Baseball player meets concussion problem head-on

By Steve Roth

Injuries are part of the game for a lot of athletes at Elon and Junior outfielder Niko Fraser has seen his fair share.

“A little over three weeks ago we were playing at Furman and I was playing center field,” Fraser said. “I think it was the fifth inning and there was a line drive hit over my head and I started running back. The warning track from what I recall was pretty small and I was closing in on the ball and I went to dive for it and I dove head first into the fence.”

The trainer then rushed out onto the field to administer concussion tests to Fraser. Despite his head crashing into the fence, he did not black out on the play so he wasn’t sure how severe the injury was.

“They [Furman] hit a pop fly to me,” he said, “and while the ball was in the air, I started yelling to Jake Luce, ‘I have no idea where I’m throwing it!’”

Fraser was immediately taken out of the game once he began showing signs of a concussion. He soon got dizzy and began feeling sick. But it wasn’t until he was taken out of the game and was seated on the bench that he was convinced that he had a concussion.

“While I was sitting there kind of fuzzy, not quite sure if I had one [concussion] or not,” Fraser said, “there was a bat that was propped up right next to me, and a bag hit it and it kind of did a domino-effect. The barrel of the bat hit me in the temple and that kind of sealed the deal.”

Fraser admits he isn’t one to shy away from making the big play.

“Most of the time, I don’t really heed caution or walls or anything in the outfield,” he said. “I kind of just see ball, and run.”

Though Fraser puts everything he has on the line for his team, he still feels the concussion symptoms weeks later from his dive.

“I wake up in the morning and forget that I have a headache,” he said. “Then I’ll walk to the bathroom or go to take a shower, and then all of the sudden it will start banging a little bit. I know whenever I’m in the sun for an extended period of time, my head just starts throbbing.”

The outfielder believes that even though he is not healthy enough to play, it’s still important to be with the team in the dugout when they have a game. However, even watching baseball has produced problems.

“You try to follow the baseball and you start to get dizzy a little bit, and if it’s hot out, you’ll start to get light-headed,” Fraser said. “The noise of a bat will start ringing in your ears. I feel like there’s a little drummer in my head sometimes.”

He said he’ll often need to stand next to the more quiet players during games to prevent headaches and other symptoms from returning. However, Fraser says that sitting out isn’t all bad.

“You can talk to the freshmen and try to teach them things going on in the game,” he said. “Reading a pitcher’s move or knowing the count or knowing just how the game works.”

Nonetheless, Fraser admits that sitting out with an injury is “absolutely miserable”. And he is certainly no stranger to sitting out with concussions. Including his high school career, Fraser has had a total of five concussions. He said that because of how many he’s had, there’s really no way to predict what the symptoms will be or how intense they will become.

Perhaps the toughest part of this specific injury would be its effect on other areas of college life.

“I pride myself on my studies,” Fraser said, “so it’s really chopped out baseball and school. So it’s been an all-encompassing injury.”

In the end, Fraser will continue to sit out until he is healthy enough to return, and the time being, he can only cheer on his teammates as they approach the Southern Conference Tournament on May 23.

Elon’s equestrian team rides training to success

By Eric Halperin

This past weekend, five girls on Elon’s Equestrian Team showcased thier skills in Greensboro at the Sedgefield Showgrounds. The team has many experienced riders, including Allie Morris.

“I was the captain of our team in high school for all four years,” Morris said. “So coming to Elon, it was the first thing I joined and I’ve been faithful to it ever since.”

Horseback riding has been an important part of Morris’s life and many of the other girls women on the team for more than 10 years. She showed her passion for the sport on Saturday by cheering for her fellow teammates while they put their skills to the test. The team was judged on everything from riding posture to jumping.

Sophomore Yvette Bean loves when she gets to jump with her horse.

“It’s just such a thrill and the higher it, is the more like airtime you get,” Bean said. “It’s almost like when you’re on a roller coaster, your stomach kind of drops and you just have that like that moment of lift. It’s so, so fun.”

Elon’s Equestrian Team may have spent all day in Greensboro at Sedgefield but most of their hours go into hard work back at the stables. The women do many different things when working to train their horses.

“I mean, every day it changes,” Morris said. “Horseback riding is challenging in itself. But I think every day brings a new challenge that you kind of have to find and work through.”

Anne Morgan is the trainer for Elon’s team and loves working with them.

“It’s a unique opportunity to have a team atmosphere with riding as a very individual sport,” Morgan said. “So it’s wonderful to have a team that all works together.”

The competition may have been fierce and fun, but for Morris there’s more to riding than winning: building a relationship with the horse is her favorite part.

“I guess my favorite part about horseback riding is the connection you get with the horse,” she said. “Unlike riding a bike or driving a car, you’re working with something that has a personality and it is its own being. So you kind of have to learn how to best cooperate with the horse so you can work as a team.”

Campus organization hosts softball game for Paws and Stripes

By Laura Levitt and Monica Yantosh

Three tours in Iraq left Jim Stanek with a traumatic brain injury and chronic severe post traumatic stress disorder, and his transition back to the states wasn’t easy.

“I didn’t want to socialize, didn’t want to go to public,” Stanek said. “I was having a hard time communicating with family members.”

Stanek was put on medication and went to therapy, but he struggled to live a normal life.

“I had an empty tool bag and I needed tools to help me get through civilian life,” he said.

Stanek tried different “tools” to manage his PTSD, but struggled to find one that worked. Then his wife found a stray dog on the side of the highway and gave her a home. At first she was a just a pet, but Stanek realized that the dog was helping him.

“Life with Sarge is not hell,” he said. “It’s like hell light. I’ve still got my issues with crowds, [but] Sarge helps me navigate those.”

Stanek and his wife started Paws and Stripes, an organization that pairs dogs with service men who have PTSD.

“Paws and Stripes has trainers contracted through our program, who have service dogs themselves, for their disabilities, and [we have] found a way that we can train rescue dogs,” Stanek said.

Stanek and Sarge came to campus this weekend to play in a charity softball game organized by Elon’s Team Hero, an organization that works to support military men and women. The softball game’s goal was to raise money for Paws and Stripes.

Stanek is thankful for Team Hero’s help and thinks everyone can learn a lesson from the organization’s work.

“Everyone needs something to do [and] Team Hero is an action,” Stanek said. “Don’t sit with the blinds closed. Open up the blinds and let the sun in.”

Team Hero raised more than $2,000 for Paws and Stripes.

Local race track revving engine for racing season

By Joe Bruno

Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart all began their careers in the United States Auto Club, a series that came to Alamance County last Friday and Saturday.

Bobby “The Beast” East won the main event, which wasn’t short on collisions. The Indiana native defeated Bryan Clauson who won three consecutive races before this race.

Coming up next at Ace Speedway:

April 4, Media Night

April 6, The Eggs-Stravaganza featuring the Chick-Fil-A mini stock cars

April 13, “Worlds Collide,” 100 laps of Late Model Stock Cars

Here are Friday night’s results from Ace Speedway:

For a full list, see Ace Speedway’s website.

USAC Mopar National Midgets (30 laps):

• First Place, Bobby East
• Second Place, Bobby Santos
• Third Place, Mario Clouser

USAC Focus Midgets (25 laps):

• First Place, Nic Davidson
• Second Place, Jared Irvan
• Third Place, Bradley Riethmeyer

X-treme Cars (25 laps):

• First Place, Ben Walker
• Second Place, Jake Edgley
• Third Place, Keith Brame

Flathead Fords (20 laps):

• First Place, Garland Ricketts
• Second Place, Randy Apple
• Third Place, Clayton Smith

Inspiration for the New Guys from an Old Face in Major League Baseball

By Steve Roth

Fans of all ages make their way out to Elon’s Latham Park each spring to watch the baseball team. Perhaps their oldest fan is 81-year-old Jack McKeon.

McKeon has been involved in Major League Baseball since the 1970s. He has managed five different teams over a 16-year period. In 2003, he even won a World Series with the Florida Marlins.

Though McKeon still helps out the Marlins organization to this day, he spends his free time at Elon baseball games and practices where he’s often hard to find.

“He’ll sit down in a lawn chair in the trees down the right field line and you’d never know he was there,” said Elon head baseball coach Mike Kennedy. “Unless you smelled the cigar. That’s about the only way you’d know he was there.”

McKeon is known most for his trademark cigar and he never goes anywhere without one.

“I’ve known him for 20 years and he’s always got one and it’s lit and he’s puffing on it,” said Kennedy. “If you see him without one, let me know because I’ve never seen him without one.”

McKeon says he’s been smoking cigars since the ’40s, but sometimes it’s caused some friction. When the Phoenix got the new turf put in at Latham Park heading into last season, McKeon came to visit with his always-present cigar.

“At some point, you have to shake the end of the cigar off and Jack shook it off right on the new turf,” Kennedy said. “I turned to him and said ‘Jack, what are you doing? This is new turf.’ He didn’t seem to mind much though.”

Aside from the cigar, McKeon’s humorous side is visible any time he talks to anyone –  whether it was during his managing career and his players would harass another player who had a fear of snakes and “critters,” or the time when a groundskeeper told him not to spit his chewing tobacco out on the field but he continued to do it anyway or each and every time he gets asked about trading away his son-in-law (which must have made for an interesting Thanksgiving dinner).

Nonetheless, McKeon remains level-headed and makes his way to Elon on occasion to share his knowledge with the players.

“He talks a lot about baseball,” Kennedy said. “But he also talks about being a good person and how what you do off the field is just as important as what you do on the field.”

McKeon visits each fall to deliver a motivational speech. During practices, he is open to helping all the players with anything from their swing, to their approach in stealing bases or anything else he gets asked by the players.

With the presence of someone like Jack McKeon, one would assume there’s pressure to perform well during games, not only for the players but also the coaches.

“For me, I got to make sure ‘Okay, I got to get this bunt down here,’ or else Jack will say to me ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’” Kennedy said.

However, for the man himself, he said he sees it a little differently.

“I don’t look at it like that,” McKeon said. “I’m just a normal baseball fan watching the game out here except maybe I might have more of an insight in the game than the average guy.”

‘Trader Jack’ as he is known also spends his time talking to senior citizens about staying active and not using age as an excuse to “sit around and do nothing.” He suggests that seniors do something to keep them moving when they retire from their career.

“Join a Y[MCA], go exercise, go out and help little kids,” he said. “Don’t sit around on your rocking chair and rock yourself to death.”

McKeon’s book “I’m Just Getting Started”

McKeon has written two books, “Jack of All Trades” and “I’m Just Getting Started,” both of which are filled with countless stories from the “fan-favorite” manager. He says he plans to write another book soon that includes his thoughts on the importance of the Lord in following one’s dreams.

For now, McKeon remains a special advisor to the owner of the now Miami Marlins, and is currently helping out down there. However, he plans to be at more Elon baseball games this year, since he won’t be managing the Marlins for the upcoming season. Though he said he plans to be at Elon for their season-opening game, it’s his future plans that could catch some people off-guard.

Recently, McKeon became the second-oldest manager in major league history when he coached the Marlins last year at age 80.

When asked if there was any chance of a return to the majors in a managerial role, he said, “Well, if I come back in 2018 and manage for two or three games, I’d become the oldest manager passing Connie Mack. So if I’m still around then, I think I’d like to do that.”

Wrestler continues to compete despite missing arms

By Brandon Marshall

Some athletes are born to defy the odds. This couldn’t be more true for 14-year-old wrestler Ryan Leonard, who was born without arms.

“I couldn’t live without it,” said Leonard, a freshman at Eastern Randolph High School. “It’s my favorite sport. I like the individual part about it. You can’t blame anybody for it and they can’t blame you.”

Becuase Leonard is missing both his arms, each time he steps onto the mat he reminds himself that he’s at a disadvantage from his opponents, but that he’ll have to work harder.

“I’m looking for him to give it his best,” Leonard said. “I know he’s not gonna let up on me, so I got to do what I got to do.”

For some, wrestling without arms may pose a challenge, but for Leonard, it doesn’t stop him from competing, and to his teammates, Leonard is just another wrestler on the team.

Valentine Navarro is Leonard’s closest teammate and he said Leonard is not easily discouraged.

“He doesn’t get put down, like I thought he would be,” Navarro said. “He does everything by himself.”

Navarro and Leonard’s friendship extends off the mat, too. Navarro helps Leonard tie and untie his shoes, gets him Gatorade and help him with his wrestling uniform.

“I love Ryan.” Navarro said.

And Leonard appreciates everything Navarro helps him with.

“That’s my dude.” Leonard said. “He helps me with everything, getting my shoes on, helps me with everything.”

Leonard said he hopes to continue winning during the wrestling playoffs which start later this month.

Meet Elon’s New Women’s Basketball Coach

By Jimmy Stevenson

The 1994 Women’s NCAA National Basketball title game ended victoriously for the UNC Tar Heels thanks to junior forward Charlotte Smith’s buzzer beater. Now, almost 18 years later, Smith is the head Women’s Basketball coach for the Elon Phoenix.

Only months into her first season as the head coach, Smith is already meshing well with her new group of girls.

“I absolutely love those young ladies,” said Coach Charlotte Smith.  “You know they inspire me everyday to get up and want to be a better coach and continue to work hard to help them to be the best they can be.”

Smith became the most decorated women’s college ball player in North Carolina history after playing for the Tar Heels from 1992 to 1995.

After traveling the world for a few years playing professional hoops, Smith landed herself in the WNBA where she played eight seasons.

During those eight seasons she also coached at UNC for a total of ten years.  As an assistant coach at Chapel Hill, Coach Smith’s team made it to the Final Four in 2006 and 2007.

Although she has coached for a decade at a very successful ACC school, Smith has never been a head coach, until now.  And the new position comes with new goals.

“We talk about being Southern Conference Champions,” Smith said .  “That’s our ultimate goal.  And I’m very, very proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.”

Up to this point the Phoenix have 10-9 record, and under Coach Smith their home record is 7-2.  Part of this success comes from Coach Smith’s ability to connect with her players.

“A lot of the things that they’ve experienced I’ve already experienced,” Smith said.  “And so my thing is just being transparent, sharing you know my disappointments, my hopes, my fears, my dreams, all of those things, that’s real to people.”

Such a relationship this early on will only help the lady Phoenix become what Coach Smith believes they can be champions.

“I actually moved out into a neighborhood, and when I went through the neighborhood and I saw a street sign, it said ‘Championship Drive,’” Smith said.  “I said this is where I have to live because when my team comes to my house I want them to always have to come down Championship Drive.

The remainder of the season will be in-conference play for the ladies with the SoCon tournament starting in early March.

Elon Men’s Soccer Team Takes on Georgia Southern

By Eric Halperin

The Elon’s Men’s Soccer team hosted the number 2 ranked Southern Conference team Georgia Southern Friday night.

The Phoenix started off hot, netting an incredible bicycle kick from Matt Wescoe 11 minutes into the game. The amazing shot was one of 10 for the Phoenix who were out shot 14-10 for the game.

The Eagles were able to tie the game in the 34th minute on a goal by Hunter Norton from Jose Vargas.

Early in the second half, the Phoenix got the momentum back when Austen King put a header into net.

The Phoenix were able to stay in control of the game and the lead for almost the whole half.

But almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The final five minutes got ugly starting with a goal by Luigi Clendening in the 84th minute.

The Eagles didn’t wait long to soar. Just three minutes later Ethan LaPan netted a 18 yard goal to put the Eagles on top.

The Eagles kept the pressure on and 1 minute later Clendening struck again this time scoring on his own to ice the victory.

The Phoenix lost to the Eagles by a final score of 4-2

With the loss, The Phoenix fall to 1 and 4, and are in 7th place in the Southern Conference. Tuesday night the Phoenix will take on The College of Charleston under the lights before returning to the Tar Heel State to take on Duke.

Dancing With the Little Pink Stars

By Mallory Lane

From the baseball field to the dance floor, Elon’s head baseball coach, Mike Kennedy, is trading in his cleats for dancing shoes.

“I’ve had a few friends that have had breast cancer, so I know the trials that go along with that,” Kennedy said.  “It’s nice to be able to do something in some form or fashion to try to help.”

Coach Kennedy is one of seven stars from the community who will cha-cha their way to the floor this Saturday in Little Pink Houses of Hope’s first annual “Dancing with the Little Pink Stars” fundraiser.

“I’m not really into dancing a whole lot. I like to watch people dance, but I’m not real good at it.  When they told me what it’s for, I couldn’t say no,” Kennedy said.

Littlepinkhousesofhope.org is the site to visit to learn about the cast and donate money to your favorite team.  So far, Coach Kennedy and his partner, Meagan have raised more than $1,000.

Coach Kennedy says his baseball background and coaching mentality has helped him make the tough transition from field to ballroom.

“I’m a perfectionist and I’m the same way with my team and my players and with pretty much everything I do,” said Kennedy. “I don’t like to be bad and I don’t feel real great about being good, but it’s fun.”

For this team, practice makes perfect and Coach Kennedy is ready to put on a good show.

The benefit will be held this Saturday at the Diamond Room in Gibsonville.

Moving In Again

by Mallory Lane

After weeks of waiting, the residents of Hook Hall are ready to move back in.

Students move back into Hook

Two weeks ago, Amy DeNenno and the other second and third floor residents of Hook were told they needed to pack their bags and move out.

“They told us at 5:30 Friday evening and Saturday at 10 a.m. we started packing and it took us until 3 p.m.. to get all our stuff together and into moving vans,” DeNenno said.

The problem? Mold.  DeNenno and her roommate were told their room had it the worst.

“It was really disgusting,” DeNenno said.  “As soon as they pointed it out, we were like, oh lovely.”

As soon as the students were moved out, Physical Plant started working to get the mold out and be sure it wouldn’t come back again.

Director of Physical Plant, Robert Buchholz, says the problem is gone for good.

Students receive help from Physical Plant

“We took care of the problem and just as long as we can keep the space dry and the humidity down to where it should be, then we’ll be fine,” Buchholz said.

In the meantime, the residents can unpack their bags and get on with their freshman year.