On the men’s side, Jeremy Frey (Pipersville/Central Bucks East) had three individual first place finished for the Huskies taking first in the 200-free, the 200-back and the 200-IM. In the 200-free Frey finished in 1:47.77 with Kyle Weisenbach (Lincoln University/Avon Grove) taking second in 1:51.35. In the 200-back Frey swam a 2:01.29 to win the event, while in the 200-IM Frey was first in 2:02.67.

In addition to Frey, Tim Dorsch (Schwenksville/Souderton Area) and David Mancinelli (Plymouth Meeting/Westmont Hilltop) were two-time winners for the Huskies. Dorsch took first in the 200-breast in 2:18.18 and the 100-breast in 1:01.86. Mancinelli was first in the 50-free in 22.43 and the 100-free in 49.87.

John King (Ridley Parkl/Ridley) took first for the Huskies in the 1000-free in 10:26.71, while Derek Straub was first in the 100-back in 55.26, Ben Safran (Doylestown/Central Bucks West) first in the 200-fly in 2:01.51 and Juan Casteneda (Shamokin/Shamokin Area) first in the 100-fly in 52.88 seconds. In all the Huskies took first in 11 individual events.

For the women, an exciting meet came down to the 400-free relay which the Huskies pulled out with a winning time of 3:41.13 with the team of Miranda Steel (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough), Kyla Weisenbach (Lincoln University/Avon Grove), Julia DeVincent (Maple Glen/Upper Dublin) and Sarah Grawe (Stafford, VA/North Stafford).

Individually, Madeline Barlow (Yardley/Pennsbury) was a three-time winner taking first in the 200-IM, the 200-back and the 100-back. In the 200-IM Barlow was first in 2:12.93, while in the 200-back she took first with a time of 2:11.94. In the 100-back she finished with a mark of 1:02.06.

Steel was a two-time winner in the distance events. In the 1000-free she swam a 10:56.27, while in the 500-free she was first in 5:17.71. Kelsey Brooker (Stevens/Cocalico) was first in the 100-fly in 1:02.12 to round out the individual winners for the Huskies, while also taking third in the 100-back in 1:03.15.

Grawe had second place finishes in the 50-free in 25.27 and the 100-free in 55.09.

Bloomsburg swims at Clarion next week starting at 1 p.m.

Exercising daily can reduce the number of injuries and accidents for older adults.  According to University of Memphis researchers of The American Journal of Chinese Medicine (2007), “The estimated cost of injury from falls of the elderly in 1984 reached $3.7 billion and in 1987 falls were the leading cause of accidental death.”  Losing muscle mass and diminishing bone density are a few common developments accompanying with aging that make the risk of accidental related injuries for older adults more frequent.  The same group of researchers indicated that “6% of the elderly population may incur major injuries from a fall and 1% may result in hip fractures” (Li, Devault, Oteghen, 2007).

Providing resistance training for older adults can be a helpful measure in lowering the risk of injury.  Resistance training helps increase muscle hypertrophy (muscle mass gains) and helps to maintain and strengthen the muscular skeleton.  Many older adults may not be familiar with how to properly use weight lifting equipment; however a personal trainer or fitness instructor can help to design a workout plan, show clients how to correctly perform each exercise, and provide supervision to guide elders towards fitness goals that meet their individual needs.

Selecting and adapting exercises that focus on using the core muscles with stability balls and medicine balls will help improve seniors’ balance, coordination, stability, mobility, and flexibility in a continuing series of small steps that will lower the likelihood of injuries occurring.  Overtime, an elder who has incorporated resistance training into their lives will strengthen his bones and this causes less strain and pain in the body throughout everyday activities than for someone who remains sedentary the rest of his life.  For instance, a sedentary elderly individual trying to work outside in a garden may suffer with more lower back pain than an elder who participates in a form of exercise daily. Moreover, exercise also appears to increase longevity in elders.  A study published in The New York Times indicates that there were “slightly fewer than 7 percent of the active 85-year-olds died by age 88, versus about 24 percent of those who were inactive” (“Exercise Can Extend Survival Even in ‘Oldest Old’ ”, 2009).  Decreasing a number of hazardous and problematic health conditions can be possible through the beneficiary effects of exercise.

Aerobic activity can reduce the risk of developing some debilitating conditions, and can lessen the severity of others for the elderly.  Struck and Ross (2006) indicated that  “rates of illness and disability increase sharply for those individuals older than age 85, resulting in loss of ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (LADL).” Along with age, come long term problems that create worry, frustration, and limit the quality of life for older adults on a daily basis.

The risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and obesity are just some of the many chronic diseases that affect the population of the older generation.  Researchers at the University of Dundee looking at chronic heart failure (CHF) concluded, “Exercise training has the potential to improve the disabling tiredness and breathlessness that limit daily activities for people with CHF, thus improving their functional ability and quality of life” (McMurdo, M. E.T., Struthers, A. D., Witham, M.D., 2003).  Diminishing or reducing these health problems can be challenging, but incorporating aerobic exercises that strengthen the cardiovascular system and the heart also helps decrease the likelihood of an elder having a stroke or cardiac infarction (heart attack).

Two other common chronic conditions impacting the lives of the elderly that can be mitigated through exercise are obesity and fatigue.  Another long-term killer in today’s world is obesity.  Obesity contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure which can be very detrimental for elders. University of Oklahoma researchers Bryan Struck and Karen Ross (2006) found that “physical activity has also been shown to lower systolic blood pressure by 8.4 points in sedentary adults over age 60 without the use of medication.”  Obesity also increases the risk of developing diabetes.  Diabetes then contributes to heart diseases. These long term effects are linked together in a chain that may alter an elder’s lifestyle.  Increasing the total lung capacity for older individuals helps them endure more physical activity before reaching fatigue.  Living day to day with these critical problems may be difficult; however, providing exercise opportunities, especially when these include aerobic activities, will show only positive outcomes.

Providing an appropriate environment for exercise can diminish the emotional toll of aging.  Most of the elderly experience a stage of psychological depression in their later lives.  For instance, losing a loved one, such as a family member, husband, or wife that has passed away can be hard for adults, but extremely devastating for the elderly.  In another case, just being alone year after year can emotionally affect the mindset of an older individual.  For example, an elderly lady living in a nursing home without contact from any members of her family nor having a soul mate can be a lonely emotional rollercoaster to ride. Exercise boosts an individual’s metabolism which can then increase his appetite, energy level, and mental awareness, as well as improve his overall physical health, all leading to a healthier, emotional, and psychological state.

There are some options for addressing the loneliness and isolation often experienced by the elder generation through activity.  Providing an appropriate environment is key.  Most senior citizens may never think about joining a gym due to the intimidation factor.  For example, professional athletes like body builders and power lifters tend to scream and yell when training, which ultimately moves older adults away from this type of environment.  However, providing health clubs and fitness centers for senior citizens such as “Curves” http://www.curves.com/can provide many physical benefits as well as helping to alleviate psychological tensions.  Local health clubs and fitness centers that accommodate the elderly provide great opportunities for exercise that can accomplish two goals.   One, it helps boost the spirits of the elders, and second, it provides benefits for their overall health.

Photo Courtesy of www.perinton.org

Programs in health clubs such as “Silver Sneakers” www.silversneakers.com can allow older adults to come to the gym on a regular basis and participate in fitness classes, programs, and seminars that accommodate their needs, including regimens that incorporate the use of wheel chairs,

walkers, or canes.  These programs, taught by certified instructors, deliver beneficial workouts and allow older adults to interact and socialize with others to meet new friends or buddies to work out with, or even find a new soul mate to love.  Older adults do not have to be alone.  Memberships to fitness centers can decrease loneliness as people come together in an elder-friendly environment.

Providing exercise for the elderly brings only positive outcomes both physically and mentally.  Dr. Jeremy Jacobs, a geriatric specialist at Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, says, “As little as four hours a week was a beneficial as more vigorous or prolonged activity” (“Exercise Can Extend Survival Even in ‘Oldest Old’ ”, 2009).  Reducing the number of health concerns related to aging and addressing chronic conditions may be difficult, but incorporating forms of resistance training and aerobic exercise into older adults’ lives can help to eliminate these problems and can play a critical role in helping to reduce further development of chronic illnesses.  The 1996 Surgeon General’s report on physical activity states that “no one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity” (Struck & Ross, 2006).  Becoming involved in a fitness atmosphere around groups of people can help brighten the spirit of the elderly.   Incorporating an enjoyable form of exercise, whether it is resistance or aerobic exercises, into the lives of the elderly population can narrow the negative aspects of aging and provide benefits towards improving the overall health of their minds, bodies, and souls.

References

Exercise can extend survival even in ‘oldest old’ says The New York Times. (2009, September 14).  Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com.

Li, Y., Devault, C. N., Oteghen, S. V. (2007).  Effects of extended tai chi intervention on balance and selected motor factions of the elderly.  The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 35(3) 383-391.  Retrieved from http://www.worldscinet.com/ajcm.

McMurdo, M. E. T., Struthers, A. D., Witham, M.D. (2003, May).  Exercise training as a therapy for chronic heart failure: Can older people benefit?  The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.  51(5) 699-709.  Retrieved from http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0002-8614.

Struck, B. D., Ross, K. M. (2006, May).  Health promotion in older adults: Prescribing exercise for the frail and home bound.  Geriatrics.  61(5) 22-27.  Retrieved from http://www.geri.com.

In addition, six other players earned All-PSAC honors. Named first team All-PSAC East were Due, Amanda Riley (Tannersville/Pocono Mountain East) and Amanda Deloy (Milton, DE/Cape Henlopen). Named second team All-PSAC East were Maggey Bloskey (Danville/Danville), Aubrey Carman (Dallastown/Dallastown), Betsy Renn (Herndon/Line Mountain) and Caitlin Koczynski (Langhorne/Neshaminy).

Due, a four-time All-PSAC selection and the 2006 PSAC Freshmen of the Year, is the third straight Bloomsburg player to be named a PSAC Athlete of the Year, following Jamie Vanartsdalen, who was named the PSAC East Athlete of the Year last year and the overall PSAC Athlete of the Year two seasons ago under the previous one division format. Due enters the NCAA Tournament with eight goals and four assists for 20 points from her midfield position. She has also helped contribute to a defense that leads the PSAC in goals against average at 0.71 and has allowed just 15 goals in 21 games.

Riley, who earned her first All-PSAC East honor, leads the Huskies in both points with 50 and in goals scored with 24. She has also assisted on eight others for Bloomsburg. Her best game of the season came against CW Post when she scored three times in a 6-3 victory. She also has seven other games with two goals and earned the PSAC East Player of the Week award the final three weeks of the season.

Deloy earned her first All-Conference honor. The junior played a key role in the midfield for the Huskies and helped limit opponents to just 6.2 shots on goal per game. Deloy also contributed offensively for the Huskies with a goal and two assists this season.

Bloskey, who named the MVP of last week’s PSAC championship game, earned her first All-Conference selection. The senior forward scored 13 goals during the year, including the game winner in OT against Shippensburg in the PSAC title game. She also assisted on 11 other goals and is third in the country in assists per game with a mark of 0.52. Bloskey’s best game of the year came at Seton Hill when she scored two goals and assisted on three others.

Carman was named All-PSAC for the first time this season. The senior defender was a key member of the Huskies defense that has limited opponents to just 0.71 goals per game. Offensively she also scored one goal and had one assist.

Renn also earned her first All-PSAC honor this season. The sophomore defender led a defense that kept opponents from a shot on goal in five games this season.

Koczynski, a senior, also earned her first All-PSAC honor this season. The goalie posted a goals against average of 0.79 in 1,321 minutes of play. She allowed just 15 goals posting two solo shutouts. She stopped 68 shots and had a saves percentage of .819.

The East Coach of the Year award for Hutchinson marks the sixth time that the longtime Bloomsburg coach, who is retiring after this season, has claimed the award, although each of the previous five were under the one-division format. She was last honored by her peers in 2006. After losing several key players, including Division II’s all-time leading scorer, from last year’s team that claimed the program’s third consecutive national championship, Hutchinson led the Huskies to a 20-1 record this season and a PSAC tournament championship for the second straight year. The Huskies will be the No. 1 seed in the region in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 8-3 on the season and severely hurts the team’s chances to gain an NCAA playoff bid. The bids will be announced on Sunday between 3 and 3:30 p.m. on ESPN News.

With the score tied at 7-7 at the end of regulation, the Golden Knights (6-5) got the ball first on offense in the extra session and drove to the Huskies nine-yard line. Three running plays pushed the ball back to the Huskies 12-yard line where Ditzler connected on his first field goal of the game after missing on three previous attempts.

On Bloomsburg’s possession of the overtime, on the first play, quarterback Dan Latorre (Elysburg/Southern Columbia) dropped back then took off up field and was hit by Gannon’s Johnny Jones with the recovery by the Golden Knights Khayree Connors ending the game.

In the first half Gannon took the opening kickoff and moved to the Huskies 29-yard line when its drive stalled. However, Ditzler was short on a 48-yard field goal attempt. In the second quarter the Huskies defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Mike Varanavage (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan) at the Gannon 22-yard. Facing a fourth and one at the Gannon 13-yard line Latorre was sacked and fumbled the ball ending the scoring threat. Just before halftime Gannon had a chance to get on the scoreboard right, but Ditzler misfired from 29-yards ending the half.

Bloomsburg finally broke the scoring drought in the third period with a short drive set up by a 62-yard kickoff return by Brandon Real (West York/West York) to start the second half. From three plays later Latorre hit Cory Stiger (Williamsport/Loyalsock) with a 25-yard scoring pass to make it 7-0.

Later in the third period after pinning the Huskies back deep in their own territory, the Golden Knights took advantage of a short punt that gave them the ball at the Bloomsburg 28-yard line. Two plays later Zach Boedicker scored on a three-yard line to tie the score at 7-7 with 0:37 seconds left in the third period.

In the fourth period both teams had a chance to go in front, but Ditzler missed a 41-yard field goal try with 3:00 left to play. Then the Huskies had a chance to win the game on the final play, but Jon Koenig’s (Pine Grove/Pine Grove) 45-yard field goal try was blocked forcing the extra session.

Bloomsburg was led statistically by Latorre who was 9-16 for 105 yards and one score, while Thomas McFarland (Pottsville/Pottsville) had a team-high 10 tackles.

Gannon was led by Boedicker who was 13-20 for 104 yards passing and also gained 69 yards rushing.

Gannon vs #19 Bloomsburg (Nov 07, 2009 at Bloomsburg, Pa.)

The Rum Runners pose for a picture after capturing the title at their home tournament, photo courtesy of Lamar Seger

Callahans, flicks and hammers all grouped together have no apparent connection, however ask an ultimate frisbee player and you will get a very different response. Ultimate frisbee is one of the fastest growing sports on college campuses all across America. Though a majority of the teams are club or intramural that do not discourage people from playing the game.

Bloomsburg University’s Ultimate frisbee team or The Rum Runners as they are known, are led by three junior captains: Tim McConnell, Lamar Seger and Jon Palumbo. The team holds a 1-1 tournament record this season after winning their home tournament and taking second at the East Stroudsburg tournament, earlier in the season.

At the home tournament, The Rum Runners went 6-0 defeating all of their opponents in pool play and earning a victory over Wilkes University in the championship game 15-2. Proud of his team’s accomplishment was Palumbo stating, “This was the first tournament where we won every single game.”  Seger agreed with Palumbo stating that the team “played amazing, the chemistry was good, and I was very happy with the team.”  At East Stroudsburg, the Rum Runners advanced to the championship game, but fell to a New Jersey team by a score of 13-4. “The other team was really, really good,” said Seger, “but we still played hard.”

As stated earlier, ultimate frisbee is growing in popularity on college campuses. According to Palumbo, “The object of the game is to score more points than the other team by getting the disk into the end-zone which you are attacking; it’s a lot like football.”  The players who generally throw the disk are known as handlers while the receivers catch the frisbee, but there are no real set positions in frisbee. For the most part, everyone plays the same positions and has the same responsibilities. There are seven players from each team on the field at one time and two out of the seven players should be girls. Ultimate frisbee is co-ed, therefore encouraging participation by all.

The prime seasons for frisbee are the fall and the spring. The fall season runs from the end of September through the beginning of November, while the spring season runs from the end of March to the beginning of May. The Rum Runners are a club team here at Bloomsburg, they “take it (ultimate frisbee) seriously, but not to the point where people don’t enjoy it,” according to Seger.  Both Palumbo and Seger agree, “the best way to learn how to play frisbee is by playing the game and practice, lots and lots of practice.” The first three weeks of the season are designed for learning the basics to the game. Gradually the practices become more technical and advanced, incorporating drills designed to improve: throwing, catching, offense, defense and speed.

Kyle Hanley makes a diving catch for the disk, photo courtesy of Lamar Seger

What made the Rum Runners captains Seger and Palumbo want to join frisbee their freshman year? Both played frisbee in high school gym class or with friends at home for fun. When they got to BU they wanted to find a more competitive way to play. Off the field both captains see the team as sort of a family. “We eat meals together, have pasta dinners to prep before tournaments, go out to eat and play games whether they be pick-up games, kickball or capture the flag on the weekends,” said Palumbo and Seger.

The Rum Runners, (1-1) tournament record, will see action again two weeks from now as they travel to Wilkes University on November 7 for a tournament. For questions about the Rum Runners or to learn more, please contact the team email: bloomultimate@gmail.com or check out the team website: http://organizations.bloomu.edu/ultimatefrisbee/.

Maggey Bloskey

Maggey Bloskey’s (Danville/Danville) goal in overtime gave the Bloomsburg University team a 2-1 win over Shippensburg in the championship game of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) field hockey playoffs. The title is the 16th overall and third straight in the great career of Huskies head coach Jan Hutchinson who has announced her retirement at the end of the 2010 softball season (a sport she also coaches).

Bloskey’s goal came on a rebound of a shot by Erin Hench (Loysville/West Perry) that was saved by Shippensburg goalie Amanda Houser 13 minutes into the extra period.

Bloomsburg had a couple of scoring chances in the first half getting three corners in the first 20 minutes of play, but were not able to convert. Shippensburg scored the first goal of the game on its first penalty corner of the game. Taylor Jones scored off an assist from Ashley Jones at the 21:11 mark to put the Lady Raiders on top.

The Huskies did have three more penalty corners and managed two shots on goal, but no goals leaving it a 1-0 game at the break.

Breanne Tobin

In the second half the Huskies kept the pressure on getting three penalty corners in the first seven minutes of play. On the third corner of the half Breanne Tobin (Perkasie/Pennridge) took a pass from Bloskey and tied the game with a goal at the 42:03 mark.

In the closing minutes of the regulation play Bloomsburg had a great opportunity to go in front on a couple of penalty corners, but Houser made two saves while one shot was blocked forcing overtime.

Bloskey has come up big against Shippensburg in the playoffs before. In last year’s NCAA semi-finals she scored three goals to help the Huskies down the Lady Raiders and advance to the NCAA title game.

For Bloomsburg, goalie Caitlin Koczynski (Yardley/Neshaminy) made six saves in the win.

Bloomsburg, 20-1, will now await word on Monday about the NCAA playoffs which begin on Nov. 7 with quarterfinal games.

The Huskies and first-year coach Bernie Empie will look to better last year’s fifth place finishes for both teams this weekend.

“I am very excited for the PSAC Championships to finally arrive,” said Empie. “Our teams have worked extremely hard and I am proud of the effort the student-athletes have given each and every day.”

The men’s competition looks to be very competitive,” Empie continued. “Three teams (Edinboro, Ship, and Lock Haven) have separated themselves from the rest of the conference.  There are five teams (Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Slippery Rock, IUP, and Kutztown) that could finish 4th thru 8th.  It will come down to whose team performs the best on Saturday.  Sophomore Bobby Furman and senior Misha Litvinov are having great seasons and provide a solid 1-2 to help in lowering our team score.  We have four freshmen that will be running.  On any given day any one of them could be scorers (top 7) for us.  How well our fifth through seventh men perform could very well decide our team finish.”

Furman’s best finishes were third at the Husky Invitational early in the season and fifth at the Paul Short Invitational in early October. Litvinov was second at the Husky Invitational and was 10^th at the Lafayette Invitational. Also look for Jarold Arnold (Philadelphia/Engineering and Science) and Dave Moyer (Boyertown/Boyertown) to be in the mix for the Huskies, while the four freshmen who will toe the starting line are Brent Balmer (Lebanon/Cedar Crest), Mike Hookman (Middlesex, NJ/Middlesex), Nick Patton (Canton/Canton) and Sam Wisniewski (Lititz/Warwick).

The women come into the weekend poised to capture a top five finish, and could finish as high as second,” said Empie. “Of course for a 2nd place finish to happen all of our runners need to be at their best and we need a some help from other teams to balance out what will be a very competitive battle for team spots 2-5.  All season long we have had three very strong front runners in Angela Borealo (Easton/Easton), Andrea Kellock (Lansdale/North Penn), and Katie Meck (Dillsburg/Northern). Much like the men’s race, our women’s finish could depend on how well our fifth runner performs.  In our five races this season, we have had four different runners occupy the fifth position.  We just need to close the gap between our front runners and our fifth runner and we will be all right.”

Borealo took first at the Lafayette Invitational a few weeks ago, while Kellock was fourth at that event and Meck sixth. Freshman Victoria Davis (Schuylkill Haven/Schuylkill Haven) has been a steady fourth place finisher for the Huskies this season. Others to look out for on the Bloomsburg team are Samantha Matthews (Windsor/Gilenelg County), Samantha Rhood (Downingtown/Downingtown West) and Katie McShay (Springfield/Cardinal O’Hara).

Tom McGuire

Bloomsburg University

Director of Sports Information, Athletic Marketing and Promotions