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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The Emporia State men`s basketball team got their first win of the regular season against Bethany last Wednesday, 97-57. It was the team’s first win in White Auditorium this season. ESU (1-1) lost their first regular season away game against Central Oklahoma 116-114 in two overtimes last Monday.

The Hornets showed a sharp sting against Bethany with two consecutive three point shots made by senior guard Lamar Wilbern to start off the contest – the Hornets led the game at 8-3. BU would take the lead at 8-12 with a 9-0 scoring run during next four minutes. It was the last lead of the game for Bethany.

Senior point guard Tim Niles took back the lead for the Hornets by making a couple of three point shots. Emporia State appeared to have lots of confidence as they attacked the basket on their way to a 12-0 scoring run.

However, ESU lost their second best scorer in Wilbern because of a left ankle injury with 7:26 left in the first half. BU closed ESU’s lead to 24-22.

With Wilbern out, Niles served as the go-to guy for the Hornets. He scored seven points – a couple of free throws, one three point shot and a quick jump shot in a fast break – in just one minute of play. Niles also aided the team with an assist to senior guard Jeremiah Box, who capitalized with a trey. In addition, at the end of the first half Niles made a buzzer beater three point shot. It set the score in a favorable position for the Hornets at 50-31.

“That was a big shot for us,” Niles said. “I had to play more aggressive before shooting the ball. My teammates have a lot of confidence in shooting the ball. I just had to.”

The Hornets were not satisfied with the success of the first half. The team tried to attack the basket – Niles, Box and junior forward Adam Holthaus combined for 15 points in the first five minutes of the second half, which increased the Hornets lead to 65-43.

For Emporia State’s second unit, junior guard Matt Boswell showed great hustle plays – he got eight rebounds and three steals while scoring 15 points in the game.

“Definitely I tried to get the rebound a lot,” Boswell said.

Senior center Doug Moore was dominant in the inside with 11 points, seven boards and one block. Box celebrated his first win of this season with a one-handed dunk, which occurred at 9:21 left in the second half.

ESU showed good fire power with 11 three point shots made. The team set a school record with 18 three point shots made in the last game versus

“We shot 26 three point shots with pretty good percentage,” said Head Coach David Moe. “We attacked the basket and they attacked with three point shots, too. We attacked the basket with little guys.”

Niles, who scored 22 points in this game, is averaging 33.5 points per game on the season.

“Tim is terrific,” Moe said. “He certainly stepped up. He did a good job and has a lot of leadership as a senior. He is a big part of our offense.”

Boswell was pleased with the team’s performance.

“I thought we played really well,” Boswell said “We have back to back on Monday night – we will hopefully get the win.”

Up next, ESU will have a return match with Central Oklahoma on Monday at White Auditorium.

Moe`s only concern for next game is the condition of Wilbern.

“He sprained his ankle,” Moe said. “Hopefully he will be coming back as soon as possible, but he might not be able to play next game. Other guys have to step up to fill his gap.”

-JungHwan Seo/The Bulletin

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The Emporia State soccer team added another loss against the Washburn Lady Blues on Nov. 1 at the ESU Pitch, 1-2. Now ESU (1-15-1 on the season) is faced with a 12 game losing streak.

ESU has not had a win since they defeated Missouri Western, 1-0, on Sep. 17.

ESU played very aggressively during their first possession. They got a first corner kick chance and missed the shot on the goal. Even though they did not make the goal, the team was still confident. The Lady Blues’ luck was absent – a shot by WU from the middle distance in the first half hit the crossbar.

However, Washburn dominated the game with their good pass work skills. They shot the ball seven times during just eight minutes. It was a one sided game. WU kept the ball nearly the entire match. Junior goalkeeper Katrina Goscha was very busy, while the Washburn goal keeper was doing nothing. Goscha showed great defense; she did not allow any goals in the first half, even though WU tried nine shots. Near the end of the first half, senior forward Tina Commons had many chances to score, but she did not succeed. ESU finished the first half 0-0.

WU kept pushing against ESU in the second half. Finally the tie was broken at minute 73. Washburn forward Keeley Lambeth shot the ball high at the right corner. The ball went into the net over Goscha’s hand.

“It was an unfortunate goal,” Goscha said. “It was a real fluke.”

WU was never satisfied with their first goal. Nine minutes after their first goal, they had a second chance. Washburn forward Tia Stovall made a second score with her right in-step kick assisted by midfielder Ashley Taylor.

The Hornets never gave up. They were trying to keep attacking even though they did not have enough time to upset the Lady Blues. Commons shot the ball in front of the goal area at the 87th minute –the ball hit the left side of the goal net, which brought the score to 1-2, but there was no time to celebrate.

ESU did not have enough fire power for the game. Freshmen forwards Ashley Hill (four goals on the season) and Amanda Penny could not play due to illness and family-related issues.

“I appreciate to the effort of players,” said Head Coach Jim Schneiderhahn. “This game really showed we were lacking who is missing right now. It is a personal concern. We missed some players because of flu and family things. We were just short handed.”

Commons had a good performance by making her second goal of the season. Her first goal of this season was also against Washburn on Oct.15.

“I am definitely not so happy,” Commons said. “I got a lot of chances and enough opportunities. We had to score before first goal.”

Schneiderhahn was satisfied with her Commons’ play.

“Tina is tremendous,” Schneiderhahn said. “She started a little slowly this year comeback from off-season surgery. The last three weeks, she was a one of the most consistent players…she does simple things very well. We should do that more to compete.”

The Hornets now have two more games in the season. The team would like to get their first home game win in front of many ESU students. Schneiderhahn has a strong belief in his players – he does not feel any pressure about the 12-game losing streak

“I think pressure is self imposed,” Schneiderhahn said. “I can not look at that and worry about it. My job is to try and coach the girls to my best ability and hopefully be successful…it is about us trying to succeed.”

Schneiderhahn has a confidence about rest of his season, as well.

“We’ve got two more games,” Schneiderhahn said. “We try to prove to everybody that we are not as bad as we look. We are looking at the big picture. It is lucky that we have more opportunities to prove ourselves.”

JungHwan Seo/The Bulletin

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