MIAA to provide live coverage of 2017 Football Media Day Tuesday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The MIAA will utilize multiple platforms to provide free live coverage of 2017 Football Media Day which will take place at Children's Mercy Park (home of the DII Football National Championship game) on Tuesday, August 1.

All 12 MIAA football head coaches and two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from Kansas City and throughout the conference footprint.

Live coverage of the press conferences will begin on The MIAA Network at 9 a.m. with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy, including the release of the preseason coaches and media polls. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school can be found at the end of this release.

In addition, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Livefeaturing interviews with the student-athletes from each school immediately following their appearance at their respective press conferences.

Photos will be posted throughout the event on the new MIAA Instagram account, @TheMIAANation. Fans are encouraged to share those pictures via their social media accounts.

Also, for the first time, fans and the media have the opportunity to submit questions via twitter, @TheMIAA using the hashtag, #askMIAAMediaDay. Selected questions will be included in both the press conference and the Facebook Live broadcasts.


2017 Football Media Day Schedule

9 a.m. Mike Racy (MIAA Commissioner)

9:15 a.m. Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie

9:30 a.m. Washburn Coach Craig Schurig, senior offensive lineman Bob Marco and senior inebacker Austin Tillman

9:45 a.m. Pittsburg State Coach Tim Beck, junior quarterback John Roderique and junior linebacker Demetrius Bernard.

10 a.m. Missouri Western Coach Matt Williamson, senior quarterback Skyler Windmiller and senior defensive back Donte Watkins

10:15 a.m. Missouri Southern Coach Denver Johnson, sophomore wide receiver Carson Day and junior defensive lineman Trevor Plafcan

10:30 a.m. Central Missouri Coach Jim Svoboda, senior wide receiver Jaylen Zachery and senior defensive lineman Connor Flagel

10:45 a.m. Lindenwood Coach Jed Stugart, junior running back Calen Campbell and senior defensive end Jonathan Harris

11 a.m. Northeastern State Coach Rob Robinson, senior wide receiver Zac King and senior linebacker La'More Wise

11:15 a.m. Nebraska-Kearney Coach Josh Lynn, sophomore quarterback Steve Worthing and senior defensive lineman Sam Stoltenberg

11:30 a.m., Fort Hays State Coach Chris Brown, junior quarterback Jacob Mezera and junior defensive back Doyin Jibowu

11:45 a.m. Central Oklahoma Coach Nick Bobeck, senior quarterback Chas Stallard and junior defensive lineman Carson Smith

12 p.m. Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins, sophomore quarterback Braxton Marstall and junior defensive back Marcus Houghton

12:15 p.m. Northwest Missouri Coach Rich Wright, senior running back Jordan Grove and senior safety Edward Richey

John Elway to Allen Barbre: We're really happy to have you here in Denver

The Broncos Sports Network features an interview with former Missouri Southern State University and East Newton High School football standout Allen Barbre about the roller coaster ride that took him from the Philadelphia Eagles to Denver:

Suddenly, our conversation is interrupted by some guy named John.

“Welcome, man,” he said. “Really happy to have you.”

Barbre greeted the man graciously before politely returning to our interview.

“I can’t ask them to put me into a position to play if I’m not confident enough to go out there and perform.”

After finishing the thought, though, he was understandably brought back to that interaction.

“I’ve grown up always watching the team be successful, and I watched Mr. [John] Elway,” he said, his eyes suddenly rejuvenated. “It’s a neat thing to play for an organization like this, and I’m excited about it.”

“It’s kinda like meeting Favre for the first time, too, when I was a rookie,” he added, now with the smile of one of those rookies on their first day. “I was running scout team across from Favre. Elway is just one of those guys that you have a lot of respect for.”

Eagles trade Allen Barbre to Denver Broncos

Former East Newton High School and Missouri Southern State University football standout Allen Barbre has a new team.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded Barbre to Denver Wednesday;

Barbre will compete for a spot as a guard in Denver, which could have as many as four new starters on the offensive line.

"I don't see why not. I have played in multiple systems," Barbre told Denver7. "I know what they are trying to do there. It's up to me to pick up the terminology quickly.

"But I am excited to get there. This is a great opportunity."

Barbre, 33, started 12 games last season for Philadelphia, playing left guard and some right tackle.

Sarcoxie High School archery team wins world tournament at Orlando

(From the Missouri Department of Conservation)

Missouri students took first place on the world archery stage when Sarcoxie High School finished first place in the 3D Challenge at the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) World Tournament and 3D Challenge July 21-22 in Orlando, FL. More than 3,390 student archers in grades 4-12 from more than 200 schools in two countries participated – including 205 Missouri students from nine schools.

In the 3D NASP World Challenge, Missouri teams and individuals once again showed their skills. Following up from their national bullseye title, Sarcoxie High School finished in first place with a combined team score of 1,736. Carl Junction High School’s team followed with second place with a combined team score of 1,727. Sarcoxie Middle School took third place in the middle school division.

Missouri student archers participated through the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP), which is coordinated through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with numerous schools and supporting organizations throughout the state. MoNASP is an affiliate of NASP and also promotes education, self-esteem, and physical activity for more than 135,000 Missouri students from 620 schools in grades 4-12 through participation in the sport of archery.

“Missouri was once again well represented on the podium at the World NASP tournaments,” MDC MoNASP Coordinator Eric Edwards said. “MoNASP has been able to provide an opportunity to thousands of kids to participate in the sport of archery--something some may have never even thought about. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!”

The following Missouri students placed in the top 10 in the 3D NASP World Challenge:

• Senior Caleb Stillians from Sarcoxie High School took third place in the high school males division with a score of 295 out of 300.
• Senior Chris Lingenfelter from Sarcoxie High School took fifth place in the high school males division with a score of 294 out of 300.
• Senior Steven Mann from Carl Junction High School took seventh place in the high school males division with a score of 292 out of 300.
• Junior Frankie Goforth from Carl Junction High School took third place in the high school females division with a score of 292 out of 300.
• Junior Micah Edwards from Sarcoxie High School took sixth place in the high school female division with a score of 288 out of 300.
• Senior Brooke Hinkle from Sarcoxie High School took seventh place in the high school female division with a score of 287 out of 300.
• Freshman Lane Stone from Carl Junction High School took ninth place in the high school males division with a score of 292 out 300.
• Senior Cole Sandbothe from Blair Oaks High School took ninth place in the high school males division with a score of 292 out 300.
• Seventh grader Max Wangler from Sarcoxie Middle School took seventh place in the middle school males division with a score of 289 out 300.
• Seventh grader Ally Nordell from Sarcoxie Middle School took eighth place in the middle school females division with a score of 286 out of 300.

In the NASP Bullseye World Tournament, Missouri teams were also strong competitors. Sarcoxie High School finished second place with a combined team score of 3,445 in the high school division. Carl Junction High School’s team followed with third place turning a combined team score of 3,437. Carthage High School’s archery team took ninth place turning in a combined score of 3,393.

Missouri students also showed off their skills in the individual portion of the tournament The following Missouri students placed in the top 10 of the NASP World Tournament:

• Senior Chris Lingenfelter from Sarcoxie High School took first place in the high school males division with a score of 296 out of 300.
• Freshman Kamryn Twehus from Blair Oaks High School took fifth place in the high school females division with a score of 292 out of 300.
• Senior Shelby Winslow from Lee’s Summit West High School took seventh place in the high school female division with a score of 290 out of 300.
• Sophomore Allie Stewart from Carthage High School took eighth place in the high school female division with a score of 290 out 300.
• Seventh grader Irvin Johnson from Salem Middle School took third place in the middle school males division with a score of 295 out of 300.
• Eighth grader Skylar Metscher from Billings R-4 took fourth place in the middle school female division with a score of 292 out of 300.
• Seventh grader Ally Nordell from Sarcoxie Middle took seventh place in the middle school female division with a score of 291 out of 300.

To see all tournament scores visit: http://bit.ly/2v59thH. Learn more about MoNASP at http://on.mo.gov/2mCPWg4. 

MSSU Athletics Department offering free Lions flags to public

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Athletics Department is offering free Lions flags to the public.

"Joplin and the surrounding area do a great job in supporting both the university and our athletics department," said Director of athletic marketing Randon Coffey. "This is an opportunity for our fans, alumni, businesses, and the community to show even more support at no cost to them."

Anyone is invited to send in a submission online at: www.mssulions.com. The first 100 submissions will be sent a free flag. Once the flag is displayed the recipients will be encouraged to send in a photo of their new Lions flag.

"We are excited to see more green and gold on display both in our area and beyond," said Coffey. "We have tens of thousands of proud alums doing great things all over the world and we can't wait to see where these flags end up."

MSSU volleyball team wins national academic award

(From Southern News Service)

The Missouri Southern volleyball team has been awarded the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, the third year in a row the Lions have earned the honor under Head Coach John Napier.

The award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale. The AVCA announced a total of 822 teams earned the honor, breaking the previous year's record of 764.

On top of this honor, the Lions were also named to the AVCA Academic Honor Roll for NCAA Division II, meaning the team sported one of the top-25 team GPA's in the all of Division II. This past academic year, Southern boasted a team GPA of 3.67. Each member of the team was a part of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll with three student-athletes maintaining perfect 4.00 GPA's and no one on the team carrying below a 3.20 GPA.

The Lions were one of eight MIAA teams to earn the Team Academic Award and were one of just three MIAA institutions to be named to the AVCA Academic Honor Roll, joining Northwest Missouri and Pittsburg State.

JHS graduate Andie Myers signs to play volleyball at Labette County

(From Joplin Athletics)

Congratulations to 2017 Joplin High School graduate Andie Myers. She signed to play volleyball at Labette CC next year. We are happy for you, Andie.

MSSU women's basketball signs Minnesota standout

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern Women's Basketball head coach Ronnie Ressel has announced the addition of Azaria Reed to the 2017-18 roster.

"I'm excited to welcome Azaria to the Southern Women's Basketball family," said Ressel. "She's a good fit for our system and we can't wait to get her on campus and work with her over the next four years. Azaria has the ability to play multiple positions. She can shoot the 3, drive to the basket and post up on the block. Azaria has all the qualities we want on the floor as well as off the floor and in the classroom."

Reed, a 5-10 native of Brooklyn Park, Minn., was a four-time All-Conference selection at Osseo Senior HS (OSHS). Reed finished her Orioles' career eighth on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,013 points and third in rebounds with 626. She was a three-year captain and was a finalist for the "Athena Award", The Athena Award recognizes the outstanding senior young female athlete from each of the Minneapolis city, suburban and private schools and to honor each woman for her achievements in one or several sports. Reed was also a finalist for OSHS's Athlete of the Year award.

In addition to her five letters in basketball, Reed earned three letters at outside hitter for Coach Mandi Burian and the Volleyball Orioles.

Reed is the daughter of Tony and Janice Reed and plans to major in chemistry at Southern.

Former Lion Kelby Fritz joins MSSU women's basketball staff

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern Women's Basketball head coach Ronnie Ressel announce the addition of former Lion Kelby Fritz to the coaching staff for 2017-18.

"We are thrilled to have Kelby join our staff," said Ressel. "She brings a tremendous amount of energy and passion to the position. Kelby will have a good knowledge base as to what it takes to compete and win in the MIAA. Everyone that I visited with said she has a tremendous work ethic. This will be important because Kelby will be an assistant coach with our Varsity team and will be the Head JV Coach."

Fritz comes to Southern after a year as the assistant coach for the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Lady Norse Basketball Team. Prior to NEO, she spent two seasons as the graduate assistant coach for Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. During her tenure, the team earned two trips to the NAIA National Tournament and finished in the final four during her first year.

"I am extremely honored and thankful for this opportunity to be a part of a program that I know personally is so great with an immense amount of tradition," said Fritz.

Fritz helped Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) to a National Junior College (NJCAA) Division 1 Region 2 and District B title this past season. The 29-3 Lady Norse entered the national tournament as the 11 seed and defeated 22nd seeded Iowa Western 73-47 in the opening round at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock, Texas. NEO fell in the second round to sixth seeded and national runner up Trinity Valley, 67-53. The Lady Norse finished 16th in the nation in points per game (80.1), 14th in field goals made per game (29.6), and seventh in three point field goals per contest (8.7). While at NEO, Fritz was responsible for game preparation, scouting, game day duties, recruiting, strength and conditioning, and all aspects of team travel for the Lady Norse.

Fritz began her playing career at Missouri Southern State University (09'-12') where she averaged 10 points per game. She continued her collegiate carrier in 2012 at Rogers State University. As a starter for the Hillcats, she shot 42% from behind the arch and 85% from the charity stripe. Fritz was also 41% from the field. The Hillcats attended the NAIA D1 National tournament the 2012-2013 season and made it to the second round.
Fritz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management with an emphasis in psychology in May 2013 from Rogers State University. She continued her education and received her Master's of Arts in Teachers Education at Hastings College in May 2016, where she was the Graduate Assistant Coach.

Fritz is originally from Vinita, Oklahoma where she earned 2009 All-State honors and also helped lead the team to their first and only State Championship for girls' basketball. She also played softball, ran track, and cross country.

Meinke joins MSSU women's soccer staff

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern Women's Soccer head coach Chris McNaughton has announced the addition of Brooklynn Meinke to the staff for the 2017 season.

"I am excited to have Brooklynn join us here at MSSU," said McNaughton. "She was a very accomplished collegiate player, and everyone I talked to had nothing but great things to say about her. I know she is excited to get started and she will do a great job here."

Meinke comes to the Lions after finishing her collegiate playing career at Bethany (Kan.) College. She played in 16 matches for the Swedes scoring five times and adding five assists. Meinke helped the Swedes reach the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) before falling in the opening round. Prior to her time at Bethany, Meinke played in 14 matches with six starts at Colorado Mesa University during her junior season. She earned the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Offensive Player of the Week honors for scoring a hat trick, the first in CMU history since the 2006 season, against Metropolitan State University - Denver. Meinke was a two-time All-Jayhawk League selection while at Johnson County Community College during her freshman and sophomore seasons. Prior to the collegiate realm, she played for Sporting Blue Valley on the club level and prepped at Christ Prep Academy.

"I am both honored and excited to come in and be a part of the women's soccer program at MSSU. It's a privilege to be able to join Coach McNaughton in the success he has already had with the program. I am looking forward to getting to work with Coach McNaughton and the girls to continue to progress and make a name for ourselves in this upcoming season," said Meinke.

The Lions will open the 2017 season at Hal Bodon Field against Rockhurst on September 1.

Paul DeJong talks about having four hits in Cards win over Met

St. Louis Cardinals rookie Paul DeJong has been a pleasant surprise since breaking into the lineup after an injury to second baseman Kolten Wong, who is now rehabbing in Springfield.

DeJong, who was moved to shortstop after Aledemys Diaz was sent to the minor leagues and Matt Carpenter moved to second base, had four hits and drove in three runs in the Cardinals' 4-1 win over New York Saturday.

Crowder softball to hold Elite Summer Showcase camp

(From Crowder College)

Neosho, MO – Crowder College Softball Coaches will hold the 2017 Elite Summer Showcase camp, July 25-26, on the Neosho campus.Softball players or teams interested in improving their skills and being seen by college recruiters should attend. The cost is $250 which includes overnight stay at the Crowder College dorms, 3 meals, t-shirt, and instruction from college coaches & players.

Registration deadline is July 8. For information and registration go to:

http://www.crowdersoftballcamps.com/elite-summer-showcase.cfm

Martinez, Molina named to National League All-Star team

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

The starting position players, reserves and pitchers for the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, to be held at Marlins Park in Miami, have been revealed. Carlos Martinez and Yadier Molina are #ASGWorthy.