.7

Playmaker AwardKelsey Deacon

11

2007-08 Results

2007-08 South Division Standings

Team GLIAC Overall Hillsdale 15-2 23-5Gannon 10-7 16-12Ashland 10-7 19-11Wayne State 9-8 15-12Findlay 3-14 9-17Mercyhurst 2-15 7-20

2007-08 North Division Standings

Team GLIAC OverallMichigan Tech 13-4 23-8Northwood 13-5 18-9Ferris State 11-7 17-12Grand Valley State 11-7 16-12Lake Superior State 7-10 12-14Saginaw Valley State 5-13 12-15Northern Michigan 4-14 9-17

2007-08 North Division First Team Rachel Folcik Ferris State UniversityCatherine Rottier Michigan Technological UniversityMegan Starnes Northwood UniversityKatie Wysocky Michigan Technological UniversityCrystal Zick Grand Valley State University

2007-08 North Division Second TeamShalyn Beauchamp Lake Superior State UniversityAllison Carroll Northern Michigan UniversityErin Cyplik Grand Valley State UniversityJodi Ostergren Northwood UniversityLaTille Ross Saginaw Valley State University

2007-08 North Division All-Defensive Team Shalyn Beauchamp Lake Superior State UniversityNicole Carr Grand Valley State UniversityRachel Folcik Ferris State UniversityMegan Starnes Northwood UniversityLena Widman Michigan Technological University

Player of the Year Katie Cezat Hillsdale College

Freshman of the Year Amy Achesinski Mercyhurst College

Coach of the Year Jeff Curtis Northwood University

2007-08 South Division First Team Katie Cezat Hillsdale CollegeKristina Freeman Gannon UniversityJasmine McCall Wayne State UniversityJulie Slot Hillsdale CollegeKim Vargas Gannon University

2007-08 South Division Second TeamAmy Achesinski Mercyhurst CollegeLisa Graue Ashland UniversityAshley Lowdermilk Gannon UniversityBetsy Morrison Ashland UniversityBrittany Wells University of Findlay

2007-08 South Division All-Defensive Team Claire Aubrey Hillsdale CollegeKatie Cezat Hillsdale CollegeKristina Freeman Gannon UniversityLisa Graue Ashland UniversityJoy Nash Wayne State University

Saturday, March 1GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinals(4S) Wayne State 67, at (1S) Hillsdale 64At (1N) Michigan Tech 63, (4N) Grand Valley State 58(3S) Ashland 70, at (2S) Gannon 45(3N) Ferris State 93, at (2N) Northwood 89

Friday, March 7GLIAC Tournament SemifinalsAt MTU – Houghton, MIch.

Semifinal #1(at) #1 Michigan Tech 83, #4 Wayne State 62Semifinal #2#3 Ashland 56, #2 Ferris State 45

Saturday, March 8GLIAC Tournament ChampionshipAt MTU-Houghton, Mich.

Championship Game(at) #1 Michigan Tech 81, #3 Ashland 53

2008 GLIAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament TeamMVP: Catherine Rottier Michigan TechTeam: Katie Wysocky Michigan Tech Lindsey Gaut Ashland Tara Ferris Michigan Tech Betsy Morrison Ashland Monique George Wayne State

2008 GLIAC Tournament

12

NMU Profile

Life on Campus

The University: A regional public, coeducational university founded in 1899, Northern offers learning opportunities to approximately

9,400 undergraduate and graduate students. Each full-time student is issued a notebook computer as part of tuition and fees.

Location: NMU is located in an environment unrivaled by any other, on the south shore of Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan, voted one of “America’s Most Livable Communities,” with breathtaking vistas and 20,000 lucky residents.

Campus: Named one of the “Most Unwired” campuses in the United States, we’re completely connected with the latest technology. We’re large enough to offer scenic spaces and 50 quality facilities. There are high-end specialty computer labs, a learning resource center, a theater,

a speech and hearing clinic, a student art gal-lery and university art museum, a student radio station, public radio and TV stations, the Jaco-betti Center for technical programs, an ice rink, a swimming pool and diving tank, a rock climbing wall, an all-events center and the Superior Dome, an 8,000 seat stadium (the largest wooden dome in

the world). But we’re still small enough to keep everything within walk-ing distance, which is especially nice in the winter.

Faculty: NMU has talented faculty members and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 22-to-1. Our average class size is 23, our average lab size is 16 and our average seminar size is 10. Of all entry-level courses, 70 percent are taught by career faculty.

The Superior Edge: Learn to live a life that matters. Other universities have leadership programs, but NMU is the only university in the country that packs leadership, community engagement, diversity awareness and real-world experience into one life-changing program. In the Superior Edge, students design their own volunteer, work and learning activities (up to 400 hours). Any NMU student regardless of class status or major is eligible to participate for free. Each Superior

Edge graduate receives a student achievement transcript along with their academic transcript. NMU grads with proven experience, initiative, ethics, integrity, multicul-tural awareness and motivation to make a difference gain an edge in the job market and admission to grad schools.

Residence Halls: NMU’S 10 residence halls are organized into living groups called “houses,” which include 40-45 students who actively shape their own living environments. Four students share a suite (two bedrooms and a bathroom) and all residence halls have great locations within five minutes of eating, learning and studying areas.

Extracurricular: There are about 300 clubs and organizations on cam-pus, including academic, service, social, professional, religious and special interest groups. We also have a full program of club and intramural athletics.

Intercollegiate Athletics: NMU is a member of the National Col-legiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Varsity teams for women include basketball, cross country, Nordic skiing, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field and volleyball. Varsity teams for men include basketball, football, golf, hockey and Nordic skiing. All sports are NCAA Division II, except men’s ice hockey, which is Division I.

Olympic Education Center: NMU is designated as the only United States Olympic Education Center by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Olympic athletes in five sports train for elite international competitions while pursuing their educations at NMU and Marquette Senior High School.

Accreditation: NMU is accredited by the Northern Central Asso-ciation of Colleges and Secondary Schools (30 North LaSalle Street, Number 2400, Chicago, Illinois, 60602; 312-263-0456). More than 20 academic programs are accredited by additional professional agencies.

NorthernMichiganUniversityboastsoneofthefinestcollectionsofathletic facilities in NCAA Division II, if not the country. Aconnectedunitofthreefirst-ratefacilities-theSuperior

Dome,thePhysicalEducationInstructionalFacility(PEIF),andtheBerry Events Center - are used by NMU for the majority of its athletic events.

Superior DomeThe Superior Dome has been home to the Wildcat football team since1991andisthefinestfootball facility in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Ath-letic Conference, if not all of NCAA Division II.

The Dome stands 14 stories high, and encompass-es 5.1 acres under its roof. Constructedof781Douglasfirbeamsand108.5milesoffirdecking,theDomehasapermanent seating capacity of 8,000, but the building can hold as many as 16,000 people. The facility features a diameter of 536 feet, and has the ability to withstand 60 pounds per square foot of snow and 80 mile per hour winds.

TheDomefeaturesaretractableartificialturfcarpet,thelargestof its kind in the world. When it is extended, the turf has the ability to accommodatefootball,soccerandfieldhockey.Underneaththecarpetis a synthetic playing surface that features three basketball/volleyball courts, two tennis courts and a 200-meter track. The carpet is ex-tended over a cushion of air and takes 30 minutes to retract powered by 12 computerized winches. Full setup of the turf is completed in approximately two hours.

Berry Events CenterThe home of the NMU hockey and basketball teams, the Berry Events Center opened its doors in October 1999.

The facility provides individual seating for approximately 3,800 fans, in addition to 16 luxury boxes, which includes a president’s suite. Along the perimeter of the arena are four large concession areas, as well as standing room for approximately 400 fans.

When used for hockey, the Berry has an Olympic-size ice sheet measuring 200 feet by 100 feet. When riggedforbasketball,thecourtsitsonaprotectiveflooring,whichisplaced over the ice, and seating for 500 fans is available courtside. Con-version from hockey to basketball can be completed in approximately fivehours.

The Berry also features locker rooms and support areas for the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the United States Olympic Education Center’s short track speedskating team along with four general-use locker rooms. In addition, skate rental and changing areas are located on the lower level of the complex.

The hockey area includes a weight room, athletic training room, meeting rooms, locker room and support area.

Also designed to host concerts and community events, the Berry Events Center is equipped with moveable theatrical rigging and lighting.

Physical Education Instructional FacilityThePEIF,asitismorecommonlycalled,wasopenedin1976andhousesthePEIFPool,homeofNMUswimminganddivingteam,andVandamentArena, where the Wildcat volleyball team plays.

ThePEIFpoolfeatureseightlanesandadivingtankwithone-andthree-meter spring-boards, as well as a 20-meter platform.

Vandament Arena, opened in 1995, is a 1,500-seat volleyball-only facility, one of the finestinDivisionII.

The facility houses an auxiliary gymnasium that the Wildcat men’s and women’s basketball teams use for practice.

ThePEIFalsohousesatwo-levelRecreationCenter,whichwasopened in December 1999. It is complete with a climbing wall, weight room, cardiovascular area, two basketball courts, a tennis court, two loungeareasandaconferenceroom.AlsolocatedinthePEIFaresevenracquetball courts, a dance studio, athletic training facilities, locker rooms,classroomsandstaffoffices.

Other FacilitiesSoccer fieldsFourfieldsarelocatedbehindtheSuperiorDome,alongLakeSuperior.

Two are home to the NMU women’s soccer team; the other two arepracticefieldsfortheNMUfootballteam.Theyareequippedwithbleachers and a scoreboard.

Cross country skiingNorthern’s men’s and women’s teams have two designated practice locations, with lighted trails: the Al Quaal 3K and 5K ski trails in nearby Ishpeming and the four 5K loops at Blueberry Ridge in Sands Townsship, a few miles south of Marquette.

GolfTheofficialWildcatcourseistheWawanowinCountryClubinIshpem-ing.The6,487-yard,18-holecoursehasathree-starratingfromGolf Digest. It has two practice greens and a driving range.

Athletic Facilities

Northern MichiganWildcat basketball