BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Track & Field completed its first meet in the NCAA Division I era Friday night in the Hoosier Open hosted by Indiana University at Gladstein Fieldhouse. Five Screaming Eagles were able to earn top-10 finishes in their first meet of the 2022-23 campaign.
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Leading the women was sophomore Gabrielle McGregor (Louisville, Kentucky) who placed 10th in the shot put with a toss of 10′ 58″. On the men’s side, junior Kyle Crone (Maryville, Illinois) leaped a 10th-best 19′ 10.25″ in the long jump while junior Josh Kaminski (Lafayette, Indiana) recorded a sixth-place finish in the shot put with a throw of 44′ 9.5″.
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On the track, junior Lee Moore Jr. (Matteson, Illinois) earned a 10th-place finish in the 200 meters with a time of 25.30 seconds while sophomore Trace Manzi (Evansville, Indiana) earned a personal-best time of 37.77 seconds to nab sixth place in the 300 meters.
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NEXT UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles have a long wait until their next meet when USI competes in the Bellarmine Open on January 20 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Eagles conclude season-opening meet with five top-10 finishes
Attorney General Todd Rokita Leads Multistate Coalition To Victory As Investment Firm Withdraws
After Attorney General Todd Rokita co-led a multistate effort to stop The Vanguard Group Inc. from imposing woke ideologies onto the business models of utility companies, the firm has withdrawn its participation in the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.
“Vanguard’s involvement in this leftist vendetta held the potential to cause real harm to Hoosier investors and energy consumers — affecting everything from retirement accounts to electricity bills,†Attorney General Rokita said. “By working together, fellow likeminded attorneys general and I have achieved an important win for free enterprise on behalf of our states.â€
The Vanguard Group Inc. recently sought renewal of a blanket authorization for acquisitions of voting securities of publicly traded utilities. When the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted that authorization in 2019, however, it did so on assurances from Vanguard that it would refrain from investing “for the purpose of managing†utility companies.
Vanguard also guaranteed at that time that it would not seek to “exercise any control over the day-to-day management†of utility companies nor take any action “affecting the prices at which power is transmitted or sold.â€
The firm’s recent environmental activism, however, implied that it would use its financial influence to manipulate the activities of utility companies in its portfolio.
On Wednesday, Vanguard issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. The company promised to “provide the clarity our investors desire about the role of index funds and about how we think about material risks, including climate-related risks — and to make clear that Vanguard speaks independently on matters of importance to our investors.â€
The coordination with the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative represented another example of so-called “ESG investing†— an emphasis on environmental, social, and governance issues by investment managers.
ESG strategies are designed not to maximize financial returns for clients but rather to impose leftist social and economic agendas that otherwise could not win approval at the ballot box.
Along with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, Attorney General Rokita has led the multistate effort to intervene in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s handling of this case.
“Vanguard’s announcement this week is an encouraging first step,†Attorney General Rokita said. “But Vanguard must do more to demonstrate that it is not attempting to impose its own leftist climate change policies on private companies and investors. We aren’t done.â€
Senator Becker Receives Senate Committee Assignments
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 10, 2022) – State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on three committees for the 123rd Indiana General Assembly.
Becker will serve on the Senate Committees on Health and Provider Services, Local Government and Public Policy.
“The health and well-being of Hoosiers is always a top priority of mine each session,” Becker said. “It is important to me to work within these committees to move legislation that addresses issues facing our communities and ensures our state is healthy.”
Committee hearings can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov. Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies and proposed legislation can also be found on this site.
The 2023 legislative session ceremonially began with Organization Day on Nov. 22. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene for session Jan. 9.
Lt. Gov. Crouch launch Crowdfunding Campaign For USI Bike Park And Trails
$50,000 Goal Receive Matching Grant Through IHCDA’s CreatINg Places Initiative
Evansville, Ind. (Dec. 9, 2022) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) today launched a crowdfunding campaign to help develop trails and bike parks for Evansville residents and USI students. If this campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Feb. 17, 2023, the project led by Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.
“CreatINg Places helps connect Hoosiers to their neighborhoods, towns and natural spaces,†said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “Projects like bike parks and trails improve quality of life and help attract new students and permanent residents to our state. I am excited to launch this campaign with IHCDA and continue community development in southwestern Indiana.â€
Funds from this campaign will be used to develop and build the initial 1.2 miles of the Gateway Trails and Campus Loop on USI’s campus. When completed, the campus will have 20 miles of trails and 22 acres of bike parks. While this trail system will offer a much needed hub for local trail users, the scale and variety of features in this project will also help USI stand out as one of the best campuses in the country for trails.Â
“We look forward to collaborating with Trail Heads on this project that will create an experience not found in most Midwestern college campuses,†said Jim Wolfe, Director of USI Facility Operations and Planning. “We hope to draw more of the community, near and far, to the USI campus, while also providing more outdoor recreational activities for our students.â€
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $7.2 million in public funds and an additional $5.9 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply.
Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
VISIT EVANSVILLE’S MEGAN HERONEMUS RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD
 Evansville, IN – December 9, 2022 – Megan Heronemus, Director of Sales with Visit Evansville, was named the 2022 Individual Supplier of the Year by the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE) at its annual STAR Awards on Thursday, December 8.
Selected among nominations from across the state, The Individual Supplier of the Year award recognizes a person that has provided outstanding customer service to ISAE member associations and has made a significant contribution towards strengthening the local association industry.
“We are so excited to see Megan honored with this award,†said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO for Visit Evansville. “Her dedication to the hospitality community in Evansville has been unparalleled for over 15 years, having served our meetings and events customers in a variety of roles across hotels, venues, and now as Director of Sales with Visit Evansville. Her ability to lead teams toward providing exceptional and collaborative service is extraordinary; she is one of the most partner-focused professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside,â€
Founded in 1960, ISAE serves Indiana’s association professionals that work to serve many types of industries, societies and social organizations. Collectively, they represent hundreds of thousands of members throughout the state, country and world. The STAR Awards was created to celebrate the success of its members and recognize visionary leaders across the state in order to motivate and inspire association professionals as they transition into a new year of serving their members.
Eagles Release 2023 Baseball Schedule Season Tickets Are On Sale Now!
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball is set to throw out the first pitch of 2023 and the Division I era February 17 when it plays Western Illinois University at USA Stadium in Millington, Tennessee. The four-game neutral site series (February 17-19) is the start of a 56 game slate.
The 56-game schedule includes a 24-game home slate of game that starts February 24-26 with a three-game series versus former Great Lakes Valley Conference rival Bellarmine University. The Bellarmine series is followed by three-game series with Oakland University, who finished second in the Horizon League last season (March 10-12); Morehead State University (March 24-26); Southeast Missouri State University (April 6-8); Eastern Illinois (April 20-22); and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (May 5-7).
The three-game sets with Morehead State, SEMO, EIU, and Little Rock are a part of the Ohio Valley Conference schedule.
The home schedule also includes single game against Southern Illinois University (March 15); Saint Louis University (April 11); Oakland City University (April 19); McKendree University (April 25); Miami University of Ohio (May 3); and Ball State University (May 16).
USI Baseball season tickets are on sale now on USIScreamingEagles.com. Fans can take advantage of Holiday Season Ticket deal of two tickets for $250 until January 9. Season tickets are regularly priced at $150 each. A special commemorative gift comes with each season ticket purchase before January 9 and the end of the Holiday Season Ticket sales.
Fans also can purchase a reserved parking pass for $100.
On the road this season, the Screaming Eagles have three-game series at Washington State University (March 3-5); Murray State University (March 17-19); Lindenwood University (March 31-April 2); the University of Tennessee-Martin (April 14-16); Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (April 28-April 30); Oral Roberts University (May 12-14); and Tennessee Tech University (May 18-20).
Series at Lindenwood, UT Martin, SIUE, and Tennessee Tech are a part of the OVC schedule.
The 2023 road schedule also includes single game visits to Lipscomb University (February 21); Austin Peay State University (March 7); Saint Louis (March 14); Belmont University (March 21); Ball State University (March 28); SIU (May 2); and Indiana University (May 9).
OVC Tournament action is scheduled for May 24-27 and will be played at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois.
The Eagles begin their 17th season under the direction of Head Coach Tracy Archuleta, who has a 527-313 (.635) record at USI and is the all-time winningest coach in the history of the program. Archuleta also is 675-437 (.607) in 21 years as a collegiate head coach.
Virtual Author Talk: Fredrik Backman | TODAY
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Virtual Author Talk: Fredrik Backman Saturday – December 10th @ 1PM |
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Fredrik Backman, The Winners, December 10th, 1pm CST
Join us for an online chat with bestselling author Fredrik Backman as we discuss his outstanding body of work, including his breathtaking new novel, The Winners, the third installment of the Beartown series.
In the beautifully written Beartown—which inspired the HBO series of the same name—a small town obsessed with the local junior hockey team is rocked by a shocking act of violence. As accusations and rumors fly, the town must grapple with its identity as never before.
The series continues and tensions rise when it’s rumored that the Beartown hockey team will be disbanded in Us Against You. The entire future of the team and the town hinges on an upcoming game that could change everything forever.
Finally, the series comes to an evocative conclusion with The Winners. The Winners return to the close-knit, resilient community of Beartown for a story about first loves, second chances, and last goodbyes. In the two years since the events of Beartown, the residents must face difficult questions and determine just what they are willing to sacrifice for their home. |
UE Men’s Basketball Heads To Ball State
Aces face Cardinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Saturday, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team travels to Muncie, Ind. for a non-conference game at Ball State. Tip is set for 1 p.m. CT with the Purple Aces Radio Network and ESPN+ having the coverage.
Last Time Out
– Down by six points with three minutes remaining, the Purple Aces outscored Campbell by a 16-4 margin to finish the game before earning a 72-66 win
– Wednesday’s game against the Camels featured a season-high 19 lead changes
– Marvin Coleman II and Yacine Toumi each set their career highs with 18 points and interestingly enough – both were 7-for-11 from the floor
– Antoine Smith Jr. scored a season-high 15 points while hitting the triple that gave UE the lead for good
– Freshmen Gabe Spinelli (9 points) and Chris Moncrief (4 points) also had the top scoring games of their young careers
Clutch Hits
– With one minute remaining in the Dec. 7 game against Campbell, Antoine Smith Jr. drained a 3-pointer that gave the Aces a 66-64 lead that they would hang onto in a 72-66 win
– Smith completed the game with a season-high 15 points while draining 3 of his 4 outside attempts
– It was his second start of the season with his first being a 10-point game at UNI
– He has been on a roll of the last three games, averaging 12.3 points per game after recording a mark of 5.9 PPG through the opening eight contests
Back in the Fold
– Yacine Toumi missed the UNI game due to health protocols but returned with a vengeance against Campbell as he posted a career-high 18 points
– Toumi was 7-for-11 from the field while hauling in six rebounds
– The effort was his seventh double digit scoring performance in his 10 games
Locked In
– Marvin Coleman II enjoyed one his top collegiate games against Campbell as he set career-highs in scoring (18 points), field goals (7), triples (4) and minutes (38:20)
– It was his first double digit scoring game since opening the season with 11 at Miami
– Coleman entered the game hitting just two of his first 22 3-point tries but rebounded to hit 4 out of 7 against the Camels
– Over the last three games, Coleman has converted 14 out of 30 attempts (46.7%)…he opened the season hitting just 13 out of his first 70 field goal tries (18.6%)
– He is tied for 12th in the MVC with 6.2 rebounds and is tied for 16th with 2.7 assists per contest
Making Some Noise
– Every time freshman Chris Moncrief has taken the floor, he has evolved his game
– He enjoyed his best performance against Campbell where he hit both field goal attempts (including a dunk) while being credited with a pair of assists
– Moncrief has played 9 or more minutes in four of the last five games
Evolving his Game
– Gabe Spinelli has turned his season around over the last five games
– The freshman registered a career-high 9 points on 4-for-6 shooting versus Campbell and has averaged 5.8 points over the last five contests while hitting 14 of his 25 attempts (56.0%)
– In his first six games, Spinelli scored a total of 7 points (1.2 PPG) and hit 2 of his first 11 attempts
– His previous high of six points came against Fairfield and Southern Illinois
Scouting the Opponent
– Ball State sits at 5-4 on the season following a 76-59 road victory over Eastern Illinois on Wednesday
– The Cardinals are 2-0 at home with wins over Earlham and Indiana South Bend
– Four players average in double figures with Payton Sparks leading the way with 14.4 points per game while hitting 61.3% of his attempts
– Sparks also leads the squad with 7.9 rebounds per game
– Jarron Coleman is averaging 12.7 PPG and has a team-high 32 assists
– Jaylin Sellers and Demarius Jacobs have scoring marks of 12.3 and 12.2 PPG, respectively