EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer lost a heartbreaker to Eastern Illinois University, 1-0, Thursday afternoon in Charleston, Illinois. The Screaming Eagles go to 1-12-3 overall and 0-6-3 in the OVC, while the Panthers are 4-8-4, 3-4-2 OVC.
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With the loss, the Eagles fall out of contention for the final spot in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship. EIU and Chicago State University, which visits Houston Christian University tonight, will be playing for the final spot during Sunday’s final 2023 league matches.
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The first 45 minutes of the match was a draw as both teams missed chances to get on the scoreboard. EIU led in the statistics, leading 9-5 in overall shots, 6-3 on-goal, and 4-2 in corner kicks.
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USI senior goalkeeper Alec Meissner (St. Charles, Missouri), who started before leaving the game with an injury, and junior goalkeeper Braden Matthews (Princeton, Indiana) kept the Panthers off the board with four and two saves, respectively. Matthews would add two more saves in the second half and had four for the match.
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In the second half, USI had its best chance to take control of the match in the 64th minute when junior midfielder Garland Hall (Evansville, Indiana) found the back of the EIU goal, but it was called back due to an Eagles’ foul in the box. Hall also was denied by the Panther defense for a second time at 80:51 in USI’s last shot on goal.Â
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The Panthers came away with the game-winner at 86:58, scoring on a scramble in front of the USI goal. EIU managed to stifle the USI offense in the final three minutes to seal its win. The Eagles had a 7-6 in shots advantage in the final 45 minutes, 3-1 in corners. Â
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NEXT UP FOR USI:
USI finishes the 2023 regular season at Strassweg Field Sunday at 5 p.m. versus Lindenwood University, which starts the week 6-4-6 overall and 3-1-4 in the OVC. The Lions, who host Southern Illinois University Edwardsville tonight, were tied with Liberty University for second in the OVC at the start today’s action.
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Game time for USI-Lindenwood has been changed to 5 p.m. due to USI Women’s Soccer hosting the second round of the OVC Women’s Soccer Championship at 1 p.m. Sunday.
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Eagles lose a heartbreaker to Panthers
UE men’s soccer to celebrate Senior Day against Bradley
UE comes into Friday’s game after completing its bye weekend from conference play. The Aces were last on the pitch at Arad McCutchan Stadium over a week ago in their close 2-1 loss to then No. 10 Missouri State. Senior forward Kai Phillip was Evansville’s hero in the final minute of the match on the 18th as he scored UE’s lone goal of the game on an assist from midfielder Ola Arntsen. With almost a week and a half of rest, Evansville is looking to close out the final stretch of Valley play with two wins.
To get that first win, the Aces will have to break the red-hot Bradley Braves. The Braves come into Friday’s match with a two-game unbeaten streak after a 1-1 tie with UIC and a 2-1 win over Drake. Overall Bradley has a 5-4-6 record and a 1-4-1 conference record. All five of the Braves wins have come on the road including a four-game stretch to begin the season in August and September. Bradley has also benefited from having players return from injuries down the stretch as Pepe Mellado had a free kick goal against Drake and Claudel Ngongang, who found the net within 15 minutes of his comeback against UIC.
A win on Friday evening is crucial for the Aces who are fighting for a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Currently, Evansville can either grab the 5th or 6th seed with wins against Bradley and Belmont. UE could also make the tournament with a win and a draw if Drake and Bradley both end the season with losses.
Bob and Judy Griffin Named 2023 Champions of Youth First
Youth First, Inc. honored community philanthropists Bob and Judy Griffin at its 2023 Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 24 at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh.
Bob and Judy received the Dr. William Wooten Champions of Youth First Award at the event, sponsored by German American. In addition to recognizing the Griffins, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with approximately 300 guests in attendance. 2023 marks Youth First’s 25th anniversary which was highlighted at the event as well.
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke proclaimed October 24, 2023 as “Bob and Judy Griffin, Champions of Youth First Day.â€
These role models in business and philanthropy inspire others to invest in children, families, and the future workforce by serving as advocates of Youth First’s mission.
Bob and his business partners built Evansville-based Escalade, Inc. to become a leader in the manufacturing of sports equipment for archery, table tennis, billiards, and more. An Illinois native with degrees from Notre Dame and Northwestern Universities, Bob is also a strong supporter of local higher education institutions, the University of Southern Indiana, and the University of Evansville.
Judy is also devoted to serving others, especially children, so that they reach their full potential no matter their circumstances. An Evansville native, Judy is a graduate of Mater Dei High School and Indiana University and holds a Master’s degree in education from UE. In addition to teaching, she studied art and psychology, ran a popular Newburgh tearoom, and has served on several nonprofit Boards, including Youth First’s.
Bob and Judy are the proud parents of four and grandparents of eleven.
Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and President, KOCH Finishing Systems; Very Rev. Alex Zenthoefer, Diocese of Evansville Vicar General; Lindsay Botsch, German American Market President; David Bower, President, USI Foundation; Kevin Hammett, President & CEO, Regency Properties; Sr. Anne Catherine Burleigh, O.P., Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Vicaress General; Patrick Griffin, son and Vice President, Escalade, Inc., Lauren Kaiser, Youth First Board Chair and Chief Human Resource Officer, Tri-State Orthopaedics; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as family and friends of the Griffins.
Vincennes University launches Instructional Video Series showcasing technical training programs
VINCENNES, Ind., October 26, 2023 – Vincennes University announces the launch of its new video series featuring a vast collection of instructional videos designed to supplement classroom instruction and provide exposure to technical programs and instructor expertise.
The series includes 83 instructional videos completed by 22 instructors, showcasing Vincennes University’s state-of-the-art labs and high-quality programs. The videos cover a wide range of topics, including aviation, welding, CNC machining, surveying, health sciences, and others. The videos are designed to be easy to understand, with clear and concise explanations and demonstrations.
“Vincennes University has some of the most advanced technical programs and top instructors in the country. These videos provide an opportunity for VU students, including our thousands of high school dual credit students across the state, to learn from VU faculty, and experience our on-campus programs,†said Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson. “This is a valuable resource for students who may be unable to attend classes due to a variety of factors, those who need a refresher on a particular skill, or just want to explore new technical fields.â€
The collection of videos is available to students, teachers, and the general public. They can be accessed publicly at:Â https://www.youtube.com/@
The video library was made possible by a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant, a fund established to provide emergency support to educational institutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOT JOBS
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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Indiana Swimming and Diving Mourns The Loss of Ken Nakasone
BLOOMINGTON – The Indiana swimming and diving program is mourning following the death of Ken Nakasone this month. He was 82.
Nakasone swam at IU from 1959-63, earning All-America distinction from each of his final three seasons. He swam the breaststroke leg of IU’s third-place 400-yard medley relay in 1962 and placed top-10 in the 100-yard breaststroke each season, peaking at fourth in 1963.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Indiana swimming great Ken Nakasone,†IU head swimming coach Ray Looze said. “He will forever be remembered as a tremendous leader, student, and swimmer. Our thoughts are with his family.
“Our program has an extensive history with Hawai’i. Doc Counsilman and Soichi Sakamoto had a deep friendship over many years, which resulted in numerous high-level Hawai’ian swimmers attending Indiana University. Mahalo.â€
Nakasone competed at the 1959 Pan American Games, winning a gold medal in the 400-meter medley relay and a silver medal in the 200-meter breaststroke. During his career, he established American records in the 100-meter breaststroke, 200-meter breaststroke and 220-yard breaststroke.
Nakasone was born and raised in Pu’unene, Hawai’i. He was inducted into the Hawai’i Swimming Hall of Fame in 2005.
No. 21 Trailblazers start postseason with strong showing at windy Region 24 meet
CHARLESTON, Ill. – The No. 21-ranked Vincennes University Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams began their 2023 postseason Thursday afternoon with the 2023 NJCAA Region 24 Championships hosted at Eastern Illinois University.
The Blazers were one of three teams competing Thursday but were again in a unique situation, being the only Division I team competing, with Heartland CC and Kaskaskia College both being Division II in Cross Country.
The day began with the women’s 5k and the No. 21 VU women’s team more than held their own, with four of the Blazers’ six runners posting season best times.
Freshman Adi Fuller (Evansville, Ind.) paced the VU runners, coming away with the honor of being NJCAA Division I Region 24 individual champion with a time of 20:57.1 and finishing sixth overall out of 22 runners competing.
Sophomore Ada Peterman (Clay City, Ill.)Â and freshman Lani Baskett (Sebree, Ky.) were next across the line, with Peterman posting a time of 21:35.0 and Baskett crossing the line at 21:41.1 for 10th and 11th place overall.
Freshman Jasmyn Self (Casey, Ill.) took the fourth spot for the Blazers, finishing with a time of 22:32.6 and taking 13th overall.
Freshmen Grayson Haynes (Sebree, Ky.) and Madeline Esslinger (Bloomington, Ind.) closed out the day for the VU women’s team, with Haynes ending with a time of 23:53.6 and Esslinger ending at 24:33.0.
Haynes placed 17th overall and Esslinger took 19th overall, with the VU women’s team placing second overall with 50 points.
“Today was a good tune up before Nationals,†VU Head Cross Country Coach Tyler Steigenga said. “The wind was really difficult to run though, especially during the men’s race. The women had their best meet of the season and did really well with four of the six runners running season bests (Adi, Ada, Jasmyn and Grayson) and Lani was just off of hers.â€
“They did a really good job of fighting through the conditions and have set themselves up well for a solid finish at the National meet,†Steigenga added. “Adi especially has come a long way in the past three weeks. She has the potential to be a really good low stick for us at Nationals.â€
The men’s 8k closed out the day at Eastern Illinois University, where the No. 21 VU men’s team had another great race, with three Trailblazers placing in the top-10 overall.
Freshman Cody Noel (Hebron, Ind.) paced the VU men’s team with a time of 27:17.2, taking second overall in the race and collecting NJCAA Division I Region Champion honors.
Freshman Tanner Spence (Carmi, Ill.) had a big finish to his race, turning it on down the final stretch to pass a few runners to take sixth overall out of 28 runners with a time of 27:50.9.
Freshman Caden Hostetler (LaGrange, Ind.) was the third VU runner in the top-10, taking 10th overall with a finishing time of 28:24.7.
Sophomore Griffin Worzella (Martinsville, Ind.) and freshman John Hackney (Evansville, Ind.) were the next VU runners across the line, with Worzella ending his day at 29:56.3 and Hackney posting a time of 30:05.7, good for 16th overall for Worzella and 17th for Hackney.
Sophomore Matthew Gray (Washington, Ind.) and freshman Max Pendley (French Lick, Ind.) rounded out the Trailblazers day with Gray posting a time of 31:27.5 and Pendley crossing the line with a time of 33:49.4.
The VU men’s team placed second overall with a total of 43 points.
“We had a solid top three for the men,†Steigenga said. “Cody went out with the front pack and moved up the field to finish second. Tanner also worked his way up the field and had a great kick to pass three runners in the home stretch and was the only one on the men’s team to finish with a PR. John also had a solid race and was just off his PR.â€
“We have the potential to do well on the men’s side at Nationals, but it all depends on how our fourth and fifth runners do,†Steigenga added. “Nathan has been up there with Tanner and Caden all season but has been dealing with a knee injury. The biggest unknown is where our fifth runner will be Ever since we lost Isaac, that has been the key to how well we can do. We have three guys that can step up to fill that role but we’ll have to wait and see.â€
The VU Cross Country teams will now have over two weeks to prepare for the 2023 NJCAA Division I National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 11 at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Ala.
The 2023 VU Cross Country season will then conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 14 with the 2023 NJCAA Half Marathon National Championships, also held at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.
MEET RESULTS
WOMEN’S RESULTS
Heartland – 15
VINCENNES – 50
Kaskaskia – 75
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Adi Fuller (6) – 20:57.1
Ada Peterman (10) – 21:35.0
Lani Baskett (11) – 21:41.1
Jasmyn Self (13) – 22:32.6
Grayson Haynes (17) – 23:53.6
Madeline Esslinger (19) – 24:33.0
MEN’S RESULTS
Heartland – 20
VINCENNES – 43
Kaskaskia – 74
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Cody Noel (2) – 27:17.2
Tanner Spence (6) – 27:50.9
Caden Hostetler (10) – 28:24.7
Griffin Worzella (16) – 29:56.3
John Hackney (17) – 30:05.7
Matthew Gray (22) – 31:27.5
Max Pendley (26) – 33:49.4
Office of Environmental Adjudication director set to retire
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Mary Davidsen, the state’s longtime chief environmental law judge, plans to retire at the end of the year. Judge Davidsen has served in her role as director of the Office of Environmental Adjudication (OEA) since being appointed in 2003.
Under Davidsen’s leadership, OEA has concluded more than 2,300 cases, facilitated resolution of more than 90% of its cases without resorting to extensive litigation efforts, and has not been reversed for avoidable error on judicial review. OEA also provides mediation services to cases involving other Indiana state agencies and the citizens they regulate.
“Judge Davidsen has had an incredible tenure dealing with often complex cases involving environmental concerns. She dedicated her career to this important work and it’s an honor to recognize her as a colleague,†said Gov. Holcomb.
OEA provides independent resolution of disputed decisions rendered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Issues decided by OEA involve permitting and enforcement of air, land and water laws, and the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF), and examples include cases concerning electric utility fly ash ponds, community sanitary sewer and water supplies, confined feeding operations, and ELFT reimbursements claimed for site cleanups.
“It has been the greatest honor of my legal professional life to serve Hoosier citizens across the state for 20 years,†Judge Davidsen said. “The challenges of providing a fair, efficient forum to hear the first level of legal challenges to decisions made by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) could not have evolved as smoothly without the commitment of the parties to advocating their positions. I am incredibly proud of the work being done by our state and will be forever grateful to those who continue to fulfill the needs of our communities by improving the environmental conditions for Hoosiers.â€
Judge Davidsen also has served in leadership positions with the Sagamore American Inn of Court, the environmental section of the Indiana State Bar Association and assisted the Indianapolis Bar Association’s pro-bono initiative to connect qualified estate attorney volunteers with indigent hospice patients with urgent needs for representation for end-of-life concerns.
The process to replace Judge Davidsen will commence before the end of the year.
