February 2008 The Lion’s Eye Page 12 Hxsrem Nn CQrAasrda 42 i. “db db Seu. fu - eas wt Nittany Lions Defeat Texas A&M in Alamo Bowl ~ By Bryan Drissel Lion's Eye Sports Editor bmd5061@psu.edu As it has happened during much of the regular season, Penn State fell behind early to the Texas A&M Aggies in the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonia Texas, but the Lions rallied in the second quarter to win 24-17. Coach Joe Paterno watched his team falter early in his 500th game as head coach of the Nittany Lions with two quick touch- down runs by A&M’s Mike Goodson. Then, a 30 yard touchdown pass to Lions’ Receiver Deon Butler and a 38 yard touchdown run by Evan Royster tied the game in the second quarter. Penn State took the lead with a field goal shortly after and never fell behind again. Penn State also gave fans a glimpse of the future of the offense. The Nittany Lions began introducing Darryl Clark into a Special to The Lion's Eye On January 19, 2008, as seconds on the clock continued to tick down, Mike Thornton, a Penn State Brandywine senior, launched the shot that would give him 2,000 career points. “It was a crazy feeling. My whole family and all of my friends all came out to support me,” recalls Mike. “I’m a sensitive guy so I had a lump in my throat as everyone applauded me.” Thinking about that memorable day, Mike says he owes it to his teammates. “My team- mates are always the ones passing the ball to me and having faith in me.” Mike also credits his coach. “Coach Kasmer has always given me the THORNTON TOPS 2000 POINTS green light and believed in me. He’s a great guy and I am very happy to have spent four years playing for him.” According to Coach Kasmer, “Mike is one of those special players that you only get to coach once in a coaching career. As you can imagine, I am very proud of Mike. He has not only scored 2,000 points but he has done it in an unselfish, team-first way. Mike is a consum- mate leader, both on and off the court.” “The mountain most college basketball play- ers try to climb is only 1,000 points high. Mike’s passing of 2,000 points against Penn State New Kensington places him in the rarefied air that only a few select players get iti Joe Paterno coached his team to a 24-17 win at the Valero Alamo in his 500th game as Penn State’s head coach. Image from Google.com to breathe. Mike is the only player Mike Thomton Tops 2.000 Points i ha : 0 — in Penn State — Brandy- wine’s his- tory to reach this summit,” § Be expresses Jim Gastner, Penn State Brandy- wine’s Athletic j § j : Direct -, Mike Thorton with Coach Gary Kasmer Irector, (photo courtesy of PSU Brandywine Athletics) “I join everyone need to stay positive, in the Penn State Brandy- CVI look down on any- wine athletic community one and most importantly, in saluting Mike and his pick someone up when he’s down,” he said. Might a basketball career teammates who helped make his success pos- sible.” be in his future? Mike A graduate of Monsignor ~ SaY$ he is going to try. Bonner High School in But for now, he says his Drexel Hill, Mike con- main focus is, “trying to tinues to focus on what bring the championship will help his team. “You home to Penn State Bran- dywine.” more prominent role in the offense as An- thony Morelli’s successor as quarterback. The Lions used Clark in short-yard age situations as a double threat. The ability to run and pass has put Clark in the position to be the starting quarterback for next year. Clark had a rushing touchdown that would prove to be the game winning score. The Aggies struggled to stop the quarter- back carousel that Paterno and his staff used. They almost tied the game late in the fourth quarter when they drove to the Penn State two yard line, but the Aggies couldn’t get into the end zone and turned | the ball over on downs, effectively ending the game and giving the Nittany Lions the a victory. The Lions end the season with a nine wins and four losses record overall. PSU BRANDYWINE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL By Rob Forbes Lion's Eye Staff Writer raf5014@psu.edu The Penn State Brandywine Women’s basketball team enjoyed back to back victories over NCAA Division III opponents on Friday, December 7; and Saturday, December 8, by defeating Eastern Nazarene and Lancaster Bible. The Lady Lions now stand undefeated at 5-0. The decisive victory over Eastern Nazarene, 58-41, was highlighted by great defensive pressure and terrific offensive efforts by Sophomores Tiesha Dunlap and Jackie Cericola. Coach Larry Johnson feels that his team controlled the pace of the game, forcing Eastern Nazarene to turn it over 20 times. Bn The next game versus Lancaster Bible was much different. Despite poor shooting the Lady Lions overcame Lancaster Bible 51-48 thanks to another great defensive effort. Senior Forward Alexis Davis grabbed eight rebounds off the bench and Senior Point Guard Cara Zibelman had a solid second half and finished with twelve points. Coach Johnson is impressed with the way his team has handled adversity to win these games. Coach is also impressed with the play of his defense. Al- though the team is winning, Johnson feels there is room for improvement. Following the winter break the team took on East- ern University on January 7, Rosemont College on January 10, and Army Prep January 15 all at home, and January 17 at Widener.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers