Spartans Women`s Basketball Spartans

“BUILDING A New TRADITION”
Spartans
Women’s Basketball
2005 – 2006
Getting to the Gym
2005-2006 Media Guide
Table of Contents
Getting to the Gym (maps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside front cover
AU Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside front cover
Media Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Head Coach Michelle Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Assistant Coaches and Support Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2005-2006 Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2005-2006 AU Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
2004-2005 Season Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2004-2005 Spartan Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
The NIIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
AU NIIC Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
AU Year By Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Individual Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Team Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
AU Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
AU Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
This Is AU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2005-2006 Game Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
Calumet Ave.
Randall Rd.
Glenwood Pl.
Evanslawn Ave.
AU Quick Facts
P
Gladstone Ave.
AU Field
Edgelawn Dr.
Marseillaise Pl.
P
Gym
Southlawn Pl.
Randall Rd.
P
Calumet Ave.
P
P
Kenilworth Pl.
Prairie Road
Bottom map is an enlargement of Aurora University area.
Basketball is played in Thornton Gymnasium in Alumni Hall.
Parking areas are shown with a circled P.
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aurora, IL
Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1893
Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Approximately 4,000
Nickname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spartans
Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Royal blue/White
Conference . . . . . . . . .Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference
National Affiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NCAA Division III
Gymnasium/capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thornton (2,200)
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rebecca L. Sherrick
Director of Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Walsh
Athletics Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .630-844-5110
Athletics Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .630-844-7809
Head Basketball Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle Roof
Coach’s Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-0/First Year
Assistant Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Parris, Frank Razo
Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stevie Baker-Watson
2004-2005 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-20
Sports Information Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Kipley
Sports Information Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .630-844-7575
Sports Information Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .630-844-3826
AU Spartan Sports Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .630-844-3838
On the Cover:
2005-2006 Aurora University Women’s Basketball Team in
front of AU’s Institute for Collaboration, scheduled for
completion this year
AU Media Outlets
Local Print
Aurora Beacon-News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 S. River, Aurora, IL 60506
Dave Parro, Sports Editor
630-844-5911
Fax: 630-844-1043
Kane County Chronicle . . . . . . . . 1000 Randall Rd., Geneva, IL 60134
Brian Schaumburg, Sports Editor
630-232-9222
Fax: 630-232-4962
Fox Valley Labor News . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 4155, Aurora, IL 60507
Carter Crane, Editor
630-897-4022
Fax: 630-892-3873
Daily Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3805-A Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
630-587-8623
Fax: 630-587-8639
Kendall County Publications . . . . . 222 Bridge St., Yorkville, IL 60560
630-533-7034
Fax: 630-533-7085
Oswego Ledger-Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Box #669, Oswego, IL 60611
630-554-8565
Fax: 630-554-7560
Meet the Head Coach
MICHELLE ROOF
Head Coach
First Season
Michelle Roof enters her first season
as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach
at Aurora University. Roof takes over the
reigns of the AU women’s basketball
program after spending last season as
an assistant at Lewis University.
Roof previously spent two years as an assistant at Saint
Mary’s University (MN) and one season at Grinnell College
(IA).
Roof played two seasons at Eastern Illinois University
(Division I) before spending a season as a student assistant
coach for the Panthers. She also was a student assistant at
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for one season.
A member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
(WBCA), Roof has worked several national camps, including
University of Tennessee, Doug Bruno-DePaul basketball
camps, Syracuse University, Texas Tech University and
University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Roof received a Bachelor of Science in physical education
from Eastern Illinois University in 2001.
Regional Print
Chicago Tribune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611
Metro Sports
312-222-3474
Fax: 312-828-9392
Chicago Sun-Times . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 N. Orleans, Chicago, IL 60654
College Sports
312-321-2247
Radio/TV
WSPY (107.1 fm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Broadcast Center, Plano, IL 60545
WFXV (TV-30)
630-552-1000
Greg Burks, Sports Director
Fax: 630-552-9000
Comcast (ch. 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 W. 5th Street, Naperville, IL 60563
630-552-1000
Wire Services
Associated Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60601
Sports Desk
312-781-0500
Fax: 312-781-1989
All requests for interviews should be made through
Brian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, at 630-844-7575.
Media should call in advance, as seating in the press area is limited.
Alison Kohler
AU Women’s Basketball
1
Meet the Assistant Coaches
KEITH PARRIS
Assistant Coach
First Season
Keith Parris enters his first season as
an assistant coach for the Spartans. He
comes to Aurora University from
Edgewood College (Madison, WI), where
he was an assistant coach in 2004-2005.
“I am very excited to have Keith join my staff,” said Head
Coach Michelle Roof. “Along with his knowledge of the game,
he brings a great amount of energy and intensity to our
program. I believe he will do an outstanding job of motivating
and developing our post players, while also focusing on
developing our team communication skills.”
While at Edgewood, Parris helped guide the Lady Eagles
to the Lake Michigan Conference championship and their
first NCAA tournament appearance in school history. They
also finished the year ranked 13th in the country among all
Division III women’s basketball programs in the category of
“most-improved.”
As a student-athlete, Parris played one year at Northland
Community and Technical College, where he was a member
of the divisional championship team in his first season. He
averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game and was
ranked seventh nationally in field goal percentage.
Parris completed his eligibility at the University of
Dubuque, where he was a two-time captain and averaged 13
points and six rebounds per game. He finished his career
ranked as one of the school’s top field goal percentage
shooters in history, shooting more than 50% for his career.
“Keith comes from winning programs, both as a coach
and as a player. He understands how much work it takes to
establish a winning program and is committed to moving this
Spartan program forward,” Roof said.
In addition to his degree from University of Dubuque,
Parris also holds a degree from Keller Graduate School of
Management. He and his wife, April, live in Aurora with their
son, Isaac Duane Parris.
FRANK RAZO
Assistant Coach
First Season
Frank Razo begins his first year as an
assistant coach for the Spartans. He
comes to Aurora University from Plano
High School in Plano, IL, where he was the
Head Girls’ Basketball Coach for the past
two years. He was an assistant there for four years.
While at Plano, Coach Razo guided the Reapers to a 21-10
record in 2005, which tied the school record for most wins in a
season. They continued that success into the state tournament,
where they won their second regional championship in the
program’s history.
Razo’s previous coaching experience includes HenrySenachwine High School, North Boone High School, Clay City
High School, Flora High School, Newark High School, Clinton
High School, Ashland High School and Washington High
School.
Razo has worked with some of the top coaches in the
country, instructing camps at University of Illinois (under
former Coach Lou Hensen), Indiana University (under former
Coach Bob Knight), Western Illinois, Southern Illinois
University-Edwardsville, Cincinnati and Dick Baumgartner
Shooting Camp.
“Coach Razo brings a great amount of coaching knowledge
and experience to the staff,” said Head Coach Michelle Roof.
“Not only has he been coaching the game for the past 27 years,
but he has also attended a great number of camps and clinics
around the country every year. He has a true passion for what
he does and brings some great ideas and strategies to our
Spartan staff.”
JESSICA EHMLER
Student Assistant
2005-2006 AU Women’s Coaching Staff
2
AU Women’s Basketball
2005-2006
Season Preview
Building a New Tradition
The Aurora University women’s basketball team has a
new look in the 2005-2006 campaign, with Michelle Roof
assuming the duties as Head Coach. Roof takes over a Spartan
program looking to establish a strong foundation of discipline
and pride within the team. “I plan on challenging these young
women to expect more of themselves and each other, both on
and off the basketball court,” Roof said. The Spartans were 7-20
last season but have been to the NCAA Division III Tournament
twice in the past four seasons.
Roof stated, “Our coaching staff has set the bar very
high for these ladies, and I think that if we can focus on the little things and learn what TEAM basketball is all about, we will
turn a few heads this season. We are in the process of teaching
our players what it means to give an all-out effort every time
they step on the floor, while taking satisfaction and feeling good
about themselves for the hard work they put in.”
AU returns several key contributors from last season.
Junior guard Beth Plucinski (Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills HS)
is the Spartans’ top returning scorer (9.9 points and 5.44 assists
per game), while junior forward Laura Wiesner (Des Plaines,
IL/Maine West HS) (7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game) provides the Spartans with a presence in the post. Also returning
to the AU program is the lone AU senior, guard Deisy Mena
(Cicero, IL/Morton West). Mena averaged five points and shot
29% from three-point range last season. Junior foward
Stephanie Kiger (Momence, IL/Momence HS) returns to add
veteran leadership for the Spartans. Sophomore guards
Rachael Blanton (Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills HS), Lexi Pioli
(Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru HS) and forward Beth Sandon
(Plainfield, IL/Plainfield HS) had substantial playing time for
the Spartans in 2004-2005.
Several newcomers will be key contributors to the AU
program and will provide Roof with a deep and versatile club. “I
believe our biggest strength this season is our athleticism and
quickness, as well as our versatility and depth. Because we
have a good nucleus of players with a wide variety of talents
and skills, we will be capable of throwing many different looks
at our opponents. We should also be able to wear teams down
with our subbing rotations and high level of conditioning,”
Roof said.
The top newcomers for AU are a pair of transfer
guards, Kisha Miller and Naomi Guise. “Miller brings quickness
and athleticism to the point-guard spot and has a great ability
to see the floor well and push the tempo, which is exactly what
we need to get our offense going,” Roof said. “Guise has great
penetration and passing skills and can also knock down the
outside shot. Although her athleticism will be tough to match,
I believe her biggest strength is her versatility. She has the ability to play anywhere on the floor and will be looked to as a
major contributor.”
Joining Miller and Guise as the newest Spartans are
freshmen forward Tiffani Guest (Loves Park, IL/Christian Life),
guard Meagan Re (Belvidere, IL/Belvidere HS), guard Kathleen
Thanas (Plainfield, IL/Plainfield HS) and junior center Misty
Mitchell (Chicago/Mother Guerin HS).
With a new head coach comes changes, including the
style of play Spartans fans can expect to see in the upcoming
year. Roof said, “AU fans should expect an exciting, up-tempo
style of basketball. We will push the ball up the floor and attack
the basket in transition and in our half-court offense. We want
to put the pressure on our opponents offensively, forcing them
to stop us, while also pressuring and creating turnovers defensively.”
AU once again will play a demanding nonconference
schedule leading up to the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference
schedule. “In order to win in the NIIC, we must put together an
entire 40 minutes of smart, aggressive basketball, and we must
be able to do this night in and night out. I do feel like our
tough, nonconference schedule will help prepare us for the
competition we will face within the NIIC,” Roof stated.
With a new style of play and a first-year head coach
building a strong foundation, expectations remain high for the
Spartan women’s basketball team.
AU Women’s Basketball
3
2005-2006 AU Roster
NO.
11
12
13
20
21
22
23
30
31
32
33
34
42
43
44
50
52
54
NAME
Kisha Miller
Beth Plucinski
Tanisha Hawkins
Stephanie Kiger
Naomi Guise
Deisy Mena
Lexi Pioli
Rachael Blanton
Lisa Hoover
Beth Sandon
Meagan Re
Kathleen Thanas
Caitlin Ebbinghaus
Abby Young
Misty Mitchell
Alison Kohler
Tiffani Gueste
Laura Wiesner
POS.
Guard
Guard
Guard
Forward
Guard
Guard
Guard
Guard
Forward
Forward
Guard
Guard
Forward
Guard
Center
Center
Forward
Forward
HT.
5’5”
5’6”
5’3”
5’9”
5’7”
5’7”
5’4”
5’8”
5’8”
5’8”
5’9”
5’8”
5’9”
5’6”
6’2”
6’0”
5’11”
5’11”
YR.
Jr
Jr
Jr
Jr
So
Sr
So
So
So
So
Fr
Fr
Jr
Fr
Jr
Jr
Fr
Jr
Head Coach: Michelle Roof
Assistant Coaches: Keith Parris and Frank Razo
Photos courtesy of Al Benson.
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL
Decatur, IL/Eisenhower
Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills
Westchester, PA/Henderson
Momence, IL/Momence
Springfield, IL/Southeast
Cicero, IL/Morton West
Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru
Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills
LaGrange Park, IL/Lyons Township
Plainfield, IL/Plainfield Central
Belvidere, IL/Belvidere
Plainfield, IL/Plainfield Central
Martinsvillle, IN/Martinsvillle
Elgin, IL/Hampshire
Chicago/Mother Guerin
Sandwich, IL/Sandwich
Loves Park, IL/Christian Life
Des Plaines, IL/Maine West
Meet the Spartans
#30 RACHAEL BLANTON, 5’8”, So, Guard,
Vernon Hills, IN/ Vernon Hills HS
College as a Freshman (’04-’05): Played in 25
games, averaged 2.0 points and grabbed 56
rebounds. High School: Attended Vernon Hills
High School and played four years of varsity
basketball under Coach Paul Brettner. Senior
year she was All-Area Honorable Mention and
All-Conference. She played two years of varsity softball under
Coach Greg Stilling, where she was All-Conference Honorable
mention as a senior. Personal: Born 2/16/86 in Bloomington, IL.
Parents: Roger and Victoria Blanton. She has one brother, Victor,
and one sister, Rebecca. Hobbies: Movies and music. Major:
Psychology.
YR
G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG
04-05 25 17-66
2-13
15-26 56 23 51 2.0
#42 CAITLIN EBBINGHAUS, 5’10”, Jr, Forward,
Martinsville, IN/Martinsville HS
College as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Played in 25
games, scored 22 points and grabbed 29
rebounds. College as a Freshman (’03-’04):
Played in 10 games, scored 8 points. High
School: Attended Martinsville High School and
played two years of varsity basketball under
Coach Vince Cerbone and three years of varsity softball under
Coach Ken Rhoden, where she was named best offensive player as
a senior. Personal: Born 1/1/85 in Indianapolis. Family: Stacia and
Robert Zloty and Tom Ebbinghaus. She has one brother, John, and
three sisters, Brianna, Lynn and Alaina. Hobbies: Shopping, music
and dancing. Majors: Marketing and Communication.
YR
G
03-04 10
04-05 25
FGM-A
4-13
10-37
3FGM-A
0-0
0-0
FT-A
0-0
2-5
R A
5 2
29 11
#52 TIFFANI GUESTE, 5’11”, Fr, Post,
Rockford, IL/Christian Life HS
High School: Attended Christian Life High
School and played three years of varsity
basketball under Coach Donna Sheperd. She
was named All-Conference Honorable Mention
her junior year and named First-Team AllConference, Team MVP, Athlete of the Week and
rebound leader all three years. Personal: Born 1/17/87 in
Barrington, IL. Family: Walter and Yvetta Gueste. She has one
brother, Chris. Hobbies: Playing sports, being active, coaching
elementary and middle school sports and refereeing elementary
basketball. Major: Physical Education.
#21 NAOMI GUISE, 5’7”, Jr, Guard,
Springfield, IL/Southeast HS
High School: Attended Southeast High School
and played three years of varsity basketball
under Coach Jennifer Blongh. She was MVP
her sophomore and senior year, Athlete of the
Week her senior year, set a school record for
most double doubles her senior year, and was
All-Region and All-Conference her senior year. She also ran two
years of varsity track under Coach Thomas McBride. Family: Born
6/30/84 in Chicago. Family: Berrenice Guise. She has three
brothers and four sisters. Hobbies: Watching TV and listening to
music. Major: Business Administration. Minor: Sports
Management.
TP PPG
8
0.8
22 .09
AU Women’s Basketball
5
Meet the Spartans
#13 TANISHA HAWKINS, 5’3”, Jr, Guard,
Westchester, PA/Henderson HS
College as a Freshman and Sophomore (’02’04): Played basketball at Delaware County
Community College. High School: Attended
Henderson High School and played two years
of varsity basketball under Coaches Jenine
Faith and Frank Steidler. She was named
outstanding female basketball player her senior year. Personal:
Born 4/18/83 in Washington D.C. Family: Ron and Santa
Hawkins. She has one sister, Sharday. Hobbies: Watching
women’s basketball. She is a youth leader at church and likes to
bowl. Major: Management and Innovation. Minor: Sports
Management.
#31 LISA HOOVER, 5’9”, So, Forward,
LaGrange, IL/Lyons Township HS
College as a Freshman (’04-’05): Was primarily
a member of the junior varsity squad. High
School: Attended Lyons Township High School
and played three years of varsity basketball
under Coach Dawn Shawbacker. Personal:
Born 3/10/86 in LaGrange, IL. Family: Karin
and Greg Shawbacker. Hobbies: Sports, family and friends.
Major: Psychology.
#20 STEPHANIE KIGER, 5’9”, Jr, Forward,
Momence , IL/Momence HS
College as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Played in 19
games, had 62 total points and 55 rebounds.
College as a Freshman (’03-’04): Played in 23
games, had 18 points, 30 rebounds and 15
assists. High School: Attended Momence High
School and played three years of varsity
basketball under Coach Kris Holloway. Was named team captain
as a senior, All-Area and All-Conference as a junior and senior.
Played two years of varsity volleyball under Coach Sheila
Anthony, was All-Area as a junior and senior. Played two years of
varsity softball under Coach Jerry Abbott. Personal: Born 3/23/85
in Tulsa, OK. Family: Tom and Wendy Kiger. She has two
brothers, Nathan and Russell. Hobbies: Sports, family and
writing poems. Major: Athletic Training.
YR
G
03-04 23
04-05 19
FGM-A
8-33
30-61
3FGM-A
1-5
0-1
FT-A
1-2
2-12
R A
30 15
55 13
TP PPG
18 0.8
62 3.3
#50 ALISON KOHLER, 6’0”, Jr, Center,
Sandwich, IL/Sandwich HS
College as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Played in 27
games, started 21. Averaged 7.4 points a game
and had 155 total rebounds. College as a
Freshman (’03-’04): Played in 28 games,
averaged 3.3 points and grabbed 78 rebounds.
High School: Attended Sandwich High School
and played three years of varsity basketball under Coach Brain
Howell. Team captain and All-Academic team all three years.
Played three years of varsity volleyball under Coach Marisa
Colgan, was All-Conference as a junior and captain as a junior
and senior. Personal: Born 12/14/84 in Sandwich, IL. Family:
Bruce and Pam Kohler. She has a one brother, Jon. Her mother
and uncle (Charles Westbrook) are Aurora University graduates.
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and basketball.
Major: Mathematics and Education.
YR
G
03-04 28
04-05 27
FGM-A
37-86
84-167
3FGM-A
0-0
0-0
FT-A R A TP PPG
17-23 78 6 91 3.3
32-44 155 19 200 7.4
#22 DEISY MENA, 5’7”, Sr, Guard,
Cicero, IL/ Morton East HS
College as a Junior (’04-’05): Played in 25
games, had 125 total points with 59 total
rebounds. Previous College (’02-’04): Attended
Triton College and played basketball and was
Team-MVP, All-Region and All-Conference.
High School: Attended Morton East High
School and played two years of varsity basketball under Coach
John Molitor. She received Team MVP, All-Conference and AllArea both her junior and senior seasons. Personal: Born 6/4/84
in Chicago. Family: Mario and Quirino Mena. She has one
brother, Emanuel, and two sisters, Edith and Jessica. Hobbies:
Listening to music, hanging out with friends and playing
basketball. Major: Physical Education. Minor: Health.
YR
G
04-05 25
6
AU Women’s Basketball
FGM-A
41-126
3FGM-A
26-88
FT-A R A TP PPG
17-23 59 16 125 5.0
Meet the Spartans
#11, KISHA MILLER, 5’5”, Jr, Guard,
Decatur, IL/ Eisenhower HS
High School: Attended Eisenhower High
School and played four years of varsity
basketball under Coach Stacy Potts. She was
MVP, Player of the Year, and All-Regional team
pick her junior and senior years. She also
played three years of varsity volleyball under
Coach Mike Wilks. She played two years of varsity softball as well.
Personal: Born 5/14/85 in Rantoul, IL. Family: Joeann Eubanks
and Kenny Pruitt. She has one brother, Jake. Major: Physical
Education. Minor: Business.
#44 MISTY MITCHELL, 6’2”, Jr, Center,
Chicago/ Mother Guerin HS
Previous College (’02-’04): Attended Triton
College and played basketball and was AllConference Second Team and All-Tournament.
High School: Attended Mother Guerin High
School and played four years of varsity
basketball. She played three years of varsity
softball and two years of varsity volleyball. Personal: Born
12/25/83 in Chicago. Family: Charles and Judy Mitchell. She has
two sisters, Michelle and Melody. Hobbies: Basketball, hanging out
with friends and family and dancing. Major: Physical Education.
#23 LEXI PIOLI, 5’5”, So, Guard,
Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru HS
College as a Freshman (’04-’05): Played in 27
games, averaged 5.0 points and had 31
rebounds. High School: Attended LaSalle-Peru
High School and played three years of varsity
basketball under Coach Haberkorn. She
received Second Team All-Conference and MVP
her junior year and received First Team All-Conference, All-Area
and MVP her senior year. Personal: Born 9/19/85 in Peru, IL.
Family: Ron and Lauri Pioli. She has three sisters, Jessica, Katrina,
and Mamie. Hobbies: Softball, music and basketball.
Major: Business.
YR
G
04-05 27
FGM-A
42-125
3FGM-A
25-78
FT-A R A TP PPG
27-38 31 15 136 5.0
#12 BETH PLUCINSKI, 5’6”, Jr, Guard,
Vernon Hills, IL/ Vernon Hills HS
College as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Named
Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference AllConference. Played in 27 games, started all but
one, had 147 assists, averaged 9.9 points a
game and 119 total rebounds. College as a
Freshman (’03-’04): Named Northern IllinoisIowa Conference All-Conference. Played in 29 games, started all
29. Averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds. High School: Attended
Vernon Hills High School and played three years of varsity
basketball under Coach Paul Brettner. Named team captain and
All-Conference all three years and All-Area as a senior. Played
three years of varsity volleyball under Coach Steve Rochon. Was
named team captain as a sophomore and senior, All-Conference
as a junior, and All-Area as a junior and senior. Played three years
of varsity softball under Coach Greg Stilling and was named
captain, All-Conference and All-Area all three seasons. Personal:
Born 6/5/85 in Lake Forest, IL. Family: Mike and Mary Plucinski.
She has two sisters, Mary and Becky. Hobbies: Sports and movies.
Major: Business.
YR
G FGM-A 3FGM-A
03-04 29 124-361 74-234
04-05 27 88-324
54-209
FT-A R A TP PPG
42-56 101 122 364 12.6
36-54 11 147 266 9.9
#33 MEAGAN RE, 5’9”, Fr, Guard,
Belvidere, IL/Belvidere HS
High School: Attended Belvidere High School
and played two years of varsity basketball
under Coach Ben Commare. She was named
captain, First-Team All-Conference, Rising
Stars Participant and All-Tournament her
senior year. She also played two years of varsity
softball under Coach Jody Flynn. She was named MVP and special
mention her senior year. Personal: Born 5/14/87 in Rockford, IL.
Family: Fran and Debbie Re. She has two brothers, Matthew and
Michael, and one sister, Melissa. Hobbies: Playing all sports,
eating and traveling. Major: Athletic Training.
Minors: Health and Physical Education.
AU Women’s Basketball
7
Meet the Spartans
#32 BETH SANDON, 5’8”, So, Forward,
Plainfield, IL/ Plainfield Central HS
College as a Freshman(’04-’05): Played in 13
games, scored 19 total points and grabbed 14
rebounds. High School: Attended Plainfield
High School and played two years of varsity
basketball under Coach Brian Bazan. She
received the Wildcat Award and All-Conference
Honorable Mention her senior year. She also played two years of
varsity volleyball under Coach Jason Herrmann, where she was
MVP her senior year. Personal: Born 1/20/86 in Aurora, IL.
Family: Kevin and Caria Sandon. She has two brothers, Mike and
Jim, and one sister, Kelly. Hobbies: Shopping, being with family
and friends and watching all kinds of sports. Major: Undecided.
YR
G
04-05 13
FGM-A
8-21
3FGM-A
1-3
FT-A
2-4
R
14
A
4
TP PPG
19 1.5
#34 KATHLEEN THANAS , 5’8”, Fr, Guard,
Plainfield, IL/Plainfield Central HS
High School: Attended Plainfield High School
and played three years of varsity basketball
under Coach Mark Krusz. As a senior, she was
captain, All-Area and broke school records for
points in a game (31), points in a season and
free-throw percentage. She was also named AllConference as a junior and senior. She played four years of varsity
softball under Coach Anne Campbell. She was named Captain,
All-Area and All-Conference as a junior and senior. As a senior,
was named to the Chicago Tribune Top 100-Team. Personal: Born
6/24/87 in Joliet, IL. Family: Tom and Thea Thanas. She has one
sister, Toni. Hobbies: Playing sports, traveling, eating, hanging out
with friends, the White Sox, Notre Dame and watching all kinds of
sports. Major: Physical Education. Minor: Health.
8
AU Women’s Basketball
#54 LAURA WIESNER, 5’11”, Jr, Forward,
Des Plaines, IL/Maine West HS
College as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Played in 26
games, averaged 7.7 points a game and pulled
down a total of 140 rebounds. College as a
Freshman (’03-’04): Played in and started 28
games, averaged 5.7 points and 4.6 rebounds.
High School: Attended Maine West High
School and played three years of varsity basketball under Coach
Deril Kipp and was named Most Improved as a senior. Played four
years of varsity soccer under Coach Jim McGowan and was
named team captain as a junior and senior. Named AllConference as a sophomore, junior and senior. Played one year of
varsity volleyball under Coach Deanna Rip. Personal: Born
2/16/85 in Park Ridge, IL. Family: Howard and Renee Wiesner.
She has one brother, Ken. Hobbies: Movies, playing pool and
sports. Major: Physical Education. Minor: Health
YR
G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG
03-04 28 70-167
0-2
19-33 128 30 159 5.7
04-05 26 88-209
0-0
24-48 140 25 200 7.7
#43 ABBY YOUNG, 5’6”, Fr, Guard,
Elgin, IL/Hampshire HS
High School: Attended Hampshire High
School and played two years of varsity
basketball under Coach Sue Ellett. She was
named All-Area and All-Conference her
senior year. She also played four years of
varsity softball under Coaches Sherm Morgan
and Mike Wendt. She was All-Area her
sophomore, junior and senior years; All-Conference her junior
and senior years; All-State her senior year. Personal: Born 3/10/87
in Park Ridge, IL. Family: Robert and Linda Young. She has two
brothers, Josh and Jared, and two sisters, Rebekah and Jessica.
Hobbies: Playing softball and basketball, hanging out with
friends, sleeping and talking to her brothers. Major: Accounting
or Business Management.
2004-2005
Season Results
(7-20 overall)
Date
H/A
Result
11/19
A
Wheaton College
52
Aurora University
41
11/20
H
Wisconsin-Oshkosh
65
Aurora University
33
11/23
H
Illinois Wesleyan
79
Aurora University
50
11/27
H
Millikin University
60
Aurora University
41
11/30
A
Carthage College
85
Aurora University
58
12/3
H
Fontbonne University
59
Aurora University
57
12/4
A
North Central College
58
Aurora University
26
12/7
H
Elmhurst College
59
Aurora University
47
12/11
A
Webster University
72
Aurora University
59
12/15
H
University of Chicago
63
Aurora University
57
12/29
H
Kalamazoo College
69
Aurora University
60
12/30
A
Hope College
81
Aurora University
30
*1/8
A
Rockford College
75
Aurora University
55
1/11
H
UW-Stevens Point
59
Aurora University
46
*1/15
H
Dominican University 80
Aurora University
75
*1/18
A
Aurora University
65
Concordia University
62 (OT)
*1/25
H
Aurora University
58
Benedictine University
54
Second round (at St. Louis)-w. Washington (MO), 75-63
*1/29
A
Clarke College
58
Aurora University
53
Third round (at St. Paul, MN)-l. St. Benedict (MN), 80-46
*2/1
H
Rockford College
72
Aurora University
58
*2/3
H
Aurora University
64
Clarke College
47
*2/8
A
Aurora University
67
Dominican University
55
*2/10
A
Aurora University
47
Eureka College
46 (OT)
*2/12
H
Aurora University
75
Concordia University
72 (OT)
*2/15
H
Eureka College
50
Aurora University
49 (OT)
*2/19
A
Benedictine University 67
Aurora University
55
#2/21
H
Aurora University
69
Concordia University
49
#2/23
A
Rockford College
54
Aurora University
53
Northern Illinois Iowa
Conference Champions:
1988-1989; 1992-1993; 1993-1994; 1994-1995,
1995-1996, 2000-2001; 2001-2002; 2002-2003
NCAA Postseason Results
1993-1994:
First round (at Aurora, IL)-w. Wartburg (IA), 61-57
Second round (at St. Louis)-l. Washington (MO), 77-68
1994-1995:
First round (at Decorah, IA)-w. Luther, 72-68
2001-2002:
First round (at St. Louis)-l. Webster University, 81-60
2003-2004:
First round (at Greencastle, IN)-l. Depauw University, 88-44
*NIIC Conference Game
# NIIC Conference Tournament
AU Women’s Basketball
9
2004-2005
Season Statistics
Name (GP)
FG
FG%
3FG
3FG%
FT
FT%
TP
PPG
Beth Plucinski (27)
Laura Wiesner (26)
Alison Kohler (27)
Courtney Lillard (26)
Jamie Barwick (26)
Lexi Pioli (27)
Deisy Mena (25)
Michelle Hard (20)
Stephanie Kiger (19)
Rachel Blanton (25)
Beth Sandon (13)
Caitlin Ebbinghaus (25)
Melissa Robinson (8)
Samirah Watkins (1)
Michelle Weinlader (1)
Alex Contreras (6)
Lisa Hoover (3)
88
88
84
65
52
42
41
22
30
17
8
10
1
0
0
0
0
.272
.421
.503
.433
.234
.336
.325
.272
.492
.258
.381
.270
.200
.000
.000
.000
.000
54
0
0
0
9
25
26
13
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
.258
.000
.000
.000
.205
.321
.295
.342
.000
.154
.333
.000
.000
.000
.000
.000
.000
36
24
32
34
20
27
17
11
2
15
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
.667
.500
.727
.557
.500
.711
.739
.611
.167
.577
.500
.400
.000
.000
.000
.000
.000
266
200
200
164
133
136
125
68
62
51
22
2
0
0
0
0
0
9.9
7.7
7.4
6.3
5.1
5.0
5.0
3.4
3.3
2.0
1.5
0.9
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Aurora University (27)
Opponents (27)
548
617
.343
.411
130
121
.273
.322
222
347
.594
.671
1,448
1,702
53.6
63.0
Name
Reb.
RPG
PF/DQ
A
TO
BLK
STL
Beth Plucinski
Laura Wiesner
Alison Kohler
Courtney Lillard
Jamie Barwick
Lexi Pioli
Deisy Mena
Michelle Hard
Stephanie Kiger
Rachel Blanton
Beth Sandon
Caitlin Ebbinghaus
Melissa Robinson
Samirah Watkins
Michelle Weinlader
Alex Contreras
Lisa Hoover
119
140
155
180
94
31
59
20
55
56
14
29
2
2
0
0
0
4.4
5.4
5.7
6.9
3.6
1.1
2.4
1.0
2.9
2.2
1.1
1.2
0.3
2.0
0.0
0.2
0.0
54/1
75/4
63/1
81/6
44/0
20/1
29/0
10/0
12/0
34/0
6/0
20/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
1/0
0/0
147
25
19
15
41
15
16
16
13
23
4
11
0
0
0
1
0
147
53
35
58
98
25
34
19
23
29
13
20
0
0
0
3
0
10
5
22
14
1
1
1
1
3
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
43
24
24
17
55
14
15
8
13
12
4
3
2
0
0
1
0
Aurora University
Opponents
1,072
1,034
39.7
38.3
449/12
400/0
346
381
567
511
61
76
235
297
10
AU Women’s Basketball
The NIIC
TEAM
AU NIIC Honors
NIIC Record Overall Record
Rockford College
Eureka College
Benedictine University
Aurora University
Concordia University
Clarke College
Dominican University
10-2
8-4
7-5
6-6
6-6
3-9
2-10
22-5
21-7
12-14
7-20
9-17
7-19
3-23
2004-2005 ALL-NIIC TEAM:
Beth Plucinski, Aurora University
Kristina Dorman, Rockford College
Kristi Strunz, Rockford College
Angie Butler, Rockford College
Jessica Reardon, Eureka College
Sarah Deakin, Eureka College
Tamika Curtis, Benedictine University
Amanda Burditt, Benedictine University
Atoi Sinclair, Concordia University
Melissa Lounds, Dominican University
The coaches of the Northern Illinois-Iowa
Conference (formerly known as the Northern
Illinois Intercollegiate Conference) selected an
Aurora University athlete as the NIIC’s women’s
basketball Player of the Year for seven
consecutive years. The string began with Cathy
Flanagan, a junior, in 1990-1991 and continued
with Sona Bedenian (who also won the award as
a junior in 1991-1992), Jennifer Gabel (winning
as a sophomore in 1991-1992) and freshman
Dana Lettow in 1993-1994, Gabel again as a
senior (1995-1996), and Lettow three-peating as
a junior and senior in 1995-1996 and 1996-1997.
During those seven years, the Spartans were 5812 in NIIC play and won four titles (along with
three second-place finishes).
1990-1991
Player of the Year: Kristina Dorman, Rockford College
Coach of the Year: Bob Amsberry Rockford College and
Sandy Schuster Eureka College
1991-1992
AU All-NIIC Selections
1992-1993
2004-2005
2003-2004
2003-2004
2002-2003
2002-2003
2002-2003
2001-2002*
2001-2002
2000-2001
2000-2001
1999-2000
1998-1999
1997-1998
1997-1998
1997-1998
1996-1997*
1996-1997
1995-1996*
1995-1996
1995-1996
1994-1995*
1994-1995
1993-1994*
1993-1994
Beth Plucinski
Tina Brooks
Beth Plucinski
Tina Brooks
Joanna Dietz
Tina Brooks
Molly Jones
Michelle Lexow
Kara Baysinger
Molly Jones
Erica Mullner
Jaime Lawrence
Jennifer Harms
Jaime Lawrence
Kristen Ericson
Dana Lettow
Diana Thompson
Dana Lettow
Beth Edwards
Stephanie Calvesio
Jennifer Gabel
Dana Lettow
Dana Lettow
Jennifer Gabel
1993-1994
1992-1993*
1992-1993
1992-1993
1991-1992*
1990-1992
1990-1991*
1990-1991
1989-1990
1988-1989
1987-1988
1986-1987
1985-1986*
1985-1986
1984-1984
1984-1985
1983-1984
1982-1983
1982-1983
1980-1981
1978-1979
1978-1979
1977-1978
Samantha Harris
Jennifer Gabel
Samantha Harris
Sona Bedenian
Sona Bedenian
Jennifer Gabel
Cathy Flanagan
Kim Schaubel
Melba Morris
Bobette Schoenbeck
Bobette Schoenbeck
Kristen Benner
Charlotte Shepherd
Sue Collins
Charlotte Shepherd
Chris Hallberg
Sue Collins
Sue Collins
Bev Tooney
Lisa Thom
Kim Colweck
Gwen Smith
Gwen Smith
1993-1994
1994-1995
1995-1996
1996-1997
*Denotes NIIC Player of the Year
AU Women’s Basketball
11
AU Year-By-Year
OVER.
NIIC NIIC
YEAR
COACH
RECORD REC PL.
1977-1978 Karen Heiden
3-11
0-4
4th
1978-1979 Karen Heiden
10-9
3-3
3rd
(Heiden’s 2 yr. AU record: 13-20)
1979-1980 Joe Carter
5-12
2-4
n/a
1980-1981 Joe Carter
10-13
2-4
n/a
(Carter’s 2 yr. AU record: 15-25)
1981-1982 Nancy Schley
6-13
2-4
4th
1982-1983 Nancy Schley
8-13
4-2
3rd
(Schley’s 2 yr. AU record: 14-26)
1983-1984 Jack Augustine
17-7
8-4
4th
1984-1985 Jack Augustine
15-10
5-3
3rd
(Augustine’s 2 yr. AU record: 32-17)
1985-1986 Lester Foster
17-8
6-4
3rd
1986-1987 Lester Foster
10-13
3-5
4th
(Foster’s 2 yr. AU record: 27-21)
1987-1988 Brenda Hillman
4-22
1-7
5th
1988-1989 Brenda Hillman
9-14
6-2
1st
1989-1990 Brenda Hillman
2-20
2-8
5th
(Hillman’s 3 yr. AU record: 15-56)
1990-1991 James Lancaster
8-14
6-4
2nd
1991-1992 James Lancaster
12-14
8-2
2nd
1992-1993 James Lancaster
16-9
9-1
1st tie
1993-1994 James Lancaster
22-5
9-1
1st#
(Lancaster’s 4 yr. AU record: 58-42)
1994-1995 Doug Porter
22-6
9-1
1st#
1995-1996 Doug Porter
14-11
9-1
1st
(Porter’s 2 yr. AU record: 36-17)
1996-1997 Linda Olson
15-10
8-2
2nd
1997-1998 Julie Sexton
2-6
0-0
1998-1999 Frank McQuade
10-16
(Sexton resigned with a 2-6 mark midway
through the 1997-1998 season)
******
Frank McQuade
11-6
8-2
2nd
(Assumed Head Coaching duties midseason
tabulating an overall record of 11-6. Coach
of the Year honors in the NIIC in 1997-1998.)
1999-2000 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
6-20
4-8
4th
2000-2001 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
13-12
9-3
1st
2001-2002 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
16-10
11-1 1st
2002-2003 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
17-10
12-0 1st
2003-2004 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
11-18
7-5
4th
********
(Buckley had a 6-9 record in the 2003-2004
season due to absence from maturnity leave.
Assistant Darlene Guyett went 5-9 in Buckley’s
absence.)
2004-2005 Jennifer (Gabel)
Buckley
7-20
6-6
4th
(Buckley’s 6 yr AU record: 65-81)
# NCAA post-season playoff participant
******Spartans encountered two coaching changes and
registered an overall record of 13-12 and 8-2 in the
NIIC in the 1997-1998 season.
Individual Records
MOST POINTS SCORED:
G:
44 Jennifer Harms
S:
500 Dana Lettow
C: 1,693 Dana Lettow
2/14/98 vs. Rockford
1994-1995 (28 games)
1993-1997 (94 games/18.0 ppg)
BEST POINTS PER GAME AVERAGE:
S:
21.0 Kristen Benner
1986-1987
C:
18.0 Dana Lettow
1993-1997
MOST FIELD GOALS MADE:
G:
19 Dana Lettow
19 Jennifer Harms
S:
199 Charlotte Shepherd
C:
624 Jennifer Gabel
2/1/97 vs. Rockford (19-35)
2/14/98 vs. Rockford (19-36)
1985-1986 (25 games)
1991-1995 (624-1274)
MOST FIELD GOALS ATTEMPTED:
G:
36 Jennifer Harms
2/14/98 vs. Rockford (19-36)
S:
426 Jennifer Harms
1997-1998 (152-426)
C: 1,366 Dana Lettow
1993-1997 (622-1366/45.5%)
BEST FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE:
S:
55.8 Cathy Flanagan
1990-1991 (150-269)
C:
53.5 Cathy Flanagan
1990-1991,1993-1994 (227-424)
MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS MADE:
G:
7 Sona Bedenian
2/8/92 vs. Rockford
S:
74 Beth Plucinski
2003-2004 (74-234)
C:
205 Sona Bedenian
1989-1993 (205-563)
MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS ATTEMPTED:
G:
18 Sona Bedenian
2/17/92 vs. Elmhurst (5-18)
S:
234 Beth Plucinski
2003-2004 (74-234)
C:
563 Sona Bedenian
1989-1993 (205-563)
MOST FREE THROWS MADE:
G:
13 Dana Lettow
S:
127 Dana Lettow
C:
313 Dana Lettow
vs. Washington, MO (13-15)
1994-1995 (127-172)
1993-1997 (313-436)
BEST FREE THROW PERCENTAGE:
S:
87.5 Lisa Thom (21-24)
1982-1983 (21-24)
C:
74.0 Kristen Benner
1985-1987 (142-192)
MOST REBOUNDS:
G:
29 Jennifer Gabel
S:
358 Jennifer Gabel
C: 1,136 Jennifer Gabel
1/30/92 vs. Millikin
1991-1992 (26 games)
1991-1995 (106 games)
MOST ASSISTS:
G:
12 Diana Thompson
12 Beth Plucinski
S:
147 Beth Plucinski
C:
316 Diana Thompson
2/25/97 vs. Rockford
2/3/05 vs. Clarke
2004-2005
1993-1997
MOST BLOCKED SHOTS:
G:
10 Joanna Dietz
S:
78 Joanna Dietz
C:
193 Joanna Dietz
2/1/03 vs. Eureka
2002-2003
2000-2003
Team Records
MOST POINTS:
G:
111
vs. Trinity Int’l. (111-92)
S: 2,137
1994-1995 (28 games)
2/20/96
BEST FREE THROW %:
S:
68.8
1986-1987
MOST POINTS, OPPONENT:
G:
111
by Simpson College
S: 1,916
1991-1992 (26 games)
1997-1998
MOST REBOUNDS:
G:
68
Trinity College
S: 1,281
1993-1994
1985-1986
(27 games)
MOST REBOUNDS PER GAME:
S:
51.1
1985-1986
1,277 rebs. (25 games)
MOST POINTS, COMBINED:
G:
203
AU 111, Trinity Int’l 92
2/20/96
FEWEST POINTS SCORED:
G:
26
vs. North Central
S: 1,155
1987-1988 (26 games)
12/4/04
MOST REBOUNDS, OPPONENT:
G:
63
Washington, Mo
63
Puget Sound
S: 1,252
1997-1998
12/5/97
12/9/91
(25 games)
FEWEST POINTS SCORED, OPPONENT:
G:
14
Cornell College
S: 1,129
1976-1977
1976-1977
MOST CONSECUTIVE WINS:
S:
12
1993-1994
(27 games)
MOST VICTORIES:
S:
22
1993-1994
1994-1995
(27 games)
(28 games)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY:
G:
94
Cornell College (108-14)
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT:
G:
53
Washington (Mo)
(Washington 102, AU 49)
BEST POINTS PER GAME AVERAGE:
S:
77.0
1993-1994
1976-1977
1997-1998
2,079 pts. (27 games)
Simply the Best!
By the time Dana Lettow completed her AU career
in 1996-1997, she left as the most prolific player in
LARGEST AVERAGE SCORING MARGIN:
S: +17.8
1976-1977
Spartan history. Some of her career highlights include
LARGEST AVERAGE SCORING MARGIN, OPPONENT:
S:
-13.3
1987-1988
MOST FIELD GOALS MADE:
G:
47
vs. Trinity College
S:
825
1993-1994
AU’s all-time scoring leader
(1,693 points.); two-time Kodak
All-American; Columbus
1985-1986
(825-1,953)
MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, OPPONENT:
G:
50
Simpson College
1997-1998
S:
736
1991-1992
Multimedia and Division III
News All-American; three-time
All-Region; four-year All-NIIC;
three-time NIIC Player of the Year;
AU single game scoring record
BEST FIELD GOAL %:
S:
45.7
1986-1987
(41 points.); four-time AU team
Most Valuable Player; double-digit
MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS MADE:
G:
12
Trinity International
S:
152
1999-2000
1985-1986
(152-484)
MOST 3-POINT ATTEMPTS:
G:
29
vs. Judson
S:
484
1999-2000
2/4/95 (4-29)
(152-484)
BEST 3-POINT %:
S:
36.4
1989-1990
(24-60)
MOST FREE THROWS MADE:
G:
35
Benedictine University
S:
412
1994-1995
2/7/98 (35-43)
(412-622)
scoring in 85 of 94 career games; 36 games with 20 plus
points; and led the team in scoring in 66 of 94 games
(70%).
MOST FREE THROWS MADE, OPPONENT:
G:
36
Rockford College
1/24/98 (36-58)
S:
390
1985-1986
In recognition of her achievements, her #40 was
retired by Aurora University President Dr. Thomas H.
Zarle immediately after her final game on 2/25/97,
joining former
NBA star Mickey
Johnson as the
only other AU
athlete to have
his number
retired.
AU Administration
AU Directory
(All numbers are 630 area code)
Sport/Department
Director of Athletics
Athletics Business
Manager
Athletic Trainer
Asst. Athletic Trainer
Baseball
Basketball, Men
Basketball, Women
Cross Country and
Track and Field
Events/Equipment
Manager
Football
Golf, Men
Golf, Women
Soccer, Men
Soccer, Women
Softball
Sports Information
Tennis, Men and Women
Volleyball
Coach/Contact
Mark Walsh
Phone
844-5111
Lisa Wisniowicz
Stevie Baker-Watson
Terry Smith
Shaun Neitzel
James Lancaster
Michelle Roof
844-4574
844-5114
844-6173
844-6515
844-5144
844-5112
James Kluckhohn
844-4573
Jason Smith
Rich Duncan
John Donofrio
Chad Johansen
Pete Watkins
Kanute Drugan
Mike McKenzie
Brian Kipley
Paul Heinkel
Jerry Angle
844-6891
844-5115
844-3855
844-3849
844-5268
844-4207
844-4939
844-7575
844-5152
844-5261
Other Important Numbers
Admission
Alumni Office
Physical Education Office
Campus Safety
Training Room
University Communications
Wellness Center
Brian Kipley
Sports Information
Director
14
AU Women’s Basketball
844-5533
844-5486
844-6181
844-5450
844-4891
844-5481
844-5434
Rebecca L. Sherrick
President
Currently in her sixth year as Aurora
University President, Rebecca Sherrick is
a true Spartan booster and often attends
athletic events. She earned her B.A. from
Illinois Wesleyan University and Ph.D.
from Northwestern University.
Andrew Manion
Provost
Previously Dean of the College of Arts
and Sciences from 1998 to 2000, Andrew
Manion earned his B.A. from Saint
Norbert College and his Ph.D. in
experimental psychology from Adelphi
University.
Michael Moser
Vice President for Student Life
Michael Moser assumed the duties of
Vice President for Student Life in March
2004. He has a B.A. from North Central
College and a Master of Divinity from
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Mark Walsh
Director of Athletics
Mark Walsh was named Director of
Athletics in 1998. Previously, Walsh was
AU’s Head Baseball Coach from 19922002 and Assistant Coach from 19871992. Walsh led the Spartans to nine NIIC
Conference Championships and nine
NCAA Tournament appearances while posting a 320-85
(.790) won-lost record in 10 seasons. Walsh also served as
Assistant Football Coach at AU from 1986-1996 and was
part of the coaching staff who reinstated football after it
had been dropped in 1952. Walsh earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Aurora University.
This Is Aurora University
When you can’t
attend games, catch
ALL the scores on the
SPARTAN SPORTS
HOTLINE
630-844-3838
touchtone phone required
Eckhart Hall
Aurora University traces its origins to the 1893 founding of a seminary in
the small town of Mendota, Ill. Though established initially to prepare graduates
for ministry, the institution soon adopted a broader mission and moved to a
new campus on the western edge of the nearby community of Aurora. With this
change came a different name and a growing enrollment. In 1985, the institution
was rechristened Aurora University.
In 1992, the Aurora and George Williams College traditions blended when the
two institutions entered into the affiliation agreement that paved the way for a
merger eight years later.
Today Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s,
and doctoral levels. The institution enrolls approximately 4,000 degree-seeking
students a year on its Illinois and Wisconsin campuses. AU offers its undergraduates a wide range of on- and off-campus learning experiences. Students
participate in more than 40 musical, literary, religious, social and service organizations and play active roles in campus governance. The university also fields
18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. The Spartans boast a winning
tradition with 37 conference titles in recent years and 32 regular appearances in
national tournaments.
The Alumni Hall of Physical Education features a racquetball court, climbing
wall, complete locker-room facilities, training room, weight room, aerobicactivities room, classroom and coaches’ offices.
At AU, we believe that the educational needs of students are served best
through the formation of strategic partnerships with institutions of like vision,
mission and values. Such collaborations also enhance the well being of the
communities around our campus. For example, our innovative partnership
with the West Aurora School District is recognized nationally as a model for
educational reform. Opening this year is AU’s $14 million Institute for
Collaboration that will house this growing collaboration and the students and
faculty it nurtures. Our George Williams Campus at Williams Bay, WI is also the
scene for important collaborative efforts. Last year, the residential, conference
and academic facility, developed in partnership with Children’s Oncology
Services Inc., opened. In the years ahead, the new building will serve as the
home to the One Step At A Time Camp for children with cancer and the university’s rapidly growing academic program.
Aurora University is located in west Aurora, within an hour’s drive of Chicago
and at the western end of the Illinois Research and Development Corridor. It is
accessible via Interstate 88 at the Orchard Road exit.
statistics
highlights
upcoming games
For Complete
NIIC
Conference Standings,
Results, Directions
and News
LOG ON TO
www.niiconline.com
2005-2006
Women’s Basketball Schedule
Date
Nov. 18, Fri
Nov. 19, Sat
Nov. 22, Tue
Nov. 26, Sat
Nov. 29, Tue
Dec. 1,Thu
Dec. 3, Sat
Dec. 6, Tue
Dec. 10, Sat
Dec. 12, Mon
Dec. 17, Sat
Dec. 21, Wed
Dec. 22, Thu
Jan. 3, Tue
Jan. 7, Sat
Jan. 14, Sat
Jan. 17, Tue
Jan. 21, Sat
Jan. 25, Wed
Jan. 28, Sat
Feb. 4, Sat
Feb. 7, Tue
Feb. 11, Sat
Feb. 15, Wed
Feb. 18, Sat
Opponent
Wheaton College Thunder Classic
vs. Wheaton College
Wheaton College Thunder Classic
vs. Ripon College
CARTHAGE COLLEGE
Illinois Wesleyan University
University of Chicago
Millikin University
Elmhurst College
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
North Park University
Olivet Nazarene University
DIII Desert Shootout-Muskingum
DIII Desert Shootout-UT-Dallas/Millsaps
BLACKBURN COLLEGE
Judson College
Rockford College*
EUKEKA COLLEGE*
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY(IL)*
CLARKE COLLEGE*
Benedictine University*
ROCKFORD COLLEGE*
Eureka College*
Concordia University(IL)*
Clarke College*
BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY*
Time
4:00 p.m.
Site
Wheaton, IL
2:00 p.m.
Wheaton, IL
7:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
TBA
5:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
AURORA, IL
Bloomington, IL
Chicago,IL
Decatur, IL
Elmhurst, IL
AURORA, IL
AURORA, IL
Chicago, IL
Bourbonnais, IL
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
AURORA, IL
Elgin, IL
Rockford, IL
AURORA, IL
AURORA, IL
AURORA, IL
Lisle, IL
AURORA, IL
Eureka, IL
River Forest, IL
Dubuque, IA
AURORA, IL
All home games in BOLD
* Denotes Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Game
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
630-844-5533 or
630-PICK AU-1
www. aurora.edu