Sports – Page 632 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Chiefs’ President Mark Donovan signs long-term extension

Posted on April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that team President Mark Donovan has signed a long-term contract extension with the club. Donovan originally joined the Chiefs as the club’s chief operating officer in 2009 before being promoted to team president in 2011.

“My family and I are delighted that Mark will be guiding the business operations of the Chiefs for many years to come,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Over the last six seasons, Mark has helped the Chiefs rank among the best in the National Football League in several categories – most importantly, the fan experience – and I know he and his team will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the Chiefs Kingdom.”

“I’d like thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to continue my career with one of the league’s most iconic and proud franchises,” Donovan said. “My family and I have been blessed to be surrounded by a talented staff, a strong team and a supportive community for more than six years, and we are looking forward to calling Chiefs Kingdom our home for many more.”

During Donovan’s tenure in Kansas City, the Chiefs have invested heavily in enhancing the in-stadium experience for fans at Arrowhead. The team has emerged as a league leader in fan engagement with a focus on introducing technology-based solutions and celebrating the traditions and fan rituals that make Arrowhead special. Since Donovan’s arrival the club has introduced a number of features including a stadium-wide Wi-Fi network, a Chiefs-specific mobile application and ticketless technology. Additionally, Donovan and his team have worked to bring a number of other events to Arrowhead Stadium such as concerts and college football games. This summer alone, the Chiefs will host three concerts (Rolling Stones, One Direction and Kenny Chesney) and an NCAA Div. I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game (MU vs. BYU) in the fall. His leadership extends to the community both personally and professionally, where he is actively engaged in the Chiefs charitable giving and community involvement, helping the team to have a greater impact on the Kansas City community.

Donovan joined the Chiefs in 2009 after six years with the Philadelphia Eagles as Senior Vice President of Business Operations (2003-08). Prior to joining the Eagles, Donovan held leadership roles as the NFL’s Senior Director of Sales and Marketing (1999-03) and the Director of Sales and Marketing for the National Hockey League (1997-99). He also brings seven years of experience in the private business sector. This season will be Donovan’s 17th NFL season since joining the league in 1999.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native graduated from Brown University with a double major in political science and organizational behavior/management. He captained the Brown football squad as the team’s quarterback and signed with the New York Giants as a free agent upon graduation.

He and his wife, Kathy, have two children and reside in Kansas City.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Missouri Western announces advanced skills girls’ basketball camp

Posted on April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western women’s basketball coach Rob Edmisson has announced another camp this summer for high school girls.

The advanced skills camp is an intense, one-day camp featuring cutting edge skill instruction, competitions and games.

Campers will be divided by both age and ability groups.
The camp will be held in the MWSU Fieldhouse on the campus of Missouri Western State University. Girls entering grades nine through 12 are eligible for attendance. The cost of the camp is $60 and includes instruction, lunch and t-shirt.

For more information, go to GoGriffons.com for the camp brochure or contact assistant coach Roger Smith at 816-271-4509 or rosmith@missouriwestern.edu.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Groner & Rottinghaus take home top honors at MWSU Student-Athlete Honors Banquet

Posted on April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

MWSU Director of Athletics (left), Female Student-Athlete of the Year Erica Rottinghaus, Male Student-Athlete of the Year Scott Groner and David Bradley of the St. Joseph News-Press at the 16th Annual St. Joseph News-Press Student-Athlete Honors Banquet.

ST. JOSEPH – More than 20 awards were handed out and hundreds recognized as part of the 16th Annual St. Joseph News-Press Student-Athlete Honors Banquet Monday night at Missouri Western.

In an evening designed to honor excellence both past and present, Scott Groner (Griffon Football) and Erica Rottinghaus (Griffon Volleyball) took home the male and female student-athlete of the year honors for their outstanding performance on the field, hard work in the classroom and exceptional representation of Missouri Western State University.

Rottinghaus started every game of her two year career and was a two time First Team All-MIAA selection, being the first volleyball student-athlete since 2002 to achieve that honor. This season she was named an Honorable Mention All-American for her play on the court and a First Team All-American for performance on the court and in the classroom.

Groner was a four-year starter at the punter position and this season was named First Team All-MIAA for the second consecutive year and was an Honorable Mention All-American. He led the MIAA with an average of 42 yards per kick, including 15 punts over 50 yards. Academically, Scott graduated last December with his degree in Health & Exercise and as he began his career as a baseball player at MWSU and was a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll six times.

Rottinghaus and Groner were joined by Tiffany Gillaspy (Griffon Softball) as recipients of the Tom Smith Career Achievement Award, an award given to Griffon student-athletes whom exhibit excellence over an extended period of time and display extraordinary accomplishments.

The two were among 11 nominees for the award, one from each Griffon sport and one from the cheer squad. The student-athlete of the year from each sport were: Cheer Sqaud-Shae Fannon; Women’s Soccer-K.C. Ramsell; Women’s Tennis-Ceara Boldridge; Men’s Golf-Scott Sheldon; Women’s Golf-Callie Wilson; Football-Scott Groner; Volleyball-Erica Rottinghaus; Women’s Basketball-Alex Saxen; Men’s Basketball-Cortrez Colbert; Softball-Tiffany Gillaspy; Baseball-Ryan Degner.

Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame member Scott Graham received the Award of Valor. The award is presented to a student-athlete, coach or contributor to Griffon Athletics for having the strength of mind and spirit that enables a person to encounter life’s challenges with resolve and courage. Graham has served the institution in many capacities since graduation, including serving as the current Chairman of the Griffon Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and is a member of the Gold Coat Club Board of Directors. He often drives from his Kansas City area home to campus to attend meetings, functions, take part in events and attends games frequently, all while working tirelessly in his successful business career.

For more than a year, Scott has been battling cancer and while he has been undergoing numerous treatments locally and at the Mayo Clinic, he has continued to fulfill his roles and provide leadership to the University in a first class manner in which he would never let you know the challenges he faces on a daily basis. Through this difficult time he is still in the stands at many Griffon games home and away and exemplifies the true meaning of a Griffon and is definitely “Griffon Tough”.

Dr. Brenda Blessing and Gaylan Wood were awarded Silver Anniversary awards as individuals who have served the University with characteristics of integrity, dedication and leadership, with a commitment to excellence. Dr. Blessing will officially retire in August after serving as a faculty member in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department form more than 30 years. Dr. Blessing has also served the athletic department as NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative for many years. Wood is a longtime bus driver, safely transporting countless Griffon student-athletes, coaches and staff to various events. Wood will also be retiring later this year.

Many other awards and recognition were handed out, including the James J. McMillen Scholar-Athlete Award. The award was established in 1995 to recognize the top graduating senior student-athlete based on cumulative grade point average. This year’s recipient was Griffon Soccer’s A.J. Powers. Alex Saxen (Griffon Women’s Basketball) was awarded the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s Community Service Volunteer of the Year award.

Eight Griffon student-athletes were also recognized for their achievement as All-Americans in 2014 and 2015 seasons. Those recognized as All-Americans: Scott Groner (Football-Don Hansen Honorable Mention; John Schmiemeier (Football-Don Hansen Honorable Mention); Michael Jordan (Football-First Team American Football Coaches Association and D2Football.com, Third Team Little All-American, Don Hansen Honorable Mention); Tiffany Gillaspy (Softball-Third Team National Fastpitch Coaches Association); Ryan Degner (Baseball-Third Team Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association); Erica Rottinghaus (Volleyball-First Team CoSIDA/Capital One Academic, Honorable Mention American Volleyball Coaches Association); Sarah Faubel (Volleyball-First Team CoSIDA/Capital One Academic).

Griffon Athletics thanks all involved in making the banquet possible, including title sponsors the St. Joseph News-Press.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Royals bounce back to beat Indians in series opener

Posted on April 28, 2015

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mike Moustakas has done well throughout his career against Corey Kluber. Even so, beating the AL Cy Young Award winner was quite an accomplishment.

Moustakas got four hits, Alex Gordon drove in two runs and the Kansas City Royals kept Kluber winless this season, topping the Cleveland Indians 6-2.

Kluber (0-3) gave up six runs, four of them earned, and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings. After going 18-9 last year, he hasn’t won in five starts and has a 4.24 ERA.

“He’s one of the best pitchers in the game, if not the best pitcher in the game,” Moustakas said. “We came away with a win against a great pitcher.”

Gordon had a go-ahead double in the sixth. Moustakas added an RBI single in the seventh, and is 11 for 25 lifetime against Kluber.

Despite those numbers, Moustakas has no explanation for his success.

“That’s one of those things that happens in baseball,” he said. “Against a guy like that, every at-bat is tough. You just hope he makes a mistake or what you think is a mistake, but that guy doesn’t make many mistakes.”

The Indians committed a season-high three errors and have lost seven of 10.

Jason Vargas (2-1) allowed two runs in five innings. The left-hander, who pitched around five walks, gave up a two-run homer to Mike Aviles in the fifth.

Kluber recorded his 500th career strikeout when he whiffed Lorenzo Cain in the sixth. The right-hander struck out five and walked two.

Errors by shortstop Jose Ramirez and Aviles, playing third base, helped Kansas City score twice.

Eric Hosmer, who had an RBI single in the third, drew a leadoff walk to start the sixth. He took third on Kendrys Morales’ single before Gordon dropped a double near the line in left field for a 3-2 lead.

“You don’t want to give in to a guy like Kluber until you get to two strikes,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “You got to get into battle mode and put a good swing on it like Moose did all night long and Gordie, too.”

The win ended a two-game losing streak for the Royals, who are 13-6 after coming within one game of winning the World Series last season.

“Teams can go one of two ways when they get a taste of winning,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “You can go on the banquet circuit and kind of dig yourself or you can come back with a `Hey, we got there and we want to do it again.’ They seem to be in that mode. I wish they weren’t.”

Kansas City’s Jarrod Dyson stole three bases, his first of the season.

The gametime temperature of 44 degrees, along with 13 mph winds, forced many in the crowd of 9,668 to bundle up in wintertime clothing.

GETTING CLOSER

Royals RHP Greg Holland (right pectoral strain), eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on May 3, played catch before the game after a pain-free bullpen session Sunday.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: OF Alex Rios (broken left hand) was examined by a specialist and will begin strengthening exercises. Rios was hit by a pitch on April 16.

Indians: OF Nick Swisher, who had surgery on both knees in August, hopes to rejoin the team next week. He’ll continue his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday. “It’s been a long road,” he said. “I just want this to be over so I can get back here with my guys.”

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Jeremy Guthrie, who allowed three runs in the first inning against Minnesota in his last start, is 5-5 lifetime against Cleveland, the team that drafted him in 2002. Guthrie pitched for the Indians from 2004-06.

Indians: RHP Trevor Bauer, who was scratched Saturday because of food poisoning, will start against the Royals. He pitched seven shutout innings against the White Sox in his last start.

— Associated Press —

Griffons’ Lim selected to compete at NCAA Central Regional

Posted on April 28, 2015

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western women’s golfer Celine Lim has been selected to compete in the 2015 NCAA Division II Central Regional.

Lim joins men’s golfer Corey Knight as representatives of Griffon Golf in postseason play. The Central Regional will be played May 2-5 at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, hosted by Northeastern State. The top three teams and top three individuals not with a team qualifying for the regional, will advance to the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships to be held May 13-16 at the Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, Michigan.

Lim finished the season as the Griffons top golfer. She fired a low-round of 75 with one top-five finish, six top-10 finishes and six top-20 finishes. She averaged a 79.2 this season. Her best finish came early this spring when she tied for fifth at the MWSU/Holiday Inn Express Classic at the St. Joseph Country Club. Lim is one of two individuals to qualify for regional play from the MIAA along with three teams.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Northwest women announce additions of student-athletes for 2015-2016

Posted on April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head women’s basketball coach Michael Smith has announced the additions of five student-athletes to the 2015-16 Bearcat roster. Arbrieal Benson (Omaha, Neb.), Tyra Moore (Springfield, Mo.), Mallory McAdrews (St. Joseph, Mo.), Jasmin Howe (Millicent, Australia) and Carlie Wilhelmi (Center Point, Iowa) will all enroll at Northwest Missouri State for the 2015-16 academic year.

“I thought we were able to identify quality individuals who will be able to fill some specific needs for us moving forward,” said Smith. “The addition of these student-athletes combined with our returners fits in well with what we want the future of our program to be.”

Benson, a 5-9 guard, was a standout performer for Omaha Benson High School. She was named second team all-metro and earned honorable mention all-state accolades. She averaged 10.0 points per game.

Moore was a first team all-conference and first team all-district performer for Parkview High School. The 5-7 guard averaged 21.0 points per game.

Benton High School product McAndrews earned first team all-city, all-conference, all-district and all-state honors. The 5-7 guard averaged 13.0 points per game.

Howe joins the Bearcats after spending the previous two seasons at Marshalltown Community College. The 5-8 guard was a first team all-region performer and averaged 17.0 points per game.

Fort Scott Community College’s Carlie Wilhelmi will be a junior for the Bearcats this fall. The 6-2 post earned honorable mention all-conference honors, averaging 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Earlier this season, coach Smith announced the additions of Macy Williams (Tabor, Iowa), Maria Dentlinger (Arcadia, Iowa), Ashley Nelson (LaVista, Neb.) and Elexis Martinez (Omaha, Neb.).

— Northwest Sports Information —

St. Louis offense shut down by Hamels, Phillies

Posted on April 28, 2015

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Finally, Cole Hamels got a few runs to work with.

The Philadelphia Phillies put some key hits in the right places and the lefty won for the first time in seven starts dating to last September in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.

“You just know that you don’t have to be as precise,” Hamels said. “You can kind of let the ball go a little bit and see what happens.”

Ben Revere’s two-run double just inside the foul line in left field in the seventh inning was the go-ahead hit for the Phillies, who have won three of four.

Philadelphia manager Ryne Sandberg left Hamels (1-2) in to sacrifice in the seventh to give the pitcher a shot at ending his winless skid. Besides the bunt that moved up the runners for Revere, Hamels retired his final seven batters in order, finishing with 114 pitches.

“I thought that would be big for him,” Sandberg said. “But the fact that he can hit a little bit, that came into play also.”

The Cardinals needed five baserunners to get a run in the third on Matt Holliday’s RBI single. Mark Reynolds, who got a spot start in right field, grounded out with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Cardinals starter John Lackey (1-1) didn’t help his cause when he struck out attempting to bunt after Jon Jay drew a leadoff walk in the third. Lackey has spent virtually all of his career in the American League.

“Obviously, tonight I didn’t get it down,” Lackey said. “He threw me a breaking ball, changeup — he kind of showed me a little bit of everything.”

Hamels and Lackey both went seven innings. Hamels had a season-best nine strikeouts and allowed four hits, while the Phillies put just two runners in scoring position before their three-run seventh.

Hamels had been 0-4 with a 3.23 ERA since Sept. 23, receiving four total runs of support while he was in the game. He’s 2-2 in seven career starts at Busch Stadium, the other win coming on Aug. 3, 2006, and this was his first victory over the Cardinals since 2007.

“I think personal wins aren’t something I really focus on that much,” Hamels said. “It’s more for the team. You want to set the tone no matter what and I think that’s what we were trying to do.”

Ken Giles had two strikeouts in the eighth and Jonathan Papelbon made it 13 strikeouts for Phillies pitchers while earning his fifth save in five tries.

The Cardinals have lost two straight since ace Adam Wainwright tore his left Achilles. The team announced before the game that the two-time 20-game winner will miss the rest of the season, and general manager John Mozeliak was optimistic Wainwright will be ready for spring training.

Cody Asche’s infield hit off first baseman Matt Adams’ glove began the Phillies seventh, and Revere’s opposite-field flare on the chalk in shallow left put Philadelphia up 2-1. Odubel Herrera followed with an RBI single, his third hit of the day.

Carlos Ruiz doubled for his fourth hit leading off the eighth against Matt Belisle and scored on a groundout by Darin Ruf.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Phillies: OF Domonic Brown could be close to joining the team after starting the year on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left Achilles. He is scheduled to complete a 20-game rehab assignment Tuesday.

Cardinals: OF Jason Heyward (hamstring) did not start after being removed from Sunday’s loss at Milwaukee. He struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth and is expected to play Tuesday. One reason to sit him Monday: He’s a .219 career hitter against Hamels with no RBIs in 32 at-bats. Jhonny Peralta batted second for the 21st time in his career in place of Heyward.

UP NEXT

Phillies: Severino Gonzalez makes his major league debut in place of injured Sean O’Sullivan. The right-hander was 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. RHP Hector Neris was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

Cardinals: Michael Wacha (3-0, 1.33 ERA) is 8-1 with a 2.24 ERA in his career at home. He’ll be facing the Phillies for the first time and is 4-2 with a 1.52 ERA against NL East foes.

SLICK FIELDING

Lackey snared Revere’s liner to start a double play in the fifth, and third baseman Matt Carpenter made a diving stop down the line and threw out Herrera.

— Associated Press —

St. Joseph Mustangs announce 2015 promotions schedule

Posted on April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

The St. Joseph Mustangs open play next month and after teasing a number of promotions through the St. Joseph Mustangs social media accounts, the full schedule of 2015 promotions has now been released by St. Joe’s summer college baseball team.

The upcoming promotional year features a slew of fireworks, charitable jersey auctions, giveaways, and character appearances. Mustang fans will also find some crowd favorites returning to the ball park this season.

Mustang fans will find Sluggerrr (mascot of the Kansas City Royals), KC Wolf (mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs), Minions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, superheroes Captain America & Iron Man and other characters roaming Phil Welch this season. Giveaways include t-shirts and Christmas ornaments. Also scheduled for this year is a Date Night for Fathers & Daughters with a special on field fireworks viewing, Baby Crawling Race with free diapers and a Mustangs onesie as a prize, plus two weddings. The Mustangs will also celebrate the St. Joseph Fire Departments 150th anniversary with a special Mustangs jersey as well as free tickets for SJFD employees.

Mustangs General Manager Ky Turner said, “We’ve got a little bit of something for everyone this year. Not only do you get to see great baseball on the field, but there many opportunities to enjoy yourself and be part of a fun atmosphere. We are determined to continue to be one of the top family destinations in the area, and I think this promotional calendar reflects that.

The Mustangs begin play on May 27th, facing the Carroll (Iowa) Merchants. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, and first pitch is schedule for 7pm.

Nightly Promotions:

Wednesdays: Ladies Night- Ladies 18 and over, first drink is free (Beer/Margarita for 21 & over, Soda/ Water). Women 18 & over can enter to win Spa Prizes from Amelimore Medispa and Salon. Grand prize of free airfare to Cancun provided by Cotter Travel and Funjet Vacations, awarded on July 18th.

Thursdays: Family Night courtesy of Rogers Pharmacy-$1 Hot Dogs and Family Fun. Postgame Kids Run the Bases, sponsored by Apple Market.

Fridays: Friday Night Lites- $1 Miller Lite, Coors Lite, Bud Light, and Busch Light cans. $2 Drafts.

Saturdays: Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular

May 27th: Reading Program Night; Magnet Schedule Giveaway, courtesy of Brandy Weiderholt, State Farm Insurance. Season Ticket Holder Party. Ladies Night

May 28th: Jurassic Night- Free Dinosaur Tattoos and Jurassic World movie ticket giveaway. Family Night. Matt Snook, local contestant from NBC’s The Voice, performs the National Anthem.

May 29th: MINK League Home Opener. Friday Night Lites

May 30th: Daddy/Daughter Date Night-special photo opportunities with Cinderella and on-field fireworks viewing for Fathers and Daughters. MWSU Alumni night. PINK Night featuring Pink jersey auction benefiting local breast cancer patients. Mosiac Life Care Fireworks Spectacular.

June 4th: Baby Crawling Race. Grand prize of $100 Free Diapers from Wal-Mart and Exclusive Mustangs Onesie. Family Night

June 5th: 200 foot Banana Split, Courtesy of Trex Mart. Friday Night Lites

June 6th: Superhero Night featuring photo opportunities with Captain America and Iron Man. Mosiac Life Care Fireworks Spectacular

June 11th- Local High School Business Class Promotion Winner Night-Promotion provided by Winning Students. Family Night.

June 13th- Free T-shirts to the First 500 Fans, Courtesy of Carriage Square. Mustang Alumni Night-Mustang Alumni vs 2015 Mustangs. Mustangs Jersey Auction benefiting Erin Hook FCA Scholarship Fund. Boy Band Night Featuring One Direction Kansas City 7/28 Ticket Giveaway. Mosiac Life Care Fireworks Spectacular.

June 17th: MO Lotto Night-on site giveaways and special offers. Ladies Night

June 18: Rally’s 7th Birthday Party featuring Rally and Mascot Friends. Family Night

June 19: Museum Night, sponsored by St. Joseph CVB. Friday Night Lites

June 20: Northwest Missouri State University Night featuring Green jersey auction. Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular

June 25: Minion Night- Minion Meet and Greet, movie ticket raffle for Minion Movie. Family Night.

June 26: Sluggerrr, mascot of Kansas City Royals, appearance sponsored by Castrol Premium Lube and Hy-Vee. Missouri Department of Transportation SaveMOLives Night. Friday Night Lites

June 27: Hall of Fame Pregame Ceremony. Villain Night- Star Wars characters and Pirates overtake Phil Welch. Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular.

July 1: Restaurant Night-Gift Card giveaway. Futures Night,courtesy of Herzog Contracting Corp. Ladies Night

July 2nd: Faith and Family Night. KC Wolf appearance. Family Night.

July 3rd: Special American Celebration and Military Hero Ceremony Pregame. All Veterans and Active Military get in Free. Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular. Friday Night Lites

July 4th: Independence Day Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular. Patriotic Mustangs Jersey auction. All Veterans and Active Military entered into drawing for special prizes (must be present to win). Apple Pie Eating Contest.

July 9th: First Annual MINK League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. Family Night

July 10th: United Way Night- Mustangs Jersey Auction. Friday Night Lites

July 11: Marriage Night: Two Weddings during special pregame ceremony. Wedding Reception- All Fans are invited to Dance in Outfield during Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular. 150th Celebration of SJFD- SJFD employees get 2 free GA tickets with ID. Mustangs SJFD Jersey Auction benefiting SJFD.

July 14: Fan Appreciation Night. Free General Admission & between innings prize giveaways.

July 16: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Night- pictures and autographs with TMNT. Free Pizza to first 500 fans courtesy of Little Caesars Pizza. Family Night.

July 17: Team Photo Giveaway and Pregame Autograph Session. Friday Night Lites.

July 18th: Christmas in July! Free Mustangs Christmas Ornament to the first 100 fans, sponsored by East Hills Shopping Center. Mosaic Life Care Fireworks Spectacular

— Mustangs Press Release —

MWSU Spratt Stadium bid awarded to local contractor

Posted on April 27, 2015

St. Joseph, Mo. —Missouri Western State University’s Board of Governors voted by telephone to award a contract to E.L. Crawford Construction of St. Joseph to renovate Spratt Stadium for $6,995,108.

Ground will be broken in early May.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to move forward on this badly needed project,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “Spratt Stadium has served Missouri Western well for 36 years, and these renovations will make sure it continues serving us for years to come.

Bids from three construction companies were opened on April 2. They were significantly higher than anticipated, leading Missouri Western and architect Jeff Ellison to work with the low bidder, E.L. Crawford, to make cost-saving adjustments to the project. Changes included reducing the size of the club level and press box, changing the type of air conditioning unit for the suite level, changing light choices, changing from vinyl wall coverings to paint, reducing the amount of brick façade in various areas, and other minor adjustments.

The adjustments reduced the cost by 15.6 percent from E.L. Crawford’s original base bid of $8.288 million.

“These adjustments did not substantially change the project and did not sacrifice quality or fan experience,” said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. “As our recently concluded master planning process confirmed, the planned improvements are long overdue, and it will be good to see them get underway.”

The renovations covered by the bid include:

· Demolition of the current concourse, concessions area, restrooms, Stadium Club and press box

· Construction of a new concourse, concessions area, restrooms, club level (including suites) and press box

· Repairs and improvements to the home grandstand seating area, including more chair-back seating

· Removal of the old track and relocation of the field closer to the home stands

· Relocation of the visitors’ side grandstands to be closer to the field

· New field turf to replace the current surface, which has been in use for nine seasons

The field and grandstand components of the project are scheduled to be completed before the fall sports season. The press box and suites are scheduled to be completed in spring 2016.

“When it’s finished, this project will provide a better game-day experience for everyone attending an event at Spratt Stadium,” said Kurt McGuffin, director of athletics. “For all of our fans, there will be new concourse amenities and seats; for donors and sponsors, an enhanced club level; for journalists and game-day staff, a more spacious and up-to-date press box; and for our student-athletes a new playing surface and a more intense game atmosphere with fans so much closer to the action.”

A video board is included in future plans for Spratt Stadium, but was not included in the current bid process.

The Board of Governors also approved a contingency budget of approximately 3 percent, or $209,853, in case costs exceed the contract amount.

Last fall, the board authorized a $5.5 million bond issue to finance the project. The university will pay for the remaining cost (approximately $1,495,000) out of auxiliary budget reserves.

Spratt Memorial Stadium was completed in 1979, and first used for Spring Commencement that year. The stadium is named in honor of avid Griffon supporter Elliot “Bub” Spratt and was constructed at a total cost of $850,000.

The first football game was played on the field Sept. 8, 1979, a 44-0 victory over Dana College. Lights were added six years later, and the Griffons won the first night game over Missouri-Rolla 24-15 on Sept. 4, 1985. Griffon soccer played its first match at Spratt Stadium on Sept. 3, 2006, a 3-2 win over Concordia-St. Paul.

Spratt’s natural grass field was replaced by ProGrass synthetic field turf in 2006. The visitors’ grandstand was remodeled and expanded in 2009, increasing the seating capacity to 7,200, plus ample standing room and hillside seating.

The largest crowd for a football game at Spratt Stadium was 10,129 when the Griffons took on Northwest Missouri State on Oct. 3, 2009. Griffon football hosted its first NCAA Division II playoff game at Spratt against Northwest on Nov. 19, 2011, and celebrated its first home playoff victory with a 57-55 triple overtime win over Minnesota-Duluth on Nov. 17, 2012.

Griffon football is 129-69-3 in 36 seasons at Spratt Stadium, a winning percentage of 64 percent. Griffon soccer is 20-46-9 in eight seasons at the facility.

In addition to Griffon football and soccer, Spratt Stadium hosts the St. Joseph High School Football Jamboree and the Missouri Western Department of Music’s annual Tournament of Champions High School Marching Band Competition, and was previously home of the Missouri State High School Eight-Man Football Championship Game. It hosted Spring Commencement ceremonies from 1979 to 1981, a tradition that was revived in May 2014.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.

Griffons earn home series against Washburn to open MIAA Tournament

Posted on April 26, 2015

ST. JOSEPH – After winning 10 of its final 13 games of the regular season, the Missouri Western baseball team has earned the fourth seed in the MIAA Tournament and will host a best of three series beginning on Thursday.

Missouri Western will host fifth-seeded Washburn beginning Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m. The two teams split a four-game series in Topeka, Kansas earlier this season.

The Griffons won their last three MIAA series, taking three of four games from Nebraska-Kearney, Southwest Baptist and Northwest Missouri State.

MWSU and Washburns will play one game Thursday, one game Friday, May 1 and, if necessary, the third game will be played Saturday, May 2. Thursday and Friday’s games are scheduled for a 6 p.m. first pitch. Should game three become necessary, first pitch will be at 1 p.m. The winner of that series will advance to the final four of the tournament on May 7-9 at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Griffons finished the regular season 29-19 overall and 22-14 in MIAA play. Last season, Missouri Western advanced to the championship of the MIAA tournament, losing two straight games to Emporia State. Missouri Southern claimed the regular season championship and will be the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Emporia State is seeded second and Central Missouri is third.

— MWSU Sports Information —