Page 8 Basketball Team Earns PSUA Conference Title By JULIA HAGAN Jah1003@psu.edu Two years ago, the PSU Delco men’s basketball team finished the season with just five wins. Last year’s record was 12-12. This year, the squad will enter the playoffs in first place, with a 20-5 overall record, and on a nine game winning streak. On Feb. 18, the team defeated PSU Harrisburg 86- 61. The win advanced Delco ahead of Penn State Abington, earning the team its first PSUAC (Penn State University Athletic Conference) eastern conference reg- ular season title in 13 years. Coach Gary Kasmer describes the successful sea- son as, “a huge improvement. We've made a nice pro- gression.” Delco finished 18-3 in the Penn State league, an Kasmer attributes this accomplishment to a new combi- nation of talented players. “They're all great kids,” he said. Juniors Mike Thornton and Tim Forrest are co-cap- tains and team leaders. “This year there’s more of a team aspect,” said Thornton, a 6'3" forward and a veteran of last year's squad. "Everyone plays together.” Forrest agreed, noting the obvious chemistry among team members. The 5'9" point guard transferred from the Community College of Philadelphia this year, recruited for basketball. “We get along really well,” he said. “I think that's the real reason why we win. Nobody's selfish...I'm just enjoying it.” “All in all, we've had a great year,” said Kasmer. “You couldn't ask for a better, smaller, college basket- ball experience. We have great support t00.” The second semester addition of senior Erik Tegethoff, who averages about 25 points per game, has also boosted the team's already strong momentum. “Erik has been a huge spark for us,” said Kasmer. “He plays on another level.” Delco's next chance to show off its teamwork skills is Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., as it hosts the first round of play- offs against the fourth place team from the eastern divi- sion. A trip to University Park on March 3, for the final four and league championship, could follow that game. “We can’t take any games easy,” said Thornton, pointing out that the team will not look past the impor- tant playoff match. The co-captains will not deny, however, that they would enjoy another shot against Penn State Abington, this time in State College. Although victorious against the rival team earlier this season, Delco suffered a painful three point loss to Abington in an away game this January - in triple over- time. “We're pretty confident,” said Forrest. “Like Coach says, it’s not about what they do; it’s about what we do.” The Lion’s Eye tye on SPOILS. February 27, 2006 Power Plays Takes PSU-Delco Hockey Team to Playoffs By DAN BAER Lion's Eye Staff Writer drb272@psu.edu Ryan Cell picked up the puck in the neutral zone. He skated at the defense; put the puck between the defens- man’s legs. Then, he let one go from high in the slot. Score. The barrage had begun. Cell’s goal put the defib- rillator to the heart of Delco's offense. After his initial goal, 13 more followed in a 14-0 trouncing of Monmouth University in the second round of the DVCHC league playoffs on Feb. 19 at the Warwick Arena. Not only did Delco show off their offensive aptitude, goaltender Jeff Wild years Delco has gone to the championships, it has won “pitched” a shutout. Even though the score shows domi- nation, Jeff Wild faced 36 shots, and turned away every dered the final two. one of them. Wild displayed an inate ability to keep the puck in front of him. Delco faced its nemesis Penn State Berks, last week- end in the DVCHC champi- onship. It wasn’t the first time Delco and Berks have met in the championships. These two have a history. For the two consecutive At press time, PSU-Delco was down one game to PSU-Berks in the DVCHC Division lll Playoffs at the Warwick Arena. PSU-Berks beat PSU-Delco 5-2 on Feb. 24. The teams were scheduled to face off again on Feb. 25 in the best of three series. the first game of the three game series, and then surren- Delco was up against what is considered to be the number three team in the nation, so winning would be optimum since they have yet to claim victory against Berks this year. Delco faced Berks twice this year, first losing to them 2-0, and then settling for tie at home. The Coach’s Corner By JOE DiANTONIO Jrd2@psu.edu A shot at history! The Boston Red Sox fans who witnessed their World Series victory in 1918 never imagined it would take until the year 2004 before they won another championship. : Penn State Delaware County is creating history as we speak with their men's basketball team this season. With an 86-61 win over PSU Harrisburg, the men's team clinched the PSUAC regular season title for the eastern division. Our campus was in this position some 13 years ago. At that time, the word iPod did not exist, Lenny Dykstra was the Phillies center fielder, and Chris Weber was a freshman at the University of Michigan. The team finished the regular season 25-0, but lost in the championship to Penn State Abington, a team they had twice beaten earlier in the season by a combined score of 58 points. : Since that season, we have only made two trips to the playoffs, both of which ended in defeat on the road. This year will be different. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, we will have the opportunity to create a hostile environment for our opponent. Our men's team will host the winner of PSU Schuylkill and PSU York. Tip off will be at 7 PM. Don't let history pass you by. You just don't know when it will be back!
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