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1- Western Michigan has lost every one of the three games they have played against Virginia Tech, in fact they haven't scored a single point in any of those games.
2001 0-31
2002 0-30
2004 0-63
2- Jarvion Franklin has run for 542 yards and nine touchdowns in first three games of this season as a true freshmen. Listen to what Western Michigan Coach Fleck says about the staff handles this freshmen laden team
3- Coach Fleck has showed his team this video everyday this week to prepare them for what will happen at game time. He also said that they have been playing the song Enter Sandman over, and over during every practice this week. According to Fleck "I want them to know, and they are sick of the song, sick of the environment,they are tired of hearing about the Hokies". He went on "Then they just have to worry about playing the game and not the venue".
4- Virginia Tech is coming into the game on a 2 game losing streak after tough loses to East Carolina and Georgia Tech.
5- Western Michigan is a 21 point underdog as they head into Blacksburg. Pregame is set for 11:30 Saturday, you can Listen to the game here
When asked about the Western Michigan two-game- winning streak Head Football Coach P.J. Fleck said "It has to start somewhere", and went on to say "We haven't had a two game winning streak at Western Michigan since 2011, it is all part of the process".
The process includes preparing the team how to handle it "It's kinda like raising your kids, you're doing all these these things for the first time. A two game winning streak is no different"
Fleck is quick to note that this team is maturing. "They are ahead of their time, they put so much pressure on themselves to do it in the pressure situations, and they do it".
One major maturity moment came in the Murray State game when Western Michigan Quarterback Zach Terrell threw a pick six, the team followed that up with a long touchdown run from Daniel Braverman in the next series to put the game away. Fleck said of that moment "We turned a negative into a positive. Last year we would have had a negative, another negative, and then it would have been oh boy here we go again."
This is just awesome. Crowd builds, party ensues.
By: Joe Roberts
Five drives, five straight touchdowns.
That's how Saturday's 45-33 victory at Idaho started for the Western Michigan Broncos.
Led by another earth-shattering performance from sophomore Jarvion Franklin (211 yards, three touchdowns), WMU was paced by 484 yards of total offense and six touchdowns-- all while being out possessed by the Idaho Vandals.
The new-look, opportunistic offense of the Broncos have scored 11 touchdowns in two games, nearly half as many as they scored all of last season (23).
One of those scores on Saturday came off WMU's first play from scrimmage-- an innocent swing pass turned into an electrifying 61-yard scamper by sophomore Corey Davis.
Davis ended the game with five catches, 119 yards, and that score. Through two games this season, the reigning MAC Offensive Rookie of the Year has nine catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
With the pieces falling in place for the offense-- and many of those pieces being underclassmen-- there's reason for excitement among the Broncos.
"It's a lot different, I can tell you that," said Davis. "It's a lot of fun. They all come to play each and every day and it's really exciting."
After missing all of last season with a knee injury, the emergence of Daniel Braverman has also helped the Broncos' offense move the ball.
"A lot of those guys (opposing defenses) are keying out for me," said Davis, the award winning wide out whose skill set commands plenty of attention from opposing secondaries. "That opens up everything for Braverman and the other receivers. They're having a really good year so far, and I'm excited for them."
As the Broncos host Murray State this weekend, it will mark the 76th home opener for WMU football, and the 23rd annual CommUniverCity night. Davis expects nothing less than a raucous environment at Waldo Stadium.
"I expect it to be hectic," he said. "There's been a lot of fans that have come up to me and have said they're really excited for this week and this year. I expect a really good turnout."
"A lot of fans, they see that they players and the team are making a turnaround, so they're really excited for the year," said Davis. "We're going to get this win for them."
Running backs finding new productivity under Mike Hart
Former Michigan running back Mike Hart as made his impact all along Interstate-94 in the last decade.
His resume is immaculate... almost otherworldly. After a prolific high school career , four years at the University of Michigan building arguably the greatest legacy of any back in U of M history, a shot at the pros, and early coaching success, Mike Hart has landed in Kalamazoo.
Hart spent three seasons (2011-2013) at Eastern Michigan as a running backs coach and quality control assistant of the offense. He was brought along to coach the running backs by Head Coach PJ Fleck in February of this year.
And coach he has.
He's helped true freshman Jarvion Franklin build quite the reputation around the MAC as a budding superstar. He's assisted in WMU's MAC-leading 6.0 yards per carry average. And it's not a coincidence. Hart was able to coach the EMU backs to nearly 2,000 yards last season, providing one of the few bright spots of a 2-12 season.
Since Hart has joined the staff at WMU, the results in the running game have been immediate. But one of the most decorated running backs in football history (all levels, that is) will never settle.
"He can get so much better," said Hart, referring to Franklin, his freshman phenom. "That's what people don't understand. He's had two great games, but he's left so many yards on the field still."
"We've got to keep him growing every day. He can't get complacent," Hart said.
Spoken like a guy with 16,000+ yards under his belt.
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This week the Western Michigan University football team takes on Idaho. Here are 5 things I learned about the Vandals when I talked with WMU head football coach P.J. Fleck
Western Michigan University Head Football coach P.J. Fleck used the Ray Rice story as a learning lesson this week with his players. Fleck says he showed his players the video, "It was hard for people to watch", "You've got to learn from others peoples mistakes, in one instance your life can change".
Fleck went on to say that with social media players and kids no longer need adults to get the content, but need them for the context. " They need the explanation, they need the teaching".
Listen to the entire interview
By: Joe Roberts
Two weeks ago, the Western Michigan football team was sparked by the electrifying collegiate debut from freshman running back Jarvion Franklin. The man handing him the ball all afternoon wasn't too shabby, either.
Zach Terrell, a sophomore quarterback from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is entering his second season with the Broncos, and his first full tour of duty as the starter for Head Coach PJ Fleck.
It's hard to forget the unprecedented amount of buzz that surrounded WMU and their historic recruiting class of 2014. The name in bright lights on the marquee of signees was a 6-5 quarterback from Sturgis named Chance Stewart, and he was the highest rated quarterback to ever commit to a MAC school.
A quarterback battle was brewing, and Terrell had a target on his back. As the incumbent after starting the final six games of 2013, it was Terrell's job to lose. The sophomore combined a solid camp with never-before-seen leadership qualities, convincing Fleck and the coaching staff that Terrell was their guy.
On the field, Terrell showed clear room for improvement after going 23-41 for 243 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in WMU's week one loss at Purdue. But that seems to be only part of the job.
Sill just 10 games into his career at WMU, Terrell seems to have already mastered the off-the-field attitude of a starting quarterback.
"There's definitely more pressure, but a lot of leadership is falling on my shoulders, which I welcome," Terrell said. "Everybody looks to you to do the right things, and it's pushed me to be a better leader and a better football player."
In his encounters with the public and media, Terrell acts as he plays. He shows poise and confidence. He is well-spoken, preaches a team-first mentality, and makes a fine diplomat for not only the football team, but for Western Michigan University.
Sure, it's a results-oriented business, but Terrell's combination of skill, leadership, and work ethic are molding a better quarterback day by day, and the results seem to be on the horizon.
With the historic off-season and a surge in young talent, it's not only the team itself that's buying in-- but the public, too.
"I think a lot of times (last year) people saw us walking around campus and didn't acknowledge us," he said. "But now, there's a new excitement and people are excited about the football team... (they're) looking forward to this season."
Terrell, Frankin, and the Broncos travel to Moscow, Idaho to face the Idaho Vandals at the Kibbie Dome on Saturday, September 13th. Pregame coverage begins on the Bronco Radio Network at 4 pm, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m.
By: Joe Roberts
Just a few months ago, Jarvion Franklin was the big man on campus at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Illinois. Today, With one collegiate game and a MAC West Offensive Player of the Week award under his belt, the WMU running back is well on his way to the very same reputation, but on a much larger scale.
As a three-star recruit out of VJA High-- located forty minutes southwest of Chicago-- Franklin was well recognized by 2,100 classmates, as well as a handful of competing MAC schools, all vying for Franklin's signature on a National Letter of Intent.
With his commitment to WMU in February of this year, the Bronco coaching staff knew they were getting a solid recruit. After Franklin's debut for the Broncos on Saturday at Purdue, not only were they certain of their inclinations, but they were also assured of his potential to be the face of the Western Michigan running game for years to come.
Going into the game at Ross-Ade Stadium and listed as the second-string running back behind fifth-year senior Dareyon Chance, it was Franklin who shouldered a majority of the workload for the WMU running game in the Broncos' nine point loss.
Franklin registered 19 carries for 163 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon and was named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week. His 163 yards were the second most for a freshman making his debut in WMU history. Only Jerome Persell tallied more when he carried for 241 yards on September 11, 1976, against Eastern Michigan.
It all seemed perfect-- except to Franklin-- who craved more.
"It could have gone better if we had won the game, honestly," said Franklin. "If we had won the football game, it would have been a much better day."
Though his debut numbers may suggest otherwise, Franklin is human, as proven by his emotions when he first set foot on the field of a hostile Purdue environment.
"The very first carry I was pretty nervous," he said, "I was full of anxiety, but I was excited."
But after the first time his number was called, it was just football for Franklin.
"I was trying to think of my assignments and focus... My offensive line was really opening up the holes...They playedphenomenal."
At 6'0 and 220 lbs, Franklin is billed by coaches as a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles running back. Franklin did, however, show flashes of breakaway speed against Purdue, including his 61-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.
"The coaches think all I do is run people over," Franklin said, laughing. "If it's there, and the offensive line opens it up, I'm going to do what I have to do."
Next week's article will feature another Bronco underclassman, SophomoreQuarterback Zach Terrell, and his rise into the role as WMU's starting quarterback.
Photo courtesy of WMU Athletics/GS Photo
The heat was sweltering and the music was deafening, but Richard Ash and the Western Michigan football team were as energetic as ever during Wednesday's practice in preparation to face Purdue on Saturday.
Ash, 22, of Pahokee, Florda, is a fifth-year senior defensive tackle for the Broncos. After spending the first four years of his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Ash made a decision to transfer to WMU to play under head coach PJ Fleck, and alongside his cousin, senior defensive back Rontavious Atkins.
As a member of the 2012 Sugar Bowl champion Wolverines, Ash is no stranger to winning football games and accumulating hardware. He is, however, new to the WMU way.
Since taking the head coaching position at WMU, Fleck (at 33 is the youngest head coach in FBS) has rejuvenated the energy around the football program through his row the boat campaign, his implementation of an in-house DJ (for both practices and games), and his spearheading of new traditions.
Coming from a more traditional program under Brady Hoke at U of M, Ash is enjoying the changes and new-school mentality of playing for Fleck at WMU.
"They both have different philosophies," Ash said, "it's also cool having a young coach because he listens to the music that I listen to," he added, chuckling.
Facing Ash is the unique undertaking of coming into a program as one of the oldest and most experienced players on the roster, but also being one of the fresh faces at WMU, who has been forced to get a crash-course in learning the Broncos' schemes, staff, and fellow players.
"To be a leader, you've got to learn first," Ash said, "I didn't want to just come in, me being older than everybody, I didn't want to demand it. I wanted everybody to see how I play, so I could set an example for them to follow."
The 6-3, 314 pound defensive lineman looks to bolster a Bronco defense that surrendered 250 yards per game rushing last year, which ranked 118 th in the country and last in the MAC.
"We start every day by stopping the run," he said, "we're trying to bring those numbers down and get (tackles for loss), I do everything I can to help contribute and help the d-line so we can get better."
Ash and the Broncos will head to West Lafayette, Indiana to face the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday, with pregame coverage on the Bronco Radio Network beginning at 11 am, and kick-off at noon.
(Courtesy of WMU Athletics )
The Western Michigan football team will be holding facility tours of the rennovated Bill Brown Center and locker rooms on Saturday from 12:35-2:30 p.m. followed by autographs from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Visitors are welcome to come for the final 15 minutes of practice from 12-12:15 p.m. but to view the rest of practice must contact the football office at 269-387-8620 by noon on Friday.
WMU holds its annual media day late Saturday afternoon.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
(Courtesy of WMU Athletics )
The bracket for the 2014 Wooden Legacy - to be played Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28 & 30 in Orange County, Calif. - has been set for the eight competing teams, with the Western Michigan men's basketball team playing a non-bracketed game against San Diego earlier in the week and opening bracketed play against Long Beach State on Thursday.
The Broncos will open the slate at the Wooden Legacy on Monday, Nov. 24 when they take on San Diego in a non-bracketed game, with tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. It will be the first-ever meeting between WMU and the Toreros, who went 18-17 in 2013-14 and finished 7-11 in the West Coast Conference, and will provide the Broncos an early taste of the West Coast before moving on to the bracketed tournament.
WMU's first game in the official bracket of the Wooden Legacy will come on Thanksgiving day, when they take on Long Beach State on Nov. 27. The Broncos and 49ers will face off at Cal State-Fullerton's Titan Gym at 8:30 p.m. ET in a game that will be televised nationally on on ESPNU. The winner of the game will proceed to play either San Jose State or Washington on Friday, Nov. 28 at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2, while the loser will play the other remaining team at 9 p.m. on ESPN3. The championship game will be played on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be televised on ESPN2.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
DeLano Madison is no stranger to championships.
The 5'8", 165 lb. wide receiver has won three consecutive MHSAA Division II state championships with high school powerhouse Brother Rice.
Madison will be hoping to bring that championship momentum with him to Kalamazoo in 2015 as the speedy receiver has committed to play football at Western Michigan University.
"I was very excited," Madison said after finding out the Broncos had offered him a scholarship. "I couldn't do anything but scream and praise God."
Madison spent last season recovering from a fractured femur. He said WMU's confidence in him was an honor.
"It's truly an honor and blessing," he said. "For Coach Fleck and the staff to have so much confidence in me is truly an honor."
Madison said there is a lot that excites him about playing football at WMU.
"Everything about WMU Football excites me," he said. "The atmosphere is like none other."
Madison said he'd like to continue playing receiver at the college level.
"I would prefer to play slot receiver," he said. "But wherever Coach Fleck decides to put me, I'm going to give it all I got and perform to the best of my abilities."
Madison said the guidance that will be provided by head coach P.J. Fleck will be valuable.
"I think [Fleck] will help me become a better route runner and a more precise route runner," he said. "He showed me just a few tips while I was at the camps and I can tell I have a lot more to learn and he's the right guy to teach me."
Madison has high personal and team aspirations for his senior year of high school.
"I want to be All-State, break at least three receiving records and lead my team to four-peat," he said.
Madison will be pursuing a degree in either engineering or business while at Western Michigan University.
He said his goal as an athlete during his time at WMU is a simple one: improve.
"I would like to leave Western Michigan as the best athlete I can possibly be."
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
Three-star offensive lineman John Keenoy had options when he elected to verbally commit to play football at Western Michigan University.
Keenoy received offers from WMU, Ball State, Buffalo, Illinois State, Central Michigan and Toledo.
"I committed to Western because of the connection I had immediately with the coaching staff and the reputation of its Business School," Keenoy said. "I was born and raised in Grand Rapids so it was also important to me to be able to play close to home so my family could watch me play."
Keenoy said he had a list of factors that contributed to his decision to play at WMU, both from an athletics and academic standpoint.
"During the recruiting process I had three important things I was looking for in a school and coaching staff," he said. "I was looking for a school that would allow me to contribute to their team success, allow me to excel academically, and most importantly coaches that were as excited about finding me as I was with finding them."
When Keenoy met with Western's coaching staff, he said they made it clear how vital he was to the future of the program.
"The Western coaches told me from day one how important I was to the future of WMU football program and that they wanted me to need them as much as they needed me," he said. "As I gathered information about different schools, it became obvious that Western was the perfect fit."
Keenoy said he brings fundamentals and versatility to WMU's offensive line.
"I think I'll be able to bring an intelligent, fundamentally sound and physical style of play to the Broncos offensive line," he said. "I also bring versatility to them as well since I have played tackle, guard, and center."
Although Keenoy is listed as a guard, he believes he'll be playing another position in college.
"I believe I will end up at center," he said. "But just like I did in high school, I will play whatever position Western needs me to play for us to be successful."
Keenoy attributes a lot of his success to his father, who played college football in the Mid-American Conference at Central Michigan.
"My dad is a former Division I offensive lineman who played at MSU and CMU," he said. "Since I could put pads on, my dad has taught me everything he could about being a great offensive lineman, and we still spend hours every week analyzing game film."
Although Keenoy is considered a three-star recruit by nearly all of the major recruiting trackers, he said that means very little once he's on the field.
"I'm flattered to hear that recruiting experts from Rivals, Scout, and 247 think that I am a three-star offensive lineman," he said. "But, honestly, no rating can really predict a players potential at the next level. It really is about working hard everyday and making the commitment to being better than the day before."
"I never want to have a ceiling put on my potential, especially a self-imposed one," he continued. "Look at Khalil Mack. He was a two-star player that, through hard work and determination, was able to become a top-five pick from the MAC in the NFL. Another great example is Eric Fisher."
Keenoy said he will likely be majoring in Finance or something Business-related at Western Michigan University.
"Right now I would like to major in Finance, but if not then something Business related," he said. "I know that WMU has many outstanding majors in the Business Department so I can't go wrong with anything that I end up studying."
Like many of WMU's recruits, Keenoy said he like head coach P.J. Fleck's enthusiasm.
"I really like that Coach Fleck has extremely high expectations for everyone associated with the program," he said. "I love his enthusiasm and endless energy he brings everyday."
He said the positive energy at WMU is bringing him to Kalamazoo.
"I like the positive environment and optimism for the future of the program," he said. "I believe that people make the place special and that is why I'm excited about being a Bronco."
Keenoy said he has clearly defined goals for himself during his time at Western Michigan University.
"My ultimate goal as a student-athlete is to graduate with a degree from Western Michigan University," he said. "My goal as an athlete is to bring a MAC Championship to Kalamazoo and win a bowl game. Anything else that comes our way in the next 4-5 years will just be awesome to be a part of."
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
WMU football's 2015 recruiting class is a little faster than it was 24 hours ago.
The Broncos received a solid verbal commitment from Ottawa Hills athlete Sam Beal on Tuesday, giving WMU its 20th addition to the 2015 recruiting class.
Beal is a 6'2", 177 lb. senior who was one of the state's top sprinters along with his All-Conference honors in football last year.
Beal said he didn't expect to receive an offer so quickly after attending camp at WMU.
"You know, I actually did not expect an offer from them so early," he said. "I'm sure they didn't think they were going to give me an offer so early, either."
Beal has flown under the radar as a recruit, going mostly unranked on the popular recruiting trackers. Beal said he was just happy to accomplish one of his goals.
"I was very excited," he said. "I know that I have accomplished one of my goals and WMU helped me do that."
Beal said much of the appeal at Western Michigan came from the way he was treated by the staff.
"Their campus was great and the football players' privacy when needed was great," he said. "The coaches actually shook my hand and talked to me. They respected me as an athlete, not just another kid that plays football."
Since Beal is an athlete, he is not sure where he is going to be played on WMU's roster. He said he'd like to be very involved.
"If I had a choice, I would play both sides of the ball," he said. "But it's not up to me."
Beal said a lot of what pushed him to commit was the vision head coach P.J. Fleck has for the program.
"They made you feel like you were already a part of the program, and that was just in camp," he said. "You can tell they are looking to do something great with WMU and I want to be a part of what they're creating."
While some would say speed is arguably the strongest part of his game on the field, Beal has a different take.
"The strongest part of my game is being able to spark fire out of just pure intensity," he said.
In his senior season at Ottawa Hills, Beal said he has a simple goal: win.
"I plan on taking my team to the state championship," he said.
Although Beal wants to develop many of the tangible factors of his game, the biggest improvement he'd like to make is to become more vocal.
"I want to improve on being more verbal on and off the field," he said. "What I mean by that is acting like the captain I am and leading my teammates into battle."
Swan Valley High School running back Alex Grace is familiar with breaking records.
The two-star recruit set school records last season when he rushed for 2,952 yards and 39 touchdowns in his junior year.
After receiving interest from a combination of Big Ten and Mid-American Conference schools including Michigan State, Nebraska, Akron and Indiana, Grace committed to Western Michigan on June 17. He'll be studying nursing during his time at WMU.
"What really stood out to me at Western was the coaching staff," Grace said. "They are all great guys and young. Coach Fleck is a great motivator."
P.J. Fleck's motivational antics made Grace want to be a Bronco as soon as possible.
"Every time I've been down to visit I've wanted to strap the pads on when he was giving a speech on football," he said. "I also really like the city of Kalamazoo."
Since Grace was recruited as an athlete, he'll have the opportunity to play at a variety of positions.
"I was recruited as an athlete," Grace said. "I would like to try running back but I would also like to play defense."
Grace said no matter what position he ends up playing he'll have to work hard to get on the field.
"Either way I'm going to have to work hard day in and day out to try and get a starting position," he said. "I'm ready for that."
Grace considers his downhill running ability to be one of the stronger parts of his game.
"I'm an aggressive runner. I'm looking to run through you, not around you," he said. "I enjoy all the flashy jukes and will do them when needed, but my first thought is going straight ahead and run through defenders."
For Grace, part of the appeal of playing at WMU is Fleck's work ethic.
"Coach Fleck is working 24 hours a day and takes no breaks. He pushes all of his players to their maximum potential," he said. "Their whole coaching staff is that way. It was a big factor in deciding my commitment."
Grace's list of goals is starts and ends with consistent improvement.
"My goal is to first work my butt off before I get there to be in the best shape and position to work for a starting spot," he said. "After that I just want to be the best player I can be and help my team out the best I can."
Grace said there are a number of areas in which he'd like to improve.
"There's always room for improvement I'm every aspect of your game. I'm going to continue working at everything," he said. "Catching, footwork, running routes, reading defenses, reading offenses... working at everything so I can be the best I can be during season."
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU Football coverage all season long.
(Courtesy of WMU Athletics )
Western Michigan head womens basketball coach Shane Clipfell has announced the hiring of John Swickrath, completing his staff for the 2014-15 season.
Swickrath comes to WMU from Coastal Carolina and was previously in the Midwest as an associate head coach at Eastern Illinois. He began his collegiate coaching career as a head mens coach at the Division III level and was also a head womens coach for an NAIA institution.
We are very happy to welcome John and his wife Mindy to our Bronco family, Clipfell said. When we started the search we were looking for experience and a passion for our profession. We were in a position to be able to take our time and while we had many very qualified applicants, I think we hit a home run with John. His previous experience as a head coach and building a program will provide valuable resources for this job.
Johns primary roles with our program will be with individual skill development and defensive game planning as well as being actively involved with recruiting.
I am honored and thrilled to be joining the womens basketball program and Western Michigan University community, Swickrath stated. Coach Clipfell is building a tradition of excellence and after meeting his staff and talented players I could not be more excited to be joining them. I want to thank Coach Clipfell and Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard for this incredible opportunity. I cant wait to get started.
Swickrath spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant at Coastal Carolina where he was the post development coach and served as offensive coordinator. The Chanticleers posted a 15-16 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Big South play, while ranking second in the conference with a 71.9 points per game average. Coastal set several program during the season, highlighted by Angelica Henry recording Coastal Carolinas first ever triple-double. The Chanticleers set program records with their 4-0 start to Big South play, largest margin of victory in a conference game with a 30-point win at Longwood on Dec. 28 and largest margin of victory in a Big South Tournament contest with a 35-point victory against Charleston Southern on March 4.
Swickrath guided Alexx Puckett to a career-best season in 2013-14 that featured Coastals first Big South Player of the Week honor since the 2010-11 campaign. Puckett averaged career-highs with 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. In addition, the senior closed the season shooting 42.9 percent from the field, ranking ninth in the conference.
During the 2012-13 season, Swickrath was the associate head coach at Eastern Illinois. Swickrath helped the Panthers to a 20-12 overall record along with a 12-4 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference and the leagues regular season championship. Moreover, he played an instrumental role in Eastern Illinois upset win at Missouri in the opening round of the WNIT.
Prior to Eastern Illinois, Swickrath served as the head womens basketball coach at Brescia University (Ky.) from 2008-12. At Brescia, he posted a 66-62 overall record including a 60-44 record in his final three seasons. After recording a 9-23 mark in his first year rebuilding a team that only won two games the previous season, he posted back-to-back winning campaigns highlighted by a 21-win season in 2010-11. Swickrath also inherited a team with a 2.20 grade point average and saw that increase to a 3.30 grade point average at the time of his resignation to accept the position at EIU. Additionally, he was also the assistant athletics director for sports information during his tenure in Owensboro, Ky.
Prior to Brescia, Swickrath was the head mens basketball coach at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va., from 2003-08. During the 2003-04 season, he led the Hornets to the programs most wins since the 1996-97 season while defeating conference rival Roanoke College in Salem, Va., for the first time in 18 years. Swickrath was also an assistant coach at Lynchburg for one season (2002-03) before being promoted to head coach - he was one of the youngest head coaches at the NCAA Division III level at the time of his promotion at the age of 25.
Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Swickrath was an elementary physical education teacher from 2002-04 in the Lynchburg City Schools system. In 2003, he served as the camp director for the Hornets Hoops Basketball Camps.
The Spencerville, Ohio, native was a three-sport athlete at Denison University (1996-2001) participating in baseball, basketball and football. He earned a bachelors degree from Denison in 2001 before obtaining a masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan in 2005.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU basketball updates all season long.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU football coverage all season long.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU football coverage all season long.
(Courtesy of WMU Athletics )
Hundreds of Western Michigan hockey alumni and supporters will gather this weekend for the annual WMU Bronco Hockey Friends & Alumni weekend on July 25-26.
Friday the Broncos will host an alumni hockey game and scrimmage at 5 p.m. at Lawson Ice Arena. The game will feature former and current pro hockey players, like Danny DeKesyer and Mark Letestu, and is free to the public.
At 7 p.m. the action shifts to Gallagher's Eatery & Pub on Stadium Drive for an informal evening of reminiscing, embellishing and enjoying refreshments. Admission to the event is $20 at the door. The night will also serve as a send-off for former associate head coach Rob Facca and his wife Nikki. Coach Facca departs the Bronco hockey team that he spent four seasons help building for a scouting position with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Registration for the golf outing begins at 10 a.m. at The Moors Golf Club. A lunch/brunch begins at 11 a.m. and runs until noon. Following the meal will be the Ring of Honor induction ceremony.
This year Bill Horn, Chris MacDonald, Mike Eastwood and Bill Saunders will all be inducted. Horn was the MVP of the CCHA Tournament in 1986, helping the Broncos earn their first CCHA Tournament Championship and first trip to the NCAA Tournament. MacDonald was the captain of the 1986 team and one of the best players from the era. Eastwood racked up 1049 points in his Bronco career and went on to appear in 783 games for seven teams in the National Hockey League. Saunders is a friend to every Bronco hockey player, specially those who spend a lot of time in the penalty box, in his decades as a penalty box official and off-ice official at WMU hockey games.
The best-ball scramble begins at 1 p.m. with a silent auction, dinner, live auction and raffle prize drawings beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Registration is still open for all events.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU hockey coverage all season long.
Former Western Michigan University hockey defenseman Dennis Brown has agreed to terms with Los Angeles Kings affiliate Ontario Reign.
Brown played for the Reign near the end of last season. The 2014-15 deal will give Brown his first full season of professional hockey.
Brown played junior hockey in the United States Hockey League for the Lincoln Stars and Omaha Lancers, earning a trip to the USHL All Star Game during the 2009-10 season.
As a defenseman for the Broncos, Brown was a part of the team's CCHA Championship in 2012.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU hockey coverage all season long.
Last year's Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year will be able to add yet another credential to his resume.
WMU wide receiver Corey Davis has been named to the Biletnikoff national award preseason watch list, announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation on Tuesday.
Davis set WMU freshman receiving records in receiving yards and number of 100-yard receiving games and led all FBS freshman wide receivers in receiving yards and receiving yards per game.
Davis is one of only five sophomores on the list. He joins guard Jon Hoffing and cornerback Donald Celiscar as one of three Broncos on a national awards preseason watch list going into the 2014 season.
The 2014 Biletnikoff Award will be presented live on December 11, 2014, on the Home Depot College Football Awards Show. College and pro football hall of famer Fred Biletnikoff will announce the 2014 award winner on the show.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU football coverage all season long.
Western Michigan University football will be opening its 2014 season with a midday road game.
Purdue announced a 12:00 p.m. start time for its August 30 game against the Broncos yesterday. The game will be featured on ESPNU.
The Broncos last faced the Boilermakers in the 2011 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit, falling in a 37-32 final.
WMU finished with a 1-11 record last season.
Follow @BroncosFirst for WMU football coverage all season long.
Courtesy of WMU Athletics/Sean Fagan
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Shayne Whittington became the first Western Michigan men's basketball player since Ben Handlogten and the first Bronco to play under head coach Steve Hawkins to earn a spot on an NBA roster today, agreeing in principle to sign a contract with the Indiana Pacers. No contract can be signed until next week, at the beginning of the NBA's free agency period.
"I got the phone call from my agent Herb [Rudoy] this morning, and I had an instant smile on my face," said Whittington. "He said, 'Shayne, you're going to be a Pacer.' It was really emotional, and all I could think to do was call my family and let them know."
Whittington concluded his five-year career at Western Michigan by leading the Broncos to their first Mid-American Conference regular season and Tournament titles since the 2003-04 season, as well as a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He was named First Team All-MAC in 2013-14 one year after earning Second Team All- Mid-American Conference honors, improving in nearly every category across the board. Whittington was one of just two players in the MAC to rank in the top-four in both scoring (4th - 16.1 ppg) and rebounding (3rd - 8.8 rpg), and his 52.6 field goal percentage ranked eighth among MAC players. He became the 38th player in program history to record 1,000 career points, and he was honored as MAC West Player of the Week four times this year, including three straight times from Feb. 17 - March 3.
Broncos Basketball Adds Center to 2014-15 Roster
The Western Michigan men's basketball team announced that Khadim Dieng, a 7-0 center from Senegal by way of Grand Rapids, Mich., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend WMU. He will join the Broncos for the 2014-15 season and will have freshman eligibility.
"We are very excited to announce that Khadim will be joining our Bronco family," said head coach Steve Hawkins. "I know that from the moment our fans get the chance to know him, they'll immediately recognize him as a Bronco, and the kind of person we've always strived to bring to this program."
Dieng has spent the last two years in the United States, attending prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Virginia during the 2012-13 school year before moving to Grand Rapids and attending NorthPointe Christian high school last year. He played with the AAU team Grand Rapids Storm during the summer but was unable to play during the school year for NorthPointe Christian after the Michigan High School Athletic Association ruled him ineligible to compete. Most recently, Dieng helped lead the Storm to a 5-1 record and the Silver championship at the King James Classic in Akron, Ohio.
"He's very talented, and a very skilled seven-footer," said Hawkins. "He uses both hands well, and is a very good basketball player for being that tall. Normally, when you have someone that big, they are raw and you have to develop their basketball skill. Khadim is different in that he's further along in terms of basketball skill, but we need to develop his strength.
"We feel like that's something we can develop in him," said Hawkins. "We have had similar players in the past, like Donald Lawson and Shayne Whittington, who came in here skinny and left having gained weight and strength and impacting the program. When you combine Khadim's coachability and his work ethic, we feel like we can help him develop the other traits that he doesn't yet have.
Former Michigan Wolverine Transfers to WMU
Western Michigan football announced the official addition of University of Michigan graduate Richard Ash to the program. The Pahokee, Fla., native is enrolled in graduate classes this summer and will be a part of the team during the 2014 campaign.
Similar to Mike Jones coming from Michigan in 2013 and John Deyo coming from Michigan State in 2012, Ash completed his undergraduate coursework at Michigan, graduating this spring, and has one year of eligibility remaining.
As a Wolverine, Ash appeared in 14 career games at defensive tackle and also contributed on special teams. He made his collegiate debut at nose tackle against Minnesota on Oct. 1, 2011 and appeared in three games during Michigan's Sugar Bowl championship season. Ash made his first career tackle against Ohio State on Nov. 30, 2013.
During his high school career, Ash was a three-year varsity letterman with the football program, registering 45 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and recovered two fumbles as a senior. He racked up 84 tackles with 7.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks to go along with an interception, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a junior. Ash was the nation's No. 25 defensive tackle according to Rivals.com coming out of Pahokee High School.
Jon Hoffing Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
The Rimington Trophy Committee has released its 2014 Spring Watch List with senior Jon Hoffing being named one of the 64 student-athletes eligible for the award bestowed upon the best center in Division I football.
Hoffing, a senior from Libertyville, Ill., set career highs for games started and played in with 12 in 2013. His 827 offensive snaps were also a career high. He appeared in a career best 87 snaps against Nicholls on Sept. 7, 2013.
While more than a dozen All-America teams are selected annually, the Rimington Trophy committee used these three prestigious teams to determine a winner:
Walter Camp Foundation (WCF)
Sporting News (SN)
Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)
Because the selectors of these three All-America teams can place centers in a "mix" of offensive linemen that includes guards and tackles, their 11-man first teams can often have two centers. The Rimington Trophy committee's policy is to count all players that play primarily the center position for their respective teams as centers, even though they may be listed as guards or tackles on the four All-America teams.
The center with the most first team votes will be determined the winner. If there is a tie with first team votes, then the center with the most second team votes will win. If there is still a tie, the winner will be determined by a majority vote from the Rimington Trophy committee. The winner will be recognized at the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, January 17, 2014.
Buffalo, NY (WKZO) – The Syracuse Orangemen led from start to finish and blew out the Western Michigan men's basketball team 77-53 to eliminate the Broncos from the NCAA Tournament at the First Niagara Center.
Trevor Cooney scored 18 and CJ Fair contributed with 14 points and 11 rebounds, as the Orangemen advance to the third round of the tournament and will face the Dayton Flyers on Saturday afternoon.
The Broncos knew beating the #3 seeded Orangemen would be challenge, but 11 turnovers and just 21 points in the first half, only made the difficult task of pulling the upset even more unlikely.
Shayne Whittington and Tucker Haymond each scored 11 for the Broncos, and MAC leading scorer David Brown was held to under 10 points for the first time all-season. Brown struggled to find his shot and during the second half was noticeably limping. Brown made just 2-of-12 shots and was 2-of-10 from downtown and finished with nine points.
The Orangemen came out of the gate not looking like a team that had lost five of its last seven, but more like the team that started the season 25-0 and spent much of the season as the #1 ranked team in the country. Syracuse took an early 7-2 lead and increased their lead to 17-4 while holding the Broncos scoreless for 4:36, and except for a 27 second stretch remained in the lead by double-figures the rest of the way out. Syracuse's biggest lead came with 3:54 left in the game at 71-43 and led at halftime 40-21.
Tyler Ennis and Jerami Grand each scored 16 for Syracuse (28-5).
GAME NOTES: Connar Tava had six points on 1-of-9 shooting but did dish out six assists…The Broncos shot just 22.2% (4-18) from three point range…WMU was 15-20 from the free throw line…All five Bronco starters played at least 32 minutes…The announced attendance was 19,260, the largest crowd WMU has played in front of all season…As much before, Syracuse will now take on the Dayton Flyers in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Dayton defeated Ohio State 60-59 in its opening matchup.
From our Friends over at Bronco Blitz!
The time is almost here for Western Michigan basketball to take a national stage against the famed Syracuse Orange and their stifling 2-3 zone. The 14th-seeded Broncos take on Jim Boeheim's 3rd-seeded Orange at 2:45pm Thursday. BroncoBlitz.com looks at a couple of the key players from each side.


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Book Description:A deadly infection...A race against time...An investigation that leads to your worst...Night MaresSomething is very wrong at Nina Crawford's veterinary surgery on the outskirts of Glasgow. Despite all her medical efforts, a deadly strain of bacteria is killing every horse that passes through her operating theatre. And the vicious nightmares that once plagued Nina have returned, pushing her to the very brink of suicide--unless her psychiatrist and friend Kellen Stewart can save her from going over the edge.Kellen is mystified. Why, after such steady progress, should Nina's mental state deteriorate? Even more deaths at Nina's surgery and a suspicious fire at her home threaten to crumble Nina's fragile defenses. It's a case that will push Kellen over a line she never thought she'd cross--and before it's over, she'll risk not only her profession, but her very life.
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From: GA, United States
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap, Pop
It was a hot summer night in Atlanta, Georgia over a decade ago when Paul William decided to take his lyrical abilities to the next level and become a recording artist. He has had his hand in several projects as both a recording artist and a producer since starting out as a lyricist/songwriter (under an alias) in 1999.
Paul William learned what it takes to be a recording artist. After recording his demo and starting on his first LP, he began to concentrate on his surroundings (i.e. production, mixing, re…


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Main navigation | Main content
Before you have been admitted to your major, you can list an intended major on your APAS (a record of your courses and grades). Listing an intended major helps with course planning and advising, but does not guarantee admission into the major.
At this stage, you can change your intended major by stopping into the CSE Academic Advising Office or emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Admission to a major in the College of Science and Engineering is a competitive process based on the successful completion of specific technical courses and an grade point average (GPA) based on technical courses (the technical GPA*). Students who have completed the necessary technical courses and have a 3.2 or above technical GPA* at the end of fall semester will be guaranteed admission to that major.
All other students who have completed the necessary technical coursework for their intended major (as identified by each department) and have a 2.0 or above technical GPA*, will be considered for admission to that major on a space-available basis.
Students who are not admitted to their intended major following fall semester should work closely with their college academic advisors to determine their next steps and future options. Admission following spring semester is based on space-availability.
To learn more about the course requirements for admission to a major, check out the four year plan for your major. The courses required for admission to the major are double-boxed or have a dashed outline on the four-year plan.
Students typically apply to a major while enrolled in fall semester courses during their sophomore year (third semester). Any student who is not admitted to the major by spring semester of their sophomore year may have a Major Declaration hold (MDR) placed on their record. This hold will prevent future registration until a student is admitted to a major.
* The technical GPA is comprised only of courses taken at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. An unbracketed technical GPA is used in the admission to the major process, meaning that all attempts at a course (which resulted in a letter grade of A-F) are factored into the GPA.
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To apply for admission to your major, log in to the admission to the major database. All applicants will be notified of their admission decision via email within three weeks of the application deadline.
To change majors within the college, add a second major, or drop a major, submit a University Academic Policy Petition and a copy of your current transcript and APAS to CSE Academic Advising.
Changing majors outside the college: One Stop has information about applying for transfer to another college within the University.


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Separation anxiety in adults is an interesting concept. Most people attribute separation anxiety to children although this type of anxiety can manifest in people of all ages. Children often experience mild separation anxiety symptoms during the first days of preschool and more moderate symptoms during caretaker changes. The most severe cases of separation anxiety in children result from either divorce or foster parenting. Just as it does in children, separation anxiety in adults results from the intense feelings of depression and despair that follow divorce. Separation anxiety in adults often manifests the same way it does in children. A divorce can cause such severe and debilitating separation anxiety that it prevents the person from functioning normally at work, in relationships and throughout everyday life.
When Strong Emotional Bonds Break
We all possess strong emotional bonds. Among our strongest emotional bonds are the ones we share with lifelong friends and close family members. We also become particularly attached to our children and spouses. While nothing can replace the value of a strong emotional bond, there comes a point in every person's life when even the strongest emotional bonds break. The people we were once closest to fade out of our lives and we simply lose touch with the meaningful relationship. The stronger the emotional bond between two people, the greater the risk of separation anxiety when the bond breaks.
When Marriage Turns to Misery
Marriage brings two people together in a magical way. Spouses often consider one another a best friend, confidante and someone with whom the person feels the most comfortable. Anyone who has been through a divorce understands the severe anxiety and apprehension that follows the permanent loss of a bond of this magnitude. The trauma adults experience from a divorce can become so severe that it results in an actual anxiety disorder. When marriage turns to misery, separation anxiety in adults runs rampant.
Detecting Separation Anxiety in Adults
Separation anxiety in adults can lead to the development of co-morbid conditions. Panic disorders, social phobias and clinical depression are all linked to severe separation anxiety in adults. Statistics also show that people with this type of anxiety are at an increased risk for illicit drug addiction.
While most people experience intense feelings of loss, anxiety and apprehension after a divorce, not everyone develops a full blown anxiety disorder. As a friend or a loved one of someone batting separation anxiety, it is important to make the distinction between regular anxiety and the type of anxiety that warrants the help of a mental health professional.
So, how do you know when separation anxiety in adults tips the scale from a feeling of loss towards a full-blown anxiety disorder? Be on the look out for the concurrent psychological issues that surface in a majority of people suffering from adult separation anxiety disorder:
- Excessive worry about the loss of a spouse
- Refusal to plan a life without the other person
- Interrupted sleep or nightmares that follow the theme of separation. Separation themes can occur in a variety of symbolic expressions
- Long bouts of crying
Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment
When separation anxiety in adults severely impacts a person's professional and personal life, it might be time to seek the help of a mental health professional. Treatment for separation anxiety in adults may include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication or a combination of both. Just like any other anxiety disorder, adult separation anxiety disorder treatment is often best when administered on a consistent basis. Talk to your doctor if your separation anxiety has caused you or a loved one significant, life-altering anxiety, depression or despair.
Let us know, have you or a loved one ever experienced adult separation anxiety? Did you know that separation anxiety in adults could manifest in the same way it does in children? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


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