DePaul Softball Alumnae Day (2009)

Fun, food, & fellowship!

On Saturday, September 19^th the DePaul Softball team kicked off the Fall softball season with their annual Softball Alumnae game. Over 40 alums came out to Cacciatore Stadium to square off against the current softball student-athletes.

The alums proved they still had some “fight” in them keeping the score relatively close until the bottom of the third inning; however, the current squad went on a ferocious scoring run, with the overall outcome ending in defeat for the alums.

After the game, alumnae and current players headed to the Director of Athletics (and softball alum), Jeanne Lenti Ponsetto’s house for lunch, laughter, and a lively accordion performance by Diane Bryniarski.

A special ‘thank you’ to all of the alums who helped make the day so special. Your support and commitment to the program is pertinent to the success of the current Softball student-athletes, both on and off the field.

Click here to view the video slideshow.

Extreme athlete and author Seymour Rifkind speaks to Cross Country student-athletes

Extreme athlete and author Seymour Rifkind inspired DePaul's cross country student-athletes in a speech in the McGrath Arena's Hall of Fame Foyer.

Rifkind, author of the 21st Century Samurai, challenged the cross country student-athletes to reach their potential by sharing his experiences as an athlete. The student-athletes were inspired by his efforts to train and complete in the Ironman and Badwater.

Rifkind's story is one of defying odds and attacking insurmountable obstacles. He shared his holistic approach to reach their best on and off the course.

"If my student athletes can pick up on only 10% of what Seymour Rifkind recommended, they will be 50% better student athletes,” stated Head Cross Country Coach, Pat Savage.

For more information about the inspiring story of Seymour Rifkind, click here. To view the movie trailer for his up-coming documentary, click here.

Blue Demons Lose Hall of Famer Crane

DePaul Athletics lost one of its legendary leaders with the passing of Hall of Fame Honoree Stephen Crane. Crane was a great leader on DePaul's track squad from 1948-50. To the man, the alumni of his era laud him as a great leader.

One said, "You see, since he had been in the service he was quite a bit older the rest of us. We really respected him."

An article in the 1950 DePaul alumni magazine also revealed that he was a leader on campus, especially in terms of building school spirit. The article said that Crane had rewritten the school fight song in hopes to inspire more school spirit.

Crane attended the 2008 DePaul Relays and was inducted into the 2009 class of the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame. DePaul will celebrate his life at the 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame Mass on January 31 along with fellow Hall of Fame inductee Sam Odishoo who passed away earlier this year.

Obituary from the Chicago Tribune

Stephen Samuel Crane, Major General (Ret), adored husband of Marley Crane and Lee Elizabeth Crane, who predeceased him in 1997, died on Tuesday, Sept. 15, he leaves behind his beloved sons, Stephen (Gayle) and Michael, who predeceased him in 2009, and daughter Susan (Brian) Snediker; deeply cared stepchildren, Arthur (Nan) Close, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Close, Commander Megan Close and Elizabeth (Jon) Dierksheide; nine marvelous grandsons, Christopher, Michael, Tommy, Will, Jimmy and Jack Crane and Brian John and Sean Snediker; eight dear step-grandchildren, Captain Garrett (Nancy) Close, Caitlin Close, Jake and Cody Close andCaroline, Julia, Linnea and Christian Dierksheide; and step great-granddaughter, Shannon Close.
He graduated from DePaul University where he was not only an outstanding scholar, but an incredible athlete.

He was inducted into the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

He became a member of the National Guard, rising through the ranks to become a Major General and the Commander of six thousand National Guard Troops in Illinois.

He served in the European Theater during WWII. He was a Knight Grand Cross in the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.

His medals, his honors throughout his life are beyond the pale.
His devotion and loyalty to his country, his family and his God will never be forgotten.
Add to that smile that could light up not just a room, but the world.
He never stopped being, never stopped caring, never stopped working, never stopped loving, never stopped giving.

Visitation Friday 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden St. Winnetka.

A private burial will be held on Saturday at Fort Sheridan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana, 59004, would be deeply appreciated.

Info., 847-675-1990 or URL=http://www.donnellanfuneral.com.\ Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries\

Get the Scoop on Blue Demon Fall Sports - On-line Guides Available

DePaul Sports Information has created a new online media guide for our Fall sports. The media guides are unabridged and give fans and alumni access to all the information about their favorite programs without the hassle of traditional pdf files. Hats off to DePaul Sports Information for this new innovation.

Volleyball
http://issuu.com/depaulathletics/docs/2009volleyballmediaguide

Men's Soccer
http://issuu.com/depaulathletics/docs/09msocguide

Women's Soccer
http://issuu.com/depaulathletics/docs/09wsocguide

(Cross Country will be done as part of the track & field guide in the winter).

Letterwinners John Harris and Stephen Howard Headline 2009-10 Student-Athlete Orientation

DePaul's student-athletes were welcomed to Lincoln Park by DePaul athletic department staff and letterwinners as part of the orientation activities on September 8. Basketball alumni John Harris and Stephen Howard led DePaul's student-athletes through interactive programming to prepare them for the new year. Harris and Howard offered their experiences as models for the student-athletes as they prepare for the coming school year.

In addition to Harris and Howard, DePaul invited athletic alumni Patty Ahern (women's basketball manager), Yvette Flores (softball), Ron Griggs (men's golf) and Vincent Leigh (men's basketball) to share their experiences with the student-athletes.

In addition, student-athletes were educated through a number of presentations regarding issues that confront student-athletes of today.

Is Your Swing Ready for the 2009 D-Club Golf Outing

It doesn't matter - The D-Club Golf Outing is about Fun!
See old friends and Teammates!
Maybe even make a birdie or two!

The D-Club Golf Outing 2009
WHEN: Wednesday, October 7

11:30 a.m. Registration Lunch & Driving Range Open Short-Game Facility Open

1 p.m. Shot Gun Start

5:30 p.m. Dinner & Program Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Coach Jerry Wainwright and Coach Doug Bruno are scheduled to appear

WHERE: Ruffled Feathers Golf Club - 1 Pete Dye Drive, Lemont, Ill.

DINNER: Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

COST: Individual - $150
Young Alumni -$125*

Golden Alumni (over the age of 65) - $125

$550 for a foursome - $50 deposit to reserve foursome Includes green & cart fees, range balls, lunch, dinner and beverages

Dinner-only guests are invited to join us for $35.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.ruffledfeathersgc.com/

FORMAT: Scramble- Shot Gun Start

To Reserve your foursome or your individual spot, call Marge Mazik today at 773-325-7240
Last Year, we sold out early so avoid being left out!

Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage L.L.C. Celebrates Fifties with DePaul

Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, L.L.C. played a key role in making the 2009 DBQ a success. Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage provided two cars to set the stage for the DBQ festivities. Guests were invited to take their picture with the vintage cars along with Blue Demon coaches and staff members.

Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, L.L.C. is owned by DePaul supporter Richard Driehaus.

DePaul Salutes Richard Driehaus and Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage!

DBQ Rocks In 2009-10!

DBQ Slide Show

DePaul's annual DBQ kicked off the 2009-10 school year in style with more than 500 alumni, fans and friends attending the party in McGrath Arena last Friday evening. Fans were immersed with the 50s theme as they approached the front donors where they were greeted by athletic staff members wearing poodle skirts and Blue Demon Bowling Shirts.

Guests had a chance to feel part of the era with two vintage automobiles supplied by Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, L.L.C. lined the street. The Hall of Fame Foyer was transformed into a Kids Zone that featured an old-time ice cream and root beer float bar. The area also featured a balloon artist and a drive-in theatre for children.

Once in the arena, guests could rock to the sounds of The Associates as they played a wide-range of hits throughout the night. The events program featured comments from Director of Athletics Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Coaches Jerry Wainwright and Doug Bruno.

DePaul athletics saluted Dr. Patricia Ewers by awarding her the Fr. John Richardson for her life of service to DePaul and Blue Demon Athletics. The evening showcased the dancing of DePaul's staff and student-athletes. A highlight for fans was the Hula Hoop Contest.