Hope College | Athletics

Five members of the 2007 Hope track and field teams have been named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association national all-academic team.

The five Hope athletes are among 324 student-athletes from all NCAA Division III institutions to receive the distinction. To qualify, an athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25 and obtained an NCAA automatic or provisional qualifying mark for the national outdoor championships.

Hope athletes honored are 2007 graduate Leah Koopmans of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS), junior Lindsay Lange of Manistee, Mich. (Manistee HS), 2007 graduate Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Iowa (Pella HS), 2007 graduate Jennifer VanderMeer of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS), and junior Seth Weener of Grandville, Mich. (Grandville HS).

Hope Teams Honored
by MIAA for Academics

Seven Hope athletic teams have been presented the 2006-07 Team GPA Award by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

The award is presented to conference teams who achieved a 3.300 or better grade point average during the entire academic year.

This program, now in its ninth year, is administered by the Faculty Athletic Representatives of the MIAA member colleges.

The women's cross country team (3.546 gpa), coached by Mark Northuis, has received the honor for the ninth consecutive year.

Hope Athletes Named to 2006-07
MIAA Academic Honor Roll

The 2006/2007 Academic Honor Roll of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) includes 160 student-athletes from HopeCollege.

The academic awards program is administered by the faculty representatives of the MIAA member colleges.

The 18th annual Academic Honor Roll consists of student-athletes who maintained a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the year.

Among the Hope students named to the Honor Roll are fourteen seniors who both lettered four years and achieved the academic distinction. They are Erin Dargis of Geneva, Ill./Geneva Community HS (soccer), Nathaniel Golomb of Schoolcraft/Schoolcraft HS (golf), Karl Hoesch of Zeeland/Zeeland East HS (swimming), Leah Koopmans of Holland/Holland HS (cross country, track), Alison Mejeur of St. Joseph/St. Joseph HS (cross country), Sara Omanson of Naperville, Ill./Naperville North HS (cross country, track), Michael Rodgers of Saline/Saline HS (baseball), Kyle Smith of Ada/Forest Hills Northern (track), Leslie Tableman of Lansing/Eastern HS (cross country, track), Matthew VanBeek of Hudsonville/Unity Christian HS (baseball), Jennifer Vander Meer of Holland/Holland HS (track), Michael VanderVelde of Grandville/Grandville HS (baseball), Kyle Waterstone of Holland/Holland HS (swimming).

Senior Ryan TerLouw Named
NCAA Postgraduate Scholar

Recent HopeCollege graduate Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Iowa has received two major awards for academic accomplishment

A standout distance runner in Hope's cross country and track & field programs, TerLouw has been presented an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and has been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team in track & field.

A chemistry major, TerLouw lettered in cross country and track & field all four years. He earned all-conference honors in both sports and was a three-time NCAA All-American in the 1,500-meter run, finishing fourth this spring. He was also the co-recipient of the college's Otto van der Velde All-Campus Award. He will attend the University of Iowa Medical School.

Hope Places Well in
NACDA Director's Cup Standings

Hope College finished among the nation's top NCAA Division III schools in the annual NACDA Directors' Cup standings for the 2006-07 school year.

Hope ranked 20th among 419 NCAA Division III colleges in the standings compiled by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today.

The NACDA Directors' Cup standings are based on points earned by teams that compete in NCAA championship events.

Hope College has been ranked among the nation's top 50 NCAA Division III programs in 10 of the 12 years. Hope's place in the standings other years were 1995-96, 26th; 1996-97, 46th; 1997-98, 23rd; 1998-99, 47th; 1999-00, 47th; 2000-01, 38th; 2001-02, 70th; 2002-03, 31st; 2003-04, 39th; 2004-05, 56th; 2005-06, 12th.

Hope Continues to be
Basketball Attendance Leader

For the fifth straight year, Hope College has led all NCAA Division III men's basketball programs in home attendance. And the women's basketball program continues to grow its attendance base as the Flying Dutch ranked fourth among DIII teams in 2006-07.

This is the ninth time in school history that Hope has been the men's basketball attendance leader. The MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen averaged 2,923 fans per game over 15 dates topping runnerup Wooster, Ohio by almost 1,000 fans per contest. Wooster averaged 1,943 over 19 dates followed by MIAA rival Calvin who averaged 1,891 fans per date.

Othe years when Hope led the nation in men's attendance were 1984, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Hope Has Four NCAA
Track/Field All-Americans

Hope crowned four NCAA All-Americans at the Division III Track & Field Championships held May 24-26 in Oshkosh, Wisc.

In the final standings, the Flying Dutch finished 21st (11.5 points) in the field of 67 women's team while the Flying Dutchmen were 42nd (5 points) among 71 men's teams. The women's finish was the best in school history.

Senior Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Ia. finished fourth in the 1,500-meter run to achieve All-America honors for a third consecutive year. Senior Jennifer VanderMeer of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS) became the first Hope athlete to be an NCAA Track & Field All-American four consecutive years as she finished fifth in the pole vault. Junior Lindsay Lange of Manistee, Mich. (Manistee HS) finished fourth in the rigorous seven-event heptathlon to achieve All-America honors in the event for the second year in-a-row. Sophomore Christina Lis of Novi, Mich. (Novi HS) achieved All-America honors by tying for sixth place in the high jump.

All four athletes have been named All-Americans by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Athletes Honored for
Academic Achievement

Two Hope College athletes have been named to the ESPN/Co-SIDA Academic All-District teams for achieving in both the classroom and field of play.

Senior Lisa Smith of Dearborn, Mich. (Dearborn HS) has been named to the All-District second team in the at-large category. Smith was an All-American swimmer who majored in psychology. She has also received an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan.

Senior Matt Van Beek of Hudsonville (Unity Christian HS) has been named to the All-District second team in baseball. A four-year letterwinner who was co-captain of this year's MIAA champion team, Van Beek majored in biology. He was presented the college's Patterson Memorial Prize as a superior student with a major interest in biology. Van Beek will pursue his graduate studies at the University of Michigan.

All-Region Baseball Honors
Awarded Hope Players

Three members of Hope's All-MIAA baseball squad have been named to the Rawlings/ABCA All-Mideast Region team.

Junior shortstop Brian Baker of Holland (West Ottawa HS) has been named to the All-Region first team while sophomore first baseman Matt VanderVelde of Grandville (Grandville HS) and senior pitcher Mike Rodgers of Saline (Saline HS) are second team honorees.

The All-Region teams are selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association. The All-Mideast region includes NCAA Division III teams in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Hope Qualifiers to NCAA
Track & Field Championships

Four athletes, three of them returning All-Americans, will be competing in the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships at UW-Oshkosh beginning Thursday, May 24.

1,500 Meter Run - Ryan TerLouw, seeded 2nd, 3:47.16, senior from Pella, Iowa (Pella HS). TerLouw is a two-time All-American, finishing 7th in 2005 and 5th a year ago.

100 Meter Hurdles - Lindsay Lange, seeded 13th, :14.62, junior from Manistee (Manistee HS). Lange will be competing in this event for a third straight year. She has not advanced to the finals in her previous appearances

Heptathlon - Lindsay Lange, seeded 5th, 4,656 points, junior from Manistee (Manistee HS). In 2006, Lange was the bronze medalist in the heptathlon.

High Jump - Christina Lis, seeded 10th, 5-6, sophomore from Novi (Novi HS). Lis will be competing at nationals for the first time.

Pole Vault - Jennifer VanderMeer, seeded 6th, 12-6, senior from Holland (Holland HS). VanderMeer will be seeking to achieve All-America status a fourth straight year. She was the silver medalist in both 2004 and 2005 and a year ago placed sixth.

Flying Dutchmen 18th at Golf Nationals

Hope College finished 18th at the NCAA Division III championships which concluded Friday, May 18. St. John's, Minn. topped the 35-team field with a 72-hole total of 1,204 strokes. Hope ended with 1,266 strokes.

Junior Tommy Yamaoka of Zeeland (Zeeland HS) achieved All-America distinction by placing 15th in the 185-player field. His average of 76.5 strokes per-hole was the best-ever by a Hope golfer at nationals. Yamaoka, who was the national freshman of the year in 2005, was voted to this year's Ping All-America second team. He had tournament rounds of 77-75-78-76.

Senior captain Nate Golomb of Schoolcraft (Schoolcraft HS) led every golfer in the tournament in Par 3 efficiency. He averaged 3.06 strokes on the courses' eight par three holes. He finished 43rd in the final standings with rounds of 77-79-80-78.

Dutchmen Headed to Ohio
for NCAA Baseball Regional

The MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen will compete in a six-team regional NCAA Division III tournament beginning Wednesday, May 16 at Mills Field in Strongsville, Ohio which is 15 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland.

Hope (28-11) is seeded third. Wooster (40-6), the host school, is seeded first. Other competing teams are #2 Otterbein (31-11), #4 Marietta (28-14), #5 Ohio Wesleyan (24-13) and #6 Mount St. Joseph (33-9).

Flying Dutchmen Headed to Golf Nationals

The MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen will begin play in the NCAA Division III golf championships on Tuesday, May 15.

The four-day, 72-hole tournament will be played on two courses, the Praire View Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. and The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers, Ind.

The championships have an expanded field by virtue of giving champions in NCAA-affiliated conferences automatic berths. The field of 35 teams will be cut to 24 teams after 36 holes of competition.

The Flying Dutchmen will be making their fifth appearance in the national tournament, the fourth since 2000. A year ago the team was 17th in a field of 23 teams. In fact, Hope has been 17th in each of its national tournament appearances -- 1987, 1988, 2000 and 2006.

A renovation is underway of the softball field at the Buys Athletics Complex on the campus of Hope College. The college has also announced the naming of the field in honor of Karla Hoesch Wolters, longtime Hope softball coach, and her husband Tom. Both are graduates of the Hope College class of 1973. Read press release

The project includes a relocation of the field, the installation of permanent stands for fans, a new press box and dugouts. Fans will have an unobstructed view of the playing field. The seating will accommodate approximately 250 fans. The area will have a patio suitable for tailgating. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2008 season.

The college has also announced the naming of the field in honor of Ronald Boeve, Hope College class of 1953 and an assistant baseball coach for nearly a quarter of century, and his wife Sonja (Sunny). Read press release

Except for a fencing upgrade, the playing field will remain as it is. The project includes the installation of permanent stands for fans, a new press box and dugouts. Fans will have an unobstructed view of the playing field. The seating will accommodate approximately 300 fans. The area will have a patio suitable for tailgating. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2008 season.

All-Region Honors Awarded
Hope Softball Players

Juniors Jessica Regnerus and Kylee Brouwer have been voted to the NFCA Louisville Slugger Division III All-Region softball teams, each for a third straight year.

Regnerus is a first team honoree at centerfield while Brouwer, the team's catcher, is an at-large choice on the third team. Both are from Hudsonville, Mich.

Regnerus and Brouwer ranked one-two in batting this season at .455 and .445 respectively. Against MIAA opponents Brouwer topped the league with a .519 average while Regnerus tied for second at .500.

Hope Retains MIAA Commissioner's Cup

Hope College has won the MIAA Commissioner's Cup for the best overall athletic performance during the 2006-07 school year. It marks the seventh consecutive year that Hope has won the honor and the 22nd time since 1980.

The Commissioner's Cup is presented to the league member with the best cumulative finishes in the 18 men's and women's sports sponsored by the MIAA.

There is also a separate men's and women's all-sports award. Hope won the men's all-sports award while Calvin claimed the women's all-sports honor.

This past year Hope crowned five MIAA champions -- football, men's golf, men's soccer, men's basketball and baseball.

Hope Players Receive
MIAA Honors in Baseball

MIAA champion Hope has placed seven players on the all-conference teams, including garnering both of the league's most valuable player accolades. Senior Mike Rodgers of Saline, Mich. (Saline HS) has been voted the league's most valuable pitcher while junior shortstop Brian Baker of Holland, Mich. (West Ottawa HS) has been chosen the most valuable position player.

Joining Rodgers and Baker on the All-MIAA first team are brothers Matt and Mike VanderVelde of Grandville, Mich. (Grandville HS), Matt at first base and Mike at second for the second time in his career. Sophomore Dustin Wuis of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Comstock HS) was voted a first team pitcher for the second year in-a-row.

Hope players voted to the All-MIAA second team included senior catcher Bill Lutke of Allendale, Mich. (Unity Christian HS) and junior outfielder Matt Sattler of Brighton, Mich. (Hartland HS).

All-MIAA Honors
Announced in Softball

Junior centerfielder Jessica Regnerus and junior catcher Kylee Brouwer repeated as first team honorees. Regnerus is being honored for a third consecutive year while Brouwer is a second-year pick.

Named to the All-MIAA second team were freshman rightfielder Tara Hamming of Hudsonville, Mich. (Hudsonville HS) and sophomore first baseman Kelli Duimstra.

All four Hope honorees are from Hudsonville, Mich. and graduates of Hudsonville High School.

Hope Athletes Receive
All-MIAA Track & Field Honors

Nine Hope College athletes have been presented All-MIAA honors in track
and field.

Both Hope teams finished second at the MIAA Championships and in the final seasonal standings under second-year coach Kevin Cole. Six athletes won individual conference championships.

Receiving All-MIAA honors in men's track and field were: sophomore Sean Bergsma of Grand Haven, Mich. (Grand Haven HS), senior Andrew Denniger of Winfield, Ill. (West Chicago HS), senior Scott Langille of Glen Ellyn, Ill. (Glenbard West HS), and senior Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Iowa (Pella HS). Langille is All-MIAA a third consecutive year and TerLouw is receiving the honor a second time. TerLouw also was All-MIAA in cross country twice.

All-MIAA honors in women's track and field were presented to sophomore Nora Kuiper of Parchment, Mich. (Parchment HS), junior Lindsay Lange of Manistee, Mich. (Manistee HS), sophomore Christina Lis of Novi, Mich. (Novi HS), senior Leslie Tableman of Lansing, Mich. (Lansing Eastern HS), and senior Jennifer VanderMeer of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS). Lange is All-MIAA a third consecutive year and Kuiper is receiving the honor a second time. Tableman was also All-MIAA in cross country.

MIAA Tennis Honors
Awarded Hope Athletes

Awards have been presented to Hope College tennis players by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

The Flying Dutch, coached by Karen Page, finished third in the women's seasonal standings while the Flying Dutchmen, coached by Steve Gorno, placed fourth in the men's seasonal standings.

Senior Stephen Malvitz of Ada, Mich. (East Grand Rapids HS) was named the recipient of the league's Stowe Sportsmanship Award which is given by the league's coaches for contributions to team, leadership qualities and exemplification of Christian virtues and sportsmanship. The award has been presented annually since 1958. Malvitz is the 18th Hope player to receive it and the seventh in the last eight years. In 15 seasons under coach Gorno, the Stowe Sportsmanship Award has gone to a Hope player 10 times.

Malvitz was also named to the All-MIAA first team while freshman John Gardner of Granville, Ohio (Granville HS) received All-MIAA second team recognition.

Sophomore Samantha Stille of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS) received All-MIAA first team honors for the second consecutive year while freshman Ashley Austin of Spring Lake (Grand Haven HS) was presented All-MIAA second team honors.

Senior Lisa Smith Named
NCAA Postgraduate Scholar

Hope College senior Lisa Smith of Dearborn, Mich. (Dearborn HS) has been awarded a postgraduate scholarship by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the Association's most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship and/or emerging sports.

Athletics and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership, are evaluated. In maintaining the highest broad-based standards in the selection process, the program aims to reward those individuals whose dedication and effort are reflective of those characteristics necessary to succeed and thrive through postgraduate study in an accredited graduate degree program.

Seniors Honored for
Athletic Accomplishments

Seventy Hope College seniors have been awarded monogrammed blankets for their participation in athletics at Hope.

The orange and blue "H" blankets are presented to seniors who earned at least three varsity letters while at Hope. One of the varsity letters must have been earned during the student's senior year.

Senior Scholar-Athletes Honored

Awards as the outstanding senior athletes among Hope College graduates in the class of 2007 were presented to four students during the college's Honors Convocation on Thursday (April 26).

Both awards have co-recipients. Lisa Smith of Dearborn (Dearborn HS) and Jennifer VanderMeer of Holland (Holland HS) have been presented the John Schouten award while Ryan Ter Louw of Pella, Iowa (Pella HS) and Michael VanderVelde of Grandville (Grandville HS) received the Otto van der Velde All-Campus Award. All of the honorees were captains of their respective teams this year.

The van der Velde award is presented to a senior man for outstanding contribution to the college in athletics, scholarship and participation in student activities. The award, presented annually since 1932, is named in memory of Dr. Otto van der Velde, a 1915 Hope College graduate who lettered in four sports and was later the college's team physician for more than 40 years.

The Schouten award is given to a senior woman who, in addition to excelling in athletics, possesses other strong character traits and leadership abilities. The award is named in memory of John "Jack" Schouten who was a long-time physical educator and coach at Hope, in addition to serving as the college's first director of athletics.

Volleyball Attendance
Among Nation's Best

The first season of Hope volleyball at the college's new DeVos Fieldhouse was a smashing success, both in accomplishment and fan satisfaction.

The $22 million facility has its own dedicated space for volleyball, providing players and fans an exciting environment.

Hope had the nation's second highest home attendance average among all Division III teams, according to the NCAA. The Flying Dutch averaged 347 fans over 11 home dates in which they posted a 9-2 record.

The Division III leader was LaVerne, Calif. with an average of 421 fans per home match.

Hope Senior Named to NCAA Committee

Hope College senior Kyle Waterstone of Holland, Mich. has been named to the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Waterstone lettered four years in swimming and was captain both as a junior and senior. An art major, he has received Academic Honor Roll recognition from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and was recently presented the Herman Miller Art Award for creative work in the field of visual arts. While he has used all of his athletic eligibility, he will pursue a teaching certificate at Hope during the 2007-08 school year. He is eligible to serve on the NCAA committee through the 2008-09 school year. A graduate of Holland High School, he is the son of Kathy Waterstone of Holland.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee reviews and offers input on NCAA activities and proposed legislation that affect student-athlete welfare. Waterstone will be a member of the Division III committee.

Hope Student Wins
Athletic Training Scholarship

Amanda Friedline a junior athletic training student from Howell, has received a prestigious scholarship from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Research and Education Foundation for the 2007-08 school year.

The foundation annually sponsors approximately 70 of the merit-based $2,000 scholarships, which are designed for students intending to pursue the athletic training profession. Of the 73 awarded in 2006, 39 were presented to undergraduates, 25 to students in master's programs and nine to students in doctoral programs.

Friedline and the other recipients for 2007 will be recognized during this year's William E. Newell Athletic Training Student Awards Luncheon scheduled as part of the 59th Annual NATA Meeting and Symposium taking place in Anaheim, Calif., on Tuesday-Saturday, June 26-30.

Stephen Cramer Named
Basketball All-American

Hope College senior guard Stephen Cramer of Akron, Mich. (Unionville-Sebewaing HS) has been named a Division III basketball All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). One of 24 players honored, Cramer was named to the All-America third team.

Hope's leading scorer each of the last three seasons, Cramer was voted the most valuable player in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) as the Flying Dutchmen won the conference championship and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division III tournament. During his four seasons on the varsity Hope posted a 90-25 record.

Cramer came into his own during Hope's tournament run averaging 27.5 points per game. For the season he averaged 17.0 points a game shooting 53% from the floor and 80% on free throws.

Flying Dutchmen Compete
at Swimming Nationals

The Flying Dutchmen finished 21st in a field of 55 teams at the NCAA Division III Men's Swimming and Diving Championships in Houston, Tex.

John Patnott's Flying Dutchmen finished with one All-America and five honorable mention All-America performances in the meet. Kenyon, Ohio repeated as national champion with 570 points. Hope ended with 53 points.

Phil Heyboer achieved NCAA All-America honors by finishing eighth in the 200-yard backstroke (1:53.55). He became Hope's first All-American in the 200 back since 1993. Heyboer advanced to the championship finals with a season-best time (1:51.89) in the prelims.

Flying Dutch Swimmers
Tenth at Nationals

The Flying Dutch finished tenth at the NCAA Division III Women's Swimming and Diving Championships held March 8-10 in Houston, Tex.

Coach John Patnott's team had three All-American and seven honorable mention All-American performances to finish with 95 points. Kenyon, Ohio won the national championship compiling 498 points. Hope has been a top ten team at nationals 16 times over the past 25 years.

Senior Lisa Smith achieved All-America honors for a third straight year in the 100-yard butterfly with a sixth place finish (:56.67).

Hope had two All-America relay teams behind school-record times. The 400-yard freestyle relay of Laura Ansilio, Christina Vogelzang, Trisha Meier and Lisa Smith finished sixth (3:30.41) while the 800-yard freestyle relay was eighth (7:43.15) with a team of Laura Ansiolo, Claire Piester, Lisa Smith, and Christina Vogelzang.

Hockey Club Team Fourth
at National Tournament

The Flying Dutchmen capped an outstanding season by finishing fourth at the American Collegiate Hockey Association tournament held February 28-March 3in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Flying Dutchmen were defeated by Northwood 5-4 in the consolation championship game Hope ended with a 26-4 season record.

Scoring goals for Hope were Ryan Kelly, Jeff Guy, Jordan Winfield and Peter Volbrecht. Credited with assists were Kevin Nelson, Brian Gatliff, Peter Volbrecht (2), Gunnar Martin, John Hatfield and Jeff Guy. Goalkeepers Mike Headley and Steve Pels combined for 37 saves.

Sectional Play Takes
Flying Dutchmen to Wisconsin

Hope's NCAA tournament march continues with Sectional tournament play on Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.

The Flying Dutchmen are in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Division III men's championships for the second consecutive year and for the fifth time in school history.

Friday's Sectional semi-final games will pit Hope (25-4) against Carroll, Wisc. (18-8) at 6 p.m. CT followed by host UW-Stevens Point (26-2) versus Washington of St. Louis (24-4) at 8 p.m. CT. The winners will meet on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT seeking to advance to the Final Four the weekend of March 16-17 in Salem, Va.

All-MIAA Basketball
Honors Announced

Six Hope College basketball players have received all-conference honors from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

Senior guard Stephen Cramer of Akron (Unionville-Sebewaing HS) has been voted the most valuable player in men's basketball while junior Julie Henderson of Grand Haven (Grand Haven HS) has been named the defensive player of the year in women's basketball.

Joining Cramer on the All-MIAA first team is junior guard Derek Van Solkema of Cutlerville (South Christin HS). Named a second team honoree is junior Marcus Vanderheide of Grandville (Calvin Christian HS).

Junior guard Jordyn Boles of Grand Rapids (Forest Hills Central HS) is being honored as an All-MIAA first team player for the second year in-a-row. She is joined on the first team by senior center Ellen Wood of Naperville, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley HS). Julie Henderson was named to the All-MIAA second team.

Both Hope Teams Headed to
NCAA Basketball Tournament

The season continues for both Hope basketball teams. Each has been selected to play in NCAA men's and women's Division III basketball championship, the women as an automatic qualifier and the men as an at-large entry.

The Flying Dutchmen will be heading to Aurora, Ill. for their first game on Friday, March 2. Aurora University will host the four-team field that will include both MIAA representatives, Hope and Calvin. Games on Friday will pit Calvin (18-9) against host Aurora (25-2) and Hope (23-4) against the University of Chicago (20-5). Friday's winners will meet Saturday. Game times and ticket availability are to be announced. Hope and the University of Chicago are both at-large qualifiers in the tournament. Hope owns a 3-1 advantage in the alltime series with the Maroons. The teams last met in 2002 with Hope winning 84-66.

The Flying Dutch will be travelling to Greencastle, Ind. for their first game on Friday, March 2. DePauw University will host the four-team field. Games on Friday will pit Hope ((24-3) against Denison, Ohio (24-4) at 5 p.m. ET and host DePauw (25-3) against Transylvania, Ky. (19-8) at 7 p.m. ET. Friday's winners will meet Saturday at 7 p.m.

All-Region Football Honors
for Matt Rugenstein

Hope defensive end Matt Rugenstein spent alot of time in opponents' backfield this past fall in leading the Flying Dutchmen to an MIAA championship. His accomplishments are being recognized with first team All-Region honors from Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

The junior from Grand Rapids, Mich. (GR Christian HS) was voted the most valuable defensive player in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) this fall. During the season he was named a Division III national defensive player of the week after collecting 4.5 quarterback sacks against DePauw, Ind. He ranked among the Division III leaders in sacks (#14 with 11.5) and tackles for a loss (#17 with 20.5).

Coach Morehouse Among
"Michigan's Best"

The Detroit Free Press has included Hope women's basketball coach Brian Morehouse among the state's top sports figures and among the candidates for "Michigan's Best." Each year the newspaper's sports staff invites readers to vote for their favorite sports personality based on accomplishments during the previous year. Balloting is underway through Jan. 18.

Coach Morehouse guided the Flying Dutch to the NCAA Division III championship. He was named the DIII national coach of the year. The team posted a school-record 33-1 mark. All of the team's NCAA tournament victories were gained on the road and five of the six victories came against teams ranked in the top 10 nationally. The winning streak has extended into this season and has extended to 44 games. In 11 seasons Morehouse has compiled a 248-51 (.829) to rank among the winningest NCAA Division III coaches.

Lisa Smith is National
Swimmer-of-the-Week

Hope College senior swimmer Lisa Smith of Dearborn, Mich. (Dearborn HS) has been named a national swimmer-of-the-week by CollegeSwimming.com.

She is one of six swimmers selected on the basis of their performances in recent meets by a panel of collegiate coaches.

Last Saturday (Jan. 6) in a dual meet against Division I Oakland University, Smith swept the butterfly events, the 100 in :58.45 and the 200 in 2:11.06. She was also runnerup in the 100 freestyle (:54.20).

Smith has been an NCAA All-American six times in her career. Last year she was the bronze medalist in the 100 and 200 butterfly events at the NCAA Division III championships. She is the defending MIAA conference champion in the 50 free, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly. She is the MIAA record holder in both butterfly events.

Football Players Receive All-Region Honors

Two Hope players have been named to the d3football.com All-Region football team. Junior defensive end Matt Rugenstein of Grand Rapids, Mich. (GR Christian HS) is a second team honoree while junior tight end Kevin VandenBosch of Grandville, Mich. (Calvin Christian HS) was named to the third team.

Rugenstein was voted the MIAA's most valuable defensive player this fall. He was among the nation's Division III leaders in quarterback sacks (11.5) and tackles for lost yardage (20.5)

VandenBosch was an All-MIAA first team honoree. He caught 35 passes for 392 yards in Hope's march to win the MIAA championship.

Dan Tresslar Named Soccer All-American

Hope junior midfielder Dan Tresslar of Bloomington, Ind. (Bloomington South HS) has been named a NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division III All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association. He is a second team honoree.

This fall Tresslar was voted the most valuable player in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and was named to the NSCAA Great Lakes All-Region first team. He led the MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen in scoring with 14 goals, including 12 in conference games.

Men's Soccer Players
Receive All-Region Honors

MIAA champion Hope has placed three players on the Great Lakes All-Region team of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Receiving first team recognition were junior goalkeeper Mike Amerman of Indianapolis (Brebeuf Prep), senior back Patrick McMahon of Grand Rapids (Forest Hills Central HS), and junior midfielder Dan Tresslar of Bloomington, Ind. (Bloomington South HS). Tresslar, who was voted the MIAA's most valuable player, is receiving All-Region honors for the second straight year.

Allison Van Beek Receives Soccer Honor

Sophomore midfielder Allison Van Beek of Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville HS) has been named to the Great Lakes All-Region third team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Van Beek was earlier named to the All-MIAA first team. She led the team in scoring this fall with 10 goals and nine assists.

The Flying Dutch finished runnerup in the MIAA standings and had a 9-7-2 overall record.

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All-MIAA Honors for Fall Sports Athletes

Several Hope College athletes who played on fall sports teams have received all-conference honors from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

Junior Matt Rugenstein of Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids Christian HS) was voted the league's most valuable defensive player.

Named to the offensive first team were junior tailback David Booko of Three Rivers (Three Rivers HS); junior tackle Jacob Droppers of Kalamazoo (Portage Northern HS); sophomore tackle Eric Ladomersky of Grandville (Grandville HS); and junior tight end Kevin VandenBosch of Grandville (Calvin Christian HS).

Defensive first team honorees include Rugenstein and senior Zach Huizing of Grand Rapids (Northview HS). Both are being honored for a second consecutive year.

Junior Joey Goeb of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids HS) was named to the league's first team return specialist.

Cross Country Runners
Receive MIAA Honors

All-conference cross country honors have been presented to Hope College athletes by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The honors are awarded on the basis of an athlete's finish at the conference jamboree and championship meet. Both Hope teams finished in the seasonal MIAA cross country standings

Receiving All-MIAA first team honors were senior Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Iowa (Pella HS) and junior Seth Weener of Grandville, Mich. (Grandville HS).

All-MIAA second team honors were earned by sophomore Rob Bailey of Portage, Ind. (Portage HS), sophomore Kate Freshour of Bloomington, Ill. (Olympia HS), senior Anne Hoekstra of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix HS), senior Amanda Huck of Fowlerville, Mich. (Fowlerville HS), senior Alison Mejeur of St. Joseph, Mich. (St. Joseph HS), senior Aaron Kenemer of Zeeland, Mich. (Zeeland HS), freshman Ben Miller of Beulah, Mich. (Benzie Central HS), senior Katie Robinson of Shelby Township, Mich. (Lutheran North HS) and senior Leslie Tableman of Grand Rapids, Mich. (Lansing HS).

Hope Draws Mount Union
in NCAA Football Playoffs

It will be a David versus Goliath showdown when MIAA champion Hope meets defending national champion Mount Union in a first round game of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 18 in Alliance, Ohio.

The pairings for the 32-team tournament were announced Sunday. Mount Union (10-0), champions of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), is seeded first in the North Region while Hope (7-3), as champion of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, is seeded eighth.

Hope will be appearing in the playoffs for the fourth time in school history. This year's team lost its first three games, but rallied to win the next seven to gain their fifth MIAA crown in 12 seasons under coach Dean Kreps. Two of the three teams to defeat Hope this season, Central, Iowa (10-0) and Wheaton, Ill. (9-1), will also be competing in the playoffs.

Two Runners Headed to
Cross Country Nationals

Two Hope runners have qualified for the NCAA Division III men's cross country championships to be held next Saturday, Nov. 18 in Voice of America Park in West Chester, Ohio.

Senior Ryan TerLouw of Pella, Iowa and junior Seth Weener of Grandville, Mich. are among seven individual qualifers who will join teams from Calvin, Heidelberg, Mount Union and Ohio Northern in representing the Great Lakes region at nationals. The field at nationals will include 32 teams of seven runners and 56 individual qualifiers.

Hope Football Players Honored by MIAA

MIAA football champion Hope has placed 11 players on the coaches' all-conference team.

Junior Matt Rugenstein of Grand Rapids, Mich. (Grand Rapids Christian HS) was voted the league's most valuable defensive player.

Hope placed seven players on the All-MIAA first teams and four on the second teams.

Named to the offensive first team were junior tailback David Booko of Three Rivers, Mich. (Three Rivers HS); junior tackle Jacob Droppers of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Portage Northern HS); sophomore tackle Erik Ladomersky of Grandville, Mich. (Grandville HS); and junior tight end Kevin VandenBosch of Grandville, Mich. (Calvin Christian HS).

Defensive first team honorees include Rugenstein and senior Zach Huizing of Grand Rapids, Mich. (Northview HS). Both are being honored for a second consecutive year. Junior Joey Goeb of Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Grand Rapids HS) was named to the league's first team return specialist.

Named to the All-MIAA second team were senior center Joe Hensel of North Branch, Mich. (North Branch HS); junior wide receiver Doug VanEerden of Grand Rapids, Mich. (Grand Rapids Christian HS); senior defensive nose guard Derek Cooper of Hudsonville, Mich. (Zeeland HS); and senior defensive end Matt Erb of Middleville, Mich. (Middleville HS).

All-MIAA Honors for
Four Women's Soccer Players

Four Hope players have received women's soccer all-conference honors from Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) coaches.

Named to the All-MIAA first team were sophomore midfielder Allison Van Beek of Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville HS) and junior forward Sarah Cochrane of Watertown, Wisc. (Watertown HS).

Receiving second team All-MIAA recognition were senior goalkeeper Holly Nestle of Mason, Mich. (Mason HS) and sophomore defenders Ellen Molenaar of Portage, Mich. (Portage Central HS).

Hope Places Seven on
All-MIAA Men's Soccer Team

MIAA champion Hope has placed seven players on the all-conference teams of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

Junior midfielder Dan Tresslar of Bloomington, Ind. was voted the league's most valuable player. Tresslar is joined on the All-MIAA first team by sophomore forward Jack Abe of Naperville, Ill. (Naperville North HS), senior back Patrick McMahon of Grand Rapids (Forest Hills Central HS), senior Craig Root of Holland, Mich. (Holland HS), and junior goalkeeper Mike Amerman of Indianapolis, Ind. (Brebeuf Prep).

Named to the All-MIAA second team were senior forward Joey Orr of Sterling Heights (Bethesda HS) and freshman Kevin Bartosek of Traverse City (Traverse City West HS).

Men's Soccer Team
Advances to NCAA Tournament

The MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen are headed to Ohio to compete in the NCAA Division III men's soccer championships.

Coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen (14-4-1) will meet host Ohio Wesleyan (13-0-4) Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in a first round game in Delaware, Ohio. The winner of the Hope/Ohio Wesleyan game will meet the winner of another Friday game(5 p.m.) between Transylvania, Ky. (14-2-1) and Ohio Northern (15-2-5) on Saturday, Nov. 11. There will be 57 teams competing in the national tournament.

The Flying Dutchmen will be competing in the tournament for the second consecutive year and for the 10th time in school history. This will be the fourth time that Hope will travel to Delaware, Ohio for NCAA play. It will also be the fourth time that Hope and Ohio Wesleyan will meet in the post-season. In 1982 the Battling Bishops defeated the Dutchmen in their very first NCAA appearance 4-0. In 1994 Hope defeated Ohio Wesleyan in Delaware in a shootout after the teams tied 2-2. In 1997 Ohio Wesleyan defeated the Flying Dutchmen 2-0 on Hope's field. Hope is 7-9 alltime in NCAA play.

Volleyball Team Invited to
NCAA Championships

The Flying Dutch have received a bid to compete in the NCAA Division III volleyball championships. Coach Becky Schmidt's Dutch will play in an eight-team regional to be hosted by Calvin College beginning Thursday. The Flying Dutch (24-9) will play Ohio Northern (27-8) in the first round at 6 p.m.

Other first round matches will pit Brockport State, N.Y. (27-9) versus Wittenberg, Ohio (31-7), Mount St. Joseph, Ohio (27-11) versus Hiram, Ohio (32-3) and host Calvin (32-1) versus Nazareth, N.Y. (17-2).

Thursday's winners will advance to Friday's semi-finals with the Hope/Ohio Northern winner meeting the Calvin/Nazareth winner at 7 p.m. It will be preceded by a semi-final match between the Hiram/Mount St. Jospeh winner and the Brockport/Wittenberg winner at 4:30 p.m.

Hope Players Receive
All-MIAA Volleyball Honors

Three Hope volleyball players have received honors from Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) coaches.

Seniors Deena Van Assen and Amber Hoezee, each a graduate of Jenison High School, have received All-MIAA first team recognition while sophomore Nora Slenk of Holland (Holland Christian HS) is a second team honor.

Hope Wins MIAA Men's Golf Title
in Record Fashion

The Flying Dutchmen have captured their fourth consecutive Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) men's golf championship. By winning the season-ending tournament on Monday (Oct. 16), coach Bob Ebels' Dutchmen set an MIAA record for margin of victory in the seasonal standings. Hope ended 70 strokes ahead of runnerup Olivet (2,351/2,421) by winning six of the league's eight tournaments this fall.

As league champions Hope has earned a berth in the NCAA Division III championships to be held next spring. It is the first year that Division III conference champions are being awarded automatic berths in the national tournament.

Junior Matt Lapham (Brighton, Mich.) captured the MIAA medalist honor by averaging 71.8 strokes over the season's eight tournaments. His average was the second best in league history. Lapham and teammate Tommy Yamoaka (Zeeland, Mich.) achieved All-MIAA first team honors for the third year in-a-row. Team captain Nate Golomb (Schoolcraft, Mich.) also achieved All-MIAA first team recognition.

2006 - 2007 Athletic Faculty, Staff & Student Achievements

Five Tracksters Receive All-Academic Honors

Hope Teams Honored by MIAA for Academics

Hope Athletes Named to 2006-07 MIAA Academic Honor Roll

Senior Ryan TerLouw Named NCAA Postgraduate Scholar

Hope Places Well in NACDA Director's Cup Standings

Hope Continues to be Basketball Attendance Leader

Hope Has Four NCAA Track/Field All-Americans

Athletes Honored for Academic Achievement

All-Region Baseball Honors Awarded Hope Players

Hope Qualifiers to NCAA Track & Field Championships

Flying Dutchmen 18th at Golf Nationals

Dutchmen Headed to Ohio for NCAA Baseball Regional

Flying Dutchmen Headed to Golf Nationals

All-Region Honors Awarded Hope Softball Players

Hope Retains MIAA Commissioner's Cup

Hope Players Receive MIAA Honors in Baseball

All-MIAA Honors Announced in Softball

Hope Athletes Receive All-MIAA Track & Field Honors

MIAA Tennis Honors Awarded Hope Athletes

Senior Lisa Smith Named NCAA Postgraduate Scholar

Seniors Honored for Athletic Accomplishments

Senior Scholar-Athletes Honored

Volleyball Attendance Among Nation's Best

Hope Senior Named to NCAA Committee

Hope Student Wins Athletic Training Scholarship

Stephen Cramer Named Basketball All-American

Flying Dutchmen Compete at Swimming Nationals

Flying Dutch Swimmers Tenth at Nationals

Hockey Club Team Fourth at National Tournament

Sectional Play Takes Flying Dutchmen to Wisconsin

All-MIAA Basketball Honors Announced

Both Hope Teams Headed to NCAA Basketball Tournament

All-Region Football Honors for Matt Rugenstein

Coach Morehouse Among "Michigan's Best"

Lisa Smith is National Swimmer-of-the-Week