The Missouri Western State University football team had three players named to the 2012 USA Football News Division II Pre-Season All-Americans which was released Monday morning.

The three Griffons consist of one defensive player, one offensive player and a special teamer. Senior defensive end David Bass (St. Louis, Mo./University City HS) and junior punter Scott Groner (Tecoma, Victoria (Australia)/Blackburn HS)) were named to the first team while senior offensive lineman Macon Allan (King City, Mo./King City HS) was named to the third team.

This marks the third preseason All-America honor for Bass who was named first team All-America by Lindy’s Magazine back on June 14 and first team All-American by Beyond Sports Network on June 26. This is Allan’s third All-America honor as he was named first team All-America by Lindy’s Magazine and and second team by Beyond Sports Network. This marks Groner’s second honor as he was named first team by Beyond Sports Netwrok.

Last season Bass was named to numerous all-america teams which included first team honors from D2Football.com, Don Hansen Football Gazette, AP “Little” All-American and Beyond Sports College Network. His 20 tackles for a loss set a school record for most in a season while his 14.5 sacks led the MIAA and left him one-half sack short of the Griffons single season record. He has 28.5 sacks in his career which is 1.5 short of the school record. He tied a single game high with four sacks in a game twice and was fourth in the nation in sacks per game at 1.21. He earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors twice and was the D2Football.com Player of the Week once.

He finished the season with 55 tackles with 35 being solo. He had eight quarterback hurries, four pass break-ups and one forced fumble. He was named first team all-MIAA for the first time in his career last season.

In his first season of college football Groner had an outstanding season. He played in all 12 games punting the ball 50 times for 2,193 yards. His 43.9 yards per punt average set a single season record. Thirteen of his punts went for 50 or more yards while he dropped 17 inside the 20. He was an honorable mention all-MIAA selection as well as a Don Hansen second team all-American. He was also named Beyond Sports College Network’s Punter of the Week on November 23, 2011 as well an honorable mention all-America selection by Beyond Sports College Network.

Allan has been a rock on the offensive line since he got to Western. He has started all 36 games in his three years of playing. Last season he was first team all-MIAA for the first time in his career. He was also named to the Don Hansen Honorable Metion all-America team as well as the Don Hansen second team all-Region. He helped the Griffons rush for 240 yards per game and almost six yards per carry in 2011.

The Griffons finished 9-3 last season, which tied them for the most wins in a season. They have won nine games in six of the last nine seasons. They have also had a winning record in 11 of 15 seasons under head coach Jerry Partridge. The Griffons return a total of 17 starters on offense and defense next season, including 10 of 11 on offense and seven of 11 on defense.

Western opens up their 2012 season on Thursday, August 30 against MIAA opponent University of Central Missouri at 6:00 pm in St. Joseph, Mo.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s soccer team has been picked to finish 13th in the 2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll the league announced today.

The Griffons, under second-year coach Chad Edwards, finished ninth a season ago in the MIAA and return six starters and 14 letter winners from a season ago.

Last years, MIAA champion Central Missouri tops the poll taking 12 of the possible 13 first place votes with 144 points. Newcomer, Central Oklahoma did not receive a first place vote, but came in #2 in the poll with 133 points.

Truman State earned the other first place vote coming in 3rd in the poll with 125 points. Northwest Missouri State came in 4th with 96 points just two points ahead of 5th place Missouri Southern (94). Northeastern State and Fort Hays State round out the top seven with 77 and 74 points respectively.

The Bearcats from Southwest Baptist came in 8th with 58 points just one point ahead of 9th place Nebraska-Kearney. Lindendwood, Emporia State and Washburn finished 10th, 11th and 12th with 50, 46 and 37 points respectively.

The soccer team reports to camp on Sunday, August 12 and will have their first practice at 6:10 am in Spratt Stadium on Monday, August 13. The Griffons will play an Alumnae Game on August 25 at 6:00 pm and will open up play hosting the GAC/MIAA Challenge on August 31-September 2. Western will take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University to open up the season on Friday, August 31 at 7:30 pm and will take on East Central University on Sunday, September 2 at 2:30 pm.

2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (12) 144
2. Central Oklahoma 130
3. Truman (1) 125
4. Northwest Missouri 96
5. Missouri Southern 94
6. Northeastern State 77
7. Fort Hays State 74
8. Southwest Baptist 58
9. Nebraska-Kearney 57
10. Lindenwood 50
11. Emporia State 46
12. Washburn 37
13. Missouri Western 26

— MWSU Sports Information —

 The Missouri Western football team was tabbed third in both the MIAA preseason Coaches and Media Poll which were announced Monday at the annual football luncheon at the Kansas City Marriot Hotel.

Missouri Western received 165 points and one first place vote in the coaches poll trailing defending national champion Pittsburg State with 192 and 12 first place votes and Northwest Missouri with 184 and two first place votes.

In the media poll, the Griffons were also third receiving 456 points and one first place vote. Pittsburg State received 538 points and 24 first place votes while Northwest Missouri State received 11 first place votes and 524 points from the media members and league SID’s.

The fourth thru eight spots were the same in both polls with Washburn being fourth, Central Missouri fifth, newcomer Nebraska-Kearney sixth, Emporia State seventh and MIAA rookie Lindenwood eighth.

The #9 slot is where the polls show their first discrepancy as conference rookie Northeastern State, earned the spot in the coaches minds while Fort Hays State got the nod from the media. The #10 spot features Missouri Southern in the coaches’ poll while the RiverHawks of Northeastern State take the tenth spot in the media version.

In the media poll Missouri Southern is #11, Truman #12, Southwest Baptist #13, Central Oklahoma is #14 while Lincoln comes in at #15. In the coaches poll Fort Hays State comes in at #11, Central Oklahoma #12, Southwest Baptist #13, Truman State #14 and Lincoln rounding out the poll at #15.

The Griffons will report to camp on Wednesday, August 8 with their first outside workout on Thursday, August 9 at 8:00 pm. Western opens up the 2012 season at home against the University of Central Missouri on Thursday, August 30th at 6:00 pm in Spratt Stadium.

2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Pittsburg State (12) 192
2. Northwest Missouri (2) 184
3. Missouri Western (1) 165
4. Washburn 154
5. Central Missouri 153
6. Nebraska-Kearney 122
7. Emporia State 103
8. Lindenwood 95
9. Northeastern State 85
10. Missouri Southern 82
11. Fort Hays State 74
12. Central Oklahoma 54
13. Southwest Baptist 49
14. Truman State 43
15. Lincoln 18

2012 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Pittsburg State (24) 538
2. Northwest Missouri (11) 524
3. Missouri Western (1) 456
4. Washburn 447
5. Central Missouri 393
6. Nebraska-Kearney 390
7. Emporia State 286
8. Lindenwood 268
9. Fort Hays State 241
10. Northeastern State 233
11. Missouri Southern 194
12. Truman State 155
13. Southwest Baptist 150
14. Central Oklahoma 121
15. Lincoln 42

— MWSU Sports Information —

Tickets for the 2012 Missouri Western State University Football season are on sale now.  Ticket prices for the upcoming year will remain the same as previous seasons.  General admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and senior citizens with children 6 and under being admitted free.  A limited number of chairback seats may be available per game for $15.

For a limited time, fans may purchase 4 general admission football season tickets for just $99 ($240 value).  A limited number of packages are available.

For the ninth consecutive season, Griffon Athletics is proud to provide two complimentary GA tickets to all active military with ID via our Stars & Stripes Programs

Also once again this season, all area youth may pick up a free ticket to any MWSU home football or basketball game at the St. Joseph Hy-Vee.

Griffon tickets are now available on-line at gogriffons.com or by calling 816-271-4481.

The 2012 season begins on Thursday, August 30th as the Griffons host Central Missouri at 6 PM.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western women’s basketball coach Rob Edmisson announced the signing of three more student athletes to the National Letter of Intent for the 2012-2013 season. The Griffons welcome junior college transfers Casey Sobaski of Brighton, Iowa (Kansas City Kansas CC), Lanicia Lawrence of St. Robert, Mo. (Hutchinson CC), and freshman Madeline Baillie of Winfield, Ill. (Wheaton North HS) to next year’s squad.

They join junior college transfers Tiffanie Abrams of Detroit, Mich. (Connors State College), JaQuitta Dever of Tulsa, Okla. (Seminole State College), sisters Sharniece Lewis of Warrensburg, Mo. (Highland CC) and Jallisa Lewis of Warrensburg, Mo. (State Fair CC) and four year transfer Heather Howard of Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Oklahoma State University) who signed back in May.

Sobaski, a 5-6, guard from Brighton, Iowa transfers to Missouri Western from Kansas City Kansas CC. She played her high school basketball at Washington HS. While at KCKCC she averaged 12 points per game, four assists, three steals per game and four rebounds per game. In high school she was a two time Southeast Conference Most Valuable Player and named third team all-State. She plans on majoring in elementary education at Missouri Western.

Lawrence, a 5-6, guard from St. Robert, Mo. transfers to Missouri Western from Hutchinson CC. Last season she helped her team to 36-1 overall record with their lone loss coming in the Junior College National Championships game. She started all 37 games averaging 3.92 points per game, 2.95 rebounds per game, 3.43 assists per game and 0.97 steals per game. She played her high school basketball at Waynesville HS. She plans on majoring in video and theatre at Missouri Western.

Baillie, a 5-8, guard from Winfield, Ill. comes to Missouri Western from Wheaton North HS. During her high school career she averaged 15 points per game, eight assists per game and five rebounds per game. She finished 5th in the Illinois three point contest. She plans on majoring in criminal justice at Missouri Western.

“We are very excited to add these three student-athletes to our program,” stated coach Edmisson. “We feel they each will contribute to the success of our rebuilding efforts. These young ladies are all from programs that have had success and we fell that will be a positive factor,” commented Edmisson.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western  baseball coach Charles “Buzz” Verduzco has announced the signing of three more players to the National Letter of Intent for the 2013 season. The Griffons welcome transfers Jerad Hawkins of Wathena, Kan. (Highland CC), Mark Spreckels of Olathe, Kan. (Kansas City Kansas CC) and Jeremy Monty of Colorado Springs, Colo. (Highland CC) to next year’s squad. The Griffons have signed five players this spring as Alexander Kuniyoshi of Shoreline, Wash. (Edmonds CC) and Tyler Smith of Lynnwood, Wash. (Edmonds CC) signed back in May.

Jerad Hawkins, a, 5-10 right handed pitcher transfers to Western from Highland Community College which is located in Highland, Kan. He played his high school baseball for Wathena high school in Wathena, Kan. He was a two year letter winner at Highland ending his home career by throwing a one hitter against Fort Scott which put Highland in the playoffs. In high school he was a first team all-Conference and honorable mention all-State selection. Hawkins plans on majoring in criminal justice at Western.

“Jared Hawkins will add a great deal of experience to our staff this coming season,” commented coach Verduzco. “He competes and understands the game in detail. Last season he had a lot of success against some of the top junior colleges in the region.”

Mark Spreckels, a, 6-1 pitcher transfers to Western from Kansas City Kansas Community College which is located in Kansas City, Kan.  He played his high school baseball at Olathe East high school in Olathe, Kan. His dad played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization and his brother played at Emporia State University. He is undecided on a major at Western.

“Mark is a hard throwing right hander who will step right in and have an immediate impact,” stated Verduzco. “He comes from a baseball background which adds to his overall knowledge of the game.”

Jeremy Monty, a, 5-10 outfielder transfers to Western from Highland Community College which is located in Highland, Kan. He is originally from Colorado Springs, Colo. where he played his high school baseball at Sand Creek. While at Highland he was a first team all-Conference and all-Region selection. Monty plans on majoring in sports management at Western.

“Jeremy is one of the top junior college offensive outfielders in the area,” said Verduzco. “His speed and hard nose play will be a huge asset to our offense.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western State University football team had five players named to the Beyond Sports College Network’s (BSN) 2012 Preseason All-America Team which was released earlier this week.

The five Griffons consist of two defensive players, three offensive players and a special teamer. Senior defensive end David Bass (St. Louis, Mo./University City HS) and junior punter Scott Groner (Tecoma, Victoria (Australia)/Blackburn HS)) were named to the first team while senior offensive lineman Macon Allan (King City, Mo./King City HS) was named to the second team. Senior running back Michael Hill (St. Joseph, Mo./Central HS) and senior strong saftey Shane Simpson (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South HS) were part of the honorable mention squad.

This marks the second preseason all-America honor for both Bass and Allan as they were named first team all-American’s by Lindy’s Magazine back on June 14.

Last season Bass was named to numerous all-america teams which included first team honors from D2Football.com, Don Hansen Football Gazette, AP “Little” All-American and Beyond Sports College Network. His 20 tackles for a loss set a school record for most in a season while his 14.5 sacks led the MIAA and left him one-half sack short of the Griffons single season record. He has 28.5 sacks in his career which is 1.5 short of the school record. He tied a single game high with four sacks in a game twice and was fourth in the nation in sacks per game at 1.21. He earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors twice and was the D2Football.com Player of the Week once.

He finished the season with 55 tackles with 35 being solo. He had eight quarterback hurries, four pass break-ups and one forced fumble. He was named first team all-MIAA for the first time in his career last season.

In his first season of college football Groner had an outstanding season. He played in all 12 games punting the ball 50 times for 2,193 yards. His 43.9 yards per punt average set a single season record. Thirteen of his punts went for 50 or more yards while he dropped 17 inside the 20. He was an honorable mention all-MIAA selection as well as a Don Hansen second team all-American. He was also named Beyond Sports College Network’s Punter of the Week on November 23, 2011 as well an honorable mention all-America selection by Beyond Sports College Network.

Allan has been a rock on the offensive line since he got to Western. He has started all 36 games in his three years of playing. Last season he was first team all-MIAA for the first time in his career. He was also named to the Don Hansen Honorable Metion all-America team as well as the Don Hansen second team all-Region. He helped the Griffons rush for 240 yards per game and almost six yards per carry in 2011.

Hill has been solid at the running back position as he enters 2012 just 595 yards away from breaking the MWSU career record and just 76 rushing attempts away from setting the Griffon career mark. Last season hill started all 12 games rushing for 1,305 yards on 265 carries which included rushing for over 100 yards five times. He had a career high 246 yards on 41 carries against Southwest Baptist on October 28, 2011. He also caught 31 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns averaging 130.2 all-purpose yards per game. He was a first team all-MIAA selection for the first time in his career and was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week on October 30 for his his performance against SBU. He was a second team Daktronics Super Region Four selection as well as second team Don Hansen all-Region, honorable mention Beyond Sports College Network all-American and honorable mention all-American by Don Hansen.

Simpson has been a leader in the secondary for the Griffons for the past two seasons. Last season he started all 12 games making 46 tackles with 20 being solo. He tied for the team lead with five interceptions. He also defended eight passes and had three pass break-ups. He had 127 return yards off his five interceptions which included a 55 yards interception return for a touchdown in the Griffons playoff game against Northwest Missouri State on NOvember 19, 2011. He was a first team all-MIAA selection for the first time in his career.

The Griffons finished 9-3 last season, which tied them for the most wins in a season. They have won nine games in six of the last nine seasons. They have also had a winning record in 11 of 15 seasons under head coach Jerry Partridge. The Griffons are set to return a total of 17 starters on offense and defense next season, including 10 of 11 on offense and seven of 11 on defense.

— MWSU Sports Information —