Student-athletes Recognized for Academic Achievement
Marion, AL - Several MMI student-athletes were recognized at an Academic Awards Ceremony held in the Chapel on the campus of Marion Military Institute. Cadets named to the 2011 Fall Dean's and President's Lists were presented a pin by MMI President Colonel David J. Mollahan. To make the Dean's List a cadet must earn a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99. To make the President's List a cadet needs to earn a perfect 4.0 GPA for that semester.
Student-athletes making the Dean's List for fall semester 2011 were: Evan Burchette (wrestling), Shannon Dwyer (softball), Raymond Gee (basketball), Ashley McClendon (tennis), Stephen Murkerson (wrestling), Mariah Ozuna (softball), Eric Russell (basketball), Daniel Sawyer (baseball), and Brittni Trawick (softball). Kara Miles (softball) was recognized for making the Dean's List for two semesters.
Student-athletes making the President's List were: Matthew Bowers (baseball) and Allison Brombach (tennis).
Congratulations to all of these student-athletes and their coaches!
Baseball Wins Home Opener in Dramatic Fashion
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Marion, AL - The Marion Military Institute baseball team came away with a victory in their season home opener thanks to freshman Spencer Andrews' walk off double. Andrews came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded, no outs, and his team trailing by one run. His hit over the centerfielder's head scored two runs and gave the home squad a 3 to 2 victory.
Sophomore Daniel Sawyer started on the mound for the Tiger's spring opener and went three scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Freshmen Ricky Hull and Wendell Wright also saw action on the mound with sophomore Alex Gonzalez getting the win.
Leading at the plate for Marion was Reuben Miller and Taylor Munden, both recording two hits. Tyler Jarvis and Andrews each had one hit for Marion, now 1-0 on the season.
MMI is scheduled to travel to Andalusia, Alabama this Saturday (2/3/2012) for a 12:30 p.m. game versus Meridian Community College and a 3:30 p.m. game versus Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.
Men's Basketball Loses Two in a Row
Marion, AL - The Marion Military Institute's men's basketball team has suffered its first two-game skid after facing Shelton State Community College and Lawson State Community College this week. These two losses give Marion a 15-6 overall record, and a 4-3 conference record. MMI is currently tied with Lawson State CC for third in the North Conference of the Alabama Community College Conference, behind Shelton State CC and Southern Union State CC.
The leading score for Marion in the Shelton State loss was sophomore Dominique Ellis with 20 points on 9-for-13 shooting. David Murray scored 14 points and grabbed a team high six rebounds.
The Tigers will travel next week for two key conference games. On Monday, February 6th, Marion will play at Wallace State Community College-Hanceville (Hanceville, AL) with the tip scheduled for 7:30 p.m.. Thursday, February 9th, the Tigers will play at Gadsden State Community College (Gadsden, AL) with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m..
Wrestling Team Finishes 9th at NCWA National Duals Tournament
Dalton, GA. - The Marion Military Institute finished the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Duals Tournament in 9th place behind a tough field of four-year colleges and universities. Liberty University, a former NCAA Division I program, earned top honors at the tournament defeating Lindenwood University-St. Charles in the finals. Lindewood is one of several schools in the NCWA making the transition from NAIA Division I to NCAA Division II. University of Maryland-Baltimore County finished third defeating Grand Valley State University. Taking fourth was NCAA-Bound Lindenwood University-Belleville. The Apprentice School finished fifth place, in front of Mercer University and Middle Tennessee State University.
MMI competed in six duals, winning five. The Tigers defeated the University of Tennessee (57-4), Georgia Southern University (51-4), Southern Virginia University (54-3), the University of Central Florida (28-24), and the University of North Florida (51-3). Their only loss came to Mercer University (16-29).
The Marion wrestlers will take this weekend off from competition. They will travel to Statesboro, Georgia on Saturday, February 11, to compete at the Georgia Southern University Quad.
Men's Basketball Improves to 4-1 in ACCC Conference Play
Marion, AL - The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team found themselves playing from behind Thursday night at home against the Snead State Community College Parsons. Trailing by three at halftime, the Tigers came out with a strong defensive effort to pull ahead of the Parsons early in the second half. MMI never allowed Snead State to get closer than four throughout the second half, ending with a 71-61 victory.
Marion finished with three players scoring in double figures. David Murray scored a game-high 21 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. Dominique Ellis finished with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting from the field. Ellis also grabbed 10 rebounds for the Tigers who improved to 15-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play. Eric Russell scored 13 points. Sophomore point guard Sherman Smith dished out six assists with three steals and nine points. Box Score
The Tigers will host Shelton State Community College Monday, January 30th, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the William R. Ireland Athletic Center.
Russell Leads Men's Basketball over Meridian CC
Meridian, MS. - Sophomore Eric Russell drained a three-point basket with one minute remaining in the game yesterday afternoon and the Tigers added a pair of free throws down the stretch to take a 61-56 road victory over the Eagles from Meridian Community College.
MMI improved its overall record to 14-4 and will return to action Thursday night at home against Snead State Community College beginning at 7:00 p.m. MCC opened the game shooting the ball well and took a 17-14 lead over the Tigers with 12:33 left in the first half. Marion went on a 10-0 run in the final 4:27 of the first half to take a 33-25 lead at halftime. The two teams exchanged the lead eight times in the first half and were tied three times.
The Eagles chipped away at the lead in the second half and took a 51-45 lead with 8:28 remaining in the game. The Tigers answered with eleven unanswered points to take a 56-51 lead with 3:59 left in the contest. Russell led MMI with five points in that 11-0 run. Meridian answered Marion's scoring run with one of their own, scoring the next five points to tie the game at 56-56 with just two minutes remaining in the game. Russell put the game away for Marion with a 3-point basket and a pair of free throws in the final minute to give the Tigers the five-point road victory. He finished with a team high 20 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. David Murray scored 19 points. Freshman Raheem Mosley grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Tigers on the boards.
MMI Wrestlers Capture Major Tournament Win
Hampton, VA. - The Marion Military Institute wrestling team ended atop the 12 team field at the 2012 Apprentice School Builder Invitational to win its first major tournament of the season with 144 team points. The Apprentice School finished second with 135.5 team points. Rounding out the top five were: University of Maryland - Baltimore (13.0 pts.), University of Scranton (90.5 pts.), and the University of South Carolina (70.5 pts.).
Mike Figueroa (133-lb.), Kyle Kenny (165-lb.), Nate Whitmer (197-lb.), and Heavyweight Matt Baker took First Place for Marion. Taking Second Place were William Burns (149-lb.) and Richard Brown (235-lb.). Cody Roberts (125-lb.) earned Third Place for the Tigers. Fourth Place finishers were DeAnthony Smith (141-lb.) and Terrence Smith (184-lb.).
Marion will travel this weekend to Dalton, Georgia to compete in the 2012 National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) National Duals Tournament. Twenty-five schools will be participating in this year's national tournament with several of the top ranked programs being represented. Some of the most notable teams are: The Apprentice School, University of Central Florida, Grand Valley State University, Lindenwood University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Maryland-Baltimore, and Liberty University. The tournament will be held at the Northwest Georgia Convention Center this Friday (Jan. 27) and Saturday (Jan. 28).
Men's Basketball Drops First Conference Game
Wadley, AL - The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team dropped their first conference game on the road to Southern Union State Community College last night 45 to 66. Dominique Ellis and David Murray each scored in double digits for the Tigers. Ellis finished with 15 points while Murray scored 13 points. Ellis also led Marion with eight rebounds. Raymond Gee grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists. Box Score
MMI (13-4, 3-1) travels to Meridian, Mississippi this Sunday to play Meridian Community College in non-conference action.
Wrestlers Prepare for The Builder Tournament
The MMI wrestling team will travel to Hampton, Virginia this weekend to participate in The Builder Tournament, hosted by The Apprentce School. The tournament will be held at Woodside High School. Last weekend the Tigers competed at the Lone Star Duals, winning two out of three. MMI was defeated by Wayland Baptist 6 to 36 with Nathaniel Whitmer being the lone winner for Marion in their first match. Marion defeated Central Baptist 49 to 3 with Cody Roberts (125 lb.), Mike Figueroa (141 lb.), James Porzillo (149 lb.), William Burns (157 lb.), Matt Minty (165 lb.), Jayce Crowder (174 lb.), Connor McKelvey (184 lb.), Nate Whitmer (197 lb.), and Matt Baker (285 lb.) each winning their matches. In their last dual, MMI defeated University of Texas 43 to 9. Cullen Martinez (125 lb.), DeAnthony Smith (133 lb.), Figueroa (141 lb.), Porzillo (149 lb.), Burns (157 lb.), Crowder (174 lb.), Whitmer (197 lb.) and Richard Brown (285 lb.) won their respective weight classes.
Men's Basketball Wins Hard Fought Contest at Home
Marion, AL - The MMI men's basketball team defeated Gadsden State Community College at home last night in a hard fought contest. Marion (13-3, 3-0)played from behind the first few minutes of the game due to the early three-point shooting success of the Cardinals, but was able to clamp down on defense to take a slim 26 to 22 lead into halftime. Marion's defense, ranked first in the ACCC North, continued to play strong in the second half and held GSCC to a season low 45 points, giving the home squad the 10-point victory.
Eric Russell led Marion in scoring with 17 points. David Murray recorded his fifth double-double with 14 points and a team high 11 rebounds. Sherman Smith finished with 11 points and seven rebounds from the point guard position. Box Score
MMI will travel to Wadley, Alabama Thursday, January 19th to take on Southern Union State Community College for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and then to Meridian, Mississippi Sunday, January 22nd to play Meridian Community College. The tip-off against MCC is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
2012 MMI Softball Signees Throw “Texas-Sized” Party
As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas”. On January 15, 2012, that statement proved true for the Marion Military Institute softball team in Austin, Texas. The Lady Tigers met at Ryan’s Restaurant in Austin to honor signees Rachel Gauspohl, Stacey Perez, Kalynn Allen, Taylor Lindbeck and Kennedy Harrison. The ceremony was attended by friends, family and coaches from the Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin areas. “I have been fortunate to have been a part of nearly every ceremony that we’ve done since our program’s inception. However, I think that Sunday involved the most kids from the furthest distances with the largest entourage present. We already have parents working together from great distances. That’s an encouraging sign. I am really pleased with these players and look forward to being a part of their future. I think that Sunday was a huge success for the players and MMI softball,” said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie. Guthrie will travel to Vancleave, Mississippi to sign Cherokee Strickland on January 17th, Rockmart, Georgia for Shaina Applewhite and Whitney Bennett on the 18th and conclude with Ashley Strength in Holtville, Alabama on January 19th.
Men's Basketball Earns Second Conference Win
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Marion, AL - The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team (12-3, 2-0) opened conference play this week with two wins. Monday night the Tigers defeated Lawson State Community College 61-48 on the road behind David Murray's 17 points and 12 rebounds. Eric Russell scored 14 points while dishing out four assists. Dominique Ellis finished with 13 points.
Thursday night Marion defeated Wallace State Community College-Hanceville 74-53 in front of the Corps of Cadets and a packed house. Dominique Ellis and Sherman Smith both ended the night perfect from the field for Marion. Ellis scored 23 points, shooting 11-for-11 from the field while Smith finished with 12 points, shooting 4-for-4 from behind the arc. David Murray scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Eric Russell led MMI on the boards with 10 rebounds while dishing out seven assists.
Marion will return to the court Tuesday, January 17th at home against Gadsden State Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the William R. Ireland Athletic Center.
MMI Softball Set to Ink thirteen players for 2012-13 school year
MMI Softball Commit Jessie Moorhead Named NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete
The Marion Military Institute softball team is proud to announce that Jessie Moorhead has recently been named an NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete. Moorhead is currently a senior at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California. Jessie carried a 3.33 GPA while taking college prep coursework and worked as Academic Tutor in the English Department. She has been on the honor roll each semester she’s been a student at Clovis West. She is coached by Peggy Rigby. Clovis West has an excellent program and had a total of ten players selected for this award. “Jessie represents the type of student-athlete we want at MMI. She obviously comes prepared to help our school in more ways than one. We are really excited that she will be here,”, said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie. Congrats to Jessie!Holiday Food Drive a Success!
Marion, AL - The MMI men's basketball team sponsored a Holiday Food Drive during their last home game before Christmas break Saturday evening versus Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Both the food drive and the outcome of the game proved to be a successful endeavor for the Tigers with MMI winning 77-46. From the tip Marion controlled the tempo of the game and jumped out to an early 10-0 lead. That lead jumped to 22 points at the half, with Marion holding the Saints from LBW to just 18 points. The second half proved to be much of the same with Marion extending their lead with each possession. MMI had three players that scored in double figures. Dominique Ellis led the home squad with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Sherman Smith scored 14 and David Murray finished with 13 points. Box Score
The men's team will travel to Montgomery, Alabama this Wednesday to take on Huntingdon College's junior varsity squad at 6:00 p.m.. The team will depart for the Christmas break after the game and return to campus January 3rd.
Men's Basketball Loses on the Road
Brewton, AL - The MMI men's basketball team saw their seven game win streak come to an end on the road against Jeff Davis Community College. The tigers lost a hard fought battle, 68-73. MMI was down 31-33 at the half and kept it close throughout the second half. David Murray led Marion with 22 points and 12 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Dominique Ellis scored 19 points while grabbing seven rebounds. Box Score
Marion will play LBW at home on Saturday, December 10, in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Fans can receive free admission to the game by donating a non-perishable food item for the Marion Military Institute Food Drive.
MMI Softball Visits UAB Hospital’s Heart/Lung Transplant ICU
On December 6, 2011, the Marion Military Institute softball team took time away from their daily routine to visit the patients and staff of the Heart/Lung Transplant Intensive Care Unit at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Each player hand delivered Christmas cards and posters to the patients in HTICU. Afterward, the team celebrated the conclusion of their first semester together with a team dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s in Bessemer, Alabama.
“I am very proud that our team was willing to take time to give to people who are struggling with life and death each day. I am especially grateful to the staff at UAB HTICU for allowing us to honor the work that they are doing. My family as well as many others would be much worse off without them, said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie.
Coach Guthrie to work hitting clinic in Birmingham December 10th
For the second straight season MMI Head Softball Coach Joe Guthrie will work a hitting clinic for the Alabama Twisters travel ball organization in Birmingham. Mississippi State University Assistant Softball Coach, Alan Reach, will also be instructing at the clinic. “I am very happy David Seitz and Murray Sapp of the Alabama Twisters have allowed me to come back and work again this year. I also appreciate the chance to get to work with Alan again. He’s an outstanding instructor and I’ve learned something from him each time that I have worked with him. The newly hired staff at MSU has been extremely generous with us this past year,” Guthrie said.
MMI softball is also planning another big recruiting weekend in January. “We have some excellent players coming in from Fresno, California, Wetumpka, Alabama and the Birmingham area. The following month we have a quality Georgia Impact team coming to our campus. We could not be more pleased with the way recruiting is going,” said Guthrie.
Men's Basketball to Sponsor Holiday Food Drive Saturday, December 10th
The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team will hold a canned food drive at its game vs. Lurleen B. Wallace CC on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the William R. Ireland Athletic Center. Fans will receive free admission to the game with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The collected food items will be donated to the Selma Food Bank which services Dallas, Perry, Wilcox, and Marengo Counties. For those fans and friends who will not be able to make it to the game on Saturday, collection of non-perishable food items will start on Monday, December 5th in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center and end at the conclusion of the game on Saturday, December 10th. For more information, call the MMI Athletic Department at 334-683-2386
In the team's latest action, sophomore point guard Sherman Smith led the Tigers to victory (86-69) after being down one point at halftime on the road against a scrappy West Georgia Tech squad. Smith finished with 20 points and five assists. David Murray recorded a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Dominique Ellis and Tevin Moore each scored in double figures with 13 points and 10 points, respectively. Raymond Gee grabbed 10 rebounds for Marion, now 8-1 on the season. Box Score
Marion will travel to Bewton, Alabama this Thursday, December 8, to take on Jeff Davis CC. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Men's Basketball Defeats WCCS at Home
In front of a packed house, the Marion Military Institute men's basketball team defeated Wallace State CC-Selma 86-48 to improve to 7-1 on the season. The MMI Band and Corps of Cadets helped jumpstart the Tigers to an impressive 21-0 lead behind the sharp shooting of sophomores David Murray and Sherman Smith. Marion took a 50-21 lead into halftime. Selma tried to make a couple of runs in the second half but the home team wouldn't let them get any closer than 18 points. Murray led Marion with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting. He also grabbed seven rebounds. Smith finished with 16 points, four steals, and four assists from the point guard position. Dominique Ellis had 16 points and seven rebounds. Raymond Gee led MMI on the boards with eight rebounds. Freshman Raheem Mosley came off the bench to collect seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Box Score
MMI travels this Saturday to face a scrappy West Georgia Tech squad. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Anna Gibbs to Play Softball at Auburn
2012-13 MMI Softball Commitment Anna Gibbs of Camden, Alabama will fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the SEC at Auburn next season. She recently accepted an offer to play for Coach Tina Deese at Auburn University. Gibbs has been a perennial star at Wilcox Academy in both softball and basketball. Most recently, Gibbs has played for the New York Beach Girls travel ball organization. “We are extremely happy to see Anna reach her goal of playing in the SEC. She has worked as hard as any player I’ve recruited to achieve this goal. I have enjoyed getting the chance to work with her in both private lessons and camps. I know she’ll make Auburn proud,” said MMI Head Softball Coach Joe Guthrie.
Wrestlers Take 3rd at UCF Tournament
Orlando, FL - The Marion Military Institute wrestling team recently traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the University of Central Florida's Duals Tournament and Open Tournament. On Friday the Tigers faced Florida Gulf Coast in the first match of the duals tournament. Marion defeated the Eagles 42-15. The Tigers fell in their second match against the Shipbuilders from The Apprentice School 24-30. Marion had to forfeit two weight classes in that match, giving up an easy twelve points.
On Saturday sixteen teams competed in the UCF Open Tournament. Marion finished in third place behind the host school, UCF, and Mercer University. The Apprentice School took fourth place and the University of North Florida finished in fifth place. Marion's William Burns (149-lb) placed first in his weight class while teammate Kyle Kenny (165-lb) took second. Brenton Acorn (157-lb), Richard Brown (235-lb) and Robert Clancy (285-lb) all finished in third place. In fourth place was Cody Roberts (125-lb). Connor McKelvey (184-lb) finished in 5th place while Matt Minty (157-lb) and Nate Whitmer (197-lb) both finished in sixth place.
Marion will take the Thanksgiving Break off before returning to the mat at the Cavalier Duals in Albany, Georgia on Saturday, December 3rd.
Basketball Plays at Home During Thanskgiving Break
The MMI men's basketball team will play two home games during the Thanksgiving Break. Marion will host West Georgia Technical College on Monday, November 21st and then the Huntingdon College Junior Varsity team on Tuesday, November 22nd. Both games will tip off at 7:00 p.m. in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center.
The MMI Tigers defeated Lurleen B. Wallace Community College on the road last night 64-51. Sophomore David Murray led all scorers with 22 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds for MMI, now 4-1 on the season. Sophomores Dominique Ellis and Sherman Smith each scored 10 points. Ellis led Marion with eight rebounds. Box Score
MMI Softball Receives More Good Recruiting News
The Marion Military Institute softball team is proud to announce the addition of three more players to the softball program for 2012-13. Kalynn Allen, (UT/P) from Santa Fe, TX, Stacey Perez, (P/DP) from San Antonio, TX, and Taylor Minor, (C/1B) from Sacramento, CA. “Our program continues to be extremely fortunate in landing these types of players. I feel like our future looks bright,” said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie.
Kalynn Allen has starred in both basketball and softball at Santa Fe High School just south of the Houston, Texas area. She also has the experience and capability to play every position on the field. She can also hit and slap from the left side. Kalynn played with the Texas Gulf Coast Challengers Gold travel ball organization. “Kalynn is one the most versatile players we’ve come across in five years. She’s a natural athlete. I’ve seen her pitch and play well against some of the nation’s best travel teams playing on just her physical tools. We are excited to see her have the opportunity to upgrade her natural skills,” said Guthrie.
Stacey Perez is a hard-throwing right hander also hailing from Texas. Perez possesses an excellent array of pitches as well as a strong bat. In addition, Stacey is a travel ball teammate of fellow MMI commitments, Taylor Lindbeck and Rachel Gauspohl of Texas Comets Gold. Current MMI player, Megan Hearn, also played with the Comets. “Stacey could be a huge asset to our pitching staff as well as our offense. She’s got great unrefined talent and her ball really jumps in the circle. We are proud to have another Texas Comet come to MMI from Lew Boehm’s organization,” Guthrie said.
Taylor Minor comes to MMI from the Capital City Comets Gold organization from Sacramento, California. These Comets have produced current MMI players Amy Lara and Ashley Mrozinski as well. Minor has tremendous power from the left side of the batter’s box. “We are really excited about Taylor. We’ve swung the bats very well each year since the beginning of our program, but she has a chance to be the best left-handed bat we’ve had. I think that’s saying a lot after having had (former MMI softball stars), Jessica Kallander and Raina Stiffler recently,” said Guthrie.
MMI Softball Team Takes Recruiting Show on the Road
On the eve of Halloween, the MMI Lady Tiger softball team decided to knock on some doors. However, trick or treat was not the ultimate goal of this visit. Several players traveled to Houston, Texas for the annual Ronald McDonald Softball Exposure tournament. While there, players introduced themselves to four-year college coaches all over the country to help promote themselves to the next level. “We want players who can operate independently with confidence and verbally communicate effectively. This trip helps them achieve those goals. It sounds simple but in the Facebook universe we live in today, tangible, personal communication falls short with many people. We thought our kids represented themselves, their families and our school very well. We are proud of them. It’s just been three days since we’ve returned and we already received a verbal commitment to our program as well as one of our players getting an offer to go to the next level. I am very happy with that result,” said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie. Players attending the event included Mariah Ozuna (So., Edinburg, TX), Taylor Boening, (Fr., Manvel, TX), Megan Hearn, (Fr., Rockdale, TX), Christy Nelson (Fr., Vestavia Hills, AL), Shannon Dwyer, (Fr., Katy, TX), Ashley Mrozinski (Fr., Roseville, CA) and Amy Lara, (Fr., Rio Linda, CA).
MMI Defeats Meridian CC for First Home Victory
Marion, AL - The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team overcame a one point halftime deficit to take a nine point victory over the visiting Meridan Community College Eagles Saturday night. Sophomore point guard Sherman Smith led all scorers with 18 points. He also dished out 4 assists for the Tigers, now 3-1 on the season. David Murray added 15 points for Marion. Raymond Gee and Dominique Ellis both grabbed six rebounds. Freshman Raheem Mosley (Bessemer, AL) played solid minutes off the bench, grabbing five rebounds and scoring six points. Box Scores
MMI returns to their home court Tuesday, November 15, to face Southern Sports Academy at 7:00 p.m. in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center.
Eight Wrestlers Place at Shorter Open
Rome, GA - Eight MMI wrestlers were able to place at the Shorter Open this weekend, hosted by NAIA wrestling powerhouse Shorter University. Besides Marion the follwoing schools competed in the open tournament: University of Central Florida, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, The Citadel, Darton College, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Gordon College, Mercer University, Middle Tennessee State University, Truett-McConnell, and Valdosta State University.
MMI had one 3rd Place finisher, Cody Roberts, in the 125-lb weight class. Kyle Kenny (165-lb), Jayce Crowder (174-lb), Nathaniel Whitmer (197-lb), and Robert Clancy (285-lb) each placed 4th for MMI. DeAnthony Smith (133-lb) and Evan Burchette (149-lb) placed 5th place and Cullen Martinez (125-lb) placed 6th.
Marion will travel to Orlando, Florida this weekend to participate in the Knights Brawls Duals Tournament on Friday and the UCF Open Tournament on Saturday. The University of Central Florida will host these tournaments.
Basketball Defeats WCCS On the Road
Selma, AL - Four players scored in double figures on Wednesday night, and the Marion Military Institute men's basketball team recorded a 68-49 victory over Wallace State Community College-Selma.
MMI (2-1) led 45-21 at halftime. Wallace outscored Marion by five in the second half. Fourteen players saw action for MMI, and eight scored. Dominique Ellis, a 6'4 sophomore foward, had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Marion. David Murray hit four 3-pointers and finished with 16 points. Raymond Gee scored 14 points while teammate Eric Russell added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Box Score
MMI hosts Meridian Community College Saturday, November 12th, at 7:00 p.m.
Men's Basketball Starts 2011-2012 Season
The Marion Military Institute men's basketball team started the 2011-2012 season on the road at the Tallahassee Democrat Tip-Off Classic, winning one of two games.
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MMI 63 Middle Georgia College 46
Sophomore David Murray (Leeds, AL) led all scorers with 24 points on 9 of 19 shooting to pace the Tigers to their first victory of the season. Sophomore Raymond Gee (Moundville, AL) was the only other Marion player to finish in double figures, scoring 15 on a perfect 5 for 5 from the floor. Marion built a 12-point lead at halftime, 37-25. A strong defensive effort kept the Middle Georgia shooters below 30% from the floor, helping secure the double digit win. Sophomore Sherman Smith (Birmingham, AL) led Marion with nine rebounds. Murray grabbed eight rebounds and freshman Henry Baker (Marion Junction, AL) seven. Box Score
Marion came out flat on Day 2 of the Classic against the Highlanders of Gordon College and had to play from behind all afternoon. Gordon College held a 56-44 lead at halftime before the Tigers were able to claw their way back to within five points in the second half. Costly turnovers proved to be too much for Marion, leading to the 13-point loss. Murray once again led Marion with 23 points. Sophomores Dominique Ellis (Tuscaloosa, AL) and Eric Russell (Huntsville, AL) each finished in double figures, scoring twelve and ten respectively. Smith led the team with eight rebounds while dishing out 11 assists. Marion drops to 1-1 on the season. Box Score
Marion Wrestlers Compete at Patriot Open
On Saturday, November 5th, the MMI wrestlers traveled to Williamsburg, Kentucky to compete in the 2011 Patriot Open hosted by the University of the Cumberlands. Over 100 wrestlers from eight different schools participated in the open tournament. Besides Marion, other schools participating were: Cumberlands (NAIA preseason Top 20 pick), Ohio Valley University (NCAA II), Rend Lake Junior College (NJCAA), and West Virgina Tech University (NAIA).
No team scores were kept but MMI had several wrestlers place in the tournament. Jake Balchikonis (Warren Center, PA) finished 2nd in the 174-lb. weight class for the Tiger's top finisher. Third place finishers for Marion were: Cody Roberts (125-lb., Marshall, NC), James Porzillo (149-lb., El Lago, TX), Kyle Kenny (165-lb., Toms River, NJ), James Robinson (197-lb., Fayetteville, NC), Nathaniel Whitmer (197-lb., Gordonsville, VA), and Richard Brown (285-lb., Orange Park, FL). James Hegge (Priest River, ID) finished 6th in the 133-lb. weight class.
Marion will travel to Rome, Georgia on Saturday, November 12th to participate in the Shorter Open in Rome, Georgia. Shorter was ranked 16th in the NAIA preseason polls.
MMI Softball Recruiting Continues to Roll
Wrestlers Win Two at Home Tri-Match
Marion, AL - The MMI wrestlers hosted a tri-match at the William R. Ireland Athletic Center this past Saturday against Georgia Southern University and Truett-McConnell. Truett-McConnell and Georgia Southern competed against each other in the first match of the afternoon. Truett had held the lead in the match until Georgia Southern won the last four matches to take the 29-25 victory.
MMI faced Truett-McConnel in the second match of the afternoon. The 133-lb. weight class started with Truett taking the early 3-0 lead. James Hegge (141-lb., Priest River, ID) turned the tables and pinned his opponent, giving Marion a 6-3 lead. Truett won the 149-lb. weight class which tied the match back 6-6. That was the closet the Bears ever got to making a run on the Tigers. Austin Prince (Tarpon Springs, FL) won the 157-lb. weight class by forfeit. In the next five of six matches Marion pinned their opponents (Kyle Kenny - 165-lb., Toms River, NJ; Jake Balchikonis -174-lb., Warren Center, PA; Nate Whitmer - 197-lb., Gordonsville, VA; Richard Brown - 235-lb., Orange Park, FL; Rober Clancy - HWT, Richmond, MI). The final score was MMI 45 Truett McConnell 15.
The last match of the day put the home team against Georgia Southern University, coached by former MMI wrestler William Hurst. The match started at the 141-lb. class in which Marion lost a close 3-4 decision. The 149-lb. weight class saw Ryan Nell (Smyrna, TN) pin his opponent to gain the momentum back for the tigers. Austin Prince, Kyle Kenny, and Jake Balchikonis each won easily, giving Marion a solid lead in the match. Marion lost the 184-lb. and 197-lb. weight class matches by pins. Brown and Clancy each won to finish out the two heaviest weight classes. Cody Roberts (125-lb. Marshall, NC) pinned his opponent in the first period while teammate Tom Porzillo (133-lb. El Lago, TX) pinned his opponent on the second period to conclude the afternoon match. The final score was MMI 37 GSU 15.
Fioravante and Shoptaugh Shine at Central Alabama Invitational
Alexander City—In what amounted to a two-day scrimmage with conference foe Gadsden State at the Central Alabama Invitational (CAI) this past weekend, Alex Fioravante and Jacob Shoptaugh won three matches apiece to lead the way for Marion Military Institute. Blake Joiner split his two matches, and Kevin Song and Gabe Llewellyn finished with identical 1-2 records in singles.
Fioravante played inspired tennis throughout the two-day event, winning three singles and two doubles matches. In the closest match of the tournament, Fioravante edged out Gadsden’s No. 1 player Zain Nawab, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 12-10. He then went on to defeat Sam Cissell, 3-0, ret., and Ben Vandegrift, 6-0, 6-0.
In doubles play, Fioravante partnered with Kevin Song to defeat Nawab/Vandegrift, 7-5, 6-4, and Aaron Triplett/Demetreous Thompson, 6-2, 6-1. Shoptaugh also produced three singles wins, downing Vandegrift (6-0, 6-2), Triplett (6-4, 6-4), and Thompson (6-2, 6-4). Shoptaugh then teamed with Blake Joiner to squeak out a 6-4, 5-7, 11-9 doubles win over Triplett/Thompson.
Clements, McLendon, and Pool Win First-Round Matches at Central Alabama Invitational
Alexander City, AL—Bailey Clements, Ashley McLendon, and Katie Pool won their first-round matches at the Central Alabama Invitational on Friday morning. After winning a close first set by the score of 6-4, Clements let just one more game go up on the scoreboard for Central Alabama’s Erin Pogue; Clements won in straights, 6-4, 6-1. Clements’s Friday afternoon match with the University of Montevallo’s Helene Nordgreen proved to be a much different affair, as Nordgreen overpowered Clements, 6-3, 6-2.
Ashley McLendon produced her best tennis of the fall campaign against Central Alabama’s No. 1 player Rai Quarat-ul-ain. Playing almost flawless tennis, McLendon downed Quarat-ul-ain, 7-6 (9), 6-2. “Ashley played the best tennis of her very brief college career,” said Coach Wright. “She served extremely well and played consistent tennis off the ground. If she can continue to play in that vein and with that intensity, she will be tough to beat.”
Unfortunately, McLendon ran into a tennis buzz saw, Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Ekaterina Vezhenkova, in the next round of play and was routed, 6-0, 6-0.
Katie Pool scored a decisive win over Central Alabama’s Leighanne Woodall, 6-0, 6-1. Pool almost pulled an upset in the next round but narrowly lost to the University of Montevallo’s Amy McGuckin, 6-4, 7-6 (6).
MMI Softball Battles Hard Through Tough October Schedule
The Marion Military Institute softball team has played its toughest month of softball in its history this October. On October 1st, MMI challenged NCAA Division II foe, Delta State University. Three days later, MMI traveled NCAA Division I, University of South Alabama to take on the Lady Jaguars and the Venezuelan National Team. On October 6th, MMI played at Meridian Community College and on the 9th, faced NCAA SEC opponent, Mississippi State University. “I feel like the quality of the competition we faced this week was invaluable for our team. We’ve been hampered by injuries but our kids have continued to fight on and get better. I am pleased with our effort to date. I would also like to thank the wonderful hospitality of Delta State’s Casey Bourgoyne-Charles, South Alabama’s Becky Clark, Mississippi State’s Vann Stuedeman and all the coaches, players and parents of Clarkdale High School in Meridian. All of you have made this fall very special for our girls. We are very appreciative of your efforts, ” said MMI Head Softball Coach Joe Guthrie.
Oct. 1st- Delta State 13 MMI 5
The MMI offense provided some support in this game. They managed five runs on seven hits. However, four defensive errors proved to be crucial in the loss to the Lady Statesmen. Brittani Sampson took the loss for MMI. Bernie Cardon lead the offense with two hits.
Oct. 1st- Delta State 8 MMI 0
Freshman Taylor Boening pitched MMI to within a 2-0 deficit going into the 6th inning. However, the MMI defense was less than spectacular totaling eight errors in the second game. Boening yielded only three earned runs in nearly six innings pitched. The offense was lead by hits from Ashlyn Ingram and Mariah Ozuna.
Oct. 4th- South Alabama 10 MMI 5
Brittani Sampson pitched six gutsy innings in just her second appearance against NCAA Division I competition. MMI and South Alabama played the game with different baserunning scenarios each inning. South Alabama played Florida State University, Pensacola Junior College, and the Venezuelan National Team in similar situations the same week. However, the five runs scored by MMI were the most by any of those teams versus USA. Christy Nelson tallied three RBIs and a hit for the Lady Tigers. Ashley Mrozinski also stole a base and provided a hit. Amy Lara and Patricia Nowell added hits as well.
Oct. 4th- Venezuelan National Team 10 MMI 2
Taylor Boening pitched MMI to a 3-2 game in the fourth before the Venezuelan offense touched her for runs that inning. It was a competitive start for the left-handed freshman hurler. Mrozinski, Ashlyn Ingram, and Bernie Cardon all had hits. Kara Miles lead the offense with two hits of her own.
Oct. 6th- MMI 12 Meridian CC 7
Brittani Sampson pitched well in relief of starter Whitney Kinser to get the win for MMI. Christy Nelson tallied two hits and two RBIs. Shannon Dwyer and Beverly Diaz each had one hit and two RBIs as well. MMI stole a season best ten bases in the game topping their previous mark of eight in one game earlier in the fall.
Oct. 6th- MMI 6 Meridian CC 1
Taylor Boening was outstanding in the circle for MMI. She did not yield an earned run for Marion the entire game. She walked only one hitter and scattered six hits. Offensively, Ashley Mrozinski had two hits and three RBIs. Amy Lara also added two hits as well.
Oct. 9th- Mississippi State 10 MMI 0 (contest was played at Clarkdale High School in Meridian, MS)
The pitching combination of Taylor Boening and Brittani Sampson scattered seven hits over six innings to MSU. However, two of those hits resulted in seven runs digging an early grave for MMI. However, neither Boening nor Sampson quit and continued to fight hard in the circle. Offensively, MMI freshman Christy Nelson proved spectacular again. Nelson had two hits including an flawless push bunt to pace the offense. Maryellen Pilitowski also added a hit for MMI.
The Lady Tigers will conclude their fall season on October 14th. MMI will face 2011 NCAA Division I Regional participant and defending SWAC champion, Jackson State University. The contest will feature three five inning games beginning at 2PM on JSU’s campus in Jackson, Mississippi.
MMI Softball Receives More Commitments for 2012-13!
The Marion Military Institute softball program received more good news for the 2012-13 season. Cherokee Strickland (3B, Vancleave, MS), and Charli Grant (1B, Elsinore, CA), have committed to play for the Lady Tigers. “Cherokee and Charli are excellent additions to our program. Both come from strong travel ball organizations and know how to win. I expect both of them to really boost our team especially on offense,” said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie.
Strickland has hopes to join the U.S. Coast Guard one day. In addition, she starred with Dennis Roesle’s West Florida Elite travel ball organization. She also participated in the 2011 Mississippi High School All-Star game. Grant plays for the So Cal Arsenal travel ball organization. The Arsenal were 2011 18A California State Champions. Grant’s offensive prowess helped them to another trip to ASA 18A Nationals this past summer. Congrats to Charli and Cherokee!
MMI Tigers Defeat Stillman Tigers, 5-4
Tuscaloosa, AL—Led by freshmen Alex Fioravante, Kevin Song, and Cody Ely, the MMI Tigers nipped the Stillman Tigers, 5-4, under the lights at the Stillman Tennis Center in a match that lasted more than four hours.
The Tigers took a 2-1 lead going into singles action with two 8-6 doubles wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 3 doubles. Fioravante and Song defeated the strong Stillman pair of Alexander Zabec and David Torres, and Ely and Blake Joiner locked up their victory a short while later over a scrappy Stillman No. 3 doubles team.
Alex Fioravante, MMI’s No. 1 singles player, battled his way to a 7-5 first-set victory and then played lights-out tennis in a 6-0 second set.
MMI’s No. 2 player, Kevin Song, knocked off Alexander Zabec in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, and Cody Ely, at No. 6 singles, secured the win for MMI by allowing only 4 games in a 6-1, 6-3 win.
The MMI Tigers return to the courts on Thursday, October 6th when they take on the same Stillman Tiger squad at MMI’s Paul B. Anderson Tennis Complex. Play is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
Stillman Lady Tigers Upend MMI Lady Tigers, 5-2
Tuscaloosa, AL—Behind every dark cloud lies a silver lining. That old adage played itself out on Thursday evening when the dark cloud (a 5-2 MMI loss) hovered over the Stillman Tennis Center. The silver lining was the play of sophomore Allison Brombach, MMI’s No. 4 player, who played the match of her collegiate career.
After splitting sets, Brombach and her No. 4 counterpart from Stillman College, Jade Thornton, settled in to play a super tiebreaker to decide the match. The super tiebreaker lasted longer than either of the two previously played sets. Brombach won the first set, 6-3, while Thornton charged back to take the second, 6-2. Brombach salted the match away with a fine display of grit and determination, squeaking out a 13-11 win.
The other bright spot in an otherwise bleak and dismal evening of tennis for the Lady Tigers was the fine doubles play of Bailey Clements and Ashley McLendon. They outlasted Stillman’s Elizabeth Perez and Whitney Horner, 8-6.
The MMI Lady Tigers take on these same Stillman Lady Tigers on Thursday, October 6th at 1:00 p.m. at The Paul B. Anderson Tennis Complex on the front lawn of the Marion Military Institute campus.
MMI’s Fioravante/Song Fall 8-6 in Doubles Semifinal at the USTA/ITA Tournament
Alexander City, AL—After blasting their way past Georgia Perimeter College’s doubles team of Patrick Smith and Jonathan Cyprian by the score of 8-3, MMI’s dynamic doubles duo of Alex Fioravante and Kevin Song squared off against another Georgia Perimeter pair, Manford Owusu and Issey Ijuin, the No. 1-seeded team in the USTA/ITA Southeast Regional Tennis Tournament.
The play in this semifinal matchup can best be described in one word: extraordinary. Fioravante and Song went toe-to-toe with one of the best junior college doubles teams in the country. Fioravante and Song electrified t
Westerman and DeMott - Champions at UCF Open
ORLANDO, FL. - The MMI wrestlers traveled to Orlando, Florida this past weekend to participate in the University of Central Florida Duals and Open Tournament. The duals took place Friday evening with Marion winning one of three. The tigers lost to Sierra Communiy College and The Apprentice School before defeating Georgia Southern.
In the Open Tournament Saturday morning MMI was able to finish 3rd behind Sierra CC and the host school, UCF. Brandon Westerman (pictured) and Tyler DeMott both were crowned champions at the tournament, one of the toughest on this year's schedule. Placing 3rd were Trevor Bailey at 149-lbs. and Joel Wyman at 235-lbs. Kevin Koch (174-lb.) placed 4th while
