MSSU cross country teams earn academic honors

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's cross country teams both earned team academic awards, while also picking up individual honors as the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its Academic Awards today.

The Southern men carried a cumulative 3.25 GPA, while the women posted a 3.41 GPA each earning Team Academic Honors.

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. Overall, there were 120 men's teams that received All-Academic honors in NCAA Division II.

Individually, Kevin Koester and Jarod Ozee for the men, as well as Alice Evans and Kelie Henderson for the women earned honors. Koester carries a 3.88 in accounting, while Ozee has a 3.69 in criminal justice. Evans has a 4.00 GPA in nursing, while Henderson has a 3.94 in education.

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. Overall, there were 403 women and 263 men who were named All-Academic Individuals in NCAA Division II.

MSSU men to entertain Rogers State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 13th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will finish out its short homestand as the Lions play host to the Hillcats of Rogers State tomorrow afternoon. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 3:30 pm

Game Information

Teams: #13 Missouri Southern (16-3, 9-1 MIAA) vs. Rogers State (17-4, 9-3 MIAA)
Date: Feb. 1, 2020
Tip-Off: 3:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.

Site: Robert Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: First-ever meeting
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (117-56 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Justin Barkley (200-92 overall/at RSU - 10th year)

The Series

This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

Up Next

Southern will go out on the road, heading to Washburn on February 6. Tip off is slated for 7:30 pm.

MSSU track to compete at Pitt State Saturday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams will continue their season on Saturday (Feb. 1) as the Lions compete in the Wendy's/Pittsburg State Invitational at the Harvey Dean Track inside the Robert W. Plaster Center.

The invitational, which has 1,540 athletes and 65 teams competing, is set to kickoff at 9:00 a.m. with the morning session of running events. Field events are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. The meet will run all day with the final event, the women's distance medley relay, scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Earlier this week, the Division II Indoor Track & Field Rating Index saw the Southern men earn their highest-ever ranking at No. 6, while the women are ranked No. 13.

Last week, throwers picked up five provisional qualifying marks and three event wins at the Central Missouri Invite while the rest of the team posted 11 provisional qualifying marks and claimed four event wins at the 2020 Northwest Open on Saturday.

Dean Howard earned the MIAA men's Field Athlete of the Week for the second straight week. He won the pole vault for his second-straight meet as he improved on his NCAA Provisional Mark, this time hitting a height of 5.15m (16-10.75) to win the event at the Northwest Missouri Open. He finished nine inches in front of his nearest competitor and he now has the seventh-best vault in MSSU history by setting a meet record. In addition, the mark currently sits as the top vault in Division II by two inches.

Fans can follow the live results by clicking here.

MSSU baseball opens schedule with 7-5 win over Northeastern Oklahoma State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Edmond, Okla. - The Missouri Southern baseball team got a strong outing from Zach Parish and held on to defeat Northeastern Oklahoma State in its opening game at the Edmond First Pitch Classic hosted by Central Oklahoma.

Southern (1-0) was led by Parish's day as the lefty went six innings, striking out nine while allowing just one hit and one run.

Corey Cowan and Logan VanWey pitched in relief with VanWey picking up the save. Parish now has 304 strikeouts in his career (Northeastern State and MSSU) and sits just 46 strikeouts from breaking the MIAA single-season record.

Matt Miller and Clay Milas had home runs for the Lions, with Tommy Stevenson, Troy Gagan and Jordan Fitzpatrick picking up a double each. Stevenson and Milas had a pair of RBIs, while Dexter Swim and Miller had an RBI each. Brad Willis and Jordan Fitzpatrick each scored twice, while Miller, Gagan and Milas had a run each. Stevenson and Gagan led the way with two hits each.

Northwestern (0-1) had both Jake Darrow and Justin Gordo pick up a pair of hits each.

Both teams scored a run in the first with the Lions picking up their run on an RBI single from Swims scoring Willis.

Southern picked up three runs in the fourth inning when Miller homered to start the inning and Milas homered scoring Gagan. The Lions added two runs in the seventh on a two-RBI double from Stevenson scoring Fitzpatrick and Willis.

Another run came across in the ninth for the Lions when Fitzpatrick scored after Gagan had reached on a bunt.

Southern led 7-1, going into the ninth when Northwestern started to put some runs together. Cowan started the ninth and allowed two runs before giving way to VanWey, who after allowing a single, struck out the final batter for the save.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow evening, taking on Central Oklahoma at 7 pm.

MSSU women to play host to Rogers State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

After a solid well-rounded win over Northeastern State (59-50) on Wednesday (Jan. 29) the Missouri Southern State University Women's Basketball team will look to win their second straight game on Saturday (Feb. 1) when they host Rogers State University for the second match up between the two teams (Nov. 23; W, 75-56) on the season and third ever.

Game Information

Date: February 1, 2020
Tip-Off: 1:30 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Robert Corn Court (LPAC)
Series: MSSU leads series 2-0

Lions on the Prowl

MSSU enters Saturday's contest with a 6-12 overall record and an 3-7 MIAA record. Southern will look to move their winning streak up to two games after earning a hard fought 59-50 win over Northeastern State on Wednesday night. 

Destiny Cozart (14.1), Chasidee Owens (15.3) and Zoe Campbell (10.7) pace the Lions as the three players who average double digit scoring in the 17 games this season. Campbell leads the team in rebounds per game (7.8) and blocks (50).

Hillcats Seek to Stop Skid

Rogers State, a new team in the MIAA has dropped 17 of their last 18 contests as they enter Saturday's match up with a 3-18 record and a 1-11 MIAA record. 

This will be the first conference matchup between these two teams as the Nov. 23 contest (MSSU won 56-75) was a non-conference clash. The Hillcats' last win came on Saturday (Jan. 25) when they defeated Lincoln 99-75 at home in Claremore, Okla.

Looking For a Leader

Rogers State is a well-balanced team without any players really pulling away from the others. No players average double digit scoring on the season but Vanessa Gajosova leads the Hillcats with her 194 points (9.2 per game) showing. Alicia Brown is close behind as she averages 9.1 points per game and Lilly Garner averages 8.3 per game.

Gojosova is the leading deep threat as she has converted on 21-of-26 (.366) from beyond the arch.

Mahomes received text from Alex Smith after AFC Championship

The departure of Alex Smith, who led the Chiefs into the playoffs, to make room for second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes was a key to Kansas City's surge to the AFC championship game last year and to this year's Super Bowl.

Mahomes has credited Smith with helping him learn a great deal during his rookie season.

In this KMBC video, Mahomes says he and Smith have continued to text each other and Smith texted him after the Chiefs beat the Titans in the AFC Championship.

MSSU baseball to compete in Edmond First Pitch Classic

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern baseball team will open up the 2020 season this weekend as the Lions travel to Central Oklahoma to compete in the Edmond First Pitch Classic hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma.

Southern will play a game each day this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Lions start off with a 1 pm first-pitch on Friday against Northwestern Oklahoma and then play Central Oklahoma at 7 pm on Saturday. Southern then plays Southwestern Oklahoma at 1 pm on Sunday to round out the weekend.

The Lions were picked third in the MIAA preseason baseball coaches poll. Southern is coming off a season that saw the Lions finish 35-21, one game out of first place in the final MIAA standings and earn an appearance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. The Lions made it to Championship Sunday in the MIAA Tournament forcing an if-necessary game with eventual Tournament Champions Central Missouri.

The Lions return the MIAA Coach of the Year in Bryce Darnell, the MIAA Pitcher of the Year in Zach Parish and the MIAA Freshman of the Year in Dexter Swims. Parish was 9-2 last season with a school-record 136 strikeouts. He was a first-team All-MIAA and All-Region selection, while being named the American Baseball Coaches Association Regional Pitcher of the Year. He went on to earn All-American honors, as well.

Swims finished second on the team with a .325 batting average and led the Lions with 75 hits on the season. He added five home runs and was third on the team with 36 RBIs.

The team returns a total of five starters from last year's team including Swims, Troy Gagan, Ryan Hunter, Matt Miller and Davin Gummere. The entire weekend rotation of Parish, Zac Shoemaker and Will Bausinger also returns to the fold. Shoemaker was 8-2 last season with 82 strikeouts, while Bausinger struck out 106 and recorded the first-ever perfect game in MSSU and MIAA history when he blanked Washburn in February.

In total, the Lions return ten position players, as well as seven pitchers from last year's team. A group of 15 newcomers also return to the fold.

News and Notes

Collegiate Baseball Writers Preseason All-Region
The Lions have been picked 8th in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Preseason Central Region Poll. (Poll Below). Parish has been picked as a preseason first-team All-Region selection.

1. Central Missouri: 79 (8 first place votes)
2. Augustana: 72 (1 first place vote)
3. Arkansas-Monticello: 57
4. Minnesota State: 46
5. Central Oklahoma: 41
6. St. Cloud State: 39
7. Oklahoma Baptist: 30
8. Missouri Southern: 28
9. Southern Arkansas: 15
10. Wayne State: 7

Massey Ratings

The Massey Ratings, a computerized system that uses ratings that include offensive, defensive, home field advantage and strength of schedule to rank Division II baseball teams. The Lions are No. 52 in the preseason rankings and the rankings are updated every day during the season.

Scouting The Opposition

The Lions will take on Northwestern Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma out of the Great American Conference and Central Oklahoma from the MIAA this weekend. Southwestern Oklahoma was picked to finish sixth in the preseason GAC Coaches Poll, while Southwestern Oklahoma was picked to finish tenth. Central Oklahoma was picked to finish second in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll receiving one first-place vote like the Lions did.

Weather Outlook

It may still be winter, but the weather will be very spring-like this weekend in the Edmond area. Forecasts are calling for a high of 51 on Friday, but highs of 62 on Saturday and 71 on Sunday with plenty of sunshine in store.

Governor Parson, First Lady to attend Super Bowl

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to Miami Gardens, Florida, to watch the Kansas City Chiefs compete against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

Sunday’s game will mark the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years. The Chiefs last appeared in the Super Bowl in 1970, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. This remains the team’s only Super Bowl title in franchise history.

“Teresa and I are thrilled to attend the Super Bowl not just as Governor and First Lady of Missouri, but as avid Kansas City Chiefs fans. We have been long-time season ticket holders and can’t wait to see our team compete for the Super Bowl championship,” Governor Parson said.

“Over the past 50 years, the Chiefs have inspired millions throughout Kansas City and the state of Missouri. They have made us proud, and it’s their time to bring home the title. I’m predicting a 31-21 win. Let’s go Chiefs!”

Governor Parson and First Lady Parson will have the chance to meet California Governor Gavin Newsom, who will also be attending the Super Bowl. To represent the Show-Me State, a basket of Buy Missouri items will be presented to Governor Newsom, as well as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a courtesy for hosting the Super Bowl.

Governor Parson and First Lady Parson purchased their own Super Bowl tickets. Aside from required standard security, there will be no cost to state taxpayers.

Remembering Kansas City's first Super Bowl championship

I have to admit it made me feel old (even older than I usually feel) when I heard the TV announcers  say it had been 50 years since the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.

I not only remember watching that game, but watching the first Super Bowl, before it was even called Super Bowl, when the Chiefs scored the first touchdown, but went on to lose 35-10 to the Green Bay Packers.

This retrospective from KMBC enabled me to relive some great memories of that Chiefs championship and players like Len Dawson, Willie Lanier, Buck Buchanan, Otis Taylor, Bobby Bell and Jan Stenerud, as well as Hall of Fame Coach Hank Stram.

Cozart, Campbell lead MSSU women to 59-50 win over Northeastern State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team had a strong second-half and the Lions took out visiting Northeastern State 59-50 Wednesday on Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (6-12, 3-7 MIAA) was led by a pair of Lions with ten points each as Destiny Cozart and Zoe Campbell both scored in double-figures. Campbell had ten points, five rebounds and three blocks, while Chasidee Owens had seven points, eight rebounds and three assists to go along with two blocks. Campbell now sits nine blocks from setting the MSSU all-time record.

NSU (5-14, 3-9 MIAA) was paced by 15 points from Cenia Hayes.

NSU got out to a 7-2 lead and led 14-7 with 2:15 left in the first quarter, however a three from Kaiulani Jones with 1:09 left got the Lions within four (14-10) and Southern trailed 16-10 after one quarter.

From that point, Southern went on an 8-0 run to lead 18-16 after a layup from Campbell with 6:20 left in the quarter. The two teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter and the Lions went into the locker room, trailing 23-21.

The teams traded baskets for much of the third quarter before a pair of freebies from Madi Stokes put Southern up 36-31 with 2:33 left in the quarter. A jumper from Emily Kuntze with a minute to go gave the Lions a 38-35 lead going to the fourth.

Four quick points from Stokes to start the fourth put the Lions up 42-37 with 8:24 left on the clock, while a three-point play from Amber Buch with 6:14 on the clock gave the Lions a 49-42 lead. A pair of free throws from Cozart with three minutes on the clock put the Lions up 57-45, and the Lions would hold on for the victory.

The Lions shot 41 percent from the field and outscored the RiverHawks 40-26 in the paint. The Lions scored 16 points off of 22 NSU turnovers, while limiting their miscues to just 13.

Southern will be back in action this Saturday as the Lions play host to Rogers State. Tip off is slated for 1:30 pm.

MSSU men defeat Northeastern State 65-62

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 13th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team held strong down the stretch as the Lions took out the visiting RiverHawks of Northeastern State 65-62 on Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (16-3, 9-1 MIAA) was led by Cam Martin as the junior scored 18 points and added 14 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Elyjah Clark had 13 points and eight boards, while Braelon Walker and Kinzer Lambert scored ten points each.

NSU (14-7, 7-5 MIAA) had two score in double-figures, led by 21 points from Kendrick Thompson.

Southern jumped out to an 8-2 lead after a layup from Clark with 17 minutes left in the first half, but the RiverHawks tied it at 13 with 13:03 left. NSU took a 26-20 lead after a three pointer with six minutes left and led 31-26 with 1:36 left in the half, but a pair of freebies from Clark cut the lead for the RiverHawks to 31-28 at the half.

NSU led 35-30 with 18:44 to go in the 2nd half, but an 8-0 run for the Lions, capped by a dunk from Lambert with 16:25 left in the half gave Southern a 38-35 lead. NSU went ahead 44-40 with 12:49 left in the game, but a three from Walker the next trip down got the Lions within one.

The RiverHawks led 48-43 with nine minutes to go and led again 50-47, before Southern went on a 5-0 run and led 52-50 capped with a three from Clark with 4:27 to go. NSU led again at 56-54 with three minutes to go and 58-57 with just more than two minutes left, but a layup from Reggie Tharp with 1:56 left put Southern on top 59-58 and the Lions wouldn't look back.

Clark and Martin made a pair of free throws late to seal the win for the Lions.

Southern shot 83 percent from the free throw line in the game and forced 13 NSU turnovers, scoring 14 points off of the miscues.

The Lions will be back in action this weekend as Southern plays host to Rogers State. Tip off is set for 3:30 pm.

Southern softball picked ninth in MIAA Preseason Poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern softball team has been picked to finish ninth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced today.

Southern is coming off a season that saw the Lions finish 19-25 overall and 10-16 in the MIAA.

The team returns a total of five starters from last year's team including two honorable mention MIAA players in senior second baseman Makaila Leonhart and sophomore shortstop Josie Tofpi.

Leonhart upon transferring from Crowder became one of the most consistent hitters for the Lions in the two spot of the lineup. She closed out her first season in the green and gold leading the team in slugging percentage (.522) in a starting role, total bases (70) and tied for first in walks (9), second in batting average (.343), on-base percentage (396), hits (46), runs scored (29), triples (3), and tied in at-bats (134) and doubles (9) as one of four players to start in every game.

Tofpi registered an outstanding freshman season, starting every single contest at shortstop for the Lions and finishing first on the team in batting average (.367), on-base percentage (.407), at-bats (139), hits (51), runs scored (31), triples (4), tied for walks (9), and in fielding assists (110) while taking second in total bases (68) and tied for doubles (9) while also end the year as one of four players to start in every game.

In total, the Lions return 11 position players, as well as four pitchers from last year's team. A group of five newcomers also return to the fold.

Defending MIAA regular-season and tournament champion, Central Oklahoma was tabbed in the top spot. UCO received 12 first-place votes and 168 points in the poll.

The second spot went to Missouri Western with 152 points as the third position went to Central Missouri. Both the Griffons and Jennies received a first-place vote. Rogers State and Washburn tied for fourth with 126 points in the preseason ranking.

The Lions open up the regular season on February 8th playing in the Edmond Regional Festival I at Central Oklahoma. Southern takes on East Central University at 12:00 pm in the first of four games that weekend in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

The complete poll is listed below.

2020 MIAA Softball Coaches Preseason Poll

1. Central Oklahoma (12) - 168 points
2. Missouri Western (1) - 152 points
3. Central Missouri (1) - 136 points
T4. Rogers State - 126 points
T4. Washburn - 126 points
T6. Emporia State - 99 points
T6. Northeastern State - 99 points
8. Pittsburg State - 76 points
9. Missouri Southern - 74 points
10. Fort Hays State - 73 points
11. Nebraska Kearney - 54 points
12. Northwest Missouri - 52 points
13. Newman - 23 points
14. Lincoln - 16 points

Kansas City senator introduces bill to legalize sports betting in Missouri

Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Kansas City, has introduced legislation that would legalize sports gambling in Missouri.

In the accompanying KMBC video, Luetkemeyer says his bill, SB 754, has drawn considerably more interest with the Kansas City Chiefs going to the Super Bowl, though, of course, if it passes and is signed into law, it will be months after the Super Bowl.

Highlights- Mizzou overcomes 20-point deficit to beat Georgia 72-69

The Mizzou men were down by as much as 20 points in the first half of Tuesday's Southeastern Conference battle with Georgia, but stormed back in the second half to edge the Bulldogs 72-69.

The win ended a four-game losing streak.

Xavier Pinson and Dru Smith led the Tigers with 16 points apiece.

The accompanying video is from Mizzou Athletics.

Patrick Mahomes: I ended up in the perfect place

During his latest session with reporters in Miami during Super Bowl week, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback talked about how fortunate he is to land with this team.

"I ended up in the perfect place," he said, noting Coach Andy Reid, the guidance he had from former quarterback Alex Smith during his rookie year and "all the players I have around me."

The accompanying video is from KMBC in Kansas City.

Governor orders Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red Friday to honor Chiefs

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red on Friday evening, January 31 in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs’ first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years.

The Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-24 in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship on Sunday, January 19, earning the team its third trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history.

“As long-time fans and season ticket holders, Teresa and I couldn’t be more excited for the Chiefs. This is well-deserved for a team that has played an important role in Kansas City and the State of Missouri for many years,” Governor Parson said.

“Sports are a big part of Missouri’s heritage, and we’re proud to have the Kansas City Chiefs represent our great state in the Super Bowl this year.”

The Chiefs have had a longstanding presence in Missouri since 1963 when founder Lamar Hunt brought the franchise to Kansas City from Dallas.

The team last appeared in the Super Bowl in 1970, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. This remains the Chiefs’ only Super Bowl title to date.

“I think it’s about time we had another big win,” Governor Parson said. “Let’s bring it home. Go Chiefs!”

MSSU men to play host to Northeastern State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 13th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will be back inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center tomorrow night as the Lions play host to Northeastern State. Tip off from Robert Corn Court is slated for 7:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #13 Missouri Southern (15-3, 8-1 MIAA) vs. Northeastern State (14-6, 7-4 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 29, 2020
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Robert Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: Southern leads 22-18
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (116-56 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Mark Downey (240-144 overall/36-41 at NSU - 11th year)

The Series

Southern has won eight out of the last 12 meetings between the two schools and hold an overall record of 22-18 against the RiverHawks.

The Lions' 77-69 overtime win at home in 2006 stopped a three-game losing streak to the RiverHawks. Southern had won just three times in Tahlequah, but the Lions picked up a win at Jack Dobbins Fieldhouse in 2012 and in 2014. 

The Lions are 17-5 at home, 3-13 on the road and 2-0 in a neutral site against the RiverHawks.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, lead the MIAA assists per game, defensive rebounds per game, rebound margin, scoring and total rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in free throw attempts and made, while ranking second in defensive rebounds per game, double-doubles, field goal percentage, scoring, rebounds, total field goals, total points and total rebounds. Reggie Tharp ranks second in assist to turnover ratio.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, rank seventh in rebound margin, eighth in scoring margin, 16th in defensive rebounds per game, 19th in scoring defense, 23rd in field goal percentage, 28th in assists, scoring, three pointers and total rebounds per game, 29th in assist to turnover ratio, and 34th in field goal percentage defense.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin ranks 22nd in dobule-doubles, while ranking 27th in scoring, 33rd in defensive rebounds, 30th in free throw attempts, 34th in free throw percentage, 35th in field goal percentage, 40th in rebounds and total points, while ranking 41st in total rebounds.


Player Of The Week

For the fourth time this season, Cam Martin was named the MIAA Player of the Week after his 37 point, 13 rebound performance at PSU.

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 13 in the NABC poll this week and 11th in the D2 SID's Poll. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 73 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Up Next

Southern will take on Rogers State this Saturday at 3:30 pm inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

MSSU's Dean Howard earns second straight MIAA Field Athlete of the Week

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

For the second straight week Missouri Southern men's track and field pole vaulter Dean Howard has been named the MIAA Men's Field Athlete of the Week as announced by the league office today.

Howard, who won the MIAA Field Athlete of the Week honor last week, won the pole vault for his second-straight meet as he improved on his NCAA Provisional Mark, this time hitting a height of 5.15m (16-10.75) to win the event at the Northwest Missouri Open.

He finished nine inches in front of his nearest competitor and he now has the seventh-best vault in MSSU history by setting a meet record. In addition, the mark currently sits as the top vault in Division II by two inches.

The Lions will be back in action a little closer to home this Saturday (Feb. 1) when they travel to Pittsburg State University for the Wendy's/Pittsburg State Invitational.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt recalls team's last Super Bowl appearance

Clark Hunt's earliest vivid memory of the great Chiefs teams of the '70s, was the longest playoff game in NFL history, which, unfortunately, the Chiefs lost to the Miami Dolphins, despite a standout performance from running back/kick returner Ed Podolak.

In this Kansas City Star video, Hunt, the son of the late Chiefs owner and AFL founder Lamar Hunt reveals that he remembers little about the team's appearance in Super Bowl IV since he was a pre-schooler at that time.

Hunt is looking forward to Sunday's game. "It is going to be a tremendous experience and I'm so glad to get to experience it with my family."

Kurt Warner: I'm not sure Chiefs are as dynamic as "Greatest Show on Turf"

Former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner praises the Kansas City Chiefs offense, but adds, "I'm not sure they are as dynamic as the 'Greatest Show on Turf,' " the nickname that was given to the team he guided to two consecutive Super Bowls.

In the accompanying KSDK video, Warner assesses the chances of the Rams' wide receivers, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, of making the Hall of Fame and indicates he thinks the 49ers have an advantage Sunday.

Missouri Southern women to entertain Northeastern State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

After dropping two Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) games in a row, the Missouri Southern State University Lions are set to take on the Northeastern State University Riverhawks in Wednesday night.

Game Information

Date: January 29, 2020
Tip-Off: 5:30 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Robert Corn Court (LPAC)
Series: NSU leads, 17-15

Lions on the Prowl

MSSU enters Wednesday's contest with a 5-12 overall record and an 2-7 MIAA record. The Lions are looking to get back on the winning side of things as they fell in their last two games at Central Missouri and Pittsburg State. 

Destiny Cozart (14.4), Chasidee Owens (15.8) and Zoe Campbell (10.8) pace the Lions as the three players who average triple digit scoring in the 17 games this season. Campbell leads the team in rebounds per game (7.9) and blocks (47).

Riverhawks Within Reach

Northeastern State enters Wednesday's game with a 5-13 record and a 3-8 conference record as they sit one spot, percentage points, ahead of MSSU in the MIAA standings. The RiverHawks have dropped seven of their last eight contests.

Double Trouble from Riverhawks

NSU is led by two players, Cenia Hayes and Shae Sanchez, who lead the Riverhawks with double figures in the contest. They average 15.2 and 13.6 points per game, respectively. Hayes siting seventh in the MIAA with her points per game average while her 274 points this season have her sitting in sixth in the conference.

Mahomes on Super Bowl preparation: We're going to be grinding all week

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have six more days to go before the Super Bowl, the first appearance for the Chiefs in the championship game in 50 years.

In the accompanying video from 41 Action News in Kansas City, Mahomes said the Chiefs are going to be working hard to bring Chiefs fans a win.

"We're going to be grinding all week."

Mahomes also offers his thoughts on the death of Kobe Bryant.

MSSU's Cam Martin named MIAA Player of the Week

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern junior post player Cam Martin has been named the MIAA Men's Basketball Player of the Week the league announced today.

Martin, a 6-9 center from Yukon, Okla., helped the Lions to a 79-72 win this past weekend at Pittsburg State.

Martin scored 37 points in 37 minutes of play, adding 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, going 16-of-26 from the field. He helped the Lions go on a 9-0 run late in the second half after the Gorillas had gone ahead by one, where he had a pair of buckets durring the run. Martin also helped the Lions down the stretch as Southern went 11-of-13 from the free throw line in the final five minutes of the game.

Martin and the Lions will be back in action this week as Southern plays host to Northeastern State on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm.

MSSU track teams claim four event wins at Northwest Open

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

MARYVILLE, Mo.-The Missouri Southern State University Track and Field Teams posted 11 provisional qualifying marks and claimed four event wins at the 2020 Northwest Open on Saturday.

On the women's side, Kiara Smith won the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.71 to earn a provisional qualifying mark.

Last week's Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Women's Track Athlete of the Week, Jasmine Deckard finished second in the 60-meter dash with a provisional qualifying time of 7.62. Deckard took second in the 200 meter dash with a provisional qualifying mark of 24.26. The mark is the third best in the MSSU record books as she holds seven of the school's top-ten marks.

Samantha Petry finished second in the pole vault with a provisional mark of 3.92 meters. Teammate Elena Bisotto finished in a tie for third while Megan Tramel finished in fifth, both posting provisional marks of 3.67 meters.

Jennifer Okeke won the triple jump by posting a provisional qualifying mark of 11.71 meter.

On the men's side, Ryan Riddle had a stellar mile race as he finished with a provisional time of 4:09.44. The time is the second best time in school history in the event, just over a tenth of a second off the school record time of 4:09.32 set back in 2010 by Brennan Benkert at the MIAA Championships.

Josh Norville's second jump of the day in the long jump went for 7.34 meters as he finished second with a provisional qualifying mark. His jump was the fifth best in school history as he owns four of the top five marks.

Brendan Watkins finished second in the triple jump and had a provisional mark of 14.58 meters.

Last week's MIAA Field Athlete of the Week, Dean Howard won the pole vault with a provisional qualifying mark and a meet record clearance of 5.15 meters. His mark is seventh best on the MSSU top ten performance list.

Complete results are listed below. The Lions will be back in action a little closer to home next Saturday (Feb. 1) when they travel to Pittsburg State University for the Wendy's/Pittsburg State Invitational.

60m hurdles - Women
1. Kiara Smith - 8.71
5. Claire Luallen - 8.91
6. Cornesia Calhoun-White - 8.93
7. Elizabeth Adeoye - 9:03

60m hurdles - Men
2. Desmond Hall - 8.27
27. Elliot Rule - 9.99
60m - Women
2. Jasmine Deckard - 7.62
7. Cornesia Calhoun-White - 7.78
22. Kassidy Owens - 8.053
23. Ojurere Shonekan - 8.082

60m - Men
15. Cameron Linville - 7.01
21. DeKendrick Washington - 7.067
23. Desmond Hall - 7.13

Mile - Men
2. Ryan Riddle - 4:09.44
6. Nathan Painter - 4:17.07

400m - Women
3. Elizabeth Adeoye - 57.56
6. Chardae Overstreet - 59.10
24. Ashlynn Vanatter - 1:02.66

400m - Men
3. Jon Johnson - 49.02
7. Brieon Randle - 49.398
600m - Women
4. LaNea Wallace - 1:28.16
17. Kelsey Evans - 1:32.17

800m - Women
6. Janna Hautala - 2:21.84
9. Mady Gepford - 2:22.65

800m - Men
5. Gabe McClain - 1:55.62

200m - Men
6. Brieon Randle - 22.08
29. Desmond Hall - 22.85

Long Jump - Men
2. Josh Norville - 7.34m
20. Jeremiah Wald - 6.39m

Long Jump - Women
3. Claire Luallen - 5.51m
10. Ojurere Shonekan - 5.22m

Pole Vault - Women
2. Samantha Petry - 3.82m
T3. Elena Bisotto - 3.67m
5. Megan Tramel - J3.67
7. Jordan Baker - J3.52m
9. Lauren Sutherland - 3.37m

Pole Vault - Men
1. Dean Howard - 5.15m
13. Bryan Candrl - 4.32m
17. Elliot Rule - J4.32m

200m - Women
2. Jasmine Deckard - 24.26
10. Kiara Smith - 25.74
13. Chardae Overstreet - 25.95
17. Cornesia Calhoun-White - 26.22
32. Kassidy Owens - 27.00

3,000m - Women
1. Kelie Henderson - 10.16.64
6. Julianna Determan - 10:59.48
9. Danielle Prince - 11:10.88
12. Gabrielle Hill - 11:19.68

Triple Jump - Men
2. Brendan Watkins - 14.58m

Triple Jump - Women
1. Jennifer Okeke - 11.71m

3,000m - Men
5. JP Rutledge - 8:37.99
6. Nickson Kiptoo - 8:38.66
10: Kevin Koester - 8:44.12
12. Jared Ozee - 8:44.82
21. Michael Shanahan - 9:00.27