BY MATT VAN WAGENEN

So this is the last sports column of the year, and as of now the last column I will write for the Troub.

No, I'm not graduating, but I'm headed to Gaming this fall, so I won't be around to talk about Franciscan's great sports programs or random bits of American outdoor fun. However, my replacement as the Sports Editor for fall 2012, Elena Luke, is definitely going to step up to the plate and bring some solid material to the Sports section in the Troub.

For this final sports column, I'm going to brush upon a few different things. The biggest topic of choice is staying in shape, or even simply getting in shape this summer. It's beach season baby! More importantly, it's summertime!

BY MATT VAN WAGENEN

Franciscan runner Bill Jones will represent Franciscan University at its first appearance in the NCAA Division III national Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship on May 24-26, 2012.

"The 10k is looking like it will be my best event," said Jones. "I'm working on getting my pace down and knowing it well."

This is the first year that Franciscan University is a full-fledged member of the NCAA's Division III. This is the second time Franciscan has been represented by Bill Jones on the national level – he competed in the national championship for Men's Cross Country last fall. Jones will be competing in the 5- and 10-kilometer events at the national championship at Claremont McKenna College's Burns Stadium in Claremont, Calif.

BY JESSIE WEISS

Franciscan University's Spring Formal was held at the Omni William Penn Hotel on Friday, April 27.

The event was sponsored by Exc!te. The Omni William Penn has served Pittsburgh since 1916.

Since this year's theme was "Masquerade," several students wore decorative masks to the event. The dance floor was completely full, and the event ran from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

BY JORDAN OTERO

Students at Franciscan University of Steubenville, not unlike other college students nationwide, are perpetually searching for inexpensive but delicious places to satisfy their food cravings. When it came to local breakfast joints, Franciscan students ranked Spanky's Pancake House in Wintersville at the top of their favorites list.

However, students will have to feed their appetite for pancakes, eggs and bacon elsewhere, now that Spanky's Pancake House has abruptly closed their doors for business.

The restaurant, owned by Wintersville resident Frank Rihaly, unexpectedly closed down two weeks ago. The reason remains a mystery to patrons as well as village and county officials.