Tony Altobelli
I have the feeling even the parents of Katie and Ryan Achterberg
couldn't have dreamed of a better weekend at Princeton University.
As told last week, Katie was scheduled to sing the National Anthem before
the start of the Ivy League Championships between the Tigers and
Dartmouth.
Not only did she perform it, she "nailed it," according to her biggest
fan, her father, Denny Achterberg, in front of over 2,000 fans.
Sure enough, her brother, Ryan, not to be outdone by his little sister,
proceeded to help the Tigers sweep Dartmouth en route to the Ivy League
championship.
Ryan made the most of his two hits in the series. In Game 1, he went 1
for 5 with an RBI in the Tigers' 5-2 win.
In Game 2, he cued a shot just over the second baseman's head, driving in
two runs and giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead. They would hold on and win,
4-3.
With the title, the Tigers won an automatic NCAA Tournament bid and could
play at Cal State Fullerton in the Regionals.
I'm thinking of becoming Katie's manager for her upcoming singing career.
I'll make the T-shirts for the upcoming World Tour. It's not too long
before others jump on the Princeton bandwagon.
Speaking of jumping on a bandwagon....
Vanguard University women's basketball coach Russ Davis, already counting
down the seconds until the upcoming hoops season gets underway, is
smiling even wider with the signing of two additional players.
Keep in mind, the Lions finished last season ranked No. 10 in the country
by the NAIA and will have the entire team returning for next season.
Joining the Lions will be sophomore to-be Jeri Costello and junior to-be
Erin Edmiston.
Costello played her freshman season at Long Beach State last year
following a stellar career at Brea Olinda High, where she helped the Lady
Wildcats win three straight state championships.
"She just might be the best player we've ever had come into this
program," Davis said. "She can play either the one, two or position for
us. With our depth, we're just gonna have to see what happens, but she'll
be out there somewhere."
Another new Lion next year will be Saddleback College transfer Erin
Edmiston.
As a Gaucho, Edmiston was an All-Orange Empire Conference selection,
averaging 19.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Her strong play led her to the JC All-Star Game last year. "She's another
very talented player," Davis said. "This is by far the best talent we've
ever had here. We have a chance to win a couple of games around here."
