Get to Know Your Raiders: Matt Kujawski

At the PSAC Indoor Championships in February, junior sprinter Matt Kujawski won his first indoor title with a personal-best 21.97 in the finals of the 200 meters. He also finished second in the 60 meters by beating teammate Herman Kirkland by a one-thousandth of a second.

A native of Ephrata, Kujawski fell just one-hundredth of a second short of qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships, however, as his converted time of 21.61 in the 200 (achieved at Bucknell) was just shy of qualifying as the final entry.

In all during the indoor season, Kujawski, a computer science major, twice earned USTFCCCA All-Region performances – with a 6.86 in the 60 at Bucknell in addition to his conference title-winning time in the 200.

Ship track & field will continue its outdoor season this weekend while competing at both the Colonial Relays hosted by William & Mary (on Friday and Saturday) as well as the Millersville Metrics on Saturday.

Get to know Matt Kujawski…

What is your favorite pre-meet ritual?

There are multiple things I like to do as my favorite pre-meet rituals. Eating a nice complimentary breakfast at one of the hotels we are staying at, hanging out with my track buddies and watching a movie, and watching Justin Gatlin's promo video on YouTube.

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

The CUB, where I can get food, Reisner, where I can get food, or my house, where I can also get food.

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

American Literature with Rennie Mapp. She was always so enthusiastic to hear the student's input to the class, and one of the required books was Harry Potter, which I am a big fan of.

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

Track, exercising and strengthening the body is a big hobby of mine, so an alternative major may be exercise science.

What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Probably like all students, Friday or Saturday are my favorite days because we don't have classes. Also, those are the days that we have track meets, and they are very exciting.

Which are you favorite PSAC school to compete against, and why?

I'm not really sure. I've never really paid attention to the other PSAC schools, but rather how we as a team did overall.

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

That's easy, they would say that I absolutely love cookies. On more of a track basis, I think they would say that I am hardworking, determined and won't ever give up.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of all my national qualifying times in both the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash indoor. Hopefully I will be able to add going to nationals and competing to my list of accomplishments.

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

The most difficult part would be time management. As a student-athlete, you have to be able to dedicate time for academics and also for your sport. Both of which are very time consuming, and you can easily get too caught up in one and not so much the other.

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

That your track buddies are like your family, and they can help/support you in not only your sport, but also in your academics and personal life.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

“If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”

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?

As a child, I think that they should focus on going out there and just having fun with it.

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

A legacy that shows how hard work goes a long way. Even maybe at first an athlete doesn't show much potential, he/she is constantly working hard, going that extra mile and putting in the time to help better themselves until finally they achieve greatness.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Tyler Shover

In just two seasons so far at Shippensburg, senior Tyler Shover has solidified the backstop position for the Raider baseball team.

An All-PSAC East First Team pick at catcher last season, Shover, a Camp Hill native, has gotten off to a hot start in 2013. As the team’s three-hole hitter, he is batting .367 with 29 hits, 21 RBIs and 18 runs scored.

Perhaps most impressively, however, is that the human communication studies major has reached base in every game played this season – a streak of 24 consecutive contests.

Defensively, Shover has caught 13 base runners stealing this season, having thrown out runners at an impressive 46.4 percent clip.

Shover and his teammates will get back on the diamond tomorrow afternoon with a 3 p.m. home contest against PSAC West opponent IUP from Fairchild Field.

Get to know Tyler Shover…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Visualizing the game as if it already happened and seeing myself, as well as the team, being successful and getting the win.

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

I enjoy the athletic facilities – Heiges Field House and Fairchild Field.

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

Art appreciation was one, as well as some of my communication classes.

If you weren't majoring in human communication studies, what would your major be?

Something to do with biology and studying animals.

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

Friday, because it’s the beginning of the weekend and that leads to conferences games, which I look forward to.

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

West Chester would be the main one because they are good competition and it allows us to play up to our high potential.

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

They would say that I’m a great teammate and am fun to be around but that I also work hard at the same time.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being named among the top 30 prospects [by the baseball scouting website Perfect Game] in my summer league, the Costal Plain League.

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

The most difficult thing about being a student-athlete is the time management.

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

The most important thing I’ve learned being a student-athlete is how to manage time management and learning how to switch gears from athletics to education.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

The piece of advice that stays with me would be to go hard and give it my all no matter what I’m doing.

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

Focus on having good practice ethics and not taking anything – including advice – for granted. The better you practice, the better you play, along with being open-minded to new ideas.

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

I want people to remember my name years later and recognize personal and team accomplishments I have made. Also if I get the chance to play professional baseball I want to represent the school that I came from.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Hilary Lyons

Junior outfielder Hilary Lyons broke through last season for the Raider softball team en route to an All-PSAC East campaign that saw her hit .330 (second on the team) while leading the squad with 38 hits and 25 runs scored.

The Cumberland, Md., native has excelled in the classroom as well, and at last year’s PSAC Tournament, she was named the PSAC Champion Scholar as the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the tournament. An accounting major, Lyons was also named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District Team last season.

Lyons and her teammates will make their home debut this Saturday against defending PSAC Eastern champion Kutztown in SU’s conference-opening doubleheader from Robb Field.

Get to know Hilary Lyons…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Saying the prayer for our team before we take the field.

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

I enjoy the fact that everyone on campus is super friendly and the professors are interested in your life outside of the classroom. On campus, you can almost always find me at Starbucks -- especially during finals.

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

Honestly, I’m not sure I could choose. I have had so many wonderful professors who have helped me so far in my college career that picking just one is nearly impossible. My accounting courses have definitely been my favorites, though.

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

It would be early childhood education. I have always loved working with kids and would love to be a positive role model for young children.

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

I love college football, so Saturdays in the fall are definitely my favorite.

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

Kutztown, because its softball program is extremely reputable. I always love these games because they are usually close and everyone really puts their heart and effort into winning.

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 am friendly, helpful and hardworking. I hope that some of my teammates see me as a leader, since I try my best to lead by example on the field and in the classroom. I try to be as encouraging and enthusiastic as possible. I hope that my teammates recognize my positive attitude and dedication to the sport.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being selected to the 2011-2012 Capital One Academic All-District softball team because it is awarded for a combination of sports performance and academic success.

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

The most difficult part is time management. As a student-athlete, it is easy to get behind since we travel so much. Finding the balance between class work, practices and spending time with friends is often challenging.

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

The most important thing I have learned is how wonderful it is to always have a support system around you no matter what challenges you are facing. With supportive professors, family and friends you can truly surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

I have had a lot of good advice given to me throughout my life, but I will always remember my grandfather telling me to treat every day as a WIN situation -- focusing on What’s Important Now and letting everything else go. The piece of advice I have carried with me the longest came from my dad. When I was young and first starting to play, he told me that, “If you’re always trying to be like someone else, you will never be your best.” This stuck with me and taught me to focus on myself, my ability and working hard, rather than worrying about everyone else.

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?

Skill-wise, I would tell them to focus on developing good fundamentals and learning the game inside and out. The most important thing for young athletes to keep in mind is that they should have fun and enjoy every minute they have on the field because it goes by way too quickly.

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

I hope I allow future athletes to see that you can take the time out of your busy schedule to play a sport while keeping up in the classroom. However, one of the most important things I hope to pass on to others is how much hard work pays off. I hope my positive attitude and work ethic have been an example to others during my time at Ship.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Sarah Chrencik

A starter in every game over the past three seasons, senior women’s lacrosse captain Sarah Chrencik has filled the stat sheet as one of the team’s top defenders.

A Finksburg, Md., native, Chrencik has consistently been among the team leaders with 52 career groundball pickups, 24 draw controls and 29 caused turnovers to go along with four goals and an assist.

A marketing major, Chrencik has also excelled in the classroom as she was named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor Roll last season.

Chrencik and her teammates will get back on the field Wednesday with a 4 p.m. home matchup against No. 11 Lock Haven in each team’s PSAC opener.

Get to know Sarah Chrencik…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

I usually don't do anything specific before games. I like to listen to music and talk to or make jokes with my teammates. It helps distract me and keeps me from over-thinking and getting nervous.

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

My favorite part of Ship is definitely living on Richard Avenue with all of my teammates. There are four lacrosse houses on Richard so we're always hanging out together…there's never a dull moment.

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

Computer Design and Page Composition. The class was really interesting and there was a relaxed atmosphere.

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

Graphic Design or Public Relations/Communications. My minor is Technical Professional Communications so I have gotten to take a few of these classes and have really enjoyed them.

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

Definitely Friday. The day always seems to fly by and during season it is usually before a game so our pre-game practice is pretty easy.

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

I always look forward to playing Millersville and Bloomsburg. There has always been a rivalry between our teams, ever since my freshman year.

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

I hope they would say that I like to joke around and have fun, but when I need to I can be serious and work hard on and off the field.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I would say being named as a captain this year. It means a lot to me that my teammates think of me as a leader and a person they could come to with any issues.

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

Missing classes is always a challenge during season. Some professors are really accommodating to our schedule and others aren't as much, so keeping on top of my work is really important.

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

Definitely time management – I think almost every student-athlete could agree. We all put so much time and effort in during the fall, winter and spring seasons that being able to balance school and sports can get pretty challenging sometimes.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My parents have always reiterated that you should, “do what you like and like what you do.” Whether in school or lacrosse, it's about having the right attitude and enjoying life.

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?

I would tell them to focus on developing a love for the sport. Some days I feel like all I do is carry my lacrosse stick around with me. While hectic at some points, I wouldn't regret playing lacrosse one bit.

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

While my time here was a short four years, I hope my teammates will always view me as a great friend. Looking back there are games that stick out in my mind, but I'll never forget the crazy moments I've had with my teammates. These girls have become my family.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Kiersten Darhower

Senior outfielder Kiersten Darhower is off to a scorching start in her final season for the Shippensburg University softball team.

Through eight games this season, the Dauphin native leads the team with a .444 batting average and 12 hits. She’s stolen three bases and scored six runs while posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage from her starting spot in right field.

Darhower, a psychology major, is the most veteran member of the team, having played in 85 career games while totaling 38 hits, 34 runs and eight stolen bases.

Get to know Kiersten Darhower…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Listening to music that will get me pumped up for the game and will help me get mentally focused.

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

I really enjoy the town in general. I come from a small town, so it gives me a feeling like I am at home and can be close to many people at the school.

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

   
I have taken many classes that I enjoyed at Ship, but my overall favorite would have to be Abnormal Psychology. It was a very tough class, but I learned so much about the different disorders that people have and everything that is involved in the care and interaction with those people.

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

I think I would be most interested in majoring in communication or meteorology.

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

My favorite day of the week would have to be Friday. I only have two classes on Friday this semester and we have most of our games this season either on Fridays or Saturdays, so it gives me something to look forward to during the week.

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

In the past few years, I have really enjoyed competing against Kutztown and Millersville. They always seem to give us good competition and I am always excited to play those games.

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

I think that my teammates would say that I am optimistic, hardworking and am a good teammate. They would also probably say that I am very quiet and reserved but am willing to help and be there for anyone who needs it.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of a no-hitter that I threw when I was in high school. That was one of the most memorable and exciting games I can remember.

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

Time management and keeping everything (schoolwork, practice time, game time, etc.) organized.

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

I have learned that I need to always keep in contact with my professors and to make sure that I keep up with, or even get ahead of, my schoolwork. I also think that being a student-athlete has helped me learn how to use any and every resource that is made available to me when it comes to school as well as softball.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

As far as the game of softball goes, my dad gave me a piece of advice that he had heard about, "It's not how you handle the three times you are successful, it's how you handle the seven times you fail." This quote has helped me tremendously when it comes to getting up to bat during games and relaxing when I don't do as well as I may like.

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 that they need to focus on getting the basics down when it comes to any position. Once they get that down, they can then move on to the more difficult aspects of softball. Also, I would say that their batting is very crucial to get down at a young age and to work very hard on being able to hit.

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

I hope to leave behind hard work and dedication on and off of the field. Playing a sport during school is not just about playing the game, it's about getting an education as well as doing something that you love to do.

Get to Know Your Raiders: Cassie Sidone

Senior captain Cassie Sidone of the Shippensburg tennis team has won eight career singles matches and is the squad’s most seasoned veteran.

An Ebensburg native, Sidone was one of two players that represented SU at the PSAC Individual Championships during this season’s fall semester, competing in both singles and doubles, and as a junior last season, she was the only Raider to appear in both singles and doubles in every match.

Sidone won two singles matches in PSAC play last season – a straight-set win over Cheyney and a tiebreaker win against East Stroudsburg – in addition to a doubles victory against the Wolves.

A chemistry major, Sidone led the squad with four victories as a sophomore (in addition to a doubles victory) and also won twice at singles and four times at doubles as a freshman.

On Saturday, Sidone and her teammates will face off against Georgian Court at 1 p.m. from the Robb Sports Complex tennis courts in the Raiders’ spring season home opener. The match will be SU’s final non-conference tune-up before PSAC play begins in late March.

Get to know Cassie Sidone…

What is your favorite pre-match ritual?

I think about a positive and motivating word or phrase and sometimes I'll write it on the grip of my racket so that I'm constantly reminded throughout my match.

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

I grew up next to farms and in a small town just like Shippensburg, so it feels more like home here. I prefer towns like Shippensburg to a huge city like Pittsburgh because they are more open and peaceful.

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

Being a chemistry major, I am biased with this question. All of my chemistry classes have been a good experience, even physical chemistry. They all taught me things about myself I never knew before and the challenge has allowed me to grow. Even though each class focuses on a different area of chemistry, I enjoyed learning about each discipline.

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

I have always been interested in space since I was a kid, so I would have chosen astronomy as my major and career choice.

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

Thursday because although I work, I do not have any classes and it allows my busy week to be broken up and it gives me a little break.

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

IUP is definitely my favorite school to compete against. I have been friends with some of the girls since I was a freshman and they are the funniest and nicest competition out there. Even though the match is still competitive they make it fun, which is so rare and something a lot of athletes forget how to do.

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

I would hope they would say that they think I'm a good captain, that I work hard and am helpful when they need me.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I would say that I am most proud of a match I won that took place last year that lasted about three hours. It went into three sets because I came back in the second set when I was down four games. Tennis is a mind game so it can be difficult to stop thinking about the score and focus on each individual point.

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

In my career, the most difficult thing has been missing classes, especially labs, and finding time to make them up. As a student-athlete, your time is limited already so it's difficult to make up a lot of class work.

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

One of the most important things I've learned is time management. I'm sure any athlete will tell you the same thing. Any student-athlete must have structure and organization to succeed in the classroom and on the court. Learning this now will ultimately help student-athletes in their future endeavors.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My dad always told me to play each point as if it was the last point in the match. This helps me refocus in a match if I'm frustrated with the score, and has helped a lot in the past.

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?

I think beginning tennis players need to focus on patience. Developing the skills to play tennis take a lot of time and can be really frustrating. As long as they stick with it and have fun, their skills will develop on their own.

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

I want future athletes to recognize that it is possible to play a sport you're passionate about at the collegiate level while studying a rigorous discipline, such as chemistry. It's not easy, but it's definitely possible if you work hard.