This spring, athletics at Muskingum University came to a sudden and unfortunate end as conferences around the country, and the NCAA stopped all competitions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. At this time, we want to recognize each spring sports team and their senior student-athletes.
BASEBALL:
This year's squad was locked in and ready to improve from last season and compete in the OAC. The Muskies got off to a successful start going 5-4 at the Florida Coast Spring Training Games in Fort Pierce, Florida. The strong play was highlighted by a combination of solid pitching, sharp hitting, and young talent. Muskie sophomore Brett Carson earned OAC Baseball Hitter of the Week following Muskingum's week in Florida.
Seniors Include: Holden Martin, Bryce Husted, Josh Bigrigg, Mark Rest
SOFTBALL:
The defending OAC Regular Season Champions looked to build upon their success of last season. Last year, the Muskies won the OAC Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2014, secured the top seed in the OAC Tournament for the 16th time in school history, and were recognized on the national level by receiving votes in the NFCA Top 25 Poll. Muskingum, who was picked to finish first in this year's OAC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll, returned 13 letterwinners, which included four-of-six All-OAC honorees and the OAC Rookie of the Year. The Muskies ended their shortened season with 34 runs on 75 hits, 12 doubles, and one triple. The Muskie pitching staff held batters to a .286 batting average, recorded 44 strikeouts and notched three shutouts.
Seniors Include: Jennifer Schrader, Kasey Rininger, Jaelyn Meade
MEN'S GOLF:
The men's golf team was eager to get the season underway after a promising fall campaign. The Muskies were led by junior Brenton Franks and senior Thomas Green. They both competed in all five competitions with Franks leading the team averaging a score of 75.2 and Green right behind him with 79.2. Franks earned a first-place finish in the 32=golfer field at the John Carroll Invitational.
Seniors Include: Thomas Green
MEN'S LACROSSE:
This motivated and talented group was eager for the 2020 season and the challenges it brought. Led by upperclassmen and young talent, the Muskies ended their shortened season with a big 21-4 win against Earlham. Senior Nick Klinefelter, freshman Michael Honeycutt, and freshman Kristopher Schneider each scored four goals apiece in the victory with nine total Muskies earning a goal.
Seniors Include: Thomas McCauley, Nick Klinefelter
WOMEN'S LACROSSE:
The Muskingum women's lacrosse team, under the guidance of second-year head coach Taylor Graf, had a thrilling start to their shortened season. The Muskies had a 3-3 record, which included dominating victories against Bethany (15-3) and Waynesburg (17-3). As a team, the Muskies scored 70 goals, registered 17 assists, and notched 178 shots. Muskingum had also grabbed 127 ground balls, 96 draw controls, and caused 31 turnovers.
Seniors Include: Erin McConnell, Dani Crisp
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD:
The Muskies, led by their core nucleus of six seniors, had a competitive outing in the indoor season and hoped to build upon that momentum heading into the outdoor season. Muskingum finished third in the four-team field at the Ohio Wesleyan Invitational. Senior Adam Fox directed Muskingum with a third-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles (9.08). The Muskies also placed sixth in the 12-team field at the Capital Invitational. Fox and senior Logan Skolosh paved the way for the Muskies. Fox secured fourth in the long jump (6.10 meters), while Skolosh locked in first in the 500-meter dash (1:15.30).
Seniors Include: Gino Cary, Doug McIntire, Jacob Paick, Logan Skolosh
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD:
Lone senior Emily Ellyson, alongside six upperclassmen, guided the Muskies to a successful indoor season. The Muskies finished in the top six at four-of-eight Invitationals. This included finishing second at the Ohio Wesleyan Invitational and second at the Capital Invitational. Ellyson directed the Muskies with a season-best high jump leap of 5-1.25 at the Ohio Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. With these strong outings in indoor, the Muskies had their eyes on a successful outdoor season.
Seniors Include: Emily Ellyson