Dave Riggert – Page 929 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium to host 2013 Missouri Classic football game

Posted on April 24, 2013

Arrowhead Stadium will play host to the 2013 Missouri Classic football game between the Grambling State University Tigers and the Lincoln University Blue Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m., marking the 13th consecutive year that Arrowhead will host at least one NCAA football game in the fall.

Grambling State University, the game’s visiting team, is one of the most successful historically black universities in NCAA Division I athletics and enters the season just two years removed from its last Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football championship in 2011. The Tigers are a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Legendary Head Coach Eddie Robinson led the program to national prominence, compiling a 408-165-15 record in 56 years at the helm of the Tigers’ program. Grambling State has sent more than 100 former players to the NFL, including current Tigers Head Coach Doug Williams, who earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXII as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. Grambling State University is located in Grambling, La.

Lincoln University, serving as the game’s home team, is a member of the NCAA’s Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), one of Division II’s most competitive football conferences. The Blue Tigers rejoined the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2011 after a 21-year absence from the conference. Head Coach Mike Jones is in his third season coaching Lincoln University and is known for a 12-year NFL playing career, in which he helped lead the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory against the Tennessee Titans. Lincoln University is located in Jefferson City, Mo.

Grambling State University and the MIAA conference both have histories with Arrowhead Stadium. Grambling played Mississippi Valley State in the first ever college football game played at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 14, 1972. The Tigers won by a score of 27-21 in front of 9,833 fans. The MIAA has a long-standing association with Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs as the association’s headquarters are located in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead has played host to the Fall Classic between Northwest Missouri State University and Pittsburg State University numerous times and the Chiefs host training camp at the MIAA’s Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Griffon baseball moves up to No. 5 in Collegiate Baseball Top 30

Posted on April 23, 2013

The Missouri Western baseball team moved up one spot to No. 5 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Top 30 poll despite losing two of three games over the weekend to Central Missouri.

The Griffons still lead the MIAA with a 25-4 league record and they’re 32-7 overall.

Central Missouri stayed at No. 8 in the Collegiate Baseball poll and they’re the only other MIAA in the Top 30.

Mount Olive remains No. 1 in the nation, followed by Delta State, South Carolina Aiken, Colorado Mesa and Missouri Western.

The Griffons close out the regular season this week as they host Washburn in a doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. and they travel to Missouri Southern for a three-game series Saturday and Sunday.

The doubleheader with Washburn will air live on ESPN 1550 AM and 1550espn.com.

Northwest men’s tennis earns 8th straight NCAA appearance

Posted on April 23, 2013April 23, 2013

The Northwest Missouri State men’s tennis team will make its eighth consecutive NCAA appearance as the Bearcats were named the No. 2 seed in the Central Region Tuesday night.

The Bearcats will host MIAA rival Washburn at Frank Grube Courts this weekend – official date and time will be announced later this week. Northwest won its fourth straight MIAA Championship Sunday with a 5-1 win over Southwest Baptist to finish 19-3 on the regular season.

In the regular season meeting between the Bearcats and Ichabods, Northwest claimed a 5-2 win in St. Joseph. The Bearcats are currently riding a 12 match winning streak.

No. 1 seed Ouachita Baptist will host No. 4 seed Southwest Baptist with winners of both matches advancing to the Round of 16 May 8 in Surprise, Ariz. The NCAA II National Championship match is set for May 11 at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Wainwright, Cardinals blank Nationals for second straight win

Posted on April 23, 2013April 23, 2013

Adam Wainwright extended his sterling start to the season – and Washington’s mediocre one – by coming within two outs of his second shutout, leading the St. Louis Cardinals past the Nationals 2-0 Tuesday night.

The right-hander (4-1) lowered his ERA to 1.93 by going 8 1-3 scoreless innings, allowing only five hits.

Edward Mujica got the final two outs for his third save.

Allen Craig and Carlos Beltran drove in runs in the fourth off Nationals lefty Ross Detwiler (1-1), who gave up eight hits across six innings.

The Nationals, who led the majors with 98 wins last season and were a popular pick to do well in 2013, lost for the eighth time in their past 11 games to fall to 10-10.

How in command has Wainwright been? His walk to Bryce Harper with two outs in the sixth was the pitcher’s first free pass of the season, and it came in his fifth start, after 34 2-3 innings. That loaded the bases for Washington, but no matter: Wainwright struck out Adam LaRoche swinging with a high, 94 mph fastball. Catcher Yadier Molina pumped his fist.

In all, Wainwright struck out nine batters – LaRoche, four times, including in the ninth after Harper’s leadoff double – and had that lone walk.

For the Cardinals, this represents their first two-game ”winning streak” in a while: They had alternated wins and losses over the previous nine games.

Washington, meanwhile, dropped its fifth consecutive home game, and there even were scattered chants of ”Let’s go, Cardinals!” among the announced crowd of 29,986.

Before the game, Nationals manager Davey Johnson spoke about some of his hitters and pitchers ”trying to do too much,” perhaps as a result of the expectations the club faced entering the season, something unprecedented for the franchise since it moved from Montreal in 2005.

”Maybe from everybody picking us as a candidate to win our division,” Johnson said, ”everybody’s trying to be a little better than they need to be, instead of just relaxing, going out there and doing what you’re capable of doing.”

Of course, it was Johnson who came up with the phrase ”World Series or bust” to describe what the Nationals have said will be his final season as their manager.

”They win ballgames; I lose ’em. I ain’t doing too good here, lately. There’s nothing really you can say about it,” Johnson added. ”Just keep a positive attitude.”

Detwiler weaved his way in and out of the first three innings, each of which ended with a groundball double play, including a nifty one started by second baseman Danny Espinosa with a backhanded flip from his glove to shortstop Ian Desmond.

A fourth – and unusual – double play came in the fifth inning, when Wainwright’s sacrifice bunt with a man on first was fielded by third baseman Anthony Rendon, who threw to Espinosa covering first base for one out. The runner, Pete Kozma, kept going, and Espinosa threw to Detwiler covering third to get him out, too.

In the only early inning without a double play, the fourth, the Cardinals got to Detwiler with four consecutive opposite-field hits by right-handed batters, including the run-scoring double by Craig and single by Beltran.

Wainwright, in contrast, had a much easier time.

He needed all of four pitches to record three outs in the fifth inning, for example, as Desmond, Anthony Rendon and Espinosa all grounded out. That gave Wainwright 13 consecutive outs.

And he took only five pitches to get through the seventh against that same trio.

— Associated Press —

Final day of MIAA Golf Championships canceled; MWSU finishes 5th, 7th

Posted on April 23, 2013

The final day of the MIAA Golf Championships Tuesday at Paradise Golf Course in Smithville, Mo., has been washed out because of the wintery mix in the area. The results from the first round yesterday will now become the final rankings as the Griffons finish fifth at the tournament. The Griffons will now wait for their NCAA postseason fate as postseason regional berths are scheduled to be announced later this week. The Griffons came into the MIAA Tournament ranked 11th in the latest Central Regional rankings.

The Missouri Western women’s golf team finished in 5th place at the MIAA Championships which was played at the Posse Golf Course at Paradise Pointe Country Club. The Griffons are two strokes back of Truman State (329) and seven strokes back of Northwest Missouri State (324). The winner of the event is Central Oklahoma with a 301 which is nine strokes better than Northeastern State (310).

Individually, Natalie Bird had a finished firing a 78 putting her in a tie for 7th. She is three strokes back of second and seven strokes behind leader Aly Seng (71) of Central Oklahoma.

Callie Wilson and Casi Webb are in a tie for 19th with 83’s while Anna Kloeppel and Amber Chivington fired 87 and 91 respectively.

The Missouri Western men’s golf team fired total of 608 (305-303) at the MIAA Championships which is being played in at Outlaw Golf Course at Paradise Pointe Country Club. The Griffons bettered their scored by two strokes in round two separating themselves from 8th place Missouri Southern who shot a 612 (308-304). The 608 puts the Griffons in sole possession of 7th place just four strokes back of Northeastern State, 604 (300-304). Central Oklahoma holds a 18 stroke advantage after 36 holes. The Bronchos shot 568 and placed three atop the leader board.

Sitting 18 strokes behind Central Oklahoma is Central Missouri who shot 586 on the day to finish ten over par. Lindenwood, though not eligible for the team championship is currently in third at 591. Washburn is in fourth place just two strokes behind the Lions entering the final day.

Individually, the Griffons are led Weston Apple. He finished in a tie for 9th place with a two round total of 147 (76-71). Kenny Stone tied for 20th with a 150 (76-74) while Tyler Gast, James O’Brien and Evan McCarthy fired 155 (76-79), 156 (77-79) and 157 (77-80) respectively.

Central Oklahoma’s Dillon Rust won the event shooting a seven under par 137 on a day that saw deteriorating conditions. He was followed by teammates Trevor Stafford and Logan Waresback who finished today’s 36 with a 142 which is two under par. Robby Hughey of Central Missouri used a second round 70 to climb the leader board and finish in fourth place at one under par.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Frederick resigns as Missouri Western volleyball coach

Posted on April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

Missouri Western Director of Athletics Kurt McGuffin announced Monday that Cory Frederick has resigned as Griffon Volleyball Coach effective immediately.

Frederick resigns after four seasons at the helm. He became the sixth head coach in program history in 2009 and led the Griffons to a 37-72 overall record and a 25-51 record in MIAA play. The Griffons had improved their win total in every season under Frederick going 16-16 a season ago which was the most wins in a season since 2006. He inherited a program that had won just four games in 2008.

“We’d like to thank Coach Frederick for his time and energy he gave to our volleyball program,” McGuffin said. “Cory has been a great role model for our student-athletes and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Frederick came to MWSU after five seasons at Park University as the Head Men’s Volleyball Coach. During that time, he led the Pirates to four straight NAIA National Tournament Appearances including winning the National Championship in 2008.

Prior to his time at Park, Frederick served as Assistant Coach at MWSU under then Head Coach Cindy Brauck.

He coached nine All-MIAA Selections in his tenure at MWSU including MIAA Freshman of the Year and three time All-MIAA selection Stephanie Hattey and freshman outside hitter Jessie Thorup.

A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Griffon women’s golf in 5th place after opening round of MIAA Championships

Posted on April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

The Missouri Western women’s golf team sits in 5th place after day one of the MIAA Championships when are being played at the Posse Golf Course at Paradise Pointe Country Club.

The Griffons are two strokes back of Truman State (329) and seven strokes back of Northwest Missouri State (324). The leader of the event is Central Oklahoma with a 301 which is nine strokes better than Northeastern State (310).

Individually, Natalie Bird had a nice round firing a 78 putting her in a tie for 7th. She is three strokes back of second and seven strokes behind leader Aly Seng (71) of Central Oklahoma.

Callie Wilson and Casi Webb are in a tie for 19th with 83’s while Anna Kloeppel and Amber Chivington fired 87 and 91 respectively.

The women will begin round two Tuesday with a shotgun start scheduled for 9 a.m. from Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Miller, Molina lead Cardinals past Washington in series opener

Posted on April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

The setting and the situation were so similar, Pete Kozma couldn’t help but recall what happened six months ago.

”I can think of one game,” he said, more mischief in his words than in his deadpan facial expression.

With two runners on, No. 8 hitter Kozma came to bat for St. Louis in a tight game against the Washington Nationals, the Cardinals’ pitcher on deck. When that happened the last time these teams played a game that counted, it was Oct. 12, in Game 5 of an NL division series, and Washington pitched to Kozma, who delivered a go-ahead, two-run single.

On Monday night, the Nationals chose to intentionally walk Kozma – something some fans surely wished the Nationals had done the other time – and reliever Craig Stammen struck out Shelby Miller to end the inning. Earlier in the sixth, Yadier Molina drove in the tiebreaking run for St. Louis, backing Miller’s strong start, and the Cardinals beat the Nationals 3-2.

”Before the game, I got to thinking about it a little bit here and there,” Kozma said.

He was booed during pregame introductions and again when his name was announced before his first plate appearance, in the third inning. He singled to right in that at-bat, the ball landing not too far from where his go-ahead hit landed in October. This time, it was part of a two-run inning, with Kozma and Matt Carpenter coming home on Allen Craig’s double off the wall for a 2-0 lead.

When Kozma came up for the final time Monday, in the ninth, he was the first batter faced by – guess who? – Drew Storen, who was Washington’s closer on Oct. 12. The Nationals led 6-0 after three innings that day, and were still ahead 7-5 with two outs in the top of the ninth, before Storen gave up a tying hit to Daniel Descalso and Kozma’s hit that made it 9-7 and ended the Nationals’ season.

After striking out Kozma on Monday, Storen got pinch-hitter Descalso to pop out to third base.

”All of that did flash before my mind when it was all coming up,” Nationals manager Davey Johnson said.

Storen, by the way, said October, the Cardinals and Kozma were not in his thoughts at all.

”If it was,” he said, ”I shouldn’t be out there.”

Miller (3-1) struck out eight in 6 2-3 innings, giving up two runs and four hits.

”He’s got a different look than the majority of the guys we have on our staff, and a lot of other guys in the league. He’s keeping people off balance with that,” Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said.

”You can’t go out there and try and teach somebody deception, necessarily,” Matheny added. ”The ball just comes out of his hand a little different.”

Edward Mujica pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save, and with Mitchell Boggs having blown two of four save chances, Matheny said he’ll figure out his bullpen roles game by game.

All the Cardinals’ runs came against Dan Haren (1-3), who allowed six hits in five-plus innings.

”I gave us a chance until the fifth,” Haren said. ”Then I got into a mess.”

In a span of three pitches. Haren plunked the inning’s first batter, Matt Holliday, and then served up first-pitch singles to Carlos Beltran and Molina, putting St. Louis ahead 3-2. Haren then walked David Freese, loading the bases with no outs, and was done.

In came righty reliever Craig Stammen, who got Jon Jay to ground into a 3-2-3 double play before the walk to Kozma and strikeout of Miller.

Miller departed after walking Kurt Suzuki to put two on with two outs in the seventh. Joe Kelly came on to face pinch-hitter Chad Tracy, who sent a sinking shot to right-center but Jay raced over to make a nice grab.

The Nationals didn’t score against relievers Trevor Rosenthal or Mujica, either, and now have lost seven of their last 10 games, averaging only 3.3 runs in that span.

”We’re just in a rut,” Washington first baseman Adam LaRoche said. ”Lot of quick innings. Not a ton of baserunners. And five, six guys that aren’t swinging the bat real good. When it rains, it pours.”

— Associated Press —

Western men sit in 7th after day one of MIAA Championships

Posted on April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

The Missouri Western men’s golf team fired a day one total of 608 (305-303) at the MIAA Championships which is being played in at Outlaw Golf Course at Paradise Pointe Country Club.

The Griffons bettered their scored by two strokes in round two separating themselves from 8th place Missouri Southern who shot a 612 (308-304). The 608 puts the Griffons in sole possession of 7th place just four strokes back of Northeastern State, 604 (300-304). Central Oklahoma holds a 18 stroke advantage after 36 holes. The Bronchos shot 568 and placed three atop the leader board.

Individually, Missouri Western is led by Weston Apple. He sits in a tie for 9th place with a two round total of 147 (76-71). Kenny Stone is in a tie for 20th with a 150 (76-74) while Tyler Gast, James O’Brien and Evan McCarthy fired 155 (76-79), 156 (77-79) and 157 (77-80) respectively.

Central Oklahoma’s Dillon Rust led the way shooting a seven under par 137 on a day that saw deteriorating conditions. He was followed by teammates Trevor Stafford and Logan Waresback who finished today’s 36 with a 142 which is two under par. Robby Hughey of Central Missouri used a second round 70 to climb the leader board and finish in fourth place at one under par.

The championship will conclude tomorrow beginning with a 9 a.m. shot gun start at the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo. Complete men’s day two pairings can be found at www.themiaa.com.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri adds prep point guard from New York

Posted on April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

Head Coach Frank Haith added a fifth member to his nationally-ranked recruiting class on Monday as Shane Rector, a 6-foot, 175-pound point guard from South Kent School in South Kent, Conn., signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Missouri and play for the Tigers next season.

Considered one of the top players in New York City, Rector averaged a team-leading 17.4 points and 7.1 assists for South Kent as a senior and developed into one of the country’s top distributors during his one season of play in Connecticut.

“We are so excited to be able to add a player of Shane’s caliber to our recruiting class and his ability to attack the rim and create for his teammates fits well with how we like to play,” Head Coach Frank Haith said. “Shane is also a capable scorer, but he is similar to Wes (Clark) in that he has a knack for making those around him better and that’s what we want in our point guards.”

Rector began his career at St. Raymond’s High School in Bronx, N.Y., and led the Ravens to their first CHSAA Class AA city championship since 2004. St. Ray’s finished the year 21-10 and Rector averaged 13.7 points and 6.2 assists, while being named to the CHSAA All-Tournament Team. He was also named an all-league pick as a junior.

“With Phil’s departure to the NBA Draft we focused on bringing in a second point guard and the friendship Wes (Clark) and Shane (Rector) have is certainly a bonus, because we like to play two point guards together during the course of a ball game,” Haith said. “When you look at this class as a whole we were able to fill a number of needs and continue to balance out our classes for the future.”

The three-star point guard (Rivals.com) finished his senior season by being selected to play in the 2013 Jordan Brand Classic’s Regional Game. He scored 12 points and dished eight assists in 22 minutes, leading his club to a 114-102 win at Barclays Center on April 13.

Rector joins the four-member signing class of Wes Clark, Torren Jones, Jonathan Williams, III and Keanau Post and has Missouri’s recruiting class ranked among the Top 20 nationally.

— MU Sports Information —