Dear Juniata College Community,
A little over a week ago, and thanks to the leadership of Dr. Jim Troha and our other league presidents, the Landmark Conference and Juniata College made the tough decision to cancel the league's spring sports seasons and respective championship events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we begin to understand the magnitude of this crisis and the realities of its impact are felt within our families and across our communities, the loss of our spring sports seasons certainly gains perspective. That said, my heart goes out to all our spring coaches, parents, student-athletes, and, in particular, all of our seniors.
Having the chance to see firsthand the time, commitment, passion, and determination all our student-athletes put into their competitive endeavors is one of the true privileges in my life. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the many opportunities every season, every game, every practice, and every challenge provide.
To our seniors, in an effort to appropriately acknowledge each of you, I have asked each of your coaches to share a few words. Thank you for being such exemplary representatives of your teams, our athletic programs, and Juniata.
Wishing all of you the very best during this challenging time.
Greg Curley
Athletic Director
From our head baseball coach, Tom Gibboney:
The baseball coaching staff would like to take this opportunity to recognize our seniors, Mark Cyterski, Coy Focht, Drew Harshbarger, Matt Innella, Adam Kipp, Tyler Seiffert, and Austin Suders.
Each of you has played a significant role in changing the culture of our team. Over your four years our roster increased in numbers, our win/loss record improved each year, and we were on track to show the conference we were ready to compete. You have left the program better than you found it, and it is our job as coaches and returning players to continue your dreams and hopes for this program.
The senior leadership was selfless. As you know, some have changed positions to better our team; some have pushed through injury to be able to compete. I hope you each feel that you have become a better player, a better teammate, and, most importantly, a better person from your Juniata Baseball experience.
Please know that we share in your disappointment, but look forward to the time when we have the opportunity to see each other and reminisce of "our glory days!"
From our head women's lacrosse coach, Naomi Radio:
When we started the women's lacrosse program about four and a half years ago and were trying to build a roster for our new club team, we hoped to find at least a few first-year students with whom we would have four years to work and develop.
Four of those club team members – Allison Kincaid, Cat Lanigan, Kerry McClaughry, and Mina Wilt – shattered all of our expectations.
They worked hard to grow exponentially as players and leaders;
They fostered an environment where every new player felt welcomed and valued;
They were confident enough to lead but humble enough to listen to younger, more skilled players;
They battled back from serious injuries;
They crushed their academic responsibilities and got the absolute most out of their college experience – they studied abroad, they completed multiple internships, they held on-campus jobs, they participated in the Bailey Oratorical and so many other Juniata traditions, and they were active leaders on campus;
They never gave up on themselves or our program, and they have set a standard for commitment and selflessness that will continue to shape our team culture for years to come.
There is, of course, disappointment in not being able to reap the benefits of their hard work this season – not being able to show how much we've improved, how well we can play. But, if there are any student-athletes who have the strength of character to transform this obstacle into an opportunity, it's them. Allison, Cat, Kerry, and Mina didn't come to Juniata, thinking they would play lacrosse. In truth, every practice, every game we had with them was an unexpected gift, and, as a coaching staff and a team, we are so grateful for the time we've had together.
From our head softball coach, Laina Connor:
As a brand-new head coach, I took over a program without knowing anything about the players I have been trusted to lead. I entered into this position, hoping to help my players grow as athletes and as people, and in turn, I think I have grown the most this year. This is all thanks to our senior class.
Molly Ulrich taught me to make time for the things that I'm passionate about, even if that means you need to stretch yourself thin sometimes. She is a four-year softball player who also participated in wind ensemble, played in the band at church, tutored, traveled abroad, speaks Spanish fluently, and participates in a handful of other activities as well. I have been impressed with her ability to show up for the things she loves with an all-in-attitude. She embodies the D3 experience in a way that I've never seen before. She cares deeply and thinks of others first, and I cannot wait to witness the way that she inevitably changes the world.
Anna Baran impressed me with her responsibility. She is always thinking ahead about the things that need to happen moving forward. She tackles tasks head-on and is always willing to lend her helping hand. Her compassion is not the only quality that will make her an amazing teacher, but her go-getter attitude and ability to lead by example. When tasks needed to be completed, I could always count on Anna to delegate and take charge. Her presence was a constant reminder to me to think about the big picture and well-being of our program as a whole.
Alyssa Shedlock (Sheddy) taught me how important it is to fight for what is right, even if it isn't easy. Sheddy stood up to be a leader when the team needed someone to rise. Her love of this program inspired me every day to be a better mentor, coach, and leader. She's not afraid to take an unpopular stand for the things that matter most. The heart that Sheddy shows will undoubtedly aid her in PA school this coming summer and beyond to the medical field.
These three seniors have stood strong through adversity over the course of their athletic careers at Juniata College. They have continued to work to make this program stronger throughout their time here. I am honored to lead women like these three during the most influential and empowering years of their lives. It's their passion that will flourish in their lives. I hope when they look back on their time at Juniata College, they realize the impact that they had in changing JCSB forever. Because Together, you did.
From our head track and field coach, Jon Cutright:
What I will remember most about this group of seniors was their drive to improve, their willingness to practice and work, and the attitude they brought to practices and meets. They were involved in the creation of their training plans and followed through with the work that was expected of them. All of them overcame obstacles during their four years, and I believe all of them were about to have their most successful seasons this spring. I am disappointed for them, as this was supposed to be the culmination of four years of work.
As a group, they have achieved as much, or more, than any I have ever coached. Their list of accomplishments will be forever incomplete without the 2020 Outdoor Track Season. Among the accomplishments, though: this group is part of 21 performances that are ranked in the top 5 all-time, including three school records. In Cross Country, they earned 1st team All-Conference 8 times, 2nd team All-Conference 8 times, and All Mid-East Region twice. In Track & Field, the group earned 1st team All-Conference 3 times, and 2nd team 11 times. They have earned numerous All-Academic teams and a Senior Scholar-Athlete.
My hope is that they have been able to pass on the work ethic and toughness that they showed, and have now become trademarks of our programs.
From our head men's and women's golf coach, Matt Baer:
Tim Visser
Tim is one of the few men golfers who have been around since the start of the program. His work ethic and dedication have proved Tim to be a leader on and off the course. The attitude he brought each day to practice was contagious to the team and will forever be the spark that lit the competitive spirit moving forward for Juniata Men's Golf. He wanted to get better and wanted to learn more. The coaching staff and the entire program appreciate what Tim brought to the table each and every day.
Hudson Speck
Hudson's exceptional athletic ability, although great, does not compare to the fine young man who is now emerging. From the start of his career as a Juniata golfer, Hudson brought competitive grit, work ethic, and desire to the team. His positive attitude and outlook on life spread throughout the team and was a driving factor to others the following suit.
The Juniata Men's Golf team is improving each and every year. This continual improvement is heavily contributed because of Tim and Hudson's leadership. We thank you for your effort and appreciate what you brought to the table.
From our head men's volleyball coach, Glenn DeHaven:
The 2020 JCMVB senior class is one of the most special groups I have ever had the opportunity to coach in my nine years as a head coach. It has truly been an honor to lead this group of young men for the last four seasons. This particular group has left quite an impact on me and this program. From the time they were freshmen, I knew they had the opportunity to be high achievers both on and off the court, but somehow, they have found a way to out perform my expectations. They have always put the team first. They made it very clear from day one that they would not be outworked in the classroom, on the court, or in the weight room. I'm very, very sad to see this group go, and I am heartbroken that they are going to lose out on the opportunity to be recognized on April 4th, which was their scheduled "Senior Day."
Thank you for all you have done! Your hard work, leadership, and attention to detail haven't gone unnoticed! You certainly left this program in better shape than you found it!
From our head women's tennis coach, Scott Andrews:
Kelley Appow is a four-year team member from Freehold, New Jersey, who has seen time as both a singles player for the Eagles as well as a doubles team member.
Kelley's infectiously positive attitude and consistent improvement as a tennis player have made her a valuable member of the squad during her time on College Hill.
Kelley spent most of her senior season at the #2 singles court, where she posted a 1-3 record and at the #2 doubles where she and her partner finished with a record two wins against three losses. Kelley and her doubles partner did claim a victory in their one appearance in a #1 doubles match. Kelley saved her best results for her senior season that saw her finish with a doubles record of 3-3 and a singles record of 2-5.
Kelley has been recognized as a Landmark Academic Honor Roll member twice during her career.
