The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team moved to 5-0 on Thursday with a 7-2 victory at Ouachita Baptist at Rab Rogers Field in Arkadelphia, Ark.

– The Bearcats’ 5-0 record marks the best start to a season since 1973. The Tigers fall to 0-5 on the year with the loss

– Anthony Caenepeel picked up his second win of the year, striking out five in 7.0 innings of work. He allowed just one run on three hits, issuing two walks.

– Ozzie Adams drove in three runs, all coming on a bases loaded sixth inning double.

Key Northwest Statistics
– Northwest scored seven runs on eight hits with no errors. Ouachita Baptist scored two runs on four hits with two errors.

– The Bearcats scored one run in the fourth, four in the sixth and two in the seventh. The Tigers got single runs in the fifth and eighth innings.

– Landon Figg went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

– Luke Hassman went 1-for-2 on the day with a walk.

– Kevin Handzlik was 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk. He also had a sacrifice bunt in the fourth.

– James Holler was 1-for-3 on the day with a pair of walks and a run scored.

– Garrett Fort drew a walk and eventually came around to score in the sixth inning.

– Aaron Barratt hit a sacrifice fly, drew a walk and scored a run after entering the game in the sixth inning as a pinch runner.

– Jay Hrdlicka went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

– Matt Schingel was 1-for-2 on the day.

– Logan Rycraft drove in a run in the seventh inning and also drew a walk on the day.

– Caenepeel put the Tigers down in order in the third and then struck out the side in the fourth.

– Jacob Wagner got the final two outs of the eight inning. He recorded one strikeout.

– Jimmy McElwain worked a scoreless ninth inning, getting three straight pop outs to end the game.

Key Northwest Innings
– Holler led off the fourth with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Handzlik. Figg singled to center, putting runners on the corners. With two down, Hrdlicka reached on an error by the shortstop, allowing Holler to score to make it 1-0 Northwest.

– After Ouachita Baptist tied the game, 1-1, Northwest got four runs in the top of the sixth. Figg let off by getting hit by a pitch and went to second on a Hassman single. Barratt came in to run for Hassman. Hrdlicka loaded the bases with a single to center. Rycraft hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Figg. After a Fort walk loaded the bases, Adams hit a three-RBI double down the left field line to give the Bearcats a 5-1 lead.

– In the seventh, Handzlik walked to lead off and Figg doubled to center to put runners on second and third. Handzlik would score on a Barratt sacrifice fly to make it 6-1. After Hrdlicka was hit by a pitch, Rycraft lined out to center but Figg was able to come around to score on a throwing error by the center fielder.

Up Next
– The Bearcats will take on Henderson State on Friday at 3 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Ark., before facing Truman State on Saturday at noon.

— Northwest Athletics —

By David Boyce

MARYVILLE, Mo. – On a cold winter’s evening on Jan. 13, 2016, Northwest Missouri State traveled to venerable White Auditorium and suffered a seven-point loss to Emporia State.

It was a moment Emporia State players can tell the rest of the MIAA about what it felt like to beat the Bearcats. Since that time, no other conference team has walked off the court a winner against Northwest.

On Wednesday evening at Bearcat Arena, Emporia State became the latest victim to Northwest’s record-breaking reign in the MIAA. Despite a spirited effort from the Hornets, Northwest used defense and its team-oriented offense to come away with a 65-43 victory.

Before the game, Northwest coach Ben McCollum reminded his players what Emporia State did to the Bearcats over a year ago.

“I think coach Mac is really good at giving us motivation for each game,” said junior Chris-Ebou Ndow, who finished with 11 points. “When we are on a streak like we are, winning the amount of games that we are, it is easy to lose focus and lose motivation. But coach Mac does a good job of reminding us of important things like that.

“We were very aware that Emporia State was the last team to beat us, and we kind of wanted revenge for that.”

Northwest has now won 26 straight regular-season conference games, shattering the old MIAA mark of 19 set in 1931 by Northwest. The Bearcats, ranked No. 1 in the NABC top 25, improved to 22-0 overall and 14-0 in the MIAA.

The Bearcats were particularly impressive on defense, holding Emporia State to 28.6 shooting from the field.

“It really came down to our effort and intensity,” said senior D’Vante Mosby, who finished with 12 points. “Coach put it on us to compete like we know we can. It really came down to us getting stops and not thinking too much and just playing.”

The Hornets started well, scoring the first points of the game on a three-pointer from Tyler Jordan. Their last lead came at 9-8 on a three-pointer by Garin Vandiver.

Undaunted by a couple of long treys, the Bearcats hunkered down on defense and took off on offense. It started with a drive for a layup from senior Anthony Woods to put Northwest ahead for good at 10-9.

Justin Pitts followed with the first of several dazzling drives to the basket for a layup. And then the Bearcats tossed in a three-pointer from senior Zach Schneider. In a blink, Northwest bolted to a 15-9 lead.

Emporia State stayed within three to five points over the next couple of minutes until Northwest hit the Hornets with another spurt. Leading 16-13, freshman Ryan Welty pump faked on his patented baseline three-pointer, drove in and hit a five-foot floater.

The seed was now planted for Welty to get an open three on his next shot attempt. And the seed rapidly sprouted with a Welty trey that increased Northwest’s lead to 21-13.

The Hornets kept battling and prevented their deficit from hitting double-digits until fairly late in the first half. Northwest built on its 25-18 lead on a basket by Ndow.

A nifty pass from Mosby to Ndow led to another easy basket in the paint and Pitts followed that with another jaw-dropping drive for a layup. The six quick points in the paint increased the lead to 31-18.

The Bearcats put it in cruise control the rest of the half and went into halftime ahead 35-26. Emporia State was lucky it was down nine points. It could have been worse. Northwest shot 51.7 percent from the field and held the Hornets to 30.8 shooting.

Northwest needed only 4 minutes to start the second half to put the game away. Junior Brett Dougherty got the Bearcats off to a fast start. Dougherty scored in the paint and then provided an assist that led to an easy field goal from junior Xavier Kurth, making it 39-26.

After a basket from Emporia State, Pitts scored, followed by a basket by Dougherty and then the dagger three-pointer by Schneider, which pushed Northwest’s lead to 46-28. The 9-0 run concluded on a basket by Pitts, making it 48-28.

“It is our discipline,” Ndow said. “Sometimes people make runs on us. We never panic. We always stick to the game plan.

“Coming out in the second half, we knew we needed a boost. We knew that team could stick around if we didn’t make a jump on them. We came out in the second half and did a good job.”

Northwest kept hustling even with a commanding lead. It really showed with 12 minutes left and the Bearcats up 53-35. Off a missed Northwest free throw, Mosby battled for the rebound and got it, which brought applause from the crowd.

The Bearcats were never challenged the rest of the game. Northwest returns to action 3:30 p.m. Saturday in its first and only meeting of the season with Washburn. It will be the final time Bob Chipman coaches at Bearcat Arena. Chipman is retiring after 38 years as the head coach at Washburn.

“It is always enjoyable to play Washburn. They are well coached,” McCollum said. “Obviously, he has won a lot of games. It will be a challenge for us. It is exciting for us to coach against him one last time and hopefully play well.”

— Northwest Athletics —

The Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball team fell to No. 11 Emporia State, 86-48, on Wednesday evening at Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.

– The Bearcats fall to 8-13 overall and 3-11 in conference play. The Hornets improve to 20-3 overall and 11-3 in MIAA action.

– Arbrie Benson had a career-high 24 points. She also tallied a rebound, an assist and a blocked shot, going 10-of-20 from the field.

Key Northwest Statistics
– Jasmin Howe had 11 total points and four rebounds. She was 4-of-5 from the charity stripe.

– Tanya Meyer scored 10 points with a team-high seven rebounds. She had three blocked shots, tying her career high.

– Northwest shot 70.6 percent from the free throw line (12-of-17).

Up Next
– Northwest will host Washburn on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena.

— Northwest Athletics —

The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team improved to 4-0 on the year with a 6-3 victory over Arkansas Fort Smith, 6-3, on Tuesday afternoon at Crowder Field in Fort Smith, Ark.

– The Bearcats improve to 4-0 on the year while the Lions fall to 2-2.

– Northwest took the lead with a three-run sixth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie. Arkansas Fort Smith stranded 11 runners on base including three in the final two innings.

Key Northwest Statistics
– The Bearcats scored six runs on 11 hits with no errors. The Lions had three runs on 10 hits with one error.

– Northwest scored one in the fifth, three in the sixth and two in the eighth. Arkansas Fort Smith scored single runs in the fourth, sixth and eighth innings.

– Jay Hrdlicka went 2-for-4 with four RBI and a run scored. He hit an RBI triple in the fifth, a sacrifice fly in the sixth and a two-run homer in the eighth.

– Luke Hassman was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

– Ozzie Adams went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also was credited with a sacrifice bunt in the seventh inning.

– James Holler was 2-for-5 with a run scored

– Alixon Herrera was 1-for-5 with a run scored.

– Landon Figg was 1-for-3 with a run scored. He also drew a walk.

– Logan Rycraft went 1-for-4 on the day.

– Eddy Kraeber made his Bearcat debut with a 4.2 inning, one run performance. He allowed just six hits and struck out two. He did not walk a batter.

– Cole Otto entered the game with two down in the fifth. He was credited with his first victory in a Northwest jersey.

– Jimmy McElwain worked a perfect seventh inning on the hill. He got two ground outs and ended the frame with a swinging strikeout.

– Nikko Pablo got the final four outs of the game , recording a strikeout, a groundout and a pair of flyouts to center. It was his second save of the season.

Key Northwest Innings
– With one out in the fifth, Hassman singled to short and came around to score on Hrdlicka’s triple to right center, tying the game, 1-1.

– Adams led off the sixth with a single up the middle and reached second safely on a Herrerra fielder’s choice. Holler came through with a single through the right side. An error by the right fielder allowed Adams to score, prompting a pitching change. After Handzlik laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners up, Figg was intentionally walked to load the bases. Hassman came up with a single to center to score Herrera, making it 3-1. After another pitching change, Hrdlicka hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Holler to put Northwest up, 4-1.

– Figg hit a one out single in the eighth to center. After a strikeout for the second out, Hrdlicka hit his first home run of the year over the right field fence to make it 6-2 Bearcats.

Up Next
– Northwest will head to Arkadephia, Ark., for three games starting on Thursday. The Bearcats will play Ouachita Baptist on Thursday at 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. game at Henderson State on Friday. The weekend ends with a neutral site noon game against Truman State on Saturday.

— Northwest Athletics —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University junior Joseph Hietpas has been named the MIAA Pitcher of the Week. Hietpas threw seven scoreless innings in the Bearcats’ 15-0 win over Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday. He struck out 15 batters with just three walks and two hits allowed. The game was called in the seventh inning.

Hietpas worked four three-up three-down innings on Saturday, striking out the side in the second, fourth and seventh innings.

— Northwest Athletics —

The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team used an eight-run seventh inning to defeat Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 8-3, on Sunday afternoon at Myers Field in Alva, Okla.

– Northwest moves to 3-0 on the year while the Rangers fall to 1-2.

– Landon Figg was 2-for-4 on the day with three RBI, a run scored and a walk. His seventh inning double scored the Bearcats’ go-ahead run.

Key Northwest Statistics
– Northwest scored eight runs on eight hits with one error. The Rangers had three runs on five hits but committed five errors.

– The Bearcats scored one run in the sixth, five in the seventh and two in the eighth. Northwestern Oklahoma scored single runs in the third, fourth and sixth innings.

– Brad Roberts started the game on the hill, going 5.0 innings. He allowed two runs on three hits. Roberts walked four while striking out three.

– Austin Battaglia came in during the seventh inning to record the win. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit with two walks and two strikeouts.

– James Holler went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

– Kevin Handzlik went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a walk.

– Jay Hrdlicka was 1-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and a walk.

– Logan Rycraft drew three walks on the day.

– Luke Hassman was 1-for-1 with a pair of RBIs.

– Ozzie Adams scored a run after drawing a walk in the go-ahead seventh inning.

– Garrett Fort went 1-for-4 on the day, extending his hitting streak to three games along with Holler, Figg and Handzlik.

– Nikko Pablo worked a perfect ninth inning, recording a pair of ground outs with a strikeout.

Key Northwest Innings
– Roberts worked perfect second and fifth innings for the Bearcats. He ended both three-up, three-down innings with called third strikes.

– Northwest got on the board in the sixth. A Handzlik walk came back to bit the Rangers as he came around to score on a Hrdlicka single. The inning was aided by a wild pitch which allowed Handzlik to move to second.

– Fort led off the seventh with a single and Adams drew a walk. Alixon Herrerea reached on a fielder’s choice as Fort was forced out at third. An error allowed both runners to move up and Adams was able to score on a passed ball. Holler singled to drive in Herrera to tie the game, 3-3. After a ground out, Figg doubled to center to score Holler. Hrdlicka and Rycraft drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Hassman was called upon to pinch hit and delivered a two-RBI single to left, scoring Hrdlicka and Figg to put the Bearcats up, 6-3.

– In the eighth, Herrera was hit by a pitch to lead off and Holler followed it up with a single to to right. After a Handzlik single loaded the bases, Figg drove in Herrera and Holler with a two-RBI single to left.

Up Next
– Northwest will head to Fort Smith, Ark., on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to face Arkansas Fort Smith at 2 p.m.

— Northwest Athletics —

By David Boyce

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Like a hit-selling rock-and-roll band coming to town, Northwest Missouri State’s men’s basketball team entered a packed arena as the star attraction.

OK, Jason Gym is not Madison Square Garden. But Northwest performed like a band hitting all the right notes in its 80-75 victory over Lincoln University Thursday evening to remain undefeated at 20-0 overall and 12-0 in the MIAA.

“It was tough,” said Northwest junior Chris-Ebou Ndow. “They had a really good home crowd and their band was pretty cool, too. It makes everything a little tougher, a different challenge, a little adversity. We overcame it and came away with a win.”

Yes, there actually was a band in the house. Lincoln’s pep band was energized throughout the game and kept playing 15 minutes after the game.

“It was crazy,” said freshman Ryan Welty, experiencing his first game at Lincoln. “It was a lot of fun to be part of it.”

A 50-point performance by Lincoln senior Anthony Virdure forced the Bearcats to play with high intensity for 40 minutes.

“He was tough,” Ndow said. “He is a really good player. He put the team on his shoulder and almost got them a win. The main thing is we stopped all the other ones. Nobody else really got in the rhythm.”

Northwest had a more balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures, led by junior Justin Pitts with 20 and junior Xavier Kurth with 15. Brett Dougherty scored 12 and Anthony Woods added 10.

In the final 9 minutes, Northwest showed why it is ranked No. 1 in the NABC top 25. Holding a narrow 47-45 lead, Ndow powered inside for a basket with 8:40 left.

After a stop, Ndow got the ball again in the paint and converted, giving Northwest a 51-45 lead with 8 minutes remaining.

“It was important,” Ndow said. “At that point we needed a spark. I felt there was a long stretch we couldn’t make a run. That was kind of what we needed at that point. I was glad I was able to do that.”

The Bearcats maintained a 5-to-7-point cushion until Virdure made a three-point play that pulled Lincoln to within four at 56-52.

With just under 5 minutes left, Northwest came up with two clutch, long-range bombs. The first came when Welty came off the screen and was ready to shoot when Pitts passed him the ball. Welty drilled the three-pointer.

“Coach always tells me to be ready to shoot,” Welty said. “I got open. He threw it to me, and I knocked it down. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

Thirty seconds later, Pitts found himself open from NBA three-point range and knocked down a three-pointer that increased the Bearcats’ lead to 62-52 with 4:15 left. It was the first double-digit lead of the game for Northwest.

“That sequence was pretty good because Virdure played a heck of a game,” Pitts said. “I had to get more aggressive. I think that lead was what won the game.”

The Bearcats eventually built a 70-56 lead with under 3 minutes left. The rest of the game was Lincoln firing three-pointers and Northwest shooting free throws. The Tigers drew a little closer, but the 14-point deficit was too much for them to overcome.

“The 10-point lead helped in the end with Virdure going off,” Welty said. “That stretch there helped us.”

When the first half ended, something unusual happened to Northwest. The Bearcats went into halftime trailing 31-30. A free three by Virdure with 0.7 seconds left put Northwest behind the first time in the half.

Northwest scored the first four points to start the game, but it was obvious from the tipoff the Bearcats were in for a battle. Lincoln came out playing aggressive defense, especially on Northwest outsider shooters.

The game was tied 6-6 when Northwest managed a small cushion on a three-pointer by Ndow and two free throws from Anthony Woods.

The biggest lead by Northwest was 17-10 after D’Vante Mosby scored. Lincoln fought back and scored the next seven points and tied the game.

Powered by two strong buckets in the paint by Dougherty and another basket by Woods, Northwest built a 23-16 lead. Late in the first half, Northwest still had a six-point advantage at 28-22.

A few sloppy possessions by Northwest in the final 2 minutes allowed Lincoln to take a slim, 1-point lead into halftime. But the Bearcats didn’t allow the halftime deficit nor a boisterous crowd prevent them from having an end-of-the-game celebration.

The loss, though, didn’t stop the Lincoln pep band. The band played on.

“I always love coming here because the band and the crowd are crazy,” Pitts said. “It is something I never witnessed before.”

— Northwest Athletics —

By David Boyce

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A 16-2 spurt to start the third quarter sparked Northwest Missouri State’s women’s basketball team to a 70-60 victory over Lincoln University Thursday evening at Jason Gym.

“We needed that big push to get that lead,” said junior Tanya Meyer, who finished with a career-high 34 points.

The Bearcats have now won three of their last five MIAA games, two of them coming on the road. Last year Northwest never won a conference road game.

Northwest coach Buck Scheel was happy the way the Bearcats played for over three quarters but was disappointed how the team finished the last four minutes. Northwest held a 61-45 lead and then sputtered down the stretch.

“At the end of the game, I told our players that I don’t feel like we won,” Scheel said. “Granted it was a win, but we can’t give up. I thought with 3 or 4 minutes left, we stopped playing. You can’t do that in this conference.”

Northwest showed its mental toughness right away in the third quarter. A long three-pointer by senior Jasmin Howe tied the game at 35-35 and got the Bearcats rolling.

“I think that was big,” Howe said. “It was big to come out strong in the third quarter. We need to do that consistently the whole game.”

The Bearcats wasted little time grabbing the lead for good on a basket by sophomore Maria Dentlinger and then solidified the lead at 39-35 on a basket by Meyer.

Meyer’s field goal signaled that Lincoln was in trouble. Two quick fouls by Meyer in the first half limited her to only 6 minutes. She was well-rested and ready to go in the second half. Meyer quickly followed her two-point field goal with a three-pointer, pushing Northwest’s lead to 42-35.

After the Tigers scored a basket, Northwest got consecutive three-pointers from Howe and sophomore Mallory McAndrews that gave Northwest its first double-digit lead at 48-37.

“I was really pleased the way we came out in the second half,” Scheel said. “The third quarter and midway through the fourth quarter is what we have to feed off. When we are playing like that and firing on all cylinders, we are pretty good.”

Northwest ended the third quarter with a 50-32 lead. Meyer basically put the game away in the opening two minutes in the final quarter by making consecutive three-pointers that gave Northwest a 56-42 lead with 8:09 left.

“It was the same as coming out at halftime,” Meyer said. “We have to come out every quarter like that. I think we are improving on that. We have to keep it going. We can’t have the mental breakdowns on one end of the court.”

The Bearcats scored three more points for a 9-0 start to the fourth quarter and a commanding 59-42 lead.

In the first half, Northwest played the entire second quarter without its leading scorer and managed to go into halftime down only 35-32.

Meyer got off to a blistering start. She scored the first 12 points for Northwest, staking the Bearcats to a 12-7 lead. The advantage expanded to 15-8 when McAndrews hit a three-pointer.

The momentum shifted when Meyer picked up her second foul with a minute remaining in the first quarter. Lincoln took advantage. The Tigers scored the last seven points in the first quarter and tied the game.

“It was frustrating,” Meyer said of the early foul trouble. “It was the second game that has happened. I try to do as much as I can, talking to the players.”

Lincoln increased its lead to 21-17 early in the second quarter before Northwest regained its rhythm on offense. The Bearcats scored the next eight points and held a 25-21 lead.

The Tigers answered with a 10-0 run and moved back ahead 31-25. A three-pointer by Arbrie Benson ended the drought by Northwest. Lincoln maintained its three-point lead the rest of the second quarter.

“We definitely kept it close,” Howe said. “You never know how the game is going to go with foul trouble. You have to adapt. I think we did a good job of keeping it close with Tanya out.”

— Northwest Athletics —

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head football coach Rich Wright has announced the additions of 36 student-athletes to the Bearcat roster following national signing day on Wednesday. The 2015 and 2016 NCAA Division II National Champions class includes student-athletes from eight different states including Iowa (10), Missouri (7), Nebraska (5), Wisconsin (5), Florida (3), Kansas (3), Illinois (2) and Indiana (1). There are 19 offensive players, 16 defensive players and one kicker.

The 2017 signing day class average GPA was 3.14 with an average ACT score of 22. There are 27 individuals who have earned an academic scholarship at Northwest.

“First I would like to thank our coaching staff,” said Wright. “When you play for a National Championship, your window for recruiting becomes finite. The coaches hit the ground running and compiled a tremendous group of talented individuals. The quality of student athlete that we brought to campus was remarkable and will make this community proud. The class fits our culture and will positively represent the program and university.

“Coaches are only one piece of the recruiting puzzle. Our faculty goes above and beyond the call to help share our amazing university with student athletes and their families. We appreciate their willingness to give of their time and talents to help in the process. You have a profound impact on why our players select Northwest Missouri State University. Thank you for your continued commitment and passion for Northwest.

Finally I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our outstanding support staff. Lori Hopkins, Joe Quinlin and Kelly Quinlin, Ashley Strickland, Matt Jasinski, Andy Peterson, Nate Davis, Scott Nielson, Mel Tjeerdsma, Mark Clements, our admissions staff/tour guides, Dr. Matt Walker, Tucker Peve, Marshall Fey, and our buildings/grounds staff . The time and attention from these individuals are what makes Northwest unique when recruits and their parents compare us to other institutions. We appreciate your hard work, and dedication.”
Michael Ahrendsen | 6-1 299 OL La Porte City, Iowa / Union HS
Ahrendsen led Union High School to a 2016 Class 2A runner up finish at state … selected to the 2017 Iowa Shrine Bowl … named first team 2A All-State by the Des Moines Register … three time first team all-district … 2016 district 4 defensive line MVP … four-year starter, two year team captain and two year team MVP … class 2A state wrestling qualifier … 2015 class 2A State Wrestling Duals team champion … member of the Leadership Council … Garret Gingrich Leadership Award recipient … played for head coach Joe Hadachek … plans to be an Agriculture major … parents are Cory and Jan Ahrendsen.

Phillip Blaine | 6-1 260 DT Apopka, Fla. / Apopka HS
Blaine helped lead Apopka High School to a 2014 8A state championship in Florida … 2013 team was state runner-up … 2013 and 2016 district champion … selected to the Central Florida All-Star team … member of the Academic Consortium of Scholars … 3.17 cumulative GPA … played for coach Rick Darlington … plans to be a Computer Science major … parents are Gregory and Phyllis Blaine.

Calvin Bright | 6-4 245 DE Roland, Iowa / Roland- Story HS
Bright was a first team all-state selection at Roland-Story High School … two time first team all-district 3 defensive lineman … named district three defensive MVP … class 2A sack leader in 2016 … Heart of Iowa Conference champion in wrestling … named to the school’s A Honor Roll … coached by Aaron Stensland … plans to major in Physical Education with an emphasis in coaching … parents are Ralph Bright and Michelle Bright.

Armani Carmickle | 6-2 180 WR Kenosha, Wisc. / Indian Trail Academy
Carmickle was an all-state honorable mention wide receiver at Indian Trail Academy … named all-conference, all-region … named school’s Male Athlete of the Year … named team MVP … indoor state champion in long jump and triple jump, earning Athlete of the Meet honors … finished second in triple jump at outdoor state championships … holds school records in triple and long jumps … coached by Mike McKay … plans to be a Biology/Psychology major … parents are John and Marci Carmickle.

Jack Carnie | 6-5 300 OL Roca, Neb. / Norris HS
Carnie was an all-state honorable mention performer at Norris High School … led team to district title … selected to the 2016 River Battle Bowl All-Star Game … named honorable mention all-district … three time track and field letterman … named to school’s AB Honor Roll four times … coached by Jim Jacobsen … plans to be a Business major … parents are David and Amy Carnie.

Braden Dey | 6-1 175 LB Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln North Star HS
Dey was a two time honorable mention Class A All-State performer at Lincoln North Star High School … twice named first team all-conference and was a first team all-city performer two times … voted team captain in 2016, being named team’s MVP … named to the 2016 River Battle Bowl … voted team defensive MVP as a junior … helped lead team to state playoffs in 2015 … three time baseball starter … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Mark Waller … plans to be a Biology/Psychology major … parents are Rick and Karie Dey.

Jacob Erdman | 6-3 285 OL Plover, Wisc. / Steven’s Point HS
Erdman was a first-team All-State offensive line performer at Steven’s Point Area Senior High School … was named the WVCS’s lineman of the year in back-to-back years … twice named first team all-conference … holds a 3.3 GPA … coached by Pete McAdams … plans to major in Business with an emphasis in marketing … mother is Tammy Schwebach-Erdman.

TJ Garrity | 6-4 240 DE Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha South HS
Garrity was named the 16th best prospect in the state of Wisconsin by WISSports.com … was an all-conference, all-area and all-county performer … named to the Tim Krumrie Award Watchlist, given to the best defensive lineman in Wisconsin … named to school’s academic honor roll … three-sport scholar athlete award … coached by A.J. Raebel … plans to be a Business major … parents are Tom and Mary Garrity.

Cody Gilman | 6-3 280 OL Hardin, Ill. / Calhoun HS
Gilman was a first-team All-State offensive lineman at Calhoun High School … named to the Illinois Shriner High School All-Star team in 2016 … two time all-conference performer on the offensive and defensive lines … named academic all-conference in 2015 and 2016 … coached by Aaron Elmore … plans to be an Agronomy major … parents are Kevin and Heather Gilman.

Gus Gomez | 6-0 170 WR Stilwell, Kan. / Blue Valley HS
Gomez earned all-state honorable mention accolades at Blue Valley High School … named All-EKL … an all-state honorable mention performer in basketball and also earned all-conference honors … named to school’s academic honor roll with a 3.3 GPA … coached by Eric Driskell … undecided on major … parents are Ruben and Sue Gomez.

Kendall Gould | 6-1 170 WR Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha North HS
Gould was a first team all-conference performer at Waukesha North High School … four-sport athlete, named first team all-conference in track and holds school record in triple jump … second team all-conference performer in basketball … named honorable mention all-conference in baseball … coached by Matt Harris … undecided on major … mother is Michelle Vasquez.

Elijah Green | 5-11 240 LB Maryville, Mo. / Maryville HS
Green was a two-time all-state performer at Maryville High School … was twice named all-conference and all-district … led team to four straight conference and district titles … team won 2013 state title and were runners-up in 2016 … named to the schools AB Honor Roll four times … coached by Matt Webb … undecided on major … parents are Clarence and Chelli Green.

David High | 6-4 300 OL Matteson, Ill. / Rich Central HS
High was a second team all-area performer at Rich Central High School … twice named all-conference … won team’s offensive MVP honors … named team’s most improved player in 2015 … named to school’s academic honor roll … DECA state qualifier … named school’s DECA MVP … coached by Terrell Alexander … plans to major in Business with an emphasis in sports management … parents are David High and Chery Hamilton.

Kadon Hulett | 6-3 230 DE Creston, Iowa / Creston HS
Hulett was named second team all-state in 2016 at Creston High School … was a first team all-district and a first team OWH All-Western Iowa performer … second team all-district in 2015 … two time team captain … second team all-district, all-conference and All-Western Iowa performer in baseball … two time state qualifier in wrestling, leading team to title in 2016 … member of the National Honor Society … won team GPA awards in baseball, wrestling and football … coached by Brian Morrison … plans to major in Psychology … parents are Chuck and Tami Hulett.

Keilon Hunter | 5-9 155 DB Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley North HS
Hunter was an honorable mention all-state defensive back at Blue Valley North High School … named to the All-EKL team as a junior and again as a senior … won the Time Warner Cable Play of the Year honor as a junior … lettered three times in football … named academic all-conference twice … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Andy Sims … plans to major in business … parents are Ray Hunter and Carmen Conn.

Cuttar Huss | 6-0 175 WR Troy, Kan. / Troy HS
Huss was a two-time Kansas 2-1A Offensive Player of the Year honoree at Troy High School … led team to 2-1A state championship as a senior in 2016 … named first team all-state three times at wide receiver … named to the Kansas All-Class All-State Top-11 … invited to the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl … named first team All-State in basketball as a junior … named second-team all state in baseball as a junior … led baseball team to a third place finish at state in 2016 … co-Valedictorian of graduating class … named to school’s Dean’s list … coached by Derek Jasper … plans to major in Biology … parents are Don and Jill Huss.

Dante Keys | 6-1 180 WR Plainfield , Ind. / Plainfield HS
Keys was an all-conference performer at Plainfield High School … led the team as a senior with 1,194 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns … broke school record with a 99 yard kickoff return … lettered in football three times … also a two-time indoor state track and field qualifier … 3.99 GPA … member of the National Honors Society … DECA member … coached by Brian Woodard … plans to major in Biology … parents are Parke and Stephanie Lucas.

Jack Moore | 6-3 210 LB Oskaloosa, Iowa / Oskaloosa HS
Moore was named to the 2016 INA All-State third team at Oskaloosa High School … earned first team all-district honors as a senior … voted team MVP as a senior … team captain in both football and basketball during junior and senior seasons … named second team all-conference in basketball as a junior and was honorable mention as a sophomore … qualified for state in high jump during sophomore seasons … has lettered three times in football and four times in basketball … named to the 2016 Academic All-State football team … three time academic all-conference performer in football … two time academic all-conference in basketball and track … coached by Jake Jenkins … plans to major in Biology … parents are Matt and Elizabeth Moore.

Sam Phillips | 6-2 210 LB Tabor, Iowa / Fremont Mills HS
Phillips was a three-time All-State performer at Fremont Mills High School … he was named first team all-district all four seasons … earned football academic all-state honors and was a six time academic all-conference selection … was a three-time first team all-conference selection in basketball … qualified for state in track three times, placing twice … earned All-Western Iowa honors in football and basketball three times … coached by Jeremy Christiansen … plans to major in Biology … parents are Brett and Annie Phillips.

Israel Pitchford | 6-2 200 LB Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha North HS
Pitchford was an all-conference honorable mention performer at Waukesha North High School … named scholar athlete three times … admitted into the Gifted and Talented program … coached by Matthew Harris … plans to major in Business Management … parents are Marlon and Mindy Pitchford.

Cole Rollnger | 5-10 190 DB Eldridge, Iowa / North Scott HS
Rollinger was named an all-state wide receiver by the Iowa News Association in 2016 at North Scott High School .. named first team all-district and first team all-metro during senior season … finished second on the team in tackles as a senior after leading the team during junior year … invited to the Blue-Grey All-America Bowl in Jacksonville Fla., in 2016 … as a junior, named all-district, all conference and all-metro … earned a first-quarter Football Academic Award in the fall of 2016 … coached by Kevin Tipper … plans to major in Exercise Science … parents are John and Kim Rollinger.

Eli Ross | 6-1 230 LB Kansas City, Mo. / Staley HS
Ross was a three-time all-state performer at Staley High School … named All-Suburban White Conference four times, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 … named all-district three times and all-city two years … was an All-Simone performer twice … left Staley HS as the program’s record holder with 374 total tackles and 210 solo tackles … named to schools academic honor roll four times and has earned three academic letters … coached by Phil Lite … plans to major in Computer Science … parents are Keith and Joyce Ross.

Corbin Ruth | 6-0 180 DB Malcolm, Neb. / Seward HS
Ruth was an all-state honorable mention performer as a junior and again as a senior at Seward High School … two-time first team all-district honoree … selected to the 2016 River City Bowl … earned the Seward Football Fourth-Quarter Award three times … four time letter winner in football … named the Elks Male Sports Award recipient in 2016 … all-state honorable mention performer in basketball and was an all-district honoree in 2016 … lettered in basketball and baseball … member of the National Honors Society … academic all-state in football, basketball and baseball … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Jamie Opfer … plans to major in Biology … parents are Royce and Jennifer Ruth.

Jacob Ruzicka | 6-2 220 TE Wahoo, Neb. / Wahoo HS
Ruzicka was a first team all-state performer at Wahoo High School … was a two-time fall-area and all-district performer during junior and senior seasons … was an all-state performer in basketball … named first team all-conference twice in basketball and earned all-conference MVP honors in 2015-16 … coached by Chad Fox … plans to major in Agricultural Business … parents are John and Vicki Ruzicka.

Parker Sampson | 5-10 185 K Kansas City, Mo. / Park Hill HS
Sampson was a MFCA first team all-state kicker at Park Hill High School … named first team all-class 6 district 4, first team All-Suburban Conference Gold Division and Missouri Media All-State Class six as a senior … set seven Missouri state high school kicking and punting records … 2015 Kansas City Star All-Metro second team kicker … MFCA third team all-state kicker in 2015 … two time first team all-district performer … named team’s MVP in 2015 and was program’s special teams player of the year three times … had a 3.0 GPA … coached by Josh Hood … plans to major in Business … parents are Tom and Kelley Sampson.

Chase Shiltz | 5-10 190 RB Creston, Iowa / Creston HS
Shiltz was a two-time first team all-state running back at Creston High School … earned second team all-state honors in 2014 … finished his high school career with 5,329 rushing yards … had 11 games with 200 or more rushing yards … recorded four 300+ rushing yard performances … two year team captain … coached by Brian Morrison … undecided on major … parents are John and Dorie Shiltz.

Cody Tanner | 6-2 285 OL Greenfield, Iowa / Creston HS
Tanner earned third team all-state honors in 2016 at Creston High School … was a two time first-team all-conference performer … lettered in football three years … coached by Brian Morrison … plans to major in Agriculture … parents are Roger and Robbie Tanner.

Raymond Thomas | 5-7 170 RB Bradenton, Fla. / Braden River HS
Thomas was an all-county first team honoree at Braden River High School … was a two-time all-area performer … was team captain in 2016 … three year starter … coached by Curt Bradley … plans to major in Business … parents are Raymond Thomas Sr., and Katina Williams.

Jordan Thompson | 5-10 190 RB Apopka, Fla. / Apopka HS
Thompson helped lead Apopka High School to a 2016 district title, going 9-0 … named team captain and earned the Apopka War Eagle award … named to the school’s academic honor roll … coached by Rick Darlington … plans to major in Business … parents are Wesley Thompson and Renee Tulloch.

Tucker Tripp | 6-3 230 DE Maryville, Mo. / Maryille HS
Tripp was a first team all-state performer at Maryville High School … earned first team all-conference, all-district and all-county honors during his junior and senior seasons … named first team all-media as a senior … was the 2016 St. Joseph News Press Defensive Player of the Year … named a KKWK-KMRN all-star defensive end as a senior … named to the schools’ Bronze Honor Roll three times … named to the 95% club during junior and senior years … coached by Matt Webb … plans to major in Business … parents are Brian and Shelly Tripp.

Jared Vineyard | 6-1 210 TE Kansas City, Mo. / Staley HS
Vineyard was an all-district and all-conference performer at Staley High School … member of the National Honors Society … named to the Staley Falcon Honor Roll … coached by Phil Lite … plans to major in Biology … father is Joe Vineyard, mother is Rochelle Lite and stepfather is Phil Lite.

Jackson Walker | 6-2 215 DE Solon, Iowa / Solon HS
Walker was a second team all-district honoree at Solon High School … named to the all-district academic team … coached by Kevin Miller … plans to major in Biology … parents are Damon and Carolin Walker.

Trey Washington | 6-1 175 DB Grimes, Iowa / Dallas Center-Grimes HS
Washington was a second team all-state performer at Dallas Center-Grimes High School … earned first team all-district accolades three times … named to school’s AB Honor Roll three times … coached by Scott Heitland … plans to major in Business … parents are Gabe and Heidi Washington.

Jake White | 6-1 265 OL Maryville, Mo. / Maryville HS
White was an all-state offensive lineman at Maryville High School … twice earned All-MEC honors on the offensive line … was a 2016 all-district honoree … named to the 2015 and 2016 All-Fall Nodaway County team … served as team captain in 2016 … named to school’s academic honor roll three times … coached by Matt Webb … plans to major in Education … parents are Suzi White and the late Dr. Jason T. White.

Max Wittman | 6-5 260 OL Kansas City, Mo. / Liberty HS
Wittman was a two-time all-conference performer at Liberty High School … named second team all-district as a senior … earned academic all-state honors in 2016 … coached by Chad Frigon … plans to major in Biology/Chemistry … parents are Jim Wittman and Sara Madson.

Braden Wright | 6-2 180 QB Elkhorn, Neb. / Elkhorn South HS
Wright helped lead Elkhorn South High School to a pair of state championships … named to the Class B All-State team … named second team Superstate … two time all-area, all-district and all-conference performer … named to school’s academic honor roll … scored 29 on ACT … coached by Guy Rosenberg … plans to major in Biology … parents are Bobby and Lisa Wright.

— Northwest Athletics —

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Northwest Missouri State University linebacker Jacob Vollstedt has been named the 2016 Don Hansen Division II co-Defensive Player of the Year. Vollstedt was also named to the Don Hansen All-America first team and joined eight other Bearcats on the list of honorees this past season. Earning second team honors were quarterback Kyle Zimmerman, offensive lineman Jamie Thieman, defensive end Collin Bevins and safety Kevin Berg. Center Chase Sherman was named third team All-America while fullback Jordan Grove, kicker Simon Mathiesen and defensive end Cass Weitl were named honorable mention.

Vollstedt led the team with a career-high 140 tackles last season. He had 25.0 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery. He was also named to the D2CCA All-America and D2Football.com All-America first team.

Zimmerman threw for 3,763 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year, the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year, the runner up for the Harlon Hill Trophy and was named second team AP All-America. Thieman appeared in 13 games for the Bearcats as a senior. He was a first team All-MIAA honoree. Bevins recorded 61 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He earned first team All-America honors from the AFCA and the AP Little team. Berg finished the year with 60 tackles with four interceptions. He was named to the D2CCA All-America first team, the AP All-America third team and the D2Football.com honorable mention All-America team.

Sherman started all 15 games for the Bearcats at center. He was named a D2CCA First Team All-America and AP All-America third team.

Grove was a first team All-MIAA performer, catching at team-high 60 passes for 614 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of touchdowns on 24 carries as a junior. Mathiesen went 18-of-21 on field goal attempts and hit 86-of-88 PAT attempts in 2016. He was a D2Football.com second team All-America performer and was a first team All-MIAA honoree. Weitl led the team with 10 sacks and finished the year with a career-high 83 tackles and 19.0 tackles for loss. He forced three fumbles and blocked a pair of kicks. He was a first team All-MIAA performer.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.

— Northwest Athletics —