Sports – Page 14 – The Transcript

Leaving a legacy: Colton Bloecher

It’s been a good four years for senior Colton Bloecher, star midfielder for the men’s soccer team. He received All-American and Academic All-American honors in 2013 and 2014 and was the team scoring leader for the past three; he’s twice been North Coast Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. This interview has been edited for length.

The Transcript: Could you talk about what that was like, going into the national championship as a freshman?

Colton Bloecher: It’s definitely something you don’t realize until you’re a senior how big it was. My first game that I played in here was against Messiah, they came here, they were number one and Roy Rike was completely packed and I didn’t realize at the time how big of a game that was, which was probably good for me as a freshman, but I think it’s a lot easier as a freshman.

T: You’ve gotten a lot of awards the past few years…could you talk about what that’s like, how it’s impacted your playing?

CB: Yeah, that was a goal of mine coming in, was to be an All-American and then when I got it as a junior to be a two-time All-American but I think that my ultimate goal was to win a national championship as a senior, which we obviously got close to doing but not quite.

[youtube id=”2pE25rxO0kI”]

T: You’re also an Academic All-American, so what was it like having to balance soccer and classes all four years?

CB: Jay makes that easy, I think, because he’ll tell you that if there’s ever a conflict the academics come first but at the same time I think that’s just a personality thing and I think that especially guys who are good in the classroom and are willing to put in the hours, that success translates on the field.

T: Jay Martin is probably one of if not the best coaches in college soccer history, what’s it been like to play for him for four years?

CB: It’s been everything I could have wanted from a college soccer coach. I’ve worked for him, I’ve been here all the time and he’s a great coach, a great teacher and for me, he’s become a great friend so I don’t think you get that in many places so that’s been awesome for me.

[youtube id=”FEDpeyFJccw”]

High flying offense brings success

From the outside looking in, this season should have been a rebuilding year. The men’s basketball team has only one senior and lost four of their top-five scorers from last season.

However, the team has already shattered those expectations, holding a 12-3 record going into the end of their schedule. The Battling Bishops are currently tied for 1st place in the NCAC and ranked 17th in the nation.

So what has been the secret to their success? Hard work, high expectations and embracing changes.

“We came in with a bit of an underdog mentality, but still expected to win,” senior Nick Felhaber said. “From the very first day, we established goals of winning the conference and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Having Coach [Mike] DeWitt hold us to the same expectations as years past I think has really helped us.”

According to Felhaber, Head Coach Mike DeWitt made some changes to the offense that better suited personnel, with positive results. Much less height and size in the post led DeWitt to change the offensive focus towards playing faster and making opposing big men run the floor, Felhaber said.

Additionally, this shift has taken advantage of their post player’s skills on the perimeter in shooting 3-pointers. Forcing opponents to guard more on the perimeter has had the added benefit of opening up easier interior lanes.

“The Run N’ Gun offensive style has been greatly successful for us. Coach DeWitt always tells us that we have the most freedom of any team in the nation and I truly believe that,” freshmen Will Orr said.

Orr emphasized another aspect that has fueled this season’s success: trust in one another.

“I have never experienced something like this before, from day one we developed a sense of trust that shows on the court. No one was ever selfish; everyone was making the extra pass and it was something that the coaches never had to teach or tell us to do.” Orr said.

An attitude of working hard and putting the team first has been embodied by their head coach, and has trickled down to the entire team as a result.

In their last game against DePauw, a 76-64 victory, DeWitt earned his 300th career win and 250th while at OWU. However, he acted no differently and the team had no idea until reading about it the next day. According to the team, that reaction is indicative of how he coaches. DeWitt doesn’t put himself out there; instead, he is more worried about getting the victory.

“Everyone has embraced coach’s expectations and plays their role to the best of their abilities. We work hard and know that anything can happen,” Felhaber said.

“We play for the man next to us. We all play a part in what we do and trust each other to contribute. We want to win every game, and do whatever it takes to make that happen.” Orr said.

The Battling Bishops finish the season with 10 games of in-conference play, followed by the NCAC tournament starting Feb. 24.

Men’s swim team brings home more than just tans

The Ohio Wesleyan University men’s swim team made its way down to Florida where they trained hard, enjoyed the weather and won a few medals along the way.

“It’s my favorite part of the season. It was great heading down there,” sophomore Will Paull said. Paull medaled in the Sidney S. Asher Cup, a 100-meter freestyle event, at the Bob Mowerson Sprint Meet beside teammate and fellow sophomore Greyson Goodwin who won the race.

The team competed in the meet after training in Stewart, Fla. The meet took place at the International Swimming Hall of Fame pool in Fort Lauderdale.

“We have a good group of people. It was great to be with the team in above-freezing weather,” Goodwin joked.

Paull and Goodwin were two of four Battling Bishops to medal. The others to medal were juniors Bryce Uzzolino and Andy Cumston.

Uzzolino and Cumston both medaled in the William Post Sackett Cup race, a 400-meter event. The race is famous for allegedly being won by Olympic and American national champions alike. Uzzolino finished in second with Cumston finishing in third.

“It’s always fun to win, especially in something like that where you get this cool medal,” Uzzolino said.

Upon returning home, OWU lost a close dual meet to the College of Wooster and rebounded by defeating John Carroll University handedly.

Now the Bishops set their sights on the NCAC championship with only a few more dual meets left in the season. The NCAC tournament begins on Feb. 11 and lasts through Feb. 14.

“Right now we are really focused on our conference meet which is in mid-February. Right now that’s what our drive is towards,” Uzzolino said. “It’s pretty much the final push towards the end of our season.”

On the brink of a national championship

Senior goalkeeper Colin Beemiller. Photo: battlingbishops.com

This weekend, the OWU men’s soccer team will prepare to replicate the effort of the 2011 team by winning a D-III national championship. Seniors, Foward Colton Bloecher (right) and Goalie Colin Beemiller were freshman on the 2011 team and have been a large part of this season’s success. Bloecher won his second consecutive NCAC player of the year award, while Beemiller earned second team All-NCAC laurels.The Bishops will play Tufts University in the semi-final game Friday Dec. 5 in Kansas City, Mo.

The Transcript: Since you were already on the 2011 national championship team, what did you learn from that experience that you’ll apply to the games this weekend?

Colton Bloecher: The biggest thing is that there’s a lot going on at the final four that can be a bit distracting. I think it’s going to be really important for the guys to stay focused on why we are in Kansas City and what the ultimate goal is.

T: What will be different about your preparation for the NCAA semi-final?

Colin Beemiller: The first thing we need to do is get into the tournament. That is why these NCAC games are important. The teams that can focus on today and not on the trophy are the teams that move on.

T: What does it mean to you to be named the NCAC player of the year for the second consecutive season?

Bloecher: It’s pretty cool to get that kind of recognition and it’s awesome to have that kind of respect within the conference, but the goal for me is always a national championship. I just want to do everything in my power to help the team get there.

T: How has it been playing with the other seniors for past few year, going from winning a national championship as a freshman to another opportunity to win one as a Senior?

Bloecher: I love our senior class and I’ve been really lucky to play with them over the past four years. We’ve had a hugely successful collective career, but we know that the job isn’t done yet. Hopefully we can replicate the effort of the 2012 senior class in 2011 and bring home our ultimate goal.

T: How has Jay Martin helped you, not only on the field but off the field as well?

Beemiller: The players. We have good players. It took a litlle time for the team too come together, but once the kinks were worked out we started playing well. We have good players, but their role changed from a role player on the team to a main player on the team. It took a little while too get there.

Bright future for young cross country runners

Just as winter began to blanket the state with snow, NCAA Division III cross country runners took to an outdoor course at Mason, Ohio’s The Golf Center at Kings Island for the national championship meet on Saturday Nov. 22.

Sophomore Sarah Fowler and freshman John Sotos both ran for the title, with Fowler finishing 94th in the women’s race and Sotos placing 173rd in the men’s race.

The two advanced to the championship meet after Fowler finished ninth at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, where Sotos finished fourth.

Before the meet, Fowler said she is just as capable of winning as any of her competitors.

“You worked just as hard as every single one of them, put in all the miles, and earned your spot at the National meet,” she said. “As soon as you let the fact that you’re racing the fastest girls in the nation get into your head and scare you, you’re done. It’s okay to be nervous, just not scared.”

Sotos said Head Coach Matt Wackerly has helped him be successful as a freshman.

“Coach Wackerly has done everything to help make me the runner I am today,” he said. “He gives me the right amount of mileage, makes sure I stay healthy, and makes it fun along the way to keep my mind off things.”

This was Fowler’s second consecutive qualification for the Division III championship meet. Wackerly told battlingbishops.com the two young runners are on the road to success.

“Both (Sarah and John) might be a year away, but they can absolutely be All-Americans,” he said. “(Their) future here is extremely bright.”

Young Bishops run for cross country championship

As the winter begins to blanket the state with snow, NCAA Division III cross country runners took to an outdoor course at Mason, Ohio’s The Golf Center at Kings Island for the national championship meet.

Sophomore Sarah Fowler and freshman John Sotos have both ran for the title, with Fowler finishing 94th in the women’s race and Sotos placing 173rd in the men’s race.

The two advanced to the championship meet after Fowler finished ninth at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, where Sotos finished fourth.

Before the meet, Fowler said she is just as capable of winning as any of her competitors.

Sotos said Head Coach Matt Wackerly has helped him be successful as a freshman.

This was Fowler’s second consecutive qualification for the Division III championship meet. Wackerly told battlingbishops.com the two young runners are on the road to success.

“Both (Sarah and John) might be a year away, but they can absolutely be All-Americans,” he said. “(Their) future here is extremely bright.”

Senior bouncing back

Senior Caroline Welker. Photo: battlingbishops.com

Senior Caroline Welker, a key member of the OWU women’s basketball team, was hit by a Delaware Police Department car last Thanksgiving while crossing Central Avenue. The officer driving the vehicle, Mark Jackson, was charged with a $135 fine without a court appearance. He was going 15 MPH when he struck Welker, and was involved in another on-duty accident two days before.

The accident gave her a concussion and is still keeping her out of the game. However, Welker is sitting on the bench again after missing five games this season, on top of the entire season she missed last year.

While she thought she was making progress, she began to feel serious symptoms of her concussion on a hot summer day in June.

“I felt awful, I could barely do a workout without passing out,” Welker said. “It was pretty scary.”

Treatments and medication did not seem to be keeping her symptoms at bay. She was already given shots in the back of her head that failed to provide any relief, and if therapy continues to show no improvements, shots to her spine are next on the list.

“It’s different than spraining an ankle or tearing an ACL,” Welker said. “Those suck, but sometimes I can’t physically sit there because I’m in so much pain.”

Occasionally, when the pain is really high, sleeping is the only thing that helps Welker get through it.

She is being held out of the beginning of the season and her symptoms do not fade anytime soon, her time on the bench may turn into her whole senior season.

“It’s been really hard because I haven’t been able to do any preseason stuff with my teammates,” Welker said. “I just keep telling myself I could be worse off, that kind of keeps me going.”

Even though watching from the sideline “tears her up inside,” she still goes to every practice, team workout and game to support her teammates.

“I think I’ve done a good job of being supportive of my teammates and being positive,” Welker said. “I think I help give a lot of energy from the bench.”

Sarah McQuade, Welker’s teammate and fellow senior is thrilled to have Welker on the court, even if it is just watching from the sideline.

“We use her as an example to not take a day or rep off because one day your chance to play might be gone and others would die to be in the position, including (Welker),” McQuade said.

“We always tell her that we love her and are lucky to be apart of her recovery.”

If everything works out and Welker is able to return to the court before her senior season comes to an end, ecstatic would be an understatement.

“It would be the best thing ever if I could play,” Welker said. “I’m being positive but I’m also being realistic so if I’m told I’m not playing again I’ve prepared myself.”

Welker knows the importance of her positive attitude and continues to keep her spirits high even through these tough times.

“I try to be positive, if I had a negative attitude it probably would be 20 times worse,” Welker said. “There’s a lot of things to be thankful for, obviously it’s still hard, but I’m really lucky in the end.”

Winter weather brings changes for athletic practices

Winter is officially here to stay at Ohio Wesleyan, and with that comes changes for OWU sports.

The teams that have previously been outdoors will go through the most change, both in terms of schedule as well as program.

Day-to-day operations are impacted the most. When not in the winter months, most teams have their own specific space for practices. Ranging from the Jay Martin Soccer Complex to the George Gauthier Track, it was commonplace to see many different teams holding practice at the same time.

However, the majority of teams will now be sharing three spaces: the Branch Rickey Arena, Gordon Field House and newly relocated weight room.

The yearly transition is helped by facilities director Dustin Rudegeair, who aims to minimize winter’s impact on the Bishops’ effectiveness.

The biggest challenge for Rudegeair is trying to maximize the space available, according to sophomore facilities supervisor Sam Schurer.

Since Schurer has been running the process for a while and this is a yearly transition, Rudegeair is able to find teams who can use same space in ways that don’t interfere with each other.

These scheduling changes end up not just by varsity athletes, but other students on campus as well. Those looking to enjoy sports recreationally will have to make adjustments as well.

“Up until recently it has been pretty easy to go into the gym and get a pickup game going or play tennis at almost any time,” sophomore Alec Wyneth said. “But now there are teams in there all the time, so we can’t just play on a whim.”

To help avoid conflicts, there is a weekly schedule posted in the hallway connecting Branch RickeyArena to Gordon Field House. This schedule has been the most helpful to the non-varsity athletic groups who want to use the facility, such as the club rugby and ultimate frisbee teams.

“We are able to adjust our practices accordingly, and now know what days we should do a track workout or ideal days for a full scrimmage using the tennis courts,” said frisbee co-captain Bill Milanick, a junior.

Looking ahead, there will be more space across the board starting next year.

Men’s basketball works to replace big scorers

The Ohio Wesleyan men’s basketball team will strive to compete for the NCAC crown this year despite the loss of an exceptional graduating class that included their top three leading scorers.

The Bishops will be looking to fill some holes this year as they will be returning only one starter from last year’s team, which finished second in the conference with a 13-5 record.

Sophomore Jon Griggs, who got some important minutes last year as a freshman, is not worried about the loss of some pivotal players.

“I think we will respond well even though we are losing some key players from last season,” Griggs said. “We have some experience coming back and we have a lot of versatility across the board.”

As one of two seniors on the team, Nick Felhaber, who averaged 15 minutes and six points last year as a go-to player off the bench wants to lead by example this year.

“I can be a leader by just giving it my all everyday at practice and for every drill we do,” Felhaber said. “Hopefully when the other guys see me giving 100 percent, they will do the same.”

The Bishops have been practicing for most of the school year gearing up for the season opener, Nov. 18 verse Kenyon College.

Griggs is happy with how the team has been performing so far.

“Practices have been going well. We have a lot of energy and our team chemistry is really good,” Griggs said.

The Bishops open up their season with four straight road games before coming home on Nov. 29 to play Defiance College in Branch Rickey Arena.

In the latest 2014-15 NCAC Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll, OWU was forecasted to finish 4th in the conference while the College of Wooster was picked to defend their title by a landslide. Wooster has also been ranked 4th in the latest national Division III News Preseason Poll.

OWU’s biggest test of the year will come December 3 when they play the talented Wooster squad.

The game will be a measurement to see how the team will stack up this year in conference play.

Bishops take homecoming loss

Photos by Jane Suttmeier

Junior Zane Keiffer intercepts a pass late in the first quarter against Hiram College at Selby Satdium on Oct. 25. Keiffer’s third interception on the season set up an easy Bishop touchdown from the ten yard line. Hiram eventually defeated the Bishops with a go-ahead touchdown with a few minutes left, the score was 28-35.

Senior Calvin Cagney attempts to catch a screen pass thrown over his head. Cagney rushed for 130 yards on 9 carries and caught seven balls for 76 yards, leading the Bishops in both categories.