Campus Chronicle
This was an article that appeared in the last issue of the Campus Chronicle. Congratulations to the High Point University women’s soccer team for winning the Big South Championship not once, but twice in four years. Coach Michelle Rayner and the rest of the soccer program have turned out some amazing results.
In a University where “results rule,” Rayner’s bunch has simply ruled. By far the most successful program in Division I history for HPU, the women’s soccer team has excelled without enough attention. Even I, a self-proclaimed sports junkie, have not paid attention to what this team has accomplished. I have watched them more than any other team here, but have not truly appreciated what they have done.
This squad has experienced more obstacles than any team could imagine at HPU. Eight players went down with injuries, averaging one a week for two months. Losing the starting goalie, Marisa Abbott, in the Big South Tournament would be the equivalent of the men’s basketball team losing not only Jerald Minnis this year, but also Cruz Daniels. Yes, the goalie is that important. Luckily enough, Hannah Nail stepped in. In the Big South Tournament, Nail gave up one goal in eight shots over 260 minutes played. The Panthers won the championship game in a shootout, defeating Coastal Carolina 5-3. No goals were scored in 110 minutes of action.
To lose players can cause mass confusion on a team. When players are used to the normal starters, it is hard to adjust to someone new. This team has not cared who is in the jersey just as long as a Panther jersey is out there. “Impressive” is the first word that comes to mind to describe this group, but not the last. And what did this amazing team get in return from us? Not much. They did not have a triumphant return. The buzz on campus was not, “Did you hear what happened?” You can bet your last dollar the talk would be different when the men’s basketball team wins an away game.
I am not saying, “Take things away from the basketball team.” Please do not! That’s my favorite season. What I am saying is the women’s soccer team is due some serious kudos.
Within one day of a Facebook group starting, 100 people pledged their allegiance to go to a basketball game against some no-name college. Fifty people did not sign up to go to Chapel Hill to watch the women’s soccer team make it to their second NCAA tournament in four years.
This is becoming a trend with sports at HPU. Men’s basketball under Bart Lundy has been successful. Now, other sports are catching up. Chapel Hill, defending national champions and long time women’s soccer powerhouse, thought HPU was an easy victory. At 6-1, maybe it was. But when Amy Anzovino’s goal went into the net, the purple section made it the “high point” of the night.
Look at our other sports and see this is the trend now. We have a volleyball team that has less experience than Blessing Hall with first-year students yet still posts a 24-9 record. We have a baseball team returning all starters. Students, this is all talent. Soak it in and enjoy the ride to the top of the Big South, like watching another building go up on OA Kirkman. We will have more buildings and we will have more championships, guaranteed. Get ready: I thank the women’s soccer team for raising the bar
Campus Chronicle #2
Here is an article that appeared in the last issue of the Campus Chronicle. Rather dated, but still some interesting stats from earlier in the season: The men’s basketball team had a 2-2 record through the Thanksgiving holiday.The four early games have seen a mixture of lineups with foul trouble and preseason injury. “We are learning a lot about our team and roles are beginning to be defined. We are still trying to develop more depth in the post to compensate for the loss of Jerald Minnis.” Coach Bart Lundy says about the young season.On Nov. 19, the Panthers took advantage of undermanned Warren Wilson College. Leading as by many as 73, HPU won 93-23 behind 15 points from senior guard Mike Jefferson. WWC never lead and had only 10 points through the first half. Senior center Cruz Daniels blocked three shots.The trip to Seattle for the Dick’s Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off ended with a 76-53 victory over New Jersey Institute of Technology on Nov. 15. The Panthers, lead by an 11-rebound performance from Daniels, never trailed in the game. It was the consolation game because HPU was defeated by Utah in the opener the day before.HPU lost 77-64, despite four three-pointers from Jefferson. The Panthers were undersized compared to Utah’s 7’1” center, Luke Nevill. Leading High Point in scoring was Arizona Reid with 19 points along with 10 rebounds. Nevill lead Utah with 18 points and 10 rebounds.The season opener at UNCC on Nov. 10 was disappointing for the veteran HPU squad. Leading at half time by 1, HPU lost 61-55. Leading all scorers was Reid with 26. The Panthers topped their opponents in three-pointers, but they were outrebounded.Preseason Big South MVP Reid has led the team in scoring for three contests, scoring 29 against NJIT. Reid also has led the team in rebounding three games with a high of 11 against UNCC.Not a surprise to many Panther fans is an increased role for sophomore guard Gene Harris. Harris is second on the team in minutes played and first in three pointers made. Last year Harris was a Big South Conference all freshman team selection.The team lost one player to graduation and one to injury allowing increase rolls from incoming first years. Guard David Campbell shined in the season opener against UNCC with 29 minutes played, seven points and nine rebounds. Lundy was impressed with the guard’s play saying, “He has played his way into a lot of important minutes.” Lundy started Campbell two of the first four games. Campbell’s four points per game is fifth on the team behind Reid, Jefferson, Harris, and fellow first-year Ibrahim Appiah.The Panthers’ upcoming games include a matinee at Longwood on Dec. 1 and a nightcap at Dayton on Dec. 5 before returning home. A three-game home stretch welcomes Johnson and Wales, Anderson and Savannah State to the Millis Center. To close out the semester break, HPU travels to Savannah State before ringing in the New Year at two-time, defending NCAA champion Florida. When classes resume, HPU hosts Florida Christian before starting conference play against rival Winthrop.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL!!
This is a special Happy Birthday to my brother, Daniel. Today Daniel is celebrating his 27 birthday. Daniel, I’ll see you tonight, Happy Birthday. And I will close this in typical Daniel fashion, “Take it easy!” I love you Daniel!
Men vs. Anderson University
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvwlw0Dxa0&rel=1]The Panthers take on Anderson University. Here is a quick look at what to expect. For a more detailed report go to bethesixthman.com.
Another Video
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85tWPg34CNk&rel=1]Check out my video on YouTube and also on Facebook.
BeTheSixthMan.com
Check out my articles on bethesixthman.com
Chronicle Articles
Check out my articles in the Campus Chronicle. I wrote 5 articles, two on the front page, one on the last, and three inside.
