Hannah Masuga named to NGCA All-American Scholar Team
Kalamazoo College women's golfer Hannah Masuga was recognized on the 2007-08 National Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team. The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team is a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50, and the student-athletes must have competed in at least 66 percent of the college's regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year. Masuga, a junior from Ann Arbor (Huron), has earned this honor three consecutive years. She played in 13 matches this season with an average score of 91.7.

108 Student-Athletes named to MIAA Academic Honor Roll
One hundred and eight Kalamazoo College student-athletes were named to the 2007-08 MIAA Academic Honor Roll. A student needed to be a letter winner in a varsity sport and maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average for the entire school year to make the list.

Five Kalamazoo College students received the honor all four years: Kari Anderson (softball), Michael Benson (football), Mariah Frye (volleyball), Ryan Ouillette (football) and Laura Winkler (volleyball). Complete List

Six Hornet teams earn MIAA Team GPA Award
Six Kalamazoo College athletic teams received the MIAA Team GPA Award for the 2007-08 academic year. The award, administered by the faculty athletic representatives of the MIAA member colleges, is presented to conference teams that achieve a 3.300 or better grade point average for the entire academic year. Kalamazoo's MIAA Team GPA Award winners: Softball (3.542), Volleyball (3.510), Women's Cross Country (3.493), Women's Swimming & Diving (3.487), Women's Soccer (3.473) and Women's Golf (3.418).

Women's Tennis Coach to become full-time position

Sarah Johnston

Kalamazoo College is pleased to announce that the women's tennis coaching position will soon be a full-time position. Current coach, Sarah Johnston, joins the full-time staff in September, and will teach activity/fitness classes as well as taking on administrative duties in addition to her current coaching responsibilities.

Director of Athletics Kristen Smith said, "Sarah did a great job during her first year at the helm of the program. I am confident that she will continue to raise the expectations and competitiveness of the program while becoming an integral member of the Physical Education department and greater Kalamazoo College community."

The new full-time position was created in large part from the recent development of the Tish Loveless Women's Athletics Endowment. In addition, Kalamazoo College is committed to creating an inclusive, student-focused environment, in part by improving the quality of our playing fields and converting more coaching positions from part time to full time.

Touchdown Club Golf Outing set for August 10
The 2008 Jim Zorbo Memorial Golf Outing is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 10 at The Prairies Golf Club in Kalamazoo. The outing helps provide needed funds to support the Hornet football program, and the outing is a great way to celebrate the start of a new season! A shotgun start takes place at noon. Dinner is scheduled for 5 p.m. Register as an individual golfer, or save by registering a foursome. Not a golfer? Then plan to join us for dinner only! Sponsorships are also available. For more information or to register, please contact Steve Bizzis at 269-323-8648.

Sobomehin Resigns as Women's Basketball Coach
Tes Sobomehin resigned as Kalamazoo College's head women’s basketball coach and was introduced as the new head women’s basketball coach at Augusta State (Ga.) University on Tuesday, June 24.

Augusta State is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Peach Belt Conference. The Lady Jaguars shared the conference championship this past season with a 13-7 record (20-10 overall) while advancing to the second round of the NCAA II Tournament.

"It has been a rewarding three years at Kalamazoo College,” Sobomehin said. “I have made many friends and touched many lives.

“I want to thank all of my coworkers and players for their support,” Sobomehin added. “There is a tremendous group of coaches, staff and administrators at Kalamazoo College who are dedicated to making the student-athlete experience balanced, excellent and successful.

"I know that my time and experiences at Kalamazoo College have prepared my very well to take on this new professional challenge in my life."

Kristen Smith, Director of Athletics, said, “I am happy for Tes and for the personal and professional opportunity that lies ahead. We will miss her spirit and enthusiasm, but wish her all the best in her new position.”

Sobomehin was named head coach at Kalamazoo College on April 27, 2005 and led the Hornets for three seasons. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately. Augusta State Announcement

Senior-Athlete Award Winners Announced
Congratulations to each of the senior-athlete award winners announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 14: Mike Benson, Laura Winkler, Mat Kellogg, Monisha Berkowski, Kelsea Howell, Emily Collins and Alex Leonowicz. Award Descriptions

Golf Outing a huge success
A capacity crowd took advantage of beautiful weather and a beautiful golf course in support of Kalamazoo College Athletics on Monday, June 16. Thank you to all who took part in this great event! Congratulations to the following winning teams and individuals: MIXED TEAM: Dean Marks, Henry Williams, Bridget Nolan, Kristyn Buhl. MEN'S TEAM: Mark Jackson, David Remick, David Makowski, Mark Kemple. WOMEN'S TEAM: Jeanne Hess, Mary Helen Diegel, Mary Harper, Karyn Boatwright. MONEY BALL: Bob Kent, Lyn Maurer, Mike Maurer, Ed Baker. LONGEST PUTT: James Burkett. WOMEN'S LONGEST DRIVE: Kristyn Buhl. MEN'S LONGEST DRIVE: Andrew Hess. WOMEN'S CLOSEST TO PIN: Debbie Roberts. MEN'S CLOSEST TO PIN: Doug Gordon.

Luczak, Briski earn Academic All-District honors
Brandon Luczak and Larry Briski have been selected to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV baseball second team. Luczak, a sophomore from Rochester Hills (Rochester HS), split time among first base, shortstop, pitcher and designated hitter and was selected as an infielder. He had a .369 average with 31 hits in 84 at-bats this season with four doubles, one home run and 18 RBIs. As a pitcher, Luczak was 3-5 with two saves in 11 appearances with a 4.39 earned run average. Luczak maintains a 3.74 grade point average as a chemistry major. Briski split time among designated hitter and first base and was selected to the team as a designated hitter. The sophomore from Grosse Pointe Woods (Grosse Pointe North) hit .306 with 22 hits in 72 at-bats with five doubles, one triple, two home runs and 15 RBIs. Briski carries a 4.0 grade point average as a chemistry major. To be nominated for Academic All-District/All-American honors, a player must be of at least sophomore status and have a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA. Nominations are voted upon by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) members in each district. Academic All-District Baseball Teams (PDF)

Benjamin, Luczak earn All-MIAA baseball honors
Two Kalamazoo College baseball players earned All-MIAA honors for the 2008 season. Ryan Benjamin, a junior from Lisle, Ill. (Benet Academy), was selected as the All-MIAA First Team catcher. Benjamin hit .337 in league play with 30 hits in 89 at-bats. He had five doubles, two triples and three home runs while tying for fourth in the league with 26 RBIs. Behind the plate, Benjamin threw out a league-best 36 percent (16-44) of runners attempting to steal. Sophomore Brandon Luczak (Rochester Hills/Rochester) was selected as the All-MIAA Second Team Designated Hitter/Utility Player. Luczak split time as a starting pitcher, first baseman, shortstop and designated hitter. At the plate, Luczak hit .324 in league play with 24 hits in 74 at-bats with two doubles, one home run, 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Luczak made 10 appearances on the mound with four complete games in seven starts. He compiled a 2-5 record with two saves and a 4.74 ERA in league play. He ranked second in the league in innings pitched (49 1/3) and was sixth with 29 strikeouts (5.3/game).