Get to Know Your Raiders: Chris Nelson

Junior Chris Nelson of the men’s track & field team likes to throw things.

One of the top throwers in the PSAC, the Berwyn native boasts three career top-4 places at conference championship meets.

Nelson has finished fourth in the weight throw in back-to-back years at the PSAC Indoor Championships. His throw at this year’s meet was a PR by more than a foot (57 feet, 2 inches) and earned him USTFCCCA All-Region accolades.

An exercise science major, Nelson placed second in the hammer throw at last year’s PSAC Outdoor Championships with a school-record toss of 176 feet, 9 inches.

So far this outdoor season, Nelson has achieved top-4 finishes in the hammer at the Golden Ram Invitational, the Fred Hardy Invitational and Millersville Metrics.

This weekend, Nelson and his teammates will host their lone home meet of the season in the ninth annual Paul Kaiser Classic from Seth Grove Stadium. Nelson will look to get the Raiders off to a quick start as the men’s hammer competition will kick off the meet at 8:30 a.m.

Get to know Chris Nelson…

What is your favorite pre-meet ritual?

I enjoy visualizing my throws. When I visualize I find a quiet place where I can lay down. I close my eyes and go through all my throws. This is very calming and relaxing for me, and then I feel no pressure when I go to actually throw, because in my mind I’ve already won.

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

I most enjoy Ship Rec in the early morning. Seeing the sun rise and light up the football field and track is very beautiful.

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

Human anatomy. It was a hard course with a lot of work but I enjoyed it. It was pretty cool learning how all the organs work and how they develop.

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

My major would be biology or something to do with plants and animals. If exercise science doesn’t work out I would like to be a park ranger.

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

Friday is my favorite day because I’m usually either heading to a track meet or preparing for one the next day.

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

I enjoy competing against Kutztown. We have become friends with their throwing team and are very competitive with each other. I enjoy cheering them on and hearing them cheer me on as well.

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

They would probably say I really enjoy throwing objects and it would be funny to see me run a 5K. 

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of obtaining the school record in the hammer throw last year.

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

The most difficult part is having enough time to sleep. My day starts early and ends late so I would really enjoy more time to sleep.

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

Discipline. As an athlete, I must be disciplined and keep to my routine. If I fall behind it is hard to make it up because of my lack of time, but I enjoy the challenge.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Always try my best and I can be proud of what I do regardless of the outcome.

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

Take it slow, master the form and don’t get frustrated. Take it slow – don’t try to be stronger than everyone else, just worry about yourself and move at your open pace. If you can master the form you will be a successful thrower. Don’t get frustrated – throwing will not always go well, weather in the weight room or in the circle, there will be bad days. Just keep an open mind and push through your struggles and you will come out on top. Remember, it’s always too early to quit.

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

I hope to leave behind a legacy as being a hard-worker.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Emily Estep

For the last three seasons, junior pitcher Emily Estep of the Raider softball team has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the entire PSAC.

The Chambersburg native was named the 2011 PSAC East Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year and in three seasons, boasts a 1.84 earned-run average with totals of 34 wins, 35 complete games and 409 strikeouts.

This season, the communication/journalism major leads the PSAC in opponent batting average, holding opposing batters to just a .169 clip. She has totaled a 1.66 ERA, which is third in the conference.

Estep has thrown two no-hitters this season – a five-inning effort against Edinboro on March 16 and a seven-inning performance against West Chester on April 5. The no-no against the Golden Rams was SU’s first seven-inning no-hitter in seven seasons.

Get to know Emily Estep…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

I first have to check to see if I have my camo hair bow and my orange bracelet for my friend Kacy. I'm not really superstitious, but it means a lot that they are represented. From there, my favorite part would have to be our ritual we do as a team. We have infield, outfield then go behind the dugout to pray, do our cheer and read the lineup. There is also a certain way we get called onto the field and write in the dirt around the mound before the national anthem. Last, the pitcher is the first to step into the circle and then everyone else and the game begins.

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

My favorite part of Shippensburg would have to be my apartment off campus. I love my roommates, and my teammates are always close by. We all have such a close relationship and have fun just hanging out to talk softball outside of softball…never enough softball. Also, it houses my favorite place in the universe: my bed.

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

Any class that I have taken with Dr. Kim Garris. I'm taking my third communications class with her this semester. She really pushes you to learn and it's a headache at times, but it’s extremely beneficial in the end.

If you weren't majoring in communication/journalism, what would your major be?

Before I chose Shippensburg I attended an open house here. I was really interested in becoming a history teacher, but was told by one of the professors speaking that there were no open jobs in the state of Pennsylvania. That shot down that dream, but I have and always will love history.

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

Friday – it was always my easy class day and it's the beginning of the weekend. Who wouldn't love that?

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

Kutztown, West Chester and Millersville. I looked at all these schools and playing them reminds me that I made the best decision by choosing Ship. Also, it's always a rivalry with these schools. I think we have tough competition with every school in the PSAC East and it makes us a better team by playing them.

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

I would hope good things! They would probably say that I'm all about softball 24/7. They'd say I like to add my two cents on most things and like to goof around no matter how serious the situation. They would probably also add how sarcastic I am, which I really don't see.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

When I pitched the winning game against [then-No. 23] Minnesota State Mankato my freshman year. At the time I really didn't understand the fuss about beating them, which is actually how most of my freshman year went. I had no idea how important certain situations were in helping our team to the top. I was just enjoying the ride.

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

Trying to explain to my friends outside of softball why I cannot go snowboarding, ice skating, kite boarding or anything else that I get invited to. I'm accident-prone and coach [Bob Brookens] would probably not be happy.

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

How to be a grown-up. Being a student-athlete you learn to make decisions for yourself. I'm blessed to have my parents to ask for advice, but I'm on my own here. You learn about wrong and right decisions about money, friends, relationships, classes, etc.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My mother has always told me, "Dream big and always believe." My dad doesn't have a saying, but has always pushed me to work hard for my accomplishments. They're my rocks.

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

Play every game to your full potential. Never play at half speed. It is a privilege to play the sport and it should never be taken for granted. You never know when your last game will be and always have fun. That is why the sport was invented.

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

I want them to see that the NCAA divisions DO NOT MATTER. It is a privilege to play here at Shippensburg. You get an amazing education and get to play at a level that challenges you and makes memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life. I made the right decision and wouldn't change it for the world.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Rachel Shumway

Playing for her hometown SU softball team, junior second baseman Rachel Shumway has been a source of power from the middle of the Raider lineup over the past two seasons.

The English major broke through as the team’s starting second baseman as a sophomore last year while leading the team with a .416 on-base percentage to go along with 30 hits, 13 RBIs and a .398 slugging percentage.

This season, Shumway is slugging .382 with a .469 OBP, and for her career, she’s started 60 games while totaling 42 hits and 25 RBIs.

The 25-6 Raiders – ranked second in this week’s inaugural NCAA Atlantic Region rankings – return to the diamond tomorrow afternoon with a 2:30 p.m. home doubleheader against West Chester from Robb Field.

Get to know Rachel Shumway…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

I enjoy getting mentally and spiritually prepared by praying to the Lord before we take the field as a team.

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

Well, being a local from Shippensburg, I really like going to wing night on Wednesdays with my family.

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

Art Appreciation. It was a lot of fun and I looked forward to learning more about the subject.

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

Exercise science because I really love sports.

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

My favorite day of the week is Friday because it is the beginning of the weekend and I get to relax. It is the one day where I do not have to worry about anything.

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

Kutztown and Bloomsburg because those two teams are tough competition, and I love a good challenge.

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

They would tell you that I am an upbeat person who is willing to help anyone, and they would also say that I am a very funny individual.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

One athletic accomplishment that comes to mind is from my sophomore year. We were playing in the annual tournament in Salem, Va., and I hit two home runs in two days.

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

Time management, because you have to figure out what your priorities are and make sure academics come first.

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

How to relate to and understand many types of personalities. This has made my character stronger and has taught me how to adapt in every situation.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Look in the mirror. What do you see? I see another chance, another 24 hours to get it right, another chance to win the day. So there you have it...24 chances with every new day. What a gift.

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

I would tell them to focus on the love of the game because if you aren't playing to have fun, then it won’t mean much to you.

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

I would advise each individual to stay true to themselves and treat others the way they want to be treated.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Romarr Mayne

Romarr Mayne has been part of two school record-setting relay performances on the Shippensburg men’s track & field team. At the PSAC Outdoor Championships in 2011, Mayne was on the 4x100-meter squad that broke a school record with a 40.90 title-winning time.

And this past indoor season at the Armory Collegiate Invitational in February, the Reading native contributed to the 4x200-meter team that finished first with a SU-best time of 1:29.24.

Mayne, a political science major, clocked an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 6.85 in the 60 meters at the Bison Opener in December that garnered him the PSAC Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week award and eventually earned him a USTFCCCA All-Region honor.

Get to know Romarr Mayne…

What is your favorite pre-meet ritual?

I like to go and look at the lineup and seedings the night before a meet and predict how well I will do. Also, pasta dinners at my place with my teammates and writing our goals for the upcoming meet.

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

I really love University Grille and the wings.

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

The best class I have taken would be my theatre class.

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

Though I love my major and the department faculty, I would pick elementary education if I had to do it all over again.

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

My favorite day of the week would be Monday, because I get to sleep in and watch “Criminal Minds” all day until practice.

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

I would say Kutztown. I have a few friends on the team that I ran with in high school, so it’s fun to reunite with them.

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

That Romarr is very supportive of his teammates, brings life to everyone as well as a smile. And that he’s outgoing and awesome.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Anchoring the 4x100 to break a 20-year-old school record with a 40.90 to win the 2011 PSAC Outdoor title with my best pals Herman Kirkland, Jon Eisman and Kevin Marshall.

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

I think the most difficult thing would be managing academics with the traveling schedule. It’s easy to get so caught up in the fun and excitement of meet weekends that you set off schoolwork until Sunday nights.

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

The importance of what it means to be on a team and to be a part of an athletic family.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

God has not brought me this far to leave me. So no matter how hard it gets, keep the faith.

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?

I would say running is a great outlet in life and just focus on doing it as much as you can. And build on technique – that makes for a greater runner.

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

I would like to be known as the sprinter that overcame adversities to become one of the best the program has seen by filling the record books.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Sarah Burkarth

Junior Sarah Burkarkth has been one of the most unheralded players for the SU lacrosse team over the last few seasons.

The defender from Mechanicsburg has started all 12 games and has totaled 12 groundball pickups so far this season. She has started 33 career games in three seasons with 26 total groundballs.

A communication/journalism major, Burkarth and her teammates host Bloomsburg on Saturday in a pivotal PSAC showdown from Robb Sports Complex. Before the game, SU will honor its five seniors during its Senior Day ceremonies.

Get to know Sarah Burkarth…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Our “dog pile” in the middle of the field during warm-ups. It’s our way of getting pumped up and motivated to win the game.

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

I love the fact that a lot of SU athletes live on the same street, Richard Ave. We have all become very close over the past years, even though we are not on the same teams.

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

Photography. I’ve always had a passion for it, and it just so happens that I could take photo as an elective for my major. It is the only class that I don’t mind having homework in.

If you weren't majoring in communication/journalism, what would your major be?

Elementary education. I actually came into Shippensburg as an education major, then switched to comm/journ. I’ve always wanted to work with children, but I thought journalism would be a better fit for me.

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

Saturday, because it is the only day I don’t have to worry about schoolwork.

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

Millersville. This is always an exciting game for us because our previous head coach [Mia Hall] transferred to Millersville to coach there. IUP is also another favorite because it has always been such close games.

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

I think they would say that I’m a good teammate to have because I will always be there for my team if they need me, whether it’s on the field or in their own personal lives.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of earning the Leadership Award my senior year of lacrosse in high school. I am proud because it is a characteristic I can have for my entire life, even outside of sports.

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

I think scheduling classes around practice and games is the most difficult part. Playing a sport takes up a good chunk of time every day, and it can interfere with a class you may need to graduate on time.

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

Being a student-athlete in college made me realize that I’m not just playing a sport. I am learning the concepts of responsibility and teamwork, on a level that you may not learn without being a student-athlete.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Our team motto last year, “Make It Count.” Make every sprint and every drill count toward your goal of becoming a better player. Make everything you do count toward improving yourself as a person.

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

Never forget the basics. It may seem silly spending so much time on catching and throwing, but it will improve your stick skills and make you a better player in the long run.

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

I hope that the amazing closeness of the girls on the lacrosse team will always continue. We have an incredible bond, both on and off the field. I hope future Shippensburg athletes, not just lacrosse players, will be able to experience friendships like the ones I have made with my teammates.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Daniela Delgado

Junior Daniela Delgado of the SU tennis team has amassed seven singles victories and five doubles wins during her career as a Raider.

Originally from Lima, Peru, by way of York, Delgado tied for the team lead as a freshman with four wins in singles and this season has contributed to a career-best three wins in doubles.

Delgado, a biology major, will get back on the court tomorrow afternoon when the Raiders host Georgian Court at 4 p.m. from the Robb Sports Complex tennis courts.

Get to know Daniela Delgado…

What is your favorite pre-match ritual?

Every time I'm about to start a match, I breath deeply and think of my grandpa. He is in Peru now but I know he's always thinking of the first time he saw me on the court.

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

Well because of my major, I feel like the Franklin Science Center has been my home since I started going here.

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

Human anatomy with Dr. David Long.

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

Elementary education – I love children.

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

I'd have to say Friday because I look forward to seeing my "little buddy" from the elementary school.

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

California (Pa.) is always a challenge but that means that I'm actually being put to the test.

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

That’s a good question…I'm sure they know I'm one of the people they can talk to about anything. But if the answer has to relate to tennis it would be, "Move your feet!"

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

When I was a freshman and was put in for the Clarion and California (Pa.) matches and won both of them.

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

All the time we put into the sport and having to be organized when it comes to our schedules.

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

To work on everything in a timely manner and be patient with others when we have practice at 6 a.m., five days a week – especially in the winter.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My dad would always say to me, "You are like a tennis ball, the harder people push you down, the higher you will bounce back up. Don't ever give up."

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

Play smart and visualize the court like a puzzle, finding where to place the ball.

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

I can't really think of anything to leave as an individual, but as for the future teams I'd tell them to act like a family and to be there for each other.