After a legendary head coaching career spanning 38 years, including 25 years at Missouri Western, Tom Smith has announced his retirement as Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Smith’s retirement will be effective following the 2012-2013 season.

Smith became the third head coach in Griffon Basketball history in April of 1988 coming to St. Joseph from Division I Valparaiso.  He quickly resurrected the winning tradition for Griffon Basketball as he led the Griffons to the finals of the District 16 playoffs in his first year at the helm which was MWSU’s final year of NAIA membership.  The following year, Griffon Basketball became a player on the NCAA national scene as in the first year of Division II membership; the Griffons won the MIAA Regular Season and Post Season Championships and advanced to their first NCAA National Tournament.

Smith’s style of coaching has consistently kept the Griffons among the top members of the MIAA and NCAA teams.  Smith’s teams have always been up-tempo, high-energy and full of talent throughout his years at Missouri Western. Smith has coached the Griffons to 11 NCAA Division II National Tournaments, five MIAA Regular Season Championships and four MIAA Postseason Tournament Titles. Smith has also been named the MIAA’s Coach of the Year twice during his tenure at Missouri Western and three times overall (once at UCM).

Smith has brought a number of talented players to St. Joseph throughout his career, including the MIAA’s Most Valuable Player, Lamont Turner during the 2001-02 season and the MIAA Postseason Tournament Most Valuable Player, Damon Bailey, during the 2002-03 season. Smith has also coached three All-America selections including Turner in 2002 along with Mike Cornelious (1990-91) and Darrol Wright (1994-95).  In all, Smith has coached 49 All-MIAA selections at MWSU (13 first team selections) and six All-Region/District selections.

‘”Tom has not only been an extremely knowledgeable coach, but he has been a much-loved father figure to literally hundreds of our basketball players over the past quarter of a century,” commented President Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian.

With the Griffons 81-63 victory at Emporia State on January 21, 1998, Smith became the all-time leader in wins in MWSU history surpassing legendary coach Gary Filbert’s previous mark.

Equally as impressive, Smith is the winningest basketball coach in MIAA history with 528 wins and in 37 seasons as a collegiate head coach at three different schools, Smith has compiled a 612-448 record, a .579 winning percentage that ranks him 3rd among active coaches at the Division II level.

“Tom Smith is a legend in the world of basketball coaches. He has meant so much to Missouri Western and the community of St. Joseph,” said Director of Athletics, Kurt McGuffin. “He will always be a teacher first. His positive relationships with former and current players proves he has coached for many years for the right reasons and in the right way. We are truly blessed to have him at Missouri Western for 25 years and thank him for so many memories.”

Smith coached his 1,000 career game on March 13, 2010 as the Griffons took on Central Missouri in the NCAA South Central Regional.

While the milestones and accomplishments over the years have been plentiful, maybe the most impressive came last season as he reached a pinnacle victory for collegiate coaches as he became just the 60th collegiate coach all-time to win 600 career games with the Griffon victory in the fieldhouse over Fontbonne on November 13, 2011.

“The best thing after 45 years of coaching is all the friendships and relationships I have built in the St. Joseph community and the coaching world with very few being enemies,” stated Head Coach Tom Smith.

Smith is a member of three Hall of Fame’s including; the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, the Valparaiso Athletics Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006 as an individual and as part of his 1989-90 team that was inducted in 2011.

Prior to coming to Missouri Western, Smith spent eight seasons as head coach at Valparaiso (Ind.) University.  Prior to that he spent his first head coaching stint at The University of Central Missouri from 1975-80 where he held a mark of 86-46 in five seasons. His 1979-80 team compiled a 26-2 record, and was the top-ranked team in the Division II poll for nine weeks. Smith received Coach of the Year honors in NCAA District V and the MIAA that season.

SMITH’S TEAMS BY THE NUMBERS AT MWSU

MIAA REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS
1989, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2002

MIAA POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS
1990, 1995, 1998, 2003

NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2010

20+ WIN SEASONS
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003

MWSU MILESTONE VICTORIES UNDER SMITH

11/1988 – 1st career win at MWSU – MWSU 88 Park 55
1/1990 – Smith wins his 200th career game – MWSU 74 at Washburn 70
3/1990 – 1st MIAA Tournament Championship – MWSU 66 Central Missouri 63
3/1990 – 1st NCAA Tournament Victory – MWSU 73 West Texas A & M 71
11/1994 – Smith wins his 300th career game – MWSU 97 Evangel 69
3/3/1995 – 2nd MIAA Tournament Championship – MWSU 66 Washburn 58
2/18/1998 – Smith becomes all-time wins leader – MWSU 81 at Emporia St. 52
2/28/1998 – 3rd MIAA Tournament Championship – MWSU 65 Northwest Missouri St. 52
1/30/1999 – Smith wins his 400th career game – MWSU 66 at Truman State 42
3/9/2003 – 4th MIAA Tournament Championship in the inaugural MIAA Tournament in Kansas City – MWSU 75 Washburn 65
2/7/2004 – Smith wins his 500th career game – MWSU 85 Southwest Baptist 57
11/13/2011 – Smith wins his 600th career game – MWSU 69 Fontbonne 55

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western football season ended Saturday afternoon in the Super Region 3 final falling 17-10 against the Minnesota State Mavericks. The Griffons end the season with a 12-2 overall record which is a single season best for victories.

The Griffons forced a 3-and-out on the opening drive of the game, and then proceeded down field on their first drive. Two big runs by Michael Hill pushed the Griffons into Mavericks’ territory, and the Griffons came away with a field goal to go up 3-0 with 9:28 in the first quarter.

The Mavericks answered with a 12 play drive that ended at the 9-yard line, as quarterback Jon Wolfe threw an incomplete pass. Minnesota State came away with a 26-yard field goal to tie the game at 3.

Both teams stalled out drives until midway through the second quarter, when Mavericks’ Connor Thomas busted out a 52-yard run to take their drive deep into Missouri Western’s territory. Two plays later, Thomas dusted out a 20-yard touchdown to give Mankato a 10-3 lead, which it took into halftime.

The Griffons struck back in the second half, as Travis Partridge, who finished the game with 160 yards passing and 29 rushing, faked Mankato’s defense out on a 34-yard touchdown run. Partridge faked inside and scampered to the right down the sideline and stayed inbounds for the big score to tie the game at 10 with just more than 13 minutes to play in the third quarter.

Both teams’ defenses stepped up from there, as both teams forced a turnover. The Griffons interception came early in the fourth quarter as Stephen Juergens picked off Wolf and took it down to the 47-yard line. But the Griffons went 3-and-out and gave Mankato the ball back with enough time for a game-winning drive.

The Mavericks took it 10 plays, 80 yards in 4:54 to grab a 17-10 lead. The Griffons couldn’t score on the next drive, and the Mavericks came away with a 17-10 win.

Hill finished the game with 50 yards rushing. Hill has a chance to win the Harlon Hill award for his career year he had in 2012. The senior is one of three finalists that will go to Florence, Ala. for the award ceremony. Juergens had 11 tackles with the one interception in his efforts to keep the Griffons’ season alive. David Bass finished his final game in a Griffons’ uniform with one sack and six and a half tackles.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western held off a strong second-half effort by Illinois-Springfield to win 61-50 Saturday night at MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons improve to 4-2 on the season and begin MIAA play this coming week.

The Griffons jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the first half after Adarius Fulton knocked down a 3-pointer. Illinois-Springfield crept back into the game and took a slim, one-point lead at the 9:18 minute mark in the first half.

Illinois-Springfield’s Jamall Millison hit a three to take a 16-15 lead, but the Griffons led from there. Fulton finished the first half with seven points and Cedric Clinkscales put in six with four rebounds to give the Griffons a 35-29 lead at the break.

The men took their biggest lead of the game at 16 after Alfreeman Flowers hit two free throws to make it 54-38 with 7:55 to play in the game.  The game became closer as it continued, however, and Illinois-Springfield pulled it to 55-50 with just less than three minutes to play. The Griffons used a 6-0 run down the stretch coming away with the 11 point victory.

Alex Tuluka-Mfumupembe finished with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting as the Griffons made 23-of-56 field goals and 5-of-16 three point shots.

The Prairie Stars finished shooting 38.9-percent (21-54) from the field and making just 3-of-18 long range shots. Dylan Sparkman, Kevin Pettiford and Jamall Millison all had eight points for UIS. They fall to 2-5 with the defeat.

The Griffons return to action on Wednesday, December 5 when they host the Truman State Bulldogs in the MIAA opener. Tip time is set for 7:30 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western wrapped up its nonconference portion of its schedule with a close, 67-63 win against Rockhurst Saturday night at MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons turned 14 Rockhurst turnovers into 18 first half points helping MWSU to the 36-33 halftime lead. The Griffons jumped out to a 19-10 lead after a Lanicia Lawrence layup with 12:23 to play. The next few minutes belonged to the Hawks using a 15-1 run to claim the 25-20 lead after a free throw by Melanie Siscos.

The Griffons regrouped the rest of the half using a 16-8 run helping them claim the three point halftime lead. The Griffons were led by Jallisa Lewis with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting while Alicia Bell had three of the Griffons eight steals. MWSU 7-of-12 free throws and 3-of-10 long range shots in the first frame.

The Hawks were led by Siscos with 10 points going 4-for-5 from the field. The Hawks out-rebounded the Griffons 20-to-17 and made all five of its free throws.

In the second half, both teams played even throughout. Rockhurst had a chance to take the lead with the score at 57-56 but missed on a 1-and-1 from the free-throw line.

Sharniece Lewis nailed a 3-pointer with 4:15 to play to make it 60-56. Missouri Western eventually had a lead 63-60 lead with 40 seconds to play when Jallisa Lewis recorded an offensive rebound and put in a layup to take a 5-point lead. The Griffons finished with a 67-63 victory.

Missouri Western finished with seven 3s, including three from Sharniece Lewis, who finished with 11 points. Her sister Jallisa had a team-high 16. Heather Howard finished with a double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Griffons start conference play Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. against Truman State. The two teams have played once this season in a nonconference game, in which the Bulldogs pulled out 67-65.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western senior running back Michael Hill has been named one of three finalist for the 2012 Harlon Hill Award as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. The winner will be announced on Dec. 14 at the Division II Football Hall of Fame Banquet prior to the NCAA Division II Championship game the following day.

Hill has started all 13 games for the Griffons rushing for over 100 yards in 12 of the 13 games which includes rushing for over 150 yards eight time and 200 twice this season. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-MIAA as well as Daktronics Super Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team Daktronics Super Region 3 running back. He rushed for a career high 259 yards and three  touchdowns in a victory over Washburn earlier this season and has helped the Griffons win six straight games over top-25 opponents which includes four in the  top 10. He helped the Griffons open up the season 6-0 for the first time ever under Head Coach Jerry Partridge and the first time since 1981. He helped the  Griffons win four road games against teams that were ranked in the top-25 which included against #7 Pittsburg STate (63-14), #15 Emporia State (57-28), #4 NW Missouri State (21-20) and #6 Henderson State (45-21). The Griffons have won nine or more games in a season for the seventh time in 10 years. Hill rushed for a career long 92 yard touchdown against William Jewell College and has had a rush of over 20 yards or more in 11 of the Griffons 13 gamess. Against ESU he had  183 yards in the first half and has rushed for over 180 yards six times and and has had over 200 all-purpose yards five times. He has helped lead the Griffons  to a school-record 12 wins picking up their first playoff win in school history in a 57-55 win over Minnesota-Duluth in Spratt Stadium on Nov. 17. Hill has rushed for a school record 2,118 yards this season and is only the 7th player in MIAA History to go over 2,000 yards in a season.

For his career, Hill has played in 49 games with 29 starts at running back for the Griffons and holds career records for rushing yards (4,919), all-purpose yards (5,783), most carries (913), most rushing touchdowns (35) and most 100-yard rushing games (20). He holds the Griffons single season record for most points scored (114), most touchdowns scored (19), tied for the most rushing attempts (296), most yards gained rushing (2,118), highest average per carry (7.2), highest rushing average per game (162.3), most 100-yard rushing games (12) and most all-purpose yards (2,320). He is close to breaking the career mark for most points in a career (278 – he has 264) and career touchdowns scored (46 – he has 44). He is close to breaking the single season mark for rushing touchdowns in a season (17 – he has 16). Currently Hill is 6th all-time in career rushing in the MIAA (4,919) and 6th in MIAA single season rushing with (2,118).

Hill has helped the Griffons break the school record for highest average per rush in a game averaging 9.7 against William Jewell which broke the old mark of 7.8…has helped the Griffons average 278.4 yards per game which would be a team record…the old record is 269.5 which was set in 1989…has helped the Griffon offense set records for Most Points Scored (572), Highest Scoring Average (44.0), Most Touchdown Scored (77), Most First Downs (305), Most Yards Gained (6,177), Most Yards Total Offense Per Game (475.2), Most Yards Gained Rushing (3,911), Most Rushing Yards Net (3,619), Most Rushing Yards Gained Per Game (278.4), Highest Rushing Average Per Carry (6.3) and Highest Completion Percentage in a Season (66-percent)….the Griffons have won nine or more games in seven of the last 10 seasons…the 12 victories is a single season record…helped the Griffons to three NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances and a Mineral Water Bowl appearance.

Hill is the first Griffon to be in the top-3 for the Harlon Hill. In 1995 John Fisher (RB) was in the top 8 and finished 7th in the voting. Tarren Adams (WR) and Drew Newhart (QB) were candidates in 1992 and 2009 respectively.

The Griffons will play in the Super Region 3 Final on Saturday, December 1 in Mankato, Minn. against the Minnestoa State-Mankato Mavericks. Game time is set for 12:00 pm.

Release from the Harlon Hill Committee

HILL, QUITEH AND ZULLI INVITED TO 2012 HARLON HILL BANQUET
AS TOP THREE FINISHERS

FLORENCE, Ala. —  The voting has concluded for the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year Award, and while the results of that voting won’t be announced until December 14, three players have received invitations to attend the 27th Annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet for the naming of the top player in Division II.

Senior running back Michael Hill of Missouri Western State University, junior running back Franklyn Quiteh of Bloomsburg University (Pa.) and junior quarterback Zach Zulli of Shippensburg University (Pa.) have emerged as the top three vote-getters from a field of eight finalists in voting by the sports information directors at the 169 schools that compete in Division II football.

The Hill Trophy is sponsored by the City of Florence, Ala.,  Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, Opti-Net, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa  and Herff Jones.

Candidates for the 2012 Hill Trophy were nominated by the sports information directors at their respective schools and those nominations were then reviewed by the Hill Regional Advisory Committees, which trimmed the list of candidates.

National voting concluded on  November 29  and  the  top three finishers are invited to the Shoals for the presentation banquet. The winner of the 2012 award, which is presented by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, will be announced at the Harlon Hill Trophy and  Division II Football Hall of Fame  Banquet on Friday, December 14 in Florence, prior to the NCAA Division II Football Championship Game on Dec. 15. The banquet will include the induction of two of the division’s all-time greats into the Division II Football Hall of Fame as former Kutztown University linebacker John Mobley and former Fort Valley State University (Ga.) defensive back Tyrone Poole comprise the Hall’s Class of 2012. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight and can be purchased by calling Judy Keenum at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce at (256) 764-4661.

Hill, from St. Joseph, Mo., is the 2012 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Offensive Player of the Year after helping lead Missouri Western to a 12-1 record, an MIAA championship and into the quarterfinal of the Division II playoffs where the Griffons face Minnesota State-Mankato Saturday. Hill has carried the ball 282 times this season for 2,065 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averages 7.32 yards per carry and 176.75 yards per game. He currently ranks second in Division II in rushing, fifth in all-purpose yards (188.92) and 15th in scoring (9.50). He rushed for at least 116 yards in all 12 games that he played in this season

Quiteh, from Tobyhanna, Pa., leads Division II in rushing this season with an average of 176.8 yards per game. He has carried the ball 287 times for 2,121 yards and 24 touchdowns and has averaged 7.4 yards per carry. He rushed for more than 100 yards in every game in 2012 and has a current streak of 17 straight games with 100 yards or more. He rushed for more than 200 yards four times this season and his career numbers stand at 5,328 yards rushing with 58 touchdowns. A first-team All-PSAC selection for the third straight year, Quiteh helped lead Bloomsburg to a 10-2 record this fall and into the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Zulli, from Schwenksville, Pa., is the 2012 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division Offensive Player of the Year and led Shippensburg to an 11-2 record and to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. He set NCAA Division II record for points responsible for in a season (336) and touchdowns responsible for in a season (56). He also tied a Division II record with 54 touchdown passes. He threw for 4,747 yards and 54 touchdowns while completing 62.8 percent of his passes and throwing just 10 interceptions in 544 pass attempts this season. He leads Division II in points responsible for with 344 or 26.46 points per game. He ranks fourth in Division II in passing yards per game (365.15), third in total offense (382.38), fifth in pass efficiency (165.25) and ninth in completions per game (26.31)

Other finalists for the 2012 award were senior wide receiver Chris Bowden of Wingate University (N.C.), senior quarterback Taylor Housewright  of Ashland University (Ohio), sophomore quarterback Kevin Rodgers of Henderson State University (Ark.),  junior quarterback Dustin Vaughan of West Texas A&M University. and senior tailback Derrick Washington of Tuskegee University (Ala.).

* * *

The initial Harlon Hill Trophy was won by North Dakota State quarterback Jeff Bentrim in 1986, followed  by  Texas A&M-Kingsville runningback Johnny Bailey – in 1987, 1988 and 1989.

Another North Dakota State quarterback, Chris Simdorn, claimed the 1990 award, followed by Pittsburg State receiver Ronnie West in 1991, Pittsburg State running back Ronald Moore in 1992, New Haven running back Roger  Graham in 1993 and Valdosta State University quarterback Chris Hatcher in 1994. North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon became the first defensive player to win the award when he claimed the Hill Trophy in 1995.

Truman State University running back Jarrett Anderson won the 1996 award and Bloomsburg University running back Irvin Sigler claimed the Hill Trophy in 1997 award. Running back Brian Shay of Emporia State won in 1998, followed by Northern Colorado quarterback Corte McGuffey in 1999 and Valdosta State quarterback Dusty Bonner in 2000 and 2001, and Grand Valley State quarterback Curt Anes in 2002.  The 2003 trophy was awarded to North Alabama quarterback Will Hall, and Chad Friehauf of the Colorado School of Mines won the 2004 award. East Stroudsburg’s Jimmy Terwilliger claimed the 2005 Hill Trophy as a junior and Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead won the 2006 and 2007 Hill Trophies to become just the third two-time winner. Running back Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian won the 2008 Hill Trophy, followed by running back Joique Bell of Wayne State (Mich.) in 2009, Central Missouri quarterback Eric Czerniewski in 2010 and Mars Hill running back Jonas Randolph in 2011.

2012 Harlon Hill Trophy Top Three

(alphabetical order)
Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
Michael Hill RB 5-11 205 SR Missouri Western State St. Joseph, Mo.
Franklyn Quiteh RB 5-10 203 JR Bloomsburg Tobyhanna, Pa.
Zach Zulli QB 6-2 188 JR Shippensburg Schwenksville, Pa.

Other 2012 Harlon Hill Trophy Finalists
Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
Chris Bowden WR 6-3 215 SR Wingate Forsyth, Ga.
Taylor Housewright QB 6-2 215 SR Ashland Ashland, Ohio
Kevin Rodgers QB 6-3 215 SO Henderson State Rockwall, Texas
Dustin Vaughan QB 6-5 220 JR West Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Texas
Derrick Washington TB 6-0 215 SR Tuskegee Raymore, Mo.

* Final rankings for all finalists will not be released until the Harlon Hill Trophy Banquet on Dec. 14, 2012.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western football team placed six players on the Daktronics Super Region Four teams which was released Wednesday morning by the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America. Senior running back Michael Hill was a First Team selection as well as the Offensive Player of the Year while senior offensive lineman Macon Allan and Colt Schulte were also first team selections. On the defensive side of the ball David Bass was a first team selection for the second time in his career. Junior quarterback Travis Partridge and senior defensive end Ben Pister were second team selections.

Hill has started all 13 games for the Griffons rushing for over 100 yards in 12 of the 13 games which includes rushing for over 150 yards eight time and 200 twice this season. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-MIAA. He was an Daktronics All-Region second team selection in 2011. He rushed for a career high 259 yards and three  touchdowns in a victory over Washburn earlier this season and has helped the Griffons win six straight games over top-25 opponents which includes four in the  top 10. He helped the Griffons open up the season 6-0 for the first time ever under Head Coach Jerry Partridge and the first time since 1981. He helped the  Griffons win four road games against teams that were ranked in the top-25 which included against #7 Pittsburg STate (63-14), #15 Emporia State (57-28), #4 NW Missouri State (21-20) and #6 Henderson State (45-21). The Griffons have won nine or more games in a season for the seventh time in 10 years. Hill rushed for a career long 92 yard touchdown against William Jewell College and has had a rush of over 20 yards or more in 11 of the Griffons 13 gamess. Against ESU he had  183 yards in the first half and has rushed for over 180 yards six times and and has had over 200 all-purpose yards five times. He has helped lead the Griffons  to a school-record 12 wins picking up their first playoff win in school history in a 57-55 win over Minnesota-Duluth in Spratt Stadium on Nov. 17. Hill has rushed for a school record 2,118 yards this season and is only the 7th player in MIAA History to go over 2,000 yardsin a season.

For his career, Hill has played in 49 games with 29 starts at running back for the Griffons and holds career records for rushing yards (4,919), all-purpose yards (5,783), most carries (913), most rushing touchdowns (35) and most 100-yard rushing games (20). He holds the Griffons single season record for most points scored (114), most touchdowns scored (19), tied for the most rushing attempts (296), most yards gained rushing (2,118), highest average per carry (7.2), highest rushing average per game (162.3), most 100-yard rushing games (12) and most all-purpose yards (2,320). He is close to breaking the career mark for most points in a career (278 – he has 264) and career touchdowns scored (46 – he has 44). He is close to breaking the single season mark for rushing touchdowns in a season (17 – he has 16). Currently Hill is 6th all-time in career rushing in the MIAA (4,919) and 6th in MIAA single season rushing with (2,118).

For the first time in his career senior offensive lineman Macon Allan has been named to the first team. Allan was an  All-MIAA First Team selection for the second time in his career this season. He continues to be arguably being one of the best offensive linemen to wear a Griffon uniform. The senior has started every game this year, adding to his streak of 49 consecutive starts for Missouri Western, Allan solidified the right tackle position for both Hill and Partridge to become the best rushing attack in the MIAA, securing 3,619 yards and 43 TDs. Allan has helped the Griffons rush for an average of 278.4 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry which are both team records in a season.

Griffon senior offensive tackle Colt Schulte has started all 13 games this year for the Griffons. The left tackle covered Partridge throughout the season, and secured the left side. He has played in 47 games in his career for the Griffons. Schulte helped the Griffons give up just 21 sacks on the season and helped the Griffon offense break numerous records. He was an Second Team All-MIAA selection this season and Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection in 2011.

The Griffon offense set records for Most Points Scored (572), Highest Scoring Average (44.0), Most Touchdown Scored (77), Most First Downs (305), Most Yards Gained (6,177), Most Yards Total Offense Per Game (475.2), Most Yards Gained Rushing (3,911), Most Rushing Yards Net (3,619), Most Rushing Yards Gained Per Game (278.4), Highest Average Rushing Yards Per Carry in a Game (9.7 vs. William Jewell), Highest Rushing Average Per Carry (6.3) and Highest Completion Percentage in a Season (66-percent).

For the second time in his career senior defensive end David Bass has been named to the Daktronics All-Region First Team. He was also selected to the All-MIAA First Team for the second time in his career. Bass set the record for career sacks at Missouri Western, and has since added onto it, recording 10.5 sacks this year. He has 39.5 sacks in his career. Bass set the record for most tackles for a loss in a career. He has 12.5 on the season and 52.5 in his career. The senior has recorded 53 tackles, and has two interceptions – one for a touchdown – and a forced fumble as well as a fumble recovery. Bass had a solid day against Pittsburg State down in the Jungle on Oct. 20, 2012, as he recorded five tackles, 2 ½ sacks and scored a touchdown that helped set the tone in the Griffons dominating performance to end the regular season. In the Griffons opening round playoff victory over Minnesota-Duluth Bass tied his career high with 11 tackles. He also had a sack and a quarterback hurry.

Senior defensive end Ben Pister earned Daktronics Super Region 3 Second Team for the first time in his career. He was selected to the First Team All-MIAA for the first time in his career. He was a Second Team All-MIAA selection a season ago. Pister has had his best season as a Griffon in 2012 starting all 13 games. Pister has 56 tackles on the season which includes a single season record 22.5 tackles for a loss. He broke the record of 20 which was set by his counterpart, Bass a season ago. He has eight sacks and 10 quarterback hurries this year. He was also very crafty on the D-Line when he didn’t go after the quarterback, as he garnered five pass breakups this season.

Junior quarterback Travis Partridge has had his best season as a Griffon. He was named to the All-MIAA First Team for the first time in his career. He was an Honorable Mention selection in 2011. This is his first time earning All-Region honors. Partridge has completed an astonishing 66-percent (205-311) of his passing attempts. He has also helped the Griffons win six straight games against ranked opponents which included four road games. He also guided the Griffons to their first ever outright MIAA Regular season title and to the Griffons first ever playoff victory. During the year, Partridge threw a league-leading 30 touchdowns which is two shy of the MWSU single season record and has rushed for 17 touchdowns which ties the MWSU single season record. He has an outstanding passing efficiency at 160.7.  For his efforts against Northwest Missouri State he was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, November 12.

The Griffons will play in the Super Region 3 Final on Saturday, December 1 in Mankato, Minn. against the Minnesota-State University Mavericks. Game time is set for 12:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —

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 —