Collegian Lions approach season with confidence by David Bruce The Erie Club was the setting for Behrend's annual Basketball Luncheon. The theme for this year's affair was, as Dean Lilley put it, "The year that Behrend Sports grew up." Dean Lilley probably meant the change in nickname from Cubs to lions, but it could also describe the Men's team , the most mature team that that coach Zimmerman has had in his five years at Bchrend. The squad boasts three seniors, four juniors, and three sophomores on the 15 man squad. Six of the players arc returning lettermen, giving the Lions an advantage that they have never had before. During his luncheon speech Coach Zimmerman said that team play is important, "...If we play as a team then everything else will fall into place." Coach Zimmerman also aswered the most asked question of the off season,"Of course we will miss Randy Gorniak...but we arc rebound ing just as well as a team, we are aggressive defensively." He outlined the team's strengths-strong shooting ("The best group of shooters...in 15 years of coaching.), above-average quickness and an ability to get the ball inside to the big men; Gene Gorniak and Greg Green. Another Lion strength is the ability of the recruits,"The best group we have brought in," said Coach Zimmerman. If the team has any weaknesses Coach Zimmerman believes it's depth, but only because he is not totally familiar with the new players, but they are there if needed. Coach Zimmerman then briefly described the players on this season's squad: Wayne Snyder...point guard,McKeesport,senior-"He had a good Blue-White scrimmage and he is shooting better." Gary Zang...swingman,Pottsville,senior-"A gamer, could get a double-double every time. Strong on defense." Greg Green...forward,Cleveland,senior-Greg sat out last season, but is back for this season." He's a horse, our own rejector, good jumper." Gene Gomiak...center,North East,junior-"Gene is playing with a purpose, he's smart, rebounds well, will have a good year." Bob Minford...swingman,Elizabeth ,j un ior-A transfer from P.S.McKecsport,"Bob is intense, he really goes after it, excellent shooter." Joe Wced...guard,Girardjunior-Joe suffered a knee injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Jim Webb...swingman,Eriejunior-Jim is coming of almost two years of rehabilitation on his legs due to a broken leg and subsequent stress fracture." Very diligent worker, jumping better, good shooter." Rick Askey...swingman,Conneaut,sophomore-A walk-on player."A pleasant surprise, he's a three-point shooter, still learning." Dave Gurska...swingman,Hermitage, sophomore-Transfer from P.S.Shenango."Our deepest shooter, excellent range, good feel of the game." Brian Phillips...swingman,Wattsburgh,sophomore-He is out due to a hunting accident might be back by Christmas. Brian Maslar...swingman,Girard,freshman-"Brian can go inside, played well in the pre-season, strong fundamentally." Mike Jenkins...swingman,Erie,freshman-"Exceptional athlete,very quick, tough on presses." Randy Baughman...guard,Erie,freshman-"Randy will have a great future at Behrend, an impact player, better shooter than I thought." Rick Demski...forward,Erie,freshman-"Playing very well, solid im pact player, well-schooled defensively." Frank Keller...forward,Erie,freshman-"Our biggest suprise, hard worker and he has put on some weight." It's obvious that the Lion's are expecting solid improvement this season, the talent is definitely there. Excitement is the best word to describe this season's women's team Tough Season for Lions Volleyball by David Bruce It's been a long, hard season for Behrcnd's women volleyball team. They have encountered injuries, player troubles and a tough schedule, but if you think Coach Wilson is offering excuses, forget "I was disappointed, but there were many pleasant suprises this year,"said Coach Wilson, "Our serving was above average, and we had very good blocking this year, even after Sonya Sickles was hurt." Another suprise was the play of Kris Cole, "Her skill level isn't as high, but she really toughed it out, she really helped us at the end of the season,"said Coach Wilson. Other players Coach Wilson singled out were Gwen Jones ("I was pleased with the way she took charge."), Erica Scribner ("A freshman who played consis tently.") and Beth Beres ("She stuck it out with an injury, provided leadership."). Even with an 8-30 record, Coach Wilson is looking forward to next season,"We are playing the same type of schedule and we are going to see if we can knock off a few more teams. I am pleased that most of the players are looking forward to next season, it shows that they want to stick with it." Pa Pinups (continued from pg. 1) Pursuant to the rights granted by Miss Universe, Inc., the girl chosen as Miss Pennsylvania USA will receive a 14-day expense paid trip In the site of the Miss USA Pageant nationally televised on CBS-TV early in 1989, competing for over 5250,000 in cash and prizes. The new state winner will receive over $2,000 in cash among her many prizes. The new winner will be crowned by the current Miss Pennsylvania USA, Susan Gray of Lansdale, who will be present for the entire event at the High Rise Howard Johnson's Hotel. Coach Wilson said that they will During the spring season, Coach play spring volleyball, some fresh- Wilson will be looking for middle man who did not play in the fall hitters, a setter and more powerful have said they will play. They will servers. Anyone interested in play participate in three tournaments, ing this spring, contact Coach Wil probably after spring break. son at 6235. STATISTICAL LEADERS GAMES Erica Scribner Gwen Jones Beth Beres 89 Chris Cadonic Kathy Williamson 65 Beth Beres BLOCK-KILLS Gwen Jones 28 Gwen Jones Erica Scribner 27 Linda Cooper Kathy Williamson 27 Beth Beres Beth Beres 21 Erica Scribner Peter Vidmar signs autographs after his presentation Coach Sabotta can't wait to begin the season. "The togetherness is there...they are 'team players', and several can shoot from three-point range." According to Coach Sabotta, the team's weaknesses are a lack of depth and experience, but Coach Sabotta said,"We will use our speed and intelligence to outthink-pressure our opponents. We will surprise some people this year, no question about it." Coach Sabotta then introduced members of this year's squad. Chris Huff...forward,Erie,senior-A co-captain, "She is dedicated, lots of endurance, type of person who never gives up." Lisa Butch...guard,Albion,junior-"S he's an athlete, a complete player, can rebound,shoot and play defense. Look for her to break school records " Kathy DeMoss...guard,Perryopolisjunior-A transfer from P.S Fayette." Excellent hands, we have confidence in her." Michelle Madison...center, Bradford, sophomore,— tense, competitive, good range " Lisa Dorenkamp...point guard, Butler, sophomore— "True point guard, knows where everybody is and where they are going to be." Bobbie Bauer...guard, Lucinda, sophomore— "Unbelievably deter mined, she has improved a lot this summer." Denise McCloskey...forward, Tylersburg, sophomore— A transfer from Clarion, "She has speed and anticipation, good rebounder." Tammy Altsman...guard, Erie, freshman—"A confident player, not easily intimidated, not afraid to shoot the ball." Connie Armstrong...center, Lincsville, freshman— knows how to use her height, rebounds well." Both teams appear to be ready for their upcoming seasons with the women playing in the Fredonia Tournament on Nov. 20 and the men playing Wcstministcr on Nov. 21 SPIKE-KILLS 93 Kathy Williamson 93 Sonya Sickles SERVING ACES Behrend Welcomes Olympic Star by Darrell Freund Memories of the 1984 Los An geles Olympics are still present in the thoughts of Olympic Gymnast Peter Vidmar. Peter Vidmar was the Premier gymnast for the United States in the 1984 Olympics. As the USA team captain, he led his tcamates to this country's first ever gold medal with their upset victory over the Peoples Republic of China. Peter went on to win the Silver medal in the individual all— around competition. He became this country's only male to have ever won an olympic all—around medal. In 1984 Peter was named the United States male gymnast of the year. 144 142 104 90 After a dazzling career at UCLA, Peter graduated with a degree in economics. An • inspirational speaker, he is currently on a mini— tour of the United States giving in spirational presentations to numerous corporations ,colleges, and other organizations. This cur rent tour is what brought him to Bchrend College. "I'm out of the Olympic limelight now, but I feel I can still give support to the team ef fort." Peter has given this support 49 19 19 19 photo by Maryßeth Zawistoski "Very fiesty, in- "Very aggressive, in the form of campaigning and ad vising. He campaigns for funds and offers some coaching advice for the 1988 team. Peter is looking forward to the upcoming Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He keeps in close contact with former 1984 teammate, and current 1988 Olym pic gymnast, Tim Daggit. "The 1988 squad looks tough. Tim shat tered his ankle and they didn't do well in the recent world cham pionships." Pete went on to add, "Gymnastics is a team sport. Every score counts. If one person gets hurt, the squad has to make up for the injured performer." Peter never suffered a traumatic injury. "I retired because I ac complished all I could. I got invol ved with gymnastics at a young age because it was fun. I retired be cause it was no longer a chal lenge." Even though gymnastics no longer represents what it used to for Peter, he feels that gymnastics has a lot to offer. "Gymnastics is an at titude. A positive attitude. My ex periences with gymnastics can be directly compared to experiences with life in general." This 'attitude' associated with gymnastics is what has prompted Peter to give presen tations throughout the country. "My experiences • with gymnastics plays an important role in the cor porate world. Gymnastics, like the corporate world, involves creativity, innovation, and risk taking. I enjoy giving inspirational speeches." Peter added, "Anybody can handle risk, but the stronger your mental makeup is, the stronger you will be when the stock market drops 500 points, or you blow a routine on the pommel horse." Peter's inspirational presentations and business—like attitude would explain why he is so popular with many of this country's larest cor porations. Peter's client list in cludes IBM, Mobil Oil, Valvoline, Borg—Warner, Nabisco, and Federal Express. "I enjoy giving presentations to corporations. But I really enjoy giving talks to sports ` 4 4" (above) Lisa Butch at tempts a pass during a scrimmage game against John Carroll. (left) Wayne Snyder guards Randy Baughman during the annual Blue- White scrimmage. photo by Paul Roach students. You guys are the future," commented-Peter. The future of the Olympics is a subject Peter is not so sure about. "The North Koreans are way out of line with their recent request to host several events. The North Koreans have to remember that cities bid for the games, not countries." The Olympics are often used as a tool. The 1936 Games in Berlin, the 1972 massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Games, and the boycotts of 1980 and 1984 have prompted many countries and people to take advantage of the "message" behind the Games. "The Games arc still pure. Unfor tunately, the media uses the Games for their own pleasures and desires." Peter went on to add, "If we can't play games, what can we do? The world has to'wake up. The Games still stand for something." The future of gymnastics in the United States looks very promising. "The hysteria created by our suc cesses has caused many youngsters to go out and join gymnastics clubs," stated Peter. "We are still suffering from the 1980 boycott. Many of the youngsters who joined gymnastic clubs after the 1984 Olympics might have joined clubs in 1980. This could have meant an extra four years for us to prepare our youngsters. In another seven years or so we should be very com petitive. The 1996 and 2000 Olym pics should be very promising," commented Peter. Peter wants everyone to realize that life is about "feeling good." "Get high Or} life. Dope just numbs your mind. Try exercise and get a good work but." - Peter concluded by wishing the best to all Penn Staters—"Lcarn to push yourself. The only difference between success and failure is at titude." photo by Rick Brooks
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