Five-Star Matchups

It's the weekend prior to Valentine's Day and (pardon the upcoming pun) we have some Sweetheart matchups as the basketball regular season enters its penultimate Saturday, the wrestling dual-meet title is on the line and the indoor track and field season enters the home stretch.

Women's Basketball
Franklin & Marshall at Swarthmore
Johns Hopkins at Ursinus
Two huge games dot the Conference landscape on Saturday as the Diplomats (9-8 CC, 11-11) travel to take on the Garnet (9-8, 13-9) and the Blue Jays (15-3, 18-4) visit Collegeville and the Bears (10-7, 14-8). F&M and Swarthmore are tied in the loss column with Washington College for the fifth and final CC playoff berth. The Diplomats won the first meeting of the season by 20 and look for their ninth win in the last 11 games vs. the Garnet. Hopkins can clinch the top seed and home court for the Centennial tournament by avenging its overtime home loss to Ursinus on Jan. 8. The Bears can take a huge step toward the playoffs and hosting a first-round contest with a victory.

STANDINGS
Hopkins ..... 15-3
Muhlenberg .. 13-4
Gettysburg .. 12-5
Ursinus ..... 10-7
Swarthmore ..  9-8
F&M .........  9-8
Washington ..  8-8

Men's Basketball
Muhlenberg at McDaniel
Haverford at Dickinson
Four of the six teams fighting for the four remaining playoff spots meet in games in Westminster and Carlisle. The Mules (8-7, 12-10) and the Green Terror (8-7, 11-11) square off in a contest that will go a long way in determining one of those slots. Muhlenberg has won seven of the last nine at the Gill Center and captured an 80-66 decision in Allentown in the year's first meeting. The Red Devils (10-5, 12-10) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Fords (8-7, 11-10). Haverford, who has qualified for the CC tournament in each of the last three odd-numbered years, can solidly improve its chances to continue that streak with a win.

STANDINGS
F&M ......... 13-2
Dickinson ... 10-5
Muhlenberg ..  8-7
Haverford ...  8-7
Gettysburg ..  8-7
McDaniel ....  8-7
Ursinus .....  7-8

Wrestling
Johns Hopkins, Merchant Marine at Stevens
The Blue Jays (4-1, 8-9) and the Mariners (5-0, 11-2) visit Hoboken to meet the Ducks (4-1, 11-10-1) and Gettysburg in the regular-season Conference quad finale. A Hopkins sweep would give JHU its first-ever Centennial dual title, while one win would give USMMA its fourth consecutive dual-meet crown. Stevens can also grab a share of its first crown, while Ursinus can still sneak in as dual champs with two losses by the Mariners and a split by Hop and the Ducks. The 174-pound weight class could be crucial as Kings Point's Justin Diesel (19-2), Stevens' Ryan Dormann (28-3) and JHU's Pat Stanley (18-4) do battle.

STANDINGS
USMMA ....... 5-0
Hopkins ..... 4-1
Stevens ..... 4-1
Ursinus ..... 4-2

Five-Star Matchups

Swarthmore at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (6-5 CC, 10-6) looks for a season sweep against the Bears (7-4, 10-5) in a showdown between teams headed the wrong way in the Conference standings. Both Swarthmore and Ursinus have dropped two in a row and look for a win to right the ship. The Garnet defeated the Bears, 70-62, back on Dec. 4 as Ceylan Bodur tossed in 17 points. Swarthmore has not swept Ursinus in a season set since 2005, but leads the all-time series 64-22.

Johns Hopkins at Ursinus (Wrestling)
The Blue Jays (1-0, 4-8) and the Bears (0-0, 4-0) meet in Collegeville in an early-season test. Ursinus is undefeated against Hopkins since the inception of the Conference in 1994. Nate Murren leads the Bears with a 17-6 record at 184. Pat Stanley has a 14-3 record at 174 for the Jays.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Green Terror (6-3, 9-7) and the Diplomats (7-2, 12-4) meet in a first-place showdown in Lancaster. The home team has won each of the last six meetings between the teams and McDaniel, fresh from a 61-53 win vs. F&M on Jan. 11, looks for its first season sweep since 2008. Keep an eye on the guards - F&M's Georgio Milligan (17.1) and McDaniel's Devon Lesniak (15.3).

Haverford at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
The Fords (6-3, 9-6) look for their first-ever season sweep of the Bullets (6-3, 9-7) when they visit the Battlefield. Haverford defeated Gettysburg 65-55 back on Dec. 4 but has never beaten the Orange and Blue at Bream Gym. Two of the CC's most dynamic scorers take the floor in Haverford's Cam Baker (18.1) and Gettysburg's Andrew Powers (20.4).

Five-Star Matchups

Welcome to the first edition of "Five-Star Matchups" for 2011. Conference play resumes in full force on Saturday and here are the games to watch.

Dickinson at Haverford (Men's Basketball)
The surprising Red Devils (4-1 CC, 6-6) look to tighten their hold on second place in the CC when they visit the Main Line to play the Fords (3-2, 6-5). Haverford has won four straight in the series and 15 of 24 since the inception of the Conference. Dickinson's last win at Gooding Arena was in 2008 (51-50). The Devils' Matt Dolan ranks in the CC top 10 in scoring (14.4) and rebounding (8.3), as does the Fords' Sam Permutt (15.8, 9.2).

Ursinus at Johns Hopkins (Women's Basketball)
The first-place Blue Jays (6-0, 9-1) welcome the Bears (5-2, 8-3) to Goldfarb Gym, looking to extend their nine-game winning streak. Hopkins has not lost since its opening game and has won five in a row versus Ursinus. The Bears have not won in Baltimore since 1995 (74-70) - a stretch of 15 games. Although JHU is second in the Conference in scoring offense (68.3), expect a low-scoring contest, as the Jays (46.0) and Bears (48.7) are 1-2 in the Centennial in scoring defense.

Swarthmore at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (4-1, 8-2) finds itself tied for second place in the Conference but faces a road challenge against the Diplomats (4-2, 6-5). Swarthmore registered its first-ever season sweep of F&M last winter, including an 88-83 overtime win that snapped a seven-game losing streak at Mayser Center. Kathryn Stockbower is second in the CC in scoring (17.4) and first in rebounding (13.6) for the Garnet, while the Diplomats are second in the Conference in field goal percentage defense (.328). Watch LIVE!

Gettysburg vs. Washington and Lee (Wrestling)
The Conference dual-meet schedule gets underway as the Bullets (0-0, 1-1) tangle with the Generals (0-0, 1-0). The day's best match could come at 165 between Gettysburg's Dan Grabfelder (13-8, 8 falls) and W&L's David Dennis (8-5). Freshman 174 Jared Leon has the Bullets' top record at 16-7, while rookie 197-pounder Jordan Yost leads W&L with a 7-2 mark.

2010 Wrestling Championship

The Centennial Conference Wrestling championship makes its first stop in the Garden State as the Stevens Institute of Technology hosts the 17th annual event on Saturday. The champion of each of the 11 weight classes will advance to the NCAA Division III championship in two weeks, while another "wild-card" wrestler will be selected to participate in the national event. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is the two-time defending champion and the 13th ranked Mariners are the favorite to "three-peat."

Who 2 Watch 4?

125: The gold should come down to USMMA's defending champion Jordan Alfaro (16-13) or McDaniel's Earl Eppard (15-13). Hopkins' Adam Stevens could also reach the final.

133: McDaniel's Tommy Goretsas (24-9) and Ursinus' Alex Blank (22-8) both have over 20 wins, while Hopkins' Paul Marcello could also reach the final.

141: Stevens' Ryan Bridge (12-2) is undefeated in Conference bouts this winter and is the favorite to win the gold medal before the home folks. W&L's Sam Campbell (15-5) and Ursinus' Dan Glover (20-7) will also factor in the weight class.

149: Ursinus' Connor McCormick (17-0) has 11 falls to his credit and is the favorite. USMMA's Martin Bell (13-10) and McDaniel's Brent Lowe (23-10) are his main contenders.

157: USMMA's Dan Twito (26-6), the defending champ at 149, has the most overall wins, but W&L's David Dennis (13-4) was undefeated in Centennial bouts. Stevens' Charles Favia (19-11) makes 157 the most interesting of the early weight classes.

165: USMMA's Vincent Renaut (20-3) is the defending champion, but will be challenged by Stevens' Joe Favia (22-6) and Johns Hopkins' Eric Levenseller (21-9).

174: This class figures to be a battle between USMMA's Justin Diesel (23-7) - ranked eighth nationally - and Stevens' Bobby Bishop (19-7) with Hopkins' Andrew Giannascoli (6-4) could also reach the final.

184: Ursinus' Nate Murren (20-3) is the favorite and will be challenged by McDaniel's Will Yeo (19-12) and Stevens' Vincent Termini (13-9).

197: The day's best final could pit USMMA's Eric Vincent (24-3) - the two-time defending champion and ranked 10th nationally - and Ursinus' Connor McNamara (27-3).

285: The championship will end on a high note with a talented class of heavyweights, led by 2009 Centennial Wrestler of the Year Brock Glotfelty (35-4) of McDaniel. The defending champion has 15 falls to his credit and is ranked ninth nationally. USMMA's Justin Connell (16-6) and Gettysburg's Bobby Christopher (21-5) will also contend for gold.

You can watch the finals LIVE on your computer, courtesy of Stevens. You can also get the championship bout results by following us on Twitter.

Five-Star Matchups

There are just two weekends remaining in the basketball regular season and playoff spots are at a premium. The wrestling dual-meet season comes to a close this weekend, while track and field teams attempt to improve their performances with 1-2 meets left before their championship. Swimming takes the weekend off in preparation for the 17th annual Centennial championships next weekend in Lancaster.

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Women's Basketball)
Two of the top teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region meet in Allentown with a share of first place in the Conference hanging in the balance. The 18th ranked Mules (14-2 CC, 17-3) downed the Bullets (15-2, 20-2), 60-59, on Alita Zabrecky's layup with 5.4 seconds left back on Jan. 14 for their fifth straight win in the series.

Washington at Dickinson (Women's Basketball)
It's an elimination game for the Shorewomen (7-9, 9-12) when they travel to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (10-7, 14-7). Simply put, a Washington loss puts Dickinson in the Centennial tournament and, depending on the outcome of two Johns Hopkins games this weekend, could knock the Eastern Shore five out. Dickinson defeated Washington, 68-65, on Jan. 14 as Alesha Sisco scored 25 points and collected 10 rebounds. The Devils have won 13 straight in the series and have not lost at the Kline Center since 2002.

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
The first half of the doubleheader at Memorial Hall pits the third-place Bullets (9-6, 11-10) against the second-place Mules (10-5, 12-10) as both teams look to keep their first-round tournament bye hopes alive. Muhlenberg captured a 76-71 decision on Jan. 14 as Ryan Foster scored 23 points and Spencer Liddic added 22 and 13 rebounds. The Mules look for their first season sweep (two games) of the Bullets since the inception of the Centennial in 1993-94.

Haverford at Johns Hopkins (Men's Basketball)
Another elimination game takes place in Baltimore, as the Fords (7-8, 9-12) and the Blue Jays (5-8, 9-11) battle to hang on in the chase for the fifth and final playoff berth. Hopkins handled Haverford, 55-40, on Jan. 14 as Mike Henrici led the way with 16 points. The Fords have split their last four trips to Goldfarb Gym, including a 56-52 win in the Charm City last season.

McDaniel at Ursinus (Wrestling)
This match, postponed from last weekend, will determine who remains in the race for the dual-meet title and who is eliminated from the 2010 chase. The Bears (4-1, 9-1) and the Green Terror (4-1, 7-6) both suffered their only CC losses to Merchant Marine. Ursinus fell 26-17 while McDaniel lost 31-10. UC's Connor McNamara has a 26-3 mark at 197, while McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty is 33-4 at 285.

Susquehanna Invitational (Track and Field)
Four Centennial teams will make the trek north to Selinsgrove for the meet. This event, and next weekend's Keough Invitational at Haverford, are the largest gatherings of Conference teams prior to the CC championship on Feb. 27. One of the top races on the day could feature Ursinus' Al Desiderio (22.67) and F&M's Nils Michaelis (23.15) in the 200.

Five-Star Matchups

Here are the five-star matchups in the Conference this weekend, should the games go on as scheduled.

Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
It's a showdown for first place in the Conference as the Mules (10-3 CC, 12-8) visit the Mayser Center to take on the Diplomats (11-2, 17-3). F&M has won eight straight from 'Berg in Lancaster and holds a 68-59 all-time lead. The Mules' last win in Lancaster came in the 2001 CC semifinals (76-58) while the last regular-season triumph in Amish country was in 1999. Two of the Conference's top big men will do battle in Muhlenberg's Spencer Liddic (14.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg) and F&M's James McNally (17.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg).

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
A first-round playoff bye could be at stake when the Bears (9-4, 13-7) travel to the Battlefield to take on the Bullets (8-5, 10-9). After dropping 11 straight to UC, Gettysburg has taken the last two meetings, including a 74-63 win in Collegeville on Jan. 12. The Bullets look for their first two-game season sweep of the Bears since the formation of the Centennial in 1994. Two of the CC's best players take center stage in Ursinus' Remy Cousart (15.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and Gettysburg's Andrew Powers (19.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg).

Franklin & Marshall at Gettysburg (Women's Swimming)
The dual-meet championship is on the line as this long-time rivalry is renewed for the 44th time - but the first time in Gettysburg's new natatorium. The Bullets (6-0, 8-1) have won 20 straight Centennial meets and three straight overall Conference titles. The Diplomats (6-0, 6-2) will be looking for their first outright dual title since 2006 and first overall crown since 2005.

Ursinus vs. McDaniel (Wrestling)
This match will determine who remains in the race for the dual-meet title and who is eliminated from the 2009 chase. The Bears (4-1, 9-1) and the Green Terror (4-1, 7-6) both suffered their only CC losses to Merchant Marine. Ursinus fell 26-17 while McDaniel lost 31-10. UC's Connor McNamara has a 26-3 mark at 197, while McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty is 33-4 at 285.

Five-Star Matchups

Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Swimming)
The Red Devils (3-0, 4-2) visit Lancaster to take on the Diplomats (4-0, 4-2) in a battle between Centennial unbeatens. It is the 92nd time that the two schools have met in the pool with F&M holding a five-meet win streak and a 60-31 overall lead. The day's best race could come in the 50 free between Dickinson's Doug Murray (21.85) and the Diplomats' David Apple (21.93).

Washington at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
The Shoremen (6-5 CC, 8-7) travel to the Battlefield to take on the Bullets (7-4, 9-8) in a game that could affect playoff positions down the stretch. Gettysburg won the year's first meeting by an 82-54 count in Chestertown on Jan. 9. and looks for its 11th win in its last 12 meetings with Washington. An Orange and Blue win would give the Bullets a two-game lead (with the tie-breaker) over the Shoremen with six games remaining. Washington has won just once at Bream Gym in the last 12 years - last season by a 64-62 count.

Merchant Marine vs. Ursinus (Wrestling)
The 12th ranked Mariners (2-0, 8-6) and the Bears (2-0, 7-0) meet at Muhlenberg in a match that could decide the Conference's dual-meet champion. Merchant Marine has three wrestlers in this week's NWCA top 10 - Vincent Renaut (165, 9th), Justin Diesel (174, 5th) and Eric Vincent (197, 9th). The match of the day could be between Vincent (20-2) and Connor McNamara (23-3).

Five-Star Matchups

The second semester is underway at the Centennial Conference and the contests begin taking on greater importance.

Ursinus at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Swimming)
The Diplomats (3-0 CC, 3-2) welcome the surprising Bears (3-1, 8-1) to the McGuiness Pool for an interesting dual meet. F&M has won 11 straight meets from Ursinus and holds a 21-13 all-time lead. The meet will be a good indication of how far the UC program has come and to whether the Diplomats can contend for the Centennial title in late February.

Gettysburg, Muhlenberg, Ursinus at Johns Hopkins
Merchant Marine, Stevens, Washington & Lee at McDaniel (Wrestling)
It's the first big weekend for Conference quad matches and the dual meets will give us a better indication of where the strength lies in the Centennial in 2010. Ursinus (5-0) brings an undefeated overall dual record to Baltimore, while Merchant Marine is ranked 13th nationally. Four wrestlers are ranked nationally, according to the Jan. 11 NWCA rankings - USMMA's Vincent Renault (10th, 165), Justin Diesel (8th, 174) and Eric Vincent (10th, 197), and McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty (10th, 285). D3wrestle.com adds USMMA's Dan Twito (10th, 157) and Stevens' Joe Favia (10th, 165)

Basketball, Wrestling Begin NCAA Play

The 2009 NCAA Division III Basketball and Wrestling Championships begin today for Centennial Conference teams. The wrestling championship gets underway at noon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with first-round bouts. The women's basketball tournament tips off at 5 p.m. in Brunswick, Maine, while the men's basketball tourney begins at 6 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio, and 8 p.m. in Lancaster.

Wrestling
The 2009 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship begins Friday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Centennial Conference contingent received five seeds when the brackets were released. Merchant Marine grapplers garnered a pair of seeds, including 141 James Beshada (#5), and 149 Dan Twito (#7). Gettysburg 157 Andrew Goldstein received the highest seed at No. 4, while Muhlenberg 149 Rob Kein and McDaniel 285 Brock Glotfelty gained No. 6 seeds. Can the Conference better its 2005 and 2006 performance of four All-Americans? Is this the year when a CC wrestler medals, joining Gettysburg's Jake Dell (1997) and Stevens' Brandon MacWhinnie (2008)? Stop back throughout the day for updates on Centennial grapplers or sign up for Twitter and receive updates on your cell.

Women's Basketball
"It’s a very lucky thing for the Muhlenberg women’s basketball team that the NCAA Tournament takes place in March. With St. Patrick’s Day just a few weeks away and names on their roster like NCAA basketball Kaitlyn O’Malley, Kelly McKeon and Erin McSherry, the Mules hope the luck of the Irish will be with them. “I hope all our Irish descendants help us out,” said senior Bethany Enterline, who is entering her third NCAA Tournament. “[Junior] Katie Ferris went to Ireland and brought us back souvenirs, so hopefully those will bring good luck, too.” The Mules (24-3) face Westfield State (22-4) in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Friday. The teams travel to Maine, where the host school, Bowdoin, will face Castleton State in the second first-round game tomorrow." The Conference is 18-20 all-time in NCAA games but has not won an opening-round game since the Mules defeated Wesleyan, 57-50, in 2006. Bowdoin is coached by former Swarthmore head coach Adrienne Shibles, who led the Garnet to a 138-96 record over nine seasons (1997-2005). Bowdoin Tournament Website

Men's Basketball
The Conference placed two teams - Gettysburg and Franklin & Marshall - in the 60-team field for the second straight season. The Centennial is 22-22 all-time in NCAA games with three trips to the Final Four (F&M: 1996, 2000; Ursinus 2008).

"The Gettysburg College men’s basketball team will make its second-straight appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament this weekend when it heads to Columbus, Ohio, for the first two rounds of play on March 6-7. The Bullets will be the odd-man out in the four-team regional with a trio of Ohio schools in the mix: host Capital University (24-4), The College of Wooster (22-6), and Thomas More College (19-8). Gettysburg (18-8) earned its fifth trip overall to the tournament after winning the Centennial Conference championship last weekend, beating host and then No. 23 Franklin & Marshall College 73-65 in the finale. Wooster and Thomas More also won their respective conferences, the Fighting Scots earning their 11th championship as a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and the Saints pulling out their first crown as a member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). Capital, ranked 13th in the latest D3hoops national poll, was upset in the championship of the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament by John Carroll University." Capital Tournament Website

"The Franklin & Marshall men's basketball team earned its 20th NCAA Division III Tournament bid announced on Monday and will host the first and second rounds on March 6-7. The Diplomats (22-5) return to the 60-team tournament for the first time since the 2003-04 season. F&M received an at-large bid after falling to Gettysburg 73-67 in the Centennial Conference (CC) Championship game on Sunday. The Diplomats will face Wesley (18-9) in the first round on Friday at 8 p.m. The other first-round game features Brandeis (17-8) and Scranton (21-6) at 6 p.m. Friday's winners will meet in the second round on Saturday at 7 p.m. Wesley earned its first NCAA Tournament bid in program history by winning the Capital Athletic Conference title with a 64-51 victory over Marymount. The Wolverines are 18-9 on the season, setting the school record for most wins in a season since they moved to Division III. Brandeis is making its third straight NCAA appearance. The Judges earned an at-large bid into the tournament with a 17-8 overall record and a 10-4 mark in the University Athletic Conference. Scranton received a pool B bid after winning their second consecutive Landmark Conference championship this weekend, defeating Susquehanna 80-75. The Royals are making their second straight and 22nd NCAA tournament appearance." F&M Tournament Website

Wrestling Championship Action

Kim Wenger will be "live blogging" all the action of the 2009 Centennial Conference Wrestling championship finals on Saturday, Feb. 21. The finals will begin approximately 4-4:30 p.m. She'll provide updates on each bout from 125 all the way through the 285 final with all the escapes, takedowns, reversals and falls as they happen. You can also ask questions that she can answer if time permits. McDaniel College sports information will also provide the updated brackets after each round of action.

Three for the Show

There are three games remaining in the regular season for most Centennial Conference basketball teams ... which means each game for playoff contenders takes on even greater importance. The swim teams take the weekend off, preparing for next weekend's Conference championship meet in Lancaster. The wrestling teams wrap up the regular season with quad meets at Gettysburg and Westminster, while the track and field squads look for season-best performances at a number of venues with the Centennial championship meet just two weeks away.

Men's Basketball
Franklin & Marshall (13-2 CC, 20-2) and McDaniel (12-3, 17-5) continue their battle for the top seed for the CC championship tournament in two weeks. The Diplomats face one of the hotter teams in the Conference in Haverford (8-7, 11-10), winners of six of its last seven games. But the Fords have not won in Lancaster since 1977 - a stretch of 19 games. The Green Terror also has history to climb, as McDaniel has not defeated Washington College (7-8, 10-12) in Chestertown since 1982 - a 15-game losing streak at the Cain Center. Another game to watch is in Baltimore, as Muhlenberg (9-6, 13-9) visits Johns Hopkins (7-8, 12-10). The Mules are in a tie for third place and the final first-round bye and are looking to snap a six-game losing streak to Hop at Goldfarb Gym.

Women's Basketball
The day's big game takes place in the Charm City, as Muhlenberg (15-0, 19-3) travels to Johns Hopkins (10-5, 12-10). 'Berg has won seven straight games in the series, including a 69-59 decision on Jan. 15. But the Jays are 7-2 since that loss and are looking for the 400th career win at Homewood for coach Nancy Funk. Another game to watch takes place at Swarthmore, as the Garnet (8-7, 11-11) welcomes Gettysburg (9-6, 12-10) to Tarble Pavilion. The Bullets took an 87-56 decision at home on Jan. 15 for their seventh straight win vs. Swat. Gettysburg is in a three-way tie for fourth place in the Conference, while Swarthmore is a game back in seventh position.

Wrestling
Merchant Marine (5-0 CC) can wrap up the regular season title with wins against Gettysburg and Johns Hopkins. Stevens (4-1 CC) can grab a share of the crown with a sweep of the Bullets and Jays and a stumble by the Mariners. USMMA 165-pounder Vincent Renaut became the first D-III champion ever at the All-Academy championships last weekend.

Good-Bye to January

It's the last day of the first month of 2009 and do we have a weekend of sports action for you around the Centennial Conference! Whether you are a hoops aficionado, a swimming supporter, or a grappling groupie, there are big games, meets and bouts at a number of Conference venues.

Muhlenberg, Ursinus, Stevens at Merchant Marine (Wrestling)
There are four unbeaten teams in Conference dual-meet competition and three of them meet at Kings Point Saturday. The 12th ranked Mariners (3-0 CC, 10-6) have won 12 straight Centennial duals since losing to both the Mules (2-0, 2-3) and Bears (2-0, 4-2) on Jan. 27, 2007. Merchant Marine's James Beshada (17-3) is ranked seventh nationally at 141, while teammate Dan Twito (15-4) is sixth at 149. Muhlenberg's Rob Kein (149, 13-2) and Matt Horn (19-2, 184) are a combined 32-4 overall, while Ursinus' Steve Kingsland (133, 18-4) and Chris Springer (157, 25-9) are 43-13. Ryan Dormann (174, 21-7) leads the Ducks (2-1, 8-7).

Franklin & Marshall at Dickinson (Men's Swimming)
Two of the CC's three unbeatens meet in Carlisle as the annual rivalry between the Diplomats (3-0, 3-5) and the Red Devils (3-0, 6-0) is renewed. Keep an eye on the freestyle sprints between F&M's Peter Fishler and Dickinson's Doug Murray. Murray holds the top 50 free time (21.70) and is second in the 100 free (47.97). Fishler has the season's top time in the 100 (47.26) and 200 (1:45.01) and the No. 2 clocking in the 50 (21.87).

Franklin & Marshall at Dickinson (Women's Swimming)
The Diplomat (4-0, 5-4) and Devil (4-0, 7-0) women put spotless Centennial records on the line as well Saturday. The backstroke could be one of the deciding events, as F&M's Brittany McCabe - who has the year's best times in the 100 (59.25) and 200 (2:11.12) - will be challenged by Dickinson's Serena Gibney (100, 1:02.30) and Elizabeth Schroll (200, 2:14.28).

McDaniel at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
It is the day's best doubleheader, as the Green Terror (8-3, 13-5) and Mules (6-5, 10-7) open an exciting day of hoops in Allentown. Memorial Hall is not kind to many visitors, especially McDaniel, who has won just once in its last 11 trips and twice since 1987. The Terror looks for its first season sweep of 'Berg since 1980-81 after a 70-64 triumph on Jan. 7, as Kevin Henry poured in a game-high 23 points. Peter Barnes led Muhlenberg with 20 points, 13 boards and three blocks.

McDaniel at Muhlenberg (Women's Basketball)
The 22nd ranked Mules (12-0, 15-3) and the Green Terror (8-4, 10-7) meet in a rematch of their thrilling Jan. 7 game in Westminster which 'Berg pulled out in overtime, 77-76. The trio of Alexandra Chili (22), Lauren Boyle (14) and Kelly McKeon (11, 8 asst) combined for 47 points for Muhlenberg, while Ali Moreland led the Green and Gold with 18 markers. The Mule victory evened the overall series at 14 apiece.

Franklin & Marshall at Swarthmore (Women's Basketball)
Five teams in the CC are tied for second place with four losses ... so a game between two of them does have playoff implications. The Diplomats (6-4, 9-8) look for their third straight season sweep and seventh straight win overall vs. the Garnet (7-4, 10-8) after a 74-57 triumph back on Jan. 7. F&M placed four players in double figures, led by Alison Menna's 14 points, while Kathryn Stockbower led Swarthmore with 23 points and 14 rebounds. The Dips must shut down Ceylan Bodur, who has posted consective double-doubles in wins against Ursinus and Haverford.

Five-Star Matchups

The atmosphere in Centennial gyms should be electric this weekend as the second semester is underway throughout Conference campuses. The basketball seasons hit the halfway mark for Conference play, while the dual wrestling season kicks off with a quad involving the top four teams in the Centennial.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The first-place Green Terror (7-1 CC, 12-3) travel to Lancaster to take on the Diplomats (6-2, 13-2) in a game that will tell us a lot about both squads. McDaniel looks for a season sweep of F&M after downing the Blue, 66-57, just 11 days ago in Westminster. The Diplomats have dropped four straight to the Terror after winning 18 in a row from 1998-2007. Keep an eye on two matchups - guards Miguel Jones and Georgio Milligan and pivotmen Josh McKay and James McNally.

Muhlenberg at Washington (Women's Basketball)
Ordinarily, a matchup between the #25 team in the country and a team that has lost four of its last five would not warrant much attention. But if history teaches us nothing else, it's that if we don't learn from it, we're doomed to repeat it. On their last trip to the Eastern Shore in 2007, the Mules traveled to Chestertown sporting a national ranking and a 22-game win streak against the Shorewomen and were upset, 64-63. You've heard of the play, "Six Characters in Search of an Author." Well, this game may turn on how Washington (4-4, 9-5) can contain Muhlenberg's (10-0, 13-2) "Three Scorers in Search of a Nickname" - Alexandra Chili (15.7), Lauren Boyle (14.6) and Kelly McKeon (11.6). The Mules are just the fourth team to start the Centennial season 10-0.

McDaniel, Merchant Marine, Washington & Lee at Stevens (Wrestling)
The Centennial dual-meet season opens Saturday with the Green Terror (2-0, 6-9), Mariners (0-0, 7-6) and Generals (1-0, 2-2) traveling to Hoboken to face the Ducks (0-0, 6-6). USMMA is ranked 13th nationally and features a trio of ranked grapplers in #8 Philip Greene (133), #8 James Beshada (14-3, 141) and #6 Dan Twito (12-4, 149). Stevens' Mark Bisitis (141) is 16-5, while the Dormann brothers - Leo (157) and Ryan (174) - are 18-8, 19-7, respectively. W&L's John Christopher is 10-4 at 285 and could face McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty (23-1), ranked 10th nationally, in one of the premier bouts of the day.

Three Wins to Cedar Rapids

Gettysburg senior 149-pounder Matt Shank is one of the favorites to win the gold medal at the Centennial championships at Ursinus on Saturday. Today, Shank shares with us what is going through his mind - and others - in preparation for the season's big day.

As the Centennial Conference wrestling tournament approaches, my mindset begins to change. Back in the early part of the season I put a lot of effort into getting into better shape and maintaining my strength. I did that by working hard during practice and doing some additional morning running and lifting.

However, for a couple weeks leading up to the tournament the coaches and wrestlers have placed a lot more emphasis on cutting back exertion during workouts in an effort to peak at the right time. The notion of ‘taking it easy’ is difficult indeed for your typical wrestler, but it’s necessary. All the nagging injuries that have accumulated over the past 5 months of the season can be given a little time to heal and our rested bodies will hopefully be ready to go.

Come Saturday, beginning with the first match, everyone will be as ready as possible both physically and mentally. Every wrestler is competing for ONE spot per weight to get to the big dance. There can be no lapses of focus or ill-advised attempts, because your opponent will be as ready as he’s ever been to capitalize.

Over the past four years, I’ve watched the level of competition within the conference steadily increase and I look forward to going at it with the best that the Centennial has to offer this Saturday! After all, there is nothing I would enjoy more than spending my spring break in frigid, barren Cedar Rapids, Iowa… I think I’ll leave the board shorts at home.

Championship Weekend - Part One

It's the first of two big winter weekends for the Centennial Conference - and isn't it fitting that we have snow in the Mid-Atlantic Region - with the swimming and wrestling championships set for Franklin & Marshall and Ursinus. We also have the basketball regular season finales that will determine the playoff brackets ... but that's for another post.

Swimming
The 16th annual championships get underway today at F&M's Kunkel Aquatic Center at 11:30 a.m. with the morning trials with the evening finals set for 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday trials begin at 10 a.m. and finals start at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for an all-sessions pass, while individual session prices for $3 for trials and $5 for finals. Can't make the trip to Lancaster? You can watch all the action on your computer courtesy of Franklin & Marshall and B2 Networks. It is a pay-per-view broadcast with an $8 per day charge or an all-sessions pass for $19.99. Just want to check out the results? Follow along with the real-time results page.

Friday's "Who To Watch" -- Gettysburg's Keira Heath and F&M's Derek Nowak in the 500 free; Washington's Megan Morse and F&M's Matt Jaffee in the 200 IM; Gettysburg's Maggie Mulderrig could lead a 1-2-3 Bullet sweep in the 50 free, while F&M's Phil Rehders and Washington's Colin Soper will duel for the men's 50 free gold. Psyche Sheet

Wrestling
The 16th annual Centennial championship begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at Ursinus' Helfferich Hall. The five-time champion Bears will look to extend their streak but will face a strong challenge from #16 Merchant Marine and Stevens. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for youth 13-18, and students with ID and youth 12 and under are admitted free. The Mariners won the dual-meet title - usually indicative of tournament success, as the CC dual champion has won every title since 2001.

"Who to Watch" -- 125-Ursinus' Steve Kingsland is 17-0; 133-Ursinus' Dan Glover (14-5), Washington and Lee's David Shubick (16-8) and USMMA's Philip Greene (14-7); 141-Muhlenberg's Billy Hall (25-4) and USMMA's James Beshada (25-10); 149-Gettysburg's Matt Shank (29-6), Muhlenberg's Rob Kein (25-5) and USMMA's Dan Twito (23-6); 157-Gettysburg's Andrew Goldstein (22-2, pictured), Stevens' Charles Favia (26-4) and USMMA's Scott Lowe (26-9); 165-USMMA's Vincent Renaut (24-3) and Gettysburg's Patrick Doherty (21-9); 174-Stevens' Brandon MacWhinnie (22-3), the 2008 Centennial Wrestler of the Year; 184-Hopkins' Eric Fishel (23-6) and Ursinus' Nate Murren (25-7); 197-USMMA's Eric Vincent (26-4) and Hopkins' Tyler Schmidt (21-3); 285-Ursinus' Matt Williams (29-8) and Muhlenberg's Joe Tartar (23-8). Individual Records

Five-Star Matchups

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
The Bullets (11-2 CC, 16-3 overall) travel to Allentown to take on the Mules (8-5, 10-10) looking for a season sweep. Gettysburg defeated Muhlenberg, 88-73, back on Jan. 12 and can make it four straight wins against 'Berg. How well the Mules can defend the 1-2 combination of the Bullets' Dan Capkin (20.0) and Corey Dorsey (16.0) may go a long way in determining the outcome of this one.

McDaniel at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
It is a game with critical playoff implications as the Green Terror (9-5, 10-10) invades Collegeville to take on the Bears (9-4, 11-9). McDaniel has won eight consecutive regular-season games against Ursinus, including a 75-56 triumph on Jan. 12. UC did knock off the Terror in the Centennial semifinals last season in Westminster on its way to the Conference championship. McDaniel leads the CC in FG percentage (42.5), while Ursinus tops the league in FG percentage defense (35.0).

McDaniel at Ursinus (Men's Basketball)
The 21st ranked Bears (13-0, 18-2) look to become the first Centennial team to ever start a Conference season 14-0 when they welcome the Green Terror (8-5, 13-7) to Helfferich Hall. Franklin & Marshall (1994, 1995) and Ursinus (2003) both finished the season with 13-0 CC slates when the Conference was still in divisions. F&M started the 2005 season at 12-0 before having its streak snapped by the Bears for its only loss in a 17-1 Centennial slate. McDaniel is second in the CC in scoring defense (63.0) and must find a way to slow down high-scoring UC forward Nick Shattuck (22.4).

Johns Hopkins at Merchant Marine (Wrestling)
The Centennial dual meet title is on the line on the Island Saturday. The Mariners (5-0, 10-4) are ranked 17th in the country and can sew up their first-ever Conference dual crown with wins against the Blue Jays (4-1, 5-11) and Gettysburg (1-4, 2-11). Hopkins needs wins against USMMA and Stevens (4-1, 8-2) to gain at least a share of its first-ever title. Keep an eye on the 197-pound match between the Blue Jays' Tyler Schmidt (18-4) and the Mariners' Eric Vincent (16-3), ranked ninth nationally at 197.

Five-Star Matchups

Franklin & Marshall at McDaniel (Men's Basketball)
The Green Terror (6-3 CC, 11-5) looks to make history at the Gill Center when they welcome the Diplomats (5-4, 10-6) for a Saturday matinee. McDaniel has never swept a season series from the Franklin & Marshall, but a 75-62 win in Lancaster back on Dec. 8 puts the Green and Gold in position. F&M has won seven of its last eight games and is second in the Conference in scoring offense (73.5). McDaniel can win its 12th game of the season for the first time since the 1990-91 campaign.

Dickinson at Washington (Women's Swimming)
The Red Devils (3-0, 5-1) put their unbeaten CC record on the line in Chestertown against the Shorewomen (2-1, 8-1). The 200-yard freestyle promises to be one of the highlight events as the three fastest times in the CC are held by Washington's Megan Morse (1:57.60) and Rachel Glasser (1:58.26), and Dickinson's Elizabeth Schroll (1:58.26).

Merchant Marine, Muhlenberg, Ursinus at Stevens (Wrestling)
Three teams with undefeated CC dual-match records meet in Hoboken on a Saturday that could decide the Centennial dual-meet title. The Bears (2-0, 9-0), Ducks (2-0, 5-1) and Mariners (2-0, 7-4) also welcome the Mules (1-1, 2-4) to the quad affair. Key matches include 125 between Ursinus' Steve Kingland (13-0) and USMMA's Jordan Alfaro (12-6); 141 between Muhlenberg's Billy Hall (20-3) and the Mariners' James Beshada (16-8); 165 between the Bears' Mike Schwager (15-1, 11 falls) and USMMA's Vincent Renaut (19-2); and 174 between the Ducks' Brandon MacWhinnie (15-3), ranked fourth nationally, and the Mules' Justin Fitch (17-4).

The Joy of Wrestling During Winter Break

We have asked four Centennial Conference students to provide us with some insights on life as a top-flight athlete at an elite institution of higher learning. Over the next two months, you will have to opportunity to hear from Franklin & Marshall's Sarah Meisenberg (basketball), Gettysburg's Matt Shank (wrestling), Haverford's Annick Lamar (track and field), and Swarthmore's Anne Miller (swimming). Today, Shank shines a light on life as a collegiate wrestler during Winter Break ... and the differences between wrestling as an individual and for the team.


The difference between the fall and spring semester for a Centennial Conference wrestler at Gettysburg College is like night and day. The fall semester consists of four tournaments where individual achievement is all that really matters. You can, of course, look for the pin and get that extra half point for your team, but no one really worries about that. The main objective is to win at all costs, no matter by what margin, just win. But all that logic goes right out the window with the coming of the New Year.

You’re back on a nearly empty campus, for example this year it was New Year's Eve. You see the occasional basketball player, the kind of person who typically towers above the average wrestler (in height only), but other than that you’re alone with your team. And that is the reason you’ve left your family and friends at home to come back to a steamy wrestling room and a diet of boneless, skinless chicken and tasteless vegetables. You’ve returned to commence the dual meet season along with your teammates. If it weren’t for your teammates, you think it would be highly unlikely that you would have returned at all, let alone 17 days early with nothing but two-a-day practices in sight.

Now you begin to work off those unwanted pounds that inevitably accumulate during the holidays. It's most likely not that much fun, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking of the matches that will come down to you, if your 133-pounder can beat his rival, and the Conference tournament that always so unmercifully decides whether or not you get to go to nationals again this year.

Now you’ve been back for six days, or 12 practice sessions, depending on how you choose to keep track of time. You’ve finally made weight and although it wasn’t easy and your body tells you that, you’re satisfied and it's time to get to work. After your coach’s pre-match speech, the coin flip, and national anthem, it begins. Ten matches where each wrestler on your team attempts to not only win, but win big. Your 157-pounder is up by seven in the 3rd period, but only wins by two after he tried an ill-advised throw with 30 seconds left. But you clap and congratulate him because even though he gave up a five-point move as time expired, he was trying to get the bonus point for a major decision in an unquestionably selfless act. Now the match is over, and although you performed well, your team lost and that leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Nothing you can do about that now though, so you focus on your next match two days from now. After a small but satisfying meal you’re back at the gym wearing layers of clothes, nothing on your mind but the ice cold Gatorade at 11 a.m. promised you in a day and a half, and the noon start time of yet another match where this time you’re certain, with a little luck and a couple of lineup tweaks, you and your team will emerge victorious.

Shank is a senior from Reedsville, Pa., and a graduate of Indian Valley HS. He is the reigning Centennial Conference champion at 149 and recently became just the second Gettysburg grappler to win 100 bouts in a career.

Five-Star Matchups

It's a full weekend of activity in the Centennial Conference with basketball doubleheaders galore and the first full weekend of wrestling dual matches.

Gettysburg at Ursinus (Basketball)
The place to be on Saturday is Helfferich Hall in Collegeville with two basketball games that will have an impact on the playoff picture down the road. The women start the doubleheader at 1 p.m. as the Bullets (5-2 CC, 8-5 overall) look for a season sweep over the Bears (4-2, 6-7). Ursinus dropped a 58-46 decision to Gettysburg at the Battlefield on Dec. 1 but has a three-game win streak over the Orange and Blue on its home hardwood. Two of the CC's best freshmen will be on display in Gettysburg's Caitlin Moser and Ursinus' Alex Shivers.

First place in the Conference is on the line in the nightcap as the CC-leading Bears (7-0, 12-2) and the second-place Bullets (6-1, 11-2) meet for the second time this season. Ursinus humbled Gettysburg, 84-59, back on Dec. 1 at Bream Gym and looks for its seventh consecutive win against the Orange and Blue. The Bullets' last win was a 71-63 triumph at Helfferich during the 2005 season. Two of the Centennial's top players take center stage in this game - UC's Nick Shattuck (20.6 ppg) and 'Burg's Dan Capkin (20.3) are 1-2 in the Conference in scoring.

Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Basketball)
Another key twinbill takes place at Mayser Center as the Mules come to Lancaster to take on the Diplomats. The women tip off at 2 p.m. with Muhlenberg (6-1, 11-3) looking for its second straight season sweep of Franklin & Marshall (5-2, 10-4). F&M has dropped eight of the last nine to 'Berg with a 78-71 overtime win at home in 2006 to its credit. A pair of outstanding juniors will be showcased in the opener as the Diplomats' Sarah Meisenberg leads the CC in scoring (18.5) while Muhlenberg's Lauren Boyle is fifth (16.3).

Four teams are currently 4-3 in the CC men's race and there will be some separation when the Mule (4-3, 6-8) and Diplomat (4-3, 9-5) men meet in the day's second game. Muhlenberg defeated F&M, 68-65, back on Dec. 1 and looks for its first season sweep of the Diplomats since 1998. The Blue and White has won five straight from 'Berg at Mayser and will need to shut down Muhlenberg's Mike Bernardini, who has topped the 30-point mark in consecutive games, to keep the streak alive.

Merchant Marine at Washington and Lee (Wrestling)
Two of the Conference's associate members take center stage in a quad match that also includes McDaniel and Stevens in Lexington. The Mariners (0-0, 5-4) are ranked #19 by the NWCA in its latest Division III rankings, while the Generals (1-0, 3-0) look to remain unbeaten. Key matches to watch: 165 between USMMA's Vincent Renaut (19-2) and W&L's Anthony Boniello (11-3) and 197 between the Mariners' Eric Vincent (16-3) and the Generals' John Christopher (12-4).

Three Listed in NWCA Wrestling Rankings

The National Wrestling Coaches Association has released its Division III individual rankings as of December 4, 2007. McDaniel junior Andrew Winfield is third at 174, while Stevens senior Brandon MacWhinnie is seventh at 174. Johns Hopkins junior Tyler Schmidt is 10th at 197.

Individual Rankings
Team Rankings