Today's Blue & White January 6, 2012

Today’s Blue & White

The Citadel Brigadier Foundation’s Official Electronic Newsletter

Friday, January 6, 2012

Opening Tipoff!

Spike is quick to wish all of his loyal readers a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012, and is also pleased to return to your email with another issue of Today’s Blue & White.

We start this edition with academics as 17 cadet-student-athletes were included in the Southern Conference’s Fall Academic All-Conference Team.  Two football players – Kevin Hardy and Tolu Akindele – were honored as Hardy accepted in invitation to participate in the East-West Shrine Game while Akindele was named to the FCS Athletics Directors Association’s All-Star Academic Team.

Several former football players and coaches participated in the bowl season, and we chronicle them below.  And we congratulate former Bulldogs head coach Ellis Johnson ’75 as he accepted the top coaching spot at Conference USA member Southern Mississippi.

Basketball concluded its non-conference portion of the schedule and is now amidst league play for the rest of the season.  Wrestling continues after the Southern Scuffle, which has moved from Greensboro to Chattanooga, but still had a tremendous and competitive field.

As you’ve come to expect, we have another packed issue of news and notes, so enjoy and Go Bulldogs!!!

Citadel Places 17 on SoCon’s Fall Academic All-Conference Teams

The Citadel placed 17 cadet-student-athletes on the Southern Conference's Fall Academic All-Conference Team.

Football garnered the most cadet-student-athletes with six as Tolu Akindele, Preston Bailey, Jeremy Buncum, Brandon McCladdie, John Synovec and Tyler Thornton were recognized.  Soccer earned four academic all-conference selections that included Shanna Couch, Leah Hawkins, Amy Loughran and Hannah Warne.

The league's 12 women's soccer programs provided the most academic all-conference members with 75, followed by women's cross country with 54 and football with 52. 

Synovec and Couch were two of 17 SoCon student-athletes to maintain a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA.

Among the 297 student-athletes were at least 16 representatives from each of the 12 SoCon institutions, participating in men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer, and volleyball. The group recorded a combined 3.63 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

To be eligible, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average entering the fall season and were required to compete in at least one-half of their team's competitions during the recently-concluded fall campaign.  In addition, the student-athletes must have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours in the previous two semesters.

Men's Cross Country
P.J. Wasilchak
Austin Waldrop

Women's Cross Country
Erinn Carter
Micah Wessinger

Football
Tolu Akindele
Preston Bailey
Jeremy Buncum
Brandon McCladdie
John Synovec
Tyler Thornton

Soccer
Shanna Couch
Leah Hawkins
Amy Loughran
Hannah Warne

Volleyball
Emily Dalton
Jessica Maxwell
Cassie Uribe

Football’s Kevin Hardy to Participate in East-West Shrine Game

Wide receiver Kevin Hardy has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2012 East-West Shrine Game that will be held on January 21 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Hardy played in all 11 games for the Bulldogs during the course of the 2011 season and finished with 716 all-purpose yards.  The Ocala, Fla., native earned a bulk of those yards (562) on kickoff returns.  His longest kickoff return of the season was a 59-yarder against Western Carolina.  Hardy also carried the ball six times for 101 yards, including a 57-yard run against Jacksonville in the season opener.

The East-West Shrine Game is the longest-running all-star college football game, dating back to the 1925 college football season, and has been used as a benefit event for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress, and former San Diego Chargers and Citadel Head Coach Bobby Ross have been selected as head coaches of the 87th Annual East-West Shrine Game.

Past Bulldogs who have participated in the East-West Shrine Game include Hall of Famer John Small (1969), Hall of Famer Greg Davis (1986) and two-sport standout Cliff Washburn (2002).

Tolu Akindele Named to FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team

Linebacker Tolu Akindele was one of 58 student-athletes that were named to the 14^th Annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team, as announced on January 3 by the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA). 

Players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for the awards.  Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials.  He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution.  He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.

This marks Akindele’s third accolade this season, including being named to the SoCon Coaches Preseason Second Team All-Conference defense and most recently the SoCon Academic All-Conference team.  The Houston, Texas native, currently enrolled at The Citadel Graduate College in pursuit of his Master of Business Administration (MBA), maintained a 3.423 undergraduate GPA in Business Administration.  Akindele also made a significant impact on the field, placing second on the team in tackles (86), which includes 3.5 tackles for loss.  He was one of eight Bulldogs to start in all 11 contests during the season. 

Akindele was one of five named to the squad from the Southern Conference.

Basketball Breaks Skid with Win over UVA-Wise; Falls at Furman on Thursday

Cosmo Morabbi scored a team-high 14 points, his third double-digit outing in the last four contests, but it was Furman that came away with a 77-45 victory on Thursday in Greenville.  Joining Morabbi offensively were Mike Groselle, who finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, and DeVontae Wright, who chimed in with seven points.

The Citadel rebounded from a difficult shooting first half to hit 13-of-33 (39.4%) from the floor in the second half and 21-of-55 (38.2%) for the game.  The Bulldogs’ biggest struggle came from beyond the arc, as they closed just 2-of-11 (18.2%) in the contest.  Morabbi led the way by hitting 6-of-9 from the floor, while Groselle (5-9) and Wright (3-9) rounded out top performers.  The Cadets posted 28 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive glass.

Freshman Ashton Moore poured in a game-high 30 points as the Bulldogs snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 91-74 victory over UVA-Wise at McAlister Field House on Jan. 2.  Moore became the first Cadet to net 30 points in a contest since Cameron Wells accomplished the feat on Feb. 12, 2009 against Appalachian State.  Groselle further embedded himself in Citadel history with a 19-point, 13-rebound performance to tie Matt Newman and Craig Burgess for third place with 16 career double-doubles.

The Bulldogs had their fifth 50 percent shooting performance of the season, hitting 33-of-63 (52.4%) from the field.  The Citadel found its shooting touch from beyond the arc, knocking down 7-of-16 (43.8%) attempts, paced by Moore's 3-of-4 performance.  Four Cadets reached double figures, including Morabbi, who set a new career-high with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting.  Wright rounded out double-digit scorers with 13 points. 

On Dec. 29 Groselle netted a game-high 21 points to go along with eight rebounds, yet it was the University of Tennessee that came away with an 86-55 victory in front of 16,245 in attendance at Thompson-Boiling Arena.  Groselle, who reach the 20-point plateau for the fifth time in his career, became just the fifth player this season to score 20 points or more against the Volunteers.

The Citadel was successful on 22-of-56 (39.3%) field goal attempts, including four from beyond the arc, led by Groselle, who finished 8-of-15 from the field.  The Bulldogs grabbed 27 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive glass, and accounted for eight second-chance points.  Joining Groselle among individual leaders were Wright (8 points), C.J. Bray (7 points) and Morabbi (7 points).

On Dec. 23 Groselle scored a team-high 16 points to lead four Citadel players in double figures, but the University of Denver managed 70-58 victory in front of 6,355 in attendance at Magness Arena. Groselle was joined offensively by Wright (15 points), Lawrence Miller (12 points) and Morabbi (10 points).

The Citadel shot 23-of-46 (50%) from the field, knocking down a Pioneer opponent season-high nine 3-pointers.  Miller led the way with four 3-pointers, tying a career-high that he set against VMI.  Wright closed the contest with three treys, while Morabbi and Moore each added one from downtown.  Meanwhile, Groselle hit 7-of-9 from the floor and hauled in a game-high eight rebounds, including three on the offensive glass, to give the Bulldogs a 22-12 edge in points in the paint and a 26-23 advantage in rebounds.

Groselle posted his 11 points and 11 rebounds, but it was James Madison that emerged with the decisive 67-49 victory on Dec. 19 at the JMU Convocation Center.  Groselle was joined in scoring by Miller (eight points) and Bo Holston (seven points).

The Citadel was unable to find consistency in their shooting, hitting 19-of-53 (35.8%) from the floor and 6-of-21 from 3-point range.  The one bright spot came in the form of rebounding, as the Bulldogs tallied 30, including 13 on the offensive glass.  Groselle was one of five Cadets to post an offensive rebound, finishing with six.  Meanwhile, the tandem of Holston and Miller gave the Bulldogs a 23-18 edge in bench scoring.

For more information, please refer to www.CitadelSports.com.

Time to "Lace 'Em Up Again" Set for Jan. 28

Calling all former basketball players!!!

The 9th Annual Alumni Basketball Game, also known as the time to “Lace ‘Em Up Again,” will be held on Saturday, January 28, in the afternoon (2 pm) prior the Bulldogs’ game with Furman (7:05 tipoff).
   
This is the time to join many former Citadel basketball players (spanning several decades) in the special game that features the common bond of playing hoops for the Bulldogs in McAlister Field House.  The Alumni Game participants will be introduced at the Furman game.

And, of course, the true goal of the Alumni Game is for veteran Director of Sports Medicine Andy Clawson to simply sit and watch, and not work.

For information, please contact Associate Athletics Director Andy Solomon at andy.solomon@citadel.edu or at 843/953-6300.

Citadel-West Virginia Basketball Games Now Available on CD

Former basketball standout Doug Bridges ’68 has come across game films of two of the more memorable victories in Citadel history, both of which were wins over former Southern Conference rival West Virginia.

The first game was in 1960 in Morgantown and The Citadel prevailed, 83-80.  The second game was the 1964 WVA game, also on the road, when the Bulldogs won, 75-73.  These games have been converted to CDs and they are now available for purchase for $25 each.  To order, please send a check payable to John Daye and mail it to Mr. Daye at 127 Dutch Oaks Drive, Irmo, SC  29063.

Luvsandorj Places 6^th as Wrestlers Finish 16^th in Southern Scuffle; Bulldogs Top NC State, 19-18

Turtogtokh Luvsandorj placed sixth in the 174-pound weight class as The Citadel finished in 16th place finish at the annual Southern Scuffle at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga.

Luvsandorj defeated a rival from the University of Virginia and another from Virginia Tech in the wrestlebacks before dropping a 4-1 decision to No. 11 Logan Storley of Minnesota in the consolation semifinals.  The junior fell in the fifth-place match to No. 7 Dorian Henderson of Missouri, getting pinned at 5:09.

Luvsandorj advanced to the quarterfinals of the championship bracket before a foe from Missouri handed him a 2-1 defeat.  The No. 17-ranked Bulldog knocked off adversaries from Old Dominion and Oregon State to get to the quarterfinal round. 

Odie Delaney was the other Citadel wrestler to see action on the final day as the heavyweight dropped a 9-0 major decision to Ohio's Jeremy Johnson. Delaney handed Devon Mellon of Missouri a 3-2 decision in his opening bout before falling to another opponent from Ohio University by a similar 3-2 score.  Delaney posted a pair of victories in the consolation bracket to reach the consolation quarterfinals, earning a 10-0 major decision over a rival from Cornell and pinning a combatant from Virginia Tech in 46 seconds.

On Dec. 17 at McAlister Field House, Delaney scored the only fall of the match and four other Citadel wrestlers recorded decision victories as the Bulldogs captured their opening home dual meet of the season with 19-18 victory over North Carolina State.

Delaney marked a pin over his Wolfpack's opponent at the 1:53 mark of the 285-pound bout.  The six-point win turned a 11-9 deficit into a 15-11 advantage for the Bulldogs that they would not relinquish.  Kelby Smith captured a 5-2 decision, while Luvsandorj noted a 5-2 decision over Quinton Godley in a rematch of their bout at the Nittany Lion Open on Dec. 4.

After David Ivashchenko dropped a close 7-6 decision in the opening match at 149 pounds, Pierre Frazile evened the score at 3-3 with a 5-3 decision at 157 pounds.  A major decision victory by NC State at 165 gave the Wolfpack a 7-3 lead, but Luvsandorj cut the deficit to 7-6 with his decision.  Another major decision for the Wolfpack at 184 pounds opened an 11-6 lead before Smith and Delaney won back-to-back matches, posting nine points and handing the Bulldogs a 15-11 advantage.

For more information, please refer to www.CitadelSports.com.

Join the Baseball Team on Their Trip to Minnesota

Fans have two ways in which to join The Citadel baseball team in March when the Bulldogs challenge Big Ten member Minnesota at the Metrodome.

Players and coaches will soon be selling raffle tickets for $10 each for a chance to win a FREE trip for two to Minneapolis. The drawing is set to take place at The Citadel-Elon basketball game on Jan. 12 at McAlister Field House.  One does not need to be present to win.

However, if you want to join the team for certain and not risk the chance on the raffle, the cost is $1,500 for a single and $2,500 for double-occupancy.  The fee includes air fare, motel accommodations for three nights and tickets to all three games (March 23-25).

For more information and reservations, please contact Assistant Coach Britt Reames at 843/953-7265 or email him at wreames1@citadel.edu.

Ellis Johnson ’75 to Lead Southern Mississippi’s Football Program

Ellis Johnson ‘75, hailed as one of the country's top defensive strategists, was named the head football coach at the University of Southern Mississippi on Dec. 20.

Johnson, 59, signed a four-year contract to become the Golden Eagles' 19th head coach, after serving as the University of South Carolina's defensive coordinator for the past four seasons.  He takes over for Larry Fedora, who accepted the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina on Dec. 8.

In addition to his defensive coordinator role at South Carolina, Johnson also served as linebackers coach.  This season the Gamecocks (11-2) ranked fourth nationally in total defense, allowing 268 yards per game.  South Carolina topped Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., though Johnson was not coaching in that contest.

Johnson is no stranger to Hattiesburg or Southern Miss football having served as defensive coordinator on Curley Hallman's staff for two seasons (1988-89).  His 29-year coaching career also includes stints as defensive coordinator at Mississippi State, Alabama, Clemson and Appalachian State.  The Winnsboro native also has previous experience as a head coach at Gardner Webb (1983) and The Citadel (2001-03).

Former Citadel Players/Coaches Participate in Bowls

Five former football players – Frank Gansz, Jr. ’85, Marty Long ’86, Kenny Carter ’90, Everette Sands ’93 and Scott Yielding ’93 – were among 11 familiar faces that participated in the recent collection of bowl games.  In fact, Carter and Sands were on different sidelines during the Belk Bowl in Charlotte.  Here is the list of those with Citadel ties who participated in recent bowls:

• Frank Beamer (Va. Tech) - Sugar Bowl
• Jim Bridge (NC State) - Belk Bowl
• Shane Burnham (Iowa State) - New Era Pinstripe Bowl
• Kenny Carter (Louisville) - Belk Bowl
• Ben Cauthen (Temple) - Gildan New Mexico Bowl
• Sean Cronin (Temple) - Gildan New Mexico Bowl
• Frank Gansz, Jr. (SMU) - BBVA Compass Bowl
• Marty Long (Northwestern) - Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
• Everette Sands (NC State) - Belk Bowl
• Nick Toth (Texas A&M) - Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
• Scott Yielding (Oklahoma State) - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
  

Hot Stove Banquet to Feature John Smoltz

Last year’s Hot Stove Banquet that featured recently-retired Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox got so big that the site had to be changed to accommodate all those that wanted to attend.

This year, it could even be larger because John Smoltz, the future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent two decades with the Braves, will serve as the guest speaker for the 8^th annual banquet.

The event, which will be held on Friday, January 27 at The Crystal Ballroom at the Charleston Marriott on Lockwood Blvd., is being sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Tom McQueeney State Farm Insurance and for the first time by Bennett Hospitality.

The reception begins at 6 pm with the dinner starting at 7 o’clock.  Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner and beverages.  Tables with preferred seating for eight (or 10) individuals are available for $500.

During his illustrious career, Smoltz was an All-Star eight times and was a member of the 1995 World Series team.  He captured the 1996 National League Cy Young Award and was the 1992 NLCS most valuable player.  Smoltz was the 2002 NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year and in 2005 he received the Roberto Clemente Award and the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.  Two years later, brought home the Branch Rickey Award. 

For individual tickets, please contact the RiverDogs at (843) 577-DOGS (3647).  Tickets may also be purchased online at www.riverdogs.com.

Date for 24^th Annual Auction Set

Be sure and mark down April 14 on your calendar or IPhone as that will be the date for the 24^th Annual Citadel Brigadier Foundation’s Auction.  If you have items to donate or care to join the planning committee, please contact Gina Inabnett at 843/953-5277.

Keep Up With Citadel Athletics

For the latest on all athletic events and giveaways, visit the official Facebook and Twitter accounts of The Citadel Athletics at www.facebook.com/citadelbulldogs and at www.twitter.com/citadelsports.  Also, the baseball and football teams now have their own Twitter accounts at www.twitter.com/citadelbaseball and www.twitter.com/citadelfootball.  Follow them today!

He Said It:

"We've been playing pretty well offensively.  It's the defense that needs to improve. There is progress, but we still need to stop the drives.  We've been working on that all year, and I think it will click soon."

• Senior guard Cosmo Morabbi, on the young basketball team’s defensive struggles.
  

January Birthdays

Jan. 2               Mike Groshon                          Facilities

Jan. 11             Denny Doornbos                      Football

Jan. 18             Donnell Boucher                       Administration

Jan. 20             Kris Kut                                   Track & Field

Upcoming Events

Jan. 27                         8^th Annual Hot Stove Banquet @Marriott

Jan. 28                         Alumni Basketball Game (McAlister Field House)        

Mar. 17                        2^nd Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest @Johnson Hagood Stadium

Apr. 14                        24^th Annual TCBF Auction @McAlister Field House

Have a Friend Who Might Be Interested?

Today’s Blue & White is the sister publication of the The Blue & White, the official publication of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation that is printed monthly.  In order to receive the printed version, one has to be a member of TCBF.  However, we’ve opened Today’s Blue & White to anyone and everyone who has a computer and who is interested in activities of TCBF and, of course, The Citadel’s Department of Athletics.  Today’s Blue & White is free.  All one has to do is sign up is to click on this link:  http://www.citadelsports.com/list-signup

Today’s Blue & White is the official electronic publication of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, Inc. with its office located at The Citadel, McAlister Field House, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC  29409 (office 843/953-5277).

Publishers………….Jerry Baker & Larry Leckonby

Editor…………………Andy Solomon

Layout………………Mike Petrini