Welcome Loyola Women's Basketball Coach Morgan Paige

In her four seasons as head coach of the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team, Allison Guth gained my respect and appreciation. She was such a positive coach, always thanking me for any coverage and support.

Little did I know last month when I saw her coach a win in the nIT in Florida, it would be the last time I saw her on the sidelines. Shortly after that big win, she resigned to spend more time with her family. Surprised and disappointed, i wish her well always, of course. A few weeks later, Loyola held a press conference to introduce new coach Morgan Paige. 

A four-year starter at Wisconsin, Paige surpassed 1,000 career points as a senior, finishing with 1,230 and ranking among the program's top all-time scorers. She also played professionally in Romania with CSM Craiova. After beginning her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa State, Paige eventually spent five seasons at Kansas, finishing as associate head coach. She now becomes Loyola's 12th head coach in the program's history.

I had the pleasure of chatting briefly with her after her press conference. She exudes confidence and positivity. I am excited to see her game strategy and how she handles the players, fans and media. All indications are positive.

Next season will be my seventh of covering the team. I will miss Coach Guth, but I am excited about the new era.

For more info on Coach Paige and the team, go to loyolaramblers.com. Check back here for my coverage.

Morgan Paige and me in Chcago, IL-April 2026.

Catching Up with Loyola Alum Jocelyn

At a recent Loyola Ramblers softball game, I spotted a few Loyola alums. Among them was Jocelyn Currie.

Jocelyn was a versatile infielder-outfielder during her four years. She earned Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors three times. She appeared in 130 games, with 78 starts. As a senior, she posted a career-best .378 average. She is now a Nursing Home Administrator.

I didn't want to bother the ladies in the stands, but at one point Jocelyn and I crossed paths by concessions. She shouted, "Johnny's Beat!" Yes, I know it is Johngy's Beat, not Johnny's Beat, but that's what a lot of folks say. I laughed at that. We hugged and chatted for a few minutes.

It was a quick exchange and probably soon-forgotten by Jocelyn. To me it made my day.

While I covered the team throughout her four years, I hadn't seen her since the 2024 season. Even during her career, I only spoke to her a few times, although I was at many games. 

Having a former player greet me so warmly and appreciate the coverage and support I gave her and her teams was a nice moment. These are the kind of interactions I really love.

Covering these teams allows me to see a lot of great sports. It also introduces me to a lot of great folks, who I never would have known.

I might never see Jocelyn again. That's okay. It's moments like these that make me think in some small way I am doing something positive for young athletes.

Jocelyn and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Pitcher Nat Lesnicki?

In my previous times in the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby, my pitcher always was one of the assistant coaches.

This time, my pitcher was Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki. Always one of my favorites, Nat joked with me a bit before we took our places. On a side note, in games, each Rambler gets specific cheers from her teammates. Nat's cheer is my favorite. "More Nat, Less Nicki!" It's clever and funny.

The versatile junior from Plainfield has started 129 games in her three seasons, playing 146 total. She has improved with each season. She even added a little pop in her bat this season, belting three homers.

Anyway, Nat tossed ten pitches at me and I hit most solidly. Unfortunately, my production was more suited for a game and not a home run derby. In a game, I would have had doubles. In a derby, I had nothing. lol

Still, it is all good fun. The players are familiar with e from covering the team. They all cheered loudly with each of my swings and I got high-fives walking from the field. 

If that isn't enough, it benefits Cal's Angels, Chicagoland's Leading Pediatric Cancer Foundation. That is reason enough to step to the plate..

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Loyola Home Run Derby

Every year, I enter the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby. Benefitting Cal's Angels, it is a lot of fun, as well as helping a great cause.

Cal's Angels is a pediatric cancer foundation granting wishes, raising pediatric cancer awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. In 2005, 12-year old Cal Sutter was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Cal lost his battle in 2006, but his memory lives on with Cal's Angels.

This year's Home Run Derby took place after an afternoon doubleheader between Loyola and George Washington University. After winning the first game, Loyola had to come back from a 4-0 deficit by scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh. The game went into extra innings, with Loyola finally winning it in the tenth inning.

It was a long and cold day, with temperatures in the 40s. Still, I was not to be denied.

Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki was my pitcher. We chatted a bit and took a picture before I approached the plate. This was probably my worst production in any of the derbies. I hit a few line drives, but nothing near a home run in my ten pitches. A tad disappointed, but not really bothered, I headed back to the dugout where a few players and former players cheered for me. Obviously, they were being nice, but that made my day.

I appreciate all the kindness shown to me by Loyola. For more info on the Ramblers, go to loyolaramblers.com. Also, check calsangels.org to learn more about that great charity.

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Congratuations and Thanks to Loyola Coach Guth and the Ramblers

Yesterday, the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team lost 71-64 in a quarterfinal game of the Atlantic 10 tournament. They won their first round game, a gritty 61-59 win over St. Bonaventure. Unfortunately, Rhode Island was just too tough yesterday.

I have written several times about my respect for Loyola Head Coach Allison Guth. Intense, positive, engaging are just a few of her positive traits. She is a real pleasure to know and to cover. 

A three-year letterwinner at the University of Illinois, Guth began her coaching career as an assistant at Loyola. Among other coaching stints, Guth completed the Chicago trifecta with stops at Northwestern and DePaul, before becoming Head Coach at Yale in 2015. Guth joined Loyola as Head Coach in the spring of 2022. 

After a rough 6-24 first season, Coach Guth has led the Ramblers to flirt with .500 overall each season. The Ramblers finished 14-17 this season, but went 9-9 in Atlantic 10 Conference play for the second straight season.

I have seen firsthand how Gentile Arena has become increasingly louder and more positive. That starts with Coach Guth. After every home game, Coach Guth takes the mic and thanks all the fans and gives a few thoughts on the game. It doesn't matter if it is an edgy one point loss, a crushing blowout loss or any win, Guth faces the crowd and speaks from the heart.

She is the same in post game press sessions. She goes out of her way to thank each reporter. I cannot speak highly enough about Coach Guth.

For more info on the team, go to loyolaramblers.com. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Allison Guth and me in Chicago, IL-April 2022.

Loyola Ramblers and Nevaeh Dickman

I'm back "On the Beat" with the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team. I'll be providing recurring coverage here and on GlobalTravelerUSA.com.

The season started with a nice 59-55 win in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the Home Opener against Green Bay wasn't successful. The Ramblers fell 55-46.

The game was a mixed bag. Down 8-5 after one quarter the Ramblers roared back in the second quarter and trailed only by one at halftime. The third quarter was a disaster though, as Green Bay thumped the Ramblers 20-5. The Ramblers did mount a big comeback in the final quarter, but they were just down too many to catch up.

After the game, I attended Coach Allison Guth's press session. She was as animated as I have ever seen. She was mad about the first and third quarters. Ever the professional, Coach Guth praised Green Bay's effort, while also acknowledging her team's comebacks.

On my way out of the arena, I ran into first year forward Nevaeh Dickman. Coming out of Indiana, Dickman was Dickman ranked as the No. 6 recruit in Indiana, the No. 104 prospect nationally, and the No. 23 power forward in her class by 247Sports. Those are pretty nice numbers. In 10 total minutes in the first two games, Dickman went 2-4 on free throws for two points, while adding one assist to her stat line. Clearly, much more will be expected from her, but it's early in the season and she is still a rookie.

For more info on Dickman and the Ramblers, go to LoyolaRamblers.com. Also, check back here for my coverage.

Nevaeh Dickman and me in Chicago, IL-November 2025.

Good Bye, Good Luck and Thank You, Andie Broniewicz

Yesterday, I featured Loyola graduating ace pitcher Peyton Pepkowski. Today, I feature her pitching mate Andie Broniewicz.

When Pepkowski wasn't pitching, chances are Broniewicz was. In her four seasons, Broniewicz went 32-38 with a 3.74 ERA, limiting opponents to a .281 batting average.

Pepkowski and Broniewicz presented a formidable duo. I also loved seeing the camaraderie and support between the two. I often saw them in the bullpen area. One was warming up, while the other was watching, noting, advising etc.)

Like Pepkowski, Broniewicz is a class act, always greeting me and thanking me for my coverage and support. She will be missed on and off the field.

Players leave schools and are missed. New players arrive and new friendships are formed on the team and new fandoms in the stands. It's bittersweet, but part of life. I am just grateful to be there to see it all.

I wish Broniewicz the best of life where she goes. I thank her for so much fun following her career.

For more info on the Ramblers, go to loyolaramblers.com. Also, check here for more on the 'blers.

Andie Broniewicz and me in Chicago, IL-March 2024.

Goodbye, Good Luck and Thank you, Peyton Pepkowski

I remember the first time I saw Peyton Pepkowski pitch for the Loyola Ramblers. Four seasons wet by so quickly. I can't believe I just saw her pitch for the last time in the maroon and gold.

Pepkowski went 54-58 with a 3.00 ERA in her four seasons. She also eclipsed the 600 strikeout mark, striking out 696 in 714.2 innings. That's almost a strikeout an inning. Opponents hit only .229, which is the standout stat. No disrespect to the Ramblers, but with better run support, Pepkowski would definitely have even better stats. It was always a pleasure watching Pepkowski deal on the mound.

More important as she moves on with life, Pepkowski is a tremendous person. She always had time for a quick chat and picture. She always thanked me for my coverage and support. I'm going to miss Pepkowski on the field and I'll miss her presence at Loyola.

I thank her for many great memories on the field. I wish her the best of life wherever it takes her.

For more info on the Ramblers, go to loyolaramblers.com. Also check here for my coverage of the 'blers.

Peyton Pepkowski and me in Chicago, IL-March 2025.

Good Luck Sitori Tanin

This season marked the end of Sitori Tanin's basketball career at Loyola University. I had the pleasure of covering the Ramblers for her whole career.

Sitori played in 146 games over her five seasons. She averaged 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, one block and one steal per game. That is an excellent career, but more importantly, Sitori is a class act.

I interviewed Sitori and her fiance Parker Van Buren to discuss their joint project, which can be found at "On the Beat with Sitori Tanin." Sitori and Parker created individual tshirts of themselves to sell to raise money for The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Sitori's brother suffers from Crohn's. 

The tshirts are cool, too. Siroi's shirt features her in basketball mode, while Parker's shows his volleyball form. They are far better than most Name-Image-License products of college athletes. Watch my interview or go to either of their Instagram pages to see the shirts. It was always heartwarming to see a few of their shirts in the stands at home games.

Sitori recently announced she will continue her playing career overseas While I will not be traveling there to cover her, I will follow her from here and hope to get an interview during or after her season.

I always hate seeing people like Sitori leave, but I wish her well wherever her future leads her. She's a great young lady with a brilliant future. I am just glad I got to watch her and know her a bit during her time here.

Sitori Tanin and me in Chicago, IL-March 2025.

Good-bye, Good Luck and Thanks to Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr

Born in Keflavik, Iceland, Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr played three seasons at Iona, before joining the Loyola Ramblers for the 2023-24 season. 

At Loyola, Thoranna played in 57 games, starting 46. She averaged 5.8 points per game and 3.2 rebounds. Although those are solid stats in themselves, her contributions went well beyond pure stats.

Her spirit, passion and teamwork made her a fan favorite. Her journey from Iceland contributed to her legend.

It's players like Thoranna with such great stories who make covering these events so much fun. Of course, I am not friends with Thoranna, but during her time, I had the pleasure of talking with her several times and watching her play and interact with her teammates and fans so many times. How else could an old guy like me cross paths with a great young person from Iceland? I love the longshot it represents.

Next year, Thoranna will be gone off to other adventures, as will a couple other departing Ramblers. There will be new Ramblers ready to share their stories. Hopefully, I will have some interactions with the newbies to make new connections.

Go to loyolaramblers.com for more info on all of their sports teams. Thoranna and basketball are done for this year, but I have softball to keep me busy.

 Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr and me in Chicago, IL-March 2024.

Loyola Ramblers WBB Is Back!

The Loyola Ramblers open their 2024-25 season Monday night. I will be "On the Beat" as usual.

Last season, under second-year Coach Allison Guth, the Ramblers finished 15-16, a nine win improvement over the previous season. I predicted a .500 season and I was close.

This season, I think 20 wins is a real possibility. The team lost some players, like guard Sam Galanopoulos, but they have some hungry first year players.

One key returning player is grad student guard Sitori Tanin. Hailing from Wisconsin, Tanin has averaged 8.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over her four year career. Those numbers have improved almost every season. Not in the stats category though is her leadership and toughness. She is a gamer. She is an easy pick as a player to watch this season.

I have interviewed Tanin a couple times. The most recent one focused on tshirts her and her fiance Parker Van Buren are selling to raise money and awareness for Crohn's disease, a condition he brother has. They are great young people, working for a good cause.

To watch those interviews, go to On the Beat With Sitori Tanin. Also, go to loyolaramblers.com for more info on the team.

Sitori Tanin and me in Chicago, IL-March 2024.

Sitori Tanin & Parker Van Buren Aid Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Loyola University student-athletes Sitori Tanin and Parker Van Buren have done great things on the basketball and volleyball courts (respectively). They recently joined me to discuss something much more important though.

Sitori and Parker have created three tshirts to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Available in Loyola's NIL store, the shirts depict each separately and one with both of them. They are great-looking shirts and it is a wonderful cause, one very near to their hearts.

Sitori's brother Elliott was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2022. The cause is unknown and the cure hasn't been discovered yet. Efforts like this bring the cure one step closer.

I thank Sitori and Parker for their time and consideration. I applaud them for their effort. I also look forward to watching both play their sports in their upcoming seasons.

Watch the interview at On the Beat with Parker Van Buren and Sitori Tanin. Go to the Instagram pages for Sitori, Tanin and Loyola NIL to order your shirts.

Congratulations, Good Bye and Good Luck Alyssa Fisher

Grad student athlete Alyssa Fisher is leaving Loyola University. I thank Alyssa for a lot of great memories and I wish her well in her future.

One of the cool parts of what I do is meeting people like Alyssa. There's no way I would know here if I wasn't covering the team.

Through my years of sitting courtside and being in perss sessions, I got to watch her up close and get to know her a bit. An outstanding player, Alyssa is an even better person. I can tell by the way she treats others and how they respond to her.

I might see Alyssa at future games, but I might never see her again. It's that way with the hundreds of amateur athletes I have covered. I know some better than others, but all are young people I never would have known. My work allows me to meet so many different folks from so many different places. 

Alyssa came from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to play with the Ramblers. The likelihood of me ever talking to a young player who could be my grandchild is not high. Yet, there we were in Gentile Arena many times.

I love what I do. I love players like Alyssa as they pass through school and my life.

Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on the team. Look for them to be a surprise team next season.

Alyssa Fisher and me in Chicago, IL-February 2024.

On the Beat With Loyola WBB Coach Allison Guth

Last week, I had the opportunity to interview Loyola Women's Basketball Head Coach Allison Guth. The main focus of the interview was the positive vibe around the team.

A Chicago area native, Guth was a standout player at the University of Illinois before becoming a coach. After a few stops as an assistant, Guth took over the Yale squad. Two seasons ago, she came back home to coach Loyola.

I have stated numerous times, her introductory press conference was unlike any I have attended. She probably had more family and friends there than media members. The show of support was heartwarming. I quickly learned that is a big part of Coach Guth's life.

Of course she spoke of winning and building a foundation, but she spoke of family and support. I know nothing I have written sounds different from a typical intro press session, but there was just something in the air.

That feeling continued in her first season. Although the team struggled to only six wins, I felt something building. The team had a new coach in a new conference, while dealing with a lot of injuries. Despite that and their record, I always felt the team was so close. They just always fell short.

This season, I predicted a .500 finish. They fell a tad short at 15-16, but it was still a major success. After beating Fordham n the first round of the Atlantic 10 Tournament, they fell to Richmond to end their season.

In our interview, Coach Guth discussed that first press session and the two seasons. She talked of improvement. Coach Guth spoke of the success, while still having a way to go.

I have been impressed with Coach Guth from the moment I met her and my respect has only grown. I can't wait for next season!

Check out the interview at On the Beat With Loyola WBB Coach Allison Guth on YouTube. Also, go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on Coach Guth and the team.

Almost A Home Run

After a Loyola doubleheader in 2022 season, I found myself on the field. That isn't unusual, as I interview coaches or players after the game. This was different though. This time, I was in the batter's box facing Loyola assistant coach Beth Wallace. It was part of a charity home run derby.

I have had a couple other chances to hit on a real softball field. I played in a charity game against the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits, striking out in my only at bat. I took batting practice against Chicago Bandits star Kristyn Sandberg and did okay. This was different though. My goal here was to clear the fence. Truthfully, my real goal was to just not embarrass myself.

Because the first batter didn’t hit any homer, I felt a little relief. Batting next, I found a comfortable bat and settled into the box. The setting sun presented a bit of a challenge. I lined the first pitch right back off the cage where Wallace pitched. I hit decent shots with the next few swings, making little adjustments each time. Then I absolutely crushed one. Unfortunately, it was to dead center, the deepest part of the park. While it elicited cheers from the Ramblers shagging flies in the outfield, it did not clear the fence 230 feel away. That would be my highlight. The next few swings resulted in decent hits, but nothing great.

While I did not accomplish my goal of going yard, My one deep drive was enough for me to feel positive. I felt even better after watching the rest of the batters, most of whom didn’t do much better.

Heading to the games, I had no idea I would be taking swings. It was a fun experience and one I will definitely do again if given the chance. That fence is out there and I still want to clear it!

Thank you to Loyola Athletics for this opportunity. Go Ramblers! For mor info on Loyola Athletics,  go to LoyolaRamblers.com.

Me in Chicago, IL-April 2022.

Back "On the Beat" with the Loyola Ramblers WBB

Despite the impending doom of a long, cold Chicago winter, I am excited. I was just confirmed to be back "On the Beat" for my fifth season with the Loyola Ramblers Women's Basketball team.

Last season was Coach Allison Guth's first season with the team. It was also their first year in a new conference. That's already a lot of change. Then injuries set m/ The team struggled to a 6-24 season.

I admit, some games were tough to watch. Playing short-handed at times, the team suffered some big losses. Somehow though, the team seemed better than the record indicated. That doesn't mean they underachieved. Quite the opposite. They played hard and fought in every game, even when the outcome was sealed by halftime.

Right from the start, I felt something different with the team. When I left the first game, I called my long-time buddy Louie, uncle of guard Sam Galanopoulos and told him something special was being built at Loyola. I always respected the play of the Ramblers, but I really liked this team under Guth.

I always enjoyed the post-game press sessions. The players were positive, despite logging lots of tough minutes. Coach Guth was such a class act. After every session, she thanked me and the others individually for covering the team.

After the team finished 6-24, I still felt the future was bright. At the risk of sounding like a homer, i really thought this team needed a season under Coach Guth, in the new conference with better health.

The regular season starts November 6 at home against UIC. I am calling for a close win over their city rivals. I am also calling for twice as many wins as last season. I even think a .500 season is possible. No matter what, I will be courtside for many games, thanks to the hospitality of the Loyola University Athletics Department.

Check my coverage of the Ramblers here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com, TheEveryDayFan.com and the Johngy's Beat NCAA playlist on YouTube. Also, check LoyolaRamblers.com for more in-depth coverage, including box scores, pictures and other game-related notes.

Johngy at Bat

Id di it again. More accurately, I didn't do it again.

For the second straight year, I took part in a Home Run derby at Loyola's softball field. For the second straight year, I failed to hit one out.

It was an unusually cold Saturday with a strong wind blowing in from left field (my power alley). After Loyola won the doubleheader, participants lined up to take our turns trying to launch one over the fence.

I make no excuses, but I have to set up the scene. The pitcher tossed the ball from about 20 feet away. The throws were with minimal velocity and generally about knee high. Coupled with the wind, I knew my chances of going yard were slim.

I had 10 pitches. The first one, I belted straight back at the screen. It was a liner, great in a game, but not in a home run derby. A couple fly balls to center later and I was feeling good. Then just like last year, I got all of one which I thought might make it. I watched as the ball sailed to ddep center field. I saw the wind catch it and push it more towards right. I thought ithe wind might actually help it carry over the shorter distance in right. Alas, it fell about 15 feet short into the mitt of one of the Ramblers shagging our flies. It was estimated about 190 feet.

I didn't feel bad, because I didn't embarrass myself at least. Others failed to go deep, too, although a few did clear the fences.

I thank Loyola for the hospitality. I will be back in 2024.

Me in Chicago, IL-May 2023.

On the Beat With Loyola SB Coach Alicia Abbott

After a sensational run, the Loyola Ramblers finished the season in second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference with a record of 27-23. That run included three big wins to vault into second to end the regular season. 

Unfortunately, the Ramblers' run ended with a tough 10 inning loss to George Mason in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, but that doesn't dimish the success and excitement of the season.

The 27 wins are Loyola's most wins since 2013. The overall record is their second best (to 2013) in the last 19 years. Their perfect 14-0 home record is the best over that same time period.

Leading the Ramblers is fourth year Head Coach Alicia Abbott. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Abbott to talk about her career and this magical season.

A native of New Lenox, Illinois (a southern suburb of Chicago), Abbott played high school softball at Lincoln—Way Central. Coincidentally, she was a teammate of my nephew's future wife. She began her college career at UIC, where she was the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year in 2008. After two seasons, she transferred to North Carolina State, hitting .283 in two seasons with the Wolfpack.

I started the interview by asking Coach Abbott for a scouting report on Abbott the player. She then discussed her start in coaching, which was as a volunteer assistant at North Carolina State in 2012. A few stops later, Abbott was named Head Coach at loyola in late 2019.

Unfortunately for Coach Abbott, her first season was shortened by the pandemic. Still, the Ramblers finished weith a winning record of 12-9. After two losing, but competitive seasons, Coach Abbott and the Ramblers seemed poised for a good first season in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

A 4-14 start could have crushed the spirit of many teams, but not the Ramblers. They finished extremely strong, going 23-9. Coach Abbott talked about overcoming all of these obstacles and staying positive and on track.

Coach Abbott gave her thoughts on her seniors and grad student athletes, including having to say goodbye to them. I have witnessed the emotions from all on several Senior Days at Loyola games. I have no real connection to these players, but even I get misty-eyed. I can only imagine the thoughts of players, coaches and families. Coach Abbott gave clear thoughts on the situation, but I also know how deeply she cares for all of her players.

Two other specific players I mentioned were second year pitchers Peyton Pepkowski and Andie Broniewicz. They went a combined 24-20, with an ERA of about 2.50, with each throwing a no-hitter. While praising the effort, skills and futures of the two staff aces, Coach Abbott was quick to mention Bailey Johnson, the third pitcher on her squad.

I really appreciate Coach Abbott's time. More importantly, I appreciate everything Coach Abbott has done at Loyola and for me. While most coaches are polite, Coach Abbott always goes the extra mile by thanking me for covering the team. It always means a lot when a Coach or player recognizes me for giving exposure to the team.

Watch our interview at On the Beat With Loyola SB Coach Alicia Abbott. For more info on the Ramblers, go to Loyola Rambles.com.

Peyton Pepkowski and Loyola Ramblers

Women's college softball is starting. Once again, I will be covering the Loyola Ramblers.

Pitcher Peyton Pepkowski finished her first season with a solid record of 12-13 and a 2.85 ERA, with 15 complete games and 166 strikeouts and 48 walks. That's even better looking when you see she pitched for a team that finished 17-30. With better run support, Pepkowski could have easily won 18-20 games.

Last season, I had the pleasure of interviewing Pepkowski about her first season. I also spoke with Loyola Head Coach Alicia Abbott. Those interviews can be found at On the Beat With Loyola Softball.

I can't wait until the Ramblers home opener Saturday, March 25. It will be great to be back watching softball.

Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info. Also, check here and EveryDayFan.com for my recurring coverage.

Peyton Pepkowski and me in Chicago, IL-April 2022.

Thank You Coach Allison Guth and the Loyola Ramblers

The Loyola Women's Basketball team finished an underwhelming 6-24, ending with a 16 game losing streak. Despite the ugly record, I had a lot of fun covering the Ramblers this season.

The Ramblers often played with less players than opponents. That left the starters exhausted by the end of the game, missing shots and sluggish on defense, when they ordinarily would have been much better. They also had a new coach and played in a new conference.

I am not making excuses for the record. Good teams rise above. Loyola Coach Allison Guth would be the first to say that.

I like Coach Guth. I find her to be positive and refreshingly open and honest. Her players speak glowingly of her, both on and off the record.

Was this season part of a learning curve? Will a new crop of first year players adapt to Coach Guth's system quicker? Will the four or five returning seniors use their experience and lead the team to a better season?

Only time will tell, but I actually believe next season will be much improved. I'm not blindly positive. I just saw a lot of heart and talent. Coach Guth's hands were tied, but you can't win playing your starters 35 or more minutes each. With healthier players and one year of Coach Guth's system, the Ramblers will have a better season. I could honestly see them doubling their wins.

Check back here for my recurring coverage. Also go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on the team.

Allison Guth and me in Chicago, IL-February 2023.