Document text
CLOUDY Temp: 45 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Wednesday, December 11, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend November 27, 2002 Tiffany Ross, the Skyline Conference�s player of the year last season, caught Villanova�s eye during a summer tournament in Colorado. Special Deliveries Phoenix’s Ross, North Medford’s Sevano will move their pitching talents to the collegiate level next spring By KRIS HENRY Mail Tribune For Phoenix senior Tiffany Ross, it’s all about testing your wares against the best in the nation. For North Medford senior Keri Sevano, the world simply cannot revolve around softball forever. Two different beliefs led to two vastly different decisions during the recent collegiate early signing period for softball, volleyball, basketball and soccer players. Ross, a third-team Class 3A all-state selection, pitched the Pirates to their first Skyline Conference title in 18 years last season and will be taking her skills to NCAA Division I Villanova University near Philadelphia. Sevano, a first-team Class 4A all-state selection, pitched the Black Tornado to the state championship last season and, in a last-minute change, has opted to continue her pursuits at Southern Oregon University of the NAIA. Also planning to continue their athletic endeavors will be Ashland’s Marla Morin, who has signed on to play volleyball at Portland State; Ashland’s Alex Christlieb, who has signed to play soccer at St. Mary’s College; and North Medford’s Stacey Casebier, who has been invited to be a walk-on for the Oregon State University volleyball team. For Ross, next season will bring about the realization of a lifelong dream to play at the Division I level. It’s a dream many weren’t sure she could achieve, playing predominantly at the 3A level for a school that is solid but without a pronounced history of softball achievements. "Everyone kept telling me not to worry if you don’t get to a Division I school," says Ross, "but that’s always been my dream, and that’s where I’ve wanted to be." That dream became a reality when Ross, a sturdy 5-foot-11 power pitcher, was noticed by Villanova coach Maria DeBernardi this past summer at an ASA tournament in Boulder, Colo. "I just really liked her demeanor on the mound," says DeBernardi, who led Villanova to a 45-15 record last year. "Tiffany faced a lot of adversity in the couple games I saw and really kept her cool. I was impressed by that." Adding to that impression was a mitt-popping riseball, a devastating screwball and a nice curveball. "Tiffany was my No. 1 recruit all the way along," says DeBernardi. "I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and sometimes you don’t have a driving force, but Tiffany was our driving force this year. I feel fortunate to have gotten her to come here." DeBernardi says Ross will be asked to slide into the starting rotation upon her arrival next year. "She’s a great size for Division I, and I’m expecting big things for her," says the coach. Ross also made a big impression in a visit to the school in October, and vice versa. "After I went out on my visit to Villanova," says Ross, "it just totally fit, and I knew that was the place I wanted to go. I just clicked with all the girls there, and we all got along really well." Ross went 17-3 in conference last year with a 0.68 ERA. She averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game and batted .436 in being named the Skyline’s player of the year. For Sevano, the competitive aspect of softball will still be there, just on a more balanced scale to fit her aspirations of becoming a teacher and softball coach. After compiling a 20-1 record with a 0.61 ERA in leading North Medford to its fourth state title, Sevano was a hot commodity among softball recruits. She had papers in hand to attend NCAA Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., before throwing a curveball and signing with SOU. "My bags were packed and ready to go to Augustana next year," says Sevano, "but I told my dad that if I had the choice, I’d rather stay home." A few phone calls later and SOU softball coach James Gravelle was happy to oblige. "I’m overwhelmed about Keri signing with us," says Gravelle. "To get a player of her magnitude makes me happy and is going to make us a better team down the line." Besides the talent already at SOU and the good relationship Sevano has fostered with the coaching staff and players, it’s what the school can do for her down the line that excites Sevano the most. "Getting the right school for me was the most important," says Sevano. "I did not want to go Division I at all. You can’t finish your education in four years, it’s just so demanding at that level." And for someone who wants to major in physical education and possibly coach the Black Tornado in 10 years, athletics take a back seat to academics. "Softball has controlled my life, in a good sense, and kept me out of trouble and achieving things year after year," says Sevano, "but now when I get to college, I think it’s going to be a part of my life and not all of it because I need to get an education and a degree. "I have another five years (of softball) and I’m done because it’s not like they have Major League Softball." Two talents, two directions. But, most importantly, two content young women with enough wisdom to strive for what truly makes them happy. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search M Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S