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.

Friend Encounters: Europa-Park's Ed Euromaus and Sitori

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I could say Europa-Park's mascot met Sitori, but she is too humble for that. She would say Ed Euromaus is the celebrity.

EE is the main mascot of Europa-Park. Debuting as "Kitty" in 1975, he was renamed in 1977. Along with Ed are Edda Euromausi, his companion. Friends include rooster Louis, ibex Bockli and Eurofant Olli. Also around is Snorri, a multi-tentacled creature repping the Rulantica water world.

Loyola University grad and former standout basketball player Sitori moved to Germany to lay pro ball there, along with her husband Parker, a pro volleyball player there.

I followed Sitori throughout her career at Loyola. I enjoy watching all the players progress in life, but Sitori is special. Not only was she great on the court, she was a real joy off court. I interviewed and talked to her several times and she is sweet and engaging. Parker and her are an amazing couple. It's fun watching them start their life together.

I hope to land Sitori for a Global Traveler interview about life in Germany. Until then, I am grateful for all of her consideration over the years.

Ed Euromaus and Sitori in Rust, Germany-2025.

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.

DePaul Home Run Derby

Yesterday, I recapped my participation in Loyola's Home Run Derby. A week later, I swung for the fences in DePaul's Home Run Derby.

Much like at Loyola, it was a frigid day. The game went extra innings, just to prolong the cold day. Fortunately, DePaul won.

After the game, I made my way to the field and chatted with a few players, fans and also DePaul Assistant Coach Abby Ramirez. I have known Abby for many years. After starring at the University of Michigan, Abby played pro softball in Chicago, first for the Chicago Bandits, then for Athletes Unlimited. Abby is an awesome person.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Abby was going to pitch to me. That alone made my day. She threw great pitches, but once again, I hit line drives without clearing the fence. One of my hits made it to the wall on one bounce.

Once again, the Blue Demons were cheering on everyone and giving high fives walking away from the field. I think the players enjoy seeing us older folks swinging.

Like at Loyola, this derby benefitted Cal's Angels. You'd see my shirt further supporting he cause, but it was under three other shirts as I battled the winds.

Thank you to DePaul for a great time. A Special thanks to the players and especially Abby for making it even better.

Abby Ramirez 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.

FGCU 's Azul

While in Florida visiting my sister Jean, we saw the Loyola women's basketball team was playing an NIT game in the area. My last night there unexpectedly became a night of cheering for the Ramblers.

The big question was if the Ramblers would have their mascot LU Wolf at the game. If he was there, I would find a way to get a picture. Unfortunately, he was not there.

Florida Gulf Coast University, their opponent, was playing in their home arena. Naturally, their mascot was there. Call me a turncoat, I had to get a picture with him. I do not apologize for my fascination with mascots.

.FGCU's mascot is Azul the Eagle. Introduced in 2001, Azul is named after the school's colors (cobalt blue and emerald green). That's an odd connection. Azul is a multi-time winner of the ASUN Conference Most Valuable Mascot Award. Azul wears jersey No. 23 and leads the "Dirty Birds" student cheering section. "Wings Up" is the official, popular cheer of fans and the Azul.

I was automatically on a mission to get a selfie with the mascot, but he made it easy for me by coming into the stands. Jean became an unintentional photo bomber in my picture, but she is a good sport about it.

I do have to comment on his costume though. While his head was fine, his upper body was okay and his lower body was basically green sweatpants. Call me a mascot snob, I expect a bit more from mascots. FGCU needs to step up their game a bit. Still, I appreciate adding Azul to my collection.

and me in Fort Myers, FL-March 2026.

Happy Birthday, Jean

Today is our middle sibling's birthday. I am sure Scott and Jean will be celebrating somewhere in Florida today, but I toast her here.

Like my eldest sibling Nancy, Jean is my rock. I love and appreciate them both more than they will know or than I can properly express.

On my last trip to Florida, Jean drove me around to a few cool sculptures, because she knows I enjoy them. There was a Beatles night, a comedy night and an unexpected night of Loyola women's basketball Jean always goes above and beyond, like driving 90 minutes to meet my longtime pal and Global Traveler boss Fran. Of course I enjoy all of that, but I enjoy just hanging out an laughing. She also scouted a few cannoli locations and they were fantastic.

I am blessed to have two great sisters. I put it here always knowing they will read it and know I love them dearly.

While Jean is enjoying her day in Florida, I wish her a great birthday from here. Happy birthday, Jean, I love you.

Jean and me in Florida-February 2025.

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.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #739 Chris Collins & Allison Guth

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing pro jerseys. I continue my season-long march through all MLB teams.

Son of former NBA player and coach Doug, Chris Collins starred at Duke and played two seasons in Finland before starting his coaching career in 1998. After stints as an assistant in the WNBA and college, Collins was named Head Coach at Northwestern in 2013. For his NU career, he is 194-190, with only one really bad season. Collins tossed a ceremonial pitch for the Chicago Cubs to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card, but I suspect the Chicago area native had at least one Cubs jersey in his collection.

Chicago area native Allison Guth played for the University of Illinois, before embarking on a business career. Her love of basketball pulled her into coaching though. After a few years as an assistant, including at Loyola and DePaul, Guth was named Head Coach at Yale, a position she held from 2015-22. She spent the last three seasons as Head Coach at Loyola, where she raised the enthusiasm level on and off the team to the highest I have seen it. Guth is an amazingly positive and engaging person. I can't speak highly enough of her. Somehow it seems fitting that she appears with Cubs mascot Addison on her Celebrity Jersey Card. It echoes her fun personality.

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.

Talking Travel with Jorge Posada

Jorge Posada is a third year Grad student at Loyola Marymount who is working on a film project for his thesis. Jorge is the son of former New York Yankees legend Jorge and a Puerto Rican media personality Laura.

Azure Eclipse film is the brainchild of Jorge, or more accurately, a very young Jorge. He envisioned this world when he was about five and has been refining it ever since. Making it more remarkable is he did this while dealing with the effects of Craniosynostosis, a birth condition in which the skull bones fuse together too soon, creating pressure and many possible implications. Fortunately, after 10 or so surgeries, Jorge is a bright young man who is about to see his vision become a reality.

In our interview, we covered a lot of ground, from his project to CS to travel, while even quickly pledging our support for his dad's induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was more than a fun interview for me. It was one close to my heart (or head), as I, too, am a CS survivor. I had never compared CS notes with any other survivor and Jorge was a great guest.

Go to Talking Travel with Jorge Posada on Global Traveler for the full recap and interview. Subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel (it's free, easy and you won't get bothered with emails).

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.

Absurdities: Hitting a Pro Softball Pitch

Absurdities is a recurring series in which I vent about things I find absurd. Today's subject might be the most absurd thing I have featured.

I have some friends who legitimately think they could get a hit off women pro softball pitchers, like the now-retired Monica Abbott. I maintain even in their prime, the average male athlete doesn't stand a chance of getting a hit off of any pro or even college pitcher.

Softball pitchers can regularly hit 70 mph from 43 feet away. That's equivalent to 101.2 mph in baseball. In softball, that translates to a .360 second reaction time. In baseball, a 100 mph leaves the batter with .400 seconds to react. A much slower softball pitch like 60 mph only gives the batter .420 seconds to react.

Granted, I am not and never was a great athlete, but in my few experiences against live softball pitching, I quickly realized the futility of trying. In an exhibition game, against the Chicago Bandits, I struck out against Kirsten Verdun and her 50 mph pitch. I am quite sure, she wasn't giving it her all, but I saw nothing, only hearing it slam into the mitt of catcher Taylor Edwards. The rest of my team, a semi-pro men's 12 inch team, struck out 12 times.

A couple seasons later, I took batting practice with catcher Kristyn Sandburg. I did get a few decent shots off of her, until she actually tried. Then I was lucky to get any wood on the ball.

In the last three years, I participated in a Home Run Derby at Loyola. Those pitches were lobbed in and I did get some nice hits. When a few ex-male athletes asked for real pitches, they were severely overmatched.

I suppose, if my friends were in their prime and devoted months to practice, they might get solid hits, but with minimal practice, they would stand no chance.

It looks easy, until you are in the batter's box. The pitch comes at different angles, with odd spins. It's entirely different from hitting a baseball.

That's my rant. I know several readers were good athletes in their prime. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on hitting against an average pro or college woman softball pitcher.

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.