On the Beat With Sam Galanopoulos and the Loyola Ramblers

Last Sunday, I was "On the Beat" for the first time with the Loyola Ramblers women's basketball team. The Ramblers beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks and I met Loyola guard Sam Galanopoulos, niece of my longtime friend Louie Atsaves.

While the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team has gotten a lot of nation exposure of late, and deservedly so, the women's team has quietly been on the rise. In her sixth season at Loyola, Head Coach Kate Achter has lead the resurgence.

Last season, Achter guided the Ramblers to a berth in the Women's Basketball Invitational, the program's first postseason appearance. Although early in the season, the Ramblers are off to a hot start at 4-2. The latest win was a 69-52 drubbing of Miami (OH).

The game was never really in doubt. Miami only led once, a two point edge 1:36 into the game. After that, it was all Loyola. The Ramblers led 20-10 after one quarter and cruised to the 17 point victory.

Of special interest to me was the play of junior Sam, who led the charge in the first quarter with six points. Sam finished with 11 points, second on the team only to senior forward Allison Day, who had 20. Sam also had two rebounds, four assists and one steal. I had the chance to briefly chat with Sam after the game.

Sam's father Mike was one of my first bosses when I started at Lerner Newspapers in 1987. Mike's future brother-in-law Louie was a part-timer while still in college. One of Sam's aunts, Barb, sister of Louie, was a star player at DePaul in the 1980s. While I have known the Atsaves family for many years and have probably seen Sam at some family events, this was the first time I talked to her.

I really enjoyed my day at Loyola. It's a quick drive and it is extra fun to have a special rooting interest in Sam. I will be returning to Loyola games as often as my schedule allows.

A special thanks to Loyola Director - Athletic Communications J. Ryan Haley for the hospitality. Also thanks to Sam for her time after the game. Check back here for recurring coverage of Loyola Ramblers WBB.

Sam Glananopoulos and me in Chicago, IL-November 2021.

On the Beat With Loyola Softball 04/23/2022

Loyola hosted second place Missouri State and came away with one win. Despite losing the series, it was a solid showing by the Ramblers.

Saturday started ugly for the Ramblers as Andie Broniewicz (3-11) was hit hard, giving up nine runs in 1.1 innings. Loyola's lone RBI was from Amelia Thomas. Despite the final score being 13-3, Loyola was scrappy and did not give up in this game.

The second game was a thrilling 3-2 9 inning win. Ace Peyton Pepkowski (10-8) went all nine innings, allowing one run on six hits, with 13 strike outs. Haley Wallace and Jocelyn Currie had the RBIs. The game-winning run was unearned, but the Ramblers will gladly take it.

After the double header, I talked to Loyola Head Coach Alicia Abbott and Amelia Thomas. I also met Teagan Sopczak during the Home Run Derby. Side note, I did not hit a homer, but I had one nice drive to deep center, but I'll write more about that in the future.

Pepkowski returned to the mound Sunday, but took a loss (10-9). She pitched five innings and only gave up three runs, but Loyola only scored 1, losing 4-1. Sydney Barnett had the lone RBI.

The first game was closer than the score indicated. Loyola had one bad inning. They showed grit in taking the second game. The Ramblers hung tough in Sunday's loss. With just a little more offense, the Ramblers could have taken two of this series.

Loyola is now 13-23 (7-13). They return to action hosting Valparaiso Wednesday.

After the doubleheader, I talked to Coach Abbott and Thomas on the field. The interviews are at On the Beat With Loyola Softball.

On the Beat With Loyola Women's Basketball

Earlier this week, I took part in the Atlantic 10 Media Day session featuring the Loyola Ramblers Head Coach Allison Guth, along with senior players Julia Hoefling and Sam Galanopoulos. That session can be found at On the Beat With Loyola WBB Media Day.

The Atlantic 10 Conference held Media Day for women's basketball, featuring individual sessions with the coach and two players from each school. Conference newcomer Loyola University was represented by new Head Coach Allison Guth and senior players Sam Galanopoulos and Julia Hoefling.

Chicago area native Coach Guth returns to Loyola. Where she served as an assistant 2005-2007. She was also an assistant at Missouri, DePaul, Yale and Northwestern, before being named Head Coach at Yale in 2015. Prior to embarking on a coaching career, Guth was a three-year letterwinner at the University of Illinois.

Guth takes over a Loyola team that was 18-12 last season. She inherits a team with four seniors. She also gets incoming seniors Emma and Sophia Nolan, who transferred from St. John's.

Since her arrival, Guth has showed a lot of energy and positivity. She has discussed the importance of family, friends and support, thanking both those around her and all of her players. This was all very evident in her introductory press session in the offseason and she reinforced it in this media session.

Guth discussed what to expect from her and the team. She talked about the challenges for Loyola in their new conference. The Ramblers previously played in the Missouri Valley Conference. She discussed adding the Nolan sisters and relying on her seniors for leadership as the team adjusts to the new coach and new conference.

Representing those seniors, Hoefling and Galanopoulos stated they are excited about the challenges and ready to lead. Both discussed the challenges and rewards of new coaching and new conference.

During her three years at Loyola, guard Galanopoulos played 86 games, averaging 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds and assists in 25.6 minutes. Last season, she had career highs, averaging 7.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 29.9 minutes.

Forward Hoefling also had career highs last season. She started 29 games, and averaged 4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 23.8 minutes.

Guards Anna Brown and Jala Johnson are the other two returning seniors. The addition of the Nolan sisters will create competition for playing time, hopefully resulting in everyone rising to the challenge.

Loyola opens their exhibition season hosting Purdue Northwest Sunday, October 30. They open their regular season at Western Michigan Monday, November 7. They also play at Milwaukee, before their home opener Wednesday, November 16 against Virginia.

Much like at Guth's introductory press conference, I expect the stands at Gentile Arena to be filled with family and friends ushering the new era. I will also be there, in media row.

Follow my coverage all season right here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and EveryDayFan.com. Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on the team.

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.

On the Beat With Loyola WBB Head Coach Allison Guth

A few days ago, on Global Women's Sports Radio, I wrote about Loyola hiring Allison Guth as their new Head Coach of Women's basketball. This morning I attended her introductory press conference.

This was unlike any press session I have attended. As I sat in the media area of the practice facility, I saw the room fill with one large group, which included several youngsters. I learned this was Coach Guth's family. Especially with the children, it created a lively atmosphere.

Upon her introduction, Coach Guth explained she comes from a large family, many of whom were in attendance. Coach Guth then went on to liken that family bond to creating a family situation on the women's basketball team and Loyola in general.

Coach Guth discussed the significance of returning to Loyola. She cited a fun story of her drive today in the car she borrowed from her dad. It brought back memories of her youth with her dad driving her to practice. In just a few minutes, it was very clear how important family is to Coach Guth. It was heartwarming to say the least.

She continued with talk to Loyola moving to the Atlantic 10. It's a fresh start for Loyola and it brings new challenges and opportunities.

I briefly talked to Coach Guth after the session. She spoke of being surrounded by her family, meeting the tam and the challenges ahead of her. Ever the positive person, Coach Guth again eschewed calling them challenges, preferring to look at all as opportunities.

I was very impressed by Coach Guth. Her record speaks for itself, but this was a glimpse into the person. She is fun, engaging, optimistic and rooted in family. Combined with her history, she is all you want in a coach.

Loyola's season only recently ended, but Rambler Nation is ready for next season. I am quite sure Coach Guth is already working on it.

The interview is at On the Beat With Allison Guth. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

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.

Thank You Loyola Softball

Loyola's softball season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Bradley Braves yesterday. It was a solid performance by the Ramblers, but Bradley's Gracie French did a great Shohei Ohtani impression, belting two homers, driving in all four runs and pitching a complete game.

Peyton Pepkowski went the distance for Loyola, allowing only one earned run on six hits and four walks, while striking out six. Pepkowski finished her first season a very solid 12-14. Loyola has high hopes for Pepkowski.

Five Ramblers managed hits, with Nova Sinskul leading the way with two. Madison Ebeling, Amelia Thomas, Haley Wallace and Tori Boysen also got hits. Ebeling and Thomas had stolen bases.

The story of the game really was Bradley's French. When a player has an outstanding performance like that, all you can do is tip your cap.

Loyola finished the season 17-30 (10-17 in MVC play). That's an improvement over last year (13-29, 8-16) Coach Alicia Abbott's first year at the helm.

Ebeling, Sinskul and Abbey Jacobsen are the only seniors. With Covid rules, I do nopt know if they plan on returning. Either way, this si a young Loyola team. Coach Abbott will build it around ace Pepkowski and solid first year player Andie Broniewicz (5-11).

This was my first season fully covering the Ramblers and it was an exciting one. They had several big rallies and some great comeback wins. It wasn't a great season, but it was a season upon which a foundation was built. I expect an improvemnet next season to above ,500.

Thank you to Loyola Athletics for the hospitality all season. Thank you to Coach Abbott and all the Ramblers for their time all season. I already look forward to Fall Ball and next season. For more info on the team, go to LoyolaRamblers.com.

Alicia Abbott and me in Chicago, IL-April 2022.

On the Beat With Loyola Softball

Loyola had a scheduled double header last Saturday, but the storms caused the second game to be suspended. Rain suspended the second game. The continued game on Sunday went eight innings, ending with a 7-6 win. Andie Broniewicz got the win in relief of Sydney Ruggles. Broniewicz went six inning, only giving up three runs to improve to 4-11. Nova Sinskul and Teagan Sopczak led the way with two RBIs each. Abbey Jacobsen, Haley Wallace, Barnett and Hannah Nalley each had an RBI, with Sinskul's being the game-winner.

The second game saw Loyola take a tough 2-1 loss. Peyton Pepkowski was the rough luck loser, pitching three innings and allowing only one unearned run. Pepkowski fell to 11-11. The lone RBI went to Ebeling.

After the games, I got quick interviews with Coach Alicia Abbott and Pepkowski. I apologize for the noisy wind, but it gives a great indication of how windy and cold it was for these players all weekend. The interviews can be found at On the Beat With Loyola Softball.

I asked Coach Abbott to discuss her departing seniors. I asked Pepkowski about her first collegiate season.

Despite the harsh conditions, I soaked in the last minutes of Loyola's regular season home games. It's sad to be done with games. I already look forward to next season.

Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on Loyola sports. Check back here for my recurring coverage of the Ramblers.

Teagan Sopczak at Loyola Softball

The Loyola Ramblers softball team opens their season on February 10, with the home opener March 25. I will be there cheering and covering the 2023 Ramblers.

Outfielder Teagan Sopczak enters her junior season. Last season, she started 44 games, while appearing in 46. She struggled a bit with batting average (.188), but I look for her to have a breakout season. She had a nine game hitting streak last season, among her highlights. The ability is there an this season I see it coming together better for her.

The Ramblers play their games at Loyola Softball Park on the north side of Chicago. There is usually an SRO crowd, although the stands don't hold as many fans as other fields. It is a very loud and supportive crowd, even in some of the frigid temperatures of March. It is always a fun time.

Thank you to Loyola Athletics for the hospitality all season. Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on Loyola sports. Check my coverage on TheEveryDayFan.com.

Teagan Sopczak and me in Chiicago, IL-April 2022.

On the Beat With Loyola SB

After the inclement weather pushed back the Loyola series against Evansville, Loyola bats remained cold. 

On Sunday, the Ramblers dropped a doubleheader, 4-2 and 4-0. Peyton Pepkowski (6-7) took the loss in game one and Andie Broniewicz (2-8) lost the second game. Abbey Jacobsen's home run in the first game drove in the only two runs of the day. Two solid pitching performances were wasted with an offense that produced only five hits all day.

The Ramblers finished the series in thrilling fashion. Maddie Ebeling belted a two-out, two-strike walkoff home run in the seventh to give the Ramblers a 4-3 win. Pepkpwoski went the distance, improving to 7-7, giving up two earned runs on eight hits and no walks, with seven strike outs. Nova Sinskul and Hannah Nalley had the other two RBIs.

This was a gritty win for Pepkowski and the team. Evansville tied it in the top of the seventh. It was very cold and the Ramblers didn't look good the previous day. None of that matter as Ebeling laced the home run to left field. This is the type of win that can turn around a season.

Loyola now stands at 9-18 (3-6 in conference play). The Ramblers return to action with a three game series at Northern Iowa.

The interviews can be found at On the Beat With Loyola Softball 04/04/22. Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info and check here for more coverage.

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.

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.

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.

Coach Alicia Abbott and the Loyola Ramblers

A few weeks ago, I attended the Rambler Rumble at the Dome in Rosemont. It was an opportunity to meet Alicia Abbott, the new head coach of the Loyola Ramblers softball team.

The native of New Lenox started her collegiate playing career at UIC, where she was named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year in 2008. She transferred to North Carolina State, where she hit .283 in her two years with the Wolfpack.

Coach Abbott started her coaching career as an assistant at NC State in 2012. She also coached at Newberry College (South Carolina, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Northern Illinois University, prior to arriving at Loyola. In her five seasons at NIU, Alicia led the Huskies to 147 wins.

The Ramblers were 25-25 last season. They have hovered around the .500 mark the last few seasons, after several less successful seasons. Coach Abbott looks establish a winning culture by bringing Loyola to the next level.

The Ramblers have three seniors, five juniors, five sophomores and four freshman players. It's a nice mix of players. 

Over the weekend, in the Rambler Rumbler, the Ramblers went 3-2. Sophomore pitcher Sydney Ruggles went 2-0, while senior outfielder Jessica Shields led the way offensively with 10 hits, for a .556 average.

Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info. Also check back here for recurring coverage of the Ramblers and also Northwestern and DePaul.

Alicia Abbott and me in Rosemont, IL-February 2020.

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.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #588 Doug Bruno, Chris Collins & Allison Guth

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I created virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical trek through all MLB teams with three Chicago women's college basketball coaches.

After playing at DePaul, Doug Bruno started coaching high school ball. From 1976-78, he was head coach of DePaul's women's basketball team. After a short stint away as coach of the Chicago Hustle and several years as assistant coach of the men's team at Loyola, Bruno returned to DePaul in 1988 and has become a legend there. Bruno is one of the biggest supporters of women's sports, not just basketball. He tossed out the first pitch for the Blue Demons softball team several times, but his Celebrity Jersey Card comes from one he tossed at Wrigley Field.

The son of former NBA player and coach Doug Collins, Chris Collins starred at Duke, before starting his coaching career. A short stay as an assistant at Seton Hall was followed by a long run as an assistant at Duke. He became head coach of Northwestern's Women's Basketball in 2013. After a few good seasons, the team has struggled a bit oever the last few seasons. Collins also tossed a pitch at Wrigley for his Celebrity Jersey Card.

The newest of the Chicago three, Allison Guth played at Illinois, before starting her coaching career. She came to Loyola after the 2022 season following a seven year run as women's head coach at Yale. She had previously been an assistant at Loyola, as well as Missouri, DePaul and Northwestern. Shortly after rejoining Loyola, Guth had a good time at Wrigley with Clark and wound up on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

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.

On the Beat With Loyola Women's Basketball

Loyola's Janae Gonzales, Bre Hampton-Bey, Allison Day and Riley Blackwell went out smiling today, as they celebrated their last home game by beating Misouri State 60-42. The game was never really in doubt, as the Ramblers cruised to their 18th win.

Missouri State was held to a paltry 23.9 percent (16-67) shooting from the field. For much of the game, they were below 20 percent. 

Day led the way with 16 points and nine boards, just missing a double-double. Maya Chandler had 15 and Blackwell added 13. Sam Galanopoulos only had two points, but six rebounds and seven assists in a well-rounded effort.

In the post game presser, the departing Ramblers all expressed the bittersweet feeling of winning on Senior Day, yet playing their last home game. Coach Kate Achter stated the team would stick to basics for the most part in the MVC tourney, but she had a few new wrinkles she might bring out. That press session is at On the Beat With Loyola WBB.

Loyola earned an opening-round bye in the MVC Championship.  The fifth-seeded Ramblers face Illinois State, the tournament's No. 4 seed, in a quarterfinal-round game at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at TaxSlayer Center in Moline, Illinois.

For more info, go to LoyolaRamblers.com. Check back here and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for recurring coverage.

On the Beat With Loyola WBB Sitori Tanin

Despite being in the thick of NCAA softball playoff season, my mind took a brief detour to the hardwood. Yesterday, I interviewed Loyola basketball player Sitori Tanin.

Sitori is wrapping up her junior year at Loyola, where she is majoring in advertising and PR. She also is starring on the basketball court, seeing her stats improve across the board each season.

Despite Loyola struggling last season, the team showed plenty of heart and ability. A big part of that came from Sitori, who, due to other injuries, often logged more minutes than Coach Allison Guth would have liked.

Along with her basketball achievements and classroom studies, Sitori is carving a niche on YouTube. Her videos are a mix of personal, sports, and fun content. It really appeals to all ages, although Sitori says part of her desire is to help younger students get a feel for college life.

Sitori is a star on and off the court. I have had the pleasure of watching her from the courtside press table. She is all you would want in a player. This was my first long conversation with Sitori, but you can easily see she is a quality person off the court.

Watch the interview at On the Beat with Sitori Tanin. Go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more info on Sitori and the Ramblers. Check out TheEveryDayFan.com for more sports coverage.

 

On the Beat with Jenna Grim of the Chicago Bandits

The Johngy's Beat-Justin's World of Softball joint coverage of the Chicago Bandits continued Wednesday on Justin's World with Chicago Bandits Interviews, Parts 6-9.  Justin featured four interviews I did with Bandits.  Today, I am featuring Jenna Grim.

Jenna is in her fourth season out of Loyola University.  The catcher ranks #2 on Loyola's career home run list (one behind her close friend).  She is also fifth on the all-time RBI list.

We talked about being one of three catchers, her Loyola career and much more.  Unfortunately, I missed the chance to discuss a mutual friend of ours.  I did not know at the time of the interview that Jenna knows the Nestlehut family.  Oh the stories we could have shared.  It could have taken this interview in a whole different direction.  Of course, it could also have taken us several days.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Chicago bandits over the next few days.  Also, check out ChicagoBandits.com.  There are still some home games remaining.

My interview with Jenna can be found at Jenna Grim Interview.

Jenna Grim and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2014.