Saturday, May 31, 2014
Missouri Southern men's track ninth best program in Division II
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern men's track and field and cross country program finished as the ninth-best men's program in Division II as announced by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
The cross country program finished with a 19th-place finish at the 2013 NCAA Championships this year. The indoor track and field team placed 19th at the NCAA meet, while the outdoor team placed 29th at last week's outdoor championships.
Southern earned 70.5 points overall as teams were placed higher, the fewer points they had. The Lions were the top-ranked MIAA team finishing 8.5 points in front of Nebraska-Kearney. Southern was just a half-point behind eighth-place Augustana and were just 4.5 points behind sixth-place Shippensburg.
Nebraska-Kearney was 10th, while Central Missouri was 13th as the only MIAA schools ranked in the top 16.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
MSSU pole vaulter Ashleigh McFarland voted Academic All-District
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern junior pole vaulter Ashleigh McFarland has been named to the Capital One Academic All-District team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be considered for this honor, a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative 3.30 GPA, as well as participate in at least 50 percent of his team's events. The Lions are in a district with schools from the MIAA, the Great American Conference and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
This year, McFarland (Rio Vista, Texas) was an All-MIAA honoree in the indoor pole vault, placing second in the event. She was a provisional qualifier in the outdoor pole vault this season. She was the 2013 MIAA indoor pole vault champion, while earning All-MIAA status and qualifying for nationals.
Throughout her career, McFarland (3.97 - Education) has been a three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll member and has twice been named Academic All-MIAA. She was one of six MIAA track and field athletes to be named to the All-District team. Her name will now go on the ballot for Academic All-America.
MSSU runner Jake Benton named Academic All-District
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern senior distance runner Jake Benton has been named to the Capital One Academic All-District team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be considered for this honor, a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative 3.30 GPA, as well as participate in at least 50 percent of his team's events. The Lions are in a district with schools from the MIAA, the Great American Conference and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
A four-year distance runner for the Lions, Benton (Wentzville, Mo.) helped continue the tradition of dominance among distance runners for the MSSU program. A cross country All-MIAA and All-Region selection the past two years, Benton helped the Lions to two appearances in the NCAA XC Championships, finishing 8th in 2012 and 19th this year. During his tenure, the team has finished no lower than third at the MIAA XC meet.
He was one of six MIAA track and field athletes to be named to the All-District team. Benton's name will now go on the ballot for Academic All-America. He graduated from Missouri Southern with a 4.00 GPA in biology/pre-med.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
MSSU's Kylie Cornman earns All-American in shot put
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern senior thrower Kylie Cornman earned All-American status on the final day of the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Cornman (Mountain View, Mo.) placed third in the shot put with a toss of 49-05.75. She hit 47-07.75 in her first attempt and picked up a distance of 48-07.25 in her final throw.
The mark is the top mark in her career at Southern and ranks as the seventh-best mark ever in Missouri Southern history. It is the second All-American honor for Cornman as she placed fourth in the 2013 Indoor Championships.
In other action for the Lions, Whitney Hardy (Dixon, Mo.) placed 17th in the high jump, clearing 5-3.
MSSU's Darion Bourne earns All-American status at NCAA championships
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern junior jumper Darion Boure picked up All-American status and broke his own school record in the process as the Lions competed in the final day of the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Boure (St. Louis, Mo.) earned his second career All-American honor as he placed third with a leap of 51-11.75. The mark was a full inch and a quarter beyond his previous record that he set at the 2013 MIAA Outdoor Championships.
He missed the board on his first attempt and hit his high mark on his second attempt. He hit distances of 50-09.50 and 51-04.50 in his final two attempts.
Boure was the Lions' lone All-American at the Championships and it is his first All-American nod after placing eighth in the triple jump as a freshman in 2012.
MSSU track athletes begin competition at NCAA championships
(From MSSU Lions Athletics)
The Missouri Southern track and field team was in action Friday night at the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships held at Grand Valley State University.
The women had two athletes in action today as Brittani Reagan got things started out in the triple jump. Reagan hit a distance of 38-7.50 in her first jump and moved her mark to 39-9.75 in her second attempt. The Bentonville, Ark. native hit a mark of 39-1.25 in her final jump, but failed to qualify for the finals in the event.
In the 800m prelims, junior Kindra Emberton (Harristown, Ind.) failed to qualify for the finals in the event as she ran a 2:12.59 and finished 19th in the prelims.
In men's action, senior Clark Tanksley (St. Louis, Mo.) failed to clear the opening height in the high jump.
Both the men and women will have multiple athletes in action todayt in the final day of the Championships. The women will have Kylie Cornman in the shot put and Whitney Hardy in the high jump, while the men will have Brady Melugin and Raymond Woldtvedt in the pole vault and Darion Boure in the triple jump.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Schott takes 13th in 10K at NCAA championships
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern junior distance runner Eric Schott placed 13th tonight in the 10k at the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.
The event, being held in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University is in its first day.
Schott, a Cape Girardeau native, came into the event ranked eighth nationally as he broke the MSSU school record in the event with a time of 29:39.10 at the Mt. Sac Relays last month.
He placed 13th today as he completed the 10k trek with a time of 30:28.14, just under a minute off the winning pace.
The Lions will have one athlete in action tomorrow as Clark Tanksley will compete in the high jump at 3:30 pm central time.
MSSU's Brittani Reagan places 10th in long jump at NCAA
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern sophomore jumper Brittani Reagan placed tenth in the long jump as the Lions competed in day one of the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The event is taking place in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University.
Reagan (Bentonville, Ark.) hit a distance of 19-4.75 in her second attempt, but fouled in her final attempt and just missed out on the final round in the event.
Kaylee Morgan (Carthage, Mo.) came into the event ranked No. 1 in Division II, but ran into trouble and fouled in her final two attempts and did not make the final round, finishing 22nd.
In other action, Amber White (Cuba, Mo.) ran a 56.10 in the prelims of the 400m and placed 17th, failing to make the finals in the event.
Kaitlyn Belisle (Enid, Okla.) finished 16th in the 10k in a time of 36:21.94.
The Lions will have both Reagan (triple jump) and Kindra Emberton (800m prelims) in action tomorrow. Reagan begins at 3:45 pm central time and Emberton runs at 5:15 pm.
Grand jury indicts youth soccer coach for producing child pornography
(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)
Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lee’s Summit, Mo., youth soccer coach was indicted by a federal grand jury today on eight additional charges related to producing child pornography by secretly videotaping members of his soccer team.
Joel D. White, 41, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in an 11-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a three-count indictment that was returned on April 30, 2013, and adds the counts regarding eight additional victims. White has remained in federal custody since his arrest on the original indictment.
White formerly coached a girls under-12 soccer team and a girls under-15 soccer team through the Lee’s Summit Soccer Association. He has been in federal custody since his arrest in April 2013. The Lee’s Summit Soccer Association has cooperated fully with law enforcement officers during this investigation.
Today’s indictment charges White with 11 separate counts of attempting to produce child pornography. White allegedly attempted to use 11 child victims – identified in the indictment as Jane Doe #1 through Jane Doe #11 – to produce child pornography between May 1, 2012 and March 20, 2013.
Under Department of Justice guidelines, the attempted production of child pornography is ordinarily charged in cases that involve surreptitious recordings. The statutory penalties for producing child pornography are the same as the penalties for attempting to produce child pornography. Each of the 11 counts contained in the indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction of 15 years in federal prison without parole.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers in Commerce City, Colo., discovered videos of nude minors on White’s camera. White was at a soccer stadium in Colorado for a World Cup qualifying game when his cameras were seized by law enforcement officers as part of a criminal investigation.
Several videos allegedly depict White positioning a video camera in a bedroom of his residence in such a way that the camera is hidden. Shortly after White leaves the room, the affidavit says, the videos depict several minors, approximately 11 or 12 years old, entering the room and changing their clothes. Minors are fully nude in the videos and do not appear to know they are being videotaped.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department and the Commerce City, Colo., Police Department.
Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lee’s Summit, Mo., youth soccer coach was indicted by a federal grand jury today on eight additional charges related to producing child pornography by secretly videotaping members of his soccer team.
Joel D. White, 41, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in an 11-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a three-count indictment that was returned on April 30, 2013, and adds the counts regarding eight additional victims. White has remained in federal custody since his arrest on the original indictment.
White formerly coached a girls under-12 soccer team and a girls under-15 soccer team through the Lee’s Summit Soccer Association. He has been in federal custody since his arrest in April 2013. The Lee’s Summit Soccer Association has cooperated fully with law enforcement officers during this investigation.
Today’s indictment charges White with 11 separate counts of attempting to produce child pornography. White allegedly attempted to use 11 child victims – identified in the indictment as Jane Doe #1 through Jane Doe #11 – to produce child pornography between May 1, 2012 and March 20, 2013.
Under Department of Justice guidelines, the attempted production of child pornography is ordinarily charged in cases that involve surreptitious recordings. The statutory penalties for producing child pornography are the same as the penalties for attempting to produce child pornography. Each of the 11 counts contained in the indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction of 15 years in federal prison without parole.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers in Commerce City, Colo., discovered videos of nude minors on White’s camera. White was at a soccer stadium in Colorado for a World Cup qualifying game when his cameras were seized by law enforcement officers as part of a criminal investigation.
Several videos allegedly depict White positioning a video camera in a bedroom of his residence in such a way that the camera is hidden. Shortly after White leaves the room, the affidavit says, the videos depict several minors, approximately 11 or 12 years old, entering the room and changing their clothes. Minors are fully nude in the videos and do not appear to know they are being videotaped.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department and the Commerce City, Colo., Police Department.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
MSSU signs Muskogee golf standout
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern golf coach Mike Wheeler has announced the signing of Muskogee High School product Spencer Smythe to a national letter of intent to attend Southern and participate in golf beginning in the fall of 2014.
Smythe, a 6-2 righty, prepped at Muskogee High School for coach Jim Platter where he was a four-year letter winner. As a senior, Smythe finished fourth in the Oklahoma 6A State Championships at Karsten Creek Golf Club.
A two-time All-Conference selection, as well as an All-State selection this year, Smythe won the 2012 Jenks Invitational as a junior. During his senior campaign, Smythe won the Sand Springs Invitational, while placing second at his conference meet, as well as fifth at the State Preview. He qualified for the state tournament three times during his career.
Smythe is the son of Brad and Penny Smythe and is undecided on his future major at Southern.
"Spencer (Smythe) is a solid student-athlete coming from a quality golf program at Muskogee High School," Wheeler said. "He has good skills in every aspect of his game and I expect him to travel in the fall."
Variety of youth camps offered at Missouri Southern
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Whether it’s learning to swim, brushing up on the basics of a favorite sport or exploring fitness activities that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment, area children and teens can take part in a variety of youth camps offered this summer at Missouri Southern State University.
The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy will be held from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, June 2, through Thursday, June 5.
Open to children ages 7 to 12, the goal of the Lifetime Sports Academy is to teach the skills and promote the appreciation of selected activities that can be played for fun, health and fitness. The cost is $85 per child, which will cover four days of instruction, insurance and a T-shirt. Children must provide their own swimming suits, towels and concession money.
An awards ceremony will be held at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, June 5.
For more information, contact the Department of Kinesiology at 417-625-9316.
Swim lessons for children will be offered during three sessions in June and July.
Session 1 will be held June 2-12 and will be geared toward swimmers of various skill levels as well as classes for children ages 6 months to 5 years to enjoy with their parents. Session 2 will be held June 16-26, and a third is set for June 30 through July 10.
Cost is $35 per person/session for those with a membership to the Beimdiek Recreation Center, and $45 for non-members.
Call 417-625-9533 or visit the Recreational Services office in Billingsly Student Center for details.
The Summer Skills Softball Camp will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon June 9-11 for ages 6 to 12, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 16-17 for ages 12 to 18.
The Cub Camp is for younger or first-time players. Instruction will focus on throwing, catching, hitting, infield and outfield play. Cost is $80, and each player will receive a T-shirt.
The Lioness Camp is for more experienced players, and will offer specific position skill work. Cost is $180. Campers should bring a sack lunch each day.
Visit www.mssusoftballcamps.com for details.
The 2014 Boys Basketball Camps will focus on developing the fundamental skills of the game.
Shooting Camp for grades two through six will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. June 2-3. Grades seven through 12 will attend from 6 to 8 p.m. June 4-5. Cost is $80.
Individual camps for grades two through six will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9-13, with a half day on June 11. Camp for grades seven through nine will begin with a half day on June 11, and continue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12-13. Cost is $125 per camper.
Varsity and junior varsity team camps will be offered June 6-7. Cost is $400 for both days, or $250 for one day.
For more information, contact coach Jeff Boschee at 417-625-9701 or Boschee-J@mssu.com; or assistant coach Nick Bradford, 417-625-9701 or Bradford-N@mssu.edu.
Four options will be available during the Women’s Basketball Camps.
Children entering fourth through eighth grades can sign up for Young Players Camp, which will be held June 16-18. Cost is $230 for those residing on campus during the event, and $180 for commuters.
Shooting camp for grades four through 12 will be held on June 19. Cost is $80. High-school camp for grades nine through 12 will be held June 22. Cost is $50. A team camp will be offered June 23-25 for varsity, junior varsity, freshman and junior-high teams. Each team will be guaranteed a minimum of nine games. Cost is $700 per team.
More information is available at www.mssuwomensbasketballcamps.com.
The 2014 Volleyball Academy will help players in seventh through 12th grade develop basic fundamentals such as passing, setting, serving and attacking. It will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 2, 9 and 16. Cost is $60 per athlete.
The All-Skills Camp is for girls in seventh through 12th grades who have played before or are just getting started. It will be offered July 19-21. Cost is $230 for participants residing on campus or $180 for commuters.
A tournament-style format will be the focus of the Team Camp, set for July 24-26. Cost is $200 for resident campers and $150 for commuters.
For more information, call 417-625-3043 or visit www.mssuvolleyballcamps.com.
Speed Camp, for athletes ages 12-18, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. June 16-19.
Teaching the acceleration and speed components of athletics, it is not only a track camp – it is designed for football, baseball, softball, basketball and other sports. It will utilize sprint mechanics, plyometric, medicine ball and weight training. Cost is $80 and includes a T-shirt.
Call 417-659-5447 for details.
Soccer Camp for high-school girls will be held July 27-29.
Participants will get a sense of a college soccer atmosphere while competing against other high-school athletes. The cost is $190 for participants who wish to reside on campus during the event, and $150 for commuters.
For more information, visit www.mssusoccercamps.com.
Missouri Southern track teams ready for nationals
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams will open up the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships tomorrow as the Lions travel to Allendale, Michigan and Grand Valley State University.
The event is co-hosted by Grand Valley State and the West Michigan Sports Commission and is taking place in Grand Valley State Track and Field Stadium.
Events will get started Thursday at 10:30 am ET with the Lion's first event seeing both Kaylee Morgan and Brittani Regan compete in the long jump at 5:45 pm. A complete list of MSSU competitors and their events are below.
Thursday, May 22 (All times are in Eastern)
Kaylee Morgan & Brittani Reagan - Long Jump - 5:45 pm
Amber White - 400m prelims - 5:55 pm
Eric Schott - 10k - 8:10 pm
Kaitlyn Belisle - 10k - 8:50 pm
Amber White - 400m prelims - 5:55 pm
Eric Schott - 10k - 8:10 pm
Kaitlyn Belisle - 10k - 8:50 pm
Friday, May 23(All times are in Eastern)
Clark Tanksley - High Jump - 4:30 pm
Brittani Reagan - Triple Jump - 4:45 pm
Kindra Emberton - 800m prelims - 6:15 pm
Brittani Reagan - Triple Jump - 4:45 pm
Kindra Emberton - 800m prelims - 6:15 pm
Saturday, May 24 (All times are in Eastern)
Brady Melugin & Raymond Woldtvedt - Pole Vault - 2:30 pm
Darion Boure - Triple Jump - 4:45 pm
Kylie Cornman - Shot Put - 5:05 pm
Whitney Hardy - High Jump - 5:30 pm
Kindra Emberton - 800m finals - 7:05 pm
Amber White - 400m finals - 7:30 pm
Darion Boure - Triple Jump - 4:45 pm
Kylie Cornman - Shot Put - 5:05 pm
Whitney Hardy - High Jump - 5:30 pm
Kindra Emberton - 800m finals - 7:05 pm
Amber White - 400m finals - 7:30 pm
Monday, May 19, 2014
Four MSSU baseball players named to MIAA Academic Honor Roll
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern baseball team has had four players named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, the league announced.
To achieve honor roll status, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.
Pitchers Sean Goostree (Wheaton, Mo.) and Kanon Hoover (El Dorado Springs, Mo.) both earned Academic Honor Roll status. Goostree carries a 3.51 in education, while Hoover has a 3.30 in education.
Catcher Mitchell Osburn (Broken Arrow, Okla.) has a 3.33 in criminal justice, while outfielder Zack Steadman(Derby, Kan.) has a 3.48 in kinesiology.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Arizona Diamondbacks hire LaRussa to run baseball operations
Tony LaRussa, who managed the Cardinals to the World Series three times and won two of them, has a new job.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired LaRussa as their new head of baseball operations:
La Russa retired from managing in 2011. He will report to Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall and oversee the entire baseball operations department.
La Russa won three World Series titles and six league championships and was a four-time manager of the year in 33 seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year and is third all-time with 2,728 wins as a manager and second with 70 postseason wins.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired LaRussa as their new head of baseball operations:
La Russa won three World Series titles and six league championships and was a four-time manager of the year in 33 seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year and is third all-time with 2,728 wins as a manager and second with 70 postseason wins.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Interim tag removed, Bryan Schiding named MSSU track, cross country coach
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern Director of Athletics Jared Bruggeman has announced that Bryan Schiding has had the interim tag removed and is the full-time men's track and field and cross country coach at Missouri Southern.
"Coach Schiding has shown that he is the right person to lead our men's track and field program," Bruggeman said. "After a thorough review of the program, it was clear this was the way we needed to go. I am more than confident in Coach Schiding's ability to take this program and extend the continued success that we've come to expect from our teams."
Schiding has spent the past year as the interim head coach and during that period the Lions finished 19th nationally at the cross country meet, as well as at the 2014 Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The cross country team placed second at this year's MIAA Championship and third at the regional meet.
The Lions finished in second place at the MIAA Indoor Championships this season and placed sixth at the Outdoor Championships. The Lions qualified five athletes in six events for the indoor championships and had five more qualify for the outdoor championships. Southern had three named All-Region during cross country season and five during both the indoor and outdoor seasons, while the Lions had three named All-American during the indoor season.
Schiding was an assistant coach for four years with the Lions' track and field team and since his arrival, the Lions have had 17 individual and two relay All-American honors.
"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and support from our athletics administration to move from interim to head coach," Schiding said. "Cross country and track and field have always had a rich history of success at Missouri Southern. I have very high expectations of myself and these programs and I feel we have the right people in place to continue and improve upon our success."
MSSU men's basketball announces signing of Division 1 transfer
Missouri Southern men's basketball coach Jeff Boschee has announced the addition of Missouri State transfer Bruce Marshall as part of his 2014-15 recruiting class.
Marshall, a 6-10, 236 pound forward comes to Southern after two seasons at Division I Missouri State in Springfield. This past season, Marshall played in 15 games for the Bears. He averaged 1.5 points and 4.2 minutes per game coming off the bench.
In 2012-13 as a freshman, Marshall played in 26 games and had a pair of starts for the Bears. He averaged 1.5 points and 8.6 minutes, while pulling down 1.0 rebounds per game. He went 2-3 against No. 22 Wichita State with a three pointer against the Shockers. He had his best game against Malone with nine points on 4-7 shooting with a three pointer and four rebounds.
Marshall is a native of Fayette, Mo and he prepped at Fayette High School for former MSSU women's assistant coach Chris Kendrick. A consensus Missouri Class 2 All-State selection, Marshall was also a Parade All-American Selection and was named the Mid-Missouri Player of the Year by the Columbia Tribune. He averaged 28.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 6.8 blocks and hit 58 three-pointers as a senior where he was also named a first-team All-Conference and All-District selection. He had one of his best games in his high school career scoring 45 points against Hallsville in December of 2011, while pulling down a triple-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds and 14 blocks in a win over Stover in January of 2012.
Marshall eclipsed the 1,000 point plateau with a 37-point effort against Slater in January of 2012 and scored 50 points on 21-26 shooting, including seven three pointers and ten blocks over Paris in February of 2012. He was a three-time All-Conference and All-District selection after entering high school as a 6-1 shooting guard and growing nine inches before he graduated.
Marshall was born in Brunswick, Maine and is the son of Kent and Deborah Marshall. He plans to major in health promotion and wellness at Southern.
Tickets available for Springfield Lasers professional tennis
(From the City of Springfield)
Tickets are now available for the Springfield Lasers professional tennis home season, held July 6-23 at Mediacom Tennis Stadium, in Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian, Springfield.
The Springfield Lasers, one of seven tennis teams in the nationwide Mylan World TeamTennis (WTT) Pro League, brings world-class tennis to Springfield every July.
The Lasers enter the 2014 season as defending Western Conference Champions.
The highlight of the home season comes Sunday, July 13, when Lasers marquee player James Blake faces longtime friend and rival Andy Roddick.
The highlight of the home season comes Sunday, July 13, when Lasers marquee player James Blake faces longtime friend and rival Andy Roddick.
Springfield Lasers General Manager Paul Nahon, Jr., said based on strong season ticket sales, he expects match tickets to move quickly, especially for the Blake-Roddick match.
"The response to season ticket sales has been phenomenal," said Nahon. "The strength of our team, the marquee players and the overall fan experience continues to make the Lasers season an exciting family-friendly experience."
Blake also appears in Springfield Saturday, July 12. Blake, 34, was the No. 1 American and No. 4 world player in 2006, just behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko. Blake is known for his powerful forehand, his speed on the court and his incredible comeback after breaking his neck in May 2004. He has earned 10 singles titles and seven doubles titles. This is his ninth season of WTT, his first with the Lasers.
Lasers fans will welcome returning Lasers Alisa Kleybanova and Jean-Julien Rojer, who led the team to the 2013 Western Conference Championship. Kleybanova, from Moscow, Russia, also was named 2013 WTT Female Rookie of the Year. Rojer, from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, earned the WTT Male MVP in 2013 and was also 2011 Male Rookie of the Year. WTT veterans Anna-Lena Groenefeld, from Germany, and American Michael Russell were added to the roster earlier this year. Three-time WTT Coach of the Year Coach John-Laffnie (JL) de Jager also returns for his eighth season with the Lasers.
San Diego marquee player and former No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova also makes an appearance in Springfield Thursday, July 17.
The 2014 Springfield Lasers home schedule is:
- Sun., July 6 Springfield Lasers vs. Philadelphia Freedoms
- Mon., July 7 Springfield Lasers vs. Texas Wild
- Sat., July 12 Springfield Lasers vs. Texas Wild (Featuring Blake-SPR)
- Sun., July 13 Springfield Lasers vs. Austin Aces (Featuring Blake–SPR and Roddick-AUS)
- Thu., July 17 Springfield Lasers vs. San Diego (Featuring Hantuchova- SD)
- Fri., July 18 Springfield Lasers vs. Washington Kastles
- Wed., July 23 Springfield Lasers vs. Boston Lobsters
All Springfield Lasers home matches begin at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30, and live music, presented by Gig Salad, takes place every night 5:30-6:30. Concessions and the VIP Food Center both open at 5:30.
Grandstand tickets are $10 (July 6, 7, 18 and 19) $15 (July 12 and 17) and $20 (July 13.) Box Seat tickets are $20 (July 6, 7, 18 and 19) $30 (July 12 and 17) and $40 (July 13.) Season tickets and VIP packages are also available. To purchase tickets, call Cooper Tennis Complex at 417-837-5800.
For more information, visit springfieldlasers.com or look for Springfield Lasers on Facebook or @SpringLasers on Twitter. For more information on Mylan WTT, visit wtt.com.
For media inquiries, call Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-874-2176 or 417-224-5510.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Twenty-four MSSU track athletes made MIAA Academic Honor Roll
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams have had 24 student-athletes named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll the league announced this afternoon.
In addition, three women's track and field student-athletes and one men's have been named Academic All-MIAA.
To achieve honor roll status, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.
The MIAA Scholar Athlete Award is given to those who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50, have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms, and, if competing in a championship sport of the MIAA, earn All-MIAA honors.
The MIAA Scholar Athlete Award is given to those who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50, have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms, and, if competing in a championship sport of the MIAA, earn All-MIAA honors.
The complete list of the individuals on both lists is below.
Academic All-MIAA
Kaitlyn Belisle
Ashleigh McFarland
Brittani Reagan
Jake Benton
Ashleigh McFarland
Brittani Reagan
Jake Benton
MIAA Academic Honor Roll
Taylor Alumbaugh
Kaitlyn Belisle
Kylie Cornman
Emily Harris
Jasmin Hughes
Cassy Kendrick
Taitum Mead
Addie Mengwasser
Ashleigh McFarland
Shelby Newell
Emily Paullus
Sydney Potts
Brittani Reagan
Dana Roberson
Kelly Jo Roberts
Traci Walker
Jake Benton
Jeff Fraley
Ryan Jackson
Alex Mason
Nicklas Polizzi
Adrian Todd
Zach Williams
Raymond Woldtvedt
Kaitlyn Belisle
Kylie Cornman
Emily Harris
Jasmin Hughes
Cassy Kendrick
Taitum Mead
Addie Mengwasser
Ashleigh McFarland
Shelby Newell
Emily Paullus
Sydney Potts
Brittani Reagan
Dana Roberson
Kelly Jo Roberts
Traci Walker
Jake Benton
Jeff Fraley
Ryan Jackson
Alex Mason
Nicklas Polizzi
Adrian Todd
Zach Williams
Raymond Woldtvedt
Five MSSU men's track athletes qualify for NCAA Nationals
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern men's track and field team has qualified five individuals for the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.
The event will take place on May 22-24 in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University.
Darion Boure is seeded fifth in the triple jump, while Eric Schott is seeded seventh in the 10k.
Raymond Woldtvedt is seeded 10th in the pole vault, while Brady Melugin is seeded 13th in the event.
Clark Tanksley is seeded 15th in the high jump.
MSSU track women qualify seven for NCAA championships
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern women's track and field team qualified seven athletes in eight events for the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships.
The event will take place on May 22-24 in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University.
Leading the way was Brittani Reagan as the sophomore qualified for both the long and the triple jump. Reagan comes in to the championships seeded 13th in the long jump and 17th in the triple.
Kaylee Morgan is the top seed in the long jump as the sophomore from Carthage improved her school record in the event last week at the MSSU Last Chance.
Whitney Hardy is seeded seventh in the high jump, while Kylie Cornman comes into the championships seeded 9th in the shot put.
Amber White is seeded 12th in the 400m, while Kindra Emberton is 14th in the 800m and Kaitlyn Belisle is 18th in the 10k.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Four MSSU men's track athletes All-Region
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern men's track and field team has had four individuals in five events named All-Region by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Eric Schott earned All-Region status in both the 5k and the 10k. The junior from Cape Girardeau currently ranks 21st nationally in the 5k and 8th in the 10k.
Darion Boure earned All-Region status in the triple jump as the St. Louis native ranks fifth nationally in the event.Clark Tanksley (St. Louis) earned All-Region stats in the high jump and currently ranks 13th nationally, whileRaymond Woldtvedt (Cape Girardeau) had a huge pole vault at last week's Last Chance meet and now ranks 10th nationally, picking up All-Region status in the process.
The Lions will find out tonight who has qualified for the Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships held in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University. The event will take place on May 22-24.
Six MSSU women's track athletes named All-Region
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
The Missouri Southern women's track and field team have had six athletes in eight events named All-Region by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Both Amber White (Cuba, Mo.) and Brittani Reagan (Bentonville, Ark.) earned All-Region honors in multiple events. White picked up All-Region honors in both the 200m and 400m, ranking 32nd in the 200m and 14th in the 400m.
Reagan picked up All-Region honors in both the long and triple jump. She currently ranks 13th in the long jump and 18th in the triple.
Kaitlyn Belisle (Enid, Okla.) earned All-Region honors in the 10k, while Kylie Cornman (Mountain View, Mo.) picked up All-Region honors in the shot put. Cornman ranks 10th nationally currently in the event.
Whitney Hardy (Dixon, Mo.) picked up All-Region honors in the high jump and currently ranks seventh nationally, while Kaylee Morgan earned All-Region honors in the long jump. Morgan, a Carthage native, is tied for the national lead in the event.
The Lions will find out tonight who has qualified for the Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships held in Allendale, Mich. on the campus of Grand Valley State University. The event will take place on May 22-24.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
MSSU's Kaylee Morgan breaks school long jump record
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern jumper Kaylee Morgan hit an automatic qualifying time and broke her own school record in the long jump today as the women's track and field team competed at the MSSU Last Chance inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
Morgan broke her own record she set at the very same meet last year with a jump of 20-03.00. The previous record was 20-01.75. The mark is also currently tied for the top jump in Division II this year. Brittani Reagan had a provisional mark of 19-08.25, which ranks 11th nationally. Reagan won the triple jump in a provisional leap of 40-02.75, increasing her provisional qualifying mark and ranking 17th nationally.
Kylie Cornman placed third in the hammer throw with a distance of 155-11, while Whitney Hardy placed second in the high jump with a height of 5-03.25. Morgan was third in the event.
Ashleigh McFarland was fourth in the pole vault with a provisional height of 12-00.00, while Taylor Alumbaugh was second in the javelin with a distance of 87-03.
Dana Roberson was third in the 400m with a time of 1:01.55, while Dora Eastin earned a provisional and a second-place finish in the 800m with a time of 2:12.88. Kelly Jo Robberts finished fourth in the event, while Amber Whitewon the 200m in a time of 24.70.
The Lions will now wait to see who will qualify for outdoor nationals. The meet will take place on May 22-24 in Allendale, Mich., hosted by Grand Valley State.
MSSU pole vaulter takes third in Last Chance meet
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern pole vaulter Raymond Woldtvedt picked up a strong provisional and a third place finish today as the men's track and field team competed at the MSSU Last Chance today inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
Woldtvedt hit a height of 16-08.00, which currently sits ninth nationally. Brady Melugin was eighth in the event at a provisional height of 15-10, while Morgan Hold and Zach Wuest placed ninth and 11th, respectively.
In other action, Darion Boure won the triple jump in a distance of 47-00.25, while placing second in the long jump with a mark of 23-01.75. Nicklas Polizzi placed fifth in the discus with a distance of 155-11, while placing fifth in the hammer with a distance of 166-08.
Zach Williams won the javelin with a throw of 181-09, while Jazz Allen hit a provisional with a second-place finish in the 110m hurdles in a time of 14.68. Jake Benton won the 3k steeple in a time of 9:43.20.
The Lions will now wait to see who will qualify for outdoor nationals. The meet will take place on May 22-24 in Allendale, Mich., hosted by Grand Valley State.
MSSU men's basketball recruit holds Arkansas state three-point records
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern basketball coach Jeff Boschee has announced the addition of Terence Pierce to his 2014-15 recruiting class.
Pierce, a 6-3, 180 pound guard is a native of Gravette, Ark., where he played for coach Dustin Peters at Gravette High School. A three-year starter on varsity for the Lions, Pierce was a two-time All-State and three time All-Conference selection in the state of Arkansas. He was also a member of the 2012 State Tournament Team, while three times being named to the KURM Dream Team and being selected a 2014 Arkansas All-Star.
He averaged 22.3 points per game for his career and this past season as a senior, Pierce averaged 26 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He scored over 40 points in a game four times in his career and finished his career as an 89 percent free-throw shooter. He holds the school record for most three-pointers in a quarter (6) which is also an Arkansas state record. He also holds the school and state record for three's in a half (9), while holding his school record for most three's in a game, points in a career (1,975), three pointers (240) and most consecutive free-throws (25).
Also a decorated track and field athlete, Pierce was a high jumper for the Lions, setting the school record in the event at 6-03.
The son of Jim and Dawn Pierce, Terence plans to major in business at Southern.
MSSU women sign Crowder point guard Camila Lacerda
(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)
Missouri Southern women's basketball coach Ronda Hubbard has announced the signing of local junior college product Camila Lacerda to a national letter of intent for the 2014-15 basketball season.
Lacerda is a 5-8 point guard that transfers to Southern from Crowder College in Neosho where she played for coach Tina Robbins. She helped lead the Lady Riders to a 29-6 overall record in 2012-13 and the NJCAA Region 16 National Tournament.
She played in all 35 games with seven starts, averaging 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. She shot 43.8% (140-320) from the field, 32.7% (35-107) from three-point range and 67.0 (67-100) from the free throw line. Helping Crowder finish 14th in the final NJCAA Division I national poll, she scored a season-high 20 points twice in wins over Jefferson College and Mineral Area College.
Lacerda is a native of Rio de Janerio, Brazil where she graduated from high school in 2007. She plans to study marketing at Southern and is the daughter of Maria Helena Goncalves and Sergio Luiz Sant'Anna Lacerda.
"Camila brings a ton of experience and depth to our point guard position," Hubbard said. "She has incredible court vision and passing skills with great scoring ability as well. We watched Camila lead an extremely successful Crowder team and knew that she would be a great asset to our team and style of play. I look for Camila to make an immediate impact on our team."
Thursday, May 8, 2014
MSSU baseball lands four on All-MIAA Team
The Missouri Southern baseball team landed four players on the 2014 Baseball All-MIAA Team, the league announced today.
Southern had three pitchers and an outfielder named to the league's post season award team.
Senior David Reese was named a second-team selection this season. It is his second All-MIAA selection of his career. This year, Reese was the Lions' top pitcher and ranked 14th nationally in strikeout to walk ratio (74 k's - 12 bb's). He finished second in the MIAA in strikeouts with 74 and led the league in strikeouts looking with 25. He was second in the league with a 2.55 ERA and finished his career ranked second in single-season and career appearances in MSSU history, while ranking fifth in career strikeouts.
Senior Logan Moon was a third-team selection this year, his first in a Lions' uniform. He led the team and ranked eighth in the MIAA in hitting, finishing the season with a .386 batting average. He was fifth in the MIAA in hits, while leading the league and ranking fifth nationally in triples with seven.
Senior Stephen Vaughn was an honorable mention pick and had a record-setting two-year career for the Lions as the team's closer. This year, Vaughn appeared in 30 games, setting a new single-season record at MSSU. The righty was sixth in the MIAA in saves with six, while posting a 2.88 ERA and a 3-3 record in 40.2 innings pitched. He struck out 37 and walked just 15, limiting opposing hitters to a .188 average.
Sophomore Payton Walker earns his second All-MIAA selection after leading the team with five wins this year. The Carl Junction native went 5-5 with a 3.41 ERA appearing in 11 games, all starts. He threw 68.2 innings and struck out 59, while walking just 21 and limiting batters to a .265 batting average. He ranked sixth in the MIAA in ERA and strikeouts.
A complete list of the All-MIAA team is listed below.
2014 All-MIAA Baseball Team
Player of the Year: Phillip Wilson, SS/RP, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Pitcher of the Year: Rickey Reeves, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Ryan Helsley, P, Northeastern State
Coach of the Year: Chris Martin, Southwest Baptist
Pitcher of the Year: Rickey Reeves, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Ryan Helsley, P, Northeastern State
Coach of the Year: Chris Martin, Southwest Baptist
First Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Ricky Reeves, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Pitcher: Shawn Talkington, Jr, Emporia State
Pitcher: Kyle Gehrs, Sr., Central Missouri
Relief Pitcher: Breton Higgins, Sr., Emporia State
Catcher: David Gauntt, So., Washburn
First Base: Jake O' Brien, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Second Base: Levi Parker, Jr., Emporia State
Shortstop: Phillip Wilson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Third Base: Spencer Blacksher, Jr., Southwest Baptist
Outfield: Cody Robinson, Sr., Northeastern State
Outfield: Anthony Pacheco, So., Nebraska-Kearney
Outfield: Brad Wilson, Sr., Central Missouri
Designated Hitter: Josh Ingram, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Utility: Danny Droll, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney
Pitcher: Shawn Talkington, Jr, Emporia State
Pitcher: Kyle Gehrs, Sr., Central Missouri
Relief Pitcher: Breton Higgins, Sr., Emporia State
Catcher: David Gauntt, So., Washburn
First Base: Jake O' Brien, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Second Base: Levi Parker, Jr., Emporia State
Shortstop: Phillip Wilson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Third Base: Spencer Blacksher, Jr., Southwest Baptist
Outfield: Cody Robinson, Sr., Northeastern State
Outfield: Anthony Pacheco, So., Nebraska-Kearney
Outfield: Brad Wilson, Sr., Central Missouri
Designated Hitter: Josh Ingram, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Utility: Danny Droll, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney
Second Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Brett Ash, Sr., Washburn^
Pitcher: Jared Sterling, Jr., Central Oklahoma^
Pitcher: David Reese, Sr., Missouri Southern^Pitcher: Ryan Hesley, Fr., Northeastern State^
Relief Pitcher: Zach Davis, Sr., Central Missouri
Catcher: Max Ayoub, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney
First Base: Mike Failoni, Sr., Lindenwood
Second Base: Cesar Wong, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Shortstop: Ross Wolfe, Jr., Southwest Baptist
Third Base: Dean Long, Jr., Emporia State
Outfield: Clayton Garland, Sr., Fort Hays State
Outfield: Justin Harris, Jr., Emporia State
Outfield: Ryan Degner, Jr., Missouri Western
Designated Hitter: Chance Wolfe, Fr., Southwest Baptist
Utility: Jake Alexander, So., Central Missouri
^= Four pitchers due to tie in the voting
Pitcher: Jared Sterling, Jr., Central Oklahoma^
Pitcher: David Reese, Sr., Missouri Southern^Pitcher: Ryan Hesley, Fr., Northeastern State^
Relief Pitcher: Zach Davis, Sr., Central Missouri
Catcher: Max Ayoub, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney
First Base: Mike Failoni, Sr., Lindenwood
Second Base: Cesar Wong, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Shortstop: Ross Wolfe, Jr., Southwest Baptist
Third Base: Dean Long, Jr., Emporia State
Outfield: Clayton Garland, Sr., Fort Hays State
Outfield: Justin Harris, Jr., Emporia State
Outfield: Ryan Degner, Jr., Missouri Western
Designated Hitter: Chance Wolfe, Fr., Southwest Baptist
Utility: Jake Alexander, So., Central Missouri
^= Four pitchers due to tie in the voting
Third Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Ricky Rivera, Jr., Central Missouri#
Pitcher: Logan Willard, Sr., Nebraska-Kearney#
Pitcher: Jarrod Miller, Jr., Emporia State#
Pitcher: Ryker Fox, Sr., Northwest Missouri#
Relief Pitcher: Phillip Wilson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Catcher: Jake Schrader, Sr., Missouri Western
First Base: Horace Johnson, Sr., Fort Hays State*
First Base: Jake Vore, Jr., Southwest Baptist*
Second Base: Landon Young, Sr., Southwest Baptist
Shortstop: Toby Cornejo, Sr., Emporia State
Third Base: Matt Johnson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Outfield: Brandon Landanger, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney%
Outfield: Logan Moon, Sr., Missouri Southern%Outfield: Christian Binger, So., Southwest Baptist%
Outfield: Trevor Jones, Sr., Central Missouri%
Designated Hitter: Barrett Noirfalise, Sr., Central Missouri
Utility: David Weber, Sr., Northeastern State
Pitcher: Logan Willard, Sr., Nebraska-Kearney#
Pitcher: Jarrod Miller, Jr., Emporia State#
Pitcher: Ryker Fox, Sr., Northwest Missouri#
Relief Pitcher: Phillip Wilson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Catcher: Jake Schrader, Sr., Missouri Western
First Base: Horace Johnson, Sr., Fort Hays State*
First Base: Jake Vore, Jr., Southwest Baptist*
Second Base: Landon Young, Sr., Southwest Baptist
Shortstop: Toby Cornejo, Sr., Emporia State
Third Base: Matt Johnson, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Outfield: Brandon Landanger, Jr., Nebraska-Kearney%
Outfield: Logan Moon, Sr., Missouri Southern%Outfield: Christian Binger, So., Southwest Baptist%
Outfield: Trevor Jones, Sr., Central Missouri%
Designated Hitter: Barrett Noirfalise, Sr., Central Missouri
Utility: David Weber, Sr., Northeastern State
#= Four pitchers due to tie in the voting
*= Two first basemen due to tie in the voting
%= Four outfielders due to tie in the voting
*= Two first basemen due to tie in the voting
%= Four outfielders due to tie in the voting
Honorable Mention
Pitcher: Kurtis Schuyler, Central Missouri; Dakota McKaskle, Emporia State; Payton Walker, Missouri Southern; Jake Jones, Missouri Western; Tyler Thompson, Pittsburg State; Cory Borsh, Southwest Baptist; Taylor Gentry, Washburn
Relief Pitcher: Stephen Vaughn, Missouri Southern; Mason Queen, Missouri Western; Joe Smidt, Nebraska-Kearney; Ryan McKay, PittsburgState; Sam Vergara, Southwest Baptist
Catcher: Seth Wheeler, Central Missouri; Brad Lamberti, Central Oklahoma.
First Base: Ryan Staggs, Northeastern State; Matt Jackson, Washburn
Second Base: Dylon Koch, Missouri Western; Corey Gragg, Washburn
Shortstop: Brad Jelinek, Central Missouri; Cody Childs, Missouri Western; Andrew Walker, Northeastern State
Third Base: Tony Sandifer, Central Missouri; Brad Foss, Pittsburg State; Kyle Carnahan, Washburn
Outfield: Kevin Gratza, Central Missouri; Tyler Crabtree, Central Oklahoma; Dillon Argo, Central Oklahoma; Price Jacobs, Emporia State; Marshall Vallandingham, Lindenwood; David Chew, Missouri Western; Jon Pomatto, Northwest Missouri; Cody Ball, Pittsburg State; Bo Helsel, Southwest Baptist; Wes Jones, Washburn; Parker Gibson, Washburn
Designated Hitter: Cooper Langley, Fort Hays State; Taylor Herrington, Washburn
Utility: Kevin Czarnecki, Fort hays State; Ben Stewart, Lincoln; Ben Courdret, Lindenwood; Jerry Roam, Lindenwood.
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