Griffon senior defensive end David Bass has been selected as a finalist for the 2012 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. Bass is the first Griffon to be named a finalist since the inception of the award in 2004. Regional voting narrowed a field of 46 candidates to eight finalists with Bass being the lone defense player in the field. All eight of this year’s award finalists play for teams that reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs and six are set to play in the quarterfinals this weekend.

The award is sponsored by the Manheim Touchdown Club and voted upon by the nation’s NCAA Division II sports information directors. Two finalists advance from each of the four NCAA Division II super regions.

Representing Super Region 1 are Bloomsburg’s junior offensive lineman Brian Clarke and Winston-Salem State senior center Markus Lawrence. Super Region 2 finalists are Valdosta State senior offensive tackle Ryan Schraeder and Carson-Newman’s senior center Kevin Day. Advancing from Super Region 3 are Missouri Western State’s senior defensive end David Bass and Minnesota Duluth’s senior offensive lineman Garth Heikkinen. Super Region 4 is represented by West Texas A&M’s senior left tackle Manase Foketi and Ryan Jensen, a senior right tackle at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

The national round of voting closes on Dec. 10 and the winner is announced on Dec. 17. The award recipient has the opportunity to participate in one of two prestigious college all-star games in front of professional scouts and coaches. The East/West Shrine Game and the NFLPA All-Star Game are both scheduled for Jan. 19.

The winner will also be recognized at the Manheim Touchdown Club’s annual banquet in May.

The NFL recognizes, endorses and supports the winner of the award by guaranteeing a place in the all-star games. The support comes as recognition and appreciation for the late Mr. Upshaw, who was not only an All-Pro lineman for the Oakland Raiders, but later served as the executive director of the NFL Players Association for 25 years. Upshaw, a former standout offensive lineman at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M Kingsville), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 in his first year of eligibility.

FINALIST INFORMATION
David Bass (St. Louis, Mo.) has helped Missouri Western State to its first MIAA outright regular season championship with six consecutive wins over top 25 teams. He’s recorded a sack in nine of the Griffons’ 13 games, ranks 14th in Division II and first in the MIAA in sacks per game (0.8 per game). His 12.5 tackles for loss boosted his career total to a school record 52.5. He is also set the school record with 39.5 career sacks. He had 11 tackles against Minnesota Duluth, helping the Griffons to their first NCAA playoff win. He was All-MIAA First Team in 2012 and was an All-America selection by six different organizations in 2011.

Brian Clarke (Hanover, Pa.), an All-PSAC East First Team selection for the second consecutive year, paved the way for Harlon Hill finalist Franklyn Quiteh and the nation’s fifth-ranked rushing offense (315.75 yards per game). Clarke’s Huskies set the PSAC single-season rushing record with 3,789 yards, and Quiteh led the nation in rushing. Clarke’s offensive line became the first in PSAC history to produce two 1,000-yard backs in back-to-back seasons. His unit surrendered just two sacks in Bloomsburg’s final seven games and ranked seventh in the nation with 0.67 sacks per game.

Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) was the center for the nation’s best rushing offense. The Eagles averaged an astounding 380 yards per game, which was second only to Georgia Southern among all NCAA schools. He also helped the Eagles generate 50 rushing touchdowns, which led all NCAA schools regardless of division. He was a two-time All-SAC selection.

Manase Foketi (Hesperia, Calif.) has been a dominating left tackle for West Texas A&M, which has reached the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time in school history. He graded out at 95 percent in all of the team’s games and helped the Buff’s offense gain 345.15 passing yards per game and 485.0 yards per game. That total ranks eighth. He also blocks for Dustin Vaughan, who is a Harlon Hill finalist and ranks seventh nationally in total offense.

Garth Heikkinen (Duluth, Minn.) started in a Minnesota-Duluth record 53 consecutive games—a number unmatched by any current NCAA Division II lineman. He attained All-America status from four different groups in 2011 and was a key to the Bulldogs’ fourth-ranked scoring offense (45.7 points per game) and 10th-ranked rushing offense. He did not surrender a single sack the entire season, and the team allowed only six through 11 games. His team reached the NCAA playoffs, won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division and was ranked in the top 10 of every AFCA poll during the season.

Ryan Jensen (Fort Morgan, Colo.) anchors the offensive line for the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. Colorado State University-Pueblo won its second straight Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title and is currently in the NCAA Quarterfinals. He has graded over 90 percent for the season and did not allow a single sack. Despite injuries to the running back position, he blocked for four different 100-yard rushers during the season. He was a Don Hansen Football Gazette Second Team pick in 2011.

Markus Lawrence (Charlotte, N.C.) is the center for the nation’s No. 2 team in Winston-Salem State. The Rams have won back-to-back CIAA Championships with the All-CIAA First Team pick snapping the ball. With Lawrence on the line, the Rams led the CIAA in total offense, scoring offense, passing offense and passing efficiency. It also ranked in the top 10 nationally in total offense, scoring offense and passing efficiency. Lawrence’s Rams are unbeaten and playing in the NCAA Quarterfinals this weekend.

Ryan Schraeder (Wichita, Kan.) protects the blindside for a Valdosta State team that is playing in the NCAA Quarterfinals and boasts the nation’s No. 13 offense and seventh-best scoring offense. He graded out at 96 percent on the year and totaled 56 knockdown blocks in 11 games. With his blocking, Valdosta State is on the verge of setting five school records, including three in the run game. He did not play football until college but is a three-time first team All-America selection in three seasons.

The Griffons are 12-1 on the season and travel to Mankato, Minn. to take on the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks on Saturday, December 1 in the Super Region 3 Final. Kickoff is set for 12:00 pm from Blakeslee Stadium.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western head softball coach Jen Bagley announces the signing of nine high school student-athletes, Kailey Green, Allison Ladd, Shelby Elliott, Morgan Rathmann, Taylor Schaben, Katie Klosterman, Kristin Lange, Megan Korgie and Sydney Washington to play for the Griffons beginning in the 2013-2014 season.

Kailey Greeen is a 5-7 first basemman from Kearney, Mo. She attends Kearney High School where she is coached by Paul Lorbert and former Griffon Keri Franks. Her best sports moment was hitting her first grand slam at districts and breaking the high school home run record. She was also named First Team All-State this past season. She is the daughter of Billy and Brigette Green and plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Western.

“Kailey’s best attribute is that she has the best of both worlds in her offensive game,” stated Coach Bagley. “She hits for average, and she hits for power.”

Allison Ladd is a 5-8 pitcher/first baseman from Omaha, Neb. She attends Omaha Westside High School where she is coached by Kevin Dunn. Her greatest sports moments were winning USSA 16A State with Team Nebraska in 2012 and winning districts with Westside in 2011. She is the daughter of Tighe and Wendy Ladd and is undecided on a major at Missouri Western.

“We are very excited to get Allie on campus to work with her tremendous upside,” commented Coach Bagley. “She is a hard throwing pitcher with great movement and she isn’t even throwing to her potential yet.”

Shelby Elliott is a 5-1 infielder from Platte City, Mo. She attends Platte County High School where she is coached by Rob Davenport. In the last three years she has been named All-District and All-Conference. She has won numerous team awards as well as being a team captain for Platte County. She is also an excellent student being a member of the National Honor Society. Her sister, Sarah, plays for the Griffons and is the starting third baseman. She also has another sister that attends Missouri Western. She plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Western. She is the daughter of her dad Steve Elliott and mom Stacy Burress.

“Shelby is a very versatile player who is equally comfortable at third base or second base,” said Coach Bagley. “She is a fun player to watch in that she truly loves the game and plays it hard.”

Morgan Rathmann is a 5-5 outfielder from Neosho, Mo. She attends Neosho High School where she is coached by Melissa Clark. Her greatest sports moment was getting the game winning hit with bases loaded, two outs, extra innings her freshman year. It was one of her first varsity games and one of her first at bats from the left side of the plate. She is No. 1 in her class academically. She is the daughter of John and Connie Rathmann and is undecided on major at Missouri Western.

“Morgan is a natural leader who will bring a high quality of work ethic and talent to our team,” stated Coach Bagley. “With her speed, she is a blast to watch on the bases.”

Taylor Schaben is a 5-6 utility player from Portsmouth, Iowa. She attendes Harlan Community High School where she is coached by Toshia Karpenbauer and Kent Klinkenfus. She has had a very decorated career earning First Team All-District and All-Conference honors as a junior. She was also named Second Team All-State and First Team All-Area as a junior. As a freshman she was First Team All-Area and Second Team-All Conference. As a junior she hit .402 with 11, doubles, three triples, 30 RBI’s and six home runs. In her career she has a batting average of .360. She is the daughter of Gary and Jackie Schaben and has an older sister Brooke who is on the Griffon softball team. Taylor is also a solid student being in the National Honor Socitey. She plans on majoring in business at Missouri western.

“We feel as though we could put Taylor anywhere in our defense,” commented Coach Bagley. “She is versatile and talented. Just like her sister, she loves the game and is a very salty player. We loved the consistency of her bat and defensive play. She is a great kid and comes from a great family.”

Katie Klosterman is a 5-4 infielder from Omaha, Neb. She attends Millard West High School where she is coached by Don and Angie Brummer. She had a very solid high school career. As a senior she was named Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska, Omaha World Herald Class A All-State, Metro High School Activities Association all-Division, Lincoln Journal Star Super State and Lincoln Journal Star Class A All-State. As a junior she was named Omaha World Herald Second Team All-Nebraska, Omaha World Herald Class A All-State, Metro High School Activities Association All-Division, Lincoln Journal Star Second Team Super State and Lincoln Journal Star Class A All-State. As a sophomore she was Metro High School Activities Association Honorable Mention and as a freshman she was Metro High School Activities Association Honorable Mention and All-State Freshman First Team. She is the daughter of Bernie and Karen Klosterman and plans on majoring in business at Missouri Western.

“Katie brings a history of winning with her from the successes of both her high school and travel ball careers,” stated Coach Bagley. “She is a strong athlete with a tremendous bat.”

Kristin Lange is a 5-10 catcher from Elkhorn, Neb. She attends Elkhorn High School where she is coached by Brad Beard and Al Schutte. Lange helped the Elks to a second place finish at state her senior season. As a senior she was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference. As a junior she was Second Team All-State and as a sophomore she was Honorable Mention All-Conference. In her career she hit .408 with 124 RBI, 13 homeruns with a .652 slugging percentage. She is the daughter of David and Katherine Lange and plans on majoring in physical therapy at Misouri Western.

“We are fired up to have been able to recruit such a quality catcher for our program,” said Coach Bagley. “Lange is a great leader behind the plate and has an impressive arm.”

Sydney Washington comes from Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo. She was First Team All-District, All-Region and All-State in 2012. Washington was named second team All-District in 2011 and First Team in 2009 and 2010. She had 14 home runs and 41 RBIs with 22 stolen bases her senior year. She plays centerfield and hit three homeruns in a single seven-inning game this past fall.

“Sydney is such an impressive combination of strength and speed,” commented Coach Bagley. “She covers a tremendous amount of ground in the outfield. Offensively, I have watched her power homeruns and follow it up with a bunt for a base hit. Her potential is scary good.”

Megan Korgie is a 5-8 outfielder from Omaha, Neb. She plays at Ralston High School in Ralston, Neb. Her greatest sports moment was hitting her first grand slam in the Amateur Softball Association Nationals in Alabama. Her sister played softball and soccer while in college. Her senior year she had 42 RBIs with six homeruns and had a .429 batting average. She was First Team All-State this past season and second team All-State in 2011. She plans on majoring in nursing while at Missouri Western. She is the daughter of Tom and Sue Korgie.

“We are looking forward to having Korgie in our uniform,” said Coach Bagley. “She has a great personality and swings a very consistent bat. As an outfielder, she has great instincts and a very good arm.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team had seven players score in double digits holding on for an 81-67 victory over non-conference opponent Quincy University. The Griffons improve to 6-1 overall and 3-0 against GLVC opponents this season. The Griffons return to action on Saturday, December 1 when they take on another GLVC opponent in the Rockhurst Hawks. Tip time is set for 5:30 pm from the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The first half belonged to the Griffons as they scored 13 points off 12 Quincy turnovers and scored 23 bench points to the Hawks six. Midway through the first half the Griffons went on a 9-0 run which was sparked by a Sharniece Lewis three and was capped by a three and a lay-up by Brittany Griswold which gave MWSU the 21-11 lead with 11:20 to play in the half.

The Hawks cut the Griffons led to seven with just under ten minutes to play, but MWSU used a 20-10 to end the half with a 44-27 lead. The Griffons shot an outstanding 51.9-percent (14-27) from the field and 9-of-14 from long range. Lewis led the way off the bench with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from long range.

Quincy shot 45.8-percent (11-24) from the field as they wre led by Lucy Cramsey with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.

The Hawks made the second half interesting cutting the Griffons 17 points lead to 8 at 63-55 after two Carly Beebe free throws with 9:51 to play in the game. The Griffons pushed its lead to 10 after a good free throw by Kallie Schoonover but a 4-0 run by the Hawks cut the lead to six at 65-59 with 5:55 to play.

The Griffons were able to end strong outscoring the Hawks 16-8 down the stretch picking up the 14 point victory. The Griffons improve to 2-0 at home while the Hawks fall to 1-4 on the season.

The Griffons scored 22 points off turnovers and had 28 points off the bench. Lanicia Lawrence and Brittany Griswold led the way with 15 points apiece while JaQuitta Dever and Alicia Bell pitched in 13. Sharniece Lewis and Jallisa Lewis had 12 and 10 respectively. Heather Howard led the way with nine rebounds while Griswold had eight. The Griffons made 26-of-60 field goals with 18 assists. Dever had six steals while Bell had six rebounds and six assists.

Cramsey led the charge for the Hawks with 22 points while Kelly Buresh ahd 19 points. Quincy shot 48-percent (24-50) from the field and made 13-of-15 free throws.

— MWSU Sports Information —