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Category: Sports

MWSU women’s 4×400 earns provisional mark in final regular season meet

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LINCOLN, Neb. – Missouri Western Track & Field student-athletes earned an additional NCAA Division II provisional mark, got one event win and broke a few more school records in the final meet prior to the MIAA Indoor Championships.

The women’s 4x400m team of Savannah Simmons, Hanna Williams, Morgan Doyle and Symonne Holland did what the Nebraska Tune-Up is intended for. The group turned in a provisional time of 3:50.72 which shattered the school record by seven seconds. The time was the 20th best in Division II this indoor season and the third best turned in by an MIAA women’s 4×400 relay team this winter.

TOP-10 FINISHERS

  • Women’s 4x400m (Savannah Simmons, Hanna Williams, Morgan Doyle, Symonne Holland), 1st, 3:50.72-P
  • Bailey Gilbert, 3rd, Women’s Long Jump, 5.45m (17-10.75)
  • Madison Roumph, 3rd, Women’s Triple Jump, 10.93m (35-10.5)
  • Megan Gillen, 4th, Women’s 800m, 2:16.42
  • Hunter Scaggs, 6th, Men’s High Jump, 1.96m (6-5)
  • Dre’Shaun Sanders, 7th, Men’s 200m, 22.10
  • Simone Baldeh, 9th, Women’s Weight Throw, 15.60m (51-2.25)
  • Kallin Sheppard, 10th, Women’s Shot Put, 11.93m (39-1.75)
  • Jordan Garr, 10th, Men’s Shot Put, 15.42m (50-7.25)
  • Alison Nutt, 10th, Women’s 400m, 1:00.33
  • Nate Jelinek, 10th, Men’s 400m, 51.53
  • Allison Goos, 10th, Women’s 1-mile, 5:16.71

SCHOOL RECORDS

  • Women’s 4x400m (Savannah Simmons, Hanna Williams, Morgan Doyle, Symonne Holland), 3:50.72-P
  • Dre’Shaun Sanders, Men’s 200m, 22.10
  • Megan Gillen, Women’s 800m, 2:16.42

UP NEXT

  • The MIAA Indoor Track & Field Championships Feb. 22-24 in Maryville, Missouri.

— Northwest Athletics —

Missouri appeals NCAA sanctions levied against 3 sports

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The University of Missouri filed a notice of appeal with the NCAA’s committee on infractions Thursday, beginning what could be a lengthy fight of what it considers overly harsh sanctions levied against three of its programs for academic misconduct involving a former tutor.

The NCAA banned the football, baseball and softball teams from the postseason for a year and placed the entire athletic department on probation late last month. Missouri also was docked scholarships and given recruiting restrictions among numerous other punishments.

The school immediately vowed to fight the punishments, which received widespread condemnation beyond its campus in Columbia. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt even called upon the NCAA to take another look at the case.

“Mizzou’s case involved an isolated incident within our program,” Tigers athletic director Jim Sterk said. “However, the penalties applied are overly harsh, not in line with established precedent and negatively impact student-athletes who chose to attend the University of Missouri and had nothing to do with the actions of one rogue individual.”

The notice of appeal begins a back-and-forth between the school and the NCAA that is expected to take at least six months. Typically, any penalties are put on hold while the case is winding toward its conclusion, meaning the three programs in question would retain their postseason eligibility.

The case began in late 2016 when a former tutor, Yolanda Kumar, acknowledged she had “violated NCAA ethical conduct, academic misconduct and academic extra benefits rules when she completed academic work for 12 student-athletes.” Kumar said she felt pressured to ensure athletes passed certain courses, though the NCAA’s investigation did not support those accusations.

The school began its own investigation after Kumar claimed on social media that she had committed academic fraud. Sterk eventually sent her a later confirming she had provided impermissible benefits and that she could no longer be associated with the athletic department.

Missouri worked hand-in-hand with the NCAA during the investigation, and Sterk admitted he thought the school would receive some leniency. Instead, the punishments the Tigers received were severe.

Sterk said he’s concerned that response could set a dangerous precedent.

“It appears our cooperation throughout this process went largely unnoticed,” he said, “which I believe will have a chilling effect and force other institutions to take a different approach in dealing with these types of issues, which will not be in the best interest of the NCAA.”

In other words, schools could be less forthcoming for fear of retribution.

Missouri has retained the help of attorney Mike Glazier, an expert on intercollegiate athletics, to assist with the appeal. Glazier has been helping with the case since the initial revelations in 2016.

“We believe that the committee on infractions abused its discretion in applying penalties to the University of Missouri,” Sterk said, “and we look forward to appearing before the appeals committee in the future to present our case.”

Mizzou women upset No. 5 Mississippi State 75-67 in Starkville

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Sophie Cunningham scored 24 points, Amber Smith added 16 and Missouri upset No. 5 Mississippi State 75-67 on Thursday night.

The game remained tight until the final minute when Cierra Porter made a 3-pointer with 41 seconds left — her first points of the game — to give Missouri a six-point advantage.

Missouri (19-7, 8-4 Southeastern Conference) trailed for much of the night, but pulled ahead 55-54 on Akira Levy’s layup at the third-quarter buzzer. The Tigers pushed their advantage 60-56 early in the fourth quarter and never trailed again, fending off multiple Mississippi State rallies.

Missouri shot 55 percent from the field and made 11 3-pointers.

Mississippi State (22-2, 10-1) had its 12-game winning streak snapped. The Bulldogs also had won 26 straight regular-season SEC games dating to last season.

Anriel Howard led the Bulldogs with 21 points. Teaira McCowan added 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Mississippi State needed Andra Espinoza-Hunter’s midrange jumper at the buzzer to take a 35-34 halftime lead. Howard led the Bulldogs with 11 points before the break. Cunningham had 13.

2,000 POINTS

Missouri’s Cunningham passed 2,000 points for her career with a 3-pointer during the second quarter. The 6-foot-1 guard has been a consistent scorer throughout her career, scoring 448 points as a freshman, 541 as a sophomore and 574 as a junior. She already has 452 points this season.

BIG PICTURE

Missouri: It’s a huge win for the Tigers, who had lost their previous four road games. Cunningham was excellent as usual and she got a lot of help from her teammates. The Tigers now have a 2-7 record against Mississippi State.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs had a tough night on both ends of the floor, but especially on defense. The Tigers got a lot of open looks from 3-point range and made a bunch of them. Mississippi State has another tough game on Sunday against Texas A&M.

UP NEXT

Missouri: Hosts Tennessee on Sunday.

Mississippi State: At No. 22 Texas A&M on Sunday.

— Associated Press —

Central High School to induct new Hall of Fame Class on Friday

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ST. JOSEPH, MO. – The Central High Athletic Department is excited to announce the 2018 Hall of Fame Induction Class. This year’s class includes Mr. Nick Hegarty – Tennis, Mr. Mike Hill – Football, Mrs. Carly Lee -Moss – Basketball, the 1993 Men’s Golf Team and the 1994 Men’s Golf Team. The Induction ceremony is scheduled at halftime of the Varsity Basketball game vs. Staley on Friday, February 15, 2019, in the Coliseum at Central High School.

Mr. Nick Hegarty – Class of 2003
While at Central, Mr. Hegarty became one of the greatest tennis players in school history. Nick anchored the Central tennis team for four years. He earned All-City, All-District and All-State honors all four years. He won multiple district championships, finishing 2nd in the state as a sophomore and winning the state championship his senior season. Hegarty finished a combined perfect, 32-0 as a senior, setting two MSHSAA tennis records; winning percentage in a season (100%) and wins in a season (25). Those records still stand today. Nick also competed on the national level during his high school career, earning the #1 ranked player in the five state Missouri Valley region and career best ranking, #27 in the country.

After graduation, Mr. Hegarty went on to play college tennis at Arizona State University. While at ASU, Nick was part of the Sun Devils’ 2004 NCAA Sweet 16 team and was named to the Pac 10 All-Academic Team. Currently, Mr. Hegarty is Director of High Performance at the Elite Squad Tennis Club in Overland Park, Kansas.

Nick and his wife, Caroline, live in Prairie Village, Kansas, and are expecting their first child in June.

Mr. Mike Hill – Class of 2008
While at Central, Mike Hill solidified himself as one of the most dominant running backs to ever step on Noyes Field for the Indians. Mr. Hill earned All-City honors (2-years), All-Conference (2-years) and was named to the MSHSAA All-State First Team as a senior. He also received honors on the defensive side of the ball where he was an All-City and All-Conference Linebacker. Mike earned the respect of his teammates and coaches being named a team captain for his junior and senior seasons. Mr. Hill also
excelled in track and field for three years, earning All-City one year.

After graduation, Mike attended Missouri Western where he became one of, if not the greatest, running backs in Missouri Western history. In 2012, Hill finished the year as the single season rushing leader at all NCAA levels (Division 1, 2 and 3), rushing for 2168 yards, and leading the Griffons to the MIAA Championship and NCAA Quarterfinals. For his accomplishments, Mike was named the Division 2 Offensive Player of the Year and Harlon Hill runner up. The Harlon Hill is Division 2’s Heisman
Trophy. Following the season, Hill was invited to the senior bowl where he rushed for 148 yards on 12 carriers, scored two touchdowns, and was named the Senior Bowl MVP.

Hill went on to play for 6 different NFL teams including the San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. His Indianapolis Colts team won the Division, and advanced to the AFC Championship game where they lost to the New England Patriots.

Mike and his wife Kaleigh reside in St. Joseph with their son Kaden.

Mrs. Carly Lee-Moss – Class of 2000
While at Central, Mrs. Lee-Moss was a two-sport super star athlete in basketball and track. Heralded as one of the best basketball players to wear a Central uniform, Carly earned All-City honors all 4 years, AllDistrict – 3 years, All-Conference – 3 years, All-Area 3-years, and was named to the All-State team in 1999 and 2000. During her 4 years, she scored 1,308 points (currently ranks 3rd all-time) and pulled down 837 rebounds (currently ranks 2nd all-time). Her 1998-99 Central team won the District and Sectional Championships. Following her senior season, Carly was selected to the NW Missouri All-Star team and the State of Missouri All Star Game.

As a member of the Central track team, Carly participated in the Shot and Disc. She lettered all 4 years, earning All-City (3-years), All-District (3-years), All-Conference (3-years) and All-Sectional (2-years). Carly still holds the Central record in the Discus at 114 ft 6 inches.

After graduation, Carly played for the Griffons at Missouri Western. A three-year starter, she was part of four 20+ win seasons where her teams won two MIAA Championships and went to four consecutive NCAA Regional tournaments. Carly still holds the single game record for 3-pointers made with seven. Following her playing career, she served as an Assistant Coach at Missouri Western for 5 years under Josh Keister and Lynn Plett.

Carly married Ty Moss, and has two children, daughter Tatum and son Talin.

Class of 1993 Men’s Golf Team
The Class of 1993 men’s golf team, following in the footsteps of the ’92 Hall of Fame team, made it “Back to Back” State Championships for the Indians. Central defeated runner-up Rockhurst, 615-616, to secure the state championship and avenge the only loss on the season. Central won every team event entered, including the District 8 title. The Indians suffered their only defeat at the Kansas City Country Club to runner-up Rockhurst. At the State Championship in Columbia, Missouri, the Indians were led by Kyle Sinclair (4th Individually), Rob Verbeck (8th Individually), Patrick Brock (35th Individually), Chris McCan and Craig Sinclair.

Class of 1994 Men’s Golf Team
The Class of 1994 men’s golf team, following in the footsteps of the ’92 and ‘93 Hall of Fame teams, made it a “Three Peat” for Central golf. The Indians three straight state championships ties the MSHSAA record of three consecutive state titles set by Columbia Hickman. The Indians finished the regular season with 9-1 record and took first place in three of six tournaments. Central also earned its third straight District Championship. At the State Championship in Columbia, Missouri, the Indians were led by Rob Verbeck, Craig Sinclair, Adam McClure, David Haasis and Baker Haasis.

— Central High School Press Release —-

Northwest baseball splits a pair of games on day two of MIAA/GLVC Crossover

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JOPLIN, Missouri – The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team split a pair of games on day two of the MIAA/GLVC Crossover.

Northwest tallied an 8-2 triumph over Rockhurst before falling to Missouri Southern in the nightcap, 12-5.

Game One vs. Rockhurst
The first three innings at Warren Turner Field were quiet as neither team could get the on the scoreboard.

This was until the Bearcats struck first in the top of the fourth inning, prompted by a lead off hit to center by senior catcher Alixon Herrera. Herrera advanced to second base after junior first baseman Connor Quick drew a walk. Herrera and Quick moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore infielder Peter Carlson. Northwest got the opening run on the scoreboard after Herrera scored from third on a sacrifice fly to right from junior infielder Calvin Rudolph. Quick also advanced to third on the play. The second run of the inning came when Rockhurst pitcher Jack Eisenbarger committed an error, allowing Quick to score.

Keeping the Hawks scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, Northwest added another run in the fifth inning, thanks to an RBI double by senior catcher Jay Hrdlicka that plated senior infielder Mondesi Gutierrez.

Rockhurst tallied two runs in the bottom of the fifth to trim the Northwest lead to 3-2.

The Bearcat pitching duo of junior Joe Funkhouser and freshman Gibson Brown kept the Hawks in check. Funkhouser drew the start and went six innings allowing four hits and two runs while striking out nine. Gibson came on in the seventh and earend his first collegiate save. Gibson tossed three innings of one-hit relief.

Northwest’s offense provided some much needed cushion in the top of the ninth as the Bearcats put a five-spot on the board to increase the lead to 8-2. Hrdlicka added his second RBI double of the game, while junior Connor Quick provided an RBI single. Ryan Koski drew a bases loaded walk for the third run of the inning. Gutierrez ripped a two-RBI single to center to close out the scoring.

Northwest improved to 4-5 on the season heading into the matchup with Missouri Southern.

NOTES: Funkhouser got his first win of the season (1-1) … Hrdlicka and Hussey had team-high three hits – Hussey’s fifth multi-hit game of the season.

Game Two vs. Missouri Southern
Northwest jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning following a leadoff double from Gutierrez to open the contest. Hussey walked to give Northwest runners on first and second. Hrdlicka grounded out to first base, moving the base runners to second and third. Alixon Herrera drove in Gutierrez and Hussey with a double to right center.

Missouri Southern evened the matchup at 2-2 in the bottom of the third.

Quick homered to right field to open up the top of the fourth to give Northwest a one run lead at 3-2. Logan Rycraft served up two-out RBI single to left field that scored Rudolph. Rycraft would complete his journey around the base paths on another two-out RBI single from Gutierrez.

After posting five runs in the first four innings against the Lions, the Bearcat offense would go dormant and the home squad tallied 10 unanswered runs to take it 12-5. Northwest had six hits in the opening four innings and was limited two three hits in the final five innings of action.

Missouri Southern went on to score two in the fourth, took the lead with two more in the fifth and added a six-run sixth to give the Lions a seven-run lead.

Six pitchers made an appearance for the Bearcats during the outing. Sophomore Max Spitzmiller got the start on the mound, going 4 2/3 innings while giving up six runs on six hits and recording five strikeouts.

Northwest fell to 4-6 on the season, while Missouri Southern improves to 7-3.

NOTES: Herrera is riding a seven-game hitting streak…Gutierrez, Hussey, Hrdlicka and Quick extended their on-base streaks to ten games…Quick-18, Hussey-17, Hrdlicka-16, Herrera-14 and Gutierrez-13 are all ranked in the top-10 in the MIAA in hits.

— Northwest Athletics —

University of Missouri files Notice of Appeal with NCAA

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Columbia, Mo. – The University of Missouri has filed its Notice of Appeal with the NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee, Mizzou Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced. The appeal was filed late Thursday afternoon.

“We believe that the Committee on Infractions abused its discretion in applying penalties to the University of Missouri Athletics program, and we look forward to appearing before the Appeals Committee in the future to present our case,” Sterk said. “Mizzou’s case involved an isolated incident within our program, however, the penalties applied are overly harsh, not in line with established precedent and negatively impact student-athletes who chose to attend the University of Missouri and had nothing to do with the actions of one rogue individual.

“It appears that our cooperation throughout this process went largely unnoticed, which I believe will have a chilling effect and force other institutions to take a different approach in dealing with these type issues, which will not be in the best interest of the NCAA or intercollegiate athletics,” he added.

The University’s appeal team will be headed by Bond, Schoeneck & King’s Mike Glazier, who has worked side-by-side with Mizzou on this case since the fall of 2016. Mizzou will also be working with other legal advisors throughout the appeals process

The NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee will acknowledge receipt of Mizzou’s Appeal Notice in a timely manner, and the University will then have 30 days to file its written appeal. The entire process is expected to take a minimum of six months to complete.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Griffons’ rally comes up short in home loss to Southwest Baptist

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ST. JOSEPH – After falling behind by as many as 21 points in the second half, Missouri Western (11-14, 5-9 MIAA) came back to trail by just one possession with three minutes remaining. Southwest Baptist (12-11, 6-8 MIAA) managed to hold on late, allowing just two made field goals in the final three minutes to win by a score of 79-71.

NOTABLES

  • The Griffons shot well out of the opening tip, making seven of their first 11 shots to take a 17-15 lead eight minutes into the game.
  • Southwest Baptist’s three-pointer on the next possession sparked a 28-6 run to go ahead by 20 in the first half.
  • Tyus Millhollin swung it out to Lavon Hightower for a buzzer-beating three to trim the Bearcat lead to 43-29 at the halftime break.
  • Bryan Hudson led the Griffons with 11 first half points.
  • Southwest Baptist built its first-half lead from beyond the arc with seven triples before halftime.
  • The Bearcats stretched their lead to a game-high 21 points five minutes into the second half.
  • The Griffons then used a 21-7 run to slowly chip away at the Southwest Baptist lead.
  • Hightower’s driving layup finally brought Missouri Western within one possession at 66-63 with 3:22 remaining.
  • Southwest Baptist would then halt the Griffons’ momentum with a corner three-pointer.
  • With the Griffons down four with one minute remaining, Southwest Baptist’s Maris Colton put the Bearcats up six to put Missouri Western away.
  • The Griffons’ aggression paid off offensively in the second half, scoring 30 of their 42 second-half points in the paint.

LEADERS

  • Hudson led all players with 24 points on an efficient 65 percent shooting. Hudson’s 24 points give him his second-highest mark this season.
  • Tyrell Caroll finished with 18 points.
  • Hightower scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half and also led the team with eight rebounds.

UP NEXT

  • Missouri Western Men’s Basketball will face Central Missouri (12-11, 5-9 MIAA) for the first time this season on Saturday.
  • The Mules fell to top-ranked Northwest Missouri by 17 points on Wednesday night.

— MWSU Athletics —

No. 1 Bearcats overcome halftime deficit to defeat Central Missouri

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MARYVILLE, Missouri – The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team overcame a halftime deficit for only the second time this season and scored a 67-50 win over the visiting University of Central Missouri Mules in Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats improved to 24-0 and matched the second-best start to a season in program history. Only the 1929-30 Bearcat squad under the direction of then first-year head coach Henry Iba got off to a better start with a perfect 31-0 season. Central Missouri fell to 12-11 overall and 5-9 in MIAA. Northwest has won eight straight games in the series vs. UCM.

Senior Joey Witthus paced the Bearcat offense with 19 points and junior Ryan Welty did damage from deep as he drained five three-pointers in seven attempts to score 15 points.

The Mules led by as many as eight points in the first half when the built a 28-20 lead with 2:19 left on the clock. However, Northwest then used an 18-0 run over the final two minutes of the first half and the opening five minutes of the second half to overtake the visitors and take a 38-30 lead. The Mules closed back to within five points at 44-39 with 9:45 remaining in the game, but another 7-0 spurt by the Bearcats turned it back into a double-digit affair.

The Bearcats will be back in action Saturday against Southwest Baptist. Stay tuned to www.BearcatSports.com for the latest game time information for Saturday’s contest because of impending inclement weather. Northwest is scheduled to play Southwest Baptist in a women’s/men’s doubleheader beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.

NOTES: Trevor Hudgins was 2-of-2 at the line to extend his consecutive free throws made streak to 33 in a row … Ryan Hawkins ripped down a game-high 12 rebounds and tallied four steals … Northwest extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 14 in a row … Northwest is 86-5 over the past three seasons … the Bearcats are a perfect 12-0 at home this season and the 12-game home win streak is the fifth-longest active streak in the nation … the Bearcats have won 19 consecutive MIAA contests … in fact, Northwest has won 76 of its last 83 MIAA games, including 40 of its last 41 league games in Bearcat Arena … Northwest was held to a season-low 67 points – its previous low this year was 72 in its season-opening 72-70 overtime victory over Northern State on Nov. 3 … Northwest has won its last 15 games by double figures.

— Northwest Athletics —

Missouri Western women use big second half to roll past Southwest Baptist

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ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Southwest Baptist Wednesday night 78-64 inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.  The Griffons outscored SBU in the second half 50-29 as they improve to 12-11 and 7-7 in the MIAA.  The Bearcats fall to 6-17 and 2-12 in league play.

NOTABLES

  • The Griffons went to halftime down by seven after being outscored 20-9 in the second quarter
  • MWSU responded with a 26-15 third quarter and a 24-14 fourth quarter to climb ahead and put the Bearcats away
  • The 78 points scored were the most for the Griffs since dropping 93 on Saint Mary in November
  • Missouri Western shot 60 percent in the third quarter, 56 percent in the fourth and 48 percent for the game
  • After SBU went 3-for-8 from three in the first half, the Griffon defense limited the Bearcats to 1-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half
  • The Griffons were 50 percent (7-14) from three-point range in the game and 83 percent (15-18) from the free throw line
  • With the win, Missouri Western took over sole possession of seventh place in the MIAA standings

LEADERS

  • Katrina Roenfeldt had a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds
  • Anastacia Johnson posted career highs for points (16) and steals (7)
  • Jessica Davies scored 17 points, 13 in the second half

UP NEXT

  • Senior Day and the home finale for the Griffons
  • No. 24 Central Missouri visits the MWSU Fieldhouse Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.
  • The Jennies won 78-67 at Northwest Missouri Wednesday night.

— MWSU Athletics —

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