2009-10 Fencing Yearbook

12009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing

2 2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing

Table of ContentsStaff Directory ..........................................2Roster Page.............................................3Coaching Staff .........................................3Men’s Bios ......................................... 6-10 Bingham, sr. ................................6 Sollman, sr. .................................6 Coon, jr .......................................7 Lorenzo, jr ...................................7 Nelson, jr. ....................................8 Purdy-Sachs, so .........................8 Mikek, fr ......................................9 Sivec, fr .......................................9 Tomaj, fr ....................................10Women’s Bios .................................. 10-13 Colbert, sr .................................10 McLemore, sr ............................11 Cook, so ....................................11 Diven, so ...................................12 LaFrance, so .............................12 McMahon, so ............................13 Furnas, fr. ..................................13Welcome to Detroit ................................14The University........................................15Academics .............................................16About UDM ............................................17Notable Alumni ......................................18Administration ........................................19Academic Support .................................20Points Of Pride ......................................21UDM Head Coaches..............................22Fencing Facts ........................................231972 National Champions .....................24

The 2010 Detroit Men’s and Women’s Fencing Yearbook is a publication of the UDM Sports Information Offi ce. Desing and layout of the guide done by Scott Kretzmann. Copy compiled, written and edited by Scott Kretzmann. Editorial assistance provided by Mark Engel, Maggie Walsh and P.J. Gradowski.

Cover: Scott Kretzmann

Directions to UDM’s McNichols Campus

From Metro Airport - Take I-94 east to the Lodge Freeway (M-10). Take the Lodge north to the Livernois exit. At the top of the ramp, turn right onto Livernois, and proceed three-quarters of a mile north to W. McNichols (also known as 6 Mile), and turn right. McNichols is the third traffi c light, after turning onto Livernois. The entrance to UDM is at the fi rst stop light on McNichols.

From Downtown Detroit - Take the Lodge Freeway north of downtown and follow the above directions from Metro Airport.

From the Northwest on M-10 - Driving south on the Lodge Freeway, take the Livernois exit. At the traffi c light, turn left onto Livernois and proceed three-quarters of a mile north to W. McNichols (third light) and turn right. Entrance to UDM is at the fi rst light.

From the North on I-75 - Driving south on I-75, exit Eight Mile Road and turn right off the ramp. Take Eight Mile west, and turn left (south) onto Livernois. Proceed 2.0 miles to W. McNichols and turn left (west). Entrance is at the fi rst light.

University Quick Facts

Location ........................................................................Detroit, MIEnrollment ............................................................................5,700Founded ................................................................................1877Affi liation .............................................................. NCAA Division IConference .......................................................... Horizon League Fencing Affi liation .........................................Midwest ConferenceNickname.............................................................................TitansSchool Colors .................................................. Red, White & BluePresident .................................... Fr. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J.Athletic Director ......................................................... Keri GaitherFaculty Athletics Representative .............................. Erick BarnesAthletic Department Phone................................... (313) 993-1700Athletic Department Fax ....................................... (313) 993-1765


Athletic Staff Directory

Titan Athletics Staff ........................................... (313) 993-1700

Athletic Director .........................................................Keri GaitherSenior Associate A.D. .................................... Daron MontgomeryAssistant A.D. for Facilities ........................................ Glenn KnottAssistant A.D. for NCAA Compliance ......................Steve CorderAssistant A.D./Business/SWA ....................................Teri KromreiDirector of Marketing/Promotions ................. Brandon LongmeierDirector of Ticket Operations/Sales ........................Greg HaapalaOffi ce Manager ........................................................... Lezly PruittAthletic Administrative Interns .. Emily Vannice, Michelle CorderoOlympic Sports Offi ce Administrator ..........................Anita FosterAssistant Facilities Managers ................ Jarrett Alford, Craig YustAssistant Academic/Compliance Coordinator.............Amy PalingCompliance Graduate Assistant .................................. Joe MooreStrength and Conditioning Coach.................................Joe TofferiAssistant Strength and Conditioning Coach .............. Nick WilsonStrength and Conditioning Interns ..... Adam Gentry, Stephanie LietoHead Athletic Trainer ...................................................Mike MillerAssistant Athletic Trainer .................................... Chris HinderliterAssistant Athletic Trainer ...................................Ashley VanMeterGraduate Assistant Trainer .........................................Lexie PerryGraduate Assistant Trainer ............................................Leah DiorTeam Physician .......................................... Dr. Michael WorkingsEquipment Manager .............................................Harvey TheeckEquipment/Facilities Intern .................................. Casey HornungPep Band Director ......................................... Jonathan BjorklundDance Team Coordinator ......................................Latrice HowardCheer Team Coach ..................................................Tanya Carper

Sports Information Staff ................................... (313) 993-1745

Assistant A.D. for Sports Information..........................Mark EngelAssistant Sports Information Director .................... Maggie WalshAssistant Sports Information Director ................... P.J. GradowskiSports Information Assistant (Fencing Contact) ...Scott Kretzmann

Sports Information

The Sports Information Department is located in Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus at the intersection of West McNichols and Livernois.

Mailing address:4001 West McNicholsDetroit, MI 48221

Media Services

Web Site .....................................DetroitTitans.comSports Info. Offi ce .......................(313) 993-1745Sports Info. Fax ..........................(313) 993-1765

To The Media

Since the consolidation of the University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit in 1990, UDM athletic teams have found themsleves referred to in many different forms. In order to maintain consistency, we ask that the media and our opponents continue to refer to us as UDM or use Detroit or Detroit Titans, and eliminate the use of such abbreviations as U-D, U of D Mercy, Detroit Mercy, etc. Thank you for your cooperation and your continuing coverage of the Detroit Titans.

Athletic Directory


Jarrett AlfordFacilities Asst.

Stacey BarnsMen’s Basketball

Admin. Asst.

Tanya CarperCheerleading

Coach

Steve CorderAssistant A.D./

Compliance

Michelle CorderoAthletic Admin.

Intern

Leah DiorAthletic Training

Intern

Mark EngelAssistant A.D./

Sports Info.

Anita FosterOlympic SportsAdministrator

Keri GaitherDirector Of Athletics

Adam GentryStrength/Cond.

Intern

P.J. GradowskiSports Info Assistant

Greg HaapalaDirector of Ticket Ops.

Joe MooreCompliance

Intern

Scott KretzmannSports Info Assistant

Casey HornungEquip./Facilities

Intern

Latrice HowardDance Team

Coach

Glenn KnottAssistant A.D./

Facilities

Teri KromreiAssistant A.D./Business/SWA

Brandon LongmeierDirector of Marketing

Stephanie LietoStrength/Cond.

Intern

Daron Montgomery

Sr. Assoc. A.D.

Lexie PerryAthletic Training

Intern

Amy PalingCompliance

Assistant

Lezly PruittOffi ce

Manager

Harvey TheeckEquipment

Manger

Joe TofferiStrength/Cond.

Coach

Ashley VanMeterAsst. Athletic

Trainer

Maggie WalshAsst. SportsInfo. Director

Nick WilsonStrength/Cond.

Asst. Coach

Chris HinderliterAsst. Director of Sports Medicine

Emily VanniceAdministrative

Intern

Craig Yust Asst. Facilities

Manager

Athletic Staff

Phuong LeAsst. Business &

Ticket Mgr.

Michael MillerHead Athletic

Trainer


Men Year Weapon Hometown/High School Dan Bingham Sr. Epee St. Clair Shores, MI/Fraser (Calvin) Brad Coon Jr. Foil Jenison, MI/HudsonvilleTom Lorenzo Jr. Sabre Avon, MI/St. IgnatiusClint Mikek Fr. Epee St. Louis, MI/St. LouisTim Nelson So. Epee Riverview, MI/Gabriel RichardMichael Purdy-Sachs So. Foil Port Huron, MI/Home SchoolJared Sivec Fr. Foil Macomb, MI/DakotaDoug Sollman Sr. Sabre Sterling Hts., MI/StevensonMartin Tomaj Fr. Epee Farmington Hills, MI/Farmington

Women Year Weapon Hometown/High SchoolAshley Colbert Sr. Foil Washington, MI/RomeoBrittany Cook So. Epee Burton, MI/OwossoAllison Diven So. Sabre Lake Orion, MI/Lake OrionOlivia Furnas Fr. Sabre Macomb, MI/DakotaSamantha LaFrance So. Sabre Macomb, MI/DakotaAshlee McLemore Sr. Sabre Detroit, MI/DominicanMegan McMahon So. Foil Macomb, MI/Dakota

Head Coach: Todd Dressel (11th Year)Assistant Coach: Craig BudzynskiGraduate Assistant: Nicholas Tobianski

Fencers by class:Seniors (3) .......................Bingham, Sollman, Colbert, McLemoreJuniors (2) .......................Coon, LorenzoSophomores (4) ..............Purdy-Sachs, Cook, Diven, LaFrance, McMahonFreshman (4) ...................Mikek, Sivec, Tomaj, Furnas

Fencers by Weapon:Foil (4) ..............................Coon, Purdy-Sachs, Colbert, McMahonEpee (2)............................Bingham, CookSabre (3) ..........................Sollman, Lorenzo, Diven, LaFrance, McLemore

2009-10 Detroit Titan Roster


Head CoachTodd Dressell (Oakland ‘90)

A graduate of nearby Oakland University, Todd Dressell is entering his 11th season as the man in charge of the Titan Fencing program.

A member of the Oakland University Fencing Club while in college, Dressell has remained active in the fencing community since graduating. Upon graduation, Dressell moved to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he coached the school’s club team from 1992-96.

Upon leaving his post at UM-Dearborn, Dressell helped found the Renaissance Fencing Club in nearby Madison Heights. Dressell is active with the club to this day, as both an owner and instructor.

Dressell came to Detroit in 1998 and inherited a team with a great deal of tradition. The 1972 fencing team is the only team from Detroit to win a NCAA National Championship. It is with great pride and dedication that Todd continues to cultivate and nurture fencing at UDM.

Dressell and his wife Christine reside in Royal Oak with their two children.

Assistant CoachesNicholas Tobianski (fi rst season) and Craig Budzysnki (fi rst season)

The 2009-10 season will be the fi rst that Tobianski and Budzynski have spent as part of the Titans coaching staff.

Tobianski began fencing with the Renaissance Fencing Club in Detroit and continued to fence throughout college, both as an undergrad at Central Michigan and then during his graduate days at the University of Virginia. He spent fi ve years as an athletic trainer for the Cadets fencing team as well as the junior national team, traveling with the team each year to the world championships. Now living in Sterling Heights, MI, Tobianski is currently enrolled in the UDM physician’s assistant graduate program.

Budzynski has been around the Titans fencing program for the last four years, but as a fencer, not a coach. After serving as a Detroit captain during the 2008-09 season and being awarded the team’s Most Valuable Player award, Budzynski has returned to pass on his knowledge of the sport to a new era of Titans.

Coaching Staff

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2008-09: Won third varsity letter...Claimed third place and a D08 ranking at the Istvan Danosi Michi-gan Open at Wayne State...Went 9-0 and helped the Titans defeat Hunter College (20-7) and the New Jer-sey Institute of Technology (19-8) at the West Point Duals...Recorded a 13-15 mark at the Northwestern Mega-Meet while helping the Titans’ men’s team to four victories...Posted a 13-6 mark at the MFC Championships as the men’s sabre squad fi nished in ninth place, and went on to place 35th in individual competition...Earned an at-large bid consideration at the NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifi er, placing 10th in the sabre competition...2007-08: Finished 26th at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships with a 9-6 mark...Compiled a 15-11 record to help Detroit to an 18-9 win over Purdue at the Notre Dame Duals...Went 4-5 at the UDM Invi-tational, helping Detroit to a 17-8 win over Wayne State...Opened the season with a 14-6 mark at Ohio State Duals, helping UDM to 11-4 win over Xavi-er and a 13-13 tie with Bowling Green...2006-07: Named Newcomer of the Year for 2007...Prior to UDM: Member of Renaissance Fencing Club for eight years...Also played soccer...Personal: Son of Michael and Carol Sollman...Born July 9, 1988...Majoring in nursing.

- Senior -

- Sabre -

Sterling Hts., MI

Stevenson HS

Doug Sollman

Titan Fencers

2008-09: Won fi rst varsity letter...In fi rst season of fencing, tallied 17 wins as the Titans recorded eight dual meet victories...Went 8-14 at MFC Champion-ships as men’s epee squad posted a 5-3 victory over Bowling Green and fi nished 59th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experi-ence...Involved in the marching band before arriv-ing at Detroit from Calvin College...Personal: Son of Jacki Bingham...Born September 4, 1988...Ma-joring in criminal justice.

Dan Bingham

- Senior -

- Epee -

St. Clair Shores, MIFraser HS

(Calvin College)


Titan Fencers

2008-09: Won second varsity letter...Placed third in men’s foil at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Went 16-13 and helped men’s team win four duals at Northwestern Mega-Meet...Helped men’s foil team post a 3-1 mark and take third place at MFC Championships...Helped men’s foil team post an overall record of 35-1 in four victories at Notre Dame Duals...2007-08: Earned team newcomer of the Year honors...Ranked second on the team with a 68-36 overall record...Went 7-9 at MFC Champion-ships with a 20th place fi nish while helping the foil squad to 5-2 wins over Purdue and Illinois...Finished 205th at the United State Fencing Association’s Ju-nior Olympics...Compiled a 21-6 record helping UDM to a 18-9 win over Purdue at the Notre Dame Duals...Went 13-10 at Northwestern Duals to help Detroit to 15-12 win over Lawrence...Recorded a perfect 9-0 record at the UDM Invitational helping Detroit to 17-8 win over Wayne State...Began season with 17-4 mark at Ohio State Duals helping UDM to an 11-4 win over Xavier and a 13-13 tie with Bowl-ing Green...Prior to UDM: Has been fencing for four years...Is a four-time Junior Olympian...Two-time Junior Medalist...Was top Michigan fencer at 2007 Junior Olympics held in Denver, CO...Personal: Son of Jim and Lisa Coon...Has a sister, Jennifer...Born November 28, 2989...Majoring in dentistry/biology.

- Junior -

- Foil -

Jenison, MI

Hudsonville HS

Brad Coon

2008-09: Won second varsity letter...Honored as Detroit’s Most Improved performer...Placed 12th in Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Recorded 27 total wins on the season...Posted a 9-19 mark at Northwestern Mega-Meet...Went 6-10 at MFC Championships where men’s sabre posted a 3-1 record and ninth-place fi nish while Lorenzo placed 43rd in the individual competition...Part of a men’s sabre squad that posted a 26-10 overall mark and three dual victories at Notre Dame Du-als...2007-08: Recorded 10 victories on the year...Placed 41st with a 5-7 record at the Midwest Fenc-ing Conference (MFC) Championships while help-ing the sabre squad to wins over Case Western and Northwestern...Registered fi rst career win at North-western Duals...Prior to UDM: No fencing expe-rience...Four-year letterwinner in swimming and diving...Also played rugby and ultimate Frisbee...Personal: Son of Anthony and Jeannine Lorenzo...Has a sister, Caitlyn...Born July 7, 1989...Majoring in computer engineering.

Tom Lorenzo

- Junior -

- Sabre -

Avon, OH

St. Ignatius


Titan Fencers

2008-09: Won fi rst varsity letter...Finished second and earned B08 ranking at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in men’s foil competition...Posted an overall record of 68-27 for the season and was second on the team in winning percentage (72 percent)...Recorded a 5-7 mark at NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifi er...Tallied a 23-6 mark, second best among Titans, at Northwestern Mega-Meet where Detroit posted wins against Michigan State, Oberlin, Lawrence and CalTech...Led Titans with a winning percentage of 82 and a record of 14-3 at MFC Championships, helping men’s foil squad to a third place fi nish and a 3-1 record while placing 13th individually...Part of the men’s foil squad that went 35-1 overall and won four duals at Notre Dame Duals...Prior to UDM: Was a solid competitor in the Michigan Division and has fenced for the Re-naissance Fencing Club his entire career...Compet-ed nationally attending many North American Cup (NAC) competitions...Won the Michigan Division Championships in 2006 and earned a “B” rating in addition to fi nishing in the fi nals of a Division II/III competition...Finished 2007 earning Junior points...Personal: Son of Jeanie Purdy and Robert Sachs...Has a sister, Alinah...Born June 5, 1989...Major is undecided.

Michael Purdy-Sachs

- Sophomore -

- Foil -

Port Huron, MI

Home School

Prior to UDM: Was a standout in both cross coun-try and baseball at Gabriel Richard High School...Earned four varsity letters and was the team’s No. 1 runner for four years in cross country, and earned three varsity letters in baseball while his team won back-to-back Catholic League championships...Re-corded a personal best of 16:51 in cross country...An Eagle Scout, also served as Vice President in National Honor Society and student government...Personal: Son of Marlene and Steve Nelson...Has a younger brother, Phillip...Born Nov. 22, 1989 in Dearborn...Majoring in digital media studies.

Tim Nelson

- Junior -

- Epee -

Riverview, MI

Gabriel Richard HS


Titan Fencers

Prior to UDM: Competed in golf and cross coun-try at St. Louis High School...Member of divisional co-championship cross country squad...Participated in tae kwon do in addition to golf and cross coun-try...Active as a member of National Honor Society, Model UN and Business Professionals of America...Personal: Son of Greg and Tresha Mikek...Has a younger brother, Trent...Born Jan. 14, 1991 in Alma, MI...Majoring in biology.

Clint Mikek

- Freshman -

- Epee -

St. Louis, MI

St. Louis HS

Prior to UDM: Competed in four sports in high school and earned fi ve varsity letters...Lettered twice in both swimming and track, and earned one letter in soccer...Was a captain for the swimming and track teams during 2008-09 seasons...Member of both National Honor Society and student govern-ment...Personal: Son of Andrea and John Sivec...Has three brothers, Jessie, Alex and Evan...Born April 7, 1991...Majoring in biochemistry.

Jared Sivec

- Freshman -

- Foil -

Macomb, MI

Dakota HS


Titan Fencers

2008-09: Earned third varsity letter...Recorded a ninth-place fi nish at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State, tops among UDM women’s foil competitors...Tal-lied 39 wins on the season, second most on team...Posted a 16-13 mark at Northwestern Mega-Meet and posted a winning percentage of 55, second highest for UDM, and helped UDM record wins against CalTech (twice), Ober-lin and Lawrence...Went 12-4 at MFC Championships as women’s foil squad notched a 5-1 win against Bowling Green, and placed 34th individually...2007-08: Tallied a 48-58 overall record...Finished 34th at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships with a 10-9 record and went 2-8 at the 2008 NCAA Regionals...Fin-ished 10-14 at the Notre Dame Duals, helping UDM to victories over Purdue (15-11) and Wisconsin (11-7) along with a tie against Cal State-Fullerton (13-13)...Went 11-13 at Northwestern Duals leading Detroit to wins over California Tech (13-8), Cal State-Fullerton (15-10) and Fairleigh Dickinson (15-10)...Posted a season-best 7-2 record at the UDM Invitational...Recorded an 8-12 mark at the Ohio State Duals helping UDM to a 14-9 win over Bowling Green to open the season...2006-07: Was named team captain and Newcomer of the Year for 2007...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Member of the Romeo Equestrian Team for four years and has been riding and showing horses for nine years...Also was a letterman in track...Member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and marching band...Volunteer for the 4-H Proud Equestrian Program and St. Joseph’s Hospital...Personal: Daughter of Tim and Aline Colbert...Has a sister, Alys-sa...Born October 3, 1988...Majoring in biology.

Ashley Colbert

- Senior -

- Foil -

Washington, MI

Romeo HS

Prior to UDM: Competed as a member of the Fal-cons’ track and fi eld team setting personal bests of 105 feet in the discus; 39 feet, 6 inches in the shot put; and 24 seconds in the 200-meter dash...An AP Scholar with honors in 2009 and 2009...Member of the National Honor Society...Personal: Son of Nre-ca and Dila Tomaj...Has an older brother, Leonard, and two older sisters, Lindita and Leonita...Born April 24, 1991...Majoring in biology.

Martin Tomaj

- Freshman -

- Epee -

Farmington Hills, MI

Farmington HS


Titan Fencers

2008-09: Won third varsity letter and accumulated a record of 65-32 to lead all Detroit women’s fenc-ers...Won the women’s sabre competition at the Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State...Recorded a 20-5 mark at the Northwestern Mega-Meet...Went 5-1 at the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships, earning a 13th-place fi nish...Named as the women’s team MVP...2007-08: Accumulated a 48-45 overall record...Tied for 25th place with an 8-7 record at the Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) Championships leading the Titans’ sabre squad to wins over Michigan State (5-0) and Illinois (5-2)...Competed at the at the 2008 NCAA Regionals fi nishing with a 1-8 mark…Tallied a season-best 18-8 mark at the Notre Dame Duals leading Detroit to victories over Purdue (15-11) and Wisconsin (11-7) along with a tie against Cal State-Fullerton (13-13)… Finished 8-16 at North-western Duals leading Detroit to wins over California Tech (13-8), Cal State-Fullerton (15-10) and Fair-leigh Dickinson (15-10)…Opened the season with a 13-6 record at the Ohio State Duals helping UDM to a 14-9 win over Bowling Green...2006-07: Winner of 2007 Pin Cushion award...Prior to UDM: Mem-ber of Renaissance Fencing Club in 2006...Gradu-ated from Dominican High School with honors in 2005…Letterwinner in basketball, cheerleading, soc-cer, track and fi eld and volleyball…Also was a peer mediator and member of student congress and honors choir...Personal: Daughter of Andrew and Antonia McLemore...Has a sister, Amanda…Born August 11, 1988...Majoring in international business.

Ashlee McLemore

- Senior -

- Sabre -

Detroit, MI

Dominican HS

2008-09: Won fi rst varsity letter...Placed 13th in women’s epee at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in women’s epee event...Recorded 23 wins in her fi rst season of fencing...Competed at NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifi er at Northwest-ern...Notched seven wins at Northwestern Mega-Meet as the women’s team recorded four dual vic-tories...Went 6-6 at the MFC Championships where women’s epee squad was 2-1 with wins over Bowl-ing Green and Minnesota, and placed 37th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Two-year letterwinner in golf...Named golf’s Most Improved Player in 2007...Member of the National Honor Society and band...Personal: Daughter of Jon Cook and Teresa Pennington...Has two brothers, Justin and T.K....Born January 27, 1990...Majoring in engineering.

Brittany Cook

- Sophomore -

- Epee -

Burton, MI

Owosso HS


Titan Fencers

2008-09: Earned fi rst varsity letter...Finished 10th at Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in the women’s sabre competition...Accumulated 17 wins in her fi rst season of fencing...Posted a 10-15 record at Northwestern Mega-Meet as UDM notched four team dual victories...Went 3-12 at MFC Champi-onships to help women’s sabre squad to a 2-2 re-cord and seventh-place fi nish, placed 49th in the individual competition...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Three-year letterwinner in tennis and was named team captain in 2006 and 2008...Mem-ber of the marching band...Personal: Daughter of Keith and Cindy Diven...Has a brother, Brian...Born February 23, 1990...Majoring in the fi ve-year phy-sician’s assistant program.

Allison Diven

- Sophomore -

- Sabre -

Lake Orion, MI

Lake Orion HS

2008-09: Won fi rst varsity letter...Recorded an overall record of 13-29...Compiled an 8-9 mark at the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships, and went 4-2 in the individual competition to fi n-ish 20th in the women’s sabre...Was named as the UDM women’s team’s Newcomer of the Year... Pri-or to UDM: No fencing experience…Varsity letter-winner in basketball, volleyball and track…Named WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Student-Athlete of the Week in 2007 for basketball…Also garnered four-year All-Academic honors in each sport…Member of the student government and Vice President of the National Honor Society...Personal: Daughter of Jo-seph and Lorrie LaFrance…Has two sisters, Steph-anie and Sara...Stephanie also attends UDM...Born August 31, 1990…Majoring in bio-chemistry.

Samantha LaFrance

- Sophomore -

- Sabre -

Macomb, MI

Dakota HS

2008-09: Won fi rst varsity letter...Placed 12th at Ist-van Danosi Michigan Open at Wayne State in the women’s foil competition...Tallied 17 victories in her fi rst season of fencing...Won six bouts at North-western Mega-Meet and helped the UDM women’s team earn four dual victories...Went 4-10 at MFC Championships to help women’s foil squad top Bowling Green in the team competition and record-ed a 65th place fi nish individually...Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Four-year letterwinner in swimming...Named team captain as a junior and se-nior...Helped swim team to undefeated season and MAC Blue Division crown in 2007...Also a three-year letterwinner in track...Member of the National Honor Society...Personal: Daughter of James and Janice McMahon...Has a brother, Trevor, and sister, Kaitlyn...Born July 19, 1990...Majoring in the fi ve-year physician’s assistant program.

Megan McMahon

- Sophomore -

- Foil -

Macomb, MI

Dakota HS

Prior to UDM: No fencing experience...Spent three years on competitive dance team at Dakota High School and one year on competitive cheerleading squad...Served as a dance team captain for 2007-08 season...Won a gold medal for a solo at Shooting Stars Competition...Member of the National Honor Society and International/Cultural Diversity Club...Personal: Daughter of Dawn Furnas-Pomaville and Ron Furnas...Born July 26, 1991...Majoring in nurs-ing.

Olivia Furnas

- Freshman -

- Sabre -

Macomb, MI

Dakota HS

Titan Fencers

2009-10 Detroit Titans Fencing 14


Having celebrated its tricentennial in 2001, Greater Detroit has the best of the old and the most promising of the new. From Greektown to Bricktown, Detroit has it all. The oldest city in the Midwest, Detroit was discovered in 1701 and has since become the center of business and recreation for millions. It is the largest city in Michigan and the 11th larg-est in the United States. Encompassing three counties — Wayne, Oakland and Macomb — the Metropolitan Detroit area spans 2,026 square miles and is home to 4.4 million people, nearly one million of whom live within the City of Detroit. Detroit’s vibrant, 75-acre Civic Center is a riverfront mecca for convention, entertainment, festival and sporting activities. Home to Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center and Arena, Joe Louis Arena and Philip A. Hart Plaza, the Civic Center is adjacent to some of the area’s fi nest hotels, top-notch restaurants and the famous Renaissance Center. Cobo Conference/Exhibi-tion Center underwent a $200 million expansion, which was completed in 1989 and in-creased the facility’s exhibit space to 720,000 square feet, making it one of the nation’s largest convention centers. Renaissance Center, now the world headquarters for Gen-eral Motors, is the city’s larg-est offi ce complex, with seven gleaming towers of activity lo-cated on the Detroit riverfront. The 73-story Marriott Hotel is housed within this symbol of downtown development. Long known as the auto-mobile capital of the world, the Detroit area is headquarters to all of the major automobile companies. While a lot of the area’s industry centers around the “horseless carriage,” Detroit is more than a smokestack town. Home to 16 of the Fortune 1000 fi rms, greater Detroit ranks sixth among U.S. cities in total spendable income. A short walk from the riverfront and the rigors of business is the enjoyment of exciting ethnic nightlife, known to Detroiters as Greektown. A two-block area of authentic Greek food and enter-tainment, Greektown became an even more invigorating locale in recent years with the addition of the Greektown Casino, one of three major casinos now in operation near downtown Detroit. Detroit is a cultural showplace. Five minutes from down-

town is the Cultural Center. Consisting of 18 educational insti-tutions — including one of the nation’s fi nest art museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts — the Cultural Center lets visitors walk from building to building all within one area. One can enjoy art and scan the shelves that house 2.5 million books in the Detroit Public Library; and experience Michigan’s Underground Railroad movement at the Museum of African-American History. Americana at its fi nest is displayed at Dearborn’s Henry Ford and Greenfi eld Village. While The Henry Ford is a museum that displays artifacts and implements used in earlier times, Green-fi eld Village demonstrates how these items were used and how they affected lifestyles. Music for every taste abounds in Greater Detroit. The Detroit symphony is world-renowned. Jazz greats join local performers

at the annual Montreaux Jazz Festival. Popular music fans are entertained at sever-al area music houses includ-ing the Royal Oak Music Theater, Orchestra Hall and the Fox Theatre. Detroit is a great sports town, known through-out the country for its en-thusiastic fans. The Detroit Tigers play in Comerica Park, which opened in 2000 and hosted the 2005 Major League All-Star Game as well as 2006 World Series contests. Immediately adja-cent to the Tigers’ home, the NFL Lions play in another wonderful new facility, Ford Field, which hosted Super Bowl XL in 2006. The 2008

NCAA Basketball Midwest Regional and the 2009 Final Four, both hosted by UDM, were both played at Ford Field. The NHL Red Wings call Joe Louis Arena home. The NBA Detroit Pistons play in the Palace of Auburn Hills. Two-thirds of a mile across the Detroit River lies Windsor, Ontario, Canada. To celebrate the friendship and independence of the two nations, the International Freedom Festival is held for two weeks each summer, with activities in both countries.

The City of Detroit


As Michigan’s largest Catholic university, the University of Detroit Mercy has built an outstanding tradition of academic excellence, fi rmly rooted in a strong liberal arts curriculum, for 130 years.

The University has a rich tradition that emanates from its two predecessor institutions — the University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and Mercy College of Detroit, founded in 1944 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. In 1990, these schools consolidated to become the University of Detroit Mercy, a university dedicated to providing accessible, quality education while meeting the career-preparation needs of a diverse student population.

Today, UDM offers approximately 100 majors and programs in seven different schools and colleges. Our faculty provides personal attention to students with a 1:12 faculty/student ratio. Faculty members are known for their teaching excellence with 86 percent having a Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree.

Approximately 5,600 students attend classes on three UDM campuses located in northwest and downtown Detroit. All undergraduate and graduate programs, except for Law and Dental programs, are now offered on the McNichols Campus. This campus also provides housing for almost 800 students in its six residence halls. The School of Dentistry and its Dental Clinic will move from the Outer Drive campus to a new location near downtown, by Martin Luther King Jr.

Boulevard and I-94 in January, 2008. UDM’s School of Law is located at the Riverfront Campus in downtown Detroit.

The University is widely-recognized for its programs in engineering, law, business, architecture and education. UDM is also known for its strong programs in health care, such as nursing, dentistry, psychology, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and counseling and addiction studies.

In addition to their classroom experience and research opportunities with faculty, students can explore career options and job opportunities through UDM’s cooperative education program — one of the oldest co-op programs in the United States. Co-op allows students to receive practical, on-the-job experience, giving them the extra edge in today’s competitive job market while earning a salary.

UDM also provides an environment in which students grow to understand their social, leadership and service responsibility. Through academic projects, professional clinics and joint ventures with business and community organizations, the University contributes to the general well-being of the Detroit community. This commitment refl ects the University’s mission, which seeks to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of its students.

UDM offers the challenge, support and hands-on experi-ence to pursue a lifetime of great things. UDM has:

• 100 fields of study, many of them nationally-recognized. • Co-op and internship opportunities in almost every field. • Distinguished faculty who know how the real world works. • A 13:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 20. • An Academic Exploration Program that allows students to try out different majors before committing to one. • Independent research and study abroad opportunities. • An active alumni network that includes research scientists, state supreme court justices, Fortune 500 executives, partners at major law and accouting firms and educators and health care providors throughout the Midwest.

At UDM, We Want Great Things For You!

The University


UDM’s seven colleges and schools offer approximately 100 respected undergraduate and graduate and professional programs. Each provides a wealth of resources for advising, academic research and professional development. Here are UDM’s colleges, and the undergraduate programs they offer:

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTUREArchitecture (5-year Master’s Degree)Digital Media Studies (formerly Electronic Critique)

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

AccountingBusiness AdministrationComputer Information Systems (BS and Certifi cate*)Concentrations in:- Finance- HR Management- International Business- Management- Marketing- CIS Software Production and Management*from U.S. Government

SCHOOL OF DENTISTRYDental HygieneSix-year BS/DDS Program

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

BiochemistryBiologyChemistryCivil and Environmental EngineeringComputer ScienceElectrical and Computer EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringMathematicsMechanical EngineeringPre-DentistryPre-MedPre-Physician AssistantSix-year BS/DDS Program

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Health ServicesHealth Services AdministrationPhysician Assistant (5-year Master’s Degree)

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND EDUCATION

Academic Exploration Program (for undeclared majors)Addiction Studies (and Certifi cate)African American Studies (Certifi cate)Business (Certifi cate)Catholic Studies (Certifi cate)Communication StudiesCriminal Justice StudiesEconomicsEducationElementary EducationEnglishHistoryHuman ServicesLanguage and Cultural Training (Certifi cate)Legal AdministrationLegal Assistant (Certifi cate)PhilosophyPolitical SciencePre-Law (Legal Studies Certifi cate)Psychology - General

- Developmental - Religious StudiesReligous StudiesSecondary EducationSocial WorkSociologySpecial Education - Emotionally Impaired/Behaviorally Disordered - Learning DisabilitiesTheatreWomen’s Studies (Certifi cate)

MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSINGNursing - Bachelor of Science in Nursing- BSN Completion Program- Second Degree Option- Grand Rapids Program (with Aquinas)

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Great things in life start with a great education. Through our nationally recognized academic programs, caring faculty and a co-op program that takes full ad-vantage of Detroit’s many profes-sional opportunities, UDM offers just the right balance of challenge, support, and hands-on experience. That’s why UDM consistently ranks in the top tier of Midwestern master’s universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Academic Excellence


. . .U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UDM among the top tier of Midwestern master’s universities. The publication also ranks UDM eighth in its category for fi nancial value related to academic quality. In addition, U.S.News ranks UDM fifth among Midwestern master’s universities for the diversity of its student body.

. . .Through partnerships with local health care systems, the McAuley School of Nursing provides 19 cohorts of its BSN Degree Completion Program at hospital-based sites throughout southeastern and western Michigan area, serving approximately 400 nurses.

. . .UDM’s School of Law and University of Windsor’s Law School have a joint JD/LLB program, the only program offering “face-to-face” courses in dual legal practices.

. . .UDM’s Education Department

offers a yearlong, post-degree teacher certifi cation program, called Experience Plus, for uncertifi ed teachers in Catholic schools.

. . .The School of Dentistry Clinic records approximately 85,000 patient visits annually for more than 15,000 patients, including services to the elderly, handicapped and homeless.

. . .One-third of all Michigan dentists graduated from the University’s School of Dentistry.

. . .Ninety percent of UDM co-op students are rated above average by co-op assignment employers.

. . .The Co l l ege o f Bus ines s Administration offers a Master of Science in Information Assurance designed to help protect the nation’s information infrastructure.

. . .The College of Liberal Arts & Education houses two historically signifi cant archives: The Black Abolitionist Archives and The Carney Latin American Archives.

. . .The College of Engineering & Science is the eastern most Jesuit engineering school in the United States. The School of Architecture is the only full Architecture school among the 28 Jesuit universities in the country.

. . .Through the University’s Leadership Development Institute, more than 1,200 students participate in volunteer service learning opportunities coordinated with classroom study.

. . .UDM’s Physician Assistant Program was one of the first established in Michigan and the nation, and now offers an accelerated five-year PA program for full-time traditional udnergraduate students.

. . .The McAuley School of Nursing is the only BSN degrees program in Michigan with a mandatory cooperative education requirement.

. . .Architecture’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center was the fi rst university-based design center in Metropolitan Detroit to provide design s e r v i c e s t o n o n - p r o f i t c o m m u n i t y a n d c i v i c organizations. The Center was the focus of a documentary that was screened at the CineUrbana Film Festival in Vancouver, Canada in June, 2006.

Did you know...University Quick Facts


-A-Richard Abdoo (Retired President & CEO, Wisconsin Energy) .....................BusAdm’69Thomas Angott (Chairman, CF Burger Creamery) ........................................BusAdm ’49-B-Anita Barone (Actress) ........................................................................................ LAE ’86Sr. Gilmary Bauer (RSM, Pres., Sisters of Mercy, Regional Comm. of Detroit) LAE ’69Gary Bauman (Partner & CEO, Ernest & Young; Continental Europe) .............. BusAdmGurminder Bedi (Retired VP, Ford Motor Company) ...................................BusAdm ’75 Stephanie Bergeron (Retired VP & Treasurer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber) ....BusAdm ’81 Emil Brolick (President, YUM! Brands) ................................................BusAdm ’69, ’70-C-Thomas Capo (Chairman, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group) ....... BusAdm ’73, ’75, ’80Cynthia Canty (Radio Personality, WMGC-FM) ................................................ LAE ’75Armando Cavazos (President & CEO, Credit Union One) ............................BusAdm ’74Michael F. Cavanagh (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) .................... LAE ’62, LW ’66Maura Corrigon (Justice, Michigan Supreme Court) ............................................ LW ’73Matthew Cullen (GM, Econ. Devel. & Ent. Services Grp., Gen. Motors) ....BusAdm ’83-D-Thomas Denomme (Retired Vice Chair & CAO, DaimlerChrysler) .............BusAdm ’61Joel Dorfman (Retired President & CEO, Thorn Apple Valley) ............................ LW ’77-E-Warren Evans (Sheriff, Wayne County) ............................................................... LAE ’79-F-W. James Farrell (Retired Chairman & CEO, Illinois Tool Works) ..................... E&S ’68Robert Ficano (Executive, Wayne County) ........................................................... LW ’77 Gerald Fitzgerald (President & CEO, Oakwood Healthcare System) ...........BusAdm ’63-G-Eugene A. Gargaro (Sr. Vice President, Masco Corporation) ................................ LW ’67Robert Goodenow (Former Executive Director, NHL Players Assn.) ................... LW ’79Roman S. Gribbs (Former Mayor, City of Detroit) .........................BusAdm ’52, LW ’54-H-John P. Hayes (Retired Chairman & CEO, National Gypsum) ......................BusAdm ’43Robert Hendry (Retired CFO, General Motors) ............................................BusAdm ’69 Jerome Horwitz (Scientist) ........................................................................... LAE ’42, ’44Sister Mary Ellen Howard (Director, St. Frances Cabrini Clinic) ........................CHP ’68-K-Frank Kelley (Attorney General Emeritus, State of Michigan) ............................. LW ’51 John C. Kennedy (President & CEO, Autocam Corp.) ..................................BusAdm ’79Jeanette Klemczak (Chief Nursing Executive, State of Michigan) ......................CHP ’65-L-Elmore Leonard (Author/Screenplay Writer) ...................................................... LAE ’50John Lewis (Retired Vice Chairman, Comerica Inc.) ....................................BusAdm ’74Albert Lorenzo (President, Macomb County Community College) .......BusAdm ’65, ’66-M-Thaddeus McCotter (Congressman, US House of Representatives) ..... LAE ’87, LW ’90William Morrow (Executive Vice President, Crain Communications) .........BusAdm ’68Peter Munoz (Director, Michigan State Police) ................................................... LAE ’76-N-Joseph Nathan (Retired President & COO, Compuware Corp.) ....LAE ’74, BusAdm ’78-O-James O’Sullivan (Pres. & CEO, Mazda North American Operations) .BusAdm ’76, ’84-P-James J. Padilla (Retired President & COO, Ford Motor Co.) .................... E&S, ’69, ’70Aaron Parchem (Olympic Skater) ........................................................................ LAE ’02L. Brooks Patterson (Executive, Oakland County) ................................ LAE ’61, LW ’67Allison Payne (News Anchor, WGN-TV) ........................................................... LAE ’85Marlena Peleo-Lazar (Chief Creative Offi cer, McDonald’s Corp.) ..................... LAE ’72-R-Arlene Robinson (CEO, Girl Scouts of Metro Detroit) ....................................... LAE ’75

Louis Rossetti (Chairman & CEO, Rossetti Associates) ........................................AR ’59-S-Fr. Robert Scullin (S.J., Provincial, Detroit Province, Society of Jesus) ............. LAE ’69Neal Shine (Retired Publisher, Detroit Free Press) .............................................. LAE ’52 John Smyntek (Columnist, Detroit Free Press) .................................................... LAE ’72 Marc Stepp (Retired Vice President, UAW) ..................................................BusAdm ’63-W-Ed Wilhelm (CFO, Borders) ..........................................................................BusAdm ’80-Y-William C. Young (President, Absopure Water Co.) ........................................... E&S, ’66

Dave DeBusschere ’62Eight-Time NBA All-Star,

Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in

1983.

Willie Green ’032003 Horizon League

Player of the Year, Member of the Philadelphia

76ers (2003-present).

Notable Alumni


Fr. Gerard Stockhausen, S.J.UDM President

Keri GaitherUDM Director of Athletics

Installed as the President of University of Detroit Mercy in 2004, Rev. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., Ph.D., continues to advance the University’s mission and its Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy traditions.

An outstanding educator and administrator, Fr. Stockhausen previously served as the University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost from 2000 to 2004. Prior to joining UDM, Fr. Stockhausen was Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Internal Operations for Creighton University’s College of Business Administration. He was chair of the College’s Economics and Finance program in 1996 and became interim dean in 1997.

During the 1991-92 school year, Fr. Stockhausen was a visiting associate professor of Economics at Makerere University in Uganda.

Fr. Stockhausen holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan; a master’s degree in social ethics and a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of

Theology in Berkley, California; and a master’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Louis University.

His academic areas of expertise focus on international economics, including trade theory and policy, political economics and social ethics. He has written on topics such as free trade, protectionism, labor unions, and Catholic social teachings, including a book entitled, Threats of Quotas in International Trade: Their Effect on the Exporting Country.

Fr. Stockhausen currently serves as a board trustee at Creighton University, Wheeling Jesuit University and Loyola Jesuit High School in Detroit.

Raised in Milwaukee, Fr. Stockhausen grew up in an active household with two older brothers. He also has three Jesuit uncles. An avid reader, Fr. Stockhausen also enjoys music, theater and athletics.

Keri Gaither was appointed as the University of Detroit Mercy’s Director of Athletics in May of 2007, less than six months after being asked to serve as the interim Director of Athletics.

Soon after taking the helm of the department, Gaither anounced the expansion of the Detroit Titans Division I sports program from 16 to 19 teams with the addition of men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis, all of which began during the 2008-09 academic year.

In her fi rst year, Gaither also expanded the athletic staff by ading eight full-time positions to the department, directed the building and completion of a new $1.6 million all-purpose

synthetic turf fi eld and track, overseen numerous renovations and expansions to the facilities in Calihan Hall and was responsible for the hiring of new men’s basketball coach Ray McCallum and new women’s basketball coach Autumn Rademahcer.

Gaither was recently recognized for her strong leadership as UDM’s Direcotr of Athletics when she was appointed to the University’s senior leadership team as a member of the Associate Vice President’s group in June of 2007.

Gaither also chaired the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, which was played at Ford Field in Detroit, as the University of Detroit Mercy served as the host institution. As the committee’s chair, Gaither provided strong leadership for the DLOC and maintained ultimate responsibility for the local operations of the Final Four event. Gaither held the same position, in addition to being designated Tournament Director, for the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional which broke all previous NCAA Regional and Final Four attendance records with over 57,000 people each day at Ford Field.

For the three years preceding her appointment as A.D., Gaither served as second in command for the Detroit Titans athletic department and also supervised nine Titan women’s varsity sports as the Senior Associate Athletics Director. During her tenure in that position, Gaither played an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of women’s golf in 2004 when it became UDM’s 16th varsity team. Prior to her

selection as A.D., Gaither had served in several key administrative roles for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics including stints as senior woman administrator and director of business operations.

As a current member of the Horizon League’s Executive Council, Gaither is actively involved with League operations. She has served on both the fi nance and television committees. She is also the council’s liaison to the track and cross country coaches.

While a member of the 2006 UDM Self-Study Steering Committee, Gaither also served on the Equity and Student-Athletic Welfare Sub-Committee and was designated the campus liaison during the certifi cation process.

In March of 2008, Gaither was presented with the Phenomenal Women’s Ashley Gray Legacy Award by the University of Detroit Mercy’s Student Programming Board. This award was presented for her outstanding contribution toward the growth and development of students as the Director of Athletics at UDM.

Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy, Gaither earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. During her undergraduate studies, she was a two-time recipient of the College of Liberal Arts’ Economics Student of the Year Award.

Gaither and her husband, Bard Trombley, reside in Pleasant Ridge with their two children, Elliott (18), a sophomore at UDM, and Kennedy (11).

UDM Administration


When talking about students who compete in a varsity sport, the term typically used is “student-athlete.” The word “student” comes first, and that’s the way the University of Detroit Mercy approaches all of its athletic team members. Although performance in competition is important, they are students first, and athletes second, with their performance in the classroom plenty important in Titan Territory.

U D M h a s l o n g p r o v e n i t s commitment to preparing students for on-court battles as well as those in the classroom. In 1995, UDM opened the Center for Student-Athlete Development, one of the first of its kind. The center offers programs for academic classes, drug education, student enhancement and works to improve communication skills. All 19 varsity teams, and more than 200 student-athletes, at UDM are encouraged to take full advantage of the programs offered at the center. The center also heads up the NCAA Life Skills Program, which focuses on the student in student-athlete and how to deal with issues that all student-athletes today must face. Through seminars, guest speakers and NCAA videos, student-athletes are made aware of issues such as gambling and drug and alcohol abuse, and how to deal with these concerns.

The center is made possible, in part, by a grant from the NCAA. In conjunction with the staff of the University Learning Center, members of the center’s staff teach UAS 107, “Athletes in Transition,” each year. All freshman and transfer student-athletes must take this course during their studies at UDM. The course deals with how student-athletes can make the transition from high school to college. This important class teaches student-athletes to deal with time and stress manage-ment, study skills and the import-ance of good nutritional habits.

Another example of Detroit’s commitment to its student-athletes’ academic excellence is Steve Corder’s p o s i t i o n o f A t h l e t i c A c a d e m i c

Coordinator. The position was created in 1988 and, since then, UDM’s graduation rate for student-athletes has steadily risen. Corder, no stranger to collegiate athletics as he played soccer for Detroit from 1994-98, carefully tracks each Titan’s academic progress to make sure they are on the right path toward graduation, and is the Athletic Department’s link with the University faculty along with his assistant Amy Paling. In addition, Titan student-athletes are helped with their tutorial needs through the use of the student-run Learning Center, where professors and students alike donate their time as tutors.

Members of the athletic department’s administrative staff work together to run the student-athlete study table. The student-athletes’ academic progress is closely monitored and the study table is set up to assist the Titans with any and all academic areas, including providing tutors and a writing lab. The center is open daily and also has evening hours to work around a student-athlete’s busy schedule. All freshmen must take part in the study table, as well as other student-athletes who have not yet achieved a 2.75 GPA.

Detroit’s numbers on the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll have steadily increased. During the 2008-09 academic year, more than 50 Titans were honored for compiling a 3.25 grade point average or above. In an effort

to recognize academic excellence, the Detroit Athletic Department created the President’s Academic Honor Roll in 1994.

Detroit also annually recognizes student-athletes who attain a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average by naming them to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. During the 2008-09 school year, more than 150 Titans, well over half of UDM’s student-athletes, accomplished the feat. The number of honorees has steadily increased in the last decade.

“Clearly, athletes come here to graduate,” Titans athletic director Keri Gaither noted. “Even though they want to compete at the Division I level, they want their degree, too. That’s the only thing which is more important. It’s the only thing that counts in the long run.”

Academic Support

to recognize academic excellence the


HOST WITH THE MOST The University of Detroit Mercy served as the host institution

for the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional before taking on the same role for the Final Four at Ford Field in 2009. And there’s still more to come, because UDM will be the host of the 2011 NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championships.

FACILITIES UPGRADES For the third straight year the University of Detroit Mercy athletics department unveiled a new facility on campus when the Titan Auxiliary Field on the James K. Campbell Complex (right) was introduced during the University’s Founders Celebration. Other recent additions and renovations to the Titans’ athletics facilities includes the new Wayne Wheeler Titan Golf Practice Center, a new bullpen and hitting cage at Buysse Ballpark and the expansion of the Larry Bleach Fitness Center. This winter Detroit began the expansion of the men’s basketball offi ce and suite, including the installation of a state-of-the-art video/fi lm room and the creation of a sports information suite/media workroom with press conference capabilities to better host Horizon League tournaments.

WORKING HARD ON THE FIELD,IN THE CLASSROOM

University of Detroit Mercy student-athletes and teams received a slew of accolades for performances in the classroom over the past year. In May it was announced that all of the university’s varsity teams scored above the minimum score of 925 in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR), using data from the 2004-08 school years. The APR is calculated yearly based on each sport’s eligibility, retention and graduation of scholarship student-athletes. The UDM men’s fencing team was a leader among the Titans, receiving a perfect score of 1,000. Also, during the 2008-09 school year, 29 UDM student-athletes were named to All-Horizon League teams, inlcuding 10 Titans in the fall which was the most by any school in the league. And in the fall the National Fastpitch Coaches Association “girls got game” All-Academic Teams list was released, and Detroit was ranked No. 17 in the nation. Individually, senior golfer David Byrne was named to the Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars Team for 2009 by the Golf Coaches Association of America. He was awarded the honor after posting a 73.3 scoring average in the spring and having a grade point average of 3.54.

ON THE NATIONAL SCENE

A host of Titans have experienced success during their respective off-seasons recently, putting up impressive fi nishes at national events. From the men’s golf team, senior David Byrne claimed a share of 29th place at the 105th Canadian Amateur Golf Championship in August, while UDM teammate Jeff Clarridge, a junior, placed 45th. It was simply the end of an impressive summer of golf for Byrne, who had already won the Ontario Champion of Champions in May and his third straight Ontario Match Play Championships in June. On the track, Titan sophomore Vushaun Landrum recorded top-10 fi nishes in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships, fi nishing in seventh and ninth place, respectively. In October, right before the start of the fencing season, sophomore Michael Purdy-Sachs made a splash stateside at the Remenyik Open tournament in Evanston, IL. At the prestigious national event, Purdy-Sachs advanced to the fi nal eight before suffering his fi rst loss of the competition and wound up with a sixth-place fi nish.

TITANS GO SOCIAL It’s now easier to stay up to date with all that’s going on in the world of Titan athletics than ever before. Since the unveiling of the University of Detroit Mercy’s new athletics website, detroittitans.com, in the fall of 2008, the Titans have branched out into various areas of social networking media. You can now follow all of UDM’s teams on Facebook by becoming friends with Tommy Titan, by signing up for the Titans’ Twitter feed, and you can even see Detroit in action by checking out the UDMTitanAthletics YouTube channel.

Points of Pride


Detroit’s 13 current varsity head coaches have been named Horizon League Coach of the Year on 12 dif-ferent occasions during their celebrated careers. And, they have brought 20 Horizon League Tournament Championships back to Detroit. On the fi eld of play, and in the classroom...

at UDM, We Want Great Things For You!

Terri Anthony-RyanWomen’s Golf

Autumn RademacherWomen’s Basketball

Todd DressellFencing

Mark EngelMen’s Golf

HL Coach of the Year1992-1999-2007

Nick DerenMen’s Soccer

Sam PooleWomen’s Tennis

Guy MurrayTrack & Field/CC

HL Coach of the Year1994-1996-1998-

1999-2000-2002-2003

Ray McCallumMen’s Basketball

Sunny JonesSoftball

Mike LupenecWomen’s Soccer

HL Coach of the Year2000-2005

Matt HoltzMen’s Lacrosse

Mary Ann MeltzerWomen’s Lacrosse

Todd Dressell has been at the helm of the University of Detroit Mercy

Fencing Team since 1998.

Grant AsherMen’s Tennis

UDM Head Coaches


The Rules of Fencing

In NCAA competition, teams compete with three weapons: epee, sabre, and foil. Both men’s and women’s teams compete with three fencers per weapon (squad), for a total of nine fencers. Dual meets are round robin format with nine bouts per squad, and 27 bouts total.

A bout is won by scoring fi ve touches against an opponent within a three minute time limit.

Touches are scored differently with each weapon.

Fencing 101

Tools of the Trade

Epee: The entire body is the target. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon. First touch scores, and if fencers touch simultaneously, both fencers score.

Foil: The target is limited to the torso. The arms, head and legs are not viable targets. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon.

Sabre: The target is limited to the body above the waist, including the arms and head. Touches are scored with the blade of the weapon.


1972 NCAA National Champions

The 1972 men’s fencing team has the honor of being the only team from the University of Detroit Mercy to win a team national Champi-onship.

Detroit served notice to the rest of the country that they were a team to be reckoned with as they posted a 19-1 record on the season. Foilist Tyrone Simmons led Detroit with a 43-4 dual meet record on the season. Ken Blake fi nished the dual season at 46-6 in the sabre, while Fred Hooker went 33-11 in the epee

In March of 1972 the nation’s top teams met in Chicago, IL to take part in the NCAA National Championships.

Detroit held a slim 49-48 lead over Columbia following the fi rst day of competition, and Simmons vowed that he was “...not going to let them even hit me.”

Day two saw Detroit fence beautifully as Simmons went undefeated in the foil, scoring 115 touches to just 32. Hooker and Blake combined to post a 35-11 record in the epee and sabre. Detroit ended the competi-tion with 73 points, three ahead of New York University and seven in front of Columbia.

Simmons ended up winning the foil competition, Blake took second in the sabre, and Hooker captured fourth in epee.In addition to being the fi rst trio of African-Americans to win the fenc-ing crown, all three members of the squad earned All-America honors, and Simmons was selected as the Illinois Memorial Award winner, given to the most sportsmanlike fencer of the tournament.

(L-R): 1972 All-Americans: Ken Blake, Tyrone Simmons, and Fred Hooker.

ng the foil competition, Blake took second in tured fourth in epee.st trio of African-Americans to win the fenc-ers of the squad earned All-America honors,

d as the Illinois Memorial Award winner, anlike fencer of the tournament.

(L-R) Head Coach Richard Perry, coach Stan Sieja, and Tyrone Simmons, as Simmons is awarded the Illinois Memorial Award.

Detroit Fencing Tradition


Documents

2009-10 Fencing Yearbook