Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Double OT goal puts Xavier soccer into A-10 Tournament for first time since 1997
Aaron Armbruster
Contributing Sportswriter
Entering the weekend with slim playoff hopes, the Xavier men’s soccer team emerged as the number six seed in the A-10 conference tournament. After pairing a 1-1 tie against Charlotte on Friday night with a 2-1, double overtime victory over Richmond on Sunday, the Musketeers will play in their first conference championship since 1997.
Friday’s was a sloppy game, marred by a 45 minute delay to the start time because of heavy rain. After an uneventful but physical first half, sophomore Tommy Clines received a straight red card in the 56th minute, dropping Xavier to 10 men. Charlotte took advantage, and forward Tom Woollard got his own rebound and a second-chance goal in the 58th minute. Playing down a man, the Musketeers rallied back and finally equalized when freshman Kennedy Nakwa scored in the 86th minute. The Xavier defense turned a 4-on-2 breakaway from the 49ers into a scoring opportunity.
Junior forward Jon Enders fed Nakwa in the box, and Nakwa poked his shot past goalkeeper David Martin. However, the drama was not over. After committing a foul on a Charlotte long ball, senior keeper Liam Curran was forced to defend a penalty kick in the second OT, which he dramatically saved to secure the draw.
However, Xavier started slow in Sunday’s game against Richmond, giving up a headed goal in the 10th minute to Sam Pugsley.
Junior forward Jon Enders evened the score in the 34th minute, also heading in a cross, this time coming from senior midfielder Joel Gunnarson.
Although the Musketeers held a 23-13 shot advantage, no one found the net until the second overtime.
Senior forward Toni Skudrzik headed in a corner from junior midfielder Chris Miliano in the 103rd minute for the decisive goal.
The Musketeers entered Sunday’s game tied for the sixth and final playoff spot in the A-10 with Fordham.
Fordham, holding the tiebreaker, controlled their own destiny and, with a win at home against St. Joe’s, who was 0-7-3 on the road this season, would have clinched the playoff berth.
The Xavier game was completed before Fordham’s and many fans stuck around after an announcement that Fordham and St. Joe’s were in overtime as well.
After about a 10 minute delay, the announcement came that Fordham had tied with St. Joe’s, allowing the Musketeers to slide into the playoffs with 14 points, compared to Fordham’s 12.
The Musketeers get a rematch with Richmond at 5 p.m. on Thursday in Charlotte.
Courtney Gillett
Asst. Campus News Editor
Approximately 135 people volunteered to be tested as potential bone marrow donors Friday in the continuing search to find a match for Cincinnati Police Officer Jason Faulkner. About 30 Xavier students assisted with the tests.
Faulkner, who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is in need of a bone marrow transplant to save his life. Donors tested on Friday will be notified in the coming weeks if they are compatible.
Faulkner remains hopeful that a match will soon be found, as doctors have stated that his cancer will likely spread to other organs in about two months. According to brother-in-law Jeff Watkins, Faulkner continues to receive “extremely aggressive chemotherapy” which should buy some time. However, Watkins sadly notes that “we are talking about weeks or months, not years. We are searching for a needle in a haystack and, obviously, the more people that we can get registered, the better chance we have of helping Jason and other people who are searching for matches.”
To help raise money for Officer Faulkner and others in his situation, donations can be made to The Marrow Foundation, care of Jason Faulkner, 400 Seventh St. NW, Suite 206, Washington, DC 20004.
Brian Bowsher
Editor-in-Chief
When Sean Miller was introduced as Xavier’s new head men’s basketball coach on July 8, 2004, Miller talked about how “there was something special” about this university.
For a specific example of this “specialness,” look no further than the coach himself.
As Miller and the Musketeers were preparing for the new season, lifelong Xavier fan Peg Stahl received tragic news that her cancer had returned after seven years in remission.
After a particularly sad day, Stahl’s niece, Martha Fetick, wrote a letter to Coach Miller explaining that her aunt loved the Muskies, and though the coach did not know the family, that it would mean a great deal to Stahl if Miller could send a brief “get well” note.
Touched by the request, Miller wanted to do more than just write a note.
Unbeknownst to Stahl, Miller and his staff worked with Stahl’s family to arrange for her to attend practice on Oct. 12. Told she was being taken to see her Uncle Bill, Stahl was stunned to realize that she was going to see her favorite team in person.
Stahl and her family were thrilled by the gesture, but Miller and his staff wanted to do even more.
Later that week, Stahl was again surprised to see Miller and senior forward Brandon Cole at her door to pay a visit.
“It was phenomenal,” said Fetick, speaking for herself and her ill aunt. “I felt very blessed that he would read the letter, let alone visit us. I’m not sure we can explain how much it meant to us.”
Meeting Cole was a particularly big thrill for Stahl. “She couldn’t stop holding Brandon’s hand,” said Fetick. “He’s our new favorite player.”
Brian Bowsher 
Editor-in-Chief
Jennifer Downing
Senior News Editor
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