The University of Missouri Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has hired Tim Stedman as Associate Athletic Director for Advancement, as announced today.  Stedman will direct all facets of the Tiger Scholarship Fund, the department’s fundraising arm.

Stedman, 49, is a 20-year veteran of collegiate athletic administration, and he joins Mizzou after having spent the past eight seasons at Michigan State University, where he has served as associate athletic director for development since 2005.  Stedman has been responsible for raising approximately $48 million in commitments toward capital campaign initiatives, endowments and planned gifts for the Spartan Fund during that time.

While at Michigan State, Stedman was successful in securing the largest Olympic sport cash gift ($4 million) in MSU athletics history, and he also secured the department’s largest deferred gift ($6.5 million) in its history.

“I am genuinely honored and privileged to be joining the University of Missouri family,” said Stedman.  “I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for the leadership and class that Mike Alden brings to Mizzou Athletics.  I also look forward to working with Doug Gillin, the dedicated Tiger Scholarship Fund team, and University staff on MU’s capital campaign, in addition to all loyal Tiger fans and supporters as we strive for excellence in the classroom, community and competitive arenas,” he said.

Prior to Michigan State, Stedman served as assistant athletic director for development at Northern Illinois for four years, and at the University of Denver for three years.  Previously, he was director of athletic development at Troy State (1994-96) and a regional director in athletic fundraising at Northern Illinois (1992-94).

“We are very pleased to recruit someone of Tim’s experience and proven achievement to join us at Mizzou,” said Deputy Athletic Director Doug Gillin.  “He’s a proven fundraiser who will be an outstanding leader and resource for a young, energetic and talented staff that we have at Mizzou.  Tim is a great addition to our team,” said Gillin.

— MU Sports Information —

Despite falling 100-97 in their regular season finale against the Southwest Baptist Bearcats the Missouri Western men’s basketball team will make the MIAA Tournament as the 12th seed by virtue of Pittsburg State’s overtime loss against Washburn.

The Griffons end the regular season 10-17 overall and 5-14 in MIAA play. MWSU will travel to Edmond, Okla. to take on the Central Oklahoma Bronchos on Tuesday, March 4th at 7 pm.

Despite getting 40 points from Ryan Devers the Missouri Western men would come up short against Southwest Baptist. The Griffons have not had a Griffon score 40 points in at least 13 seasons. The record for points scored in a game is 49 which was done by Pete McNeal on March 1, 1982 against Avila.

The Griffons came out in the first half playing the Bearcats to a 7-7 tie. The next eight minutes belonged SBU opening up a 14 point lead at 34-20 after a Stephens Menas long range shot with 8:49 to play in the first half. The Griffons responded nicely ending the half on a 25-12 run cutting the lead to 46-45 at the half.

The Griffons continued to play well opening the second half on a 10-6 run claiming a three point lead at 55-52 after two free throws by Cortrez Colbert. At the 14:09 mark the Griffons claimed their largest lead of the game at 63-58 when Hans Thun nailed a three.

The Griffons held their five point lead til the 9:33 mark at 79-74 after a Devers layup. The next couple minutes belonged to the Bearcats using a 9-0 run claiming an 83-79 lead after a Preston Guiot three with 6:51 to play. Southwest Baptist led the rest of the way as the Griffons could not get any closer than one down the stretch.

The Bearcats improve to 14-14 overall 7-12 in MIAA play. SBU will be the 10th seed and will travel to Emporia to take on the 7th seed Emporia State Hornets. Southwest Baptist made 34-of-62 field goals and 11-of-25 long range attempts. Desi Barmore finished with 32 points on 14-of-20 shooting while Rashaad Brown-Peterson scored 23. Guiot finished with 20 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range.

The Griffons made 32-of-70 field goals including 9-of-32 long range shots. The also made 24-of-30 free throws and out rebounded the Bearcats 44 to 31. Devers made 13-of-24 field goals and 5-of-11 long range shots. He also made all nine of his free throws. Cortrez Colbert and Kalvin Balque had 19 and 18 points respectively.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team went scoreless for six and a half minutes in the second half falling 62-57 against the Southwest Baptist Bearcats. With the loss the Griffons season ends at 10-16 overall and 5-14 in MIAA play. Senior guard JaQuitta Dever went out on a high not scoring 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting including 6-of-9 from the free throw line.

The first half was played very close with the largest lead coming at the 3:35 mark of the first half when SBU took a 25-19 lead after two Sarah  Magana free throws. The Griffons came right back scoring the next five points cutting the lead to 25-24 after an Alexis Gray layup. The Bearcats were able to outscore the Griffons by four the rest of the frame taking the 31-26 lead as Magana hit a jumper as time expired in the half.

In the half the Griffons made 10-of-25 field goals with Dever and Tiffanie Abrams leading the way with seven points apiece. The Bearcats made 11-of-25 field goals with Jacquie Zelenka leading the way with eight points making all four of her field goals.

Things looked good for the Griffons early in the second half tying the score at 31 after Kyrsten Crawford nailed a three with 19:12 to play in the game. From there the Griffons went cold scoring just six points the next 13 minutes of the game. On the other hand the Bearcats scored 11 points taking a 47-36 lead with 6:30 to play.

The Griffons continued to battle and with 32 second to play they cut the Bearcats lead to 59-55 after a Dever layup. The Bearcats hit three of its final four free throws putting the game out of reach. With the victory the Bearcats improve to 11-15 overall and 6-13 in MIAA play. They also earn a spot in next weeks MIAA Tournament.

The Griffons finished making 21-of-55 field goals and 12-of-19 free throws. They turned the ball over 19 times and had 10 steals.

The Bearcats made 18-of-44 field goals and 22-of-32 free throw attempts. They were led by Lissette Plasencis with 16 points while Zelenka and Brooke Duncan finished with 13 and 12 respectively.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western baseball team tried to comeback twice on Friday afternoon against Northwest Missouri State but came up short falling 7-4 and 7-6 in MIAA play. The Griffons fall to 6-5 overall and 4-2 in MIAA play. The doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled due to potential poor weather.

Game 1
NWMSU 7
MWSU 4

Despite scoring the first run of the game the Griffons would struggle offensively falling 7-4 against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. The Griffons gave up seven runs before scoring three runs in the top of the 7th. Jake Schrader got three of the Griffons seven hits which included two RBI and a runs scored.

The Griffons used a leadoff walk by Trevor LaHonta in game one to take a 1-0 lead. LaHonta scored on a Ryan Degner double down the left field line. From there the Bearcats would scored the next seven run including two in the second inning. Austin Wulff and Jon Pomatto both stole home giving Northwest the 2-1 lead after two.

The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the forth when the Bearcats got three runs on three hits. Garrett Fort got a two RBI triple in the inning helping NWMSU to the 5-1 lead.

In the 5th the Bearcats got two more runs on two hits taking the 7-1 lead heading to the final inning. In the 7th the Griffons got hits from David Chew, Schrader and Will Carter to score three runs.

Mason Queen got the loss for the Griffons going 3.2 innings giving up seven hits and five earned runs. He falls to 1-1 striking out four.

The Bearcats had nine hits with Eric McGlauflin and and Pomatto both had two hits. Ryker Fox went five innings giving up four hits and one earned run. He improves to 2-1.

Game 2
NWMSU 7
MWSU 6

The Griffon baseball team scored six runs in the final four innings but it wasn’t enough as they fell in walk off fashion in game two against Northwest Missouri State.

The Griffons got down early giving up five hits and four runs in the second inning. Four straight hits by the Bearcats including a two RBI single by Blake Hardegree gave the Bearcats a 4-0 lead after two.

In the fifth the Bearcats tacked on two more with four more hits. They took the 6-0 lead after five innings of play.

The Griffons had just one hit until the 6th innings when they got four hits. Jeremy Monty got things going doubling to right field and then scored on a single by Degner. Two batters later Will Carter stayed hot singling in Chew and Degner cutting the lead to 6-3. Schrader scored on a Cody Childs fielders choice which cut the score to two at the end of six innings.

The score remained the same until the 8th when the Griffons tacked on one more but left the bases loaded. Degner tripled to right center and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Carter. Jerico Burasco and Cody Childs hit back-to-back singles loading the bases with one out. Mitch Thorman struck out and Trevor LaHonta hit into a fielder choice ending the threat.

In the 9th the Griffons lead off single by Monty to get things going. Monty scored the tying run with two outs when Schrader hit a double to right center.

Unfortunately the Bearcats would load the bases with two outs and Austin Wulff singled to left field giving Northwest the doubleheader sweep. They improve to 7-5 overall and 4-2 in MIAA play.

Cater finished with three hits and three RBI while Monty and Degner each had two. Grant Woods picked up the loss going four innings in relief giving up three hits and one earned run. He falls to 0-1 on the season.

The Bearcats had 11 hits with Wulff, Steven Garber and Jon Pomatto all had two hits. Brian Schmiedt got the victory going two innings. He gave up five hits and one earned run. He improves to 2-1. Hondo Pearcy pitched very well going 5.1 innings giving up four earned runs and one strikeout.

The Griffons return to action next on Friday, March 7 with the first game of a four game series with the Washburn Ichabods. Game time is set for 2 pm in St. Joseph, Mo

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western tennis team fell in a close battle with the Rockhurst Hawks 5-4 Friday afternoon at the Genesis Health Club. The Griffons fall to 0-2 with the loss while the Hawks improve to 1-2.

The Griffons took a 2-1 lead after the doubles matches picking up victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. The duo of Denise Chiao and Lindsey Beger defeated Fabi Juarez Herrera and Jessica Koraleski 8-6 while Kayla Dysart and Alyssa Dougan defeated Alex Schelble and Maddy Kayser 8-3 at No. 3 doubles.

In singles the Griffons got wins from Ceara Boldridge and Alyssa Dougan. Boldridge won 6-1, 6-0 while Dougan won by retirement of Abby Kayser. Denise Chiao battled tough but fell 6-2 and 7-5 at No. 4 singles.

The Griffons return to action on Monday, March 3 when they host Ottawa University at 2:00 pm in St. Joseph, Mo.

Singles competition
1. Schelble, Emma (RU) def. Dysart,Kayla (MWSU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Revling, Taylor (RU) def. Beger,Lindsay (MWSU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Juarez Herrera, Fabi (RU) def. Smith,Meara (MWSU) 6-0, 6-2
4. Koraleski, Jessica (RU) def. Chiao,Denise (MWSU) 6-2, 7-5
5. Boldridge,Ceara (MWSU) def. Kayser, Maddy (RU) 6-1, 6-0
6. Dougan,Alyssa (MWSU) def. Kayser, Abby (RU) 1-6, retired

Doubles competition
1. Revling, Taylor/Schelble, Emma (RU) def. Smith,Meara/Boldridge,Ceara (MWSU) 8-6
2. Chiao,Denise/Beger,Lindsay (MWSU) def. Juarez Herrera, Fabi/Koraleski, Jessica (RU) 8-6
3. Dysart,Kayla/Dougan,Alyssa (MWSU) def. Schelble, Alex/Kayser, Maddy (RU) 8-3

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men’s basketball team got outscored 40-14 in the paint and 48-31 in the second half falling 80-57 against the #19 Central Missouri Mules. The Griffons were led by senior Kalvin Balque with 15 points making 8-of-9 free throw attempts. The Griffons fall to 10-16 overall and 5-13 in MIAA play.

Despite struggling from the field making just 35.7-percent (10-28) field goal attempts and 25.0-percent (2-8) long range range the Griffons went into halftime down just 32-26 against the Mules. the Griffons were led by Charlie Marquardt with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.

The Griffons battled the Mules tough for the first five minutes going into the first media timeout down just 8-7 at the 15:01 mark of the half. From there the Mules used a 13-4 run claiming their largest lead of the half at 21-12 after a Dillon Deck layup with 9:07 to play in the half.

Instead of folding the Griffons fought back using a 10-2 run cutting the Mule lead to one at 23-22 after Dareon Jones nailed his second three pointer of the frame at the 6:58 mark. The Mules outscored the Griffons down the stretch 9-4 claiming the six point halftime lead.

Missouri Western got out rebounded 22-15 in the half and 7-3 on the offensive end of the floor. The Mules outscored the Griffons 20-10 in the paint and were led by Deck with 11 points and five rebounds. The Mules made 46.9-percent (15-32) of their field goals but just 1-of-8 long range shots and 1-of-5 free throws.

The Griffons cut the Mule lead to three just a minute and a half into the second frame after two Balque free throws. That was the closest the Griffons would get as the Mules dominated the rest of the frame opening up their largest lead of the game at 69-45 with 7:01 to play. They cruised to the 23 point victory improving to 23-4 overall and 15-3 in MIAA play.

Ryan Devers and Marquardt dumped in 13 and 12 points respectively as Devers led the charge on the boards with six rebounds.

The Mules shot 53.2-percent (33-62) from the field and which included 60-percent (18-30) in the second half. Deck led the charge with 29 points and 10 rebounds.

The Griffons will play their final game of the regular season on Saturday, March 1 against the Southwest Baptist Bearcats in Bolivar, Mo. Tip time is set for 3:30 pm. The Griffons need a win or a Pittsburg State loss to get into next weeks MIAA Tournament.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team lost to No. 11 Central Missouri 59-53 in its final home game of the year Wednesday night at MWSU Fieldhouse. With the loss, the Griffons fall to 10-15 and 5-13 in the MIAA while the Jennies move to 22-3 and 16-2 in the conference.

In the first half, the Griffons led early and often. After taking a 6-2 lead in the first three minutes, Central Missouri came back to take a 7-6 lead at the 15:30 mark of the opening half. Quenisha Lockett’s layup less than a minute later put the Griffons up for good in the first half as they went on a 9-0 run to take a 15-7 lead.

Missouri Western’s lead expanded to double digits late in the half when Sharniece Lewis dropped in a 3-pointer with 2:35 remaining to go up 29-17. The 12-point lead matches the Griffons biggest lead of the game and they took a 31-23 lead into the break.

Lewis led all scorers with 14 points in the first half while the Jennies were led by Shelby Winkelmann’s 10 points. In the second half, Central Missouri began to chip away at the lead.

Minutes into the frame Winklemann nailed a triple and split a pair of free throws as the Jennies trailed by four. After falling behind by six, the Jennies went on a 7-0 run to claim their first lead since the opening minutes after Keuna Flax knocked down a pair of freebies to take a 40-39 lead with 11:33 left.

The teams swapped baskets for the better part of the game after that, and neither team led by more than four until Revonnia Howard’s lay in with 2:23 left put Central Missouri ahead 53-47. Lockett and JaQuitta Dever knocked down a couple buckets to get within two, but the Jennies secured the victory going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line down the stretch.

Winkelmann led Central Missouri with 16 points while Flax added 16 to go with 13 rebounds for the double-double. Lewis ended with a game-high 18 points. Lockett had eight points and seven boards to pace the Griffons.

After the game the Griffons honored their six seniors, which along with Dever and Lewis, included Tiffanie Abrams, Jallisa Lewis, Cassey Sobaski and Lanicia Lawrence.

Next up for the Missouri Western women is a road matchup against Southwest Baptist.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western softball team wrapped up the final day of the Kelly Laas Invite Sunday with a split. The Griffons fell 3-1 against 8th ranked Augustana (SD) before earning an 11-0 run rule victory over host St. Cloud State. The Griffons improve to 10-4 on the season and return to action next weekend in Joplin, Mo. to participate in the MSSU Invite. The Griffons will take on William Jewell and Illinois-Springfield on Saturday, March 1 at noon and 4 pm. On Sunday, March 2 they will take on Wayne State and Northern State at 9 am and 1 pm.

Game 1
#8 Augustana 3
Missouri Western 1

The Griffons looked to have everything in control against the 8th ranked Vikings holding a 1-0 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth. Jackie Bishop was throwing a no hitter until the sixth when the Vikings got three hits including a homer giving the Vikings the 3-1 victory.

The Griffons got on the board first in the 2nd inning when Brooke Schaben singled to right center advanced to second on a wild pitch and socred on a Kat Steponovich two out single up the middle giving the Griffons the 1-0 lead after two innings.

The score stayed that way until bottom of the sixth when the Vikings broke up the no hitter with back-to-back singles by Emily Heinz and Maddie Merriam to lead off the inning. Abby Chandler grounded out to first and Heinz scored on a throwing error by Tiffany Gillaspy tying the game at one. Merriam then scored on a Caitlin Nichol sac fly to left field which was followed up by a Sarah Kennedy homer giving the Vikings the 3-1 lead after six innings.

In the bottom of the 7th Schaben led off the inning with a single to first base but got stranded as strikeouts by Anding and Steponovich and a pop up to first base by Sydney Washington ended the game.

Bishop falls to 6-2 with the loss giving up three hits and just one earned run while striking out five. Schaben got two of the Griffons four hits in the contest.

The Vikings Jenelle Trautmann picked up the victory for the Vikings going all seven innings giving up five hits and one earned run while striking out seven and walking two. She improves to 5-1 on the season while the Vikings improve to 7-2 with the victory.

Game 2
Missouri Western 11
St. Cloud State 0 (5 innings)

The Griffons pounded out 11 hits and used a four run third inning and a six run fourth inning claiming an 11-0 five inning victory over the St. Cloud State Huskies. The Griffons got multiple hits from Bre Fleschner, Tiffany Gillaspy, Steponovich and Washington.

The Griffons stranded back-to-back hits in the top of the first inning by Fleschner and Rathman but in the second they were able to get on the board. The Griffons used walks from Janie Smith and Steponovich to get things going. Smith scored on an error by the shortstop giving the Griffons a 1-0 lead after two.

In the third the Griffons used three two out hits including an Taylor Anding single scoring Gillaspy from second and a Steponovich double scoring Smith and Anding. Washington followed the double with a single to right field scoring Steponovich giving the Griffons the 5-0 lead.

In the 4th the bats stayed hot with six hits. Fleschner led off with a double which was followed by a Gillaspy single. Both players scored on a Schaben single to left field giving the Griffons a 7-0 lead. After another walk by Smith, Steponovich stepped to the plate hitting a single down the left field line scoring Schaben and Smith extending the Griffons lead to 9-0. Washington was the next batter and she blasted her first career homer putting the Griffons up 11-0 after four.

That would be all Smith would need as she gave up just one more hit in the final two innings pitching the complete game. Smith improves to 4-2 on the season.

Steponovich finished the game with four RBI and two runs scored while Washington finished with three RBI and one run scored.

The Huskies fall to 2-2 on the season as Kendra Merritt picked up the loss going just three innings giving up six hits and four earned runs while striking out four. Two of the Huskies three hits came in the first inning when Tricia DeBoer and Abby Bunnell led of the game with back-to-back singles.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men fell 92-60 on Military Appreciation Day against rival Northwest Missouri State. The Griffons had two players in double figures as Kalvin Balque dumped in 19 points and Ryan Devers finished with 18. The Griffons fall to 10-15 overall and 5-12 in MIAA play.

The Griffons men played fairly well in the first half shooting 52.2-percent (12-23) from the field unfortunately the Bearcats were able to shoot better making 62.1-percent (18-29) from the field taking a 14 point lead at 47-33 at the half.

The Bearcats opened the frame on outscoring the Griffons 19-6 in the first seven minutes after Zach Schneider drained a long range shot. The Griffons hung in there cutting the lead to eight numerous times the next 10 minutes. Trailing 35-27 with 3:45 to play in the half the Bearcats went on a 12-6 run claiming the 14 point halftime lead.

The Griffons had seven players score in the half with Devers leading the way with eight points while Balque dumped in seven with three boards. The Bearcats were led by DeShaun Cooper with 17 first half points while Dillon Starzel had 15 making all six of his shot attempts.

In the second half the Bearcats opened up an 18 point lead in the first four minutes of the frame when Bryston Williams hit a laypu with 16:15 to play. The Griffons responded nicely going on a 9-2 run cutting the Bearcat lead to 55-44 with 13:58 to play after a Devers jumper.

From there it was all Bearcats as they hit five threes in the next three minutes extenging their lead to 74-48 with 10:08 to play after Schneider nailed a three. The rest of the game belonged to the Bearcats improving to 20-6 overall and 15-2 in MIAA play.

The Griffons made 44.0-percent (22-50) of their field goals but just 13-of-23 free throws and 3-of-12 field goals.

The Bearcats shot 56.5-percent (35-62) with four players scoring in double figures. Cooper finished with 22 points while Starzl, Schneider and Grant Cozad finished with 19, 12 and 11 respectively.

The Griffons will play their last home game of the season on Wednesday, February 26 with a game against Central Missouri. Game time is set for 7:30 pm in the fieldhouse. The Griffons will honor two seniors as they play their last home game for the Griffons. They are Kalvin Balque and Cedric Clinkscales.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women used a career night from Tiffanie Abrams cruising to a 68-47 victory over rival Northwest Missouri State. Abrams dumped in a career high 25 points on 8-of-10 shooting which included five long range shots. The Griffons shot 47.2-percent (25-53) from the field improving to 10-14 overall and 5-12 in MIAA play.

The Griffon women came out on fire opening up a 26 point lead before the Bearcats new what hit them. The Griffons took a 32-6 lead after a Abrams layup with 6:43 to play in the half. The rest of the half belonged to the Bearcats as they went on a 14-2 run cutting the Griffons lead to 34-20 at the half.

Northwest Missouri State used free throws to get back in the game hitting all eight of their attempts. the Bearcats shot just 30-percent (6-20) from the field with Annie Mathews leading the charge with 8 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

The Griffons made 43.3-percent (13-30) of their field goals with five coming from behind the arc. Abrams scored 14 on 5-of-6 shooting which included 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Quenisha Lockett also had a solid half scoring eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.

IN the second half the Griffons continued to play well not letting the Bearcats get any closer than 12 points at 34-22. The Griffons extended their lead to 22 at 49-27 after an Abrams long range shots with 13:03 to play in the game. The Beacats chipped away again closing to within 14 with 9:17 to play but MWSU once again went on a run extending the lead to 21 with 1:17 to play. With the victory the Griffons snapped a four game losing streak.

Only one other Griffons scored in double figures as Sharniece Lewis scored 10. Lockett and Jallisa Lewis finished with nine and eight respectively while Lockett led the way with seven rebounds.

The Bearcats fall to 9-15 overall and 6-11 in MIAA play. They had two players score in double figures with Ashleigh Nelson and Mathews scoring 16 and 14 respectively. The Griffons forced 20 turnovers which led to 27 points for Missouri Western.

The Griffons return to action on Wednesday, February 25 with an MIAA contest against #12 Central Missouri. It will be senior night in the fieldhouse as the Griffons say goodbye to six senior who include: Tiffanie Abrams, Lanicia Lawrence, JaQuitta Dever, Cassey Sobaski, Sharniece Lewis and Jallisa Lewis. Game time is set for 5:30 pm from teh fieldhouse.

— MWSU Sports Information —