April 7, 2008

DELTA STATE SWIMMER MERVE TERZIOGLU LOSES FIGHT

CLEVELAND – Merve Terzioglu, 21, a freshman on the Delta State University Swimming and Diving team, passed away Monday, April 7 from injuries received in an automobile accident on March 29. Terzioglu had spent the past eight days receiving treatment at the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Memphis, Tenn.

“Our hearts go out to Merve’s family, friends, and teammates today. She was a star in and out of the pool and her passing is such a tragedy,” said Brian Hein, head coach of the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving teams.

Terzioglu’s passing is the second causality resulting from a one-car auto accident on Highway 61 north of Cleveland on March 29. Molly Bates, a teammate on the Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving team, lost her life in the accident as well.

Terzioglu, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, was a standout performer in the pool for Delta State this season. She garnered the Most Valuable Swimmer Award at the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference Championships in February and was recognized as a member of the All-NSISC team. In her first season with the Lady Statesmen, Terzigolu participated in the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships in St. Louis, Mo.

Delta State University counselors and several area pastors are on hand to offer support for the team, coaches, and student body during this difficult time.

Delta State and DSU Athletics are planning a memorial service for Terzioglu. Specifics on the service are not available at this time. As plans are finalized, additional information will be released.

April 2, 2008

HUNDREDS CELEBRATE LIFE OF MOLLY BATES

CLEVELAND – Over 350 students, faculty, staff and members of the community turned out Wednesday night to honor and celebrate the life of Molly Bates, a member of the Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving team who lost her life tragically in an auto accident on March 29, at a memorial service held at Wyatt Gymnasium on the campus of Delta State University. Bates, 19, was a native of Jacksonville, Fla.

“The show of love, care and respect for Molly was amazing,” said Brian Hein, DSU head coach. “The memorial service was so very special and exactly what many of our students needed. It was moving to see just how many people turned out tonight. Molly was a very special person and she will be deeply missed.”

The service included a musical tribute by Kristin Dambrino and Barry Bays. Several members of the Delta State Swimming and Diving team and friends of Bates spoke during the ceremony. The service concluded with a candlelight vigil inside the Delta State Aquatics Center.

March 31, 2008

DELTA STATE TO REMEMBER THE LIFE OF MOLLY BATES WEDNESDAY

CLEVELAND – Delta State University will honor the life of Molly Bates, a sophomore swimmer on the Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving team, Wednesday, April 2, at 8:00 p.m. in Wyatt Gymnasium.

Bates’ life ended tragically late Saturday night after the vehicle she was traveling in crashed on US Highway 61 South.

Bates, 19, was a beloved teammate and fierce competitor. Head coach Brian Hein described her as, “full of energy and the type of person people gravitated towards. She was a pleasure to be around and she will be sincerely missed.”

The memorial service will feature a slideshow presentation highlighting Bates’ life. Immediately following the service, a candlelight vigil will be held inside the Delta State Aquatics Center. The memorial services are open to the public.

March 30, 2008

DELTA STATE MOURINING LOSS OF MOLLY BATES; THREE OTHERS RECOVERING FROM INJURIES AT AREA HOSPITALS  

CLEVELAND – Delta State University, the DSU Department of Athletics, and the Swimming and Diving teams are mourning the loss of Molly Bates, who was tragically killed in a one-car accident on Highway 61 just north of Cleveland on Saturday night. Three additional students, Merve Terzioglu ( Istanbul, Turkey), Regan Niemann ( Oveido, Fla.), and Caitlin Dudley ( Huntsville, Ala.) were injured in the accident and are currently recovering in area hospitals.

“Life is such a fragile thing. One minute the world is in front of you and the next it’s taken away. Molly (Bates) was a wonderful person, full of personality. She was someone you naturally gravitated to and someone that wanted the absolute best for her friends and teammates,” said Brian Hein, head coach of the Delta State Swimming and Diving team. “Our prayers are with all the families touched by this tragedy.”

According to authorities, the vehicle containing the Delta State students was traveling south on Highway 61 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed into the median flipping several times. First responders from the Bolivar County Volunteer Fire Department and Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department were on the scene in minutes.

Bates and Dudley were transported to Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, while Terzioglu and Niemann were sent to Northwest Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale. Bates was pronounced dead upon arrival at BMC.

The three surviving students were sent to area trauma centers after being stabilized at local hospitals. Dudley was transported to University Medical Center in Jackson, while Terzigolu and Niemann were sent to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Memphis, Tenn. All three are currently receiving treatment for the injuries sustained in the accident.

Terzioglu, a freshman from Istanbul, Turkey, and Dudley, a freshman from Huntsville, Ala., are also members of the Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving team. Niemann, a native of Oviedo, Fla., is a former member of the Swimming and Diving team, and is currently enrolled at DSU.

Delta State counselors and several area pastors are on hand to offer support for the team, coaches, and student body during this difficult time. They will remain on call around the clock as long as their services are needed.

Delta State and DSU Athletics are planning a memorial service for Bates. Specifics on the service are not available at this time. As plans are finalized, additional information will be released.

March 15, 2008

STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN WRAP UP NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MISSOURI

COLUMBIA, MO- The 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving championships concluded Saturday with the Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen still in search of their first national title, as both teams finished in the middle of men’s and women’s brackets.

The Statesmen finished 19th overall with 64 points, while Drury University took home their fourth straight men’s title with an overwhelming 523.5 points for the four day event.

The Lady Statesmen finished tied for 22nd with Le Moyne College and Minnisota State-Mankato with 44 points, as Truman University won their seventh national title in eight years with 461.5 points.

Freshman Merve Terzioglu had the best finish on the day for both squads, and her best finish at nationals with a fifth place effort in the 200-breaststorke. Teammate Hannah Willis qualified for the 200-backstroke but was unable to record a top-eight finish.

Freshman Patrick Wheyrich was the top-performer for the Statesmen by far, earning 33 points in all three events in which he competed.

“I’m proud of our kids,” head coach Brian Hein said. “We were facing the top-schools in the nation, and they did their best to try and put up some great times. You can’t ask for anything more. This experience will no doubt push them even harder to come back next year to bring home a championship.”

March 14, 2008

DAY THREE IN BOOKS; DSU TEAMS LOOKING TO MAKE STRIDES ON FINAL DAY
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• NCAA Championships Home Page

COLUMBIA, MO- The Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen continue to show improvement at the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships as both teams picked up much needed points on day three.

Drury University remains in the top spot in the men’s bracket with 336 points, while the Statesmen moved into 15 th place with 64 points.

The Lady Statesmen, led by sophomore Dawn Thomson have 25 points after day three. Drury took over the first place spot with 323 points, while Truman trails 311.

Thomson picked up two points with her 12 th place finish in the 500-freestyle. NSISC Most Valuable Swimmer Merve Terzioglu, earned five points in the 100- breaststroke, while teammate Amanda Guidry produced seven points in the 100-butterfly.

Patrick Weyrich continued to produce for the Statesmen, earning points in every even he has participated in. He finished 11 th in the 500-freestyle and the only Statesmen to make a finals appearance.

The championships conclude tomorrow at the University of Missouri Aquatics Center with preliminaries beginning at 10:30 a.m.

 

March 13, 2008

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS CONTINUE IN MISSOURI; STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN MAKING PUSH
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• NCAA Championships Home Page

COLUMBIA, MO- Day two of the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships continued Thursday, as the Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen showed signs of improvement after a 21 point total for day one.

Three-time defending national champion Drury remains first in the men’s championships with 233 points, while the Statesmen earned 46 points good for 15th along with Clarion University.

The Lady Statesmen picked up 10 total points after day two, as Truman State University remains the leader with 226 points.

Freshman Dawn Thomson earned three points, as she finished in the top-15 in the 400-IM. Thomson was also a member of the 400-medley relay team that grabbed a much needed three points along with teammates Alyce Meador, Merve Terzioglu, and Amanda Guidry.

Patrick Weyrich continued with his consistent performance for the Statesmen with a sixth place finish in the 400-IM (3:58.96). Sophomore Roman Sereda earned his first points in his second trip to nationals as he touched the wall in the seventh spot in the 100-butterfly.

The championships continue Friday with the preliminary round scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. with the finals beginning at 6 p.m.

March 12, 2008

STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN LOOKING FOR MORE IN DAY TWO OF NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Daniel Hawthorne,Swimming Contact

• NCAA Championships Home Page

COLUMBIA, MO- The 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships got under way Wednesday afternoon, but the Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen could only manage 21 total points on the first of the four day event.

The Statesmen finished 16th with 19 points, while three time defending national champions Drury University has a commanding lead with 105, while rivals Ouachita Baptist hold second with 68.

The Lady Statesmen managed only three points and is tied with California University of Pennsylvania in 19th place. Seven-time national champion Truman University leads the pack with 103.

Sophomore Dawn Thompson, who is making her first trip to nationals, managed to qualify for the final heat in the 1000-freestyle.

Newcomer Patrick Weyrich had the best outing for the Statesmen, finishing fifth in the 200-IM (1:51.98) while teammate Roman Sereda finished 12th overall (1:53.28).

The championships continue Thursday with the preliminary round scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. with the finals beginning at 6 p.m.

 

February 16, 2008

NSISC Championships in the books with Lady Statesmen in second and Statesmen third; Hein named Women’s Coach of the Year and Terzioglu garners Most Valuable Swimmer
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• Scores
• Saturday's Results  

CLEVLAND- On the final day, no team hardware was won by the Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen, but both teams turned in memorable performances as the New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference Championships concluded at the DSU Aquatics Center Saturday evening. Truman State repeated at women's champion, while Missouri S&T earned the men's title.

For a second year in a row, Delta State head coach Brian Hein was named the NSISC Women’s Coach of the Year. Lady Statesmen freshman Merv Terzioglu was hot this week and earned the Most Valuable Swimmer Award, as she finished with the highest point total for the championships.

Truman State maintained their first place postion and held on for the women’s title with 978.5 points. The Lady Statesmen finished second with 832. OBU (585.5), Henderson (431), UIW (367) and Drury (134) close out the bracket.

The Statesmen remained in third finishing with 566 for the meet, while Missouri S&T would take home the title with 830.5. OBU would take second with 733. Henderson (550.5), Truman (522.5), UIW (290) and Drury (93.5) round out the standings.

For the Lady Statesmen, Hannah Willis (2:09.90) and Kaitlyn Pittman (2:10.34) took home fifth and sixth respectively in the women’s 200-backstoke in the first event of the day.

Terzioglu picked up her second win of the championship with a first place finish in the 200-breaststroke in (2:19.02) while Ashley Thompson finished sixth.

Amanda Guidry took first in the 200-fly, touching the pad in (2:06.28) while teammate Jen Artichuk finished third (2:07.23).

The Lady Statesmen ‘A’ team also finished fourth in the 400-free relay.

Roman Sereda got things going for the Statesmen with a sixth place finish in the 200-backstroke, while teammate Justin Ingvolstad finished fifth in the 100-free.

Patrick Weyrich would get the first top-finish for the Statesmen in the 200-fly, finishing in (1:51.86) along with Gurkon Eroksuz who finished fifth in the same event. The Statesmen would close out the day with a fifth place finish in the 400-free relay.

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will begin preparations for the NCAA Championships with a "Last Chance Meet" scheduled for February 23. The NCAA Championships are set for March 13-15.

February 15, 2008

TRUMAN AND MISSOURI S&T HOLD TOP SPOTS HEADING INTO FINAL DAY OF NSISC CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• Scores
• Friday's Results

CLEVELAND- The Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen kicked off day three of the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference Championships with first place finishes in the first four events. Despite the terrific start, both squads remained in the same position in their brackets, hoping for their best to come when it matters most on Saturday.

Truman State remains in the top spot (647.5) with the Lady Statesmen (621) and OBU (399) in the top three. Henderson (288), UIW (261) and Drury (134) remain in the bottom half of the women’s bracket.

MS&T has taken over first in the men’s bracket (555.5) with the Tigers of OBU (523.5) breathing down their necks. The Statesmen (432), Henderson (408.5) and Truman (364) are in a close battle, while UIW (207) and Drury (93.5) have yet to gain ground.

Merv Terzioglu won the 400-IM by a nose in 4:31.79 to get the ball rolling. The Lady Statesmen would sweep the top-three spots in the 100-fly lead by Amanda Guidry (56.82) with Alyce Meador (57.92) and Jen Artichuk (58.03) closing out. Terzioglu came close to pulling out another top-finish but fell just short with a second place time of 1:05.37 in the 100-breastroke as teammate Ashley Thompson rounded out the top-eight.

Meador had the highest finish for DSU in the 100-backstroke, a fourth place time of (59.51), followed closely by Hannah Willis and Kaitlyn Pittman.

The Statesmen were led by newcomer Pat Weyrich and sophomore Roman Sereda, both had their second top-seed wins in the championships. Weyrich dominated the 400-IM in 3:59.15, while Sereda continued to dominate the 100-fly in (50.39).

In the 100-breastroke, Juschin Waldem and Geoff Winkler had solid finishes while Justin Ingvolstad finished seventh in the 100-backstroke. Weyrich lead the charge along with Alex Barillas, Tucker Marshburn and Ryan Crisco to a fourth place finish in the 800-free relay.

The championships conclude tomorrow with preliminaries beginning at 10 a.m. and the finals starting at 5 p.m.

February 14, 2008

DAY TWO SHAKE UP AT NSISC CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• Scores
• Thursday's Results

CLEVELAND- Day two of the New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference Championships continued to heat up for the host Delta State University as the men’s and women’s squads combined for three NCAA championship qualifiers on the night.

The Lady Statesmen dropped to second place overall with 339 points trailing leaders Truman State with 384.5. OBU (181.5), HSU (171), UIW (159) and Drury (65) round out the board.

The Statesmen jumped to third place (251) with some great finishes in the 200-IM and 500-freestyle. OBU remained the leaders with 327.5 followed closely by Missouri S&T with 304.5. Truman State (241), HSU (182.5), UIW (75) and Drury (42.5) close out the bracket.

The Lady Statesmen looked to keep their overall points lead heading into their first event as the DSU ‘A’ team of Summer Moberly, Alyce Meador, Lacy Mixon and Jennifer Artichuk took fourth place in the 200-free relay in 1:40.86.

Dawn Thompson (5:12.26) and Caitlin Dudley (5:15.94) finished third and fourth respectively in the 500-freestlyle while teammate Elena English (5.17.19) finished sixth.

In the women’s 1-meter dive, the Lady Statesmen combined for 45 total team points as Jessie Lockwood, Jennifer Gerasimos and Jacy Gerasimos finished third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Artichuk and Amanda Guidry finished in the top eight in the 200-IM. The DSU 400-medley relay ‘A’ team (Meador, Merve Terzioglu, Artichuk and Thompson) qualified for nationals with a second place finish in 3:55.20

In the men’s bracket, Justin Ingvolstad, Tyler Wilson, Roman Sereda and David Struble battled to a fifth place finish in the 200-free relay in 1:27.23. Transfer Pat Weyrich qualified for the nationals in the 500-freestyle with a second place finish in 4:33.24. Weyrich became the third Statesmen to qualify thus far. Tucker Marshburn finished eighth.

Ingvolstad finished third in the 50-freestlye with a time of 0:21.43.

Sereda continued to surpass expectations this season, with a trip to the nationals already under his belt in the 100-butterfly, the sophomore qualified for the 200-IM with a time of 1:52.54 and a first place finish.

Chris Bowmen (339.95) and Patrick Remington (327.00) finished third and fourth in the men’s 3-meter dive.

The Statesmen picked up much needed points in the 400-medley relay. Sereda, Geoff Winkler, Weyrich and Ingvolstad finished fourth, touching the wall in 3:26.38.

The meet continues Friday morning at 10 a.m. with finals beginning at 6 p.m.

February 13, 2008

DAY ONE OF NSISC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE BOOKS WITH LADY STATESMEN AND TIGERS IN THE LEAD

• Scores
• Results from Wednesday

CLEVELAND- Day one of the 2007-08 New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference Championships got under way Wednesday night at the DSU Aquatics Center, with the Lady Statesmen of Deta State and the Tiger Sharks of Ouachita Baptist leading the way. The action was fast-paced and frenetic throughout the evening. If Wednesday's events are an indication of what's to come, the 2008 championships may be the best yet!

The Lady Statesmen have a commanding lead in the overall women’s bracket with 106 points. Truman State trails with 67, followed closely by Incarnate Word with 53. Rivals Henderson State (33) and Ouachita Baptist (24) round out the scores.

In the men’s bracket, the competition is much tighter with OBU in first (86) with Missouri S&T (81), Truman State (77) and Delta State (64) at their heels. Henderson State (44) and Incarnate Word (29) are currently sitting at the bottom of the table.

With only four finals events on Wednesday, scoring opportunities were limited for each team at the championships.

Caitlen Dudley missed the qualifying time in the 1000-free by three seconds with her third place finish in 10:31.88. Teammate Dawn Thompson finished in the sixth spot in 10:46.90 while Molly Bates (10:51.24) and Rebecca Glass (10:59.24) finished eighth and ninth respectively.

The team of Kaitlyn Pittman, Stormi Valentine, Jennifer Artichuk and Alyce Meador took home first place honors in the 200-medley relay in 1:48.51 to finish out the day.

Tucker Marshburn picked up the highest finish for the Statesmen in the men’s 1000-free, a fourth place finish in 9:48.21. Fellow Statesmen Ryan Crisco (10:01.88) and Geoff Winkler (10:37.12) placed tenth and fifteenth respectively.

In the 200-medley relay, OBU took home top honors while the Statesmen team of Roman Sereda, Pat Weyrich, Waldemar Juschin and Justin Ingvolstad finished fourth in 1:33.66, missing the national qualifying time by .27 seconds.

Action continues Thursday morning with the preliminary rounds beginning at 10 a.m. and the finals starting at 6 p.m.

January 28, 2008

Statesmen and Lady Statesmen swim past Reddies
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• Meet Results - HSU

CLEVELAND- With the final meet of the regular season in the books, the Delta State University Swimming and Diving team can relax a little as they prepare for the 2008 New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference Championships next week. The regular season concluded Monday with a sweep of conference-rival Henderson State at the DSU Aquatics Center.

The Lady Statesmen defeated the Lady Reddies 175-45 , while the Statesmen pulled out a close victory 110-109 over the Reddies.

The Lady Statesmen dominated the pool all afternoon taking the top spot in every single event. The relay team of Kaitlyn Pittman, Stormi Valentine, Amanda Guidry and Dawn Thompson got things started with a win in the 200-medley relay in 1:52.97.

Caitlin Dudley continued to impress with a time of 10:50.22 in the 1000-freestyle, while also taking the 500-freestyle in 5:18.94. Valentine posted a solid time in the 100-brestsroke in 1:08.67, while teammates Elena English (2:00.62), Summer Moberly (:25.58) and Hannah Willis (1:01.96) took first in the 200-freestyle, 50-fresstyle and 100-backstroke respectively.

All-American Jennifer Artichuk took first in the 200-IM (2:15.53) and the 100-butterfly (:59.62).

Junior diver Jennifer Gerasimos qualified for nationals in the 1-meter dive with a total score of 249.45.

As for the Statesmen, they had to work a little harder to get the win this afternoon. Freshman Tucker Marshburn picked up the first win on the day in the 1000-freestyle in 10:08.58 followed closely by teammate Ryan Crisco in 10:18.60.

Marshburn also placed first in the 500-freestyle in 4:52.70. Sophomore Justin Ingvolstad finished first in the 50-freestyle in:21.99, while teammate Roman Sereda picked up his fifth and sixth win in three meets in the 200-IM (1:55.15) and the 100-butterfly (0:51.75).

Freshman diver Chris Bowman qualified for nationals in the one-meter dive with a total score of 249.45.

Both squads will be in action at the NSISC Championships beginning February 13 at the DSU Aquatics Center.

January 27, 2008

Lady Statesmen clain win over OBU; Statesmen drop tough meet
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming and Diving Contact

• Scores
• Final Results

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University swimming and diving programs split a crucial conference series Saturday against Ouachita Baptist at the DSU Aquatics Center with a little over a week remaining until the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference championships.

The Lady Statesmen defeated the Lady Tigers 164-123, while the Statesmen dropped a hard fought meet to the Tigers 195-99.

“This was a big test for us today against a conference opponent”, head coach Brian Hein said. “We had some good times today on both teams, and I was pleased to see what we accomplished as a team. Now we just have to get ready for Monday against Henderson.”

For the Lady Statesmen, diver Jessie Lockwood earned a trip to nationals with a qualifying score of 259.95 in the one meter diving event.

Freshman Caitlin Dudley got things started for the Lady Statesmen in the 100-yard freestyle finishing in a top-time of 10:50.45 followed closely by teammate Molly Bates (10:59.90). Dudley also took home first in the 500-freestyle in 5:15.98. Amanda Guidry led the way in the 200-butterfly in 2:08.52 as Delta State nabbed the top three spots.

Freshman Alyce Meador finished first in the 50-freetsyle in :25.57 while teammates Ashley Thompson and Jen Artichuk grabbed first place victories in the 200-breststroke and 100-butterfly respectively.

For the Statesmen, sophomore Roman Sereda continued to impress in the 200-freestyle winning the 200-freestyle in 1:45.73 while freshman teammate Chris Bowman took first in the one and three meter dive.

Both squads will be in action this Monday at the DSU Aquatics Center, as they take on Henderson State University in a meet originally scheduled for last Friday but canceled due to the weather. Time is yet to be announced.

January 19, 2008

Delta State Swimming & Diving sweeps Dual Meet
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming & Diving Contact

• Complete Scores
• Results

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen and Lady Statesmen kicked off the new year with a successful home stand in a tri-meet against the University of New Orleans, University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Lambuth University on Saturday at the DSU Aquatics Center.

The Statesmen defeated Lambuth 144-13 in the only men’s meet. In the women’s meet, the Lady Statesmen defeated Lambuth (197-28), Arkansas-Little Rock (193-30) and New Orleans 142-99. Arkansas- Little Rock defeated Lambuth 93-74, while New Orleans took victories over Lambuth 187-33 and Arkansas-Little Rock 177-41.

Hannah Willis, Stormi Valentine, Jennifer Artichuk, and Alyce Meador opened the flood gates early in women’s action with a victory in the 100-yard medley relay in (0:50.82). Valentine also picked up a win in the 50-yard breaststroke (:31.28), as Amanda Guidry took home the 75-yard butterfly (:43.46) and Summer Moberly grabbed the 25-yard freestyle (:11.98). Ashley Thompson and Alyce Meador also picked up first place finishes.

In men’s action, the freshman had a good showing this afternoon and coach Hein was pleased with their performance. “I was very happy with our newcomers today. They put up some outstanding times. We have a few more meets before the postseason begins and I believe we still have room for improvement.”

Freshman Tucker Mashburn took first place in the 150-yard Freestyle (1:20.49), along with freshman Waldemar Juschin (:27.54) 50-butterfly, Ben Rayner (:39.53) 75-butterfly, teammate David Struble (:40.75) 75-backstroke, and Zack Stein (:25.86) 50-butterfly all took home first place points for the Statesmen.

Sophomore Roman Sereda picked up three victories Saturday in the 25-yard freestyle (:10.40), 75-yard breaststroke (:44.05) and 100-IM (:53.62).

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will be in action next Saturday against Henderson State at the DSU Aquatics Center. Meet begins at 5 p.m.

 

December 17, 2007

Roman Sereda and Becca Glass named Ronnie Mayers Scholarship recipients sponsored by Delta Aquatics Club

CLEVELAND – Coach Dan’l Murray and Kevin Cox announced Monday that Delta State sophomores Roman Sereda and Rebecca Glass have been named the recipients of the 2007-2008 Ronnie Mayers Scholarship presented by the Delta Aquatic Club. The recipient(s) must be a returning Delta State swimmer or diver and a volunteer coach for DAC.

“Roman and Becca have been two of the best young coaches we have had at DAC,” said coach Dan’l Murray. “They are tireless workers for our program and have proven themselves worthy in the pool and in the classroom.”

Sereda, a sophomore from St. Petersburg, Russia, has emerged as one of the top talents on coach Brian Hein’s Statesmen squad. A qualifier for the 2006-07 NCAA Championships as a freshman, Sereda has already made his mark on the program. The speedster anchors the butterfly events for DSU and has already qualified for this season’s NCAA Championships.

Glass, a sophomore from Lawrence, Kan., developed quickly into one of the top performers for the Lady Statesmen as a freshman last season. She has carried that into her sophomore campaign and coach Hein will be counting on her as the season continues to develop.

Both student-athletes excel in the classroom as well. Sereda and Glass were named to the New South Intercollegiate Conference Academic Team last season.

Each year the Delta Aquatic Club awards two Delta State swimmers or divers, one male and one female, a scholarship based on their work with the program (DAC) and their dedication to the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen swimming and diving teams.

The scholarship is awarded in honor of Ronnie Mayers, who was one of the founding members of the Delta Aquatic Club as well as its first coach.  In fact, if Mrs. Charlene Craddock was the “mother of Age-Group Swimming in the Delta,” Ronnie Mayers is the “father.”  It was their combined dedication that helped get DAC started, and Mayers’ guidance over the past three decades has been invaluable in DAC’s growth and success. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity to provide a little something back to the swimmers and divers that make the Delta Aquatic Club such a worthwhile endeavor for the youth of our community,” said Kevin Cox of DAC. “It’s also an opportunity for us to recognize one of the legends in Mississippi swimming, Ronnie Mayers. Countless young men and women have found a love for swimming thanks to his desire and dedication to age-group swimming.”

Mayers spent 20 years as the head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams at Delta State. His teams captured five women’s New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference titles in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2002 and four men’s championships in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2002.  Mayers has also garnered 14 NSISC Coach of the Year honors. 

The swimming program under Mayers’ leadership produced 56 individual All-Americans and 21 Academic All-Americans.  The DSU teams made 15 N.C.A.A. Division II National Championship appearances.

He began his career as an instructor in the DSU Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 1976.  He also served as the head coach of the Delta Aquatic Club age-group team from 1974-1989. 

For more on the Mayers Scholarship or Delta Aquatic Club, please contact coach Dan’l Murray at (662) 846-4730.

 

December 17, 2007

MISSOURI STATE SWEEPS TITLES AT DSU CHRISTMAS INVITATIONAL

• Final Team Results
• Final Christmas Invitational Results

CLEVELAND – Monday’s final round of the Delta State University Christmas Invitational did not disappoint, as all nine teams competing made strides in the pool in their last opportunity. Missouri State claimed the men’s and women’s crown after stellar three days at the DSU Aquatics Center. On the women’s side Delta State placed second, while Tampa came in third. In the men’s competition, Tampa finished second followed by Delta State.

“This meet was exactly what we expected…a track meet,” said Brian Hein, DSU head coach. “ Missouri State performed very well, but so did the other teams competing. I felt we (DSU) made great strides in the pool this weekend, and hopefully we’ll carry that over into next semester.”

Complete individual and relay results are available by clicking on the links above.

Women’s Final Team Scores:

1. Missouri State – 984
2. Delta State – 823
3. Tampa – 659
4. New Orleans – 358
5. Lambuth – 80

Men’s Final Team Scores:

1. Missouri State – 1045
2. Tampa – 782
3. Delta State – 529
4. Lambuth - 11

December 16, 2007

Missouri State retains lead in DSU Christmas Invitational; Statesmen and Lady Statesmen looking to make move on final day of competition

• Sunday's Team Scores
• Sunday Final Results
• Sunday Time Trials

CLEVELAND – Day two of the annual Delta State University Christmas Invitational continued Sunday with the Bears of Missouri State holding the lead in both the men’s and women’s competitions. MSU has tallied a two-day total 670 on the women’s side and holds an 89 point edge on second place Delta State (581). The men’s team is in firm control of the competition with 752 points to lead Tampa (524) by 128 points headed into Monday’s final round.

“Times just keep getting faster,” said DSU head coach Brian Hein. “Every team here has had success in the pool. I just hope we can make a move tomorrow.”

The Lady Statesmen got the day off on the right foot with a victory in the 200-Medley Relay. Hannah Willis, Lacy Mixon, Jennifer Artichuk and Alyce Meader hit the pad with a blistering 1:48.91 to edge second place MSU (1:49.32).

Jennifer Artichuk continued the success for the Lady Statesmen with the win in the 100-Butterfly. The senior and returning All-American narrowly defeated Missouri State’s Beanna Hollar :57.28 to :57.42. DSU’s Amanda Guidry finished third in the event with a :57.92.

In the women’s 100-Breaststroke, Ashley Thompson claimed the win for the Lady Statesmen with a 1:07.33. Hannah Willis won the 100-Backstroke in :58.82 by less than 0.2 seconds over Tampa’s Ellie Eshleman (:59.09).

The Statesmen also had an excellent day at the DSU Aquatics Center. Junior Fernando Reis jump started the Statesmen with the win in the 200-Free. His time of 1:40.65 made the D2 “A” list.

Roman Sereda recorded a D2 “A” cut with his second place finish in the 100-Butterfly. The sophomore from St. Petersburg, Russia finished second to MSU’s Victor Serra by less than a second :48.87 to :49.78.

Freshman David Struble also made a D2 “B” cut with his second place finish in the 100-Breaststroke. The Omaha, Neb., native turned in a :57.43 in the event. Earlier in the day, Struble (:57.15) qualified for the NCAA Championships during time trials for the event.

The annual Delta State Christmas Invitational will continue Monday with the third and final day of competition. Time trials begin at 10 a.m. with finals starting at 6 p.m.

Women’s Team Scoring (Through Sunday):

• Missouri State – 670
• Delta State – 581
• Tampa – 467
• New Orleans – 224
• Lambuth – 69

Men’s Team Scoring (Through Sunday):

1. Missouri State – 752
2. Tampa – 524
3. Delta State – 372
4. Lambuth - 11

 

December 15, 2007

Delta State Christmas Invitational gets off to blazing start; Missouri State leads all competitors

• Saturday Scores
• Saturday Final Results
• 1-meter Diving Results
• 3-meter Diving Results

CLEVELAND - Missouri State University wasted little time in getting off to a fast start at the annual Delta State Aquatics Christmas Invitational. The Bears tallied 340 points to lead Tampa in the men’s event, while the Lady Bears scored 344 points to lead Delta State on the women’s side. Competition continues Sunday at the Delta State Aquatics Center.

“Today’s competition got off to a very fast start,” said DSU head coach Brian Hein. “The pool is allowing everyone to post impressive times and I only expect the competition to get faster.”

On the men’s side, MSU holds a 96 point lead over the Spartans of Tampa (244). The Statesmen tallied 194 points to sit in third place, while Lambuth rounded out the men’s scoring with two points.

The women’s competition is much tighter with MSU holding an 82 point edge over the Lady Statesmen (271). Tampa is third with 225 points followed by New Orleans (99) and Lambuth (28).

Delta State had four swimmers achieve NCAA qualifying times, however, a swimmer must have an "A" cut time for a "B" but to earn them access to the NCAA Championships. In the 500-Free, Caitlyn Dudley finished third with a D2 qualifying time of 5:10.50. Hannah Willis also had a qualifying time in the event with a 5:10.95. The duo finished third and fourth respectfully in the event.

Fernando Reis’ third place finish in the 500-Free gave the Statesmen their first qualiying time of the night. The junior from Rio de Janerio, Brazil finished with a 4:37.17.

Sophomore Roman Sereda made it a good night for the Statesmen with his second place finish in the 200-Individual Medley. Sereda came in with a 1:53.72.

In relay action, the Lady Statesmen (Hannah Willis, Jennifer Artichuk, Ashley Thompson, Alyce Meador) claimed the victory in the 400-Medley Relay. The foursome hit the pads with a blistering 3:57.39. The Statesmen (Fernando Reis, David Struble, Roman Sereda, Zach Stein) finished second in the 400-Medley relay. DSU just missed out on the win with a 3:29.46.

Day two events will begin with qualifying events at 10 a.m. Finals will begin at 6 p.m.

November 17, 2007

DSU claims win over Rhodes College
By Daniel Hawthorne, Contact

• Meet Scores
• Meet Results

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University swimming and diving teams were in action Saturday afternoon as they swept visiting Rhodes College at the Delta State University Aquatics Center. The Statesmen won 97-85 while the Lady Statesmen picked up a 94-91 point total.

A handful of freshman on the men’s team really stepped up their times with some big performances. Ben Rayner received the top spot in the 100-butterfly (00:56.72) and Tucker Mashburn placed first in the 200-freestyle (1:50.66). Fernando Reis picked up victories in the 100 and 1000-freestyle events. Roman Sereda and Alex Barillas also claimed first placed spots.

On the women’s side Merve Terzioglu had two solid first place victories in the 400-IM (4:49.77) and the 100-butterfly (1:03.18). Sophomores Molly Bates, Catherine Rowan and Dawn Thomson also notched up first place points in their respective events.

“This was a good meet for both teams to really put up some good times. I thought a lot of our newcomers had some really good events but there is still room for improvement there,” head coach Brian Hein said. “We can now look forward to taking a few weeks off and resting up for the invitational coming up.”

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will host the annual Christmas Invitational December 15-17 at the DSU Aquatics Center. The meets will last throughout the day.

 

November 10, 2007

STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN PERFORM WELL IN FIRST HOME MEET OF SEASON; ALABAMA STEALS SHOW IN TRI-MEET
By Daniel Hawthorne, Swimming Contact

• Meet Scores
• Final Meet Results

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University swimming and diving programs kicked off their home stand with great success in a tri-meet against the University of Alabama, Centenary and the University of New Orleans on Saturday at DSU Aquatics Center. The Delta State men were able to take a victory over Centenary 76-62; however the Crimson Tide men defeated the Statesmen 82-55 and Centenary 91-44.

"For it being our first home meet, we swam extremely well," said DSU head coach Brian Hein. "All the competition was against NCAA DI talent today and we performed like a team ready to make a run at this thing."

In the women’s meet, the Lady Statesmen took victories over Centenary (99-39) and New Orleans (107-32). The Crimson Tide defeated DSU 97-41, Centenary 93-43 and New Orleans 101-36.

"Our ladies really came out focused and turned in some outstanding performances," added Hein. "While Alabama took home a win against us, our ladies really cracked it up a notch against Centenary and New Orleans."

In women’s action, Alyce Meador picked up a first place spot in (:58.01) in the 100-butterfly, as DSU was able to claim the first four spots. The Lady Statesmen were able to pick up a team victory in the 200-relay in the time of 1.41.00.

In men’s action sophomore Roman Sereda and junior Fernando Reis picked up some big wins for the Statesmen. Sereda took home first place in the 200-IM (1:56.57) and a second place finish in the 100-butterfly and 100-backstroke.

Reis took first place honors in the 200-freestyle with an NCAA Championships qualifying time of 1:40.93. The junior from Brazil also earned the win in the 100-freestyle (0:47.35) and 500-freestyle (4:44.19 ).

"Fernando is off to an outstanding start this season," stated Hein. "He is already at NCAA level and we still have four months left in the season."

Some other top swimmers for DSU included David Struble, Hannah Willis, Geoff Winkler and Stormi Valentine.

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will remain at home next weekend as they take on regional foe Rhodes College. The meet will kickoff at 11 a.m.

October 26, 2007

LSU SWEEPS DELTA STATE IN BATON ROUGE

• Final Results: DSU at LSU

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Bayou Bengal Tigers of Louisiana State University claimed a dual meet victory over the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen of Delta State University Friday at LSU Aquatics Center. The Tigers downed the Statesmen 195-89, while the Lady Statesmen fell 188-103.

“We swam well against one of the Southeastern Conference’s top programs today,” said DSU head coach Brian Hein. “Our ladies competed from the start and the men made great strides all day.”

In women’s action, Delta State’s Caitlyn Dudley finished second in the 1000-Freestyle with a 10:47.98, while placing third in the 500-Free with a 5:15.35. DSU’s Merve Terziglou picked up the win in the 200-IM (2:16.69), while finishing second in the 200-Breaststroke (2:28.65).

In men’s action, Fernando Reis (1:42.08) finished a split-second behind LSU’s Sean LeNeave (1:41.49) in the 200-Free and the 500-Free with a 4:41.80. David Struble also recorded a second place finish in the 100-Breaststroke with a time of 1:01.39.

Roman Sereda claimed the win in the 200-Butterfly with a :51.91 and the 200-IM (1:56.01). He also placed third in the 100-Backstroke.

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will return to the DSU Aquatics Center on Nov. 10 when they play host to the University of Alabama and Centenary University. Meet time is scheduled for 2 p.m.

October 20, 2007

MISSOURI STATE SWEEP DSU AND TRUMAN; STATESMEN EDGE TRUMAN

• Final Results

SPRINGFIELD, Mo- The Delta State University Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen were unable to covert some key performances into victory this Saturday, as they fell in a three-team meet with Missouri State and Truman State. MSU men defeated DSU 175-63 and TSU 192-38; MSU women defeated DSU 188-53 and TSU 124-115. The Statesmen picked up a key win over Truman State, while the Lady Statesmen fell to the Lady Bulldogs.
           
The men’s team had some good results in several key events lead by Fernando Reis who finished first in the 500-freestyle (4:42.45) and second in the 200-freeestyle. Roman Sereda had a good afternoon as well, winning the 200-IM and finishing fourth in the 200-backstroke.
           
The Lady Statesmen were not to be outdone, despite their early struggles. Caitlin Dudley got off to a good start with a third place finish in the 1000-freetsyle. Amanda Guidry finished third in the women’s 200-butterfly and Jessie Lockwood had success on the diving boards with second and third place finishes in the 3-meter and 1-meter diving events.
           
The Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen are on the road once again as they travel to Baton Rouge, La., to take on Louisiana State University this Friday. Meet time is scheduled for 3 p.m.

 

October 19, 2007

MISSOURI-ROLLA SWIMS PAST STATESMEN

• Final Results - DSU at UM-Rolla

ROLLA, Mo. - The University of Missouri-Rolla used early success in the relay events Friday to claim the meet victory over Delta State University in a men's only meet. UMR posted 124 total points, while the Statesmen tallied 71.

Junior All-American Fernando Reis turned in an outstanding performance with a victory in the 1000-Free. Reis hit the boards in 9:53.73 to claim the win by over six seconds. He also finished second in the 500-Free with a 4:52.54, and swam the lead leg of DSU's 400-Free Relay winning team.

Redshirt freshman and Team Captain David Struble also picked up the win in the 200-Breaststroke (2:16.61) for DSU. All-American Roman Sereda also finished second in the 200-IM with a 1:58.27 for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will be in action on Saturday in a dual meet in Springfield, Mo., hosted by Missouri State and Truman State. The meet begins at 1 p.m.

October 13, 2007

HILLTOPPERS DOWN STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN IN THIRD MEET OF SEASON

• Final Results - DSU at WKU

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University's Hilltoppers and Lady Hilltoppers swept Delta State University in a dual meet Saturday at the Bill Powell Natatorium. The Hilltoppers downed the Statesmen 179-104, while the Lady Statesmen fell 170-105 to the Lady Hilltoppers.

"WKU is one of the top NCAA Division I teams we will face this year," said DSU head coach Brian Hein. "We competed well today, and we will continue to work hard to improve each week."

DSU's Amanda Guidry turned in an outstanding meet with a first place finish in the 200-IM (2:19.68) and a second place finish in the 200-Butterfly (2:12.32). Alex Barilias also claimed a first place finish in the 200-IM with a 2:06.06 for the Statesmen.

Several Statesmen and Lady Statesmen just missed recording victories in several heats. In the 100-Freestyle, the Lady Statesmen took places 2-5 led by Jennifer Artichuk's :56.45.

The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen hit the road for a two-day, three event road trip this Friday and Saturday. On Friday, DSU will face Missouri-Rolla at 5 p.m. in Rolla, Mo., and on Saturday, DSU squares off against Missouri State and Truman State in Springfield, Mo. The meet is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

October 6, 2007

OBU TIGERSHARKS SWEEP AQUA STATESMEN & LADY STATESMEN

• Final Results - DSU at OBU

ARKADELPHIA, Ark- The Aqua Statesmen and Lady Statesmen were in action this past weekend as they traveled to Ouachita Baptist University for the second meet of the season. The host school combined for 351 points to Delta State’s 229 in the meeting between the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference schools.
           
The Lady Statesmen, which combined for 126 points, were led by some surprising newcomers. Caitlin Dudley finished first in the women’s 1000-freestyle with a time of 11:00.97 and the 500-freestyle in 5:20.90 while Merve Terzioglu took first place in the 200-breaststoke in 2:31.71.

All-American and NCAA qualifier Amanda Guidry earned nine points in the 200-butterfly, while three-time NCAA All-American Jennifer Artichuk finished first in the 100-butterfly. NCAA qualifier Jessie Lockwood started off the year with two first place finishes in the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events.

Junior All-American Fernando Reis picked up right where he left off for the Statesmen. The Rio de Janerio native took first place in the men’s 200-freestyle (1:42.69) and 500-freestyle (4:50.70) while picking up a second place finish in the 100-freestyle. Freshman diver Chris Bowman picked up his first place finish in the men’s 2-meter diving event.

NCAA qualifiers Hannah Willis and Roman Sereda also had solid finishes on the day.

Both squads will travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky to take on Western Kentucky University next weekend. The meet is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

October 5, 2007

STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN OPEN SEASON WITH SWEEP OF HENDERSON STATE

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - With the first six meets of the season on the road, coach Brian Hein knew it was important for his Statesmen and Lady Statesmen swimming and diving teams to get off to a fast start. Friday, Delta State did just that with a convincing sweep of Henderson State.

"We got off the a quick start in relays and kept the pressure on them all night," said Hein. "Henderson State has a great program and to come in here and claim a meet sweep is tremendous."

The Lady Statesmen erupted for 140 points in the first meet of the year, while the Lady Reddies totaled 83 points.

The Statesmen edged the Reddies 127-110 on the men's side.

Delta State will compete at Ouachita Baptist on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. Complete results will be available on Sunday.

August 7, 2007

After 20-plus years of success in and out of the pool, DSU Swimming & Diving set to host first reunion
By Matt Jones

• Reunion Weekend Registration Form

For over 20 years, Ronnie Mayers built the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen swimming and diving programs into a national power at Delta State University.  Brian Hein has continued that commitment to success and on October 26-27 the program will host its first ever reunion.  The weekend will be a celebration of not only the many championships won, but also a time to honor the men and women who have grown because of the program.
               
“The idea for the reunion came about because we wanted a chance to renew our connections with many of our former swimmers and divers and to have a chance to visit with the athletes that helped build this program into what it is today,” said Ronnie Mayers, former Head Coach and current Assistant Athletic Director for Special Projects.  “It’s also an opportunity to get our people back on campus and allow them to reconnect with the University.”
               
The Swimming and Diving Reunion Weekend will begin on Friday, October 26 with a social hosted at the Mayers’ home.  Events will begin around 6 p.m.  On Saturday, October 27, the festivities hit high-gear with a tour of the Aquatics Center, tailgating and social activities in Statesmen Park, and the event will culminate with a recognition of all those in attendance at the Homecoming game with the University of West Georgia.
               
“Since the day we signed our first swimmer Tracey Crawford, I new this program was destined for great things,” added Mayers.  “This program was built with the student-athlete’s growth in mind.  I wanted us to prepare them for life and I believe we have done just that.  Seeing my former athletes and meeting their families would mean everything to me, so I hope to see you there October 26.”

                If you are a former DSU swimmer or diver, it’s not too late to sign up for the reunion.  Please contact the Delta State University Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300 or email us at athletics@deltastate.edu.   

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