Sports Briefs (winter 2008)
Blum breaks record in fine fashion
The cliché, ‘records are made to be broken,' certainly holds true for Clark University men's soccer player David Blum '08. After four years on Granger Field, Blum can finally hang up his cleats as the Cougars all-time point leader with 38 goals and 11 assists for 87 career points. The four-year striker from Irvington Park, N.Y., notched the assist that broke the 35-year-old mark set by Ted Satiropoulos ‘72 and catapulted Clark to its first-ever win (1-0) over then nationally ranked Wheaton College.
Sketching his name in Clark annals was not an easy task, however. As the clock wound down on the 2007 campaign, Blum entered the final regular-season home game just one point shy of the all-time points record. Tying the mark eight games into the season (38-10-86), the two-year captain had only 90 minutes to close his chapter on Clark soccer in front of the home crowd.
Blum and his teammates had to overcome a few obstacles on that rainy October day. Not only did they battle the elements and the emotions of Senior Day, but they were up against their archrival – Wheaton College, who had beaten Clark in 14 previous meetings.
"I always knew the longstanding record was attainable," says Blum. "It wasn't until senior introductions, where I learned I had tied it."
The two-time NEWMAC All-Star didn't waste any time making history as he put his stamp on the record books just 6:34 into the game. He bent an indirect kick towards the goal, where teammate Preben Gietz ‘10 lunged and headed the ball into the far right corner of the net for the game-winner.
"Breaking the career-points mark on Senior Day was a perfect culmination to all the hard work and effort I 've put in over four years," says Blum. "To beat a team that our program has never beaten and break the record all in one kick, was by far the most amazing feeling in the world. It was and will always be the highlight of my career."
Although Blum is happy to hold the coveted spot on Clark's all-time points list, he understands records are made to be broken. One of his most cherished memories, he admits, will be the experience with his teammates. "As I look back on my four years at Clark, I will always think about the great times I 've had with my teammates both on and off the field. It is because of them that I had the opportunity to break such a record. Without them, I would not have even come close."
Blum ends his career as the all-time points leader (38-11-87) and single-season record holder in goals (23) and points (50).
Fall season recap: Women's Cross Country
The 2007 women's team experienced one of its most successful campaigns in recent years. Graduate student Emily Tremaine led the way as she captured the 2007 Worcester City Championship individual title en route to the Cougars second team championship in 12 years.
"It was one of my goals at the beginning of the year to win the city meet," Tremaine says. "It turned out great because our team won too. It could not have ended any better. It was a great last city meet."
Not only did Clark claim a pair of team titles at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Tri-State Invitational and the Western New England College Invite, but they also sent several runners, including Tremaine, to the NCAA Division III Regional Cross Country Championships this season.
For more fall recaps visit www.clarku.edu/athletics/fallrecaps.
Cougars trick-or-treat for a cause
The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) dressed up for a good cause to celebrate Halloween. In its third-annual "Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods" fundraiser, SAAC patrolled the neighborhoods surrounding Worcester State College and Assumption College for canned goods.
SAAC community engagement co-chairs Julie Parnell '08, a softball player, and Lauren Schiappa '08, a member of the women's rowing team, spearheaded the event. Thirty student-athletes, clad in not-so-scary Clark University apparel, collected 965 pounds of canned goods, which was donated to the Worcester County Food Bank.
Hall of Fame Committee seeks nominations
The Hall of Fame Committee is looking for individuals to consider for the 13th Clark University Hall of Fame Class. Candidates may include athletes, coaches, administrators and other individuals who have brought distinction to the athletic program, significantly benefitted the University, and are outstanding examples of character, leadership, commitment and sportsmanship. Please make your nomination online at www.clarku.edu/athletics/friends_hof by March 1, 2008.
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