Preview Notes For Saturday's Game vs. Alderson Broaddus

This Saturday, the Malone University football team will hold an Educator Appreciation Day to honor the teachers and professors that have made an influence on the lives of the student-athletes and non-athletes alike. As a way of thanks, any teacher from northeast Ohio (college, high school, middle school, or elementary school) who presents a staff ID will receive free entry to Saturday's game. Malone will take on Alderson Broaddus University with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 pm at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Malone head coach Fred Thomas began the initiative as a way for student-athletes to acknowledge what educators have done for their lives both in and out of the classroom. Thomas, whose wife Mia is an educator and volleyball coach, knows full well the value and positive impact that teachers can make. "Next to my family, my teachers and coaches were the most influential people in my life," he expressed.

As part of the initiative, Thomas asked the graduating seniors to identify a Malone professor who has made the greatest impact in their lives.

Marcus Moeller, a Business Administration major, nominated Dr. Julia Frankland. Marcus notes, "Throughout my five years at Malone, Dr.Frankland has been one of my favorite professors. Her passion for teaching and helping students further their education in and outside of the classroom is unmatched and she does a great job making class fun and interesting. In addition, her expertise on the subjects she teaches and her ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios makes it easy to learn content and apply it outside of the classroom as well."

Blake Cary, a Nursing major, nominated Rose Day. Cary notes, "Ms. Day is kind, smart, helpful and inspiring."

Kyle Nowak, an Exercise Science major with a Strength & Conditioning concentration, nominated Dr. Steve Wirick. Kyle notes, "Dr. Wirick has always been there for me when it comes to dealing with difficulties I've faced since freshman year inside and outside of the classroom. He has been helpful when it came to figuring out my career and living the life I am living while honoring Jesus."

Christian Mathews and Ashton Dulin, Business and Sport Management majors, nominated Professor Frank Alexander. "Professor Alexander is encouraging and welcoming," said Dulin. Mathews added,"He always has a positive attitude and welcomed my son, Camden, with open arms when I had to bring him to class. He gives real world examples and brings his experiences into class exercises to show the value in what he is teaching."

Matt Blasiole, a Business Administration major, nominated Dr. Gary Colledge. Matt comments, "Dr. Colledge was one of my favorite professors, and helped me grow in my walk with God. I have had a lot of questions over the years regarding my faith and he has had the answers that I needed to hear. Not only did he meet with me outside of class to help with school, but also met with me just to help me grow as a human being. I will never forget all that he has done for me."

Riley Escalle, an Organizational Leadership major in Malone's graduate program, nominated Professor Tanya Hershberger. Riley comments, "I have chosen Tanya because she is a wonderful human-being. I loved going to her class and learning about the great outdoors. She was able to push me to new limits mentally, physically and spiritually. I will forever cherish the memories that Tanya and I were able to make throughout our friendship."

JD Stamper, a Special Education major, nominated Professor Amanda Nickerson. JD says, "Professor Nickerson is always there when I need help and pushes me to be a better student."

Cody Stadtman, a Criminal and Restorative Justice major, nominated professor of sociology, Dr. Deborah Kwak. Cody says, "She is a new professor here and has been doing a great job. She really adds a lot of depth and knowledge to the department. She has made the department better overall and I have learned a lot in her classes that will prepare me for life after college."

Fred Johnson, a Film and Media major, nominated Professor of media production, Sangsun Choi. "Professor Choi has been encouraging and supportive and helped us grow in our major."

Lamon Mathison, a Business Administration major, nominated Dr. Beth Clark-Thomas. Lamon notes, "Dr. Clark-Thomas has had a huge impact on my life since my freshman year. She taught me how to manage my time as a student-athlete which I struggled with because completing my coursework and playing football is more time consuming in college than in high school. She also is there for me if I need someone to talk to. She has helped me grow into the student that I am today."

James Jackson, an Accounting, Finance and Business Administration triple major, nominated Professor Michael Reolfi. James comments, "Professor Reolfi provides a great learning environment and really interacts with you."

Albert Phillips, a Business Administration and Marketing double major, nominated Dr. Cherie Parsons. Albert comments, "Dr. Parsons has been the only professor to impact my life in a positive way through an English class."