A 2002-2003 AC Sports Review
(with extra web-only content)

-The AC football team finished 7-3 overall last season. With 17 returning starters (including 11 defensive returnees), two returning kick specialists and a talented incoming freshman class, things are looking good for the AC faithful.

-This year’s homecoming opponent is Tri-State University (Ind.). Tri-State is a former NAIA member that joined the NCAA in 2003-04, and will join the MIAA in 2004-05.

-AC is 6-4 in the last ten homecoming games, including last year’s come-from-behind win over Hope College, when AC scored two touchdowns in the last six minutes to win 27-26.

-AC women’s soccer set a school record with 13 wins in 2002. Head coach Rick Gutierrez was named MIAA coach of the year by his peers. With 14 returning letter winners, expectations are high around Bulldog camp.

-The Merillat Sport & Fitness Center finally houses the coveted Milk Jug – after AC men’s basketball upset crosstown rival Siena Heights 76-75 in February. AC’s Steve Brooks poured in 29 points. The Saints – who were ranked #4 in the NAIA poll at the time – had defeated Adrian 16 straight times. Adrian last earned the jug in 1987, with a 56-51 win.

Web-only:

-Last season, senior running back Kevin Bostelman was one of 42 NCAA Div. III football players selected to play in the 2002 USA Aztec Bowl in Mexico on Dec. 14, 2002. Bostelman led the MIAA in rushing in 2001 and 2002.

-In men’s basketball, Dan Walter and Steve Brooks finished outstanding careers by ranking first and second on Adrian's all-time scoring list. Walter, a forward, was also the MIAA Scoring Champion after averaging 19.4 points per game in league contests. Brooks – last season's MIAA Scoring Champ – was second in the MIAA in scoring this season at 18.2 points per game.

-Lauree Dermyer headlines the 2003 Adrian College volleyball team, which finished 19-12 a year ago. Dermyer, a junior middle hitter from Brooklyn, was named First Team All-MIAA after leading the MIAA in hitting percentage and kills in 2002. Dermyer, also a First Team All-MIAA honoree in 2001, finished 6th in the nation (NCAA DIII) in overall hitting percentage (.433) and 8th in the nation in kills (5.37 per game). AC is looking to be a challenger in the MIAA title in 2003.

-In track and field, Amanda Haines (yes, Rock Haines’ daughter!) placed sixth in the pole vault event in 2003 with 12' 3/4", which earned her All-American honors. Her score was her personal best and also a new school record.

-In the Indoor Nationals for men’s track and field, Enrique Abundiz placed eighth in the pole vault event with 15' 71/4", which earned him All-American honors.

-In women’s cross country, senior Danielle Hobbs finished in fifth place overall at the 2002 MIAA Cross Country Championships on Nov. 2, 2002, to earn First Team All-MIAA honors. Hobbs is the first female cross country runner in Adrian College history to earn First Team All-MIAA honors.