Centenary in the Know

“History Detectives” features Centenary Professor of...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:03:38 -0500

“History Detectives” features Centenary Professor of French, Dr. Dana Kress.

The Centenary Summer Band performed last week at the Hargrove...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:39:26 -0500

The Centenary Summer Band performed last week at the Hargrove Memorial Amphitheatre. (Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

Strike up the Band

The second concert in Centenary College’s Summer Band concert series will begin at 8 p.m. today at the Hargrove Memorial Amphitheatre on campus, 2911 Centenary Blvd., in Shreveport. The free concert will feature American band music. The performance is outdoors so concertgoers are encouraged to bring seat cushions, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. The concert series ends Saturday when the band performs at 8:30 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza during the KTBS Independence Day Festival. The concert will feature soprano Jennifer Dowd and 16-year-old Lindsey Fileccia. The concert series began June 23 with big band jazz led by Bill Causey Jr. For information, call (318) 869-5238.

Centenary professor has place on 'History Detectives'

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:01:58 -0500

June 28, 2009

From Staff Reports

Dana Kress, professor of the French language at Centenary College, will be featured on Monday’s showing of the PBS television program “History Detectives,” set for broadcast at 8 p.m. on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

Kress, featured in the show’s third segment, will help investigators date an old Creole manuscript sent to them from a viewer in Chicago.

“History Detectives” is devoted to exploring the complexities of historical mysteries, searching out the facts, myths and conundrums that connect local folklore, family legends and interesting objects. Traditional investigative techniques, modern technologies, and plenty of legwork are the tools the “History Detectives” team of experts uses to give new — and sometimes shocking — insights into our national history.

An expert in his field, Kress often is asked to date or translate old Creole manuscripts and is the driving force behind Centenary’s, “Le Tintamarre,” the only student-published French language newspaper in the United States.

According to the “History Detectives” Web site, a fan from Chicago unearthed a French manuscript rolled in a cardboard tube. The surname “Duplessis,” the name of his great-grandmother’s mother-in-law, was jotted in a margin and “Rouzan,” his grandmother’s maiden name, appeared at the bottom of another page. No one in the family knew anything about it, but the contributor, who reads a little French, thought he found a collection of love poems, possibly written to one of his relatives.

The family thought the manuscript could be more than 160 years old.

History detective Gwen Wright, a Columbia University professor, interviewed Kress for the French-themed episode in December in New Orleans and spoke to him about the manuscript, which could be the earliest body of work written by Creoles of color and published in the United States.

Producers of the program were intrigued by the manuscript submitted and the larger story of Creole culture in antebellum New Orleans.

June 9, 2009 Artful interlude: Paris Metro stop inspires...

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:08:38 -0500

June 9, 2009

Artful interlude: Paris Metro stop inspires photography exhibit

Paris Metro stop inspires photography exhibit

By Scott Gannon Patton
Special to The Times

Erosion and decay, at first mention, rarely evoke thoughts of beauty and refined aesthetics. Yet Shreveport native Kate Sartor Hilburn’s collection Pentimento: The Champs-Elysees Metro Walls manages to fuse destruction and elegance in a compelling exhibit that opens Sunday at the Meadows Museum of Art.

Several years ago, while riding the Paris Metro through a routine stop in the Champs Elysees — Clemenceau station, Hilburn took note of a large renovation job the city of Paris was conducting in the station. The project involved stripping through six decades of posters, graffiti, signage and conduit wires to expose the central frame of the walls in what appeared to Hilburn a massive multi-media collage.

Inspired, Hilburn immediately returned on the Metro to the station to explore the demolition and to document it with her camera.

“I went from section to section in the tunnel and looked for interesting designs within this large area. It was this huge treasure I had been exposed to and I was surprised not many other people were there doing the same,” she said

The results of her creative spontaneity are colorful, multi-textured abstractions, some solid and vibrant, others more fluid. All of them, however, are compassionately balanced and visually striking, well deserving of the name Pentimento: a visible trace of earlier painting beneath a layer or layers of paint on a canvas.

“I felt like I was creating it as I went along, I really did very little to the images after they were taken, except to increase the presence of light,” she said.

That illumination reveals each layer dramatically, as if every watermark, tear or stencil on the wall had been a cataclysmic event that resulted in the birth of a new form.

But how can such a textured and dynamic image as a subway demolition survive once it has been flattened by photography, its rugged and tactile qualities glossed by slick prints. It seems Hilburn found a way to preserve an element of texture by a compelling idea for presentation. The images are printed on water color paper and mounted on black iron rectangles, a choice, said Hilburn, “inspired by the patina of water damage on the walls.”

Zama Dexter, a local artist and board member at the Meadows Museum of Art, is highly complimentary of Hilburn’s art.

“This is the best of her work,” Dexter said. “She saw a chance for wonderful photographs. That she could pick out these fabulous abstracts from the subway walls is so impressive and inspiring.”

The real beauty of this collection, however, is mysterious and somewhat elusive.

“When something evolves over time,” Hilburn said, “it has mystery and beauty … the accidental designs have so much life because they have color and texture that no trained artist would put together. During the renovation, history resurfaced for five weeks and that was it.”

Those five weeks have been preserved for posterity and are on display at the Meadows this month.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Pentimento: The Champs-Elysees Metro Walls by Kate Sartor Hilburn.
WHERE: Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport.
WHEN: opening reception with a talk by the artist from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit runs through Aug. 1.
REGULAR HOURS: noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Thursday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday.
ADMISSION: free.
INFO: (318) 869-5169.
NOTE: Studio 50, an eclectic exhibit of paintings and sculpture, also will open Sunday at the Meadows. More than 40 works will be featured by students age 50 and older from a class taught by local artist and instructor Camille Hirsch.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kate Sartor Hilburn, a resident of Choudrant, grew up in Shreveport and trained at the Sorbonne in Paris, The American Photography Institute in New York City and has a masters in photography from Texas Woman’s University. Her body of professional work is extensive; the most notable of which is Beating Hearts, Stories of Domestic Violence, an exhibit that pairs portraits with high concept presentation, resulting in a call to action. Beating Hearts has kept Hilburn busy for 10 years with shows in seven different cities.

June 4, 2009 Centenary needs to prepare the next generation of...

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:30:12 -0500

June 4, 2009

Centenary needs to prepare the next generation of thinkers, new president says

By Icess Fernandez
ifernandez@gannett.com

Centenary College graduates need to be given the tools to make change and to interpret the world, and it is Centenary’s job to make that happen, said B. David Rowe, the college’s newly selected president.

“The goal is to structure an academic program that can respond rapidly to changing global conditions,” he said, “a structure to make the world more peaceful, more just and more ecologically sustainable.”

Rowe, vice president for advancement at LaGrange College in Georgia, was chosen as the college’s next president by the board of trustees in May. Rowe will take the presidency Aug. 1. The current president, Kenneth Schwab, is retiring.

Rowe will be the newest education leader in the area. He’s joining Caddo School Superintendent Gerald Dawkins, Bossier Parish Community College Chancellor Jim Henderson, who starts July 1, and newly named Bossier School Superintendent D.C. Machen Jr.

Rowe, who will turn 44 this month, is an ordained United Methodist minister and has served in his current capacity at LaGrange College for nine years.

He responded to these questions from The Times.

Question: Why apply to be Centenary’s next president?

Answer: I think Centenary is at an unusual time in its history. There are factors that indicate that it will grow. Under Dr. Schwab, the college has grown a highly respected faculty and student body made up of the brightest students.

It is a privilege to convene the conversation and talk about what the next chapter will be.

Q: What are your goals for the school?

A: The world is changing rapidly, and the changes the globe is facing is complex and will show how interrelated we are on this planet. What Centenary aught to be able to do is prepare students to be ethical leaders in a rapidly changing world. People that can inquire and respond with sophistication, nuance and a sharp moral compass.

Q: Do you have any preliminary plans to increase the college’s endowment?

A: We’re involved with talking to donors to add to the endowment. We’re letting donors know about deferred and planned giving, which often has the biggest impact. We’re also trying to be prudent with investments. Fortunately, we have an investment policy that take into account market value.

KTAL News Channel 6 covers the departure of the Choir’s...

Fri, 29 May 2009 08:39:56 -0500

KTAL News Channel 6 covers the departure of the Choir’s trip to Australia for the World Voices tour.

Gents Offense No Show Against OR, play elimination game Friday...

Fri, 22 May 2009 09:04:59 -0500

Gents Offense No Show Against OR, play elimination game Friday at 11 a.m.

TULSA, Okla. – Freshman Jeff Schaffert had the Centenary baseball teams only hit and RBI in the first round of The Summit League Championship on Thursday evening, as Oral Roberts defeated the Gents 9-1.

ORU scored three times in the first, but Centenary answered back with a run in the second. However, the Golden Eagles would put three more runs on the board between the third and sixth innings.

The Gents never threatened again, as junior Jeff Ericson was the only runner to advance past second base. ORU pitcher Jerry Sullivan pitched a complete game one hitter, while striking out 10 and walking just one.

Junior Michael Tompkins started the game and 3.1 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, while sophomore Stephen Tromblee finished up the game and struck out five, but walked six.

Centenary will play in the elimination game against South Dakota State on Friday morning at 11 a.m. The game will be broadcast on www.GoCentenary.com with live stats on www.ORUGoldenEagles.com.

Centenary Alumna receives appointment to Texas state real estate...

Fri, 22 May 2009 08:56:34 -0500

Centenary Alumna receives appointment to Texas state real estate commission

By STEVEN ALFORD
The Lufkin Daily News

Friday, May 22, 2009

Gov. Rick Perry recently has appointed Lufkin Realtor Jaime Blevins-Hensley as one of three new members to the Texas Real Estate Commission.

Hensley’s term lasts until Jan. 1, 2015.

The real estate commission regulates and licenses real estate brokers and salespeople in the state of Texas, according to a press release.

“I was called from the governor’s office asking if I had any interest, and I certainly was flattered to have the opportunity to be asked,” Hensley said. “Several months passed after I applied, and then I was called and asked to go to Austin and interview in March.”

Hensley said her trip to Austin was fun, but she didn’t expect to get the call that Gov. Perry had chosen her from a long list of potential candidates.

“We got notification a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to participate at that level of the industry I’m in,” Hensley said. “I’m looking forward to serve and work on the commission.”

Hensley is a broker and owner of American Real Estate-Lufkin Inc. She is a member of the Texas and National associations of Realtors, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, and Council of Residential Specialists.

Hensley is director of the Lufkin Association of Realtors and Lufkin Multiple Listing Service, and a member of the Angelina Economic Development Partnership Board, Angelina Chamber of Commerce, Deep East Texas Association of Builders and Piney Woods Apartment Association.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Master of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin University. She also graduated from the Texas Real Estate Institute.

Hensley replaces Mary Frances Burleson of Sachse on the commission.

Joanne Justice of Arlington and Dona Scurry of El Paso were also appointed. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Michelle Holt and Nicole Turner recently spoke with reporter Joe...

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:50:42 -0500

Michelle Holt and Nicole Turner recently spoke with reporter Joe Lapage from KSLA Channel 12 about the situation they share with other recent college graduates on the tough job market.

created 21 May, 2009

May 20, 2009Centenary College picks presidentBy Icess...

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:06:45 -0500

May 20, 2009

Centenary College picks president

By Icess Fernandez
ifernandez@gannett.com

A Texas native and an administrator from a U.S. News and World Report “up-and-coming” school will be the next president of Centenary College.

B. David Rowe, vice president for advancement at La Grange College in Georgia, was named by Centenary College’s board of trustees Tuesday as the sole finalist to become the college’s next president. He will succeed Ken Schwab, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“I am humbled by my selection as Centenary’s next leader,” Rowe said in a news release. “The institution’s academic reputation, prestige among its peers and church connectedness are the envy of many. Now, I look forward to working with the Centenary community to imagine and write the next great chapter in the college’s story.”

The selection process began in February. Among the qualifications the search committee looked for were: strong leadership, extensive experience in running a college, considerable financial experience and knowledge about NCAA athletics.

The college used the search firm R.H. Perry & Associates, which conducted a nationwide, closed search for candidates. A 13-member committee, which included the Board of Trustees, students, faculty and staff members, selected candidates from the search.

Rowe will be the newest education leader in the area. He’s joining Caddo public schools Superintendent Gerald Dawkins and recently named Bossier Parish Community College Chancellor Jim Henderson. Bossier Parish School District will name a new superintendent Thursday.

Rowe, who will turn 44 in June, is an ordained United Methodist minister and has served in his current capacity at the college for nine years.

He will officially take over Aug. 1.

Rowe has led LaGrange in its $65 million Defining Moment comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is on the verge of completion and featured construction of a 45,000-square-foot library.

His fundraising skills were attractive to the search committee.

“The Board of Trustees and I are excited that Dr. Rowe will be assuming leadership at Centenary College,” William Anderson, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said in the release. “David brings substantial experience in institutional advancement as well a deep passion for higher education and expanding opportunities for the college and its students. We are very fortunate to have someone with his background in college development, experience and vision to assist the college in continued success and progress.”

Rowe received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, a Master of Divinity from Emory University and his doctorate in higher education from Georgia State University.

Prior to his position at LaGrange College, he held administrative jobs at Wesleyan College in Georgia, Oxford College of Emory University and Candler School of Theology at Emory.

May 10, 2009Centenary has upbeat commencement ceremoniesBy Jane...

Mon, 11 May 2009 08:29:06 -0500

May 10, 2009

Centenary has upbeat commencement ceremonies

By Jane Bokun
janebokun@gannett.com

Pride was all around for many parents, faculty and students as Centenary College of Louisiana held its 2009 commencement ceremonies on Saturday.

“It’s been a tough row to hoe, but it was definitely worth it,” said Vince Caldarola, who came to the commencement from San Antonio with wife, Nancy, to see their daughter Ashley Caldarola graduate.

“Our daughter Ashley played sports and she got some injuries, but she still received her Bachelor of Science today,” Vince Caldarola said.

Centenary awarded diplomas in the campus’ Gold Dome . Commencement exercises started with the Centenary Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Thomas Stone, with “Pomp and Circumstance.” There also was singing and an invocation from the Rev. Betsy Eaves, chaplain of Centenary.

Addressing the graduates was journalist Frank Deford, who is a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition, correspondent on the HBO show “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” and a senior contributing writer with Sport Illustrated.

He spoke about sports and more as he delivered the commencement address. Deford received a doctor of humane letters honorary degree.

Deford told the graduates to have fun and be surprised more often.

“Life has gotten to the point where you’re not surprised,” he said.

Deford also said to read more books, the newspaper and magazines.

Others receiving honorary recognition were William G. Anderson, doctor of laws, and Robert Larry Stafford, doctor of divinity.

Kenneth L Schwab, president, and Darrel D. Colson, provost and dean of the college, gave special recognition.

“I bet the people at Anderson Oil & Gas will think a lot more of you now,” Schwab said to William G. Anderson of his honorary doctor of laws.

Many in the audience came to see friends who were graduating as well.

Bojan Jankovic, Centenary Women’s Basketball assistant coach, brought his family to see basketball player Sierra Bush graduate.

“She’s the only senior we have,” Jankovic said. “She’ll do well in life.”

After the commencement ceremonies Schwab invited family and friends of graduates to a white tented reception at the north entrance to the Gold Dome.

Dr. Darrel Colson, Provost and Dean of Centenary College May...

Tue, 05 May 2009 08:05:00 -0500

Dr. Darrel Colson, Provost and Dean of Centenary College

May 5, 2009

Centenary College provost gets top job at Iowa college

By Icess Fernandez
ifernandez@gannett.com

Darrel Colson, provost and dean at Centenary College, will become the next president of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

He will start at the school July 1.

“It’s a terrific opportunity to be a president at a school,” he said. “I’ve loved my time here in Centenary.”

Colson has been the college’s second in command for the past 7 years. During that time, he has seen the school increase its enrollment.

A product of a Southern education, Colson received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Vanderbilt University in philosophy. Before starting at Centenary in 2002, he was the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University.

Colson is the latest administrator to leave the college this year. The first, college President Ken Schwab, announced his retirement earlier this year.

Semifinalists for that position are being interviewed this week.

Colson said there is no deeper meaning to the top two administrators leaving the college at the same time. The chance to be a college president came a couple of months ago.

“The opportunities came at the same time,” he said. “It’s a coincidence.”

How the college will choose the next provost and dean will probably happen after a president is chosen. The quest for one could start with a committee conducting a nationwide search, Colson said.

“This gives the new president an opportunity to build a new administrative staff.”

Schwab said Colson’s new position would be a good opportunity for him.

“He has worked with integrity and grace and has the respect of the faculty and the entire college community,” he said. “He will be missed as he pursues this exciting opportunity to serve as a college president.”

Colson said he’ll miss the area as he looks forward to his first Iowa winter.

“I’ll miss the warmth of the summers and winters,” he said. “I’ll miss catfish and crawfish, which will be hard to come by up there. But above all, I’m going to miss the people I work with.”

May 3, 2009Centenary sweeps North Dakota Rain and Cold Temps...

Sun, 03 May 2009 09:22:00 -0500

May 3, 2009
Centenary sweeps North Dakota

Rain and Cold Temps Doesn’t Hamper Gents

From Staff Reports

FARGO, N.D. — It took six extra innings, but Centenary swept a baseball doubleheader from North Dakota State, 10-3 and 6-5.

In the first game, Cliff Shepard was 3-for-5 and drove in four runs to lead the Gents.

With a depleted pitching staff, Gents sophomore Stephen Tromblee pitched his second consecutive complete game. It was also Centenary’s second complete game in as many days, as sophomore Justin Kraft pitched his on Friday night.

In the second game, Tell Ross’ three-run homer tied the score at three after six innings. Neither team scored again until the 11t h.

Ricky Imperiali’s RBI double in the 11th put the Gents ahead. An unearned run in the bottom half of the inning kept the game going.

Shepard then hit a two-run double in the 13th to push Centenary to a victory.

Sophomore Derek Dalzell picked up the win after pitching five innings of relief, while Jeff Kyllo took the loss.

RECAP:

Game one

Junior Cliff Shepard knocked in four runs for Centenary in the early game, which includes hitting his sixth home run of the season. From the plate Shepard was 3-for-5 and he also scored two times.

Game two

Down 3-0 heading into the sixth inning, junior Tell Ross had the late game heroics when he blasted a game-tying three-run homer. Ross’ long ball came with two down in the inning and on a 1-2 count.

However, during the next four innings neither squad could produce any offense until senior Ricky Imperiali RBI double in the 11^th. In the bottom half of the same inning problems arose for Centenary, when a routine fly ball was dropped, which allowed Ben Bruggeman to advance to third. It then put Kenny Beese up to bat and he then hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at four.

Shepard was the big hero in the second game, as he hit a two-run double in the 13^th to push Centenary to a victory. Shepard’s double came with bases loaded and two down, as he knocked in juniors Jeff Ericson and Travis Leversen.

Sophomore Derek Dalzell picked up the win after pitching five innings of relief, while Jeff Kyllo took the loss.

Centenary closer to hiring president

Sun, 03 May 2009 09:16:09 -0500

May 2, 2009
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090502/NEWS04/905020338/1063

Semifinalists to be interviewed next week

By Icess Fernandez
ifernandez@gannett.com

Centenary College is closer to choosing its next president.

The private college has been going through a search process since February after President Kenneth Schwab announced his retirement.

Among the qualifications the search committee looked for were: strong leadership, extensive experience in running a college, considerable financial experience and knowledge about NCAA athletics.

Next week, the committee will interview the presidential semifinalists, taking the college closer to having a new leader.

Who are the semifinalists?

The private college is conducting a closed search, meaning they will not release the names of the semi-finalists for the presidential position. The college used the search firm R.H. Perry & Associates. That firm has conducted administrative searches for colleges and universities for 30 years. Currently, it is helping Minnesota Private College Council and Spartanburg Methodist College search for presidents.

How did they do the search?

A 13-member committee that includes the board of trustees, students, faculty and staff members select candidates from a nationwide search. Most of the legwork, calling references and weeding through the candidates, is done by the search firm.

When the top candidates were chosen, their information was loaded onto a secure Web site, allowing committee members to look at the resumes. Those candidates were whittled down again and semifinalists were chosen.

When will they make an announcement?

After the semifinalists are interviewed next week, a group of finalists are chosen and interviewed by the faculty personnel committee, which gives feedback to the search committee. That committee does another round of interviews with the finalists and make a recommendation to college’s board. According to the college’s timeline, they will announce the new president May 20.

The next president will take office Aug. 1.

May 3, 2009Foreign language needed By April ValentineDirector,...

Sun, 03 May 2009 09:13:26 -0500

May 3, 2009

Foreign language needed

By April Valentine
Director, Intercultural Engagement

In late February, I was privileged to accompany my former French teacher from Booker T. Washington High School and her students to a foreign language festival in Arkansas. The students won several prizes in events ranging from first place in international cuisine presentation to first place in the cultural knowledge quiz. While I was proud of the students and their accomplishments, I also experienced sadness — sadness because the only language category in which the students competed was Spanish.

At Booker T. Washington, French courses are unavailable as they were discontinued in 2006. Since then, in spite of student requests to begin or continue French begun in middle school, French courses have not been reinstated in this school in a English and French bilingual state. These students are denied the opportunity afforded their peers at other Caddo-Bossier high schools. Instead of offering vital courses to the young people of this school, often referred to as “underachieving” or a “failing school,” we take from them the possibilities of future success through language acquisition.

I studied French at Booker T. Washington from 1989 to 1990, then through graduate school. I owe my life enriched by numerous education abroad programs, in large part, to my desire to learn languages. These experiences influenced me to pursue a career in international education.

My career allows me to work with students aspiring to enhance their education with international exposure. For many of these students, their main reasons to study abroad are to better understand a people by living in their culture and to strengthen their language abilities for communication with the people they encounter throughout their lives.

Many residents of this area may believe that the students at Booker T. Washington do not value their education. I argue that we are failing the students who demonstrate, in fact, the value of education by participating in events such as the foreign language festival and other co-curricular programs.

In the long term, by continuing to deny our support of their endeavors by providing increased language programs including French, Mandarin, German and Arabic, among others, we disable an entire segment of this generation of Americans from effectively communicating, and prospering, in an increasingly global society.

I recently returned from an exploratory trip to China to meet potential exchange partners at six universities in the Shanghai area. One group of students truly impressed me for all understood the value of language. None spoke fewer than three languages.

Why do we continue to let our students end their compulsory education without having basic communication skills in at least one language beside English? This practice is unacceptable in the rest of the world. It’s time we learn to value and teach other languages as much as we do English.

April Valentine is a Shreveport resident.

Students, staff and members of the Christian Leadership Center...

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:49:20 -0500

Students, staff and members of the Christian Leadership Center spent a week in March on the Navajo Reservation near Tuba City, Arizona to help those in need. During the week, the students built wheelchair ramps to existing homes, painted and even removed rotted drywall!

Many people have asked that we post this to our site so that all could enjoy the photos!

Check out the Ladies versus NSU photo gallery from the...

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:28:47 -0500

Check out the Ladies versus NSU photo gallery from the Shreveport Times. Click HERE

April 30, 2009Ladies take two from NSUBy Jimmy...

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:22:16 -0500

April 30, 2009

Ladies take two from NSU

By Jimmy Watson
jimwatson@gannett.com

Centenary pelted Northwestern pitching for five home runs in a rain-shortened doubleheader sweep of the Lady Demons at the Centenary Softball Complex on Wednesday evening.

A two-run homer by Allison McClain led to a 7-4 Ladies win in the opener, while round-trippers by McClain, Allison Shepperd, Emerald Doria and Kaylyn Harris gave Centenary a 10-6 win in just four and a half innings of the second game.

“We hit the ball hard and that was exciting. That’s something we didn’t do against Southern Utah last weekend,” Centenary coach Mark Montgomery said.

The Ladies (31-19) head to North Dakota State this weekend for their final Summit League series of the season, hoping to wrap up a third place seed in the Summit League tournament.

“Winning today allowed us to get to a 30-win season for the fifth time in six seasons, which is a good mark to hit,” Montgomery said. “It also allows us to have some momentum going to NDSU and into the stretch run of the league race.”

NSU coach Donald Prickett said ending the game and his team’s 2009 season in the rain was somewhat fitting for a Northwestern club that finished 5-45 overall.

“If it can happen to a team it happened to us,” Prickett said. “We haven’t been able to hold teams down, but we’re going to turn the corner. We feel good about the future.”

In the opener, NSU got on the board in the first inning when Stormi Stech singled and scored on a bloop single by Randi Stuard. The Ladies stormed back in the second when Doria reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on McClain’s second homer of the season. NSU’s Tiffany Ward opened the fourth with a sharp liner to right and scored on Amanda Jameson’s homer over the Summit League sign in left.

The second game barely made it to the required four and a half innings before rain washed the remainder away.

Bock again got the win with help from Hillary Phillips. Haley Bassett and Caitlin Cavarra picked up four hits apiece for the Ladies in the double dip, while McClain was 3-for-5. Stuard topped NSU with a 5-for-7 day, while Ward and Samantha Roberts had three hits apiece.

Gents sign three players

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:14:19 -0500

April 28, 2009

By Jimmy Watson
jimwatson@gannett.com

Centenary basketball coach Greg Gary began restocking his athletic coffers over the weekend with the signing of three prep standouts to scholarships.

Inking with the Gents are Jeron Trotman, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward, and Leo Davis, a 5-11, 180-pound point guard, both from Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala. They’ll join 6-6, 200-pound forward Matt Marseille from Dacula High School in Dacula, Ga.

“We’re excited to sign all three of these fine young men because they’re all excellent students and they’ve upgraded our athleticism,” Gary said. “All three have qualified and are ready to come in and contribute.”

Currently the No. 2-ranked 5A tennis player in Alabama, Trotman averaged a double-double (14 ppg, 14 rpg), while shooting 63 percent from the field and 78 percent from the foul line. Trotman was named an Alabama Blue Chip All-Star and was the MVP of the 2008 Peabody Classic.

“Jeron is a leaper, very athletic and can score both inside and out,” Lee High coach Greg Brown said. “He will give Centenary a lot of energy because he plays with a lot of emotion.”

Trotman, a featured soloist in the Lee High choir, also fielded offers from Furman, VMI and Boston University.

Although they visited on separate weekends, Davis chose to follow Troutman after listening to his teammate’s sales pitch. As a senior Davis averaged 16.5 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Among his honors are first-team All-Huntsville, first-team All-Region and Alabama Blue Chip All-Star.

“Centenary got a good one in Leo, who had offers from Tulane, Tulsa, Troy and S.E. Missouri,” Brown said. “When Trotman came back from his visit and told Davis about it, it was a done deal. Both of them are honor students and great young men.”

Marseille accumulated 16.6 points and 7 rebounds per contest last season, while shooting 52 percent from the field. He earned All-Gwinnett County first team honors, played in the Gwinnett County Senior All Star Game and was the Atlanta Tip Off Player of the Month for December.

“Matt has a big body and he can rebound,” Gary said. “He can shoot the three, which makes him a mismatch at forward for a lot of teams in our league. I really like his versatility.”

Members of the Escaped Images Dance Company from Centenary...

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:27:57 -0500

Members of the Escaped Images Dance Company from Centenary College recently stopped in to visit the “First News” crew at KTBS Channel 3 and discuss their upcoming concert.