Graham

Having pitched in the Division II National Championship game a season ago, senior pitcher Ben Graham has nearly seen it all. The recreation major and Holden, Mo., native came from Hutchinson Community College to Emporia State ready to make an immediate impact – it showed in the championship game, although the team eventually fell to Lynn University, 2-1.

For Graham, the situation was intense.

“It was pretty crazy,” Graham said. “Just knowing you’re on national television, having a bunch of people you know back home watching you and getting to compete for a national championship – I really don’t know how to explain it.”

Now in his senior year at ESU, Graham still has the same expectations as last season.

“I think, this year, we have more talent than we did last year,” Graham said. “It’s just finding a way to put it all together. We’re still struggling a little bit, but my expectations are still to win a national championship.”

Graham is definitely doing his part. He’s currently third in the MIAA with a 2.02 earned run average.

Even out of Hutch, expectations for Graham were high.

“When Ben came here, we knew he was a pretty good pitcher,” said John Martin, Graham’s pitching coach. “He’s always had good stuff. I think his velocity has increased since last year. He’s always had good movement, and he’s also increased his command of all three of his pitches.”

According to senior catcher David Albritton, Graham is the perfect pitcher to catch for.

“It’s awesome,” Albritton said. “He throws strikes and he’s quick. It’s a lot of fun catching him. You don’t have to do too much work because he’s going to split your body and he’s going to throw strikes.”

Graham said the differences between Emporia State and HCC are vast, in a good way.

“It’s a lot more laid back here,” Graham said. “It’s more professional, I would say. JUCO is really working to fine-tune your skills, like developing you into a good baseball player. Everyone that’s here is coming from JUCO, so it’s just like coming together as a team more and playing good baseball.”

As a source of inspiration, Graham thinks about his grandfather. Apparently, baseball runs in the family.

“My grandpa was a really good pitcher back when he was younger,” Graham said. “He was getting scouted by the Major Leagues, and he always talked to me about pitching and stuff. I think about him everyday.”

Even in his spare time, Graham and his teammates can’t seem to escape baseball.

“I pretty much just hang out with the guys,” Graham said. “We always go over to one guy’s house and hang out and play video games and watch baseball. It’s baseball on the field, and when we get off the field, we’re watching baseball. It’s baseball all day long.”

Perhaps the 24/7 baseball schedule gives Graham the edge he needs to excel. Martin believes Graham is a key to the Hornets’ success.

“He consistently goes out there and gives us a chance to win,” Martin said.

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Schoon

Emporia State tennis’ Kevin Schoon knows how to be successful in more ways than one. The Winfield native is a biochemistry and molecular biology major, the men’s team captain and the #1 player on the team.

John Cayton, head coach of the men’s tennis team, believes Schoon’s mental abilities transcend just the classroom.

“Kevin’s always been a very, very smart player,” Cayton said. “He plays well with his mind, and he’s always been somebody that plays high percentage.”

Schoon’s a proven leader of the team, although he’s not a very vocal person.

“I’m team captain and I feel like I’ve done a good job at that,” Schoon said. “I’m really not the most vocal leader, but I try to lead more by example in playing hard and just being really motivating to the other guys.”

Fellow senior team member Spencer Pozek has seen first hand Schoon’s impact on the squad.

“He’s a good teammate,” Pozek said. “He always gives his best effort. He’s definitely a quiet guy, but the underclassmen follow him – not by what he says, but the way he acts.

He never gets real fired up,” Pozek said. “That probably why he he’s been so successful because he’s real even keel. In tennis, you have to be able to stay on a steady plain, and not go up and down.”

It’s not only Schoon’s leadership qualities that have been noticed. Last year, coaches around the MIAA honored him with the Sportsmanship Award.

“It meant a lot knowing that they (MIAA coaches) think highly of me,” Schoon said. “I try to be a good sport, so it’s really nice that people notice that.”

Along with excellent sportsmanship and a soft-spoken leadership style, Schoon brings to the table a complimentary skill set.

“One of the things Kevin has developed is some weapons,” Cayton said. “His forehand has become a very big weapon. His serve has become more of a weapon… the thing that he does very well…is he moves forward and finishes points at net very well.”

Consistency has been a word closely associated with Schoon since he came to Emporia State four years ago.

“I think it’s really important for me to just try to do what I know I can do and not try to do more, and that’s being really consistent,” Schoon said. “A lot of times it does frustrate other players who want to end the point quickly.”

Cayton realized Schoon’s value and potential from an early stage.

“He’s extremely valuable because, a guy like Kevin, you can put him out there at whatever position and you know he will compete and perform for you day in, day out,” Cayton said. “He’s been a very, very consistent performer, somebody that’s not going to make a lot of mistakes.”

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Robinson

Emporia Sate student-athlete Jennifer Robinson has high jumping down pat. The junior graphic design major is the only high jumper for the ESU women’s track and field team – yet the Mound Valley native is All-American caliber for Division II.

As recently as April 3, Robinson dominated the field in both the high jump and long jump, coming away with two event championships for the Hornets at the State Farm ESU Relays.

ESU track and field coach David Harris has always had high expectations for Robinson.

“I had expectations, in the high jump, (for her) to go right back to being an All-American, one of the top high jumpers in Division II in the country,” Harris said.

The road to greatness wasn’t an easy one for Robinson.

“Jennifer was beat up last year,” Harris said. “We beat her up trying to do more events, probably, than we should have. She wanted to do that – she wanted to do the heptathlon…it didn’t work out.”

Robinson is well aware that the injury hindered her progression last season. However, after a full recovery, she expects to continue to improve.

“Last year I was injured, so most of the season I would just come whenever I wanted to work out because I was hurt,” Robinson said. “This year since I’m healthy again, I’m back to doing what I can do.”

Besides the injury, Robinson has faced another obstacle: a heavy course load. It’s not uncommon for her, due to her schedule, for Robinson to have to train on her own.

“It’s not easy to train by yourself,” Harris said. “She’s able to do it. She’s able to take care of school, and that’s important. She’s able to take care of training, which she’s our only high jumper right now, so she’s training on her own in the high jump with the coaches.”

Because of the tight class schedule, Robinson fully understands what kind of dedication it takes to commit to both her grades and athletics.

“It’s kind of hectic sometimes, just working with everyone’s schedule“ Robinson said. “Art majors’ classes are usually later in the day, so that affects practice.”

If it wasn’t already enough, Robinson has had to deal with coaching changes, as well. Her new position coach, Erin Wessely, appreciates Robinson’s dedication and jumping potential.

“Jennifer’s probably one of the easier people to coach on the team,” Wessely said. “She’s an incredibly hard worker, so that’s always good. I walked into the door in a really good position, having her be a good high jumper already and trying to get her up to those higher heights. She definitely has the potential to jump a lot higher.”

Even after garnering success this early, Robinson still plans on capitalizing on opportunities to improve.

“I’m hoping that I continue to keep doing as good as I’m doing and grow and do better,” Robinson said.

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Boston

For the past few years, senior point guard Cassondra Boston has dominated the basketball scoreboard at Emporia State. The Des Moines, Iowa, native has spent her whole life being groomed for the sport her entire life by none other than her father, Haywood Boston – a high school basketball coach.

“My dad is definitely a big influence,” Boston said. “He started me playing at a young age. He’s been coaching all his life, and I’ve been around basketball all of my life because of him. My brother and I always had to be at the gym with him while he was coaching. When I got to high school he started coaching girls, so I started playing for him.”

As a junior, Boston earned first-team All-MIAA and second-team Daktronics All-Region for her stellar performance a year ago. ESU Coach Brandon Schneider recognizes her abilities on the basketball court and what they mean for the team.

“She’s obviously extremely skilled on the offensive end – the complete package,” Schneider said. “She makes almost every right decision. Defensively, she’s playing tough. She’s playing with energy. She is now a leader by both example and vocally.”

Boston has been successful away from the court as well. She graduated this past December with a business degree and is currently pursuing a MBA. In high school, Boston was an academic All-State selection and was her class’ valedictorian.

As a freshman at Emporia State, Boston quickly noticed the vast differences between playing Division II basketball and playing at Hoover High.

“It’s a lot more competitive than high school,” Boston said. “The pace of the game’s a lot quicker. It’s just something to get used to, coming from high school to college – it’s a big difference…I think it’s a lot more fun, too.”

Boston roomed with teammate Jamie Augustyn her freshman year, an experience that led the two to become friends and led Augustyn to appreciate Boston’s presence as a teammate.

“She’s a great teammate,” Augustyn said. “She’s fun on and off the court.”

Schneider remembers a slightly different Boston than we know today when she first came to the program.

“She was really skilled,” Schneider said. “She was really shy and timid…I think she’d be the first to admit that she wasn’t always the best practice player. Now, she never takes a possession off in practice, whether it’s offensively or defensively. She expects the same out of her teammates.”

Boston recalled her days of timidity and commented on her acceptance of the team leader role as her time in the program continued.

“My freshman year, I didn’t speak up as much,” Boston said. “I was a lot quieter. As the years have gone by, I realized that I have to step up and be more of a vocal leader. I think I’ve really embraced that role this year.

Since I’ve been here, something Brandon has talked to me about is being more of a leader. Obviously he’s had trouble with me in the past speaking up. I just realized that it’s my senior year – it’s going to be my last chance. I just want to give it my all.”

According to Schneider, Boston’s progression on and off the court is a testament to her as a person.

“She’s just grown and matured a great deal as a player and even a lot as a person,” Schneider said. “She’s much more assertive on and off the court than she was early in her career.”

The epic of Boston has hit center stage at Emporia State this season, as she has been named MIAA Player of the Week four times and is a sure fire lock for first team All-MIAA honors – and maybe more.

While the rest of the season waits to unfold, Boston’s future also seems somewhat cloudy. One thing is for sure though – basketball hasn’t exited the scene just yet.

“Playing overseas is still an option,” Boston said.

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Holthaus

As the late resurgence of the Emporia State men’s basketball team continues, the Hornets are led by a big-time presence in the paint. Adam Holthaus, junior forward and computer systems information major, repeatedly comes off the bench and flat out produces – Holthaus’ 13.6 points per game are second-best only to teammate Tim Niles. The Topeka native looks to improve his game while his team continues to step up in MIAA play.
Q: When did you start playing basketball?

A: I have been playing basketball as long as I could pick up the ball.

Q: What are your strong points and weak points as a player?

A: Personally, I feel like my strong point is my offensive ability. I
feel like I have good post moves with both hands which allow me to do
different things depending on what they give me. I feel like a weak
point would be my defense and rebounding. I need to get more aggressive
when rebounding and also need to get better overall on defense.

Q: What assets do you bring to the team?

A: I feel as though I bring a spark from inside. I feel like I bring the
ability to score in the paint which opens up many different options for
our team.

Q: Why did you decide to come to Emporia State as opposed to Washburn since
you’re from Topeka?

A: I decided to come to Emporia because of the wonderful opportunities that
they offered me both athletically and academically.

Q: What’s it like being a student-athlete at ESU? What are the greatest
challenges?

A: I love being a student-athlete at ESU. It is a great environment for
both athletics and academics. Everyone here is very supportive of the
athletic teams and the university. The hardest thing about being a
student-athlete would be, in season, when you have practice, games and
homework, all going on at the same time, while missing some classes.
Being able to keep up with everything is definitely the hardest part.

Q: Who would you say influenced you the most to play basketball?

A: My parents always encouraged me and supported me throughout the years.

Q: If you could choose one person as your role model or hero, who would it
be?

A: My parents would probably be my role models or heroes because they
brought me into this world and are very supportive in everything I do.

Q: What do you plan to do after college? Is coaching an option for you after you get done playing for ESU?

A: This is not my dream or in the plans of my future, but if an opportunity
would arise I would definitely look into it.

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Setter Ting Liu, with teammate middle hitter, Brianne Boner, jump to block a spike by a Washburn opponent earlier this season at White Auditorum. Kellen JenKins/The Bulletin.

Junior setter and business major Ting Liu isn’t hard to miss on the volleyball court. Standing at 6’1,” Liu is the tallest setter in the MIAA.

But that’s not the only reason why Liu is a prominent figure in the league and around the country.

A season ago, Liu was selected First-Team AVCA All-American, First-Team All-South Central Region and First-Team All-MIAA. In her freshman year, Liu was selected the South Central Region Freshman of the Year and the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

Postseason awards have been plentiful for Liu. She both appreciates them and hopes that more are on the way.

“It was a very big honor for me and it made me feel good,” Liu said. “I hope to get more.”

A native of China, Liu attended a different high school than most at the Beijing Fifth Sport School. Her dedication to volleyball brought her to the U.S. to play for Emporia State – something that head coach Bing Xu is grateful for.

“We are really fortunate to have her on the team,” Xu said.

Xu would also go on to talk about how she has adapted to the American style of volleyball.

“I think mentality wise, she’s getting stronger,” Xu said. “In her first couple of years, she was trying to adjust to a different playing style, and now she’s really getting used to it.”

Senior outside hitter and marketing major Arica Shepard knows Liu pretty well – they’ve been playing together since Liu was a freshman just two years ago. Shepard attributes Liu’s success to her stifling defense and quick hand-eye coordination.

“She has quick hands – that’s what we definitely need for our volleyball team,” Shepard said. “That’s what Bing has always stressed on is trying to quicken our defense every year, and she’s just adapted really well in doing that. If you ever watch it, they (Liu’s hands) are fast compared to a lot of setters. Plus, she’s six-foot something, and that’s always helpful when you know you have a little bit of an overpass and she can bring it back.”

Liu has some added responsibilities this year being a captain for the Hornets – a responsibility that Xu felt comfortable placing on her.

“She’s one of our captains right now,” Xu said. “Now she has more responsibility – as a coach, I try to put something more on her shoulders. We know she can carry it.”

Xu went on to mention how important a piece Liu is to the Hornets’ volleyball puzzle.

“She’s kind of like a quarterback – she’s running the offense,” Xu said. “Every ball with probably go through her hands. She knows the game very well – we need someone who knows the game very well and runs the game pretty smoothly. She’s doing very well. Also, she’s very tall up front, which is a huge advantage.”

Thus far, Liu has enjoyed her experience playing volleyball in America. It also helps that Liu’s teammates have helped her acclimate to the American lifestyle.

“I think our team plays very good, and that gives me a very good experience playing volleyball in the U.S.,” Liu said. “All of my teammates are really nice to me.”

Xu echoed the sentiment.

“All of the players trust her, and she trusts everybody,” Xu said.

The volleyball team has been dominant this year, earning a 26-3 record throughout the regular season. Liu’s skills, both mentally and physically, have been an invaluable asset to the team during their run for another MIAA Championship, according to Shepard.

“You don’t see very many setters her height, so if we do have an overpass we can bring that back,” Shepard said. “She’s extremely consistent. There’s not very often that she doesn’t get the ball where she wants it to go.”

Liu believes that accountability is something that has helped the team achieve their current success.

“Our team plays together really smoothly right now,” Liu said. “I think everyone does their own job – that’s why we can play well together.”

Shane Wilson/The Bulletin

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Miller

Brittney Miller, junior nursing major, knows a little bit about time management. Miller plays both volleyball and basketball for the Hornets and is also going to school full time in an effort to obtain a nursing degree. With clinicals, class and practice, Miller will sometimes spend from six in the morning to very late at night working and studying.

“It’s difficult, and a lot of people tell me I can’t do it,” Miller said. “I will never give up and will prove to everyone and myself that it can be done, but it is difficult to try to time manage, do my clinicals, come to practice and use a small window to get my studying done.”

Miller, a right side hitter for the #6 ranked Hornets, is second on the team in kills with 164 and is a big part of a vicious attacking team that has the Hornets at a 14-1 record. Miller is an important piece of a puzzle that has kept the Hornets volleyball team a national contender, said head volleyball coach Bing Xu.

“She’s a smart player and very athletic,” Xu said. “She’s a big threat on the net. I think no matter who we play she’s the one they’re trying to stop.”

Jenna Snook, junior nursing major, is also in Emporia State’s nursing program in addition to playing volleyball. Snook explained that it’s nice to have someone to study with on road trips and not have to be the only one to miss class. She said she is glad to have Miller as a teammate as well as a fellow nursing student.

“She is very team oriented, and she can get you excited if the team is down,” Snook said. “She has good time management skills.”

Miller is aware that she gets an abundance of support from both her coaches and teachers at the nursing school. She admits that it is very helpful.

“The coaches have been a lot more supportive than I thought they would be…I always thought that one would make me quit one or the other, but they all have been helpful not pushing me one way or the other,” Miller said. “At Newman division, all the instructors are helpful – they’re very understanding.”

On occasion, Xu notices that Miller is drained from a long day of classes and practice, but still commends her for knowing the team needs her and always putting her best foot forward no matter how tired she is.

“Whoever I talk to thinks she’s crazy,” Xu said. “Not only does she do two sports, she does two really intense sports, and she’s a nursing major. “We really respect her, and also we’re straight with her – we ask that when she’s here, she focuses on volleyball, when she’s at basketball focus on basketball and when she’s at nursing school, focus on that. She sacrifices a lot, but she’s a tough one and can do it. We are just really excited that she comes here to give it her all every single time.”

Miller would like to graduate in four years while still playing both volleyball and basketball. She strives to be a good teammate and said she wants to help her team make it as far as possible in the postseason each year.

As for which sport is her favorite to play, it all depends on what time of the year it is.

“I’ve been playing basketball since the 3^rd grade, and I just started playing volleyball in the 7^th grade,” Miller said. “I like volleyball better during volleyball season, and I like basketball more during basketball season…They’re both my favorite sports.”

Austin Wagoner/The Bulletin

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Left: Samiah Raquel Webb. Center: Angelo Webb, senior recreation major. Right: Raquel White, senior biology major. KELLEN JENKINS/THE BULLETIN

Raising a family in the current economic recession can be difficult, but imagine doing it while you are going to school – imagine doing it while playing a college sport. The stresses of academics and the fatigue induced by athletics, combined with the efforts needed to raise a child might seem unbearable to some, but not for current ESU student-athletes Angelo Webb, senior recreation major and football player, and Raquel White, senior biology major and soccer player.

For Webb, there is something far more difficult.

“I cried when I dropped Samiah off for day care the day we had to leave (for South Dakota),” Webb said. “That’s the first time she’s ever had to be without both of us. I always tell Raquel that it’s fine when she leaves because I’m here. I think that was first time I felt the way Raquel feels when she leaves her.”

Webb and White have a soon-to-be two year old daughter, Samiah Raquel Webb. The decision to raise a child, stay in school and compete in university athletics is not one that is made often. It’s a decision that can lead to hardships and struggles, as White understands, on and off the field.

“It wasn’t hard when I found out I was pregnant. I think it helped having Angelo there and him not being upset or freaking out,” White said. “It helped that the both of us were ready to take it in stride. Actually, coach (Schneiderhahn) was the first person I talked to after Angelo, and he was really supportive, which made it a lot easier.”

Some student-athletes might think about quitting, not only their sport, but possibly school altogether.

Not these two.

“If I quit, how could I tell my daughter to give it everything she has? How could I tell her to never give up if I quit?” Webb said. “It’s hard, and I have to make some sacrifices, but as hard as it gets I’m not going to quit – I’m going to keep going.”

After their decision to have Samiah, the two faced even more difficult decisions – one of the scariest was when they had to tell their parents.

“The first thing that went through my head was ‘What’s my mom going to think?’ I didn’t panic and I wasn’t disappointed. I was just worried that my mom would be mad at me. She was surprised, but she wasn’t mad,” Webb said. “I think that took the weight of the world off my shoulders when I realized she wasn’t mad or disappointed.”

White and Webb give credit to the coaching staff and the help from their teammates that have given them the tools they have used to succeed thus far.

“The two coaching staffs of football and soccer have been very supportive,” White said. “They understand that there are times that we just can’t find a babysitter. If we need to, we can bring her to practice and bring her to a game.”

White and Webb also influential players on the field. Webb enjoys the brotherhood of football and his favorite thing is to talk with his teammates when they travel.

Mike LoPorto, Webb’s defensive line coach, speaks very highly of Webb.

“Angelo is surprisingly athletic and very powerful,” LoPorto said. “He’s a player that gives me a hundred percent every time and I know what I’m going to get from him every play. Mentally, he’s smart and he’s consistent.”

White, who has played soccer for 12 years, enjoys the sport for the freeness-aspect. She enjoys the fact that soccer isn’t as structured as basketball or softball, for example. Jim Schneiderhahn, head coach of the soccer team, realized White’s love for freeness, making the decision to move her to center-midfielder last season.

“Raquel is very dynamic as an athlete,” Schneiderhahn said. “She is physical and fast. She has the unbelievable knack of the ball finding her. The ball bounces off of her in the strangest ways and things are created by that.”

Students and fans alike can see White and the Hornet Soccer Team in action at 4 p.m., Sept. 24 against Southwest Baptist. Webb and the Hornet Football Team will face Central Missouri for ESU’s Family Day at 1 p.m., Sept. 12 at Welch Stadium.

Austin Wagoner/The Bulletin

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By Austin Wagoner

Something has been missing. Something Emporia State hasn’t been able to find for quite some time. The Hornets have not had a winning season since 2003, but with the addition of Coach Bryce Saia, ESU looks to have found its missing piece to the winning puzzle.

Travis Lee, senior sociology major and cornerback, shares the sentiment.

“He’s been around nothing but winners. Everywhere he goes, they win,” Lee said. “You can kind of feel victory when you’re around him.”

Saia, assistant head coach and secondary coach, last coached for the Arizona Rattlers, an Arena Football League team that made the playoffs a season ago. He was also a defensive line coach for the NCAA Division I Northern Illinois Salukis from 2003-2007.

“Due to the economy, that whole league folded,” Saia said. “Coach Higgins and I knew some mutual people…the word got out and he heard I needed a job, so he called me. The rest is history.”

Coach Saia has been coaching around the country for 14 years, gaining valuable experience by coaching every position on defense. Saia focuses mostly on the defensive backs for Emporia State, and his players know he is devoted to making them better every day.

Kameron Gee, cornerback and sophomore health promotions major, appreciates the attitude Saia brings to the team.

“He wants us to have that swag,” Gee said. “I think it important to have that in the secondary, our play on the field should reflect what Coach Saia teaches.”

Lee, who is in his fourth year with the ESU football program, has worked with four different secondary coaches. In his tenure at Emporia State, the team has won a total of 11 games, one of which includes last Thursday’s romping of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Although the last several years haven’t been the brightest for the team, Lee has definitely bought into Saia’s new philosophy – a philosophy that will hopefully propel the Hornets over the .500 mark.

“His philosophy is strong and it builds a good foundation; it holds you accountable,” Lee said. “It’s ‘no excuses,’ and its ‘everyday, let’s get better.’”

Even though the Hornets secured an easy win their first week, Saia still sees room for improvement.

“I think overall we played good. A win is a win; we only get so many of these a year,” Saia said. “Always take a win, and at the same time there are always things we can improve on.”

Lucky for Saia, those improvements can be spotlighted next week, as the Hornets travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., to do battle with Augustana College.

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SHEPARD

For senior outside hitter Arica Shepard, personal goals and team goals are completely interchangeable.

“My personal goal is pretty much the same as the team goal – we want to make it to Nationals,” Shepard said. “It would be great to do it my senior year.”

Shepard is no stranger to success. Coming off an impressive 34-3 record, Shepard and the Lady Hornets look to repeat as MIAA Champions again this year.

But being a champion doesn’t always translate to perfection. Self-improvement is always on Shepard’s to-do list.

“Blocking’s probably not my best ability, so I want to improve my blocking this year,” she said.

A native of Rossville, Shepard’s admiration for volleyball blossomed at an early age.

“I started playing volleyball when I was in sixth grade and I fell in love with it,” she said.

However, she said she understands the difficulty of balancing athletics with school. Her major is business marketing.

“It does take quite a bit out of you,” Shepard said. “I mean, you’ve got practice everyday and then you still have to study for your classes and read all of the books that your teachers want you to. Sometimes it seems hard to micromanage it all.”

Head volleyball Coach Bing Xu enjoys having Shepard on the team.

“She’s really athletic and also really smart,” Xu said. “She has a lot of passion and heart for the sport.”

Xu also has high expectations for Shepard, who earned Third-Team All-American honors this past season.

“She’s not a captain, but she has a leadership role,” he said. “For her, I want to see more leadership.”

Amy Byfiel, senior health promotions major and libero, has known Shepard since joining the team four years ago.

“She impacts the team in a big way,” Byfiel said. “She’s one of the most competitive girls on the team.”

Shepard attributed teammate personalities and an aggressive attitude on defense to the team’s recent success.

“We (the team) have really good chemistry together,” Shepard said. “Bing always tries to recruit people that have the same personality as the rest of us so that we mesh well as a team.  And defense, too.  If we don’t have our defense, we’re screwed.”

For Shepard, Emporia seemed to be a good fit, both academically and athletically.

“I originally chose Emporia State my junior year – I verbally committed here because I wanted to be a teacher, but I ended being a business major.  I wanted to be far enough away that I could still come back home if I wanted to incase I got homesick,” she said.

The ESU Volleyball team opens the season at the Nebraska-Omaha Showcase on Aug. 28 in Omaha, Neb.  The team’s home debut is Sept. 18 against Missouri Western.

Shepard said she hopes the team’s high level of play will draw more spectators to White Auditorium this season.

“I hope we get a lot of support this year from our fans,” she said. “We’d like to see more of the student body come. That would be nice.”

Shane Wilson/The Bulletin

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PAGE

Newcomer La’Darrian Page, junior physical education major, is no stranger to success on the gridiron. After rushing for 1,254 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman for Missouri Western, and rushing for 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns at Hutchinson Community College, Page said he looks to improve on his numbers as a Hornet.

“He brings great work ethic,” said Gary Manuel, co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach. “That’s the reason why he’s been a successful football player at every school he’s been to. At Missouri Western, he was a good football player there.  At Hutchinson Community College, he was Offensive Player of the Year for the Jayhawk Conference.  Everyday he comes ready to work, regardless of how he feels.”

Page was optimistic about the start of the season.

“As long as we start off fast and on the right track, once we get going we should have a pretty successful season,” Page said.

Ben McKaig, sophomore offensive lineman and secondary math education major, said he enjoys throwing blocks for Page and what Page brings to the team.

“He’s got a great personality and is a fun-loving guy,” McKaig said. “As far as on the field, he’s a great player and explosive athlete. He’s fast.”

Page does not believe that mediocrity will be on the team’s agenda.  Page and the rest of the Hornets have set the expectations high for themselves this year.

“Obviously we want to win a conference championship and go deep in the playoffs,” Page said. “We feel like we have a different team than last year.  As far as myself, I want to have a successful season.”

Page is confident he has what it takes to lead not only himself, but his team to victory.

“I want to rush for 1,000 yards and help the team win,” he said.

Although it took some time, Page found his niche at Emporia. The coaches and the school itself played a major role in bringing Page to ESU.

“I felt confident in the coaches. I felt like they would keep their word.  I felt like they were the coolest group of coaches that I visited with,” Page said.

It would also appear that the transformation from a junior college to a Division II school was a walk in the park.

“For the most part, it’s been successful,” he said. “I like Emporia. It’s a great school and a great program.  It’s a notch up from the JUCO level.”

Page, however, is not all business.  He does enjoy kicking back and relaxing when he can.  In his free time, Page enjoys picking up the “sticks” and playing an occasional video game or two.

“I like playing Call of Duty and NBA 2K9,” Page said. “I’m an Xbox guy.”

The Hornets look to improve on last year’s 2-7 MIAA record, along with their 4-7 combined record.

The team opens the season with a home game against the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Welch Stadium.  Coaches and players said they encourage all students to come out and show their support for the Hornets this season.

Zac Burt/The Bulletin

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