Each year the UE Alumni Association honors the achievements and service of select alumni.  These awards are presented at the Founders Day Luncheon, Sunday, February 17, at noon.  The follow awards will be presented:

Marjorie Soyugenc M’73
Posthumous Distinguished Alumna Award

George Day ‘95
Young Alumni Award

Patricia Kishline
Samuel Orr Honorary Alumna Award

Steve ’86 and Kathie Bugg
Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award

Founders Day is recognized each year in February in honor of our founding as Moores Hill Male and Female Collegiate Institution in 1854.  Celebrate with purple cake Friday, February 15, at 12:45 p.m. in the Ridgway University Center lobby.

The annual Founders Day Convocation and Luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 17.  More information and online registration can be found at www.uealumnionline.com/foundersday2013.  Questions?  Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at alumni@evansville.edu.

The campus community is invited to a special Moonlight Madness worship service tonight in Neu Chapel, 9:30 p.m.  This service will kick-off our Pipes and Prophets Festival of Young Preachers that takes place tomorrow, from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Seventeen Young Preachers between the ages of 16-18 will be preaching from the pulpit and the pipe organ. Nazarene Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church choirs will also be participating throughout the weekend.

All are invited!

The UE Bookstore will be open until 6 p.m. on Friday, February 15.  Also during Road Trip - on Saturday, February 16 - the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  During these two days you'll receive 10% off any UE clothing and gift purchases.  Items already on sale are excluded from additional discount.  You can also get some PURPLE for the game Saturday!

From gourmet popcorn to greeting cards to grocery shopping services, students in the Schroeder Family School of Business will showcase their products and services today at an entrepreneurship fair. The event will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Schroeder Family School of Business Building Atrium. Admisison is free and open to all. Bring cash for shopping!

Ten student-founded businesses are taking part in the fair as part of a two-semester curriculum in entrepreneurship, taught by UE Assistant pPofessor of Management Joe Trendowski.

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre presents the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Heidi Chronicles, opening at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15 in Shanklin Theatre.  Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 21, 22, 23 and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 17 and 24. 

Winner of the 1989 Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this comedic and poignant play by Wendy Wasserstein is an unflinching portrayal of the Baby Boom generation's coming of age.  Following Heidi and her friends through 23 years, Wasserstein deftly explores the women's rights movement and its effects on a group of intelligent and well-educated women attempting to succeed in a male-dominated world.  Audiences will be left in awe by the huge strides made by women in their attempt to "have it all" and pondering the hurdles still remaining in today's society.

The Heidi Chronicles is directed by Professor of Theatre R. Scott Lank with scenic design by senior Katie Sullivan; costume design by senior Krista Weltner; lighting design by junior Hannah Cypress Staelin-Lefsky; sound design by junior Dylan Kind, and dramaturgy by junior Olivia Shadid.

The 12-member cast features seniors Jennifer Finch as Heidi; Myra Lamphier as Molly/Jill; Micheal Trzos as Peter; Jonathan Rouse as Scoop; juniors Julie Adamo as Susan; Lilli Hokama as Betsy/Fran/April; Alex Raby as Lisa; sophomore Vasiliy Kostromitin as Waiter/Steve/Mark; and freshmen TJ Baldassare as Dr. Ray/Chris; Erdin Schultz-Bever as Becky; Caitlin McCarthy as Denise; and Glyne Pease as Debbie.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for senior adults, students and UE faculty.  UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend.  Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488–2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

The Rev. Dr. the Lord Leslie Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port Campus will be on campus from February 14-17. The campus community is invited to attend the following events throughout the week including the political science course:

Friday, February 15 
2:00–2:50 p.m.
Room 272 in Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building
Congress/Legislative Process, PSCI 313

9:30 p.m.,
Sanctuary of Neu Chapel
Moonlight Madness Opening Worship

Saturday, February 16
9:00–3:30 p.m., Sanctuary of Neu Chapel
Pipes and Prophets
Festival of Young Preachers

Sunday, February 17
10:30 a.m.,
Sanctuary of Neu Chapel
Founders Day University Worship
Edgar M. McKown Lecture

For more information, contact Tammy Gieselman at (812) 488-2240, tg85@evansville.edu or evansville.edu/religiouslife

The Rev. Dr., the Lord Leslie Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port, is the Superintendent Minister of Wesley’s Chapel, the Cathedral of World Methodism in London, England and a member of the House of Lords, Labour Party.

The University of Evansville Founders Day celebration will be held in Neu Chapel this Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

The Rev. Dr., the Lord Leslie Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port, is the Superintendent Minister of Wesley’s Chapel, the Cathedral of World Methodism in London, England and a member of the House of Lords, Labour Party. He will serve as our Edgar M. McKown lecturer Sunday morning in Neu Chapel as the campus community celebrates Founders Day.

Founders Day ceremonies are held in observance of four important events in the history of the University of Evansville:

On February 8, 1810, John C. Moore, founder of Moores Hill College, was born. In addition to contributing $3,000
and 12 acres to the school, Moore personally paid the school’s deficits until his death in 1871.

The story of the University of Evansville began 158 years ago on February 10, 1854, when Moores Hill Male and Female Collegiate Institute was incorporated. This fledgling institution was located in Moores Hill in Dearborn County, about 40 miles west of Cincinnati.

On February 17, 1919, the school was relocated and Evansville College was incorporated. The College achieved its first major academic goal in 1931 by winning accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Rapid growth and years of dedication to meeting the area’s higher education requirements were recognized by the state legislature’s action in renaming the school. On February 17, 1967, the University of Evansville was incorporated.

THE EDGAR M. McKOWN LECTURE
Edgar M. McKown, PhD, was professor of Bible and philosophy at Evansville College from 1936 to 1969 and dean of the College from 1941 until 1962. From 1962 until 1966, he served as director of religious life. His first love was teaching, and during his years as dean he continued to teach at least one class each semester. For many years McKown was chair of the South Indiana UMC Annual Conference Board of Ministerial Training and Qualifications. He was a founder of the Weekday Religious Education Program of Evansville. A major purpose of his life was to increase knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and commitment to that faith.

All are welcome!
 

Melvin M. Peterson Literary Hour: Concerning Jack London is planned for Thursday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. Each year, in honor of the Department of Creative Writing’s longtime supporter, Mel Peterson, several professors and students discuss various aspects of the work of an important literary figure. This year the focus will be on the renowned American author, Jack London.

Father Chris Forler, 2002 UE alumnus, will be the celebrant for this Sunday's Mass in Neu Chapel as we continue the Lenten season. Music will be led by the Newman Choir; those interested in helping to lead are welcome to rehearsal in the chapel at noon, or you may contact Melanie Bacaling at mb298 or Elisabeth Bombell at eb149. Everyone is welcome!
 

The Newman Catholic Student Center is hosting a Q&A Monday evening to discuss the surprise announcement of Pope Benedict's retirement. Father Ryan Hilderbrand from Christ the King Catholic Church and campus minister Mike Roesch will be on hand to provide details on the history behind papal abdication and the process for choosing a new pope, as well as to answer any questions about the papacy. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m., with the discussion starting at 6:00 p.m. The Newman Center is located at 1901 Lincoln Avenue, just across the street from the Koch Center and front oval.

Everyone is welcome and invited to attend!

Contact Mike at mr201 with any questions.
 

Interested in working for the Crescent Magazine or the LinC next year? Let’s talk. There will be info sessions at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19, in Eykamp 252, Ridgway University Center. Come to learn more about the variety of positions and practical opportunities available, including marketing and sales, writing, editing, photography and design positions. This is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a publishing environment while earning academic credit. Information sheets and applications are available for all positions with the Crescent Magazine at facebook.com/uecrescent and with the LinC at facebook.com/uelinc. For additional information, contact tm2@evansville.edu.

The UE Health and Fitness Fair is Thursday February 21, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Fitness Center.  Admission is free. Check out our  vendors, register  for free prizes and giveaways. For more information you may contact Angie Stauber at ext.  2622 or email as547.

UE Theatre is proud to welcome alumni Joshua Marsh '08 and Drea Tartaglia '07, to campus to speak with students regarding careers in costuming for television. Marsh is the assistant costume designer on the hit show HBO's Girls, along with UE alumnus Steven Manual '09 who serves as costume coordinator.  Drea worked for two seasons as a draper/tailor on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and she is now joining the costuming department on Girls.  Joshua and Drea will speak with students from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 16, in Shanklin Theatre.

Do you sing, play an instrument, or have a special talent? How about cooking exotic cuisine? If you want to showcase your talent with an International flair, join us by preforming at the International Banquet. If you wish to preform please email Belen Robles (gr36@evansville.edu). If cooking is more of your preference, email Ernesto Rojas (er99@evansville.edu) on how to help. Grab some friends and put together an act or a dish… The more, the merrier! We look forward to hearing from you!
 

Greeks at the Game on Wednesday, February 20 at 7:05 p.m. Wear your letters and come support your Purple Aces as they take on Illinois State Redbirds. The highest percent of each fraternity or sorority in attendance will win a pizza party or philanthropy money for their chapter. Raffle prizes for members will be announced throughout the game which include Visa gift card, UE t-shirts, UE Fan Pack, and other great prizes! Questions? Please contact VP Inter-Greek Affairs Katie Schmidt at ks375@evansville.edu

You only have one page to say it all! Join Gene Wells, Director of the UE Center for Career Development, to learn thedo’s and don’ts for designing your résumé.. A complimentary luncheon will be provided with an RSVP to ds120@evansville.edu by Feb. 18. The luncheon & workshop will be in Eykamp 253/ 254, Ridgway University Center. 

This event is sponsored by the Office of Veterans Affairs, UE VETS (Veterans Education Transition Support), and AES (Adult Education Society) student organizations in collaboration with UE Center for Career Development. 

If you want to hear banjo, mandolin, double bass, and other instruments playing bluegrass music, come to Wheeler Concert Hall tomorrow, Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m.! This is the senior recital of Ellyn Washburne and will feature both toe-tapping tunes and a walk through the history of bluegrass. After the recital, we’re sticking around for an open jam session, so bring your instrument if you want to try this music for yourself!

The Jostens representative will be at the UE Bookstore on Tuesday, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the entrance.  This will be the only visit during the year for the Jostens rep.  During this day Josten's will be offering up to 40% off on select college rings.  Women's rings start at $169 and men's at $189.  If you're looking to buy a college ring or just curious this is the perfect opportunity to place your order or get more information.  The offers are only good the day of the event.  If you have any questions please contact the UE Bookstore.

Teacher Education Admission packets are now available in the School of Education office in Graves Hall, Room 304. Your interview will be scheduled when the application and professional education portfolio (LiveText or hard copy) are submitted. The deadline for submission is March 11.  Scheduled interviews will be conducted on March 18, 19, and 20.

Please Note:  You must meet the following requirements to apply: 1) a passing score on all three praxis 1 tests or passing ACT/SAT scores, 2) overall GPA of 2.8 or better, 3) grade C or better in EDUC 100, 200, 320 or currently enrolled.

Please contact the School of Education office or your advisor if you have any questions.

A gold mother's ring was lost somewhere between Old National Bank and Graves Hall. The ring is set with 2 red stones and 1 blue stone. If found please contact Lexi Olmstead at ao57@evansville.edu. There will be a $50 reward to anyone to turns it in.

Recyclemania is going strong at UE!  For the first week, we recycled over 3,000 lbs of material - that’s the great news!  However, we also sent out over 20,000 lbs of trash.  One of our waste haulers is auditing our trash, and said they saw many items in the trash that could have been recycled, such as newspapers and plastic containers.

Here’s a list of what’s included as recyclables for the competition – help UE and the environment by putting the following items in the recycle bins, and NOT in the trash:
• Office paper
• Cardboard
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Cereal boxes, beverage and soda cases
• Books
• Aluminum cans (rinsed out, empty)
• Plastic containers: 

NOTE:  We are now accepting all RINSED OUT plastic containers with #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 in the recycle symbol on the container.   Here are some examples:
 Milk containers
 Water bottles
 Shampoo bottles
 Laundry detergent containers
 Margarine containers 

We’d like to make our great recycling program the best it can be, not just during Recyclemania, but every day!  If you’ve got suggestions for improvements, send an email to js652.

The University of Evansville, in pursuit of excellence in service, wishes to recognize a non-faculty employee displaying records of achievement as a leader.  Leadership may be demonstrated in any of the following categories:

• Service to the University community
• Service to students
• Job performance and attitude towards fellow employees

To be eligible, an employee must be a full-time member of administration or staff.

Nominations for the March 2013 Employee Excellence Award are due no later than Wednesday, February 20.

To nominate someone, or to find out more information about the Employee Excellence Awards, go to http://acelink.evansville.edu/Tools/EmployeeAward/

The University of Evansville women’s basketball team held an 11-point advantage at halftime, holding visiting Indiana State to just 15 first-half points, but the Sycamores used a 26-0 run and held the Purple Aces without a field goal for over 11 minutes to earn a 55-48 win Thursday night at the Ford Center.

Freshman Laura Friday scored a career-high 11 points, going 4-for-9 from the field, to lead three Evansville (8-14, 6-5 MVC) players in double figures.  Redshirt senior Chelsea Falkenstein pitched in 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench, while sophomore Kat Taylor finished the evening with 10 points, marking her third-straight double-digit effort.

UE’s defense was the story of the first half, as Indiana State (15-8, 7-5 MVC) shot just 12.9 percent from the field in the first half and scored a season-low 15 first-half points. 

The Aces opened the game on an 11-1 run, as ISU missed its first 11 shots and was held without a field goal for the opening 7:17.  Friday and Taylor combined to score Evansville’s first 11 points, as Taylor buried a pair of triples and Friday followed with a layup and a three-pointer of her own to force a Sycamore timeout at the 13:10 mark.

UE built its lead to 19-6 on a layup by senior Samantha Heck with 4:45 remaining in the half, but Indiana State countered with a 9-0 run that was capped by a Natasha Zurek layup to cut the Aces’ lead to 19-15 with just over two minutes to play in the opening period.

Evansville responded by scoring the final seven points of the half, including a fast-break layup by senior Meagan Collins, to take a 26-15 advantage into the locker room.

Taylor led the Aces with 10 first-half points, while Heck and sophomore Mallory Ladd combined for 14 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.  In addition, UE’s defense held ISU to just four first-half field goals, as the Sycamores scored seven of their 15 points from the free throw line.

The two teams traded baskets for the opening five minutes of the second half and Evansville led 31-19 after a layup by Friday at the 15:16 mark, but Indiana State would respond with a remarkable defensive stand.

The Sycamores held UE without a field goal for the next 11:10, as they slowly chipped away at the Aces’ lead, using a 26-0 run to take a 45-32 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the contest.  During the run, ISU scored 20 points in the paint and forced nine UE turnovers.

Evansville would close the gap to five points on a Friday trey with 28 seconds to play, but Anna Munn sank a pair of free throws to seal the win and complete the Sycamore comeback.

Indiana State’s Racheal Mahan led all scorers with 17 points and was the only ISU player to reach double figures.  Taylor Whitley recorded nine points and eight rebounds in the win, while Munn added eight points, eight boards and a game-high five assists.

Evansville outrebounded Indiana State, 40-35, but the Sycamores scored 20 points off of 20 Aces’ turnovers, while committing just nine.

ISU shot 65.2 percent in the second half, hitting 15 of its 23 shots, while UE shot just 29.6 percent over the final 20 minutes, going 8-for-27 from the field and 2-for-10 from behind the arc.

Evansville will return to the hardwood Saturday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m., when it hosts Illinois State for in its “Hoops For the Cure” game.
 

The University of Evansville softball team will hit the road this weekend for its season opener. The Aces will travel to Troy, Ala, to compete in the Troy Invitational.Evansville will face host Troy, Virginia Tech, and North Florida during the three-day tournament. The Aces begin play Friday at 1:00 p.m. CST against the Hokies.

Complete Schedule (Central Time)
Fri 2/15 UE vs. Virginia Tech, 1:00 p.m.
Fri 2/15 UE at Troy, 3:00 p.m.
Sat 2/16 UE vs. North Florida, 11:00 a.m.
Sat 2/16 UE vs. TBA
Sun 2/17 UE vs. TBA

The Aces will return six starters and 12 letterwinners for the upcoming season, including sophomore #Kayla Fortner# who was named to the Second Team All-MVC and the NFCA All-Region Second Team for the 2012 season.

Head coach #Mark Redburn# will retain his pitching staff, including lead #Sarah Patterson#, #Kendall Kautz#, and #Taylor Perry#, while introducing two freshmen, #Sarah Baldwin# and #Annie Moore#, to the versatile bullpen.

The infield will have a lot of depth as seniors #Alicia Betancur# and #Brianna Villanueva#, as well juniors #Emily Morris#, #Niki Rahming#, and #Kacey Rogers#, all return for the Aces. Freshmen #Kirsten O’Conner# and #Tori Griffin# will also join the Aces as infielders. Senior catcher #Halie Malone# will also be joined by freshman #Morgan Baer# behind the plate.

To round out the lineup in the outfield., senior #Tamara Robey# will be joined by sophomores #Victoria Dellorto# and #Mariah Ferguson#. Fortner will also be seen in the outfield.

Scouting the Opponents:

Virginia Tech (4-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference)
Virginia Tech enters this weekend’s series with a 4-1 record after opening its season at the Dot Richardson National Collegiate Softball Invitational, with its only loss being  against Fordham. The Hokies were picked fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Kat Banks leads the Hokies with a batting average of .500 in her 10 appearances at the plate. Banks has also racked up four RBI and one home run. Courtney Liddle has also shown power at the plate with a .375 batting average with 17 at bats and one home run. Jasmin Harrell leads the pitching staff this season with 12.0 innings in the circle, tallying a 1.75 ERA and 16 strikeouts.

Troy (2-2, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference)
Troy enters this weekend series with a 2-2 record after splitting at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic, with its two wins coming against Georgia State and Tennessee State. The Trojans were picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt Conference, with senior catcher Hannah Renn named an at-large selection to the Preseason Sun Belt All-Conference team. With her 13 appearances at the plate, Renn leads the Trojans with six hits, a .462 batting average, three runs and a .467 on-base percentage. The pitching staff is led by Rachel Rigney with 13.2 innings pitched, seven strikeouts and a 4.10 ERA from within the circle.

North Florida (4-1, 0-0 Atlantic Sun Conference)
North Florida enters this weekend’s series with a 4-1 record, with their most recent win against UCF on Wednesday. The Ospreys were picked to finish seventh in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Ashley Holton leads the Ospreys at the plate with a .417 batting average, three runs scored and three RBI. Kayla Goff leads the pitching staff with 13.1 innings pitched, six strikeouts and one shutout. Goff has also pitched two complete games and owns a 1.58 ERA.

 

University of Evansville head women’s soccer coach Krista McKendree and her staff announced the signing of 12 players that will continue their athletic and academic careers at Evansville.  The Purple Aces’ signing class includes players from seven different states and Canada.

“Our staff is extremely excited to welcome 12 exception ladies to our family,” McKendree said.  “Our hard work recruiting has paid off in finding a deep class comprised of high quality student-athletes.  These young ladies embody the characteristics that will continue to drive our program forward and they are committed to the opportunity for success that lies ahead of them as an Ace.  We are confident that their unique personalities will blend well with our returning group in August, as we prepare to compete for another Missouri Valley Conference championship.”

The 2013 UE women’s soccer signing class includes:  Whitney Biggs (Bloomington, Ind. / Bloomington North), Bronwyn Boswell (Frisco, Texas / Centennial), Jordin Campbell (Loveland, Colo. / Thompson Valley), Megan Carpenter (Castaic, Calif. / Bishop Alemany), Kady Dieringer (St. Louis, Mo. / Rosati-Kain), Colleen Dierkes (St. Louis, Mo. / Visitation Academy), Emily Griebel (Peoria, Ill. / Dunlap), Heather Hall (Fort Collins, Colo. / Rocky Mountain), Katy Kessler (St. Louis, Mo. / Rosati-Kain), Noor Medlej (London, Ontario / Sir Wilfird Laurier), Laura Minor (Frisco, Texas / Wakeland) and Emily Richardson (Elizabethtown, Ky. / Elizabethtown)

WHITNEY BIGGS, GK, BLOOMINGTON, IND. / BLOOMINGTON NORTH

Notable:  Four-year starter at Bloomington North High School…guided team to two semi-state appearances, three sectional titles and a conference championship…named all-conference in 2012 and was a two-time team MVP…two-time academic all-state selection…member of the Bloomington Cutters club team…selected to the Indiana ODP team in 2011 and 2012.


BROWNWYN BOSWELL, MF, FRISCO, TEXAS / CENTENNIAL

Notable:  Four-year starter at Centennial High School…named district Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior…second-team all-district selection as a freshman…guided Centennial to an area championship in 2011 and a runner-up district finish in 2012…named the team MVP the last two seasons…member of the Solar Chelsea ECNL club team that was ranked third in the nation in 2012…four-sport athlete that also lettered in cross country, track and basketball.


JORDIN CAMPBELL, F/MF, LOVELAND, COLO. / THOMPSON VALLEY

Notable:  Four-year varsity starter and two-year team captain at Thompson Valley High School…named to the Reporter Herald All-Area Team in 2012…member of the Arsenal Elite club team that claimed the state championship in 2011 and 2012…named to the Colorado State ODP Team in 2010-11 and the Club Super Team in 2011-12…three-sport athlete that was also a member of the diving team and junior varsity basketball team.


MEGAN CARPENTIER, D, CASTAIC, CALIF. / BISHOP ALEMANY

Notable:  Four-year starter and 2013 team captain at Bishop Alemany High School and led team in scoring in 2012…named all-conference and Midfielder of the Year in 2012…selected to the Nutcracker Classic All-Tournament Team in 2011…two-time captain of her club team, leading them in scoring in 2010.


KADY DIERINGER, D, ST. LOUIS, MO. / ROSATI-KAIN

Notable:  Three-year starter and 2012 team captain at Rosati-Kain High School…team’s leading goal scorer as a freshman and a sophomore, and second-leading goal scorer as a junior…tallied 20 goals and 10 assists as a junior, earning first-team all-conference, all-region and all-state honors in addition to being named the Southeast Region Player of the Year…notched 16 goals and eight assists as a sophomore to earn first-team all-conference, all-region and all-state recognition…was named first-team all-conference as a freshman, scoring 11 goals and dishing out three assists…member of the WC St. Louis club team…two-sport athlete that was also a varsity letterwinner and team captain in field hockey.


COLLEEN DIERKES, MF, ST. LOUIS, MO / VISITATION ACADEMY

Notable:  Led Visitation Academy to a pair of Missouri state championships in 2010 and 2011…three-sport athlete that was also a diver and field hockey player for the Vivettes…member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher ELITE club team…named to the ECNL All-Event Team that recognized nine outstanding players at the tournament in Temecula, California…four-time selection to the Missouri ODP state team.


EMILY GRIEBEL, MF/F, PEORIA, ILL. / DUNLAP

Notable:  Four-year starter at Dunlap High School…two-time first-team all-conference selection…named to the Peoria Journal Star All-Area First Team and to the IHSSCA All-Sectional Team in 2012…named team MVP…member of the John Gaspar Soccer Academy club team.


HEATHER HALL, F/D, FORT COLLINS, COLO. / ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Notable:  Two-time First Team Academic All-State selection at Rocky Mountain High School…member of the Fort Collins Arsenal Gold club team…helped her club team to a Region IV semifinals appearance in 2012, a Colorado State Cup championship in 2011 and a Colorado State Cup finals appearance in 2010…attended Region IV ODP camp in 2011.


KATY KESSLER, GK, ST. LOUIS, MO. / ROSATI-KAIN

Notable:  Three-year starter at Rosati-Kain High School…three-year all-conference and two-time all-region selection…allowed just 17 goals in 1980 minutes between the posts with 11 shutouts and 107 saves as a junior to earn first-team all-state honors and All-Southeast Region Goalkeeper of the Year accolades…helped Rosati-Kain to a second-place finish in the Missouri State Championship in Class 2…allowed just 14 goals in 1543 minutes and posted 128 saves and 10 shutouts as a sophomore…allowed 19 goals in 1457 minutes and recorded 155 saves and nine shutouts as a freshman…member of the WC St. Louis club team…three-sport athlete that also lettered in softball and basketball.


NOOR MEDLEJ, MF/F, LONDON, ONTARIO / SIR WILFIRD LAURIER

Notable:  Named team captain and MVP of her varsity team…member of the North London Galaxy club team and scored 30 goals during the 2012 season, including 13 in league games…member of the Provincial Soccer ODP team and scored five goals in four games during a 201 United States tour…participated in training camp with the 2011 Lebanese Women’s National Team, scoring a pair of goals in a friendly match.


LAURA MINOR, D, FRISCO, TEXAS / WAKELAND

Notable:  Two-year starter at Wakeland High School…helped team to three district titles and a regional finals appearance in 2012…member of the Sting Blue club team…helped club team to a pair of Puma Cup championships in 2011 and 2012.


EMILY RICHARDSON, MF/D, ELIZABETHTOWN, KY. / ELIZABETHTOWN

Notable:  Two-time all-district and all-regional selection at Elizabethtown High School…First Team All-State selection in 2012 and received all-state honorable mention recognition in 2011…selected as the offensive MVP in 2012 and led Elizabethtown to the Kentucky State quarterfinals…finished her 2012 season with 28 goals and 10 assists…guided Elizabethtown to a Lexington Catholic Cup title in 2011 and was named Academic All-State that season…member of the Louisville United club team…tallied 31 goals during her 2012 club season…also a member of the track and field team at Elizabethtown, placing sixth in the Kentucky State Championships in pole vault as a freshman and second as a sophomore.

The University of Evansville baseball team will open its 2013 season with a three-game series at Arkansas-Little Rock beginning Friday, Feb. 15, in Little Rock, Arkansas.  The Purple Aces will open the series at 3 p.m., on Friday, take on the Trojans at 1 p.m. Saturday and close the set with a 1 p.m. game Sunday.

Evansville (0-0) returns 26 letterwinners from its 2012 team that finished 32-27 and placed fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 10-11 mark in league play.  The Aces also return 12 of their 13 pitchers from last season, including its entire starting rotation, but were tabbed eight in the MVC Preseason Poll.

As a team, UE hit .256 last season with 12 home runs and a .333 slugging percentage.  However, what Evansville lacked in power, it made up for with speed defense.  The Aces were successful in 90 of their 118 stolen base attempts last season and led the nation with a .981 fielding percentage.

Senior Jason Hockemeyer and redshirt sophomore Kevin Kaczmarksi, who was an All-MVC selection last season, return as the top two offensive players for UE.  Hockemeyer hit .360 with nine doubles, 29 RBI, a home run and was the team’s co-leader with five triples.  Kaczmarksi hit .303 with 13 doubles, 33 RBI, a homer, five triples, 13 stolen bases and a team-high .410 on-base percentage. 

Junior Jake Mahon and redshirt sophomore Kyle Pollock return as the top power threats for UE, as Mahon drove in a team-best 43 RBI in 2012 and Pollock led the squad with five long balls.

Evansville’s pitching staff posted a 4.09 staff ERA last season and the Aces will look to the rotation of sophomore Kyle Freeland, redshirt junior Sam Johns and senior Kyle Lloyd to kick off the season against the Trojans.  Freeland, who will get the ball in Friday’s season opener, posted a 4-5 record and a 4.55 ERA during his freshman campaign, striking out a team-high 70 opposing hitters in 91.0 innings of work.  Johns, who is slated to get the start on Saturday, appeared in 13 games in 2012 and made four spot starts, going 1-2 with a 7.18 ERA.  Lloyd is expected to get Sunday’s start and went 6-3 last season with a 3.01 ERA in 86.2 innings on the hill and held opposing hitters to a .241 average.

Arkansas-Little Rock (0-0) returns 20 letterwinners from last year’s team that went 26-28 overall and finished ninth in the Sun Belt Conference with a 12-18 mark in conference games.  UALR brings back five position players and 10 pitchers, including its primary four starters from a year ago.  The Trojans hit .293 as a team in 2012 with 66 homers and a .477 slugging percentage.  Arkansas-Little Rock also stole 89 bases in 118 attempts and fielded .963 as a team.

John Clark returns as UALR’s top offensive player after hitting .344 with four home runs, seven doubles 19 RBI and a .578 slugging percentage.  Blake Johnson also returns to the Trojan lineup after hitting .315 with six round-trippers, 14 doubles and 33 RBI last season.  UALR will be without its top two power bats from last season in Sean Bignall and Nick Rountree, as the two combined for 29 home runs and 108 RBI a year ago.  Bignall led Arkansas-Little Rock in batting average (.346), homers (18) and RBI (64), driving in 20  more runs than any other Trojan in 2012.

The UALR pitching staff posted a 6.00 ERA last season with a pair of shutouts and a .293 opposing batting average.  The Trojans will slot Sun Belt Preseason Pitcher of the Year Chance Cleveland, Blake Huffman and Ethan Schlechte into its starting rotation for their season-opening weekend.  Cleveland posted a 9-4 record with a 3.93 ERA last season and fanned 98 opposing batters around just 33 walks.  Huffman finished last year with a 5-4 record and 6.40 ERA in 70.1 innings, while Schlechte was 3-2 with a 6.46 ERA.

Evansville and Arkansas-Little Rock have met just twice on the diamond, with the Aces winning both matchups during the 2005 season.  UE defeated the Trojans, 5-4, on Feb. 12, before earning a 13-10 win the next day.