POLAR BEARILLUSTRATED

Alumni Sports Journal 2010 Third Edition

Polar Bear IllustratedVolume Three - Issue OneSummer 2010

Editors/writErsJosh AlkireJustine Anderson Laurie Wurth PresselJamienne Scott

dEsignErToma Grothous Williams, BFA ’96

PhotograPhy Kenneth Colwell José Nogueras

Produced under the auspices of the Ohio Northern University Office of Communications and Marketing.

Polar Bear Illustrated is a publication of the Office of Alumni Affairs in conjunction with ONU sports.

525 S. Main St. Ada, Ohio 45810 419-772-2000

Ohio Northern Athletes Compete Around the World!

•AshleySujkowski,afreshmansportmanagementmajorfromRossford,Ohio,isamemberofthe2010USANationalWomen’sBaseballteam.InAugust2010,SujkowskicompetedintheWorldCuptournamentinVenezuela,whereTeamUSAwonthebronzemedal.

•PeggyEwald,headcoachofONU’smen’sandwomen’sswimminganddivingteams,isalsoanassistantcoachoftheUSAParalympicSwimmingteam.InAugust2010,EwaldcoachedtheteamintheSwimmingWorldChampionshipsintheNetherlands.Ewaldhasbeenacoachontheteamsince2007andwaspartoftheTeamUSAsquadthatcompetedinthe2008ParalympicGamesinBeijing,China.

•DeanPaul,ONU’sheadfootballcoach,wasalsoanassistantcoachofTeamStarsandStripesatTazondeEstrellas,anall-starfootballgameinAtizapandeZaragoza,Mexico,inDecember2009.

•AndrewBenchic,BA’09,ONU’sassistantfootballcoach,andJasonHorn,BSEE’05,representedtheUSAaspartofTeamStarsandStripesinatTazondeEstrellas,anall-starfootballgameinAtizapandeZaragoza,Mexico,inDecember2009.

•TimGlon,ONU’sdirectorofsportsinformation,servedasamediarelationsmemberofTeamUSAatthe2002-07AztecBowls,withcontestsheldinTorreon,Cancun,Toluca,AguascalientesandChihuahua,Mexico.

•FormerONUstudentJamalRobertsoniscurrentlyinhisthirdseasonplayingprofessionalfootballintheCanadianFootballleague(CFL).HeiswiththeBritishColumbiaLionsin2010afterspendingthe2008and2009seasonswiththeTorontoArgonauts.RobertsonwastheOffensiveMVPofNFLEuropein2002,leadingtheRheinFiretotheWorldBowltitlegame.Robertsonalsospentthe2001seasononthepracticesquadoftheCalgaryStampedersoftheCFL.

•FormerONUstudentBenSnellplayedtwoseasonswiththeScottishClaymoresofNFLEuropein1999-2000.

•SixONUfootballplayersrepresentedTeamUSAintheAztecBowlfrom1999-2007,andtwomorewereonTeamStarsandStripesinthe2009TazondeEstrellas.EachgamefeaturedateamofNCAADivisionIIIplayersagainstateamofMexicancollegiateall-starsinafootballgameatvarioussitesthroughoutMexico.

•SeveralONUteamshavetraveledoverseasforexhibitioncontests.

•ONU’smen’ssoccerteamwentonitsfourthtriptoEuropeandplayedthreeexhibitioncontestsinAugust2010.

•ONU’swomen’ssoccerteammadeitsthirdtriptoEuropeandplayedthreeexhibitioncontestsinAugust2010.

•ONU’sfootballteamhasmadetripstoGermanyandItalyforexhibitioncontests.

On the cover:For an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, the Ohio Northern University’s athletic teams have swept both the men’s and women’s Ohio

Athletic Conference All-Sports trophies.

Only one other school in OAC history has won both the men’s and women’s titles in the same year,

and no other school has ever swept both titles in back-to-back years. Winning both

for a fourth consecutive time is a truly remarkable accomplishment.

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new Look for

ONUSports.comComing Soon!

ONU athletics online has never looked better. See up-to-date sports scores at a glance on the ONUSports.com landing page. Find schedules quickly and read about featured athletes and their teams. www.ONUSports.com

I n t h i s i s s u e

A Message

FEATURE STORIES

2 Scouting for Excellence: CoachesDeanPaul, MicheleDurandand RonBeaschlergive insightintorecruiting.

3 Student Profiles: SiblingsElizabethand

ScottSchnelle

3 New Assistant SID: MoniqueBowman

4 Student Profile: LukeMiller

4 Coach Profile: ChadBostelman

5 Alumni Profile: BruceMays,BSEd’65

RECAP STORIES

7 Baseball

7 Softball

7 Basketball

7 Men’s Golf

8 Women’s Golf

8 Men’s Cross Country

8 Women’s Cross Country

8 Indoor Track and Field

9 Outdoor Track and Field

9 Football

9 Soccer

9 Men’s Swimming and Diving

10 Women’s Swimming and Diving

10 Tennis

10 Volleyball

10 Wrestling

sometimes all an athletic director can do is sit back and say, “wow!”we had an incredible year in 2009-10. reflecting on the performances of our 21 athletic teams is a fun thing to do. and, like all sports fans, the statistics are so interesting. here’s a few i’d like to share:

Among435NCAADivisionIIIinstitutions,ONUfinished43rdoverallinmen’sandwomen’scombinedathleticssuccess.•Thetop10percentissomethingweareproudof,andthisisthehighestoverallfinishinONUhistory.

ONUmenandwomensweptthecovetedOACAll-Sportstrophiesforafourthconsecutiveyear.Furthermore,themen•havewonfivestraightyears.

All21ONUathleticteamsplacedinthetophalfoftheOACstandingslastseason.Thislevelofconsistencyisanother•firstforus.

WehadourthirdnationalchampionwrestlerinLukeMiller,aseniorfromIndiana,Pa.Bytheway,LukeisanAcademic•All-OAChonoreeincivilengineering!

it is not a simple athletics story. we are here to provide the best possible education. Look at what our students are doing in the classroom:

MaleathletescombinedforaGPAof3.06•

32maleathletesnamedAcademicAll-OACselections•

FemaleathletescombinedforaGPAof3.28•

31femaleathletesnamedAcademicAll-OACselections•

124maleathletesearnedDean’sListhonors•

103femaleathletesearnedDean’sListhonors•

the statistics above are impressive. they are even more impressive when we consider the efforts required to perform in our academically challenging environment and compete in the most competitive conference in division iii. want more statistics? think about how often our students study on a bus or van to and from athletic events. here are some numbers across 21 sports:

Morethan60vantripsperyear•

Morethan165bustripsperyear•

Morethan65,000milestraveledtoathleticeventsduringthe• regular seasonalone

Andourstudentsaccomplishedallthisintheclassroomandonthefieldsofcompetition?

PardonmewhileIsay,“WOW!”

tom simmons, BSBA’85,BA’86DirectorofathleticsAssistantprofessorofsportmanagement

6 New Coaches Profiles:

KimBurke JessicaViertlboeck

7 Sports Summaries

12Hall of Fame Nomination Form

13 Where is He Now?: Arden“Stretch”

Roberson,BSEd’49, HofF’76

15Ohio Northern Athletes Compete

Around the World

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Alumni support is essential to Ohio Northern University’s efforts to preserve our rich tradition of excellence. The GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Society offers a key opportunity for recent graduates to support ONU at leadership levels.

Annually, the University provides $1.3 million in scholarships to help students balance coursework and alleviate financial burden, provide research and cultural opportunities, and support unexpected possibilities.

GOLD Society members can join at the following gift levels:

$500 – graduates from 6-10 years ago•

$250 – graduates from 0-5 years ago•

Make your annual gift now by going online at www.onugive.com or call toll-free 866-ONUGive (668-4483)

GOLDSOCIETYGraduates of the Last Decade

Tomorrow Starts Today.Giving Back, Changing Lives.Tomorrow Starts Today.Giving Back, Changing Lives.

“IgoouttoNorthernandseethecoaches.Ihavealotofpeoplestopinandinvitemetoeatwiththem–soI’mbusy.”Hehasstayedinthesamehousefor50yearsbecauseitisimportantforhimtobeavailableandaccessibletohisfamily,friends,oldplayersandteammates.Roberson’sson,Michael roberson,BA’77,anddaughtermterry (roberson) Monroy,BA’81,bothgraduatedfromNorthern,andhehassevengrandchildren.Hishouseiswherepeopleknowtofindhim.Inthepastfewyears,hehashadtwohipreplacementsurgeries,mostrecentlyinApril2010.Hehasbeengoingtorehabandclaimstostayyoungbykeepingupwithsports.HenotonlyattendseveryONUgamethathecangetto,butisalsoanavidfanofOhioStateUniversity.

OneofRoberson’sbestfriendsgrowingupwasLeeTressel,thefatherofJimTressel,OhioStateUniversity’sfamedfootballcoach.LeeTresselandRobersongraduatedfromAdahighschooltogetherandbothcoachedatBaldwinWallaceCollege.RobersonsaysthattheTresselkids“wereinourhouseasmuchastheirown.”WhenJimTresseltooktheOSUcoachingpositionin2001,hetoldRoberson,“Stretch,you’vegottocometotheOhioStategamesandbringusluck.”AndRobersontookhimseriously;hehasn’tmissedahomeOhioStategamesinceTresselwashired.

“Theytakecareofme.Mynephewdrivesmetoeverygame,andthey’vegotaparkingspotforme,rightupneartheelevators.Isitinthecoach’sboxandgettreatedwithallkindsoffood.I’vegotitmade.”

Roberson’slifehasrevolvedaroundsports,whetherheisonthefield,onthesidelinesorinthebleachers.Hebelievesthatathleticsprovideteachingexperiencesthatcannotbefoundelsewhere.

“Youlearntotakeknocksandgetbackup;youplaytowin.Youlearnalot,andyoumakegreatfriends,teammatesthatwillstaywithyouforlife.Thosethatareinsportsgetalotoutofit.”

Aboveall,ONUgaveRobersontheopportunitytoplayandtheopportunitytolead.“IwasneversorryIcametoNorthernbecausethat’sallIeverwantedtodoinlife–coach–soitworkedoutgreat.”

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OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRSOHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY525 S MAIN STADA, OH 45810-9989

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After20yearsofretirement, arden “stretch” roberson, BSEd’49,HofF’76,remainsanactivememberoftheOhioNorthernUniversitycommunity.Heresidesrightontheedgeofcampus,wherehehaslivedsince1960.

“AdaiswhereIwanttobe,”hesays,“AfterIgraduatedfromAdahighschool,IwentintheserviceandwhenIcamehome,IreturnedtoAdaonthetrain.IgotoffandthefirstguyIsawwasLeftyMurphy,theONUfootballcoachatthetime.Andhesaid,‘Stretch,you’regonnagotoNorthernandplayfootball.’AndIsaid,‘OK.’Iplayedfootball,basketball,track,played’emall.”

RobersongraduatedwithaBachelor’sofScienceineducationandspentseveralyearsteachingandcoachingthroughoutOhio.In1960,RobersonreceivedanoffertoreturntoNorthernastheheadfootballcoach,andheaccepted.Heheldthatpositionuntil1969.Fromthenuntil1974,hetaughtatONUasanassistantprofessorofhealthandphysicaleducation.Hereturnedtotheheadfootballpositionforninemoreyearsuntilhisretirementin1985.ONU’snewfootballstadiumwasdedicatedastheDial-Robersonstadium,inhonoroftheRobersonfamily,in2004.

Sincehisretirement,Robersonhasfoundplentyofwaystostayactiveandinvolved.

is he now?WherePolar Bear Illustrated Alumni Profile

for Excellence

Polar Bear Illustrated Feature

How do you identify potential recruits?head football coach dean Paul: Wedividetherecruitingprocessintothreephases.Thefirstphaseis

prospectingtogathernames.Weusenumeroussourcestobuildourdatabase,includinghighschoolcoachesand

recruitingservices.Wesubscribetoonerecruitingservicethatidentifiesthetop500highschoolplayersinthestate.

Thesecondphaseisevaluation.Webeginevaluatingplayerstheirjunioryearinhighschool.Wewillworkat

asmanysummercampsaspossibletocoachandevaluatesomeofthetopprospects.Thissummer,ourstaff

wasrepresentedatcampsatOhioState,Cincinnati,Miami,BowlingGreen,Akron,KentState,Toledo,NotreDameandOhio

University.Wealsohaveourownannualone-dayseniorcamp,whichattractsaround65prospects.Videoreviewisanother

importantaspectoftheevaluationphase.Weaskprospectstosendusagameorhighlightvideo.

Thethirdphaseisacampusvisit.Wehostbetween300and400visitseachyear,andwestrivetomakeeachenjoyableand

informative.Thepersonalattentionofferedbythecoachingstaff,admissionsoffice,facultyandcurrentstudent-athletesmust

distinguishusfromotherinstitutions.Thevisitincludesindividualmeetingswiththepositioncoachandheadfootballcoach,tours

ofthecampusandfootballfacility,meetingswithprofessorsintheareaofacademicinterest,andlunchwithcurrentplayers.

head women’s basketball coach Michele durand: Therecruitmentprocessstartswithidentifyingquality

student-athleteswebelievecansucceedatONU.Wehavearecruitquestionnaireonlinethatstudent-athletescanfill

outandsendback.IalsotalkwithalotofhighschoolcoachesandattendalotofhighschoolgamesandAmateur

AthleticUniongames.Onceweidentifyourtoprecruits,wetrytogetthemoncampusforavisit.Ialsomakephone

callsandsendhandwrittennotesande-mailstoletrecruitsknowweareinterested.Recruitingisanever-ending

processthattakesatonoftime.

head wrestling coach ron Beaschler: Wetalkwithhighschoolcoachestogetnames,andwehavearecruit

questionnaireonline.WetrytofindwrestlerswhofitONUfirst,andthenwelookathowwelltheyfitontheteam.

Whenrecruitsvisitcampus,wepresentinformationaboutONUandthewrestlingprogramandletthemdecide

whetherornotONUisagoodfit.After20-plusyearsofrecruiting,Ihavelearnednottotrytoconvincestudent-

athletestocomeherebytellingthemwhattheywanttohear.

What qualities do you look for in new recruits?Coach Paul:Welookforacademicallymotivatedstudentswhowanttodosomethingspecialwiththeirlives.We

lookforpeoplewhowanttobepartofsomethingbiggerthanthemselves.Welookforteamcaptainsbecausethey

arethemostrespectedandmostcommittedmembersoftheirteams.Welookforguyswhoarepassionateaboutthe

gameoffootballandwhowanttobetheirverybest.Thisisquiteacombinationtotarget.Nevertheless,theseplayers

areoutthere,andwhenweassemblethemtogetherintooneteam,amazingthingscanhappen.

Coach durand:Wefirstlooktoseehowthestudentdoesacademically.Weonlyrecruitgoodstudents.Ihavefound

overtheyearsthatstudentswhoworkhardintheclassroomalsoworkhardonthecourt.Studentswhodonottake

theiracademicsseriouslyusuallyendupcausingproblems.Next,welookattheirtalentonthebasketballcourtand

theneedswehaveonourteam.Welikeplayerswhoareversatileandcanplaymorethanoneposition.Wealsolook

athowwillinglythestudentacceptsdirection.Issheagoodteammate?Canshefitinonourcampus?

Coach Beaschler:Academicability,reflectedingradepointaverageandtestscores,isthefirstthingIlookat

closely.Bettergradesusuallyequalbetterathletes.Studentswhoshowtheyhavethedisciplineandfocustowork

hardintheclassroomwillexhibitthosesameimportanttraitsonthewrestlingmat.

What are the biggest draws for the student-athletes who choose ONU?Coach Paul: ONUhasanexcellentacademicreputationandalargenumberofavailablemajors,includingmany

thatareunique.Wealsohavefirst-classfacilities.Butwebelieveourgreateststrengthisthepeople.Wehave

genuinepeoplehere,fromcoachestoprofessorstostudents,whoreallycareaboutoneanotherandprovidea

supportiveenvironment.

Coach durand:ThetotalONUexperienceisthebiggestdraw.Weofferalotofmajorsthatmostschoolsdon’t

offer.Ouracademicreputationisoutstandingandsoisourathleticreputation.Ithinkourfacilitiesaresecond-to-

none.Ultimately,kidschooseONUbecausewehavethewholepackage.

Coach Beaschler: TheacademicreputationofONUisthebiggestattraction,anditdrawsthetypeofthestudent-

athletesthatcanexcelhere.Ourathleticprogramsalsohaveareputationforbeingtop-notchandcompetitive.

Scouting W hen scouting for new recruits, ohio northern University coaches are more concerned about how an athlete performs in the classroom than in how he or she fairs on the field or court.

in this article, three onU coaches share the secrets to their success in recruiting top student-athletes to onU.

2

SiblingsElizabeth “Liz” schnelle,BSBA’10,andScottSchnellelearnedanimportantlessonfromtheirparents:“Workhardtobethebestyoucanbeinyoursport,butyourstudiesalwayscomefirst.”ThispracticaladvicehasservedthemwellatOhioNorthernUniversity,wherethesiblingshavebeenstandoutstudent-athletes,earningaccoladesintheirsportandinacademics.

LizexploredseveralcollegesbeforeultimatelysettlingonOhioNorthern.“IdidanovernightstayatNorthern,andIjustfeltIbelonged,”shesays.“Everyonewassopersonableandaccepting.”Herbrother,Scott,followedhertocampustwoyearslater.HewasattractedbyNorthern’sprestigiousengineeringprogram.TheNewBremen,Ohio,nativesalsolikedthatNorthernwasjust50milesfromtheirhometown–aneasydriveforparentsCraigandSue,whofaithfullyattendalltheirgames.

AtNorthern,Lizdevelopedintoarecord-settingvolleyballplayer.Sheendedhercareerastheall-timekillsleaderatNorthernandintheOACwith2,222.ShewasnamedOACPlayeroftheYearherjuniorandsenioryears.Shealsoearnedrecognitioninacademics–AcademicAll-OAChersophomore,juniorandsenioryears,andCoSIDA/ESPNtheMagazineFirstTeamAcademicAll-Districthersenioryear.

Whenshelooksbackonhercollegecareer,however,Lizdoesn’tfocusonthehonors.Shefondlyrememberstheclosefriendshipssheformedandherpersonalgrowth.“I’vechangedsomuchfromhighschool,”shesays.“I’vegrownalot.”

Jugglingvolleyballwithclassworktaughtherhowtomanagehertimewisely,Lizexplains.FromassistantcoachBrianHoffman,shelearnedhowtograciouslydealwithpressureandhighexpectations.AndfromcoachKateWitte,shelearnedhowtobeaneffectiveleader.“ThinkingaboutcoachWittemakesmesmile,”saysLiz.“SheisthemostloyalandcompassionatepersonI’veeverymet.Shetrulywantsherplayerstodevelopinto

youngwomenofcharacter.”

Liz,whograduatedthisspringaftermajoringinaccountingandfinance,willworkforCroweHorwathLLP,apublicaccountingfirminColumbus,Ohio.

Scott,whowillbeajuniorduringthe2010-11season,hasalreadydistinguishedhimselfonandoffthecourt.InjusttwoseasonsatNorthern,he’sscored335points,grabbed215rebounds,andranks11thalltimeatONUwith41blockedshotsin52careergames.HewasnamedAcademicAll-OAChissophomoreyear,havingachievedaperfect4.0GPAforthreeoutofthefivequartershe’sbeenatONU.

AccordingtoScott,hisNorthernexperienceisturninghimintoanexcellenttimemanagerandmulti-tasker.“I’vehadtoforfeitmysociallifesomewhatinordertobesuccessful,”hesays.“Butbeingpartofateammeansmakingsacrificesandworkingtogether.”

Scottismajoringinmechanicalengineering,followinginhisfather’sandgrandfather’sfootsteps.HehopestosomedayobtainhisPh.D.andteachatthecollegelevel.

BothLizandScottcredittheirsuccessfulcollegecareerstotheunconditionalloveandsupportoftheirparentsandtwooldersiblings.Theirparentshavebeenthereforeverystepoftheircollegejourneys,remindingthemtostayfocusedontheirstudiesandcheeringthemonatallhomegamesandalmostallawaygames.

“ThefamilyjokesaboutwhatmyparentsaregoingtodowhenIgraduateintwoyears,”saysScott.“We’vekeptthemsobusy,theyaregoingtohavealotoffreetimetofill.”

All in the Family

Liz is an amazing athlete and role model. She is soft-spoken, articulate, bright, focused – just an exceptional young woman. She played volleyball at an extremely high level and developed into a leader that everyone admired and respected.

– Head volleyball coach Kate Witte

LizSchnelle

Scott is competitive by nature and a very fun loving guy. He has an uncanny knack for saying the right think in any given situation. With his work ethic (on and off the court), he has earned the respect of coaches and teammates. They look up to him and depend on him.

– Head basketball coach John Rhodes

ScottSchnelle

Polar Bear Illustrated Student Profile

New Assistant OhioNorthernUniversity’ssportsinformationdepartmenthasnamedMoniqueBowmanasits

newassistantsportsinformationdirector.

BowmanpreviouslyinternedasassociatedirectorforthePresidents’AthleticConferenceinWexford,Pa.There,shewasresponsibleformanymarketingandcommunicationeffortsonbehalfoftheconferenceandits19sponsoredsports.ShealsobringsexperiencefromFahlgrenMortinePublicRelations,anagencyinColumbus,Ohio,aswellasfromheryearsasstatistician

forColumbus-areasportsorganizationsandwriterforColumbus’Call & Postnewspaper.

AnativeofYoungstown,Ohio,BowmangraduatedcumlaudefromCapitalUniversity,where

sheworkedfouryearsasastudentassistantinCapital’ssportsinformationdepartment.She

isa2005recipientoftheCoSIDAUndergraduateScholarship(nowtheTheFredNuesch-

DaveWohlhueterScholarship).She’scurrentlyworkingtowardhermaster’sdegreeinsports

administrationatBowlingGreenStateUniversity.

in sports information

3

ohio northern UniversityathLEtiC haLL oF FaME noMination ForM

Whenever possible, fill in all blanks on this form. The most important item, however, is “why” you feel the person you are nominating should be considered for the

Ohio Northern University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Name of Nominee: ____________________________________ Class: _____________

Nominee’s Current Address: ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ List any special honors or awards your nominee won as an athletic participant, coach or athletic administrator:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why do you feel this person should be selected? Please include any facts, figures, anecdotes or other material that will help the selection committee. (Please attach a separate page, if necessary.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of ONU letter winner making the nomination:

_________________________________________________________________________ Class: ____________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _________________

Additional forms are available from the Office of Alumni Affairs. Phone: 419-772-2727 or 866-ONU-ALUM

E-mail: alumni@onu.edu Web site: onualumni.com

PLEasE rEtUrn to: Office of Alumni AffairsOhio Northern University

525 S. Main StreetAda, Ohio 45810

Fax: 419-772-2568

nominations:NominationsforinductionintoOhioNorthernUniversity’sAthleticHallofFamewillbesolicitedfromalumniandfriendsandmaybeforwardedtothedirectorofalumniaffairs.Thenominationformisalsolocatedonboththealumniaffairswebsite(www.onualumni.com)andONU’sathleticswebsite(www.onusports.com).

selection:Aminimumofeightnominations(fourmaleandfourfemaleinductees)willbesubmittedtotheAthleticHallofFameSelectionCommittee.Thecommitteewillthenselectamaximumofsixinductees,nomorethanthreepergender.Nominationswillremainonfilefor10years.

October8-10, 2010

Homecoming2010

Luke is a shining example of what we are looking for in a student-athlete at ONU. He’s dedicated to excellence in his sport and in the classroom.

– Head wrestling coach Ron Beaschler

Whatdoyougetwhenyoucombinephysicalstrengthwithdeterminationandintelligence?Astudent-athletelikeLukeMiller–anoutstandingwrestlerandstellarscholar.

Millerstartedwrestlingwhenhewasinfirstgrade,inspiredbyhisbigbrotherandhisdad,awrestlingcoach.“Ilikethefactthatwrestlingisone-on-one,andyouhavetorelyonyourselfinordertowin,”hesays.

WhenhewasahighschoolstudentatIndianaAreaHighSchoolinIndiana,Pa.,Millerwasavarsitywrestlerallfouryears.Coachedbyhisdad,hewasathree-timeSectionChampion,andinhissenioryear,hequalifiedforthePennsylvaniaAAAStateWrestlingTournament,whereheplacedeighth.

MillerselectedOhioNorthernbecauseofitsprestigiousacademicreputationandtheopportunitytocontinuewrestlingwhileearningadegreeincivilengineering.“Onmyfirstvisittocampus,Iknewrightawaythatitwasagoodchoiceforme,”hesays.“AllthepeopleImetwereextremelyfriendlyandtookextratimetoanswermyquestionsandmakemefeelcomfortable.”

InhisthreeyearsatONU,Millerhasrackedupnumeroushonorsforhisachievementsinwrestlingandacademics.HewasnamedOACWrestleroftheYearhissophomoreandjunioryears.Heisatwo-timeAllAmerican,placingfourthatNationalshissophomoreyearandwinningthechampionshiphisjunioryearat157pounds.HewasnamedAcademicAll-OAChissophomoreandjunioryears.HealsowontheMidwestClassicandtheONUInvitationalthispastseason.

Whilemanystudentsspendtheirsummerbreaksunwinding,Millerspendshissummertrainingfortheupcomingseason.“Mykeystosuccessinwrestlingandacademicsaresettinggoals,workinghardandputtinginextratimeinthesummer,”heexplains.“ImakesureIdon’twastetime.”

Miller’ssuccessalsostemsfromthestrongsupportnetworkatNorthern.“CoachBeaschlergoesoutofhiswaytomakesurethatallthewrestlerskeepuponacademicsandstayinbetterphysicalshapethanouropponents,”hesays.“CoachBrewhashelpedfinetunemytechnicalskillsandpushedmeintheweightroomtomakemestronger.MyprofessorshavebeenhelpfulinassistingmemakeupanyinformationImissduetoourwrestlingschedule.Theyarealwaysavailableforquestionsorhelp.”

Withhisfinalseasonjustaroundthecorner,Miller’sgoalistowinanothernationalchampionship.Aftercollege,heplansattendgraduateschoolinengineering,specializinginfoundationsandlargestructures.

Head weight ClassPolar Bear Illustrated Student Profile

Polar Bear Illustrated Coach Profile

Chad Bostelman,BA’05,hasgonefullcircle,returningtoOhioNorthern.Fiveyearsago,hewasastandoutguardontheONUmen’sbasketballteam.Today,heshareshiswisdomandexperiencewiththenextgenerationofPolarBearathletesasacoach-mentor.

Bostelman’stwohats–assistantmen’sbasketballcoachandheadmen’sgolfcoach–keephimbusyyearround.Despitelittledowntimebetweenseasons,hemanagestomaintainahighlevelofenthusiasmandmentalfocusatalltimes.“Ilovecoaching,”heexplains.“Idon’teventhinkofitasajob.Itnevergetstiring.”

HailingfromNapoleon,Ohio,BostelmanwasrecruitedtoplaybasketballatNorthernbylegendarycoachJoeCampoli,HofF’98.Hiscollegecareerstartedwithabang.Hisfreshmanyear,histeamwontheOACregularseasonandOACtournamentandmadeittotheFinalFourbeforefallinginthesemifinals.“Wehostedthenationaltournamentthatyear,andI’llneverforgettheexcitementandthelargecrowds,”herecalls.

Bostelman’sremainingcollegecareerseemeduneventfulbycomparison.Buthestilldistinguishedhimselfasahighlyeffectiveteamcaptain;hescoredmorethan1,000careerpointsandwasafour-timeAll-OAChonorablementionplayer.

AftergraduatingfromNorthern,BostelmanwentontoHeidelbergUniversity,wherehereceivedhismaster’sdegreeineducationandservedasagraduateassistantformen’sbasketballundercoachDuaneSheldon.Fromthere,heservedasanassistantcoachforMikeDeWittatOhioWesleyanUniversitybeforereturningtoNorthernin2008.“It’sgreatbeingback,”hesays.“OhioNorthernisaspecialplace.Theathleticprogramshaveanoutstandingtradition,andthefacilitiesaresecondtonone.”

Asacoach,Bostelmanhasagiftforcreatinganupbeatteamenvironment.Healsohasaneasyrapportwithhisplayers,takingthetimetogettoknoweachofthempersonally.“Istudytheirgametouncovertheirstrengthsandweaknesses,”hesays.“Iwanttoputeachplayerinaplacewherehecanbesuccessful.Itrytokeepitfunandencouraging.”

Bostelmanhopeshiscommunicationstylerubsoffontheplayers.“Iwantthemtodevelopintopersonableyoungmenwhoareabletorelatetomanydifferentpeopleinapositivemanner,”hesays.“It’snotjustaboutbecomingabetterbasketballorgolfplayer.It’saboutlearningtobealeaderandaman.”

WhileBostelmanenjoysthegameofgolf,hisrealpassionisbasketball.Hethrivesonthefast-pacednatureofthegameandrespectstheathleticismrequiredtobeagoodplayer.“Icanwatchthousandsofhoursofbasketballfilm,anditisstillfreshtome,”hesays.“Ijustlovethegame.”

Bostelman’sgoalistobecomeaheadbasketballcoachatthecollegelevelsomeday.OhioNortherncoachesandothersarehelpinghimreachthisgoal,hesays.“I’vehadtheprivilegetoplayforJoeCampoliandtoworkunderMikeDeWitt,DuaneSheldon,JeffColemanandJohnRhodes.Ihavelearnedatonfromeachofthem.Theyhavebeenmentorsandfriends.They’vehelpedmebecomeabettercoach.”

Going Full Circle

of the

LukeMiller

4

Purpose:TorecognizeOhioNorthernUniversitymenandwomenwhohavedistinguishedthemselvesinthefieldofathleticsbyvirtueoftheirperformanceonathleticteamsrepresentingtheUniversity,orbymeritoriouseffortsonbehalfofathleticseitherasanundergraduateorinyearsafterleavingtheUniversity.

Ohio Northern University Hall of Fame

The2008HallofFameInductees: The2009HallofFameInductees:

EdwardMiklavcicBSME’76

Stanley Reineke

BS,BSBA’88

Cary Gunning HartnessBSPh’98

Christina Rutledge

CrookBA’88

Nicholas BertkeBS’97

Cari Treisch BahmerBA’98

thomas P. Perkins Fewindividualsareluckyenoughtoexcelinonesport,letalonemultipleones.ThomasPerkinsistheexceptiontotherule.Afour-yearAll-OACletterwinnerinfootball,healsoletteredinbothindoorandoutdoortrackandbecameanNCAAqualifierandOACchampioninthehighjump. Heendedhiscollegecareerwith12lettersandwasanAll-Ohiochampioninoutdoortrack.HealsoheldONUrecordsforreceptions

inagame,seasonandcareer,touchdownsinagame,seasonandcareer,andyardsreceivinginagame,seasonandcareer.Perkins’involvementatNorthernextendedoffthefieldaswell. HewasamemberoftheStudentActivitiesCommittee,workedinMcintoshCenter,andparticipatedinorganizationssuchasAlphaSigmaPhi,BuckeyeAssociateofSchoolAdministrators(BASA),OhioAssociationofElementarySchoolAdministrators(OAESA),OhioEducationAssociation(OEA),andNationalTeacher’sExamination(NTE). Aftercollege,PerkinsjoinedtheOhioValleyAthleticConferenceall-starfootballgamecoachingstaffandcoachedgirlstrack,whichwonhimthePioneerValleyConferenceCoachoftheYearaward.HereceivedhisMAfromMuskingumUniversityinAdministrationin2005,andin2008hebecamethesuperintendentofRollingHillsLocalSchoolsafterthreeyearsasprincipalinWarrenLocalSchools. HecurrentlyisthesuperintendentatNorthernLocalSchools.

John C. smith AnativeofLyndhurst,Ohio,JohnSmithwasafour-yearstartingquarterbackatONU,settingschoolrecordsin12differentcategories,includingcareeryardage,careercompletions,andcareertouchdownpasses.HisenthusiasmforthesportwasrecognizednotonlywithintheONUcommunity,butalsobytheNFL. In1974,SmithsignedwiththeOaklandRaiders(afterfieldinganofferfromtheWorldFootballLeague’sChicagoFire).Hecontinued

hisfootballcareerwiththeCFL’sWinnipegBlueBombers.HealsotaughtandcoachedatTrinityHighSchool,servedasoffensivecoordinatoratCaliforniaUniversityofPennsylvania,andwasassistantheadcoachatGardner-WebbUniversityinBoilingSprings,N.C. Smithearnedamaster’sdegreeinspecialeducationfromCaliforniaUniversityofPennsylvania.AlongwithraisingmillionsofdollarsforAmerica’syouthduringhisfundraisingcareer,SmithhasdonatedhistimetoPlant-It2020andtheWorldHungerYear.SmithreceivedPhiKappaTheta’snational“MenofExcellence”awardin2008,andhecurrentlylivesinCarthage,Mo.

Kevin J. sensabaugh DuringhistimeatONU,KevinSensabaughwasconsidered“oneofthebestpointguardsinthecountry”byformerONUheadbasketballcoachJoeCampoli,HofF’98.SensabaughwastheWoosterMoseClassicMVPin1998andreceivedthecovetedOACGregoryAwardforplayeroftheyearinthe1999,thesameyearhewasdubbedanAll-American. Withacareerconsistingof192steals,393assists,255three-pointfieldgoals,and

44blockedshots,Sensabaughhelpedleadhisteamtothefirst-teamAllGreatLakesDistrictaward,first-teamAll-OACawardandthird-teamNABC.TheseawardsshouldcomeasnosurpriseconsideringSensabaugh’s80-27recordinhisfouryearsatONU. ThoughSensabaughhunguphisjerseyaftergraduation,hedidn’tstopcontributingtothesport.Hisdegreeineducation,combinedwithhisloveforbasketball,madetheformerAll-Americananexcellentcoach.Aftergettinghisstartastheeighth-gradebasketballcoachatMarion-Hardingschools,SensabaughmovedontocoachJVboy’sbasketballatSpencervilleLocalSchoolsfortwoyearsbeforebecomingtheheadvarsitycoach.

a look at ohio northern University’s 2010 Athletic

Hall of Fame inducteesManypeoplehavetheabilitytoplaysomekindofsport.Withenoughpatienceandpractice,mostcanlearntodribble,hit,pass,catchor

shootaball.Theymayevenhaveenoughdedicationtobecomesomewhatskilled.Few,however,havetherefinedtalenttobeabletoexcelinasport,andevenfewerarerenownedenoughtobehonoredfortheirskills.

Eachyear,OhioNorthernUniversityselectsagroupofindividualswhohavesignificantlycontributedtothefieldofathleticsascoaches,sponsorsorgoodold-fashionedathletestojointheONUAthleticHallofFame,atraditionthathasbeencalled“themostsignificantathletichonortheirAlmaMatercanbestow.”

Sixformerathleteshavebeenchosenthisyearforthisrenownedrecognition:thomas P. Perkins,BA’95,afootballandtrackathletefromSenecaville,Ohio;John C. smith,BA’74,afootballplayerfromCarthage,Mo.;Kevin J. sensabaugh,BA’99,abasketballplayerfromSpencerville,Ohio;amy (wood) Mills,BS’96,atrackandfieldathletefromLancaster,Ohio;gina L. Fall,BA’96,asoccerandtrackathletefromHamilton,Ohio;andMaryann C. rist,BSBA’96,asoftballplayerfromAvon,Ohio.

amy (wood) Mills ForAmyMills,passionfortrackandfieldwasintheblood.Herfather,whowasespeciallyskilledinjumpinghurdlesatEasternKentuckyUniversity,inspiredherloveforthesport.SinceherfreshmanyearatNorthern,Mills’outstandingathletictalentwasnotwithoutrecognition.Duringherfirstyear,shewonfourleaguetitles(SCOL)andwasameetMVP.Inhersophomoreyear,shehadthreeleaguetitles,wasrunner-upfora

fourthandbecametheteamMVP.Inherjunioryear,shehadfourleaguetitles(MSL),wasdistrictchampioninthe100-meterhurdles,andwasboththemeetandteamMVP.Finally,duringhersenioryear,shesecuredthreemoreleaguetitles(MSL)andwastheteamMVPoncemore. AftergraduatingfromONU,MillswasanassistantcoachatCirclevilleHighSchoolfrom1997-99.Foreachyearthatshecoached,shewatchedoneofthewomenshementoredgoontothestatequalifiers,anundoubtedlyproudmomentfortheformerrunner. ShenowworksfortheOhioDepartmentofPublicHealthandlivesinLancaster,Ohio.

gina L. Fall Onecouldeasilyarguethatoneofthemostimportantpositionsonasoccerteamisthegoalkeeper.Afterall,ateamcan’tbeoutscoredwhenthere’salwayssomeonebackthereblockingkicks.In1993,theONUwomen’ssoccerteamagreedwhenitmadesophomoregoalkeeperGinaFalltheteamMVP.Thatyear,shemadeaseason-recordnumberofsavesbystopping181potentialgoals.Thenextseason,shemade158saves;

arecord21savescameduringasinglegameagainstRhodesState.In1995,shetookontheresponsibilityofteamcaptainandendedtheseasonbyearningtheCoachesAward. Falldidn’trestrictherselftothesoccerfield,however.Shealsorantrack,earningthetitleofOACDiscusChampionin1993,1994,1995and1996.ShewasalsoONU’sonlyfour-timeAll-Americanintrackandfield. SincegraduatingfromONU,FallhasworkedasanexecutiveatbothTargetCorporationandKohl’s.Shehasremainedactiveinathleticsbycoachinggirl’shighschoolsoccer,basketballandtrack.Fallalsokeepsbusythroughvolunteerwork,donatinghertimeattheMuscularDystrophyAssociation,theLeukemiaLymphomaSociety,theHopeHouseRescueMission,MiddletownCommunityPregnancyCenter,SLINKY(atutoring/mentoringprogramforstudentsingrades3-6),andDayton’sAutismSociety.

Maryann C. rist Afteranimpressivehighschoolcareer,MaryannRistdidn’tdisappointwhenshejoinedtheONUsoftballteam.Duringhersophomoreyear,shehit.500in52at-batsbeforehoningherabilitiesasapitcher. ShewasnamedOACPitcheroftheWeekforApril4,1994,thesameyearshetiedaONUsingle-seasonrecordwith15winsasasophomore(endingwitha15-5recordandninestraightwins)andjwasnamedFirstTeamAll-

OACasapitcher.In1996,RistagainwasnamedFirstTeamAll-OACandwasnamedOACPitcheroftheWeekforApril15-21,1996.ShebecameanAll-Americanthesameyear. Whilenotablyanoutstandingpitcher,Ristwasalsohonoredforheracademicsuccess.In1995and1996,shewasnamedFirstTeamAcademicAll-OAC,andin1996shewasalsoaFirstTeamGTEAcademicAll-DistrictandaThirdTeamGTEAcademicAll-American.ShealsoreceivedanONUOutstandingAcademicPerformanceAward,awardedtostudentswhomaintainaGPAof3.5orhigheroverthecourseof45ormorehoursofgradedcoursework.

James G. RickettsBS’60

Brad A. Rogers

BSME’90

Mary Bouic SchmidtBSPh’94

Cortney Roof

SimpsonBSEd’98

Matthew D. Wolf

BSPh’98

Lori S. Kane

BSBA’85

11

Polar Bear Illustrated Sports Summary

Looking backThe Polar Bears posted their 26th consecutive winning season with a 20-3 overall record, won the Ohio Athletic Conference regular season crown with a 9-0 mark, won the OAC tournament title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Northern set a school record with 20 victories against just three defeats.

Looking forwardWe will have a great deal of experience in the 2010-11 season. We are returning each member of last season’s OAC championship team, and I would expect our players to approach each day as an opportunity to improve. Our first goal is to be successful in the OAC regular season and win the OAC tournament championship. This goal is important because it sends us to the NCAA tournament, which is our next goal.Bob rohan (fourth year as head coach)

Looking backThe 2009 team ended its season with a 30-4 record. They fell to Hope College (Mich.) 3-1 in the Great Lakes Regional Championship.

Looking forwardOur expectations for the 2010 season are to win the OAC Conference Cham-pionship and secure a bid to the NCAA volleyball tournament. A young and inexperienced team will be challenged to achieve those goals and expecta-tions. While we will be very inexperienced offensively, our strength will be our defensive backcourt.Kate witte (20th year as head coach)

Volleyball

Looking backThe 2009 team had a sensational season, winning the OAC Championship for the third time in four years.

Looking forwardA talented freshman group of young ladies are ready to be Polar Bears and fill in the gaps of a strong returning team. Our performance in the classroom with a team GPA of 3.47 is a huge example of what these Lady Bears are made of. The challenge will be to leave the past in the past and carve out new and deeper bonds as a group.Peggy Ewald (sixth year as head coach)

Women’s Swimming and Diving

Men’s Tennis

Looking backOhio Northern finished third at the 2010 Ohio Athletic Conference Wrestling Championships. The Polar Bears claimed the OAC Regular Season champion-ship for the first time since 2005 with a 6-0 record in OAC duals, and a 16-10 overall record on the season.

Looking forwardReturning National Champion Luke Miller and All-American Kyle Kwiat will be expected to lead the charge through the OAC schedule and into the National Championships. The key will be to see which of the other starting eight step up and accept the challenge to earn the bid to the NCAA National Championships and produce All-Americans at the tournament. If we can get all cylinders hitting at the same time, the Polar Bears have a shot to break into the top four in the team race.ron Beaschler, BsBa ’86 (23rd year as head coach)

Looking backThe team finished the 2010 season with a 10-11 overall record and fifth in the OAC with a 5-4 mark.

Looking forwardIn the classroom, we want to be an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Academic All-American Team for the 10th straight year. On the court, we’ll be fielding the youngest team in school history. That said, we have one of the largest and strongest recruiting classes in program history. I’m confident we can surprise some folks this year and be right in the thick of things for an OAC title and a ticket to the big dance.scott wills, BsBa ’87 (10th year as head coach)

Wrestling

Women’s Tennis

10

The college player becomes the college coachMaysembracedsportsatanearlyage.Whenhewasgrowingupduringthe’50sand’60s,sportswasabigthinginhisfamily,especiallybaseball.

Hisinterestsshiftedabit,andbythetimeMayswasastudentatOhioNorthern,hehadalreadyspentseveralyearsonthefootballfield.

“Iplayedinjuniorhighschoolandhighschool,butIwasn’tverygoodthen,either”hesays,laughing.“Iwasalsoslow.”

Self-effacementaside,Mayswasaletter-winnerinfootballatONU,playingguardandtackleunder arden “stretch” roberson, BSEd’49,HofF’76.HealsoplayedgoaliefortheONUHockeyClubandwasactiveinthePhiMuDeltafraternity.

AftergraduatingfromNorthern,Maysspentthelate’60steachingspecialeducationatCantonLincolnHighSchoolandMassillonHighSchool.Hewasanassistantfootballcoachatbothschoolsbeforetakingthehead-coachingjobatWoosterHighSchool,wherehewasalsoheadofthespecialeducationdepartment.

AndwhileheenjoyedthoseearlyyearsteachinginOhio,footballcamecalling.Hesoonlefttheclassroomforgood.

In1971,MaystookajobasanassistantunderheadcoachVinceGibsonatKansasStateUniversity.Thisfirstforayintocollegecoachingkick-startedahighlysuccessfulrunofpositionsatseveraluniversitiesunderthecommandofseveralinfluentialcoaches.

Mays’nextstopwasNorthCarolinaStateUniversity,whereheservedasassistantcoach,administrativeassistanttoheadfootballcoach,andthenrecruitingcoordinator,allunderheadcoachLouHoltz.

MaysthentraveledtotheUniversityofPittsburghin1976,servingasrecruitingcoordinatorforateamthatfeaturedheadcoachJohnnyMajors,Heisman-winnerTonyDorsettandanationalchampionship.In1977,MaysfollowedMajorstotheUniversityofTennesseeasrecruitingcoordinator.

Aroundthistime,Maysdecidedthatthereweremoreopportunitiesoutthereasanathleticdirectorthanasaheadcoach.

“Beinganathleticdirector,youdirectedthewholeprogram,”heexplains.“Beingafootballcoach,youmanagedthefootballprogram.Butbeinganathleticdirector,youdirectedallsports.”

Withthisinmind,MaysacceptedthepositionofassistantathleticdirectorattheUniversityofKansasunderAthleticDirectorBobMarcumin1978.Hetookanotherathleticdirectorpositionin1979,thistimewithheadcoachJimmyJohnsonatOklahomaStateUniversity.Hewaslearningtheentiretime,pickingupvaluablelessonsandknowledgealongtheway.

a thinking gameFootball

Polar Bear Illustrated Alumni Profile

“I wasn’t a great athlete, in no way, shape or form,” claims Bruce Mays, BsEd ’65.

yet, for Mays, football is everything. it’s his entire life.

“Football has been good to me, because it’s afforded me many opportu-nities i wouldn’t have had,” he says.

so how does someone who thinks so little of his own athleticism become so indebted to a sport? it seems that, while Mays may not have had the physical talent for sustained football success, he certainly has the brains for it.

“TherearelittlethingsI’vepickedupfromindividualsovertheyears.‘Nojobwasbeneathyou,nomatterwhatyouhadtodo’isone,”hesays.“WhenIwasatOklahomaState,Iwaspaintingthelockerroom,andJimmyasked,‘Whyareyoudoingthat?’Isaid,‘Whoelseisgoingtodoit?’”

WhenJohnsonmovedtotheUniversityofMiamiin1984,Maysfollowedandbecametheuniversity’sassociateathleticdirector.HewaswithMiamiwhentheHurricaneswonanationalchampionshipin1987.

Turning proInspring1989,MaysfollowedJohnsontotheNFL’sDallasCowboysastheteam’sdirectorofoperations.He’sbeenthereeversince,workingwithteamsthatwonSuperBowlsin1992,1993and1995.

InDallas,hehasoverseentheteambudget,security,educationalprograms,teamtravelarrangementsandtheteam’sfacilities.He’salsobeencalledtheCowboys’“grimreaper,”ashe’stheguywholetsplayersknowwhenthey’vebeencutduringtrainingcamp.

Hehasbeenassociatedwithseveraloutstandingplayersandseveralnotableheadcoaches,includingJohnson,BarrySwitzer,ChanGailey,DaveCampo,BillParcellsandWadePhillips.

MaysalsofeelsfortunatetohavebeenassociatedwithCowboysownerJerryJones.“Mr.Jonesisthetopownerandgeneralmanagerin

professionalsports,”hesays.

Away from sportsOffthefield,Mayskeepsabusyscheduleofspeakingengagements,somethinghepickedupaspartofhiscollegecoachingandathleticdirectorduties.“Whenyougetintoit,especiallyonthecollegelevel,yougetaskedtospeakbyboosterclubsandcivicgroups,”hesays.

Inhissparetime,Mayslikestoread.Aloveofgolfhasfallenbythewayside,asMayswouldratherspendtimewithhiswife,Kathy.“Theolderyouget,peoplemeanalotmoretoyou,”heexplains.

ThislineofthoughtgivesMaysachancetofondlylookbackatbothhistimeatNorthern.

“You’remorethanjustanathleteatNorthern.Peopletookasincereinterestinme,whichgoesbacktotheUniversity’sstrongbeliefinpeople,”heremembers.“ThegreatestthingaboutOhioNorthernthatIhaveisthefriendshipsthatarestillaround.Also,theopportunitiesthroughouttheyearstobeassociatedwithDr.KendallBakerandhis

wife,Toby,andBillRobinson,whoareallgreatindividuals.”

Heading back to classEventhoughMayslefttheclassroomsomanyyearsago,hisdecisionmaynotbepermanent.Mayshasbeencontemplatingareturn,perhapsatthecollegelevel.

“WhenIretire,Iwanttogetalittlebitmoreinvolvedwithteaching.I’vegotagoodfriendwhoteachesoutinCalifornia.Heteachesatajuniorcollege,soI’vebeenthinkingaboutdoingthat.”

Hisfuturestudentsshouldconsiderthemselveslucky,becauseMayscertainlyhasalifetimeofwisdomtoshare.

5

ONU alumni coach Norwalk St. Paul to state football title

InDecember2009,threeOhioNorthern

UniversityalumnihelpedleadNorwalk

St.PaulHighSchooltoitsfirststate

footballchampionship.HeadcoachJohn

Livengood,BA’88,receiverscoach

tom Baker,BA’89,anddefensiveline

coachLarry Fisher,BS’94,areallonthe

coachingstaffoftheteam,whichdefeated

DelphosSt.Johns24-21withawinning

touchdowninthefinalsecondsofthe

Division6championshipgame.

LivengoodhasledtheFlyersfor19seasons.

Underhisguidance,theFlyershavewon

13conferencechampionships,made13

playoffappearances,andmadethestate

finalsfourtimes.

ONU wives and friends celebrate with St. Paul coaches after championship

game. From left to right: Rhonda (Payne) Fisher, BA ’94, assistant coach

Larry Fisher, BS ’94, head coach John Livengood, BA ’88, Paul Langer,

BSME ’88, Lee Strnad, BSME ’88, assistant coach Tom Baker, BA ’89, and

Julie (Gomos) Baker, BS ’93.

ONU alumnus coaches Port Clinton to basketball state finaltroy diels,BA’98,ledthePortClintonHighSchoolboysbasketballteamtoamagicalunbeatenseasonbeforefalling

shortintheDivisionIIstatechampionshipagainstDaytonDunbarinMarch2010.

TheRedskinsfinishedtheregularseasonwithaperfect20-0record,thebestrecordinschoolhistoryandthefirst20-0

seasonintheSanduskyBayConferencesince1980.TheteamwasrankedNo.4teaminthefinalAssociatedPresspoll.

Kim BurkeKimBurkehasbeennamedOhioNorthern’sUniversity’snewheadsoftballcoach.Shereplacessix-yearheadcoachAnnetteShepherd.

Burkebringsawealthofexperiencetotheprogramasacoachandastudent-athlete.Mostrecently,shespentfouryears(2006-10)asanassistantcoachfortheKentStateUniversityGoldenFlashes,helpingthemtoa33-22recordthispastseason.

Lastseason,theGoldenFlashescapturedtheirfifthstraightMid-AmericanConference(MAC)EastDivisiontitle,earnedaco-regularseasonchampionship,andfinishedrunner-upatthe2010MACTournament.

BeforehertimeatKentState,BurkewasanassistantatCentralMichiganUniversityfrom2004-06.Priortothis,from2001-03,shewasanassistantcoachattheUniversityofMassachusetts,wheresheassistedtheMinutewomentoarecordof92-29(.760),twoAtlantic10regularseasonchampionships,andtwotournamentchampionships.ShealsowasamemberofthecoachingstaffthatwasnamedtheNortheastRegionCoachingStaffoftheYearin2003.

A2001graduateofCentralMichiganUniversity(CMU),Burkewasafour-timeAllMACselectionandearnedAll-GreatLakesRegionalhonors.CMUwontheMACTournamentineachofherfinalthreeyears.

Jessica ViertlboeckJessicaViertlboeckhasbeennamedthenewheadwomen’sgolfcoachatOhioNorthern.Shewillalsoserveasanassistantwomen’sbasketballcoach.

Viertlboeckrecentlyspentfouryearsasassistantwomen’sbasketballcoachatOhioWesleyanUniversity,whereshealsoservedasaninstructorandthedirectorofspringintramuralsports.Beforethis,Viertlboeckspenttwoseasonsasanassistantwomen’sbasketballcoachatBrownUniversity.

From2001-03,ViertlboeckwasagraduateassistantatCentralMichiganUniversity,whereshecoachedwomen’sbasketballandtaughtgolfclassesasapartofthephysicaleducationdepartment.Duringthistime,shealsospentaseasonasanassistantbasketballcoachatAlmaCollege.

A2001graduateofOhioWesleyan,Viertlboeckwasafour-yearstarteronthewomen’sbasketballteam.Shewasatwo-timeAll-Americanandatwo-timefirst-teamall-NorthCoastAthleticConferenceselection.ShetwiceearnedconferenceMVPhonorsandwasamemberofthe2001squadthatearnedaspotintheNCAADivisionIIIFinalFour.Viertlboeckalsoletteredinsoftball.

New Coaches

Polar Bear Illustrated Coach Profile

ohio northern University names

6

Polar Bear Illustrated Sports Summary

Looking backThe 2009 team ended its season with a 15-3-4 overall record. They were crowned OAC Regular Season Champions and made it to the NCAA National Champion-ship, where they were stopped in the first round by Brockport State (N.Y.).

Looking forwardWe have a lot of experience this season and a strong recruiting class, which gives us great depth. We are looking forward to playing a lot of different guys so that we can wear our opponents down throughout the season. Our challenge will be playing together and for each other. If we can put personal goals aside, we’ll have a great season.Brent ridenour (13th year as head coach)

Men’s Soccer

Looking backThe 2009 team ended its season with a 15-5-1 overall record. The team made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship, but the Polar Bears fell to Wittenberg 3-1 in the First Round.

Looking forwardWe have seven of 11 starters returning as well as a very strong incoming freshman class. We are hungry to achieve some “firsts” in our program’s history. Our biggest challenge will be to prepare well for each opponent and not treat any opponent differently than the next one. We need to take the season one day, one game at a time and continuously improve.Mark Batman (seventh year as head coach)

Women’s Soccer

Looking backThe 2009 team had a record-breaking season, winning the OAC Championship for the sixth consecutive year.

Looking forwardOur goal is to reach our full potential individually and collectively not only in the pool, but also in the classroom and in our social behavior. We’d also like to repeat a championship to bring it to seven consecutive wins and move a number of individuals forward to the national stage for the NCAA Championships.Peggy Ewald (sixth year as head coach)

Men’s Swimming and Diving

Looking backONU’s football team posted an 8-2 record in 2009 and finished the season ranked No. 13 by D3Football.com and No. 24 by the American Football Coaches Association.

Looking forwardThe primary objective within our program is to reach our full potential in the following areas: academics, football, social, spiritual. We have a tremendous group of seniors, and we feel they possess the talent and attitude necessary to be the best. So, we expect to have a very good football team with the potential to be one of the best in small college football.dean Paul (eighth year as head coach)

Football

Men’s Outdoor Track and Field

Looking back The women’s outdoor team finished 27-19 overall and third at the 2010 Ohio Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Looking forwardWe have a great group of kids, they are very dedicated and committed to what we are trying to achieve. That has to be a strength for us.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Looking back at Men’s track and FieldThe men’s outdoor team finished 28-9 overall and third at the 2010 OAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Looking forwardOur strengths over the past few years have been in our numbers. With that many people, you always have training partners and people pushing, challenging and encouraging each other every day. It makes everyone involved better.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Women’s Outdoor Track and Field

9

Looking backOhio Northern had its best season in recent history with a 26-12 record and a 10-8 record in the OAC (fifth place).

Looking forwardWinning 26 games and finishing the OAC regular season with a 10-8 record was a big step for a program that has not seen this type of suc-cess in more than 20 years. The expectation of winning is now program wide. Our team goals for the 2011 season are to finish the OAC regular season in the top four, win a conference championship, win the Mid-East Regional and compete in the NCAA Division III College World Series.Justin Bergman (sixth year as head coach)

Polar Bear Illustrated Sports Summary

Looking backThe 2009-10 team ended its season with a 16-11 record.

Looking forwardOur biggest strength this season will be our experience. Our whole team from last year is returning, and many of those players saw considerable playing time. We will also be a deep team that should be able to play 10 to 12 players. Our biggest challenge will be maintaining a consistently high level of play throughout the long basketball season.Michele durand (10th year as head coach)

Women’s Basketball

Looking backThe 2009-10 team ended its season with a 12-14 record.

Looking forwardWe will be a young team; however, we have some players coming back who logged quality minutes last year. Our biggest strength will be that the team will know what we expect of them. Last year, everything was new, and we spent a lot of time talking, teaching and learning a new system. This year we should be able to focus on the process of the team’s development.John rhodes (second year as head coach)

Men’s Basketball

Baseball

SoftballLooking backThe Ohio Northern softball team finished the 2010 season ranked No. 12 in the final weekly National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll. The Polar Bears finished 41-7 on the season and won the 2010 OAC regular season crown with a 17-1 record.

Looking forwardWe have some great players returning this year who are excited about competing this coming season. The OAC is one of the strongest and most competitive Division III conferences in the country, and I’m looking for-ward to being a part of such a respected program and conference. Kim Burke (first year as head coach)

Looking backThe ONU men’s golf team posted a third-place finish at the 2010 Ohio Athletic Conference Men’s Golf Championships. The team finished the regular season with a 44-48-2 record, tied for third in the OAC.

Looking forwardWe have high expectations for our 2010-11 season. We finished third in our conference championship last season and hope to improve upon that this year. We have a young but pretty experienced core coming back, and we are extremely excited to get started.Chad Bostelman (third year as head coach)

Men’s Golf

7

Polar Bear Illustrated Sports Summary

Looking backThe men’s cross country team finished second at the 2009 Ohio Athletic Conference Championships. The Polar Bear men finished with a 93-17 record and were ranked No. 32 nationally in 2009.

Looking forwardThe men’s cross country team will have to replace some leaders up front, but we return a lot of depth and have a great group of young men that look to continue the tradition of the past several years.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Men’s Cross Country

Women’s Indoor Track and Field

Women’s Cross Country

Men’s Indoor Track and Field

Looking backThe women’s indoor team finished with season with a 50-1 overall record. The team also won its second consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championship.

Looking forwardThe women’s track and field team was very successful last year despite smaller numbers, which means contributions came from many places. This will be no exception this year for the Polar Bear women as well.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Looking backThe men’s indoor team finished with a 49-4 overall record and in first place at the OAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. This marks the third straight season that the men have won the OAC Championship and the fifth time overall.

Looking forwardThe men’s track and field team loses a few key leaders, but will return many contributors. Depth will be the source of success for this group as they look for their fourth straight indoor OAC Championship.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Looking backThe women’s cross country team finished the 2009 season with an impressive 70-36 mark and a third-place finish at the OAC Championships.

Looking forwardThe women’s cross country team returns most of its core from the last two years, so the expectations continue to grow as this group of women develops.Jason Maus (second year as head coach)

Looking backThe ONU women’s golf team took second place at the 2010 OAC Women’s Golf Championships. The team finished the regular season with a 68-10 record.

Looking forwardIt is a great honor to be part of the rich tradition and success of Ohio Northern University athletics. I look forward to the start of the season and hope to further the University’s distinction in the OAC and its prominence among the country’s universities. Jessica Viertlboeck (first year as head coach)

Women’s Golf

8