In her second season playing basketball for Emporia State, Kelsey Balcom, sophomore nursing major, has become a leader for the young team. Her poise, patience and leadership have been noticed by both players and coaches.

“Kelsey is an obvious leader on our team,” said Jory Collins, head coach. “She is one of our more talented players, even as a sophomore. We are really excited to have her leadership on our team.”

Growing up in Olathe, Kelsey competed in track, volleyball and basketball. She was involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Volunteers, where she worked in a sixth grade classroom her senior year.

In high school she focused on basketball with support from her family. According to ESU’s website, she played in three straight Kansas state championship games while leading her team to victory as a senior.

“I am really close to all of my family,” Balcom said. “My parents never forced me to play but have always been very supportive by coming to watch me.”

Kelsey’s sister, Megan, will be joining the team next season.

“My sister and I are very close,” Balcom said. “She is my biggest fan, and I am her biggest fan.”

According to ESU’s website, Balcom was the MIAA Freshmen of the Year and earned Honorable Mention All MIAA last season. She averaged 11.6 points and 7 rebounds per game to go along with four double-doubles.

“Ali V. (Volkens) was a senior last year as a post player,” Balcom said. “She was great. She helped me with a lot of things, helped the whole team with a lot of things. It was a good learning experience all around. I want to continue to improve from there.”

Kelsey has high hopes for the team and their future and plans to work as hard as necessary to reach those goals.

“We don’t want to settle with just being good,” Balcom said. “Every day we want to get better and better. We want to be great. Personally, I want to improve and be as good as I can every day. I need to move away from not thinking as much and just play the game.”

Her presence and leadership on and off the floor is vital to the success of this team. The team chemistry is noticeable to many.

“Our team chemistry is one of the strengths of this team,” Balcom said. “We all get along. We have players at every position that can play.”

Marcus Hix

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Men’s baseball open season ranked 13th

The Emporia State baseball team is ranked 13th in the preseason poll from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. The Hornets were picked in a tie for second in the South Central Regional preseason poll.

ESU also had several players named to the preseason All-Region team, including pitchers Brandon Faulkner and Derek Brooks, along with outfielders John Kornbrust and Dorain Williams and infielder Joe Vaskas.

The Hornets will open the regular season on Feb. 17 when they welcome Nebraska-Kearney to town. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Glennen Field in the Trusler Sports Complex.

Football adds 29 to roster

Emporia State head football coach Garin Higgins announced the signing of 26 high school players to attend ESU and play football for the Hornets. Four transfers have also joined the class.

ESU will host the Hornet Football Forecast Bash at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Coaches Sports Bar and Grill.

The class consists of signees from all over the Midwest region including Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. A focus of this class seems to be skill positions, wide receivers and running backs, along with some quality offensive linemen.

Track and field continue early success

ESU had five provisional qualifiers and two marks that rank at the top of the nation in NCAA Division II this season at the Jayhawk Classic in Lawrence on Friday.

Briar Ploude jumped 7-2.5 feet in the high jump, placing him first in the nation. Katie Mona ran a 2:11.9 second 800 meter to move to the top in the nation.

Andrew Etheridge moved to fourth in the nation running the 60 meter dash in an improved 8.02 seconds.

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The team is off to a quick start. Can you comment on the early season success?

As a coaching staff, we get together from time to time and try to figure out what we are doing right. Then we discuss some things we can do better. I think the athletes right now have high morale and everything helps, including the weather. Obviously with it being indoor season, we are just trying to stress that they work as a team, help each other out and we have really gelled that way. The athletes are really responding to the training, which from a coaching perspective is huge. I think the athletes pushing each other, is directly related to our early season success.

Can you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the team?

Strength wise, we are just on fire right now. There is so much momentum…everyone is just doing such a good job of keeping the team’s morale up right now. From a weakness stand point, we can always be better, but I feel so good about these guys. There are some areas that we need to be stronger in, but there is nothing we can do about that right now. We are just going to put the emphasis on coaching the athletes we have now.

Can you comment of the leadership of the team captains?

When we as a coaching staff sat down and decided to have team captains there were some pluses and minuses. From a coaching standpoint, we as a coaching staff had a mock captain selection. The athletes the individuals chose to be captains were actually the same that the coaches would have selected. We have so many kids from top to bottom that would fit a captain’s role. We are really proud of these people. You could go right on down the list of captains and there are great things to say about every single one of them. I think it is good for them to realize their peers voted them into the captain’s role. It puts a little responsibility on them to be leaders.

Can you talk about some of the team goals?

We want to keep getting better every day going into MIAA track meets. We tell our athletes that we have to do more with less than some of our competitors and that is just the way it is. We continue to stay optimistic, think we can go in and get better. We are going to go into MIAA and go after a title, no matter what the odds are against us.

Marcus Hix

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In her senior season, Katie Mona, health promotions major, has been nothing less than dominant. Her early season success can be attributed to hard work and determination. One would not expect the quiet, shy and modest Mona to be a dominant force on the oval track.

Growing up in Illinois, Mona competed in gymnastics. She moved to Kansas and started attending Olathe Northwest. It was not until her sophomore year that she joined the track and field team.

“I am very timid and shy, so gymnastics didn’t work for me growing up,” Mona said. “Then I just kind of changed with my friends and decided to go run. I started running track and field as a sophomore. I then started running cross-country when I was a junior. Then I just kept working at both.”

Mona runs the 800 meter, mile and the 3k. Occasionally, she will compete in the 4X4 relay. According to ESU’s website, Mona dominated at the University of Central Missouri Invitational Meet on Jan. 20. Mona shattered a 21-year-old building record and 4-year-old ESU record in winning the women’s 3000 meter run.

Her time of 9:47.15 bettered Pittsburg State’s Christie Allen’s Multipurpose Building record of 10:05.26 set in 1991, and Jonel Rossbach’s ESU record of 9:50.39 set at Iowa State in 2008.

“She is really fun to watch,” said Steve Blocker, head coach. “She is running a little care-free right now, and I think she feels the confidence from that. She has put in the work without a doubt. The cumulative effect of the three years of training is paying off for us now. Her dedication speaks for itself.”

Katie has consistently improved each season. Her times have increased with hard work and determination while working through injuries.

“I have been improving my times from previous years,” Mona said. “I had an injury, stress fracture twice. I think that coming back from that, I feel a lot stronger, and it is kind of showing in my times this season.”

Although Mona is reserved, her teammates have noticed her hard work and determination. She was voted a team captain for the 2012 season.

“It’s an honor to be named captain,” Mona said. “We have several captains overall, and I’m glad to be noticed by my teammates. It’s nice to know that they look up to me and would nominate me to be a captain.”

Marcus Hix

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Emporia State distance runner Katie Mona and high jumper Briar Ploude were named MIAA Track and Field Student-Athletes of the Week for Jan. 16-22. It is the second straight honor for both of them.

Mona won the women’s track athlete award by dominating the 3,000 meter at the UCM Invitational, where she demolished the previous record by an astounding 18 seconds while winning the event by 1:02. The Lenexa native has the best time in the MIAA in the event this seasom by nearly 30 seconds.

Ploude won the high jump at the UCM Invitational with a leap of 7-01.75 feet to capture the men’s field athlete award. From Meridian, he has the top mark in the nation this season. By clearing 7 feet for the second straight meet, he is automatically a national qualifier.

Women win UCM Invitational, men take second

The track and field team traveled to Warrensburg, Mo. to compete in the University of Central Missouri Invitational last Friday. Emporia State set three school records, had an automatic qualifier, 12 event champions and six provisional marks. The 23rd ranked Hornet women won the team competition while the men placed second.

Efforts by Briar Ploude, Katie Mona, Sonya Schement, Marquietta Marisette, Andrew Etheridge, Gannon Mack, Shjuan Richardson and Ryan Dickson had strong showings for ESU at the Invitational.

The Hornets will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Lawrence for the Jayhawk Classic.

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Born and raised in Wichita, Lucas San Martin, one of the track and field team captains for the 2012 season, has always had a knack for sports.

Growing up, he played both football and ran track at Goddard High. Majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy, there is much more than meets the eye.

“I was very involved in orchestra and chamber orchestra,” San Martin said. “Chamber music is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I have played the cello since I was a young boy and I fell in love with the instrument.”

San Martin said he has had many influential people in his life, but one in particular comes to mind – his father, Lazaro San Martin. The journey his father made to America is full of courage and passion for a better life.

Lazaro immigrated from Cuba, coming to America in 1962 through Catholic charities while being aided by the Central Intelligence Agency through an operation known as “Pedro Pan,” “Peter Pan” in English. Lazaro sought a better life for himself.

“They were called Peter Pan because they were the boys that flew,” San Martin said. “This is something that has inspired me throughout my life. The fact that he came from a society with no opportunity, no future and was given a chance at a life to make something of himself. I strive every day to be half the man he is.”

Track and field has given Lucas one of many opportunities to be a positive influence on others, just like his father was to him. His leadership and determination have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.

“Lucas leads by example,” said 400 meter sprinter Frank Cortez. “He shows determination and hard work every day. The work ethic is there and others see it as well.”

San Martin does not overlook being named a team captain. He said he takes great pride and is humbled by the honor his teammates have bestowed upon him.

“It’s an honor on this team to be elected as a captain,” San Martin said. “This squad of men is full of hard workers. I’m honored to go to school with these guys. I take this honor very seriously.”

The men’s track and field team finished fourth overall last year, according to Emporia State’s website, and the team has high expectations going into this season.

“When you have a team of this caliber, you focus together as one heartbeat,” San Martin said. “You have to go out and perform. I think we are going to be very tough to stop this year. I expect everyone, every practice, to go out and give it absolutely 100 percent, as if they were competing day by day.”

Marcus Hix

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Junior guard Chris Sights dribbles down the court during the game against Northwest Missouri State at White Auditorium. The Hornets fell to the Bearcats 45-71 on Sunday. Audrey Millard/The Bulletin

The Emporia State Hornets squared off against the Northwest Bearcats for their 57th time at William L. White Auditorium on Sunday. In a disappointing performance, the Hornets lost to the visiting Bearcats, 71-45.

“Shots did not fall,” said Head Coach Shaun Vandiver. “We need to put this back in the rear view, and get ready for Missouri Western. We need to get in the gym, get some shots up and get our confidence back.”

The Hornets failed to make a field goal for the first four minutes of the game until a two pointer from senior guard Tola Lawal, who ended the game scoring 12 points, the only Hornet to score in double figures. Junior guard Chris Sights followed with two of his own, tying the game.

Emporia fell short early as they could not get defensive stops against the Bearcat offense, giving up many offensive rebounds and second chance points. There was miscommunication on the offensive side for the Hornets as they struggled to capitalize on their offensive possessions.

“We could not hit our shots. Everything counts in the first half,” Lawal said. “We just have to bounce back and work hard.”

Lawal and Sights continued to put points on the board for the Hornets. With a low scoring first half, the Hornets trailed going into the locker room, 27-14.

Junior guard Taylor Euler swished a three pointer to start off the second half. The Hornets struggled to stop Bearcat penetration in the lane. Euler drained another three to pull Emporia within 10 points, 22-32, with 15:15 left in the game.

“We did not come ready to play,” Euler said. “They beat us in every aspect of the game tonight.”

Emporia called a timeout at 7:18, being down to Northwest Missouri 30-53. Lawal drove to the lane multiple times, getting many repetitions at the free throw line. Emporia struggled offensively on getting shots to fall as they fell short to the Bearcats and finished the game with 26.1 percent from the field, the worst of the season.

“We just have to go back to working hard,” Euler said. “We need to be locked in and focused every time we take the floor.”

Chelsie Slaughter

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Three ESU teams ranked nationally

Both the Emporia State men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams made an appearance in this week’s United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association Top 25 Power Rankings.

The Hornet men are ranked 24th, while the ESU women are 25th this week. Both made strong early season appearances at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Invitational and at the UCM Invitational.

The Lady Hornets moved up three spots to the 17th slot in this week’s national top 25. The team has been in the Coaches Top 25 for 197 weeks since first appearing in the 1997-98 preseason poll and have received votes in 214 of the last 218 polls.

Their record now stands at 13-3, with a very strong 9-2 record, which ranks them third place in the MIAA.

Two named MIAA Student-Athletes of the Week

Emporia State distance runner Katie Mona and high jumper Briar Ploude were named MIAA Track and Field Student-Athletes of the Week for Jan. 16-22. It is the second straight honor for both of them.

Mona won the women’s track athlete award by dominating the 3,000 meter at the UCM Invitational, where she demolished the previous record by an astounding 18 seconds while winning the event by 1:02. The Lenexa native has the best time in the MIAA in the event this seasom by nearly 30 seconds.

Ploude won the high jump at the UCM Invitational with a leap of 7-01.75 feet to capture the men’s field athlete award. From Meridian, he has the top mark in the nation this season. By clearing 7 feet for the second straight meet, he is automatically a national qualifier.

Women win UCM Invitational, men take second

The track and field team traveled to Warrensburg, Mo. to compete in the University of Central Missouri Invitational last Friday. Emporia State set three school records, had an automatic qualifier, 12 event champions and six provisional marks. The 23rd ranked Hornet women won the team competition while the men placed second.

Efforts by Briar Ploude, Katie Mona, Sonya Schement, Marquietta Marisette, Andrew Etheridge, Gannon Mack, Shjuan Richardson and Ryan Dickson had strong showings for ESU at the Invitational.

The Hornets will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Lawrence for the Jayhawk Classic.

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Competitors will have to dodge, duck, dip and dive their way to victory in this year’s intramural dodgeball tournament on Feb. 1. Teams of six will compete against each other in a tournament to find the best dodgeballers at Emporia State.

So far there are only five teams signed up to compete, said Whitney Runer, assistant director of Recreation Services. Runer said that she expects more teams to register before the deadline.

“I’d create a team if I could…it sounds like a really fun thing to do” said Spencer King, junior English major.

Rules for the game are simple enough. The primary goal is to eliminate the opposing team by either hitting them with a ball or catching a ball thrown at you. However, hitting your opponent in the head doesn’t count as an out. Only shots below the shoulders result in elimination. Full rules can be found on Emporia State’s website.

“We’ll do pool play before we start the actual tournament, and then after pool play we’ll break down into the single elimination tournament,” Runer said.

Runer said the annual tournament has been around since at least 2006, except for last year’s tournament, which was canceled due to snow.

Other intramural sports offered during the spring semester include basketball, soccer, softball and table tennis. The Student Recreation Center is also going to hold a “fun fit week” in April.

“We’re going to be doing different activities that are outside the normal…intramural games to get away from just doing the same old basketball, volleyball, soccer kind of stuff,” Runer said.

Registration for the dodgeball tournament is open until 11 p.m. on Jan. 31. The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the multipurpose gym at the Student Recreation Center.

Competitors can register online at ESU’s website. The tournament is free of charge and only people affiliated with ESU may participate. The tournament will offer divisions for men, women, and coed teams.

Luke Bohannon

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Cortez

How does it feel to be named a team captain for track and field?

I’ve been here for four years, so it is very rewarding to be recognized by all of my fellow teammates. It reminds you of all of the hard work and all of the time you have put into the track team. It is definitely a big honor being voted in by the other athletes. Knowing that they view me as one of the leaders on the team is a great feeling to have.

How do you feel about the upcoming season?

I am very excited due to the potential of our young team. We have already had a couple people qualify – Katie Mona, who is number one in the nation, a couple of provisional qualifiers and a couple others who will get that mark later in the season. We are just a young team with a lot of experience to gain. It is really exciting that the doors are wide open and there is no limit to what this team can do.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

I’m looking forward to us bringing the team together. Our whole theme this season has been family. All of the other captains are very good at keeping the morale of the team up, whether it’s through laughter, motivation or just setting the example. I think the reason we were chosen as captains is because we all do a good job of leading by example and that’s the best part of what we do as captains.

What are some of your expectations for the team?

We have a pretty high standard, which was set last season. We took fourth in the nation outdoors and fifth in the nation indoors. On the men’s side we lost some key individuals that are very difficult to replace, but we have some people stepping up to the plate and are willing to accept the challenge. I foresee us being right back where we were as a team. I put pressure on myself as a senior leader and team captain to do something big and help this team out and I’ve worked hard to put myself in a position to do that.

Can you discuss the new coach Steven Blocker and the way he is leading the team?

Although this is his first season, we have worked with him for the last couple of years. He does a very good job of making everyone feel like they have a role within the team. On a personal level, when I was struggling with academics a couple of years ago, he pulled me aside and told me that the team needs me. That was the first time a coach had told me that. By him telling me that, it made me want to work very hard for him and has helped even further motivate me.

Marcus Hix

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The men’s basketball team took to the road last Saturday for the 197th edition of the Turnpike Tussle against the Ichabods of Washburn University. The first ever meeting between these two teams occurred in 1905.

But the Hornets struggled on the road as they fell 48-67. Their overall record now stands at 8-7.

“We just did not come locked in and focused,” said Shaun Vandiver. “When you come into an atmosphere like this, and you are not ready to play together as a team and share the ball and do the little things to help you win, this is what happens.”

The Hornets struggled early offensively running the shot clock down on multiple trips down the floor. Defensive  pressure was pursued by Emporia as they got back into the game with driving and dishing. A timeout at 9:20 allowed both teams to recover as the score was 15-12, Washburn. Many turnovers occurred for the Hornets allowing the Ichabods 18 points off of turnovers alone.

“I don’t think we took this game as personal as we should have,” junior guard Chris Sights said. “We hung our heads which is something we usually do not do.”

Junior forward Justin Ikhide helped the Hornets with some buckets in the paint. Going into the locker room at half time, the Hornets trailed 33-21.

“They pressed up, caused turnovers, and took over the game,” senior guard Tola Lawal said. “We need to learn from our mistakes.”

To begin the second half Emporia struggled immensely to put the ball in the hoop. A combination of missed opportunities and stout Washburn defense allowed the lead to be stretched. Washburn came into the game leading the league in steals and forced turnovers, which was no surprise to the Hornets.

“We need to focus and lock in from the beginning,” Sights said. “Washburn did a good job defensively. They are the number one team in the league in forcing turnovers and we knew that coming in.”

Vandiver said he was disappointed the Hornets did not put out a better effort to win the game, but the team has to learn from the experience.

“We need to emphasize the team right now and just stick together and we will be fine,” Vandiver said.

Chelsie Slaughter

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