Fall 2009 Owl Notebook

Keene State to Honor Women's Basketball Alums

Keene State College will be commemorating its 40th year of sponsoring women's basketball on Saturday, January 23, at Spaulding Gym, when the Owls host the Beacons of UMass-Boston.

The College is extending a special invitation to women's basketball alums, coaches, and staff who contributed to the growth of the program. Alums and coaches will be introduced at halftime during both the men's and women's games and be invited to a post-game social at the Night Owl Café.

"I'm really looking forward to the event," said long-time KSC women's basketball coach Keith Boucher. "I think it's very important for our current team members to meet the players who were the foundation of the program. These players not only left their mark on the court, but continue to be strong ambassadors for the College."

Women's basketball has a long and rich tradition at Keene State College. From the first baskets of Red & White games and play days to AIAW and NCAA competition in the New England Collegiate and Little East conferences, women's basketball has become a staple of the winter athletic scene at KSC.

We invite you to join us on Jan. 23 for a day that promises to be filled with hoop hoopla.

Alums Join Coaching Staff

A pair of alums has joined the Keene State winter coaching staff. Kevin Ritter '08 has been named an assistant men's basketball coach, while Katie Allenson '09 is set to begin her fist season as an assistant swim coach. Meanwhile, Trevor Hansen '04 returns to the KSC women's basketball bench after spending the past two seasons at Keene High School.

A Stand-up Fall Season for the Owls

Before the first frost of the season covered the soccer fields and the field hockey turf, the cross country shoes were unlaced for the last time, and volleyball nets were secured in the equipment closet, Keene State fall athletic teams treated their fans to a 2009 season filled with memorable moments.

The Keene State field hockey team began its season with a school-record six consecutive shutouts. The shutout spree included wins over regional powers Springfield College (3-0) and Williams College (1-0). A pair of seniors, back Erin Dallas and goalie Vikki Stoessel, were key contributors to the streak.

Owl men's and women's soccer teams had their share of huge regular season wins, but none bigger than the double dose of Little East victories over Eastern Conn. on September 26. The KSC women defeated a then regionally ranked ECSU team 2-1 in overtime, while the Owl men disarmed the Warriors 4-1 on the road. Both wins paved the way for KSC to capture both the men's and women's LEC regular-season crowns.

The trail appears to be looking up for the Keene State cross country teams as they look to pick up the pace and return to the NCAA championships. The men posted early season wins at the UMass-Dartmouth and KSC invitationals, while the women turned in a strong second-place performance on their home course. Both teams have been ranked in national and regional polls this season.

The defending LEC champion Keene State women's volleyball team has unveiled retro uniforms this season. Featuring long sleeves and large numbers on the front and back, the uniforms are reminiscent to those worn by Owl teams in the early and mid-80s. The Owls hope their uniforms will bring them some luck as they head into the LEC tournament.