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Category: College

Bearcats clinch postseason birth with win at Pittsburg

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For the first time under head coach Ben McCollum the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats have earned a berth in the MIAA Postseason Tournament after a 78-74 win over Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon from John Lance Arena.

The Bearcats (17-3, 11-3 MIAA) held off a gritty Gorilla squad with late free throws. It is the first time in three season the Bearcats will return to the MIAA Tournament as they finished a regular season sweep of Pittsburg State (12-10, 8-7 MIAA).

With 3:17 left in the game DeAngleo Hailey knocked down three free throws pushing Northwest ahead for the fourth time at 64-62. His first free throw knotted the game for the eighth time of the day before his final two gave the Bearcats the lead for good.

After a missed Gorilla jumper at the other end, Hailey knocked down a three-pointer pushing the Northwest lead to 67-62 with just under three minutes to play. Hailey hit four three-pointers in the game and went 5-for-5 at the free throw line to finish with 17 points.

In the final minute junior guard, DeShaun Cooper, hit five of his final six free throws to ice the game. Cooper had a game-high 19 points and finished 11-of-13 on the night at the charity stripe.

After picking up an overtime win in the first meeting at Bearcat Arena, the second half turned into a physical battle. Both teams combined to shoot 66 free throws in the game as Northwest shot 78 percent on the night.

Northwest also connected on 10-of-24 three-pointers in the win as Justin Clark also hit four three-pointers. Clark and Jake Reinders each finished in double figures with 15 and 10 points respectively.

The Bearcats return home as they host Lincoln on Wednesday night at Bearcat Arena. Four of the Bearcats final six games are at Bearcat Arena to close out the season.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

No. 4 Mizzou scores last 11 points to rally past No. 8 KU

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After a bunch of off-target games, Marcus Denmon couldn’t miss. Especially at the finish.

The senior guard converted a 3-point play and hit two 3-pointers in the final 2:05, the last for the go-ahead points, and No. 4 Missouri scored the game’s final 11 points to rally past No. 8 Kansas 74-71 in Game 1 of what could be the schools’ final Border Showdown on Saturday night.

“Marcus made three huge shots,” said teammate Kim English, who added 18 points. “They were huge plays. Kansas didn’t let up at all.”

Denmon scored 29 points, two off his career best, and ended a long-range shooting slump with a career-best six 3-pointers in nine attempts.

“Marcus worked his tail off all week,” coach Frank Haith said.

The go-ahead 3-pointer came with 56 seconds to go for a one-point lead. Michael Dixon added a pair of free throws with 9.8 seconds left after an offensive foul on Tyshawn Taylor and Kansas’ Elijah Johnson missed badly on a shot to tie it at the buzzer.

“The most important thing I remember hearing was Kimmie saying, ‘We’re going to win this game,’ ” Denmon said. “I understood how much it meant to him to say that. We’re the senior leaders and I felt we had to come out and execute.”

Missouri (21-2, 8-2 Big 12) beat Kansas for only the second time in the last 12 meetings, and the Tigers’ impending departure for the SEC added spice to the final conference meeting in Columbia, Mo.

Thomas Robinson had 25 points and 13 rebounds for Kansas (18-5, 8-2), but the closing minutes were anguish for coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks were scoreless the final 3:20 after Taylor dunked for a 71-63 lead.

“We let up on the gas and they hit shots. Big shots,” said Robinson, his voice choked with emotion. “We blew that game. I still give them credit for making shots.”

Other miscues: Robinson was called for an offensive foul with 1:42 to go and with Missouri up by one, Taylor missed two free throws with 41 seconds to go.

“We obviously made some really bad plays late, really bad plays,” Self said. “They’ve still got to make shots, but they had a guy that was unbelievable.”

Missouri is 13-0 at home, and this was the closest call by far for a team that has usually dominated. The previous smallest margin was 11 points over Texas last month.

Haith beat Kansas in his first try, although it was Missouri’s first in the series since 2009 and only the second in the last 12 overall. Self fell to 17-4 against Missouri.

“It was just a great atmosphere,” Haith said. “It was a memorable game. A classic.”

The rematch is Feb. 25 in Lawrence, Kan. It could also be the final meeting between the schools for a while with bad feelings from Missouri’s decision to leave for the SEC.

“I will say this: So much has been made about the hatred and that stuff,” Self said. “Hey, this is hard for me to say to Missouri people, but I thought tonight that was about as classy an atmosphere as there is. I hope it’ll be the same way when they come over to our place. I’m sure it will be.”

Haith had the team stay at a hotel Saturday night, saying, “I can imagine what Columbia is going to be like tonight.”

Denmon had been just 5 for 31 from 3-point range the previous five games, and was held to six points on 3 for 12 overall shooting in a one-point victory at Texas on Monday, and had been spending extra time in the gym working on the shot. He hit all three 3-point attempts in a 16-point first half, helping Missouri take a 39-34 lead.

The border matchup prompted plenty of extra adrenaline, some of it provided by a pumped-up sound system. Missouri mascot Truman the Tiger descended from the ceiling via cable, a nod to the every-night tradition at the old Hearnes Center, and prep-game festivities featured fireworks that left an acrid stench hovering over the court much of the first half.

Fans began camping out Wednesday night to get a spot for ESPN’s GameDay, and at least 1,000 students were poised to charge for favorable seating when the gates opened 1½ hours before tipoff. Fans on one half of the arena stayed on their feet throughout the game, as opposed to taking their seat after Missouri’s first basket.

“That was the loudest I’d ever heard them,” English said. “I was just so proud and excited.”

There was little out-of-line behavior, other than a fan heaving what appeared to be a rolled-up T-shirt onto the court after Ricardo Ratliffe was whistled for his fourth foul with 6:22 to go.

— Associated Press —

Western women suffer tough loss at Southern

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A scorching start turned into an ice-cold finish Saturday in Joplin, as the Missouri Western women were on the wrong end of a season sweep by Missouri Southern.

It was the Griffons fifth straight loss to the  Lions.

Jessica Koch scored 15 of her game-high 25 points in the first half,  while Ashleigh Curry scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half.

Alicia Bell added 14 for the Griffons.

Western opened the game on fire, shooting 67% from the floor in the first eight minutes and building a 10 point lead three tmes in the first half.

The Lions would answer with a 17-4 run of their own to get back in the ball game.  The two teams traded baskets, with Western taking a 42-40 lead to halftime.

The Griffons, who shot 50% from the floor in the first half, shot just 30% in the 2nd half, allowing Southern to pull away.

Southern had three players in double figures, led by Larrita Gibson’s 20.

The Griffons fall to 6-14 overall, and 4-11 in MIAA play.  They remain winless on the road in conference play this season.  Southern improves to 7-14 and 3-12 in the conference, with two of their MIAA wins coming against Western this season.

The Griffons travel south again Monday night to Russellville, Arkansas  for a non-conference game against #13 Arkansas Tech.  Tip-time scheduled for 7:30 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Northwest women get blown out at Pitt State

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Drew Roberts’ game-high 20 points led six Pittsburg State players in double-figures as the 12th-ranked Gorillas downed the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats (4-18, 2-12 MIAA) 88-48 Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas (20-2, 14-1 MIAA) went 7-of-13 from three point range in the first half and shot a hot 66 percent while the Bearcats struggled offensively shooting just under 32 percent for the half.  The Bearcats trailed 56-30 at halftime.

Northwest could not overcome the deficit in the second half as the Gorillas would continue their dominance.

The Gorillas would go on the outrebound the Bearcats 55-to-36 for the game while scoring 36 of their 88 points in the paint.

The Bearcats would shoot just under 26 percent from the field for the game while the Gorillas converted 50 percent of their shots.

As a team, Northwest would hit 11-of-20 free throws while the Gorillas’ would go 13-of-19 from the line.

Candace Boeh led the Bearcats offensively as she finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Abby Henry and Ashley Thayer would chip in six points each while Henry also added three steals.

Roberts converted 6-of-12 three point shots for their Gorillas while Lauren Brown chipped in 12 points and 15 rebounds respectively.

Up Next:  Northwest continues MIAA action as they host the Lincoln Tigers Wednesday, Feb. 8.  Tip-off from Bearcat Arena is set for 5:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Kansas State uses big second half to down A&M

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Will Spradling had a career high 19 points, Angel Rodriguez scored all 13 of his points in the second half and Kansas State rallied for a 64-53 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday.

The backcourt duo provided just enough offense to bail out the Wildcats (16-6, 5-5 Big 12), who were awful from the field in the first half. Spradling had four 3-pointers and Rodriguez added four assists as Kansas State avoided a third consecutive loss.

The Wildcats improved to 21-3 in February over the past three-plus seasons, including a 12-1 mark at Bramlage Coliseum, which is fast becoming one of the league’s most difficult venues.

Elston Turner scored 18 and Naji Hibbert had 14 for the Aggies (12-10, 3-7), who will head off to the SEC having lost all nine games they’ve played on the road against the Wildcats.

The teams meet again in College Station later this month.

— Associated Press —

Griffons add Central State to complete 2012 football schedule

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The 2012 Missouri Western Football schedule is set as Head Coach Jerry Partridge announced the addition of Central State of Ohio Friday.

The Maurauders, a member of the NCAA Division II’s Great Lakes Valley Conference located in Wilberforce, Ohio will visit Spratt Stadium on Saturday, September 8th with kickoff set for 6 PM.  The meeting will be the first between the two schools.

Central State finished the 2011 campaign with a 1-10 record.  Some familiar names round out the coaching staff and administration at CSU as Head Coach E.J. Junior and Offensive Coordinator Ben Coates both played in the National Football League and the Athletics Director is former Missouri Tiger great and NFL and College Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow.

Tickets for the 2012 season will go on sale mid-summer.  For all the latest information on Griffon Football log on to gogriffons.com.

2012 GRIFFON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

8/30 or 9/1  vs. Central Missouri  6:00 PM
9/8   vs. Central State (OH)  6:00 PM
9/15  vs. Nebraska-Kearney  2:00 PM
9/22  at Fort Hays State  7:00 PM
9/29  vs. Central Oklahoma  6:00 PM
10/6  at Northeastern State (OK)  TBA
10/13 vs. Missouri Southern  1:30 PM
10/20 at Pittsburg State  TBA
10/27 at Emporia State  TBA
11/3  vs. Washburn  1:30 PM
11/10 at Northwest Missouri State  TBA

— MWSU Sports Information —

Western picked to win MIAA softball title; baseball selected third

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MIAA coaches have planted expectations on Missouri Western’s baseball and softball teams for. Griffon softball was picked to win its second straight conference crown, and Western’s baseball team was picked third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Polls.

After winning its first-ever MIAA Championship in 2011, the softball team received 98 total points and eight of 11 first place votes from the conference coaches. The Griffons will begin the season ranked 23rd in the preseason NFCA poll. Last year Western finished 40-15, making its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven years. Head coach Jen Bagley was named MIAA Co-Coach of the Year.

Griffon baseball received 74 points, one more than fourth place Fort Hays. Western finished 26-25 in 2011, making it to the MIAA Tournament once again. The Griffons won the program’s first ever conference tournament game last season and look to improve on last season’s success with an experienced and talented roster.

The softball team will open up on Friday, February 10 when they take on Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist. Game times are set for 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively in Arkadelphia, Ark. The baseball team will open up on Saturday, February 18 with a double header against North Alabama in Florence, Ala. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

2012 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Western (8) – 98 pts.
2. Emporia State (3) – 93 pts.
3. Missouri Southern – 73 pts.
4. Central Missouri – 67 pts.
5. Northwest Missouri – 66 pts.
6. Fort Hays State – 65 pts.
7. Truman – 39 pts.
T8. Pittsburg State – 33 pts.
T8. Washburn – 33 pts.
10. Lincoln – 28 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 10 pts.

2012 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 99 pts.
2. Emporia State (2) – 92 pts.
3. Missouri Western – 74 pts.
4. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
5. Missouri Southern – 63 pts.
6. Washburn – 56 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 49 pts.
8. Pittsburg State – 37 pts.
9. Truman – 31 pts.
10. Lincoln – 19 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 12 pts.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Northwest women’s upset bid falls short vs. Northeastern State

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Tosha Tyler scored 17 points as the No. 10 Northeastern State Riverhawks slipped past the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats taking a 58-55 win Wednesday night in non-conference action from Bearcat Arena.

With the loss, the Bearcats continue their now five-game skid and fall to 4-17 overall and 2-11 in MIAA play.  The 10th-ranked Riverhawks improved to 18-2 overall.

Northeastern State looked in control during the first half and at one point held a 17-7 lead, but the Bearcats would battle back and cut the Riverhawks’ lead to three points at halftime.

Northwest would take their first lead of the game with 16:00 remaining in the second half off of a jumper by Maggie Marnin.

The two teams would battle back-and-forth throughout the second half until the 8:10 mark when Carrington Fox would hit a jumper to put the Riverhawks up for good.

Northwest battled back from cold shooting in the first half in which they shot just under 27 percent from the field compared to Northeastern State’s start of 34 percent.

As a team, Northwest would hit 13-of-20 free throws while the Riverhawks’ would go 12-of-16 from the line.

Shelly Martin led the Bearcats offensively as she finished with 12 points while adding six steals.

Abby Henry and Maggie Marnin would chip in eleven points each while Henry also added three steal.  Each would chip in five rebounds as well in the loss.

Up Next:  Northwest will continue MIAA action this weekend as they head to Pittsburg, Kansas Saturday to take on the No. 12 Pittsburg State Gorillas.  Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

KU uses big second half to cruise past Oklahoma

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Bill Self refused to let his team look past Oklahoma to a high-profile showdown with border rival Missouri, even though his own mind might have slipped that way a time or two.

Given the way No. 8 Kansas had played lately, they weren’t always pleasant thoughts.

That certainly changed Wednesday night, though, when Thomas Robinson had 20 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks in an 84-62 blowout of the Sooners.

“I’m leaving out of here more excited about our team than before the game started,” Self said. “I didn’t think the last couple of weeks we had been that good. We’re going to have to be better Saturday night than we were tonight, but we were pretty good.”

Pretty close to perfect, at least in the second half.

Tyshawn Taylor had 21 points, Jeff Withey added 15 and Travis Releford had 12 for Kansas (18-4, 8-1 Big 12), which responded to its first conference loss at Iowa State by outscoring turnover-prone Oklahoma 50-31 over the final 20 minutes.

“I don’t think it was difficult to focus on this game because of our last game,” Taylor said, adding: “Coach said in the locker room, ‘It’s something we can start focusing on now.’ ”

The Jayhawks haven’t lost to Oklahoma in the last nine meetings, and the last 10 at venerable Allen Fieldhouse, where they have won 19 straight overall. They have also gone 225 games without consecutive defeats, the longest streak in the nation. Duke is next at 110 games.

“They’re a terrific ball club. Bill does a great job,” said Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger, who is no stranger to the Jayhawks from his days as a player and coach at Kansas State. “You can’t give them that opportunity to get up and get going like they did. They finished it pretty early in the second half.”

Romero Osby scored 19 points, Steven Pledger had 17 and Andrew Fitzgerald finished with 14 for the Sooners (13-8, 3-6), who were within 34-31 at halftime before Kansas hit its stride.

The game nearly got out of hand much earlier, when Elijah Johnson hit consecutive 3-pointers and Taylor — after some encouragement from Self — carved into the lane for an acrobatic layup.

Robinson’s putback moments later gave the Jayhawks a 30-19 lead.

“Coach just told me that I’m not playing like the player I’m capable of being,” Robinson said. “He’s been stressing all week that I haven’t been aggressive.”

Kruger wisely called for a timeout, and his Sooners embarked on 12-2 run.

Cameron Clark’s basket started it and Pledger added a deep 3-pointer from the wing. The hot-shooting Pledger, who had 30 points in a win over Kansas State last weekend, capped the spurt with another 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in the half, drawing the Sooners within 32-31.

Taylor’s two foul shots just before the buzzer restored the three-point cushion.

It turned out to be the closest Oklahoma got.

“I thought we battled pretty well for a half,” Kruger said. “Then we opened the second half not how we wanted to, or not how we needed to, for sure.”

Withey, who played just 8 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, scored the first basket of the second half, sending the Jayhawks on a 12-2 run that resulted in a 44-33 lead.

Robinson added an impressive dunk off a feed from Taylor, who finished with six assists, and Kansas kept drawing away. Taylor’s deep 3 from the wing as the shot clock wound down pushed the lead to 59-39 with 11:41 left in the game.

The lead reached 30 when Withey made a nice post move on C.J. Washington and drew a foul with 4:06 left. The 7-footer, an 86 percent free throw shooter, made both for an 80-49 lead.

“We took a lot of 3-pointers in the first half, kind of playing into their hands, how they wanted to play,” Taylor said. “I think we got a lot of fast-break points and in the paint just because of our defensive pressure, getting fast breaks.”

Self substituted liberally after that, allowing his starters to bask in the adoration of another sellout crowd and rest up before the first installment this season of the Border War.

The Jayhawks had been wary not to look ahead to their game against Missouri (20-2, 7-2), who had a couple of extra days to prepare after beating Texas on Monday night. They can now turn their full attention to one of the biggest regular-season matchups ever between the teams.

“If we’re tuned in defensively and we’re rebounding the ball, I think we can beat anybody, and I think that’s going to be our focus these next couple weekends, guarding and rebounding the ball,” Taylor said. “We have to win these games. We have to. They’re important.”

— Associated Press —

Griffons announce 2012 football recruiting class

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Missouri Western State University head football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 14 football student-athletes to the 2012 National Letter of Intent.

Western had another successful season in 2011 finishing 9-3 overall and 7-2 in MIAA play. Western won its last seven regular season games making their third trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Griffons have won a school record nine games in six of the last nine years. They have also played in a post season game in seven straight years (3 playoff appearances, 4 Mineral Water Bowl games).

Western signed five linebackers, three offensive lineman, three defensive lineman, two defensive backs, two tight ends and one wide receiver. Linebacker Blake Burson and wide receiver Blake Deal both of Savannah are the two local kids that signed with the Griffons.

Western recruited the midwest region very well. Western signed eight players from Missouri, three from Iowa, two from Nebraska, two from Kansas and one from Nevada.

2012 Missouri Western football signees

Darrian Bass
6-4, 210, Defensive End / Linebacker
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
“Bass is a player who can play stand up linebacker or defensive end” commented Partridge. “He is not as big as his brother (David) but is an outstanding athlete who does a lot of good things on the field.”
Runs a 4.6 second 40-yard dash and has a 33 inch vertical…41 tackles with one sack…one fumble recovery and two interceptions his senior season…majoring in biology at Western.
Bass Highlights

Jorge Belcher
6-2, 210, Linebacker
(Kansas City, Missouri / Archbishop O’Hara High School)
“Belcher is a very physical and athletic player,” commented Partridge. “Highly recruited player that we are happy to get.”
1st Team All-State…1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference…Defensive Player of the Year…O’Hara’s All-Time leading tackler with 429 career tackles (15.5 per game)…O’Hara’s single season record holder for tackles with 199 in 2011…plans on majoring in business at Western.
Belcher Highlights

Aaron Bubb
6-4, 285, Offensive Line
(Lincoln, Nebraska  / Lincoln Southeast High School)
“He is a very physical football player who plays hard and has great leadership skills,” stated Partridge. “Will play offensive tackle for Western.”
Honorable Mention All-State…All-City…helped his team win the state championship last season…majoring in exercise science at Western.
Bubb Highlights

Blake Burson
6-1, 205, Linebacker
(Savannah, Missouri / Savannah High School)
“Burson is an all around good football player,” stated Partridge. “He is a very smart player and a good leader. Was a three year starter on a solid football team.”
Four year letter winner…All-Conference…All-District…First Team All-State…two year captain…undecided on a major at Western.
Burson Highlights

Joey Capul
6-1, 210, Linebacker
(Garden Plains, Kansas / Garden Plains High School)
“Capul is very athletic and explosive player,” commented Partridge. “He is very fast and was an All-State linebacker and running back.”
1st Team All-State Running Back and Linebacker…Wichita Eagle All-Metro Team…Wichita Eagle Top 22…Topeka Capital-Journal Top 22…Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…1st Team All-League Linebacker…1st Team All-League Running Back… played in Blue-Gray North/South All Star Game in Tampa, Florida..had and interception for a 62 yd touchdown return…had 193 carries for 1,753 yard  with 22 touchdowns last season…had 106 total tackles with 44 unassisted tackles with 19 tackles for a loss and four sacks his senior season…in his career he finished with 320 carries for 2,679 yards and 41 touchdowns…had 233 career tackles with 94 unassisted tackles, 36 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks…undecided on a major at Western.
Capul Highlights

Blake Deal
6-1, 180, Wide Receiver
(Savannah, Mo. / Savannah High School)
“Deal never gives up on a ball which has allowed him to make a lot of good catches in his career.,” stated Partridge.
Two time All-District wide receiver and defensive back…Two time All-Conference wide receiver and defensive back..2nd Team All-State…helped his team to two Midland Empire Championships and two District Titles…2011 State Semi Finalist..had 46 catches for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior and 35 catches for 685 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior…undecided on a major at Western.
Deal Highlights

Sean Holloran
6-3, 275, Offensive Line
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
“He is a very athletic kid with long arms,” stated Partridge. “He will play center for us in the future. He is also schooled in Traditional Korean Martial Arts.”
First Team All-State…helped his team to the 6A state final game last season…majoring in biology at Western.
Holloran Highlights

Brock Kimball
6-2, 185, Defensive Back
(Washington, Iowa / Washington High School)
“Brock is probably the most physical defensive back in this class,” commented Partridge. “He is very long and has good speed. He is a very good student as well.”
1st Team All-District…All-Golden Triangle Team…Iowa Shrine Bowl participant…honorable mention All-District as a junior and defensive Rookie of the Year as a sophomore…member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in business managment at Western.
Kimball Highlights

Donovan Mathis
5-11, 185, Linebacker / Defensive Back
(Springfield, Missouri / Hillcrest High School)
“Donovan is a very good open field tackler,” commented Partridge. “Is a very aggressive ball seeker. He was a six man quarterback in Texas before moving to Springfield.”
1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference…biggest sports moment was defeating Glendale his senior season…his cousin Michael Brisco played at Texas Tech…plans on majoring in law at Western.
Mathis Highlights

Hunter Pack
6-0, 195, Defensive Back
(Springfield, Missouri / Kickapoo High School)
“Pack is a very physical and athletic corner,” said Partridge. “We are excited about what he is going to become.”
Had 57 solo tackles his senior season…1st Team All-Region defensive back by Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association…made the game winning catch against camdenton…his dad played football at Baker University…undecided on a major at Western.

Kurt Petroll
6-3, 285, Defensive Tackle
(Liberty, Missouri / Liberty High School)
“A very dominate interior player in high school,” Partridge stated. “He has a strong lower body and is extremely quick and athletic for his size. Ran a 4.4 pro agility and had a 28 inch vertical.”
Second Team All-State…Honorable Mention All-State…two time 1st Team All-Conferene…2nd Team All-Conference…three time academic award winner…two time team captain…65 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 6 pass break-ups and one blocked kick his senior season…plans on majoring in health and exercise science at Western.
Petroll Highlights

Colton Thompson
6-1, 230, Linebacker
(Council Bluffs, Iowa /Abraham Lincoln High School)
“Very physical player who is well built for just coming out of high school,” said Partridge. “He was also a very good fullback  in high school.”
Runs a 4.7 40-yard dash with a vertical of 32.5 inches…1st Team All-Conference…1st Team All-City…2nd Team All-Conference…majoring in criminal justice at Western.
Thompson Highlights

Blake Vandenburg
6-6, 220, Tight End
(Mt. Pleasant, Iowa / Mt. Pleasant High School)
“Blake has big hands and catches the ball well,” stated Partridge. “We are excited about the potential he has to develop into a solid MIAA player.”
All-District…3rd Team All-State..All-Hawkeye…team captain…37 catches for 460 yards and 4 TD’s for his senior season…undecided on a major at Western.

Mackenzie Wischmann
6-6, 235, Defensive End
(Papillion, Nebraska / Papillion-La Vista High School)
“Wischmann is a very long and high motor player,” commented Partridge. “He works extremely hard and is a solid student who plans on majoring in zoology.”
Honorable Mention All-State…All-Conference…All-District…All-Metro…team captain…had 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, 48 solo tackles and 40 assisted tackles his senior season…majoring in biology/zoology at Western.
Wischmann Highlights

Transfers
Nick Williams
6-3, 240, Tight End / Linebacker
(Lenexa, Kansas / Olathe Northwest HS / University of Nebraska-Omaha)
“A big kid who is a good athlete,” commented Partridge. “Played defensive end/linebacker for UNO. We will start him at tight end.”
In High School: Recorded 86 tackles as a senior and 200 for his career, both school records, while earning all-state honors…also caught 38 passes for 513 yards as a tight end, also school records at Olathe Northwest High School under coach Todd Dain…was defensive player of the year in the conference…also lettered in track and basketball.
2010 at UNO: Played in 11 games with 19 tackles, 7 being solo…had three tackles for a loss and one sack.

Kevin Hart
6-4, 315, Offensive Lineman
(Fernley, Nevada / Fernley HS / Feather River Community College)
“A big physical player who will compete for a guard spot next fall,” commented Partridge.
Feather River CC: 2011 1st Team Mid-Empire All-Conference…2011 CCCAA 1t Team All-Region.

— MWSU Sports Information —

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