Local Sports Briefs
WASHINGTON - Four Washington & Jefferson student-athletes were named PAC Players of the Week. Kyle Sidebotham, a senior placekicker on the W & J football team, Tyler Hodgins, a sophomore goalkeeper on the W & J men's soccer team, Jackie Foltz, a sophomore goalkeeper for W & J's women's soccer team, and Jamie Gullen, a senior setter on the W & J volleyball team were all honored Monday by the conference office for their play the week of October 22-28.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
Late Touchdown Sends Saints to Tough Defeat
CINCINNATI - Thomas More College owned the first half of its football game against Bethany College, but the second half - and the game - belonged to Bethany. The Bison scored a touchdown in the closing minute Saturday to beat the Saints 21-17 at Dixie Heights High School.
The (Cincinnati) Post

Area College Soccer
YOUNGSTOWN - The Titans (12-5-1, 5-1 PAC) scored all three of their goals in the first 17 minutes. Westminster outshot the Yellow Jackets (5-11-1, 1-5 PAC) by a count of 21-3. Sophomore Abby Montgomery opened the scoring on an assist from junior Mallory Bugel in the fifth minute.
(Youngstown) Vindicator

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
Area College Roundup
FROSTBURG, Md. - Josh Weese returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter for Westminster, but the Titans were stuffed offensively. Frostburg State out gained Westminster 338-226, including a decisive 246-51 advantage rushing. The Bobcats took a 7-6 lead with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter on a 9-yard run by Matt Clark and scored their final points on a 1-yard sneak by quarterback Andre Dixon with 7:47 remaining in the first half.
(Youngstown) Vindicator

Washington & Jefferson Whips Waynesburg
PITTSBURGH -Washington & Jefferson's 30-3 victory over Waynesburg on Saturday pushed the Presidents one significant step closer to its 19th conference title in 23 years. "It was huge. It was for the conference championship, well, for the conference lead," Washington & Jefferson coach Mike Sirianni said. "If they would have won, it was over.
Pitsburgh Tribune Review

W&J Rolls Over Waynesburg 30-3
WASHINGTON - Washington & Jefferson continued its dominance over Waynesburg on Saturday afternoon in a match-up with sole possession of first place in the Presidents' Athletic Conference on the line at Cameron Stadium. The Presidents relied on a steady dose of running back Ryan Mendel as they defeated the Yellow Jackets, 30-3. Mendel rushed for 154 yards on 35 carries and scored one touchdown. Last week against Grove City Mendel rushed for a career-high five touchdowns in the Presidents' win.
(Uniontown) Herald Standard

Presidents Storm to Victory
Washington & Jefferson coach Mike Sirianni tailored his offense to the swirling winds that whipped across Cameron Field, the sleet and rain and the dropping temperatures when the teams came out for the second half yesterday. The game plan was simple: Give the ball to running back Ryan Mendel and run as much time off the clock as possible.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's a Runaway
WASHINGTON - As the number of carries mounted, a tiring Ryan Mendel would take a peek at the sidelines. All he got back were stares and yells of encouragement. On this most ugly day for football, when dark clouds hovered over Cameron Stadium for most of Saturday's game, when the wind whipped so strongly that one of the 25-second clocks tumbled from its standard, and when the rain soaked everyone, Mendel had one of his brightest moments.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Brodland, W&J Head Waynesburg Off at Pass
WASHINGTON - The first few minutes had all the usual extracurricular activities that comes along with such a bitter rivalry. Players from Washington & Jefferson and Waynesburg were up to their usual hijinx for this game -- pushing, shoving and talking about the other player's family heritage.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Sports Briefs
WASHINGTON - Andrew DiDinato set two single-game records but Grove City lost to Rochester, 38-21, in a non-conference game Saturday at Robert E. Thorn Field... Both the men's and women's teams at Waynesburg College took runnerup honors at the Presidents' Athletic Conference Championships at the Greene County Airport course. Washington & Jefferson's men's team was third.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Bethany Rallies for Victory at Thomas More
EDGEWOOD, Ky. — A 14-yard scoring pass from senior QB Brent Owens to freshman WR Matt Cruse with 59 seconds left propelled the Bethany College football team (4-4, 2-3) to a 21-17 come-from-behind victory at Thomas More (Ky.) College (5-3, 2-3) Saturday.
(Steubenville) Herald Star/ Weirton Daily Times

Geneva Can't Get Out of Early Hole
BEAVER FALLS - Ohio Dominican's 4-3 record wasn't fooling Geneva College coach Geno DeMarco. ODU's three losses all came to ranked teams: to NAIA No. 4 Walsh on the last play of the game, to NAIA No. 2 St. Francis Ind., in the final minute, and to NCAA Division II No. 20 Tiffin.
Beaver County Times

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
District College Preview
Waynesburg (4-3, 4-0) at W&J (6-1, 3-0), 1:30 p.m. -- At stake is first place in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. ... W&J leads the series, 30-3, and has won 15 of the past 16 since the schools started to play yearly in 1990. Waynesburg's most recent win was a 27-7 victory en route to the league title in 2003.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
Hoops 'Craziness' Hits Thomas More
CRESTVIEW HILLS - Thomas More College unveiled the 2006 lineups of its men's and women's basketball teams Thursday night. "Craziness at Connor" (Convocation Center) gave fans and students a chance to see this year's squads. Fans who attended Thursday night's activities were treated to three-point contests, scrimmages and festivities.
The (Kentucky) Enquirer

District Spotlight
PITTSBURGH - Washington & Jefferson and Waynesburg are the only two remaining undefeated teams in the PAC. After Saturday, the hungrier team will sit alone, atop the conference. W&J is riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak. Aside from the Presidents' season-opening loss, they've been challenged only in their three-point win over Thiel three weeks ago. W&J rolled to victory in its last two contests with 50-plus points. Running back Ryan Mendel had a career game last week and won't be slowing down at the tail end of his senior campaign. Waynesburg is coming off a win against defending champion Thiel, although the Yellow Jackets almost blew a 21-0 lead.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Local College Football Preview
YOUNGSTOWN - Westminster beat Bethany, 49-13, while Frostburg won its first game of the season, 7-3 over Union. Sophomore LB Josh Weese was named defensive MVP and received the "Big Play" honor for his first-quarter, 64-yard interception return for a TD against Bethany. In the other Titans' weekly awards, junior FB Josh Kutzer was named special teams and offensive MVP, while sophomore OL Jack Seifert and sophomore LB Jordan Blinn were credited with the "Big Hit" of the week.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

Bethany Aiming to Snap Losing Streak
BETHANY — There have obviously been many firsts this season for the Bethany College football program (3-4 overall, 1-3 Presidents’ Athletic Conference) under first-year head coach Tim Weaver and Saturday will give the Bison a chance to snap their first losing streak under their new mentor when they take on Thomas More College (5-2, 2-2). Because of rain and field conditions at Thomas More Stadium, Saturday’s game has been moved to Dixie Heights High School in nearby Erlanger, Ky. Kickoff has also been pushed back to 3 p.m.
(Wheeling) News Register & Intelligencer

Jackets, Presidents Will Decide PAC Title
WASHINGTON - It was only three weeks into a 10-game schedule but Ryan Abels was going through a midseason crisis. The senior running back from Waynesburg College stared at the scoreboard, not believing what he was seeing. It said Shenandoah, a team that the Yellow Jackets should have easily handled, had won defeated Waynesburg 20-10.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Names in the Game: Catching up with Local Athletes Competing in College
NEW CASTLE - Waynesburg’s Dave Piecuch started at outside linebacker and assisted on one tackle in the Yellow Jackets’ 34-24 win over Thiel College in a Presidents’ Athletic Conference clash last Saturday. Piecuch, a sophomore from Ellwood City, has 13 tackles for the year, eight of which are solo. He also has one fumble recovery as well.
New Castle News

College Notes: TMC Football|
LEXINGTON - Sophomore quarterback Trevor Stellman (Burlington/Conner) missed the school's single-game passing mark by one yard as he threw for a career-high 384 yards in Thomas More's 20-9 non-conference win over Huntingdon Saturday at Dixie Heights High School.
Community Press & Recorder

Hall: Better Than Before
BEAVER FALLS - Brian Hall didn't know for sure how effective he would be in his final season of college football after what he thought would be his last season was cut short by a serous injury. However, the Geneva College linebacker did not leave anything for chance as he prepared for his second senior season after his first ended abruptly in the second game of 2005 because of a broken left ankle.
Beaver County Times

Thomas More Women's Basketball Picked First in Preseason Poll
CINCINNATI - The Saints women were picked to finish first in the Presidents' Athletic Conference by a collection of PAC coaches, sports information directors and media at the 2006-07 PAC basketball media day Wednesday in Pittsburgh. "It's nice to receive recognition for our program, and I just hope the voters are as accurate as last year (when preseason favorite Washington & Jefferson won the title)," said third-year head coach Brian Neal. "We have a pretty experienced returning core and those players are looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Cincinnati Post

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
Waynesburg, Thomas More are Favorites for PAC Hoop Crowns
PITTSBURGH — New teams could grace the top of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship. In voting by the conference’s coaches, sports information directors and media covering the event, the Waynesburg men and Thomas More women were picked to win the 2006-07 PAC championships at the PAC Winter Media Day Wednesday at Mellon Arena.
The (Sharon) Herald

Around the Region
When Waynesburg opened the 2006 season at 0-3, most people figuratively sent the Yellow Jackets to the scrap heap. But someone forgot to tell the Jackets that they were out of contention. And now, they’re 4-0 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference after a 34-24 win at defending league champion Thiel.
D3football.com

Sports Briefs: College Soccer
PITTSBURGH - Sean Esterbauer had both goals and goalkeeper Kosta Floros posted his eighth shutout of the season as host Bethany defeated Westminster, 2-0, to claim the Presidents' Athletic Conference title.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PG South: Campus Notebook
PITTSBURGH - Thomas Jefferson graduate Kevin Franz completed 18 of 28 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns for Westminster in Saturday's 49-13 blowout of Bethany... Steel Valley graduate Mike Shields caught six passes for 41 yards for Waynesburg in Saturday's 34-24 win over Thiel.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Parity Finally Here For PAC
PITTSBURGH -- Basketball coaches love to push parity, especially in the preseason. They talk about the balance in their conference, how it can be downright difficult to win on the road and how any team in the league, on any given night, can pull an upset.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

W&J's Youngsters Mature in Time for Title Showdown
PITTSBURGH - In the days after a 32-14 loss to Salisbury State in the season opener, Washington & Jefferson coach Mike Sirianni spent a lot of time on his cell phone calling former players. "I invited them to come to practices and our next game to talk to the players. At least 20 of them came back to show support for this team," he said. "Because 115 of our 140 players are freshmen and sophomores, I didn't think they understood the tradition of W&J football. I wanted to let them know what wearing a W&J uniform means. I wanted them to be proud of it."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PAC: Waynesburg Draws No. 1 Preseason Spot
PITTSBURGH - Picking a preseason team to win the men's basketball championship in the Presidents' Athletic Conference has been a no-brainer the past couple seasons. Just pencil in Bethany's name, wait a couple months and then say, "I told you so."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
Q&A With Rich Dalrymple
Rich Dalrymple is in his 17th year as public relations director for the Dallas Cowboys. He certainly has dealt with some high-profile individuals. But while Dalrymple is in Dallas, he still has Pittsburgh in his heart. He has a Terrible Towel in his office. Dalrymple grew up in West View, was a quarterback at North Hills High School and then played at Westminster College.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Hess Sets Career Mark at Thiel
Thiel sophomore tailback and Kiski Area graduate Dan Hess set a career high with three touchdowns in one game, as the Tomcats posted a 20-0 victory against Grove City on Oct. 14 in college football action.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Special Twist To This Game
Early in the season, trainers should have passed out oxygen masks instead of ankle tape to the players on this area's two NCAA Division III football programs. Waynesburg and Washington & Jefferson came out of the gate and promptly fell face-first into the artificial turf.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter
 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
Skipping the Sideline
It was another busy week for teams in the President's Athletic Conference. There were the usual expected results, but there were also some surprises that might have gone a long way in determining the regular season champions of the three leagues.
Don Hansen National Football Gazette
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23
Stellman Engineers Saints Fifth Win
CINCINNATI - Sophomore quarterback Trevor Stellman threw for a career-high 384 yards in Thomas More College's 20-9 non-conference victory over Huntingdon Saturday at Dixie Heights High School. Stellman was 24-of-39 with two touchdowns and one interception as he helped shoulder the offensive load. His favorite target was senior Chase Weber, who hauled in seven passes for 164 yards and one touchdown. Junior John Resch added 100 yards receiving on four catches.
The Cincinnati Post

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
Few Fans in Stadium to See Geneva's Win
BEAVER FALLS - With the Reeves Field stands practically empty due to the students' fall break, the Geneva College football team knew any emotional surge would need to come from its play on the field. And it did just that, with Justin Sciarro throwing a touchdown pass to Luke Duriancik with no time left on the first half clock and Dan Terracciano returning an interception 95 yards for a score in the second half as the Golden Tornadoes rolled to a 36-6 win over Taylor.
Beaver County Times

W&J Gives Grove City, Mayor's Record the Boot
WASHINGTON - Move over, Mr. Mayor. Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl returned to the campus of Washington & Jefferson College last weekend, but he wasn't in town to witness his old record being broken Saturday.
Washington Observer-Reporter

Jackets Start Fast, Hold Off Thiel
MEADVILLE -- Waynesburg College forged a 21-point first-half lead and held on for a 34-24 victory over host Thiel in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. The win was the fourth in a row for Waynesburg (4-0, 4-3) and sets up a showdown for first place in the PAC next weekend at Washington & Jefferson (3-0, 6-1).
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

District Roundup
PITTSBURGH - Ryan Abels rushed for 103 yards and touchdowns of 1 and 2 yards and Tres Cobb completed 14 of 18 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown as the Yellow Jackets (4-3, 4-0) won their fourth in a row and remained in first place in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. For Thiel (4-4, 3-2), Billy Blankenship passed for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

District Roundup
PITTSBURGH - Running back Ryan Mendel scored a school record by running for five touchdowns as Washington & Jefferson (6-1, 3-0) hammered Presidents' Athletic Conference rival Grove City (1-6, 1-5). The Presidents gained 483 yards of total offense as Mendel tallied his fourth-straight 100-yard rushing performance with 130 yards on 24 carries.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Yellow Jackets Fend Off Tomcats, Rally for PAC Victory
GREENVILLE - For the second consecutive year, the Waynesburg College Yellow Jackets built a 21-0 lead on the Thiel College Tomcats. Unlike last year Waynesburg was able to stop a late Thiel come back attempt and held on to defeat the defending Presidents' Athletic Conference champions 34-24 at Alumni Stadium. Against a good Thiel program, our kids showed a lot of character," said Yellow Jacket head coach Rick Shepas. "I don't think anyone would have thought we would be where we are after the Grove City game."
The (Uniontown) Herald Standard

Area College Roundup
WASHINGTON, Pa. — Ryan Mendel ran for five touchdowns to lead Washington & Jefferson. Mendel, who rushed for 130 yards on 24 carries, scored on three 1-yard runs in the first half, and runs of 1 and 7 yards in the third quarter. W&J (6-1, 3-0 Presidents' Athletic Conference) also scored on a pair of touchdown passes by Bobby Swallow (West Branch), who completed 12-of-17 passes for 200 yards. Grove City (1-6, 1-5) was led by Andrew DiDonato, who threw for a touchdown and ran for another. DiDonato completed 17-of-24 passes for 183 yards and a TD.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
Collier's Running Boosts Saints Football
CINCINNATI - Much like the baseball axiom "good pitching beats good hitting," football has its own traditional formula for success - run the ball and stop the run. Thomas More has adhered to that advice this season on its way to a 4-2 start.
The (Cincinnati) Enquirer

District College Preview
Grove City (1-5) at Washington & Jefferson (5-1), 1:30 p.m. -- W&J, coming off a 50-7 victory against Westminster for its fifth consecutive win, must keep winning to remain in contention for an at-large bid to the Division III playoffs.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

College Football Preview
Bethany (3-3, 1-2 PAC ) vs. Westminster (1-5, 0-3) - Game time: 1:30 p.m., Harold Burry Stadium, New Wilmington, Pa. - Series history: Westminster leads, 32-9-3 - Scouting report: Titans' freshman QB, Kevin Franz leads the PAC in passing yards per game (187.7) and total yards per game (207.3).
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
Bethany Looks to Even League Record
BETHANY - The Bethany College football team will be trying to even its Presidents’ Athletic Conference record at 2-2 at 1:30 p.m. Saturday when it travels to Westminster (Pa.) College (1-5, 0-3). The Bison (3-3) saw their conference record drop to 1-2 with a 41-15 loss at Waynesburg (Pa.) College last weekend.
The (Wheeling) News Register/ Intelligencer

Defense Boost to Jackets Turnaround
WASHINGTON - One month ago, Waynesburg College's football team was winless (0-3) and desperately in need of a fresh start to the season. The Yellow Jackets find themselves today sitting atop the Presidents' Athletic Conference standings at 3-0 (3-3 overall), a half-game ahead of Washington & Jefferson (2-0, 5-1).
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Names In the Game: Catching Up with Local Athletes Competing in College
NEW CASTLE - Waynesburg cross country standout Janet Carson is running well in her first year of collegiate competition. Carson, a freshman from Ellwood City Lincoln High, placed 65th at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational on Oct. 14. The Lady Yellow Jackets came in 14th out of 20 teams with 381 points. She recorded a time of 20:32.
New Castle News

Geneva, Taylor Set to Match Their Struggling Offenses
BEAVER FALLS - The Geneva College football team will host its annual Community Night on Saturday at Reeves Field to raise money for charity. Geneva coach Geno DeMarco has an idea on how to make the night even more interesting as his Golden Tornadoes (2-3, 0-2) host Taylor (1-5, 0-3) at 7 in a Mideast League game.
Beaver County Times

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
Around the Region
Two “Cup” trophy games were decided Saturday. Otterbein retained the Rhine River Cup with a 34-6 win at Heidelberg while Thiel won the Mercer County Cup with a 20-0 triumph at Grove City. Thiel limited Grove City to minus-4 yards rushing in a 20-0 win at Robert E. Thorn Field. Thiel tailback Dan Hess ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns for the Tomcats. Thiel owned a 2-to-1 edge in time of possession.
D3footbal.com

Local Sports Briefs
WASHINGTON - Micala Priola and Samantha Sosko had a goal and two assists each as Washington & Jefferson College defeated Bethany, 6-2, in a Presidents' Athletic Conference match.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Trio Gives W&J Southern Accent
PITTSBURGH - Three south suburban residents -- Ryan Mendel, Tom McCafferty and Nick Cherish -- played a big part in Washington & Jefferson College's convincing 50-7 Presidents' Athletic Conference victory over Westminster on Saturday.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Thiel to Induct Three into Hall of Fame
SHARON - Thiel College announced its athletic Hall of Fame class of 2007 will include George Sterner (’76), Todd Vennis (’91) and Margaret “Gie” Parsons. The induction ceremony is set for 3 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Howard Miller Student Center’s Lutheran Heritage Room.
The (Sharon) Herald

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
TMC to Play 4 Games at Champion Field
Thomas More College has announced that some home baseball games next spring will be moved to Champion Windows Field in Florence. The Saints will hosting four non-conference games at the home of the Florence Freedom. Thomas More will play Hanover on March.
The Kentucky Post
 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17
Skipping the Sidelines
For the third year in a row and the fifth time in the past six years, the Mercer County Cup will reside at Thiel College in Greenville. Saturday afternoon at newly refurbished Robert E. Thorn Field, the Tomcats retained possession of the cup by tossing a 20-0 shutout at Grove City in Wolverine Homecoming 2006.
Don Hansen National Football Gazette

Sports Digest: Adams, Mellott Receive Honors
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — Two Westminster College women's soccer players from Trumbull County have received recognition by the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Sophomore midfielder Christina Adams of Hubbard was named PAC Offensive Player of the Week while freshman goalkeeper Lindsey Mellott of Cortland was named PAC Defensive/Goalkeeper of the Week.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
Saints Win Second Straight
CINCINNATI - Thomas More College scored two touchdowns in a span of 1:24 of the second quarter and defeated Frostburg State, 13-7, in a non-conference football game Saturday in Frostburg, Md. Senior Chris Willis' 59-yard punt return for a touchdown proved to be the winning score.
The Cincinnati Post

Mercer County Cup a Matter of Pride for GCC, Thiel
SHARON - Mercer County's Cup was contested for the 23rd time Saturday at Grove City College’s Robert Thorn Field, with the Thiel Tomcats taking a 20-0 triumph from the Wolverines. In a series that dates back to 1892, the Wolverines lead the all-time series (54-34-5) and still maintain a 14-9 cup margin, though the Tomcats have taken five of the last six.
The (Sharon) Herald

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
District Roundup
PITTSBURGH - Ryan Mendel ran for 131 yards and touchdowns of 4, 2 and 2 yards, and Bobby Swallow completed 16 of 19 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown and ran for two touchdowns to lead the host Presidents (5-1, 2-0) over the Titans (1-5, 0-3) in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. W&J has won five consecutive games.
Pittsburg Post-Gazette

Goodell's Biggest Test
PITTSBURGH - New NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hadn't even settled into his seat at Washington & Jefferson's Cameron Stadium on Saturday when a reporter asked him a pointed but popular question: Does the NFL have a problem with performance-enhancing drugs?
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

W&J Routs Westminster
PITTSBURGH - Senior running back Ryan Mendel (Brentwood) and sophomore quarterback Bobby Swallow combined to rush for 154 yards and five touchdowns during Washington & Jefferson's (5-1, 2-0) 50-7 PAC victory over Westminster (Pa.) (1-5, 0-3) on homecoming day at Cameron Stadium.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Thiel Keeps Mercer County Cup with 20-0 Shutout of Grove City College
SHARON - Danny Hess may be no Steve Minton, but during Saturday’s 23rd annual Mercer County Cup he was the best back on the field and that was good enough. The unheralded Hess harvested a 32-carry, 113-yard, 3-touchdown rushing performance as Thiel College tallied a 20-0 Presidents’ Athletic Conference conquest of Grove City at Robert Thorn Field.
The (Sharon) Herald

Bigwigs Back at W&J
WASHINGTON - Washington & Jefferson College had not seen a lineup of big hitters like this on the football field since the 1921 Rose Bowl team. Roger Goodell, the first-year commissioner of the National Football League, and Luke Ravenstahl, who became mayor of Pittsburgh Sept. 1 following the death of Bob O'Connor, were honored by the college at Saturday's homecoming ceremonies at Cameron Stadium.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Jackets Keep Rolling Along
WAYNESBURG - Three weeks into its schedule, the Waynesburg College football team was winless. The Yellow Jackets lost their first three games by a combined 92-34 and were likely dismissed as an also-ran. But upon closer inspection, those first three games weren't as bad as the numbers might indicate.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

W&J Pounds Titans on Homecoming
WASHINGTON - A 43-point victory does not usually lead to praise for a field goal kicker but on this crisp, clear Saturday afternoon at Cameron Stadium, there was even enough for two. Luke Ravenstahl saw one of his records matched by Kyle Sidebotham in a 50-7 victory by Washington & Jefferson over Westminster.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Local Roundup
UNIONTOWN - Washington & Jefferson 1, Waynesburg 0 - Sophomore midfielder Samantha Sosko scored midway through the second half to help Washington & Jefferson defeat Waynesburg, 1-0, in Presidents' Athletic Conference women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon.
(Uniontown) Herald-Standard

Records Fall as Yellow Jackets Rout Bison, 41-15
WAYNESBURG - The Yellow Jackets ran wild on the Bison Saturday, as Waynesburg College downed Bethany 41-15 on homecoming, rushing for a season-high 354 yards. That mark is the sixth-highest single game rushing total in Waynesburg history. The rushing attack was a combined effort as both Ryan Abels and Eric Daniels eclipsed the 150-yard mark for the Jackets. Abels has been a Bison-killer in his career, rushing for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns in four games against Bethany.
(Uniontown) Herald-Standard

Hess Gets Chance, Leads Thiel to 20-0 Victory
YOUNGSTOWN - Thiel College tailback Dan Hess rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns, and the Tomcats' defense held the Grove City College offense in check for much of the afternoon, en route to a 20-0 shutout of the Wolverines Saturday afternoon.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

Fitch's Parker Has Record Day
YOUNGSTOWN - T.J. Parker, a senior wide receiver for the Bethany College football team from Austintown Fitch High, enjoyed a record-breaking performance Saturday despite the Bison's 41-15 loss to Waynesburg on the Yellow Jackets' field.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
Names in the Game
NEW CASTLE - Geneva’s Josh Crum, Tom Tommelleo, Mike Bruno, Aaron Tommelleo and Matt Dean all saw action in the Golden Tornadoes’ 9-7 win over Seton Hill on Oct. 7... Westminster’s Rachael Cooper notched seven kills, six assists and five digs in a 30-15, 30-20, 30-16 win over Bethany on Tuesday.
New Castle News

Bison Embark on Long Trip
BETHANY - Off to its best start since 2001, the Bethany College football team (3-2 overall, 1-1 Presidents Athletic Conference) will begin the second half of the 2006 season with the first of four straight road games at 1:30 p.m. Saturday when it travels to Waynesburg (Pa.) (2-3, 2-0).
The (Wheeling) Intelligencer/ News-Register

College Football Preview: Saturday's Games
YOUNGSTOWN - Previewing the area's local college football games for Saturday, October 14, 2006.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

Bethany Women's Tennis Team Comes Up Short
BETHANY — Despite a doubles win from seniors Katie Erdy and Kati DeMundo (John Marshall) on senior day, the Bethany College women’s tennis team was defeated by Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) College 8-1 Wednesday afternoon.
The (Steubenville) Herald Star/ Weirton Daily Times

Golden Tornadoes Get Their Kicks Back, Again
BEAVER FALLS - When Larry Diday lined up to try his first field-goal attempt in a varsity game in three years last Saturday, the Geneva College senior kicker/punter was understandably anxious. "Oh, there were some nerves," said Diday, a senior and Blackhawk High School graduate. "At least, I had done if before, though. That helped keep me calm."
Beaver County Times

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
Around the Region
Much like Joe Frazier-George Foreman or Michael Spinks-Mike Tyson, the heavyweight title clash in the OAC Saturday turned out to be a one-sided affair... Washington & Jefferson took advantage of two Thiel turnovers in the fourth quarter and pulled out a 27-23 win over the host Tomcats in PAC action.
D3football.com

TMC's Kuhn Honored by League
CRESTVIEW HILLS - Thomas More junior volleyball player Valeri Kuhn, an Oak Hills graduate, was named Presidents' Athletic Conference student of the month for September.
The Cincinnati Post

North Hills Grad Earns PAC Accolade
PITTSBURGH - North Hills graduate Mike Czerwien was named the Presidents' Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for Waynesburg College after his performance in a 23-16 victory against Thomas More.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bethel Park Grad Garners PAC Volleyball Honor
PITTSBURGH - Bethel Park graduate Lauren Spegal has been named Presidents' Athletic Conference Women's Volleyball Player of the Week. Spegal, a 5-foot-9 junior outside hitter, led Bethany College to a 2-1 record in the previous week by recording 43 kills, 24 digs and seven service aces.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kiski Grad Catching On
PITTSBURGH - Kiski Area graduate Luke Duriancik is the top receiver at Geneva College. Duriancik, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound sophomore, caught seven passes for 68 yards in Saturday's 9-7 win over Seton Hill.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Hot Hand For Geneva
PITTSBURGH - Beaver Falls graduate Justin Sciarro completed 16 of 22 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown to lead Geneva College to a 9-7 win over Seton Hill on Saturday. Sciarro, a 6-2, 220-pound redshirt senior, connected with Mike Lehman on a 6-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Bethany's Boomers and Books
First-year Bethany College (West Virginia) head coach Tim Weaver and three of his players traveled to a nearby preschool recently to kick off their new "Boomer and Books" program. Weaver, along with junior offensive lineman Justin Elkins, sophomore linebacker Ron Ermlick and sophomore defensive back Dante Fuscardo, spent time with 15 children.
NCAA News Onlne

Goodell, Ravenstahl to Attend W&J Homecoming
PITTSBURGH - Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor of Pittsburgh, will be among the more than 1,000 alumni at Washington & Jefferson College's Homecoming festivities this weekend. Goodell (class of 1981) and Ravenstahl (2003) will serve as honorary co-captains at the Presidents' 2 p.m. football game against Westminster. As part of pregame activities, Ravenstahl and Goodell will be joined by W&J president Tori Haring-Smith for the coin toss. Ravenstahl, 26, was the starting W&J placekicker for three years, and he still holds the school record for career field goals made and most consecutive extra points.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Celebrated Alums Returning to W&J
WASHINGTON - Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League, and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor of Pittsburgh, will be among alumni returning to Washington & Jefferson College this weekend for homecoming. Goodell is a 1981 graduate of W&J while Ravenstahl graduated in 2003. They will serve as honorary co-captains at the Presidents' 2 p.m. Saturday football game against Westminster.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Double Trouble
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) -- For at least one afternoon, age didn't matter for Saint Vincent College's 40-plus tennis teammates Lori Orthen and Marilyn Miller. Only their ability counted. Despite a combined age of 93, the two won their doubles match Tuesday against West Liberty State College's Marissa Fansler and Megan Cooey by rallying from a 2-0 deficit for an 8-6 victory.
SI.com

St. Vincent Tennis Duo a Team for the Ages
PITTSBURGH - Sometimes their opponents stare across the net, not sure what to think. Or what to say.That's because they are playing against women more than twice their age -- Lori Orthen, 44, and Marilyn Miller, 49, who are juniors on the St. Vincent College women's tennis team.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
Westminster Gets Technical
NEW CASTLE - TECHNOLOGY Westminster experiences a football first in its game on Saturday -- referee audio, thanks to a wireless microphone put together by the college's chief engineer, Chuck Chirozzi.
New Castle News

Older Means Better for Saint Vincent's Tennis Team
AP - When Lori Orthen and Marilyn Miller team as doubles partners in Saint Vincent College's tennis match Tuesday against West Liberty State, 40-love won't only be the score at times. It also will describe the two-of-a-kind partners: Both are in their 40s, and they love playing tennis against college girls young enough to be their daughters.
ESPN.com

St. Vincent to Field Doubles Team ages 44, 49
AP - When Lori Orthen and Marilyn Miller team as doubles partners in Saint Vincent College's tennis match Tuesday against West Liberty State, 40-love won't only be the score at times. It also will describe the two-of-a-kind partners: Both are in their 40s, and they love playing tennis against college girls young enough to be their daughters.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (AP)

Skipping the Sidelines
It was a full day of action for the teams Saturday in the President's Athletic Conference, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference as well as in the Middle Atlantic Conference.
Don Hansen National Weekly Football Gazette

Collins Named PAC Player of the Week
CINCINNATI - Freshman running back Monty Collier (New Albany, IN/New Albany) was named Presidents' Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a career-high 142 yards on 16 carries (8.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
WKRC12.com
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
Saints Offense Rolls Over Titans
NEW WILMINGTON - Thomas More scored on seven straight possessions to even its Presidents' Athletic Conference record at 2-2 as the Saints blitzed past Westminster Saturday, 42-14, at Burry Stadium in New Wilmington, Pa.
The Cincinnati Post

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
Geneva Hangs on Despite Late Error
GREENSBURG - The Geneva College football team tried something unique Saturday, using separate punters on consecutive plays. And that lack of consistency in the kicking game nearly proved fatal to the Golden Tornadoes as they had to hang on for a 9-7 victory over Seton Hill in a non-conference game at Offutt Field.
Beaver County Times

Presidents Ruin Thiel's Homecoming
GREENVILLE - As the homecoming crowd slowly filed into Thiel's Alumni Stadium on a brilliant Saturday afternoon, one of the fraternities was offering a unique opportunity to Tomcat football fans. Situated in a parking lot was a wreck of an automobile, colored red and black and labeled Washington & Jefferson.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Thiel almost wins PAC showdown again, but W&J rallies in the fourth quarter, 27-23
GREENVILLE - Thiel ended a 23-game losing streak to Washington & Jefferson last year by winning in overtime at the Presidents' home field. The Tomcats (3-3, 2-1) so thoroughly enjoyed that victory they were determined to repeat the feat yesterday at their homecoming at Alumni Stadium.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

District Colleges Roundup
Thomas More 42, Westminster 14: Monty Collier rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns to lead visiting Thomas More (3-2, 2-2) against the Titans (1-4, 0-2) in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Westminster's Kevin Franz passed for 243 yards and a touchdown.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

W&J bounces back for key PAC victory
GREENVILLE - With Halloween still three weeks away, Washington & Jefferson turned a trick into a treat. Senior safety Nick Cherish thwarted a gadget play when he intercepted a wide-receiver option pass in the fourth quarter, as W&J rallied to beat Thiel, 27-23, in a matchup of the top two teams in the Presidents' Athletic Conference.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Westminster well-represented with area players
NEW WILMINGTON - The Westminster College football team has 15 players from the Youngstown area on the roster this season. Those include freshman placekicker Fred Romeo from Struthers High and Lowellville who led the Presidents' Athletic Conference in three categories through four games.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

Westminster inducts 9 into HOF
Westminster College inducted nine athletes into the school's hall of fame on Saturday. The class has Felton Brown (1960 track and field); Janie Cebula (1997 volleyball); Jim Delsandro (1997 basketball); Jason Kunkle (1995 swimming); Craig Mills (1996 football); Tony Pizon (1997 track and field, cross country); Ron Minnie (1960 track/field, basketball); Bill Moss (1957 football, track and field); and Lou Perrotta (1994 football).
The (Youngstown) Vindicator
 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
The Rivalry That Never Began
BEAVER FALLS - It seemed just a few years ago that Geneva and Seton Hill could form a budding small-college football rivalry in western Pennsylvania. Seton Hill, a Greensburg school, planned to play at the NAIA level, giving the Mideast League a second Pennsylvania school to go with Geneva. However, that is not going to happen.
Beaver County Times

Names in the Games
NEW CASTLE - Rachael Cooper is the ace of the Westminster College volleyball team. Cooper broke the school record for career service aces as the Lady Titans split two matches at Saint Vincent College on Sept. 30. Westminster lost to the host Lady Bearcats (30-23, 30-23, 30-23) before defeating Pitt Johnstown (30-25, 30-21, 30-20).
New Castle News
 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
Quarterback Hoping to Help Presidents Swallow PAC Title
WASHINGTON - The numbers can sometimes get in the way. So Bobby Swallow doesn't pay them much attention. The 6-2, 210-pound sophomore is the quarterback for Washington & Jefferson College's football team. That means he steps into the spot once held by Brian Dawson, Chris Edwards and Jason Baer. The trio combined for 26,112 yards. Dawson left as the school's career leader with 10,259 and Edwards was second at 8,303.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

District Spotlight
PITTSBURGH - This matchup of two 2005 NCAA D-III playoff qualifiers will go a long way toward determining the PAC champion. Washington & Jefferson is looking to avenge last year's 38-35 overtime loss to eventual PAC champion Thiel. It was Thiel's first victory over W&J since 1981 -- snapping a 23-game losing streak to the Presidents -- and helped secure the Greenville school's first conference title in 33 years.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Regional College Preview
YOUNGSTOWN - For the second consecutive week, the outcome of the Westminster's game was decided by place-kicking as the Titans fell to Grove City, 21-20, in their first PAC game. Westminster drew within one point of the Wolverines with an 11-play, 68-yard TD drive capped by a 5-yard TD pass from freshman QB Kevin Franz to freshman RB Brian Becker with just 24 seconds remaining.
(Youngstown) Vindicator

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
Around the Region: Fantastic Finishes
Older readers (and by "older," I mean those 25 and above) will probably remember the old "Fantastic Finish" clips that would play during the two-minute warning of NFL games on Sunday afternoons. Last weekend, the Great Lakes Region produced a number of games that would have qualified for that regrettably defunct late afternoon feature.
D3Football.com

College Notes
CINCINNATI - Thomas More football had two turnovers turned into 13 early points as the Saints lost their second PAC game, falling to Waynesburg Saturday, 23-16...Freshman Brittany Jones scored the lone goal of the game, and junior Carlin Scrudato posted her third shutout as Thomas More opened defense of its Presidents' Athletic Conference title with a 1-0 win over Washington & Jefferson Saturday at Xavier University.
(Cincinnati) Community Press & Recorder

P-T Grad Earns PAC Soccer Honor
PITTSBURGH - Penn-Trafford graduate Andrew Saporito was named Presidents' Athletic Conference soccer player of the week after leading Westminster to a 2-1 record last week.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Hess Heating Up for Thiel
PITTSBURGH - Thiel sophomore tailback Dan Hess (Kiski Area) rushed for a season-high 121 yards and two touchdowns on Sept. 30 to lead the Tomcats to a 49-7 win over Bethany.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Skipping the Sidelines
It was the first full week of conference action in the Presidents' Athletic Conference where six of the seven teams were involved in PAC games. Thiel, Waynesburg and Grove City came out on top, while the seventh team in the conference, Washington & Jefferson, had the day off.
Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette

Turnovers Spell Doom For Saints
Thomas More College saw two turnovers turned into 13 early points Saturday as the Saints lost their second Presidents' Athletic Conference game, falling to Waynesburg (Pa.) 23-16. The loss dropped Thomas More to 2-2 overall, 1-2 PAC.
Kentucky Post
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
Kuhn Always Ready to Set for Saints
Of her 3,472 career assists, Thomas More junior Valeri Kuhn's favorites aren't from crucial postseason matches, senior nights or even her very first Saints contest. Kuhn's fondest recollections are a tad less nostalgic, "I like it when I set the middle and (one of my teammates) hits another player in the face (with the ball)," Kuhn said. "I enjoy that."
The (Kentucky) Enquirer

Grove City Beats Westminster for First Time Since 1979
GROVE CITY — Fred Romeo’s missed field goal with 24 seconds left in the game proved costly on Saturday afternoon as the Wolverines (1-2, 1-3) earned a 21-20 Presidents’ Athletic Conference victory over the Westminster Titans (0-1, 1-3) at Robert E. Thorn Field.
The (Sharon) Herald

Conversion Failure Dooms Westminster
GROVE CITY - For a second consecutive week, the outcome of the Westminster College football team's game was decided by place-kicking. The Titans fell to Grove City, 21-20, in their first Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game of the season Saturday at Thorn Field.
Ellwood City Ledger

Local Roundup
UNIONTOWN - The Titans had things their way, defeating the Yellow Jackets for a Presidents' Athletic Conference road victory. Westminster's Sarah Calderone scored a hat trick to run her season goal total to six. Christina Adams added a pair of goals.
The (Uniontown) Herald Standard

Hubbard Graduate Scores Three Goals
Junior Christina Adams scored three goals within a span of just two minutes to lead the Westminster College women's soccer team to an 8-0 win over Waynesburg. Adams, a graduate of Hubbard High School, had just four career goals prior to the game for the Titans (5-3-1, 1-0 PAC).
The (Youngstown) Vindicator
 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
Waynesburg Ugly But Effective
WAYNESBURG - It wasn't the most well-executed play of the day. That distinction belonged to Waynesburg College's 1966 NAIA national championship team that, after being honored at halftime of the Yellow Jackets' game Saturday against Thomas More, lined up and ran a sweep play that probably would have gone for a touchdown 40 years ago.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

Memory Lane
WAYNESBURG - As passes go, it was a good punt. "It wasn't all that good," admitted Rich Dahar, who recalled his shot put of a pass 40 years after it was thrown. "It was a little wobbly." While Dahar won't brag about his passing, his former Waynesburg College teammates rank Dahar's toss as one the best they've ever seen.
(Washington) Observer-Reporter

District Football Roundup: Malone throws down Geneva, 22-13
PITTSBURGH - Malone College, led by Brad Reifsnyder's 264 yards passing and one touchdown, defeated visiting Geneva, 22-13, in a matchup of nationally ranked NAIA teams. Malone entered the game ranked No. 23, while Geneva was No. 15.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

District College Roundup
PITTSBURGH - Thiel (3-2, 2-0) rolled up 494 yards of total offense and held Bethany (W.Va.) (2-2, 0-1) to just 204 total yards in a Presidents' Athletic Conference matchup.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Yellow Jackets Earn First-Ever Win Over Saints
WAYNESBURG - Maybe it was the 1966 NAIA National Championship team reunion that was motivation. Maybe it was a team looking to head into its bye week with a win. Or maybe it was a defense that refused to break.
The (Uniontown) Herald-Standard

Grove City Winner By One Point
Grove City's wait is finally over. The Wolverines ended a 10-game losing streak against Westminster College Saturday, defeating the Titans, 21-20, in a Presidents' Athletic Conference game at Robert E. Thorn Field.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator

NEWSSTAND Archive - September 2006
NEWSSTAND Archive - August 2006

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