Home Blog Page 185

Celebrating Excellence: Eight Vincennes University coaches honored with NJCAA Legacy Awards

0
VINCENNES, Ind., March 19, 2025 – The Vincennes University Athletics Department has a strong tradition of coaching excellence. Current VU coaches Dennis Chattin, Todd Franklin, Gary Sien, and five past Trailblazer coaches are being honored with NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards for their brilliance.

The awards celebrate the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history. For the first time in the association’s nearly 90-year history, coaches are being recognized in this fashion.

The eight VU coaches who have received this honor are current VU coaches Dennis Chattin (Men’s Golf), Todd Franklin (Men’s Basketball), and Gary Sien (Women’s Volleyball), in addition to former VU coaches Jerry Blemker (Baseball), Harry Meeks (Women’s Basketball), Tina Miller (Women’s Volleyball), Dan Sparks (Men’s Basketball), and Gary Sparks (Men’s Bowling).

VU Director of Athletics John Meeks said, “VU has a deep-rooted tradition of coaching excellence, and this incredible recognition by the NJCAA is a testament to the lasting impact our coaches have had on student-athletes and the University. All eight of the legendary Trailblazer coaches receiving this honor have set the standard for leadership, integrity, and success. Their dedication has shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated VU Athletics on the national stage. We proudly celebrate their legacies and the tradition of excellence they represent.”

Almost 200 coaches across 28 sports were nominated by the member colleges where they coached.

The Coaches Legacy Awards honorees will be honored on Tuesday, June 17, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The luncheon will precede the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards event scheduled for later that day.

 

Dennis Chattin, Men’s Golf

Chattin has led VU men’s golf since 2003. During his tenure, he has amassed three NJCAA National Championships (2013, 2016, and 2018), as well as third (2008), fifth (2012), and seventh (2009)-place finishes in the National Championship Tournament. Chattin is a three-time NJCAA National Coach of the Tournament honoree (2013, 2016, and 2018) and a six-time NJCAA Region Coach of the Year (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018). Under Chattin’s leadership, VU has secured six NJCAA Region Championships, and 11 golfers have received NJCAA All-American honors. He was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

 

Todd Franklin, Men’s Basketball

In his 15th season as the VU Men’s Basketball coach, Franklin has compiled 415 wins against only 86 losses, an 82.8 winning percentage, while guiding the Trailblazers. The pinnacle of his coaching achievements came in 2019 as he led VU to the NJCAA National Championship. He was recognized for his efforts by being named the 2019 National Association of Basketball Coaches NJCAA Coach of the Year and the 2019 Spalding NJCAA Men’s Basketball Division I Coach of the Year. Franklin also led the Trailblazers to a third-place finish in the 2014 NJCAA National Championship Tournament and fourth-place finishes in 2013 and 2018. Franklin has coached in 16 National Championship Tournaments, starting with the 2002-2003 season. Franklin, who also led Southeastern Illinois College to a fourth-place finish at the 2004 NJCAA National Championship Tournament, has a career coaching record of 745 wins and 183 losses, ranking him seventh in wins amongst active NJCAA coaches in all divisions. Franklin was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

Gary Sien, Women’s Volleyball

Sien, VU’s current women’s volleyball coach, ranks fifth in wins amongst active NJCAA coaches in all divisions. Boasting a career spanning 23 years with stints at VU and Kankakee Community College, Sien holds an overall coaching record of 762 wins and 357 losses, an impressive 68.1-percent winning percentage. Sien’s inaugural 2016 season as VU’s head coach was the first season the Trailblazers competed at the NJCAA Division I level in volleyball. Sien recorded his 700th career victory at the NJCAA level on October 30th, 2022, in VU’s Region 24 Tournament Championship victory over John A. Logan College. Sien’s VU volleyball program will ride an impressive streak into the 2025 season, having won four consecutive NJCAA Region 24 Tournament Championships since 2021. A focused academician, Sien’s student-athletes have garnered 21 Academic All-American honors.

 

Jerry Blemker, Baseball

Blemker skippered baseball for nearly four decades, with stints at VU and Three Rivers College. While at VU, Blemker led the team to the NJCAA Region Tournament 13 times, had 180 players transfer to 51 different four-year colleges, and saw more than 27 of his student-athletes sign professional contracts. Blemker also coached a gold-medal-winning North Team in the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival. In 2007, Blemker was inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His 1,188 victories rank eighth amongst inactive NJCAA coaches in all divisions, and his career coaching record stands at 1,188 wins and 879 losses. In 2009, VU’s baseball complex was named in honor of the late coach, who passed away in May 2012.

 

Harry Meeks, Women’s Basketball

Meeks is the most successful coach in the history of VU Basketball. He took over as the Trailblazers women’s basketball coach before the 1991-92 season. The following year, he led VU women’s basketball to its best record in school history, 32 wins and two losses, and a fifth-place finish in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament. A highlight of Meeks’ VU tenure was his 1997-98 team that reeled off 29 consecutive wins to start the season. Meeks recorded his 700th career win at VU on March 13, 2021, and passed Dan Sparks (Men’s Basketball) for the most wins in VU basketball history on April 1, 2021, with his 707th career win. In 33 years at VU, Meeks compiled an overall record of 750 wins and 283 losses, a 72.6-percent winning percentage, and currently ranks fifth amongst inactive NJCAA coaches in all divisions. Meeks entered the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2020 and retired from VU as athletic director and women’s basketball coach in 2024.

 

Tina Miller, Women’s Volleyball

Miller was appointed leader of the VU women’s volleyball program in 1983, guiding the Lady Trailblazers to 24 winning seasons during her time at VU. Her 2006 team finished the season 53-9, placing fourth nationally at the 2006 NJCAA National Championship Tournament. For her efforts, she was selected as the NJCAA Region 12 Coach of the Year and the NJCAA District E Coach of the Year. In 2006, she was honored with the American Volleyball Coaches Association Victory Club Award to celebrate her 700th career win. Overall, Miller’s teams featured three NJCAA All-Americans and 13 Academic All-Americans. After 27 years of tremendous success, she retired in 2010, ranking first in wins amongst active NJCAA Division II women’s volleyball coaches. She currently ranks sixth amongst inactive NJCAA coaches across all divisions with 866 career wins, compiling an overall coaching record of 866 wins against 433 losses for a 66.7 winning percentage.

 

Dan Sparks, Men’s Basketball

Sparks’ days at VU began as a student-athlete, as he guided VU to its first national championship in men’s basketball in 1965. In 1980, Sparks took over as coach of the program, leading the Trailblazers until 2005. During his tenure, Sparks totaled the most victories of any VU men’s basketball coach, with 706 wins to only 196 defeats, earning him a 78.3-percent winning percentage. Sparks guided the Trailblazers to 13 NJCAA National Championship Tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in the 1986 NJCAA National Championship Tournament. Sparks, whose coaching resume includes a stint at nearby Wabash Valley College, was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a player and coach in 2000. Sparks retired in 2013 after coaching 24 NJCAA All-Americans, four NBA first-round draft picks, and 15 professional players. His 869 career wins rank him sixth amongst inactive NJCAA coaches in all divisions.

 

Gary Sparks, Men’s Bowling

Sparks began his time at VU as a bowler for the 1979 Trailblazers. He returned to VU in 1992 as coach of the Men’s and Women’s Bowling teams to start the most dominant VU Athletics run. On the men’s side, Sparks led VU to 26 top-five NJCAA National Tournament finishes and 12 NJCAA National Championships (1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014). On the women’s side, Sparks’ bowlers rolled their way to 12 top-five NJCAA National Tournament finishes. His former student-athletes hold four current NJCAA records, while three were inducted into the NJCAA Bowling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and 41 were named NJCAA All-Americans. A 2-time National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Coach of the Year and 12-time NJCAA Coach of the Year, Sparks was inducted into the NJCAA Bowling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004. He retired from VU in 2018.

USI to welcome internationally recognized poet to celebrate Poetry Month

0

The University of Southern Indiana is excited to welcome Carlos Andrés Gómez as the National Poetry Month keynote speaker. His presentation will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 in the USI Performance Center. The presentation is open to the public at no charge.

Gómez is a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor and educator from New York City. He authored Fractures, Hijito, Circling Fatherhood and the memoir Man Up. He is also star of Def Poetry Jam, Verses and Flow and Spike Lee’s Inside Man.

Gómez’s honors include, but are not limited to, the Sandy Crimmins Prize, Atlanta Review Prize and Foreword INDIES Gold Medal. He also partnered with John Legend on Senior Orientation, a program to counteract bullying among high school students.

While at USI, Gómez will also hold a Creative Writing Workshop for USI students, as well as a Sips and Sonnetts event, before the keynote presentation.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

0

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

0

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Police Chief and Sheriff Sing Ebony and Ivory

0

Evansville Police Chief Phil Smith and Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson collaborated on stage for Highland Challenger Baseball.

Explore Evansville Honored with Celebration of Leadership Award

0

Explore Evansville Honored with Celebration of Leadership Award

MARCH 20, 2025

Explore Evansville has been recognized with a Celebration of Leadership award for its role in the community-wide collaboration surrounding the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in the Project or Program – Government, Public Service & Environment category.
This award reflects the collective efforts of city leaders, public agencies, businesses, and organizations that came together to ensure a successful and memorable experience for residents and visitors. From public safety coordination and educational programming to special events and hospitality efforts, this initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration in making Evansville a premier destination for celestial events.
“This recognition belongs to the entire community,” said Kate Reibel, Director of Marketing and Development. “Bringing 40,000+ visitors to Evansville for the eclipse took an extraordinary level of planning and partnership. We are grateful to our stakeholders, local government, emergency responders, tourism and hospitality partners, and countless others who worked together to showcase Evansville as a welcoming and well-prepared host.”
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, was a once-in-a-lifetime event that showcased Evansville’s spirit of teamwork and innovation. The city welcomed eclipse enthusiasts from across the country, generating a $6.6 million economic impact while reinforcing Evansville’s reputation as a hub for major events.
Explore Evansville extends its appreciation to all partners who played a role in this achievement. This award is a testament to what is possible when a community unites to create something extraordinary.

UE Announces Leadership Transition in Student Affairs

0

UE Announces Leadership Transition in Student Affairs

Brian Conner

The University of Evansville (UE) has appointed longtime Residence Life official Brian Conner as the next Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life, Dr. Rachel S. Carpenter, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, announced on Wednesday.

Conner, who has served UE for 22 years, has played a vital role in Residence Life, housing operations, and student success initiatives. His leadership in residential education and campus engagement will further UE’s mission of forming a dynamic living and learning environment.

Michael Tessier

He succeeds Michael Tessier, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Director of Residence Life, who will retire on May 31, 2025, after more than 25 years of service. Tessier has overseen key areas such as Residence Life, Multicultural Affairs, International Student Services, Student Publications, and Counseling and Disability Services. His leadership has been instrumental in campus housing projects, student engagement, and administrative initiatives that have shaped the student experience at UE.

Will McDonner

Additionally, Will McDonner, a former Residential Coordinator, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Residence Life.

The University of Evansville expresses deep appreciation for Michael Tessier’s outstanding service and leadership and looks forward to the continued contributions of Brian Conner and Will McDonner in their new roles.

Both Conner and McDonner will begin their new positions on June 1, 2025.

Vanderburgh County Democrats Next Meeting: April 12th @ 10AM!

0
  • March 17 — Paul Green’s St. Paddy’s Celebration

  • March 18 — March Madness Bash

  • March 22 — Messmer’s Missing Town Hall

  • March 30 — Women’s Suffrage Reenactment

  • April 5 — Conversations with your Councilman w/ Ben Trockman

  • April 12 — April Meeting

Congratulations to our recently elected officer and appointed deputy chairs:

  • Cheryl Schultz, Chair
  • James Powell, Vice Chair
  • Shannon Dierlam, Secretary
  • Ann Wallis, Treasurer
  • Edie Hardcastle, Volunteer Coordinator
  • Rob Henson, Fundraising Chair
  • Nick Iaccarino, Political Director
  • Melissa Morehead Moore, Community Engagement
  • Shane Ritz, Communications

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

March 17 — Paul Green’s St. Paddy’s Celebration

March 18 — March Madness Bash

with Commissioner Mike Goebel and Sheriff Noah Robinson

April Meeting

Doors open at 9:30 AM. Our special guest speaker will be Sheriff Noah Robinson, the second in our series of “What You Get When You Elect a Democrat”. Come and meet new members of the party and learn about ways to get engaged! A new candidate for office will be announcing a run for 2026!!

Messmer’s Missing

Show up in your Vanderburgh County Democratic Party T-shirts and have your message for Rep. Messmer prepared. Special speakers will be in attendance.

Reenactment of Women’s Suffrage March

Please join the Evansville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the African American Museum and community groups at 3:00 p.m. at the Civic Centerand march to the Evansville African American Museum where refreshments will be served. For additional information, email the Chapter at DSTEvansvilleAlum@gmail.com or contact Diane Clements-Boyd at (812) 457-1148.

Upcoming Events

April 5 — Conversations with your Councilman

with Ben Trockman

We Have T-Shirts!

Get your hands on our brand-new T-shirts featuring our updated logo design! Shirts are just $20 each and come in two styles: a classic crew neck and a V-neck option for women. To order, simply use the form below. Don’t miss out on showing your support in style.

Special thanks to our In to Win monthly donors!

Blue — Glenn Boberg, Tamara Wilder
Gold — Jim Butler
Silver — Cheryl Schultz, Jonathan McGovern, Noah Robinson, Ann Wallis, Janet Hollis, Melissa Vandeveer, Freda Vossburg, Jane Duesterberg, Sally Busby, Gina Robinson Ungar, Anne Butsch, Leah Dugan, Ulanda Sanders, Becky Heil, Paula Jernigan, Shannon Dierlam, Charles Conaway, Susan Meyer
Bronze — Edie Hardcastle, Connie Parker, Valerie Ewers, Kristi Roll, Nancy Higgs, Melissa Moore, Pearl Quartey, Hope Fussner, Nikki Webb, Mary Engelland, Cindy Carwile, Caroline Nellis

Vanderburgh County GOP New Chairman Message

0

 
Hello! My name is Kyhle Moers and I am your new Vanderburgh County GOP Party Chairman. I wanted to take a brief moment and introduce myself as well as thank each and every one of you for being active in the Republican Party at a local level. As your Party Chair I am excited to get to work planning events for 2025 as well as planning for 2026 elections.

Along with my team, Dottie Thomas-Vice Chairman, Joe Kratochvil-Secretary and Russ Lloyd Jr.-Treasurer, we are already working on the following events:

  • Lincoln Day Dinner (We will have a date very soon)
  • GOP Golf Outing
  • GOP Picnic- August 16th at the FOP PAL Camp
  • Regan Day Dinner
  • AND a breakfast for our Precinct Committeemen- June 7th (Location TBD)

We are also actively looking for a few things; one, a new office space for the party. This would ideally be an in-kind donation to the party or a reduced cost. Two, we are looking for people interested in joining a few committees we are forming, so far those would be a general events committee, Fall Festival Committee and an election mobilization committee (this would include supporting candidates and making sure that we have poll workers for election day, etc..)

Please feel free to reach out to me personally with any questions or concerns.

Kyhle Moers

kyhle.moers@gmail.com

 

Four Returners Re-Sign for 2025 OTTERS

0
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters are excited to announce the re-signings of OF Mason White, LHP Grif Hughes and RHPs Chip Korbacher and Ryan Wiltse.
  • “All four of these guys are set up for highly successful second professional seasons,” Otters’ Field Manager Andy McCauley said. “I know all four of them will show up to spring training ready to work hard and make immediate impacts.”
White, who grew up in Evansville, attended Evansville Central High School. He began his collegiate career at Southeastern Illinois College in the fall of 2018. After a pair of seasons with the Falcons, White transferred to Indiana University Southeast. In his senior campaign, he put together a .430 batting average, with 95 hits, 65 runs scored, 19 home runs, 75 RBIs and 33 walks with just 32 strikeouts while the Grenadiers advanced to the NAIA World Series.
White joined the team midseason last year on May 31, just after the NAIA World Series run. In his debut professional season, White put together a .255 batting average with 19 walks, 59 hits, 15 doubles, a triple and five home runs. On the base paths, he was 17-19 on stolen bases attempts.
Grif Hughes, a native of Knoxville, TN, returns for his second professional season in 2025. He made 36 appearances last year, collecting a 3.07 ERA. In 44 innings of work, he allowed 18 runs (15 earned) with 17 walks and 61 strikeouts.
 Prior to his time in Evansville, Hughes attended Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN. In four seasons with the Eagles, he appeared in 63 games, putting together a 5.48 ERA. Across 120 innings, Hughes had 147 strikeouts to 51 walks.
Chip Korbacher, hailing from Oceanside, CA, is also returning for his second year of pro ball. The right-handed pitcher pitched in 20 games last year, starting four. Alongside a 1-1 record, Hughes pitched in 37.2 innings, allowing just 16 earned runs and striking out 38 batters.
Before joining the Otters, Korbacher pitched four years at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY. In 68 career collegiate games, Korbacher had a 3.99 ERA and 7-4 record. He allowed just 39 earned runs and recorded 111 strikeouts to 48 walks.
Finally, Ryan Wiltse also re-ups for his second season of professional baseball with the Otters. Wiltse, a Fresno, CA native, played in 21 games last year in Evansville. In 40 innings of work, he allowed 20 earned runs and had 34 strikeouts to just 15 walks.
Collegiately, Wiltse began his career at Fresno City College before transferring to St. Marys College. In three years with the Gaels, he pitched in 63 games, 20 of which were starts. In 166 innings, he had a 12-9 record with 167 strikeouts and 67 walks.
The Evansville Otters are excited to welcome fans back to Bosse Field in 2025 for the 30th season of Otters baseball! Season ticket and group ticket packages are on sale now. Call (812) 435-8686 for more information. Individual game tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.
1...184185186...7,306Page 185 of 7,306