2011-12 SAC Year in Review

2011-12Year in Review

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2011-12 SAC Year in Review

Introduction

The South Atlantic Conference aspires to be the premier NCAA Division II

athletic conference in the country; a conference where a high priority of

each member institution is a balance between athletics and the overall

academic, spiritual and physical development of each student-athlete to

provide these individuals with life skills for future success.

Echols Athletic Excellence Award ......... 2

NCAA Championships .............................. 2

NCAA Division II .......................................... 3

Men’s Cross Country .................................. 4

Women’s Cross Country ........................... 5

Men’s Soccer ................................................. 6

Women’s Soccer .......................................... 7

Volleyball ....................................................... 8

Football .......................................................... 9

Men’s Basketball ........................................10

Women’s Basketball .................................11

Men’s Golf ....................................................12

Women’s Golf .............................................13

Men’s Tennis ...............................................14

Women’s Tennis .........................................15

Baseball ........................................................16

Softball .........................................................17

SAC Headlines..................................... 18-28

226 North Park Drive

Gateway Plaza Suite 130

Rock Hill, SC 29730

Phone: 803-981-5240

Fax: 803-981-9444

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Echols Athletic Excellence Award

NCAA Championship Selections

For the sixth year in a row, Wingate University won the SAC Echols

Athletic Excellence Award, which is presented annually to the

member athletic department that earns the highest point total

based on cumulative final standings in each of the conference’s

sports.

The Bulldogs won regular-season SAC titles in volleyball, women’s

basketball, men’s tennis and women’s tennis, and also captured the

2012 Food Lion SAC Men’s Golf Championship.

2011-12 SAC Echols AthleticExcellence Award Standings

1. Wingate 110

2. Anderson 89.5

3. Tusculum 84.5

4. Lenoir-Rhyne 81

5. Lincoln Memorial 77.5

6. Newberry 73

7. Carson-Newman 72

8. Catawba 71.5

9. Mars Hill 63

10. Brevard 45

Women’s Cross CountryKate Griewisch, L-R*Whitney Bishoff, AU*

Men’s SoccerAndersonMars Hill

Women’s SoccerLenoir-Rhyne

Wingate

VolleyballCatawba

Lincoln MemorialTusculumWingate

Newberry

FootballMars Hill

Men’s BasketballAnderson

Lincoln MemorialWingate

Women’s BasketballCatawbaTusculumWingate

Men’s GolfCarson-Newman

WingateEric Kennedy, LMU*

Matthew Campbell, NEW*

Women’s GolfNewberryTusculum

Erica Ray, C-N*

Men’s TennisWingate

Women’s TennisWingate

SoftballCatawba

Lenoir-Rhyne

BaseballCatawbaTusculum

* Denotes individual selection

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Men’s Cross Country

Food Lion SACTournament Champions

Mars Hill

Runner up: Anderson

Runner of the YearJustin Gragg, MHC

Freshman of the YearMike York, L-R

Coach of the YearMike Owens, MHC

Scholar-AthleteKit Powell, MHC

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Women’s Cross Country

Runner of the YearKate Griewisch, L-R

Freshman of the YearMadison Hill, BC

Coach of the YearRandy Greer, AU

Scholar-AthleteKate Griewisch, L-R


Anderson

Runner up: Lenoir-Rhyne

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Men’s Soccer

Regular Season Champions

Anderson(17-4, 9-0)


Anderson

Runner up: Lenoir-Rhye

Player of the YearLasse Sohrweide, AU

Freshman of the YearMario Pinto, LMU

Coach of the YearAllen Vital, TC

Scholar-AthleteBen Jones, AU

Tournament MVP: Lukas Hesse, AU

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Women’s Soccer


Lenoir-Rhyne(17-3-1, 9-0)


Player of the YearCatherine Hauck, L-R

Freshman of the YearHanna Kiebel, L-R

Coach of the YearAdrian Blewitt, L-R

Scholar-AthleteCaitlin Hubbard, BC

Wingate

Runner up: Lenoir-Rhye

Tournament MVP: Kelly Adams, WU

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Volleyball


Wingate(32-1, 18-0)


Player of the YearLiz Willis, WU

Freshman of the YearLexi Potter, WU

Coach of the YearShelton Collier, WU

Scholar-AthleteLiz Willis, WU

Wingate

Runner up: Catawba

Tournament MVP: Liz Willis, WU

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Football

Regular Season Co-Champions

Lenoir-Rhyne(7-3, 6-1)

Offensive Player of the YearJonas Randolph, MHC

Defensive Player of the YearDemetrius Green, L-R

Offensive Freshman of the YearDimitri Holmes, MHC

Regular Season Co-Champions

Mars Hill(8-3, 6-1)

Defensive Freshman of the YearCJ Barksdale, CAT

Jacobs Blocking TrophyChandler Rearden, L-R

Co-Coach of the YearTim Clifton, MHC

Co-Coach of the YearMike Houston, L-R

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Men’s Basketball


Anderson(26-6, 17-1)


Player of the YearDenzail Jones, AU

Freshman of the YearDondray Walker, NEW

Coach of the YearJason Taylor, AU

Scholar-AthleteNick Trull, AU

Wingate

Runner up: Anderson

Tournament MVP: Denzail Jones, AU

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Women’s Basketball


Wingate(23-7, 13-5)


Player of the YearDana Hicks, CAT

Freshman of the YearHaylee Lepaio, NEW

Coach of the YearAngie Morton, CAT

Scholar-AthleteKristen Metcalf, MHC

Wingate

Runner up: Catawba

Tournament MVP: Nikki Burton, WU

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Men’s Golf


WingateRunner up: Newberry

Player of the YearLiam Ashby, C-N

Freshman of the YearKim Koivu, BC

Coach of the YearCorey Iacofano, WU

Scholar-AthleteBraden Jackson, WU

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Women’s Golf

Player of the YearMaria Luz Besio, NEW

Freshman of the YearEmee Herbert, TC

Coach of the YearBob Dibble, TC

Scholar-AthleteMelanie Manis, C-N


NewberryRunner up: Lincoln Memorial

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Men’s Tennis


Wingate(19-7, 9-0)


Player of the YearSam MacNeil, BC

Freshman of the YearLukas Winkelmann, TC

Coach of the YearMichael Cabana, WU

Scholar-AthleteLuis Zamora, TC

Wingate

Runner up: Lincoln Memorial

Tournament MVP: Drew Owen, WU

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Women’s Tennis

Regular Season Co-ChampionsWingate

(18-5, 8-1)


Player of the YearErika Pinate, MHC

Freshman of the YearBecca Thomas, WU

Coach of the YearMichael Cabana, WU

Scholar-AthleteKelli Ferguson, WU

Anderson(12-9, 8-1)

Wingate

Runner up: Anderson

Tournament MVP: Morgan Winston, WU

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Baseball


Tusculum(46-8, 24-3)


Player of the YearKyle Koeneman, C-N

Co-Pitcher of the YearCraig Goodman, TC

Co-Pitcher of the YearJJ Jankowski, CAT

Freshman of the YearChad Funkhouser, BC

Scholar-AthleteTaylor Rakes, TC

Coach of the YearDoug Jones, TC

TusculumRunner up: Wingate

Tournament MVP: Matt Henricksen, TC

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Softball


Lenoir-Rhyne(48-12, 14-4)


Player of the YearAbby Child, AU

Pitcher of the YearDawon Millwood, L-R

Freshman of the YearJessica Neidigh, AU

Scholar-AthleteAlli Justice, CAT

Coach of the YearShena Hollar, L-R

Lenoir-RhyneRunner up: Anderson

Tournament MVP: Dawon Millwood, L-R

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2011-12SAC Headlines

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SAC holds inagural Student-Athlete Leadership Conference

[August 4]

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. -- As a part of its commitment to student-athlete development, the South Atlantic Conference held its inaugural Leadership Conference on July 29-31 in Black Mountain, N.C.

In total, 21 SAC student-athletes took part in the event, spanning nine of the league’s 10 member institutions.

The Conference focused on developing leadership skills and challenged participants to be role models for their teammates, on campus, and in the community.

Headlining the event were five keynote presenters: author and motivational speaker Beverly Benfield, Musco Lighting’s Mike Limpach and Dina Neely, Coastal Carolina University Director of Campus Recreation Jody Davis, and SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz. Together they covered topics such as leadership development, post-college preparation, personal accountability and team building.

Big South Conference Associate Commissioner Dawn Turner was also integral to the planning and operation of the event.

“The event exceeded my expectations,” Britz said. “I’m confident that the student-athletes felt the weekend was both enjoyable and an excellent learning experience.

“As the SAC continues to invest in student-athlete leadership development, I look forward making the event even better in 2012 and beyond.”

The Leadership Conference also mixed in some fun, as participants took part in multiple team-building activities, including a ropes course and pool competitions.

“It was truly an inspiring weekend with SAC student-athlete leaders,” said Benfield. “Throughout the weekend, the displays of teamwork, trust, integrity and character were amazing to witness.

“I am encouraged and extremely grateful to have been a part of this growth experience with such an outstanding group of student-athlete leaders.”

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VB: Former Wingate star Stormi Gale named NCAA Woman of the Year finalist

[August 23]

INDIANAPOLIS -- Two-time All-American and 2011 SAC Female Athlete of the Year Stormi Gale has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award, officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

Now in its 21st year, the Woman of the Year Award honors female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership.

30 women, 10 from each NCAA membership division, have been selected as the top 30 honorees for the Woman of the Year award. The top 30 honorees were nominated by conference and independent members and represent multiple sports. Three finalists will be chosen from each division to form the nine finalists for the Woman of the Year award. A record 473 college and university nominees were received for the 21st annual NCAA Woman of the Year award that will be presented in October.

“Stormi has won many significant awards, and as a result of her achievements and our team’s success, Wingate has received some great exposure nationally,” head coach Shelton Collier says. “This award, however, far surpasses the sport of volleyball, and is certainly one of the most notable honors ever given to any Wingate athlete. She is being recognized alongside the premiere athletes in all sports, at all levels, from all over the country, which is very special for Stormi as an individual, as well as for Wingate as a University. I have always been proud of Stormi for all of her accomplishments, and this particular honor is without question the most prestigious.”

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2011 spring season, graduated no later than the end of the summer 2011 term and achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. Last year’s winner, Justine Schluntz, was an NCAA swimming champion and 2010 Rhodes Scholar from the University of Arizona.

Sharon Beverly, NCAA Woman of the Year selection chair and director of athletics and physical education at Vassar College, described the award as one of the most prestigious honors presented to a female student-athlete each year. “This award catapults the recipient into the next phase of her life and paves the way for a successful future in any chosen profession,” Beverly says. “When you consider the academic and athletic accomplishments of each of the candidates for this award and the ways they have given back to society, the Woman of the Year honorees are the top echelon of NCAA role models.”

The most decorated player in the history of SAC volleyball, Gale adds this honor to an incredible list of achievements during her four years at Wingate. The four-time first team All-SAC selection earned All-Region honors in her final three seasons. She earned league Freshman of the Year honors in 2007 and honorable mention All-American accolades in 2008. Gale became the league’s first-ever first team All-American in 2009, then became the first player to ever be named to an All-American team in consecutive years in 2010. Gale is only the second player in league history to earn Player of the Year honors in back-to-back years. She was the Region Player of the Year in 2009 and was named MVP of the Food Lion SAC tournament as a sophomore and a senior.

Gale led the Wingate volleyball team to unprecedented success in her four years. The Bulldogs went 64-0 in SAC contests during her career, winning the SAC regular season and tournament title all four years. She led Wingate to the nation’s best winning percentage in 2007 and 2010, while Wingate finished third in 2008 and 2009. The Bulldogs won at least 30 matches every year, while dropping two matches each season. The ‘Dogs went 131-8 in Gale’s four years to post a .942 winning percentage, first on the NCAA Division II charts. Wingate went 113-4 during the regular season in Gale’s career.

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WXC: L-R’s Kate Griewisch finishes fourth at NCAA Cross Country Championship

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kate Griewisch finished fourth overall out of 186 competitors at the 2011 NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country National Championship race held Saturday morning at Plantes Ferry Athletic Complex. Griewisch earned All-American honors for the third consecutive year with her performance.

Griewisch, a senior from Banner Elk, N.C., ran the 6K course in a time of 21:26 and improved on her finishes of 19th and 18th place in the 2009 and 2010 national finals, respectively.

Augustana (S.D.) won the team title for the first time ever while Shippensburg’s (Pa.) Neely Spence repeated as the NCAA Division II National Champion with a 20:53.

Griewisch ends her collegiate women’s cross country career as a two-time winner of the South Atlantic Conference Championship (2009 and 2011) and a three-time champion of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional race (2009-11).

Griewisch also earned first-team all-league honors four times (2008-11) and led Lenoir-Rhyne to the South Atlantic Conference Championship in 2008 and 2009.

Griewisch is a three-time USTFCCCA Southeast Region Women’s Athlete Of The Year for NCAA Division II Cross Country (2009-11). USTFCCCA is the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

As a student, Griewisch has been named the South Atlantic Conference Women’s Cross Country Scholar-Athlete Of The Year three times (2009-11) and earned 2011 Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America second-team honors for women’s cross country and track and field.

Griewisch was also the female recipient of the 2010-11 South Atlantic Conference Presidents Award, the highest award the conference gives out annually.

[November 19]

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WXC: Anderson’s Whitney Bishoff named NCAA Elite 89 Award winner

[November 19]

SPOKANE, Wash. – Anderson University senior Whitney Bishoff has been named the recipient of the Elite 89 Award for the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country Championship, it was announced Saturday.

Bishoff, majoring in education, currently carries a 4.0 GPA. She was presented with the award during the award presentations Saturday morning in Spokane, Wash. Bishoff also earned the prestigious NCAA Elite 88 Award at the 2011 Indoor Track & Field Championships in March.

The native of Winder, Ga. made her third career appearance in the NCC Cross Country Championship on Saturday, capping a stellar cross country career. She was named to the Capital One Academic All-America® Women’s Track & Cross Country first team following the 2010 season after earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District first-team accolades in 2009.

She was one of only three Georgia natives and represented the only school from the state of South Carolina in either the University or College divisions to earn a first-team nod. She has been named to the Anderson University Dean’s List all six semesters, the Conference Carolinas’ Presidential Honor Roll four semesters and the South Atlantic Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll last year.

The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships. The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the Elite 88 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite89.

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FB: Mars Hill’s Jonas Randolph wins 2011 Harlon Hill Trophy

FLORENCE, Ala. -- Mars Hill running back Jonas Randolph, who broke both the SAC regular-season and career rushing yards records in 2011, has won the Harlon Hill Trophy, which recognizes the top player in Division II football.

Randolph received 120 total points and held a slim three-point margin over Washburn (Kan.) University’s Dane Simoneau in the closest voting in the 26-year history of the award.

Delta State University senior quarterback Micah Davis was third with 101 points.

The award winner is determined in voting by the Division II sports information directors and was presented in front of a crowd of 400 at the 26th annual Harlon Hill Trophy award banquet at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center.

The Harlon Hill Trophy is sponsored by the City of Florence, Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, Opti-Net, Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa and Herff Jones.

Randolph, a senior from Daleville, Ala., received 19 first-place votes in the balloting as a record six players were first on 10 or more ballots. Randolph is the fifth running back to win the award in the last six years and is the first winner in the award’s history from the South Atlantic Conference.

He led Mars Hill to its first postseason game since becoming an NCAA Division II member while also re-writing the Lions’ record books. He became the South Atlantic Conference’s career rushing leader with 5,608 yards and led all NCAA divisions this season in rushing yards per game (197.27).

The SAC Offensive Player of the Year, Randolph’s 2,170 yards in 2011 also set new SAC and school marks. He also had six games of 200 or more rushing yards and nine games of over 100 rushing yards this season. He is a three-time first team All-Super Region 2 honoree and was the Super Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year this season.

Randolph finished the year with 2,170 yards rushing on a Division II-leading 366 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. He averaged more than 37 yards per game more than the next closest Division II rusher.

Following Randolph, Simoneau and Davis in the voting were junior quarterback Brandon Kelsey of Midwestern (Texas) State (88 points), senior quarterback Adam Neugebauer of West Virginia Wesleyan (78), senior quarterback Adam Spitzlberger of Nebraska Kearney (65), junior running back Joe Glendening of Hillsdale (29), senior running back Rashaad Slowley of Southern Connecticut State (25) and senior quarterback Lee Chapple of North Alabama (15).

[December 16]

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MXC: LMU’s Bradley Maldonado appointed to NCAA National S.A.A.C.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Lincoln Memorial cross country runner Bradley Maldonado has been appointed as a member of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He will serve on the committee through the 2015 NCAA Convention.

Maldonado was selected by the Division II SAAC Nominating Sub-Committee from a pool of candidates submitted by the conference offices. He is the first athlete ever to be selected to this committee from Lincoln Memorial University.

As an acting member of the NCAA Division II SAAC, Maldonado will be responsible for serving as a liason between happenings within campus life as well as on the conference and national levels. Maldonado will be a part of a group that represents and speaks for the entire Division II student-athlete body.

At LMU, Bradley has been involved with the SAAC for the past two years. As a freshman, his leadership abilities were recognized by Railsplitter Cross Country coach, Jeremy Donahue, who selected him as a SAAC representative for the cross country team. Among his various accomplishments while in this position, Maldonado volunteered to head the SAAC committee which organized and planned the Make-A-Wish fundraiser. This included the “Best Seat in the House”promotion at home basketball games.

Last Spring, he represented Lincoln Memorial at the South Atlantic Conference SAAC meeting. He was also selected to attend the inaugural SAC Leadership Conference during the summer of 2011.

Faculty Athletics Representative, Jack Mansfield, who has overseen Bradley at Lincoln Memorial University praised him highly. “This is quite an honor for LMU, and a tremendous opportunity for Brad,” stated Mansfield. “Over the course of serving as the SAC national SAAC representative, he will experience a great deal of interaction with other student-athletes from around the country as well as the NCAA administration and management. I am very happy and pleased for him.”

Maldonado is enthusiastic about his new position and this prestigious honor. “It’s a good feeling. It’s exciting and it means a lot,” said Maldonado. “I’m able to help our conference, the SAC, and the schools get their voice out. It’s really exciting.”

Lincoln Memorial is proud to have Bradley Maldonado representing not only Lincoln Memorial, but the South Atlantic Conference. Maldonado will begin his three-year tender as a NCAA Divison SAAC representative immediately.

[January 19]

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MBB: Anderson’s Nick Trull named Capital One Academic All-American of the Year

TOWSON, Md. -- Anderson senior Nick Trull has been selected as the 2012 Capital One Division II Men’s Basketball Academic All-American of the Year, it was announced by CoSIDA on Wednesday.

The Capital One Division II Academic All-America program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division II national governance structure to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2011-2012 D-II Academic All-America teams program.The recipient of the NCAA Division II Elite 88 Award at last year’s national championship, Trull has led No. 21 Anderson to a 20-4 record. As a junior, he was a key performer for the Trojans, who finished the season with a 21-12 record and reached the Division II Elite Eight in Springfield, Mass.

Trull carries a 3.90 GPA majoring in kinesiology.

The second-leading scorer in school history with 1,434 points, Trull is the Trojans’ second-leading scorer with a 15.0 average. He is also averaging 4.1 rebounds per game and has a .815 free throw percentage.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., Trull is a first-year starter in the Trojans’ backcourt. He is also shooting 38.9 percent from three-point range making 53 of 161 three-pointers. He adds 42 assists and 28 steals.

Last year, he was the winner of the South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award for men’s basketball.

To be eligible for Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Since the program’s inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA championship sports.

[February 22]

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SAC Hall of Fame to induct five new members

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Four former standout student-athletes and a longtime coordinator of officials will be inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame this summer, commissioner Patrick Britz announced on Wednesday.

Members of the 2012 class include former Wingate men’s tennis and basketball player Patrick Bartlett, former Lenoir-Rhyne’s women’s golfer Meghan Pritchett, former Carson-Newman softball player Sammi Hatcher Chafin, former Mars Hill women’s basketball player Denise Shelton and current SAC Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials James Burch.

“We are extremely privileged to announce the selection of these five individuals to the SAC Hall of Fame,” Britz said. “Each of the 2012 inductees have played significant roles in building the history of the SAC, and continue to be great ambassadors for the conference today.”

Patrick BartlettWingate men’s tennis and basketball | 1996-2000

Patrick Bartlett achieved great success during his career at Wingate. He was the SAC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year in 1999, earned tennis All-Conference honors in each of his four seasons and is the only three-time Academic All-American in Wingate athletics history.

Meghan JollyLenoir-Rhyne women’s golf | 1999-2002

One of the SAC’s first women’s golf stars, Meghan Jolly was a two-time NGCA All-American and three-time SAC Player of the Year during her career at Lenoir-Rhyne. She was a three-time All-SAC performer, and was a medalist at the 2000 SAC Golf Championship – the first in conference history.

Sammi Hatcher ChafinCarson-Newman softball | 1990-93

Sammi Hatcher Chafin is one of the most decorated softball players in SAC history. A leader of the Carson-Newman teams that won three of the first four SAC softball championships, Chafin was a two-time All-American, three-time All-District selection, three-time All-SAC selection and the SAC and District Player of the Year in 1993.

Denise SheltonMars Hill women’s basketball | 1998-2002

Denise Shelton earned a laundry list of accolades during her career at Mars Hill, which was headlined by an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2002. She was a two-time SAC Player of the Year, two-time All-Region selection, four-time All-SAC selection and a four-year member of the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

James T. BurchSAC Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials | 1995-present

Jim Burch has spent the past 17 years managing men’s basketball officiating operations for the SAC. He also served 16 years as the SAC’s Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officials.

[March 21]

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Catawba reaches NCAA Division II BaseballWorld Series

[May 20]

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. -- Catawba defeated Francis Marion 8-4 in the NCAA Division II Basebal Southeast Region Championship on Sunday, earning just the second trip to the NCAA Division II World Series by a SAC school in league history. Catawba also beat conference-rival Tusculum earlier on Sunday to reach the title game.

Catawba’s Keaton Hawks’ bases-loaded single in the seventh inning broke a 4-4 tie, Chris Dula added a two-run triple in the ninth and tournament Most Outstanding Player Julio Zubillaga had three hits, an RBI and two runs scored in the win over Francis Marion.

The Indians jumped on its opponent early for the second consecutive game. In the top of the first, Dula led off with a double, then moved to third on a single by Ryan Bostian. After a walk to Ethan Satterfield, Zubillaga singled to drive in Dula with the first run. It marked the fifth consecutive game Zubillaga drove in at least one run. Later, Satterfield scored on a wild pitch.

In Sunday’s first elimination game, a 6-1 Catawba victory over No. 2 Tusculum (48-10), the Indians struck for four runs in the first.

The Indians stretched the lead to 4-0 in the third when Zubillaga singled with one out, followed by a Brett Underwood walk and a Greg Lawson RBI-single. A throwing error allowed the fourth run to score.

The outburst sent the Patriots to their bullpen. Matt Broderick, making his third appearance of the weekend, came in and gave the Patriots a shot in the arm, keeping Catawba off the scoreboard for 2 2/3 innings.

The effort soon paid off as the Patriots fought their way back into the game. In the fourth, Buddy Sosnoskie led off the inning with a double and Jacob Golliday walked. Tyler Boyd singled home the first run, then pinch-hitter Luke Tollison singled to cut the deficit to 4-2.

With runners still on first and second with two outs, Zubillaga showed he could inflict damage with more than just his bat. Patriot shortstop Michael Wilson launched a deep fly ball to right that glanced off the top of the wall. Rightfielder Bostian hit Zubillaga with a strong relay throw, and the Catawba second baseman threw to Lawson to nail Tollison for the final out to keep the Indians in front 4-3.

The play took some of the momentum away from the Patriots. In the fifth, Francis Marion again threatened to have a big inning. Sosniskie’s RBI-single scored Brock McCallister with the tying run. The hit knocked out Catawba starter Nick Lomascolo, ending a stretch of three consecutive complete game efforts by Indian starters. Reliever Craig Brooks (2-0) came in and immediately hit Stephen Tarkenton with a pitch and allowed a single to Jacob Golliday to load the bases. Brooks escaped with a tie game by coaxing a ground ball double play from Boyd.

Brooks allowed just two more baserunners the rest of the contest.

Catawba re-grouped and took the lead for good in the top of the seventh. Zubillaga legged out an infield single, then Underwood reached on an error and Lawson singled to load the bases against Patriot closer Jeffrey Stoner (6-4). Stoner, pitching in his third consecutive game, was not able to deny the Indians. Hawks singled in a run and Dula added a sacrifice fly to put the Indians ahead for good.

Francis Marion only threatened once more. In the eighth, singles by Tarkenton and Boyd put a pair of runners on with one out. Neither runner advanced.

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Coker, Queens to join South Atlantic Conference[May 23]

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The South Atlantic Conference Presidents Council announced today that Coker College and Queens University of Charlotte will join the SAC effective July 1, 2013, following a unanimous vote by the council to approve their applications for membership. Both institutions will begin competition in the conference in the 2013-14 academic year.

The addition of Coker and Queens will increase the number of SAC members to 12 institutions. It marks the conference’s first expansion since 2010, when Anderson University joined the league.

Coker, located in Hartsville, S.C., will be the SAC’s third member institution from the Palmetto State, while Queens, based in Charlotte, becomes the league’s sixth member from North Carolina.

U.S. News and World Report recognized Coker as No. 18 in its 2012 Regional College South Rankings and Queens as No. 21 in its 2012 Regional University South Rankings.

“The South Atlantic Conference is privileged and excited to welcome Coker College and Queens University of Charlotte as members,” said Dr. Wayne Powell, chair of the SAC Presidents Council and President at Lenoir-Rhyne University. “Both schools will bring impressive pedigrees to the league.

“The Presidents Council unanimously agreed that the academic and athletic cultures at Coker and Queens are consistent with the vision of the South Atlantic Conference and will mesh seamlessly with our 10 current member institutions.”

Coker will compete in 13 of the SAC’s 14 championship sports, with football being the lone exception. Queens will participate in all SAC sports except baseball and football.

“On behalf of our Presidents, Athletic Directors, coaches, student-athletes and fans, I am thrilled to welcome two elite academic and athletic institutions in Coker and Queens,” said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz. “We believe that the addition of these two fine schools will enhance the experience of all SAC student-athletes and elevate the visibility and long-term strength of the conference.”

Coker has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,200 students and offers 50 areas of study.

Coker’s athletic program produced 20 All-Conference, two Capital One Academic All-District and one Capital One Academic All-America selections in the 2011-12 academic year. The Coker men’s golf team captured the 2012 Conference Carolinas championship, and the men’s soccer program earned its first-ever NCAA Championship selection in 2011.

Queens has a student-body population of approximately 2,600 and offers 32 academic majors.

Queens has competed at 34 NCAA National Championships and has had six student-athletes win individual National Championships in the past five seasons. Eight student-athletes from the university were named All-Americans in 2011-12.

The Royals also won Conference Carolinas Tournament titles in women’s golf and men and women’s cross country this season.

Queens is a three-time winner of the Conference Carolinas Joby Hawn Cup and a five-time recipient of the league’s Allan Sharp Award.

Fueling College

Athletes

SO

UTH ATLANTIC

CONFERENCE

Food Lion is the Official Corporate Sponsor of the SAC.

Documents

2011-12 SAC Year in Review