2008 Woodie Awards
Hollinger to host WCU alumni classic
By Megan Careless
Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
The West Chester University Alumni Association Classic to be held December 8-9 is in memory of Carol Eckman. Eckman, a former coach here at WCU, is considered by many to be the "Mother of the Women's National Basketball Championship," as she organized and held the first National Championship for Women in Hollinger Field house in 1969.
Eckman passed away in 1985 and is a legend here and throughout the nation in Women's basketball. The women's Basketball Coaches Association still gives out a national award in Eckman's name every year at the Women's Division I Final Four to acknowledge her contributions to Women's Basketball on a national level.
The award is given out as a scholarship in the name of Carol Eckman each year here at West Chester as well.
Catherine Andrews, the captain of this year's Lady Rams squad, understands her role as a leader, one that undoubtedly Eckman would be proud of.
"I am proud to be able to play with such a talented group who are so unselfish and enjoy team success," Andrews said. "This tournament will be a good gage of our toughness mentally and physically," Andrews said.
Andrews comments that even though this is the toughest time of the year to play with finals coming up, it still will not stop this team.
"There isn't any reason that we shouldn't come up with two victories. The tournament itself is a great testament to the hard work that Carol Eckman did for all women in sports. She was a pioneer of women's basketball and I know that our coaches and team are grateful for what she did for women's sports," Andrews said.
Katie Kline is a senior forward on the team and the current Carol Eckman award winner. She talks about her practices and what it means to be on the team.
"Players do not win those types of awards unless their team is winning. Being named player of the week is a reflection on the entire team. I have had a great experience playing here at West Chester. I look forward to going to practice everyday. I have made great friends with my teammates and coaches," said Kline.
The WCU Alumni Classic tournament takes place Saturday Dec. 8 when West Chester plays Lincoln at 4:30 p.m. and Millersville takes on Columbia Union at 6:30 p.m.
Then Sunday, Dec. 9 Millersville will play Lincoln at 2 p.m. and West Chester challenges Columbia Union at 4:00 p.m.
There will be no complementary tickets for visiting teams. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket window the day of the game. Following each team's Saturday game, pizza and soda will be available for the players in the locker room. Each team will also receive tournament t-shirts.
The awards ceremony in memory of Carol Eckman will take place immediately following the second game on Sunday Dec. 9, when a new member of the Lady Rams will replace Kline as the recipient of a scholorship in the name of a West Chester coaching legend.
Megan Careless is a fourth-year student majoring in professional studies. She can be reached at MC591446@wcupa.edu
Eckman passed away in 1985 and is a legend here and throughout the nation in Women's basketball. The women's Basketball Coaches Association still gives out a national award in Eckman's name every year at the Women's Division I Final Four to acknowledge her contributions to Women's Basketball on a national level.
The award is given out as a scholarship in the name of Carol Eckman each year here at West Chester as well.
Catherine Andrews, the captain of this year's Lady Rams squad, understands her role as a leader, one that undoubtedly Eckman would be proud of.
"I am proud to be able to play with such a talented group who are so unselfish and enjoy team success," Andrews said. "This tournament will be a good gage of our toughness mentally and physically," Andrews said.
Andrews comments that even though this is the toughest time of the year to play with finals coming up, it still will not stop this team.
"There isn't any reason that we shouldn't come up with two victories. The tournament itself is a great testament to the hard work that Carol Eckman did for all women in sports. She was a pioneer of women's basketball and I know that our coaches and team are grateful for what she did for women's sports," Andrews said.
Katie Kline is a senior forward on the team and the current Carol Eckman award winner. She talks about her practices and what it means to be on the team.
"Players do not win those types of awards unless their team is winning. Being named player of the week is a reflection on the entire team. I have had a great experience playing here at West Chester. I look forward to going to practice everyday. I have made great friends with my teammates and coaches," said Kline.
The WCU Alumni Classic tournament takes place Saturday Dec. 8 when West Chester plays Lincoln at 4:30 p.m. and Millersville takes on Columbia Union at 6:30 p.m.
Then Sunday, Dec. 9 Millersville will play Lincoln at 2 p.m. and West Chester challenges Columbia Union at 4:00 p.m.
There will be no complementary tickets for visiting teams. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket window the day of the game. Following each team's Saturday game, pizza and soda will be available for the players in the locker room. Each team will also receive tournament t-shirts.
The awards ceremony in memory of Carol Eckman will take place immediately following the second game on Sunday Dec. 9, when a new member of the Lady Rams will replace Kline as the recipient of a scholorship in the name of a West Chester coaching legend.
Megan Careless is a fourth-year student majoring in professional studies. She can be reached at MC591446@wcupa.edu
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