Saturday, October 2, 2004
Thomas More needs Santillo
Kentucky colleges
By Neil Schmidt
Enquirer contributor
It became evident quite early that Cathy Santillo would rewrite Thomas More's soccer record book.
What's more significant, though, has been her impact on her team's record. Meaning, the Saints have never won like this before.
The Saints are 8-1-1, a year after a program-best 15-2-2 mark that resulted in TMC's first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.
"It's not just what she's brought to the team last year or this year," coach Jason Burr said. "We're getting to where we're bringing in a lot of talent simply because they've seen what Cathy has been able to do here."
The forward from Harrison set both the career goals and points records within the past week - both coming within the first half of her junior season. Her 50 goals and 120 points eclipsed the marks of 48 goals and 116 points set by Jenny Jostworth (1994-96).
The question is often raised: Why didn't she play at a higher level? Santillo, who carries a 3.4 GPA in her accounting/business double major, said she prioritized academics in her college choice.
"I really enjoy it here," she said. "Here, you have fun while playing soccer. In Division I, the sport you play can be all you do."
Santillo scored 21 goals as a freshman and 22 last year. Thanks to a talent influx, she now has more help.
While she has seven goals this fall, four teammates have three or more, including Julianne Brown (Dixie Heights) with five. Brown was named Association of Division III Independents player of the week after scoring three times last week.
"Teams are draping defenders on (Santillo), so now she's setting up her teammates," Burr said. "That's what's made her more dangerous than ever."
TMC VOLLEYBALL: Senior Amanda Matracia (Scott) recorded her 1,000th career kill last Saturday against Heidelberg. Entering the Saints' two matches Friday in the Mount St. Joseph Fall Classic, Matracia stood just three solo blocks shy of the school record of 112 held by Mary Jo Prickel (1990-93).
NKU MEN'S BASKETBALL: The Norse have added UC-Clermont to their regular-season schedule. They will meet Dec. 22 at Regents Hall.
NKU WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Junior Tracy Carskadon (Oak Hills) set a 5K school record of 18:38 last Saturday and finished first in the Greensboro Invitational, which the Norse also won as a team.
NKU WOMEN'S GOLF: The Norse won Southern Indiana's invitational last weekend, led by Bianca Hutton, who placed third individually, and Alicia Lawrence, who was sixth.
NKU WOMEN'S SOCCER: The Norse's 2-0 loss Sunday to SIU-Edwardsville snapped their 60-game Great Lakes Valley Conference winning streak, which dated to 1999.
Top events this week
• TMC football at Huntingdon (Ala.), 1 p.m. today: Huntington hasn't won a game.
• NKU volleyball vs. Ashland (Ohio), 7 p.m. Wednesday: A rematch - The Norse beat this key regional rival three weeks ago.
• NKU women's tennis at GLVC Championships, Friday: The Norse try to repeat as league champs.
