Point U!(betcha)

Newsletter of the University of Minnesota Golddiggers Booster Club

Volume 2007 Issue 5

October 10, 2007

 

 

Point U!

 

 


In this issue

 

 


 

Coach’s Corner

 

From Coach Hebert:

Greetings to all of my Golddigger friends. It will be nice to return to the comfortable confines of the Sports Pavilion!

We just completed the toughest road trip in the conference and came back with a split. We were satisfied with that. Not only are Ohio State and Penn State two of the best teams in the Big Ten on an annual basis, but it is almost impossible to get from one place to the other for back to back matches on Friday and Saturday. The trip is rendered even more difficult when there is a football game at either school. We arrived at Penn State on Saturday, for example, and the only hotel space available for us were two meeting rooms…no beds for rest, no private bathrooms, and nowhere to get away from things. The only place to sit or lay down was on the floor of the meeting rooms. There were no hotel rooms available because of a home football game that same weekend at Penn State. This is not exactly the best way to prepare for the #3 team in the nation after playing a tough five game match the night before.

Ohio State has been a see-saw team all season…up and down. For the first two games we saw the OSU team that lost to Purdue and Indiana. In the next two games we saw the OSU team that lost 16-14 in the fifth game to #4 ranked USC. We prevailed in the fifth by serving tough and playing well in the match-deciding points. An interesting thing about the match was that we had worked all week on an OSU game plan that featured specific players in specific positions. But Coach Jim Stone threw a curveball at us when he put an entirely different line up on the floor to start the match. Briana McCarthy was setting (she had not played that position all year). Kristin Dozier (a middle hitter) was playing as an outside hitter…you get the idea. It was a difficult adjustment for us. And to make matters worse, all of the OSU folks told us that this was the best they had played all season and they had finally settled on a line up that they liked. Add to this the fact that the OSU fans were extremely hostile and distracting. As a result, I was mighty proud of how well our players stood firm at the end of the match and walked away with the win.

On to Happy Valley! After a first game that saw PSU play flawlessly, the Gophers settled in to play some very good volleyball. Russ Rose told me after the match that it was the best they had played all season. They were very physical and skilled. But our team hung tough and displayed a feistiness that will help us in the long run.

The Gophers are on track. A 12-4 overall record (5-1 in conference play) puts us right about where I had hoped we would be at this point of the season. Our passing continues to be erratic, although not nearly as bad as some think. We actually out passed PSU 2.17 – 2.11 (for those of you who know what these numbers mean). Our block and defense is at the top of the Big Ten statistically (blocks plus digs). But our offense has struggled recently. We need to score more points with kills, and we need to reduce hitting errors. Of course, these same problems are on every team’s list…not just ours.

This weekend will be exciting. Wisconsin and Minnesota are battling for position as we head toward the end of the first round of league action. On paper, the Badgers are favored. But our players are not buying that. We are really counting on our fans to turn out in a major way and create a genuine home court advantage. Illinois follows on Saturday night and they are greatly improved over last season. We’ll need you for this match as well!

We’re hoping Jessy Jones might be available this weekend for at least partial duty.

Don’t forget to stop by for our Chalk Talk before the Wisconsin match!

Head Coach

Minnesota Volleyball

 

From the Golddiggers’ President

 

From Larry Mickelson:

As I reflect upon the upcoming matches against Wisconsin and Illinois I started thinking about rivalries. Specifically, what makes a great rivalry?

 

Here is what I came up with on what makes a great rivalry:

-          Competitive teams

-          Matches mean something

-          Proximity of schools

-          Passionate fans

 

Competitive teams: A rivalry needs to have teams that tend to be evenly matched.  A team that dominates over the other diminishes the excitement surrounding the event.  Each team may have stretches where they are more dominating but over all they should be rather even.

 

Matches mean something: While both teams may be evenly matched if the winner of the match finishes 8th and the loser finishes 9th, the match loses some luster.  This can change, however, if one team is down and has the opportunity to knock off the other from the top perch.

 

History: A rivalry takes time to build.  “New” rivalries will pop up from time to time but they can’t hold a candle to those rivalries which have tradition.

 

Proximity of the schools/teams:  It helps a rivalry if fans from each team can travel to the other location rather easily.  Having fans from the opposing team make the trip into your building and vice-versa raises the excitement level of both players and fans.

 

Passionate fans: Not much fun can be had in a rivalry if the fans don’t care.  When the fans of both teams make the effort to attend the big matches to cheer on their teams it makes for a great atmosphere.  It is great to see the visiting fans come into your building and for your fans to walk into the rival’s building.  As long as each fan base treats the other with respect, nothing is better.

 

Which is why the Wisconsin rivalry is so great.  It has all the elements I mentioned above.  The teams are competitive nationally and with each other (the series is tied at 30 matches a piece), both WI and MN tend to be in the upper half of the standings (usually in the top 3), the series goes back over 30 years, fans can attend matches at the other’s school with a drive of only a few hours (or take a bus!  See below for the MN road trip to WI!), and the fans of both teams get into the match.

 

That is what makes the WI/MN match such a “must see” and why the excitement level is a bit higher than a match over, say, Iowa.

 

So, rest your voice and lungs and have them ready for Friday night!!!!  See you at the Pav!!!

 

Point U!

Larry Mickelson, President, Golddiggers

 

 

 

Meet the Gophers

 

Note: Photos courtesy of the University of Minnesota (although we didn’t actually ask for permission).

 

During the Michigan match you had to go in for Jess Jones when she was injured.  What is it like having to go with such little notice?

As a player on the bench you are always ready to go in and do whatever you can for the team. I have to know how to go in and do what I can in whatever situation is thrown at me.  There is no way to prepare for the feeling you have when your best friend goes down and you have to ignore her and think about how you can go in and help your teammates win the match.  However, having the chance to prove that I am capable in a time of need was something I was happy to embrace.

Describe your feelings/emotions before the start of the Ohio State match?  How did things change throughout the match?

My mind set was definitely different than normal in warm-ups.  It’s a great feeling knowing that you are going to be out there impacting the team.  As the match went on I was able to get into a rhythm which created more comfort and confidence.  Its much easier playing for a whole game rather than for a few points here and there.  

During your first two years at Minnesota your primary role has been to come in off the bench.  What do you do to stay ready for when you are called upon?

Its hard to stay one hundred percent warm while on the bench but I do an occasional cheer and a jump to stay loose ;)  

Earlier this year you played some at the right side position.  What was that like?  Had you played that position before? 

You don’t have as much ground to cover so it was a nice break after coming from the middle where you are constantly moving along the entire net.  I really enjoy both positions even though they are very different.  I played some right side in high school so I am pretty comfortable with it.  There are minor adjustments with the block and high ball sets that I had to review but besides that it was pretty natural. 

Katie V., Rachel, and you are all from the Illinois area and arrived at MN the same time.  Did you know each other prior to coming to MN?

Me and Katie were on the same club team since freshman year so yes, we definitely knew each other very well..  I met Rachel when I heard some girl from fusion (her club team) was looking at Minnesota.  Since I had already committed I went and introduced myself to her.  When she committed we got to know each other much better but we had been playing each other for a few years prior. 

Can you describe what it was like when you were being recruited?  Not only by MN but by other schools as well?

It is really the first major decision I had ever made so I was pretty overwhelmed.  There were a lot of people who were giving me their opinions but when it came down to it I wanted to go where it felt right for me.  I loved talking to all the players and coaches and getting to see University campuses.  But when it came down to making a decision that was a little more stressful.  Every different school had great qualities but Minnesota had the most for me on the volleyball side and the academic side.  I really wanted to stay Big Ten and Minnesota felt like a home away from home more than any other place I visited.   

What was it about MN that made you decide to play for the Gophers?

See above

Your bio states you like to travel.  What are the favorite places you have traveled to thus far?  Where/what do you still want to see?

Last summer my dad and my sister and I were able to go to Germany after the European tour.  Our family is from their so it was great to see where my heritage came from.  Berlin was one of my favorite cities.  It has so much history yet is very contemporary as well.  I also love Hawaii.  I learned how to surf last summer and I fell in love.  Other favorites are Florida, Colorado, Cabo, and Italy.  I am taking a class that goes to Argentina over Christmas break which I am really looking forward to.  I also would love to travel to South Africa and New Zealand.   

It appears you have a fan club that attends many of the home matches.  Who is in this fan club?

My mom and my dad make it to almost every game.  But the fan club you are probably referring to is my boyfriend and all of his crazy friends and teammates from Minnesota State.  They definitely know how to make a statement!  They typically drive a long way to come support us too.  They’re great…. They make their visits worth while!     

What are you studying in school?  What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I’m getting a Business degree in Marketing and plan to work in sports retail or real estate. 

What has been the best part of your MN experience so far?

Being able to be around these amazing girls everyday…. I also loved the European tour.

Now for the easy stuff!

 

If I didn’t play volleyball I would…  Play golf.  They have the coolest tournaments of any sport!

 

When I need to relax I…  Clean…. I know its kind of pathetic

 

My favorite food is…  Mac and Cheese but don’t tell Mike because it is definitely not zone friendly!!

 

The movie I could watch again and again is…  A league of Their Own

 

If I could go anywhere in the world for vacation I would go to…  Because…

New Zealand.  I’ve been told it’s the most beautiful place on earth.  Plus they speak English.

 

 

Announcements

 

Merchandise

Merchandise which was ordered during the first go around is now available and, hopefully, the second set of merchandise will be available this weekend as well.  See Betty Cipperly to claim your order and make payment if necessary.

 

Thanks to Betty for organizing the merchandise program!!!!

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Reception
We will be holding a Golddigger reception after the Illinois match on Saturday night.  If you see one of DuAnn’s Angels please thank them for all they do!  If you would like to be one of DuAnn’s Angels let her know.

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Coats for Kids

There is a “Coats for Kids” promotion scheduled for the Illinois match on Saturday, October 13th.  Bring a winter coat to the match to donate to the program and admission is free!  Great opportunity to put those good winter coats which you don’t use anymore to good use.  Also, a great opportunity to get friends and neighbors to attend a match.  Bring a coat, have them bring a coat and tell them you’ll pay for their ticket.  That’s gotta be at least two steps towards sainthood!

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Bus Trip to Wisconsin

Don’t forget about the road trip to Wisconsin on Saturday, November 24th, for the final match of the Big 10 season!  Cost is $45 for Golddigger members which includes the bus fare and ticket to the match.  Sign up by November 1st so we can get an estimated count for the bus company.  Non-GD members are also welcome.  Their cost is $50 for the bus and ticket.


See JT to sign up.

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First Chalk Talk Scheduled for this Friday, October 12th!!!

The always popular Chalk Talks featuring Associate Head Coach Scott Swanson are tentatively scheduled for the Williams Arena Club Room on the following dates:

 

            Friday, October 12th                  Prior to the Wisconsin match, 5:30-6:15 PM

            Friday, October 26th                  Prior to the Penn State match, 5:30-6:15 PM

            Saturday, November 17th            Prior to the Northwestern match 5:30-6:15 PM

 

These are great opportunities to find out what the team’s strategy will be for that night.  Very good stuff!

 

Please note: You will need to enter thru the Daily Entrance area along University Ave.  You will need your ticket to get into the Pav, into Williams’ Arena, AND back into the Pav.  Be sure to keep your ticket with you at all times.

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Compliance

As we are fully into the Big Ten season we as boosters need to remember our roles and responsibilities concerning the NCAA compliance.  No one intends to break any rules set forth by the NCAA but we need to be aware of them.  Some rules are obvious – no giving of cash, no gifts, etc.  However, there are other rules that aren’t as well known.  The Big Ten season is an ideal time for coaches to bring in recruits who are considering choosing MN as their college.  These recruits come to MN on visits including matches.  It is tempting to show them MN hospitality by welcoming them to the campus, hope things are going well, and how nice it would be to see them in the maroon and gold.  However, contact by booster club members with recruits is prohibited which is why you will often times see coaches near a recruit.  They are there to protect us from ourselves.  So, the best way to impress a recruit is by showing up at matches, cheering loudly and positively for our Gophers, attending and enjoying the receptions.  Show the recruits the enthusiastic support they will receive once they make that wise decision to matriculate (how’s that for a college word!) at the U of MN as well as play volleyball for the best program in the country!

 

In addition, JT Bruett (not our JT) of the Compliance office is sending out compliance issues of which we need to be aware.  Here is this week’s topic:

Extra Benefits

The NCAA defines an extra benefit as any special arrangement for a prospective or current student-athlete or the student-athlete’s relatives or friends.

Examples of extra benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Cash
  • Gifts
  • Monetary loans or cosigning of loans
  • A vehicle or use of a vehicle,
  • Payment for or the arrangement of transportation
  • Free or reduced cost goods or services,
  • Free or reduced cost housing. 

Student-athletes who receive any extra benefits are immediately ineligible for intercollegiate competition, they must repay the entire amount of the benefit, and they often must petition to the NCAA for reinstatement of their eligibility. In cases in which boosters provide the extra benefit, the NCAA or institution often imposes penalties related to disassociation of the booster from the athletic program.

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Also, we would very much like to hear from YOU!  Former Gophers, out-of-town members, Hollywood celebrities -- whomever -- please email us at the address below, let us know what you are up to,  pass on suggestions or questions for the Point U!(betcha), or hammer the coaching staff for their time-out usage -- it’s up to you. The coaching staff has also generously offered to answer questions submitted to them through this newsletter. We look forward to all your input.

 

Rankings

Rank  School (1st-Place Votes)   Record

    1    Nebraska (52)                    14-0

    2    Stanford (8)                       16-0

    3    Penn State                        14-2

    4    UCLA                                14-2

    5    Florida                              15-0

    6    Southern California             14-2

    7    Texas                               10-3

    8    Washington                       16-0

    9    Wisconsin                         14-1

   10    California                           12-4

   11    Minnesota                         12-4

   12    Hawai’i                              13-3

   13    Duke                                 12-3

   14    Dayton                              19-0

   15    Michigan                           15-3

   16    Kansas State                    13-5

   17    San Diego                         12-5

   18    LSU                                  15-2

   19    Oregon                              14-4

   20    New Mexico State              16-3

   21    Ohio                                 13-4

   22    St. John’s                          20-3

   23    Colorado State                   11-4

   24    Cal Poly                            10-7

   25    Oklahoma                         14-3

Others Receiving Votes and appearing on two or more ballots: Louisville 85; Middle Tennessee 78;

Sacramento State 63; Pepperdine 52; BYU 38; Long Beach State 37; Wichita State 20; Iowa State 14;

Missouri State 8; UNLV 7; Santa Clara 6; Clemson 3; Miami (OH) 3.

Dropped out: BYU (23)

National Update

 

A quick look at the AVCA’s top ten ranked teams (excluding the Big10 schools):

 

Nebraska Nebraska stayed clean last week as they swept #17 Kansas State and Colorado.  Nebraska is now 14-0 and has only lost one GAME this entire season.  Next up for the Cornhuskers is a home match against Iowa State on Wednesday and a road match at #25 Oklahoma.

 

Stanford – Stanford visited the state of Oregon and weren’t very nice guests as they swept both #19 Oregon and Oregon State in running their record to 16-0.  Cynthia Barboza was named the National Player of the Week on the strength of 35 kills (5.83/game) on .471 hitting and also recorded 4.17 digs/game.  This weekend the Cardinal host Washington State (coached by former MN asst. Brian Heffernan) and #8 Washington.

 

Penn Statesee below

 

UCLA – UCLA had one match last weekend but it was a big one as they hosted USC.  The match featured the #4 and #5 ranked teams which had implications on the national and Pac 10 seasons.  The Bruins walked away with a 3-1 victory and bragging rights in the City of Angels.  Next up for the Bruins are visits from #19 Oregon and Oregon State.

 

FloridaFlorida remains undefeated at 15-0 after sweeping both Kentucky and Tennessee (what has happened to Tennessee after their final four season of 2005?).  In the Kentucky match setter Angie McGinnis became the all-time assist leader at Florida.  The previous record was held by Heidi Anderson and was set 15 years ago.  Up next for the Gators is a home match against South Carolina on Wednesday and a road match at Arkansas on Friday.

 

USC – As mentioned above, the Trojans visited UCLA last week and walked away with a 1-3 loss with dropped them to 14-2 overall and 3-2 in Pac 10 play.  Like their cross-town rivals, USC will host #19 Oregon and Oregon State this weekend.

 

TexasTexas had a couple of road matches last week as they traveled to Texas A&M and #16 Kansas State.  They swept TAMU but had to battle to earn a 3-2 victory over Kansas State.  The Longhorns return home this week for matches against Baylor and Kansas.

 

Washington Washington finished the week still undefeated at 16-0 as they swept both Arizona and Arizona State.  ASU battled Washington (31-29, 30-24, 30-27) tough on Thursday but the Huskies rebounded with a serious thrashing of Arizona (30-15, 30-14, 30-22).  Washington heads down to the City By The Bay as they take on #2 Stanford and #10 Cal.  Should be some great volleyball!

 

Wisconsinsee below

 

CaliforniaLike Stanford, Cal traveled to Oregon and were not very nice to the Ducks and Beavers as they took out both teams.  The 3-1 win over #19 Oregon was the 150th win for Rich Feller as the coach at Cal.  Cal went on to sweep Oregon State the following night.  Cal will host #8 Washington this weekend as well as Washington State.

 

Matches of note this week

We will try to identify some of the top matches of the upcoming weekend.  This is not an all inclusive list!

 

Pac 10        Thursday     Washington @ California

                  Friday         Washington @ Stanford

Big 12         Saturday     Nebraska @ Oklahoma (at 5-1 in conference play can Oklahoma compete with Nebraska?)

 

Big10 Update

The Big Ten Conference, website masthead/logo standings as of Oct 09, 2007:

 
                        Conference  Games           Overall   Games
  Institution               W-L    For Opp   Pct      W-L    For Opp   Pct
  -----------               ---    --- ---   ---      ---    --- ---   ---
  WIS.................      6-0     18   3 1.000     14-1     44   8  .933
  PSU.................      6-0     18   0 1.000     14-2     44  10  .875
  MINN................      5-1     15   5  .833     12-4     39  16  .750
  MICH................      3-3     11  11  .500     15-3     47  18  .833
  IND.................      3-3      9  14  .500     12-6     36  30  .667
  PUR.................      3-3      9  11  .500     10-7     33  29  .588
  ILL.................      2-4     13  14  .333     10-6     41  23  .625
  OSU.................      2-4     11  13  .333      8-7     31  22  .533
  NU..................      1-5      5  17  .167     10-7     33  25  .588
  MSU.................      1-5      6  16  .167     10-8     35  28  .556
  IOWA................      1-5      6  17  .167      9-8     34  31  .529

 

2007 conference statistics are at:  http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/confstat.html

 

Last week’s results (home team in bold):

September 28     Illinois 3, Michigan State 2
Penn State 3, Indiana 0
Iowa 3, Michigan 2
Wisconsin 3, Northwestern 1
Purdue 3, Ohio State 0

September 29     Illinois 3, Northwestern 0
Indiana 3, Ohio State 1
Wisconsin 3, Michigan State 1
Penn State 3, Purdue 0

September 30     Minnesota 3, Michigan 0

October 3             Michigan State 3, Northwestern 1

October 5             Indiana 3, Illinois 2
Penn State 3, Iowa 0
Michigan 3, Michigan State 0
Minnesota 3, Ohio State 2
Wisconsin 3, Purdue 0

October 6         Wisconsin 3, Indiana 0
Ohio