University of Detroit Mercy Athletics

Welcome to the Titan Blog archives for February-July of 2009. At UDM WE WANT GREAT THINGS FOR YOU!!! 

Saturday, July 25, 2009 
Chris Butts - Men's Lacrosse Senior

I am back at the University of Detroit Mercy pretty early before the semester starts this year. Due to personal circumstances in my hometown the school was very supportive in my time of need which I greatly appreciate. Last year was a pretty rough first season for the program and that gives me an advantage as a senior captain to get a head start on the task at hand for this upcoming season, which is to win as many games as possible. I have devoted myself to work hard  for my last year here at Detroit and my last year playing lacrosse and, let us just see what happens.

Thursday, July 23, 2009 
Matt Clugston - Men's Lacrosse Junior

The life of a Division I lacrosse player I can honestly say does not have one word that can fully describe it. There is a lot that goes into it. Leaving the season last year without winning one game, obviously I felt like I needed to get better. That was my motivation when it came to training for the summer. Without having strength coach Nick Wilson constantly in my ear to lift harder or run faster, I needed something to light that fire.

My goal for the summer was to add on between 15-20 pounds as well as get faster and quicker. My Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday’s consist of being in the weight room, lifting for about two hours in the morning, while making sure I am adding a little weight every day or every week. Strictly business, I’m in the zone, blasting that iPod and training like a beast. Every lift I think about that one goal we let in, that one guy I should have laid out on a slide, that one check I should have thrown harder. I never take a break. I am always thinking about getting better and stronger. If I am not in the weight room then it’s to the most glorious part of my week, running and doing sprints at the track. It does not get much better then that. Doing those fun Titan 6’s, suicides, cones, or running the one mile in under 6:36, or a nice two-mile run in under 12:30.

The training for lacrosse is more then you can imagine, so discipline, but that’s why only so few play at this level. I guess some people realize nothing worth having comes easy. You can't sit around and expect to step on the field with some of these teams and compete. When my buddies are lounging at the pool or going out, I am in the weight room or in bed recovering from my workouts. I come from a military academy out east so I understand there is no room for complaining. Either do what’s expected or crumble, it’s your choice. Summer is all about realizing what happened the season before and what you’re going to do for next season. I work on passing and all that everyday for about thirty minutes, just up against the wall, 200 with my left 200 with my right.

Besides that, summer has been pretty relaxed. I got to roll down to NYC to visit some buddies and now I have teammate Chris Butts here living with me. That’s pretty much my summer right there. I am looking forward to this season, winning some games; maybe even make it to the tourney at the end of the year, which would be pretty gnarly. Like some of my buddies say, that’s the life of a D I laxer.

However I am not at all looking forward to seeing Coach Wilson every morning. He has such a kind heart when it comes to those 7:30 a.m. runs or workouts right after practice. However, I can't wait to show the lax world that last year was just a slow start for what’s about to come. Lets Go Titans.

Sunday, July 19, 2009 
Kevin Smalley - Men's Track & Field/Cross Country Junior

With a short run of 5.40 miles earlier today, I just finished my first summer week over 90 miles. I could give you the rundown of every mile of every day but that would be extremely boring and you’d probably quit reading. Instead, I could tell you that running 90 is just like running 70 except that it takes a little longer, makes you a little more exhausted, and makes your legs a little more sore the next day. But again, that’s not very interesting either. Now to someone reading this they could be thinking, “Why would anyone want to put their bodies through that?” Well, I’m not sure if I really know how to answer that.

The life of a runner: In outdoor track last spring, I competed at six track meets in nine total events. The total distance of all those events combined was about 17 miles. And yet, the only way to train for such a sport is to push your body as far you possibly can and run hundreds and hundreds of miles. It’s a funny thing, running. I have run in the rain, the wind, the snow, the hail, the dark, in a thunderstorm, and yet I will always be ready for the run the next morning. The great thing about individual sports is that there is no one to blame but yourself. Whatever you put in you usually get out. So when I line up for the mile or steeplechase next spring, I know that I have put myself through the trial of miles and the miles of trials will never fail.

Day                        Dist     Time         Pace/mile
Mon. 13-July        15.06   1:41:09    6:43
Tues. 14-July        9.44    1:00:13    6:23 
                                6.30    38:33        6:07
Wed. 15-July        9.52     1:03:29    6:40 
                               6.19    39:16        6:20
Thur. 16-July        9.52     1:03:03    6:37 
                                5.32    35:30        6:41
Fri. 17-July            11.85   1:15:05    6:20 
                                5.53    36:53        6:41
Sat. 18-July           6.87     44:06       6:25
Sun. 19-July          5.40    32:56        6:06

Week:                 91.00     9:50:13     13.00 miles per day
Summer total: 604 miles 

Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunny Jones - Head Softball Coach

My first month on the job has been quite busy. The interview process was smooth and I hit the recruiting trail running in my new colors. I have been on the recruiting trail for UDM for the last month and have had several phone calls, emails, and handshakes of congratulations! I have had a handful of prospective student-athletes on campus already, and have already received a verbal commitment for an incoming pitcher this fall. 

This coming weekend, I will be traveling to Toledo to the NFCA Fastpitch Classic tournament, then venture west to Sioux Falls, SD for the 16-U Nationals to find some national talent.

I am excited about the next couple of months and what they will hold. I am looking forward to getting the girls back on campus and moving forward with our fall ball season. There will be big things to come! 

Monday, June 8, 2009
Brigid Mulroy – Women’s Basketball Senior

When I first received the e-mail notifying me that I had been selected to participate in this year’s NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference in Orlando, I have to admit I was terrified. I was scared of being in a new place with new people, as well as not knowing what to expect from the conference itself.

But from the second I landed in Florida, I found myself in shared company with other student-athletes wandering the airport to find our shuttle and head on our way to the beautiful Coronado Springs Resort of the Walt Disney World family of resorts. My excitement about what was ahead for me began to build as the shuttle bus carrying myself and around forty other student-athletes pulled through Mickey Mouse’s archway informing us of our entrance into the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’.

When I got to the resort and moved in to my room, the next issue was meeting people. The only saving grace was that all 585 other student-athletes were all in the same position. In those first few hours, I introduced myself to more people than I thought was humanly possible. Every time I turned around there was someone else to say hello to and learn about.

After this whirlwind of intros, we were all separated into groups of fifty, where I was put into the Blue Group, Section A. These were the people I would get to know best and with the help of our two facilitators, they would be the group of people I learned the most from.

Throughout the four days in Orlando, we were able to take part in many different seminars. I learned an unbelievable amount from the presenters who taught me about things like personal branding, energy management and attention control, as well as when we broke into our smaller groups where I learned on a more personal level about strategic planning, critical issues and personal leadership styles. I was opened up to new approaches and new ideas that changed the way I thought about so much. Each and every seminar and group break down was so incredibly useful, I struggled to keep up and take every bit of information offered to me.

So much was packed into those four days, I was both physically and mentally exhausted by the time I flew home. Even though I was worn out, there is no way I would trade one second of the conference for anything else. I loved every moment I was able to spend in Florida. The people I met there, though they are located all across the country (as well as some outside the US), all became very good friends to me. Being able to open up and trust my group members in such a short period of time is a testament to the conference and its ability to bring the student-athletes together. I wish with all my heart I could have spent more time in Florida, learning about myself and others. I wish I could go back and have more time to hang out with all my new friends. I wish I could be given another opportunity like the NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference because I would jump on it, and enjoy myself as thoroughly as I did this summer.

Thursday, May 28, 2009
Brittany Horne – Women's Track & Field Senior

It has been a lonely few weeks of training and preparing for the regional meet. I am so honored to participate in this meet and represent UDM. All of the hard work from this season has paid off and led me down a road that I did not expect to travel. As we practiced today, I looked around and realized that everyone has a different story and different obstacles that they are overcoming. Mostly, I realized that everyone is just as nervous as I am whether they have been here before or not.

I am excited to throw tomorrow! I am hoping for an awesome performance and a PR! If I am done in enough time, I would also like to watch Earnest run the 100-meter dash. Unlike other meets, we do not have our teammates, friends or family right there to cheer us on. The whole atmosphere is exciting and that was just during practice. I can't wait for tomorrow when the competition begins! It can only get better and this is an experience that we will never forget!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mark Engel – Men’s Golf Coach

The message light was blinking on my phone last night and it turned out the call I missed had been from Dave Byrne, our All-Horizon League golfer. “Hey Coach, it’s Dave. I won this tournament in Ontario today. Just thought you’d want to know.”

I did. Summer is a fun time for all of our UDM student-athletes as we coaches turn them loose to do more of their own thing while they spend time at home with their friends and family. But it’s good to know they’re still working at their games and doing well, as Dave did at the Ontario Champion of Champions, making him the second Titan in a row, following Britt Pronk, to win the tournament.

By the time we finally touched base, Dave was already heading back to Windsor on the 401 and had stopped for gas. So I got to hear about the golf course (it was tough, with only two players breaking par), his putting (not as good as his ball-striking) and how some of the other players from our team had done in the tournament.

Next stop for many of our guys is the Ontario Match Play Championship (June 2-5), which Dave has won the last two summers. It’s always good for a story or two.

Like two years ago, when Jeff Clarridge almost made it an All-Titan final, losing in a tight semi-final match and just missing out on meeting Dave for the championship. Or last year, when Dave was staying at Mark Hicks’ family’s cottage near Port Carling… and then beat Mark in their first match. Some house guest. Or like any year, when one Titan caddies for another if he’s been eliminated. We usually have a good presence in the 64-man field since so many of our players hail from Ontario. Last summer while I was out on a recruiting trip, one gentleman even told me, “Every time I turned around at the Match Play, one of your Detroit bags went by.”

I’m sure there’ll be some new tales from next week that I’ll hear eventually. Play well, guys.

Sunday, May 3 
Tiffany James - Women's Track & Field Senior 

The Horizon League Championship finals were today!!! The intense atmosphere was so crazy. Everyone was so pumped to see who was going to defend their titles or pull the biggest upsets. The day didn't start off so good for the UDM men's team as the 4x100 team was disqualified, but as the day went on the Titans rebounded with a win in the 100m dash (thanks to Earnest Cleary). Everyone on the men's team competed and gave it there all, but the women's team out staged them this time.

For the first time this season the whole women's team performed better then the guys. From Brittney Horne taking first ind second in her field events (the hammer and discus), Ashley Schinske breaking the school record in the heptathlon, the 4x400m relay breaking the school record, a couple of PR's, and so many top six performances. The women ended the year on a very good note. I was so glad to be part of this experience, especially being one of the members on the 4x400m relay. It was definitely an honor to be a part of this track team, and I hope that the team keeps getting better and better. 

Saturday, May 2
Terricita Thomas - Women's Track & Field Senior

As only Coach Murray could say "what a great day for track and field" and that is exactly what it was. As a team (men included) we had a great day in the preliminaries and things will only get better tomorrow!!! I am extremely excited after making the finals in the 800-meters and I am looking forward to a wonderful race tomorrow. This season has been nothing but hard work and it is finally paying off for me and Coach Jackson. I could not think of a better way to end my season and career as a Titan. WOOOOOO HOOOOO! LETS GO DETROIT TRACK AND FIELD!!!!

Friday, May 1 
Ryan Ayala - Men's Track & Field Sophomore

Today, the Titan Track and Field team started the HL Championships. I ran the 10k, which is 25 laps around the track. Marcus Acuna and I both ran the fastest times of our lives (and Kristie Ferrans on the women's side as well) and were pretty satisfied with the result. The goal of this blog, however, isn't to bore non-runners with the lap by lap analysis of the race, since it took more than a half hour. I feel that the aim of the blog should be to attempt to explain why I (or anyone else) would run such a silly race in the first place.

It's a funny thing, running. Many times it can be an escape from trouble, and other times it can make your life troublesome. So why risk making life less enjoyable by running a 10 k (or anything longer?) I suppose a large part of it lies in the fact that Coach Murray forced me to, but isn't it also interesting to see how far the human body can go? I know it can obviously go a lot further, since a 10k is 20 miles shorter than a marathon, but it's also the longest race that the NCAA has to offer. Running 25 laps usually sucks, especially when you're getting lapped. But sometimes, when your legs feel like they're soaked in battery acid and your side aches from all those bagels you ate before the race and you're seeing double, it's the greatest feeling in the world. It's tough to explain, but if you, dear reader, go out on the track and run around the oval a few times, you may find it. Good luck!

Friday, April 24
Grant Asher - Men's Tennis Head Coach

I am very excited for 1 p.m., and another opportunity at UIC. I'm proud to be apart of history with these young men and the first conference tournament since 1995. These guys have worked very hard this year and they deserve success! We really hoped that Patrick would be able to play, but he has not recovered from an injury he suffered a few weeks ago. Therefore, Dean Masuda will fill his shoes and get the job done.

It is going to be real windy here today. The expectations are to out think and out work our opponents! We also have to bring DOUBLE the energy then our opponents. The result will be fine if we get these three things done.

Tuesday, April 14
Megan Canty & Liz Hardy - Women's Lacrosse Seniors

#5 Megan Canty-It’s weird to think that exactly one year ago this week, MA approached Liz and I and offered us a deal of a lifetime, to come back for one more year of college and play DI lacrosse. Of course we made sure to tell her many times that we had never played lacrosse in our lives…ever! But she reassured us, that was ok. We would learn the skills and rules to the game, and be an integral part of the first ever women’s lacrosse team here at UDM. This confidence our soon to be coach had in our athletic abilities allowed us to take that chance and come September, learn a brand new sport we had never played.

Throughout the fall, our coaches worked hard in teaching us everything they could about the game of lacrosse. Of course having the love of sports, we soon loved this game as much as our first love of soccer. We have had our ups and downs this year, playing the number one team in the nation, building together as a first year team, our first wins and of course our first losses.
But now we are here, nearing the end of the season, on senior day, about to play Ohio State in our last home game of the year. And we have come a long way. Though injuries have caused us to have not a single bench player, our team continues to work day in and day out at practice to prepare for each upcoming game. With every first year team, there is a certain understanding of lesser skills, or lesser numbers. But just like any other team out there from Northwestern to Niagara to Ohio State, one thing we all have in common is heart.

Unfortunately, after only one year, I have to leave this team. And if there were anything I could say to them on this senior day, it would be…play with all your heart. You may not have as much skill as someone or as much speed, someone may be stronger than you or taller than you, but one thing they cannot take away from you is the heart and effort that you put into each day. The fact that you are on that field is a privilege that has been given to you, and I hope you do not take it for granted. Work your hardest, each and every day and in the end, when you are standing on the field for your senior day, you will be proud to say you gave it your all and had the time of your life. And you can be proud to say that you were a part of “The Start of Great Things”. Peace.Love.Lax.5

#8 Liz Hardy - As I sit here before senior day, my second senior day or maybe a better term is super senior day, all I can think of is how honored I am to have been given an opportunity to represent UDM on the field for five years. Sometimes it still feels surreal. Everyone always wants one more year. When that final whistle blew in my last soccer game, despite how hard I had already worked for four years, I wanted one more chance to play. Never in a million years did I think things would turn out the way they did.

It’s kind of funny how quickly life can change. You think you have everything planned out perfectly, and then one day something unexpected comes along and your life does a complete 180. I think it was almost exactly a year ago when I was at my last soccer practice, and Coach MA came out to the field that day and I picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time. When she asked who wanted to play next year, I thought she was joking. I had never seen a lacrosse game and I definitely didn’t know any of the rules. But one thing led to the next, and here I am playing Division I lacrosse.

Playing lacrosse has not only been one of the most rewarding experiences, but also one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. This year has pushed me in so many different ways, emotionally, physically and mentally. I’ve learned more about myself in the last nine months then I ever thought possible. This year has been a battle for all of us, but the triumphs we’ve experienced together have greatly outweighed every struggle we have faced.

As I walk out onto titan field today for the last time, I’ll be reminded of my last five years, but particularly everything from this season. From my first summer practice when coach Kelly Gallagher taught me how to tie my strings, to Titan 6’s, to shuttles every day, to shoveling the field, to 5 on 5 (4 on 4 when injuries plagued us), to red vs. white competitions, to walking out for my first game ever. What started as 14 individuals in the fall has grown into a team and a family that I’m going to have a difficult time saying goodbye too. We have achieved more this year individually and as a team than I could have ever imagined. It has been an honor to be part of this team, to represent UDM every day, and to help lay the foundation for the first Division I lacrosse program in Michigan. I truly believe this year is the start of great things. Peace. Love. Lax. 

Saturday, April 11
Pat O'Shea - Men's Lacrosse Junior

Well to start off like I said before, scoring the first goal in the Motor City was nice, but I would trade that in for a win in a second. To be honest after I scored, I didn't think anything of it really. I just thought to myself that it was a good start to the game to get the first goal. Our coaches always preach to us before the game to get the first goal and set the tempo early and I thought that’s just what that goal did. I felt it was a good start. 

Even after the game, the goal wasn't really on my mind. I guess you could say I was more focused on the loss and what I could have done differently to help our team win then about scoring the first home goal. I do want to thank my teammate Matt "Duke" Gregson because if it wasn't for his pass, the goal would have never have happened. In the end, I am glad to have been fortunate enough to have scored the first goal at home, but winning would have made everything that much better.

Friday, April 10
Guy Murray - Director of Track & Field & Cross Country

Head coach Guy Murray will give DetroitTitans.com a live blog on Friday as the Titans compete in the Outdoor Bison Classic.

Friday 4:17 p.m. - Senior Danielle Poulin hit a hammer PR of 47.33m/155'3".  The weather is ok, low 50's light wind and rain holding off. The heptathlon 200 starts in 10 minutes. 

4:34 p.m. - Senior Brittany Horne had a hammer PR of 51.72/169'8". She is now leading the competition heading to finals. Poulin in fifth

5:31 p.m. - Horne wins! Poulin sixth. No improvements in final. Big win! We have had a winner almost every year we have been to Bucknell. This year looked the shakiest as Penn St, Pitt and Maryland joined the field. Always good to represent Bucknell's coach Kevin Donner's alma mater with a win and a great performance.

Heptathlon Day 1 - Senior Ashley Schinske in 10th with 2,319 points. HH 16.64; HJ 4'7"; SP 31'9"; 200 27.63. Freshman Amanda Campbell in 15th with 2,040. 17.17; 4'8"; 23'; 27.88 in her events.

Uh oh sprinkles and a bit more wind. Next up is sophomores Kevin Smalley and Ryan Ayala in the 5k at 7:10 and then sophomore Pat Liederbach in the invite 5k at 8:55.

9:15 p.m. - Final race of the day was a good one with Pat Liederbach in the Invite 5000m. The weather held up with light drizzle at best and winds as light as they had been all day. Luke Watson, an All-American from Notre Dame had rabbitting duties after winning the steeple. Luke took the field through 3200m at 9:06-ish, while Pat found a nice rhythm running 69’s for the first mile at 4:35 and dead-on 70s in second mile to 9:15. Pat was right on the pace and moving up. His pace went to 72’s but was able to close it strong for 14:32.85, lowering his UDM record he set in December. Pat finished in the top 10 and I am pretty sure, his time in the outdoor 5000m record is superior to the indoor 5000m since the advent of over-sized tracks in 1989.

Day two starts with the Long Jump in the Heptathlon at 9 a.m.



Friday, April 10 
Ashley Schinske - Women's track & field senior 

The first day of the heptathlon is over and Amanda Campbell and I are resting up in the hotel. The field is pretty big this year with 21 competitors. We are currently sitting 10th and 15th with three events remaining tomorrow. Today was a decent day of competition. The rain waited until we finished and I can only hope that we will be as lucky tomorrow. Competition begins at 9 a.m. with the long jump and then we will cheer on the rest of our Titan squad. 

The highlight of the day came from the other two Titans competing today in coach Scott Corrado’s female throwers: Miss Brittany Horne and Miss Danielle Poulin. To sum it up, they dominated the field. Let me paint you a picture: The hammer throw. An 8.8lb metal ball attached to the end of a 3 foot wire. The technique involves spinning, balance, quickness, strength and timing. Let me tell you, Brittany and Danielle have got it down. Danielle started the day with a throw of 47.00m or about 154 feet. She stepped into the ring glowing with confidence and started her rotation. After three turns at helicopter-like speed, she released the hammer into the sky. It went flying through the air and came thundering down to the ground. A personal record for Danielle and a qualifying mark to reach finals! This throw was enough for a sixth place finish. Way to Go! 

Brittany was in the last section and came ready to rumble. She came off a strong indoor season and was looking to crush the competition at the second seed. She entered the ring with her eye on the prize. She spun at warp speed and released the hammer. It went soaring over the marks of all previous competitors to come crashing to the Earth at a whopping 51.72m or 169’ 8”. This was a personal record and enough to take the lead. No other thrower was able to top this effort making Brittany the 2009 Bison Outdoor Classic Hammer Throw Champion! 

I know they will use these strong performances as motivation to dominate the shot put and discus throw tomorrow. Good Luck Ladies! 

Tomorrow is slated to have a lot in store for me and my fellow Titans. I hope to have a strong finish along with Amanda during her first collegiate heptathlon. The sprinters and jumpers will showcase their talents tomorrow and with our talent pool, it should be a great show. 

Keep an eye out for the weekend’s results!!

Thursday, April 9
Matt Holtz - Head Coach Men's Lacrosse

The excitement of our first home game.

Things are always more exciting the first time you do them. The first time I rode a bike, I was ecstatic. That won't be any different for our first home game this Saturday when we face Wheeling Jesuit in the first men's lacrosse game every played on Titan Field. The excitement amongst the team is palpable.

This season has been much like that first time I rode a bike. It has been rough at times, and we have a few skinned knees to show for it. But each time we have fallen down, we have gotten right back up and tried again.

Saturday will also mark the last home game for three players on our team, Kevin Demorest, Michael Schumacher and Riley Turchetti. These three young men came here knowing that we would have a tough season and that they would only get to play one year for Detroit. They took an enormous chance on this season and I am proud of them for that.

For me, I feel like the father holding the back of the bike for his son while he tries to learn to ride. All year, I have been running along holding on as long as I can. All year when I have let go the kids have gotten a little bit further and done a little better in that next game.

If all goes as planned this Saturday, when I finally let go of the seat this time, the kids will stay up and keep riding down the street.

Tuesday, April 7
Dustin Goldenberg - Men's Tennis Freshman 

When I discovered that UDM was the host institution for this year’s Final Four, I had to pounce on the opportunity to work the games. This decision definitely paid off for me as I was treated to an experience I will not soon forget. Working as a statistics runner for the games, my job entailed me to provide statistics to members of the media during media timeouts and halftime. It felt nice having even a small role in such a big event for not only college basketball, but also for the city of Detroit.

Not to mention the job had several added perks to it. Being a statistics runner enabled me to see the games literally right next to the court instead of in my dorm room in Holden. In addition, I was able to see several famous sports figures that I look up to including talented sports writers, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Tony Dungy. I also shook University of Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet's hand.

I can say to that is what a weekend it was!

Thursday, March 19
Men's Lacrosse Trip

As the Detroit men’s lacrosse team makes its journey from the Motor City to the East Coast to take on Bryant and Quinnipiac, DetroitTitans.com will have a running blog all weekend long, especially on the 13 hour bus ride.

7 a.m. – We actually left on time. It is 7:05 and off we go. Everybody is actually in high spirits to get going. The great debate of what video to watch first has begun and the winner is Shawshank Redemption. Well actually it was Batman Begins but 20 minutes in, it kept skipping so Shawshank got the call out of the pen.

10:30 a.m. – Our first stop is in Aurora, Ohio where sophomore Jeff Julius’ dad, who is actually a professional chef, has prepared a team brunch. On the menu is some sort of Mexican breakfast, but for the good of the team and the trip, there are no beans or bean-like products that have been prepared. 

12:21 p.m. - Let the games begins. Wireless cards, what a great invention. 

5:01 p.m. - We just passed Syracuse about a half hour ago as the team makes its trip though New York. If you take NYC city away from the state, New York is really boring, at least it is on the route we are taking. March Maddness is a big topic so far, but no big upsets yet. For anyone who has not seen the movie Role Models, it is hilarious. A dinner stop is in the near future.

9:04 p.m. - Well our GPS said that we are about an hour and a half away. The day actually went by pretty quickly. Between the games, movies and a nap, it does not seem like we have been on the road for 10 hours. Michigan is winning which does not make some of the Michigan State grads on the bus happy. The movie Green Street Hooligans was not the best movie of the trip, prompting one of the funniest lines of the trip by assistant coach Chris Kolon, "I would rather have watched Dumbo".

10:05 p.m. - The long day is over as we arrived in the Hampton Inn. Pizza and the tournament the rest of the night. 

Friday, March 20 9 a.m. - Wake up call. Breakfast in hotel.

12:10 p.m. - Now that is using all your resources. The team is getting a run and a light walkthrough practice in the back parking lot of the hotel.

4:10 p.m. - Well after lunch at a Rhode Island classic Jay's Deli, which is next to a gas station, we are at Bryant three hours before game time, but the guys are out on the field warming up ready to go. Chilly day in Smithfield. Probably lower 40's and windy right now with colder temperatures coming for this 7 p.m. start. 

7:00 p.m. - The ball drops now.

7:42 p.m. - Tough start for Detroit as they are down early thanks to five goals by Zack Greer. He is an All-American candidate for a reason.

8:58 p.m. - A tough 15-6 loss, but once again, UDM never gave up as they outscored the Bulldogs 3-1 in the fourth.  

Saturday, March 21 10:05 a.m. - Breakfast and then on the bus to Hamden. 

4:15 p.m. - Practice time as the Titans prepare for Quinnipiac.

Sunday, March 22 - 10:33 a.m. - The team is warming up on the field. Everyone seems loose and ready to go. High 40's which feels like low 50's when the sun gets out behind the clouds. Lets gets a win. 

2:05 p.m. - Another tough loss for Detroit. One reason why this program will definitely  have success as it grows is the commitment from both the student-athletes and parents. The Titans had a lot of fans at the game today and they were impressed that the team never quit.  Off on the bus now as the team makes the journey home. 

7:30 p.m. – A stop at Perkins for dinner.

10:10 p.m. – I think watching movies is starting to get to the team. After an Independent movie was put in, the team started yelling for Schindler's List and The Sound of Music. After some discussion, the 2007 NCAA Lacrosse Championship between Duke and Johns Hopkins was the final choice.

Monday, March 23 - 3:05 a.m. – Back in the Motor City.


The Movie Tab
Batman Begins (for 20 minutes)
Shawshank Redemption
Office Space
Eagle Eye
Role Models
In The Line Of Fire
Green Street Hooligans
Road Trip 
Departed
A few James Bond movies
2007 NCAA Championship game between Duke and Johns Hopkins.

Monday, March 16
Sandi Brown-Women's Basketball Senior

My 2008-2009 basketball season was such a great experience. To be a part of a team and a coaching staff that wanted to win just as bad as I did, was just awesome.

My last game as a Titan was hard fought and our team never gave up. We were down 19-1 at one point in the game and, by halftime, we managed to only be down seven points, 29-22. The second half we cut the game to five points, but the other team was able to pull out the victory.

I must admit, losing that game in the semifinals of the Horizon League Championship, hurt more than any game we've lost this season, not just because we lost, but because that was my last time wearing a Titan jersey.

There has been many ups and downs throughout my four years at UDM, but it was nice to finish out my last season with these group of girls. My teammates were the best teammates anyone could have ever asked for. We weren't just teammates, we were sisters. We had each other's back and it showed on and off the court. I love those girls and I'm really going to miss playing with them.

This year we played under a new coaching staff and I think everyone would agree with me when I say, "They put the women's basketball program back on its feet!". Coach Rad, Coach Skyler, Coach Carrie, Coach Emily, and Katie all believed in us when no one else did. Our success this year not only goes to the players, but to them as well. We were a family and we believed in each other.

I'm really going to miss my FAMILY, but I have great memories from this year to take with me. My senior year was by far my best season as a Titan!

Thursday, March 12
Patrick Troy- Men's Tennis Junior

Well I just got home from practice at Franklin at around 10:45 p.m. It was a typical day for me – cardio in the mornings, class, and then some form of practice.

The team and I spent our spring break in Champaign, Illinois, and had a tough match with #11 Illinois on the trip. We got home on Saturday from Illinois, somewhat jealous of the girls’ trip down in Florida for spring break. However, a break from school is a break from school and I enjoyed it just the same. Many of us used it as extra practice time to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Horizon League matches.

Our coach, Grant Asher, has been working with us throughout the week individually and collectively to get us ready for Wright State and UIC this weekend – both matches are incredibly important. These matches give our new, fledgling team a shot at making our mark on the conference. For such a “green” team, we share a strong bond as teammates and have competed extremely well throughout the year. All of our team talks this week have been focused squarely on fighting hard and putting ourselves on the map as a contender for the conference title later on this season.

Friday looks to be a fun day. Both teams (men and women) are going out to eat in Royal Oak before our doubleheader in the evening against Wright State, which is always a fun time.

After sharing some laughs over good food, we’ll start to focus and put on our game faces as we make the drive to Franklin Racquet Club.
1…2…3…TITANS!!

Wednesday, March 11
Kevin Demorest- Men's Lacrosse Senior

Although it seems like the season just started, here we are near the half way point. Even though we haven't notched a win yet, we are getting better every day. Our team is still practicing as hard as ever, and now, we need to translate all that hard work from our practices to our games. We have had stretches where we look like we can play with anyone and stretches, where we lose focus. Consistency is what we need more than anything else, but I'm still proud of what our team has done so far.

I'm very proud of the hard work our team puts in every day at practice. It's really easy to look at our record and write our team off. It's really easy, as a player, to start taking days off. But this team is surrounded by a great staff and filled with motivated players who are willing to put in the work. This team works harder than any team I've ever been a part of; on the field, during conditioning, and in the weight room.

One of the problems with a first year Division I team is a lack of game experience. Everyone, from the captains to the freshmen, is learning on the job. We are learning that we need to play disciplined lacrosse. We are learning that we can’t take stupid penalties. We are learning that we can’t continuously turn the ball over. We are learning that it takes a full 60 minutes of lacrosse to win. Any lapse, whether it's a full quarter or just five minutes, can cost us the entire game. But the great thing is that we now know all these things. And while there are no guarantees about any number of victories, one thing I'm sure of is that we now know what it takes to win.

Tuesday, March 10
Svetlana Flankova - Women's Tennis Junior

Sunday night. We just got back from practice after having a couple days off. Spring Break is over and classes resume tomorrow. As I am sitting in my dorm room tonight, I decided to reflect on last week and our spring break trip to Florida.

This year, our coach, Daron Montgomery, picked Hollywood, Florida as our spring break trip destination. We stayed at Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel right on the ocean. We went on a spring break trip every year since I have been here and this year has been the best so far.

We have four seniors on the team and our coach did everything possible to make this trip fun and memorable for them and the younger members of the team. This year it was a perfect combination of tennis and hard work and fun and free time. We did not practice as much as we used to in previous years, but we had three matches, which is quite a bit for six days. At first we had only two matches scheduled, but our coach got a call from the coach of Barry University and out of respect to us he let us pick a match with them or two practices for the day. We picked a match.

It turned out to be a close and competitive 4-3 match. It was a good win and also a great practice for our team. We actually won all of our three matches down in Florida. Besides Barry, we played Duquesne, which was also there for the spring break and Nova Southeastern University (#11 in Division II). The win against Nova meant a lot for us because two years ago they beat us 8-1! When you get wins like that, you realize that all the hard work that you put in eventually pays off.

This trip not only made us better tennis players, but it also improved our team chemistry and made us stronger as a team. It is very important to be and act like a “team” in order to be successful. So, it was vital to have that kind of trip when we have only eight matches left before the Horizon League Championship in Indianapolis at the end of April. On behalf of the women’s tennis team I want to thank all of the alumni and donors that made this trip possible for us. We really appreciate it. 

Monday, March 9
Tim Shoemaker - Men's Lacrosse Junior

Halfway done…

It’s hard to believe that the season is just about half over. It seems like just last week we were all meeting for the first time and sharing our first few practices as a team. Looking at our record, most would assume we are playing as expected, losing by decent margins. I assumed losing the first season came with the territory of playing on a new team, and that playing some of the top ranked teams was going to be tough. I was right, but it’s amazing how much those losses bring a team together, and how much we’re learning from each game.

Over spring break, we headed out to Moon Township, Pennsylvania for games against Manhattan and Robert Morris. We played these teams back to back, on Saturday and Sunday, which is tough to do for any team, especially for a team that only plays about 17 guys in a given game. The first game went fairly well, we lost to Manhattan by our closest margin of five, and under different circumstances, very easily could have been a win. Anyone who was at the game knows what circumstances I’m speaking of. This game was important for the team, because it gave us a taste of how close we’re getting to a win. I could see fire in guys’ eyes that I hadn’t before this season, and I know that I’ll get to see that again before the year is over.

After losing to a very solid Robert Morris squad on Sunday, we packed up and hit the road south to Chapel Hill, NC. I was looking forward to getting down to warmer weather, and a chance to play on Carolina’s nice grass lacrosse field. Unfortunately, the weather followed us down from Michigan, and the high for game time was a brisk 35 degrees. I also learned that they moved the game to an astroturf field that is watered down constantly. I played on similar turf before, and knew how slick that stuff is without the right shoes. Most of the guys on our team didn’t bring the right kind, and surprisingly, most of the guys on UNC didn’t have them either. Needless to say the game was sloppy. Guys were slipping and sliding all over the place for the entire game and turf burn was imminent. As far as the game went, we hung around until midway through the second quarter, (3-1 I believe), until they started hitting their shots, and really ran away with it. It was a great experience playing a top five program like North Carolina. The staff, players, and coaches showed us a lot of class, and gave us the chance to see where we, as a new program, need to get to.

We now have two weeks off until we hit the road, once again, for matchups with Bryant and Quinnipiac. I feel like each game, we get a little better in a certain category, and that we’re always missing a certain piece of our game that will make us win. After seeing the highest level of play, I can say honestly that we have the talent. Right now, it’s about us putting it all together for four quarters. We’re halfway done with the season, and I think these next two games will dictate not only how far we’ve come, but how the second half of the season is going to play out.

Thursday, March 5
Jacqueline Nortman - Softball Senior 

Saturday, Feb. 28.
Pat Liederbach – Sophomore distance runner

I’ve been involved in athletics my whole life, and have participated in track and field for the past nine years. The more track and field becomes a part of my life, the more I realize how complex and confusing of a sport it really is. It’s a team sport, but the majority of the events are completely individual. It has a men’s team and a women’s team, but it sometimes appears to be a co-ed team when you consider the fact that both men and women ride the same bus, cheer on the same people, and experience the same pain. 

Track and field has many bizarre events such as the weight throw, triple jump, and pole vault, along with the equally strange art of racing other individuals around an oval.
The complexity of track and field make it that much harder for a team to rise to the occasion and have a successful league meet. For two days, virtually everything must go right. Every single athlete must compete at their best, which is a challenge considering the size of a both teams. 

The first of two days at the Horizon League Indoor Track and Field Championships is over. When asked to write about my experiences from the first day, I didn’t know where to start. There are so many things I could write about. So many highlights that will be mentioned, and so many performances that should get mentioned but probably won’t. The press release and results cover many of those highlights, but I thought I would take this opportunity to share one experience from the day that stood out in my mind, but will never appear on the result sheet. 

I had the opportunity to race 5000 meters today, which turned out to be a really exciting race. The field house was quiet at the start, but by the third mile, almost everyone was paying attention. All the teams were yelling, pushing their teammates faster and faster with their words of encouragement. I couldn’t see the first two runners when they finished, but I knew when they were crossing the line because the energy in that field house was overwhelming. All the athletes, coaches, and spectators burst into wild cheers as the two dove across the finish line separated by a mere two thousandths of a second. 

The wild cheering continued, until the whole field had come through. After finishing, I looked over at Coach Murray who gave me a congratulatory fist pump from the other side of the building. I shook hands with some of the other runners, and then collapsed on the ground. I got myself together after a few minutes, and walked back to where our team was sitting. Every teammate I passed gave me a high five or a hug along with a big smile of approval. Many of them asked if I had heard them cheering for me, but I couldn’t remember. They had all been cheering. 

It may seem insignificant, but that is what I will remember from the first day of the meet. I’ll let the record books record times and distances, and I’ll let my memory record what’s really important. I’ll let my memory record all those hugs, and high fives, and smiles. We still have one more day of competition, but if things continue to go in the direction that they’ve been going, it should be a pretty successful league meet.



Saturday, Feb. 28.
Jennifer DeFauw – Senior distance runner

Right now, I am relaxing in my hotel room with my teammates and thinking about how exciting today was (the first day of the Horizon League meet). I always enjoy the Horizon League meets because all of the athletes are well rested, very competitive, and ready to bring their best and put it all out there. The event I ran was last today, so I had a lot of time to cheer on my teammates and I thought the girls did a great job of stepping it up and running/throwing/jumping personal best performances.

As the distance medley relay was approaching, my nerves and excitement level began to build because the energy level was high and athletes from all teams were supporting the competitors. I led off the relay with a 1200m. I wanted to be in the mix of it up in the front pack. To my surprise, I was leading the race and everyone else was content with sitting behind me. I felt very relaxed and decided that I wouldn't let anyone pass me and if someone decided to make a move to go by, I would do my best to stay with them and not let a gap develop. I was really excited to hear that I ran a 3:50 for my leg. Coach (Emily) Jackson and Coach (Guy) Murray suggested that I should use that pace for my mile scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The race felt so relaxed and I look forward to competing and to see if I have an opportunity to score. I was so proud of my teammates who all ran personal best performances. Relays have always been my favorite events to compete in because I know my teammates are counting on me to run my best.

One of the things I loved about my race was all the screaming teammates cheering me on as I went. It made it much easier to know they cared about my performance and wanted me to do my best. After I was done, teammates came up to me and said, "good job!," and asked about me about my time. I feel great knowing my first race went well and I look forward to tomorrow.



Thursday, Feb. 26.
Matt Holtz – Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach 

As I sit in my office at 8:00 pm, three days before the biggest road trip in our program’s brief history, I try to contemplate what it’s going to take to be successful this weekend. We are facing three teams (Manhattan, Robert Morris and North Carolina), all with more experience than us, all with bigger rosters, and all with more experienced coaches. 

I am thinking about what we can do to prepare for this weekend. When I signed up for this gig, I knew that this first year would be tough. I knew we would have to “take our lumps” as I seem to always say in every media interview. I think back to my playing days and try to remember what my coaches told me before weeks like this. I recall all the long conversations on the phone with some of the greats in the college coaching ranks. Many of them offered advice. All offered encouragement. I tried to take away as much as I could for this week of practice. 

I look at my roster and I see a grand total of one season of Division I experience. I see a couple tough Division II transfers, and some guys I brought with me from my club coaching days. Aside from that, I have a bunch of freshman, kids really. 

That was last night, fast forward to today. With less than 48 hours, I know I have done all that I can do to prepare my guys for what is ahead of them. I see the fire in their eyes. They are taking it one game at a time. They are working as hard as any team I have ever seen, but most importantly, they have come together as a team. 

When I look back many years from now, on what I hope will turn into a long career of coaching young boys into men, I will think about this group of guys. I will remember how this week they came together as a team, and started down the road that would take them from boys to becoming men.