Underdogs and life lessons: Mistretta’s coaching approach
Diamond Hollins, Staff Reporter
March 11, 2019
For Corey Mistretta, head coach of track and field, entering the coaching profession was meant to be. With his dad being a football coach and his love for sports, Mistretta always knew that coaching would be a part of his life. “My dad was my high school football coach, so coaching has been in my...
Kelley returns home to finish eligibility
Gerard Borne, Staff Reporter
March 11, 2019
Cole Kelley, a Lafayette native, transferred to the Lions to play as a quarterback after playing for two seasons at the University of Arkansas. Frank Scelfo, football head coach, believes Kelley will bring more game experience to the team. “He is going to come in and compete for playing time, an...
Teamwork on the tennis court
Diamond Hollins, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2019
Putri Insani, a freshman, and Ximena Yanez, a sophomore, were victorious over Abilene Christian University in their doubles match and individual singles matches. The match was held on March 1 at the tennis complex. Jason Hayes, head coach of tennis, attributed the wins to teamwork. “When everyone...
Lady Lions fall to Demons
Johnathan Zeringue, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2019
The women's basketball team ended its last home game of the season with a 56-60 loss to Northwestern State University. The Senior Day game was held on March 2 at 1 p.m. in the University Center. Ayla Guzzardo, head coach of women's basketball, discussed the team's preparation for the home contest. "We...
Lions show out on Senior Day
Johnathan Zeringue, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2019
On Senior Day, the Lions basketball team beat the Northwestern State University Demons 69-55. Moses Greenwood, senior forward, led the Lions with 22 points. Jay Ladner, head coach of men's basketball, discussed Greenwood’s performance on the court. “Moses, when he got here, went from an at-the-rim...
Green and gold take down the Golden Flashes
Jacob Summerville, Staff Reporter
February 27, 2019
The Lady Lions softball team won against Kent State University in a 7-5 win. The game occurred on Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. in North Oak Park. Gaining two points in the bottom of the first inning, the Lions kept the lead throughout the rest of the evening. Rick Fremin, softball head coach, shared that...
Reflections by a team captain from Uruguay
Gerard Borne, Staff Reporter
February 27, 2019
Ceci Mercier, five-year student-athlete and tennis team captain, started her last semester on the university’s tennis team this spring. Jason Hayes, head coach of tennis, discussed Mercier’s time and work at the university. “I am beyond proud of Ceci and all of her accolades and accomplishments,”...
Lead a team like a family
Zachary Araki, Assistant Editor
February 27, 2019
With decades of coaching experience, Jay Ladner, head coach of men’s basketball, constructs relationships with his team as he continues to break school records. Growing up the son of a basketball coach, Ladner felt drawn to his career path at a young age. “A coach has a very unique ability...
A recovery in sports outside the lion’s den
Jacob Summerville, Staff Reporter
February 27, 2019
A former lion athlete persevered through an injury after making his way into professional sports. Andro Cutura, a former pitcher for the university, was drafted to the Minnesota Twins in 2014 during his junior year at the university. In May of 2016, Cutura suffered an injury that would put his baseball...
Creating an engaging environment for kids
Diamond Hollins, Staff Reporter
February 27, 2019
After-school programs offer a convenient, helpful and engaging setting for children. Recreational Sports and Wellness organizes the “REC Kids After School Program” for kids from 5-13 years old. It aims to craft an educational and fun-filled environment by offering homework help to children, activities...
Running through college
February 26, 2019
Students on campus run to improve their physical health and social relationships. An enjoyment for the exercise and a desire for a close-knit community prompted Reagan Lee, a sophomore biological sciences major, to establish the Southeastern Running Club. “I wanted it to be something that was...
Teaching passion
Erica Welter, Staff Reporter
February 26, 2019
Talent, enthusiasm and dedication carried Ayla Guzzardo from the middle school courts of her childhood to become the head coach of women’s basketball. Guzzardo was enrolled in several sports as a child, but she found her niche in basketball after she developed skill in the sport. “It just took...
