First-year Cornell coach Bill Courtney may not be long for Ithaca. This one's very preliminary, but here's the theory, as per the Washington Post: George Mason coach Jim Larranaga is bound for Miami to take over the Canes' opening (You know, the one that Harvard coach Tommy Amaker was in talks for, but turned down). That leaves the Mason job open — and the Post's Matt Bonesteel (awesome last name...) lists the Big Red's Courtney as a possible replacement. Courtney was an assistant to Larranaga at Mason for eight years, and was key in recruiting the Patriots' 2006 Final Four team. I wouldn't take much from his one season at Cornell (seeing as there is a major vaccum of talent after last year's senior class left), but as the head coach there, he compiled a 10-18, 6-8 Ivy record. For what it's worth, he was able to beat Penn both times around this year.
The women's lacrosse team had not lost a conference game since its oldest players were juniors in high school, its youngest in middle school. “The Streak” spanned 34-games over six seasons and affected the careers of over 55 players.
But all that came to a screeching halt Wednesday, when the Quakers lost 11-7 to Princeton at Franklin Field.
I wasn’t at the game (though I heard most of it via the Princeton radio feed on the internet). So read Ari’s recap of the game for the “play-by-play.” I also won’t wax rhapsodic over the impressiveness of the streak. Penn athletics’ recap has that for you. But I do want to give some context on “The Streak” and its end yesterday.
Ironically, during my four years on the women's lax beat, I never once referred to the accomplishment as “The Streak.” The simple reason is that the Quakers only started threatening Harvard’s all-time Ivy streak of 36 this year. So before this year the streak wasn’t “an all-timer.” But on a deeper level, I personally felt the run of Ivy wins was more about each year’s team going 7-0 to win that year’s Ivy League title than about multiple years of dominance. Put another way, I got so accustomed to Ivy wins, that “The Streak” was almost like a given, a piece of background information.
(Apparently, the Quakers share my sentiments. According to this weekend’s preview: “[Penn coach Karin Brower] Corbett said the team never talked or thought about the streak as a group in preparing for games.”)
This season, however, “The Streak” has been the story of the year. Or at least that’s what the DP’s coverage reflects. Searching thedp.com’s archives, the first reference to the team’s streak (albeit with lowercase letters) was a column from Cal in September predicting the 2010-2011 sports year. To his credit he predicted:
The women’s lacrosse team’s undefeated Ivy streak will come to an end.
Good news first: the women’s lacrosse team will remain atop the Ivy League. But its four-year undefeated conference streak will end this year. It’s no coincidence that the streak was concurrent with a phenomenal class of athletes.
Penn got a taste of competition from Dartmouth in last year’s Ivy Championship game, though the Quakers eventually won 9-8 in the final minutes. And this year, Dartmouth has a large contingent of rising seniors and juniors returning.
After that there were references to “The Streak” in this headline, this preview and this column, which accurately said that “…if you have to bet on an Ivy upset, Princeton has the best chance to upend Penn’s streak.”
To be honest, I saw the streak ending too. The Quakers lost to an unranked foe for the first time since March of 2006 when they fall 8-5 to Johns Hopkins last month. And watching them in person I could tell that this year’s squad was not as dominant as the past four ones.
Though I've moved on from Philadelphia to Washington DC, I've been to two games this year. The first was the season opener against Drexel and the second was the shelling at No. 1 Maryland. The Drexel game was a sloppy affair, and the Quakers didn’t put the game away until a late 5-1 run. In the Maryland game, Penn got outplayed more than it had in any game I’ve seen since the 12-2 loss versus Northwestern in the 2007 NCAA Final Four. Anytime Maryland got the ball it would sprint down the field and fire off a shot immediately. It was the fastest and most efficient offense I’ve seen. And this year’s Penn team had no chance of stopping it.
Honestly, this year’s team just hasn’t looked as good as the team during the streak, especially without last year’s senior class. That does not mean this year’s senior class led by midfield Giulia Giordano isn’t a good one. But you can tell by watching the team that the departure of Ali DeLuca, Emma Spiro, Emily Szelest, Barb Seaman and the rest of the Class of 2010 left a huge hole that has not been completely filled.
So where does the loss leave the team for now? For one, if there was any slim chance before the loss that Penn might finally break through and win the national championship this year, I think that hope was mauled by the Tigers.
But what about the Ivy League title? Having your biggest rival end the most impressive accomplishment in program history is painful. But ironically, the Quakers should be happy the streak ended against Princeton instead of one of the other top-flight Ivy squads. The Tigers already lost to Harvard and play Dartmouth this upcoming Saturday. In fact, Penn is still in first place at 5-1 in the conference, with the Crimson, Big Green and Tigers all tied in second at 4-1. With tiebreakers over Dartmouth and Harvard – who still have to play each other – Penn will clinch at least a share of their fifth straight Ivy League title with a win Saturday at Brown (1-4).
Such a win would be fitting. Penn would join Harvard as the only Ivy teams to win five-straight Ivy League championships. And they would start another Ivy win streak against the Brown, original victim number one of The Streak.
Penn football fans might remember our fall supplement cover story on the Voice of Franklin Field, C.T. Alexander, who retired this season after 50 years of service to Penn. If not, take a few minutes to read it — it was one of the best pieces of writing the DP put out last year (in fact, our Alumni Association voted it the best of the year).
Well, I've got some good news to share. During the football season, it wasn't clear who would be C.T.'s replacement. I've been informed today that his son and longtime sidekick John Alexander will be Franklin Field's next Voice.
If you've paid attention to national sports media over the last couple days, chances are you've heard about Philliebot, the robot constructed by engineers at Penn's GRASP lab, which threw out the ceremonial first pitch today at Citizens Bank Park.
Well, the robot wouldn't last long in the majors — his pitch one-hopped its way to the phanatic in front of the plate as Phillies fans (unsurprisingly) booed the machine. Here's the video:
and here's Tony Kornheiser (Proud Penn Parent) and Michael Wilbon talking about the stunt, which led Kornheiser to do the robot on national TV. Whose performance was worse Korneiser or the bot?
Continuing a pattern of hiring one-time players, Princeton hired former Tiger Mitch Henderson as its next head coach of men's basketball today. Henderson is the fourth consecutive coach to have played for Princeton.
Henderson wore the orange and black from 1994-98 (overlapping three years with Sydney Johnson, who just left the head coaching job to take over at Fairfield). While there he played under Bill Carmody, now the head coach at Northwestern. Henderson spent the last 11 years working as an assistant under Carmody. Put plainly, Henderson understands the Princeton way.
"I am pleased to announce that Mitch, one of Princeton's terrific point guards, will succeed his teammate, Sydney Johnson, as the head coach of Princeton basketball," Princeton Director of Athletics Gary Walters said in a statement. "Mitch has developed and polished his craft at Northwestern, a Big Ten university that is similar in philosophy with its commitment to the student-athlete - with emphasis on both sides of that hyphen."
Princeton split the Ivy League title with Harvard this year, winning the Ivy playoff game at the buzzer and earning a berth to the NCAA tournament, where the Tigers put up a valiant effort against Kentucky. Princeton also graduates a stalwart senior class this year.
"I'm so excited about the opportunity to coach here," Henderson said in a statement. He and Sydney Johnson were on the Princeton team that upset UCLA in the 1996 NCAA tournament. "I'm eager to get going with growing on what Sydney has been able to do here the last four years"
One of the best initiatives of the Athletic Department and the Red and Blue Crew last fall was their trying to seed a tailgate culture before football games outside of Franklin Field. As April showers turn to May flowers, Penn is restarting the tailgates this week as the women's lacrosse team hosts Princeton on Wednesday for senior night.
From the look of things, Penn Athletics is going out with a bang with this tailgate: Catered BBQ and comfort food, "DJ Bruce" spinning old school hip-hop, what could be better on a Wednesday night?
And best of all, they are targeting you, frat-bros of Penn, with a free shuttle to take you to the game. The bus will head up Walnut stopping by TEP and AEPi, then loop back down Spruce to grab the ZBTs on the way to the Frank. (schedule below)
Free food, free music, free buses and a free W. Lax game against rival Princeton — there's really no reason not to go. Except finals.
Shuttle Schedule:
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4:30 - 38th and Walnut (outside TEP)
4:35 - 41st and Walnut (across from Alpha Phi and AEPi)
4:40 - 41st and Spruce
4:45 - 39th and Spruce (outside Beta, across from ZBT)
Franklin Field
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5:00 - 38th and Walnut (outside TEP)
5:05 - 41st and Walnut (across from Alpha Phi and AEPi)
5:10 - 41st and Spruce
5:15 - 39th and Spruce (outside Beta, across from ZBT)
Franklin Field
-----
5:30 - 38th and Walnut (outside TEP)
5:35 - 41st and Walnut (across from Alpha Phi and AEPi)
5:40 - 41st and Spruce
5:45 - 39th and Spruce (outside Beta, across from ZBT)
Franklin Field
-----
6:00 - 38th and Walnut (outside TEP)
6:05 - 41st and Walnut (across from Alpha Phi and AEPi)
6:10 - 41st and Spruce
6:15 - 39th and Spruce (outside Beta, across from ZBT)
Franklin Field
After releasing an original "watch list" of over 100 names, the Tewaaraton Award nominees — 25 men and 24 women — have been announced. While the original list had three Quakers, just one remains.
Junior attack Erin Brennan was named a Tewaaraton Nominee today, as seniors Giulia Giordano and Brett Hughes fell from the list of players considered for the Tewaaraton Award, annually given to the top collegiate lacrosse players in the country. Brennan leads the Quakers with 34 points — 24 goals and 10 assists — on 54 shot attempts.
Last year, then-senior Ali Deluca was named one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Award, which went to Maryland Caitlyn McFadden.
Just 12 days after Connecticut won the national title, the Huskies have shaken up their coaching staff. According to the Journal Inquirer, former Penn head man Glen Miller will take over the assistant coaching position vacated by Andre LaFleur, who is expected to leave for Providence. The article states that Miller's role will now include recruiting and working with current players. It also gave Miller high praise for the work he did as director of basketball operations this past year, "redefining the position, acting as a liaison between the basketball office and the UConn administration." The move allows him to get back into the X's and O's side of things, which has always been hailed as his strength, in hopes of eventually landing another head coaching gig. Miller reportedly considered the Colgate job that opened up in March.
Already the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, freshman guard Alyssa Baron picked up the local Rookie award yesterday when All-Big 5 teams were announced. She was also named first team All-Big 5. She is the second player in Penn history (after Diana Caramanico) to earn the Rookie of the Year distinction.
Patrick Lucas-Perry chose Penn over Oakland at a Wednesday afternoon presser at his high school, Flint Powers in Michigan.
From this picture, tweeted by Eric Woodyard of the Flint Journal, it appears the school made quite a show of his decision, which came on a national signing day.
Lucas-Perry, a 5-foot-10 guard, is the seventh player to join Jerome Allen's first recruiting class at Penn. He reportedly originally had offers from some high-major programs, including Michigan and Michigan State, though he tore his ACL in his junior year and the interest from those caliber schools dissipated. His decision for the last 6 weeks had been down to Penn and Oakland, where his brother LaVal redshirted this year.
Lucas-Perry and Powers won the Michigan state class B title when Lucas-Perry was a sophomore — here's some footage from that game:
As first reported by TheOakland Press's Oakland U. basketball beat writer Paul Kampe, Patrick Lucas Perry has decided to commit to the Quakers, according to a source. He would be the seventh member of Penn's recruiting class of 2011, which already includes Henry Brooks, Keelan Cairns, Camryn Crocker, Simeon Esprit, Xavier Harris, and Greg Louis.
Some quick background on this 5-11, 165-pound point guard out of Flint, Michigan: for a while, his decision has been between Penn and Oakland, where his brother Laval has been playing since transferring from Michigan. Lucas-Perry was himself recruited by Michigan and Michigan State, but an ACL injury the summer before his senior year of high school cost him those opportunities. He's billed as an undersized but very quick guard with good vision and passing and very good shooting. In other words, a much better pure point guard to back up (and eventually replace) Zack Rosen than anyone else currently on or joining the roster.
My quick analysis: This rounds out a very impressive first recruiting class for Jerome Allen (Xavier Harris' SATs notwithstanding). The last thing he really needed (besides a dominant 7-foot big man) was a true point guard to groom behind Zack Rosen. I don't believe Cam Crocker was that guy (he's more of a combo guard, from what I can tell) and I think Miles Cartwright is better used primarily off the ball (if you disagree, let me know in the comments). Lucas-Perry has top notch pedigree and would likely be at a high major were it not for his injury. Being one year removed from that ACL tear is a much better position than the one Henry Brooks is in; PLP will be able to contribute backup PG minutes next year and likely take over as the starter his sophomore season. Of course, he could end up being a huge bust and make me look stupid, but I don't think that's likely.
Read The Buzz's previous coverage of Patrick Lucas-Perry here and the rest of the class of 2015 here.
Junior Zack Rosen and senior Jack Eggleston were named to the All-Big 5 teams Tuesday afternoon, adding to their all-Ivy honors from last month. The duo, who were both team captains, led Penn in minutes and points per game this season.
Rosen earned a first team All-Big 5 selection, leading the Quakers with 14.3 points per game. Eggleston was a second-team pick, playing 37.4 minutes per contest and pulling down 224 rebounds this season, more than double his closest teammate and third among Ivy players.
Both joined Penn's 1,000 point club this season. Eggleston finished 17th on the all-time Penn scorers list, while Rosen still has another year to climb in the record book.
Rounding out the first team were Temple's Lavoy Allen (also voted the Big-5 Outstanding Player of the Year) and Ramone Moore, and Villanova's Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes. The second team featured Eggleston, Aaric Murray of La Salle, Carl Jones of St. joe's, Temple's Juan Fernandez and Villanova's Maalik Wayns.
After voting last week, the Penn football team released its captains for the 2011 season.
TE Luke Nawrocki, LB Erik Rask and OL Greg Van Roten will lead the Quakers in their attempt for a third-straight undefeated Ivy title. All three received All-Ivy Honorable Mention nods as sophomores, and last year Nawrocki was again named Honorable Mention while Rask and Van Roten were named First Team.
Van Roten was part of Penn's offensive line, which led the league in offense and was fourth in the nation in fewest sacks allowed. He will anchor a young O. line this season, as the remainder (Joe D'Orazio, Drew Luongo, Luis Ruffolo and Jared Mollenbeck) graduate in May.
Rask led the team with 65 tackles, and blocked a field goal in the title-clincher against Harvard.
Nawrocki was third on the team in 2010 in receptions and yards, behind graduating seniors Matt Tuten and David Wurst.
Here's what coach Bagnoli had to say about his team's choices:
I think they were really good choices, they’re three of the hardest working kids, three of our kids who are the first ones to practice, the last ones out, great role models, terrific players, good leadership skills, so first part we commend them on who they selected, they were overwhelming choices, so that was easy. Second part they’re going to have to lead. There’s a lot of young kids who’ve got to understand how hard you’ve got to practice, how hard you’ve got to prepare, how much time goes into film study, how much time goes into the weight room, and those kids will play a central role in making sure that we get those kids to understand that.
Penn basketball fans can uncross their fingers — Fox Sports is reporting that Harvard men's basketball coach Tommy Amaker will be staying with the Crimson.
Rumors started swirling over the weekend that Amaker might take the open head coaching position at Miami. Amaker reportedly met with officials from Miami yesterday. But Fox's Jeff Goodman tweeted this afternoon that the four-year Crimson coach would remain in Cambridge, though he was flattered by the Hurricanes' interest.
Amaker and the Crimson won a share of the Ivy title this season, their first in program history. Harvard returns the majority of its contributors and brings in highly-touted recruiting class.
Scout.com's Brian Snow tweeted earlier today that Penn men's basketball target Patrick Lucas-Perry will make his decision between Oakland and Penn on Wednesday at his school, Flint Powers High.
The 5-foot-10 guard announced way back in February that the Quakers were in his top two, but planned to make his decision after the season was over. Lucas-Perry and Flint lost in the Michigan State quarterfinals in late March.
Wednesday signals the official start of the next NCAA signing period — a sign that Penn may not be the name Lucas-Perry calls. As an Ivy League school, the signing periods don't apply to the Quakers. This could signal that the point guard is settled on Oakland, where his older brother Laval will suit up next season after sitting out following a transfer from Michigan.
Only time will tell, but this one doesn't look too promising for Jerome Allen and his first recruiting class. As you bide the time between now and 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, you can read through the rest of the Buzz posts about PLP here.
We might end up seeing both of this year's Ivy League co-champion coaches leave the conference. Rumors have been swirling on Twitter and certain mainstream media sources that Harvard's Tommy Amaker is the frontrunner for the open coaching gig at Miami. The Canes' job opened up when their coach of the last seven years, Frank Haith, took the job at Missouri.
That Miami Herald article says the announcement could come today. Others on Twitter, who aren't really reliable enough (as far as I know) to quote directly think it will be later this week. Either way, it's very interesting if Amaker does indeed jump ship. Perhaps some formerPenn recruits could entertain the option of leaving the Crimson for greener (or bluer and redder) pastures? Time will tell. I'll stay on top of it. Stay tuned.
ESPN's Andy Katz also weighed in on the subject, pointing out what is likely Amaker's strongest reason for staying with the Crimson: his wife is a professor at Harvard. While there's definitely still some room for Amaker to climb professionally, Harvard's about as good as it gets for a professor, so that will definitely be a factor.
UCLA men's basketball released a tentative 2011-12 schedule today and the Quakers are listed for a Dec. 10 matchup with the Bruins at the Honda Center. The game occurs after classes end on December 9th, with exams starting on the 14th. Penn did not schedule any games during reading days this year.
The Bruins finished this season 23-11 and placed second in the Pac-10. They beat Michigan State in the NCAA tourney first round but lost to Florida in the Round of 32.
The last West Coast trip for the Quakers was in Jan. 2005, when Penn played at San Francisco, losing 65-61.
With Princeton coach Sydney Johnson leaving the team to coach Fairfield, it's only natural that some of his incoming recruits would be profoundly affected. Case in point: Lincoln Christian's (Okla.) Clay Wilson, a 6-foot-3 guard, who said that he has decommitted from Princeton, according to Tulsa World's high school sports blog.
According to the post, Wilson said:
"Coach Johnson leaving was a huge shock to me."
"I never expected this to happen, but hopefully something great will open up that will be a good fit for me."
Wilson averaged 27 points per game his senior year, and it's unclear as of yet where he will look to go now. However, it's definitely a reminder of just how far-reaching Coach Johnson's decision to leave will be for the Tigers' program.
According to another blog, princetonbasketball.com, the loss of Wilson cuts Princeton's incoming recruiting class to just three.
Talk to any current or recent baseball beat writer from DP Sports and they'll tell you that one of the best interviews on the team is senior catcher Will Davis.
For those of you who don't get a chance to see the print DP regularly, we put together this little graphic today about recent coaches moving in and out of the Ancient Eight for "greener pastures."
What's interesting to me is the lessening amount of time that each coach sticks around the Ivy League. Dunphy was here for 17 years, Donahue at Cornell for 10, Jones at Columbia for seven, and Sydney Johnson at Princeton for just four years. Dunphy also amassed 10 Ivy League titles, Donahue three, and Johnson just one before abandoning ship. Does three make a trend?
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