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Four Western players named to Daktronics All-Central Region team

riggertMissouriWesternFour Missouri Western baseball players earned First Team Daktronics NCAA Division II Baseball All-Central Region and Michael Schulze was named the region Player of the Year. Bubba Dotson, Grant Fink and Brandon Simmons were the also named to the first team.

Michael Schulze, the MIAA Player of the Year, is second among all Division II hitters with a .456 average which leads the Central Region while his 94 hits are the most in the country. He’s also second in the nation and leads the Central Region with 70 runs, and is seventh nationally and second in the region with a .527 on-base percentage.

He’s also one of the toughest players to strikeout, with 20.6 at bats per strikeout which is third in the region and 18th in the nation. He ranks among the regional league leaders in several other offensive statistics including RBI, slugging percentage, doubles and stolen bases.

His all-around hitting has produced 130 total bases, seventh most in Division II and third in the region. He’s among the semifinalists for College Baseball Lineup’s Josh Willingham Most Valuable Player Award and has hit safely in 47 of 50 games on the season while taking the Griffon’s to the NCAA Central Region Tournament with a 13-game hitting streak. He’s set single season team records for runs scored and hits.

In his two years as a Griffon, Schulze is a .408 hitter (161-395) with 31 doubles, seven triples, nine home runs and 31 stolen bases.

Grant Fink earned his first First Team honor and was named to First Team All-MIAA for the first time in his career. Fink finished the season second on the team with a .405 batting average. He leads the team with a .731 slugging percentage and tied a MWSU single season record with 14 home runs. He has 68 hits to go along with 36 runs scored, 11 doubles, two triples and 49 RBI. Fink has a hit in 37 of the 51 games he has played in which included a 20 game hitting streak.

Bubba Dotson earned First Team honors for the first time in his career and was a First Team All-MIAA honors for the first time in his career after hitting .366 with 13 home runs. He hit three grand slams on the season and is second on the team in RBI with 59. Dotson is also second on the team in stolen bases with 13 and has hit 15 doubles and three triples. Dotson has 71 hits to go with 59 runs scored and a .675 slugging percentage. Dotson was named MIAA Hitter of the Week on March 12, 2013.

Brandon Simmons becomes the Griffons first ever MIAA Pitcher of the Year selection and earned his second First Team All-MIAA honor this past season. This was also his first time being selected to the First Team All-Region team. Simmons has been outstanding this season sitting with a 11-1 record. Simmons has won 10 or more games twice and broke the MIAA and MWSU record for wins in a career. He currently has won 35 games. Simmons sits third in the MWSU record book in strikeouts with 226 and complete games with 19. On the season Simmons has started and appeared in 13 games with three complete games. He holds a 2.91 ERA in 80.1 innings pitched.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Kansas City Chiefs announce personnel moves

riggertChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs announced several personnel moves on Thursday including the hiring of Will Lewis as the club’s Director of Pro Scouting and Marvin Allen as the team’s Director of College Scouting. The Chiefs have also hired Randy Ball as the team’s Pro Scouting Assistant and Trey Koziol to serve as an Area Scout.

Additionally the club has promoted Mike Borgonzi to Assistant Director of Pro Scouting, Dom Green to Assistant Director of College Scouting, Brett Veach to Pro and College Personnel Analyst and Ryan Poles to College Coordinator.

“We’ve got a great bunch of guys on our personnel staff that bring a wide range of experience to the table,” Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey said. “They’re all hard workers that are thoughtful, dedicated and detailed. We’re happy we were able to add, as well as retain, some very talented individuals.”

Lewis (Director of Pro Scouting) most recently served as the Vice President of Football Operations for the Seattle Seahawks (2010-12). He spent 13 years with Seattle, originally joining the club as Director of Pro Personnel in 1999. Lewis joined the Seahawks after three seasons in the Packers scouting department (1997-99). Lewis served as the team’s Assistant Director of Pro Personnel after originally joining the Packers as a pro scout. He worked with Dorsey at both stops. From 1995-96, Lewis was a defensive assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons.

Lewis signed as an undrafted free agent cornerback with the Seahawks in 1980. Following his career with Seattle he played three seasons with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL (1983-85) and four seasons in the CFL (1986-89). He began his coaching career in NFL Europe with the New York/New Jersey Knights (1991-92). He coached defensive backs at his alma mater, Millersville State, from 1992-93 before brief stints at the University of Maine (1994) and the University of West Virginia (1995). He and his wife Kimmberly have three sons.

Allen (Director of College Scouting) spent the last four years as a national scout with the Atlanta Falcons. Prior to joining the Falcons he served 16 seasons in the New England Patriots personnel department, including 12 years as an area scout for the club. The Wichita Falls, Texas, native is a graduate of Tulane University. A former running back, Allen was drafted by the Patriots in the 11th round (294th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft.

“Will and Marvin are tremendous at what they do,” Dorsey said. “I had the privilege of getting to know Will while working with him in both Seattle and Green Bay, and he has a lot of experience that will benefit us. Marvin’s been in this league a long time, and he is an incredible person with a lot of ability.”

Ball (Pro Scouting Assistant) enters his first season with Kansas City in 2013. Prior to joining the Chiefs, Ball served as the Director of Player Personnel for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League (UFL). Before moving to the UFL, Ball served as the defensive line coach at Drake University in 2007. He served as the head coach at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., from 1999-2005, compiling a 34-42 record in seven seasons with the Bears football program.

Prior to joining Missouri State, Ball was head coach at Western Illinois (1990-98), leading the Leathernecks program to a 64-41-1 record in nine seasons. In 1997, Ball was the Eddie Robinson Award finalist for the national coach of the year, in addition to being named the Bruce Craddock Award recipient and Gateway Conference Coach of the Year.

Prior to being named head coach in 1990, Ball served as an assistant coach at Western Illinois for seven years (1982-89). As a student-athlete, Ball was team captain and earned all-conference honors (1970-71) as part of the Northeast Missouri State football program (now known as Truman State University) in Kirksville, Mo.

He spent four years as a high school coach before coaching stints at Missouri Western (1977), Illinois State (1978-80) and his alma mater, Truman State (1982). A native of Muskogee, Okla., Ball prepped at Hickman High School.

Koziol (Area Scout) enters his first season with the Chiefs. Prior to joining the club, he spent five seasons with the Tennessee Titans, four as a pro scout after joining the team as an intern for the 2008 season. Koziol helped scout future Titans opponents and assess talent in all professional leagues including the NFL, the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. He also helped coordinate free agent visits and tryouts and monitor NFL transactions.

After attending Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Ill., Koziol attended Boston College where he played tight end from 2003-07. Koziol returned to Boston College as a graduate assistant in 2008 prior to his stint with the Titans.

Borgonzi (Assistant Director of Pro Scouting) begins his fifth season with Kansas City in 2013. He spent the previous two years as a Pro Personnel Scout for the club. In 2010, he served as the Manager of Football Operations where he coordinated logistics and performed other duties for the club’s football staff. In 2009, Borgonzi served as the club’s college scouting administrator. Prior to joining the Chiefs, he served two seasons as the Assistant Recruiting Coordinator at Boston College (2007-08). Prior to a stint in the financial sector, he served as tight ends coach at Amherst College in 2002.

The Everett, Mass., native had a tryout with the Buffalo Bills in 2002 and attended training camp with the Green Bay Blizzard of Arena Football 2 in 2003 before an injury forced his retirement. He was a four-year starter as a fullback at Brown University, earning All-Ivy League honors three times.

Green (Assistant Director of College Scouting) enters his fifth season with the Chiefs in 2013. Prior to being elevated, he served as a Regional Scout for the club in 2010 after originally joining the Chiefs in 2009 as an Area Scout.

Prior to joining the Chiefs, he spent three campaigns as a scout with Tampa Bay (2006-08). He previously served as the head coach at Southwest Mississippi Community College (2001-05) after coaching the offensive and defensive lines for two campaigns (1999-00). Green spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State (1995, 1997-98). He served as a strength intern with the Miami Dolphins in 1996.

The Largo, Fla., native served as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi (1993-94), working with the defensive backs, offensive line and as a strength coach. Green began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Mississippi College in 1992, working with tight ends and offensive tackles.

Veach (Pro & College Personnel Analyst) enters his first season as a member of the Chiefs player personnel department in 2013 and his fourth as an NFL scout. He joined the Chiefs after spending six years with the Philadelphia Eagles organization.

Most recently, Veach served as a southeast regional scout (2011-12) after originally joining Philadelphia’s player personnel department as a pro and college scout in 2010. Prior to entering the scouting department, Veach served as an assistant to Head Coach Andy Reid for three season (2007-09) while Reid held the same title with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before joining the Eagles, Veach served as supervisor of intercollegiate athletic events at his alma mater, the University of Delaware (2005-06). He was a four-year letterman as a wide receiver for the Blue Hens, catching 99 passes for 1,470 yards (14.8 avg.). He left Delaware as the school’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards with 1,558 yards. Born in Mt. Carmel, Pa., Veach was a standout running back for Mt. Carmel High School.

Poles (College Coordinator) enters his fifth season with Kansas City in 2013. Prior to his promotion, Poles served as the club’s College Scouting Administrator after joining the team as a Player Personnel Assistant in 2009.

Prior to joining the Chiefs, Poles served as a Recruiting Assistant for his alma mater, Boston College (2008-09), after signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

The Canandaigua, N.Y., native played offensive tackle for five seasons for the Golden Eagles (2003-07), protecting current Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan. Poles was honored with the Paul Cavanaugh Award in 2007 as the student-athlete with total commitment to football both on and off the field and for his dedication to volunteerism, ethics and community. He played his prep football at Canandaigua Academy in Canandaigua, N.Y.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

MWSU’s Schulze named semifinalist for Willingham Award

MWSUMissouri Western junior shortstop Michael Schulze has been announced as a semifinalist for the inaugural Josh Willingham Award presented by College Baseball Lineup and D2BaseballNews.com. Schulze the MIAA Player of the Year leads the Griffons in hitting and is secone in the nation with a .456 average. He has set single season records for runs scored (70) and hits (94). He has hit saftely in 47 of the Griffons 50 games and is currently on a 13 game hitting streak.

The new annual award honors DII college baseball’s “most valuable player” – an individual who not only excels on the field, but in the dugout, clubhouse and practice field as well, and leads his team to national championship caliber status. The twenty-eight players selected are on teams preparing to take to the diamond as a part the opening round of double-elimination Regional Championship Tournament which will determine the eight teams who will advance to Cary, NC to a compete for the DII national title.

The award is named after the former University of North Alabama Lion star, Josh Willingham. While playing baseball at UNA Willingham was a two-time All American and tied or broke 14 school single-game, season and career records. After his junior season Willingham was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball Draft and he is currently in the midst of his 10th season at the highest professional level.

The determination of the semifinalists candidates and initial voting for the award has been made by a select panel of baseball sports information contacts and media members. Once a group of finalists are selected, the panel will vote again and a fan Internet vote is planned to contribute to the selection of the winner.

The finalists are scheduled to be named on Monday, May 20th. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the DII Baseball Championship held in Cary, NC from May 25th to June 1st.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Mizzou to host West Virginia in Big 12/SEC Challenge

riggertMizzouThe Southeastern Conference announced matchups for the inaugural Big 12/SEC Challenge on Tuesday and Head Coach Frank Haith’s Tigers will host West Virginia at Mizzou Arena on Dec. 5.

The inaugural Big 12/SEC Challenge (the event title will rotate to SEC/Big 12 Challenge in 2014) is a combination of existing games already scheduled along with new matchups created for this event during November and December. The two conferences and ESPN will work to schedule matchups over consecutive days in future events.

“The ability to showcase SEC basketball in this kind of conference competition makes this a unique and exciting event for our coaches, student-athletes and fans,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said. “We are pleased to be able to work with the Big 12 and ESPN to highlight the sport of men’s basketball.”

Game times and television assignments for the challenge will be announced at a later date. ESPN will provide exclusive coverage of all 10 games across it networks.

The Mizzou-WVU matchup is one of 10 games scheduled to be played between the two conferences. The series begins Nov. 14 when Alabama hosts Texas Tech in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Missouri and West Virginia have met twice on the hardwood, most recently on March 21, 2010, when the Tigers fell to the Final Four-bound Mountaineers in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, N.Y.  The first meeting between the two programs also came in NCAA Tournament play with Mizzou earning an 89-78 win in Greensboro, N.C., in the first round.

2013 Big 12/SEC Challenge schedule (times and networks are to be determined):

Saturday, November 14
Texas Tech at Alabama

Monday, December 2
Vanderbilt at Texas
Auburn at Iowa State

Thursday, December 5
West Virginia at Missouri
Ole Miss at Kansas State
TCU at Mississippi State

Friday, December 6
South Carolina at Oklahoma State
Kentucky vs. Baylor (Arlington, Texas)

Tuesday, December 10
Kansas at Florida

Saturday, December 21
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (Houston, Texas)

— MU Sports Information —

Top high school recruit Andrew Wiggins picks Kansas

KUTop basketball prospect Andrew Wiggins will play his college basketball at Kansas.

The 6-foot-8 Toronto native signed a letter-of-intent Tuesday, choosing the Jayhawks over Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida State.

The ceremony ended the frenzied pursuit of the Huntington Prep star, who averaged 23.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game this season.

Rather than turn his announcement into a spectacle, Wiggins wanted a private signing ceremony with family and friends where he attends classes at St. Joseph’s Central Catholic High School in Huntington.

Initially rated as a 2014 prospect, Wiggins shot to the top of recruiting charts when he decided last October to reclassify into his original high school class of 2013. The four major recruiting services rated Wiggins as the No. 1 overall recruit.

Wiggins had kept quiet on his intentions. He had yet to even make a verbal commitment and delayed his signing until almost the very end — Wednesday is the deadline for recruits to sign with NCAA Division I schools.

Interest grew in recent weeks. As one fan put told Wiggins in a Twitter post, “You’re driving 4 schools and 4 fan bases absolutely insane.”

Wiggins’ game did the talking. He has the ability to make shots from all angles and distances, blow past defenders to the basket and reach the rim at eye level. Wiggins was the recipient of this year’s Gatorade Boys National Basketball Player of the Year and Naismith Foundation national awards. He has been called the best prep prospect since LeBron James.

Wiggins participated in several postseason all-star games, most recently playing for the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit April 20 in Portland, Ore.

Wiggins cited fatigue from the Oregon trip for canceling scheduled visits from North Carolina coach Roy Williams, Kansas’ Bill Self and Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. Wiggins instead talked to them by phone. Kentucky coach John Calipari had visited Wiggins in Huntington on March 28.

Rob Fulford, Wiggins’ coach at Huntington Prep, has said he tried to stay out of the player’s decision, other than explaining to him what to look for in a program.

“What I do during the recruiting process is make sure you understand the style of play, coaching styles and can you see yourself playing for this team, this coach and these teammates,” Fulford said. “Because that’s mainly what it boils down to. Don’t worry about buildings. Everybody has a nice practice facility.”

While mulling his decision, Wiggins had to sort out family matters and figuring out who he might have to share the court with.

His Huntington Prep teammate and fellow Toronto native, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, signed with Florida State in December. Both of Wiggins’ parents attended Florida State.

His father is former NBA first-round pick Mitchell Wiggins. His mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, was a Canadian Olympic sprinter and silver medalist. Older brother Nick plays guard at Wichita State and another brother, Mitchell Jr., plays at NAIA school Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla.

Kentucky already has eight signees in what is considered to be its greatest recruiting class ever.

Despite the loss of Ben McLemore to the NBA draft, four of Kansas’ five recruits are considered to be in the top 50 nationally.

— Associated Press —

Chiefs claim Reynolds & Jackson off waivers; release Menzie

riggertChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that the club has been awarded offensive tackle Matt Reynolds and cornerback Buddy Jackson via waiver claims. Additionally, the Chiefs have released defensive back De’Quan Menzie.

Claimed Off Waivers

Reynolds (6-4, 310) originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers on April 30, 2012. After being released by the Panthers following training camp, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles where he served on the club’s practice squad roster all season. As an offensive lineman, Reynolds started all 52 games of his collegiate career at BYU, tying the school’s all-time record. He has three brothers, all of which served time on the offensive line at BYU. His oldest brother, Dallas, is currently a member of the Eagles offensive line. Reynolds prepped at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah.

Jackson (6-1, 180) originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He spent a portion of training camp with the Colts and then joined the Washington Redskins practice squad for the final seven weeks of the 2012 season. Jackson played collegiately at Pittsburgh where he played in every contest in his final two seasons. The Plantation, Fla., native was a three-year varsity letterman at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Fla.

Released

Menzie (5-11, 202) originally joined the Chiefs as the club’s fifth-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Menzie spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve with a hip injury. Menzie played in 25 games (20 starts) in two seasons at Alabama, tallying 74 tackles (53 solo), eight tackles for loss (-36.0 yards), 3.5 sacks (-21.0 yards), one interception for a touchdown and 16 passes defensed. He prepped at Carver High School in Columbus, Ga.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Griffon 3B Grant Fink named semifinalist for Martinez Award

MWSUGrant Fink added another recognition to his ever-growing repertoire on Wednesday as the first team All-MIAA selection was among 40 players named as a semifinalist for the 2013 Tino Martinez Award.

The award is presented to the most outstanding player in DII college baseball. The annual honor is named after the former University of Tampa Spartan, United States Olympian, first round draft pick and MLB All-Star Tino Martinez.

Fink, a native of Spokane, Wash., currently sports the nation’s fifth highest slugging percentage at .731 and and tied the MWSU single season record for home runs in a season with 14. Fink is a First Team All-MIAA honors for the first time in his career after earning Second Team honors as a junior. Fink sits second on the team with a .409 batting average. He has 76 hits to go along with 40 runs scored, 14 doubles, two triples and 51 RBI. Fink has a hit in 41 of the 50 games he has played in which included a 20 game hitting streak.He holds a .958 fielding percentage with 43 putouts, 93 assists and just six errors. He was also a Capitol One Academic All-District 7 First Team Selection.

There are 40 semifinalists with five players representing each of the eight NCAA Division II regions. In year’s past there were at least six players from each region; however the process has been modified slightly and this year each school has been limited to a single player advancing to the semifinal round.

Initial nominations for the award were made by baseball sports information contacts and media members. A panel of media, coaches and sports information officers will be polled to finalize the candidates. The group will once again vote on the finalists, with a fan Internet vote also contributing to the crowning of the winner.

The finalists are scheduled to be named on Monday, May 20th. The winner will be announced after the conclusion of the DII Baseball Championship held in Cary, May 25-June 1.

— MWSU Sports Information —

MWSU’s Roemmich, Bishop earn All-Region honors

MWSUMissouri Western senior outfielder Maegan Roemmich earned her second All-Region team by being selected to the Daktronics All-Central Region First Team. Last week she was named to the NFCA All-Central Region Second Team and was a First Team All-MIAA performer this past season. Junior pitcher Jackie Bishop was selected to the second team after being named to the First Team All-MIAA earlier this season.

Roemmich started all 54 games this season for the Griffons and batted a team-high .404 which puts her 4th in the MIAA. Roemmich scored 39 runs and had a team-high 65 hits in 2013. The senior finished the season with seven doubles and a career-high 11 home runs. She finished with 44 RBI and a .652 slug percentage. In the MIAA alone, she had a .464 batting average with eight home runs. She had a hit in 40 games this season and had a hit in 16 of her last 20. She is in the top 10 of multiple categories in MWSU history. Roemmich has played three different positions for the Griffons in her four years. She played third base her first two seasons before moving to the outfield. As a junior she played right field and this season she was moved to center field. Roemmich was a three time All-MIAA performer being named to the first team twice (2013, 2012) and second team once (2011). She finished her career with a .335 batting average with 212 hits, scored 122 runs and had 97 RBI. She also had 26 doubles and and 16 home runs.

Bishop finished the regular season among the best pitchers in all of Division II. Bishop helped the Griffons finish 3rd in the MIAA, thanks in large to her performance on the mound. Bishop had a 78 ERA, good for second in the league, and finished the year 21-8. The junior had 35 appearances on the mound and had 29 starts. Bishop also had three saves to go with her 21 wins. She gave up just 139 hits, 66 runs 55 walks on the season. In MIAA games, she went 12-4 and had a 1.39 ERA. Bishop is a three time First Team All-MIAA selection and was named 2011 MIAA Freshman of the Year and 2012 MIAA Pitcher of the Year. This past season she broke career record at MWSU for wins, strikeouts and appearances.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Kansas City announces roster moves Monday

riggertChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs announced on Monday that the club has signed the following six players: DL Risean Broussard, S Greg Castillo, DE Miguel Chavis, S Justin Glenn, RB Jordan Roberts and DB James Rogers. Additionally, the club has released the following three players: FB Ryan D’Imperio, RB Nate Eachus and DB Jose Gumbs.

SIGNED

Broussard (6-2, 278) played in eight games in one season at Hinds Community College, recording 61 tackles (43 solo), six tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks (-42.0 yards), an interception (-15.0 yards) and two forced fumbles. He attended LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, La.

Castillo (5-11, 187) played in 41 games (seven starts) at Iowa, recording 55 tackles (32 solo), two interceptions and four passes defensed. The Mount Laurel, N.J., native earned first-team all-Catholic and all-city honors at St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.).

Chavis (6-5, 285) played in 47 games at Clemson and had 71 tackles (37 solo), 1.5 sacks (-9.0 yards) and a pass breakup. The Fayetteville, N.C., native prepped at Terry Stanford High School before playing football at Hargrave Military Academy.

Glenn (5-11, 214) appeared in 40 games (16 starts) in four years at the University of Washington, recording 152 tackles (93 solo), three tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, three interceptions and four passes defensed. Earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 as a senior and was named the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player at the team’s postseason awards banquet. The Mukilteo, Wash., native prepped at Kamiak High School where he was a defensive back and running back.

Roberts (5-10, 222) played in 11 games for the University of Charleston as a senior in 2012, rushing 238 times for 1,572 yards (6.61 avg.) with 18 touchdowns, earning WVIAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Yawkey, W. Va., native prepped at Scott High School in Madison, W. Va., earning the Kennedy Award as the best high school player in the state of West Virginia.

Rogers (6-1, 188) played in 46 games (15 starts) at the University of Michigan as a defensive back and wide receiver, starting 13 games at cornerback and two games at wide receiver. He caught three passes for 64 yards (21.3 avg.) during his career and added three interceptions and four passes defensed, as well as 15 special teams tackles. The Madison Heights, Mich., native prepped at Lamphere High School where he was a three-year varsity letterman.

RELEASED

D’Imperio (6-3, 240) originally joined the Chiefs this offseason as a free agent on March 21. He played in 12 games (one start) in two NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2010-11). After spending the 2010 season on the club’s practice squad, D’Imperio was promoted to the active roster in October of 2011, recording two catches for seven yards. He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft choice (237th overall) of the Vikings in the 2010 NFL Draft. D’Imperio played linebacker at Rutgers. He prepped at Washington Township High School in Sewell, N.J.

Eachus (5-10, 212) originally joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent in 2012. He played in 11 games (two starts) with the club last year, recording five rushes for 18 yards and one catch for 19 yards. Prior to joining the Chiefs, he played collegiately at Colgate. He prepped at Hazleton Area High School in Hazleton, Pa.

Gumbs (5-10, 210) originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the New Orleans Saints on April 30, 2012. Gumbs was released by the Saints on Sept. 7. He originally signed on with Kansas City’s practice squad on Dec. 5, 2012. Gumbs was a starter at Monmouth. He prepped at Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Missouri Western earns second NCAA baseball tournament birth in school history

riggertMissouriWesternFor just the second time in school history the Missouri Western baseball team has earned an NCAA Division II Playoff Apperance. The Griffons will be the #4 seed and will play the #3 seed Southern Arkansas Muleriders in Mankato, Minn.

There are 48 teams in the NCAA National Tournament with 20 atomatic bids and 28 at-large. The other schools in the Central Regional will be #1 Minnesota State – Mankato, #2 Central Missouri, #5 St. Cloud State and #6 Missouri Southern.

The Griffons are 40-10 on the season and won their first ever MIAA Regular Season Title finishing with a 28-5 record in MIAA play.

The Griffons also had the MIAA Coach of Year (Buzz Verduzco), Player of the Year (Michael Schulze) and Pitcher of the Year (Brandon Simmons).

The last and only time the Griffons made a regional appearance was in 2006. The Griffons went 1-2 defeating Central Missouri 16-8 and falling to Emporia State and Nebraska-Omaha.

— MWSU Sports Information —

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