Clark University - Clark News winter 2007
Sports Briefs (winter 2007)
Lund Award shared by alumna and coach
Joseph Brady, head coach of Clark's women's soccer team, and Rebecca Dezan '06, both received the John W. Lund Community Service Award at Clark's Fall Convocation on Aug. 30.
Brady was recognized for his involvement with the women's soccer team's 'Kick Up the Writing' program at Mill Swan Elementary School. He initiated the program with Mill Swan principal Kathy Dion three years ago. Through the program, Clark soccer players work with fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students for an hour every week, encouraging them to develop writing skills, work hard and set goals, both inside and outside the classroom. The program culminates each year with a soccer clinic at Clark in May.
Dezan graduated from Clark in May 2006. A history major, she conducted community-based research in her courses and volunteered at the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network, the Worcester Youth Center, and also participated in the 'Kick Up the Writing' program. As an Anton Fellow, Dezan spent five weeks working in the region of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, where she organized and ran after-school youth-soccer programs. Dezan lives in Worcester and is enrolled in Clark's Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Program in community development and planning.
The Lund Award recognizes the contributions to the Worcester community by Clark faculty, students and staff. It was established by John Lund, Worcester business and civic leader and friend of Clark. The award symbolizes Lund's affection for Worcester, his appreciation for the Clark community's commitment to the city and his belief that positive change is created by individual dedication. Lund is a member of the Friends of Goddard Library and has audited classes at Clark for nearly 20 years.
Athletic season recaps:
Men's soccer
The Clark men's soccer team had a memorable season, posting its fourth consecutive winning season (11-4-2, 3-2-1 NEWMAC) and witnessing regional and national acclaim. For the first time in Coach David Kulik's seven-year tenure, the team was nationally recognized by two rankings organizations'ranked 20th by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and eighth by D3kicks.com. Although Clark finished 10th in the NSCAA New England Poll for the second straight year, earlier this season the team saw its highest regional ranking (3rd), since Kulik's arrival. The Cougars have been in the top-10 regional ranking for 16 consecutive weeks over the last two seasons.
In addition, the men's squad allowed just seven goals (.39 GAA) and posted 11 shutouts, ranking fifth and tying for eighth in the nation, respectively, and finished eighth nationally in save percentage (.894). The team notched six-straight shutouts, one shy of tying the school mark (7); had a nine-game winning streak, including its first victory over rival Babson College (2-1) since 2001; and advanced to the NEWMAC Tournament quarterfinals as the third-seed. In the tourney, Clark fell to sixth-seed Springfield College (1-0) to conclude its season.
Women's soccer
Midfielder Lindsay Sylvester '07 was named to the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team, and the NSCAA and NEWISA All-New England Third teams. Sylvester was second on the team with three goals and led the team with five assists. She ranked ninth in the league in assists. Forward Liz Adamcik '08 was named to the all-conference second team for the second consecutive year. Adamcik led the team with 11 goals including a team-high three game-winning goals. She was fourth in the league in goals and sixth in points.
Field hockey
Clark's field hockey team had a successful season, earning the conference's first-ever Sportsmanship Award, voted on by the players of each conference-member institution.
"Upholding the ideals of the NEWMAC and its code of conduct is something our team members do not take lightly," said head coach Linda Wage. "We were honored to be the first recipients of this award."
Faced with one of the toughest schedules in New England, the Cougars put together a 4-12 (1-7 NEWMAC) mark. Despite the record, the Cougars, who lost five games by just one goal and sent four contests into overtime, were a difficult team to play. The Cougars defeated Nichols College (3-1) and battled a trio of teams (Williams, Springfield, Wellesley) ranked in the final National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Poll.
The Cougars posted wins over Anna Maria (5-1), Worcester State (2-1) and Mount Holyoke (3-2 2 OT). In its final regular-season game, Clark was faced with a must-win situation, but lost in double overtime (3-2) to Smith. It was the first time the Cougars failed to qualify for the conference tournament since the NEWMAC inception in 1998.
Volleyball Postseason
Despite a 12-13 (4-4 NEWMAC) mark, the women's volleyball team had its best campaign since 2001. The Cougars recorded their highest number of overall wins (12) in five years and started its conference slate going 3-1 for the first time since 1995 with early season victories over Babson (3-2), Wheaton (3-1) and WPI (3-0). It was Clark's first win over Wheaton in five tries. The team capped the season by celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Clark Volleyball at its final regular-season home game. Earning the sixth seed in the NEWMAC tournament for the first time since 2001, Clark bowed out after the opening round with a 3-0 loss to Springfield College.
Women's Tennis
In Coach Jim Hayes' inaugural campaign with the women's tennis program, the Cougars posted a 1-12 (0-7 NEWMAC) mark. Their only victory was a 9-0 sweep over nonconference foe Bay Path College. Highlights included the addition of Celina Grisi '10, who led the team in number one singles play with a 5-2 record.
|
>