The Final Pitch

I’ve written nearly 100 sports columns for the Loyolan and it pains me that this has to be my last. I could never put into words how much my experience working for the Loyolan sports section has influenced my life.

I’ve written a lot of words, and spent a lot of time, encouraging people over the last few years to increase their support of the numerous LMU Athletics teams. Thanks in large part to this year’s men’s basketball team, the excitement across the student body when it comes to the Lions has easily doubled throughout my time here at LMU. I would love nothing more than to see that continue. School spirit, especially through collegiate athletics, is a vital aspect of college experiences.

When I was a freshman, the most popular phrase spoken about LMU Athletics had to do with the lack of a football team on campus. While I’ll be the first to agree that it would be great to be able to go to Lions football games every fall, the fact that the most common phrase uttered about the department concerned its lacking something showed a great weakness.

Four years later, I am thrilled to say that is no longer the case. When over 1,000 students rushed the court after the men’s basketball team defeated Gonzaga earlier this semester, it capped a four-year drought of any true school spirit. Furthermore, this change in attitude doesn’t feel temporary.

However, there is still a long way to go. I always said that it would take a winning record from the men’s basketball team to get people excited enough to go to games, but now that we have that, it is time for that excitement and energy that fills Gersten Pavilion during men’s basketball games to carry over to the Burns Rec Center during water polo games, Sullivan field during soccer games, etc. Tailgating and cheering isn’t just fun because it’s basketball; we have other wildly successful teams here on the bluff, and if enough students commit to wanting to have a exciting sports atmosphere beyond basketball season it would add a tremendous amount to student life at LMU.

When I took over the Loyolan Sports Section almost three years ago, I did so because I wanted to pursue a career in sports journalism and I thought this job would be a step in that direction. I felt no strong connection to the Lions and could have barely told you five details about the life of Hank Gathers. I am so grateful that, mainly through my experiences working as sports editor, I will now graduate next Saturday as a lifelong knowledgeable Lions fan. I want to thank both the Loyolan and the Athletics Department for making my experience a positive one. Because I loved my job as sports editor, I was able to put more blood, sweat and tears into the Loyolan than I have anything else in my life.

This would not have been done, however, without help and support. I want to personally thank Athletics Director Dr. William Husak, men’s basketball Head Coach Max Good and the entire men’s basketball coaching staff and team for helping me do my job better. Often times administration and media clash, but Husak went out of his way to be supportive of the work I have done with the Loyolan, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Good has also been supportive of the Loyolan sports section, but furthermore he has an attitude that I feel more people around campus should adopt. Good has always been open and honest with me about the state of the men’s basketball team. Because of his openness and willingness to talk about any issues that arose, I was able to do a more complete job as the men’s basketball beat writer. Good often told me that he appreciated and respected when I wrote somewhat negative things about the Lions, or wrote about my frustration with them, because for the most part they were deserved. He didn’t just want positive coverage of his team; he wanted honest coverage. I encourage other people at LMU to think about that when it comes to the Loyolan, or their criticism of it.

I also wanted to give a shout out to everyone over at lmulions.proboards.com. If you care about LMU Athletics, and especially the men’s basketball team, that message board is the place to be. People there know their stuff, and it is a great place for Lions fans to discuss anything about LMU Athletics. They are, however, looking for more student activity.

Max’s Maniacs, keep doing what you do. The excitement and rituals you helped create this year need to be continued.

Congratulations to all the graduating student-athletes. I admire what you do. Hopefully I will see you all, as well as the rest of the seniors, next year in the Young Alums section of Gersten.

And lastly, Go Lions.

Graduation letdown

Written with Danielle Corkhill.

A commencement speaker should be relevant to the LMU senior class, have a unique knowledge base and the ability to give seniors good advice and have made a substantial or significant contribution to the world.

This year’s commencement speaker fails to meet these requirements.

As reported on the Loyolan’s Web site last Friday, the University has invited Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to speak at the undergraduate commencement ceremony next Saturday. For most seniors, the commencement address is given by someone they look forward to hearing speak and will remember for the rest of their lives. But Patrick’s pending visit lacks the appropriate excitement factor, and therefore, leaves us puzzled by the decision.

While his successful career leads us to believe that he does have unique knowledge in the political world, having served as United States assistant attorney general under former President Bill Clinton and currently as governor of Massachusetts, we still question his specific relevance to us as Lions.

First, Patrick seems irrelevant to the LMU senior class. He has neither directly affected our experience of being college students in Los Angeles, nor does he know anything about our time here on the bluff.

Second, while being a governor obviously gives Patrick clout, his relevance lies nearly 3,000 miles away. His decisions and accomplishments rarely enter into our news bubble on this coast, much less in this city. If a governor is someone the University finds appropriate to speak to its graduates, why not bring the governor of California? Or at least a neighboring state?

Patrick’s resumé suggests that he has made somewhat significant contributions to American – but more specifically, Massachusetts – politics in the last few years. He has obviously left a mark on this world, but how is that mark central to the mission of Loyola Marymount University?

We concede that it is extremely difficult to pick a commencement speaker and, no matter who is chosen, it is impossible to please everyone. For instance, if a politician is chosen, half of the audience is seemingly alienated simply because of their political beliefs; if someone from a specific industry is chosen (like a filmmaker), many, if not most, graduates may not find the speaker’s experiences relevant to their major. Nevertheless, it should be the goal of the University to choose someone who appeals to as many graduates (and their families) as possible. Frankly, we are having a hard time figuring out how this choice does that.

LMU’s location alone should make qualified speakers more accessible, as we are located in a city that is home to some of the best, brightest and most well-known minds in our country. For example, our School of Film and Television has strong connections with Hollywood’s film industry, and our alumni base provides an ample number of commencement speaker options. There are many alumni who have served the community through a variety of outlets, but can also relate to our experience as Lions.

In the past four years that we have been fortunate enough to attend LMU, we have seen the likes of Magic Johnson, Lisa Ling, Bill Maher, Karl Rove, Seth MacFarlane, Greg Mortenson and Elie Wiesel speak at events on campus that do not hold the significance of a commencement ceremony. These speakers filled entire auditoriums; if Patrick had been invited to any other event on campus, we sadly realize that he would not be able to fill one of our smaller venues. If students and specific departments on campus could organize events with speakers of this caliber, we feel the University as a whole should be able to do the same for our graduation day.

The two of us have listened to seniors in classes past voice negative opinions about their commencement speaker choices, and we did not want to follow suit. However, of the commencement speakers that have been here during our years at LMU, we are the most confused by this one. Despite Patrick’s life experience, he just does not have that X-factor that excites the senior class. We are still looking forward to graduation day, and we will be open-minded to hear Patrick’s speech. But we remain disappointed with the selection and hope the University makes more relevant and exciting choices for future classes.

And the award goes to ...

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, the Athletics Department is hosting its annual Iggy Awards Monday night at the LAX Marriott to honor the year’s best student-athletes. My picks below are not exactly the same categories as the ones that will be announced Monday evening, as I am also including coaching awards, but for the most part, they are similar. I shall call them The Bottom Lines.

Male Athlete of the Year: Rafael Baca
This was a tough choice, but in the end, men’s soccer junior forward Rafael Baca takes the most prestigious male Bottom Line. Not only did Baca lead the team with nine goals on the season, an especially impressive feat considering no one else on the team had more than three, but he also led his team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2004.

Others receiving consideration: Men’s water polo junior Andy Stevens, men’s basketball junior Vernon Teel and men’s basketball sophomore Drew Viney.

Female Athlete of the Year: Anne Scott
Senior water polo and swimming star Anne Scott receives this year’s top female Bottom Line. She is currently leading the water polo team with 50 goals on the season and has led the Lions to a No. 7 national ranking. Scott also graduates with numerous all-time LMU swimming records.

Others receiving consideration: Women’s basketball sophomore Alex Cowling and softball sophomore Sam Fischer.

Coach of the Year: Max Good
I will admit I may be slightly biased here, considering I worked with men’s basketball Head Coach Max Good on a regular basis for almost five months this year. However, I think that any coach who takes his team from a 3-25 record to a 18-16 record in just one year deserves as many accolades as possible. Good took a team at its worst to a WCC Tournament semifinal appearance, as well as the team’s first postseason appearance in years.

Others receiving consideration: Men’s water polo Head Coach John Loughran, women’s water polo Head Coach Kyle Witt and men’s soccer Head Coach Paul Krumpe.

Team of the Year: Men’s Soccer
Although I almost gave this to the men’s basketball team, purely for the fact that they helped raise school spirit to the highest its been in years, the men’s soccer team made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six years, and came extremely close to winning its tournament game (losing 2-1 in OT). The men’s basketball team is on its way to being one of the best teams in the country, while the men’s soccer team proved they are already there.

Others receiving consideration: Men’s basketball, men’s water polo and women’s water polo.

Male Freshman of the Year: Ashley Hamilton

Men’s basketball redshirt freshman Ashley Hamilton made his presence known this season. Despite missing nine games due to injury, Hamilton averaged almost nine points and five rebounds a game, and was named to the WCC All-Freshman team earlier this spring.

Others receiving consideration: Men’s soccer freshmen Chris Bernardi and Max Young.

Female Freshman of the Year: Molly Medeiros

Softball freshman Molly Medeiros has had the most impressive season of any female freshman athlete this year, getting thrown into the No. 2 pitching spot after an injury to sophomore Corie Goodman. Medeiros has earned seven wins on the season and has pitched six complete games, including one complete game shutout.

Others recieving consideration: Women's soccer freshman Kelsey Wilson.

Most Valuable to Their Team – Male: Drew Viney and Vernon Teel

I know it’s a complete copout to pick two athletes, but there was no way I could choose. Both men’s basketball sophomore Drew Viney and junior Vernon Teel led the Lions on the court to their spectacular turnaround season. Viney and Teel led the Lions in scoring in 23 of the team’s 32 games and have secured their place as two of the WCC’s most elite players.

Others receiving consideration: Men’s soccer junior Rafael Baca and men’s water polo junior Andy Stevens.

Most Valuable to Their Team – Female: Alex Cowling

Women’s basketball sophomore Alex Cowling led the WCC in scoring with 20.4 points per game in conference play, an extremely impressive feat considering Cowling is still just a sophomore. The only reason I didn’t give her the Female Athlete of the Year award is because her team struggled to a 13-17 overall record. Nevertheless, it is clear to me that without Cowling, the Lions would have barely had nine season victories.

Others receiving consideration: Women’s water polo senior Anne Scott and softball sophomore Sam Fischer.

Congrats to all of the winners. This was a special year for LMU Athletics, and I am extremely glad to have been a witness to it. Stay tuned for next Thursday’s issue of the Loyolan for the Iggy Award results.

So long, Kevin Young

As reported in the Loyolan on Monday, sophomore men’s basketball forward Kevin Young has decided to leave the Lions after only his second season. Young averaged over 30 minutes a game this season, and was LMU’s fourth-highest scorer.
There are always many questions asked when a player requests a release from a team, and fans often want to know why it has happened and what the player’s motivation for doing this was. Young, however, told the Loyolan this past weekend that he prefers not to address these questions, and it’s important that we respect that. As a Lions fan, I wholeheartedly wish Kevin the best, and hope that this decision is not one he lives to regret. The men’s basketball team is going places, and I am disappointed that he won’t be a part of that after having stuck around for the hardest parts.
However, Young has made his decision, and now the team must move on without him. The Lions will miss Young’s high-energy and slam dunking abilities, there is no doubt about that, but in terms of continuing to build a winning program that can compete for a West Coast Conference title, the team will be fine.
Young started almost every game the past two seasons, but with people returning back to full health next season, I don’t think that would have continued to be the case. Freshman Edgar Garibay returns from a season-ending injury and should start in the center position. He showed a lot of promise before his injury this season, and it is nearly impossible to imagine Good leaving his 6-foot-10-inch frame on the bench for the start of games. With Garibay secure in the five spot, it pushes redshirt freshman Ashley Hamilton down to the power forward position. Hamilton had a breakout year for the Lions, and he has showed that he can be one of the most dominant players in the league in the next few seasons. Moving him down to the four spot should only improve his game.
And with those moves, it seems obvious that sophomore leading-scorer Drew Viney take over the small forward spot. Viney is an incredible shooter, as well as all-around player, and a move up to thethree spot actually puts him back in his more natural position.
However, with those three starting spots filled, and junior Vernon Teel and sophomore Jarred DuBois having cemented themselves as two of the best guards in the league, it seems that Young would have been moved to the bench for the first time in his career. It is impossible not to conclude that this may have had something to do with his recent decision.
That is not to say, however, that Young would not have been a big contributor next season, or that he will not be missed. I believe that Young would have been an important sixth man for the Lions, and would have been the first one off the bench in the majority of games.
Teel and DuBois play a significant number of minutes, and because of that, it is usually a big man who Good gives a rest to first. Young would have been a capable replacement who would have brought a spark off the bench that Lions fans haven’t seen from anyone else on the team. While he may not have gotten the 30- plus minutes a game he got this year, I definitely could have seen him averaging close to 20.
The worst part for us Lions fans, however, will be the fact that Kevin Young was probably the most popular basketball player on campus. Viney or Teel may stuff the box score best, but because of his dunking, personality and yes, hair, Young was one of the most recognizable students on the bluff. There is no doubt that fans will miss his presence on the court next season tremendously.
The coaching staff, while they will miss Young, has made sure that the team will move on successfully without him. As reported in the Loyolan last Thursday, the Lions received a verbal commitment from 6-foot-4-inch recruit Ayodeji Egbeyemi, who signed his National Letter of Intent yesterday. Egbeyemi will likely receive a scholarship that was made available by the departure of Young.
The decision Young made may not be one I understand, but the bottom line is that the team’s play should not be drastically affected by it. On the other hand, I hope Young is able to find somewhere to play big minutes next season, as I will continue to follow his career wherever he ends up. Thanks for a solid two seasons, KY.

Thank Goodness

Now that men’s basketball season is officially over, I would like to give a huge thank you to Head Coach Max Good, and I think that every member of the student body should echo that. Along with the rest of his coaching staff and all of the players, Good has, in just two years, brought an excitement back to LMU Athletics that hasn’t existed in quite some time.

To say the men’s basketball team had a turnaround season would be an understatement. After going 3-25 a year ago, the Lions came back to put together their first winning season since going 15-14 in 2003-04. This year’s squad went 18-16 and at one point even put together a six-game win streak.

The freshman class should consider themselves extremely lucky. It wasn’t until my senior year that I, and the rest of the student body, was able to really get invested in the basketball team. With that came tailgates, greater attendance at home games and wins, as well as better caliber competitive games in general. This year’s basketball season was a blast, and I’m not just saying that because I was fortunate enough to be able to cover the team for the Loyolan. The entire season was extraordinarily compelling, and I am jealous of the students who will be able to continue to watch these guys play on a regular basis.

Although he would quickly pass the accolades on to his staff, Good deserves a ton of the credit for the turnaround. When he came to LMU just two years ago, he would have never predicted that he would ever be a head coach again. Now, not only is he a head coach, but he is the best head coach in the west coast conference.

Taking over for Bill Bayno in November of 2008, Good acquired a team that not only hadn’t won a game, but also hadn’t quite developed a style. The team may have had some great individual pieces, but nothing seemed to quite fit together.

It didn’t take Good long to right those wrongs. He quickly figured out most players’ specific role on the team and addressed the team’s biggest problem after just one year. In the 2008-09 season, depth was the Lions’ biggest problem. Now, depth is one of the Lions’ biggest assets.

And the future is only brighter for the team. All starters are expected to return next season, as are key reserves junior Larry Davis, freshman Given Kalipinde and freshman Alex Osborne. Freshman Edgar Garibay, who missed most of the season with a leg injury, will be back and should earn the starting center spot. Good and his staff also welcome two new recruits.

The Lions finished the regular season tied for fourth place in the WCC, and with only additions ahead for the roster I’m sure the entire LMU community and the Lions themselves expect nothing less than that next year.

I will stay as up-to-date with the men’s basketball team next year (even though I will be an alum) as I did this year, and before this season I may not have said that. I partially credit Good for the fact that I will graduate next month still feeling strongly committed to my school’s athletic program.

I expect others agree with me, and I expect the “young alums” section in Gersten to be a lot bigger next season. The ticket office can thank Good for that.

Lastly, it is important to give credit where credit is due. Therefore I would like to extend my thank you to the rest of the coaching staff, as well as each and every player on the team. Going 3-25 isn’t easy, and the Lions last year endured a season with a less than enthusiastic fan base. Every member of the team kept a positive attitude through the rough patches, and again, I thank them for that.