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12 WWW.GUILFORDIAN.COM SPORTS A MmninmMi it wlnnlig "The By Zadmry Morgan Sports editor Winning is an attitude, and that attitude must be infectious for a team in order for that team to be successful. That attitude has never been more present than it is now, in the hearts and the minds of the 2011- 12 Guilford College football squad. It began when newly hired Head Coach Chris Rusiewicz from Ursinus College took the reins. Since spring practices began, the Quakers made advancements in their play that have been noticeable. After a winless season in 2010, definite changes were needed to give the team an identity. This would foster confidence and most of all, wins. "I have seen major improvement in each of our scrimmages," said Rusiewicz. Our short game looks good and the kids are improving from week to week." Improvement was noticed in the Red-White scrimmage, held on Aug. 2 at the Armfield Athletic Center. Both teams, split equally in talent, played to a 10-10 first half, with the Red squad pulling out an 17-10 win on a late touchdown drive. "Other than two injuries, one maybe an ACL injury, I am pleased with the outcome," said Rusiewicz. Helping Rusiewicz guide the team are his newly appointed staff, Chris Barnette '07 as the offensive coordinator, James Brochu for the linebackers, Emmanuel Byers for the running backs, Marty Collinson for the cornerbacks, Thomas Reese for the wide receivers, Steve Terlesky for the safeties and Zach Zullinger for the defensive line and special teams. kids are improving from to week." Coach Rusiewicz The team has been picked to finish in seventh place (with six first-place votes) in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Of course, pre-season rankings provide a good guide for the way that a team will perform but, the proof is shown in how they perform when they actually hit the field for regular season play. Changing defensive schemes was the first step in that process, as Coach Rusiewicz installed a new 4-2-5 defense in order to highlight the depth the team has in the defen sive backfield. Senior Chris Jessup will again lead the defense, although this sea son he will be placed in a different position. A second-team All-ODAC selection last season, Jessup finished the season as the third leading tack ier in the ODAC with 83 tackles. "The defense is looking very promising. We are ready to take on some tough competition," said sophomore defensive-back Quan Parker. The Quakers will open I play Sept. 3 at Greensboro WG6K College in the 15th annual Soup Bowl which promises to be a competitive game. This game not only has meaning for the two insti tutions but also for the can food drive that it fosters, as both colleges collect can foods for the local Urban Ministry and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. An undefeated season is the pin nacle of what all football players and coaches strive for from the last game of the previous season. If the effort that a team exudes makes them accomplish that goal, the Quaker's squad is well on the way to making strides toward a much better season. "I am really confident and excited about what we can and what we are going to do this year," said junior wide receiver Brandon Thompson. I I —’ (Top) First year defensive back Satiir Stevenson makes the tackle of first year running back Josh Williams. (Bottom) First year head Coach Chris Rusiewicz discusses the good and bad with his team. Noah Ratner: On the cusp of breaking through By Will Cloyd Staff Writer Noah Ratner '13 is Guilford's most outstanding golfer. Not to mention an up and comer in the world of golf in general. If you think, however, that his success comes easily or without difficulties, you'd be dead wrong. "Golf is my life right now," said 2010-2011 PING first- team All-American Ratner. "I only started playing when I was 13, but I've improved every year and getting better is what drives me." As others were preparing for classes, Ratner was partici pating in the Wyndham Championships, where he missed making the cut at the event by two strokes. "It was a pretty cool experience," said Ratner. "I made qualifiers and wasn't playing so well, but I got it turned around and shot a three under 69." "For Noah the light really came on last year with his work ethic," said Head Golf Coach Corey Maggard. "He still works on days off ... nobody works harder than he does." Noah's hard work paid off with 2010-2011 First Team All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and ODAC golfer of the year honors, but he has yet to win a tourna ment as a collegiate golfer. "He's the best golfer ever at Guilford to have not won a tournament," said Maggard. "He's had so many second and third place finishes but he'll break through ... he just needs to be patient and continue to work." "It's been pretty frustrating," said Ratner. "My goal is to win this year." Ratner's rise up the rankings and his immense skill level forced him to become a leader as early as his sophomore year. "Even as a sophomore he was being a leader for our team," said Maggard. "He's a good representation of how to act to all our younger guys". "I just try to keep a good frame of mind and that can help influence (the younger guys)," said Ratner. Outside of golf Ratner enjoys hanging out with friends and general relaxation, but of course, golf always comes first. II He still works on days off...nobody works harder than he does." Coach Maggard Additionally, Ratner interests include sports manage ment. "I wouldn't be surprised if he made a career out of something golf related," said Associate Professor of Sport Studies Bob Malekoff. "There are many Guilford alumni who could help him reach that goal." As for the future Ratner's aspirations towards profes sional golf are still a ways away, "pro golf is a dream for me right now," said Ratner. If Ratner continues on the path he is right now and con tinues to expand his game, there is no doubt that^the PGA is not too far-fetched of a dream. "Everything's clicking for him right now," said Maggard. Noah Ratner has high hopes for his future beyond Guilford; at the moment he just enjoys the game.
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