The Purdue North Central baseball team defeated St. Xavier University 17-16 Wednesday afternoon in Chicago in a wild, windy game.

With the victory, the Panthers moved to 22-14 overall and 13-3 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Cougars dropped to 21-16 and 4-3.

The Panthers scored in six different innings with five runs in the first, one in the second, one in the fourth, four in the sixth, three in the seventh and three in the ninth. St. Xavier scored in three innings but posted big numbers each time with four in the first and six each in the fourth and seventh innings.

The Panthers led 5-0, 5-4 and 7-4 before falling behind 10-7. They recaptured the lead at 11-10 and 14-10 before trailing again at 16-14 entering the ninth.

PNC scored their three runs in the ninth for the final margin when senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) connected on a two-run homer to tie the game at 16.

Sophomore Adam Kennedy ( Crown Point , IN/Crown Point HS) followed with a pinch-hit, go-ahead homerun with two outs in the top of the ninth.

The winning pitcher for the Panthers was junior Chris Schultz ( Elgin , IL /Elgin HS), who moved his record to 3-1 after allowing three runs in three innings of work. Schultz pitched scoreless and hitless eighth and ninth innings for PNC after allowing four singles and a double in the seventh. He finished with five strikeouts and a walk.

Junior Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) started for the Panthers and allowed seven runs on five hits, five walks and one hit batter in three innings of work.

Senior Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN /Chesterton HS) bridged the gap between Curless and Schultz by also pitching three innings. Albano gave up six runs on nine hits and two hit batters while striking out two.

Several players had big days for the Panthers offensively as they collected 19 hits. Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) led the way by reaching base in five of six plate appearances. He hit his third homer of the year, had two singles, a walk and was hit by a pitch. Overall he had six RBI and added a successful suicide bunt the only time he didn't reach base.

Schultz had four hits, including a triple and three RBIs while junior Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN/Crown Point HS) added four hits, including a double, homerun (2), and four RBI.

Sophomore Mike Zolper ( Hebron , IN /Boone Groove HS) added three hits and an RBI, while senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added two hits. Junior Jeremy Morton ( Henderson , KY /Dekalb HS) added a run scoring double and a walk in his two plate appearances.

It is the first time the Panthers have ever beaten St. Xavier and was also the 100 th victory for head coach John Weber at Purdue North Central.

The Panthers play again when they travel to Clinton , Iowa to take on Ashford College in a non-conference doubleheader on Friday at 10 a.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved to 20-13 overall following a non-conference doubleheader split verses Bethel College (15-14) in Mishawaka Friday afternoon.

In game one Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) moved to 2-1 after allowing four runs on six hits, a walk and two strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) picked up a hold by retiring a key batter in the sixth inning before senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) came on to record his seventh save of the year.

The Panthers were led on the offensive side by junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin HS) with two hits, including a homer and two RBI's.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) also added two hits and an RBI while sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) and freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN /Merrillville HS) added RBI's.

The Panthers scored one run in the first inning and five in the fifth while the Pilots had single runs in the third and fourth innings and two in the sixth.

In game two senior Scotty Marks (Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) pitched a strong 6.1 innings for the Panthers but came away with the loss to move his record to 2-2. Marks allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks while picking up two strikeouts.

Offensively, PNC managed just six hits, including two by Zambrano. Junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) and freshman Nate Hall (Portage, IN /Portage HS) drove in two runs and one run respectively on singles. Freshman Gibson Daniel (Mooresville, IN /Mooresville HS) had PNC's only extra base hit with a double and added a stolen base.

The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead and scored all their runs in the second inning, while Bethel took advantage of several PNC defensive miscues and scored two in the fourth and one each in the fifth and seventh innings.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they travel to Judson University in Elgin, IL for a CCAC doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a CCAC match-up by the score of 10-4 to St. Xavier University Wednesday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers moved to 19-12 overall and 11-2 in conference while the Cougars moved to 21-15 and 4-2.

Both teams came into the game playing solid baseball as PNC had won 12 straight and 15 of 16 and St. Xavier winning 12 of their last 15.

The Cougars jumped out to a commanding 9-0 lead scoring one run in the second inning, five in the third, one in the fourth and two in the fifth before adding a single run in the seventh.

The Panthers scored one run in the fifth inning and three in the sixth while managing just four hits in the game.

Junior John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) led the way with two hits, including a double and an RBI. Freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN /Merrillville HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added RBI groundouts for the Panthers.

Senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memoria HS) fell to 4-2, giving up six runs (five earned) on nine hits in three innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) allowed three runs on four hits in one inning of work before senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL/Conant HS) came on and pitched five innings strong inning of relief. Lackinger allowed one unearned run on six hits while striking out one.

Overall, St. Xavier knocked out 19 hits and committed two errors and took advantage of three PNC errors.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they travel to Bethel College in Mishawaka for a doubleheader at 1:30 p.m. CST.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a non-conference doubleheader from Aquinas College (MI) Tuesday afternoon in Westville, winning the first game 13-6 and the second 3-0 in five innings due to darkness.

The wins moved the Panthers to 19-11 overall and extended their school-record winning streak to 12 as they picked up their 15th win in 16 games.

In game one the Panthers knocked out 13 hits and scored one run in the first inning, two in the second, one in the fourth, four in the sixth and five in the sixth. The Saints had 11 hits and scored three runs in the third inning to tie the game and single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) led the way with four hits, including a double and four RBI. Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) added two hits and two RBI while senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) added two hits. Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) added two RBI and junior John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) added a run scoring double.

Senior Jon Charlson ( Valparaiso, IN /Valparaiso HS) moved his record to 3-1 with 1.2 innings of strong relief of starter Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Kalamazoo Valley CC). Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) picked up his sixth save of the year, striking out four in three innings of relief.

Charlson inherited three runners with one out and Albano one in scoring position with no outs but didn't allow one to score.

In game two sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) moved to 2-1 with five shutout innings. The big right-hander allowed just five singles in the game in the darkness shortened game. It was the pitching staff's eighth shutout in the past 16 games.

The Panthers managed just three hits but one was a two-run round-tripper by Selman in the first inning when PNC scored all of their runs. Schultz added a run-scoring single and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) contributed a double.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they host St. Xavier in a CCAC match-up at 3 p.m. in a single, nine-inning game.

The Purdue North Central baseball team won both ends of a doubleheader verses Trinity Christian Saturday afternoon in Westville.

The Panthers won the first game 10-0 and took the nightcap 6-1. PNC is now 15-11 overall and 11-1 in the CCAC while the Trolls dropped to 5-10 and 2-3.

Junior pitcher Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) moved his record to 2-3 with a complete game shutout in game one. Curless allowed five hits, struck out a career high 10 batters and didn't allow a walk while running his scoreless innings streak to 13 innings.

The Panthers knocked out an impressive 17 hits and scored two runs in the first and second innings, one run in the third and five in the sixth.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) led the way with three hits while junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS), junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had two hits apiece.

Schultz, Stocker, Dickerson, sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and freshman John Bugajski (Munster, IN /Munster HS) all had one double while Stocker added his second homer of the year.

Stocker finished with four RBI's while Schultz and Bugjaski added two each. Pierce, Dickerson and Kennedy contributed one RBI apiece.

In game two junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) evened his record at 1-1, throwing 6.1 strong innings. Dahman allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out three. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) came on to record the final two outs.

The Panthers scored four runs in the first inning, one in the second and one in the fifth while the Trolls managed one in the seventh.

PNC collected 12 hits, including four by sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) and three by Pierce. Kennedy led the Panthers with two RBI while Schultz, Stocker, Selman and Dickerson had one apiece.

Purdue North Central, winners of eight straight and 11 of 12, will play again tomorrow when they host Indiana University Northwest at 11 a.m. in a non-conference doubleheader.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept their third straight conference doubleheader with 9-1 and 2-0 victories over Trinity International Friday afternoon in Westville. The games were originally scheduled for Deerfield, IL but wet field conditions caused the change in locations.

The Panthers, playing both games as the visiting team, moved their record to 13-11 overall and 9-1 in CCAC action, while the Trojans dropped to 10-9 and 5-4.

In game one the Panthers were led by senior pitcher Brian Phillips who moved his record to 4-1. He allowed a single run in the first inning while going the distance for the third straight game. Phillips, who was coming off a no-hitter verses Calumet College of St. Joseph in his last outing, gave up six singles while striking out four and walking one.

Offensively, the Panthers collected 12 hits and scored one run in the fourth inning, five in the fifth and three in the seventh.

Juniors Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) and Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt.Carmel HS) all had two hits apiece with Schultz collecting his third triple of the year. Zambrano and Dickerson each had two RBI while junior John Selman ( Kouts , IN /Kouts HS) and Schultz added an RBI each.

In game two Casey Young pitched his second straight complete game shutout, allowing four hits overall while striking out two and walking one. In five of the seven innings he faced the minimum of three batters.

The Panthers scored single runs in both the sixth and seventh innings while collecting six hits overall. Senior Jake Pierce ( Crown Point , IN /Vincennes CC/Crown Point HS) and sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had two hits apiece while senior Chris Stocker ( Chicago , IL /St. Ignatius HS) and sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN/Hanover Central HS) drove in PNC's runs on a sacrifice fly and ground out.

Sophomore Mike Zolper ( Hebron , IN /Boone Grove HS) reached twice on a walk and scored one run while Dickerson scored the other run after reaching on a single to lead off the seventh inning.

The Panthers play again on Saturday when they host Trinity Christian in another CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a doubleheader from the Illinois Institute of Technology Sunday afternoon in Chicago, winning the first game 1-0 and the second game 6-2 in nine innings.

The Panthers now stand at 11-11 overall and 7-1 in conference play, while the Scarlet Hawks moved to 5-9 and 1-2.

In game one junior Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six and walking two to move his record to 1-3. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) pitched a scoreless seventh for his fifth save of the year.

The Panthers scored their lone run in the sixth inning on a two-out infield single from junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC). The single drove in sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN /Hanover Central HS) who reached on a lead-off, pinch-hit walk. Myszkowski reached second on a single by senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) and both runners moved up a base on a wild pitch.

Overall, PNC collected just four hits by four different players due to a strong pitching performance by IIT's sophomore pitcher Branden Schombert. Schombert threw a complete game, allowing the four hits and two walks while striking out six.

In game two the Panthers received another strong pitching performance by Schultz, who allowed two runs in six innings of work on eight hits and no walks while striking out four. Albano came on in the seventh and pitched three scoreless innings of one-hit relief to earn the victory and move his record to 1-1.

The Panthers trailed 2-0 entering the top of the seventh and had managed just two hits to that point. But senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS), junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and Myszkowski collected four singles in a row to make it 2-1.

After a fielder's choice force out at the plate, junior Dave Dickerson had a pinch hit sacrifice fly to drive in the tying run.

PNC collected the four winning runs in the ninth behind three consecutive walks to Zambrano, Myyszkowski and sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) to start the inning. After a fielder's choice force out at the plate, Pierce had a two run single that was eventually followed by a two-run double by Schultz for the final margin.

Overall, the Panthers collected 10 hits, led by two apiece from Schultz and Zambrano.

PNC plays again this Friday when they travel to Deerfield, IL to take on Trinity International in another CCAC match-up. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Brian Phillips threw a no-hitter in game one to lead the Purdue North Central baseball team to a doubleheader sweep over Calumet College of St. Joseph Saturday afternoon in Gary, IN. The game was originally scheduled to be played at PNC, but was moved to Calumet High School, the home field of CCSJ, due to snow in Westville.

The Panthers improved to 9-11 overall and 5-1 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Crimson Wave dropped to 8-7 and 0-4.

In the first game Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memorial HS) was brilliant, facing the minimum 21 batters while striking out three. The lone runner reached base on a second inning walk and was promptly picked off by Phillips.

Phillips (3-1) allowed just two balls out of the infield while recording 13 ground ball outs. He was sharp as he reached three balls just three times in the game and allowed just his second walk in 32 innings pitched so far this year. He needed just 71 pitches in the seven inning, complete-game effort.

Calumet's senior pitcher, Russell Gould (Hammond, IN /Clark HS) nearly matched Phillips, allowing just one run on seven hits without a walk while picking up one strikeout.

The Panthers lone run came in the third inning when Mike Zolper (so., Hebron , IN /Boone Grove HS) reached on a two-out base-hit, stole second base and scored on a single by Chris Schultz (jr., Elgin, IL/Elgin CC). Zolper led the Panthers with three hits.

Both teams played excellent defense, especially in the infield, as CCSJ had the only error in the game.

“It was really fun to watch Brian pitch today,” said Panther Head Coach John Weber. “He had command of three pitches and kept a good team off balance all day long. These opportunities don't come around too often, in fact it's just the third no-hitter I've seen in my 14 years of coaching,” said the skipper.

It is believed to be the first no-hitter thrown by a Panther since PNC started baseball as an NAIA intercollegiate sport in 1999.

In game two junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Kalamazoo Valley CC) allowed just three hits in another complete game while picking up his first win as a Panther.

Young (1-0) struck out four while walking one and faced just four batters over the minimum. He allowed two hits in the first inning and a harmless single in the fifth inning the rest of the game.

The Panthers picked up seven hits again, and scored all their runs with two outs. Zolper had another solid game with two hits, two RBI and a stolen base. Jake Pierce (sr., Crown Point , IN /Vincennes JC) added two hits, including a double and an RBI while Schultz hit his fourth homer of the year in the first inning.

Senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL/St. Ignatius HS) added a clutch two-run single in the third inning for PNC and Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) contributed an RBI single in the fourth.

The Panthers play again on Sunday when they travel to Chicago to take on the Illinois Institute of Technology in another CCAC doubleheader. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a doubleheader verses Olivet Nazarene University Tuesday afternoon in Bourbonnais, IL. The Panthers won game one 13-6 before falling 12-3 in the nightcap. PNC is now 7-11 overall and 3-1 in conference action while the Tigers moved to 11-7 and 1-1.

In the first game the Panthers used an offensive explosion, collecting 18 hits and scoring 11 runs over the final three innings to rally from a 5-2 deficit. PNC scored single runs in the first, fourth and seventh innings, two runs in the sixth inning and a decisive eight runs in the fifth inning. Olivet, currently ranked sixth in Region VII of the NAIA, tallied three runs in the first and one each in the second, fourth and seventh innings.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) picked up his first win of the season for the Panthers, allowing five runs (one earned) on six hits and a walk while collecting five strikeouts. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) pitched the final three innings for his fourth save of the year. Albano allowed one run, two hits and a walk while striking out two.

Several players had big games for the Panthers. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC), freshman R.J. Zambrano ( Merrillville , IN /Merrillville HS) and senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS) all had three hits apiece. Zambrano added a double, four RBI's, and two runs, Pierce a triple, three runs, two stolen bases a walk and an RBI and Stocker a double, one run and an RBI.

Junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY /Elgin CC), sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added two hits each. Morton contributed a double, while Dickerson and Schultz drove in two runs apiece.

In game two the Tigers used a late explosion, scoring seven runs in the sixth inning to open up a 5-3 contest.

Starting pitcher Scott Marks (sr., Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) took the loss for PNC, falling to 1-1. He allowed three runs on one hit and three walks in one inning of work.

Sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) allowed two runs in 3.1 innings of relief before Albano gave up six runs in one inning of work. Senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL /Conant HS) allowed one run in two-thirds of an inning to finish the game for PNC.

The Panthers picked up just six hits in game two, including two by Schultz (HR, 2B, 2 RBI) and Dickerson (3B, RBI) and a double by Pierce.

The Panthers scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings while Olivet scored four in the second, and one in the fifth to go along with their seven runs in the sixth.

The Panthers play again this Saturday when they host Calumet College of St. Joseph in another CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team enters the 2008 season with a combination of high expectations and many question marks.

The Panthers graduated their entire infield from 2007 and two of their top three pitchers in innings pitched. Gone are shortstop Steve Hudson, second baseman Chad Pierce, third baseman Tony Popov, first baseman Steve Georgion and pitchers Shaun Kuhns, Josh Earegood and Lance Losinski.

Hudson (.385, 3 HR's, 9 2B's, 52 hits, 14 SB's) and Georgion (.380, 7 HR's, 38 RBI, 13 2B's, 4 3B's, 65 hits, 10 SB, First Team All-CCAC) both signed professional contracts with the independent Slippery Rock Sliders of the Frontier League.

Pierce finished at .314 with one HR and 25 RBI, despite missing 11 games due to injury. Popov broke his wrist midway through the year and finished at .288 with 3 HR's in 29 games.

Kuhns led last year's staff with a 6-4 record in 73.2 innings pitched. Earegood was third on the team with 45.1 innings pitched while finishing 1-5. Losinski, the team's top starter two years ago, finished 0-2 with just 13 innings pitched after breaking his leg in the fall.

The Panthers will look to several newcomers to step up to fill the infield void. Returner John Selman (Kouts, IN., .358, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 12 2B's 12 SB) will start at shortstop after playing a utility role the last two season for PNC.

Senior transfer John Shaffer ( Valparaiso , IN ) looks to start the year at third base and can play three positions in the infield. The Panthers also look to insert his bat in the middle of the line-up.

Second base has a healthy competition between several candidates, including junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN., .243, 7 SB), and freshmen R.J. Zambrano ( Merrillville , IN ) and Nate Hall. All three are versatile and can play anywhere in the infield.

Junior college transfer Chris Schultz (Elgin CC) leads the way at first base with senior Chris Stocker (.345, 8 HR's, 41 RBI, 9 2B's) and sophomore Jay McCauley backing Schultz up when he pitches. Stocker, the Panthers' starting catcher the past three seasons, is battling injuries and will see time at catcher and designated hitter if healthy.

The outfield situation is a little more stable with several returning players led by senior centerfielder Jake Pierce. Pierce was First Team All Conference after hitting .359 with 1 HR, 10 2B's and 15 SB's. He also was the Gold Glove winner for his position in the conference after finishing with 118 putouts and five assists while not committing an error.

Junior outfielder Dave Dickerson will return in right field and looks to improve upon his 2007 numbers (.226, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 9 SB's).

Sophomore Mike Zolper (.352, 19 for 54) and senior Nestor Allende (.289, 24 for 82, 3 HR, 7 2B's), two solid performers from last year expect to battle it out in leftfield. Both may see time at DH when not in the field.

The catching situation is solid as the Panthers return two veterans in Stocker and sophomore Adam Kennedy (.235, 20 for 85, 3 2B's, 2 3B's). Sophomore Mark Myszkowski (.360, 9 for 25) will add depth to the position.

Myszkowski and junior college transfer Jeremy Morton are two players who are expected to play everywhere on the field for the Panthers. Both will see time in the infield and outfield and both possess strong arms.

Newcomers expected to add to the mix will be freshmen outfielders John Bugajski and Shane Breitzke, and freshmen infielders Gibson Daniel and Evan Walter. Bugajski is a solid athlete while Daniels shows a quick bat. Breitzke and Walter are trying to prove themselves after transferring in at semester break.

On the mound, several Panthers are looking to build upon last year's experience and take the next step in the pitching progression.

PNC will look to senior Brian Phillips (5-5, 4.22 ERA, 70.1 IP) to lead the starters and seniors Tom Albano (4-0, 7 saves, 1.88 ERA, 31 K's, 28.1 IP, Honorable Mention All-American) and Jon Charlson (1-2, 2 saves, 24 IP) out of the pen.

Other returners expected to make significant contributions include junior Andrew Dahman (4-1, 2.79 ERA, 38.2 IP), senior Scott Marks (4-2, 5.22 ERA, 29.1 IP), sophomore Kevin Scott (3-0, 26 IP), sophomore Jesse Cartagena (0-0, 2 IP), senior John Lackinger and junior Ryan Curless.

Lackinger and Curless are returning from injuries and the Panthers are expecting Lackinger to be effective out of the pen and Curless to be a top starter.

Top newcomers expected to start for PNC include Schultz and junior college transfer Casey Young (Kalamazoo Valley CC). Rounding out the staff is junior Dan McCauley, recovering from an injury, and freshman Josh Butts.

The Panthers have improved gradually the last three years under fourth-year head coach John Weber, finishing 18-23-1 and 8-12 (CCAC) in 2005, 32-20 and 11-9 in 2006 and 28-22 and 13-7 in 2007. PNC has moved from 8 th to 5 th to t-2 nd in conference during this time.

Weber's staff will be completed by first year assistants Steve Plucinski and Dan Martin with contributions from veteran assistant Chet Ebner.

The Panthers have a difficult schedule in hopes it will prepare them for the always difficult Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. After their first weekend series in Kentucky was cancelled due to weather, the Panthers will open their season verses Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY and also take on 12 th ranked Ohio Dominican University in a three way competition starting March 1st .

The Panthers will then fly to Clearwater , Florida and take on three Florida teams and several strong northern programs also on their spring trip.

PNC returns home and will take on Grace College in their home opener on 18 th , travel to Division I opponent University of Illinois Chicago on March 19 th and open conference play verses Robert Morris on March 22nd.

The Purdue North Central baseball and softball teams enjoyed two successful days of ringing the bell and collecting donations for the Salvation Army on Thursday, Dec. 6 th and Friday Dec. 7 th outside of the Walmart in Valparaiso .

Braving single digit temperatures, the student-athletes did so well that the Salvation Army had to come by and replace their overflowing kettles.

The Panthers rang the bell for 13 hours each day (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) as numerous players rotated shifts with the assistance of athletic director/baseball coach John Weber and softball coach Jeff Boardman.

“We had two to four people per shift which attracted more attention and allowed us to really do something positive for the community,” said Weber. “So many people have done so much for us and it's important to give back.”

Through the years the Panther student-athletes and coaches have done numerous community projects in addition to their responsibilities of academics, work, and team requirements. However, most of their projects are not brought to the public's attention because they don't do them for that reason.

“I want people to be aware of some of the positive things that our PNC students do,” said Weber. “Many of the activities our students do are truly remarkable.”

The 38 student-athletes that assisted were: (baseball) Dave Dickerson, Gibson Daniel, Adam Kennedy, John Selman, Tom Albano, John Lackinger, Andrew Dahman, Jay Mc Cauley, John Schaffer, Nate Hall, Bryan Stanley, Ryan Curless, Dan Mc Cauley, Jon Charlson, Chris Cappello, Kevin Scott, John Bugajski, and Jeremy Morton (softball) Valorie Minyard, Kate Golden, Alyssa Duncan, Melissa Carson, Jessica Frucci, Julie Farmer, Bethany Toyias, Betsy Maher, Stephanie Zaharias, Danielle Burdine, Alissa Whitaker, Erin Foust and Tracy Markwell, Daisy Lee, Anna Stephens. Several students worked two shifts including: (baseball) Sean Baker, R.J. Zambrano, Mark Myszkowski, Chris Schultz and (softball) Christina Caldwell.

The Purdue North Central baseball and softball teams will be ringing the bell and collecting donations for the Salvation Army on Thursday, Dec. 6th and Friday Dec. 7th outside of the Walmart in Valparaiso (clothing side).

The Panthers will ring the bell for 13 hours each day with players and coaches rotating shifts. They will start at 8 a.m. each morning and conclude at 9 p.m. each night.

“It's an opportunity for us to help others and do something positive for the community,” said PNC Athletic Director John Weber. “Many people have done so much for us and it's important to pay it forward.”

Through the years the Panther student-athletes and coaches have done numerous community projects in addition to their responsibilities of academics, work, and team requirements. However, most of their projects are not brought to the public's attention because they don't do them for that reason.

“So many times nowadays people focus on the negative,” said Weber. “I want people to be aware of some of the positive things that happen too, specifically with our PNC students. Many of the activities our students do are truly remarkable.”