Congratulating Davenport University

Mr. President, I would like to congratulate Davenport on the recent successes of their Athletic Department and student athletes. The men’s hockey team won their first American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II National Championship with a 5-2 victory over Indiana University. The women’s basketball team won the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference Championship (WHAC) and made it to the Sweet 16 of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II National Tournament. These are both extraordinary feats considering the Athletic Department at Davenport University was formed only six years ago. Both programs were honored in a celebration at Davenport University on March 26, 2008. These accomplishments bring great joy and satisfaction to all those associated with Davenport University and across the State of Michigan.

The hockey team’s National Championship came after a third consecutive appearance in the ACHA Division II Final Four. The championship game ended an exciting week in Fort Myers, FL. Outscoring their five opponents by a combined total of 40-7, the Panthers dominated with their strong offensive attack. Under the leadership of head coach Paul Lowden, the team finished the season with a 35-11-4 record and won their third straight Great Midwest Hockey League (GMHL) regular season and Tournament titles.

Each player of the Davenport University team made significant contributions to the winning season, including Alex Mikla, Wes Baughman, Pat Collar, Justin Poorman, Bill McSween, Jon Stolarz, Jeremy Bultema, Justin Welker, Eric Troup, Will Collar, Rick Gadwa, Dayne Gluting, Chad Anguilm, Bobby Collar, Jeff Kraemer, Adam Tomacari, Kevin Doyle, Adam Thomas, Kevin Moodie, Chris Joswiak, Scott Knight, Chad Rutzel, Eddie Wheeler, Jared Mailloux, Chris Green, Brit Ouelette, Brett Hagen, Luke Bonnewell, Kenny Jacobs, Jason Kraemer, Jonah Rogowski, Ben Duthler, Head Coach Paul Lowden, and Assistant Coaches Phil Sweeney, Jamie Bradford, and Joe Messina.

After only six seasons at Davenport University, Head Coach Paul Lowden was named the 2008 ACHA Men’s Division II Coach-of-the-Year. He was honored with this award at the American Hockey Coaches Association Coach-of-the-Year Celebration this past weekend. Coach Lowden was also selected by the ACHA as the inaugural Head Coach for the Men’s Division II Select Team. The Select Team traveled to Europe this winter and finished with a perfect 5-0-0 record.

The Lady Panthers basketball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Youngs, earned their second consecutive Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference title. Senior Jeanette Woodberry, who was named both the WHAC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American, led the team to victory. Sara Haverdink and Kristin Bergsma were both named to the NAIA Academic All-American team. The basketball team finished this outstanding season with a record of 28-6 overall and 13-1 in their conference.

Teamwork, determination and a commitment to excellence by each member of this basketball team led to their success. The members include Lyndsey Shepherd, Megan Peters, Sara Haverdink, Andrea Kimm, Brittany Lyman, Kristin Bergsma, Kristi Boehm, Lynne Blomberg, Kayla Chapman, Jeanette Woodberry, Emily Rosenzweig, Kallie Benike, Sylvia Welch, Shannon Slattery, Stephani Roles, along with Head Coach Mark Youngs, and Assistant Coaches Kelly Wandel, Shannon Callaghan, and Alicia Barczak.

I am proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Davenport University Athletic Department. Their student athletes compete admirably in athletics and in the classroom, and maintain an average GPA of 3.22. I extend my best wishes to the players, coaches, families, and the University community that supported them throughout this triumphant season.

I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in congratulating Coach Lowden, Coach Youngs, and the Davenport University Panthers.