All-Time SEOAL Baseball standings
(1941-2006)
TEAM W L Titles
Ironton 140 59 8
Athens 401 181 24
Marietta 179 87 7
Logan 327 236 11
Warren 141 111 4
Middleport 55 63 4
Jackson 253 302 4
Pomeroy 55 70 2
Gallipolis 254 337 10
Waverly 58 90 0
Pt. Pleasant 46 74 0
Wellston 90 149 0
Meigs 48 115 0
Nelsonville 16 76 0
River Valley 12 121 0
Nelsonville-York 1 17 0
Chillicothe 5 7 0
Zanesville 11 1 1
Portsmouth 8 4 0
Totals 2100 2100 75
SEOAL Baseball Champions
(1941-2006)
Year Champion W L
1941 Gallipolis 4 0
1945 Gallipolis 5 0
1946 Athens 3 1
1947 Middleport 7 0
1948 Middleport 6 0
1949 Gallipolis 5 1
Athens 5 1
1950 Athens 5 0
1951 Middleport 6 1
1952 Athens 5 0
1953 Athens 4 1
1954 Gallipolis 5 0
1955 Gallipolis 4 1
1956 Athens 4 1
1957 Middleport 7 0
1958 Athens 7 0
1959 Gallipolis 7 0
1960 Pomeroy 6 0
1961 Athens 7 0
1962 Pomeroy 7 0
1963 Athens 7 1
1964 Logan 6 0
1965 Logan 6 2
1966 Athens 6 1
1967 Gallipolis 5 1
1968 Ironton 5 0
Athens 6 0
1969 Gallipolis 6 1
1970 Ironton 7 0
1971 Athens 6 2
1972 Logan 6 1
Ironton 6 1
1973 Athens 7 0
1974 Ironton 6 1
1975 Athens 12 2
1976 Jackson 11 3
1977 Logan 14 0
1978 Athens 11 3
1979 Athens 11 3
1980 Ironton 12 2
1981 Ironton 11 3
1982 Jackson 12 2
1983 Ironton 10 2
Logan 10 2
1984 Athens 6 2
1985 Gallipolis 6 2
Ironton 6 2
1986 Marietta 8 4
Logan 8 4
Athens 8 4
1987 Athens 10 5
1988 Marietta 8 2
Athens 8 2
1989 Marietta 9 1
1990 Athens 10 0
1991 Marietta 9 1
1992 Logan 7 2
1993 Logan 11 1
1994 Marietta 10 2
1995 Logan 10 2
1996 Jackson 11 3
1997 Jackson 11 3
Athens 11 3
1998 Marietta 13 0
1999 Marietta 11 3
Athens 11 3
Warren 11 3
2000 Logan 13 1
2001 Logan 13 1
2002 Marietta 11 3
2003 Athens 10 2
2004 Warren 10 2
2005 Warren 9 1
2006 Gallipolis 8 2
Warren 8 2
2007 Zanesville 11 1
Sunday, March 30, 2008
SEOAL All-Time Champions and Standings
Warren Reloads After 26 Win Campaign in 07
After winning consecutive league titles from 2004 to 2006, and advancing to a regional final in 2005, Jeff Bradford’s 26-3 Warren Warriors seemed poised for its coveted trip to the state tournament in 2007.
Boasting two dominant starting pitchers and one of the more prolific offensive attacks in school history, the road to Columbus and the school’s first final four appearance appeared to be well within grasp.
Unfortunately the story rarely follows the script, and such was the case for Bradford’s group, as the Blue Lions of Washington Courthouse would play spoiler for the second consecutive year, this time outlasting Warren in an extra inning thriller, 4-3.
Having stewed over the extra inning loss in last year’s district finals for the past nine months, the Warriors find themselves eager to put the 2007 season behind them and usher in the 2008 season.
“I really thought last year was our best chance to get to state... Unlike most teams we had two go to guy’s on the mound. Our ball club didn’t really change whether Tyler or Daniel were on the mound, and that was rare, said Bradford. We just couldn’t quite finish, and it was a tough pill to swallow, but our guys are just going to use that as motivation for improving this year.”
Given the depth Warren returns in 08, their urgency seems more than understandable.
Boasting the return of six starters from last year’s squad, Warren has its sights set on improving on last year’s 26-4 season.
“We set out to get 24 a few years back, then 25, and then 26 last year. We aren’t necessarily shooting for 27 wins this year or 30 for that matter, but it would sure be nice,” said Bradford.
Thanks to the return of five players who last year batted over .300, Warren will have the offensive makeup of a team capable of improving on their 26 wins in 2007. Headlining the list of returnees for the Warriors are several offensive threats, most notably last season’s cleanup hitter Daniel Wagner (.306 avg, 31 runs, 29 rbi), power hitting lefty Cory Hooper (.379, 34 runs, 26 rbi), and the clutch hitting catcher Tyler Spence (.366, 23 runs, 30 rbi).
In the return of this trio Bradford believes his club will be more than capable at the plate.
“We might not have the power hitter that we have had in the middle of the lineup this season, but the guys we have can put the ball in play with consistency and put pressure on pitchers.”
While the group remains virtually intact at numbers four, five, and six in the order, the club must fill the void left by a trio of seniors, and ironically the teams’ one, two, and three hitters.
“It is tough to replace last years seniors, they made up our top three in the order, added Bradford. (Ethan) Bonnette was on base constantly, Garrett (Proctor) was one of those kids who could do a lot of things with the bat and he always played his heart out, and Tyler (Wynn) of course is playing D1 now.”
Vying for the job of replacing the aforementioned Proctor, Bonnette, and Wynn is a series of candidates, most notably juniors Nate Heiss, Jeremy Murphy, and senior Justin Adams.
While offensively the club may be even deeper than last season, the Warriors must improve on the mound as it seems that with the departure of staff ace Tyler Wynn the club is left searching for a reliable arm outside of projected starter Daniel Wagner.
Early candidates hoping to ease the burden on the mound left by Wynn is a series of right handers, senior Josh Ward, senior David Lemon, and junior Justin Pettit.
“Josh (Ward) will likely be our number two this year. He has got a live fastball can locate it pretty well and we expect his mound presence will be a bit better now that he is a senior,” noted Bradford. “David (Lemon) has thrown well in relief and we would like him to step up and be a closer for us.”
While youth may be a concern on the mound, Bradford was granted no reprieve as it seems that some inopportune scheduling will force the Warriors to mature quickly. Early season dates with defending league champion Zanesville and rival Marietta will test the Warriors in opening weeks should give fans a good idea about whether or not Warren will have the pitching to mount another tournament run.
If the yearly improvement is any indication, the Warriors should be primed for yet another run come May and with a few breaks the venerable Bradford may finally get his elusive trip to the state’s final four.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tigers Optimistic About 08’
Despite the loss of the club’s two All-SEOAL selections and last season’s 12-10 overall finish and 6-7 mark in league play, Marietta co-coaches Larry Burke and Jim Thrash believe this year’s squad has what it takes to be a winner.
And why not? As evidenced by the sheer number of victories the two coaches have compiled in their tenure, most tend to believe the venerable coaches when they say they have a winning ball club.
Hoping to build off of last season’s 7-0 victory over Gallipolis in the SEOAL day of Champions 5th place game and the two near misses against eventual league champion Zanesville, coaches Burke and Thrash feel the youthful squad that struggled to find consistency last season is ready to contend for a titles in 08’.
“We return five starters from last year’s squad, Cole Biehl, (Evan) Brockmeier, (Christian) Hudspeth, (Todd) Alden, and (Zane) Eschbaugh, and we had lots of other guys get a decent amount of innings”, said Thrash. “While we have to replace our two all-league guys Chris Dent and Aaron McIntire, we are optimistic that our younger players can step up and be successful.”
Although the 12-10 finish was far below the expectations of coaches and players, Thrash realizes that the margin of defeat last year was slim for his green corps of players.
“We had to play Zanesville three times last year, and a couple of those were real tight ball-games. We also played Warren a couple times and although we got hammered pretty good, we had one close call later in the season. If you take those five losses out of our schedule and look at our body of work, i’d say our guys did a pretty good job.”
Consider the following; in the Tigers 13 league contests the defense yielded a respectable 79 runs while the offense provided a meager 77 runs. The two run differential was far and away the closest margin of all the teams in the SEOAL, and given the fact Marietta lost five games by three runs or less, any improvement at all at the plate will pay immediate dividends.
In the field Marietta is pinning its success on defensive success of its core group of middle infielders, and some surprising depth in the pitching staff. Buoyed by the return of second baseman Evan Brockmeier and likely shortstop Cole Biehl, the Tigers hope to have one of the stronger defensive clubs in recent memory.
“Evan has to be considered one of the top guys in the league defensively”, added Thrash. “He committed just one error last year at second base, and this year I think he can be even better. We moved Cole (Biehl) around quite a bit last year, but this year I think he will stay in one spot.”
While strong up the middle, Marietta must find suitable replacements for its depleted battery. The tandem of Dent and McIntire manned the pitcher and catcher positions for much of the season in 2007, adding extra emphasis on filling the positions this season.
“Scott Tebay caught for us on the JV level the past couple years and his move up is probable. (Todd) Alden also did a bit of catching last season, but we will be hard pressed to make one of our top pitchers catch,” added Thrash. “Pitching wise, we have a decent group, many of which are getting their first shot with the Varsity. I think they will do a great job stepping in for us.”
While youthful on the mound and behind the plate, the Tigers will get no reprieve in the early season as the schedule is loaded with quality teams in April. In addition to the league opener versus Logan on Mar. 31, the Tigers must also entertain Zanesville, Mentor Lake Catholic, and PHS in their first 5 games.
2008 Marietta Tigers Schedule
3/25 Eastern (Scrim) Home 4:30pm
3/29 Fed Hocking(Scrim) Home 12:00pm
3/31 Logan Home 5:00pm (L 7-11)
4/1 Morgan Away 5:00pm
4/2 Zanesville Home 5:00pm
4/5 Lake Catholic/PHS(DH) Home 12:00pm
4/7 Athens Away 5:00pm
4/8 Philo Home 5:00pm
4/9 Warren Away 5:00pm
4/11 Logan Away 5:00pm
4/14 Zanesville Away 5:00pm
4/15 Morgan Home 5:00pm
4/16 Parkersburg Away 7:00pm
4/18 Athens Home 5:00pm
4/19 New Philadelphia (DH) Away 12:00pm
4/21 Warren Home 5:00pm
4/22 Meigs Away 5:00pm
4/23 Logan Home 5:00pm
4/26 Zanesville Home 1:00pm
4/28 Parkersburg South Home 5:00pm
4/29 Philo Away 5:00pm
4/30 Athens Away 5:00pm
5/1 Warren @ Schaly Stadium Home 7:00pm
5/3 Alexander (DH) Home 7:00pm
5/6 Meigs Home 5:00pm
5/7 SEOAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TBA TBA
The Rundown 3/25
Etta Express Back on Track- After struggling out of the gate, Coach Brewer’s squad got a much needed shot in the arm on Sunday as the Pios rode the coattails of TJ Knowlton’s strong outing in game one, and picked up several late game hits in the night cap producing a home sweep OAC foe Heidelberg, 3-2, 10-6.
Knowlton tossed a complete game in the opener, limiting the Student Princes to just eight hits over seven, striking out five and walking just one. Offensively Marietta staged a late rally, getting a solo homer from Dominick Winters in the fifth, before plating the tying and go-ahead runs in the sixth.
In game two, MHS product Nate Eschbaugh worked four innings allowing four runs (two earned) before yielding to Rio Grande transfer Chris Stewart. The junior transfer stymied the Berg, producing three scoreless innings while the pioneer offense kicked it into gear.
Offensively Marietta was led in game two by Justin Merryman and Cameron Cimino, who combined produced five hits in nine at bats and drove in four runs.
Marietta returns to action Wednesday when they host second ranked Wooster.
MHS Alumni Tournament Nearing- Let the trash talking begin! The 15th annual Marietta High School alumni tournament is scheduled for April 4-6, with games being played at MHS and MMS. The round robin tournament concludes with a single elimination day of champions on April 6th, where the top teams in each division compete for an outright championship. Additionally, the annual Coaches/Faculty vs. Current MHS players game is scheduled for immediately following the championship contest. Registration is complete, but for more information contact either Jim Humphrey at 374-3955 or Matt Heidorn at 706-9094.
Mid-Ohio Valley Golf Association Taking New Members- the MOVGA is accepting applications for membership for the 2008 season. Included in the membership are specialty tee times at local events, USGA handicap indexing, online tee time scheduling, statistics tracking, and participation in local tournaments.
For more information regarding signup or event schedules visit their website at www.movga.com
Register due out Wednesday
Another free issue out there for the masses.
The sports page this week has the Marietta High baseball preview, as well as the Rundown with a feature on the Mid-Ohio Valley Golf Assoc. and the Marietta High Alumni basketball tournament.
Friday, March 21, 2008
DeSalvo optioned to minors, hoping to make AAA Richmond
Courtesy of the Braves correspondent for Scout.com
Matt DeSalvo was sent down to minor league camp Wednesday. He’s got a shot at being in the Richmond rotation. The Braves like DeSalvo, and they want to work on his mechanics to get his control in order.
http://braves.scout.com/2/737351.html
Hopefully Matt gets his control in order, and can be productive in Richmond.
With the Braves pitching staff being overrun with aged arms, Matt's chances of cracking the big league club are greater here than most clubs.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Rundown 3/19
MHS Coaching Change-Still no word on when/if the Marietta BOE will narrow candidates or release the names of those who have applied. It is still very early as it appears as if there are efforts being made to keep Coach Spicer on. Despite what many of you may have read on the Marietta Times comments page, this is a very unlikely scenario. While there were numerous mentions of Spicer replacing certain persons in administrative positions, this too seems unlikely. It appears as if the Dean of Students position was problematic from the word go. Without a teaching job in mathematics immediately available, and additional cuts looming the idea that some teachers would be terminated and Spicer would be allowed to stay on in some capacity is something that would make even the most ardent of sports fans questioning the priorities of the school board.
Despite the lack of information given to us, several phone calls have been made to persons who are rumored to apply for the job. Sadly these calls were not returned. Sorry readers.
Etta Express Texas Struggles- In case you haven’t been following, the spring trip for Coach Brian Brewer’s squad hasn’t gone as planned. Brewer finds himself in uncharted waters as the Pios have limped to a shocking 2-9 start. With contests against elite squads such as Transylvania (KY) and Heidelberg looming, it appears the boys in pinstripes are still not yet out of the fog.
Don’t give up on MC just yet though.
As poor as their start has been, bear in mind the majority of the contests they have played in the early season have come against opponents who have already played ten plus games. Sure the pitching has been less than stellar, but again keep in mind that 14-1 trips in Panama City are the exception not the norm. I would compare what Coach Brewer has done in terms of scheduling to jumping into an icy river as opposed to dipping a couple toes in.
Marietta will be better off for having played teams such as McMurry, Hardin-Simmons, and Texas Wesleyan. The hope is that the rough start won’t sabotage their season record. Last year the Etta Express made it into the tournament via at-large bid, unless an immediate turnaround is staged, the chances of making the tournament without and OAC championship in-tow may go from slim to none.
Filkovski to take reigns at MC- It is still too early to tell whether or not new A.D. Larry Hiser was the man brought in to make Marietta an Oberlin-esque non-competitive division III program. However, if the Filkovski hiring is any indication, concerns over the future of the MC football program and its desire to produce a winner were firmly answered.
This is not the type of coach that will settle for letting the program be simply a feeder for the school’s population. Filkovski was brought in to win.
While not an alum, Filkovski does have a working knowledge of the OAC and Marietta’s recruiting base. This may bode well for future teams, as previous coaches and possible candidates knew little of the challenges that Marietta’s location presents. Hopefully Filkovski is a stop-gap in the coaching carousel.
Ailing Wooden Still On Top of College Basketball
Woodenisms (wood-n-iz-ums)
-noun
1. A collection of maxims or sayings from legendary coach John Wooden
Origin [1964-1975]
Examples:
“Be quick, but don’t hurry”
“Don’t mistake activity for achievement”
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
Following his teams’ dramatic overtime victory over Louisville in the 1975 National semifinals, Wooden unexpectedly announced his retirement effective immediately following Monday night’s title game. Next Friday marks the 33rd anniversary of the last time the Wizard of Westwood graced the UCLA sidelines.
Wooden made the announcement in his post-game press conference without a tear or as much as batting an eye. His remarks weren’t eloquent or long winded, that wouldn’t be fitting of the reserved Indiana farm boy. Much like his pre-game speeches and daily team address, the coach’s closing marks were plain and direct. “It’s time to go”.
Even while at the top of his profession, Wooden was a shining example of humility and grace.
With Sunday’s revealing of the NCAA tournament field, and the subsequent grandstanding by coaches such as Virginia Tech’s Seth Greenberg and Arizona State’s Herb Sendek, I can’t help but wish that college basketball had a figure similar to that of John Wooden.
Sadly, the reality is, there will never be another John R. Wooden.
While immortalized for engineering the Bruins record run through the late 60’s and 70’s, Wooden’s legacy has since morphed into a more of a college basketball Confucius. His books titled, Values, Victory, and Peace of Mind, They Call Me Coach, Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, have become more a primer of anecdotes for life than a calling card for the struggling coach. Recently it was announced by his daughter that the weekly love letters Wooden still writes to his widow Nell will be published in a book following the venerable coach’s passing.
With the 97 year old Wooden still hospitalized after sustaining a fall in his Malibu home on February 28th, and the Bruins again sitting near the top of the polls, we must tip our cap to the architect of the UCLA dynasty.
Here is a collection of memorable quotes from the venerable coach:
- Discipline yourself so others won’t have to.
- Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you are; your reputation is merely what others think you are.
- Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
- Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
- You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
Composite NCAA tournament Schedule
AHHHHHHHH Time to start the insanity Thursday 2:30 PM #11 Kentucky vs. #6 Marquette (South - Anaheim, CA) 5:00 PM #14 Cornell vs. #3 Stanford (South - Anaheim, CA) 7:10 PM #11 Kansas State vs. #6 USC (Midwest - Omaha, NE) 9:40 PM #14 Cal State Fullerton vs. #3 Wisconsin (Midwest - Omaha, NE) Friday 2:45 PM #10 South Alabama vs. #7 Butler (East - Birmingham, AL) 7:10 PM #11 Saint Joseph’s vs. #6 Oklahoma (East - Birmingham, AL) 9:40 PM #9 Arkansas vs. #8 Indiana (East - Raleigh, NC)
12:20 PM #14 Georgia vs. #3 Xavier (West - Washington, DC)
12:25 PM #16 Portland State vs. #1 Kansas (Midwest - Omaha, NE)
12:30 PM #12 Temple vs. #5 Michigan State (South - Denver, CO)
2:50 PM #11 Baylor vs.#6 Purdue (West - Washington, DC)
2:55 PM #9 Kent State vs. #8 UNLV (Midwest - Omaha, NE)
3:00 PM #13 Oral Roberts vs. #4 Pittsburgh (South - Denver, CO)
7:10 PM #15 Belmont vs. #2 Duke (West - Washington, DC)
7:20 PM #13 Winthrop vs. #4 Washington State (East - Denver, CO)
7:25 PM #9 Texas A&M vs. #8 Brigham Young (West - Anaheim, CA)
9:40 PM #10 Arizona vs. #7 West Virginia (West - Washington, DC)
9:50 PM #12 George Mason vs. #5 Notre Dame (East - Denver, CO)
9:55 PM #16 Mississippi Valley State vs. #1 UCLA (West - Anaheim, CA)
12:15 PM #15 American University vs. #2 Tennessee (East - Birmingham, AL)
12:25 PM #10 Davidson vs. #7 Gonzaga (Midwest - Raleigh, NC)
12:30 PM #10 Saint Mary’s vs. #7 Miami (FL) (South - Little Rock, AR)
12:30 PM #12 Western Kentucky vs. #5 Drake (West - Tampa, FL)
2:55 PM #15 UMBC vs. #2 Georgetown (Midwest - Raleigh, NC)
3:00 PM #15 Austin Peay vs. #2 Texas (South - Little Rock, AR)
3:00 PM #13 San Diego vs. #4 Connecticut (West - Tampa, FL)
7:20 PM #13 Siena vs. #4 Vanderbilt (Midwest - Tampa, FL)
7:25 PM #9 Oregon vs. #8 Mississippi State (South - Little Rock, Ark)
9:40 PM #14 Boise State vs. #3 Louisville (East - Birmingham, AL)
9:50 PM #12 Villanova vs. #5 Clemson (Midwest - Tampa, FL)
9:55 PM #16 Texas-Arlington vs. #1 Memphis (South - Little Rock, AR)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Marietta Register Out Wednesday
Be sure to pick up a copy this week
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Filkovski named new football coach at Marietta College
Jeff Filkovski named new football coach at Marietta College
OAC co-Assistant Coach of the Year to begin duties on March 19
MARIETTA, Ohio — Jeff Filkovski, the 2007 Ohio Athletic Conference co-Assistant Coach of the Year, has been named the 28th head football coach at Marietta College.
He replaces Curt Wiese, who left after two years to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Filkovski, who has coached at both the collegiate and professional level, was the offensive coordinator at Heidelberg College last year. The Student Princes finished the year at 4-6 overall and 3-6 in the OAC, which marked their best season since 1999. Heidelberg's offense ranked in the top five in the league in nine different offensive categories highlighted by its scoring offense (25.1), pass efficiency (138.7) and its red zone offense (32-of-41 scores), which all ranked third.
Overall, Heidelberg racked up 3,449 yards of total offense, with 1,342 yards coming on the ground. Heidelberg’s rushing game provided 15 touchdowns, which eclipsed its total rushing touchdowns over the last five years combined. Through the air, Heidelberg had 2,107 yards and 14 touchdowns.
"We are excited to have Jeff as our new head football coach. He brings us vast experience as a coach and deep knowledge of Division III and the OAC," said Larry Hiser, Marietta's Director of Athletics. "He's a humble, yet great man whose time has come to be a head coach. We look forward to welcoming Jeff to our community."
Prior to joining Heidelberg last season, Filkovski, 40, was the offensive coordinator for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe. The Centurions had the second-ranked offense in the league and finished 6-4.
He began his coaching career as a quarterback coach/recruiting coordinator at the College of Holy Cross from 1992-95. Filkovski also spent one season as the quarterback coach at Thomas More College and four years in the same role at the University of Cincinnati. During his time at Cincinnati, the Bearcat squad earned the 2002 Conference USA title. He started at Cincinnati as a graduate assistant in 1996 and was elevated to tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator in 1998.
"Playing in the OAC was one of the big selling points for me. This is the best Division III football conference in the country," Filkovski said. "I was also impressed with the commitment that has been made by Marietta's administration, the athletic department and the players. Marietta is a perfect example of the type of college I was hoping to get my first opportunity as a head coach."
Filkovski had an outstanding career as a quarterback at Allegheny (Pa.) College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In 1990, while being named the Football Gazette Division III Offensive Player of the Year and the Associated Press Little All American Quarterback, Filkovski led the Gators to a 13-0-1 record and the NCAA Division III National Championship. The Pittsburgh native was also a prep standout in football and baseball at Penn-Trafford.
Filkovski begins his duties at Marietta on March 19. He said his top two priorities are learning the recruits and assembling a coaching staff. Filkovski said he would evaluate the current coaching staff, as well as the status of the entire program, when he arrives on campus.
"I'll be jumping in with both feet," he said. "I hope to get the recruits back on campus so they can see who is coaching and generate some excitement again about why they want to attend Marietta College."
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy begun in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,400 full-time students. The College offers 43 majors and has been listed among Barron’s Best Buys in College Education and Peterson’s Competitive Colleges, and has been recognized as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Big Week Not Enough To Put Buckeyes in Big Dance
In a perfect world, wins over the 15th and 18th ranked teams in the span of a week would be enough for a fifth place Big Ten team to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. Given the fact the Big Ten has placed at least five teams in the NCAA tournament six of the last seven years, the Buckeyes fate seems certain.
Sadly for Thad Matta’s group, Big Ten backlash from the bowl season has trickled onto the hardwood, leaving the youthful Buckeyes with work to be done in this week’s Big Ten tournament.
With Sunday’s 63-54 win over 18th ranked Michigan State, the Buckeyes improved their overall record to a respectable 19-12, while compiling a 10-8 mark in the Big Ten. Historically, a 20 win season has proven enough for the NCAA selection committee, especially for teams in six power conferences (ACC, SEC, Pac-10, Big-12, Big East, Big-10). It appears as if the twenty win plateau may not be enough for the Buckeyes and the Big Ten in 2008.
After improving its mark to within a game of the magical number 20, ESPN bracket expert Joe Lunardi put the Buckeyes in his “Last Four In” category, believing that the Buckeyes have done enough to make the field of 65. Call me crazy, but I disagree. I know I know, who am I to disagree with the ESPN tournament God himself?
It is my belief that OSU must win one if not two games in the conference tournament to make the NCAA tournament. Given that OSU must play Michigan State again on Friday in the Big Ten quarterfinals, I say the chances OSU will put up the final 10 points and Michigan State going will go 0-6 from the field over the final 3:36 are bleak to say the least.
The naysayers may ask, how does a team with wins over Florida and Syracuse and record above .500 in the Big Ten get shut out?
I guess I just assumed the selection committee figured that a 19-12 team with an RPI of 53 and losses at 13-18 Iowa, at 9-21 Michigan, and by 33 to Texas A&M on a neutral court didn’t quite have the resume to break into the top 65. Did I mention that the Bucks three quality wins are to a floundering Syracuse squad in a early season tournament, and have occurred within six days of each other in the last week?
Granted, if OSU doesn’t get the nod, you have a new theory to hang your hat on. Insert Tom Izzo and the Lansing Conspiracy factory.
"The problem is our league gets so maligned by people -- and for what reason I don't know.”, said Spartan head coach Tom Izzo following the loss.
While the idea of a conspiracy seems far fetched, I think all would agree that these are definitely strange days, as it seems the Atlantic Ten and Mountain West pose serious threats to the Big Ten in terms of getting NCAA tournament bids.
Simply put, were it not for the Buckeyes early growing pains I don’t think this would even be a discussion. The reality is Matta’s group played so poorly early on, they must now win two games in the conference tournament to assure they aren’t playing in the NIT. With a MSU-OSU rubber match looming, the likelihood last year’s national runner up making a repeat run to Final Four may be a pipe dream.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
2008 Marietta College Baseball Schedule
Sat. 3/1 Piedmont (Ga.) Demorest, Ga. 1-9 L/1-6
Sewanee (Tenn.) Demorest, Ga. 1-9 W/7-2
Sun. 3/2 Piedmont (Ga.) Demorest, Ga. 1-9 L/5-6
Spring Break Trip
Sun. 3/9 at Rhodes (Tenn.) Memphis, Tenn. 1-9 L/5-10
Mon. 3/10 vs. Hardin-Simmons Abilene, Texas 1-9 W/8-2
Tues. 3/11 vs. Texas-Tyler Abilene, Texas 1-9 L 9-12
vs. Texas-Dallas Abilene, Texas 1-9 7 p.m.
Wed. 3/12 vs. Southwestern Abilne, Texas 1-9 1 p.m.
at McMurry (Texas) Abilene, Texas 1-9 4 p.m.
Fri. 3/14 at Texas Wesleyan Fort Worth 2-7s 2 p.m.
Wed. 3/19 at Transylvania (Ky.) Lexington, Ky. 1-7 4 p.m.
Sat. 3/22 Heidelberg* DSS 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Wed. 3/26 Wooster DSS 1-9 5 p.m.
Thur. 3/27 at Ohio Wesleyan Delaware 1-9 3 p.m.
Sat. 3/29 at Capital* Columbus 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Sun. 3/30 Allegheny DSS 1-9 1 p.m.
Wed. 4/2 at Denison Granville, Ohio 1-9 7 p.m.
Sat. 4/5 John Carroll* DSS 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Sun. 4/6 Wittenberg DSS 1-9 4 p.m.
Wed. 4/9 Mount Union* DSS 1-7, 1-9 4 p.m.
Sat. 4/12 at Wilmington* Wilmington 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Tue. 4/15 at Muskingum* Concord 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Sat. 4/19 Otterbein* % DSS 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Wed. 4/23 La Roche (Pa.) DSS 1-7, 1-9 4 p.m.
Thr. 4/24 Ohio Dominican DSS 1-9 7 p.m.
Sat. 4/26 at Baldwin-Wallace* Berea, Ohio 1-7, 1-9 1 p.m.
Tue. 4/29 Bethany (WV) DSS 1-9 7 p.m.
Wed. 4/30 W&J (Pa.) DSS 1-9 7 p.m.
Sat. 5/3 Ohio Northern* DSS 1-7, 1-9 12 p.m.
2008 OAC Tournament May 8-10 (TBA)
NCAA D-III Mideast Regional Championship May 14-17 (Terre Haute)
NCAA D-III World Series May 23-27 (Appleton, Wis.)
Local Sports News for 3/11
Jay Bilas to speak at OVU
VIENNA, W.Va. — Ohio Valley University will host former Duke star and current ESPN basketball commentator Jay Bilas May 2 and 3 for two special events.
Bilas will serve as the featured speaker at the third annual benefit for the OVU Athletic Department May 2 in the OVU Dining Room.
A VIP Meet and Greet session will take place from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and will include an autographed basketball and photo session with Bilas. Cost is $50 per person. Following the VIP event, a general admission session will be held from 6:45 to 8 pm featuring a special presentation by Bilas. Cost is $25 per person and includes a buffet style dinner.
The well-known sports commentator will also serve as the university’s 2008 commencement speaker May 3. Bilas graduated from Duke in 1986 with a degree in political science. He later went on to earn a law degree from the Duke University Law School in 1992.
Since then he has been an attorney with the Charlotte, N.C., firm of Moore & Van Allen, PLLC.
He currently serves as a game analyst and commentator for ESPN’s weekly Saturday College GameDay road show, ESPN and ESPN2’s College Gamenight, and more. He actively volunteers with organizations such as “Operation Hardwood — Hoops With The Troops” basketball tournaments and Athletes United for Youth, which benefits youth education in the greater Charlotte area.
In addition, he is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in various commercials, a television show and a Columbia Pictures movie. For tickets to the May 2 event contact Carissa Bucklin in the OVU Athletic Office at (304) 865-6046 or email carissa.bucklin@ovu.edu.
Marietta alumni tourney to be held
The 15th annual Marietta High School Alumni Basketball Tournament is scheduled for April 4 to 6. The tournament will be played at multiple locations, including Marietta High School and Marietta Middle School, and will feature round robin play in multiple divisions, including the Orange, Black, White and Lady Tiger divisions. April 6 will feature a single elimination format of top teams in a championship round in all divisions. Additionally Sunday will feature the eighth annual battle between the coaches/faculty of MHS and the current Tiger class. Entry forms are available at Schob Team Sports and Creighton Sports Center and on-line at www.marietta-ohio.com. The entry fee of $120 and team rosters are due by March 21.
For more information: Jim Humphrey, 374-3955, or Matt Heidorn, 706-9094.
The Marietta Oldtimers Softball League is accepting registrations for the 2008 season. Any male 35 years of age on or before Dec. 31 is eligible to participate.Send the $45 registration fee which includes team T-shirt to Marietta Oldtimers Softball, P.O. Box 4044, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
Include name, address and phone number. Deadline is April 26.
For more information: Terry Wallis, 336-1890 or Jim Stebleton, 374-5547
For more info click on the link to the Times website.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Etta Express takes on Rhodes, sunday at noon
Marietta College (1-2)
noon (central) tomorrow.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Four Candidates Vying For MC Coaching Job
Here is the final four candidates in the Marietta College Football Coaching search. They had several apply, whittled the list down to eleven and then to these four.
Lots of credentials, all of which need to be verified of course, however one thing sticks out.
Not an Alum in the group.
We know that at least 4 alums applied, and sadly new athletics director Larry Hiser passed on each.
Here are the bios of the coaches Hiser found worthy.
Robby Long
Long enters his fourth season as an assistant coach and second as the Tigers’ assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. He also is DePauw’s director of student-athlete recruitment.
In the two seasons prior to coming to DePauw, Long served as a graduate assistant on the defensive line at the University of Illinois. He assisted the defensive line coach in planning and conducting practices in addition to organizing and coaching the defensive and special teams scout teams.
Long, a native of Champaign, Ill., earned a bachelor of science of applied life degree from Illinois.
A three-year varsity letterman for the Fighting Illini, Long played on the 2001 outright Big Ten champion squad that finished with a 10-2 record and competed in the 2002 Sugar Bowl. He also played on the squad that won the 1999 Micron PC Bowl and finished with an 8-4 record. Long was the team’s defensive player of the week after the California game in 2001.
Long and his wife, Stacy, reside in suburban Indianapolis.
(courtesy Depauw website)
Greg SesnySensy begins his second season as the offensive coordinator at Wilkes University. Prior to arriving at Wilkes he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney College, where he served as the offensive line coach and running game and recruiting coordinator. In 2005 Sesney also assumed responsibility as the Tiger’s special team’s coordinator.
Sesny spent three seasons as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Maryland under head coach Ralph Friedgen. While at Maryland, Sesny worked with the Terrapin defense. His duties included breaking down game film, working with the offensive scout team and assisting the secondary. As a Maryland assistant, Sesny enjoyed a successful three year run in which the Terrapins advanced to the Orange Bowl (2001), Peach Bowl (2002) and Gator Bowl (2003), while also winning the 2001 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship.
Prior to joining the Maryland staff, Sesny spent two seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Catholic University. While at Catholic, he served as the Cardinals tight ends coach in 1999 and receivers coach in 2000.
As a collegiate player, Sesny starred as both a tight end and H-back at Catholic. He was a three-year starter for the Cardinals and helped the team post an overall record of 28-4 during that span. He also played a pivotal role in helping Catholic earn back-to-back berths in the NCAA Division III Championship in 1997 and 1998.
Sesny graduated from Catholic in 1999 with a degree in electrical engineering and earned his masters degree in education from the University of Maryland in 2004. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sesny is a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School.
(courtesy Wilkes athletics)
Chris Ostrowsky Ostrowsky begins his first season at Northeastern University, serving as the running backs coach. Ostrowsky comes to Boston after spending the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Widener University in Chester, Penn. At Widener, Ostrowsky helped lead the Pioneers to back-to-back South Atlantic ECAC Bowl championships in 2005-06, and he coached an offense that finished either first or second in every statistical category in 2006. In 2005, his offense helped establish 27 school records.
Prior to his stint at Widener, Ostrowsky coached at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., serving as the offensive and recruiting coordinator. He also has head coaching experience, leading the football program at East Side High School in Newark, N.J. from 1997-2002.
Ostrowsky, 35, was a two-year quarterback at New Jersey City University from 1989-90 and earned his bachelor’s degree in History from New Jersey City in 1993.
Ostrowsky, along with his wife, Jennifer Deo, who was a two-time first team All-Conference player for the Northeastern field hockey team, and their children, Jackson (7) and Joseph (5), currently reside in Lexington, Mass.
(courtesy Northeastern Univ. Athletics website)
Jeff Filkovski
In his first year at Heidelberg is Jeff Filkovski. Filkovski joins Heidelberg following serving as the offensive coordinator with the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe. He will serve as the offensive coordinator and coach the quarterbacks in 2007.
Filkovski is in his second stint working with head coach Mike Hallett. Filkovski was the quarterbacks coach and the passing game coordinator for Hallett and Thomas More College in 2006.
Prior to Thomas More, Filkovski served as a part-time scout for the Chicago Bears in 2004 and quarterbacks coach at the University of Cincinnati from 2000-2003. Filkovski began his coaching career at Holy Cross (1992-1995).
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Filkovski was a quarterback at Allegheny College, earning Division III Offensive Player of the Year and All-American honors in 1990. He led Allegheny to the NCAA Division III National Championship in 1990 and was inducted into the athletic hall of fame in 2000.
(courtesy of the Heidelberg athletics website)
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Thursday, March 06, 2008
2008 Marietta College Baseball Preview
After bowing out of last year’s OAC tournament following an 0-2 performance, Coach Brian Brewer’s squad packed its bags for home believing the NCAA tournament selection committee would pass over the 28-14 defending national champions.
Thankfully for Brewer’s group, the committee looked fondly upon the Pios share of the OAC regular season title, opting to make Marietta the four seed in a loaded six team Mideast regional. Feeling as if it had been given a second life, Marietta stormed through the regional, ousting number one ranked Wooster and NCAC champion Ohio Wesleyan en route to its 20th World Series appearance.
Highlighting last year’s regional championship was the inspired play of the Pioneers youthful pitching staff spurred by sophomore T.J. Knowlton (9ip, 3H, 0R vs. Wooster) and freshman Nate Eschbaugh (7ip, 6H, 3R vs. Wooster). With another year under their respective belts, Eschbaugh, Knowlton, and the rest of the Pioneer pitching staff hope to improve on last year’s 0-2 finish in Appleton.
In order to get back to Wisconsin in 2008, the Etta Express will have to rely on its pitching depth as it seems the Pioneer offense will require some restructuring. With the departure of seniors; Ryan Belanger, Tom Doty, Ryan Eschbaugh, and Joe Litke, the Pioneers find themselves forced to replace the team’s leadoff batter and base stealing threat (Belanger .357), their 2nd and 3rd most consistent power hitters (Litke 4HR, Doty 5HR), and the team’s on-field captain (R.Eschbaugh).
Here is a look at what the Pioneers will run out on the field this season.
Etta Express
2007 record: 32-17 (share of Regular season OAC title, Regional Champion)
Key losses: (Graduation) Ryan Belanger, Tom Doty, Ryan Eschbaugh, Joe Litke
(Transfer) Kristian DeJeet, Don Pugliese, Jeremy Reese
Key Returnees: Justin Merryman (honorable mention OAC, Mideast Regional MVP), TJ
Knowlton (2nd team OAC, All Mideast Region), Tony Piconke (All-Mideast Region, All-OAC), Nate Eschbaugh (2nd team OAC), Brennan Cribbins (All-Mideast Region), Jason Baumler (2006 Hon.Mention OAC).
Projected Starters:
1B: Mark Lakas
2B: Brennan Cribbins
SS: Tyler Penwell
3B: Cameron Cimino
C: Danny Jones/Chris Beatty
LF: Ryan Frost
CF: Tony Piconke
RF: Justin Merryman
DH: Dominick Winters
Pitching Staff: Justin Merryman, Jason Baumler, TJ Knowlton, Nate Eschbaugh, Joe Pitrone, Chris Stewart.
Prediction:
Marietta will again be vying for the OAC title, however defending tournament champion Otterbein will again be the team to beat, as coach Powell’s group returns virtually every player from last year’s 32-13 squad. What is more important for Powell, the Cardinals return two-time OAC pitcher of the year and three time All-OAC performer Dan Remonowsky. With Remonowsky and two time all-OAC pitcher Doug Stevens in tow, the Cardinals present the most legitimate threat to Marietta’s OAC title run.
With continued production from league player of the year candidate Tony Piconke, and consistent at bats from middle of the order threats Winters, Lakas, and Merryman, the Etta Express should be able to provide enough run support for its excellent pitching staff.
Look for Marietta to be contending well into May again this season, as it seems coach Brewer’s track record could be enough to sway the tournament committee should his club not get an automatic bid. Don’t expect Brewer and the Pioneers to hope for a bid though. With the OAC title having been out of grasp for a few seasons, priority number one will be bringing league hardware back where it belongs.
2008 Herbstreit Classic Field Announced (Cincinnati at least)
***Update-Whole Slate found here***** Still waiting on the Canton/Massillon slate to be finalized. We know that the Big Red from Steubenville turned down the invite because of scheduling flaws. Also saw rumblings on JJ's that Central Ohio was bidding for some Herbie love, maybe games at Crew Stadium or a day at the Horseshoe now that it has field turf? Stay Tuned Here's what we know already. Cincinnati Saturday, Aug. 30, at Paul Brown Stadium 11 a.m. - Middletown vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 2 p.m. - Huber Heights Wayne vs. Warren Central (Ind.) 5 p.m. - Colerain vs. McKeesport (Pa.) 8 p.m. - St. Xavier vs. Prattville (Ala.) Sunday, Aug. 31 at Paul Brown Stadium Noon - Elder vs. East St. Louis (Ill.) 3 p.m. - Moeller vs. Montgomery Bell (Tenn.) 6 p.m. - Lakota West vs. St. Rita (Ill.)
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
DeSalvo finding his groove in Braves Camp
Hopefully this time the organization won't mess with his mechanics.
"It was like I was at home again and I felt normal. The last time out, I had felt completely foreign to myself. I was trying to figure out what I was trying to do. It's a terrible feeling to have."
DeSalvo article on MLB.com
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Waterford vs. Worthington Christian...Tonight
The Wildcats venture north to the Barn to take on the Warriors from Worthington Christian.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Lady Wildcats Fall To Africentric......again
71-44 Nubians dismantle Waterford yet again.
Sad tale for Waterford, several Seniors did about as well as they could.
I know many in western Washington County find it unfair that the Lady Cats
have to compete against "the Franklin County All-Stars" from Africentric.
If I was in their position I would be upset too.
Etta Express Splits Opening Day
won game two 7-2 over Sewanee
here's the game story
Pioneers Open With Split
Waterford Wins 70-54.....District Champions
Turned a close game at half into a blowout, the 4-0 run to start the half stretched to 6-2 then 8-2, then finally to 12-3.
Waterford-Western Latham Game Updates
Waterford 25
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