Gabby Maulucci
Sports Editor
Jamie Bickelhaupt
Springfield College women’s basketball player, Jamie Bickelhaupt was a force for the Pride last Sunday as she posted a total of eight points and a game-high 16 rebounds during their 55-43 win against Wheaton College. Bickelhaubt and her team will continue their season this Friday at home against Worcester St. at 7:30 p.m.
Q. Reflecting on the 55-43 win against Wheaton earlier this week, what were some of the strategies that your teammates and yourself used to execute and capture the win?
A. One of the major strategies was to shut their posts down. Collectively they averaged about half of the points the team was scoring. They are very dominant in that area and not a strong shooting percentage team. We doubled in on them leaving the guards more open and if they were going to beat us it was going to be at the 3 point line. Our strategy worked and our defense was very well executed. And we kept them off the boards and took care of the ball, those were big if we wanted to win.
Q. What are some of the goals that you have set for yourself, being your senior year and final college basketball season?
A. Some of the goals I’ve set for myself was to come back in good shape and expand off of last year. I had a good year last year but can definitely improve in some areas. I was a high percentage outside shooter and now that teams know that I needed to add another dimension to my game. I’m working on better back to the basket moves but to also crash the boards more. Since I stayed outside the key a lot I wasn’t in there for the rebounds as much. I’m trying to get in there more and get some easy offensive put backs.
Max Nacewicz
Springfield College defensive end, Max Nacewicz, recently earned the most meaningful accolade of his collegiate career. He was named to the 2014 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Coaches’ All-America Team. Nacewicz is the Springfield College football programs all-time leader in four different categories. He is the 14th SC football player to receive All-America recognition from the AFCA.
Q. Having been injured during last year’s season, did you feel any pressure to succeed to the magnitude that you have this year?
A. t was an adjustment at first after not playing football for an entire season, but it came back quick to me. The only pressure I felt was the one I put on myself I don’t buy into exterior pressure or expectations. I set high goals for myself and do everything in my power to make sure I achieve them.
Q. You currently hold records as Springfield College football program’s all-time leader in sack (27), tackles-for-loss (41), yards from tackles from loss (251) and yards form sacks (208). What is your secret to success?
A. There’s really no secret, it comes to down to how bad do you want something and what it really means to you. Football means a great deal to me so I’m willing to sacrifice many things for it. I also have unbelievable coaches, teammates, and friends that make my job a lot easier. Shouts To RACC!