University of Mary Washington senior captain Sam Partonen has enjoyed personal and team success as a member of the women’s basketball team. During her three years at UMW, she earned a first team title on the All-Capital Athletic Conference women’s basketball team in both 2012 and 2013, and she joined her teammates among the Elite 8 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament, also in 2012.
UMW Women’s Basketball to Host NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd Rounds This Weekend
March 1, 2012 by
The University of Mary Washington women’s basketball team will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division III tournament this weekend at the William M. Anderson Center. On Friday, March 2, the Eagles will host Keuka (N.Y.) College at 7 p.m., with Messiah College taking on Kean University at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, the winners of Friday’s games will meet at 7 p.m. with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.
Tickets will cost $6 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and all UMW faculty, staff and students will be admitted free with a valid I.D.
The Lady Eagles (27-0) are ranked seventh in the nation after a win over York College to claim the 2012 Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Championship.
Seniors Jenna McRae and Katie Wimmer were named to the First Team All-CAC team, and Coach Deena Applebury is CAC Coach of the Year.
At a recent basketball game, a six-year-old Eagle fan showed her support of the teams by picking up trash and recyclables from the stands:
UMW’s Lady Eagles Capture CAC Championship
February 28, 2012 by
Senior guard Katie Wimmer scored 15 points, and classmate Jenna McRae added 14 to pace the seventh-ranked University of Mary Washington women’s basketball team to a 50-46 win over visiting York College to claim the 2012 Capital Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon at the William M. Anderson Center. The Eagles improve to 27-0 on the year, tying the school record for consecutive wins with 27, and gain an automatic bid to next weekend’s NCAA Tournament.
The Eagles, in much the same way they played Thursday night in the CAC semifinals, played from behind throughout much of the first half, trailing by as many as six on two occasions. But a late 4-0 spurt gave UMW the lead at 24-23 at halftime, punctuated by a McRae three pointer.
In the second half, the lead changed hands five times before UMW took the lead at 34-33 with 9:50 remaining on a three-point basket by Sarah Jones. The Eagles then used a jumper by McRae and a layup from Aby Diop to build the lead to five, at 38-33, with 7:43 to play. York responded with a pair of buckets to cut the deficit back to one at 40-39 with 4:20 to play.
Baskets by McRae and Wimmer built the lead back to five at 44-39 with 3:18 to go. The Spartans were able to cut the deficit to one at 47-46 with 26 seconds left, but McRae hit a free throw, and Aby Diop carmoed the second shot miss off a York player to keep possession for UMW. Wimmer sank a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left to clinch the title for UMW, their fourth in the past six years.
Wimmer made four field goals and went 7-8 from the line en route to 15 points, and added five assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. McRae went 6-13 from the field, and added eight rebounds for the Eagles. Sophomore point guard Sam Partonen led UMW with 10 rebounds.
The Eagles shot 36.5% from the floor, making 2-12 three pointers, but went 10-14 from the free throw line. York shot 34%, with 3-14 three pointers, with a 9-11 effort from the stripe. UMW led in rebounds, 40-28, and forced 13 Spartan turnovers.
UMW will advance to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the past eight years. The Eagles will take on Keuka College on Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Center.
Roy Gordon Named to Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame
February 2, 2012 by
Former UMW men’s soccer coach Roy Gordon is among the inductees in the 2012 class in the Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame. Gordon, along with four others, will be inducted at ceremonies on Friday, Feb. 3.
An eight-time Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Gordon was selected as National Soccer Coaches Association of America Regional Coach of the Year five times, and as Virginia State College Division Coach of the Year on four occasions. He was named the CAC’s Co-Coach of the Year in 2009.
Gordon retired at the end of the spring 2011 semester after 34 years at Mary Washington.
Deena Applebury Profiled on NCAA.com
February 2, 2012 by
Deena Applebury, senior lecturer in the athletics department and coach of the women’s basketball team, is profiled on NCAA.com. The article, posted on Monday, Jan. 30, explores Applebury’s coaching philosophy in light of the team’s distinction as one of the best in the nation.
UMW Athletic Director Edward Hegmann Announces Retirement
January 26, 2012 by
University of Mary Washington Athletic Director Dr. Edward Hegmann has announced that he will retire at the end of the school year, his 36th as an administrator at the Fredericksburg university. During his tenure, Hegmann built UMW Athletics into one of the nation’s top Division III programs and leaves a lasting impression as one of the most influential people in the 100 year-plus history of the school.
“Ed Hegmann has left an indelible mark on this university,” said UMW President Richard V. Hurley. “He will be sorely missed but remembered for his contributions to the success of our athletic program for years to come.”
“Mary Washington Athletics staff members and student athletes have given me 36 years of thrilling memories that will bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart forever,” said Hegmann.
A Pittsburgh, Penn., native, Hegmann earned his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, his master’s degree from Springfield College and his doctorate from Temple University. Since 1976, he has overseen the expansion of the program at UMW from six sports to 23, acted as a major catalyst in the development of the facilities at UMW and watched 22 of the school’s 23 programs advance to national championship competition.
Hegmann also directed the women’s tennis team for 23 years and led the Eagles to three national championships, including the AIAW national title in 1982 and NCAA Division III titles in 1988 and 1991. He gained eight Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards and captured nine straight CAC championships after the league was formed in 1990 through his retirement as coach in 1999. He was named the NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1988 and again in 1999.
A master of planning facilities, in addition to the Battleground Athletic Complex, the UMW outdoor facilities where five national championships have been held, Hegmann was instrumental in the planning for the UMW Indoor Tennis Center, built in 2005. In addition to the school’s top-notch 12-court lighted outdoor facility, the six-court indoor complex has allowed UMW to host both men’s tennis and women’s tennis national championships in the past six years.
Hegmann also oversaw the construction of the state-of-the-art William M. Anderson Center, a basketball/volleyball arena that seats nearly 2,000 fans and will allow UMW to host NCAA competition at the highest levels in those sports.
A national search will be conducted by the school to hire a new athletic director.
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News release prepared by: Clint Often
Robert Liebau is Recipient of VATA Award
January 18, 2012 by
The recipient of this year’s VATA Clinical and Emerging Practice Award is Robert Liebau. Bob has been at the University of Mary Washington for the past 25 years. He served as the first head athletic trainer at UMW from 1986 to 2003. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Campus Recreation and the Director of the Fitness Center at UMW, Bob founded the university’s wellness program and has expanded his sports medicine outreach to the university students, staff and club sports. He is also involved in a variety of projects providing wellness information to both the university and local community.
Recently, Bob has developed a unique program at UMW working with club sport athletes and concussion management. Throughout the years, he has been actively involved with the VATA and has served as a presenter on numerous occasions.
Ian Rogol Named VATA’s College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year
January 17, 2012 by
Ian Rogol, head athletic trainer, has been named the 2012 Virginia Athletic Trainers Association’s College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year.
A native of Charlottesville, Rogol began his career in athletic training after graduating in 1994 from James Madison University. He went on to receive his master of education degree in athletic training/sports medicine from the University of Virginia in 1996. During his many years of experience, Ian has served as an athletic trainer at many high schools in the Central Virginia area. He is serving his second year as the head athletic trainer at the University of Mary Washington.
In the past year at UMW, Rogol transformed the athletic training and sports medicine department into a well run and exceptional program, changing the culture in the athletic training room. He has gained the trust and support of the staff, coaches, and most importantly the athletes at Mary Washington. Not only has Ian worked on developing relationships with the athletes, he has also developed a strong relationship with the student health services at UMW, local orthopedic medical practices, and other health care professionals. Ian has been key in implementing protocols for concussion management and catastrophic injuries. He also serves as an ACI for the George Mason University athletic training program.
The Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association is dedicated to the health and well-being of Virginians who are physically active. As such, the organization focuses on enhancing the professional development of Virginia’s certified athletic trainers and on communication between all persons and agencies invested in the health and well-being of athletes and the physically active.
UMW Athletics Hosts Special Olympics Fun Run; Helps Raise Over $5,000
October 25, 2011 by
The University of Mary Washington athletic department co-hosted the first annual Run with the Law 5K and Special Olympics fun run on Saturday, October 22 with the Fredericksburg City Police. The races raised over $5,000 for Special Olympics Virginia, and more than 350 UMW student-athletes provided support for the fun run by lining the course and cheering for the runners.
“I was truly blown away by the support of the UMW athletes”, said Carrie Dyer, the Director of Development for Special Olympics Virginia. “I know our athletes felt extra special with all those fans cheering them on… Truly spectacular.” Several UMW athletes also accompanied some of the 75 competitors throughout the race.
The day began with a 5K run, followed by comments from UMW President Richard V. Hurley. The final event was the fun run, which began at the William M. Anderson Center and stretched to the Campus Bell Tower and turned back across campus to the starting point. The Student Athlete Advisory Council provided UMW athletes with t-shirts, lining the course and providing support.
“The 5k race for the Special Olympics and one mile ‘fun run’ helped raise over $5,000 dollars for the Special Olympics,” said UMW men’s basketball coach Rod Wood, who helped organize the event. “That pales in comparison to the reward our athletes, coaches, and UMW community received from the special friends we met, encouraged, and shared with on Saturday. This will be a life-long memory for all of us. It really puts in perspective what we do and what we, as a community, can do. We changed lives this weekend, mostly ours. It was a powerful day and something I hope we can continue for years to come.”
UMW to Show School Spirit at Homecoming 2011
October 20, 2011 by
The campus is brimming with blue, gray and white, alumni are starting to appear on campus and students, faculty and staff seem to be a bit more excited. It must be Homecoming 2011, the annual celebration for alumni and students to reconnect and show their school spirit.
The annual lip sync contest is tonight at 7 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium, followed by a carnival and pep rally tomorrow afternoon at Ball Circle.
The homecoming concert, featuring the bands Taking Back Sunday and The Maine, is Friday night at the Anderson Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. The show is free for students and $20 for alumni and the public. Tickets are available online through noon on Friday at https://quikpayasp.com/umw/commerce_manager/payer.do?orderType=HomeConc. Between noon and 7 p.m. tomorrow, tickets will be available at the Anderson Center Box Office for cash only.
Saturday marks the main Homecoming events:
- Muffins and Mimosas Networking Reception – 10-11:30 a.m. at Jepson Alumni Executive Center; register at https://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/MWC/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=77722
- Annual Tent Party – 1-4 p.m. at Jepson Alumni Executive Center; tickets are $10 through today and $20 at the door; register at https://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/MWC/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=77722
- Students vs. Alumni Corn Hole Tournament – 1:30 p.m. at Jepson Alumni Executive Center; a limited number of spots is available; register at https://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/MWC/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=77722
- Trip to Carl’s – 4 p.m. at Jepson Alumni Executive Center; the trolley ride to Carl’s is free; register at https://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/MWC/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=77722
Cheer on the Eagles at athletic events, including women’s rugby, women’s volleyball, field hockey, women’s soccer, men’s rugby and men’s soccer games. The full athletic schedule is available at www.umweagles.com.
For more information about Homecoming activities or for a full list of events, visit www.umw.edu/alumni/homecoming.
