Brads’ Breakdown: zooming into college football’s opening weekend
By: Alan Brads
On Tuesday morning, I stepped outside and was met by the crispest cool breeze that southwest Ohio has felt this year. I smiled, not because the breeze felt good, or the air smelled fresh, but because I knew what that feeling perennially means in my life.
College football is back.
No more conference realignment chatter, NIL debates or transfer portal mayhem, just 14 straight glorious weeks of football for our viewing pleasure.
Yes, I know what all you USC and Notre ...
Mistakes loom large in Yellow Jackets loss, drop three straight sets in 3-1 defeat
By: Julia Swain
The once tightly packed bleachers of just over 1100 fans quickly dissipated as the 3-1 Cedarville loss to the visiting Braves came to a close. Despite a relentless effort and high energy from fans and players alike, the Yellow Jackets were unable to string much of anything together and dropped the final three sets to ultimately lose the match.
Head coach Greg Smith recognized one area in particular that he felt his team needed to work on.
“The biggest ...
Richter’s building job this season about more than wins and losses
By Jonathan Snyder
The true effectiveness of a coach cannot be measured by simply looking at a box score or a win-loss record.
You must look at how he unites a team, bringing different personalities together for one common goal. You need to observe how he responds to the hard times, how he carries himself under pressure. The steps a coach takes toward preparing for game day alongside the temperament shown by him throughout need to be examined if he is to be revered.
A team out of ...
Ranked table tennis player Ren Murakami finds passion in coaching
By: Alan Brads
Table tennis players from Cedarville who volleyed plastic balls for hours every week flooded the rec center’s exercise room, chatting excitedly about who they thought had a chance to win second place in the intramural tournament.
“Second place?” said the intramural supervisor. “Why not first?”
“Not today,” said one contestant simply. “Ren’s coming”
Growing up in Japan, Ren Murakami played table tennis as often as he could, but not as often ...
Add it to Your Schedule: Weight Training
By: Esther Fultz
Before he received any professional training, sophomore Carson Lopes was interested in pursuing weightlifting. But after several of his friends incurred various injuries lifting, he realized he needed to be especially vigilant to practice proper form. To that end, Lopes decided to take Weight Training with Dr. Peterson.
Weight Training, a one-credit class taught at Cedarville every spring and fall, is not a traditional classroom course. Although a small portion of ...
Add it to Your Schedule: Rock Climbing
By: Esther Fultz
Have you ever wished you had a weekly required study break to learn a new skill and go to the gym with friends? Cedarville University’s rock climbing course provides the opportunity to do just that.
This physical activity course is taught by adjunct instructor Mark Mathews, who is also the Director of Campus Recreation and Facilities. In his 40 years at Cedarville, he has taught over 100 activities classes.
“My favorite part of teaching these courses is ...
Ethan Cunningham tumbles his way onto Cedarville cheer
By Maggie Fipps
Ethan Cunningham stands out in the crowd. Maybe it’s his confidence that exudes from his friendly demeanor. Or his distinct style, complete with a Trader Joe’s tote bag. Or his Instagram profile, which features pictures of him and his girlfriend alongside images from classic movies like “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Or his love of kombucha, which he detailed with the same love as a wine connoisseur.
“I kept sipping on it, and the more I drank it, the more I ...
Cedarville alumnus Paul Hembekides becomes NYT best-selling author
By: Maggie Fipps
#7
The number that Paul Hembekides, content producer for ESPN, wore when he played infield for Cedarville Baseball from 2008-2012. The sport, his first love, drew him to Cedarville.
Born in Baltimore in 1990, Hembekides grew up in the Orioles’ powerhouse era and looked up to stars like Cal “Iron Man” Ripken Jr. He vividly remembers watching in amazement as Ripken broke the consecutive games played streak.
As a high school senior, he wasn’t ready to ...
Freshman point guard Ethan Sellars finds fulfillment off the basketball court
By Alan Brads
There is an unwritten rule in college athletics. It transcends schools, conferences and even divisions.
Scholarship athletes belong to certain majors – Business, Communication, Finance, Political Science among others. Call it a cliche or trite, but the data is there, and speaking in general terms, the stereotypes are true.
Ethan Sellars learned not to believe in unwritten rules.
In the summer of 2022 Sellars was accepted to Cedarville’s school of Business, ...
