Hummel Battled Weight Loss, Now Stronger Than Ever

BY LEROY BRIDGES
Times Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE | Losing 25 pounds and erasing any physical gains Robbie Hummel gained during his freshman year at Purdue wasn’t the way he wanted to start his offseason.
But just after the spring semester, Hummel battled salmonella that put him in the hospital and wouldn’t let him eat for six days. Then the sophomore forward from Valparaiso endured a tonsillectomy to relieve sleep apnea that limited his eating and eliminated physical activity for more than two weeks.
In just three weeks of his summer, he was frail and unsure of his basketball abilities.
“At the start I was worried because I had lost so much weight,” said Hummel, who was named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year Sunday.
The weight loss came only two months after Purdue was dispatched from the NCAA Tournament in the second round by a “bigger, stronger” Xavier team. The undersized Boilers made the weight room their No. 1 priority for the offseason and Hummel found himself weighing around 180 pounds – 48 pounds less than today.
“When I was a freshman in high school I remember I weighed like 175,” Hummel said. “So, it was frustrating because that Xavier loss was on the physical side and to lose all that I had built up was tough.”
Once Hummel stepped on the court for his first workout after his weight loss, he knew he had to structure his eating and lifting to regain and surpass where he was months before. His diet featured grilled chicken breasts, vegetables, peanut butter sandwiches and no fast food or pop as he spent hours in weight room.
“I ate the most healthy I have all my life,” said Hummel, who started to see progress in June. “I lifted as hard as I could and I got my body back to where it was and even farther.”
Now, Hummel is lifting personal-bests to go along with his teammates who took advantage of one-on-one time in the weight room during the summer.
“We are definitely a much stronger team,” said sophomore guard and E.C. Central grad E’Twaun Moore. “We knew what we had to do in the weight room this summer and we did it.”
Sophomore forward JaJuan Johnson, who is expected to be Purdue’s starting big man, is up 10 pounds from last season to 220 and is benching a lifetime best 255 pounds. Painter is fine with Johnson not being a “Charles Oakley-type guy” as long as he uses his athleticism to his advantage.
“He doesn’t have a great base,” Painter said. “He has to do a better job playing with a base and having balance. When he uses his athleticism, he is a productive guy. I thought overseas he was able to do that.”
Overseas was a trip to Australia to further the team’s maturation. The competition was 30-and-40-year-olds and Painter was pleased with the trip’s outcome.
“I thought in Australia, from a physical standpoint, it was a great learning tool, especially on the glass,” Painter said. “I think it really exposed one of our weaknesses and I think that’s important to do, especially when the games don’t count.
“I think it will definitely help us come this winter.”
Moore, who was named first-team All-Big Ten Sunday, said he doesn’t think Purdue will face a more physical team than the Boilers played in Australia. Ideally, that experience helps Purdue improve its rebounding after being outrebounded by three boards a game last season. Purdue finished the season ninth in rebounding in the Big Ten
“I think our rebounding is going to be better,” Painter said. “We’re not going to lead the Big Ten in rebounding. We have to fight like hell to get in the middle of that pack.”
Purdue tips off its exhibition season at 8 p.m. Friday in Mackey Arena against Florida Southern.

Published in the Northwest Indiana Times in October of 2008.

Hummel Solves Foul Trouble, Returns To Form In 66-46 Win

BY LEROY BRIDGES
Times Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE | Sophomore forward Robbie Hummel solved his foul troubles and Purdue fans finally got to see the Hummel who was voted preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Saturday.
The Valparaiso grad dropped 20 points and grabbed 11 boards in No. 11 Purdue’s 66-46 routine win against Coppin State (1-1). His sixth-career double-double came in 26 minutes of play, which is the most he’s played in a game this season.
“I got to watch a lot film with coach Ray and coach Lusk and they figured out what I was doing wrong and why I was picking up a lot of cheap fouls,” Hummel said. “I felt like I got in more of a flow tonight.”
Hummel said he wasn’t moving his feet well on the defensive end in the team’s first three games. He had four fouls in two of those games but Saturday he committed only one foul.
“I think it was good for him and good from a fan’s standpoint to be able to watch him play and stay in the game,” said coach Matt Painter. “He just needs to play. He needs to get out there and get some minutes.”
Fellow Region teammate E’Twaun Moore (E.C. Central) loaded up the stat sheet, too. Moore, who became the first player to log at least 30 minutes in a game this season, had 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks; however, the 3-point shooting woes continued. Moore shot 1-of-5 from deep and the team finished 6-of-22.
“If we keep taking open shots, they will fall,” Moore said. “It’s going to fall some time. It can’t get no worse.”
Purdue’s inability to hit those 3s was frustrating for Painter who wants his players to change their mindset offensively if their shots aren’t falling. Entering Saturday’s game the Boilers were shooting 35 percent from long range.
“I thought we were inconsistent (offensively) and shot too many 3s. That’s something that’s remained consistent for us, we’re shooting a lot of 3s and not at a high percentage,” Painter said. “It’s something we’re going to have to take a hard look at. We have to probe the defense a little more.”
The Boilers don’t have long to correct their shooting because they travel to New York early this week to face Boston College in the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinals.
Coppin State’s leading scorer was its senior leader Tywain McKee with 17 points. McKee battled foul trouble and turned the ball over six times.

Published in the Northwest Indiana Times on Nov. 23, 2008.

Matt Painter's Hair Changes, He Doesn't

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

In four years at Purdue, Matt Painter has been through it all.
And yet the only thing that’s changed about the guy who landed a dream job at the age of 34 is his hair.
“Getting grayer,” said his wife, Jerri, about what’s changed with her husband since becoming head coach at Purdue. “It’s like a picture of the president before and after the term.”
Four years ago, an ambitious Painter walked into Morgan Burke’s office with a full-head of black hair and a national title on his mind. Burke knew from talking with legendary Purdue coach Gene Keady and Illinois coach Bruce Weber that Painter was ready to take on a restoration project.
“Gene and Bruce watched him evolve,” Burke said. “Bruce’s comment was ‘If Purdue isn’t going to hire him, someone else in the Big Ten will.’”
Despite a nine-win season in year one, Painter has led Purdue to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments and a heap of attention this season. Burke’s not surprised by Painter’s early success but it does make him smile.
“I think he’s been exactly what we thought we would get,” Burke said. “We thought we had a guy who had an intensity and a love for the game.”
Painter’s ability to motivate players without “browbeating” them impresses assistant coach Rick Ray on a daily. That knack for pushing players has been evident from day one and is a staple to Painter’s coaching success, Ray said.
“That’s something refreshing because the players put it upon themselves because if the guys don’t play hard they hold each other accountable,” Ray said.
Senior guard Marcus Green was a part of Painter’s first recruiting class and appreciates Painter’s ability to get the most out of him every day without bullying him.
“He’s created a situation where we play hard because we don’t want to let the team down and that’s enjoyable,” Green said. “I would hate to see him when he has six or seven All Americans on the court.
“He’s doing great right now and if he continues it, people better watch out for him.”
Painter knows he’s fortunate. From time to time he reminds himself of the profession he lives every day even if it brings more gray hair.
“If I am not the coach here, I guarantee (Purdue) still has a season. I don’t take that for granted,” Painter said. “I try to teach (the team) the same beliefs. We’re all very lucky to be in this position.”
Painter’s position entering this season is a long way from when he trotted into Burke’s office spouting his dreams of winning a national title at Purdue. The preseason No. 11 Boilers return all five starters, including the team’s MVP, junior guard Keaton Grant; the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, junior guard Chris Kramer; and the Big Ten’s Preseason Player of the Year, sophomore forward Robbie Hummel.
“I think it’s always amazing how fast everything goes. It seems like you’re a freshman and you turn around and you’re a senior,” Painter said. “Time flies. That’s why you have to enjoy it while it’s happening. You have to make your hard work fun.”
Painter and his Boilers begin their fun tonight in their first regular season game. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. in Mackey Arena against Detroit Mercy.

Published in the Purdue Exponent in November 2008.

Season Preview Guide Page 6

Another inside page and this time it's with JaJuan Johnson and Chris Reid on it.

Season Preview Guide Page 4

Another inside page and this time it's with Ryne Smith and Mark Wohlford. This page also has a story I wrote about the team growing up.

Season Preview Guide Page 3

Another inside page and this time it's with Lewis Jackson and Chris Kramer on it.

Season Preview Guide Page 2

This is one of the player profile pages that displayed the majority of the guide's content. This page has Robbie Hummel and Keaton Grant on it. We contacted players' parents to get childhood photos of them to complete this guide. Everything from creating the crayon-effect to the cutout blocks to the composition of the guide was done by me.

Growin' Up

This was the cover for the 2008-09 men's basketball season preview guide. This photo was coordinated with the College Mentors for Kids and the men's basketball team and was one of the most stressful days of my life. ;)

Senior Kicker Makes First Field Goal Of Career

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

East Lansing, Mich. – With 4:49 left in the game and his team down by one, senior kicker Casey Welch attempted – and made – the first field goal of his career.
The 18-yarder gave Purdue an eventual 17-15 win and Welch an indescribable feeling.
"Something you've been waiting your entire life for (is) to go out there and kick," Welch said after the Boilers' win over Michigan State (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten). "To have this be my one kick, it's unbelievable."
Welch got his opportunity after freshman Chris Summers missed two field goals earlier in the game. Coach Joe Tiller said he made the switch because Summers, who is 8-for-18 this season, is less accurate on shorter attempts.
"Maybe we're going to have a short field goal kicker and a long field goal kicker," Tiller said. "I told (special teams coach Mark Hagen) to get Casey warming up because if we are kicking, Casey's going to do it."
Welch said he didn't know whether or not he was going to be kicking until just after a timeout was called. Fortunately for Welch, who transferred from West Virginia four years ago with hopes of winning the starting job, he had been warming up.
"I try to stay warm all game, so I was loose enough for it," Welch said. "I was just like 'Let's go out there and kick it.' I just kicked it."
The kick, which was a "no doubter" according to holder Curtis Painter, was Welch's first game-situation field goal since high school five years ago.
"It's a story-book ending to my career here," Welch said. "It's been five years since I've done that and to go out there and help my team get closer to a bowl is awesome."
Hagen said it was no surprise to him that Welch made the kick. In fact, there was no doubt in his mind Welch would come through in the high-pressure situation.
"Today his number was called and I knew he could do it," Hagen said. "It certainly was a crucial situation and he came through."
Welch said his emotion in the locker room following the game was overwhelming, especially since Purdue (6-4, 3-3) had lost four of its last five games.
"The emotions ran high and it me deep after the game," Welch said. "I'm a team guy and I am just happy to help us out anyway I can."
Welch's kick gives the Boilers their second win on the road this season and with one more win, they will be bowl eligible.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Nov. 6, 2006.

Basketball Transfer To Appear In Court

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

A heralded men's basketball recruit will be in a court of a different kind on Monday morning.
Tarrance Crump, a former junior college guard who transferred to Purdue, is scheduled for an initial hearing at 8 a.m. Monday. Crump was charged on Sept. 25 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crime and committing criminal recklessness.
According to Jerry Bean, the Tippecanoe County prosecutor, case documentation should be filed by 5 p.m. Friday, so the case can be ready for Monday's initial hearing.
"All of the information that is being gathered will be available for Monday's hearing," Bean said Tuesday.
On Monday, Crump and his representation are scheduled to hear the case against him. Crump will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty and the case will move forward.
According to West Lafayette Police, Robert Brunner was struck by a vehicle operated by Crump just after midnight on Sept. 25. Brunner sustained a large laceration to the back of the head, a large contusion on the right side of his back and scrapes all over his body.
Police officers in the area were called to look for a car similar to Crump's Chevrolet Trailblazer, according to police.
Brunner said he was aware of the court date, but declined to comment.
Crump has been held out of official basketball practices that started Oct. 15. Coach Matt Painter is awaiting the legal process to take its course before reacting to the case. Neither Crump nor Painter has commented on the situation.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Oct. 26, 2005.

With Response Filed, Purdue Waits For NCAA

By Leroy Bridges
Editor in Chief

Within the next two weeks Purdue athletics will learn of the NCAA's verdict regarding sanctions facing the women's basketball program 15 months after potential violations were made public.
In February 2006, Purdue officials suspended guard Cherelle George and assistant coach Katrina Merriweather for possible NCAA violations. Almost two months later, George was declared permanently ineligible and Merriweather resigned. An internal investigation by Purdue found six possible violations - some of which could be major.
Since first notifying the NCAA of problems with NCAA rules in early 2006, Purdue has utilized the law firm of Stuart & Branigan to file a response to allegations. The law firm's report, filed April 27, 2007, was recently obtained by the Exponent as a result of a public document request. The 48-page summary report of Purdue's response was part of more than 400 pages of documents obtained through public documents related to the case.
It wasn't until Feb. 28, 2007 - more than a year from when wrongdoing was announced - that Purdue was given notice to respond to six possible violations. The University's attorney filed a response a month later and a hearing was held on that response on June 8.
The NCAA is reviewing Purdue documents and hearing information to determine what violations occurred and if penalties should be assessed. Six to eight weeks after the hearing institutions can expect reports detailing the decision. This is the sixth week since Purdue's hearing.
"We're waiting for the final verdict," assistant athletic director Tom Schott said Monday.
Purdue is hoping the self-imposed penalties that were enacted will avoid additional NCAA punishment. The University took away one scholarship for the 2006-07 season, suspended then assistant coach Merriweather, declared George permanently ineligible and had a presentation on ethical conduct with coaches and administrators.
"While Purdue University acknowledges that (Merriweather) was an employee of the athletics department and is taking full responsibility for her actions while our employee, it was determined through this investigation that she clearly acted outside the scope of her responsibilities as an assistant coach," a letter from Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke wrote on May 1 to the NCAA.
Purdue admitted in its April response that Merriweather assisted a student-athlete with writing a research paper, made impermissible contact during non-sanctioned recruiting periods and did various personal favors for players.
Upon being asked to comment on the documents the Exponent received, an athletic department official would not comment further until the NCAA is finished deliberating.
"In May of 2006, the Purdue Department of Intercollegiate Athletics transmitted to the NCAA and the Big Ten Conference the results of a 10-week inquiry involving our women's basketball program," a statement from Schott said. "In response to a public records request, the University's response to allegations to the NCAA has been released.
"While the response has been redacted to comply with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and federal privacy law, it contains no new violations but does provide additional information uncovered in the University's review. This response is part of the NCAA judicial process, and the University participated in a hearing regarding these matters on June 8, 2007, before the Division I Committee on Infractions. The University will have no comment on the matter during the deliberations by the Committee."
Burke declined comment on the case and deferred to Schott.
The public documents do not contain any new violations, but it does provide additional information from Purdue's internal investigation.
The response says former coach Kristy Curry was aware of one of the violations - academic fraud. After two meetings with Merriweather in late 2005 and early 2006 - and denials from Merriweather regarding academic fraud - Curry did not pursue it. Curry, who's now the coach at Texas Tech, would have been reprimanded and "limited for summer recruiting" by Burke if she would have stayed at Purdue. Furthermore, it was learned that Curry made two of 49 impermissible contacts with recruits. Merriweather was implicated in the remaining 47 call violations - all of which were six minutes or less.
According to the response, "It is noted here that had the head coach remained at Purdue University, the assistant coach (Merriweather) would have been terminated." Merriweather, however, resigned more than a month before that conclusion had been reached.
Merriweather was at the heart of all six violations part of the NCAA investigation.
1. One incident of academic misconduct involving one assistant coach. No eligibility issues were involved.
2. Impermissible use of a coach's cell phone by four current student-athletes.
3. Impermissible storage of two current student-athletes' personal items for a period not longer than one month at the residence of an assistant coach.
4. Impermissible purchase of flowers for one prospective student-athlete by an assistant coach. The prospective student-athlete has already signed a letter of intent two months prior to the impermissible purchase.
5. Impermissible storage of one current student-athlete's automobile for a period not longer than two months at an assistant coach's residence.
6. Impermissible telephone contacts with two prospective student-athletes.
Other than the academic fraud being known, the other five violations came to light after former assistant coach Janon Lampley met with Purdue's compliance staff in February 2006, according to the public documents. Purdue then suspended both Merriweather and George and began an investigation.
The NCAA declined to comment because the investigation is still ongoing.
There were five other potential NCAA wrongdoing allegations that came forth through the investigation. However, none were confirmed through interviews conducted by Purdue's compliance staff.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on July 18, 2007.

Purdue vs. Indiana Football Rivalry

Georgia Tech 79, Purdue 61 - Men's Basketball In 2006 Maui Invitational

2007 Black & Gold Spring Game Video

Offense Stalls In 16-3 Loss To Ohio State

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Purdue's offense didn't take advantage of a stellar defensive performance and caused the Boilers to lose 16-3 Saturday.
Purdue didn't score a touchdown and failed to get inside No. 12 Ohio State's 30-yard line until the last minute of the game. But not once did coach Joe Tiller consider replacing senior quarterback Curtis Painter, which he did last week against Penn State when the offense failed to produce.
"He was into the game," Tiller said of Painter. "He had good feedback on the sideline. I didn't think he was flustered at all. Overall, I thought he played much better this week than last week."
Tiller said Painter's sideline interaction with offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher was much more spirited this week. Rather than saying "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" when discussing on-field plays, Painter was well aware of why he chose to do certain things.
"He had the right answers on the sideline," Tiller said. "He was really into the game. So, I thought that he took last week and what happened to him as a challenge from studying the game point of view."
Painter finished the game 23-of-53 passing, totaling 228 yards with one interception and a fumble. He said he couldn't really point out any specific problems with the offense and didn't think he changed anything from last week to this week.
"I don't think anything was different," Painter said of his sideline manner. "I don't think I took any special initiative to be in it anymore."
Senior running back Kory Sheets said it is time for a change on offense. He didn't specify what kind of change but that one was needed.
"I honestly don't know (where we're at). But Obama said it best " it's time for change," Sheets said. "I think we've got to do something in the offense or change something to where we're moving the ball effectively and putting points on the board."
Sheets said he always has Painter's back and even saw a Painter of old.
"During the game today, I saw him come into his own and start playing like the old Curtis Painter," Sheets said. "He started checking the ball, and no matter what the play was he was somewhat doing his own thing. I told him, just keep playing like yourself. Now I'm starting to see the Curtis Painter I fell in love with."
The last time Purdue's offense failed to score an offensive touchdown was last year against Penn State. Last week against the Nittany Lions, the Boilers (2-4, 0-2) scored only six points and that came late in the fourth quarterback with backup QB Joey Elliott. Despite the lack of offensive production, defensive coordinator Brock Spack said there are no worries that his defense will start blaming the offense for its lack of production.
"You point a finger, you have three pointing back at you," Spack said. "We win as a team, we lose as a team. There are going to be times when we screw it up. These guys are good kids. They'll pick each other up."
Tiller's message after the game was very similar to Spack's comments.
"You've got to keep your heads up and stay positive," Tiller said. "Don't go around and stick your lower lip out and pout about it. There's still a lot of football left to be played. Our football team's getting better."
Purdue has now lost 17-straight games against ranked teams.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Oct. 15, 2008

Belief - Not Hope - Can End The Streak

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

Believing – not hoping – to be successful against No. 12 Ohio State is essential for Purdue Saturday.
Senior wide receiver Desmond Tardy isn’t one to hope. He’s a believer. And if the Boilers have any chance of ending two streaks – winless against ranked teams since 2003 and winless in Columbus, Ohio since 1988 – against the Buckeyes, they better believe they can win.
“We have to go up there with the mentality that we can win,” said Tardy, who’s never played at Ohio State (5-1). “Not hoping we can win, but believing we can win. There’s a big difference in that. You should know you can win.”
After talking with six players and two coaches this week, it appears Purdue (2-3) believes it can beat the Buckeyes. Coach Joe Tiller said his players were “saying the right things” and senior captain Ryan Baker said the team is angry.
“This team is motivated by anger right now,” Baker said. “We’re going to do everything it takes to win the game. It’s going to be a hostile crowd and a hostile team we’re playing and it’s going to fun.”
Tardy recognized how “crazy” college football plays out every year and thinks it might be time for Purdue’s big upset. So, playing carelessly and flawlessly will be imperative against a “great team.”
“Our backs are against the wall so we have to come out fighting,” Tardy said. “This is a chance to show how we are going to respond to what’s been going on with us. It’s time to go up there to believe and not hope.”
It’s the first time Purdue has played at Ohio State since losing 16-13 in overtime during the 2003 season. That was the first of 16-straight losses against ranked teams for Purdue.
“That was about as disappointed as I have been with a loss,” Tiller said about the 2003 game in Columbus, Ohio. “I was absolutely convinced we could win that game.”
Tiller may not be convinced about this Saturday’s game, but if he believes, Purdue just might get the win it’s been looking for the last five years.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Oct. 9, 2008

The Streak

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

No player on Purdue’s roster has beaten a ranked team as a Boiler.
It’s been four years, 10 months and 30 days since the Boilers last beat a ranked team.
For fans and media, it matters. Coaches and players, however, are insistent it’s not something they think about. Between two coaches and six players, all of them said the team’s mindset and preparation don’t change for a game against a ranked opponent.
“What we look for is try to improve as the season goes along regardless of the opponent, regardless if it’s a ranked team or not a ranked team,” said coach Joe Tiller, who is 12-36 against ranked teams in his more than 11 years at Purdue. “We don’t measure ourselves against our opponent, we measure ourselves against ourselves.
“If the media didn’t keep score like that, I wouldn’t know what the record against ranked opponents was.”

The loss that started it all
It was Nov. 15, 2003.
No. 4 Ohio State beat No. 11 Purdue, 16-13 in overtime in Columbus, Ohio.
A week after Purdue beat the highest ranked team it beat since No. 6 Michigan during the 2000 season; Purdue couldn’t supplant the Buckeyes who eventually won the Fiesta Bowl.
Purdue’s Bobby Iwuchukwu blocked a field goal at the end of regulation to force an overtime only to have Ben Jones miss a 37-yard field goal in the extra period. Looking back, Kyle Orton had his second-most famous fumble in the end zone, which immediately was jumped on for a TD with 11:23 left in the game. The TD made it 13-6 OSU. The win was Ohio State’s third of the season without scoring an offensive touchdown. Since then, Purdue has been outscored 456-257 in 15 games against ranked teams.

Senior captain Ryan Baker knows that to be the best, you have to beat the best. So, when he heard the 0-16 against-ranked-teams statistic his reaction wasn’t favorable.
“I was like ‘Wow, that’s not a good statistic. That’s a horrible statistic,” Baker said. “You have to beat good teams to do well. That is one way to measure it, yes. You have beat good teams. You have to. And that’s not a good statistic.”
Senior quarterback Curtis Painter said he doesn’t necessarily use the 0-16 record against ranked teams as a measuring stick. He did acknowledge that “great teams play well against other great teams.”
“We’re not going to go up there today and say we’re playing the X-rated team,” said Painter, whose 0-10 against ranked teams as the starting QB. “No matter what they’re ranked, we’re going to go in there and play the same. We don’t really pay much attention to that.”
Senior wide receiver Desmond Tardy has thought about it and even wondered why. The streak, Tardy said, doesn’t wear on the team, but it should motivate the Boilers.
“It means something. It means we should go out with more motivation,” Tardy said. “We want to change that tradition of losing to all the ranked teams.”

The last time it happened
It was Nov. 8, 2003.
No. 16 Purdue beat No. 10 Iowa, 27-14 in Ross-Ade Stadium.
Curtis Painter, still a senior at Vincennes High School, had verbally committed to attend Purdue University just a month earlier.
That Saturday in Ross-Ade was far from the normal Boiler win. It featured a potent rushing-attack that totaled 154 yards on 44 attempts. QB Kyle Orton threw the ball only 20 times. The result was a battered Hawkeye defense, which entered the game as the nation’s fourth-best run defense.
What many Purdue fans didn’t have in mind after leaving Ross-Ade that day was a 59-month skid against ranked teams.

Senior running back Kory Sheets proved he had no idea of the streak. When asked about it, he brought up Purdue beating the Buckeyes in 2004, his freshman season. Most wins against Ohio State would notch a victory against a top-25 team, but that season the Buckeyes finished 8-4.
Ohio State is ranked No. 12 heading into this weekend’s game, so the streak could go full-circle and end in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Oct. 9, 2008

Football Players Compete As Themselves In Video Game

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

Just imagine playing a video game as yourself. Or playing on a football team that you on. Or playing the entire schedule for the upcoming season and winning every game.
This is what a lot of Purdue and Big Ten players have done over the past months, since the release of NCAA Football '06.
In fact, two Boilermakers, junior offensive guard Uche Nwaneri and junior wide receiver Andre Chattams, are rivals when it comes to the game. According to Nwaneri, this is because no one else on the team is as good as him except for "Dre Chat."
"We go at it in that game, man," Nwaneri said. "We get some real good competition going when we turn that game on. There is a rivalry between us now."
But who gets to play with Purdue?
"The first one to bring them up, gets them," Nwaneri said. "And, of course, the other person gets mad and has to pick another team."
But no matter the team, Nwaneri's playing style is logical: run the football. As an offensive lineman, that choice is obvious. Chattams likes to run the option with junior quarterback Brandon Kirsch and, of course, throw the ball.
"I love to air it out in that game," Chattams said. "It's so much fun. Especially, when the the throw is to yourself."
Other than playing the game as yourself, many players, including highly-touted Michigan wide receiver Steve Breaston, get the game just to check their player ratings.
"I got the game and starting looking at my speed, catching and awareness," Breaston said. "And I think I got some pretty good love in the game.
"I am an impact player, so I am happy."
Impact players are those that play at a higher level than others throughout the game.
Illinois middle linebacker Morris Virgil said that being an impact player for the Illini is fun because he can harass other guys on the team about it.
"It is fun to brag about it because EA Sports knows you are good," Virgil said. "I really get on some of the guys because Steve (Weatherford), our kicker, is an impact player.
"And he's a kicker."
Whether it is playing an entire season to see your team win the National Championship or just for the fun, the '06 version of NCAA Football has become a must have for many college football players.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Aug. 25, 2005

Band Battles Muddy Classroom

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

Imagine learning in a classroom flooded with water, caked with mud and littered with holes.
It sounds like a joke, but it's reality for the Purdue All-American Marching Band.
Five days a week, the band has to practice and students are expected to earn credit for learning. But the practice field across from Hillenbrand Hall is in "awful" condition, according to Pam Nave, jeopardizing the band's learning, performance and safety.
"That field is a classroom and when it is in this kind of shape, it's a problem," said Nave, associate professor of bands.
For several years, the field's condition has been a problem. Because of extensive use of the field, the ground is worn down and when it rains, large puddles form. The puddles lead to mud and much, which make marching difficult, according to Adam Horton, a senior in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
"There are huge holes and trenches, which makes it difficult while playing," Horton said. "A lot of us are careful, but we'll slip and fall anyway.
"We know we are going to get muddy."
This year, the condition is worsening and Kent Shoults, buisness manager for the band, is concerned people don't realize the importance of fa quality field.
"If you go over to some of the engineering classrooms, is there standing water on the floor and how long will it be there?" Shoults said. "Everyone recognizes how important the marching band is when it come to going to games and bowls, but I don't think people make the connection that this is their classroom and they can't get in it."
In an effort to alert people of the field's condition, band members have created a shirt that will be worn for the first time at the Oct. 20 rehearsal. The back of the shirt reads "Mud or grass, our band kicks butt."
"A lot of people read stories about Ross-Ade Stadium's field and the three other fields the team has, but no one knows about our field's condition," Horton said. "We pay fees and we are a class and our field is a problem."
In addition, the field's muddy condition has caused injury and costly damage to instruments. According to Nave, several weeks ago a snare drummer tripped into a hole that formed around a sprinkler head. The result was a sprained ankle, a muddy uniform and damage to a $900 drum.
"It is a concern because A: You have one of the best Big Ten bands marching in mud," Shoults said. "And B: You are having people get hurt.
"You are talking uniform expense, instrument expense and injury expense."
Financial limitations also hinder any long-term solution, such as an artifical surface with drainage.
"There's no easy solution in place," Shoults said. "It's going to take a major renovation. But the lack of money for that renovation is the problem."
According to Shoults, the band department hasn't officially asked the University for help and as of Oct. 17 the University hasn't extended any financial support.
"It's not any different than any other project," Shoults said. "As far as the University stepping up and saying, 'Here's X number of dollars.' I am not aware that that's happened.'"
The short-term solution is an alternate practice site which has been provided by the Recreational Sports Center on the intramural fields. If not for the RSC's ability to loan the band a field, Shoults doesn't know what the band would be doing.
"Luckily, our relationship with (RSC director) Howard Taylor is positive," Shoults said. "Otherwise, we would be in an even worse situation."

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Oct. 18, 2006

Roller-Coaster Career for Senior

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

Marie Franke's career has not gone how she expected.
The senior volleyball player has started only 12 matches in the last three seasons.
She started 33 matches her freshman year.
As an All-American and a Fab 50 player during her senior season in high school, she got the attention of several schools. A rebuilding Purdue program was one of them.
"I came here because I knew Purdue was trying to greatly improve the program," Franke said.
Franke was recruited by then Purdue coach Jeff Hulsmeyer. Hulsmeyer not only brought Franke to West Lafayette, but he compiled a strong recruiting class.
"I remember coming in here surrounded by Renata (Dargan) and Sarah Vitali and how excited we were," Franke said. "All of us knew we could come in and contribute right away."
Suddenly, Purdue's future got brighter. Franke thought that future included her.
Following Franke's 12-21 freshman year, which included only two Big Ten wins, Hulsmeyer lost his job.
"A lot of things change under a new coach," Franke said. "And a lot of what I've been through is attibuted to some of that."
Couple a coaching change with a roster suffering from graduation and injuries, Franke's role increased dramatically. She became one of the few hitters availble to take reps in practice.
Then Franke fractured her foot.
"We only had five players," Franke said. "So, all spring I was doing extra repetitions at several positions and that caused the fracture."
Franke's role has never been the same.
During the 2003 season, Franke, who said she has always been healthy minus the fractured foot, played in only 19 matches, while her kills total decreased by more than 175.
"I don't know what happened my sophomore year," Franke said. "I wish I had an answer, because I was healthy."
Meanwhile, the Boilers were improving and coach Dave Shondell was beginning to recruit more and more talented players.
"The recruits mean good things for the program," Franke said. "But something that a lot of players think about is when you host these recruits is that you are saying 'Come to Purdue,' but then you think 'You play my positition.'
"The talent creates good competition but it makes you wonder what your role in the program is."
That talent has been seen this season.
Freshman hitters Stephanie Lynch, Danita Merlau and Kelli Miller have been recognized nationally for their talent. But what does that mean for Franke?
"It means we will continue to get better as a team," Franke said. "And I will have to continue to search for something that I am doing wrong."
Shondell said Franke hasn't "faded away" with the coaching change, but her role has been limited.
"Her role on the court is small," Shondel said. "But she is very important for us in practice. Every team has practice players. My own daughter has played less than anyone in the past two years, so I know what that is like."
Now, four years after being on of those talented recruits settling in at Purdue, Franke's career is ending. She's determined to finish what she started.
"It's been really tough for me," said Franke, who began to cry. "There have been good days and bad. I committed at the beginning and I was going to stay.
"But I don't know I would be here today without my fiance. He is my rock."
Franke and Alan Dukeshire, a senior in mechanical engineering, have been engaged since Easter and plan to marry in 2007. Dukeshire said despite the situation being frustrating on Franke she has continued to stay positive.
"It's been saddening to see her not get a quality chace to prove herself," Dukeshire said. "But she still loves Purdue volleyball, her teammates and the coaches."
That love has her in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the NCAA tournament this weekend. For the second consective season, the Boilers have qualified for postseaosn play.
"It is amazing how faw we have caome since our freshman season," Franke said. "I dreamed of this happening. It makes everything worth it."

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Dec. 1, 2005

Traveling To Games Doesn't Bother Sophomore's Supportive Parents

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

The Kramer family is becoming legendary at men's basketball games.
Sophomore guard Chris Kramer is the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year and his parents, Jon and Susan, are visible and audible fixtures cheering for the Boilers.
In two seasons, the Kramers have racked up miles with trips to South Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, New Orleans and Indianapolis. Now, it's Washington D.C. for today's NCAA tournament first round game against Baylor.
"It's hard for us to miss games," Susan said. "For him to play at this level, he needs our support so we're there, good or bad."
Time, money and weather rarely get in the way of Jon and/or Susan attending a game. Both have convenient job situations that allow them to take a lot of time traveling during the basketball season - and Jon has plenty of plastic to fund the trips.
"Sure, it's going to get costly," he said. "I am sure my credit card is going to get maxed out, but it is nothing compared to four years of our lives that is better for it."
Despite treacherous weather conditions the weekend Purdue played in Madison, Wis., the Kramers made the trip. Two days, $200, a crash and a Purdue win later, it was all worth it.
"We knew that was going to be a long trip, but not that long," Jon said.
Along with traveling around the country watching games, Susan talks to her son - Christopher or Bubba, to her - daily.
"To be honest, I am a mama's boy," Chris said.
Maybe that's why she is the loudest fan at every Purdue game - home or away. At first glance, one might think Jon is the vocal support for Chris at a game. Jon, a probation office for Huntington County, stands about 6-feet, 3-inches tall. Instead, he lets his wife do the cheering - and does she ever.
"I yell," Susan said. "I yell all the time. I don't shut up."
It's not odd for referees to glare in Susan's direction or even tell her to quiet down. Earlier this season in a game at Mackey Arena she was told to "shut up or get kicked out."
"I always have my voice and this is how I am," Susan said. "I like to ask the refs, 'What are you going to do, kick me out? Ref the game.'"
Ideally, Jon is at least two seats away from Susan, quietly taking photos of the game, occasionally making a comment about a missed call.
"I don't normally sit next to her. It gets on my nerves and makes me nervous," said Jon, who has taken more than 1,000 photos this season. "I just like capturing the moments with my camera."
Chris stresses that he doesn't hear his mom yelling during games, but Susan thinks he does. Either way, Chris appreciates their presence.
"It's great just to know that your parents are supportive of you no matter where you go," Chris said. "When your name gets called and you go out there and see your parents there, it's a great relief just to know that they are supporting me there."
Jon and Susan arrived in Washington Wednesday and have plans to travel as long as the team wins in the NCAA tournament, which could mean adding Phoenix and San Antonio to the list of cities visited for Purdue basketball.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on March 18, 2008

Suspended Lineman Files Lawsuit Against Purdue

By Leroy Bridges
Sports Editor

Suspended Purdue football lineman Uche Nwaneri has filed a lawsuit against the University, hoping to be reinstated.
A hearing in Tippecanoe County Court will be held Tuesday morning.
Nwaneri was suspended after a student disciplinary hearing by the Office of the Dean of Students after a July 14 fight in the Mollenkopf Athletic Center.
An Aug. 24 hearing before the Campus Appeals Board upheld the semester-long suspension.
The suit names the University; Steve Akers, executive associate dean of students, and Cathy Sleeth, chairperson of the Campus Appeals Board, as the defendants of the suit, which seeks no damages.
Purdue Board of Trustees chairman Tim McGinley couldn't be reached for comment and Akers and Sleeth declined to comment on Sunday.
In a statement released by Courtney B. Justice, Nwaneri's attorney, Nwaneri said that he didn't want to take this to court but he had no choice.
"It is especially hard for me because I love Purdue, and I respect and admire my professors and coaches who are giving me a first-class education - in the classroom and on the football field."
Late Friday, Judge Don Johnson set a 9 a.m. Tuesday hearing on Nwaneri's motion for a preliminary injunction to temporarily reinstate Nwaneri until a formal hearing could be conducted.
According to a copy of the lawsuit that was intended to be filed on Friday, Nwaneri was forcibly confronted by former teammate Ryan Noblet during a summer workout at Mollenkopf in July. The suit claims Noblet instigated the confrontation with verbal abuse, pushing and "attempted to get his arm around Uche's neck." Nwaneri retaliated by a "reasonable attempt to protect himself ... accidentally fracturing (Noblet's) jaw."
Purdue police were notified of the incident that evening by Pamela Noblet, Ryan's mother, according to the lawsuit. Purdue police apprehended Nwaneri at his home the following morning and he then voluntarily went to the police station, where Nwaneri gave his first statement, according to the complaint. As the Purdue police investigation was ongoing, Nwaneri was notified by Akers on July 19 that he had been charged with misconduct according to a student conduct code.
On July 28, a hearing was held before the Dean's office and Nwaneri was found guilty of "battering Ryan Noblet resulting in serious bodily injury." Akers found the disciplinary penalty appropriate "to demonstrate how detrimental this kind of conduct is to the University" and suspended Nwaneri from Purdue for the fall semester. The suspension would prohibit Nwaneri from playing football for Purdue, as well. Nwaneri then filed an appeal to be heard by the Campus Appeals Board.
On Wednesday, the appeal, which was closed to the public, was heard. Nwaneri was accompanied by his attorneys during the hearing; however, Nwaneri had to conduct his entire presentation by himself. According to the lawsuit, Sleeth, chairperson of the board, "repeatedly expressed her personal views and her approval of the Dean's decision, emphasizing her conviction that Dean Akers did the right thing."
During the appeal's hearing, Nwaneri questioned three witnesses, offensive line coach Bill Legg, trainer Jessica Zuercher and freshman wide receiver Derek Benson. Legg was asked to give character descriptions of both Nwaneri and Noblet. Legg told of Noblet's history of confrontations over the past three years, according to the lawsuit.
On Sunday, Legg would not comment about what he said at the appeal hearing. Benson said on Sunday that he did not want to get into details of the situation.
According to the suit, during Nwaneri's testimony at the appeal, he stated that he was placed into an interrogation room for an hour, while Lt. Fred Davis of the Purdue Police Department "threatened bullied and intimidated him." According to the suit, "Davis then accused Nwaneri of lying, of being a criminal, told him he would have to stand trial and was going to jail." No record of that interview is contained in the police report to the Dean, according to the suit.
Davis could not be reached for comment.
According to the suit, Nwaneri's right to due process of law was violated during the hearings.
On Sunday, the University would have no comment on the lawsuit, according to Jeanne Norberg, director of University News Service.

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Aug. 29, 2005

Serbian Overcomes Life's Obstacles

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

Nemanja Calasan is a long way from his war-torn home country, but the lessons he learned from his father still pervade his life.
Calasan was a 5-year-old growing up in Bosnia when his country became embattled in ethnic struggles. With the country's borders closed and people dying in the streets, Calasan's family, who were Serbian Patriot Orthodox, weren't sure they would survive the discrimination, or the war.
With hateful messages from Croatian Catholics spray painted on his home, Calasan's father, Dragan, built a basement in their house to protect his family. They spent a month in the makeshift space with survival at the front of their minds.
Despite the religious differences, a worried Catholic priest came to the family's rescue. All Calasan remembers is the priest's face - and the care that saved his life.
It was an early '90s Benz and was a safe escape from the war. The only problem was that Serbians weren't permitted to cross the border. Their Serbian passports were a death sentence.
With the priest at the wheel, Calasan in the front seat and his family hidden in the back of the car, they stopped at the border. Rifle in hand, the Croatian soldier asked the priest who the boy in the passenger seat was.
"That's my son," the priest lied.
The soldier then demanded to see Calasan's passport, to which the priest replied indignantly, "You don't believe in a priest?"
After a minute of thought, the solider said, "OK. Pass."
"He saved our lives," Calasan said.
WAR'S EFFECT ON LIFE
Six years later, Calasan returned to the changed, more peaceful region, which was struggling with a depressing standard of living.
"It is really a harsh situation there," Calasan said. "My parents work hard every day for very little."
Calasan had changed, too. He grew - in more ways than one. Because of his newfound size, his father suggested basketball as a way out. It sounded like fun to Calasan, but after one practice he wanted nothing to do with it.
"All the running and everything. It's not for me," Calasan said.
True to his father's personality, he wouldn't let his son quit that easily.
"He said 'You going to quit after the first practice?'" Calasan said. "I couldn't quit because of what he said. So, I came back and practiced and practiced."
For the next six years, Calasan worked on his game despite having meager equipment. The team had only four basketballs that were made of rubber - not leather - and the hoops didn't have nets. Each player had one jersey - for games and practices. The happiest moment his team had was when it played well enough to get one leather ball.
"Everybody would run after the leather one," Calasan said. "It was the only time people liked to run."
Calasan's patience and dedication with his basketball opportunities were evident, though. One night his neighbor came home to find Calasan shooting free throw after free throw. Despite the darkness and exhaustion from practice earlier in the day, Calasan was insistent he make 100 straight before stopping. The neighbor later became his girlfriend.
"That really impressed me," said Suncica Milosevic, who has dated Calasan for six years.
WELCOME TO AMERICA
Calasan's dedication landed him in Texas playing basketball at Midland College, a school known for its physical style of play.
After getting bruised and scraped in the team's first practice, Calasan doubted his move to America was the right choice.
"It was a big difference," Calasan said. "After that, I wanted to go back home."
Calasan returned to practice, as his father would have insisted, but life in America continued to present its challenges. For the first time in his life, Calasan, a junior forward for Purdue, learned English - slowly. When Purdue assistant coach Cuonzo Martin started recruiting Calasan, the language barrier became clear.
Coaches were required to fill out paperwork that was in different languages and had to be sent out of the country at odd hours of the day. In what was Martin's first recruitment of a foreign player, he described the process as exhausting, but worth it.
"You're talking about a really talented young man with physical talent who is happy to be here," Martin said.
As Calasan continues to pick up English every day, his popularity and performance on the men's basketball team grows, too. Calasan, who has become a starter, is averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 19 minutes a game. At a home game a week ago, there were four Serbian flags in the student section.
"Nemanja was totally stoked about that," said Marko Ljoljic, a junior in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences and one of Calasan's friends. "He loves anything Serbian."

Published in the Purdue Exponent on Feb. 2, 2008

College Football Preview

This was the 2007 college football season preview package.

Making Fantasy Reality

This page featured content for the season preview on the soccer team.

Big Ten Football Preview

This was the Big Ten football preview that was done in a list of five things that embarrassed the conference in the young season. Of course, Michigan's loss to Appalachian State topped the list.

Beatdown

Coverage of Purdue beating Toledo in 2007.

Taking It Down A Notch

A sports page with a little bit of everything on it, including a T-shirt contest winner.

Jumpin' & Jibin'

Coverage of Purdue beating Central Michigan in 2007.

Missed Opportunities

Purdue lost at Notre Dame in 2006 after blowing plenty of chances to win the game.

Destination: Dallas

The women's basketball team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and was headed to Dallas in 2007.

Body Found

A full front page with coverage of a missing Purdue student.

Report Card

This sports page features letter grades on a chalkboard for the midseason report card.

Retention Rates Cause Concern

This is a front page that features in-depth charts I created last minute as the dominant art for the box story.

Campus, City All Snowed In

A front page after a major snow storm hit Purdue.

Manning & Co. Defy Critics, Rain

This is an inside page that came together well.

Go Horse

This is a Colts poster after they won the Super Bowl. It was a product of my features editor, graphics editor and myself.

Redemption

A sports page after Purdue beat Indiana in basketball.

Search Stalls, Regroups

Another full front page on the search for Wade Steffey.

Searching Continues

This is a front page during the search for a missing student at Purdue.

Football or Baseball?

This is a sports tabloid cover I designed in the summer of 2005. The story was about a Purdue recruit who couldn't decide if he wanted to play football at Purdue or baseball elsewhere.

Soaring JaJuan Johnson

Current Purdue forward JaJuan Johnson floats through the air during an Indiana All-Star game in 2007.

Mackey Complex

Purdue football legend Leroy Keyes and volleyball coach Dave Shondell talk about the layout of the Mackey Complex in 2007.

Air Gordon

Current NBA player Eric Gordon dunks during an Indiana All-Star game in 2007.

Head-First Dive Leads Neville To Olympic Medal

BY LEROY BRIDGES
Times Correspondent

BEIJING | Diving head-first was David Neville's only option at winning an Olympic medal.
The Merrillville graduate finished the 400-meter finals on his chest – not his feet – and it earned him a Bronze medal Thursday morning in Beijing.
"I felt people coming up on me on the inside and there was nothing else I could do," said Neville an hour after his race. "The first thing that popped into my mind to save that medal was to dive."
The dive completed his 44.80 second run and edged Christopher Brown of the Bahamas by .04 seconds..
"I couldn't have asked for anything better," Neville said. "I was really nervous but really confident. I just knew something spectacular was going to happen."
His nerves led to a blazing start that made the final 100 meters a struggle but his father, David Jr., knew a fast start was the key to being in position to medal.
"At the 200 (meter mark), he was way out there and looking good," David Jr. said. "At this level, you have to go for it. He did it. Praise the Lord."
The confidence David had in the starting blocks wasn't something new. Last month, The Times asked him how he felt going to the Olympics.
"Gut feeling? I will get a medal in Beijing. Top three," he said. "That's what I'm praying for."
Even fewer than 24 hours before the finals, David said he had the same feeling.
"I believe God put me on this Olympic team to go out there and win this medal," David said. "The fate lies in His hands and this is what He had in store for me.Nobody would have figured it but God had a plan for me."
David wasn't a favorite heading in the race. He entered the finals with the slowest time from the semi-finals. On top of that, LaShawn Merritt (43.75) and Jeremy Wariner (44.74) of the U.S. were expected to win the Gold and Silver medals as they did.
"The focus has been on so many other athletes," David Jr. said. "Nobody talked about him medaling at all. That's fine. He did it."
During David's celebration lap with American flags draped over their shoulders, father and son embraced.
"We were surrounded by the flag. It gave us that moment of separation," David Jr. said. "Way to go son."
Two hours after the race, his mother, Judy, still couldn't believe what her son had accomplished.
"This whole moment is surreal," said Judy just before she started to cry. "During the medal ceremony, I looked at the jumbotron and said 'That's my son. He did it.' It was a wonderful moment."
David gets fewer than 24 hours to enjoy his Bronze medal as he will compete in the 1,600 meter relay today. The U.S. is team is favored to win Gold after sweeping the 400-meter finals. The first round begins at 7:22 a.m. Region time.

Published in the Northwest Indiana Times on Aug. 2, 2008

Ash Wednesday

This front page featured two new refers.

Your Average Day of Football Practice

Purdue's offensive line coach yells at Josh Ferguson after a drill druing fall camp in 2005.