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(02/09/11 8:00am)
[caption id="attachment_567" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="(photo courtesy of mercer.edu) Jenni Holtz hopes to lead the softball team's rebound from a 25-30 record in 2010."]
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Despite accumulating a school-best 40-win season just two years ago and playing in the Atlantic Sun championship series in 2009, the Mercer Bears softball team simply did not live up to expectations last year. A dismal 25-30 record was not the great follow-up expected in Coach Mike Raynor’s fourth season. He did record his 100th win as Mercer’s coach last season, but that was one of the few highlights in the first campaign without a postseason run since 2005.
Looking to improve on a 7-13 record in conference play last year, the Bears will have to rely on senior pitcher Jenni Holtz for guidance and leadership. The all-time Mercer leader in strikeouts looks to get to 1,000 Ks for her career this season. She currently has 723, and she was third last season in Atlantic Sun with 332 strikeouts. Her current total is a new Mercer single season record. In conjunction with her 17 wins (fourth in the A-Sun), an extra innings no-hitter and eight complete game shutouts, Holtz will aim to make history this season.
While Holtz is vital to the team’s success, Mercer must look for a dependable second pitcher who can back up Holtz. They managed just eight wins outside of Holtz’s total and one of those wins was actually a save by Holtz. However, with every pitcher coming back, the experience gained will be paramount to success.
Offense tended to be the larger issue last season as the Bears were eighth out of 11 teams last year in batting average as a team, hitting just .230.
If experience was the issue, then it’s been fixed somewhat. Sixteen players return from a tough year, as Mercer only lost three seniors to graduation. However, there were no Bears named to the preseason All-Atlantic Sun team and key centerfielder Holly Oglesbee has now graduated.
Despite a losing record last year, Mercer will face an uphill battle all year. The 34 game non-conference schedule includes matchups with powers from the SEC, ACC and Big Ten. Mercer opens the year with a doubleheader against Alcorn State on Feb. 10. The team has asked all fans to wear black for a “Blackout” for this home opener. They follow the home opener with four tournaments on the road at Georgia Southern, Charleston Southern, Kennesaw State and Georgia Tech for the “Buzz Classic”.
With a few home series sprinkled throughout the next two months before conference play against Oakland, Savannah State, Samford and Florida A&M, the Bears have their work cut out for them. They’ll also look to improve their 6-14 record on the road and 7-9 record at a neutral sites.
Mercer was picked eighth in the media’s preseason Atlantic Sun poll. Coach Raynor has looked to improve team chemistry over last year. The seniors have acknowledged that they were affected by the pressure upon them to perform after one of the best seasons in school history. Assistant Coach Kelley Bretscher (a former softball player from 2003 to 2007) told MercerBears.com that they have done mental training sessions to help the seniors lead the team and be cool under pressure. They have also been using sports psychology to improve their presence and feelings at the plate. Hopefully, this will aid the returning seniors and boost their confidence for the upcoming 2011 season.
(02/09/11 8:00am)
[caption id="attachment_478" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Jacob Tanis (22 HRs, 88 RBIs in 2010) will be a big part of Mercer's lineup this upcoming season."]
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After a thrilling end to the 2010 campaign that saw the unexpected and unprecedented trip to the NCAA tournament, the Mercer Bears baseball team looks to return to the postseason, spurred on by experience and talent.
Collecting a preseason rank of 87th in the nation by “Collegiate Baseball”, they were the second-highest Atlantic Sun team in the poll, trailing Florida Gulf Coast (last season’s regular season A-Sun champions), but leading rival clubs East Tennessee State and Jacksonville. The high ranking came after Mercer won their first conference championship in baseball in more than 25 years.
After being part of a high-octane offense that lead the Bears into the NCAA tournament and ran a perfect sweep on the Atlantic Sun tournament, junior third baseman Jacob Tanis has been named to four different publications’ All-American third teams: “Collegiate Baseball Newspaper”, “College Baseball Lineup”, “Louisville Slugger”, and the “National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association”. In addition, he was named the 94th best player in the country by “College Baseball Daily”. His numbers, leadership and play were some of the best at Mercer in previous years. He was the Atlantic Sun tournament MVP and was instrumental in eliminating Elon in the NCAA tournament.
Tanis’ numbers in 2010 speak for themselves. He set single-season school records in total bases, hits and doubles. He also was second in school history for single-season home runs and RBIs. He was 40th in the nation with runs scored at 69. The hits single season record for Mercer is now at 104, a number that was 10th in the nation last year. The 25 doubles put him at 19th in the country. He also had 22 home runs for 12th place in the nation and added 88 RBIs for second place nationally. He was 31st in the country with a .735 slugging percentage and third nationally in total bases with 197.
Mercer as a team hit .340 last season, and this high-powered offense will be called upon to produce runs in conjunction with the Atlantic Sun’s eighth best fielding percentage of all time at .969. Craig Gibson told MercerBears.com at the end of last season, “I think we laid the groundwork this year that hopefully will help us compete for championships for years to come.” With a young team that now has national postseason experience, no one is doubting the Bears this season.
Mercer did lose Lath Guyer, Tyler McCarty, Michael Langley, Nick DiMauro, Scott Patterson and Michael Shaw. However, key players Billy Burns, Thomas Carroll, Evan Boyd, Justice French and Jacob Tanis will help lead a team that looks to contend for the conference crown against favorites ETSU, FGCU and Jacksonville.
The question marks seem to surround the pitching staff, as they were unable to control Georgia Tech and Alabama at the end of last season in the NCAA tournament. However, the pitching staff will have a chance to redeem themselves on March 29 at Tech and then on April 16 when they face the Yellow Jackets at home. The Bears also play a home-and-away series with the University of Georgia, with the Bears welcoming the Bulldogs on March 8. The Bears also welcome Harvard on March 14 and 15. Mercer will open play on Feb. 18 with a four-game weekend series (including a Saturday double-header) against Liberty University at home in the confines of Claude Smith Field.
(02/09/11 5:09am)
Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz was the guest of honor Jan. 31 in the University Center arena for the third annual First Pitch Classic hosted by the Mercer baseball team.
“The First Pitch Classic is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Mercer’s baseball team. Tickets to the autograph session were sold for $100 and tickets to the dinner were $75,” said Jason Farhadi, who works for the Sports Information department.
Smoltz was the featured speaker for the event, which served as a kickoff for the 2011 baseball season.
“When you think of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball history, John Smoltz is one of the first people who come to mind,” said head baseball coach Craig Gibson. “For us to be able to have him come down to this event is a very special honor.”
An autograph session with Smoltz began at 6 p.m. Monday night, followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. where Smoltz spoke to a crowd of over 550 people.
Smoltz’s speech began with overwhelming applause and a standing ovation from the audience.
Smoltz cautioned the audience during his speech that they should be prepared for him “to take you all over the place” through stories and events that really impacted his life.
He told the audience of his childhood growing up in Michigan, even mentioning that he played the accordion until age seven. It was at seven years old that Smoltz knew he would grow up to be a major league pitcher.
“My experiences taught me that obviously God was first, school was second and obviously family was right there under God. All I knew from the accordion days is that I had the structure, the discipline, determination to go after something and go for it as far and as long as I can,” said Smoltz.
He went on to thank his parents for giving him character traits that helped him through the best and worst times of his career.
Smoltz told the audience about how his trade to the Atlanta Braves for Doyle Alexander in 1988 changed his life. He would later help the Braves to 14 consecutive National League East Division Titles and the World Series Championship in 1995.
“For a guy who came over from the Detroit Tigers, who at that time were coming off a World Series victory in 1984, to go to an organization that absolutely had nothing other than Dale Murphy—what an absolute joy and what an unbelievable run,” Smoltz said.
While his achievements are numerous, Smoltz also spoke of his regrets.
“I missed out on a lot not going to Michigan State. You never know if your career will work out,” Smoltz said. “I want to be the best I can be. With everything that is within me, if there is desire I want to do it.”
Before finishing his speech, Smoltz wished the baseball team a good season.
“Thank you for all that you have done and thank you for your attendance,” Smoltz said. “I wish you nothing but the best for Mercer.”
“I’ll keep an eye out and a give out a shout on national TV when I’m doing the broadcast for TBS. Thank you very, very much,” Smoltz finished, as the crowd again rose to their feet and sent him off with a standing ovation.
While Smoltz was the star of the night, his speech will hopefully inspire Mercer’s baseball team and lead them to another success run towards the Atlantic Sun title for this upcoming season.
(02/09/11 4:59am)
[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="287" caption="Briana Williams has been a bright spot for Mercer this season, scoring more than 30 points three times in 2010-11."]
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After what was the toughest home weekend for the Mercer women’s basketball team yet, the Bears went on the road and fell to 1-21 overall, 1-12 in the conference. Following the heartbreakers against North Florida and Jacksonville, the Bears had to travel to Kennesaw State, USC-Upstate and East Tennessee State before heading back home to play Campbell. Having to play three of the toughest four teams in the conference in the midst of one of the worst losing streaks in school history was not how Mercer saw themselves entering the home stretch of the season.
Kennesaw State 79, Mercer 56
In-state rival Kennesaw State welcomed Mercer on Jan. 26. Mercer trailed by twelve at the half, and never recovered from Kennesaw’s Ashley Holliday’s nine straight points in the middle of the first half. The Owls turned a close five-point game into a 30-15 lead with 5:11 to play in the opening half. Despite a late run from the Bears, Kennesaw ended the first half on a 6-0 run. The closest that Mercer ever got from there was seven, but a 15-0 run from the Owls finished Mercer. There were a few good signs from Mercer. They outrebounded KSU 46-41. Alex Phillips added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. The dynamic freshman duo of Briana Williams and Brittnee Hazel combined for 33 points, but it would not stop the home team from their third straight win.
USC-Upstate 74, Mercer 63
Three Bears were in double figures, but a weak second half left Mercer the losers on Jan. 29. A 30-26 halftime advantage was undone by shoddy rebounding, despite freshman Rebecca Clanton’s career-high 12 points, freshman Sharnea Boykin’s career-high 11 assists and Williams and Hazel combining for thirty points. Mercer led by one as late as the thirteen-minute mark of the second half, but successive runs by the Spartans were too much. Tee’Ara Copney and Chelsea McMillan scored 35 of the 74. Also, Mercer was dominated at the boards, only getting 32 rebounds to USC-Upstate’s 55.
East Tennessee State 100, Mercer 62
Mercer allowed a hundred for the second time this season, and it again resulted in a blowout loss. The Lady Bucs were too much to handle, despite Hazel scoring 16 points. It was ETSU’s fifth straight win. Alex Phillips and Sharmesia Smith each added 10 points to the box score for Mercer. Despite a better second half performance compared to recent games, Mercer was completely manhandled by a superior team in the first half, trailing by 25 at the break (52-27). ETSU converted 40 of their 70 attempts from the field for the game and they outrebounded the Bears 41-25.
Campbell 77, Mercer 64
Despite an astounding performance from Briana Williams, Mercer’s return home was just another loss. Williams scored 17 in the final eleven minutes of the game, but it would not be enough in her third 30-point game this season. Mercer trailed in each half and would as close as seven late in the closing half, but it would be futile. Campbell’s streaky shooters simply outperformed Mercer starting five. Sharmesia Smith would add 11 rebounds for the Bears in the losing effort.
The Mercer Bears hope to turn their season around against in-state rival Kennesaw State in the University Center on Thursday, Feb. 10, Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday, Feb. 12, and finish the homestand against Stetson on Monday, Feb. 14.
(02/09/11 3:19am)
There are all sorts of traditions at those schools that have been around for centuries. Mercer has been around for almost 200 years, and the most time-honored tradition we have is every freshman climbing the tower. We’ve seen the addition of several great things as of late.
With the move of Greek Row to its current location due to the construction of the University Center, the “Running of the Hill” on bid day for the fraternities and sororities has taken on the status of a Mercer tradition. When that once-a-year snowstorm hits, you see half of campus take mattresses, cafeteria trays and other makeshift sleds for the highly enjoyable ride down UC Hill. Other traditions that most students get to enjoy are the interacting with various Maconites who traverse campus to get from one side to the other or taking the trolley downtown.
Moreover, when some students turn 21, they will trudge right across the street to Mercer Village to grab a drink in a total affront to the “dry campus” rule. These small traditions and universal actions aren’t meant to be downplayed.
In fact, the memories I have from both watching and partaking in these events are some of my best memories. They go hand-in-hand with J-Flo’s falling-down lay-up to beat Jacksonville 72-71 on a Sunday afternoon, and with walking back from the library one night only to see fireworks light up the sky over the baseball field.
Many will call what I’m about to say illogical and foolish, an idealist’s dream. Football is coming the year after I graduate. I can’t wait to come back as an alumnus and tailgate before the Bears take the field for the first time. I can’t wait to see the Bronze Bear become a focal point for this as we move forward. I want to see our athletics programs embrace this.
In fact, the men’s lacrosse team has taken to touching the statue after every game, demonstrating that new traditions are taking hold. Other statues adorn campuses everywhere, from the John Harvard statue at Harvard to Jesse Mercer sitting on a bench here on our quad.
Plenty of people pose with Jesse Mercer when they graduate, which is another time-honored tradition. These are focal points for Kodak moments and pranks throughout the years. Aren’t you waiting with baited breath to see who has the balls to prank the Bronze Bear first?
I know I am. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I just want the entire campus to embrace this epically awesome statue. Despite me being very pissed off one morning at 5 a.m. when the statue was installed, I loved the end result.
You might claim that the money could have been better spent somewhere else. You know what, you’re right. This crappy economy means that every penny spent should be carefully scrutinized and put toward the best possible use. However, who are we to declare the generosity of our benefactor foolish?
If he wants a bear statue that’ll strike fear into the hearts of our opponents, then let the eccentric millionaire do it. I would love to meet him. I’d gladly shake his hand. I mean, he convinced Mercer to do this. That’s pretty awesome. Now, can someone help us out and pay for the repairs of the Mercer car? It’s awesome, but it needs a lot of work.
I’ve been fortunate enough to ride around in it during Homecoming, and it’s a tradition that I think should be continued for football. Drive it on the field! Also, let’s model Toby on the statue.
That would be awesome and scary. But if you think all this money for school spirit is a waste, then transfer and attend a school that is reliant upon a large athletics program for money to function. You know the focus is athletics, unlike Mercer. But really, who hates the bear?
Comments on this opinion can be sent to garret.mcdowell@gmail.com
(01/31/11 11:09pm)
Out of those of you who venture downtown for Macon’s nightlife, how many times have you seen incidents happen downtown, feel upset that you have to go so far from campus just to dance, or experience any other detriment? Well, other than those places downtown like Envy, Asylum, Power Station, the Rookery and Bottoms Up, there really is not much of a selection.
Wouldn’t it be nice to just walk a block or two and get toa club/bar? Well, Mercer Village is growing. With the Lofts at Mercer Village about to reach completion, there will be a definite increase of activity in the Village and more opportunities to dine and hang out. However,it all ends around nine or ten every night. With only a cof- fee shop open until midnight, Mercer Village isn’t exactly supporting students always hanging out there at night. This is unfortunate, because there is enough interest to go downtown and the trolley system is definitely utilized. Why not direct students to not have to worry about safety and transportation downtown?
Why not add a club in Mercer Village? A great location would be that location on the corner near the new Lofts. Security has always been an issue down- town. The distrust between Mercer students and Maconites is large, and that’s unfortunate. There have been incidents, as there are in every college town.
By having a location incredibly close to campus, Mercer Police officers can help patrol and look out for the students they serve and protect on a daily basis. They can also do some work in preventing unsavory individuals from interfering with students.
This would be an incredible bright spot in the Mercer Village plan if it worked out. There’s no doubt it would be successful, and even though it would take away business from the other nightlife locations, it would be a great addition to the “college town feel.” While there is the issue with the dry campus and students drinking at a place so close to campus, it’s not differ- ent from before—only a much closer location so there won’t be an issue with drunk driving or even just late night driving.
Also, much in the style of the Rookery, it could be a restaurant during the day. There wouldn’t be much of a problem as long as someone puts up the necessary funding. It would take a while to catch on, and also to get the necessary licenses and documents to set up a restaurant/ nightclub. However, it would be possible to have students get jobs as well.
In essence, this is a great solution to the problems that students face when they head downtown. If there is any brave entrepreneur who wants to take the challenge, this would be a great venture. Nightlife right off campus would be welcomed and supported. I know I’d frequent the place.
Comments on this opinion can be sent to garret.mcdowell@ gmail.com