It’s been just about a month since my last article.  So many things have happened that it’s truly amazing.  I’m sure I’ll miss something and, if I do, I apologize.  Let me know what I missed and I may include it in my next writing.

Anyway, to begin:

The NU lacrosse ladies won their second national championship in a row.  Whereas last year they tended to offensively pound opponents to death, this year they relied far more on defense.  I think it goes to show that this team is extremely versatile.  I think it also shows the exceptional abilities of coach Kelly Amonte-Hiller.  If AD Mark Murphy has any brains, he’ll never let her leave Northwestern.

Kristen Kjellman and teammates begin the celebration. (photo courtesy of nusports.com)

The women’s softball team won the BigTen title and then advanced all the way to the finals of the Women’s College World Series for the first time in history.  They were swept out of the finals in two games but making it was an accomplishment.  I don’t believe anyone really expected this so it was nice to see.  It’ll also be interesting to see what happens next season.  Losing like that is bound to put a chip on their shoulders.  Will they be able to carry it through to success next season or will it merely weigh them down?

The men’s golf team won the BigTen title, as well, and received a bid to their national tournament.  Unfortunately, the they failed to make the 54-hole cut and ended up placing 25th.  Coach Goss would sum up the championship and offer some words for the future: "I was disappointed with our play at NCAA's and hope that it serves as a learning experience and building block for the four returning players," Goss said. "We have a chance for some players to become premier players nationally next year." (Season Recap: Wildcats Capture Big Ten Title; Grab First NCAA Championships Berth Since 2000 -- Nusports.com)

The women’s doubles tennis team of Cristelle Grier and Alexis Prousis claimed the 2006 NCAA doubles title.  This was after the entire team won the BigTen conference title.  Good work!

Alice Kim won the BigTen Women’s Individual title.  Another winner!

 

Junior Eileen Canney stares down the next hitter during the second game of the WCWS. (photo courtesy of nusports.com)

In alumni news:

 
After a slow start, Mark Ori ('05) is tearing up the South Atlantic League for the Lexington Legends, batting .303 with 7 home runs and 41 RBIs. 

J.A. Happ (’04) started the season with the high-A Clearwater Threshers but has since been promoted to the Reading Phillies.  His win-loss record isn’t too good at 3-8 overall, but his ERA is 2.87 so that shows the kind of run support he’s gotten.  But he’s currently ranked at the 19th best prospect in the Philadelphia system so he’s right on track.  Happ was also named to the Florida State League all star team with Clearwater but will miss the game due to his promotion.

Dan Pohlman (’04) is having an up-and-down season with the high-A Lancaster Jethawks of the California League.  The Diamondbacks organization still seems pretty high on him, however, so I think he’ll be around for some time.

Jon Mikrut (’05) went from Johnson City last year, to the Swing of the Quad Cities this season and, so far, he’s doing well pitching in a setup up role for the Swing.  He is currently 2-1 with a 2.56 ERA.  Jon was voted a Midwest League all star.

Mark Loretta (’93) of the Boston Red Sox, has been named to the American League all star squad. 

Sean Bennett (’99) has finished his season with Evansville of the United Indoor Football Association.  He’s currently on the practice squad of the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

Gilles Lezi (’04) is currently with Hamilton of the CFL but is on injured reserve.  For more information on what Gilles is doing now, check out this article: http://www.mopsquad.com/artman/publish/article_6811.htm

The NFL draft is now completed and three Wildcats were chosen.  Barry Cofield (’06) was taken in the fourth round, 127th pick overall, by the New York Giants.  He’s in the mix for the starting nose tackle position.  Zach Strief (’06) was taken in the seventh round by New Orleans and Tim McGarigle (’06) was taken in the same round by St. Louis.  Strief is being groomed as a right tackle for the Saints while the Rams have plans for McGarigle on special teams.

Brett Basanez (’06) and Mark Philmore (’06)  were both signed as free agents after the draft.  Brett is fighting for the third string quarterback job in Carolina.  Mark was signed by the Bears but has since been released.

(photo courtesy of nusports.com)

I’m sure by now, that everyone has heard of the death of football Coach Randy Walker.  I’m sure everyone was just as stunned by the announcement as I was.  It’s a huge loss for the whole NU family.  To end this, I’d like to finish with a quote from Gilles Lezi on hearing about Coach’s passing:

“I was in shock when I first heard the news…I have learned a whole lot about myself and life in general from him.  His style of coaching made him a great leader.  He wasn't the guy looking for the popular vote, he wanted to make men out of boys, no matter how we felt about him…He was a good fit for the Northwestern program and his leadership will be missed.

“More importantly, in the grand scheme of life, 2 kids are missing a dad and a wife is missing her husband...and for that I am deeply saddened.”

Well said.