Big Ten honors Courtney

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Megan Courtney didn’t wait long to start fattening up her trophy case.

The Alter grad and Penn State University women’s volleyball player was recently named Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten.

Courtney started 35 of 36 games, had 240 kills, 237 digs, 101 total blocks and helped Penn State go 33-3 overall and 19-1 in the Big Ten, good enough for a conference title. Penn State made it to the NCAA national semifinals in Louisville before losing to Oregon.

“It’s something you want and a goal you want as a freshman,” Courtney said. “It’s nice to be recognized, but you have to give recognition back to your teammates and coaches.”

Courtney left high school as one of the nation’s most highly-touted players, but playing at the highest levels of the NCAA has been an adjustment.

“It’s completely different,” she said. “The level from high school to college is different at every aspect. People are stronger, they are longer and they can jump higher. It’s just a very competitive environment. At Penn State you are fortunate to face that level in practice every day.”

It also means playing in larger venues and on national television.

“There’s a lot more attention,” Courtney said. “The games are all on TV. In high school they aren’t on anywhere. It all comes down to being just another volleyball game. After a couple points the excitement calms down.”

Courtney is majoring in kinesiology. She wants to become a physical therapist.

Player of the week: Katie Pleiman (Chaminade Julienne) of the Xavier women's tennis team was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week after winning four matches last week. Pleiman, at No. 1 singles, has been first-team all-conference for three years.

Mann is the man: David Mann (Cincinnati Christian) averaged 12 points this season for Mount St. Joseph's in Cincinnati. A junior, he led the team with 12 steals and 14 blocks. Mount St. Joseph's was beaten by Transylvania at the HCAC tournament Feb. 19.

Record-breaker: Drew Keriazes (Springfield), a senior on the Ohio Northern men's swim team, helped lead the Polar Bears to their ninth consecutive win at the Ohio Athletic Conference Championships Feb. 13-16. Keriazes was part of two relays that broke meet records, the 200 freestyle (1:23.57) and the 400 medley (3:22.90). He also placed second in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:53. 50.

Big night for Kahlig: Greg Kahlig (Fort Recovery) scored a career-high 38 points on Thursday for the Findlay men's basketball team. Findlay defeated Walsh 83-67.

Contact us: Know of a local athlete competing in college? Tell us their story. Send updates to bj.bethel@coxinc.com or call 937-225-2455.

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