MSSU football Lions lose season opener

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The visiting Fort Hays State Tigers scored on their first five possessions and didn't look back as the Missouri Southern football team fell 48-7 tonight in the season opener at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

The Lions (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) were led offensively by freshman Shemar Coleman and junior quarterback Dante Vandeven. Coleman rushed for 51 yards on seven carries, while catching one pass out of the backfield for 25 yards and a score. Vandeven went 15-29 in the air for 138 yards and a score, while rushing 11 times for 46 yards. Josh Hadley had 28 yards on the ground.

Josiah Bennet had four catches for 29 yards, while nine different Lions caught a pass tonight.

Defensively, the Lions were led by Roc Robbins as the sophomore had seven tackles, three and a half for a loss, including two sacks for losses of 12 yards. Alexander Wade had a team-high ten stops, while Desmond Paytonand Deshon Cowling had eight and seven tackles, respectively. Cowling forced a fumble and had a pass breakup.

Hays (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) was led by quarterback Jacob Mezera who went 21-29 through the air with 245 yards and two scores. Jacoby Williams played as well and went 6-7 for 80 yards and a score. Kicker Brandon Brown had two field goals from 36 and 39 yards.

As a team, the Lions had 225 yards on offense, but struggled with five fumbles on the night, losing three.

Hays led 27-0 before the Lions put on a quick scoring drive midway through the second quarter. Vandeven rushed for 17 yards to start the drive and Coleman rushed for 24, as well. Vandeven then hooked up with Coleman for a 25-yard passing touchdown to make the score 27-7.

The Tigers led 41-7 at the half and added a lone second-half score to win 48-7.

The Lions will be back in action next Thursday, traveling to Missouri Western to take on the Griffons. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm from St. Joseph.

Southern cross country to open season Saturday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's cross country teams will open up the 2017 season this Saturday as the Lions travel to Southwest Baptist to compete in the Bearcat Invitational.

The event will be ran at the Bolivar City Municipal Golf Course. The Southern men open the season as the top-ranked team in the NCAA Division II Central Region and are ranked tenth nationally. The Lions return four All-MIAA performers and were picked as the preseason favorites to win the MIAA.

The Southern women were picked to finish fourth in the MIAA and return one All-MIAA performer.

The women's race will begin at 8:30 am, while the men will run at 9 am. The women will run a 5k course, while the men will run a four mile course. Live results for the race will be posted once the link becomes available.

MSSU volleyball to open season in Nebraska

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern volleyball team will open up the 2017 season this weekend as they play at the Bulldog Bash hosted by Concordia University in Nebraska on Friday and Saturday.

Southern opens up the tournament taking on Bethany (Kan.) and York College on day one with 1 pm and 3:30 pm start times. The Lions then take on University of Mary at 11 am on Saturday and host Concordia at 3:30 pm.

Live stats will be provided for all matches and live video will be provided for the Lions' match with Bethany and Concordia.

MSSU women's soccer opens season Friday at home

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's soccer team will open up the 2017 regular season as the Lions play host to Rockhurst University on Friday evening at 6 pm on Hal Bodon Field.

The Lions were picked to finish 11th in the preseason MIAA soccer coaches poll after finishing 4-11 last year in head coach Chris McNaughton's first year at the healm. Southern finished 11th in the final 2017 standings.

MSSU returns 15 players from last season's roster, including eight starters and a few others that saw starts for the Lions. McNaughton will have 18 newcomers on the roster. Five seniors in Ronise Miller, Brooke Ishmael, Taylor Beck, Chloe Jackson and Anissa Williamsall return to the fold to provide leadership for the Pride.

The Lions also bring in a new assistant coach to roam the sidelines as former Bethany College product Brooklynn Meinke joins McNaughton's coaching staff.

Rockhurst was picked to finish second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason poll after going 17-3-2 last season including a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

The Lions will also play host to William Jewell on Sunday at 3 pm on Hal Bodon Field. William Jewell was picked to finish 13th in the GLVC preseason poll after going 4-11-2 in 2016.

Missouri Southern football to open season at home against Fort Hays State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern football team will play host to Fort Hays State on Thursday night to open up the 2017 regular season. Kickoff from Fred G. Hughes Stadium, inside the Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex is slated for 7 pm.

Game Information

Team Records: MSSU - 0-0, 0-0 MIAA | FHSU 0-0, 0-0 MIAA
Date: Thursday, August 31, 2017
Kick-Off: 7 pm, CT
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Fred G. Hughes Stadium (7,000)
Series Record: FHSU leads the series 14-13-1
Coaches: Denver Johnson (3-18 at MSSU, 72-85 overall) | Chris Brown (28-30 overall/at FHSU)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: ESPN Joplin 101.3, 103.5 FM and AM 1560; 88.7 FM KXMS - Mike McClure, Play-by-Play, Scott Boudreaux, Color
Video Webcast: http://www.themiaanetwork.com/mssulions
Live Stats: http://sidearmstats.com/mssu/football
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mosofootball

The Series: Fort Hays State leads the all-time series 14-13-1. The Lions have a 6-6 record at Hughes Stadium and are 7-8-1 at Lewis Field in Hays. The two teams renewed their series in 2006 for the first time since 1988, with the Tigers snapping a season-long losing streak with a 10-0 win over Southern. Prior to that, the last time for the two to meet was when both schools were a member of the NAIA Central States Intercollegiate Conference. Southern won that game 21-10. Southern has won nine of the last 14 games against the Tigers, dating back to the 1983 season.

The Dish On The Tigers: Fort Hays State was 8-4 last season overall, including a 7-4 mark in conference play. The Tigers earned a bid to the Heart of Texas Bowl, winning 45-12 over Eastern New Mexico. The Tigers were picked to finish fifth in both the media and coaches polls that were announced at Media Days this year. FHSU is led offensively by quarterback Jacob Mezera. He runs the show and last season threw for 2.541 yards on 215-341 through the air with 19 touchdowns. He also ran for two scores on the ground. Mezera has a core group of receivers coming back that all picked up at least 370 yards on the season, led by Layne Bieberle who caught 31 passes for 506 yards and seven touchdowns. Charles Tigner caught 37 passes for 453 yards and four scores, while Tyler Bacon caught 38 passes for 373 yards. Kenneth Iheme is the leading ball carrier returning as the logged 106 rushes last year for 526 yards and 5.0 per carry with one score. Defensively, Jose Delgado is the leading returning tackler with 114 tackles, 55 solo and 8.5 tackles for a loss. Doyin Jibowu had 66 tackles with seven TFL and a sack. Nathan Shepherd had 61 tackles and three sacks. The Tigers are at home next week against Central Missouri.

A Victory vs. Fort Hays State Would: be just the first in the last six meetings against the Tigers and the first win at home since 2007 vs. the Tigers.

NFL Representation: The Lions will have two different players on NFL rosters to start the season. Brandon Williams is a starter on the defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens, while Allen Barbre will be with the Denver Broncos this year.

Show Me The Money: Brandon Williams has become a leader on the defense for the Baltimore Ravens, as well as the NFL. In the offseason, Williams became the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL and the eighth-highest paid defensive lineman when he signed a five-year, $54 million contract.

NFL Executive: Former Lion and former NFL wide receiver James Thrash is in his second season serving as the NFL and NFLPA's Appeals Officer. He hears all appeals for the NFL regarding on-field player discipline. Thrash played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Lions On Radio: The Lions will partner with ESPN Joplin this year as Southern can now be heard on three separate FM stations, as well as an AM station. ESPN Joplin will air the Lions' games on 101.3 and 103.5 FM, as well as AM 1560. MSSU's KXMS 88.7 will also simulcast the games giving the Lions a larger reach in the four-states than they've ever had.

Tough League/Region: The MIAA has three teams in the coaches top 25 this week. Northwest Missouri is 1st, while Emporia State is 4th and Central Missouri is 21st. The Super Region Three, which the Lions are a part of, has eight teams in the top 24, including the top four teams nationally. There are 14 teams total that are either ranked or receiving votes in the poll from the region.

Lions On TV: Missouri Southern's KGCS will air every Lions home game live this year during the season. They will also re-broadcast the games on Sunday evenings at 7 pm.

Lions On The Web: All of MSSU's football games are carried live online as part of the MIAA Network. Fans can go to www.mssulions.com to view live and on-demand games.

Streaming Options: Fans now have even more options to view the Lions online in their homes and on the road. Not only can you view on your computer, fans can now view The MIAA Network on its over the top apps for either Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Android TV.

Team Stats Rankings: In 2016, the Lions led Division II in blocked punts allowed, not allowing a single blocked punt all year. The team ranked 24th in fewest fumbles lost and 28th in fewest sacks allowed.

Individual Stats Rankings: In 2016, Josiah Bennettranked seventh nationally in yards per reception, hauling in 23.5 yards per catch in his true freshman season.

MIAA Preseason Polls: The MIAA released its preseason polls as part of its annual Media Day on August 2. The Lions were picked 11th in the coaches poll and tenth in the media poll.

Weather Report: The weather report for the Joplin area on Thursday calls for mostly sunny conditions and a high of 83 degrees with a ten percent chance of precipitation. 

The Dish On The Tigers: Fort Hays State was 8-4 last season overall, including a 7-4 mark in conference play. The Tigers earned a bid to the Heart of Texas Bowl, winning 45-12 over Eastern New Mexico. The Tigers were picked to finish fifth in both the media and coaches polls that were announced at Media Days this year. FHSU is led offensively by quarterback Jacob Mezera. He runs the show and last season threw for 2.541 yards on 215-341 through the air with 19 touchdowns. He also ran for two scores on the ground. Mezera has a core group of receivers coming back that all picked up at least 370 yards on the season, led by Layne Bieberle who caught 31 passes for 506 yards and seven touchdowns. Charles Tigner caught 37 passes for 453 yards and four scores, while Tyler Bacon caught 38 passes for 373 yards. Kenneth Iheme is the leading ball carrier returning as the logged 106 rushes last year for 526 yards and 5.0 per carry with one score. Defensively, Jose Delgado is the leading returning tackler with 114 tackles, 55 solo and 8.5 tackles for a loss. Doyin Jibowu had 66 tackles with seven TFL and a sack. Nathan Shepherd had 61 tackles and three sacks. The Tigers are at home next week against Central Missouri.

A Victory vs. Fort Hays State Would: be just the first in the last six meetings against the Tigers and the first win at home since 2007 vs. the Tigers.

NFL Representation: The Lions will have two different players on NFL rosters to start the season. Brandon Williams is a starter on the defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens, while Allen Barbre will be with the Denver Broncos this year.

Show Me The Money: Brandon Williams has become a leader on the defense for the Baltimore Ravens, as well as the NFL. In the offseason, Williams became the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL and the eighth-highest paid defensive lineman when he signed a five-year, $54 million contract.

NFL Executive: Former Lion and former NFL wide receiver James Thrash is in his second season serving as the NFL and NFLPA's Appeals Officer. He hears all appeals for the NFL regarding on-field player discipline. Thrash played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Lions On Radio: The Lions will partner with ESPN Joplin this year as Southern can now be heard on three separate FM stations, as well as an AM station. ESPN Joplin will air the Lions' games on 101.3 and 103.5 FM, as well as AM 1560. MSSU's KXMS 88.7 will also simulcast the games giving the Lions a larger reach in the four-states than they've ever had.

Tough League/Region: The MIAA has three teams in the coaches top 25 this week. Northwest Missouri is 1st, while Emporia State is 4th and Central Missouri is 21st. The Super Region Three, which the Lions are a part of, has eight teams in the top 24, including the top four teams nationally. There are 14 teams total that are either ranked or receiving votes in the poll from the region.

Lions On TV: Missouri Southern's KGCS will air every Lions home game live this year during the season. They will also re-broadcast the games on Sunday evenings at 7 pm.

Lions On The Web: All of MSSU's football games are carried live online as part of the MIAA Network. Fans can go to www.mssulions.com to view live and on-demand games.

Streaming Options: Fans now have even more options to view the Lions online in their homes and on the road. Not only can you view on your computer, fans can now view The MIAA Network on its over the top apps for either Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Android TV.

Team Stats Rankings: In 2016, the Lions led Division II in blocked punts allowed, not allowing a single blocked punt all year. The team ranked 24th in fewest fumbles lost and 28th in fewest sacks allowed.

Individual Stats Rankings: In 2016, Josiah Bennettranked seventh nationally in yards per reception, hauling in 23.5 yards per catch in his true freshman season.

MIAA Preseason Polls: The MIAA released its preseason polls as part of its annual Media Day on August 2. The Lions were picked 11th in the coaches poll and tenth in the media poll.

Weather Report: The weather report for the Joplin area on Thursday calls for mostly sunny conditions and a high of 83 degrees with a ten percent chance of precipitation.

Up Next: The Lions will head on the road next Thursday night, taking on Missouri Western at 7 pm.

Cardinals trade Mike Leake to Seattle

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have acquired minor league shortstop Rayder Ascanio from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mike Leakeand international cap space totaling $750,000 for the current international signing period. Ascanio, 21, was signed by the Mariners as an international free agent in 2012 at age 16 and the slick fielding infielder has compiled a career batting mark of .240 with 15 HR’s and 158 RBI in 425 games at the minor league level.

The switch-hitting Ascanio, a native of Mariara, Venezuela, was batting .217 with 9 HR’s and 44 RBI in 111 games this season between Tacoma (AAA), Clinton (A) and Modesto (A). He is expected to be assigned to the Palm Beach Cardinals (A) roster.

Today’s trade will require an addition to the Cardinals 25-man active roster. That transaction is expected to be announced tomorrow.

Leake, 29, was 7-12 with a 4.21 ERA in 26 starts for the Cardinals this season and has a career mark of 80- 76, 4.02 ERA in eight seasons with Cincinnati (2010-15), San Francisco (2015) and St. Louis (2016-17). He went 16-24 with a 4.46 ERA in his 56 starts for the Cardinals after signing as a free agent in December of 2015. The Cardinals and Mariners announced a trade last month that sent power-hitting outfielder Tyler O’Neill (28 HR’s in 2017) to the Cardinals organization in exchange for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales.

MSSU golf picked to finish sixth in preseason MIAA Poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

he Missouri Southern golf team has been picked sixth in the 2017-18 MIAA preseason Men's Golf Poll the league announced today.

The Lions will have four golfers returning, including regional participant Connor Neil. Six newcomers will join the team, including two transfers.

Southern finished fifth in the 2016-17 final team standings. Central Missouri was picked to win the league and picked up nine of the ten possible first-place votes. Central Oklahoma was second, followed by Lindenwood, Washburn, Northeastern State, Southern, Missouri Western, Nebraska-Kearney, Southwest Baptist, Lincoln and Fort Hays State to round out the poll.

The Lions begin the season on September 11-12 traveling to Central Missouri to participate in the first of two MIAA fall points events.

2017 MIAA Preseason Men's Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) 99
2. Central Oklahoma (2) 90
3. Lindenwood 78
4. Washburn 75
5. Northeastern State 59
6. Missouri Southern 52
7. Missouri Western 49
8. Nebraska-Kearney 36
9. Southwest Baptist 30
10. Lincoln 21
11. Fort Hays State 16

Carthage, Argentina golfers join MSSU program

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern golf coach Mike Wheeler has announced the final two signings of his 2017 recruiting class.

The pair includes a local high school student-athlete, as well as a Division II transfer.

Elijah Rehrer (6-1, 167) comes to Southern comes to Southern from Carthage High School where he prepped for coach Lowell Catron and the Tigers. A team captain, Rehrer placed in every tournament he played in as a senior, as well as winning his conference title. Rerher also placed in each tournament as a junior, participating in the District, Sectional and State Championships. He was a district and sectional qualifier as a sophomore and was an All-Conference and All-District pick as both a junior and a senior.

The son of Dennis and Melody Rehrer, Rehrer is a business marketing major at Southern.

Mariano Benzaquen is a native of Resistencia, Argentina, but transfers to Southern after two seasons at Division II Nyack College in New York. Benzaquen played in the number two bag as both a freshman and sophomore, while placing at four different events as a sophomore. He placed 11th overall at the CACC Conference Tournament, leading the team as a freshman.

Benzaquen is the son of Javier Benzaquen and Flabiana Ayala and he is a business major at Southern.

"Mariano is a D-II transfer thats has some college tournament experience," Wheeler said. "He hits it straight and has a good short game. We're glad he made the journey from Argentina. Elijah played the last four years for Lowell Catron in Carthage. He's a great kid with a lot of distance. I believe he will continue to improve and be a asset to the squad."

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MSSU Fall Kickoff set for Saturday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Athletic Department at Missouri Southern State University will host its 2017 Fall Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, celebrating the start of the fall sports season and naming the athletics administration suite for a pioneer in women’s athletics.

Fans will be entertained by the MSSU cheerleading squad and marching band, and have the chance to get schedule posters autographed by team members. The Lions’ football team will hold a public practice starting at 7 p.m. Inflatables will be available for kids, and food trucks will be on hand in front of the stadium.

The university will dedicate the Sallie Beard Athletics Administration Suite at 6:15 p.m. in the North End Zone Facility.

Beard served Missouri Southern State University for 37 years before her retirement in 2009. She single-handedly created women’s athletics at Missouri Southern when she started the first women’s sports teams, serving as head coach of basketball, softball, tennis, and track and field. For 25 years, she was the women’s athletic director. In 2001, she was named the first athletic director to oversee both the men’s and women’s athletic programs at MSSU.

In 2014, she was awarded the Nike Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators. She is a member of the Missouri Southern State University Athletics Hall of Fame, Joplin Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2010 she was inducted into the inaugural class of the MIAA Hall of Fame.

MSSU men picked first, women second in MIAA cross country

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men have been picked to repeat as champs, while the women were picked fourth in the 2017 MIAA Preseason Cross Country Coaches Poll released today by the league. 

The Southern men were the overwhelming pick to repeat as MIAA Champs, earning nine of the possible ten first-place votes. The Lions return four All-MIAA runners in Tyler Rush, Mike Shanahan, Cody Berry and Jared Haltom. Nine men return from last year's Championship team. 

On the women's side, eight return from last year's team that finished fourth overall at the MIAA Championship. Christian Provence, who was an eighth-place finisher last year at the Championship, returns as the Lions' lone All-MIAA finisher from 2016. 

The Southern men received 98 points and were picked first. Northwest Missouri received two first-place votes and was picked second followed by Nebraska-Kearney, Southwest Baptist and Pittsburg State to round out the top five. Fort Hays State, Lindenwood, Central Missouri, Washburn, Emporia State and Missouri Western round out the men's poll. 

Southwest Baptist was picked to win the women's title with ten first-place votes. Pittsburg State was second, followed by Fort Hays State, Southern and Central Missouri to round out the top five. Central Missouri, Nebraska-Kearney, Central Oklahoma, Northwest Missouri, Emporia State, Lindenwood, Washburn, Missouri Western and Lincoln round out the women's poll. 

The Lions open up the 2017 season on September 2 at Southwest Baptist. 

2017 MIAA Preseason Men's Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (9) 98
2. Northwest Missouri (2) 78
3. Nebraska-Kearney 71
4. Southwest Baptist 68
5. Pittsburg State 67
6. Fort Hays State 60 
7. Lindenwood 59 
8. Central Missouri 39
9. Washburn 32
10. Emporia State 19 
11. Missouri Western 14

2017 MIAA Preseason Women's Coaches Poll
1. Southwest Baptist (10) 141
2. Pittsburg State (2) 131
3. Fort Hays State (1) 126
4. Missouri Southern 108 
5. Central Missouri 96
6. Nebraska-Kearney 95
7. Central Oklahoma 67
8. Northwest Missouri 56
9. Emporia State 54
10. Lindenwood 49
11. Washburn 40
12. Missouri Western 35
13. Lincoln 16

MSSU football coach releases first fall depth chart

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern head coach Denver Johnson has released the first fall depth chart for the MSSU football team.

Highlighting the new faces to the two-deep is transfer quarterback Dante Vandeven who at the time has been named the starting signal caller for the Lions. Carson Dayreturns after an injury kept him out of play last season and Josiah Bennett, one of the top yards per catch players from 2016 also returns to action on the offensive side of the ball.

Defensively, Trevor Plafcan and Chris Williams anchor a deep defensive line for the Lions. EJ McKenzie is back at linebacker while Keith Beverly and Alexander Wade are back to anchor the backfield.

Brock Renken will be the starting place kicker for the fourth-straight season and he will also add punting duties to his portfolio.

A complete two-deep can be found here (2017 MSSU Fall Two-Deep). The Lions open up the 2017 regular season at home on August 31 at home against Fort Hays State.

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MIAA announces pricing for MIAA Network

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Mo. -- The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced today the details of the hybrid financial model for The MIAA Network for the 2017-18 academic year. The MIAA conference contests for football, volleyball, and men's and women's basketball will continue to be available as Pay-To-View (PPV) broadcasts. All other sports that are carried on The MIAA Network will be available as Free-to-View (FTV) broadcasts.

2017-18 PPV Subscription Rates:
Single Day Pass: $10.00
Volleyball Season Pass: $50.00
Football Season Pass: $75.00
Men's Basketball Season Pass: $75.00
Women's Basketball Season Pass: $75.00
All-Access Pass: $125.00*

* Beginning today through Thursday, August 23, The MIAA Network is offering a $15 discount off of the All-Access Pass. The All-Access Pass gets you all of the PPV sports for the entire regular season.

The MIAA Network broadcasts can be viewed on desktop , on mobile devices, and on internet-connected television devices anywhere in the world. The MIAA Network content is available live, via live DVR, and is also immediately archived for on-demand viewing after each event. This means fans of the MIAA Network can watch whenever, wherever, and on their platform of choice.

Fans can find all of the action on www.themiaanetwork.com/mssulions and on The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

Fans with general questions should contact Larry House, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs at the MIAA office via email at Lhouse@themiaa.com or phone (816.421.6422, ext. 4). For technical questions, check out the help section, http://themiaanetwork.com/questions.html or contact the BlueFrame Technology support team via email (support@blueframetech.com) or phone (855.812.2740).

MSSU football fall kickoff, Sallie Beard dedication set for August 26

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Athletic Department will host its 2017 Fall Kickoff on Saturday, August 26^th at Fred G. Hughes Stadium and will also name the Athletics Administration Suite for a women's sports pioneer as part of the festivities. 

The event for the public will start at 6pm. Fans will be entertained by the MSSU cheerleading squad and marching band, as well as get a chance to get autographed schedule posters from the fall sports teams at MSSU. The Lions' football team will also be hosting a public night practice inside of Fred G. Hughes Stadium. There will be inflatables for kids in attendance, as well as free MSSU team posters being handed out. Various food trucks will be on hand in the parking lot in front of the stadium as Barkin' Pig BBQ, SWEET Melts and Snowflakes Shaved Ice will be there to feed fans.

Members of the Lionbacker Booster Club are invited to meet at 5:30 in the Alumni Room of the North End Zone Facility to enjoy appetizers and to pick up booster club apparel and parking passes. An informational Lionbacker Town Hall meeting will follow at 6:00pm. 

The University will also dedicate the Sallie Beard Athletics Administration Suite that night. The ceremony will take place in the North End Zone Facility at approximately 6:15 pm, immediately following the Lionbacker Booster Club annual meeting. 

Beard served Missouri Southern State University as both coach and Athletic Director for 37 years before her retirement in 2009. She single-handedly created women's athletics at Missouri Southern when she started the first women's sports teams, serving as head coach of basketball, softball, tennis, and track and field. For 25 years, she was the Women's Athletic Director. In 2001, she was named the first Athletic Director to oversee both the men's and women's athletic programs at MSSU. 

Beard helped usher in a new era in MSSU Athletics when the university moved from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and the MIAA in 1989. She oversaw significant facility improvements at Southern, most notably the Lionpride Restoration Project, adding new turf, lighting, and track and field surfaces to Fred G. Hughes Stadium; the construction of the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center (a basketball and indoor track facility); and the Lea Kungle and Gene Wild softball fields. Missouri Southern consistently ranked among the best academically in the MIAA. Under Beard's leadership, athletes recorded an Academic Success Rate of 87 percent, a full 36 percent higher than the general student population at MSSU.

In 2014 Beard was awarded the Nike Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators. She is a member of the Missouri Southern State University Athletics Hall of Fame, Joplin Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2010 she was inducted into the inaugural class of the MIAA Hall of Fame. 

Those interested in making a gift in honor of Sallie can designate their gift to the Sallie and Larry Beard Academic Enrichment Award. Visit http://www.mssu.edu/advancement/giving/givenow.phpto make a gift online. Please call the Office of Development at 417-625-9615 with any questions. 

Admission to the event is free and the complete schedule of events is posted below.

Kickoff Event Schedule
5:30 - Lionbacker Social
6:00 - Lionbacker Town Hall Meeting
6:00- Special Teams takes the field
6:15 - Sallie Beard Athletics Administration Suite Dedication
6:30- Cheer performance
6:45- Band performance
7:00- Football team takes the field
7:15- Cross Country Autographs
7:30- Soccer Autographs
7:45- Volleyball Autographs
8:30- Football Practice Ends and Football Autographs

MSSU soccer picked to finish 11th in MIAA preseason poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern soccer program has been picked to finish 11th in the 2017 MIAA Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches poll, the league announced today. 

The Lions finished 4-11 last year in head coach Chris McNaughton's first year at the healm. Southern finished 11th in the final 2017 standings. 

MSSU returns 15 players from last season's roster, including eight starters and a few others that saw starts for the Lions. McNaughton will have 18 newcomers on the roster. Five seniors in Ronise Miller, Brooke Ishmael, Taylor Beck, Chloe Jackson and Anissa Williams all return to the fold to provide leadership for the Pride. 

The Lions also bring in a new assistant coach to roam the sidelines as former Bethany College product Brooklynn Meinke joins McNaughton's coaching staff. 

Central Missouri was the overwhelming favorite to win and repeat its title from a season ago. Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State, Fort Hays State and Lindenwood round out the top five in the poll. Missouri Western, Emporia State, Washburn, Nebraska-Kearney, Northwest Missouri, Southern and Southwest Baptist round out the poll.

The Lions open the regular season with home matches on September 1 and 3 against Rockhurst and William Jewell, respectively. 

2017 MIAA Women's Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (11) 121
2. Central Oklahoma 108
3. Northeastern State 95
4. Fort Hays State (1) 93
5. Lindenwood 77
6. Missouri Western 74
7. Emporia State 65
8. Washburn 55
9. Nebraska-Kearney 38
10. Northwest Missouri 32
11. Missouri Southern 23
12. Southwest Baptist 11

MSSU volleyball picked 11th in MIAA preseason poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern volleyball team has been picked to finish 11th by the coaches in the MIAA preseason volleyball poll as the league announced today.

The Lions finished 11th in the final 2016 standings and return 11 players off of that roster with eight newcomers coming to the fold. Seniors Alyx Gepford and Bailey Rexford will help provide leadership to the team in coach John Napier's third season.

Southern will open the 2017 season with a tournament in Nebraska at Concordia University on September 1-2. The Lions then play host to the Townplace Suites Invitational on September 8-9 and are back on the road with a tournament at Southern Nazarene the next weekend. The MIAA opener will be on September 22 at home against Central Oklahoma at 6 pm.

Nebraska-Kearney was the league favorite to repeat as MIAA champs and picked up ten of the 12 first-place votes. Central Oklahoma was second, followed by Washburn, Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri to round out the top five spots. Fort Hays State, Missouri Western, Emporia State, Lindenwood, Pittsburg State, Southern and Southwest Baptist round out the poll.

The complete poll is listed below.

2017 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (10) 120
2. Central Oklahoma (1) 105
3. Washburn (1) 101
4. Central Missouri 98
5. Northwest Missouri 77
6. Fort Hays State 62
7. Missouri Western 57
8. Emporia State 55
9. Lindenwood 49
10. Pittsburg State 35
11. Missouri Southern 18
12. Southwest Baptist 15

MSSU fall football practice begins Monday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern football team will open up fall preseason practice Monday, August 7, with a practice under the lights at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. 

The first practice of the season will start at 7:30 pm and as always will be open to the public. 

The Lions will open up the regular season on August 31st at 7 pm inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium, playing host to Fort Hays State Univversity. 

A complete schedule for preseason practices is listed below. 

Preseason Practice Schedule
8/7 - 7:30 pm
8/8 - 7:30 pm
8/9 - 8:30 am
8/10 - 8:30 am
8/11 - 8:30 am
8/12 - 8:30 am 
8/14 - 8:30 am 
8/15 - 8:30 am
8/16 - 8:30 am
8/17 - 8:30 am
8/18 - 8:30 am
8/19 - 7 pm
8/20 - 7 pm

MSSU's Chelsey Henry selected to play in USA Sports D2 Tour in Brazil

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern junior Chelsey Henry was selected to play in the USA Sports D2 Tour in Brazil.

Henry is the sixth Lion to represent Missouri Southern since 2015 in the USA Sports Tour & Events D2 Brazil Tour. Henry is joined by fellow MIAA players Paige Imhoff and Brenlee McPherson from Pittsburg State, Tanya Meyer of Northwest Missouri and Paige Redmond of Central Missouri.

"We played our first game last night (August 1st) in Jundiai and we won 100-22," said Henry. "We will travel to São Paulo today to play and then we're on the road to Rio starting tomorrow."

When asked about the challenges playing in Brazil Henry added, "It's already been an amazing trip and it's only Wednesday! I've gotten close with the women's team and we've had a blast. At first, it was difficult in the first game to play with people you've never competed with (except for the few MIAA players). After the first quarter though, we all loosened up and just played. It was a lot of fun. I've already learned that Brazilian players are fast and physical."

The USA D2 Women's Team will play Osasco today followed by Mangueira on Saturday, August 5th and finish against Fluminense on Sunday, August 6th.

The full release from USA Sports Tours and Events can be found in the story links above.

Blue Springs native added to MSSU volleyball staff

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern Head Volleyball Coach John Napier has announced the addition of Carly Sojka to the volleyball coaching staff.

Sojka comes to Missouri Southern after two years as a graduate assistant coach at Central Missouri.

At Central, Sojka continued her education as the graduate assistant for UCM, and she also began coaching 12 year olds for Invasion, a Club team in the Kansas City area.

Sojka graduated in 2016 after a four-year career at the University of Central Missouri. Sojka was a three-time All-American, and first-team All-American from both the AVCA and D2CCA. In 2015, Sojka took home D2CCA Central Region and MIAA Player of the Year awards. She was a four-time All-Region selection and named to the All-MIAA team all four years at UCM, twice to the First Team. She was also twice named AVCA Hitter of the Week and eight times as the MIAA Hitter of the Week in her career. Sojka helped lead the Jennies to three MIAA Championships in her four seasons, and a 111-23 overall record, including a 65-9 record in MIAA matches.

A native of Blue Springs, Missouri, Sojka, earned her Bachelor's Degree in sports management in 2016 and her Master's Degree in the same field in 2017.

"Bringing in a player of her caliber is a big step forward for us," Napier said. "She also has the personality to connect with our young team and the experience to lead them to great things on - and off - the court. I believe her All-American achievements will create instant credibility with our players. We are all looking forward to her showing our team what it takes to achieve great things in this sport."

"I am very thankful, and excited to begin my journey here at MSSU," Sojka said. "Having played in the MIAA I know how competitive it is and love every second of it I can't wait to get this season started"

Crowder Fieldhouse project receives $150,000 donation

(From Crowder College)


The Crowder College Foundation received $150,000 donation from the Sunderland Foundation for the Freeman Roughrider Fieldhouse project. This generous donation boosts the total raised to $1,025,000. The goal for the project is $1.4M.

“With $375,000 left to go we can feel the project excitement. This generous donation from the Sunderland Foundation may be just the momentum needed to bring others on board to finish off this project,” stated Cindy Branscum, Director of Development. “Checks like this don’t arrive every day, so it was a wonderful surprise last Friday when we opened the mail.”

According to Kent Sunderland, President, The Sunderland Foundation primarily provides grants in the geographic areas that have a client base to the Ash Grove Cement Company. “Funding is granted to special projects related to our business, basically bricks and mortar,” stated Sunderland during a phone conversation with Cindy Branscum. “We hope other businesses that benefit from Crowder College will step up and make a donation to complete funding for the fieldhouse project.”

The Roughrider Fieldhouse project will be solely funded by private donations. Crowder is the only Region 16 program that does not have an indoor facility. Currently, all four teams share the gymnasium for indoor use during inclement weather. The new facility will provide locker rooms for men’s soccer and baseball as well as a concession area and restrooms, offices and an indoor practice facility. It will be located northeast of the gymnasium between the parking lot and baseball field. For more information contact the Crowder College Foundation at 417-455-5646.

MSSU men's basketball schedules elite camp

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball program has announced its elite camp.

The camp is geared to students in 9th through 12th grade and will be ran on Saturday, August 19. The camp will run from noon till 3 pm and will cost $30 per camper.

For more information, please contact assistant coach Sam McMahon at 417-818-5505 or by email at mcmahon-s@mssu.edu.

MSSU Athletics creates endowment for retiring trainer

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern State University Athletic Department is proud to announce an endowment has been created in the name of long-time athletic trainer Darin Moore, who will retire from the University this Summer.

Moore came to MSSU in 2001 as an assistant trainer and in January of 2003 was named the head athletic trainer for the University. He served in that capacity until early 2016 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and took a leave of absence.

Since his diagnosis, the athletic department has rallied around Moore, including hosting a fundraiser that helped raise thousands of dollars that went toward his medical costs.

Now his legacy will be forever remembered at Southern in both an endowment and the re-naming of the doctor's exam room in the Freeman Athletic Training Center in his honor.

The endowment will help fund a scholarship that will be used to support future student athletic trainers wanting to grow in the profession. It was created with support from many current and past employees, friends and student-athletes at MSSU.

The Darin Moore Examination Room will honor his legacy at MSSU and how he helped thousands of student-athletes in their recovery from injuries.

For more information, please contact the Foundation directly at 417-625-9615. To help support this endowment, please go to the MSSU Foundation's donation page at http://www.mssu.edu/advancement/giving/givenow.php.

MSSU football picked 10th/11th in pre-season polls

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Kan. -- The Missouri Southern football team has been picked to finish tenth by the media and 11th by the coaches when the MIAA released its preseason polls this morning as part of MIAA Media Day at Children's Mercy Park. 

The Lions finished the 2016 season 2-9 overall and in tenth place in the final MIAA standings. 

Southern brings back 33 letter winners, including 16 starters. Eight starters on offense and seven on defense return, while Brock Renken is back for his fourth year as the Lions' starting place kicker. Sophomore Josiah Bennett is back as the lone returning All-MIAA performer from 2016. 

Two-time defending National Champion Northwest Missouri was the pick by both the coaches and media to repeat as league champions. The top six in both polls were identical with Emporia State second, followed by Central Missouri, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State and Washburn. Missouri Western was seventh in the coaches poll followed by Central Oklahoma, Lindenwood, Northeastern State, Southern and Nebraska-Kearney. In the media poll, Central Oklahoma was seventh, followed Missouri Western, Lindenwood, Southern, Northeastern State and Nebraska-Kearney. 

The Lions open the 2017 season at home on August 31 against Fort Hays State. Kickoff from Fred G. Hughes Stadium is slated for 7 pm. 

Both complete polls are listed below. 

2017 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (9) 118
2. Emporia State (2) 108
3. Central Missouri (1) 106
4. Pittsburg State 88
5. Fort Hays State 83
6. Washburn 71
7. Missouri Western 58
8. Central Oklahoma 51
9. Lindenwood 37
10. Northeastern State 31
11. Missouri Southern 24
12. Nebraska-Kearney 17

2017 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (36) 464
2. Emporia State (3) 421
3. Central Missouri 383
4. Pittsburg State 347
5. Fort Hays State 316
6. Washburn 262
7. Central Oklahoma 227
8. Missouri Western 215
9. Lindenwood 145
10. Missouri Southern 108
11. Northeastern State 102
12. Nebraska-Kearney 52