The Missouri Western football team — fresh off its first outright MIAA Championship in 2012 — is once again a conference favorite in 2013.

The Griffons were picked 1-2 in the MIAA Preseason Football polls released on Monday.   Western was picked in a tie for first in the Coaches Poll, receiving six first-place votes.   The defending champions were selected second in the media poll, just six points below Northwest Missouri State.

The Griffons defeated the Bearcats last November to clinch the MIAA title.

Missouri Western, coming off its greatest season in school history in 2012 (12-2 record, national quarterfinalists) and return plenty of fire power.  All-MIAA First Team Quarterback Travis Partridge returns for his senior season, as does preseason All-American tight end Reggie Jordan.

The Griffons are also ranked nationally in two national preseason polls.

MWSU is sixth in the Sporting News Division II poll and 12th in Lindy’s Preseason Top 25.

The Griffons begin fall camp on August 14th and open the season September 5th at Central Missouri.

2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
T1. Missouri Western (6)  159
T1. Northwest Missouri (6)  159
3. Pittsburg State (2)  145
4. Central Missouri  119
5. Lindenwood  117
6. Washburn  116
7. Emporia State  113
8. Fort Hays State    70
9. Missouri Southern    68
10. Central Oklahoma    57
11. Northeastern State    56
12. Nebraska-Kearney    51
13. Southwest Baptist    30
14. Lincoln    14

2013 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (10) 300
2. Missouri Western (10)  294
3. Pittsburg State (2)          276
4. Washburn                  231
5. Lindenwood  221
6. Central Missouri  205
7. Emporia State (1)  197
T8. Missouri Southern  138
T8. Fort Hays State  138
10. Northeastern State  125
11. Central Oklahoma  113
12. Nebraska-Kearney    96
13. Southwest Baptist    52

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western head baseball coach Charles “Buzz” Verduzco announces the signing of three more student-athletes for the 2014 season. Junior college transfers Charles Koehler, III (Jefferson College) from Lake St. Louis, Mo., Michael Yeager (Johnson County CC) from Kansas City, Mo. and Hunter Weiss (Mt. Hood CC) from Portland, Org. join Matthew Russell, Grant Woods, Derek Rottinghaus, Tyler Sanders, Jonathan Temenak and Tyler Tuepker on next years squad.

Koehler is a 6-2 left handed pitcher who comes to MWSU from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo. He played his high school baseball at St. Dominic in O’Fallon, Mo. In

high school he was an All-Conference pitcher and an honorable mention All-Conference utility player. During his senior season he had 4-0 record in 26 innings pitched. He had a 1.88 ERA with 26 strikeouts. In his two seasons at Jefferson College he went 6-1 with a 2.24 ERA with three shutouts in 68.1 innings pitched. He had 61 strikeouts and walked just 21. He plans on majoring in management at MWSU.

“CJ had an impressive career at Jefferson College,” stated Coach Verduzco. “Not often do you land someone of his caliber, especially as a left handed pitcher. We are fortunate to have him in our program and he will help solidify the front end of our staff.”

Yeager is a 5-9 catcher who comes to MWSU from Johnson County CC in Overland Park, Kan. Yeager played his high school baseball at Staley High School in Kansas City, Mo. While at Johnson County he was an All-Conference performer as well as a team captain and the most valuable player which was selected by his coaches. As a freshman he hit .417 with 43 hits and 14 RBI and has a sophomore he hit .307 with 20 RBI. While in high school he was a two time All-State selection as well as All-Metro. As a

junior he had the highest batting average in the state at .611. He plans on majoring in sports management at Missouri Western.

“Michael is coming off two excellent seasons at Johnson County CC,” commented Coach Verduzco. “He is an outstanding defensive catcher with a plus arm that can control our opponent’s running game. Our pitching staff will definitely benefit his high energy “take charge” approach.”

Weiss is a 6-1 outfielder who comes to the Griffons from Mt. Hood CC in Gresham, Ore. He played his high school baseball at Central Catholic in Portland, Ore. While at Mt. Hood he was a second team All-NWAACC Southern Region Outfielder and a Gold Glove NWAACC Southern Region selection. In his two seasons he hit .279 with 58 runs scored, 85 hits, nine doubles, one home run and 42 RBI. In high school he was an first team All-Conference performer both in the outfield and as a pitcher. He plans on majoring in business administration at Missouri Western.

“Hunter has been the model of consistency while competing at Mt. Hood CC in Oregon,” said Coach Verduzco. “He will add plus defensive to our outfield and will be a very solid offensive player.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

After 49 seasons of coaching golf on the high school and college level including the last twelve seasons as Griffon Men’s Golf Coach, Jim Perry has announced his retirement.

Perry took over the golf program from Mike Habermehl in the summer of 2001 and has led Griffon Men’s Golf to be a constant among the upper tier of MIAA teams.

“I can’t thank MWSU enough for the opportunity to be apart of the program for the past 12 seasons,” Perry said.  “The thing I cherish the most is the many folks I’ve had the opportunity to meet and the relationships I’ve made with my student-athletes, coaches, administrators, players from opposing teams, parents and our boosters.”

Perry led the Griffons to eight NCAA Central Region Championships in his tenure including the 2005 tournament which was held at St. Joseph Country Club.  His 2006 team won the MIAA Championship, one of only two conference titles in program history.

“Coach Perry is a legend in the coaching ranks and I am thankful I’ve had the opportunity to work with him here at MWSU,” said Director of Athletics Kurt McGuffin.  “He has done a great job with our program and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Perry also recruited and coached a number of outstanding student-athletes at MWSU including All-MIAA selections Aaron Lisenbee, Daniel Cordray, Shane Feist and Tyler Gast.  Lisenbee was also named an Honorable Mention All-American in 2008.

No Griffon during Perry’s tenure was as decorated as Brice Garnett.  Perry recruited Garnett from Gallatin, Missouri in 2002.  He went on to be a four time All-MIAA selection, two time All-American, played on four NCAA Tournament teams and advanced to the NCAA National Tournament twice including a fourth place individual finish his senior year in Savannah, Georgia.  Garnett was twice named the MWSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year (04-05, 05-06) and is awaiting induction into the MWSU Hall of Fame as he was part of the 2012 class.  Since he graduated from MWSU, he has gone on to enjoy a successful professional golf career as he currently has exempt status on the Web.Com Tour.

“Not many folks have had the opportunities I’ve had in my career,” said Perry.  “It was a special time for me when I came to Missouri Western as I had the opportunity to coach my son for the final two years of his career and neat to watch the program I left at Central win a state championship during that time.  It was also special for me to coach arguably the best player that’s ever played at MWSU in Brice Garnett as well as the many other quality student-athletes that have been on our teams over the past years.”

Perry’s teams also excelled in the classroom as his program had a 100% graduation rate and boasted the highest team GPA this past spring among male sports at MWSU.

Prior to his MWSU career, Perry spent 37 years at Central High School in St. Joseph where he spent nine years as an Assistant Football Coach, 25 years coaching basketball (with stints on both the boy’s & girl’s side) and all 37 coaching the boys & girls golf teams.

His golf teams were a traditional state power winning numerous district titles which advanced the teams to the state tournament.  He led the boys program to three consecutive state titles from 1992-1994.  He’s also a member of the Central High School Hall of Fame as he was inducted as part of two different teams, one being the 1971 Boys Basketball Team which won 28 consecutive games during the season and the other, his 1992 State Championship Boys Golf Team.

A search for a new coach will begin immediately.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western State University Athletics Hall of Fame Committee is excited to announce the 2013 induction class.  This year’s class includes; Brad Nurski – Men’s Golf; Pierre Thomas – Football; Brooks Barkley – Baseball; Shelley Lowery – Volleyball; Lamont Turner – Basketball and the 1971 Griffon Baseball Team.

Brad Nurski · Golf · (1997-2001)

Brad Nurski is a household name in amateur golf in the state of Missouri. Nurski worked hard throughout his time at Missouri Western and has continued his hard work to the present day.  He came to MWSU in 1997 and quickly made his mark known. He won the 1998 Spring MWSU Invitational his freshman year, a victory which started his rise to one of the best golfers to ever be a Griffon.

Nurski led his team to the MIAA Championship in the Spring of 2000. That same year, he won the Drury Invitational and became the Central Missouri State Tournament Champion. He also qualified for the 2000 USGA Public Links Championships. Nurski was a three time All-MIAA selection and a three time All-District performer. He qualified for the NCAA Great Lakes/Central Regional his senior year as an individual in 2001.

After his Griffon career, Brad has become one of the most decorated amateur golfers in the state of Missouri.  His accolades include; winning the St. Joseph City Championship five times, a record 12 time Fairview Club Champion and he reached the pinnacle of amateur golf in 2010 as he joined elite company in winning the Missouri Amateur Championship.

He has competed in several USGA Championships as he just missed qualifying for the 2008 US Open finishing one stroke out and was the low amateur. He qualified for the 2008 USGA Mid Amateur and played on the USGA State of Missouri Team in 2010.

Currently, Nurski resides in St. Joseph with his wife Danielle and son Jaxon. He works at BNSF and graduated from MWSU in 2001 with a degree in recreation administration/sports marketing management.

Pierre Thomas · Football · (2000-2003)

Pierre Thomas was one of the best safeties to ever strap on a helmet at Missouri Western. Thomas was a 3-time First Team All-MIAA Selection in 2000, 2001 and 2003 and capped off a great senior season by being named an AFCA All-American.

Thomas totaled 274 career tackles in his four seasons at free safety including 139 unassisted and 10 tackles for  loss. He had 41 career pass breakups, 6 career fumble recoveries and a Missouri Western record 23 interceptions. Thomas was also dangerous in the return game as he tallied 528 return yards and two touchdowns in his career.

His 2003 season will go down as one of the best ever for a defensive back.  Thomas recorded 14 interceptions, a mark which led the nation and is an NCAA, MIAA and MWSU single season record. He had 78 tackles, 17 pass breakups, 25 punt returns with an average of 10.6 yards a return and one touchdown. He also had seven kickoff returns for a net average of 23.4. He finished the season with 1,034 all-purpose yards averaging 86.2 per game.

Brooks Barkley · Baseball · (2001-2003)

Brooks Barkley enters the Hall of Fame 10 years after he graduated. He left his stamp on the Griffon record books in several categories in just his two seasons.  He led the MIAA in batting, becoming the MIAA Batting Champion in 2002, while hitting .422 a MWSU record that stood until this season. Barkley was also named First Team All-MIAA and was an All-Central Region selection. In 2002 he was second in the MIAA in doubles with 21, sixth in RBI with 48, eight in triples with six and 16th in hits with 65.

For his career, he is second all-time with a .383 batting average. He graduated in 2003 with a degree in business management and has owned and operated Barkley Floor Service since 2004. He currently lives in Orting, Washington with his wife and two children.

Shelly Lowery · Volleyball · (1994-1995)

Shelly Lowery was a stand-out in her time on the volleyball court at Missouri Western. Lowery, a middle blocker from Independence, Mo. transferred to MWSU from the University of Missouri and had arguably one of the best two year stints ever by a volleyball player in MIAA history. She was named the MIAA’s Most Valuable Player her junior and senior seasons and helped the team advance to the NCAA Division II National Tournament her senior season.

In 1995, she set single season MIAA records which still stand today for kills with 809 and blocks with 361.

She led the team with a kill average of 5.5 and tied for the lead in digs with 3.2. She had numerous 30 kill games in her time at Missouri Western including 33 against Quincy and 32 kills against Northwest Missouri State and Emporia State. Lowery helped the team improve from a 7-26 record prior to her arrival to 29-9 her senior season.

Lowery was a first team NCAA All-American her senior year and earned AVCA All-Region honors.

Lamont Turner · Men’s Basketball · (2000-2002)

Lamont Turner joins the list of 2013 inductees after two seasons at Missouri Western in the early 2000s. One of the leaders on one of the best teams in Missouri Western Basketball history, Turner was named league MVP in  2001-02 as he lead the MIAA in scoring at 21.6 points per game and led his team in rebounding with 7.5 per game. His efforts helped lead the Griffons to the MIAA Regular Season Championship and a birth in the NCAA South Central Region Tournament.

As a senior, he started all 30 games averaging 34.2 minutes per game.  He shot 53 percent from the field, 35 percent from the 3-point line and 71 percent from the free-throw line.

Turner had some tremendous single game performances as well. He scored 39 points in a victory against Missouri-Rolla in February 2002, a game in which he knocked down 16 field goals. He pulled down 15 rebounds against Saint Mary’s College in November of 2011.

Turner is just one of four Griffons all-time to score 1,000 points in a two year career as he tallied 1,138 points (19.6 ppg) putting him 9th in Missouri Western history.

1971 Griffon Baseball Team

The 1971 Griffon Baseball team finished with an overall record of 33-8 and won the NAIA District 16 Championship.

At the plate, the Griffs were solid offensively tallying 343 hits, 245 runs, 49 doubles, 26 triples and 12 home runs. The Griffons averaged over six hits and eight runs per game. They had seven players bat over .300 including Ralph Sauceda’s team-high .358 in 134 at bats.

The team had multiple double-digit win margins during the season and in the Area Four Playoffs, it defeated Winona State and Loras College by scores of 8-5 and 3-2 respectively before falling in the elimination round.

On the mound, the Griffon pitching staff was stingy giving up just 236 hits and five home runs on the year. The team’s ERA was 2.52 and all seven starting pitchers finished with a winning record. Greg Kastner led the way with a perfect 7-0 record while Steve Hagan finished 7-1.

This team produced four individual MWSU Hall of Fame members including; Head Coach Doug Minnis, pitchers Greg Kastner and Tom O’Brien and infielder Ralph Sauceda.

2013 Wendy’s Hall of Fame Weekend Schedule of Events:

Reception: Friday, September 27 – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Stoney Creek Inn

Induction Ceremony Brunch: Saturday, September 28 – 11:00 AM-1:00 PM – Fulkerson Center.

If you would like to attend the Induction Ceremony Brunch please RSVP to 271-4481 by September 20. Cost of the brunch is $25.00.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announced the signing of four more student-athletes for the 2014 season.

Junior college transfers Matthew Russell (Maple Woods CC) from Bentonville, Ark., Grant Woods (Maple Woods CC) from Smithville, Mo., Derek Rottinghaus (Highland CC) from Seneca, Kan. and Tyler Sanders (Santa Rosa JC) from Rohnert Park, Calif. join freshman Jonathan Temenak and Tyler Tuepker to next seasons squad.

Russell is a 6-1 pitcher who comes to MWSU from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Ark. At Maple Woods he helped MWCC to a Region 16 Championship while appearing and starting in 10 games as a sophomore. He went 5-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 66.1 innings pitched. He gave up 70 hits whiel striking out 48. Overall at Maple Woods he was 10-4 with a 2.50 ERA in 111 innings. In high school he was an two time All-State performer and a three time All-Conference 7A West selection. In high school he had a 3.18 ERA to go along with a 19-8 record. Russell plans on majoring in exercise science at MWSU.

“Matt is very competitive by nature and we are thrilled he has chosen MWSU,” commented Coach Verduzco. “He had a great deal of success at Maple Woods CC as their top starter and we also look for him to fill a starting rotation spot for the Griffons next season.”

Woods is a 6-2 pitcher who also comes to MWSU from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Smithville High School in Smithville, Mo. He helped MWCC to a Region 16 Championship in 2013 while starting 10 games with a 2.68 ERA. He pitched 57 innings giving up 47 hits and striking out 37. In high school he was a two time All-District and All-Conference selection. He plans on majoring in biology.

“Grant will bring a power arm to our rotation next season.” stated Coach Verduzco. “He knows the game and what it takes to be a top pitcher in the MIAA. We look forward to watching Grant perform at the front end of our rotation.”

Rottinghaus is a 6-3 pitcher who transfers to Missouri Western from Highland Community College in Highland, Kan. He played his high school baseball at Nemaha Valley under John Thomas. Rottinghaus was an honorable mention All-Conference pitcher at Highland and in high school was named his teams Most Valuable Player. His greatest sports moment was when his legion baseball team took second at state. He plans on majoring in business at MWSU.

“Derek is a very talented pitcher who comes to us from Highland Community College,” said Coach Verduzco. “He has the skill and the drive to definitely fill one of the starting rotation spots vacated due to senior graduation. A solid competitor who throws in the upper 80’s and can throw three pitches for strikes. We are very fortunate to have Derek in our program.”

Sanders a 5-11 pitcher transfers to Missouri Western from Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, Calif. He played his high school baseball at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park, Calif. In his two seasons at Santa Rosa he pitched 100.2 innings with a 7-2 record and six saves. He had a 1.34 ERA with just nine walks. As a sophomore he was named Big 8 First Team as well has helping his team to the Big 8 Championship. In his school he was named First Team All-League as a pitched and helped his team win back-to-back league titles. Tyler plans on majoring in natural sciences at MWSU.

“Tyler is probably one of the most talented relievers we’ve recruited to Missouri Western since I’ve been here,” commented Coach Verduzco. “His ERA numbers were tops in the league. The JC league in which he competes is probably the top JC conference in California. We look for him to be the most important factor in our success next season.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western football team is ranked nationally in two pre-season polls. The Griffons are ranked 6th according to The Sporting News and 12th by Lindy’s Football Annual. Additionally, one Griffon, Reggie Jordan (St. Louis, Mo./Hazelwood Central) was named a pre-season All-American by The Sporting News.

Missouri Western is coming off their best season in school history finising with a 12-2 record and winning its first ever NCAA Division II playoff game. The Griffons made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs which is the farthest any Griffon team has made it. Missouri Western has won eight or more games in a season in 10 of the last 13 years and has made four trips to the NCAA playoffs in that time and has played int a post season game 10 times during that time.

Jordan started all 14 games last season at tight end. Jordan had 23 receptions for 230 yards with a team high 11 touchdown receptions. He also had one rushing touchdown from 86 yards out on a fake punt against Missouri Southern on October 13, 2012. Jordan also had two games in which he caught two touchdowns. The first was on October 6, 2012 at Northeastern State and the second was on November 24, 2012 at Henderson State in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs. For his efforts last season he was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA and Honorable Mention All-American by D2Football.com.

The Griffon open the season on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6:07 p.m. at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. The game will be televised on the MIAA Television Network.

Sporting News D2 Preview Top 25
1. Minnesota State
2. Shippensburg
3. West Texas A & M
4. Valdosta State
5. Ashland
6. Missouri Western
7. Duluth
8. New Haven
9. Carson-Newman
10. CSU-Pueblo
11. WInston-Salem State
12. Northwest Missouri State
13. Midwestern State
14. Lenoir-Rhyne
15. Grand Valley
16. Henderson St
17. Bloomsburg
18. West Alabama
19. Tuskegee
20. Chadron St
21. St. Cloud St
22. IUP
23. Indianapolis
24. Charleston
25. Miles

Lindy’s Pre-Season Top 25
1. Valdosta State
2. West Texas A&M
3. Northwest Missouri State
4. Minnesota State-Mankato
5. Shippensburg
6. Winston-Salem State
7. Indiana
8. Colorado State-Pueblo
9. Henderson State
10. Bloomsburg
11. New Haven
12. Missouri Western State
13. Indianapolis
14. Chadron State
15. Midwestern State
16. Winona State
17. Ashland
18. Harding
19. West Alabama
20. Lenoir-Rhyne
21. Saginaw Valley State
22. Grand Valley State
23. Tuskegee
24. Pittsburg State
25. Minnesota-Duluth

THE SPORTING NEWS
PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM
QB Zach Zulli, Shipp
RB Franklyn Quiteh (Tobyhanna/Pocono Mountain West), Bloomsburg
RB Isaiah Whitaker, Lenoir-Rhyne
OL Brian Clarke (Hanover/Hanover), Bloomsburg
OL Matt Armstrong, Grand Valley
OL Andrew Sussman, Mankato
OL Tino Tuilata, Midwestern
OL Taylor Burnette, West Alabama
TE Reggie Jordan, MWSU
WR Jeff Janis, SVSU
WR Gerald Ford, Valdosta State
K Blake Barnes, Tarleton St

DL Ethan Westbrooks, WTAMU
DL BJ Stevens, Cal PA
DL Zach Moore, Concordia
DL Jake Metz, Shipp
LB Leron Furr, FVSU
LB Ronell Williams, West Chester
LB Nate Dreiling, Pitt St
DB Jack Moro, St. Cloud
DB CJ Roberts, CSU-Pueblo
DB Brandon Dixon, Northwest Missouri
DB Dexter Moody, Albany St
P Kyle Goodburn, Northwest Missouri

— MWSU Sports Information —

Four Missouri Western women’s golfers have earned scholar honors from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. Amber Chivington (Elementary Education), Cassie Wilson (Accounting), Natalie Bird (Recreation Sports Management) and Shelby Stone (Nursing) have been named to the Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Division II Team as announced Monday afternoon.

These four are just two of 644 golfers nationwide at all levels to receive the recognition. The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50.

Chivington (St. Joseph, Mo.) and Wilson (Hermantown, Minn.) just completed their freshman seasons at MWSU while Stone (St. Paul, Neb.) will be a senior this fall at MWSU.

Bird, a Carl Junction, Mo. native, just complete her career as a Griffon. She leaves MWSU as the most decorated golfer to got through the program. She became the Griffons first ever player to earn a bearth to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament, which was held in St. Joseph, Mo.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western women’s basketball coach Rob Edmisson announced the signing of one more student athlete to a National Letter of Intent for the 2013-2014 season. The Griffons welcome junior college transfer Quenisha Lockett of Tuscaloosa, Ala. to next year’s squad.

Lockett, a 6-1 post, transfers to MWSU from Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. She played her high school basketball at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa.

While at Shelton State she earned her the Most Outstanding Defensive awards along with the Most Outstanding Offensive Player. She helped her team to a 33-1 overall record a season ago while going 21-0 in conference play.

Lockett played in 19 games with two starts averaging 6.1 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game. She shot 57.8-percent from the field making 48-of-83 field goal attempts. She collected 37 offensive rebounds and 50 defensive rebounds on the season. She plans on majoring in kinesiology at Missouri Western.

“We are excited to have a player that comes from a tremendously successful program,” stated Head Coach Rob Edmisson. “Quenisha is a transfer player who brings us needed size and strength. We are excited to have her join the Griffon family.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western senior quarterback Travis Partridge has been named Second Team All-America by Beyond Sports Network which was released Thursday afternoon.

Partridge had an outstanding junior campaign helping the Griffons to their first MIAA Regular Season Championship and into the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Playoffs.

Partridge started all 14 games while throwing for 2,706 yards and 30 touchdowns. He threw for four touchdowns in three different games (Nebraska-Kearney, Northeastern State and Pittsburg State) while leading the Griffons to a single season record for wins with 12.

He rushed for an MWSU single season record 18 touchdowns while being named First Team All-MIAA and MIAA Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Northwest Missouri State.

— MWSU Sports Information —