Barton Takes Down Coker, 15-3

by Christian Stryker, Coker College SID
3/30/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Barton exploded for 15 runs on 24 hits, as they took the third and final game of the Coker, Barton Conference Carolinas baseball series. The Bulldogs won game three 15-3 and improved to 20-13 overall, and 9-5 in the conference, while Coker falls to 16-17 overall, and 4-9 in the conference.

Coker's Justin Collier (Laurens, SC) (2-2) took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits in two-thirds of an inning on the mound.

Trevin Taber (Chesnee, SC) and Trey Lynch (Florence, SC) each collected two hits to lead the Cobras, with Taber driving in a run, while hitting a double and a triple.

Coker returns to action on Tuesday, when they host the Augusta State Jaguars in a non-conference game at 3:00 p.m.

#19 FMU splits softball DH at CSU

Columbus, GA - Columbus State University escaped with a doubleheader split with 19th-ranked Francis Marion University in Peach Belt Conference softball action on Monday. CSU tagged the potential tying run out at the plate in the nightcap and hung on for a 6-5 win, after FMU took the opener 2-0 behind the strong pitching of junior southpaw Michaela Wolf.

CSU took a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning of game two, but the Lady Cougar defense let down starting pitcher Jennifer Isasi in the top of the sixth inning. The Lady Cougars committed two errors in the inning as FMU tied the contest at 3-3.

CSU responded right back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Carrie Jones had a bunt RBI single and Heather Snell scored Jones with an RBI double off the wall in left field. Jordan Aszman, pinch-running for Snell, later scored on an errant throw to second base.

FMU made things too close for comfort in the seventh inning off CSU reliever Kristi Bullard. Ashley Jaramillo reached on a hit by pitch and went to third when Wolf reached on a two-base error by Amanda Wheeless in center field. Jessica Birchmeier scored Jaramillo with an RBI groundout to make it 6-4. Tamela Bell walked and Kayla Ruede then delivered a run-scoring single to plate Wolf and cut the CSU lead to 6-5.

Another single by Laura Hauff loaded the bases for the Patriots with only one out. Stevie Arrand then hit a shallow fly to Wheeless in center for the second out of the inning. Wheeless then threw high to home plate on the play, but Bullard backed up the play, and pinch-runner Shawn Moore, who didn't break until the throw sailed high, was tagged out easy by Bullard to end the game.

CSU scored three runs in the first inning on four hits. Brittany Leverett and Moore had RBI singles in the frame.

Bullard (10-11) got the win in relief. She gave up three hits, two runs (one earned), walked one, and struck out one. Isasi gave up six hits, three runs (one earned) in five solid innings of work.

Patriot freshman right-hander Lauren Bubeck fell to 8-4 on the season for the Patriots. She went 5.1 innings, allowed 11 hits, six runs (five earned), walked one, and struck out four.

FMU (25-12, 7-7 PBC) scored single runs in the fourth and seventh innings en route to a 2-0 shutout win in the opener. Wolf scattered seven hits as she improved 14-7 on the season.

CSU (22-23, 6-6 PBC) left runners at second and third base in the fourth, fifth, and seventh innings.

Former CSU player Tamela Bell homered in the seventh inning for the Patriots.

Bullard was the tough-luck loser for CSU, as she went seven innings, allowed six hits, two runs, walked two, and struck out five.

April Jowers went 4-for-8 with four stolen bases for CSU in the twinbill. Sarah Moore went 4-for-6 with an RBI, and Snell went 3-for-6 with two doubles in the doubleheader. CSU pounded out 11 hits in game two.

Hauff went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in game two for the Patriots.

Francis Marion hosts North Georgia College & State University on Saturday at noon for a PBC doubleheader.

Patriots fall to North Georgia 6-3

DAHLONEGA, GA – Andre Airich had three and drove in a pair of runs to lead North Georgia College & State University to a 6-3 win over Francis Marion University, Monday afternoon in the final game of a three-game Peach Belt Conference series.

The Saints improve to 19-16 overall and 10-8 in the PBC, while Francis Marion falls to 21-11-1 and 9-7.

FMU will play host to Belmont Abbey College on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Airich went an astounding 9-12 in the three-game series while adding four runs batted in. Brad Hall went a perfect 3-3 at the plate on Monday with three runs batted in, including the go-ahead two-out two-run single through the left side to give North Georgia.

The Saints jumped out on top in the third inning as Airich produced a two-out single to right field. North Georgia added an unearned run an inning later to go up 2-0. Davy Wallach attempted to steal second and
was caught in a run down, allowing Hall to race to the plate.

The two-out clutch hitting continued in the fifth inning, this time a Francis Marion two-run double off the bat of Barrett Kleinknecht tied the game at 2-2 as Matt O’Rourke and Alex Lee raced to the plate.

In the sixth, the Saints would regain the lead as Hall guided his second single of the day through the left side, another two-out hit, to give North Georgia a 4-2 advantage.

The Patriots pulled to within a run in the eighth inning, using a single through the right side by Lee to bring Jacob Wallace trotting home from third and make it 4-3.

North Georgia would score the final two runs of the game however; plating a pair of runs in the bottom half of the eighth inning for a 6-3 victory. Erisman led off the inning with a triple right center, and Airich followed with his third hit of the day, driving home Erisman for the two-run lead. Hall completed his three-hit day in the eighth, doubling home Airich for the final run of the game.

Michael Patton (4-2) picked up his second straight victory, lasting 6.2 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four. Justin Yackee came on in the ninth to record his sixth save of the year,
allowing a hit and two walks to load the bases, but struck out a pair and induced a fly out to end the game.

Erik Sommerville (1-2) suffered the loss in the finale, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing seven hits and three earned runs while striking out three.

SC Dem Chair Responds to Sanford Furman Visit

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford's address at Furman University. During an address to Furman's Conservative Students for a Better Tomorrow, Sanford will make his first public statements on whether he will accept $700 million in aid from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Last week, state lawmakers urged Sanford to accept the funds after the Congressional Research Service issued an opinion stating an amendment in the stimulus bill that would allow the General Assembly to bypass the governor's decision may be unconstitutional.

"Maybe Mark Sanford's anti-stimulus views were applauded by the Conservative Students for a Better Tomorrow, but the rest of South Carolina isn't cheering him on. In fact, we're ready for the governor to get in touch with reality. South Carolina desperately needs all of the funding it has been allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-our taxes will pay for it, whether or not our state uses the money. This is money that will go to keep public school teachers on the job. We can't afford to have any more layoffs or to lose this money to other states. It's time for Governor Sanford to do the right thing for South Carolinians," said Fowler.

Kroger Recalls Shelled Pistachios

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 30, 2009 – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture forwards the following recall notice from the FDA regarding Private Selection® Shelled Pistachios sold in Kroger retail stores that may be contaminated with Salmonella. South Carolina was listed as one of the thirty-one states where the product was sold. Consumers who have questions about the above recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 697-2448. For more information, visit www.kroger.com/recalls.

Clyburn Amendment Constitutional

MEMORANDUM

DATE: March 30, 2009

TO: Reporters, Editorial writers

FROM: Kristie Greco, Communications Director, Office of the Majority Whip

RE: Constitutionality of the “Clyburn workaround amendment”

Although much of the debate over accepting federal economic recovery dollars seems to be political in nature, I wanted to provide some facts regarding the constitutionality of the so-called “Clyburn workaround provision,” also known as section 1607 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Senator Lindsey Graham made news a few weeks ago by releasing a memo he asked the Congressional Research Service to produce analyzing the language contained in section 1607. In Senator Graham’s opinion, the provision raised states rights issues with the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, CRS concluded that his interpretation was very broad, in fact one that is “disfavored;” the more likely interpretation did not violate the Tenth Amendment. This conclusion is restated in a new report produced by CRS on March 25, 2009 (report available upon request).

Finally, it’s irrelevant how CRS, Sen. Graham, Rep. Clyburn or South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster interprets the impact of a federal law on the U.S. Constitution. The constitutionality of a law is determined in a court of competent jurisdiction.

For further background and assistance I have attached the language of Section 1607 and the Summary from the 3/25/09 CRS Report. Let me know if you have further questions.

AMENDMENT LANGUAGE

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a provision which allows State Legislatures by concurrent resolution to draw down federal funding if the governor does not act on the funding within 45 days. The legislative language states:

SEC. 1607. ADDITIONAL FUNDING DISTRIBUTION AND ASSURANCE OF APPROPRIATE USE OF FUNDS.

(a) Certification by Governor- Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for funds provided to any State or agency thereof, the Governor of the State shall certify that:

(i) the State will request and use funds provided by the Act; and

(ii) the funds will be used to create jobs and promote economic growth.

(b) Acceptance by State Legislature- If funds provided to any State in any division of this Act are not accepted for use by the Governor, then acceptance by the State legislature, by means of the adoption of a concurrent resolution, shall be sufficient to provide funding to such State.

(c) Distribution- After the adoption of a State legislature’s concurrent resolution, funding to the State will be for distribution to local governments, councils of government, public entities, and public-private entities within the State either by formula or at the State’s discretion.

CRS REPORT: SECT 1607 DOES NOT VIOLATE CONSTITUTION

This report analyzes the language contained in §1607 of the American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), which provides that federal funds can be made available to a state by the federal government either after certification by a governor that such money will be requested and spent or after the adoption of a concurrent resolution by a state legislature.

Although the language of § 1607 is arguably ambiguous, it does not appear likely that it would have the effect of significantly reallocating power between a state legislature and a state executive branch. Thus, once either a governor’s certification or the legislature’s acceptance has been made, § 1607 would have little or no apparent effect on the power of a governor, state or local official to choose whether or not to seek and administer these funds.

Any interpretation of this language which did provide authority to a state legislature, by concurrent resolution, to direct the acceptance and spending of federal monies by state or local officials, would be likely to raise Tenth Amendment issues. Consequently, such an interpretation would be disfavored.

Read the full story and memo here.

Patriot Golfers improve one spot for Top 10 finish

GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Francis Marion University golf team fired a final-round 312 team score to improve one position in the team standings to 10th at the 40th-annual Furman University Intercollegiate Tournament on Sunday.

The tournament, originally scheduled for 54 holes and shortened to 36 holes because of rain, was played on the par-72, 6,944-yard Furman University Golf Course which was remodeled and lengthened this past summer.

Francis Marion senior Peter McGibney shot a 76 on Sunday to finish tied for 20th place at 152. Matt Jackson fired FMU’s low round on Sunday with a 75 to finish tied for 53rd position along with senior Andrew Pitcher (76-81=157). Christopher Couch (77-82=159) and Keith Crowley (79-80=159) both tied for 73rd place.

Furman’s Austin Reeves (79-66=145) established a new course record with a final-round 66 and drained a 15-foot birdie putt on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff against teammate Daniel Bowden (69-76=145) to clam individual medalist honors.

East Carolina University (298-297=595) took the team title, edging the host school Furman (301-295=596) and Virginia Tech (297-299=596) by one stroke. The University of North Florida (296-307=603) and Old Dominion University (306-303=609) rounded out the top five. FMU finished only six strokes out of sixth place.

Francis Marion returns to action in two weeks (April 13-14) at the Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic in Charlotte, hosted Charlotte, Davidson College, and Belmont Abbey College.

Furman Intercollegiate
FINAL RESULTS * Individual ** Playoff Winner
Par-Yardage: 72-6994
COLLEGIATE SCORING SYSTEM GOLFSTAT.COM
COPYRIGHT ©, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, GOLFSTAT Bloomington, IL

Fin. Top 20 Teams Scores
1 East Carolina Univ. 298-297= 595
2 Furman University 301-295= 596
Virginia Tech 297-299= 596
4 North Florida, U. of 296-307= 603
5 Old Dominion Univ. 306-303= 609
6 Wofford College 302-312= 614
7 Temple University 309-308= 617
Winthrop University 314-303= 617
9 Troy University 302-316= 618
10 Francis Marion U. 308-312= 620
11 Appalachian State U. 303-318= 621
12 Samford University 317-305= 622
13 Western Carolina U. 303-320= 623
Marshall University 314-309= 623
15 Rhode Island, U. of 307-319= 626
Davidson College 309-317= 626
17 Presbyterian College 315-317= 632
Elon University 321-311= 632
19 Charleston Southern 331-318= 649

Capping Interest Rates Could Hurt Pawn Shops

Los Angeles, CA- Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) proposed a bill (S. 500: "Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2009") that will cap consumer interest rates at 36 percent. Sounds great, right? Wrong. This interest rate cap will drive thousands of pawnshops out of business, effectively closing the door on the only credit option currently available to millions of needy consumers.

Does 36% sound like a fair interest rate for pawnshops to charge? Consider this:

Under a 36% rate cap, when someone visits a pawnshop and borrows $100 and then repays the loan two weeks later, the customer will pay $1.38 in interest on the loan. An employee's salary alone for the 30 minutes spent servicing the loan will cost more than $1.38. In business, when costs total more than profit earned, the business ultimately fails and the services it provides are no longer available to consumers.

Millions of people rely on pawnshops to pay for unexpected hospital bills, car breakdowns, and other unforeseen expenses. If you talk to customers of a pawnshop, they will tell you that pawnbrokers are the only lenders willing to loan them money. These pawnshop customers have no place else to go.

With nowhere to turn, people will become desperate and crime will likely increase (petty theft, illegal loan sharking, etc.). In addition, pawnshops will be forced to close, leaving more people without work and more vacant stores, which will further dampen the recession.

The concept of being in a position to need a $50 loan may be hard for elitist, wealthy Senators to understand. But that's not stopping these politicians from saying "tough luck" to millions of Americans who need these small, short-term loans. What these politicians don't realize is that $50 is a lot of money to many Americans.

In the Utopian world of Mr. Durbin, everyone should have savings tucked away or good credit for a loan in times of need. As we all know, that isn't reality. Americans are often faced with unexpected expenses.

Bill S. 500 is trying to prescribe financial medicine to a third of America without understanding their needs.

Pawnshop customers are speaking out against this bill, and their voice must be heard in this debate. You would expect them to be thanking Mr. Durbin for lowering the interest on their pawnshop loans. But instead they are saying "NO THANK YOU!" for putting their local pawnshops out of business.

Who is going to provide these former pawnshop customers with the loans they need? The government (with yet another bailout)? A bank? In these tough times, banks are reluctant to loan money to consumers with good credit.

In response to this badly-drafted, poorly-considered bill, SaveMyPawnshop.com has been launched to give a voice to pawnshop customers. On this website, people can sign a petition against bill S.500 and find information about how to contact their local government officials.

#11 FMU Men snap skid beat #17 Anderson 6-3

ANDERSON, SC – The 11th-ranked Francis Marion University men’s tennis team snapped a three-game losing skid with a 6-3 non-conference road win over 17th-ranked Anderson University, Sunday afternoon (March 29).

Francis Marion improves to 11-4, while Anderson falls to 5-3.

The Patriots’ No. 1 doubles team of Oshada Wijemanne and Dilshod Sharifi beat the No. 5 ranked doubles team in NCAA Division II by a 8-3 score, as FMU claimed two of the three doubles matches.

The entire match was played against a biting wind, with gusts reaching 27 mph.

Francis Marion will host Whittier (Calif.) College on Tuesday at 3 p.m. on the Kassab Courts.


Men’s Tennis Match Results
Francis Marion University vs Anderson University
Mar 29, 2009 at Anderson, SC

#11 Francis Marion University 6, #17 Anderson University 3
Singles competition
1. #12 Philip Pakebusch (AND) def. #7 Oshada Wijemanne (FMU) 6-4, 6-0
2. Dilshod Sharifi (FMU) def. Stephane Murray (AND) 6-1, 2-6, 6-2
3. Mario Kieck (FMU) def. Navaneetha Baskaran (AND) 6-2, 6-3
4. Renato Assuncao (AND) def. Bastian Czwalinna (FMU) 7-5, 1-6, 6-0
5. Karl Rogers (FMU) def. Marc Pibernat (AND) 6-3, 6-3
6. Dirk Bair (FMU) def. Ilya Zakharov (AND) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Oshada Wijemanne/Dilshod Sharifi (FMU) def. #5 Philip Pakebusch/Renato Assuncao (AND) 8-3
2. Marc Pibernat/Stephane Murray (AND) def. Matthew Keth/Karl Rogers (FMU) 8-2
3. Mario Kieck/Dirk Bair (FMU) def. Ilya Zakharov/Navaneetha Baskaran (AND) 8-4

Match Notes:
Francis Marion University 11-4; National ranking #11; Regional ranking #4
Anderson University 5-3; National ranking #17; Regional ranking #6

Blanchard Named Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month

Hartsville, S.C. - The Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month for March 2009, is Cobra Women's Tennis player, Alyssa Blanchard (Columbia, SC).

Blanchard, a freshman, has made her presence known on the Coker Women's Tennis team in the month of March, going undefeated in all her singles matches and losing just one doubles match. Alyssa was 4-0 in March playing at the No. 2 singles position, including getting big conference wins over Anderson and Mount Olive. Along with her doubles part, Rachel Lemar, Blanchard was 3-1 at No. 1 doubles in March, with their lone loss, coming in a tie breaker set to Mount Olive.

On the year, Alyssa is 6-2 in singles matches and 6-2 in doubles matches, while helping lead the Lady Cobras to a 5-3 overall record and a 2-2 Conference Carolinas record.

Library Director Wins National Recognition

Drusilla Carter, Director of the Chesterfield County Library System, has been recognized by Library Journal as one of 2009’s Movers and Shakers. This award recognizes individuals who are changing libraries for the better.

In its description of the Movers and Shakers award, Library Journal says “these individuals comprise the coming generation of library leadership. Overachievers all, they represent a Who's Who of creativity and library trends.” Carter was recognized especially for her efforts to make the Chesterfield County Library System a center for the community and for the new programs and services that the county libraries have developed under her leadership. The award also applauds her collaboration with other community agencies to tackle the challenges facing the citizens of the county.

Carter is only the seventh South Carolinian to be recognized in the award’s history. “I am deeply honored that my colleagues have recognized me with this award,” said Carter. “I am especially grateful to the hard-working staff at the libraries, who make it possible for us to do so much for the community.”

Library Journal is the premier publication regarding libraries and librarianship in the United States and around the world. For the full article online, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/MS2009Inductee/2140336017.html. For more information about the Chesterfield County Library, please visit www.youseemore.com/chesterfield.

Patriot Women beat Lakers 7-2 in Top 10 match-up

MORROW, GA – Ninth-ranked Francis Marion University beat 10th-ranked Clayton State University 7-2, Sunday (March 29) in Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis action, halting Clayton State’s six-match winning streak.

Francis Marion ups its overall record to 13-3 and its PBC mark to 6-2, while the Lakers fall to 9-4 and 6-3. The match was originally scheduled for Saturday, but was pushed back a day because of rain.

Francis Marion won all three doubles matches and four of six singles matches.

At the No.1 doubles spot, Francis Marion’s Kristyna Horakova and Jitka Gavdunova defeated the nation’s second-ranked duo of Katie White and Viktoriya Semyrodenko 8-4. At No. 1 singles in a battle of two nationally-ranked players, FMU’s ninth-ranked Tereza Sykorova lost a three-set 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 decision to Clayton State’s 37th-ranked Katie White.

Francis Marion will play host to Augusta State University on Wednesday at 2 p.m.


Women’s Tennis Match Results
Francis Marion vs Clayton State
Mar 29, 2009 at Morrow, GA

#9 Francis Marion 7, #10 Clayton State 2
Singles competition
1. #37 Katie White (CLAYTON) def. #9 Tereza Sykorova (FMU) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
2. Kristyna Horakova (FMU) def. #27 V. Semyrodenko (CLAYTON) 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 6-3
3. Jitka Gavdunova (FMU) def. M. Cercellenti (CLAYTON) 4-6, 6-4, 10-7
4. Valeska Ibscher (FMU) def. V. Jasenovcova (CLAYTON) 6-4, 6-1
5. Sabina Baberadova (FMU) def. Evelin Csizi (CLAYTON) 6-4, 6-4
6. Selma Hidass (CLAYTON) def. Saskia Ludwig (FMU) 6-4, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Kristyna Horakova/Jitka Gavdunova (FMU) def. #2 Katie White/V. Semyrodenko (CLAYTON) 8-4
2. Sabina Baberadova/Tereza Sykorova (FMU) def. Evelin Csizi/V. Jasenovcova (CLAYTON) 8-1
3. Valeska Ibscher/Saskia Ludwig (FMU) def. Selma Hidass/M. Cercellenti (CLAYTON) 8-4

Match Notes:
Francis Marion 13-3, 6-2 PBC; National ranking #9; Regional ranking #3
Clayton State 9-4, 6-3 PBC; National ranking #10; Regional ranking #4
T-2:30 A-21

Michael G. Hawkins

Arrand’s homer gives Patriots a softball split with 4-3 win

FLORENCE, SC – Senior right fielder Stevie Arrand lined a 1-0 pitch over the left field fence in the bottom of the sixth inning as 19th-ranked Francis Marion University claimed a rain-delayed 4-3 win over conference-leading Georgia College & State University, Sunday afternoon (March 29) and a split of the Peach Belt Conference twinbill that began on Saturday morning.

The game was halted by rain on Saturday with the score tied at 3-3 and the Patriots coming to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning.

When play resumed on Sunday, following a ground out, Arrand belted the second pitch she saw from GCSU righty Mandy Chandler (21-9) for a solo homer, her second round-tripper of the year.

In the top of the seventh, Francis Marion freshman right-hander Lauren Bubeck (8-3) allowed a pair of walks, but got Bobcat catcher Anna Parker to pop out for the game’s final out.

Francis Marion improves to 24-11 overall and 6-6 in the Peach Belt, while GCSU drops to 24-16 and 10-2.

Prior to Saturday’s rain, FMU freshman second baseman Ashley Jaramillo doubled in the bottom of the first, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on another illegal pitch call against Chandler. Shannan Tyson walked with the bases loaded in the next inning to up the Patriot lead to 2-0.

GCSU center fielder Sherquita Bostick tied the score in the Bobcats’ next at bat when she hammered a two-run homer over the left field fence. The Bobcats took a 3-2 lead in the fourth when pinch runner Stephanie Lezcano came across to score on an RBI single to right center by Haley Holloway.

Facing the threat of approaching rain, down 3-2, and finishing the required five innings to make the contest official, the Patriots rallied in the fifth inning. Tyson lined a double to right center field, took third on a sacrifice bunt by Lakyn Bendle, and then scored the tying run on an RBI single to left field by Jaramillo. However, the Patriots left runners on second and third in that frame.

Bubeck then stranded three Bobcat runners on base as the rain fell in the top of the sixth inning. FMU was not able to send a runner to the plate in the bottom of the frame before the umpires stopped play.

Jaramillo was 2-for-2 in game two, while Holloway had a pair of singles for the Bobcats. Chandler struck out seven Patriots in the second game, while Bubeck fanned three and walked five. Only two of the three runs she allowed were earned.

GCSU won Saturday’s first game 3-1,

FMU plays a PBC twinbill at Columbus State University on Monday at noon, while GCSU plays at Armstrong Atlantic State University on Monday at 2 p.m.


Michael G. Hawkins

Patriot Golfers 11th at Furman Intercollegiate

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Battling rain, the Francis Marion University golf team stands 11th after the opening round of the 40th-annual Furman University Intercollegiate Tournament. The Patriots teed-off on Friday afternoon, but did not finish their first 18 holes until Saturday.

The tournament, originally scheduled for 54 holes, has been shortened to 36 holes after heavy rains continued to soak the course throughout Saturday and forced the cancellation of the scheduled second round. The final round is now set to take place on Sunday beginning at 8 a.m.

Furman’s Daniel Bowden completed his first round with a three-under 69 on Saturday, while the University of North Florida notched an opening round 296 before play was suspended on Friday to occupy first place in the team standings. Virginia Tech is second only one stroke back, while East Carolina University is two strokes back in third.

Francis Marion’s Andrew Pitcher and Peter McGibney are both tied for 27th position after shooting opening-round 76 scores. Christopher Couch (77) is tied for 33rd, while Keith Crowley (79) is tied for 62nd, and Matt Jackson (82) is tied for 95th.

After two straight days of heavy rains on the par-72 Furman University Golf Course, Sunday’s forecast calls for sunshine, windy conditions and temperatures in the mid 50’s. Francis Marion, playing with Davidson College and three other schools, will tee-off beginning at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday.


Furman Intercollegiate
Round: 1 ; Par-Yardage: 72-6994
Fin. School Scores
1 North Florida, U. of 296 +8
2 Virginia Tech 297 +9
3 East Carolina Univ. 298 +10
4 Furman University 301 +13
5 Troy University 302 +14
Wofford College 302 +14
7 Western Carolina U. 303 +15
Appalachian State U. 303 +15
9 Old Dominion Univ. 306 +18
10 Rhode Island, U. of 307 +19
11 Francis Marion U. 308 +20
12 Davidson College 309 +21
Temple University 309 +21
14 Marshall University 314 +26
Winthrop University 314 +26
16 Presbyterian College 315 +27
17 Samford University 317 +29
18 Elon University 321 +33
19 Charleston Southern 331 +43

Michael G. Hawkins

Bobcats edge Patriots in game one before rain falls

FLORENCE, SC – Pinch-runner Stephanie Lezcano scored the go-ahead run on a great slide at home plate avoiding the catcher’s tag and conference-leading Georgia College & State University went on to a 3-1 win over 19th-ranked Francis Marion University in game one of Saturday’s Peach Belt Conference softball doubleheader. FMU freshman Ashley Jaramillo blooped an RBI single into shallow left field in the fifth frame to tie the second game at 3-3 before rain halted play in the bottom of the sixth inning.

After game one, Francis Marion stands at 23-11 overall and 5-6 in the PBC, while GCSU is 24-15 and 10-1.

In the first game, Francis Marion took a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. Lead-off batter Shannan Tyson was hit by a pitch, went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lakyn Bendle, and came around to score on two illegal pitch calls against GCSU righty Mandy Chandler (21-8). Chandler leads the nation in wins and is fifth nationally in strikeouts.

The Bobcats knotted the score on a solo homer by catcher Anna Parker in the top of the second. GCSU then pushed across two unearned runs in the top of the fifth frame. Lezcano scored her run on an RBI ground out to third base by Allison Schwimer. The throw from the first baseman beat the runner to the plate, but Lezcano avoided the tag with a head-first slide and reached back to brush the plate with her hand. Lindsey Swanson followed with an RBI single to right to plate an insurance run.

Both teams had only four hits in the opener. Junior left-hander Michaela Wolf (13-7) was tagged with the loss. She struck out five and walked no one, while Chandler fanned eight and also did not issue a walk.

In the second game, Jaramillo doubled in the bottom of the first, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on another illegal pitch call against Chandler. Tyson walked with the bases loaded in the next inning to up the Patriot lead to 2-0.

GCSU center fielder Sherquita Bostick tied the score in the Bobcats’ next at bat when she hammered a two-run homer over the left field fence. The Bobcats took a 3-2 lead in the fourth when Lezcano, again pinch running, came across to score on an RBI single to right center by Haley Holloway.

Facing the threat of approaching rain, down 3-2, and finishing the required five innings to make the contest official, the Patriots rallied in the fifth inning. Tyson lined a double to right center field, took third on a sacrifice bunt by Bendle, and then scored the tying run on Jaramillo’s single to left. However, the Patriots left runners on second and third in that frame.

FMU freshman right-hander Lauren Bubeck then stranded three Bobcat runners on base as the rain fell in the top of the sixth inning. FMU was not able to send a runner to the plate in the bottom of the frame before the umpires stopped play.

Jaramillo was 2-for-2 in game two, while Holloway had a pair of singles for the Bobcats. Chandler struck out seven more Patriots in the second game, while Bubeck fanned three and walked three. Only two of the three runs she allowed were earned.

FMU plays a PBC twinbill at Columbus State University on Monday at noon., while GCSU plays at Armstrong Atlantic State University on Monday at 2 p.m.



Michael G. Hawkins

Economist Schunk presents overview of S.C. labor market data for February

The following report is an overview by Don Schunk, research economist at Coastal Carolina University, of employment/unemployment data for February 2009 released today by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overview of South Carolina’s Labor Markets, February 2009 data

Highlights from February data:

• South Carolina’s unemployment rate surged to 11% in February.
Unemployment in South Carolina is bearing down on its record high of 11.4% set in January 1983. Between January and February, the size of the state’s labor force grew by 5,600. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed individuals increased by 15,100. There were several years, from 2003 through early 2008, when the state’s jobless rate remained stubbornly high despite positive job growth. This was due to rapid growth in the state’s labor force – we were adding jobs, but the number of people looking for those jobs was growing even more quickly.

Recent labor force growth continues to exert upward pressure on the state’s jobless rate; however, the bulk of the pressure now comes from the fact that the state is losing jobs at nearly the fastest pace in history…

• Total employment in South Carolina is down 4.6% over the last 12months – this is the fastest annual rate of job loss since May 1975.
The number of jobs in South Carolina during February 2009 was 88,700 below February 2008’s level, representing a 4.6% drop in jobs since last year. Between May 1974 and May 1975, the state posted a 5.1% decline in employment. In fact, we have been losing jobs at a rapid enough pace that we currently find total employment below the level reached during June 2000 – at the end of the 1990s economic expansion. Since 2000, South Carolina’s population has increased by nearly 500,000, and yet the number of jobs is essentially where it was in mid-2000.

Yes, South Carolina saw several years of positive job growth in the mid-2000s, but it is now clear that this period of economic growth from 2003 through early 2008 was not strong enough to generate sustainable gains for the state’s economy. We continue to be faced with a substantial challenge as we deal with the long-term and ongoing declines in South Carolina’s manufacturing base.

• Unemployment rates along the Grand Strand were essentially unchanged from January to February.
Unemployment in Horry County was unchanged at 14.3%. In Georgetown, unemployment rose slightly from 12.9% to 13.1%. While this may seem like a positive, it is important to note that historically, unemployment on the Grand Strand typically falls between January and February thanks to the beginning of the hiring season. For example, since 1990, Horry County’s jobless rate normally falls by an average of 1.2 percentage points between January and February. This year, Horry County’s jobless rate was unchanged; this indicates a lack of normal seasonal hiring, suggesting further deterioration in the local economy.

Looking ahead…

I expect South Carolina’s unemployment rate to continue to climb, likely throughout all of 2009 and into at least early 2010. Overall, the economy remains in a deep recession, and while there have been some scattered signs of improvement nationally (some positive surprises to durable goods orders, home sales and some stock market gains), there remain some fundamental obstacles working to hold back the economy. Home prices should continue to fall for the majority of this year, weakening labor markets will continue to weigh on household incomes and spending, and the financial system is not yet working as it should. I suspect we will continue to receive scattered reports that surprise to the upside, but the negative momentum built up behind the economy right now will take time to subside.

Additionally, during the last two recessions in South Carolina we saw that initial claims for unemployment insurance would reach a peak about two years prior to a peak in the unemployment rate itself. As of now, initial claims do not yet appear to have peaked, providing further evidence that we could be facing an extended period of rising unemployment rates.

Don Schunk, Research Economist
BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development
E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration
Coastal Carolina University

For additional information, contact: Don Schunk, dschunk@coastal.edu, 843-655-0995 or 843-349-2485

Florence Attorney Wins Environmental Award

Benjamin T. "Ben" Zeigler has been named winner of the 2008 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award. Mr. Zeigler is a shareholder of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., where he practices public finance law in the firm's Florence office.

In a ceremony Friday, March 27, Scott English, Governor Mark Sanford's Chief of Staff, announced the winner at the University of South Carolina's West ("Green") Quad in Columbia and recognized Zeigler for outstanding contributions toward the protection, conservation and improvement of South Carolina's natural resources.

In July 2008, Ben Zeigler completed two consecutive terms (2004-2008) as Chairman of the Board of the Pee Dee Land Trust. During his tenure on the Board, Ben built unprecedented community support for natural resource protection throughout the Pee Dee region. "Ben's civic work, particularly on behalf of the Pee Dee Land Trust, is an outstanding example of his dedication. The cumulative impact of Ben's many accomplishments is truly greater than the sum of its parts, and for that, all South Carolinians should be grateful," English said.

The Pee Dee Land Trust enables a land owner to voluntarily and permanently protect his or her land for its natural beauty and function, its agricultural productivity and/or its historical significance. The Trust can accept donations of land or donations of easements on privately owned land in order to protect it. The public benefits from protected land, even when public access is not granted, because of the value of scenic beauty, water and air quality, potential for local crop production, habitat for flora and fauna, and much more. Find out more about the Pee Dee Land Trust at: www.peedeelandtrust.org.

"As a direct result of Ben's visionary leadership, the amount of land protected by the Land Trust increased from a mere 13 acres in 2005 to more than 10,000 acres in 2008," English added.
A native of Florence, Mr. Zeigler earned his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University (1997), a Master of Philosophy degree from Oxford University (1994), and graduated magna cum laude from The University of the South (Sewanee) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992. Mr. Zeigler also serves on the boards of Florence County Progress (Chairman, Relocation Task Force; Chairman, Membership Committee; Tourism Study Committee); Friends of Florence Stockade; Francis Marion University Foundation; Florence Center for the Arts; South Carolina Tourism Alliance; South Carolina Institute for Legal Investment (Steering Committee Chair); and moderator, Aspen Institute Global Leadership Network. He has also served on the Francis Marion Trail Commission (Chairman, 2005-2009), and the McLeod Health Community Board. A member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL), Mr. Zeigler is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct (2005-2009), and the South Carolina Eminent Domain Study Committee.

The South Carolina General Assembly established the S.C. Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 17th year, during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation and improvement of South Carolina's natural resources.

Each year the public is invited to submit nominations that are then reviewed by an awards committee, which includes representatives from the state's environmental and natural resource agencies. In judging nominees, the committee considers excellence in innovation, leadership and accomplishments that influence positive changes affecting the natural environment.

Members of the awards committee represent the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, S.C. Forestry Commission and S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.

Previous winners include:
2007 - Dr. Richard Porcher Jr., professor emeritus at The Citadel
2006 - Rick Huffman, founder, South Carolina Native Plant Society
2003 - Burris Family, owners, Cypress Bay Plantation Tree Farm, Beaufort
2001 - James D. Elliott Jr., founder, South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey
1999 - Kenneth Strickland, environmentalist, Florence
1997 - Brad Wyche, president, Friends of the Reedy River, Greenville
1992 - Rudy Mancke, naturalist, S.C. Educational Television
DNR protects and manages South Carolina's natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state's natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at www.dnr.sc.gov.

FMU softball hosts GCSU, baseball at No. Ga. delayed

FLORENCE, SC – The 19th-ranked Francis Marion University softball team will host Georgia College & State University for a key Peach Belt Conference doubleheader on Saturday (March 28), while the Patriot baseball series at North Georgia College & State University has been pushed back one day because of rain.

The softball twinbill will begin at noon on the FMU Softball Field.

The Patriots are 23-10 overall and 5-5 in the Peach Belt, while GCSU (23-15) sits atop the PBC standings with a 9-1 mark.

Freshman second baseman Ashley Jaramillo continues to lead FMU in batting with a .362 average, five home runs, and 28 runs batted in. The Patriots have played their last 10 contests on the road.

The Bobcats are coached by FMU graduate and former Patriot player Ginger Miller Chaffinch. The GCSU attack is led by senior outfielder Sherquita Bostick, a product of West Florence High School, who is hitting .364 with four home runs and 24 RBIs.

The baseball series at North Georgia has been changed to a doubleheader on Sunday and a single game on Monday. Game times have yet to be determined, owing to field conditions.

The ninth-ranked FMU women’s tennis team (12-3, 5-2) plays at Clayton State University on Saturday at 11 a.m., and both Patriot tennis squads play at Anderson University on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Michael G. Hawkins

Healthy SC Challenge Tips

The Healthy SC Challenge is the Sanford family's effort to get all South Carolinians to do just a little more to live a healthier lifestyle. The tips are designed to encourage individuals and communities to live healthier lifestyles in three categories - nutrition, exercise and help to quit smoking.

Nutrition
Make this year's spring break memorable by having fun and helping yourself, your friends, and others stay safe and healthy.

Limit alcohol: If drinking alcohol is part of your break, remember that it can impair your judgment and actions. Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatally injure someone every two minutes. Don't drink and drive. There are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives.

Be active: You've probably been sitting most of the year working at the computer, studying, or in class. During the break, take the opportunity to start a fitness program. Do a variety of fun activities like walking, dancing, playing volleyball, swimming, and more. It doesn't need to be hard to be beneficial. Avoid injury by starting any new activity slowly. We all benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes most, preferably all, days of the week.

Plan a successful trip: If you are going on a trip, be prepared. Are vaccinations required? Are there special food, destination, or other things you need to consider ahead of time? If you are taking medications, do you have enough for the trip? Know what's happening en route or at your travel destination.

Protect yourself from the sun: After a cold winter, it's tempting to stay in the hot sun all day. Although getting a little sun can have some benefits, excessive and unprotected sun exposure can result in premature aging, changes in skin texture, and skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection.

Watch your step: There may be temptations on your break that involve different or high-risk activity. Think twice before putting yourself at risk for injury. Be sure to use appropriate safety gear before venturing out, such as seat belts, life vests, or knee pads. Remember that unintentional injuries kill more Americans in their first three decades of life than any other cause of death. In fact, injuries (both unintentional and those caused by acts of violence) are among the top ten killers for Americans of all ages.

Know the ropes: When swimming and boating, know what's expected and what you can do to prevent injury or death for yourself and others. Know how to swim. Wear your life jacket while boating. Avoid alcoholic beverages while boating. Complete a boating education course. Participate in the vessel safety check program. Be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Be smoke free: Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Just 20 minutes after smoking that last cigarette, your body begins a series of positive changes that continue for years. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for yourself and others.

Eat healthy: Having fun takes energy and fuel. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and legumes. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat. Good nutrition should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, not smoking, and stress management.

Get help: If you or a friend has an alcohol or drug problem, has thoughts of suicide, or is in crisis for any reason, get help. Call 911 for emergency services, 800-662-4357 for substance abuse help, and 800-273-TALK (8255) for the national suicide prevention lifeline.
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Physical Activity
Deciding to become a little more active than you are right now leads to improvements in your health and outlook on life. It's easy to increase your walking amounts, since you already do it throughout the day. But how much more should you do? How often should you do it? How fast should you go? For how long? These walking FAQs are important to consider when building a walking exercise program.

The FIT formula - Frequency (how often), Intensity (how fast) and Time (how long) - helps you find answers. When you do any physical activity, start at a low level and increase slowly. This goes for walking amounts, as well. Doing too much too fast can lead to injuries that set you back instead of move you forward. When you're ready to increase your activity, alter just one part of the FIT formula at a time.
-Arthritis Foundation

Tobacco
Oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Only about half of people diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. That's because cancer in the neck and mouth spreads quickly. Often, it isn't found until it's very advanced. Oral cancer includes cancer of the throat, lips, mouth, tongue, gums and salivary glands. Anyone can get oral cancer. Although smoking increases the risk, more than 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people who never smoked. The best way to catch oral cancer early is to have regular exams by your dentist and to learn how to check yourself.
-Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery

Liz Patterson and Barbara Nielsen to be honored

On Friday, May 1, the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics will be honoring former Congresswoman, Liz Patterson, and former State Superintendent of Education, Barbara Nielsen, at the 2009 Leading Women Dinner. Ms. Patterson and Dr. Nielsen will be receiving the organization's first annual Leading Woman Awards to recognize strong women in the state's political history. The cost to attend is $100, $150/couple.

The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is the only 501(c)(3) certified in the southeast by the IRS whose mission is to encourage and train women to run for political office. The money raised at this event will support the Institute's mission to increase the participation of women in politics in South Carolina.

Liz Patterson is the only female ever elected to the US Congress from South Carolina and she and served from 1987-1993. Ms. Patterson began her political career as staff assistant for US Representative James R. Mann from 1969-1970. She served on the Spartanburg County Council from 1975-1976 and in the South Carolina Senate from 1979-1986.

Barbara Nielsen is the first woman ever elected statewide in South Carolina and served as State Superintendent of Education from 1990-1998. Dr. Nielsen served our state as a teacher and administrator for 45 years and continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member for the SC Association of Charter Schools and as a Consultant. Dr. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including Distinguished Alumni Fellow from the University of Louisville, the Elected State Official Award from the White House Commission on Library and Information Services, and the Nation's "Eminent Educator" award from the Network for Effective Schools.

The dinner will be held on the eve of the Institute's spring Campaign Training School, an all-day workshop intended for prospective candidates and people who want to become more effectively involved in politics. Tickets for the Campaign School are $100. A combination ticket for both the Dinner and the Campaign School can be purchased for $150. Some scholarships are available.

The Institute achieves its objectives by working to increase the pool of female candidates, providing education and training, increasing the visibility of current female candidates and striving to change the public perception of women in political roles. Currently, less than 10% of the elected representatives in South Carolina are women, yet women represent 51% of the state's population.

The deadline for reservations is Saturday, April 26. Tickets and full event details are available through our events page or by contacting Nicki Wilson, Executive Director, at nicki@scelectswomen.com or 803-260-0047. 50% of the cost of the tickets are tax deductible, and proceeds go to support the mission of the Institute. High and low resolution images of the 2009 Leading Women Award recipients are available on our media page along with the Institute logo.

FMU’s SAAC to hold BBQ dinner for Make-A-Wish, April 9

FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University chapter of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will hold a benefit Bar-B-Que for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Thursday, April 9.
Meals will be sold near the FMU fountain between Founders Hall and the Hyman Fine Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cost of each plate will be $6. Free delivery will be offered for orders of 10 or more plates. For tickets, call the athletic department at 843-661-1240 or contact any member of the SAAC.
All proceeds from the event will go toward the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through this activity, the Francis Marion SAAC chapter hopes to raise enough funds to be able to grant a wish for a deserving Pee Dee area child.
During the school year, the SAAC also raises money for this worthwhile organization through a half-court shootout at home basketball games.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is a nation-wide forum for student-athletes to have input on various issues involving athletic policies and practices, NCAA proposed legislation, concerns of their teammates, and issues raised during the year by the Director of Athletics. At FMU, two student-athletes are selected from each of the 12 sports to represent their teammates at scheduled meetings throughout each school year. This enables the student-athletes of FMU to have an active voice within the NCAA, Peach Belt Conference, and FMU legislative and administrative processes.
Women’s cross country runner Amanda Doyle is president of the FMU SAAC chapter for 2008-09.


Michael G. Hawkins

Patriots to play in 40th-annual Furman Intercollegiate this weekend

Greenville, SC -- The Francis Marion University golf team will play in the 40th-annual Furman University Intercollegiate Tournament this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (March 27-29) at the recently renovated par-72, 6,944-yard Furman University Golf Course in Greenville.

Joining the Patriots and host Paladins in the 19-team field will be: Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Davidson, East Carolina, Elon, Marshall, North Florida, Old Dominion, Presbyterian, Rhode Island, Samford, Temple, Troy, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina, Winthrop and Wofford.

Teams are scheduled to tee-off beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday with the afternoon wave set to begin their rounds at noon. Francis Marion, playing with Furman and Rhode Island in the first round, will tee-off from No. 10 beginning at 12:20 p.m.

Francis Marion owns a 77-35-1 season record and has compiled four Top-5 tournament finishes. Senior Andrew Pitcher leads the Patriots with a 74.43 stroke average, while three others have their averages below 75: Christopher Couch (74.52), Keith Crowley (74.74), and Peter McGibney (74.96).

Last year at the Furman event, FMU placed 10th out of 24 teams.

The Furman Intercollegiate dates back to 1970 and its list of champions includes Curtis Strange of Wake Forest, Jay Haas of Wake Forest, Mark Calcavecchia of Florida, Brad Faxon of Furman, Bill Andrade of Wake Forest and David Duval of Georgia Tech.

The second round is set for Saturday with final round play scheduled for Sunday morning.


Michael G. Hawkins

Coker Splits Double-Header with Mount Olive

Courtesy of David Shulimson, Mount Olive SID
3/29/2009

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. - Robbin Kennedy's three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the fifth broke a 4-4 tie as Mount Olive defeated Coker 7-4 in game two of a Conference Carolinas softball doubleheader Sunday at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field. Jenny Jackson tossed two scoreless innings of relief for the save.

The Trojans fell 5-3 in eight innings in the opener, despite Jackson's game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the seventh.

In the nightcap, Mount Olive (17-16-1 overall, 7-5 Conference Carolinas) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first as each of the first four Trojan batters reached safely. Jessica Velasquez drew a leadoff walk and Kat Cahoon beat out a bunt single. After a wild pitch advanced the runners, Kelly Minshew's single brought both runners home. Minshew advanced to third on a throwing error and came home on Jackson's ground ball to short.

Coker (12-13, 4-6) tied the game with three runs in the top of the third, all coming on consecutive two-out rbi-singles by Shannon Mitchell, Miranda Klees and Allie Bragg.

Mount Olive loaded the bases with nobody out after Minshew reached on an error, Jackson beat out a bunt single and Morgan Whaley singled off the pitcher. Coker kept the Trojans off the board with two consecutive force plays at home, but Kennedy singled up the middle with two outs to put Mount Olive back on top 4-3.

Coker put runners on first and second with nobody out in the top of the fifth and a sacrifice advanced both runners to scoring position. Trojan starting pitcher Kristin Ware retired the next batter on an infield popout, but Julia Nelson-Abbot lined an 0-2 pitch to left to tie the game at 4-4.

The Trojans had runners on second and third with one out in the bottom of the fifth. A groundout to third kept the runners from advancing and brought Kennedy up again with two outs. Kennedy sent an 0-1 pitch over the left field fence for her first collegiate home run.

"That one was for my mom, for all the softball games she took me to growing up," said Kennedy, a freshman catcher/first baseman from Chesapeake, Va. The four runs batted in are a career high for Kennedy, who leads the Trojans this season with 21 rbi.

Jackson took over for Ware to start the sixth inning. She allowed a two-out infield single in the sixth and retired the side in order in the seventh for her second save of the season.

Ware (7-5) matched a career high with nine strikeouts. During one stretch starting in the first inning, five consecutive Coker outs were by strikeout.

Kennedy and Whaley had two hits apiece for Mount Olive.

Coker reliever Becky Dillon (0-3) pitched the final three innings in relief of starter Sydney Greenwalt and took the loss.

In the opener, Coker took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second on Bragg's rbi-double to center. The Cobras had opportunities to add to the lead, but left six runners on base in five innings.

Trojan starter Sasha Snyder retired the side in order in the first and limited Coker to the one run on three hits in five innings. She struck out three and walked three.

Sarah Saunders (4-5) retired the side in order in the sixth and overcame a leadoff hit batsman in the seventh.

Coker starter Shelly Catlett (9-7) entered the bottom of the seventh having retired nine consecutive batters before Jackson drove her first pitch of the inning over the left-center field fence to tie the game 1-1 and force extra innings.

After the international tie-breaker runner was placed on second to start the top of the eighth inning, back-to-back infield singles loaded the bases with nobody out for Coker. Saunders got an infield popout, but an rbi-groundout broke the tie. Bragg followed with a two-run single up the middle and Nelson-Abbott added an rbi-single to give the Cobras a 5-1 lead.

Whaley's one-out pinch-hit rbi-single brought home Katie Nalley to pull Mount Olive within 5-2 in the bottom of the eighth. Cahoon singled to center one out later and the Trojans loaded the bases when Minshew reached on an infield single off of Greenwalt, who replaced Catlett. Jackson drew a walk to pull Mount Olive within a run. But Greenwalt fielded a hot bouncer to the pitching circle to close out the game and picked up her second save of the year.

Cahoon and Minshew both went 2-for-4 for the Trojans.

Mount Olive returns to action Wednesday as the Trojans travel to Laurinburg, N.C., to take on St. Andrews in a Conference Carolinas doubleheader. Game time is 2 p.m. The Trojans were scheduled to play at Fayetteville State Monday, but the doubleheader was canceled and will not be rescheduled.

Coker plays host to Queens Saturday at 1 p.m. in a Conference Carolinas doubleheader.

Coker and Barton Split Baseball Double-Header

Courtesy of Barton Sports Information
3/29/2009

WILSON, NC - Host Barton College defeated Coker 14-5 in the opener, but lost 4-3 in the second game of a Sunday Conference Carolinas baseball doubleheader at Nixon Field.

Barton (19-13 overall, 8-5 league) will entertain Coker (16-16, 4-8) in the deciding nine-inning game of their series at 3:30 Monday afternoon. The weekend set was pushed back one day because of rain.

GAME ONE

Barton banged out 18 hits in the opening game Sunday afternoon as it rolled past visiting Coker 14-5 in a Conference Carolinas baseball game.

Second baseman Will Johnson led the Barton charge at 4-for-4 with 3RBI and three runs scored, including a three-run homer in the crucial six-run fourth inning. Outfielders Wes Francis and Zach Boyette added three hits apiece for the Bulldogs. Francis homered and doubled. Barrett Martin, Ryan McCleney and Chris Rawlings each had two hits, with Rawlings and McCleney rapping doubles. Jonathan Nichols ripped a run-scoring triple in the fifth.

On the mound, senior Brandon Brinson (7-2) went the distance for Barton. In seven innings, he allowed five runs on nine hits, walked one and struck out two. Meanwhile, the Cobas sent five pitchers to the mound, with starter Michael Rogers (4-1) absorbing his first loss. He yielded four runs on five hits and walked one in 2 1/3 innings.

Coker managed nine hits, led by Kevin Schlange, Matthew Kearnes and Trey Lynch with two hits apiece. Kearnes drove in two runs and Schlange hit a solo homer in the fourth inning.

Coker grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second, but Barton tied it at 1-1 in the bottom half of the inning. The Bulldogs added three runs in the third on four hits and never looked back, adding six runs in the fourth and two apiece in the fifth and sixth innings.

GAME TWO

Left-hander Jesse Hatchell limited Barton to three runs on seven hits in Sunday afternoon's second game of a doubleheader as visiting Coker College claimed a split with a 4-3 win.

After yielding a three-run, first-inning home run to Allen Corbett, Hatchell settled in and finished with two strikeouts and one walk over seven innings. Each team finished with seven hits.

The Cobras claimed a brief 1-0 lead in the first inning on singles by Trey Lynch, Karl Ankersen and Matthew Kearnes. After Corbett's homer, Coker plated one run in the second on doubles by Brinley Griffin and Matt Ammons.

The Cobras finished off the scoring in the third on a single by Walker, a stolen base, a walk by Taylor Evans, an RBI groundout by Kevin Schlange and a throwing error.

The remainder of the game was a pitcher's duel between Hatchell (2-3) and Nick Nigito, who had come in for starter and loser Kramer Sneed (2-2) with one out in the third inning.

Hatchell and Nigito each faced the minimum number of batters the rest of the way, with each allowing one hit. Each of those baserunners that got aboard was thrown out trying to steal.

Zach Boyette led Barton batters at 2-for-2 while Ammons went 2-for-3 for the Cobras.

Cobra Men Drop Third Straight Conference Match

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
3/29/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The Cobra men's tennis team dropped their third straight Conference Carolinas match on Sunday, as they lost 7-2 to the Mount Olive College Trojans. The loss drops the Cobras to 1-8 overall, and 0-3 in the conference, while the Trojans improve to 4-10 overall, and 3-1 in the conference.

Much like their female counterparts, the Cobra men got their lone doubles win at the No. 2 doubles spot, with Mark Vial (Adelaide, Australia) and Jeremiah Dye (Summerville, SC) winning 8-6.

Mount Olive brought home five of six singles wins, but it was Coker's Vial at the No. 1 singles spot that got the Cobras their one singles win, 6-4, 6-2.

Coker returns action on Saturday, when they travel to Wingate University for a 1:30 p.m. match.

Lady Cobras Tennis Falls to Mount Olive, 7-2

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
3/29/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The Coker Women's Tennis team dropped their first match in the last four matches, as they lost 7-2 to Mount Olive College in Conference Carolinas women's tennis on Sunday afternoon. The loss drops the Lady Cobras to 6-3 overall, and 2-2 in the conference, while the Lady Trojans improve to 5-6 overall, and 3-1 in the conference.

Coker picked up their first win in doubles play, as Ashley Pace (Clinton, SC) and Kendall Sigmon (Hilton Head, SC) won No. 2 doubles, 9-7, while losing 8-6 at No. 3 doubles and losing 9-8 (9-7) at No.1 doubles.

In the singles matches, Mount Olive dominated winning five of six. Coker's only win came at No. 2 singles, with Alyssa Blanchard (Columbia, SC) winning 6-3, 6-0.

Coker will return to action on Saturday, when they hit the road to face non-conference opponent Wingate University.

SAAC Committee to Host 2nd Annual Athlete Auction for Make-A-Wish

Hartsville, S.C. - Want to jump start your spring cleaning? Need to finish a big project you have put off for years? Like a night without cooking? Come to the 2nd Annual Coker Athlete Auction, sponsored by Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

On Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium at Coker College, pairs and student athletes will be auctioned off to perform various services. And for the very toughest of projects, "teams" of Coker athletes will be available. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Before the auction, light refreshments and lists of services will be available.

The SAAC Committee has now raised over $2,000 toward the goal of $5,000 to grant one wish through the Make-A-Wish foundation. Last year the auction raised nearly $3,000, making their goal of $5,000 well within reach.

For more information on the Athlete Auction contact Tim Griggs at 843-383-8073 or tgriggs@coker.edu.

73 Student-Athletes Named to Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll

by Christian Stryker, Coker College SID
3/27/2009

High Point, N.C. - Conference Carolinas is proud to announce the Presidential Honor Roll for the fall semester of 2008. Each institution within the conference has emphasized their commitment to academic importance as they have continued to have student-athletes achieve a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) at their institutions. As our conference continues to emphasize "Academics and Athletics Working Together" we strive to increase our Presidential Honor Roll each year in order to become a frontrunner within NCAA Division II.

Coker College

Baseball
Matthew Ammons
Karl Ankersen
Michael Austin
Justin Collier
Richard Deleandro
Nathaniel Donovan
Cody Ellison
Taylor Evans
Jonathan Gainey
Brinley Griffin
Jesse Hatchell
Matthew Kearnes
Thomas Oschip
Trevin Taber
Christopher Thomas
Adam Windham

Softball
Shelly Catlett
Rebecca Dillon
Sydney Greenwalt
Jamie Horton
Miranda Klees
Julia Nelson-Abbott
Anna Oswald
Whitney Wallett

Men's Golf
Mason Ambler
Jared Crane
Patrick Kirby
John Ladow
Christopher Marsh
Diego Polo

Men's Basketball
Mason Ambler
Michael Gore
Brenden Marcell
Joshua Poston
Rakmoth Ullah
Phillip Woo

Men's Cross Country
Justin Gragg
Adam Green
Austin McJunkins

Men's Soccer
Benjamin Chastain
Russell Hill
Matthew Jarrett
Peter Lobona
Joel Tyson

Men's Tennis
Evan Schreiner
Carlos Esteban Teran
Juan Vallejo

Women's Volleyball
Kelsey Carlson
Laura Lee
Courtney Nelson
Kristin Teets

Women's Basketball
Lotta Aaltonen
Maija Castren
Jessica Hayes
Henna Koponen
Heidi Rienstra
Agne Stanciauskaite
Megan Thomas
Joanna Tyndall

Women's Cross Country
Dana Daves
Adriana Ochoa
Shannon Townley

Women's Soccer
Kristen Evans
Kathryn Friedmann
Mackenzie Hallahan
Carrie Hudnell
Amanda McPhail
Ashley Meador

Women's Tennis
Lindsay Crighton
Rachel Lemar
Stephanie Medley
Laura Reed
Kendall Sigmon
Cassidy Spencer

Committee Passes Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010

WASHINGTON – The House Budget Committee today passed by 24 to 15 a budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 that embraces President Obama’s goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2013 and funding critical initiatives in health care, energy, and education.

Chairman John Spratt stated: “President Bush has left President Obama a hard hand to play: an economy in crisis and a budget in deep deficit — in deficit this year alone by $1.752 trillion. President Obama has responded with a budget that meets the challenge head-on. Our budget reflects his major priorities.”

Spratt said the deficit President Bush left behind constitutes a massive 12.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), at least two-thirds of which stems from tax and spending policies undertaken by the Bush Administration. “Almost everyone would agree that this is an unsustainable deficit,” he said.

The House Budget Resolution – a five-year plan that uses economic assumptions by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) – reduces the deficit to $586 billion in 2013, which is 3.5% of GDP, and roughly the rate of growth in the economy for that year.

“Reducing the deficit is key,” said Spratt, “but our budget is not so committed to deficit reduction that it overrides other needs.”

The resolution, like President Obama’s budget, puts defense spending on a more sustainable path, with an increase of 4%. It also supports initiatives to make the economy more productive – in health care for the millions uninsured; in alternative energies to reduce dependence on foreign oil and the depletion of the environment; and in education and Pell Grants in particular, expanding access to college for more people. The initiatives in health care, energy, and education are all implemented in a fiscally responsible way.

In addition, the resolution extends the middle-income tax cuts adopted in 2001 and 2003: the 10% bracket, the child tax credit, and marital penalty relief. It indexes the AMT – the alternative minimum tax – to keep it from burdening middle-income taxpayers for whom it was never intended. The resolution also extends estate tax exemptions at the 2009 levels, and indexes the exemptions for future years.

“Our resolution puts the budget back on a fiscally sustainable path while advancing key priorities in health care, energy, and education,” said Spratt. “These are goals that the American people support. I was pleased to see our budget adopted by the committee and look forward to bringing it to the House floor next week.”

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of two position players from the University of Maine for the 2009 season. 2008 All Star catcher Myckie Lugbauer, 6'4" 225lb Jr will return for a second season with Florence. Lugbauer hit .271 with a homer and 33 rbi's for the RedWolves in 2008. He was selected as the starting catcher for the 2008 CPL American league All Star squad and went 1 for 2 in the game. Lugbauer is currently batting .320 with 2 homers and 16 rbi's in 19 games for the 12-9 Blackbears. He will be joined this summer by team mate Taylor Lewis, 6ft 195lb Fr. outfielder. Lewis is currently hitting .200 in 10 games of action this season.

The RedWolves increase their 2009 home game schedule to 30 overall by adding two exhibition games. On June 3rd the RedWolves will take on the Catawba Valley Stars from a summer team league in NC/VA and on Sunday July 5th Florence will play against a University of South Carolina baseball player alumni team. The game will be sponsored by Moe's Southwest Grill. Former USC and Florence RedWolves player Tripp Kelly(1999, 2000), has been instrumental in putting this event together with the RedWolves. Along with Kelly, local and former Gamecocks Davy Gregg(RedWolves 02,03 04) and American Legion head coach Derrick Urquhart will be on hand to take on the 2009 Florence team. Game time is scheduled for 6pm and more details on the game will follow as the date draws near.

Ticket sales for the 2009 season continue, to purchase season tickets or general admission game tickets call the RedWolves office at 629-0700.

Baseball Game at Newberry Cancelled

by Christian Stryker, Coker College SID
3/25/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The Coker College Baseball game against Newberry College scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

No make-up date has been scheduled at this time.

World Blog: Photos

Photos from Thailand, South Africa and India: http://picasaweb.google.com/elliott.elizabeth.m

Two Georgetown County School District Elementary Schools Recognized by USDA for Outstanding Nutrition Environment

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Regional Administrator Don Arnette presented Silver Certificates and Banners to two Georgetown County School Principals and other school officials for their schools meeting USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge at a high level. The ceremony took place today at Brown’s Ferry Elementary School, 7292 Brown’s Ferry Road, Georgetown, S.C. 29440. In addition to Brown’s Ferry, Pleasant Hill Elementary School, 127 Schoolhouse Road, Hemingway, S.C. 29554 was also recognized.

I’m pleased to recognize these Georgetown County Elementary Schools for achieving Silver-level status,” Arnette said. “The HealthierUS School Silver award is one of the highest honors a school nutrition program can achieve and reflects a strong commitment to provide students with additional healthy food options throughout the school campus, and to emphasize nutrition education and physical activity in the school curriculum.

“This elementary school has set a high standard of excellence for others to follow. I’m thankful to all who helped make these achievements possible – they are making a positive difference in the lives of our nation’s children.”

USDA has issued a challenge to schools throughout the nation to make changes to their school nutrition environment, improve the quality of the foods served, and provide students with more nutritious, healthy choices.

These Georgetown County School District Elementary Schools have successfully met that challenge by taking specific steps to improve their programs, address obesity, and encourage other schools to follow their lead. As a result of their efforts, each school received a Silver Award, one of USDA’s highest.

“It is an honor to be recognized by USDA,” said Jan Knox, director of food services for the Georgetown County School District. “We believe in serving school children quality meals. With the support of the administrators, teachers, cafeteria managers and staff, physical education specialists, counselors, parent volunteers and all other team players, these schools exemplify teaching healthy lifestyles.”

These schools’ achievements are very significant because obesity is a growing concern for school children in the United States. USDA believes that schools should be taking a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices and commends these South Carolina schools for leading the way in improving the school nutrition environment.

Coker Golf Places 15th at Bobcat Invitational

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
3/24/2009

Eatonton, Ga. - With a third round team score of 312 (+32), the Coker Golf Team fell back to 15th place in the final round of the Bobcat Invitational at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee Tuesday afternoon. Leading the field were host Georgia College & state, followed by Columbus State and Nova Southeastern.

The Cobra golfers were led by John LaDow (Pottstown, PA) with a third round 78 and a 222 (+12) total, followed by Chris Marsh (Georgetown, SC) with a third round 76 and a 232 (+22) total. Jimmy Gillam (Tyrone, PA) shot a 85 in the final round and a 235 (+25) total for the three rounds, while Diego Polo (Guatemala City, Guatemala) had the best round of the day for Coker with a 77 and a 235 (+25) total. Rounding out the field for Coker was Jared Crane (Greenville, SC) with a third round 81 and a 238 (+28) total.

The Cobras will now prepare for their final regular season tournament of the year, the Carolina Sands Intercollegiate hosted by UNC-Pembroke on April 4-5.

Coker Hires JV Baseball Coach

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
3/25/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Coker College is pleased to announce the hiring of Kyle Rayl as the new Head Junior Varsity (JV) Baseball Coach for the Cobras. Rayl will be the first coach of the newly formed JV Baseball program at Coker College, starting competition in the fall of 2009.

Rayl comes to Coker from Anderson University in Indiana where he has served as the Assistant Coach for the Anderson University Ravens for the past four seasons. Prior to his coaching at Anderson, Rayl was a four-year catcher for the Ravens, leading them to a third place finish in the NCAA Division III Championships in 2003.

"Coach Rayl is an outstanding recruiter of student-athletes," said Coker College Director of Athletics Tim Griggs. "In addition, we believe he will be an excellent leader and role model on the Coker campus. We are very pleased to have him join our staff."

In addition to his work at Anderson, Rayl has coached at nearly every level of baseball, including being the current Assistant Coach at Highland High School in Anderson, IN, and serving as head coach of the Anderson Servants of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League.

"I am very happy and excited to accept this position with Coker College and the baseball program," said Rayl. "I am hoping to come in and complement Coach Schmotzer in a way that will allow the program to continue to improve and make a championship run."

Rayl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Anderson University and a Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Ball State University. In addition to his duties as JV coach, Rayl will serve as Coker's assistant baseball coach for varsity baseball and the Intramural Program assistant.

UNCP Completes Season Sweep of Coker

Courtesy fo Todd Anderson, UNCP SID
3/24/2009

PEMBROKE - UNCP broke open a close game with two runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings on the shoulders of its 21st double-digit hitting tally of the season to rally past Coker, 8-4, and finish off a season sweep of the Cobras Tuesday evening at Sammy Cox Field.

Seth Kivett blasted his team-leading seventh home run of the season to highlight a 2-for-4 night at the plate for UNCP (21-11) who improved to 18-3 against non-conference foes this season with the result. The Braves got two hits and as many RBI from leadoff hitter Kevin Dietrich, with Derek Funk and Keith Whitman each contributing to the 10-hit attack for the hosts with 2-for-4 hitting lines.

The Cobras (15-15) got two hits apiece from its 5-6-7 hitters, with Ellis Logeman pacing the attack with his first home run of the season on a 2-for-4 night at the plate. Trevin Taber and Karl Ankersen both turned in 2-for-4 performances as well.

UNCP freshman righthander Jake Dailey (3-0) shook off a rough start to register his third win of the season, striking out five and scattering six hits across a seven innings of work from the mound. Reliever Tom Oschip (2-2) struck out three and allowed just one hit in two innings of work, but saddled the tough-luck loss anyway after surrendering two runs (one earned) in the seventh.

Coker shook off the ill effects of a close play at the plate with Logeman's three-run homer in the top of the second to light up the scoreboard first, but the Braves - aided by a costly balk by starter Jesse Hatchell - sent its entire order to the plate and scored four runs to take the one-run advantage into the third.

The Cobras used their short game to rally for a run in the sixth, using a leadoff single by Kevin Schlange and an ensuing sac bunt by Kyle Walker to set the tables for Taber's two-out game-tying single two batters later.

However, the night proved to be all Black and Gold as the Braves used a RBI double by Dietrich and an ill-timed passed ball to score two in the seventh, and then added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth on a solo shot by Kivett and a costly fielding error by the Cobras on a routine pop fly to right field.

Barring rain expected to move into the state of North Carolina overnight, UNCP will return to the diamond on Wednesday when the squad make the short trip to Lenoir to battle 17th-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne (20-7) at Bears Field. First pitch has been set for 5 p.m.

Coker will continue a five-game road trip on Wednesday when the Cobras travel to Newberry (11-13) for a 7 p.m. contest at Smith Road Complex.

Recall of Asadero and Oaxaca Cheeses due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan announces the recall of Asadero and Oaxaca soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

A routine sample of Asadero cheese, taken by an inspector from the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Food and Dairy Division on February 23, 2009, was subsequently tested by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Products were distributed to the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The recalled Asadero and Oaxaca cheese products were distributed to retails stores and delis in 10 lb balls, 16- and 12 oz plastic packages, sold under the name “Aguas Calientes”. Product was also sold in 6 lb blocks shrink-wrapped in clear plastic, under the name “El Jaliciense”. Packaging may also include a label with the name “Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC”

The recall encompasses all productions dates between August 1, 2008 (expiration date 10/29/2008) and February 27, 2009 (expiration date 5/10/2009).

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recalled products.

Consumers and retailers are urged to return all unused recalled product to the manufacturer.

Consumers with questions may contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 517-368-5990.

Defending National Champs down Patriots by identical 7-2 scores

FLORENCE, SC – The nationally ranked Francis Marion University men’s and women’s tennis teams lost a pair of 7-2 decisions to Armstrong Atlantic State University, Tuesday evening (March 24) on the Kassab Courts.

The Patriot Women, ranked ninth, drop to 12-3 overall and 5-2 in the Peach Belt Conference. AASU, the defending NCAA Division II national champions, improve to 13-0 and 8-0, and win for the 27th straight outing. It is only the second time in the past four seasons that AASU has lost two individuals matches (points) in a PBC contest. The other occurrance came on April 16, 2007, also at Francis Marion.

Francis Marion served for the No. 3 doubles match and with it a 2-1 overall match lead, but the Lady Pirates rallied to win in a tie-breaker and thus held a 2-1 advantage after doubles play. The Patriot duo of Jitka Gavdunova and Kristyna Horakova did record an 8-4 win over the nation’s fourth-ranked doubles team (Martina Beckmann/Alida Muller-Wehlau) at the No.1 doubles position.

Gavdunova accounted for FMU’s other win, defeating 18th-ranked Gabriella Kovacs in straight sets at No. 3 singles.

In the men’s match, fifth-ranked AASU (12-1, 5-1) won all three doubles matches en route to a 3-0 lead. AASU is also the men’s defending national champion. Francis Marion, ranked 11th, falls to 10-4 and 2-4. It is the third straight home loss for the Patriot Men, coming at the hands of the country’s 18th-, fourth-, and fifth-ranked squads.

FMU’s two wins came at the top two singles spots, including sophomore Oshada Wijemanne defeating the nation’s number-one ranked singles player Edualdo Bonet 7-5, 4-6, 12-10. Patriot sophomore Dilshod Sharifi beat 11th-ranked Paul Bishop at No.2 singles 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (0-7), 10-7.

Both FMU squads will play host to Augusta State University on Thursday at 3 p.m.


Women’s Tennis Match Results
Armstrong Atlantic vs Francis Marion University
Mar 24, 2009 at Florence, SC

#1 Armstrong Atlantic 7, #9 Francis Marion University 2
Singles competition
1. #1 Sona Novakova (AASU) def. #9 Tereza Sykorova (FMU) 6-1, 6-2
2. #8 Alida Muller-Wehlau (AASU) def. Kristyna Horakova (FMU) 6-4, 6-3
3. Jitka Gavdunova (FMU) def. #18 Gabriella Kovacs (AASU) 7-6 (7-3), 6-4
4. #38 Martina Beckmann (AASU) def. Valeska Ibscher (FMU) 6-4, 6-4
5. Tina Ronel (AASU) def. Sabina Baberadova (FMU) 4-6, 6-2, 11-9
6. #33 Alisa Kagukina (AASU) def. Saskia Ludwig (FMU) 6-1, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Jitka Gavdunova/Kristyna Horakova (FMU) def. #4 Martina Beckmann/Alida Muller-Wehlau (AASU) 8-4
2. #11 Sona Novakova/Gabriella Kovacs (AASU) def. Valeska Ibscher/Saskia Ludwig (FMU) 8-1
3. Tina Ronel/Kathleen Henry (AASU) def. Tereza Sykorova/Sabina Baberadova (FMU) 9-8 (7-2)

Match Notes:
Armstrong Atlantic 13-0, 8-0; National ranking #1; Regional ranking #1
Francis Marion University 12-3, 5-2; National ranking #9; Regional ranking #3
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles ()
AASU has won 27 straight matches
T-4:30 A-43

Men’s Tennis Match Results
Armstrong Atlantic vs Francis Marion University
Mar 24, 2009 at Florence, SC

#5 Armstrong Atlantic 7, #11 Francis Marion University 2
Singles competition
1. #7 Oshada Wijemanne (FMU) def. #1 Edualdo Bonet (AASU) 7-5, 4-6, 12-10
2. Dilshod Sharifi (FMU) def. #11 Paul Bishop (AASU) 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (0-7), 10-7
3. Mikk Irdoja (AASU) def. Michael Hafke (FMU) 3-0, default
4. Paul Fitzgerald (AASU) def. Mario Kieck (FMU) 6-4, 4-6, 10-8
5. #37 Rafael Array (AASU) def. Karl Rogers (FMU) 6-1, 6-2
6. #21 Tim Johannsen (AASU) def. Dirk Bair (FMU) 6-1, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. Paul Bishop/Mikk Irdoja (AASU) def. Oshada Wijemanne/Dilshod Sharifi (FMU) 8-5
2. #8 Rafael Array/Tim Johannsen (AASU) def. Matthew Keth/Karl Rogers (FMU) 8-1
3. Edualdo Bonet/Akos Torok (AASU) def. Dirk Bair/Mario Kieck (FMU) 8-4

Match Notes:
Armstrong Atlantic 12-1, 5-1; National ranking #5; Regional ranking #2
Francis Marion University 10-4, 2-4; National ranking #11; Regional ranking #4
Order of finish: Doubles (,2,3,1); Singles ()
Official: Mike Duff T-4:30 A-43


Michael G. Hawkins

Cobra Golf 13th After opening Rounds of Bobcat Invitational

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
3/23/2009

Eatonton, Ga. - The Coker Golf Team sits in 13th place after the first two rounds of the Bobcat Invitational at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. Leading the field on the par-70 6,730 course is Columbus State, with host Georgia College & State in second place.

The Cobras shot 308 as a team in the first round, but dropped 16 strokes in round two shooting 292. Leading the Cobras is John LaDow (Pottstown, PA) with a pair of two over 72 rounds, while Jimmy Gilliam (Tyrone, PA) who shot 78 and 72. Chris Marsh (Georgetown, SC) shot 81, 75, followed by Jared Crane (Greenville, SC) with a 77 and an 80 and Diego Polo (Guatemala City, Guatemala) shooting 85 and 73.

Coker will complete the final round of the Bobcat Invitational on Tuesday.

This Week's Healthy SC Challenge Tips

The Healthy SC Challenge is the Sanford family's effort to get all South Carolinians to do just a little more to live a healthier lifestyle. The tips are designed to encourage individuals and communities to live healthier lifestyles in three categories - nutrition, exercise and help to quit smoking.

Nutrition
Developed by cancer researchers from Johns Hopkins and now available in the produce aisle of most standard grocers, brocco sprouts are exploding with health-boosting goodness. They contain 20 times more of nature's anti-cancer wonder chemical, sulforaphane, than mature broccoli in addition to a nice dose of fiber, vitamin C and folate. A new study out just last week reported that sulforaphane also decreases respiratory inflammation by stimulating our innate antioxidant enzyme systems (Clinical Immunology, Mar 09). Throw them into your salads or add to your sandwiches. Look for the "Brassica" brand for best results.
-Dr. Ann Kulze, Nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert

Physical Activity
Changes in muscle mass and strength are directly related to changes in balance, and become most obvious in middle age. Most stumbles or falls result in a twisted or sprained ankle. Ankle injuries can take up 6 weeks to heal. So a preventative approach to injury is well worth a few minutes of your day! Try these strengthening exercises while at your desk or at the kitchen table.

1. Standing toe rises- can you balance with finger tips lightly on the table or desk for 5, 10,or 20 seconds? Try 20 -30 standing toe rise repetitions, and then progress to balancing for short periods.

2. Ankle circles- rotate your ankles in both directions, 10-15 circular motions with knees fully extended.

3. Ankle pumps-with knees fully extended, slowly point your toes as far as possible and then flex the foot toward you far as possible, feeling a good stretch at each end point.

These exercises will start you on the way to better calf and foot strength. Completion of these exercise with your legs fully extended when sitting will also start some thigh/quadriceps strengthening. Remember, to gain muscle strength and stay fit requires only doing more than at present. No matter how small the increase, more exercise, means a more fit you!
-Pam deMent, RPT, MAS- Lexington Medical Center-Lexington, SC

Tobacco
What's a good way to help a cigarette smoker quit? The first move has to come from the smoker. People who really want to quit smoking stand a better chance of sticking to their decision. Letting a person know you care and that you are "there for them" can be a big help. Ask a smoker, "How can I help?" If the person can't come up with ideas right away, wait until you get some clues. Most smokers would like to be free of cigarettes.
-American Lung Association

Patriots and Royals trade off 4-2 softball decisions

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Freshman Ashley Jaramillo hit a first-inning three-run homer and senior Kayla Ruede added a solo shot to lead 17th-ranked Francis Marion University to a 4-2 game-one win over Queens University of Charlotte on Sunday afternoon (March 22), but the Royals returned the favor with a 4-2 victory in the second contest.

Francis Marion is now 23-8 overall and will play a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader at USC Aiken on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

FMU pitchers combined to hold Queens to a combined 10 hits on the day.

In game one, Jaramillo’s shot gave the Patriots an early 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the first frame, Queens scored once on an RBI-single by Megan Campbell.

Queens’ starter Chantel Dodge (8-9) gave up just one hit to the Patriots in the next three innings, while the Royals scored a second run on a solo homer by Kari Kmetic in the third inning.

In the fifth frame, Ruede pounded her four-bagger to account for the 4-2 final score. The senior catcher was the lone Patriot with multiple hits (2-for-3) in the opener.

Queens had an opportunity to rally in the bottom of the fifth, but stranded three batters on base.

Francis Marion junior lefty Michaela Wolf (13-5) got the win with a complete-game effort while striking out eight and scattering five hits.

Dodge’s first career home run, a first-inning grand slam, gave Queens (13-14) the game-two win.

The Patriots rallied with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings on run-scoring hits by Shannan Tyson and Stevie Arrand.

FMU freshman right-hander Lauren Bubeck (7-3) gave up five hits and struck out two. Senior Lakyn Bendle, Jaramillo, and Arrand all had two hits apiece for Francis Marion in the second contest.


Michael G. Hawkins

CSU downs Patriots 6-1 to capture PBC baseball series

FLORENCE, S.C. — Junior leadoff man Alex Montes chopped a two-run infield single in the top of the fourth inning to help Columbus State University to a 6-1 win over 15th-ranked Francis Marion University, Sunday afternoon (March 22) and to a series win in the three-game Peach Belt Conference baseball weekend set.

FMU falls to 19-10-1 overall and 7-6 in the PBC, while CSU (17-11, 7-4) climbs to within a half-game of the conference lead.

FMU plays a PBC doubleheader at North Georgia College & State University on Saturday at 1 p.m. Columbus State entertains Faulkner University on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

CSU righty starter Anthony Arrington (2-1) held Francis Marion to one run on nine hits in seven innings of work. Senior Blake Norrell finished the contest with two scoreless innings.

FMU junior right-hander Erik Sommerville (3-2) was tagged with the loss as he allowed four runs on six hits in 3.2 innings.

Both teams rapped out 10 hits, but the Patriots stranded 14 base runners, including the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Altogether in the three-game series, FMU left 35 runners on bases.

Francis Marion sophomore first baseman Preston Shuey was 3-for-4 and drove in FMU’s lone run in the fourth inning with a single through the left side. Senior catcher Jared Barkdoll was 2-for-4 and junior outfielder Alex Lee was 2-for-3.

CSU shortstop Eric Skinner was 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI, while right fielder Brad Bowen was 2-for-3 with a run scored and a run batted in.

Bowen’s RBI-single through the left side gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the second. CSU plated three runs in the fourth frame, the first two coming without the ball leaving the infield. A walk, a balk, an infield single, and a stolen base set the stage for Montes’ key hit that upped the margin to 3-0. He bounced the ball between first and second base where it was partially smothered by the diving second baseman. However, because the first baseman ranged off the bag, there was no play at first and when the ball squirted away, both runners scored.

A single to center by Skinner later scored Montes with the third run of the inning.

After Francis Marion trimmed the margin to 4-1, Montes drove in a run with an infield grounder in the sixth, and Brian Gordon delivered a run-scoring single to right center in the ninth to account for the final CSU run.


Michael G. Hawkins

FMU golfers finish sixth at Linger Longer Invitational

GREENSBORO, GA – Francis Marion University shot a final-round 296 team score to remain in sixth place at the Linger Longer Invitational Golf Tournament, Saturday afternoon (March 21) in Greensboro, Ga.

The University of Georgia (867) edged Oklahoma State University (869) by two strokes for the team title, while Wichita State University (882) was third. Mercer University (885) was fourth, while Eastern Michigan University (895), Francis Marion (899), Purdue University (906), Kennesaw State University (907), University of New Orleans (908), and Winthrop University (934) rounded out the top 10.

Junior Matt Jackson led the FMU golfers as he carded a final-round 2-under-par 70 to finish tied for 13th place at 221. Senior Keith Crowley (73-75-74=222) tied for 15th, while Christopher Couch (78-76-76=230) and Andrew Pitcher (76-78-76=230) both tied for 39th, and Peter McGibney (86-74-77=237) placed 60th.

Trent Whitekiller of Oklahoma State earned medalist honors by firing a 6-under-par 66 on the final day for a 54-hole total of 208.

Francis Marion will compete in the Furman University Intercollegiate, March 27-29, in Greenville, S.C.



Linger Longer Invitational
Reynolds Landing in Greensboro, GA
FINAL RESULTS
1 2 3 Team Scores
No. Team Scores
1 Georgia 291-288-288=867 +3
2 Oklahoma State 295-284-290=869 +5
3 Wichita State Univ. 293-292-297=882 +18
4 Mercer University 295-297-293=885 +21
5 Eastern Michigan U. 299-288-308=895 +31
6 Francis Marion U. 304-299-296=899 +35
7 Purdue 310-301-295=906 +42
8 Kennesaw St. Univ. 308-298-301=907 +43
9 New Orleans, U. of 304-304-300=908 +44
10 Winthrop University 311-312-311=934 +70
11 Connecticut, U. of 322-310-307=939 +75
12 Cincinnati, U. of 315-308-319=942 +78
13 St. John's Univ. 318-316-316=950 +86


Michael G. Hawkins