tradition: winter 2014
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Penn State Proud in the Lehigh ValleyTRANSCRIPT
On the Right TrackAthletics emerge as latest campus success story
TraditionP E N N S T A T E P R O U D I N T H E L E H I G H VA L L E Y
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B TRADITION
In the MomentMore than 2,000 Penn State alumni and football fans packed the lawn at SteelStacks’ Levitt Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 11 to watch the Nittany Lions take on the Michigan Wolverines. This was the first time the Alumni Society, in conjunction with the campus, hosted a viewing party of this size. More on page 5.
JANUARY 2015 1
3 Campus Pride
5 Alumni Pride
6 Saving Green Following national success as an entrepreneur, Robert Ashford ’87 takes a swing at local enterprise
8 From PeeWee to the Big Leagues Professor discusses the pros and cons of youth sports
10 Building the Pride With Rich Fatzinger at the helm, Penn State Lehigh Valley Athletics gets competitive
14 From Boots to Books and the Back Nine Former Marines find common ground on campus and on the golf course
16 Young Bounces Back After an injury sidelined him, student goes on to become captain of the men’s basketball team
18 Coming Full Circle Decorated collegiate cyclist turns pro and takes charge of campus team
20 ‘A’ is for All-Conference Allora Atiyeh and Anna Talé help propel volleyball team to success in first-ever season
22 Going the Extra Mile See photos from the Cross Country season that almost wasn’t
23 Calendar of Events
24 The Big Picture
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23On the cover: James Mellon during Collegiate Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.
EDITORIAL TEAMAllison GoodinKim HollowayKate Morgan
WRITERSEmily BurnsElena Douvanis ‘07Robert GallagherAllison GoodinLynn StaplesLuke Williams
COPY EDITORAllison Goodin
PHOTOGRAPHYSafa AsadKate Morgan
GRAPHIC DESIGNKim HollowayKate Morgan
CORRESPONDENCETraditionPenn State Lehigh Valley2809 Saucon Valley RoadCenter Valley, PA 18034-8447
from the chancellor
@psulehighvalley
youtube.com/PSULehighValley
/psulvalumni/psulehighvalley
@psulvalumni@psulehighvalley
Tradition is published twice a year by the Office of University Relations.The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Email: [email protected]; Tel 814-863-0471.
U.Ed. LVO 15.58
It is hard to believe that this past semester marked five years since Penn State Lehigh Valley made “The Big Move” to our current location in Center Valley. What an exciting time of growth it has been. One of the areas of growth that has been especially fun to watch is the expansion of opportunities for student athletes.
We’ve shared some of the highlights in past issues of Tradition—like the addition of men’s and women’s basketball—but in this issue we take a more in-depth look at the students and coaches that make up our team of Nittany Lions, and what the future of Penn State Lehigh Valley athletics could hold.
You may also be aware that in September I announced that I will retire on July 1, 2015 after fifteen years as Chancellor of this campus. While the decision was not an easy one, I feel confident that the time is right to open the next chapter in the story of Penn State Lehigh Valley.
I hope to see many of you at what will be one of my last official duties as Chancellor, teeing off at Green Pond Country Club during our annual golf tournament (see p. 21) on June 26, which just so happens to support the very athletes we highlight in these pages.
I look forward to reflecting more on my time at Penn State Lehigh Valley in the next issue of Tradition, but, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading about the great things happening in athletics here at the campus. And, as always, I thank you for your continued support of Penn State in the Lehigh Valley.
Ann Williams Chancellor
JANUARY 2015 3
campuscampus pride
Chancellor Williams to retire July 1After a distinguished career in higher education, Chancellor Ann M. Williams announced that she will retire in July 2015 after 15 years of service to Penn State.
“Dr. Williams’ inspirational leadership and on going advocacy for Penn State Lehigh Valley students, faculty, and staff has been both admired and appreciated. She has ensured that Penn State Lehigh Valley is poised for continued success in the years to come,” said Howard Kulp, chair of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board.
Williams joined Penn State University in 2000 as Chancellor at the Lehigh Valley campus. During her tenure, the campus has not only grown in physical size and enrollment, but also in diversity, academic and cultural programming, student life, athletics, and outreach. In addition, the respect she has attained among local Penn State alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the Lehigh Valley community helped the campus receive its largest ever single major gift and successfully achieve its goal in the University’s most recent campaign, “For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.” Additional gifts included funds to name the campus’ art gallery, music room, video learning room, and several other class and conference rooms.
One of the greatest accomplishments during her tenure was orchestrating the campus’ move from its previous location in Fogelsville to its current location in Center Valley in 2009, tripling the amount of academic and recreational space for students. Williams took on the tremendous task of renovating the former Lehigh Valley College and relocating the entire campus to the new facility just three months after its acquisition.
A national search for her replacement is in progress.
UNIVERSITY LAUREATE MAKES STOP ON ‘DIGNITY TOUR’Guided by Penn State Laureate Dr. Susan Russell, students, faculty, and staff contributed to the discussion of human dignity during Russell’s deeply moving presentation October 22.
The packed auditorium was caught unprepared by the total audience interaction Russell, an associate professor of theatre at University Park, demanded. She started small; asking random students to stand and “fill in the blank” to questions such as “I know…,” “I am…,” and “I dream…” Russell refused to be satisfied with vague or complex responses, but relentlessly pushed and prompted until the students had narrowed their idea to a single raw quality.
Many students were initially unwilling to pour out their deepest feelings in front of such a large audience, but with Russell’s delicate direction they were encouraged to share very personal stories and insights.
“The very things that make us human might be the things we’re not willing or comfortable to share,” said Russell, while at the same time warning: “When we tell a story, those we tell it to become in charge of that story, custodians of our safety.”
Russell believes that seeing the dignity in ourselves enables confidence, courage, and hope. Understanding the dignity in others leads to fairness, respect, and love. By sharing personal feelings we are able to understand more about our neighbors and how they relate to our own experiences. This concept was driven home by audience members themselves as Russell theatrically pushed them to share what they truly felt and believed.
Reprinted with permission from The State of the Valley.
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS INSPIRED BY COMMON READINGEach year, the University chooses a common reading text for all freshmen enrolled in first year experience courses. This year’s selection so moved Lehigh Valley students in one section that they mounted a fundraising effort to benefit THON.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” by Rebecca Skloot, details the difficult life of an African American woman and former tobacco field farmer who succumbed to a painful and aggressive cancer in 1951 at the age of 30. Unbeknownst to her or her family, a sample of her tissue was taken during one of her medical procedures, and the cells, seemingly immortal and still in use for research today, have been responsible for some of the biggest breakthroughs in medical science. Despite the enormity of her contribution to science, Lacks and her family have gone relatively unknown and unrecognized.
The book also shows that, even in the face of incredible physical and societal challenges, Lacks conducted herself with pride and dignity. This inspired students in Instructor Sandy Kile’s class to launch a campaign they called Immortal Pride to boost the feeling among the campus community. The students sold ribbons and encouraged people to display their own sources of pride on a banner. The $430 raised will go to the campus’ THON fundraising total, which aids in the fight, including scientific research, to cure pediatric cancer.
4 TRADITION
ADVISORY BOARD WELCOMES TERRY DEGROOT ‘85Terry DeGroot started his Penn State experience at the Behrend campus. DeGroot appreciated the benefits of starting out at a Commonwealth Campus, including the small class sizes and opportunities for campus involvement. His positive experience made him a strong proponent of starting your Penn State education at a local campus.
“The personal attention you receive at the local level along with the national recognition of the Penn State brand make the Commonwealth Campus a great educational experience,” said DeGroot.
After completing his degree in Civil Engineering at University Park, DeGroot set his sights on making a difference in society.
“I wanted to be an engineer so I could use my skills to create things that people need. Our work in civil engineering, although often unnoticed, plays an important part in public infrastructure and the buildings that we all use everyday.”
DeGroot is currently a civil engineer with Terraform Engineering, working throughout the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania, leading land development projects and providing expert engineering testimony.
His connection to Penn State has remained strong. He has been a member of the local Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association for 25 years, and is currently its president.
In addition to his involvement in local alumni activities, DeGroot has volunteered on campus to present to incoming students and mentor future engineers attending Penn State.
When the invitation to join the board was presented by Chair Howard Kulp, DeGroot saw an opportunity to continue his dedication to the University and be part of its continued success.
“Terry has been a proud Penn State alumnus and active ambassador for the University and the campus in our local community for many years. We are glad to have his input and years of Penn State experience as part of the Advisory Board,” said Kulp.
On the ShelfPoe and the Visual Arts by Barbara Cantalupo. Penn State University Press, 2014.Although Edgar Allan Poe is most often identified with stories of horror and fear, there is an unrecognized and even forgotten side to the writer. He was a self-declared lover of beauty. “Poe and the Visual Arts” is the first comprehensive study of how Poe’s work relates to the visual culture of his time. Barbara Cantalupo, associate professor of English, argues that Poe’s sensitivity to visual media gave his writing a distinctive “graphicality” and shows how, despite his association with the macabre, his enduring love of beauty and knowledge of the visual arts richly informed his corpus.
The Sweets of Araby: Enchanting recipes from the Tales of the 1001 Arabian Nights by Leila Salloum Elias and Muna Salloum. Countryman Press, 2013.In this storybook-cookbook Leila Elias, instructor in Arabic, and her co-authors translate some of the 1001
Arabian Nights stories Scheherazade recounted for Shahryar and adapt ancient recipes for the traditional sweet treats mentioned in them.
Sweet Delights from a Thousand and One Nights: The Story of Traditional Arab Sweets by Habeeb Salloum, Muna Salloum, and Leila Salloum Elias. I. B. Tauris, 2013.Leila Elias, instructor in Arabic, and her co-authors blend cooking with culture and recipes with history, in this fascinating and delectable story of traditional Arab sweets.
Scheherazade’s Feasts: Foods of the Medieval Arab World by Habeeb Salloum, Muna Salloum, and Leila Salloum Elias. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2013.Drawn from this wealth of medieval Arabic writing, Leila Elias, instructor in Arabic, and her co-authors present more than a hundred recipes for
the foods and beverages of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan empire.
To submit a book for publication, email [email protected].
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alumnialumni prideOKTOBERFEST VIEWING PARTY AT STEELSTACKS Based on the success of the World Cup viewing parties held at SteelStacks earlier in the summer, the Alumni Society and campus decided to replicate the event--blue and white style. The game was declared a local White Out, and the first 200 people to register received $10 gift cards for food at participating ArtsQuest venues.
Pre-game festivities included Penn State trivia, prizes, line dancing, and visits from the Nittany Lion and Alumni Blue Band. One lucky alumna even won tickets to a Penn State football game after submitting her photo to the #ifoundthelion Instagram contest. As part of the evening’s activities, attendees were also invited to enjoy the live music, food, and fun of Oktoberfest presented by Yuengling, which was free for the first time in its history.
DANCE FOR A CUREOn Saturday, November 8, local alumni and dance enthusiasts came together at MiXx Nightclub and Sports Lounge in Allentown to bust some moves and beat pediatric cancer. The Lehigh Valley’s award-winning Dance For A Cure event featured salsa, hip hop, and country line dancing lessons; a silent auction, including items signed by Jay Paterno and James Franklin; and free bowling. All proceeds from the event benefit THON and the Four Diamonds Fund, crediting Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Penn State Lehigh Valley Day
Penn Staters are known for their love of Berkey Creamery ice cream and their passion for raising funds to fight pediatric cancer. In August, at the first-ever Penn State Lehigh Valley Day in downtown Bethlehem, alumni and community members did just that, raising more than $3,000 for THON in one day.
The campus and Alumni Society partnered with Hotel Bethlehem on the grand opening of The Shoppe, which serves beloved Berkey Creamery ice cream. Friday, Aug. 22, alumni and special guests were given a sneak preview of The Shoppe. Saturday, Penn Staters and community members alike were invited back to Bethlehem for Penn State Lehigh Valley Day, a shopping and dining passport event to benefit THON.
More than 20 Downtown Bethlehem Association businesses participated by donating 5 percent of their sales on Aug. 23 to Penn State Lehigh Valley’s THON team. Passport holders received special deals at participating downtown locations and the chance to win prizes.
The day began with a ribbon cutting for The Shoppe by the campus THON child, Sean Geltz, where Mayor Bob Donchez proclaimed Penn State Lehigh Valley Day an annual event. Bruce Haines, managing partner of Hotel Bethlehem; Dr. Ann Williams, chancellor; and Megan Marzella, Lehigh Valley student and campus THON chair, also gave remarks. After that, all were welcome to enjoy a downtown party on Main Street, which included the Nittany Lion, balloon animals, face painting, and the Alumni Blue Band.
HOMECOMINGA group of 30 Lehigh Valley alumni and students made the trip to State College for Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 26 to enjoy the full spectrum of parade-day activities: An ice cream social at Hintz Family Alumni Center, a picturesque walk across campus, photos in front of Old Main and at the Lion Shrine, and of course, the parade and post-parade celebration.
6 TRADITION
Saving GreenFOLLOWING NATIONAL SUCCESS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, ROBERT ASHFORD ’87 TAKES A SWING AT LOCAL ENTERPRISE
by Allison Goodin
It’s an early November morning, and the residents and businesses of Coopersburg’s charming Main Street are just beginning to show signs of life—sweeping leaves from porch steps and posting their “Open” signs. Small houses with big porches and wide front lawns settle in next to grand Victorians and aging commercial structures; some restored with care and repurposed as a natural food store or hair salon. It’s the kind of main street that conjures sentimental images of what a brisk fall morning in this borough looked like when all these buildings where shiny and new. And while there’s still some work to be done, there is also the sense that the community is invested in maintaining their town for years to come.
Turning off of Main Street heading west, the road quickly narrows and small town charm is traded for towering trees and stone farmhouses. If you’re not careful, you might drive right by Locust Valley Golf Club; something its current owner, Robert Ashford, is working with shrewd diligence to remedy.
Sitting at a table in the pro shop on that November morning, Ashford, a native of the Lehigh Valley area, describes the state of the former country club when he assumed ownership in August 2012.
“It was in really bad shape. There had been no maintenance done to the greens and bunkers. The banquet facility is still totally unusable,” said Ashford. “The land had been slated for development, so there were around 750 tree stumps to remove.”
A month after purchase, a rare tornado ripped through the area. And then there was Hurricane Sandy. These uncontrollable events made restoring the club, whose course was designed by the same architect as two of nearby Saucon Valley Country Club’s, even more challenging. A rough start, to be sure. But, much like those Main
Street business owners, Ashford saw something in Locust Valley worth saving and, if his past record of success is any indication, he has the skills to do it.
After graduating from Penn State with a degree in economics, Ashford applied his knowledge first to establishing his own financial planning firm, which grew to serve more than 500 clients. Heeding warning signs of a potential decline in the market, Ashford sold the business after five years, and moved on to a snack distribution venture. But he didn’t feel it was a good fit for his goals and sold it after a year. Then, a product idea presented itself that, with creative, aggressive marketing and sharp cost monitoring, Ashford turned into a future-securing success.
Ashford’s father, a dentist, had long used a chemical spray to eliminate, not just mask, odors from patients’ dentures. The father and son team felt there were numerous consumer applications for such a product and, in 1993, formed Osmegen Inc., and its first product, Natural Magic Odor Blaster spray. Like many new products, Natural Magic had its fair share of challenges at the outset, but Ashford was able to carve out a niche for the product and subsequent introductions to the line and build Osmegen to be a leader in “Total Odor Control.” The company went from hand filling and labeling bottles in a barn on his father’s farm, to full-scale manufacturing facilities in Allentown and sales through QVC and major national retailers. In 2004, Ashford sold the thriving business to Homax Products Inc., a distributor of home improvement and do-it-yourself products, and retired.
A decade later, Ashford is in the midst of applying some of the same principles he used to grow Osmegen to revitalizing Locust Valley. But, why a golf course?
JANUARY 2015 7
“I really fell in love with golf after college. It’s a great camaraderie sport, and it’s a lifelong sport,” said Ashford. “After I retired, I started investing in different things and the opportunity to buy the bank notes on Locust Valley and another golf course came up. Unfortunately, when the economy tanked, I was forced to foreclose on the properties.”
Maybe there were some sentimental reasons at play—it was the first course he ever played in the Lehigh Valley—but Ashford decided to sell the other course and hang on to Locust Valley. Since then he has taken things one step, and stump, at a time.
“We’ve focused on what players really want; a great round of golf. So the course was the first priority. Now we’ve got a fantastic crew keeping it beautiful. When the club is running at a profit, then we can make decisions about more large-scale improvements like a new clubhouse and driving range.”
Ashford has also emphasized keeping the course affordable, marketing it as “A Public Course with a Country Club Feel,” and offering specials and family packages. In just the two years that Ashford has owned it, Locust Valley is already showing signs of improvement, not just physically, but financially. Total rounds of golf, the lifeblood of any course, have increased from roughly 18,000 to 28,000. And he’s begun the process of talking with the township to obtain permission for new amenities.
The current pro-shop and snack bar is modest but efficient—and even has a little Penn State pride to boot. A display of Penn State golf umbrellas hugs one wall, and along another is a large team photo with the words “Home of Penn State Lehigh Valley Golf.” Ashford was more than willing to work with the campus to make Locust Valley the team’s home course.
“I think the course gives the team a nice challenge for practice, and the feedback from visiting teams has been great,” said Ashford. “Of course, I’m also happy to be supporting my alma mater in the process.”
8 TRADITION
From PeeWee to the Big LeaguesPROFESSOR DISCUSSES THE PROS AND CONS OF YOUTH SPORTS
by Luke Williams
Despite the seemingly superhuman abilities he often displays on the diamond, Mike Trout, sports celebrity and league-leading baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels, had to start somewhere. His dad, a high school baseball star and big-name college prospect whose minor league career was cut short by a knee injury, lent Trout his superior athletic genetics and developed them in Trout during his childhood. Soon enough, Trout began starting little league games, where he played shortstop and pitched phenomenally well. After a jaw-dropping high school career, Trout found himself playing for the Angels at age 18, eventually named the Minor League Player of the Year after his very first professional season.
But what if Trout hadn’t had a ball-playing father and incredible natural talent to propel him in his early life? Chances are we would still be associating the word “trout” entirely with fish and not with major league baseball.
Trout’s case raises questions that parents of young, athletically-gifted children are more than likely asking themselves: When is the right age to specialize? Can youth sports threaten long-term health and safety? Fortunately, there is research to help address these concerns.
“Research is very much cautionary towards early specialization,” said Dr. Doug Hochstetler, sports philosopher and associate professor of Kinesiology. “There is no hard and fast rule, but I would say that, at the middle school age, they have better opportunities to develop their autonomy and decide for themselves what it is they really want to take up.”
The middle school age group is definable; however, the age at which kids hit puberty is not. According to Hochstetler, puberty, a period of time when peaks of physiological growth are hit, is prime-time.
“It’s best if kids don’t specialize until puberty. Some kids hit it in fifth grade, others much later, so all of this really falls on a case-by-case basis. Should it be said that no one should specialize before middle school? Probably not; there’s going to be some kids that are really, really good and passionate when they’re very young, and maybe for them, [specialization] is the best thing they can do.”
There is another sizeable factor that can determine whether young athletes play their sport for the rest of their lives or quit right before college: parental direction. Many parents strive to get their kids involved in a sport or activity that will keep them moving and off the living room couch, but for how long does that parental decision stay valid?
“Part of it is the parents taking time to talk to their child and keeping ongoing attentiveness to how they’re doing,” said Hochstetler. “They
need to ask themselves if it’s their esteem or the child’s wants that ultimately drives their motivation.”
And then there is the question of the short and long-term effects on kids’ health. According to a survey done by Safe Kids Worldwide, a young athlete visits an emergency room every 25 seconds because of a sports-related injury, accumulating to more than a million visits per year. In a time when rigorous youth sports plays a significant part in the lives of many kids, what can they and their parents do to mitigate potential harm?
“The youth pitching arm in baseball is a good example,” said Hochstetler. “Injuries to the tendons and ligaments can be developed and sustained over long periods of playing time, and while surgery can certainly be done, you like to prevent those injuries from happening in the first place. Most programs have limits in place where kids can only throw a certain number of pitches, which is very appropriate. You’d hope that the coaches and parents want the best for their young athletes, not so they can win any particular game, but so they can have healthy long-term careers.”
Hochstetler encourages young athletes to incorporate warm-up and cool-down processes in their sports, spend time mastering techniques, and use protective gear, such as mouthpieces, for contact sports in order to ensure maximum safety.
In a culture that rewards exceptional athleticism—with scholarships, cereal box covers, and, at the professional level, celebrity status—some may question whether there is too much pressure, particularly from parents and coaches, on young athletes to perform. Is there still a fun factor left for kids who want to play sports?
“I think with pushing kids to win, things are developmental. What a coach is going to do to prepare a team of five year-olds is different than what a coach would do with a team of twelve year-olds, so there’s a progression with that,” said Hochstetler. “The little kids are there because they want to have fun, be with their teammates and play. The middle school and high school kids, to a certain extent, have the same goals, but things tend to be different and more serious. Ideally, it shouldn’t all be drudgery, and there should definitely be open-minded communication between coaches and parents about what they both would like to happen.”
Dr. Doug Hochstetler, sports philosopher and associate professor of Kinesiology.
JANUARY 2015 9FERGUSON RW, GREEN A, HANSEN LM. GAME CHANGERS: STATS, STORIES AND WHAT COMMUNITIES ARE DOING TO PROTECT YOUNG ATHLETES. WASHINGTON, DC: SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE, AUGUST 2013.
Building the PrideWITH RICH FATZINGER AT THE HELM, PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY ATHLETICS GETS COMPETITIVE
by Allison Goodin
JANUARY 2015 11
For most Lehigh Valley sports fans, the name Rich Fatzinger
does not conjure blue and white images and chants of “We
Are…” Fatzinger is revered in the local high school sports
scene primarily for his successful 35-year career coaching
men’s and women’s basketball and directing athletic
programs at Parkland High School, and for spending two
years coaching at Allentown Central Catholic. But if the
positive progress of Penn State Lehigh Valley athletics in
the last five years is any indication, that perception may
begin to change.
Following his retirement from Parkland, Fatzinger started working part time coordinating athletic and fitness offerings for the campus shortly after its move to Center Valley in 2009.
“My whole career was in education, and I was looking to continue doing something in the field after retiring,” said Fatzinger. “Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager, director of student affairs, got my name from another local college athletic director and approached me about managing what the campus had at the time.”
Admittedly, what the campus had wasn’t much. There were tennis, cross country, and golf teams, and a small fitness center. But some of the teams didn’t have full rosters, resulting in many forfeiture calls to opposing teams. And when they did play, the results were generally less than outstanding.
“You know, up until then, athletics just wasn’t a big part of the campus identity.”
The campus also wasn’t a full member of the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) in which most campuses outside of University Park compete. But the move and the projected increase in campus enrollment resulted in a renewed focus on athletics.
The TeamAfter years of doing the coaching, Athletic Director Rich Fatzinger has taken on the challenge of assembling a stellar line-up of coaches to guide our student athletes. Meet the dedicated people driving the burgeoning success of Penn State Lehigh Valley athletics.
12 TRADITION
“Chancellor Williams gave me a timeline. We had five years to add Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Basketball, two sports necessary to gain full PSUAC membership.”
Fatzinger began working for the campus full-time to meet the deadline. In fall 2014, it was met. With the support of the Chancellor and Cresswell-Yeager, he had not only added Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball to the campus athletic offerings, but had also made great strides in the quality of the programs.
“In order to be successful, obviously you need kids who want to play. There are some
standards you really want to be able to meet to get the kids excited about choosing your program.”
Of course, there continues to be one major obstacle; the campus still lacks a gymnasium. To overcome that, Fatzinger has worked hard, and with great success, to establish relationships with other schools to serve as venues for home games. He has also made it a point to invest in keeping other details, like uniforms and transportation, as first-class as possible. But perhaps the most positive force in the direction of the program has been composing an outstanding group of coaches to guide the student athletes.
“They are my team; my players,” said Fatzinger. “They are all willing to listen when the old man talks and, despite the fact that most of them are doing this part time, they are willing to work hard for their teams.”
Fatzinger is pleased with the response of prospective and current students, too.
“We’re competitive now. We’ve earned the respect of other PSUAC teams. Local kids now see it as a viable option,” he said. “And our current student athletes are making us proud not just on the court, but in the classroom.”
JANUARY 2015 13
In fact, this fall, 18 out of 26 student athletes received PSUAC Academic All-Conference recognition. Students must achieve an individual GPA of 3.0 or higher to receive this recognition. The campus’ cross country, volleyball and golf teams had a combined average GPA of 3.13.
Some students are even doing the recruiting themselves. Fatzinger and Cross Country Coach Carolyn Dunham didn’t think there would even be a team this fall until an enthusiastic freshman runner named Chris Bukavich reached out.
“He was turning around to everyone at orientation asking, ‘Do you like to run?’” said Dunham. “Pretty soon, there were four members and, though some weren’t experienced competitive runners, they all worked hard, improved, and had the best attitudes.”
Another improvement for the program came this fall when a brand new, blue and white sport court was installed on campus. The court is flexible to accommodate basketball, volleyball and tennis. And while the need for a gymnasium and accompanying facilities still exists, Fatzinger notes that the sport court has already proved a positive addition for practices and team workouts.
Overall, the coach has a great sense of pride in what the team has accomplished and is optimistic about the future of Penn State Lehigh Valley athletics.
“We made the turn. Now we just have to keep it going in the right direction.”
To view team rosters, schedules, and results, visit www.psulehighvalleyathletics.com.
“They are my team; my players. They are all willing to listen when the old man talks and, despite the fact that most of them are doing this part time, they are willing to work hard for their teams.”
—rich fatzinger
14 TRADITION
From Boots to Books and the Back NineFORMER MARINES FIND COMMON GROUND ON CAMPUS AND ON THE GOLF COURSEby Luke Williams
“One of my drill instructors from boot camp went over to Iraq with a different unit after we had finished training. The next time I saw him, he had lost both his legs from below the knees.”
“The worst experience I had was when we lost 60 people flying over Afghanistan. One of the transport helicopters got hit with an RPG round, and on the way down, crashed into another transport helicopter. I was 18 at the time, flying in the attack helicopter to provide support for the transports to make sure they didn’t get hit. The whole thing happened right in front of me.”
These are the words of Nathan Bloomfield (shown at right) and Michael Szklanny (far right), respectively, two Penn State Lehigh Valley students, members of the recently-crowned championship campus golf team, and combat veterans. For them, the journey from high school graduate to college student would start with service to their country.
“I enlisted in the Marines in 2004, right after high school,” said Bloomfield. “I had great grades and could’ve gone wherever, but the war [in Iraq] was such a huge thing during that time… before long, I was walking around Fallujah, Iraq, trying not to get blown up.”
After his time serving in Iraq, Bloomfield found himself living in northern New Jersey with a fresh G.I. Bill to use. Extending his college search beyond the Garden State, he came across Penn State, where the location and campus network caught his attention.
“On the days that you remember when things were really hard, like when I lost friends in combat and whatnot, [playing golf] helps you to focus on what you’re
doing now rather than the negative.”—Michael Szklanny
Penn State Lehigh Valley has GOLF
JANUARY 2015 15
“Penn State was in a nice area and had a great network because of its sheer size. I would always see Penn State stickers around North Jersey, so I knew I could move back and use my degree.”
For Szklanny, now a Veterinary Sciences major, the initial choice was between Penn State and Georgia Tech to pursue engineering. After some new opportunities opened up, he put aside his academic goals and served almost a year in Afghanistan.
“My mom said that I always wanted to join the military growing up, and when I was sixteen I got a call from a recruiter. I sat down and talked with him and really saw myself serving,” said Szklanny. “My uncle had enlisted in the Navy and worked as a field medic with Marines during Desert Storm prior to becoming a colonel in the Army. He told me I fit the description of a good soldier. I realized I wanted to better myself and as much of the world as I could.”
Despite the toughness that harrowing experiences and extreme training can provide, the transition from Marine to college student can still come with challenges. Fortunately for these two veterans, the commuter campus environment at Lehigh Valley eased that transition and gave them ways to cope with remembering.
“I knew I wouldn’t be overwhelmed and would have a more intimate classroom setting,” said Bloomfield, now pursuing a business major. “In the military, you kind of just want to talk to somebody, and the bad stuff just comes to me in waves sometimes. So the smaller classes and one-on-one time with professors helped me get into the flow since I had absolutely no idea what anything was regarding college.”
Bloomfield and Szklanny’s military service changed them forever, providing useful skills and unique perspective while also helping them stay grounded and look at the big picture.
“The time management and discipline are definitely the two biggest things that help me the most,” said Szklanny. “In the military, if you’re not where you’re supposed to be on time or not doing what you’re supposed to do, there are going to be some serious problems.”
Bloomfield added, “You have life experiences, where other kids are just going off what they’ve read about.”
The pair also found solace in playing the sport that they love, helping the campus’s golf team take the PSUAC championship in October.
“I was our number one on my golf team in high school,” said Szklanny, “but I wasn’t able to financially carry myself through college with it. I played a lot with one of my roommates in the military and once I came up here I figured I might as well continue to play. On the days that you remember when things were really hard, like when I lost friends in combat and whatnot, it helps you to focus on what you’re doing now rather than the negative.”
“My brother became a club pro,” said Bloomfield. “I never originally planned on playing before I went in since I had hurt my back prior, but I thought that if my brother could do it, I could do it. It turned out well because it kept my mind occupied and was very therapeutic for me. I plan on becoming a club pro one day myself, but we’ll see.”
“On the days that you remember when things were really hard, like when I lost friends in combat and whatnot, [playing golf] helps you to focus on what you’re
doing now rather than the negative.”—Michael Szklanny
16 TRADITION
Coach Ross was particulalry proud of Young (pictured above in a game against Williamson Trade School) and his teammates’ performances against Penn State York and Penn State Mont Alto, both dominant programs in the PSUAC.
Young Bounces Back
As he nursed his injury (“Netflix was a crucial part of my recovery,” he recalled with a laugh) during what would have been the first semester of his college career, he had a visit from Anthony Ross, the new head coach of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s men’s basketball team. Ross, a former Dieruff High School basketball standout, was an assistant coach at Moravian College when he first saw Young play.
“He was a leader and a very passionate player each time I saw him,” said Ross. “During recruiting for the campus, I received calls about Jordan from two people in the same week. They both had great things to say about him. The next week I did a home visit and met his entire family. They are great people and have done a wonderful job raising Jordan to be a respectful young man.”
The meeting would also have a profound effect on Young.
“Coach Ross rescued me,” he said. “I can’t really put it into words, but I could relate to him. What he said inspired and impressed me. It still does.”
Young felt he wanted to be a part of what Ross was describing, and a new plan emerged. He enrolled at the campus in spring 2013. While the healing to his ACL continued, Young began working out with the team. His progress on and off the court made an impression on Coach Ross, who chose Young to serve as team captain for the next season.
“There was no doubt in my mind who was going to be the captain of this young group. Even though Jordan is still growing, he has great leadership qualities and holds his peers accountable,” said Ross. “He's not just a vocal leader on the court. Jordan leads by example every day in the classroom as well. He is a great student which sometimes gets overlooked in today's athletes.”
Young describes himself as the shyest outgoing person you’ll ever meet. Off the court, he’s always trying to make people smile. On the court, his leadership and work ethic, inspired greatly, he says, by Coach Ross, are evident.
“My demeanor totally changes when I’m out there. I really have the feeling of needing to lead the squad,” said Young. “When I see that
Penn State Lehigh Valley has BASKETBALL
In the summer of 2012, Jordan Young had a plan. Recruited
to play basketball at a private college just outside of
Philadelphia, the Freedom High School grad and point
guard had the next phase in his educational and athletic
goals in sight. And then, every athlete’s worst nightmare
struck: injury. Young tore his ACL playing recreational ball.
Suddenly, surgery and a long and painful recovery were the
only things in sight.
by Allison Goodin
JANUARY 2015 17
floor, I’m focused. And every day we take a step forward in the right direction.”
Both Ross and Young are proud of the team’s progress. During the 2013-14 season, they had a strong showing; finishing sixth overall despite minimal expectations in the conference. Both are excited about the current team’s chemistry with five players returning from last season including Young as captain.
“I have been honored to coach Jordan these past two years. He has done everything I have asked of him and has also exceeded every expectation I have had thus far,” said Ross. “I am proud to say I have had some impact on Jordan's life and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. He's a special human being!”
Young also sees himself making progress as a player and a leader.
“With Coach Ross’s help, I’m seeing what I can do better for the team. Part of it is being more aggressive. I can’t sit around and wait for the play to come me. I have to go out there and make the play. As a leader and a captain, it’s time.”
Both are hopeful for the future of men’s basketball at Penn State Lehigh Valley, and Young echoes the sentiments of many campus athletes when asked what would make playing sports here even better:
“GYMNASIUM; and put that in 72-point font, bold, and underlined,” Young said with a smile. “Seriously, it has been awesome playing home games at Stabler Arena, and we’ve really strived to make the best of the situation, but sometimes it’s hard for our guys to schedule the courses they need when we’re at the mercy of another facility’s schedule for practices and games. It can be hectic.”
Even though it was a painful injury that ultimately resulted in Young’s presence at Lehigh Valley, he couldn’t be happier with the result.
“I’m working hard to complete my degree. I’m helping lead a team and playing the sport I love. And I’ve got the support of a role model who has inspired me to want to coach in the future,” said Young. “My original plan changed, but you can’t hold on to the past. Time doesn’t stop, so I can’t either.”
18 TRADITION
Penn State Lehigh Valley has CYCLING
Coming Full CircleDECORATED COLLEGIATE CYCLIST TURNS PRO AND TAKES HELM OF CAMPUS TEAM
by Emily Burns
The collegiate cycling program at Penn State Lehigh Valley has a rich history consisting of a legendary, long-time coach, numerous collegiate cycling champions, and athletes who have since gone on to become Olympians. Mandy Marquardt ’14 plans to continue that tradition of excellence.
Marquardt is no stranger to the pages of Tradition and other Penn State news outlets. Having excelled as a collegiate track cyclist and advocate for Type 1 diabetes, Marquardt’s time as a student at the Lehigh Valley campus produced a number of news-worthy accolades.
Now, as the campus’s new cycling head coach, she hopes to continue the success of the program and inspire new athletes and fans to embrace cycling.
For most college graduates, the weeks following graduation serve as a transitional period. This was especially true for Marquardt, who found herself undergoing a very swift transformation from business student to alumna and cycling coach within just a few weeks.
During her senior year, Marquardt served as president of the Cycling Club, handling most of the logistics for the team. With the recent retirement of head coach Jim Young and her own graduation drawing closer, Marquardt feared the club would lose focus without a leader.
“I didn’t want to see the program go under,” she said, “and I wanted to stay involved on campus.”
The next steps, while somewhat awkward for her, seemed only logical. With the support of Chancellor Williams and the campus community, Marquardt took over as head cycling coach.
“One of the most difficult things was learning to call professors by their first names,” she laughed. “My professors suddenly became my colleagues!”
Marquardt firmly believes that the skills and education that she obtained at the campus—such as discipline, time management, goal-setting, networking, and professionalism—have helped her to become a better employee, cyclist, and coach.
“One of my favorite moments was coaching Monica Volk and James Mellon at Collegiate Nationals in Indiana in August,” she stated, reflecting on her coaching experience so far.
Previously, Marquardt had only attended the event as a competitor, so this trip allowed her to enjoy a different type of experience.
“I took on a motherly role,” she joked.
Marquardt during her days as a student, adorned with
a few of the many cycling honors she received.
JANUARY 2015 19
Marquardt enjoyed chauffeuring for the long car ride, encouraging hard work from her athletes, and even cooking for the team members after a long day of training or competition. In the end, with guidance from Marquardt, the team claimed fifth in the USA Cycling Collegiate Track Division II Team Omnium, an impressive finish for a team with just two members.
Until collegiate cycling picks up again in March, Marquardt is using the downtime to focus on her own professional cycling career. This means living her dream and traveling the world with the United States National Team.
Marquardt’s first stop was Colorado Springs for the Fall Sprint Camp at the Olympic Training Center. From there, she traveled to the first World Cup competition, which was held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Following her trip to Mexico, Marquardt made her way to the Netherlands to train with the Dutch National Team before heading to London to compete in the second World Cup. Marquardt rounded out a successful World Cup season by competing in Cali, Columbia at the third World Cup competition. At all three world cups, Marquardt was able to gain valuable points towards potential qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Marquardt has many goals for the team. She plans to create widespread buzz utilizing social media (@PSULVcycling) and a new cycling website (lv.psu.edu/cycling), and also hopes to increase team numbers by recruiting more beginner-level cyclists.
“Most people don’t realize is that there are programs for beginner cyclists that allow them to ‘get their feet wet’ before diving into competitive cycling,” she explained.
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s Velodrome, located in nearby Breinigsville (aka T-Town), serves as the cycling club’s “home drome” for practices and competitions. This world-famous facility offers cyclists of all levels of experience the opportunity to train and compete on its banked concrete track, which is known for being one of the fastest outdoor tracks in the world.
Marquardt ultimately hopes to coach a well-rounded and successful cycling team.
“I look forward to building on the 23-year tradition of excellence established by Jim Young, and I’m ready to coach the team to success and many national podiums!”
Coach Marquardt on the track at Collegiate Nationals with students James Mellon (left) and Monica Volk (right).
20 TRADITION
‘A’ is for All-ConferenceALLORA ATIYEH AND ANNA TALÉ HELP PROPEL VOLLEYBALL TEAM TO SUCCESS IN FIRST-EVER SEASON
by Allison Goodin
Both Allora Atiyeh and Anna Talé love volleyball, have played competitively since middle school, and aspired to play in college. But neither of them had really planned to play volleyball for Penn State Lehigh Valley. Yet their strength and experience as players were a big part of what made the first-ever Penn State Lehigh Valley Women’s Volleyball team exceed not only league expectations, but also its own.
It was a happy surprise for Talé when she arrived at New Student Welcome in August to find out that the campus was starting a team under the guidance of new coach Brittni Kholi.
“I was excited to sign up,” said Talé, who was born in Fiji and became a U.S. citizen in 2007. “I chose Penn State for two main
reasons: engineering and volleyball. I have watched Penn State’s volleyball team for years and hope to try out when I transfer to University Park next year.”
Atiyeh found out about the new team when she visited the campus website, but still wasn’t sure she could play. The Lehigh Valley native, who played on Parkland High School’s decorated squad, chose to spend her first year of college at the campus as preparation for pursuing agricultural sciences at Cornell University.
“I’m going to play volleyball there, so I wasn’t sure if playing here would affect my eligibility, but I knew I wanted to be involved with the team in some way, even managing,” said Atiyeh. “Luckily, Coach Britt emailed me back and said playing wouldn’t be a problem.”
With it being the first season, and with only one other experienced player besides Atiyeh and Talé, the main focus for coach and crew was to learn, grow, and have fun as a team.
“We kind of felt like we had nothing to lose because there wasn’t the pressure of previous seasons,” said Atiyeh. “I think it was a good thing. We said let’s just play and see what happens.”
Penn State Lehigh Valley has VOLLEYBALL
Fiji-born Anna Talé (left) and Parkland High School graduate Allora Atiyeh (right) helped make the volleyball team’s first season one to remember.
JANUARY 2015 21
Join the Benefit for Penn State Lehigh Valley Student Athletes
Friday, June 26, 2015 Green Pond Country Club Bethlehem, PA
Fourth Annual
Golf Tournament
For more information, contact Athletics Director Rich Fatzinger at 610-285-5216 or [email protected].
And then things started to happen—like winning games—and suddenly the girls began to see that they had potential.
“With that confidence boost, everyone stepped up, worked hard and improved their skills and focus,” said Atiyeh.
Their reward? Making the playoffs in their first season.
“No one expected us to be the team we were,” said Talé. “Even we didn’t!”
The contributions of these two powerhouse hitters to the team did not go unnoticed by the PSUAC, either. Both were named to the All-Conference team, and Atiyeh was named “Newcomer of the Year” and made the Academic All-Conference team with her stellar GPA.
Next year’s squad will have big shoes to fill in the front line, but both Atiyeh and Talé are confident that, with a great first season in the books, there are great things in store for women’s volleyball at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014–15 PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
Name Position
Allora Atiyeh Outside
Diamonque Harris Middle
Alicia Huber Setter
Ashley Husser Middle
Natasha Leon Weakside
Maria Ortiz Back-Row
Elizabeth Perez Back-Row
Ava Reichard Back-Row
Shelley Rosario Back-Row
Taylor Russell Outside
Sirena Saleet Back-Row
Anna Talé All-Around
22 TRADITION
Penn State Lehigh Valley has CROSS COUNTRY
Going the Extra Mile
If not for the enthusiasm of
freshman Chris Bukavich (at left),
pictures of the fall 2014 Cross
Country season wouldn't exist.
Luckily, Bukavich found
teammates ready and willing
to make it to the finish line no
matter their level of experience.
The small but spirited group
all received Academic All-
Conference recognition for
their performance as students
and athletes.
Top: Chris Bukavich hits his stride during a meet at Penn State Brandywine.
Middle: Coach Carolyn Dunham (third from left) has a few words with her team before the start of the Brandywine race.
Bottom: The 2014 Lehigh Valley team included (from left) Ashley Ramirez, JD Maxwell, Jacob Srock, Alejandro Vega, and Chris Bukavich.
JANUARY 2015 23
calendarcalendar of eventsThis calendar is accurate as of press time. All events located at Penn State Lehigh Valley campus unless otherwise noted.
January 19–April 15Gallery: Artists View our World Artists Khalil Allaik, Susan Barnes, and Douglas Ihlenfeld showcase work inspired by the physical world in which they live.
February 8Penn State Lehigh Valley vs. Lehigh Carbon Community College Women’s Basketball. Stabler Arena, Bethlehem. 1 p.m.
February 8Penn State Lehigh Valley vs. Penn State York Men’s Basketball. Stabler Arena, Bethlehem. 3 p.m.
February 16Preview PSU Prospective students can learn more about opportunities at Penn State. Register: 610-285-5000. Program begins at 9:30 a.m.
February 18THON Dancer Send-Off 1 p.m.
February 20–22THON Weekend The annual 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to raise money to combat pediatric cancer. University Park.
February 22THON Reveal Party ArtsQuest, Bethlehem. 2 p.m.
February 25Atomic and Molecular Physics of the Early Universe. Robert Forrey, Ph.D., professor of Physics at Penn State Berks, will speak as part of this year’s Faculty Lecture Series. 1 p.m.
March 6SAGE: Living Waters—Honoring Water Resources in the Lehigh Valley Presented by Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley. For adults 55+. Register: 610-285-5066. 11 a.m.
March 8–14Spring Break No classes.
March 186@6: Old King Coal: Then and Now—Anthracite, Mining, Immigrants, Unrest, Unions The first of six lectures at 6 p.m. presented by David Longenbach, instructor of history. Register: 610-285-5066.
March 20An Infectious Approach to Biofabrication: Nanoscale Assembly with a Plant Virus Scaffold. James Culver, Ph.D. Professor, Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research and Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, will speak as part of this year’s Faculty Lecture Series. 1 p.m.
March 31Slam Poet Katie Wirsing performs at 12:15 p.m.
April 2Health and Wellness Fair 12–2 p.m.
April 3SAGE: Enacting Racism: Clarence Thomas, Anita Hill, Character, and the Constitution Presented by E. Michele Ramsey, Ph.D. For adults 55+. Register: 610-285-5066. 11 a.m.
April 7Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 12:15 p.m.
April 8 and 15The Handprint of the Molly Maguires Interpretation of original screenplay by Katina Bozikis, instructor in film. Presented in two parts. 6 p.m.
April 9Undergraduate Research Symposium. Annual event for students to showcase their research efforts. 10:15 a.m.
April 21Herps Alive Live animal experience. 12 p.m.
May 1SAGE: The Art of Ancient Greece Presented by Elizabeth Flaherty, Ph.D. For adults 55+. Register: 610-285-5066. 11 a.m.
May 1–22 IDEA: Inter-District Experience in the Arts A collaborative art exhibition by the AP Portfolio art students from Palisades and Southern Lehigh High Schools. Reception: Tuesday, May 12, 5–7 p.m.
May 9Commencement The Class of 2015 celebrates. Stabler Arena, Bethlehem. 11 a.m.
June 1–July 1Student Exhibition Work created in the various campus studio art courses.
June 5SAGE: Inside Afghanistan: A personal experience Presented by Pamela Varkony. For adults 55+. Register: 610-285-5066. 11 a.m.
June 26Golf Tournament Annual event to support Penn State Lehigh Valley athletic teams. Green Pond Country Club, Bethlehem. 9 a.m.
The Big Picture
73%of Penn State Lehigh Valley fall 2014 athletes honored by the Penn State University Athletic Conference as Academic All-Conference.
3.13overall GPA for fall 2014 athletes
8%of Penn State University Park fall 2014 athletes honored as Academic All-Big Ten Conference.
Penn State fans from near and far gathered at Allentown’s brand new PPL Center, home of Lehigh Valley Phantoms Ice Hockey, for the varsity men’s basketball match against Drexel University on December 20. The Nittany Lions topped the Dragons 73–68.
JANUARY 2015 coverC
2.8%of students at Penn State Lehigh Valley are athletes
1.7%of students at Penn State University Park are athletes
3Penn State Lehigh Valley cycling team alumni who are Olympians
0cycling Olympians from any other Penn State campus
610-285-5216number to call to get involved in Penn State Lehigh Valley athletics
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
P A I DPermit No. 166
Lehigh Valley, PA2809 Saucon Valley RoadCenter Valley, PA 18034-8447
Shoot. Swoosh. Score!After exceeding expectations in their first season last year, women’s basketball is already putting up some impressive stats for 2014–15, including beating the top-ranked conference opponent in double-overtime, 89-85. As of press time, freshman Andrea Watkins (at right) leads the conference in points per game at 18.9, and the team is ranked fourth in the conference and ninth nationally in a USCAA Coaches poll.