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June 10, 2010
MIAA Set to Celebrate Memorable 2009-10 Season
Once you get past the NCAA Division II national titles won by the Northwest Missouri football team, the Emporia State women’s basketball team and the second-place finish by Central Missouri’s men’s golf team, it’s the people that made the MIAA 2009-10 season so special.
May 18, 2010
Central Earns Berth in Division II World Series
After an 11-5 loss in the first game Tuesday afternoon forced a decisive championship game, Central Missouri bounced back in the second game to defeat Abilene Christian, 11-4, and advance to the NCAA Division II World Series.
May 17, 2010
Central Rolls to 18-7 Win, Regional Final Berth
An offensive explosion in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh innings gave Central Missouri the easy road to the NCAA Division II World Series. In the winner’s bracket game of the South Central Regional, the Mules recovered from an early three-run deficit and beat Incarnate Word 18-7 Monday afternoon at Crane Stadium.
May 13, 2010
Shank Sets the Standard at Missouri Southern
As a freshman, Kimi Shank looked at the older distance runners and wondered if one day she could run like them. After her performance in the MIAA Outdoor Track Championships, future runners will aspire to be like Shank.
May 12, 2010
ESU Baseball Looks to Repeat at Regionals
When the Emporia State baseball team took the field at CommunityAmerica Ballpark Sunday afternoon in the championship game of the MIAA Tournament, the Hornets already had a spot locked up in the South Central Regional.
May 11, 2010
Emporia State Focused Heading into Regional
The secret is out on why Emporia State has won the last seven MIAA Softball Tournaments. The players like appetizers and dessert with their post tournament dinner. If Emporia State would have lost to Nebraska-Omaha instead of pulling out a 10-1 victory in the championship game Saturday at Blue Valley Recreation Complex, a stop at Chili’s would have never happened.
May 7, 2010
Seniors Marble, Cummings Power UCM to Victory
Central Missouri senior Jessica Marble went into her at bat in the bottom of sixth Friday afternoon understanding it could be the last in her collegiate career. The Jennies trailed by one in an elimination game against Missouri Western in the MIAA Softball Tournament at Blue Valley Recreation Center.
May 6, 2010
Wegener Has Happy Birthday for Mules
The 2-run homer Central Missouri junior right fielder Jon Wegener socked in the bottom of the fifth to cap the scoring in the Mules’ 12-2 victory over Northwest Missouri was significant for a couple of reasons.
April 29, 2010
Walker Has Reached Elite Status in Multi-Events
During his days running the hurdles at Lee’s Summit North, Darius Walker never glanced at the throwers. He might have zoomed right past them without seeing them. Walker was so fast that he won Missouri state titles in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles.
April 29, 2010
Determination Leads Dell'Orco to Success
Before competing in the 5K last weekend at the Drake Relays, Truman sophomore Dani Dell’Orco had one worry almost bigger than the fact she was competing against mostly NCAA Division I athletes.
April 22, 2010
Rainey Finds Success in First Year at Washburn
When Morgan Rainey called Washburn tennis coach Dave Alden about transferring from Drake, it was easy for him to look at her statistics and bio and figure she would be a good fit. Rainey had plenty of success in high school at Barstow.
April 15, 2010
Harrison Geared Up for MIAA Championships
The first time junior Malcolm Harrison looked at Northwest Missouri’s tennis schedule, the dates April 24-25 stood out for him. Harrison quickly noticed the site of the MIAA tennis championships: the Plaza tennis courts.
April 9, 2010
Holtmeyer Poised to Break UNO Strikeout Record
Fort Hays State hitters might have one or two reactions tonight when they face Nebraska-Omaha scheduled starter Joe Holtmeyer. The Tigers might have a little fear, or they might be eager to try to solve Nebraska-Omaha’s strikeout king.
April 7, 2010
ESU Softball Riding 16-Game Winning Streak
Amazing and fun were about the only descriptive words that Emporia State senior Miranda Campbell was able to utter Tuesday morning when talking about playing softball in warm weather.
April 1, 2010
Central Missouri Has Sights Set on World Series
Before the start of most practices, the players for the No. 2 team in NCAA Division II baseball are running around playing touch football. No, Central Missouri players don’t think they are so good at baseball that they can goof off and still win.
March 31, 2010
FHSU Growing Accustomed to Top of Leaderboard
The climb junior Nick Hague has made to be part of Fort Hays State “A” golf team mirrors the dramatic improvement of the program itself. During the fall, Hague, a junior college transfer from Hutchinson Community College, played in just one of the four tournaments and that was on the “B” team.
March 25, 2010
ESU Wins Epic Semifinal to Advance to Title Game
It’s too cliché to call Emporia State’s dramatic 97-94 overtime victory over undefeated, No. 1 ranked Gannon a miracle. What the Hornets did at the St. Joseph Civic Center Wednesday night in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight was pure determination in the face of incredible odds against them.
March 24, 2010
Emporia State Defeats Michigan Tech to Move On
During the regular season, Emporia State junior center Alli Volkens showed flashes of domination in the paint. She hit her stride at the South Central Regional. She put it all together in the biggest game of her collegiate career Tuesday night against Michigan Tech in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at the St. Joseph Civic Arena.
March 18, 2010
Emporia State Finding Stride at Right Time
A five-point loss nearly two weeks ago in the semifinals of the MIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament didn’t leave coach Brandon Schneider discouraged. Schneider chalked up the temporary setback as a case in which Central Missouri played very well, particularly in the first half.
March 17, 2010
Determination Leads Jackson to National Title
Pittsburg State senior Jeremy Jackson is enjoying spring break this week. It’s the perfect time for him to relax and take a few days off. Jackson is coming off a career-defining moment. He won the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA Division II National Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday.
March 16, 2010
Versatile Biermann Earns National Championship
After Truman senior Katrina Biermann graduates with a degree in French and Translation, she will spend six months in France teaching elementary students English. Obviously, Biermann, a Liberty, Mo., native, is fluent in both languages to receive this opportunity.
March 12, 2010
Nebraska-Omaha Confident Heading into Regional
Nebraska-Omaha won the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but goes into the South Central Regional as a fifth seed in the eight-team tournament. That tells you how tough the MIAA has been this season, and it is reflected in the regional tournament. Half the tournament is made up of MIAA teams.
March 10, 2010
Washburn Women Look to Continue Hot Streak
Washburn’s women’s basketball team has all the ingredients to make a deep run in the NCAA Division II tournament. The Lady Blues have a complete starting five - a tall center who scores, a point guard with quickness, an off guard that can drain the three-pointer and two forwards who can score outside and inside.
March 7, 2010
Nebraska-Omaha Claims Men's Championship
Nebraska-Omaha led most of the second half, but still had one anxious moment in the final seconds. With 2.9 seconds left, Washburn went the entire length of the court and got a good look at a layup. Will McNeill’s reverse layup hit off the back of the rim.
March 7, 2010
Washburn Wins MIAA Women's Tournament
More than 12 minutes remained in the game. Washburn led the Central Missouri women by five when junior Hope Gregory dashed some hope from the Jennies. Gregory dribbled the ball at the top of the key and then between her legs, stepped back before dropping in a long, three-pointer for Washburn.
March 6, 2010
Washburn Advances to Final with Win over MWSU
The aggressive zone defense Washburn used through much of the second half caused all sorts of problems for Missouri Western. The Griffons couldn’t get the ball inside and were left to launching three-pointers that didn’t go in.
March 6, 2010
Nebraska-Omaha Coasts to Semifinal Victory
Nebraska-Omaha had the kind of one-sided victory in the semifinals that should help the Mavericks some in Sunday’s championship game of the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Mavericks had no real stress beating Emporia State 91-67 Saturday evening at Municipal Auditorium.
March 6, 2010
Washburn Moves on to Women's Title Game
Washburn’s women’s basketball team scored the first six points, and that announced to Northwest Missouri that it was going to take a special effort to beat the Lady Blues. It was Washburn that was special on defense. The Lady Blues held Northwest Missouri to 24 percent shooting in the first half and took a 15-point lead into halftime.
March 6, 2010
Central Missouri Outlasts Emporia State, 79-74
The fluid, first-half offense by the Central Missouri women’s basketball team disappeared in the second half, and with it came the evaporation of a nine-point lead. Emporia State closed to two with just under 10 minutes left, and that’s when the Jennies showed their grit.
March 5, 2010
Emporia State Upsets Fort Hays State, 65-61
The way the quarterfinals of the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament have played out the last three years, it shouldn’t be a surprise that No. 7 seed Emporia State beat No. 2 seed Fort Hays State.
March 5, 2010
Washburn Knocks Off No. 1 Seed Central Missouri
Central Missouri learned that the No. 1 seed is the last place you want to be in the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Mules became the third straight team to lose in the quarterfinals to the eighth seed.
March 5, 2010
Missouri Western Tops Southwest Baptist, 82-72
When Missouri Western built a 20-point lead early in the second half against Southwest Baptist, the Griffons knew the game was far from over. Both teams were playing for more than just advancing in the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. They were trying to improve their South Central Region credentials.
March 5, 2010
Omaha Holds Off Southern Rally to Advance
A little less than eight minutes remained and Nebraska-Omaha had reasonable control of the game when guard Tyler Bullock made a hustle play that sealed Missouri Southern’s fate. Bullock bolted for a loose ball near midcourt, got possession of it and rushed to the basket.
March 4, 2010
MWSU Regains Momentum Heading into Tourney
Missouri Western’s men’s basketball coach Tom Smith understands lightning rarely strikes twice, but memory of an electric moment can boost a team during a tough time. A year ago the Griffons headed into the MIAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament as the No. 8 seed. Not much was expected of them.
March 4, 2010
Washburn Cruises to 80-60 Victory in Opener
Early on, the Washburn women exposed a match-up problem that Southwest Baptist had no answer for. The Lady Blues dumped the ball inside to either senior Dayna Rodriguez or sophomore Cassie Lombardino and they scored a few buckets almost uncontested.
March 4, 2010
Emporia State Rallies to Oust Fort Hays State
An upset looked inevitable. Emporia State trailed Fort Hays State for over 32 minutes. The Hornets needed a senior to take charge. They had three. MIAA player of the year Cassondra Boston had a few moments. Senior Jamie Augustyn delivered three, momentum-changing three-pointers and senior Lacy Corker hit two critical free throws late in the game.
March 4, 2010
NWMSU Holds Off PSU to Advance to Semis
Northwest Missouri’s run-and-gun style builds big leads and lets big leads slip away. That’s exactly what happened Thursday afternoon in Northwest Missouri’s 75-71 victory over Pittsburg State in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament.
March 4, 2010
Central Missouri Downs Missouri Southern, 77-67
The first few minutes of the second half, Central Missouri beat Missouri Southern. The Lions stayed in striking distance, but they never could overcome the 11-point deficit that Central Missouri dug for them. Central Missouri went on to win 77-67 Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
March 2, 2010
SBU Turns Season Around, Makes Tournament
Several times in mid January, Southwest Baptist senior Rachel Graves could have looked at the eight new players on the squad and let frustration seep in. The Bearcats were 1-10 in the MIAA with hopes of reaching the conference tournament looking very grim.
February 24, 2010
ESU Men Defeat WU, Earn MIAA Tournament Bid
The records put them in the seventh and eighth spots in the MIAA men’s standings, but Emporia State and Washburn played with championship intensity. The reason was obvious. The winner clinched a spot in the MIAA Tournament, which will run March 5-7.
February 24, 2010
Washburn Wins Turnpike Tussle, MIAA Title
Washburn’s women’s basketball team completed its three-game redemption tour Wednesday night with a 63-51 victory over arch-rival Emporia State. By knocking off the Hornets at White Auditorium, Washburn claimed the MIAA regular-season title.
February 23, 2010
Mieseler Set for MIAA Indoor Championships
During her days at Carl Junction High School, Emilie Mieseler wanted to play basketball in college. It was her favorite sport. Although Mieseler competed in track and field and even made it to the Missouri 3 state meet her senior year in the shot put, she figured her future lied in a leather round ball, not a steel ball.
February 19, 2010
Washburn Controls Own Destiny for MIAA Title
A month ago, Washburn women’s basketball coach Ron McHenry never thought his team would be in position to win a MIAA title. The Lady Blues had just lost their third straight game, two coming at home, and fell two games behind Emporia State.
February 18, 2010
UCM Men Erase 17-Point Deficit, Down UNO
Late in the first half, Central Missouri faced a 17-point deficit at home against Nebraska-Omaha. The Mules’ 10-game winning streak was in serious jeopardy. The second half Central Missouri showed why it’s the No. 3 ranked team in NCAA Division II.
February 18, 2010
Frizzell Takes Road Less Traveled to Stardom
After Drew Frizzell completed his redshirt freshman season in the throws at Central Missouri, he headed off to the Air National Guard reserves for training. It was the summer of 2008 and Frizzell believed the 30 pounds he dropped after track and field season was enough for basic training.
February 17, 2010
Central Women Rally to Defeat Omaha, 60-57
Central Missouri junior Kara Fleming was scoreless the first 19 minutes. She missed her first five shots. “I was really down on myself,” Fleming said. “I couldn’t make anything. They kept leaving me open so I felt like I had to shoot it. Finally, they fell.”
February 12, 2010
Anderson Reaches Pinnacle at Central Missouri
There were no questions in Hughes' mind that Anderson would dig the Mules out of years of mediocrity and return the program back to its strong basketball tradition. But who would have believed it would take Anderson just eight seasons to become the schools' all-time leader in wins in such a short time?
February 10, 2010
Omaha Men Cruise Past Western, 90-74
The three ball fell for Nebraska-Omaha like snow on the East Coast and it buried Missouri Western Wednesday evening at the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Mavericks knocked down 12 treys in their 90-74 victory over Missouri Western.
February 10, 2010
Nebraska-Omaha Women Edge Missouri Western
Nebraska-Omaha recovered from one disastrous stretch in the first half in which it gave up 12 straight points and pulled out a 58-55 road victory against Missouri Western. “What I was happy with was the fact that we came back in the second half and played with some enthusiasm,” Nebraska-Omaha coach Patty Patton Shearer said. “I thought we scrapped harder and we were doing some things defensively to take away some personnel.”
February 9, 2010
Schuler Rewriting Emporia State Record Book
Three times a week during the fall semester, classes prevent junior Josh Schuler from joining his Emporia State teammates at the start of track practice. By the time Schuler arrived, his teammates were at the tail end of practice. Instead of clocking out with half a workout, Schuler stayed and put in his time with the coaches.
February 3, 2010
Harris, UCM Men Roll to 82-64 Victory over ESU
Central Missouri's men's basketball team plays with a calm of knowing how to win games. That's just the way the No. 3-ranked Mules roll. "Part of it is we have guys back who have been there before and know that getting rattled doesn't help," Central Missouri senior Alex Moosmann said. "The new guys I think already knew that but they are really learning it as the MIAA season goes on."
February 3, 2010
Central Missouri Knocks Off No. 5 Emporia State
Deidra Dace's driving layup with 10 seconds left sealed Central Missouri's stunning 64-60 upset over No. 5 Emporia State. The Hornets walked into the Multipurpose Building Wednesday evening as not only the hottest team in the MIAA, but one of the hottest in the country. Emporia State was riding a 14-game winning streak, including its last 12 conference games.
February 2, 2010
MIAA Football Coaches Eager for Signing Day
A chuckle came out and then Northwest Missouri football coach Mel Tjeerdsma quickly corrected any assumption that his program doesn’t have to work hard on recruiting because of its 2009 NCAA Division II championship.
February 1, 2010
Missouri Western Upsets Fort Hays State, 75-69
A key moment in Missouri Western’s 75-69 upset victory Monday night over No. 3-ranked Fort Hays State occurred with 11 minutes left, and it only tied the game. Justin Taylor scored on a nifty, over-the-back layup for Missouri Western that knotted the game at 43-43.
February 1, 2010
Fort Hays Women Get Road Win over Western
Road games have caused all sorts of problems for the Fort Hays State women’s basketball team. Just two days ago the Tigers lost by 21 points at Northwest Missouri. But the Tigers found some road magic in their four-day stay in the northwestern part of Missouri.
January 30, 2010
UCM Pulls Away for 75-62 Victory over PSU
In a physical game that saw a technical foul, a flagrant technical foul, an ejection and the loss of Pittsburg State guard DePrice Taylor to an ankle injury, Central Missouri had the help of some non-contact shots to win.
January 29, 2010
Chipman Living Dream Playing for Father at WU
Northwest Missouri closed to nine points with six minutes left when Washburn freshman Bobby Chipman floated to the baseline corner. Chipman received a pass from junior De’Andre Washington and drained a three-pointer that put the Ichabods up 12 points Wednesday evening.
January 27, 2010
Washburn Cruises to 78-62 Win Over Northwest
Even though four minutes remained in the first half, a Washburn victory was no longer in doubt when the Ichabods literally put the hammer to Northwest Missouri. It was the type of athletic play that brings loud applause, fans to their feet and causes hip students to use the latest slang word for good.
January 27, 2010
Washburn Women Down Northwest Missouri
Washburn’s women’s basketball team started its game with a three-pointer by sophomore Stevi Schultz. Senior Amanda Fessenden quickly added another three-pointer. The treys taught Northwest Missouri that when the Lady Blues are bombing away from the outside they are tough to beat.
January 22, 2010
'Unorthodox' Jones Makes Huge Impact for FHSU
Whenever 5-foot-7 junior guard Dominique Jones steps to the free throw line for Fort Hays State, watch him closely. It has nothing to do with the remarkable way he gets to the line despite being one of the shortest players on the court.
January 21, 2010
Fort Hays State Men Edge Emporia State, 69-65
On paper, Fort Hays State, ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II, should have had an easy game against the below .500 Emporia State Hornets. But life on the road in the MIAA is never easy. Fort Hays found that out Wednesday night in its 69-65 victory at White Auditorium. It was the Tigers’ first victory at Emporia State since joining the MIAA in the 2006-07 season.
January 20, 2010
ESU Women Pull Away to Defeat FHSU, 88-67
For a half and a few minutes into the second half, Fort Hays State matched the best women’s basketball team in the MIAA. The Tigers even took a one-point lead in the first minute in the second half. It was Fort Hays’ only lead of the game.
January 19, 2010
Garcia's Legend Growing at Tradition-Rich UNO
For the first time in his wrestling career, Cody Garcia didn’t have his hand raised in every match at the NCAA Division II national wrestling meet. Garcia ended his junior season at Nebraska-Omaha with a third-place finish at the national meet.
January 16, 2010
Augustyn Leads Emporia State over Washburn
The last three-pointer by Emporia State senior Jamie Augustyn hurt Washburn the most. The Lady Blues spent most of the game climbing out of a first-half hole. With three minutes left they were within five points and still had hope. Unafraid of the situation and the road crowd, Augustyn calmly drilled a three-pointer that gave Emporia State a comfortable eight-point lead.
January 15, 2010
ESU Looks to Retain First Place in Turnpike Tussle
Emporia State women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider said it wouldn’t matter if his team and Washburn were battling for the 10th and 11th spots in the MIAA, Saturday’s game would still be filled with intensity.
January 13, 2010
Moosmann Leads Central Missouri to 96-68 Win
In the previous home game Central Missouri senior guard Alex Moosmann played, he made just one basket in 11 attempts against Fort Hays State. The Mules suffered their only loss of the season and Moosmann was obviously disappointed.
January 13, 2010
Northwest Women Pick Up Road Win at Central
The game was supposed to be close between the Northwest Missouri women’s basketball team and Central Missouri. They came into the Multipurpose Building Wednesday evening with identical overall and MIAA records.
January 12, 2010
Hometown Hero Schmitz Finds Success at Truman
Long before Colton Schmitz started winning state wrestling titles at Kirksville High School, his work ethic caught the attention of Truman University coach David Schutter. By seeing him running on his own as an eighth grader convinced Schutter that Schmitz was a special competitor.
January 8, 2010
Pittsburg State Poised to Challenge for MIAA Title
In coach Lane Lord’s first two seasons he brought the Pittsburg State women’s basketball program from bottom feeder in the MIAA to upper level success with the potential to do so much more. The Gorillas went from 10-17 overall and 4-14 in the MIAA in the 2008-09 season to 20-9 overall and 14-6 in conference last year.
January 5, 2010
Nebraska-Omaha Focused on the Task at Hand
Following practice Tuesday afternoon, the Nebraska-Omaha men’s basketball team hopped on a bus for a 5-hour drive to Kirksville, Mo. It’s a long enough trip for the Mavericks’ minds to wander and think about an early-season MIAA showdown on Saturday at home against Central Missouri, ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II basketball.
January 4, 2010
Fort Hays Takes MIAA's Top Spot from No. 1 UCM
Fort Hays State’s men’s basketball team made sure the sweet dreams Central Missouri might have had on a cold Monday night were going to be nightmares. Junior guard Dominique Jones and junior forward Ken Bowman made it happen, especially late in the second half when they executed perfect team basketball that led to two Bowman dunks that fueled the Tigers to an 81-71 victory.
January 4, 2010
Fort Hays Women Rally to Defeat Central, 71-64
Fort Hays State’s women’s basketball team gave up the first seven points in the second half, and that led to a 14-point deficit at Central Missouri. But just when the Tigers appeared to be in trouble on a bitterly cold Monday evening at the Multipurpose Building, they heated up.
December 28, 2009
Missouri Western Men Down Washburn in OT
Washburn trailed the entire second half. Defeat was certain. And then junior De’Andre Washington stepped up like he did all night for Washburn. Washington tossed in a miracle three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left that tied the game against Missouri Western and sent it into overtime Monday night at Lee Arena.
December 28, 2009
Washburn Women Defeat Missouri Western, 69-50
For the first few minutes Monday night at Lee Arena, Washburn didn’t look like the No. 8 women’s basketball team in NCAA Division II. The Lady Blues gave up eight of the first 10 points to Missouri Western, a team that is winless in MIAA conference games.
December 23, 2009
Great Fall Season for the MIAA in 2009
Instead of sweltering heat and humidity that normally greets football players on the first day of practice, temperatures were in the 70s on Aug. 6 when Northwest Missouri began its quest to complete unfinished business.
December 18, 2009
Fort Hays State Men's Hoops Making Noise Early
Fort Hays State’s men’s basketball team heads into its final game before Christmas with a chance to have a special first semester on the court. The Tigers take on Bethel 7 p.m. Friday at home with just one loss. At 8-1 overall and 3-0 and tied for first with Central Missouri in the MIAA, Fort Hays is definitely a team that could challenge for the conference title.
December 15, 2009
WU Women Look to Continue Hot Start in Vegas
Before leaving for Las Vegas to play in the Great Western Shootout, Washburn women’s basketball coach Ron McHenry received a tip from his wife. It had nothing to do with basketball.
December 12, 2009
Northwest Missouri Wins National Championship
Northwest Missouri unleashed four years of frustration in the first half on Grand Valley State Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division II football championship in Florence, Ala. And when the game got close in the fourth quarter, Northwest Missouri made clutch, championship plays to bring the title home to Maryville.
December 11, 2009
Council Takes Full Advantage of His Time to Shine
In a pass-happy offense, the numbers Northwest Missouri senior running back LaRon Council has put up stand out. Council has rushed for 1,610 yards. He’s run the ball into the end zone 20 times. He’s caught 41 passes for 331 yards and another touchdown.
December 10, 2009
Tjeerdsma Achieves Success the Right Way
Mel Tjeerdsma is like most people. Things come up during the course of a day that can put him in a bad mood. It’s natural. But no matter what Tjeerdsma is feeling it’s important for him to exude a positive persona to his Northwest Missouri football team.
December 9, 2009
Davis Making Big Impact for Northwest Missouri
Northwest Missouri junior defensive end Roberto Davis headed into the locker room at halftime of the NCAA Division II semifinals on top of the college football world. Sure, there were players at Alabama and Texas just as happy last Saturday. They are going to be playing in the BCS championship game in front of 100,000 fans and millions more on television.
December 8, 2009
Ultimate Goal Within Northwest Missouri's Grasp
Two days after losing their fourth straight heartbreaker in the NCAA Division II football championship game, offensive coordinator Adam Dorrel walked into a coaches meeting in a somber mood. It was understandable. The disappointment of losing a title game leaves an empty feeling that lingers. Sometimes it engulfs a program well into next year. Sometimes a program never recovers.
December 6, 2009
Northwest Missouri Rolls to Return to Florence
Once again Northwest Missouri is Alabama-bound. Northwest Missouri earned its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Division II championship by thrashing California (Pa.) 56-31 Saturday evening at Bearcat Stadium. It was a history-making performance. Northwest Missouri is the first Division II to reach the title game five straight times.
December 4, 2009
Northwest in National Spotlight Once Again
The happiest place in Missouri Saturday will be a friendly, quaint town in the northwest corner of the state known as Maryville. And the subtitle of the town’s name could easily be, “Home of the NCAA Division II football semifinals.”
December 3, 2009
Nebraska-Omaha Excited for Bowl Opportunity
Nebraska-Omaha heads into the first-ever Kanza Bowl not wondering what if. The Mavericks relish the opportunity to play in a postseason game, a nice accomplishment for a team that was picked to finish 6th in the MIAA.
December 2, 2009
Playmakers Abound for Northwest Missouri
Anything can happen in overtime. Northwest Missouri definitely wanted to avoid it last Saturday in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals at No. 1 ranked Central Washington. But the Bearcats appeared headed that direction when Central Washington scored a touchdown with six seconds remaining in the game. And then Bearcat playoff magic once again struck.
December 2, 2009
Central Missouri Wins Top-10 Showdown, 115-99
Monday was good and bad for Southwest Baptist senior center Matt Rogers. He earned MIAA player of the week for averaging 32 points, 6 blocks and 4.5 rebounds over the weekend in the SBU Thanksgiving Classic. The bad were the last five minutes of practice. Rogers twisted his left ankle.
December 2, 2009
UCM Women Down SBU in MIAA Opener, 69-60
Southwest Baptist women’s basketball bolted into the Multipurpose Building Wednesday evening and briefly gave a scare to Central Missouri. The Bearcats jumped to a quick eight-point lead. “This is a tough place to play so I was glad we came out and played with confidence,” Southwest Baptist coach J.C. Carter said. But Central Missouri proved it currently has more experienced depth.
November 27, 2009
Stadler Enjoys Role as Northwest Missouri Punter
Every once in awhile Northwest Missouri junior punter Michael Stadler jokes with the offense to ease up on being so good. When the Bearcats are clicking Stadler becomes the least used starter for Northwest Missouri.
November 24, 2009
Central Defeats Rockhurst at Sprint Center, 79-66
Central Missouri held just a two-point lead against Rockhurst midway through the first half when senior forward Sanijay Watts made a comment to a teammate. Watts was at the scorer’s table waiting to re-enter the game when he told his teammate that the Mules should have a bigger lead.
November 21, 2009
Northwest Missouri Cruises Past Abilene Christian
In one respect, Northwest Missouri State didn’t play up to its playoff-caliber sharpness. The Bearcats committed a season-high four turnovers against Abilene Christian. But Northwest Missouri is so good that those miscues didn’t prevent it from hammering Abilene Christian 35-10 in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Stadium.
November 20, 2009
Northwest Missouri Set to Face Familiar Foe
Sophomore wide receiver Jake Soy saw action in 11 games for Northwest Missouri last season. He caught 10 passes and even a touchdown. But when the playoffs rolled around Soy was more spectator than player.
November 18, 2009
Washburn Ready to Compete for Regional Title
Last spring the players on Washburn’s volleyball team realized they had plenty of work to do during the summer months before the 2009 season started. The Lady Blues were coming off a successful season. They reached the South Central Regional before falling in the first round. Many of the players were returning and knew the level they needed to reach to advance in postseason.
November 13, 2009
NWMSU Uses Bye Week to Prepare for Playoff Run
Before playing its final regular-season football game last week, Northwest Missouri already had a NCAA Division II playoff spot and fourth straight MIAA title locked up. Senior cornerback E.J. Hawkins and senior defensive Sean Paddock played anyway despite having injuries that previously sidelined them.
November 12, 2009
Central Missouri Looks to Win MIAA Title Outright
Setter Caitlin Pankratz is the only senior on the Central Missouri volleyball team. It’s understandable that she wants her last season to be memorable. But to be the leader of the team that OK’s a goal of going undefeated in conference play might seem a little far-fetched, especially with so many nationally ranked teams in the MIAA.
November 11, 2009
Truman Soccer Perseveres to Attain Goals
One game into the season, the Truman women’s soccer team was dealt a blow that truly tested the Bulldogs. Senior forward Jessica Wiegert, who entered the season as the program’s seventh all-time goal scorer, suffered a serious knee injury. She tore her ACL and MCL.
November 7, 2009
Northwest Caps Off Another Perfect MIAA Season
A complete team effort is the main reason why Northwest Missouri just finished its fourth straight 9-0 season in the MIAA. But Saturday it was almost impossible not to get caught up in the individual play of junior quarterback Blake Bolles and sophomore wide receiver Jake Soy.
November 6, 2009
Central Geared Up for Saturday's High Stakes
One more victory and the Central Missouri football team returns to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time since 2002. All the Mules have to do is beat Northwest Missouri Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Stadium, a place where Northwest Missouri is 27-1 since 2005. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
November 4, 2009
Pierce, SBU Hope to Qualify for Nationals
In the last few yards of the MIAA cross country championships on Oct. 24, Southwest Baptist senior Michael Pierce mentally slowed down to enjoy the moment. Pierce, a graduate of Oak Park High School in Gladstone, Mo., was comfortably ahead in his last conference meet. He was finally going to achieve a goal of finishing first in the MIAA championship meet.
October 31, 2009
Central Missouri Downs Missouri Southern, 27-17
An ugly victory late in the season when a playoff spot is on the line still looks pretty. Ask Central Missouri. Central Missouri fumbled the ball three times in the first 20 minutes of the game and failed to get points after a punt return to the Missouri Southern 23 in the fourth quarter.
October 30, 2009
Urum-Eke Loves Every Minute of Life in America
A few weeks ago Northwest Missouri senior safety Ike Urum-Eke informed coach Mel Tjeerdsma he would be late for practice. The reason for his tardiness was completely understandable for Tjeerdsma.
October 28, 2009
Media Day Tips Off MIAA Men's Basketball Season
When Emporia State senior guard Lamar Wilbern saw Ben McCollum he gave Northwest Missouri’s first-year coach a warm greeting Tuesday at the MIAA men’s basketball media day at the Downtown Marriott.
October 28, 2009
Women's Hoops Squads Ready for New Season
Pittsburg State senior Nicole McCombs arrived at the MIAA women’s basketball media day at the Downtown Marriott Tuesday morning looking like a professional ready for the real world.
October 24, 2009
Northwest Clinches Share of Crown with OT Win
Northwest Missouri pulled off another great escape to keep its incredibly long MIAA conference winning streak alive. Senior running back LaRon Council scored on a 1-yard touchdown leap in overtime that gave the Bearcats a 22-19 homecoming victory over Washburn Saturday afternoon in front of 8,704 fans at Bearcat Stadium.
October 23, 2009
Washburn Looks for Complete Game Saturday
As much as Washburn’s football team wants to push last week in the past and focus totally on Northwest Missouri, one feeling must stay in the forefront of the Ichabods’ minds.
October 21, 2009
ESU Men Ready for Cross Country Championships
Sophomore Adam McGovern has emerged as one of the top runners at Emporia State, and that only enhances the Hornets’ shot at finishing in the upper half of the MIAA cross country meet on Saturday.
October 17, 2009
Western Downs Central, Moves Closer to Playoffs
A minute, 36 seconds remained in the first half when Missouri Western took over the ball at its 20 with a 13-point lead against Central Missouri. The Griffons initially took the conservative approach, giving three straight hand-offs to running back Thomas Hodges. Hodges moved the ball to the 41 and that was enough for Missouri Western to unleash its passing game again.
October 16, 2009
MWSU Defense Looks to Limit Big Plays Saturday
The defensive players at Missouri Western know what they are capable of when they are focused. A mental lapse or two by the Griffons could lead to some adverse situations Saturday afternoon against Central Missouri.
October 14, 2009
Shank Leaving Her Mark in MIAA History
As an eighth grader Kimi Shank felt comfortable running the mile in track. Attacking a 3-mile cross country course in high school caused her a moment of pause.
October 10, 2009
Central Missouri Rolls to 48-3 Homecoming Win
When Central Missouri running back Anthony Stewart broke off a 53-yard touchdown run in the first series of the third quarter, the Mules could almost start looking ahead to their next game.
October 9, 2009
Hard Work Pays Off for Central Missouri's Cosby
The football fields in the Interscholastic League are sometimes lumpy and uneven compared to other school districts in the Kansas City areas. And the rosters don’t have nearly as many players.
October 7, 2009
Nebraska-Omaha Has Sights Set on MIAA Title
Nebraska-Omaha’s women’s soccer team dropped its opening two games before the first feel-good moment of the 2009 season occurred. Redshirt freshman Nicole Baier scored her first goal since November of 2007 when she was playing for Marian High School in Omaha.
October 3, 2009
Northwest Defeats Western, Takes Over Top Spot
The story remains the same. Northwest Missouri’s football team continued its domination in the MIAA. The Bearcats benefitted from seven turnovers by Missouri Western and beat their rivals 49-35 Saturday afternoon in front of a record-setting crowd of 10,129 at Spratt Stadium.
October 2, 2009
First Place on the Line Saturday in St. Joseph
When the taste hits him on a Monday afternoon during the football season, Northwest Missouri junior Blake Bolles will venture into St. Joseph for a Chipotle burrito.
September 30, 2009
Fort Hays State Experiencing Breakout Season
Last Thursday evening Fort Hays State held a bon fire pep rally for its Homecoming football game against Emporia State. Junior defensive back Seth Blackwell wasn’t expecting much of a crowd.
September 26, 2009
Washburn Takes Down Central Missouri, 36-21
It was bad enough for Central Missouri that it had five turnovers. But when Washburn fumbled twice in the third quarter and the results were two touchdowns, the Mules knew they were in for a long afternoon.
September 25, 2009
Central Missouri Stays Focused on Bigger Goals
When Central Missouri’s football team steps into Washburn’s Yager Stadium Saturday afternoon, thoughts of beating Pittsburg State must be pushed far away.
September 24, 2009
No. 9 Central Missouri Upsets No. 3 Emporia State
For the last week Central Missouri volleyball players Caitlin Pankratz, Jennifer Williams and Rachel Fister sat in their apartment and talked about playing undefeated Emporia State.
September 23, 2009
Northwest Missouri Soccer Reaches New Heights
Northwest Missouri’s women’s soccer team caught something last year that it has no intention on losing. In fact, coach Tracy Hoza said the Bearcats worked extremely hard during the summer to make sure they kept it.
September 20, 2009
Western Wins on Field Goal As Time Expires
Two straight timeouts by Washburn calmed the nerves of Missouri Western junior Brad Beckwith. The distance inspired him. With .5 seconds remaining in a tied game, Beckwith drilled a 53-yard field goal and saw his teammates rush him and students jump to the field.
September 19, 2009
Big Plays Lead Northwest to 37-27 Victory
Northwest Missouri scored only one second-half touchdown and that was all it needed because of some first-half magic. A 28-yard touchdown by senior LaRon Council with 2:34 left in the third quarter gave the Bearcats a 17-point cushion over rival Nebraska-Omaha.
September 18, 2009
Newhart-Houston Connection Has Western Rolling
Before Missouri Western wide receiver Cedric Houston headed back to his home in Kissimmee, Fla., quarterback Drew Newhart offered a suggestion. Newhart wanted Houston to spend some of his summer days in St. Joseph, catching passes.
September 16, 2009
Roher Twins Have SBU Soccer Off to Great Start
Southwest Baptist first-year women’s soccer coach Rob Podeyn said senior Shannon Roher is the type of person who always has a smile on her face. In her media guide bio, Shannon Roher said her twin sister Vanessa Roher is the funniest person on the team.
September 12, 2009
Northwest Missouri Reigns in Fall Classic, 30-10
Northwest Missouri proved the football adage that good defense beats good offense. Ranked fourth in NCAA Division II, Pittsburg State entered the Fall Classic at Arrowhead VIII on Saturday averaging 41.5 points in its first two games.
September 11, 2009
Northwest, Pitt State Set for Fall Classic VIII
Specific plays and many of the details about last year’s game at Arrowhead Stadium escape the mind of Northwest Missouri senior defensive tackle Tyler Roach.
September 10, 2009
Rival Coaches Have Developed Friendship
At some point when the rivals go through pre-game warm-ups Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium, Northwest Missouri defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick will greet Pittsburg State offensive coordinator Tim Beck.
September 9, 2009
Liu Embraces Leadership Role at Emporia State
At an early age Ting Liu had a knack for playing volleyball. Her destiny was set. Liu grew up in Beijing, China.
September 8, 2009
Tjeerdsma, Broyles Ready for Fall Classic VIII
Pittsburg State football coach Chuck Broyles once again talked about how band members have come up to tell him how much they enjoyed playing at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2009
McCoy, Pittsburg State Dismantle Chadron State
A few defensive coordinators in the MIAA might want to prevent their players from watching game film of Pittsburg State’s complete dismantling of Chadron State.
September 5, 2009
Moorman Inducted into Pitt State Hall of Fame
Brian Moorman, an All-Pro caliber punter for the Buffalo Bills, walked onto the field at Carnie Smith Stadium Saturday afternoon in blue jeans and a Gorillas T-shirt.
September 4, 2009
A Star is Born at Pittsburg State
Midway through the first quarter in the season-opening game, sophomore Aaron Sawyer symbolically received his red and gold colors at Pittsburg State.
September 4, 2009
Central Missouri Cruises to 50-13 Victory
Central Missouri won the opening coin flip and elected to take the ball instead of deferring to the second half. It was the first sign that Missouri S&T was in serious trouble Thursday evening at Walton Stadium.
September 2, 2009
Washburn Relishes Rare Friday Night Game
No matter where their talents take them, Friday nights under the lights is an ingrained part of football players' DNA.
August 29, 2009
Pitt State Pulls Away, Downs Central Oklahoma
On so many levels Pittsburg State showed the mettle of a NCAA Division II top-10 football team.
August 28, 2009
Pitt State's McCoy, Isaac Prepared for First Starts
Several years ago John McCoy and Terrance Isaac knew nothing about the Gorilla walk and the passionate fans that follow the Pittsburg State football program.
August 27, 2009
Central Missouri Rallies to Defeat SBU, 39-28
As a team playing an independent football schedule, Southwest Baptist put quite a scare into Central Missouri in the season-opener for both teams.
August 26, 2009
NWMSU Set for Abilene Christian "Rubber Match"
Northwest Missouri’s season-opener at Abilene Christian would make the Bearcats ineligible for most big-time NCAA Division I conferences.
August 21, 2009
Fort Hays State Primed for Turnaround in 2009
Fort Hays State football coach Kevin Verdugo found it unnecessary to use the preseason coaches’ poll as a motivational tool.
August 20, 2009
Truman Football Has New Coach, New Attitude
One of the hardest things for a college athlete to go through is a coaching change. The transition for Truman football players was made easier by the school’s decision to elevate Aaron Vlcko from offensive coordinator to head coach.
August 19, 2009
Emporia State Hoping for Breakout Season
As much as football coaches enjoy practice, they like getting into a routine even more. For that reason Emporia State football coach Garin Higgins was happy to see Wednesday arrive.
August 19, 2009
Truman Soccer Hungry for More Championships
Truman senior forward Jessica Wiegert voiced the only logical answer when asked which title she would prefer to win: the MIAA women’s soccer championship or the South Central Region championship.
August 18, 2009
Missouri Southern Embraces Challenge of MIAA
A year ago Toderick Hunt led Missouri Southern in rushing with 621 yards. It’s a number that could increase significantly because of the return of bruising fullback Anthon Aiono.
August 17, 2009
Central Missouri Volleyball Excited for New Era
When the Central Missouri volleyball team went through spring workouts, setter Caitlin Pankratz sensed a slightly strange atmosphere.
August 17, 2009
Nebraska-Omaha Football Looks to Reload
After four straight years of reaching the NCAA Division II playoffs, Nebraska-Omaha coach Pat Behrns enters this season with many unknowns.
August 14, 2009
Missouri Western Sets Sights on Playoffs
Next year at the MIAA football media day Missouri Western coach Jerry Partridge should bring a tape recording of himself saying five words when the preseason coaches’ poll is revealed.
August 13, 2009
Experienced Washburn Squad Prepped for Success
The start of the 2008 football season looked so promising for a Washburn team retooling after reaching the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2007.
August 13, 2009
Washburn Volleyball Has Unfinished Business
By most standards, the Washburn volleyball team had a hugely successful season, especially after losing two dynamic hitters who led the Lady Blues to the 2007 NCAA Division II semifinals.
August 12, 2009
Central Missouri Football Hopes to Take Next Step
On those late August days when temperatures climb into the 90s and sweaty football practices become a grind, Central Missouri players can look to their quarterback for inspiration to push on.
August 11, 2009
Central Missouri Soccer Has Eye on the Prize
Angela Dobbie joined the Central Missouri soccer team in 2006 with several other freshmen with innocent thoughts of building the Jennies program into a winner by the time they graduated.
August 10, 2009
PSU Football Looks to Pick Up Where It Left Off
After a two-year absence from the NCAA Division II playoffs, Pittsburg State returned to its menacing ways on the football field last season.
August 7, 2009
Emporia State Volleyball Back for More
Two images flash in Arica Shepard's mind when she's asked to look back on Emporia State's championship volleyball season.
August 6, 2009
Northwest Missouri State Begins 2009 Journey
As hard as Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma was making sure the first day of practice ran smoothly, he was able to savor the process.
August 5, 2009
MIAA Officials Clinic Kicks Off 2009 Season
The final few hours of the three-day clinic for MIAA football officials had the ingredients for spicy debate on interpretation of rules and penalties.
August 3, 2009
Northwest Missouri State Again the Team to Beat
One assumption that comes without embarrassment is picking the Northwest Missouri football team as the prohibitive favorite in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
July 27, 2009
Boyce Joins MIAA as Contributing Writer
David Boyce will join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) as a contributing writer to TheMIAA.com, the conference office announced Monday. Boyce is a former sports writer for the Kansas City Star, where he worked for more than 20 years.
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