June 30, 1999

MENOMONIE - The University of Wisconsin-Stout's Johnson Fieldhouse will take on an international flavor when the USA Volleyball team meets Brazil in an international women's volleyball contest.

The USA is preparing to qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and regional volleyball fans will get a chance to see two of the top women's volleyball teams in the world. The USA was ranked 11th in the world, while Brazil was ranked fourth.

The match, co-hosted with UW-Eau Claire, is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in Johnson Fieldhouse on the UW-Stout campus.

Advance ticket orders can be obtained by calling the UW-Eau Claire ticket office at 715-836-3727. Advanced tickets can also be purchased at the UW-Stout Memorial Student Center service desk and at the UW-Eau Claire Service Center and Ticket Office at Davies Center. Advance tickets will cost $7 and $6 in groups of 10 or more. Tickets will also be available at the door for $8.

Sponsors for the event include: Wal-Mart, Ramada Conference Center, Charter Communications, the Chippewa Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, United Airlines, Molten, American Athletic, Active Ankle, Sport Court and Nike.

June 30, 1999

MENOMONIE - After six years at the university, UW-Stout head athletic trainer Ted Benson has accepted a position at St. Cloud State University.

Benson will become an associate athletic trainer position at the NCAA Division II school where he will be primarily responsible for men's and women's basketball and baseball.

Benson, a native of St. Cloud, Minn, has overseen the Blue Devil program that includes six men's sports and eight women's sports. Benson had a staff of one part-time assistant - which will be extended to full time in the fall - and a student training staff that averaged 12 students during the school year.

Because Stout does not have a specific training curriculum, Benson was responsible for completely training his student staff. Four of his students have completed athletic training internships and have been nationally certified. Nine students are currently involved in intern programs. Benson also taught three classes in the Physical Education department.

During Benson's tenure, the university has been able to increase the athletic training facilities, establishing a working relationship with Luther/Midelfort and Werth/Red Cedar, both members of the Mayo Health System.

"I enjoyed my time at the university," Benson said. "The coaching staff and staff has been good to work with."

Benson came to Stout in 1993 from Northeastern Illinois. Benson received his degrees from the University of Minnesota and served summer internships with the NFL's Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots.

The Athletic Training Center serves more than 450 varsity athletes by covering practices, games and many other events. The Athletic Training Center also staffs clinics and tournaments held on campus.

June 3, 1999

Hamill concluded his track career by placing fifth at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a career best time in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Hamill placed second at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championships in the event. Hamill placed 10th at the indoor nationals in the 1500-meter run.

Buchholtz avoided any sophomore slump this year, winning both the indoor and outdoor WIAC pole vault titles, and finishing second at both the indoor and outdoor national meets.

The Blue Devils proved to have depth at the pole vault and Corey Knudsen (Fr, Elk Mound) was a prime example of the Blue Devils' strength. Knudsen, who was named Stout's most outstanding freshman, placed sixth at both the indoor and outdoor conference championships and qualified to the NCAA outdoor meet, but an arm injury prevented him from competing.

Jesse Hunter (So, La Farge) was named as the Blue Devils' most improved performer, qualifying provisionally to the national outdoors in the 400-hurdles. Hunter placed fifth at the conference outdoor championships in the 400-hurdles and was fifth in the indoor meet in the pentathlon.

1999 UW-Stout Men's Track & Field Team Awards
Most Outstanding Track Athlete: Tim Hamill, Sr, Brookfield, Wis.
Most Outstanding Field Athlete: Jamie Buchholtz, So, Bloomer, Wis.
Most Improved Athlete: Jesse Hunter, So, La Farge, Wis.
Most Outstanding Freshman: Corey Knudsen, Fr, Elk Mound, Wis.
2000 Captains: Jesse Hunter, So, La Farge, Wis.; Ryan Geier, So, McFarland, Wis.; Mike Bethke, Jr, Mondovi, Wis.

Women's Track & Field

June 3, 1999

Jennifer Turner (So, Eden Praire, Minn) was named as the team's most improved athlete, qualifying to the national tournament in the hammer throw, an event that she consistently improved on the school record throughout the season. Turner also snapped the indoor record in the 20-lb. weight.

Jennifer Bahr (Jr, Forest Lake, Minn) was awarded the Blue Devil spirit award and was a steady middle distance performer. Jamie Schwabenlender (Jr, Bristol) was given the dedication and determination award. Schwabenlender, a multi-event performer, established the school record for the women's pole vault at 8-feet in the Blue Devils' first year competing in the event.

1999 UW-Stout Women's Track & Field Team Awards
Most Valuable Athlete: Katie Jacobson, Sr, Eau Claire, Wis.
Most Improved Athlete: Jennifer Turner, So, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Blue Devil Spirit Award: Jennifer Bahr, Jr, Forest Lake, Minn.
Dedication & Determination Award: Jamie Schwabenlender, Jr, Bristol, Wis.
2000 Captains: Michelle Abramczak, So, Stanley, Wis; Katie Kuffel, So, Minneapolis, Minn; Jennifer Turner, So, Eden Prairie, Minn.

June 3, 1999

MENOMONIE - UW-Stout's No. 1 singles player was named as the Blue Devils' most valuable player of the Stout women's tennis team.

Lauren Mader (Jr, Neenah) posted an 11-5 record at No. 1 singles, despite sitting out a number of matches early in the fall season. Mader struggled through the fall season with a 4-3 record, but bounced back in the spring with a 7-2 record and the consolation championship at the Luther Spring Invitational in April. Mader also received the team's hustle award.

Dana Rozmenoski (Fr, Black River Falls) was named most improved and Sarah Lundquist (Fr, Minneapolis, Minn) was awarded the sportmanship trophy.

Men's Basketball

June 8, 1999

MENOMONIE - If the 1999-2000 recruiting class is an example, the UW-Stout men's basketball team should have no problem scoring points. Blue Devil coach John Muraski released the names of his eight-member recruiting class this morning.

Andy Roeder, a 6-foot, 2-inch wing guard from Mercer High School, leads a class that averages more than 17 points. Roeder is a three-time all-conference pick who averaged more than 29 points during his senior year. Amassing 2,103 total career points, Roeder also closed out his high school career with 1046 rebounds, 351 steals and 312 assists. Roeder, a third team all-state pick last season, averaged 12 rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Luke Schade, a 5-10 point guard at Oshkosh North, was a three-year starter for his father, Frank, a former UW-Eau Claire standout. The younger Schade averaged 11 points and five assists during his senior year, while shooting 85 percent from the free throw line.

Tim Carlson, 6-4, was a key player for Hudson High School where he helped take the Raiders twice to the state tournament. A forward, Carlson is capable of playing both inside and outside and combines the ability to play the post with great shooting range. A two-time all-Big Rivers pick, Carlson averaged 18 points and nine rebounds.

Dave Measner, a 6-1 guard, led New Richmond as a three-year starter and led the teams in points, rebounds and assists. He averaged more than 13 points during his senior year. Measner, a top defensive player, was twice the Tigers' most valuable player and was a two-time all-conference selection. A well-rounded athlete, Measner advanced to the state tennis tournament and is the starting shortstop on New Richmond's baseball team.

Luke Henderson, 6-4, of Wisconsin Rapids Assumption was a three-time all-conference selection and was named the conference player of the year as a senior. A solid, all-around athlete who advanced to the state track meet in three events, Henderson, an honorable mention all-state player, averaged 16 points and seven rebounds as a senior.

Nate Templer, a 6-5 forward from Beaver Dam, bounced back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament to average 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots during his senior year. Shooting more than 50 percent from the floor, Templer was a two-time all-conference selection and was an honorable mention all-state player.

Rustin Greenstreet, 6-6, comes to Stout as the Shoreland Lutheran all-time rebound leader and second in career points. Greenstreet, a post player, combines a strong inside game, with speed, judging by his state qualifying 400-meter dash time. A two-time all-conference choice, Greenstreet averaged 15 points and eight rebounds.

Jeff Vandenberghe, 6-3, brings a good shot from Coon Rapids, Minn., High School, where the guard found the basket to the tune of 19 points per game. Vandenberghe is a three-time all-conference pick and was selected all-metro as a senior. Vandenberghe recorded five assists and seven rebounds per contest.

The Blue Devils are coming off a season that took them to the championship game of the Wisconsin Interecollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) where they dropped an overtime contest to eventual national champion UW-Platteville. Stout finished the season at 15-12 overall and will open up the 1999-2000 campaign Nov. 19 when they host their annual tip off tournament.

1999-2000 UW-Stout Men’s Basketball Recruiting Class
Name, Pos, Ht, Yr, Hometown
Luke Schade, G, 5-10, Fr, Oshkosh, Wis. (North); Dave Measner, G, 6-1, Fr, New Richmond, Wis.; Andy Roeder, G, 6-2, Fr, Mercer, Wis.; Tim Carlson, F, 6-4, Fr, Hudson, Wis.; Luke Henderson, F, 6-4, Fr, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (Assumption); Nate Templer, F, 6-5, Fr, Beaver Dam, Wis.; Rustin Greenstreet, C, 6-6, Fr,Kenosha, Wis. (Shoreland Lutheran); Jeff Vandenberghe, G, 6-3, Fr, Coon Rapids, Minn.

Women's Basketball

June 24, 1999

Thomas lists three point guards, seven wing guards and four forwards among his 14 member recruiting class.

McKenzie Smith (Jr, Wright, Minn), a 5-foot, 5-inch, point guard transfer from Vermillion Junior College in Ely, Minn., leads the class. Smith averaged 12 points, seven assists and five steals last season. Her assists total and steals led the Minnesota Community College Conference last season. A solid rebounder, Smith is capable of scoring, scoring 36 points in the conference tournament opener, then was held to 14 points and popped in 26 points in the third place game.

Thomas was looking for guards who can score, and point guard Jessie Herrman (Barron) and guards Katie Cleaver (West Salem), Tanya Halbach (Janesville/Craig), Amy Bauman (Marathon), Amanda Schmidt (Bloomer) and Aimee Smith (Solon Springs) fill that bill. Cleaver, Bauman, Schmidt and Amiee Smith all played in the Wisconsin state all-star game.

Rounding out the guards are Tiffani Calmes (Colby), Dena Michels (Strum/Eleva-Strum) and Rachel Spaeth (Boyd/Stanley-Boyd).

The Blue Devils finished the season at 14-12, 10-6 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, good for fourth. Stout opens their 1999-2000 campaign Nov. 19 at the Capital, Ohio, University Tournament.

June 9, 1999

Jolliff, whose team finished last season at 22-14 and with a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs, will be bringing in nine middle hitters. The class also includes three setters and six outside hitters.

The Blue Devils will open their season Sept. 8 when they host St. Catherine's.

Beth Bailey, MH, 5-10, Fr, Pine Island, Minn.; Kristina Blohm, MH, 5-10, Fr, Beloit, Wis. (Memorial); Wendi Borchardt, S/BR, 5-3, Fr, Fremont, Wis. (Weyauwega-Fremont); Dyan DePas, S, 5-6, Fr, Waunakee, Wis.; Rebecca Deuel, OH, 5-7, So, Big Lake, Minn./St. Mary's; Jill Haefs, H, 5-9, Fr, Lomira, Wis.; Jessie Knipp, H, 5-9, Fr, Mercer, Wis.; Kandice O'Brien, MH, 5-10, Fr, Kasson, Minn. (Kasson-Manterville); Brooke Palmer, MH, 5-10, So, Kasson, Minn./Southwest State; Cami Peterson, MH, 5-10, Fr, Luck, Wis. (Unity); Andrea Sattler, MH, 6-0, Fr, Wausau, Wis. (East); Candi Scherer, OH, 5-7, Fr, Roberts, Wis. (St. Croix Central); Tonya Schuld, H, 5-5, Fr, Marshfield, Wis.; Lindsay Strupp, S, 5-6, Fr, Hewitt, Wis. (Marshfield); Brianne Vogel, MH, 5-11, Fr, New Brighton, Minn.; Melissa Voss, OH, 5-9, Fr, Eau Claire, Wis. (Florence-Carleton, Mont.); Karissa Weigand, MH, 5-11, Fr, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. (Simley); Nichole Wirtz, MH, 5-11, Fr, Coon Rapids, Minn.

Soccer

June 8, 1999

MENOMONIE - The only varsity soccer coach the University of Wisconsin-Stout has had is leaving to return to her home state of Maine.

Lisa Petruccelli, the 1998 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) soccer coach of the year, will take a position at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

Overall, the Blue Devils were 27-41-5 under Petruccelli and finished fourth at the 1997 WIAC championships.

"In the past four years I have had the opportunity to coach so many wonderful players," Petruccelli said. "Blue Devil soccer has come a long way in the last four years. Its success is a result of so many amazing women giving their time, skills, love, and commitment to the program.

"I am confident that Blue Devil soccer will continue to move forward with the support of the administration, other Stout teams and coaches, parents, friends, and family. I will not forget the people, players, or the friends who have been a part of my life these past four years."

Petruccelli is a native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and was a four year player for Smith College in Northampton, Mass.

A nationwide search for a replacement is underway, with a coach expected to be in place by mid-July.

June 9, 1999

The Blue Devils open their 1999 campaign Sept. 1 when they host Carleton College.

1999 UW-Stout Soccer Recruiting Class
Name, Pos, Ht, Yr, Hometown (High School)

Gina Baumann, G/D, 5-6, Fr, Hastings, Minn.; Jenelle Gross, D, 5-6, Fr, Ham Lake, Minn. (Forest Lake); Lisa Cocchiarella, M, 5-4, Fr, Woodbury, Minn.; Kate Knoepsel, M, 5-7, Fr, Ashwaubenon, Wis.; Mary Kochnowicz, M, 5-6, Fr, Oak Creek, Wis.; Nicole Komorowski, F, 5-6, Fr, Oak Creek, Wis.; Myra Ligman, M, 5-7, Fr, Plover, Wis. (Stevens Point Pacelli); Lynn Mundahl, D, 5-6, Fr, Chanhassen, Minn. (Chaska); Stacy Normington, D, 5-4, Fr, Delavan, Wis. (Delavan-Darien); Raina Schneider, D, 5-6, Fr, Sheboygan, Wis. (South); Stacy Sampson, D, 5-6, So, Rochester, Minn./Rochester CC; Ann Traska, M, 5-4, Fr, Mosinee, Wis. (DC Everest); Katy Wild, D, 5-4, Fr, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Updated: June 30, 1999