SOFTBALL
The Blue Devils (3-1) are slated to wrap up their spring break trip in Kissimmee, Fla., this week. Stout will play Kean College and Hiram College, Monday, March 8, Cortland and Waynesboro, Wednesday, March 10 and Illinois College and Hiram, Thursday, March 11. Last week: The Blue Devils defeated Maryville University, 3-1, in their opener, then lost to Washington University, 1-0, March 6. Stout defeated John Carroll, 1-0, and Anderson, Ind, University, 8-6, in eight innings, March 7.

BASEBALL
The Blue Devils will get the 2004 season underway when they travel to Texas to face nationally ranked Texas Lutheran and Trinity twice each. Stout will open Monday, March 8 at Texas Lutheran, then play there again, Tuesday, March 9. Stout will be at Trinity University, March 10 and March 11.

GYMNASTICS
The Blue Devils were scheduled to be at Winona State, Friday, March 12, but that meet was cancelled. Last week: Stout finished fifth at the WIAC Gymnastics Championships, March 5.

WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD
The Blue Devils will be at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, March 12-13, at UW-Whitewater. Marci Schachtner, Ann Schachtner and Laura Verdegan are expected to compete. Last week: Stout placed sixth at the WIAC Championships, March 6.

MEN'S TRACK & FIELD
The Blue Devils will be at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, March 12-13, at UW-Whitewater. Craig Kotsmith and Dave Hanson are on the bubble as far as advancing to the meet. Last week: Stout placed seventh at the WIAC Championships, March 6.

Softball

March 7, 2004

KISSIMMEE, Fla - UW-Stout ran their record to 3-1 with an eight inning, 8-6, win over Anderson University, Sunday, March 7 at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.

Stout played catch-up the entire game, scoring a run in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 6-6. The Blue Devils scored two runs in the decisive eighth inning. With the international tie-breaker in force, Kelly Spittel (Fr, Menomonee Falls) was placed on second. Kim Caswell (Sr, Stanley) moved her to third with a single. Caswell stole second to put runners on second and third Spittel scored on a sacrifice when Melissa Coon (So, Cudahy) lifted the ball to the left field. Caswell advanced to third on the throw. Caswell scored on a suicide squeeze layed down by Erin O'Connell (Jr, Altoona).

Earlier in the day, Stout downed John Carroll College, 1-0, when Coon led off the bottom of the sixth with a single, then stole second. O'Connell drove her home with a double. O'Connell sealed the game in the top of the seventh when she made a diving catch on a foul ball for the third out.

Megan Donley (So, Fridley, Minn) allowed only one runner past second and gave up three hits, with three strikeouts and two walks.

Stout will play Hiram College and Kean College Monday, March 8.

March 6, 2004

The Blue Devils (1-1) defeated Maryville University, 3-1, in the first game, then fell to Washington University, 1-0.

The Blue Devils scored their first two runs in the second inning on a fluke play. With Melissa Coon (So, Cudahy) and Jackie Davidsavor (Fr, Luck) on base, Kim Caswell (Sr, Stanley) ripped a ball to the outfield, scoring Coon. Davidsavor scored when the fielder hit the umpire in the back of the head with the ball, allowing Davidsavor to score, but holding Caswell at first.

Caswell stole second, then scored on an error by the shortstop. Maryville got their only run in the third inning.

Against Washington, a team that qualified to the NCAA playoffs last season, the Blue Devils gave up an unearned run in the first inning.

The Bears led off their first inning with a single, then moved the runner on a sacrifice. The runner advanced to third on a passed ball, then scored on a wild pitch.

March 4, 2004

Verdegan was placed on the team for the second consecutive season and leads the conference in steals (2.96) and blocked shots (1.85), while ranking sixth in field goal percentage (.500) and eighth in free throw percentage (.767).

Verdegan set a school single-season record with 50 blocked shots this year and also holds the school’s all-time mark with 140. Verdegan was also recognized on the league’s all-defensive team for the third straight season to become the first Blue Devil to earn all-defensive honors three consecutive years. Verdegan is only the fifth player in league history to earn all-defensive honors three times.

With what Blue Devil coach Mark Thomas calls a perfect basketball body, Verdegan does it all on the court and is a leader in many statistical categories. Since her sophomore year, she has ranked as one of the top two Blue Devils in field goal percentage, minutes, rebounds, steals, blocked shots, and points each season.

Verdegan did not miss a game during her career and has started in all but three games. Verdegan, who averaged 10.2 points per game this year, finished her career with 991 points, ranking her sixth on the all-time scoring list.

"Laura is what being a student athlete is all about," said Thomas. "She is a two sport athlete, has a 3.9 (GPA) in dietetics, never been in trouble, volunteers, never says a bad thing, and does whatever is asked."

Verdegan isn’t the most vocal player on the court, yet she is a very disciplined player who leads by example, said Thomas.

However, what makes her feared in this conference doesn't show through any stat. Getting past the Blue Devils' press, led by Verdegan brings frightening thoughts to coaches throughout this league.

She is the biggest reason why the Blue Devil’s press works so well, said Thomas.

Verdegan has showed that she is a big-time difference maker.

"She might have had the biggest impact on this team over the past four years," said Thomas. "She is just all about doing whatever she can to help the team."

Kahl ranks second in the WIAC in steals (2.89) and fourth in scoring (14.0). She led the team in scoring in 13 games this year, including a career-high 25-point effort against Kalamazoo (Mich.). Kahl ranks fourth on the school’s all-time scoring chart with 1,119 points.

During her freshman year, Kahl became a regular starter about a quarter of the way through the season, and she hasn’t lost her spot since. Kahl has only missed one game during her four year career.

As the two guard, Kahl is able to shoot from the outside or drive to the basket.

"She has always been able to finish around the basket," said Thomas. "But she has also developed the ability to shoot from the perimeter. She is most explosive player I have seen in my 17 years of coaching when it comes to going to the hole."

Unlike some great scorers, Kahl is not a one dimensional player. She is a hard worker who hustles everyday and leads by example. She ranks in the top three on her team in rebounds, steals, assists, points, and blocked shots this season.

Earlier this year, Kahl was named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week. During that week, she was named MVP of the Kalamazoo College (Mich.) Hornet Tipoff Classic with 40 points, nine rebounds, eight steals, three assists, and a blocked shot.

Thomas is very proud of everything that Kahl has done over her career.

"She has been a plus for our program," said Thomas. "She will be up there in so many categories when she is done. It is some impressive stuff."

Churchill stepped up even more as the Blue Devils' point guard this year, averaging 10.2 points per game and leading Stout in assists with 105, second in the league. Not afraid to mix it up in the paint, Churchill pulled down 120 rebounds, trailing only Kahl and Verdegan. Churchill ranked sixth in the league in steals (2.52).

Men's Basketball

March 4, 2004

MENOMONIE - UW-Stout guard Jeff Vandenberghe (Sr, Coon Rapids, Minn) was named to the 2003-04 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) men's basketball team.

Vandenberghe drilled a league-leading and school-record 76 three-pointers this season, while ranking third in steals (1.72), seventh in three-point field goal percentage (.409), eighth in scoring (15.3), ninth in free throw percentage (.795) and 10th in assist/turnover ratio (1.00). He made a school-record nine three-pointers against Elmhurst (Ill.) this year and ranks second on UW-Stout’s all-time list with 168 career three-pointers.

Vandenberghe led the Blue Devils in scoring this season, pumping in 382 points and 901 career points, ranking him 27th on the Stout all-time scoring list. Vandenberghe was the WIAC player of the week after his scoring spree at Elmhurst when he scored 39 points.

"I have been coaching for what seems like 100 years," said Andrist, "and I have never had anyone who worked as hard as Jeff on both ends of the court. He is the best overall player that includes attitude, work ethic, and scoring ability."

"We have given him a lot of freedom-the green light to shoot from wherever," said Andrist. "What makes him so unique is that he can shoot from 29 feet instead of 19. Not a lot of kids that can do that."

Vanderbeghe has missed only two games during his four year college career and has started every game for Blue Devils the last two seasons.

Men's Ice Hockey

March 1, 2004

The Blue Devils' leading scorer, forward Mitch Kellin (Sr, Cohasset, Minn/Grand Rapids), and defenseman Todd Wynia (Fr, Minneapolis, Minn/Southwest) were NCHA honorable mention picks.

Dotson, at 6-foot, 3-inches, 190-pounds, finished the season with a 12-8-3 overall record and had a school record four shutout this season, the first shutouts of his collegiate career. Dotson posted a school record goals against average (GAA) of 2.76, with 777 saves and a save percentage of .923, also a school record.

In NCHA games, Dotson finished with a 5-6-2 record with a 2.62 GAA and a .935 saves percentage. He led the NCHA with 532 saves and was second in saves percentage and minutes played (801).

"Dottie is extremely quick for a big man," UW-Stout coach Terry Watkins said, "but he has developed that. He has forced himself to be quicker. His desire to be the best at his position is unmatched. He lives and dies for his position. The entire year he strives to make himself a better goalie."

"Dottie has a desire to win," Watkins said about his team captain. "Lots of guys talk about it, but he does something about it."

Watkins said the Dotson's determination made him a good player.

"He was a decent player a couple of years ago," Watkins said. "He turned himself into a great player. He worked hard 12 months of the year because he was determined to be the best. His determination was unmatched."

Dotson earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

"He earned everything he got," Watkins said, "and he was appreciative. We worked extra with him twice a week and, after every session, he made it a special point to say thank you to (goalies') coach Ed Roethke. How many kids would do that?

"We gave him an opportunity and he made the most of every opportunity he got, on the ice, in the classroom, in the community. He walked through the door prepared, whether it was game day or for practice."

Dotson became the team leader, Watkins said.

"When he walked into the locker room, there was no question of who was in charge," Watkins said.

Not only was Dotson the first Blue Devil to be named as the league player of the year, he was the first Stout player to be named to the NCHA first team. Dotson was the fourth goalie to be chosen as the NCHA player of the year. The NCHA player of the year award has been given annually since 1982. Dotson was recently chosen to the 2003-04 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) first team.

Kellin was the team's leading scorer with 16 goals, matching a career high from his sophomore year, and 12 assists for 28 points. Kellin wrapped up his career with 42 goals, 40 assists and 81 points. Kellin was also named to the All-NCHA Academic team for the second consecutive year.

Wynia was the Blue Devils' third leading scorer, knocking in seven goals and five assists for 12 points. Boche finished with five goals and four assists for nine points.

Six Blue Devils joined Mitch Kellin on the All-NCHA Academic team including, forwards Jake Hemmah (Jr, Red Wing, Minn), Lewie Kellin (Sr, Cohasset, Minn/Grand Rapids), Kory Mortel (Jr, Cottage Grove, Minn/Park), Derek Nichols (Sr, Victoria, Minn/Chaska), Dan Riffe (Sr, Byron, Ill) and Caleb Shanahan (Sr, Tulsa, Okla). Kellin, Riffe and Nichols are repeaters to the team. To be named to the team, a player must have a cumulative 3.00 grad point average, have earned at least 50 semester hours and be recommended by his head coach.

Women's Gymnastics

March 5, 2004

Paulson placed fifth on the floor exercise (9.40) and sixth on the vault (9.325). The top six finishers earn all-conference honors.

Lesley Rick (Fr, Birchwood, Minn) was seventh on the vault (9.30) and eighth on the uneven bars (8.70) and in the all-around (35.125).

As a team, Stout placed fifth. The Blue Devils will be at Winona State, Friday, March 12.

2004 WIAC Championships
1. UW-La Crosse 186.70; 2. UW-Eau Claire 181.55; 3. UW-Oshkosh 176.50; 4. UW-Whitewater 174.175; 5. UW-Stout 171.725

Individual Results
(First place, all Stout finishers)
Vault: 1. Alison Eagles (EC) 9.65; 6. Rhian Paulson 9.325; 7. Lesley Rick 9.30; 15. Lacey Schroedl 9.15; 20. Robyn Niederkorn 9.00; 28. Shanna Kissinger 8.475; 28. Jennifer Rosinsky 8.475;

Uneven bars: 1. Nina Schubert (LX) 9.675; 8. Lesley Rick 8.70; 15. Shanna Kissinger 8.425; 24. Lacey Schroedl 7.95; 26. Erin Kamps 7.15; 29. Christine Sobczyk 6.60; 30. Robyn Niederkorn 6.30;

Balance beam: 1. Jenna Houle (LX) 9.50; 13. Erin Kampa 8.95; 19. Rhian Paulson 8.50; 20. Shanna Kissinger 8.475; 25. Lesley Rick 8.30; 25. Lacey Schroedl 8.30; 30. Helen Pansch 7.75;

Floor exercise: 1. Jenna Houle (LX) 9.55; 5. Rhian Paulson 9.40; 18. Shanna Kissinger 9.075; 21. Helen Pansch 8.925; 22. Jennifer Rosinsky 8.90; 23. Lesley Rick 8.825; 24. Liz Karkula 8.80;

All-around: 1. Ahsley Koechel (LX) 37.35; 8. Lesley Rick 35.125; 10. Shanna Kissinger 34.45.

Women's Track & Field

March 6, 2004

Verdegan, after placing second in the long jump the night before, triple jumped her way to the championship on her final attempt, finishing with a distance of 39-feet, 3-inches.

Marci Schachtner (Jr, Deer Park) finished second in the 20-lb weight throw, tossing the bag 56-11.50.

Lindsay Kjolsing (Fr, Mankato, Minn) placed third in the 55-meter dash (7.50 seconds) and was eighth in the 200-meter dash (26.79). In the 200 preliminaries, Kjolsing set a school record (26.77), breaking the mark she had set last week.

The 4x200-relay team placed seventh (1:56.82) and the 4x400-relay team was eighth (4:21.26).

As a team, Stout placed sixth.

Individual Results
(First place, all Stout finishers)
55: 1. Angela Klatt (LX) 7.31; 3. Lindsay Kjolsing 7.50; 16. Ashley Juleff 7.88; 200: 1. Angela Klatt (LX) 25.49; 8. Lindsay Kjolsing 26.79 (26.77* pre); 400: 1. Katelyn Friedel (WW) 57.75; 800: 1. Elizabeth Woodworth (Osh) 2:12.89; 11. Laura Eysnogle 2:26.04; 1500: 1. Elizabeth Woodworth (Osh) 4:39.82; 14. Tracy Oostdyk 5:00.47; 3000: 1. Julia Rudd (LX) 10:24.07; 5000: 1. Jackie Mulrooney (PV) 17:32.87; 21. Krista Jahimiak 19:53.86; 22. Terra Dahlheimer 19:59.13; 55-hurdles: 1. Jennifer Stafslien (EC) 8.28; 16. Attalia Young 10.14; 4x200-relay: 1. La Crosse 1:45.85; 7. Stout 1:56.82; 4x400-relay: 1. La Crosse 4:01.11; 8. Stout 4:21.26; Distance medley relay: 1. Oshkosh 11:51.50; 5. Stout 12:37.35*;

High jump: 1. Jill Crandall (RF) 5-5.25; 14. Carrie Petersen 4-9.50; 18. Camelle Meyer 4-9.50; Pole vault: 1. Kelly Rehn (Osh) 12-0; 11. Liana Frisch 10-0.50; Long jump: 1. Jennifer Stafslien (EC) 17-8.75; 2. Laura Verdegan 17-6.25; Triple jump: 1. Laura Verdegan (Stout) 39-3; 13. Sam Strunk 32-5; 14. Ramona Vann 32-0.25; 16. Camelle Meyer 31-6; Shot put: 1. Stephanie Dura (RF) 44-11.50; 2. Ann Schachtner 44-9.50; 9. Bonnie Nutt 38-8.75; 10. Marci Schachtner 37-11.50; 20-lb wt throw: 1. Robyn Jarocki (Osh) 60-3.75; 2. Marci Schachtner 56-11.25p; 12. Bonnie Nutt 46-2; 19. Ann Schachtner 40-7.

March 5, 2004

The distance medley relay team of Stephanie Nichols (Fr, Chetek), Laura Verdegan (Jr, Tony), Lindsay Enger (So, Blue Earth, Minn) and Tracy Oostdyk (Sr, Spooner) snapped the old school record by 17 seconds in place fifth in a time of 12-minutes, 37.35-seconds.

Lindsay Kjolstad (Fr, Mankato, Minn) broke the 200-meter record for the third time this season, placing eighth in the preliminaries to advance to the finals scheduled for tomorrow. Kjolstad finished in a time of 26.77 seconds.

Ann Schachtner (Jr, Somerset) hit a personal best in the shot put in placing second with a distance of 44-feet, 9.50-inches.

Verdegan finished second in the long jump with a leap of 17-feet, 6.25-inches.

March 2, 2004

Verdegan won the long jump in a distance of 17-feet, 9-inches, and the triple jump in 37-7. Her triple jump mark is currently sixth in the country.

Men's Track & Field

March 6, 2004

Hanson finished third in the 400-meter dash (50.45-seconds), while Barthel was fifth in the event (50.51). Hanson also scored sixth in the 55-meter hurdles (7.96).

The Blue Devils' 4x200-relay team was fifth (1:33.41), while the 4x400-relay team was fourth (3:26.40).

As a team, Stout placed seventh.

Individual Results
(First place, all UW-Stout finishers)
55: Matt Pagel (LX) 7.30; 11. Joe Seep 6.63; 19. Brandell Lewis 6.76; 200: 1. Andrew Rock (LX) 21.52; 400: 1. Jeremy Deterville (LX) 50.18; 3. Dave Hanson 50.45; 5. Scott Barthel 50.51; 800: 1. John LeRoy (Osh) 1:53.91; 1500: 1. Ryan Kleimenhagen (PV) 3:54.04; 3000: 1. Riley Kehoe (WW) 8:25.69; 13. Dave Huber 8:55.77; 5000: 1. Devin Wilson (WW) 15:00.28; 4. Dave Huber 15:18.89; 55-hurdles: 1. Derek Toshner (LX) 7.68; 6. Dave Hanson 7.96; 4x200-relay: 1. La Crosse 1:27.99; 5. Stout 1:33.41; 4x400-relay: 1. La Crosse 3:20.94; 4. Stout 3:26.40; Distance medley relay: 1. Whitewater 10:07.15; 8. Stout 10:41.07;

High jump: 1. Tom Roszak (Osh) 6-8.75; Pole vault: 1. Hans Schmidt (LX) 17-2.75; 10. Nick Onesti 14-3.25; 11. Joe Cook 14-3.25; 12. Andy Smith 14-3.25; Long jump: 1. Derek Stanley (WW) 23-4.50; 19. Tony Fitts 18-7.25; Triple jump: 1. Herc Hyland (LX) 47-2.50; 13. Ryan Carpenter 43-8.50; Shot put: 1. Jim Nelson (LX) 55-5.50; 11. Chad Kingsbury 48-0; 35-lb wt throw: 1. Jeremy Wendt (WW) 64-8; Heptathlon: 1. Eric Jacobson (WW) 4777.

March 5, 2004

Huber was the only Blue Devil to score on the first day that is filled with preliminary trials. Huber finished in a time of 15:18.89.

The Blue Devils' Dave Hanson (Sr, Sun Prairie) and Scott Barthel (Jr, Brooklyn Park, Minn) advanced to the finals in the 400-meter run. Hanson finished in a time of 50.32 in fourth place and Barthel was right behind with a time of 51.02. Hanson also advanced in the 55-meter hurdles (7.93) in placing sixth.

Updated: March 8, 2004