2008 Woodie Awards
Winter sports provide dismal 2006 campaign
Straight Shootin'
By Adam Brewer
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 2/24/06 Section: Sports
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Let's start with the men's basketball team and its dreadful season. The team only won two games. Some fans might think that coach John Marhefka should be fired or that the whole team needs to be cut, but I completely disagree with both statements.
The team's two wins this season ties for a school worst win total that was set in the 1995-96 and 1979-80 seasons. It may seem that the Rock is three or four years away from a winning team, but I disagree. I know that a 2-25 record is nothing to be proud of, but this team is the youngest team in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
The team has only one senior, and that senior has only been with the Rock for two seasons. The rest of the team consists of three sophomores and six true freshmen who each had a significant amount of playing time this season. I believe that if this team can stick together in the off-season, and if the coaching staff can put together a solid recruiting class consisting of adequate post players with size, that this team can challenge for a PSAC playoff berth next season. Fans, don't give up your hopes for this team. Just wait for next year.
The women's basketball team has had its winning streaks and losing streaks throughout the season. Even though this team has been streaky all season, it can clinch a PSAC playoff spot if Lock Haven loses to California (Pa.) Saturday.
I would love to see them in the playoffs, because I think if the team can play its game at its own pace, then it could turn some heads.
With a couple of key seniors, including guards Amber McFeely and Kristen Bonner leaving this year, I still think that the Rock will be very competitive next year under coach Laurel Heilman.
The indoor track team has also been successful this season, capped off by its first place finishes in the PSAC West Challenge a couple of weeks ago. The Rock competed in seven events this year and whether it was from a team or individual standpoint, the team has shown improvement.
Between Janiece Rash's record-breaking 55-meter dash or the consistent play of juniors Preston Gibbs and Andi Rose, this has been a breakthrough season for indoor track.
The biggest news coming from SRU athletics this season was the removal of eight varsity teams set to take shape next year. This season marked the last for both the men's and women's swimming team's, as well as wrestling. All three are sports that I have either covered or simply watched as a fan, so I will miss them next year.
Wrestling has had one of its best seasons in recent years under second-year coach Derek DelPorto. The team finished 14-9 in dual meets. It was finally turning the corner and would have been one of the top teams in the PSAC next year.
This team's accomplishments this year include a fourth place finish in the PSAC Championships, a win in the East Regional Duals and then knocking off 23rd ranked Buffalo in the Rock's last home game after a 47-year history.
Despite both teams having losing records this season, the teams and coach Jim Yeamans will be remembered by producing great individual talent.
Jen Zuzack competed in her last event this past weekend. She will be remembered as one the greatest Rock women's swimmers in school history.
There have been many emotions felt this winter season in SRU athletics, but as the snow melts and the temperature slowly goes up, the spring season will kick off and the hopes of the SRU's fans and athletes will be tested.
