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(10/04/15 3:52am)
The narrative remains the same for the Mercer Bears: another conference game and another close loss. This marks the sixth SoCon game that the Bears have dropped by a touchdown margin or less in the past two seasons.
It was a closer affair tonight. The Wofford Terriers were the only team to have beaten the Bears by more than a touchdown last season. The Terriers won 34-6 that day.
Despite a furious rally in the final 5 minutes of the game, the Bears lost in overtime to the Wofford Terriers 34-33.
" It was very important for us to come out and compete. Our players knew, they had that last game of the season feeling in their gut," Mercer head coach Bobby Lamb said. "And to have an opportunity to win is obviously a step in the right direction."
Early in the game, neither offense could get going. The Terriers got on the board first with 9 yard touchdown run from Nick Colvin. The Bears would answer back with a field goal from Jagger Lieb from 43 yards out.
Wofford's rushing attack found their rhythm with a couple long gains that set up another touchdown by the Terriers' Ray Smith.
Wofford took a 13-3 lead, but Tee Mitchell pulled the Bears back within 3 on his 13 yard touchdown run.
Wofford broke off another long gain, but a touchdown saving tackle by Zach Jackson forced the Terriers to kick the field goal. The Bears, having already blocked a point after attempt earlier in the game, were up to the task again as they got a hand on the football. The Terriers carried a 13-10 lead into the half.
Coming out of the half, the Bears offense stalled and Wofford took advantage as they capped a long drive to put them up 20-10 on Evan Jacks' 12 yard touchdown run.
The Bears tacked on another score of their own as Mitchell found the end zone again on a 2 yard run as the looked to climb back in the game.
The teams entered the fourth with Wofford up 20-17. Wofford would extend its lead to 27-17 with a 53 yard touchdown run by Lorenzo Long.
John Russ answered back with a touchdown to Avery Ward. Trailing by 3 with under 3 mins to play, the Bears forced a key fumble. Russ and Mitchell put a drive together and set up a field goal with 3 seconds remaining. Jagger Lieb nailed a 23 yard try to send the game to overtime.
Russ and Ward connected on the first play of overtime, but a missed extra point only gave the Bears a 6 point lead. Wofford would capitalize with a touchdown run by Evan Jacks and an extra point to end the game.
Mercer was gashed on the ground all night as they gave up 391 yards on the ground. The Terriers had their first hundred yard rushers of the season: Lorenzo Long and Evan Jacks.
"We had a good game plan going in against the triple option. Everyone has a job and if someone doesn't pick up their job on a particular play you get a big run," linebacker Tripp Patterson said. " We gave up a few of those tonight."
The Bears are back on the road again next week to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts. They look to get back on track following two straight losses.
(10/03/15 2:39am)
Following a 29-22 loss to Tennessee Tech, the Mercer Bears are entering Southern Conference play against Wofford.
The extra week gave the Bears a chance to correct the mistakes from the first few games and catch a breather after playing two or three games on the road.
"If there is a team in the league that you would need an week for it would be Wofford," Mercer head coach Bobby Lamb said. "It kind of fell into our lap like this and hopefully, we can take advantage of it."
The seven point loss to Tennessee Tech marks the 6th loss by a touchdown or less in the last two seasons.
"The Bears have to find a way to finish," Head Coach Bobby Lamb said
Mercer will need to be on their A-game as they take on the only team to beat the Bears by more than a touchdown last season. The Terriers routed the Bears 34-6 at Wofford.
The Bears struggled on offense as they only mounted 151 yards total against the Terriers last year.
The offense has looked better in the first three games this season, averaging 492 yards per game including a program record 623 against the Stetson Hatters.
The Bears’ John Russ is putting together his best season statistically in his third year as the starter and has already been named to the FCS Player of the Year watch list. Russ faces a defense that is giving up 269 yards per game through the air.
Wofford comes into the game 2-2 coming off a shutout against Gardner Webb.
Wofford’s only losses have come against FBS programs Clemson and Idaho. The Terriers almost pulled off the upset against Idaho falling 41-38.
Mercer’s defense will face a tough assignment as Wofford has run the ball effectively over their first three games. They averaged 298 yards on the ground over the first three games but struggled against Gardner Webb with only 159 yards rushing.
There is no real standout performer in the back field as they have run the ball well with a committee of players.
The Bears tout their own rushing duo of Alex Lakes and Tee Mitchell have been a tough tandem to stop so far this year. Lakes however will miss the game with a punctured lung.
Mitchell is coming off of a career game with 130 yards rushing, and he tacked on another 19 receiving yards.
“It is thunder and lightning with those two back there. We really feel like we have a good combination,” Lamb said.
Without Lakes,Mitchell will look to fill in the starting role instead of his normal change of pace style that he bring to the offense.
The Bears will also be without wide-out Chandler Curtis who is still dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered against Austin Peay.
The Bears will look to start conference play off with a victory on Oct. 3 against the Wofford Terriers. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 3.
(10/02/15 4:14am)
Check out the latest addition of the Inside the Den podcast.
Justin and Hayes are back this week with a complete makeover for the Cluster Sports Podcast. With a new name and a new focus on Mercer sports, the guys will get you ready for the sports week ahead. This week a special guest joined the podcast as Mercer head football coach Bobby Lamb. Coach Lamb discusses the upcoming Wofford game and some other things going on with Mercer football. Hayes and Justin also give a rundown of some of the games of the week in FCS,FBS,and NFL football.
[embed]https://soundcloud.com/inside-the-den-podcast/inside-the-den#t=0:01[/embed]
(09/29/15 3:13am)
Following a 29-22 loss to Tennessee Tech, the Mercer Bears have a bye week before entering Southern Conference play against Wofford. The extra week gives the Bears a chance to correct the mistakes from the first few games and catcher a breather after playing two or three games on the road.
The seven point loss to Tennessee Tech marks the 6th loss by a touchdown or less in the last two seasons. The Bears have to find a way to finish, Head Coach Bobby Lamb said.
Mercer will need to be on their A-game as they take on the only team to beat the Bears by more than a touchdown last season. The Terriers routed the Bears 34-6 at Wofford.
The Bears struggled on offense as they only mounted 151 yards total against the Terriers last year. The offense has looked better in the first three games this season, averaging 492 yards per game including a program record 623 against the Stetson Hatters.
The Bears’ John Russ is putting together his best season statistically in his third year as the starter and has already been named to the FCS Player of the Year watch list. Russ faces a defense that is giving up 269 yards per game through the air.
Wofford comes into the game 1-2 and will play Gardner Webb the weekend before taking on the Bears.
Wofford’s only losses have come against FBS programs Clemson and Idaho. The Terriers almost pulled off the upset against Idaho falling 41-38.
Mercer’s defense will face a tough assignment as Wofford has run the ball effectively over their first three games. They have averaged 298 yards on the ground over the last three games.
There is no real standout performer in the back field as they have run the ball well with a committee of players.
The Bears tout their own rushing duo of Alex Lakes and Tee Mitchell have been a tough tandem to stop so far this year. Mitchell is coming off of a career game with 130 yards rushing, and he tacked on another 19 receiving yards.
“It is thunder and lightning with those two back there. We really feel like we have a good combination,” Lamb said.
The Bears will look to start conference play off 2-1 on Oct. 3 against the Wofford Terriers. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 3.
(09/27/15 1:04am)
Zach Jackson read the quarterback’s eyes; he sprinted across the field towards the sideline as he launched himself into the air and pulled down the acrobatic interception. He had finally arrived on the college football stage.
Jackson was a three star recruit coming out of Brookwood high school. He had just capped his high school playing days with a state title and was getting ready to take his talent to the next level.
Jackson committed to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. The Horned Frogs were among a large group of suitors at the FBS level of college football (Georgia Tech, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt) vying for Jackson’s presence in their secondary. Mercer did not have a football program at the time of his recruitment, so the Bears were not on his radar yet.
Jackson was redshirted his first season in Fort Worth—meaning he would preserve a year of eligibility and sit out his freshman season.
In his second season, Jackson saw the field only a couple of times as the backup safety.
Jackson began looking at transferring to another school. He narrowed it down to a couple FCS programs closer to his home in Snellville, Georgia. Furman and Chattanooga seemed like good options for Jackson to get the playing time he desired.
Mercer gave him a chance to do something more.
"I wanted to transfer to get closer to home. My position coach, coach Doolittle nailed it into my head that I could be the start of a new program and help build it up” Jackson said. “. . . I saw this as a second chance coming from TCU because I do not think I got the opportunity that I deserved.”
Jackson had barely seen the football field in the two years before coming to Mercer and had not played meaningful snaps since his high school days. This motivated Jackson to get better and make an impact after settling into the Mercer secondary.
“Last year was my chance to get my feet wet. I made some mistakes and made some plays, but I feel like last year was a learning year for me,” Jackson said. “It gave me the chance to see where I was at and what I needed to work on.”
Jackson’s moment came against Virginia Military Institute in his first year at Mercer. As he helped Mercer secure the win with the interception, Jackson had taken advantage of his second chance.
“It felt great just knowing that I was able to seal the game and give Mercer its first SoCon win,” Jackson said.
While he is a playmaker on the field, delivering punishing hits and making the quarterback always account for him, Jackson is a quiet and laid back guy off the field.
“I am probably one of the most chill guys on the team. You can ask anybody on the team and they will tell you. I really do not go out. I am just not a party guy.” Jackson said.
Instead of the party scene, Jackson would rather be in his room watching Netflix or his favorite football team, the San Diego Chargers.
“If I could pick one team to play for, it would be the Chargers. I have been a fan since Ladainian Tomlinson was there. I just grew up watching them,” Jackson said. “No matter if they have a good or bad season, I love the Chargers.”
Jackson had more trouble picking his favorite movies as he said, “there are just so many man. I can’t really pick just one.”
Jackson’s main goal is to take his talent to the next level and play in the NFL. It has been his dream since he committed to playing only football his junior year of high school. Before then, he played baseball and ran track in addition to football.
If Jackson does not reach the NFL, he will still try to find a place in the sports world.
"I want to be a sports analyst for any sports team. I am working with ESPN now, and they have been such a great learning tool for me. I appreciate everything that those guys have done,” Jackson said. “I would really like to just work in broadcasting for some sports team.”
When people hear his name, he wants people to remember him in a positive way.
“I want them to think of me as a selfless person as I try and put others before myself. I want them to know I am giving 110 percent, whether it be in football or anything, that I am giving it my all,” Jackson said.
The quiet and reserved guy off of the field shows up on game day and lights up opponents. His demeanor and soft spokenness come with a chip on his shoulder.
“Transferring from TCU gave me a motivation to prove a lot of people that doubted me wrong,” Jackson said.
(09/25/15 2:21am)
Preseason football is a time of teasing for the NFL fan. After, months of waiting, we the football fans, finally get to watch football again. These games do not count but serve as a chance for coaches to evaluate their teams.
Now this may seem like a solid concept in a perfect world where football is not a dangerous game. In a perfect world the fans would get to watch young stars take off and veterans prep for the season with no risk of injury. However, this is not a perfect world, and while the outcomes of these games do not matter at all, losing your top wideout or quarterback for the season does.
Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers is a pro-bowl caliber player who was lost for the season when he tore his ACL in a meaningless preseason game. The Packers are a team stacked full of talent at the wide receiver position, but just one preseason game later Randall Cobb, the other top wideout on the team injured his shoulder. Thankfully for the Packers, Cobb’s injury was not season-ending.
For a league who claims that they are doing everything they can to protect their players, they continue to play these preseason games. In the last few years, the NFL has changed multiple rules for player safety, yet they haven’t made any strides in reducing the length of the preseason.
Teams already hold practices against other teams. These exhibition practices mean as much as the preseason games just with less hype and no cameras on them. Now, these practices are not without risk as the Carolina Panthers lost their top wideout in one of these practices. Kelvin Benjamin tore his ACL in a joint practice against the Miami Dolphins.
This is not a new concern, however. Top players have sustained injuries in these meaningless preseason games for years. In 1963, Stone Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs died from injuries sustained in a preseason game. Johnson was considered by many on a path to greatness as he competed in the Olympics in 1960 as a sprinter for the U.S and was drafted by the Chiefs.
In this preseason alone, there has been a dozen or more injuries that will result in a lengthy absences from the football field. These injuries could happen in a regular season game, but why put these players’ bodies through an extra four or five games when many will play 16 regular season games—and some will play into the playoffs—when it serves no real purposes for those involved.
One option that the NFL could easily look into is shortening the preseason. For years people have called for the NFL to take a look at shortening it, but thus far no steps have been taken to shorten it. Another option is to completely rid themselves of the preseason as a whole. College football does not have a system of exhibition games, and the NFL could follow suit. Fans do not generally care about preseason football either though many watch it because of the lengthy layoff between February and August.
The NFL has done the best they can to protect their players, yet this one simple step to trying to cut down on wear and tear seems like a no-brainer and still has not happened yet. As a rabid football fan, I am personally just ready to watch some football that means more than just watching top stars being knocked out with season ending injuries. As of now, that is the only real impact that the NFL preseason has.
(09/25/15 2:03am)
My freshman year of college I learned that a subscription to a music streaming service was almost as essential as buying books. It is what kept me going during the all-nighters and my long walks across the campus at 8 a.m. were much better with the newest music from Drake or Ryan Adams. I love music, and it just makes sense to shell out an extra $10 a month to get all the music I want.
I chose Spotify as it basically dominates the market when it comes to streaming services. I got the student discount and paid $4.99 a month. The coolest feature for me was the streaming without Wi-fi or wasting my 4G data.
This summer Apple rolled out its version of Spotify, and with my student discount coming to an end for Spotify, I chose to take Apple up on their three month trial. I can say I have been a happy customer as I have been able to listen to my music and watch my bank account stay the same.
My trial ends at the beginning of October and I will be faced with a choice between the two streaming services. The two services both have their pros and cons. Here is a guide to what those are to see which is best for you.
Cost:
Both services cost $9.99 per month for the premium account.
With Apple Music, you can share an account with up to six people for $15 a month.
For Spotify, it is $5 for every person added to the account.
If you can share with friends or family, then Apple music seems to be the way to go. Spotify does offer the student discount if you sign up through the link on their website for $4.99 a month.
Offline listening:
Both services allow you to listen offline as you simply pick the music you want and add it to your playlist. Apple music is confusing at first as I had a hard time finding all the music that I saved compared to Spotify, which has it lined up in a the form of playlists.
Music Catalog:
This is another category where both seem evenly matched as each catalog contains up to 30 million songs. Apple pulls from Itunes, but you cannot stream every song that Itunes offers, such as the Beatles discography.
Radio:
Both offer up a feature which is basically like a radio station when you can’t quite pick out the artist that you want. Apple does, however, have a slight edge as they have hired actual disc jockeys to run their station. This allows for the best music to play at all times and someone to discuss the music world. Spotify offers you the ability to create your own stations based on what you prefer. So, again, this comes down to preference on control or whether you want a live person determining the songs that come through the radio.
Extra features:
Apple music has basically turned the connect tab into a social media for music. It gives you the chance to “connect” with artists who are big in the music world or ones who are still trying to make it. Spotify has added a feature for those who love to work out and run. It picks up the tempo of the work out and changes the song to that tempo. They also fade into one another so there’s never really a silent pause while you are running.
Taylor Swift:
If you are a fan of Taylor Swift, then you will only find her music on one of these streaming sites. She pulled her music from Spotify much to the dismay of her fans, including yours truly. She threatened to do the same in a public battle with Apple music over the payment of its artist. In the end, the only place that you can stream T-Swift’s music is on Apple music.
Verdict: I am personally still torn as both are great options. I have had both services and been extremely happy with them. At the end of the day, I think I will see which one best suits me and my style.
(09/17/15 4:05am)
In the deep south, sports is like a religion. From college football on Saturdays to Sunday morning tee times, Georgia has it all for the sports fan. Here are some places around Macon and Georgia that cater to those with sports on their minds.
Golf
Bowden is a public golf course located in Macon. Located 15 minutes from the Mercer University campus on Millerfield Road, Bowden offers a nice golf course for the price. It’s considered one of the best value courses in Macon as their rates are some of the lowest around. Rates vary based on what day you go. The weekend rate (Friday-Sunday) is $28 for 18 holes and a cart or $19 for 9 holes with a cart. Weekday prices are $25 for 18 holes with a cart and $18 for 9 holes with a cart.
Rigby’s Entertainment Complex
Rigby’s Entertainment Complex is located in Warner Robins, Georgia at 2001 Karl Drive. It offers fun for everyone. It includes laser tag, bowling, mini-golf, roller skating and go carts. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat as they have a restaurant inside of the complex. Prices vary per activity, and it can get expensive depending on what activities you choose. Their hours of operation can be found on their website, rigbysec.com.
Atlanta’s Professional Teams
Atlanta is home to three professional sports teams. The Atlanta Braves, Falcons and Hawks are just an hour and half drive away from the Mercer campus and can be a fun day trip for those sports fans who crave live action.
The Braves offer a student discount that they call college night which is every Thursday. Tickets are only $20 and that includes $10 of added value for you to use on the concessions of your choice.
The Hawks are not currently playing, and tickets are not up for purchase at this time. As the season gets closer, student discounts will become available.
The Falcons are offering a lot of promotional tickets, but the only student discounted tickets are sold through third party vendors at $200 for season tickets.
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
If you prefer to stay closer to campus and wish to learn about the history of the sports that you love, then Macon happens to have just the place for you. Located on 301 Cherry St. in downtown Macon, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is a great way to explore Macon and take a journey through the history of Georgia sports. They are open 9-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame offers a student discount. It is $6 for general admission into the museum.
Lake Tobosofkee
The lake is a great place to go spend the day fishing or boating. It gives those who love the water a chance to go out and have a good time, and it is closer drive than the beach. This is a great day trip for Mercer students to take advantage of. Recently, they added a water park at Lake Tobosofkee but it has closed for the season. The Sandy Beach Water Park expects to see expansions by year. They will be adding a wave pool to the list of growing attractions at the water park in 2016.
(09/17/15 4:03am)
Mercer football is back in town for their home opener. Following a 28-7 victory over the Austin Peay Governors, they are set to do battle with a familiar foe.
The Bears will square off with the Stetson Hatters for the third season in a row. In the last two games combined, the Bears have outscored the Hatters, 90-14 including a 49-0 blowout last year on the road. “The coaches have us ready to play. We are treating this game just like any other game,” said junior linebacker Tripp Patterson. “Whether we are playing against Stetson or Georgia Tech we are preparing the same way.”
Following a perfect record in out of conference play in 2014, the Bears will look to improve to a 2-0 this season and six in a row overall.
In last years’ game, Alex Lakes burst on to the scene with 151 yards and three touchdowns on 13 touches. Lakes will be looking to do more of the same Saturday, Sept. 12, as he has become Mercer’s feature back.
Lakes will be looking to build on to his 159 yard performance last week against the Governors. Lakes is join in the backfield by speed back Tee Mitchell. Mitchell combined for 143 yards rushing and receiving.
Stetson comes into the game 1-0 following a victory against Webber International. The Hatters trot out their own leading rusher Cole Mazza. Mazza recorded three touchdowns and 99 yards in the season opener.
“[Their] coach has done a nice job with that program,” said Head Coach Bobby Lamb. “They have elevated themselves every single year.”
Stetson put up 42 points in the opener, setting a program record in the modern era for most points in a game.
The Bears’ defense will need to be stingy against the Hatters to slow down their offense. In their meeting last year, the defense set the tone by forcing five turnovers.
Mercer is 12-3 under Lamb at Five Star Stadium. The Bears are 2-0 under Lamb in home openers.
“We are excited to be 1-0 heading into our first home game of the season.” Lamb said.
The Bears enjoy the biggest home field advantage of any team in the Southern conference with an average of 10,000 rabid fans filling the stadium to 98 percent capacity.
The Mercer Maniacs are doing a “Orange Never Looked So Good” campaign for the first home game.
“ Nothing looks better than a sea of students decked out in streamers and orange. Make sure to come out on Saturday sporting your Mercer orange,” said Vice President of Marketing for the Mercer Maniacs Sydney Morfoot.
(09/13/15 4:48pm)
Head Coach Bobby Lamb and the Mercer Bears excited the home crowd this week notching another victory and improving to 2-0 on the season. The first home game also marked the first game played at Five Star Stadium since it was re-named.
”We obviously dedicated it with a bang,” said Lamb “I don’t know if you could play any better in the first half,”
The first half saw a record number of points scored in one half by the Bears with 51.
The Bears got the game going early with 41 yard kickoff return by Stephan Houzah. After, driving 59 yards Alex Lakes punched it in from one yard out to give the Bears the lead.
Quarterback John Russ connected with Grant Radakovich for the Bears to put them on top 14-0. The Hatters answered with a scoring toss from Ryan Tentler to Chris Crawford.
The turning point of the game came when Tentler’s pass was tipped in the end zone and Corey Lockett intercepted the ball for the Bears.
Russ made them pay for that mistake as he drove the team down the field and scored on a quarterback keeper. Russ passed for 4 touchdowns on top of the rushing touchdown.
True Freshman Stephan Houzah made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball as he intercepted the Stetson quarterbacks twice on the night.
“On defense Stephan Houzah he came in here pretty highly heralded and I tell you he really made some plays out there today,” said Lamb “ Not only intercepting those two passes but he made some great tackles on the edge.”
The Bears reeled off 37 straight points against the Hatters as they went into the half up 51-7.
The Bears used the second half to rest their starters as they cruised past Stetson 57-14.
In the second half, Mercer did break the record for most total yards in the game in school history on a Tanner Brumby scramble. The final tally for yards was 623 which shattered the old record of 554.
One of the key contributor to those yards was running back Tee Mitchell as he slashed through the Stetson defense for a rushing and a receiving touchdown. He tallied 128 all purposes yards against the Hatters.
“Tee, he is just explosive. You can see his speed out there today, just running by people,” said Lamb “he is a guy who can hurt you in the passing game and the run game.”
The Bears head out on the road next week to take on Tennessee Tech. This will be the second road game of the season as they took on Austin Peay in week one.
“We just have to keep that momentum going against Tennessee Tech,” said Russ “They are going to be a good team just like Austin Peay was, they are going to give us a fight, we have to go out there and make it a business trip.”
(09/12/15 4:04pm)
Mercer football is back in town for their home opener. Following a 28-7 victory over the Austin Peay Governors, they are set to do battle with a familiar foe.
The Bears will square off with the Stetson Hatters for the third season in a row. In the last two games combined, the Bears have outscored the Hatters 90-14 --
including a 49-0 blowout last year on the road.
“The coaches have us ready to play. We are treating this game just like any other game,” said junior linebacker Tripp Patterson. “Whether we are playing against Stetson or Georgia Tech we are preparing the same way.”
Following a perfect record in out of conference play in 2014, the Bears will look to improve to a 2-0 this season and six in a row overall.
In last years’ game, Alex Lakes burst on to the scene with 151 yards and three touchdowns on 13 touches. Lakes will be looking to do more of the same Saturday, Sept. 12, as he has become Mercer’s feature back.
Lakes will be looking to build on to his 159 yard performance last week against the Governors. Lakes is join in the backfield by speed back Tee Mitchell. Mitchell combined for 143 yards rushing and receiving.
Stetson comes into the game 1-0 following a victory against Webber International. The Hatters trot out their own leading rusher Cole Mazza. Mazza recorded three touchdowns and 99 yards in the season opener.
“[Their] coach has done a nice job with that program,” said Head Coach Bobby Lamb. “They have elevated themselves every single year.”
Stetson put up 42 points in the opener, setting a program record in the modern era for most points in a game.
The Bears’ defense will need to be stingy against the Hatters to slow down their offense. In their meeting last year, the defense set the tone by forcing five turnovers.
Mercer is 12-3 under Lamb at Five Star Stadium. The Bears are 2-0 under Lamb in home openers.
“We are excited to be 1-0 heading into our first home game of the season.” Lamb said.
The Mercer Maniacs are doing a “Orange Never Looked So Good” campaign for the first home game.
“ Nothing looks better than a sea of students decked out in streamers and orange. Make sure to come out on Saturday sporting your Mercer orange,” said Vice President of Marketing for the Mercer Maniacs Sydney Morfoot.
(08/31/15 10:07pm)
When the opposing team steps on the field in Five Star Stadium or on the court in Hawkins Arena, they are greeted by the most rabid student section in the entire Southern Conference, the Mercer Maniacs.
”We are the student spirit group. We are not an exclusive group anyone who likes to cheer on the athletes is a Mercer Maniac. We just try and create a good environment for the students as well as the athletes,” said Thomas Norton, president of the Mercer Maniacs.
Mercer led the SoCon last year in football attendance with an average attendance of 10,000 while reaching 98 percent capacity for the stadium.
Norton has played sports his entire life and has never been on this side of the action.
“For an athlete there is not a better feeling than having a home crowd cheer you on. There is nothing like being in the front row of college athletic event cheering your team on,” Norton said.
Being a maniac is not without its perks as those who help out consistently--whether that be through setting up for tailgates or working at the events--get the chance to earn awesome prizes.
For freshman coming in it’s an opportunity to join a group of students who love cheering on the Mercer sports teams. Nothing is exclusive which is something that Norton wants to get away from.
“People had the misconception last year that we were an exclusive group or that you had to be a Maniac to be in the front row. That’s not the case. We want everyone to come out and support the teams. Everyone is a Mercer Maniac.”
Last season, football broke the record with 12,277 people in attendance at the first SoCon game. Men’s basketball shattered its record with over 4,000 in attendance during a game last January against the Citadel. While women’s basketball had an average attendance of 898. The goal for this season though seems to be to get more involved in those other sports.
“I want to figure out a way to get people out to the other games like soccer and women’s basketball. I want to try and increase the hype for these sports. I attended every women’s basketball game last year and I would really like to see more people coming out, supporting them,” Norton said.
Norton hopes to change or at least attempt to change the culture around Mercer sports this season.
“It’s a cultural thing. I want to start moving the culture towards supporting all of the athletes. I am not saying that people should come to every single game for every sport because that’s hard to do. I am however trying to gear the maniacs more towards other sports not just football and basketball, Norton said.
Norton took over this season as president after Blaze Jeffery graduated in May. Norton hopes to build on what Blaze did in his year as president. One of the ideas that Jeffery tossed around was the idea of having groups for each sport, and Norton is still looking into making that idea a reality.
“I have spoken with Blaze and I believe that is a really good idea. I recognize that there are people in the organization that know soccer better than I do. They know how to go about supporting that sport where as I know basketball. I want to put people in the right positions to get all the teams support,” Norton said.
Last year, the Maniacs did trips for men’s basketball for two away games and the conference tournament. This year there is talks of doing more trips like that as well as a football game if it garners enough student interest.
“We have not finalized any trips yet but I would expect us to be doing the SoCon tournament again and possibly some other games for the different sports. I want to do a football trip and we had one scheduled for last year but because it was such short notice we just didn’t have the student interest needed to take the trip,” Norton said.
Traveling has become a favorite among some of the maniac members.
“ There is nothing quite like supporting your school in a hostile environment, and the Maniacs travel better than any school I know,” said longtime Maniac Brady Brettin.
For more information on the Maniacs, visit their social media profiles.
(08/28/15 4:12am)
Mercer’s Recreational Sports & Wellness program provides students with a chance to play sports with their friends and against other schools. Princeton Review ranked Mercer number 14 in the “Everybody Plays” category in 2015.
“I have met so many people through intramural sports. I have so many friends that I am not sure I would have ever met them if not for getting involved with this,” said Brittany Mueller, the student director of programming.
Besides being able to get out and meet new people, intramural sports provide students with the chance to stay active.
“It’s a way that we can keep students active,” Mueller said. “It doesn’t matter if you are Greek, an athlete or just someone who loves sports. This gives you that chance to put yourself out they are and stay active.”
For the 2015-2016 school year, intramurals will be introducing two new sports KanJam and wiffleball.
“KanJam is the newest sport that we are bringing to students. It is two trashcans, and you are trying to earn points by getting it inside of the can or by hitting the can. It is a lot of fun,” Mueller said.
Wiffleball is the same backyard favorite that many people played growing up.
Spikeball has also been moved up to a mid-major sport meaning it will now be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays instead of just a one day tournament. Spikeball was introduced last year, and it instantly became one of the most popular sports.
If you are looking for a step up in the competition, Mercer Recreational Sports & Wellness gives you a way to do that, too.
“Club sports give people who want to create their own teams and compete against other schools that opportunity,” Mueller said.
Club sports range from soccer to golf and basically everything in between. Most of the club teams get to travel and play against other club teams.
“Women’s soccer is our newest club sport, but the existing club teams are striving harder than ever to make an impact,” Mueller said.
Men’s club soccer hosted Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern and also traveled to different schools in the last couple years as they have faced stiff competition.
“If there is a sport you are passionate about that we do not have as a club sport, then you can contact Todd Thomas who is the Director of Recreational Sports and Wellness and express interest to him, and he’d work with you in trying to make that club team happen,” Mueller said
Mercer Recreational Sports & Wellness also offer students the opportunity to go on trips for a small fee.
This year on Sept. 5 there will be a trip to Columbus, Georgia for white water rafting. The cost is $30 but will include both transportation and rafting.
On Oct. 10 there will be a zip lining trip, and a kayak down the Ocmulgee will be held on Nov. 4. These are all the scheduled outdoor adventures for the fall semester.
Mercer Recreational Sports and Wellness showcases many different sports and has some other benefits, students said.
“It is such a great way to bond with other students. I love all the sports, but my favorites would have to be Ultimate Frisbee or soccer,” said junior Josh Hodges.
Get up and get moving as you don’t want to miss out on a great season of recreational sports. Follow Mercer Recreational Sports and Wellness on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates on all upcoming events and sports.
(08/14/15 6:05am)
The Mercer Bears baseball team punched a ticket to the NCAA baseball tournament for the third time in six seasons as they won both the Southern Conference regular season and postseason title.
They finished the regular season with a record of 35-21 and 16-7 record in the conference, marking the sixth season the Bears have reached 35 wins.
The Bears earned the one seed in the conference tournament and looked poised to take advantage of their seeding. They steamrolled through the conference tournament going a perfect 4-0 while outscoring their opponents 32-10, which included a 19-7 rout of VMI as they record 23 hits which left them one hit shy of the SoCon record for hits in a tournament game.
In the SoCon championship game, the Bears blanked Samford 5-0 as Eric Nyquist threw a six hit complete game shutout — his second complete game shutout of the season. For his performance in the SoCon tournament, he was awarded the Walt Nadzak Most Outstanding Player Award. Nyquist alongside Adam Scott, Morgan Pittman, Charlie Madden, Danny Edgeworth and Trey Truitt made the All-Tournament team.
The Bears drew the fourth seed in the regionals of the NCAA tournament. They played Florida State — the one seed — in their first game and lost in a heartbreaking fashion as they came up short in extra innings by a score of 5-4. This set up an elimination game against the Auburn Tigers, and for the second straight game, the Bears lost by just one run as they were held scoreless in a 1-0 game.
The season ended for the Bears but it was memorable season as they made program history and found their way into the tournament. The Bears will look to defend their SoCon crown next season and try to get back to the NCAA tournament with aspirations of a College World Series title. The Bears will be without ace Nyquist, but power hitter Kyle Lewis will return.
(08/14/15 6:01am)
2015 was a good year for the Lady Bears on the softball field.
They finished up the year with a loss in the Southern Conference final but tallied 37 wins to only 22 losses while going 10-7 in confer- ence play. This was the third best winning percentage in program history, and these ladies made a habit of break- ing records.
Taylor Miller broke the record for most hits by a bear in a single sea- son with 83 while also breaking the record for most at bats with 212. Riley Carter set the RBI record with 61 for the season. Meghan Rud broke the record for most stolen bases tally- ing 31.
Pitcher Kirsten Stevens racked up 26 wins during the regular sea- son and three more in the postseason. Stevens also provided the Lady Bears with their big- gest moment of the year when she struck out 11 batters en route to the first no-hitter in a So- Con tournament game. Stevens, however, left the program this sum- mer, transferring to the University of Wisconsin.
The Lady Bears fell to Chattanooga in the con- ference tournament title game in a close contest 3-1. Overall, the sea- son was one filled with successandheartbreak. The Bears fell just short of their bid to make the NCAA tournament but found their way on to the SportsCenter Top 10. This upcoming sea- son the Bears will look to replace the seniors and transfers while making another run at the SoCon title.
(04/21/15 2:14pm)
Every April, as the azaleas begin to bloom, the world's greatest golfers descend upon Augusta National for The Masters tournament, which is the first of four majors on the golf circuit. Every year, there is always the dark horse who jumps out and surprises the field or a perennial favorite who flexes his muscles and takes over. The storylines are always big at The Masters. This year was no different.
On Thursday morning, Charley Hoffman jumped out early and led for most of the first day, as he came seemingly from out of nowhere. Hoffman would finish well off the lead, however, as his Cinderella story came up short.
Tiger Woods returned to action for the first time since withdrawing from a tournament in February. Woods’s first day was anything but memorable, as he could not break even par for the day. He found his groove on Friday as he managed to make the cut for the weekend. He had brief glimpses of his former glory, as the 14-time major champion and four-time Augusta winner put together a solid round Saturday putting himself at 6 under going into Sunday.
Rory McIlroy was the favorite coming into the week. Rory had won back-to-back majors at the end of last year and was looking to complete his career grand slam by winning all four majors. After a tumultuous first day, he needed a incredible back nine on Friday in order to stick around. Rory would launch himself into contention on Saturday as many call it "moving day" at The Masters. He finished at 6 under heading into Sunday.
The weekend really belonged to just one person, though, the 21-year-old Texan, Jordan Spieth. On day one, he was just one stroke off tying the first round record for lowest opening round in a Masters. That was one of the few records that Spieth did not break. After 36 and 54 holes, he had broken the all-time Masters scoring record up until that point. He went into Sunday with the field of stars chasing him down, but Spieth remained cool, calm and collected throughout.
Mcilroy made a charge on Sunday as he doubled his score to finish 12 under while Tiger Woods fell out of contention with a score of 1 over for the day and 5 under for the tournament. Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose did all that they could to track down Spieth. Mickelson holed out from a bunker for an eagle to get within four but never got any closer. Rose sank three straight birdies on the back nine only to have Spieth answer with birdies of his own. Rose and Mickelson had to settle for a tie for second at 14 under. Spieth was sitting at 19 under with one hole to play, only needing a par to secure the all-time record at Augusta national. In one of his rare misses of the week, Spieth dropped a shot on the final hole. His under 18 performance tied him with a Tiger Woods for the scoring record.
The 21-year-old became the first wire-to-wire winner at The Masters since Raymond Floyd in 1976. He is the second youngest Masters winner behind Tiger Woods. This is Jordan Spieth’s first major and 3rd win on the PGA tour, but after this week, one can only guess how high he will soar.
A week filled with the greatest in the world did not disappoint, as they put on a show for the ages. From the par three contest on Wednesday where Jack Nicklaus at the young age of 75 gave viewers yet another Masters moment when the 18-time major winner hit a hole in one, until the very last putt dropped in on Sunday. The Masters truly is, as Jim Nantz says, "A tradition unlike any other."
(04/21/15 1:57pm)
March Madness is over after weeks of fast paced action, poor officiating and enough upsets to last a lifetime. One team triumphed above the rest as the "One Shining Moment" tournament theme song blared out in Indianapolis.
The Final Four had plenty of surprises and upsets for just three games.
No. 1 seed Duke took on No. 7 seed Michigan State in the first of the two matchups. The Spartans had already knocked off the teams with a higher seed than their own as they pulled off upsets against a No. 2 seed, a No. 3 seed and a No. 4 seed. Their path of upset would end in the final four as they failed to take advantage of a hot start against the Blue Devils as they fell behind late in the first half and never recovered. Duke went on to win 81-61, and they earned their shot at the title game a year after being knocked out in their first game of the tournament by Mercer. Their freshman held the team together, as they accounted for most of their scoring against the Spartans and end the Cinderella story for the seventh seed.
No. 1 overall seeded Kentucky needed just two more victories to close out the perfect season, but a familiar foe stood in their way. Last year as a No. 8 seed, Kentucky knocked off the Wisconsin Badgers to punch their ticket to the championship game. The rematch was set with the same stakes on the line. Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker were out for revenge and looking to end the perfect season of the Wildcats. The teams traded basket for basket down the stretch. With Kentucky up two, a late controversial call with just over two minutes remaining brought the game back to a tie at 60-60. Nigel Hayes put back in a missed shot with no time remaining on the shot clock, but the referees simply missed the call. Due to the rule of only reviewing plays inside the last two minutes, the shot counted, and from there, the Badgers took over the game and never looked back as they got their revenge and punched their ticket to title game.
This set up a No. 1 seed versus No. 1 seed for the championship game. The tale of two rosters as one featured a mixture of juniors and seniors while the other was relying heavily on freshmen. One coach making his first appearance in title game while the other was seeking his fifth National Championship. The “grind it out” working style of the Wisconsin Badgers versus the tradition of the Duke Blue Devils.
As many experts predicted, the game was tight, as neither team seemed to be able to gain much separation from the other. The two teams went into the half tied at 31. Coming out of the half, Wisconsin finally started to pull away from Duke as it seemed Bo Ryan had made all the right adjustments. Then, an unsung hero stepped on the court. Of all the highly touted freshmen Duke trotted out on to the court, it was the one whom no one saw coming that left his lasting impact on the game. Grayson Allen came off the bench on fire in the second half, and he singlehandedly brought Duke back within striking distance as he scored eight straight. Much like the Kentucky-Wisconsin game, it was defined by a referee’s mistake. Justice Winslow tipped the ball out of bounds, yet the referees did not see it that way. They reviewed the play and did not reverse the call, so Duke would go down and score yet another basket putting the game out of reach.
The Duke Blue Devils stand alone at the top of the college basketball world for a fifth time under Coach K. The tournament will be remembered this year for all the upsets and ruined brackets that occurred, but in the end, one of college basketball’s most storied teams added to its long list of accomplishments. The tournament left viewers wanting more as one of the most exciting things in all of sports came to end. For at least a year, the Duke Blue Devils are the national champions of the college basketball world.
(04/21/15 1:54pm)
Former NFL player and Georgia Bulldog linebacker Rennie Curran came to speak with the Mercer football team and to offer some insight into the world of business, college football and professional sports. Many scouting reports from high school to college to the professionals said that Rennie Curran was too small to play at an elite level, but he proved them wrong. In Rennie Curran's case, it's not the size of the man but the size of his heart that matters.
Curran was a high school standout who still holds the record for most tackles in a career at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga.
However, many felt that Curran was too short to play linebacker at the college level. The University of Georgia offered him a scholarship, and for a lifelong Bulldog fan, he was living the dream.
“I have always loved the University of Georgia ever since my little league coach took me to see a game,” said Curran. “I use to run to the truck and listen to Larry Munson call the games, and I knew that I wanted him to call my name one day"
Curran arrived at the University of Georgia and made an impact during his time there. He received All-SEC honors and was also a finalist for several awards including best linebacker and best defensive player.
“My greatest honor was being named permanent team captain; it showed me that the guys trusted me as their leader," said Curran.
When it came time for Curran to go to the NFL, questions of his size again arose, but he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round. After a year with the Titans, a new coaching staff was hired, and Curran was cut from the team. During this time, Curran chose to channel his energy during the trying time into writing a new book. Curran said that "Free Agent" is a book for people who are in that college age that are at a crossroads in life.
“Between the transition from college to the real world, you are considered a free agent," said Curran.
He then became a motivational speaker, going around talking to high school and college athletes.
"I never planned to be an author. I just used a trying time in my life and turned it into something positive, and it's opened so many doors to speaking and doing other things to help impact these young athletes," said Curran.
Some of the major topics that Curran touched on while speaking with Mercer football team included how to maximize your platform as a college athlete, how each player is his own brand and the importance of networking and taking opportunities that are in front of you.
Curran used his experiences from life in order to help the Mercer football team get ready for the season.
Football player Tony Perella said, “He showed us it's not just about living your life but also how we portray ourselves that we are our own brand. It just means a lot to have guys like Rennie Curran come in and speak to us... about how to be a more well-rounded person, not just an athlete.”
Curran enjoys mentoring young athletes, and one of those athletes is football player for the Mercer Bears, Zach Jackson. "I have known Rennie since I was a little kid, and he has always been the type of person to speak life into you," said Jackson.
This was an experience for the football team to help lead them into next season with inspiration and to light a fire for them to maximize that platform that they are given as student athletes.
"To whom much is given, much is required. I'm just using the platform of being an athlete to help me reach high school and college athletes and let them know that there is more to life than being just an athlete," said Curran.
The last lesson that Curran touched on was finding a reason for what you are doing in life - as he called it, finding your "why."
"You must embrace your ‘why.’ Find something that is bigger than yourself,” said Curran. “Whether it's your mom or your friends back home that will never have this opportunity, use your ‘why’ to get you through it."
Rennie Curran is many things including football player, motivational speaker, author and musician, but he wants to be known for being more than that.
"I want to be known as a man of God, a man of character and a man of integrity," he said. Curran certainly made an impact on the Mercer football team as they get ready for the season ahead with his words of wisdom and encouragement.
(04/02/15 3:09pm)
On March 19 at 2:30, Madness had already begun to take place. The 14th seeded UAB Blazers knocked off the No. 3 seed, the Iowa State Cyclones, 60-59. This was a surprise because many had the Cyclones advancing deep in the tournament.
"UAB was the upset of the tournament; no one had them getting past Iowa State. They ruined a lot of brackets," said avid basketball fan Nick Wooten.
Only five times in the last 15 years has a No. 14 seed upset a No. 3 seed. Yet, just an hour later, another No. 14 seed, Georgia State, toppled the Baylor Bears. Brackets everywhere had been busted up just hours into the tournament.
Brady Brettin expressed that this was his favorite game to watch. “You don't get a better storyline than a father and son taking down a [No.] 3 seed,” said Brettin. “R.J Hunter played like a pedestrian for the first 37 minutes then single handedly brought them back to win in the final three minutes."
Just hours later in the same arena that UAB pulled their massive upset, the No. 11 seed UCLA upset the 6th seeded SMU Mustangs. This set up an 11 vs 14 matchup for the second straight year, as Mercer squared off with Tennessee in the previous tournament.
As day one of the tournament came to a close, four lower seeds had advanced, including the Ohio State Buckeyes.
If day one was the day of the underdog, then day two was all about the favorites. Only one lower seed managed to take down a higher seed, as 11th seeded Dayton beat the Providence Friars to advance to the round of 32.
The opening weekend provided a fast and furious pace with multiple close games and wild upsets. The round of 32 was much like the first round, as brackets were busted as each game unfolded.
The No. 8 seeded NC State team who barely squeezed by LSU in the first round was able to take down the first number one seed of the tournament.
"NC State wrecked my bracket. I had Villanova making to the championship game, and I watched my first final four team get knocked out in the round of 32," said student Jordan Wright.
In the same region, Michigan State was able to maintain its momentum from their first round victory over Georgia and knock off No. 2 seed Virginia.
"Michigan State’s run to the final four essentially ended my bracket. I had Virginia going all the way to the championship game, and that got shut down by the Spartans," said basketball fan Jack Faulkner.
Wichita State pulled a second upset of a No. 2 seed that same day as it downed in-state rival Kansas by a double-digit margin.
The Sweet Sixteen provide just as much intrigue and exciting games. Michigan State continued its charge through the bracket knocking off No. 3 seed Oklahoma in a thriller that ended 62-58.
The No. 1 overall seed, the Kentucky Wildcats, played inspired against West Virginia. West Virginia freshman Daxter Miles Jr stated, “they (Kentucky) do not play hard.” The Wildcats proved that they do in fact play hard as they as they beat down the Mountaineers 78-39 on their way to Elite Eight and 37-0 record.
Kentucky had not been tested until the instant classic that the Elite Eight produced. Notre Dame took it down to the wire. Jerian Grant’s shot from three-point range came up just short as The Fighting Irish lost to the Wildcats by two points as Kentucky improved 38-0.
“This game had everything. Amazing shots, and it was hard fought until the very end. Kentucky just cannot be stopped right now,” said basketball enthusiast C.J Kleckley.
The Elite Eight produced multiple close games and memorable moments. Michigan State trumped Louisville in an overtime thriller while Duke outlasted Gonzaga in a hard fought game. Arizona was ousted due to Wisconsin’s inability to miss in the second half, as it shot over 70% from the field.
After all this madness, four teams remain with a shot at greatness and for immortality. Kentucky will be going for a historic 40-0 season while Duke, Wisconsin and Michigan State will look to spoil that. If the last two weeks have been any indication, then more March Madness is still to come.
(03/19/15 1:05pm)
March Madness has officially begun. On Sunday, the men's college basketball bracket was released. This year, a team from a power conference in Kentucky is looking to finish off the perfect season at 40-0, which hasn't been done since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers did it. Here is a forecast for each region and what you should be looking for.
In the Midwest region, the overall No. 1 seed, Kentucky, looks to remain on top and to reach the final four from this region. They start out with a tune up game against a No. 16 seed depending on wins the play-in game - Manhattan or Hampton. No. 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1 seed, and it is highly unlikely to happen this year against Kentucky.
The seventh seed in the region, the Wichita State Shockers, may be the team that delivers the biggest upset from this region. If they get past Indiana, it would set up a meeting with Kansas. The Shockers have played well all year, but due to a loss in their conference tournament, their seed dropped dramatically. Wichita State has a good chance of beating Kansas and could be the best game to watch from this region.
Prediction for the Midwest region: Kentucky over Notre Dame. Cats move into the final four.
The East region looks to be the toughest of the four, as Villanova is the No. 1 seed along with other top-level teams such as Virginia, Michigan St. and Louisville.
Villanova also seem to be the most vulnerable No. 1 seed. The second matchup against potential opponent N.C. State is a very possible upset for this region. N.C. State knocked off a No. 1 seed in Duke during the regular season and has one of the best backcourts in the country. As it stands, this is biggest potential upset for this region.
The most intriguing matchup from this region could be Michigan State and Virginia in the round of 32. If both teams can get past their first opponents, then this game will be electric. Michigan State, despite being a No. 7 seed, is one of the hottest teams in basketball and has legendary coach Tom Izzo calling the shots. Virginia has not played great basketball the last two weeks, which could also contribute to Michigan State’s win.
Prediction: Michigan State tops Louisville to punch its ticket to the final four.
Wisconsin holds the No. 1 seed in the West region. This team has arguably the best player in the country, Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky. This region seems like it will be the top two seeds meeting with the final four trip on the line. Arizona, the No. 2 seed, has both Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis Jefferson, who are two dynamic players that should be able to help the Wildcats run through the region. It would be a repeat of last year’s Elite Eight game, which went down as an instant classic and in which Wisconsin defeated Arizona by a single point.
UNC beat Louisville and Virginia in the ACC tournament last week and have been a roll the last couple weeks, which also includes defeating Duke. Marcus Paige, the offensively leader for the team, and the Tar Heels would figure to be a tough matchup for Wisconsin in the round of 16.
Prediction: Arizona wins the rematch against Wisconsin.
The South region is being called the easiest region this year, with Duke headlining as the No. 1 seed.
The Blue Devils will look to exorcise the demons of last year’s early tournament exit against No. 14 seed Mercer. They are in prime position, as they may not have a legitimate challenger until the Elite Eight, when they could play Gonzaga or Iowa State. Jahlil Oakfor is projected to be the top pick in the NBA next season and has been dominant as a freshman.
No. 13 seed Eastern Washington has a chance to pull off the upset of the tournament against Georgetown. The team has the NCAA leading scorer Tyler Harvey and Georgetown struggles during tournament time every year, making this a game to circle for an upset.
The best matchup for this region looks like it could be between Gonzaga and Iowa State. These two teams are evenly matched, with Iowa State having the better perimeter defense while Gonzaga possesses an all-American player in Kyle Wiltjer, the transfer from Kentucky. Wiltjer will need to have a special night for the Zags to pull this one out.
Prediction: Gonzaga knocks off top rank Duke as the Zags reach the final four.
Who will come out on top, no one truly knows. That's why viewers should kick back and enjoy the crazy month of basketball that is about to unfold. They do not call it March Madness for nothing.