http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/index/ Miami RedHawks sports talk and more en Miami Hawk Talk | SFB Gnomic Industries 2013-06-07T21:57:01-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/http_wwwmuredhawkscom_viewarticledbmlatclid207997604db_oem_id26100/ CLEVELAND, Ohio - The top Mid-American Conference institutional awards were announced Thursday night (May 30) as Miami University (women’s) and Kent State University (men’s) were honored with the annual Fred Jacoby and David Reese All-Sports Awards. Miami captured its fifth-ever Jacoby Trophy for having the best overall women’s athletic teams during the 2012-13 academic year while Kent State won its fifth consecutive Reese Trophy, emblematic of success for men’s teams. “This is a tremendous honor for Miami Athletics and I want to thank our coaches and all our fantastic student-athletes,” Director of Athletics David Sayler said. “A lot of work by many people goes into winning an award such as this and it is gratifying for everyone involved with Miami University to win this all sports trophy.” In 2012-13, Miami’s women’s teams finished first in four sports— swimming and diving, tennis, field hockey and soccer, and won seven championships in those sports. The RedHawks’ previous Jacoby honors were in 1983, 1997, 2008 and 2009. Points are awarded based on each school’s finish, with the overall total divided by the number of sports sponsored by each school. An institution may count either indoor track and field or outdoor track and field but not both. The following sports honor a regular season champion and are awarded points based on their regular season conference winning percentage: baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling. The remaining sports are awarded points based on the MAC Championship/tournament finish: cross country, golf, swimming and diving, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and gymnastics. The women’s trophy is named for former MAC Commissioner Fred Jacoby. Jacoby was the MAC Commissioner from 1971-82 and is credited with incorporating women’s athletics into the league’s structure. The men’s trophy is named for former MAC Commissioner David E. Reese. Reese was the first-ever MAC Commissioner and served the league from its inception in 1946 until 1964. PAST JACOBY TROPHY WINNERS WINNERS RUNNERS-UP 2013 Miami 10.0, Central Michigan 9.39 2012 Toledo 9.27, Central Michigan 9.06 2011 Western Michigan 9.33, Central Michigan 9.1 2010 Kent State 10.25, Miami 9.72 2009 Miami 9.78, Kent State 8.61 2008 Miami 9.66, Ohio 9.50 2007 Ohio 9.94, Bowling Green 7.97 2006 Western Michigan 10.3, Kent State 9.17 2005 Kent State 10.7, Western Michigan 8.38 2004 Kent State 10.72, Central Michigan 9.44 2003 Ball State 66, Kent State 63 2002 Ball State 71.5, Kent State 59 2001 Ball State 69, Kent State 68.5 2000 Ball State 65.5, Kent State 64 1999 Kent State 64, Northern Illinois 62.5 1998 Ball State 60.5, Kent State 60 1997 Miami 47.5, Kent State 47.5 1996 Kent State 47.5, Miami 46.5 1995 Ohio 49, Central Michigan 44-Western Michigan 44 1994 Bowling Green 46, Ball State 45.5 1993 Bowling Green 55, Miami 46 1992 Bowling Green 42, Miami 41 1991 Central Michigan 47, Miami 42.5 1990 Central Michigan 43.5, Eastern Michigan 41.5-Miami 41.5 1989 Kent State 40, Western Michigan 39.5 1988 Bowling Green 49, Eastern Michigan 39 1987 Western Michigan 49, Central Michigan 41.5 1986 Western Michigan 50.5, Bowling Green 46 1985 Western Michigan 52.5, Bowling Green 47-Central Michigan 47 1984 Western Michigan 51.5, Central Michigan 46 1983 Miami 52, Bowling Green 46 Women's Sports, Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, Field Hockey, Women's Olympic Sports, Women's Cross Country and Track, Synchronized Skating, Women's Swimming and Diving, Tennis, General News laxmom 2013-05-31T01:39:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/http_wwwmuredhawkscom_viewarticledbmlatclid205824779db_oem_id26100/ OXFORD, Ohio - David Sayler, leader of the University of South Dakota intercollegiate athletic program for the past two-and-a-half years, has been named Miami University’s 16th Director of Athletics, President David Hodge announced today (Dec. 13). The 43-year-old Sayler will begin his new duties in early January 2013. Gleaning experience from eight different collegiate athletic programs, the multi-talented Sayler was Dr. Hodge’s top candidate to follow Brad Bates. “It was quickly apparent that David’s values align strongly with Miami - putting the student-athlete first, insisting on the highest levels of integrity, and being fiercely competitive,” said Hodge. “He has deep experience at a variety of universities and has been a sitting AD. I look forward to his leadership advancing our intercollegiate athletics.” Sayler indicated that his respect for Miami University’s history and tradition and the challenges that lie ahead have him excited to begin his new duties in Oxford. “I am both thrilled and honored to be the next Athletic Director at Miami University,” said Sayler. “I have always admired all that Miami stands for and to have the chance to lead the department into the future is very exciting. RedHawk fans should take pride in the commitment to excellence that President Hodge and the Board of Trustees have made in regards to Miami athletics. Revenue generation will be the key to our future and I am anxious to begin working with our tremendous alumni base to make that future as bright as it can be.” As South Dakota’s Athletic Director, Sayler emphasized the improvement of the student-athlete’s overall experience and instilling a renewed sense of pride in Coyote athletics. Among his accomplishments were securing USD’s 2012 membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and leading the way for USD’s aggressive Master Facilities Plan, which includes new facilities for basketball, outdoor track and field, and soccer. Sayler played a major role in securing a $20 million private gift, the largest single contribution in South Dakota athletics history. He also raised funds for a new basketball floor, which was introduced in 2011-12, and football turf, which made its debut in the fall of 2012. Coyote student-athletes thrived in the classroom during Sayler’s time at South Dakota, posting a grade-point average of over 3.1. USD won the Summit League’s Institutional Academic Achievement Award in 2011-12, which goes to the school that has the highest percentage of list-eligible athletes on the Summit League Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence. Sayler oversaw the hiring of two head coaches during his tenure at South Dakota and was instrumental in the athletic department signing an apparel and shoe contract with adidas in February 2012. Prior to joining USD, Sayler served as Senior Executive Athletic Director at Rice University for four years, while also heading the department as Interim Athletic Director from October 2009 to March 2010. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the entire athletic department, directly overseeing all internal operations, as well as providing administrative oversight for all 16 of Rice’s varsity sports. He also assisted with the development of a strategic plan for Rice Athletics and served as the administrator of that plan for the department. Sayler also was a key figure in several facility projects across campus. He directed the funding model, planning and building of a $26 million renovation of Autry Court, as well as the $41 million construction of a recreation center. Under his watch, Rice Athletics had a balanced budget for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, the first times that ever occurred under the Board of Trustees-approved budget funding model for athletics. Sayler also has served two years in senior athletic administration at Oregon State University and four years at Bowling Green State University. In addition, he has been an integral part of the athletic staffs at the University of Houston, the University of Hartford, the University of Georgia and the University of Connecticut. After graduation from Ohio Wesleyan University (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Sayler worked three years in the private sector, spending time with Ernst & Young in Cleveland and Peterson Consulting in Chicago. Sayler, born Sept. 6, 1969 in Greenwich, Conn., is married to the former Katie Fitzgerald of Bowling Green, Ohio. The couple has two sons, Connor Jameson (who turns 6 in January) and Liam Patrick (3). *** David Sayler’s Education and Professional Experience: Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A. in Accounting (1991) University of Connecticut, M.A. in Sports Management (1996) University of South Dakota, Athletic Director (2010-12) Rice University, Senior Executive Athletic Director (2006-10) Oregon State University, Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations (2005-06) Bowling Green State University, Associate Athletic Director for Finance/External Operations (2001-05) University of Houston, Assistant Athletic Director of Business Operations (1999-2001) University of Hartford, Assistant Athletic Director of Business Operations (1998-99) University of Georgia, Assistant Director of Marketing/Promotions (1996-98) University of Connecticut, Marketing Assistant (1994-96) Peterson Consulting, Litigation Consultant (1992-94) *** What they’re saying about David Sayler “David Sayler is a great fit for Miami University. He has the same values that define Miami and the vision shared by President Hodge to lead the RedHawks during this challenging time. He will engage and inspire the alumni, faculty and staff and, most importantly, the student-athletes with his energy and passion. Miami’s athletic future is in good hands.” —Joel Maturi – retired Athletic Director, University of Minnesota and Miami University “While Athletic Director at USD, David skillfully guided us through the final stages of our transition to Division I, acceptance into the Missouri Valley Football Conference and took the lead on planning and designing a $58,000,000 basketball/volleyball arena and outdoor track/soccer project. Although his time at USD was relatively short, his impact on USD will long be felt. We will miss him, but understand this is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family and wish him nothing but the best.” —James W. Abbott – President, University of South Dakota “Miami University has made an inspired hire in its choice of David Sayler to be the RedHawks’ next athletic director.  David will bring his positive energy, drive and expertise to Oxford and all alums will quickly notice his focus on revenue generation and creating a positive vision for RedHawk athletics.” —Jim Phillips – Athletic Director, Northwestern University “David’s true core value is students first. Everything he believes in is giving student-athletes the very best opportunity to receive a college education through their efforts in sport. He is a dynamic fit for Miami because the university values competition at the highest level but also values the importance of being a student. Miami hired a man who is a prince of a fellow. Today, Miami got better by hiring David Sayler.” —Chris Del Conte - Athletic Director, Texas Christian University “I have had the pleasure of working with David and believe he is an outstanding collegiate athletics administrator. He is passionate, thoughtful, dedicated and has worked very hard for this opportunity. I am sure he will do an outstanding job for Miami University.” —Paul Krebs - University of New Mexico Vice President for Athletics General News laxmom 2012-12-13T21:17:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/welcome_to_the_2008_09_miami_athletic_year/ Many of Miami's fall sports kick off their 2008-09 season this weekend, with most of them performing at home.Thursday, Miami football kicks off its season with a nationally televised game versus Vanderbilt, the first SEC team to ever visit Yager Stadium.Friday, volleyball starts its season by hosting the Best Western Classic.  Miami's first game is versus St. Louis while the RedHawks then host Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.  Miami volleyball enters the season coming off a MAC tournament championship and an NCAA berth.  Miami enters the season with high expectations as the RedHawks have been picked by the MAC coaches as favorites to win the MAC East.Saturday, field hockey begins its season with weekend games at home versus Davidson and Richmond (on Sunday).  Last season the Redawks finished as runners-up in the MAC title game, falling one win short of an NCAA berth.  The RedHawks were picked to finish second in the conference this season by the league's coaches.Also on Saturday, men's and women's cross country begin their seasons by competing at the Flyer 5K race in Dayton.  Last year the men and women both won the team competition, led by Pat Sovacool (men) and Laura Neufarth (women) who both won the individual races (both of these standouts return this season).While not beginning its season, Miami's soccer team hosts Michigan on Sunday.  The RedHawks won their season opener 3-1 versus Morehouse State behind Sara Lund's three goals and six saves by Krista Pace.  Lund's performance earned her MAC Player of the Week honors.Good luck to all of Miami's teams this weekend and welcome to the 2008-09 fall sports season! General News stevo 2008-08-28T19:02:01-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/fall_sports_summary/ With the conculsion of the football season on Saturday, all six of Miami's fall sports have concluded their seasons.  For the fall, Miami had one team conference tournament championship (volleyball) and one individal championship (Laura Neufarth in women's cross country).  This is an improvement over last season when the fall sports failed to produce a team or individual championship.  In fact, five of the six sports had a better record and/or outcome in 2007 than in 2006.Volleyball: Finished 20-11 in 2007 (2nd place in the MAC East), won the MAC tournament championship, and advanced to the NCAA tournament.  In 2006 volleyball finished 13-19 and lost in the MAC tournament quarterfinals.Women's Cross Country: In 2007, finished third at the MAC cross country championships and eighth at the Great Lakes regional championships.  Laura Neufarth won the MAC individual title.  In 2006 the team finished eighth at the MAC championships and 22nd at the Great Lakes regional championships.  Miami's best finisher at the MAC meet finished 11th.Men's Cross Country: Finished second at the MAC championships in 2007 and ninth at the Great Lakes regional championships.  Top Miami finished Pat Sovacool finihsed fourth at the MAC meet.  In 2006 the team finished fourth at the MAC championships and 14th at the Great Lakes regional championships.  Pat Sovacool also finished fourth at the MAC meet last year.Football: Miami's football team finished 2007 with a 6-7 record and a MAC East title.  Last year, the football team finished in fifth place in the MAC East and had an overall record of 2-10.Field Hockey: Finished 10-11 and in third place in the MAC, making the MAC tournament title game.  In 2006 the team finished 10-12 and lost in the MAC tournament semifinals.Soccer: Soccer finished 8th in the MAC with an overall record of 6-10-3, falling in the first round of the MAC tournament.  In 2006 the team finished 8-10-2, losing in the semifinals of the MAC tournament. General News stevo 2007-12-05T19:35:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/to_do_list/ Men's Basketball:  Beat Xavier - CheckFootball: Beat Akron - CheckIce Hockey: Beat Michigan State on Thursday - CheckIce Hockey: Beat Michigan State on Friday  - CheckVolleyball: Beat Central Michigan (MAC Quarterfinals) - CheckWomen's Basketball: Beat Radford in WNIT - CheckVolleyball: Beat Eastern Michigan Saturday (MAC Semifinals) -   CheckWomen's Basketball: Beat IUPUI Saturday in WNIT - CheckVolleyball: Beat OU and Win MAC Championship Sunday -   General News stevo 2007-11-16T01:00:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/neufarth_and_sovacool_qualify_for_championship_meet/ Miami cross-country runners Laura Neufarth and Pat Sovacool will be participating at the NCAA women's and men's cross-country championship meet in Terre Haute, IN on Monday, November 19th.  Neufarth, who finished first at the MAC championships last month, qualified for the NCAA championship meet with her 5th place finish at the Great Lakes Regional meet, while Sovacool, who finished fourth at the MAC championship meet, qualified for the championship meet with a 12th place finish at the regional meet.   Congratulations and good luck to both Laura and Pat as they represent the Red and White on Monday! General News Bash Riprock 2007-11-15T17:29:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/big_week_ahead_for_miami_athletics/ Starting on Friday, there are a number of key games for Miami sports teams - seasons beginning, key end of the year games, and the toughest test so far for Miami's #1 ranked hockey team.Friday evening brings three significant games for Miami teams.  Volleyball (11-3 in the MAC) plays the first game of its season ending weekend at Akron (2-13), before travelling to Buffalo (1-13) for the final match of the regular season on Saturday.  Two victories this weekend will earn Miami the third seed in the MAC volleyball tournament as well as giving Miami its most MAC victories in a season since 1998.  Ice Hockey (8-0-0, #1 in the nation) faces its toughest test so far this season with a two game home series versus Notre Dame (6-3-0) on Friday and Saturday.  Notre Dame is ranked #12 in the nation, and many believe Notre Dame will be one of Miami's toughest challengers for the CCHA title.  Finally, women's basketball opens its 2007-08 season in the WNIT by facing #24 Notre Dame in South Bend.  The RedHawks are predicted to finish third in the MAC East.In addition to the second games of the weekend for volleyball and ice hockey, both the men's and women's cross country teams will be competing on Saturday in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional championships.  Both teams have been ranked in the top 10 in the regional rankings this season and both are coming off top three finishes in the MAC Championships.On Tuesday, men's basketball opens its season by facing Xavier in Oxford.  Miami is coming off a MAC tournament championship season and NCAA tournament appearance, and is predicted to finish second in the MAC East this season.Finally, on Wednesday, football (5-5 overall, 3-1 MAC East) plays its final home game of the season versus Akron.  The RedHawks control their own destiny for postseason play; victories versus Akron and in the regular season finale versus OU will guarantee Miami a MAC East championship, a date with Central Michigan in the MAC Championship game, and a bowl berth.   General News stevo 2007-11-09T04:27:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/end_of_the_season_recaps/ As we enter the first full week of November, four of Miami's fall sports have recently concluded their Mid American Conference championships.  Leading up to the MAC Championships, the women's cross country team won four of the five meets in which it participated.  At the MAC Championships, the team finished third, behind OU and Akron.  However, Miami crowned its first MAC champion of the school year when Laura Neufarth won the individual conference championship.  For the season, Laura won all six races in which she participated.  The women next compete at the NCAA regional championships on November 10th.     http://muredhawks.cstv.com/sports/w-xc/recaps/102707aaa.htmlThe men's cross country team finished second at the MAC Championships, behind only champion Eastern Michigan.  For the season, the RedHawks won two of the four team scoring meets in which it participated.  Pat Sovacool was Miami's best finisher at the MAC meet, finishing in fourth place.  The men will also compete at the November 10th NCAA regional championships. http://muredhawks.cstv.com/sports/m-xc/recaps/102707aaa.htmlThe Miami field hockey team finished the season 10-11 after falling 3-2 in the MAC tournament finals this past Saturday.  Miami was seeded third in the tournament, and defeated #6 Missouri State and #2 Kent State before losing to top seed OU in overtime.  For the season, Miami was led in scoring by seniors Alyssa Nye (12 goals and five assists) and Taylor Florence (six goals and seven assists). http://muredhawks.cstv.com/sports/w-fieldh/recaps/110307aaa.htmlMiami soccer finished the season 6-10-3 overall and 4-6-1 in the MAC.  They were the eight seed in the MAC tournament, but fell to top seed Ball State 1-0 on Sunday to end their season.  Scoring leaders were freshmen Sara Lund (seven goals and five assists) and Julie Thompson (five goals) and sophomore Jackie Hardek (four goals and two assists), which bodes well for the team next season. http://muredhawks.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/110407aaa.htmlThe other two fall sports are reaching their conclusion as well.  Volleyball (14-9 overall, 11-3 MAC) has two more regular season matches before competing in the conference tournament from November 13-November 18.  Football (5-5 overall, 3-1 MAC East) also has two more regular season games and is in the drivers seat for a MAC East title and a spot in the MAC Championship game. General News stevo 2007-11-05T20:37:01-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_athletics_has_very_successful_weekend/ Miami has just completed probably its most successful weekend of the year thus far.  The happy recap follows:Women's Cross Country - Coming into the weekend ranked ninth in the Great Lakes Region, the women's cross country team won the all-Ohio Championship, beating 11 other Division I schools and a total of 44 Ohio colleges and universities.  Laura Neufarth led Miami by winning the meet with a time of 18:32.6, her fourth victory of the season in as many races.Volleyball - Volleyball extended its winning streak to five matches with 3-0 sweeps of Buffalo and Akron.  The wins improved Miami's MAC record to 5-1, keeping the RedHawks in a tie for the MAC East lead.Tennis - Miami dominated the Ball State Fall Invitational, winning all four singles flights plus one doubles flight.Football - Miami defeated Kent State 20-13 in the RedHawks' MAC East opener.  The win evened Miami's record at 3-3 and allowed the RedHawks to exceed last year's victory total.Women's Swimming and Diving: Miami won its season opening dual meet with a 166-91 victory over Marshall.  The victory was Miami's 17 consecutive dual meet win, a streak spanning three seasons.Field Hockey - Miami defeated MAC foe Missouri State 9-1 to improve its conference record to 3-2.  The nine goals ties a Miami team record for goals in a game. General News stevo 2007-10-08T03:13:00-05:00 http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_golf_fundraiser_needs_you/ The Miami Golf program is holding its annual Friends of Miami Golf Fundraiser at Brown’s Run Country Club in Middletown. All friends of Miami athletics are invited to join the golf team in a lunch and golf outing on Monday, May 14. The event begins at 11 with registration and lunch, the golf commences at 1pm with a shotgun start, and dinner, awards, and meet the team begins at 7. As many of you know, Miami Golf competes based on its ability to raise enough funds to operate the program. The proceeds from this outing fund expenses such as team travel, equipment, recruiting, and facility rental. Fees for the outing include lunch, range balls, greens fee, cart, beverages, dinner, gift certificates and a player gift. For more information, you can vist miamialum.org’s description of the event: http://www.miamialum.org/cgi-any/reg_event.dll/genfill?bid=&id=432&t=event_detail.htm Men's Sports, Men's Olympic Sports, Golf, General News RedSteve 2007-05-05T19:02:00-05:00