Good News In College Sports

There Is Good News in Sports Again!

2007-07-01T15:28:00.001-04:00

Good News In Sports is back. I’ve consolidated Good News In College Sports and Good News in Pro Sports into one blog covering stories from all over the sports world that you can truly enjoy reading. No steroids, police blotters, or contract holdouts here. Only people who are making a positive difference by their actions or example. Check it out at www.goodnewsinsports.com

Going on Hiatus

2007-05-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

If you've visited here recently, you've noticed this blog has not been updated for a while. I have made the difficult decision to put this blog on hiatus while I work on a non-sports related project that is requiring too much of my time to keep up with things here. I don't know when I'll be back, but it won't be ahead of August. Check back then for an update.

Thanks for visiting Good News In College Sports.

Women's Hoops Team at Army Wins V Foundation Award

2007-04-04T17:25:00.000-04:00

The Army women's basketball team was named the recipient of the seventh annual V Foundation Comeback Award, presented annually by the V Foundation for Cancer Research in collaboration with ESPN. ESPN will make the official announcement Tuesday evening between the semifinal games of the men's National Invitational Tournament.

The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all NCAA divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma.

Just 17 days after Army's Cinderella run to its first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, the Army women's basketball team suffered a devastating loss when 28-year-old head coach Maggie Dixon died suddenly last April. The 2006-07 squad faced a daunting emotional challenge not only to follow in Dixon's footsteps, but to keep her memory alive while still moving forward.

Army head coach Dave Magarity, who served as the associate head coach to Dixon on the 2005-06 Army team, took over the reins of the program this past season and led the Black Knights to a 24-6 season record, setting a school record for wins at the Division I level.

Click here to read more about how the Army women overcame tragedy and put together an outstanding season in this release on the Patriot League official website.

C of C's Hedley Receives Scholarship Grant

2007-04-03T21:20:00.000-04:00

The Family Circle Cup Community Outreach program is all about making a difference in the community. In 2002, the tournament started a scholarship grant at the College of Charleston for female student athletes who not only excel on the playing field, but off as well. Every year $5,000 is donated to an outstanding female athlete who is a well-rounded student, and whose accomplishments include giving back to the community. The scholarship winner is selected based on a number of criteria including academic accomplishment, volunteerism / community involvement, financial need, and athletic accolades. This year’s winner is sophomore Katie Hedley, a member of the College of Charleston’s Women’s Cross Country and Track teams.

Click here to read about this special student-athlete in the press release on the Southern Conference's official website.

Syracuse Salutes Athletics' Comunity Outreach

2007-04-02T20:36:00.000-04:00

From the Syracuse official athletic website:

The Syracuse athletics department’s ‘Cuse Cares Community Outreach program and senior football student-athlete Kelvin Smith will be recognized for their commitment to engagement with the community and Scholarship in Action with the 2007 Chancellor's Awards for Public Engagement and Scholarship in a March 26 celebration dinner in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center's Goldstein Auditorium. It marks the 10th consecutive year that Orange student-athletes have earned the CAPS Award.

“We ask our student-athletes to be extraordinary on and off the field,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “Community service is an area in which we strive to be the best. There are numerous hours and substantive areas that our coaches and student-athletes commit to yearly. We are proud of their service and their commitment to this community and beyond.”

The ‘Cuse Cares program is one of 14 University programs that will be recognized for service in the community. SU student-athletes participated in more than 1,200 hours of community service projects since the start of the 2006-2007 academic year in a variety of activities that enriched the lives of children, elderly, homeless, and many more individuals.

Smith, a four-year starting linebacker for the Orange football squad, developed and implemented a leadership skills group at Dr. King Elementary School with eight African-American boys. Smith designed and conducted the workshops with the children in the areas of creating leaders, leadership and health, leadership in sports and the rhythm of leaders.

Throughout the year, Syracuse student-athletes dedicated time to school fundraisers, youth clinics, Boys and Girls Clubs activities, preparing gifts during the holiday time for children, and Winterfest activities for kids. Student-athletes also spent many hours reaching out to young refugees in the area.

At the annual SUccess By Six kickoff at the Dome student-athletes from six teams collected 400 books and more than $300 for area children before a basketball game. Ten Orange teams participated in the annual Dollar Days at the Dome and raised more than $7,100 for the United Way.

Student-athletes also participated in many fundraising events, including the Breast Cancer walk-a-thon, a walk for kidney disease, and the Relay for Life at the Carrier Dome, and assisted in projects that benefit underprivileged individuals, including serving breakfast at the Rescue Mission and volunteering at the Oxford Homeless shelter. In addition, student-athletes visted with residents at The Oaks retirement center, the Ida Benderson Senior Center and the pediatric units at local hospitals, and participated in the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics and cheering on the athletes competing in their winter game events. Other activities include participation in Take Back the Night, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, activities at Head Start, and reading books for a reading awareness program at a local middle school. The annual Shooting for A’s program, an academic enrichment program which features opportunities to participate in group sports and meet student-athletes, begins next month.

“This year's nominations are remarkable, clearly demonstrating that civic engagement is not simply something students do, but has become an essential part of who we, and SU, are,” said Pamela Kirwin Heintz, the director of the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.

Tucker Wins Senior CLASS Award

2007-04-01T17:53:00.000-04:00

Described by his coach as a college basketball player that “epitomizes the pure student athlete,” Wisconsin forward Alando Tucker is the 2006-07 winner of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for men’s basketball. The award, selected by a nationwide vote of coaches, media and fans, is presented annually to college basketball’s outstanding NCAA Division I senior student athlete.

Tucker put together a brilliant senior season at Wisconsin, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors in a powerhouse conference that was among the nation’s toughest. He averaged 19.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while leading the Badgers to a 30-6 record and top ten national ranking. By pouring in a school-record 716 points as a senior, Tucker became Wisconsin’s all-time leading career scorer with 2,217 points.

While he clearly excelled on the court, Tucker also has exemplified the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award off-the-court criteria with character, the classroom and the community. The communications major has a 3.5 GPA in his major and expects to graduate in May 2007. He serves as the men’s basketball representative on the Wisconsin’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was the school’s delegate to the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Conference last year.

Click here to read more about this outstanding student-athlete and the Senior CLASS award from the official press release.

Classic Good News: Princeton's Martin Eichelberger

2007-03-31T16:11:00.000-04:00

If Martin Eichelberger was only known for his athletic accomplishments at Princeton, that would be a good resume. He was all-Ivy League football and lacrosse player and, in 1967, led the Tigers to their last Ivy title in lacrosse until 1992.

Eichelberger, now a pediatric surgeon, founded Safe Kids Worldwide, an organization devoted to reducing unintentional childhood injury. It has promoted numerous safety initiatives, ranging from promoting car child safety seat use to sports injury reduction. Since its founding in 1987 the United States has experienced a 45 percent reduction in fatalities from childhood accidents, and Safe Kids can claim much of the credit for this reduction.

As Chairman Eichelberger has raised more than $80 million for Safe Kids, testified before Congress, and made dozens of media appearances. Safe Kids Worldwide now comprises more than 600 grassroots organizations in all 50 states and 16 countries.

Click here to read about Dr. Eichelberger's journey from star athlete to a world leader in the efforts to keep kids safe in this installment from the Ivy at 50 series.

Arkansas State Athletes Host Annual Senior Citizen Prom

2007-03-30T19:25:00.000-04:00

From the Arkansas State official athletics website: The press release was previewing the event, which happened yesterday.

The Arkansas State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Senior Citizen Prom - Masquerade Theme will be held on Thursday, March 29, at the Convocation Center from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Senior citizens are encouraged to come out and dance to the smooth sounds of the ASU Jazz Band from 5:00-6:00 p.m., show off their artistic ability by making masquerade masks and interact with ASU student-athletes. Bingo will get underway at 6:00 p.m. The evening will conclude with the crowning of the 2007 King and Queen.

“The Senior Citizen Prom has grown tremendously in just two years,” said ASU Associate Athletic Director Melanie Richardson. “The first year we had about 75 seniors, last year there were over 200 seniors and this year we are expecting 300-plus seniors from around the Jonesboro area to attend the prom. ASU’s student-athletes would like this event to be the premier event for senior citizens living in the Jonesboro community. The prom has been a big success and we are constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for our student-athletes and their guests.”

To accommodate the growing number of participants, the prom will be held at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Guests may enter through the yellow entrance and admission is free for all seniors 55 years and older. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

How great is this? Way to go Indians.

Book Review: "Cinderella: Inside the Rise of Mid-Major College Basketball:

2007-03-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

They say timing is everything, and Michael Litos’ timing couldn’t have been better when he embarked on a project to chronicle a season in mid-major D1 college men’s basketball. The inspiration came to Litos while he was sailing on a 42-foot catamaran in the Caribbean, which is where I usually get most of my good ideas.

Following one of the cardinal rules of writing, Litos stuck to what he knew; the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in his book “Cinderella: Inside the Rise of Mid-Major College Basketball” (Sourcebooks, Inc; 2007, 275 pp.).

Click here to read the rest of the review on my home page, The CourtMaster Rules on College Sports.

Women's Hoops Also Pitches In to Help Habitat for Humanity

2007-03-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

I recently posted a story about athletes at Tulane University helping out with a Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans in conjunction with the men's NCAA basketball tournament being in town. Not to be outdone, the NCAA is also lending a hand in Cleveland for a similar project tied in with the upcoming women's Final Four.

More than 60 volunteers will participate in the construction of the house in Cleveland. The NCAA and members of the women’s basketball community, including Division I women’s basketball alumni, conference coordinators of officials and the WBCA have joined together for the build. Expected to participate alongside student, NCAA and community volunteers are coaches from Auburn University, Boston College, DePaul University, University Notre Dame and Rutgers University.

“Our women’s basketball community is pleased to have the opportunity to leave a footprint and legacy behind in Cleveland,” said Sue Donohoe, NCAA vice president for Division I women’s basketball. “This is a meaningful project for all those involved and we hope by our involvement, we will make a difference in the lives of a family in the city that is serving as our host.”

Click here to read the release on the NCAA's official website.

As another tie-in, you can bid on a mini Fender guitar (think Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) decorated in the Women's Final Four logo that will be signed by the head coaches from all the participating teams. All proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity.

Click here to check it out and place a bid.

Cameron U Athletes Pitch In On "Extreme Makeover"

2007-03-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

ABC's television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" recently visited Lawton, Oklahoma, the home of Cameron University, and the school's athletic teams lent a hand.

The project was for the benefit of the local Westbrook family:

The Westbrook Family had suffered through two crippling injuries and was in need of something positive. Mr. Westbrook had served our country overseas, but had lost the use of his legs when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Upon his return home to Oklahoma, the family was involved in a car accident leaving one of the Westbrook sons without the use of his legs, just like his father. Such tragic events are always hard to hear of, so think what it must be like to live through. No family deserves that.

One group of volunteers who worked their hearts out to provide the best for the Westbrook Family, was the Cameron University Athletic Department and their numerous student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. The Cameron Aggies compete at the Division II level in ten intercollegiate sports (baseball, softball, volleyball (women’s), cross country (men’s), and men’s and women’s basketball, tennis, and golf) and each squad represented CU and the City of Lawton by helping out at the Extreme Makeover site.

“Part of our responsibility to our student-athletes and to our community is to give something back,” Cameron Athletic Director Jim Jackson said. “By teaching our student-athletes the importance of community, they will have a better foundation and will hopefully get involved (in their community) wherever they go once they leave Cameron.”

Click here to read more about the project and the athletic department's deep committment to community service on the Cameron official athletic website.

Thanks to Double-A Zone for the tip.

National Football Foundation Launches New Program

2007-03-26T20:29:00.000-04:00

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the establishment of three fellowships with Play It Smart, the NFF’s highly successful youth development program that has changed the lives of thousands of at-risk student-athletes over the last nine years.

“In establishing these fellowships, the NFF will further strengthen its ties to the college community,” said NFF President Steven J. Hatchell. “Each year, we will select the best and the brightest from the college ranks, providing them with a dynamic opportunity to develop their skills in the world of sports business and philanthropy. It’s a program that we take great pride in launching, and we know that these positions will quickly become some of the most sought-after and coveted in all of sports for launching a career.”

A two-year post-graduate commitment, The NFF Play It Smart Fellowship Program will prepare participants for leadership positions in their chosen fields. Fellows will enhance their professional skills as they gain first hand experience carrying out Play It Smart’s mission of helping student-athletes take responsibility for their futures. Launched in 1998, more than 20,000 student-athletes in 85 cities have benefited from Play It Smart over the past nine years. Play It Smart fulfills its mission by financing the hiring and training of Academic Coaches who work with high schools in underserved communities.

Click here to read more about this program and the Play It Smart program.

March Madness Not Confined to Division I

2007-03-25T16:11:00.000-04:00

If you don't believe that, you should have seen yesterday's Division II national championship game between Barton College and defending champion Winona State, who came into the game with an old-school UCLA-like 57-game winning streak.

From the AP game story:

Anthony Atkinson scored 10 points in the final 39 seconds, including a layup at the buzzer, to give Barton College its first NCAA Division II title with a 77-75 victory over previously unbeaten and defending champion Winona State.

Barton ended Winona's two-year, 57-game winning streak and survived a review of the final play by the officials.

"I was just thinking about the next play," Atkinson said. "I got a bucket, then another and the next thing you know, the game's over."

It's hard not to think there was some destiny involved. Barton won nine, count them, nine, overtime games this season.

Click here to read the entire game story on SI.com.

Here's more information from the Barton College official athletics website.

Being a 6'7" Women's Hoops Player Requires Growth

2007-03-24T14:40:00.000-04:00

Alison Bales is a senior center on Duke's #1 ranked women's basketball team seeking the school's first national championship in that sport. She is the third leading shot blocker in NCAA women's history, which might seem like a "duh" for a woman who stand 6'7."

Stop and think for a moment. How difficult do you think it is being a 6'7" female college student when you're NOT on the basketball court? Bailes appears to be handing that challenge quite well.

"I think Ali has grown more as a person and a player than anybody I've ever coached," (Duke coach Gail) Goestenkors said. "And I've seen great growth in so many people. But the confidence that she now carries herself with -- on and off the court -- is remarkable."

"It's not a big deal to me anymore," (Bales) said. "With everything that my height has given me, it's a blessing. I'm a daughter, a sister, a teammate, a friend, just a regular college student."

I suspect she's not giving herself enough credit with that last statement.

Click here to read Michelle Voepel's feature on ESPN.com, "With family, coach's support, Bales blossoms into star."

2007-03-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

Northwestern and UMass' women's lacrosse teams took the field today to play the first Annual Brain Tumor Awareness College Lax Challenge.

The inspiration was a young girl named Jaclyn who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005. The Northwestern befriended her on their way to winning the national championship. The relationship continued and I'm happy to say that this event was not a memorial--Jaclyn is far from being healthy but closer than she was two years ago.

Click here to read the ESPN.com feature, "'Friends of Jaclyn' step up to raise funds, awareness."

Here is a link to the "Friends of Jaclyn Foundation."

Plenty of Great Storylines Working in the Women's Tournament

2007-03-22T19:12:00.000-04:00

While the men's NCAA basketball tournament has stayed fairly close to form, there are a lot of interesting storylines to follow in the women's tournament. Among them are:

A #13 seed (tiny Marist College) making it through to the Sweet 16 for only the third time ever.

Bowling Green winning only it's second NCAA tournament game ever and becoming the first Mid-American Conference team to advance as far as the Sweet 16.

A coach who camped out for two nights last year to sell tickets to her team's final home game.

Click here to read more about these and other interesting stories in the USA Today article, "Best tournament storylines are in the women's event."

Harvard's Lackner Recognized for Leadership Off the Court

2007-03-21T14:29:00.000-04:00

Christiana Lackner was a co-captian of Harvard's Ivy League champion women's basketball team this season, but that is not consider her most noteable accomplishment.

Lackner was recognized earlier this school year by the Margaret Fitzgerald Grogan Petersmeyer Foundation "for being a natural leader, for being well-rounded, for finding academic success, and for possessing a palpable love of life."

At one point, Lackner said, "My basketball coaches couldn’t understand why I was dancing, and my ballet teacher definitely couldn’t understand why I wanted to play basketball.”

Click here to read the story on Harvard's official athletics website, "Women's Basketball's Lackner Receives Fitzie Outstanding Young Women Award," and see what Christiana is considering doing with the award money after she graduates.

Thanks to Double-A Zone for the tip.

Tulane Athletes and the NCAA Help New Orleans Rebuild-Literally

2007-03-20T20:14:00.000-04:00

In conjunction with hosting the NCAA men's basketball tournament first and second rounds this past weekend, over 60 Tulane University student-athletes pitched in to work on building a house for Habitat for Humanity.

“This build is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to give back to the community that has embraced them,” said Rick Dickson, director of athletics at Tulane University. “By participating in this event, our student-athletes are able to exemplify the supporting role that intercollegiate athletics plays in enhancing the sense of community and strengthening the identity of member institutions.”

The NCAA is funding the entire cost of the house, estimated at $75,000.

The New Orleans project is the latest in the NCAA Home Team partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, which began in 2005 after hurricanes struck the Gulf Coast. The NCAA has committed $2.5 million for the three-year partnership.

Since the partnership began, more than 800 student-athletes and other volunteers have helped build nearly 20 homes in partnership with needy families.

Click here to read more about this wonderful partnership from the NCAA's official website, "Tulane teams with Habitat for Humanity."

Success On the Court and In the Classroom Is Possible

2007-03-19T20:02:00.000-04:00

Richard E. Lapchick, the Director of the National Consortium for Academics and Sport, has reviewed both the historic graduation rates and the Academic Progress Rates (APR) of the participants in the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. Overall, the news is good.

There are some remarkable positive highlights to point out in the fields for the tournaments this year, using the NCAA's Graduation Success Rates.

• An impressive 98 percent of the women's and 64 percent of the men's teams graduated at least half of their basketball student-athletes.

• Ninety-seven percent of the women's teams and 52 percent of the men's teams graduated at least 60 percent of their players.

• Eighty-three percent of the women's teams graduated at least 70 percent. A respectable 37.5 percent of the men's teams did the same.

While there is still plenty of room for improvement, the numbers are moving in the right direction.

Click here to read the entire report on ESPN.com's "NCAA tourney titlist in college degrees? Holy Cross."

A Leader Inspired By Courage Off The Court

2007-03-17T10:43:00.000-04:00

Torey Thomas led the Holy Cross men's basketball team to the Patriot League championship this season and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His inspiration, however, comes off the court--from his brother.

"My brother can't play contact sports, but he's the most courageous kid I know," says Thomas.

His brother Trevon has Hemophilia B. In layman's terms, he is a bleeder. Torey grew up fearful that would also be his fate since it had been determined their mother was a carrier, but he received a clean bill of health.

In part motivated by Trevon's example, Torey has made the most of his opportunities, moving beyond poverty and helping others in his old neighborhood do the same.

Click here to read Torey Thomas' inspiring story on the Holy Cross official athletics website, "A Passion You Can't Teach."

Thanks to Double-A Zone for the tip.

Carter Brothers Are Strong On and Off the Court

2007-03-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

The Carter brothers have all played NCAA basketball. Kevin, the oldest, played at Division II Texas A&M-Commerce. Warren, the middle child, is currently the leading scorer for Illinois while the youngster Josh is the leading 3-point shooter for Texas A&M.

When they were all teenagers, they relied on each other more than most siblings. Their mother, who had received custody of the brothers after divorcing their father, was in prision. They made it through that situation together and were clearly stronger for it, growing into successful athletes and young men.

Click here to read the USA Today story, "Carter family finds will and way to succeed after mother went to prison."

"Good 'Ol Boy"

2007-03-15T19:58:00.000-04:00

That's the title of an article about Florida's Lee Humphrey, who will be working to help the Gators defend their national men's basketball championship in the NCAA Tournament just underway.

His better known teammates like Joakim Noah and Al Horford received acclaim, and properly so in my opinion, for spurning NBA riches and returning to school this season. Humphrey used the acclaim and visibility he received from his comtribution in the national championship.

He traveled with Sports Reach to Brazil and help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“His whole thing is,he’s nothing without God. He has never thought of himself as great. Coach [Donovan] gave him an opportunity, and he’s thankful for it. There’s no chance of him getting a bighead,” said Don Mauldin, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' area director in North- Central Florida.

Click here to read "Good 'Ol Boy" from the FCA's magazine "Sharing The Victory."

From 10-Year Old Hero To Hoops Walk-On to Conference MVP

2007-03-14T19:58:00.000-04:00

That's a lot for a 22-year old man to have accomplished so early in life, but that's the path that Central Connecticut State senior basketball player Javier Mojica has taken.

Mojica, a co-captian of the Northeast Conference champion Blue Devils, started his college basketball career as a walk-on. Four years later, he has graduated and been named the conference's Most Valuable Player.

No surprise for someone who, as a 10-year old boy, helped thwart his mother's suicide attempt.

From Hartford Courant columnist Stan Simpson:

Mojica exemplifies what a college experience can do for young people with a desire to escape their circumstances - and a resolve not to be outworked.

Click here to read more about Mojica in the column, "At-Risk Boy Steps Up As A Man."

Thanks to Double-A Zone for the tip.

A Long Road to the NCAA Tournament for North Texas' Young

2007-03-13T19:35:00.000-04:00

North Texas' basketball team had quite a long road back to the NCAA Tournament. Their Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship earned the Mean Green their first invitation to the dance since 1988.

That's nothing compared to how far senior forward Rich Young traveled to have an opportunity to play in the NCAA's. Young, who averages 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, spent four years in the Marines and saw the world. Specifically, he served in Kosova, Kenya, Djibouti, and Iraq.

I guess just the challenge was attractive to me," Young said. "I just wanted to do it because people said it was tough and probably the hardest branch to go to."

That combination of experience and attitude has made him him a respected leader on his team and a key part of this season's success.

Click here to read the AP story, "Former Marine's road to NCAA tournament went through Iraq."

Thanks to Josh at Double-A Zone for the tip. Throughout both the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments Josh will be featuring some of the wonderful human interest stories about the participants, and we'll cover some of the highlights.

Calvin Roland Finds a Home In the NCAA Tournament

2007-03-08T21:52:00.000-05:00

Virginia Commonwealth University will be playing in next week's NCAA men's basketball tournament, having earned an automatic bid by winning the Colonial Athletic Association tournament and surviving an upset bid by last season's Cinderella, George Mason.

One of their players, Calvin Roland, has survived a lot worse than an upset bid in a tournament:

The fourth of six children, Roland was not expected to survive as a child after being struck by a car. Later, as a freshman in college, he found himself as the only one in his family other than his mother with a job. He was starting college, playing basketball, and earning a living to support his family. Soon after he began to pursue his degree, his family fell victim to eviction and was left homeless for the next two years. Roland spent his nights at friends’ houses, in his college locker room, and in the office where he worked .

Click here to read the story on the VCU athletic website about him winning the first annual Charles Barkley Scholarship. I also recommend this post from the blog of sportswriter Michael Litos for a healthy dose of perspective about Roland's story.

Thanks to my buddy at NCAA Hoops Today for the tip.