WKXY/WROX Sports

EIKNER AND SPENCER RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS CHARLES S. KERG AWARD

2010-04-29T09:15:00.000-04:00

Each year, Delta State University takes time to honor its 350 student-athletes and Tuesday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum the Department of Athletics recognized over 125 Statesmen and Lady Statesmen for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. Seniors Brittany Eikner and Eric Spencer took home the top prize - the prestigious Charles S. Kerg Senior Student-Athlete of the Year.

"It's always an honor to get to recognize the hard work our student-athletes put into their careers here at Delta State and our Athletic Awards Banquet gives us a chance to showcase their talents and accomplishments every year," Jeremy McClain, DSU director of athletics stated. "This year's Kerg Award winners have impeccable credentials on the field and in their studies. Our coaches and staff hit a home run with Brittany Eikner and Eric Spencer."

Brittany Eikner, a 5-foot-6 Grenada native, has lettered all four years for the Lady Statesmen Softball team and the last two years for coach Doug Pinkerton and Lady Statesmen Cross Country. The three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection has been a force for DSU on the diamond, starting all four years at short, while ranking in the top 10 in four major offensive categories.

For Lady Statesmen Cross Country, Eikner ran in every race the past two seasons, including a career best 22nd place finish at the DSU Invitational with a time of 25:11.35 helping the Lady Statesmen to the event title. Her career best time came at the Gulf South Conference Championships with a 23:15.14.

Her efforts in the classroom are even more impressive, as Eikner carries a 4.0 GPA in mathematics education with a minor in French. She has made the President's List every semester at DSU, while being named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Academic All-American. She is also a three-time CoSIDA Academic All-Region selection, four-time All-GSC Academic Team pick and four-time All-GSC Academic Honor Roll recipient.

Eikner is also a member Kappa Delta Sorority, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society, Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society, Member of Mathematical Association of American, and a three-time recipient of the Most Valuable Student-Athlete Award for Lady Statesmen Softball.

Eric Spencer, a 6-foot-4 Marion, Ark. native, has made the most of his three years at Delta State University. A three-year letterman for coach Jason Conner and the Statesmen basketball team, Spencer closed his career this season with 928 career points, while leading the Statesmen to a combined 54-29 record.

Spencer came to Delta State from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. In his career as a Statesmen, he played in 81 games with 25 starts, scoring 928 career points in just three seasons for an 11.5 points per game average. He ranks eighth in career three-pointers made and ninth in career threes attempted in school history. He was named to the All-Gulf South Conference Second Team as a junior.

Spencer's exploits in the classroom are also quite notable. He is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-South Region selection and a two-time All-Gulf South Conference Academic Team pick - one of only four in men’s basketball history.

The three-time Academic All-GSC Honor Roll recipient carries a 3.92 GPA in biology/chemistry. He is a member of five honor societies at DSU for his academic work and he was recently accepted into physical therapy school at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Over 400 applied and only 30 were accepted into the 2011 class.

Established by former head coach and Athletic Director Horace McCool, the Charles S. Kerg Award was named after the former Sports Editor at the Delta Democrat Times. At a time when very few media outlets paid attention to Delta State athletics, Charles Kerg followed Delta State religiously, always making sure that Statesmen and Lady Statesmen student-athletes and their programs received the coverage they deserved.

When the award was established, Coach McCool’s intent was to see that the award went to the all-around student-athlete - who not only excelled on the field, but in the classroom and in the community.

One of the most influential supporters in the history of the DSU athletic program, Charles Kerg’s dedication serves to this day as not only an inspiration, but a model for how dedicated we can be to both our program and the community as a whole.

MERCY ME: NO. 20 STATESMEN THRASH NO. 1 MULERIDERS 21-8 FOR SECOND MERCY RULE WIN OF WEEKEND

2010-04-26T10:25:00.002-04:00

For the second time in three games, the Delta State University baseball team throttled the No.1 Southern Arkansas Muleriders with the Gulf South Conference 10-run mercy rule. The Statesmen will return to action on Saturday May 1 and will take on the No.2 seed from the GSC East Division, which will either be West Florida or Valdosta State. Stay tuned to GoStatesmen.com for updates.

LADY STATESMEN DOMINATE ALL-GSC TENNIS TEAM; BENZAKI AND MONGIN TAKE TOP HONORS

2010-04-23T12:27:00.002-04:00

Delta State University senior Cecile Benzaki and her teammates dominated the list of tennis players selected to the Gulf South Conference's All-GSC West Division Team on Wednesday. Benzaki was named GSC West Division Player of the Year, becoming just the third two-time winner ever from the West Division and second for the Lady Statesmen. In all, four Lady Statesmen were named to All-GSC West Division First Team, including 2010 GSC West Freshman of the Year Laura Mongin.

It was another banner year for Benzaki, who was named the 2008 GSC West Player of the Year, as the Marseille, France native led the Lady Statesmen back to the semifinals of the GSC Championships and finished the season with an 11-6 overall record in both singles and doubles.

Lisa Jamais, a sophomore from Reunion Island, France, is a repeat All-GSC First Team selection after making the 2009 squad. Jamais posted an 11-4 overall singles record, while turning in a 9-6 doubles mark.

For Laura Mongin, a freshman from Jaunay, France, 2010 turned out to be a special season. Mongin received GSC West Freshman of the Year honors and was also selected to the All-GSC First Team. She blistered the competition this year to the tune of 14-4 in singles and combined for an 11-4 doubles record.

Not to be outdone was Lucia Laws, a junior from Fernando De Lamora, Paraguay. Laws went 11-5 in singles action this season, while going 10-4 in doubles.

The Lady Statesmen will compete at the NCAA South Regional Tournament on May 5-6 in Miami, Fla.

DELTA STATE BASEBALL TO HONOR COACH DAVE “BOO” FERRISS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH STATESMEN BASEBALL SATURDAY

2010-04-23T12:26:00.002-04:00

The Delta State University baseball program will honor former head coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss prior to the start of Saturday’s 3 p.m. doubleheader against Southern Arkansas.

The Statesmen baseball team and athletics department designated 2010 as a year of celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of Coach Ferriss’ inaugural season. Ferriss, a native of Shaw, Miss., compiled a 639-387-8 record at the helm of the Delta State baseball team between 1960 and 1988.

A member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame and the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, Ferriss led the Statesmen to the Division II College World Series in 1977, 1978 and 1982, and also guided the team to four Gulf South Conference championships.

Ferriss compiled a major league record of 65-30 in five years with the Red Sox, and recorded a shutout victory over St. Louis in Game Three of the 1946 World Series. He won 46 games during his first two seasons, and later went on to serve as a coach in the Boston organization before taking over the reins of the Delta State program.

He is widely regarded as the architect of the baseball program and the Ferriss legacy is still alive today in the form of Ferriss Field and the Boo Ferriss museum. Coach Ferriss is still active in the Delta State baseball circle, rarely missing a chance to follow “his” Statesmen.

"We wanted to take a moment this season to recognize the impact and direction coach Ferriss has given to our program, University and community over the past 50 years," Jeremy McClain, director of athletics, stated. "I encourage everyone to come out to pregame festivities on Saturday and help us thank coach Ferriss for the last 50 years!"

The pregame event, which is scheduled for 2:45 p.m., will take place at home plate prior to the start of Saturday's doubleheader with Southern Arkansas University.

No. 20 DSU to host No. 1 SAU this weekend at Ferriss Field

2010-04-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

The No. 20 ranked Statesmen (32-13-1, 11-6 GSCW) of Delta State University will look to make regional noise this weekend, as nationally No.1 ranked Southern Arkansas University comes calling at Ferriss Field. The three game Gulf South Conference series will begin Saturday at 3 p.m. (DH) and conclude Sunday at 2 p.m.

STATESMEN GOLFER CHASE SMITH NAMED TO ALL-GSC SQUAD

2010-04-22T16:05:00.000-04:00

For the second time in his career, Chase Smith has been named to the All-Gulf South Conference Men’s Golf Team, as released by the league office on Wednesday.

The Vicksburg native helped guide the Statesmen to a sixth place finish at the Gulf South Conference Championship this week with a fifth place individual finish.

Smith also took home individual honors with a first place finish at the North Alabama Spring Classic March 29-30 on the Fighting Joe Course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Florence, Ala.

The junior was also named to the squad in 2008 and narrowly missed inclusion last season.

Smith has two other top 10 finishes to his credit this season, with a tie for 10th at the Doyle Wallace Classic, and a tie for seventh place at the Territory Classic.

The All-GSC Team is nominated and selected by a vote of league's head coaches. No ties are broken.

WONDER BOYS COMPLETE SWEEP OF STATESMEN 4-2

2010-04-19T10:35:00.001-04:00

The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys overtook second place in the Gulf South Conference West Division by upsetting the No. 15 Delta State Statesmen in a doubleheader sweep Saturday at Ferriss Field. The two teams conclude the series Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

WONDER BOYS COMPLETE SWEEP OF STATESMEN 4-2

2010-04-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys plated two runs in the top of the ninth which proved to be the difference in the contest as they completed a three-game sweep of No. 15 Delta State with a 4-2 win Sunday at Ferriss Field. The Statesmen return to action Tuesday when they travel to Jackson to face NAIA opponent Belhaven. The team returns to conference play this weekend when they host No. 1 Southern Arkansas for a three-game series at Ferriss Field.

BRANSTETTER TOSSES SIX SHUTOUT INNINGS TO LEAD NO. 15 STATESMEN PAST FALCONS 11-1

2010-04-15T09:46:00.002-04:00

Freshman right-hander Josh Branstetter (3-2) tossed six shutout innings to power the No. 15 ranked Statesmen (31-10-1) of Delta State University to an 11-0 victory over the Falcons (12-32) of the University of Montevallo at Kermit Johnson Field. The win completes the season sweep for the Statesmen, as DSU took all four games. The Statesmen will host Arkansas Tech University for a three game Gulf South Conference series this weekend at Ferriss Field. Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m., while Sunday’s single game is set for 2 p.m. The series will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the “SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.” Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call.

LADY STATESMEN BASKETBALL INKS HERNANDO’S AUBREE RAY

2010-04-15T09:45:00.002-04:00

Delta State University head women’s basketball coach Sandra Rushing announced the signing of Hernando High School star Aubree Ray on Wednesday. Ray’s signing is the first for the Lady Statesmen this period. Aubree is the daughter of Charles and Rebecca Ray. Her sister, Amber, is a student at Delta State and was selected “Miss DSU” this year.

MOORE PITCHES STATESMEN PAST FALCONS 9-3

2010-04-14T10:46:00.002-04:00

Redshirt freshman right-hander Jordan Moore pitched a career-high 7.0 innings; allowing one run and Matt Discon drove in a career-high four RBIs to lead the No. 15 ranked Statesmen (30-10-1) of Delta State University to a 9-3 victory over the Falcons (12-31) of the University of Montevallo at Kermit Johnson Field. With the win, the Statesmen extended the lead in the season series 3-0. The Statesmen conclude the two game series in Montevallo, Ala., on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Kermit Johnson Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the “SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.” Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call.

STATESMEN BATS BASH BOLL WEEVILS 17-2 AND 19-1

2010-04-13T12:03:00.002-04:00

The No. 19 ranked Statesmen (28-10-1, 10-3 GSC) of Delta State University combined to score 36 runs Saturday to sweep a doubleheader with the Boll Weevils (19-20, 3-10 GSC) of the University of Arkansas-Monticello 17-2 and 19-1 at Weevils Field. The series finale is set for noon on Sunday at Weevils Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 11:45 a.m.

HOGGARD’S TWO-RBI SINGLE LIFTS STATESMEN PAST CRUSADERS 4-3

2010-03-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

Cade Hoggard's two-RBI single to left in the bottom of the ninth powered the No. 21 Statesmen (18-9-1) past the Crusaders (15-15) of William Carey University Wednesday at Ferriss Field. The Statesmen return to action this Saturday and Sunday at Harding University for a three game Gulf South Conference series. Saturday's doubleheader is slated for noon, while Sunday's single game will begin at 1 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network. Matt Jones and Jim Ervin will have the call.

Delta Devils take Statesmen

2010-03-24T11:33:00.002-04:00

The Delta Devils (6-15) of Mississippi Valley State scored nine runs on 12 hits en route to a 9-4 victory over the No. 21 Statesmen (17-9-1) of Delta State University at Magnolia Field on Tuesday. The Statesmen return to action on Wednesday, as Delta State hosts William Carey University. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3:45 p.m. Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call

STATESMEN SWEEP BUCS 19-3 AND 19-0

2010-03-22T10:41:00.002-04:00

The Statesmen (17-8-1, 3-2 GSC) of Delta State University claimed a sweep of a crucial Gulf South Conference doubleheader 19-3 and 19-0 over the Buccaneers (4-22, 0-5 GSC) of Christian Brothers University Saturday at Buc Field. DSU scored a combined 38 runs on 30 hits in the sweep. The Statesmen and Buccaneers close out the series Sunday with a single game. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Buc Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m.

Statesmen Baseball Postponed

2010-02-12T15:54:00.001-05:00

Delta State baseball have postponed their weekend series with Lambuth due to snow in the region. No make up date has been set.

High School Playoff Scores

2010-02-12T09:18:00.001-05:00

Girls

Humphreys co. 85

Cleveland 44

Shaw79

Drew 58

East Side 52

Independence (OT) 55

Boys

Rosedale 60

Broad Street 49

Shaw 64

Ray Brooks 58

East Side 52

Charleston 42

Bell In Record Books, Lady Statesmen Win

2010-02-12T09:11:00.001-05:00

Moe Bell etched her name in the Delta State record books Thursday night when she knocked down her 188^th career three-pointer. Bell finished with 11 to help the Lady Statesmen get a conference win over Arkansas-Monticello, 78-48.

Bell was one of four players to finish in double figures as the Lady Statesmen extended their home winning streak to 46 games.

Delta State returns to action Saturday when they travel to Memphis to face Christian Brothers.

Statesmen Stomp Boll Weevils, Win Four Straight

2010-02-12T09:10:00.001-05:00

The Delta State men’s basketball team picked up another victory in conference play, 82-69 over Arkansas-Monticello. It was their 12^th win in their last 13 games, including four in a row.

Marqueys Brown scored a team best 18 points and was one of five players to finish in double-figures.

Delta State returns to action Saturday when the Statesmen travel to Memphis to face the Christian Brothers Buccaneers.

Gordon Named GSC Player of the Week

2010-02-11T14:16:00.003-05:00

Delta State senior third baseman Josh Gordon was named the GSC West Division Player of the Week; the first of his career.

The Vicksburg native, batted .467 with two home runs and five RBIs last week. Delta State finished 2-1-1 against Lynn University and Nova Southeastern.

Delta State will be back in action this weekend against Lambuth starting Saturday at noon.

DSU Softball Wins Season Opener

2010-02-11T14:16:00.001-05:00

The Delta State softball team opened the 2010 season with a series victory over LSU-Alexandria Wednesday.

The Lady Statesmen used a 4-0 lead in the first to rally for a 12-3 win in game one. The Lady Generals were on tap to split the series in game two, scoring five unanswered runs after three innings.

Delta State answered with eight runs and held on for a 12-7 victory.

Delta State No. 12 in Latest Poll

2010-02-10T10:08:00.001-05:00

The Delta State women’s basketball team held on to the no. 12 spot in this week’s ESPN/ USA Today Top 25 poll.

The Lady Statesmen defeated Ouachita Baptist, 73-37 in their only game last week.

The top four teams remain unchanged, GSC rival Arkansas Tech climbed to no. 5. Franklin Pierce (N.H.) holds onto the top spot, followed by Indianapolis, Gannon (Pa.) and Michigan Tech.

Statesmen Sweep Nova, Earn First Wins on Season

2010-02-08T12:32:00.001-05:00

The Delta State baseball earned their first two wins on the season after sweeping Nova Southeastern last weekend.

Junior transfer Coty Saranthus came out of the bullpen to give the Statesmen the 4-3 win in game one pitching the final 2 and a third innings, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts.

The Statesmen exploded in game two early with an 8-3 lead after three innings, paving the way for an 11-4 win. Billy Ray Todd finished with three hits and two RBI’s.

Delta State will hit the road for a three-game series with Lambuth University starting Saturday at noon.

Statesmen Continue Hot GSC Play

2010-02-05T12:47:00.001-05:00

The Delta State men’s basketball team continued their impressive conference play, improving to 9-1 after an 84-77 win over Ouachita Baptist.

Marqueys Brown’s career-best 20 points led the Statesmen to their third straight GSC win. Chad Akins moved closer to the school record in career assists. He needs 33 to pass Scott Nagy.

The Statesmen return to action next week when they host Arkansas-Monticello.

Lady Statesmen Dominate OBU, 45 Straight Home Wins

2010-02-05T12:46:00.003-05:00

The Delta State Lady Statesmen led from start to finish in Thursday’s 73-37 win over Ouachita Baptist.

Moe Bell scored a game-high 20 points, including 15 from three-point range. She needs one more to set the career record, held by Tanya Redmond.

The win was the 45th consecutive victory for the Lady Statesmen at Sillers Coliseum. Delta State returns to action next week when they host Arkansas-Monticello Thursday.