Viking recall

As Dec. 31 rolls around and the calendar is flipped on another year, it’s time to reflect on one of the most memorable 365 days in the history of Portland State athletics.  

Here’s a look back at how each of Portland State’s programs fared in 2007. 

Football

In the most heralded hiring in Portland State history, Jerry Glanville and all his glory arrived in the South Park Blocks to take control of an up-and-coming football team that had competed for the Big Sky Championship a year prior.

While everyone from Portland Mayor Tom Potter to a usually apathetic Portland State student body drank the Glanville Kool-Aid, one message came across loud and clear after the Vikings’ 3-8 season: Establishing a winning tradition takes time, especially when offensive and defensive philosophies are changed.

As the team struggled through a disappointing season that included losses to lowly Idaho State and 73 points allowed against Weber State, pillars of bright light occasionally showed through the blackened clouds with strong performances from senior wide receivers Tremayne Kirkland and Kenneth Mackins and freshman quarterback Drew Hubel.

Glanville and offensive coordinator Darrell “Mouse” Davis have promised a much better product next season following their first full off-season to recruit high school and junior college talent.

Volleyball

Fresh off a their first ever Big Sky regular-season title and an appearance in the Big Sky Tournament championship match, the Vikings look primed to enjoy success throughout the next five to ten years.

Portland State compiled a 21-8 record, including a 14-4 mark against Big Sky foes this past season. The squad’s success stemmed from near flawless play from a significant cast of characters.

Sophomore setter Dominique Fradella orchestrated a potent offensive attack that featured sophomore outside hitter Marija Vojnovic and senior middle blocker Michelle Segun. The Vikings’ lone senior was also instrumental in anchoring a defense that led the Big Sky with 3.04 blocks per game.

The Vikings return nearly all their players next season, and with the experience of vying for a conference championship, Portland State should be in the Big Sky’s upper echelon for years to come.

Women’s Basketball

Despite struggling early in the season, the Viking women regained control of the ship, finishing the season in fifth place in the Big Sky Conference (12-18, 8-8).

Sophomore forward Kelsey Kahle was selected as an all-conference performer and freshman point guard Claire Faucher was named the Big Sky Freshman of the Year.

Even with great success, head coach Charity Elliot opted to resign in June, taking the head-coaching job at the University of California, San Diego. Former Viking assistant Sherri Murrell replaced Elliot three weeks later.

Although eight players left the program due to graduation or voluntary departure, the Vikings are out to a promising start with the return of Kahle, Faucher and senior guard Delaney Conway.

Men’s Basketball

Viking supporters witnessed a much-improved squad take the court this year, as Portland State improved significantly and ended the season with a record of 19-13, including nine conference wins and a fourth place finish.

The season also marked the first time the Vikings hosted a playoff game in the Stott Center, defeating Montana State 95-71. Junior guard Dupree Lucas was named the Big Sky Conference newcomer of the year and will lead an ever-improving Viking squad in 2007-08.

Soccer

Soccer became relevant at Portland State once again this past season, as the Vikings continued to show signs of improvement under third-year head coach Tim Bennett,

After finishing at 7-10-2 in 2006, the Vikings reloaded with a 3-3-1 conference record, enough for the fourth seed in the Big Sky Tournament. Portland State lost to eventual champion Sacramento State 2-1 in the tourney.

Big Sky Defensive MVP Juli Edwards, the team’s star over the past couple of seasons, will be lost to graduation, but the Vikings return much of their talent and will look to capture the conference crown next season.    

Softball

This past season was strictly average for head coach Amy Hayes’ squad, as her team posted a 23-34 record.
Competing in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference, the Vikings finished with an 8-11 record in conference play and fourth in the final standings.

Freshman catcher Brandi Scoggins had an impressive season at and behind the plate, hitting .400 in conference play, and junior pitcher Mandy Hill turned some heads once again, ending the year second in the conference with a 2.27 earned run average.

Golf

Led by junior Kayla Morinaga, who averaged a score of 78.1 over the season, the Vikings finished third in the Big Sky Conference.

With a roster of three freshmen, one sophomore and just one senior, the squad will hope to continue to improve. However, the future is blurred at the moment with news of head coach Felicia Johnston’s resignation after seven seasons in the South Park Blocks on Nov. 21.

Wrestling

In their first year under new head coach Mike Haluska, the Portland State grapplers struggled in a difficult Pac-10 Conference. Posting a 1-16 duel-meet record last season, the inexperienced Viking squad will look to improve significantly this year.

Junior Dale Seley was one of the lone bright spots, becoming the first 20-match winner in six years with a record of 22-13.

Track and Field

Despite a lack of team success, the men’s and women’s track and field teams produced several individual promising performances in 2007.

Freshman Melissa Owens set a Portland State school record, posting a 2:09.72 time in the 800 meters and qualifying for the NCAA West Regional. Other NCAA West Regional qualifiers included junior Trevor Rollinger, the Big Sky 400-meter hurdle champion, senior Ashley Quay in the high jump, sophomore Westin Morrill, who finished ninth in the javelin, and junior Caressa Sims in the women’s hammer.