Missouri Western State University head football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 27 football student-athletes to the 2014 National Letter of Intent.

The Griffons had another solid season tying the school record for best start to a season going 7-0 before dropping a game. The only other time it was done was in the 1981 season. The Griffons finished the season 8-3 overall and 6-3 in MIAA play. The Griffons also tied the school record for highest ranking by the American Football Coaches Association getting up to 4th on October 21, 2013. Under Partridge the Griffons have won 8 or more games in 11 of Coach Partridge’s 17 seasons which includes the last five seasons. The Griffons have won nine or more games in seven of the last 11 years. They have also played in a post season game in eight of the last nine seasons (4 playoff appearances, 4 Mineral Water Bowl games).

Missouri Western signed seven offensive lineman (5 freshman & 2 junior college transfers), four defensive tackles (all freshman), three defensive ends (all freshman), five defensive backs (all freshman), four wide receivers (3 freshman & 1 junior college transfer), two running backs (both freshman), one linebacker (freshman) and one tight end (freshman)

The Griffons recruited the Midwest region very well. Missouri Western signed 20 players from Missouri, two from Illinois, two from Kansas (1 freshman & 1 junior college transfer), one from Oklahoma, one from Iowa, one from Ohio (transfer) and one from California (transfer).

2014 Missouri Western football signees

Max Oeser
6-4, 285, Offensive Line
(Springfield, Missouri/Glendale HS)
“He is a physical player with a great frame” commented Partridge. “He is an very good heavy weight wrestler.”
Two year letter winner…two time All-District, All-Conference and All-Area…team captain…Springfield Quarterback Club Outstanding senior award…solid student being a member of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-Conference selection…majoring in history education/law…son of Julie and Ken Oeser.

Evan Moore
6-2, 300, Offensive Lineman
(Joplin, Missouri/Joplin HS)
“Is a very strong physical football player with a good frame,” commented Partridge.
Three time letter winner…1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Area Coaches Association…1st Team All-Academic Ozark Conference..majoring in criminal justice…son of Anna and Stephen Moore.

Tyler Base
6-3, 280, Offensive Lineman
(Oologah, Oklahoma/Oologah HS)
“Base is very good in space and was well coached in high school,” commented Partridge.
Four year letter winner…Tulsa World All-State…Coaches All-State…4A All-Star…The Oklahoman All-State selection as well as All-Conference and All-District..majoring in engineering…son of Tonya and Jason Base.

Tanner Hale
6-5, 300, Offensive Line
(St. Charles, Missouri/Francis Howell HS)
“Hale is a very good player,” stated Partridge. “He has the body and physical ability to play early.”
Is a four year letter winner…First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-State…Lineman of the Year…son of Gina and Greg Hale…undecided on a major.

Jabari Wayne
6-3, 290, Defensive Tackle
(St. Louis, Missouri/Gateway Tech HS)
“Wayne is a great athlete with a mans body,” stated Partridge.
His greatest sports moment was his first forced fumble/sack…is a solid student being on the honor roll…majoring in nursing…son of Tiffany Wayne and Rodney Leftwich.

Kyle Dumler
6-4, 290, Defensive Tackle
(Bonner Springs, Missouri./Bonner Springs HS)
“Dumler has a lot of size and strength,” stated Partridge. “Is very hard to move off the line of scrimmage.”
He was a four year letter winner…co-team captain and teams defensive player of the year as a senior…SHUKC 1st Team Defensive Line as a senior and 2nd Team Offensive Line as a junior…had 54 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks…majoring in computer science…son of Pam and Gerald (Duane) Dumler.

Dennis McKinney
6-4, 250, Defensive End
(Kansas City, Missouri/Staley HS)
“He has very long arms and should be an impact player at this level,” commented Partridge.

Wyatt Lehner
6-3, 240, Defensive End
(Garden Plains, Kansas/Garden Plains HS)
“Lehner played tailback in high school,” said Partridge. “He has very good size and strength.”
Four year letter winner…All-State defensive lineman and running back…had 85 tackles with 8 forced fumbles…a solid student being named to the honor roll…undecided on a major…son of Martha and Scott Lehner.

Tyrell Robison
6-1, 230, Linebacker
(Carbondale, Illinois/Carbondale Community HS)
“Robison has raw athleticism and loves to play the game,” Partridge stated.
Was a South Seven All-Conference selection…won his teams Spirit Award and was a team captain…is also a solid student being named to the honor roll…majoring in physical therapy…son of Susan Robison and Attrell Logan.

Derek Gray
5-10, 190, Running Back
(St. Joseph, Missouri/Central HS)
“Gray is a great competitor who plays hard and runs north and south” commented Partridge.
Three year letter winner….as a senior he was 1st Team All-Conference at running back and honorable mention All-Conference as a kick returner…he was also an All-Northwest District selection and Elite 81 2nd Team and 1st Team All-NewsPress…as a junior her was All-City running back and Coaches All-State returner…he was also 2nd team All-Conference running back, All-NewsPress and MFCA All-District…majoring in sports management…son of Aisha and Derek (Sr.) Gray.

Jawon Johnson
5-9, 175, Defensive Back/Athlete
(Springfield, Missouri/Hillcrest HS)
“Jawon is a tremendous athlete and explosive jumper” stated Partridge.
Four year letter winner…teams MVP and team captain…three time All-Conference selection…teams offensive and defensive back of the year…All-State selection…majoring in athletic training…son of Kizzy and Moses Johnson.

Da’Quan Ervin
6-1, 185, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
(Branson, Missouri/Branson HS)
“Ervin is a very smooth athlete who plays fast,” stated Partridge. “He should play early in his career and had Division IAA looks.”
Three year letter winner…two time All-Tri Lakes Area…two time 1st Team All-District and All-Conference defensive back…two time 1st Team All-Conference returner and two time All-State returner…as a senior he was named to the All-Ozark team and was named the 2012-13 Branson High School Male Athlete of the year…majoring in physical education…son of mother Carla Ervin…guardians are Sylvia Arechiga and Ray Arechiga.

Brandin Dandridge
5-10, 180, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
(Blue Springs, Missouri/Blue Springs South HS)
“Brandin is a very physical player with good hands and length” commented Partridge.

Tae’mon Franklin
5-9, 165, Wide Receiver
(O’Fallon, Illinois/O’Fallon Township HS)
“Is a very dynamic player with the ball and has potential to be a return man at Missouri Western,” stated Partridge.
1st Team All-Conference and All-Metro…had 9 touchdowns to go along with 711 receiving yards on 43 catches…undecided on a major…son of Andrea McGee.

Anthony Holmes
6-6, 215, Wide Receiver
(Des Moines, Iowa/Valley HS)
“Holmes is a very raw player with tremendous potential,” said Partridge.
Two year letter winner…two time 1st Team All-Conference and voted most improved…undecided on a major…son of Nora Band and Alvin Holmes.

Josh Caldwell
5-11, 205, Running Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
“Josh is a very good multi-faceted athlete who tested very well on his visit” said Partridge.
Was a three year letter winner…in 2013 he was his teams Offensive Player of the Year, 2nd Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-District…broke the school record for most yards in a game with 310 and career yards with 2,885…as a junior he was honorable mention All-Conference and as a sophomore he was 2nd Team All-Conference…his career he averaged 6.45 yards per carry and 96.2 yards per game…he also scored 20 touchdowns…he is the son of Wendy Morrow and the bother of Jordan who also signed with the Griffons…he is majoring in criminal science.

Kylan Alexander
6-2, 230, Tight End
(Independence, Missouri/Van Horn HS)
“Has good hands and has potential to play either side of the ball” said Partridge.
Lettered three seasons…was 1st Team Crossroads Conference selection as a tight end and honorable mention Crossroad Conference defensive tackle…was a three year captain…had 35 catches for 500 yards and five touchdowns…majoring in exercise science…son of Amanda Kreader and Scott Alexander.

Jordan Ragsdale
6-4, 255, Defensive Tackle
(Kansas City, Missouri/Ruskin HS)
“Ragsdale is a very active football player,” commented Partridge. “He plays very hard and has a high ceiling.”

Gary Starr
6-5, 285, Offensive Lineman
(Kansas City, Missouri/Center HS)
“He is a springy athlete with great potential” commented Partridge.
Is a 3-time 1st Team All-Conference selection…helped his team win back-to-back West Central Conference Championships…Son of Cynthia Clemons and Gary Starr, Sr…majoring in athletic training.

Elisha Peat
6-1, 175, Wide Receiver
(Columbia, Missouri/Rockbridge HS)
“Peat is a very smooth player with really good hands and size” stated Partridge.
His greatest sports moment was when his team won the semi-finals and being able to play in the championship game…majoring in sports management…son of Nicole and Arnulfo Peat.

Jordan Caldwell
5-8, 160, Defensive Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered two seasons…was his teams Special Teams Player of the Week and Defensive Back MVP at NUC Combine…had 48 career tackles and two interceptions…brother of Josh who also signed to play running back…majoring in graphic design…son of Wendy Morrow.

Naim Muhammad
6-0, 180, Defensive Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered in football two years…had 75 total career tackles, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble and one pass deflected…plans on majoring in physical therapy…son of Sherry Carr and Rudy Muhammad.

Justin Lovelace
6-3, 225, Defensive End
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered three years in football…was an All-District and 2nd Team All-Big 6 Conference selection as a senior…as a junior he was an Honorable Mention All-Big 6 selection…has school record for tackles for a loss in a career, single season and single game…is undecided on a major…son of Carmen and Clifton Lovelace.

Brandon Falk
6-3, 260, Defensive Tackle
(St. Louis, Missouri/Parkway South HS)
He was a 2nd Team All-Conference selection…majring in criminal justice…son of Stacey Sanders.

Transfers
Brandynn Clark
5-10, 175, Wide Receiver
(Macedonia, Ohio/ Iowa Central CC/Nordonia HS)
“Clark is a very quick player with great hands,” stated Partrdige.
While at Iowa Central he had over 800 yards receiving to go along with 12 touchdowns…he was a two year letter winner in high school where he was an All-Conference selection…greatest sports moment was catching the game winning touchdown in the Graphic Edge Bowl…majoring health and exercise science…son of Sharon and Donnell Clark.

Andres Perez
6-2, 300, Offensive Line
(Chula Vista, California/Southwestern College/Bonita Vista HS)
“Perez is extremely athletic and strong,” stated Partridge. “A very smart and physical player.”
While at Southwestern he was named his teams 2013 Offensive Lineman of the Year…also helped his team win a conference championship in 2012 and won a Bowl Game in 2012 and 2013…majoring in criminal justice…son of Maria and Juan Perez.

Mike Houghtaling
6-4, 305, Offensive Line
(Holton, Kansas/Coffeyville CC/Royal Valley HS)
“Is a very versatile player who can play multiple positions,” commented Partridge. “He has very good size and strength.”
While in high school he was an All-State, All-County, All-Area and All-Big 7 League performer…plans on majoring in nursing…is the son of Jacque Jacobsen and Gail Houghtaling.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western women’s soccer coach Chad Edwards has announced his third signing class as Missouri Western’s head coach. Edwards has signed nine players to the National Letter of Intent for the 2014 season. The Griffons add Ashlyn Powers (Excelsior Springs HS), from Excelsior Springs, Mo., Brittany Mueller (Liberty HS), from Liberty, Mo., Courtney Kempf (Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS), from Wichita, Kan., Jordyn Galvin (Park Hill HS), from Kansas City, Mo., Layne Shepherd (Olathe East HS), from Overland Park, Kan., Lexi Bolamperti, (Millard West HS), Omaha, Neb., Lexie Martin (Lee’s Summit West HS), from Lee’s Summit, Mo., Paige Phipps (Millard West HS), from Omaha, Neb. and Sydney Cluck (Spring Hill HS), from Spring Hill, Kan. to next season’s squad.

Ashlyn Powers, a 5-5 defender from Excelsior Springs, Mo., played her high school soccer for Excelsior Springs High School. Powers had a solid high school career earning All-District, All-Conference and Kansas City All-Regional Team. She was also the Most Valuable Player of her team as well as being a team captain. While playing center midfield as a senior she had 14 assists and 22 goals while starting all 18 games. Powers is also a very good student being named to MRVC All-Academic team and National Honor Society. She does have ties to Missouri Western as her older sister AJ is currently on the soccer team. She is the daughter of Mike and TJ Powers and plans on majoring in physical therapy.

Brittany Mueller, a 5-3 midfielder from Liberty, Mo., played her high school soccer for Liberty High School. She had a solid high school career earning 2nd Team All-Conference and helping her team to a Class 3 District Championship as a senior. As a junior she was an honorable mention All-Conference selection as well as being 2nd Team All-District. She also played on a state championship team when she was a freshman. She was a four year letter winner and is a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Shelley and Michael Mueller and plans on majoring in biology.

Courtney Kempf, a 5-4 defensive/midfielder from Wichita, Kan., played her high school soccer at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School. She has had a solid career being named 2nd Team All-City and All-Region as a junior. She was also named a team captain as a junior. She was 1st Team All-City, All-Region and All-State as a sophomore. Her greatest sports moment was winning state with her club team. She is the sister of current Griffon Katie Kempf and is the daughter of Jacquie and Tim Kempf. She plans on majoring in graphic design.

Jordyn Galvin, a 5-6 forward from Kansas City, Mo., played her high school soccer for Park Hill High School. She had a very solid career being named a captain as a senior while earning 1st Team All-Conference her sophomore and junior seasons. She was also named honorable mention All-Conference as a freshman. She scored over 30 goals and has over 30 assists in her career. She is the daughter of Virginia and Greg Galvin and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Layne Shepherd, a 5-9 midfielder/defender from Overland Park, Kan., played her high school soccer at Olathe East High School. She played her club soccer for the Kansas City Rush Wolves. She helped the Rush Wolves win the Kansas State Cup in 2012 and to a runner up finish in 2013. She is the daughter of Lynda and David Shepherd and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Lexi Bolamperti, a 5-2 outside midfielder from Omaha, Neb. played her high school soccer at Millard West High School. She was a three year letter winner while helping her team to a state championship as a junior. She is the daughter of Angela and Anthony Bolamperti and is undecided on a major.

Lexie Martin, a 5-8 goalie from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit West High School. She was her team’s MVP in 2013 and plays for the Kansas City Select Club Team. She helped her club team win the Winter Magic Tournament and the Midwest Kickoff Classic in 2013. She is also a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Dale Martin and plans on majoring in nursing.

Paige Phipps, a 5-3 defender from Omaha, Neb. played her high school soccer at Millard West High School. She is a three year letter winner while helping her team to a state championship as a junior. She was named Class A First Team All-State as well as being named All-Nebraska second team and All-Metro first team. She is also a solid student being an Academic All-State selection. She is the daughter of Pamela and Stephen Phipps and plans on majoring in chemistry.

Sydney Cluck, a 5-5 center midfielder from Spring Hill, Kan. played her high school soccer at Spring Hill High School. She is a two time 1st Team All-State and All-Region selection as well as being named her team’s MVP her sophomore season. Cluck is a very good student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Camille Schalka and Ron Cluck and is undecided on a major.

“It is a great day to be a Griff,” stated Coach Edwards. “First off, I want to thank everyone associated with Griffon soccer for all of their efforts to sign such a fantastic class of players. Our goal every year is to recruit not only talented soccer players but quality people that have trained, competed, been coached and won at the highest level. As we continue to the build the program, the main focus of this class was to continue to develop depth at all positions with players that can compete for playing time immediately. This class certainly has met these goals. We are super excited for the players to arrive on campus in August and expect many tremendous accomplishments from them not only on the field but in the classroom and community as well. We expect to sign 1 to 2 more players in the near future.”

— MWSU Sports Information —