Ohio State Men's Basketball

I attended The Ohio State University Men's Basketball game on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Their opponent was the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The atmosphere was very enthusiastic and loud. It was very exciting to be there a lot different then what I am used to here at Tiffin University. They student sections all had chants it seemed like for every play. The entire stadium was filled with scarlet and gray. There was a special half time show that brought back The Ohio State University 1960 National Championship team. Those men were recognized at half time and a flag for Coach Fred Taylor was hung. When I walked into the arena the first thing I saw was a bunch of stands where Ohio State merchandise was sold and concessions such as Bob Evans, one of the sponsors for Ohio State Basketball. I noticed a lot of advertising while I was attending this event. While seated I noticed that the scoreboard had Nationwide labeled all over the place. It was not only on the scoreboard but the back of the hoops as well. It would also flash across the jumbo tron and around the entire arena. Other sponsors that they would flash across the jumbo tron and arena were Kroger, Muscle Milk, Kroger, Huntington, AT&T and Big Lots. They also had pom poms at each seat in the student section that promoted a Buckeye sports camp. They also have what is called the Big Lots shot at half time. A student is given the opportunity to make 3 shots in 60 seconds and he could win free tuition for a year if he makes all three. They also shot out T-shirts with Donatos coupons in them for a free pizza. They also promoted other OSU teams on the jumbo tron and loud speakers to get students to attend those as well. Another advertising activity that they did was choose a random section and row and passed out coupons for free food at Bob Evans. It was a very fun atmosphere and I noticed that there are a lot of promotional activity and advertising going on. The Buckeyes went on to beat Minnesota 85-63. I have never seen so many dunks in a game it was awesome! GO BUCKS!

Talking with the players

I took some time to talk to a player from each team and get some insight about how their spring season is going and what they expecting for their fall season. For the men's team I chatted with Rhys Cannella. Rhys is a senior on the field and has been team captain two years now. He has received honors such as NCAA All-American First Team. The first question I asked Rhys is is what the spring was looking like for him and his team. "We aim to get fitter, faster, stronger and that's what people are working hard at over the spring. We have a few new players, so we want to see how they can fit into the team during spring games." The next topic we discussed was how the spring was going. "So far so good. We have already run outside and played with the ball, without the coach of course, which is good this early on in the spring. Competition is priority in the team to make us all better. As a squad we are looking good." Lastly, I asked if he thought the team will win the GLIAC Championship again and if they will go to the National Tournament this season. " I do, if key players perform we definitely will win the GLIAC Championship. If we win that then we go to the National Tournament as they now give us an automatic bid unlike previous years when we won and still did not go to the tournament."

From the girls side I talked with Lauren Turkington, who will be a junior on the field come fall season. I first asked Lauren how she felt about getting a new coach and how it was going. "I think that it was time for someone else to take over the women's program because things were not going as well as they should have been going because our former coach was having trouble balancing coaching both the men and women teams. The team has been getting to know the new coach and everyone is still working hard." I also asked how spring was going so far. "Besides the recent incident of a couple girls getting in trouble, so far everything has been going good. Our team is coming together and getting to know each other better and there really is not any tension between people. Everyone is pushing themselves and others." Lastly, I asked how she thinks the fall season is going to go. "As far as playing, we have yet to see because we have not gotten any touches on the ball yet as a team. Since we have not got any time to play together yet I am not sure how fall will go. I think we should have a bunch of hard working girls, but since we graduated our whole defensive line, we have a lot of developing to do from now until then."

Spring season is here!

The Tiffin Men's and Women's soccer programs are both starting their winter conditioning Monday January 18th. They are both doing morning workouts that will consist of a lot of endurance work, sprint work, and agility training. Both teams will also be hitting the weight room twice a week to strengthen their bodies. Both teams are going to be working hard to prepare for their next season. Each team will be hosting some spring games at Paradiso Fields. Each team is very excited to be getting back to work and are ready to work hard.

Paula Fantini takes over the reins of women's soccer program

Paula Fantini has been named Head Women's Soccer Coach at Tiffin University. Fantini, a native of Brazil, takes over the women's program from Rudy Brownell, who will remain the Men's Soccer Head Coach. The Lady Dragons finished finished 11-7-2 in 2009, reaching the GLIAC Semifinals. A former women's soccer star at Union College (KY), Paula Fantini joined the Lincoln Memorial coaching staff in 2007. While serving as assistant for both the men's and women's soccer programs at Lincoln Memorial, the teams both had winning records. As a student-athlete, Fantini excelled on and off the field. She was a Dean's List honoree every semester at Union, and was a three-time All-American Scholar Athlete. She was name All-Conference and All-Region three-times, and was named All-American twice. She ranks fourth in career points in Union's history. Fantini has a strong coaching background in both club soccer and in college soccer. Fantini speaks about her new position at Tiffin University. "I am extremely excited with the opportunity of becoming the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Tiffin University. I felt as if I was at home the moment I stepped on campus. I trust that I will share an extraordinary experience with my players and the faculty and staff at large."

After speaking with some of the girls on the team I got the vibe that they are very anxious to get out on the field and see where their spring season goes. They seem to be pleased with their new coach and are ready to work hard.

My Sports Autobiography

I have been involved in athletics since I was 5 years old. When growing up I was involved in gymnastics, soccer, and softball. I dropped out of gymnastics at a young age but went on to play softball throughout high school and I continued playing soccer through my college career. Soccer was my main sport and took up a lot of my time. All through high school I played for my high school team and the CFC premier team. On my premier team I traveled out of state to play in tournaments, which eventually lead to my recruitment at Tiffin University. I do not know a life without athletics. I plan on staying in the athletic field throughout my career, but now I will be part of the background. I am going to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and as a Personal Trainer for athletes. I would not know what to do without watching, playing, or assisting in athletics.