Get to Know Your Raiders: Chris Kochinsky

Senior Chris Kochinsky is back on the wrestling mat for the Raiders for the 2012-13 season.

A Middletown native, Kochinsky returns after redshirting last season and hopes to pick up right where he left off in 2011 – a season in which he earned All-American honors at the NCAA Championships. Kochinsky placed fourth at 125 pounds and became SU’s first lightweight All-American in five years.

A mid-level elementary education major, Kochinsky went 22-10 in his first season at Shippensburg in 2010-11 and is 3-1 so far this season, including a decision against Division-I Rider and a major decision last night against Millersville in the Raiders’ home opener from Heiges Field House.

Get to know Chris Kochinsky…

What is your favorite pre-match ritual?

Hanging out with my teammates and talking about what we’re going to eat after the match.

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I enjoy the campus, it’s not too large and everything is close enough that you can walk to it quickly.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

RDG 413 – “Teaching Reading to English Language Learners” with Dr. Cheryl Slattery.

If you weren't majoring in mid-level elementary education, what would your major be?

Criminal justice.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Friday, it’s the end of the week and it’s about one of the only times I have to relax.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Gannon, they have some wild fans that they bring with them and it’s always a good environment to compete in and against.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

That I joke around a lot and that I’m laid back.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Becoming an NCAA All-American (fourth place in 2011) for Shippensburg.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time management, trying to balance practice, class, studying and any extra workouts you may need to get in along with traveling and missing classes.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Stay focused and believe in yourself.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in wrestling, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Focus on keeping it fun, because once it’s no longer fun, it’s not worth doing anymore.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I want kids to want to be like me both on and off the mat. And I want to hopefully bring Ship wrestling its second national title this year.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Morgan Taylor

A valuable point guard off the bench, Morgan Taylor brings ball-handling and quickness to the backcourt of the women's basketball team.

Taylor has battled through injury throughout her career but last season, the psychology major finally played a full season of basketball for the PSAC playoff-bound Raiders, playing in every game and totaling 38 points, 23 rebounds, 21 assists and 10 steals on the year.

A native of Breinigsville, Taylor and her four senior teammates look to lead SU back to the playoffs in their final season of eligibility.

And what better way to kick off their last season on the hardwood than a trip to Hawaii over the Thanksgiving holiday? Shippensburg (2-1) leaves Monday to compete in the Oahu Classic from Oahu, HI. SU will celebrate Thanksgiving with a 5 p.m. matchup against BYU-Hawaii on Thursday before facing Hawaii-Hilo the next day at 9 p.m.

Get to know Morgan Taylor...

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Listening to music...my favorite artist are Wiz Khalifa and Frank Ocean.

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I think the CUB is pretty cool, there are a lot of hidden places in there that are great for studying.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

African American Politics. It's taught every two years by Dr. Ronnie Tucker.

If you weren't majoring in psychology, what would your major be?

Nursing.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Wednesday, because it's right in the middle of the week and I always get a lot done on Wednesdays.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

I like competing against schools in the Western Division, because we don't seem them as much as Eastern schools. They have a different style than the Eastern schools and it's fun to mix it up.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

The first joke they would make would probably be telling me to "speak up," because I lose my voice every day in practice. I think a large majority of would them would say that I'm helpful, positive and silly.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Working since I was eight years old to play in college, and finally getting here on my own.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Sacrifice...athletes give a lot up to do what we do.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Discipline, work ethic and that things are most likely not going to go your way so you have to be in control of your own destiny.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Everything happens for a reason, even if that reason isn't clear initially.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in basketball, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Fundamentals, of course, for basketball. But in general, young children need to just try everything and follow what they want to do, not what is expected by others.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" -- Maya Angelou. That about sums it up.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Eddie LaNoue

Eddie LaNoue isn’t the first member of his family to create waves in the pool for Shippensburg.

Eddie’s dad, Ed Sr., won three NCAA titles in the 1980s and held both school and national records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle en route to an SU Hall of Fame career.

A marketing major, Eddie has followed in his dad’s path as he’s also primarily a freestyle swimmer for the Raiders. Eddie has posted multiple times in the 50 free that rank among the Top-10 times in the event in school history, but his goal is to eventually take that top spot away from his dad.

Eddie, a Boiling Springs native, will have another crack at it this weekend as he and his teammates travel down to Fairfax, Va., to compete in the prestigious Patriot Invitational hosted by George Mason University from Thurs.-Sat.

Get to know Eddie LaNoue…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

I like to get a good night’s rest before a competition. After that I prefer to spend most of my day not using a lot of energy, being lazy, sitting around my house watching TV or playing “Call of Duty” and hanging out with my friends and teammates.

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I live off campus on Prince St. with four other roommates that I have known for a long time as well as an awesome girlfriend, and we all always seem to find something fun to do around the town together. 

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

My favorite class so far would have to be organizational behavior. We learn a lot of interesting things about how groups of people interact within businesses. We also do a lot of group work and in-class activities to demonstrate certain organizational phenomena that I can use in everyday life – like how to best resolve conflict, how good and bad leadership affects people’s actions and much more.

If you weren't majoring in marketing, what would your major be?

I would like to be a biology major – it was my first interest but it was too much work for me to balance with swimming. But I would enjoy being in the biology field; I like taking science classes.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Saturday, because I don't have to go to bed early to wake up for morning practice on Sunday.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

I enjoy competing against Clarion the most. Some of their swimmers I swam against in high school and we are good friends from that. Also, I always seem to have a lot of close, fun races against Clarion whenever we swim them.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

I would hope they say that I'm funny or generous. I usually try to get a smile out of people whenever I can.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of a relay I anchored against Edinboro last year. It was an even meet the whole way and it came down to the final relay. The Edinboro swimmer and I were even when we dove in for the last leg and I ended up out-touching him to win the meet. It was an extremely emotional win on the road for us and we all went home happy. Coach [Tim Verge] even teared up after the meet was over about how the team rallied behind each other and dug deep for the win. It is races like these that I love to swim – it’s the best feeling in the world to do something for your team like that.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Balancing classwork and practice. Also fighting off sleep in classes right after 6 a.m. practice.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

The most important thing I have taken away from swimming is to strive to not ever give up on goals I wish to accomplish and that if I put 100 percent effort toward something I will always do well.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Never give up. The going will always get tough, that's how life is, and you just have to know to never just give up.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in swimming, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Focus on having fun and enjoy the sport as much as you can. There is no use competing in swimming if you’re not having fun while you do it. It also makes practice much more enjoyable.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

My biggest wish/goal is to break one of my dad’s records. He swam at Ship and has the records in the same events that I swim in. He won three NCAA titles [two in the 50-yard freestyle and another in the 100-yard freestyle] and held the national record in the 50-yard freestyle for some time, and he’s in the Athletic Hall of Fame here. My biggest wish is to one day break at least one of those records during my career here at Ship and be up on the same record board as my dad

 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Emma Shank

 

Emma Shank has blossomed this season into a reliable third scorer for the women’s cross country team.

The Hummelstown native earned her first career All-PSAC and All-Region honors as a junior in 2012 when she finished ninth and 12^th, respectively, at the PSAC Championships and the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships.

An exercise science major, Shank – who was also the Raiders’ No. 1 runner (ninth place) at the Gettysburg Invitational in October – helped the Raiders win all three titles and will strive to do the same with her teammates this weekend at the NCAA National Championships from Joplin, Mo.

Get to know Emma Shank...

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

The day before a big meet, I try my best to not let the pressures of my race get to my head. At the hotel, we always paint our nails and get massages to relax. Before going to bed, I like to visualize the race in my head so that I am mentally prepared to step on that line. As for the day of the race, we warm up as a team and never fail to shout-out our team cheer: “S-H… S-H-I… S-H-I-P… SHIP let’s fly!”

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

There are a lot of places on campus that I love, but my favorite place in Shippensburg is my apartment on Earl St. I live with some of my teammates and best friends. It’s always nice to know that I have them to come home to after stressful days of school. They are the ones that keep me going and keep me motivated to reach for goals I’ve never thought I could accomplish – they are my support system through anything.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

Anatomy has been the best class that I’ve taken so far. Although it’s challenging, I absolutely love learning about anatomy. It has been pretty neat to apply what I am learning from class to my running as well.

If you weren't majoring in exercise science, what would your major be?

I think I would choose psychology.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Friday, of course. Classes are done for the week, so what is there not to love? Also, we usually have a light day of mileage because of racing the following day, or we might have a night workout.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Although we don’t compete single races against individual PSAC schools during the season, there are a few schools I always look forward to racing against. At the NCAA meet in Spokane, Wash., we were fortunate to race with fellow PSAC schools Bloomsburg and Lock Haven. It was really nice to have familiar faces on and off the cross country course in Spokane and to be able to share the experience with them.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

That I try my best to be a good leader on the team, and I work hard in everything I do. I also do everything for the glory of God, whether it’s school or running.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being part of NCAA regional and PSAC conference championship teams is an awesome experience. Above all, I will never forget competing in NCAA Division II Nationals in Spokane. After the success we had last year, I can’t wait to see how the rest of 2012 season unfolds for our team.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Balancing academics, running and a social life is the most challenging part of being a student-athlete. Practice may not seem very long, but after lifting, stretching and icing, time does fly. It is important to prioritize and not let practices or meets put you behind in schoolwork.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management. Balancing a social life, academics, and athletics is not an easy task. I’ve been trying to balance the three for nine years now and I’m still working on perfecting my time management skills.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My high school coach would always say, “It is ok to be nervous, but never be scared.” This simple piece of advice has gotten me through countless races over the years. I remind myself of this before stepping onto the starting line. It is important to be confident in your abilities and have no doubts. Mind over matter.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in running, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Have fun with the sport. A lot of runners tend to get caught up in the competitiveness of it all, either competing for place or for money. But I think it’s most important to remember why you run – for the love of the sport.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

When I graduate next year, I hope to leave the legacy that all Shippensburg cross country graduates have left thus far. I hope to show that by living the lifestyle, following coach Steve Spence’s plan and working together as a team, anything is possible. 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Emily Kohlbus

Emily Kohlbus saved her best for last.

The senior forward on the No. 2-ranked SU field hockey team has broken out for career highs with six goals and 15 points in her final season in a Raider uniform in 2012.

A York native, Kohlbus has started all but two games in which she’s played this season and is one of the leaders of a seven-player senior class looking to cement its legacy with a national championship this weekend.

Kohlbus, a mid-level elementary education major for grades 4-8 with a concentration in language arts, and the Raiders face off against No. 1 West Chester in the first national semifinal on Friday at 1 p.m.

Get to know Emily Kohlbus…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

The one thing I have to do before every game is have my teammate, [junior] Brynn Seidenstricker, braid my hair. No one else can braid it except for her. I'm really superstitious when it comes to certain pre-game rituals. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I spent a lot of time in Starbucks – it’s my savior.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

I really liked the Special Education class I had with Dr. David Bateman last semester. He was such an engaging and knowledgeable professor. I gained so much from his class. His class is part of the reason why I want to pursue a degree in Special Education as well as Middle Level education.

If you weren't majoring in mid-level and elementary education for grades 4-8, what would your major be?

I would probably major in Speech Therapy (which isn't offered at Ship) or something to do with computers. I consider myself a pretty tech-savvy person and I enjoy learning about technology.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Sunday, since it’s usually our only day off from field hockey. It's nice to physically be able to relax, but then again, I dedicate my Sundays to getting work done.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Obviously Bloomsburg is our big rival and I do like playing against them. It's always an intense and physical game with them. The atmosphere just feels different when we play each other.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

I hope that my teammates would say that I am a very hard-working person on and off the field. I also think my teammates would say I am dedicated to field hockey and my team. I'm not the most vocal leader on the team so I really try to lead through my actions and I hope that my teammates see that.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

My sophomore through senior year of high school I was my team's leading scorer and I was also voted as the Most Dedicated Player twice. I was very honored to receive that award because my teammates recognized how much time and effort I put into the sport I love.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time management and missing class. It's always hard trying to plan weeks ahead. It can also become very stressful, especially traveling for the postseason. After a long day of classes, practice becomes my outlet and I try not to let the stress influence how I play. A lot of my classmates ask me how I do it – play field hockey as well as be an education major since education is such a time-consuming major.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Be aware of your actions and words. As a representative of this university, people are constantly watching your every move and that's something a lot of student-athletes forget. I have also learned to never take anything for granted and that you should work hard day in and day out. If you want it, you have to earn it; nothing is given to you. 

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

I don't have a specific piece of advice I carry with me, but I try to always remind myself that there are people who don't have the opportunities that I do and how lucky I am to be playing the sport I love. This past summer I worked at a summer camp for kids with disabilities and it really changed my life. There was a boy who had leg braces because his coordination was declining and he had trouble walking for an extended period of time. He loved to run and play any sport that involved throwing a ball. This year, I think about him before every game and try to play my hardest for those who can't.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in field hockey, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Twice a week in the summer I coach girls of all ages and skill levels. Field hockey is a very frustrating sport to play, especially when you are just starting. I try to let the girls know that everything looks hard now, but with time and practice, the skills will come to you. I also try to make the summer sessions fun by playing certain games before we start drills. I would encourage the girls who are just starting out to have fun and keep working hard because anything is possible.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I really want to leave a national championship as part of my senior class's legacy. I would also like to leave behind my work ethic and my positive attitude to set an example for athletes to come. 

 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Jeff Tomasetti

 

A reliable special teams contributor and backup quarterback, senior Jeff Tomasetti doesn’t get as much playing time as your typical captain.

But Tomasetti – a history major who’s seeking a social studies certification and a minor in coaching – was voted one of four team captains during the preseason for the inspiring leadership and raw emotion that he brings to the Red Raider football team.

The Claymont, Del., native earned his first career start at quarterback on Saturday in the Raiders’ 61-9 win over Cheyney, going 3-for-5 passing for 22 yards and carrying the ball four times for 11 yards in four drives at quarterback.

Get to know Jeff Tomasetti…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

My favorite pre-game ritual is coming out as a team and touching the rock before we take the field. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I enjoy the group of people on the Shippensburg campus and in the community. They are extremely accepting and supporting and I appreciate that.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

The best class I have taken is United States Environmental History with Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward. He brought a great energy to the classroom that was both enjoyable and challenging.

If you weren't majoring in history with a social studies certification, what would your major be?

Exercise Science.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

I love Fridays, the atmosphere the day before the game is really exciting.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

I always enjoy competing against West Chester. The games are always competitive and very physical. It forces you to play at the top of your game.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

They would probably say I always have a lot of energy and enjoy being around my teammates.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my teammates electing me as one of their captains. It is an extremely humbling honor.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

I would have to say the 6:45 a.m. meetings everyday.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management. It is so crucial to manage your academic and athletic responsibilities effectively.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My parents always stressed, "No matter what you are doing, make sure you are giving your best effort." I think that applies to every phase of my daily routine.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in football, what would you tell them they should focus on?

I would tell them to apply themselves mentally to the game. Football is a very physical sport, but without the mental toughness, it is difficult to thrive.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I hope to leave behind a legacy that shows the athletes of Shippensburg are a determined and disciplined group of people that thrive on the field as well as in the classroom.