An infographic compendium with music playlist highlights.
Imani Smith, Michael Earhart, Blake Hudson, Raven Wilson, Brandon Park, Chantal Guerrero, Austin Post and Michael Shaw
Imani’s infographic for Lauren Schmitz
Michael Earhart’s on athletes’ majors by sport
Blake’s on O’Rourke and Schmitz as a volleyball duo
Raven’s on Jessica Gum and Christina Goforth
Brandon’s on Dale Jackson
Chantal’s on Berry football’s defense over its three years
10 Songs that Represent 2015 Vikings Football by Austin Post
The Berry College Vikings football team had its most successful season since the genesis of the program this season. 2015 was a year jam packed with tight contests, incredible individual performances and title chase that wasn’t decided until the final week of the campaign. To honor a great season, a musical representation of each game has been compiled.
1. “Back in the Saddle”, Aerosmith
After a long offseason of training, practice and film study, the stage was set for the Vikings to return to action against out-of-conference rival Maryville College in Maryville, Tn, The Scots had handed Berry two straight losses in the previous seasons, and the Vikings were ready to get “back in the saddle” against a tough opponent.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIPS4LyveJs
2. “Welcome to the Jungle”, Guns n’ Roses
With a sell out crowd in attendance, Valhalla Stadium opened its gates for action. Lagrange College rolled into town to face the Vikings, who had the best home record in the SAA last season at 4-1.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tj2zJ2Wvg
3. “Son of a Preacher Man”, Dusty Springfield
At home against Rhodes College, the crowd was treated to one of the most outstanding performances of the season. Trey Ciresi, a junior wide receiver from Jacksonville, FL., carried the team’s offense scoring two touchdowns through the air, and totaled 114 receiving yards. Trey is the son of Frank Ciresi, a preacher in Jacksonville. Berry would go on to win this game in a shut out 24-0 and go to 2-1.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjydOI4MEIw
4. “Just Win”, Jeezy
In the fourth week of the season, Berry traveled to Tennessee to take on the Tigers of Sewanee University. Rain and wind made it a sloppy game with multiple turnovers for both teams, but in the end, the Vikings found a way to win the game to move to 3-1 on the year.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siDwryHi2uk
5. “Born to Run”, Bruce Springsteen
Once again at home, the Vikings showed a side of their offense that has been non-existent in the past. Led by Austin Lowe, Berry pounded Washington University’s defense with a series of effective running attacks. Lowe finished the game with a career high 159 rushing yards on 31 carries. A dominant win over the Bears pushed the Vikings win streak to four games.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3t9SfrfDZM
6. “The Underdogs”, Weezer
Week six paired the 5-1 Vikings against the undefeated Maroons of the University of Chicago. Berry went into the match up as 20-point underdogs, but forced overtime on the shoulders of a stout defensive performance by Mamadou Soumahoro. The Vikings went on to win 24-17 and moved to 6-1.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz9mpWMB4aQ
7. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n’ Roll)”, AC/DC
Riding a six-game win streak, the Vikings squared off against Hendrix College with the top spot in the SAA up for grabs. A back-and-forth battle ensued, but the Vikings prevailed 27-24 on the strength of another strong passing performance by QB Dale Jackson III. The win pushed Berry’s streak to six game, and they only needed two more wins to clinch a national playoff birth.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFlNo1NjAEQ
8. “King of the Road”, Roger Miller
Week eight sent the Vikings to Jackson, MS., to play the Millsaps College Majors. A win on the road was crucial to Berry’s chance of clinching the SAA championship. Berry pulled out a win 24-14 after a long weather delay early in the first half.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmOe27SJ3Yc
9. “Turn Up the Heat”, Get Set Radio
Facing a struggling Birmingham Southern College team that had dropped four of their last five games, Berry went into week nine with much confidence. Despite throwing for 299 yards, the Vikings lost a tight contest to the Panthers 14-7, and saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end. This loss turned up the heat on Berry’s chances for a conference championship, and it all would come down to their final regular season game against Centre College.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv1UtYrF5-0
10. “It’s All Over”, Three Days Grace
It was the final week of the regular season and the Vikings controlled their own destiny against Centre. A win meant they won the conference championship, and a loss meant their season was over. I’m guessing by the title of the song, you can guess what happened. Berry jumped out to an impressive 16-0 lead, but an offensive outburst by the Colonels in the second half put an end to the most successful Berry football season yet.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYwwL5LbBw
6 Songs that Describe the Volleyball Season Perfectly by Michael Shaw
For the Berry College volleyball team, this season was one of surpassed expectations and unexpected obstacles. Now as they look toward recruiting and plans for next season, take a walk through the team’s journey with songs that highlight this year’s standout moments and players.
1. Warriors
The team made “battle back” their motto this Fall as a motivation to make up for conference losses last season. So, to capture the start of the season, this playlist just has to start with “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons.
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9I8ZUwKpc
2. The Kill
The title says it all, doesn’t it? Katie O’Rourke took over 300 kills this season, and Christina Goforth and Jessica Gum took over 200. To get into the vibe of the strong offensive play from the Vikings this season, check out “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars.
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9PonIkfquE
3. Lean on Me
Of course, it wasn’t all offensive play. Both Goforth and Lauren Schmitz recorded 297 and 237 digs for the Vikings respectively, and Elizabeth Ragland stood out as a strong defensive specialist with 212 digs and 111 sets, which makes “Lean on Me” a perfect kickback tune to get the feel of the defensive support this season.
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEXQkrllGbA
4. ‘Till I Collapse
Early in the season, Katie Truluck lept into the stands for the ball, immediately jumping right back up for the next rally. This libero dove as low or as far as she needed to get the dig, getting almost 700 this season. It’s official, I’m making “ ‘Till I Collapse” by Eminem the Truluck anthem.
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9PonIkfquE
5. I Want You Back
I can almost picture the Vikings singing this to Emily Stromberg all season. Out for an injured knee most of the Fall, the outside hitter’s absence was certainly felt by the team.
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGDyAb6pePo
6. Can’t Kill Us
If this season’s motto was about a battle, then perhaps next season’s will be about winning the war. The Vikings ended with a 25-8 record (11-3 in conference) this season as opposed to last season’s 16-15 record (9-5 in conference).
So, this song is about looking forward to next season. We’ll be watching to see if the Vikings can continue the upward trend and perhaps even take the championship, earning the right to say “You Can’t Kill Us.”
embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOKTj71GOy4
On Spotify: Follow “Berry Volleyball Playlist 2015” by user Michael Shaw