Erin Sibley
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Jeremy Smith
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Julia Appal PHOTO BY VANESSA HAFNER
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Katie Roth
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By Vanessa Hafner
Sports Editor
Bridge: What is it like coaching two teams?
Rooney: It’s very time consuming, and there are
different things about each team.
B: Is it difficult?
R: The teams put a lot of time and effort into
playing. You really have to have a passion for the sport or you’re not going to
do a good job. When the players have a lot of talent, it shows in the team.
B: What are in involved in on campus?
R: I am the Advisor for Student Activities, I’m
also in charge of the lifeguards and various times for the Hatheway pool, and
responsible for organizing the concession keeping it staffed and stocked.
B: How long have you coached for LC?
R: I’ve been with LC for years, have coached the
men’s team for 17 years and women’s for ten.
B: Do you coach for anything off campus?
R: I help with my daughters club select team.
B: Family?
R: I’m married with two daughters. I hardly see
them I’m so busy. My daughter Marci is 20 and graduated from LC. Megan is a
senior at Francis Howell North and will be attending LC, playing on a team.
B: How does the season look for both teams?
R: Our goal is to get to Nationals and so far both
teams are in a good position to make that possible, as long as they play to
their ability and work hard. Men’s are ranked 15 in the nation and women’s is
ranked tenth. If we continue to work hard, hopefully we can get both teams
there.
B: How did the teams do at Florida?
R: Actually, did very well. It was a good trip.
They played well against Young Harris, even though we had several injuries. They
fought hard and held their own in a respectable game. With that in mind, they
came right back home and beat Maramec. We were really happy with that.
Aaron Suesson has worked for LC for four years. As a part of the
Athletic Faculty Suesson interacts quite well with the athletes and students,
evaluating for care and treatment for the Trailblazer injuries. Among other
duties he provides pre-game help and assiting coaches occasionally.
While working for LC, Suesson also works for Alton Memorial in Physical Therapy
rehabilitating patients. In the past, Suesson got his start as an intern for the
Cinncinati Reds. He also worked for Roxanna football for three years and
Edwardsville High School for three years.
Suesson’s most severe sports injury while on the job was a sprained neck. The
athlete was unconscious on the field after a hard hit. He attended school at
Illinois State for his masters degree and Illinois College for his undergraduate
degree. His favorite hobbies are watching and attending sports. He’s played
soccer, basketball, and volleyball and enjoys hunting.
LC Press Release
Sophomore Lindsey Bonnell (Bunker Hill) has been selected
first-team, all-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
This marks the first time in school history a softball player has earned the
title of all-American. Bonnell led LC to its best season in school history and a
record setting 23 wins in a row. The 41-12-1 Trailblazers set a fast and furious
pace with Bonnell’s leadership: pitching, hitting, stealing bases and playing
center field.
Lewis and Clark couldn’t have had its success without Bonnell, but head coach
Ronda Roberts is quick to point out, Bonnell could not have had success without
her teammates. “We’ve had good players in past years,” Roberts said. “But
without having a winning team, those players didn’t receive the recognition.
Lindsey was surrounded by good players. When the team plays well, good things
happen to deserving players.”
Bonnell led LC across the board in a number of categories: batting average
(.517), on base percentage (.565), hits (92), triples (7), least strikeouts (7),
at bats (178), runs scored (64) and stolen bases (66). Not only were her numbers
glowing as an everyday centerfielder, but Bonnell also excelled on the mound.
Her 17-5
pitching record included a team-leading 146 innings pitched, 119 strikeouts and
a 1.72 ERA.
Although Coach Roberts wishes Bonnell would be wearing Trailblazer blue for
another two seasons, she knows the freshmen have gained a tremendous amount of
skill and knowledge of the game from being around the outstanding player. “Other
than the impact Lindsey demonstrated on the field, her real value was how she
motivated players to compete. The bigger the game, the better she performed. Our
players learned to play better than expected and to rise to the level of the
competition,” Roberts said.
The NJCAA has posted end-of-the-year statistics from teams across the country.
Roberts’ claim that Bonnell played with a strong supporting cast was verified by
the national rankings. Bonnell’s pitching counterpart, Tiffany Bennett (Bunker
Hill), was ranked the No.18 best pitcher in the nation and was No.24 in
strikeouts (85). Freshman Amber Hanneken (Marquette) ended the season ranked
No.18 with eight home runs.
Freshman Jennifer Mettler (Highland) accounted for 48 runs batted in and was
ranked No.14 nationally.
Roberts said players will remember this season, not just now, but when their
athletic careers are finished. “I still have fond memories of players I played
with in college who advanced to the next level and had great success,” said
Roberts. “This season made everybody proud because players will remember
personal accomplishments of themselves, their teammates and the friendships that
were established.”
