Following the sudden resignation after one season by Ashton Feldhaus, the Missouri Western Lady Griffons have tabbed the next man up to lead the program, one of the most successful coaches in the junior college ranks.&nbsp;

Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter announced&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history today.&nbsp; Scheidecker, a native of Smithville, comes to St. Joseph after a historic stint with Wabash Valley College where he compiled a career record of&nbsp;231-22, a .913 winning percentage, with stints between&nbsp;2016-18 and&nbsp;2020-2025

Most recently,&nbsp;Scheidecker led the Lady Warriors to a 31-3 record, and an exit in the third round of the NJCAA tournament this past Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Luke is an outstanding recruiter and head coach with lots of basketball experience, Carter said in a news release. "It is why he was a finalist less than a year ago during our search. His ties to the region and his success speak for themselves" 

"He is a leader and understands the importance and value of building relationships with the members of his team. I am grateful to have him on our team"

Scheidecker, the 2024 WBCA Two-Year National Coach of the Year, has received numerous accolades, including six NJCAA Region 24 Coach of the Year awards and six Midwest District Coach of the Year honors at WVC. He's also been named the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association College Coach of the Year five times.&nbsp; Under his leadership, Wabash Valley College has made six appearances in the National Tournament and have won six Great Rivers Athletic Conference Championships. 

"I am excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western women's basketball tradition," Scheidecker said. "Being from the area, I am very familiar with Mo West and its success in one of the toughest conferences in the country. I want to thank Andy Carter and Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy for entrusting me with this position."

Scheidecker also has a connection already to the university.&nbsp; His wife, Tori, was a Missouri Western Women's Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2019-2021. She was also a standout player at Butler University, earning All-Big East honors three times. They have two children - nine-year-old son, Cade, and six-year-old daughter, Brynn.

Scheidecker will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday, April 4th at 12pm in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743441895017.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western has hired&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history/ Photo courtesy of Wabash Valley College" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western has hired&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history/ Photo courtesy of Wabash Valley College</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFollowing the sudden resignation after one season by Ashton Feldhaus, the Missouri Western Lady Griffons have tabbed the next man up to lead the program, one of the most successful coaches in the junior college ranks.&nbsp;Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter announced&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history today.&nbsp; Scheidecker, a native of Smithville, comes to St. Joseph after a historic stint with Wabash Valley College where he compiled a career record of&nbsp;231-22, a .913 winning percentage, with stints between&nbsp;2016-18 and&nbsp;2020-2025Most recently,&nbsp;Scheidecker led the Lady Warriors to a 31-3 record, and an exit in the third round of the NJCAA tournament this past Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Luke is an outstanding recruiter and head coach with lots of basketball experience, Carter said in a news release. "It is why he was a finalist less than a year ago during our search. His ties to the region and his success speak for themselves" "He is a leader and understands the importance and value of building relationships with the members of his team. I am grateful to have him on our team"Scheidecker, the 2024 WBCA Two-Year National Coach of the Year, has received numerous accolades, including six NJCAA Region 24 Coach of the Year awards and six Midwest District Coach of the Year honors at WVC. He's also been named the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association College Coach of the Year five times.&nbsp; Under his leadership, Wabash Valley College has made six appearances in the National Tournament and have won six Great Rivers Athletic Conference Championships. "I am excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western women's basketball tradition," Scheidecker said. "Being from the area, I am very familiar with Mo West and its success in one of the toughest conferences in the country. I want to thank Andy Carter and Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy for entrusting me with this position."Scheidecker also has a connection already to the university.&nbsp; His wife, Tori, was a Missouri Western Women's Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2019-2021. She was also a standout player at Butler University, earning All-Big East honors three times. They have two children - nine-year-old son, Cade, and six-year-old daughter, Brynn.Scheidecker will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday, April 4th at 12pm in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU brings on Luke Scheidecker as new women's basketball coach

One day after fans called for him to step away, Sporting Kansas City has announced that the club has mutually parted ways with manager Peter Vermes,&nbsp; ending his trophy-laden run as Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured head coach and one of the longest-serving managers in global soccer.

Kerry Zavagnin has been appointed as Sporting’s interim head coach, effective immediately.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a news release from the club. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes’ historic run as Kansas City’s head coach began on Aug. 4, 2009, punctuating the start of a winning era as the club rebranded to Sporting KC and moved into Children’s Mercy Park ahead of the 2011 season. He guided Sporting to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in 2011 and 2012, including a club-record 63-point regular season in 2012. That same year, Sporting captured the U.S. Open Cup—the club’s first trophy since 2004—with a home victory over Seattle Sounders FC on penalty kicks.

Sporting reached greater heights in 2013, winning the club’s second MLS Cup with an iconic penalty shootout win over Real Salt Lake at Children’s Mercy Park. Vermes also coached the MLS All-Stars in the 2013 MLS All-Star Game at the same stadium, two weeks before his selection into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In addition to hoisting the 2013 MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017, Vermes guided the club to 11 playoff appearances—including eight straight from 2011-2018—and four first-place finishes in the regular season. He remains the only person to win MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team, having led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a standout central defender, and his three Open Cup championships were the most among active MLS coaches entering 2025. He ranks third on the all-time MLS chart with 203 regular season wins and concludes his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Kansas City professional sports history.

Vermes coached 609 matches for Sporting in all competitions, more than half of the games in the club’s 30-year existence and the most ever for a manager at one MLS club. His 511 regular season matches coached are third-most all-time and his 17-season run at the helm of Sporting was at least seven seasons longer than any other active MLS head coach.

Like Vermes, Zavagnin has been inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor as one of the club’s most accomplished leaders. He made 291 appearances for Kansas City as a player from 2000-2008—earning MLS Best XI and All-Star nods in 2004—and has served as an assistant with the club since 2009. As a member of the club for 26 consecutive seasons, he holds the MLS record for most seasons with one club as a player or coach.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743438860408.jpeg" alt="Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday it has mutually agreed to part ways with manager Peter Vermes/ Photo courtesy&nbsp;Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday it has mutually agreed to part ways with manager Peter Vermes/ Photo courtesy&nbsp;Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOne day after fans called for him to step away, Sporting Kansas City has announced that the club has mutually parted ways with manager Peter Vermes,&nbsp; ending his trophy-laden run as Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured head coach and one of the longest-serving managers in global soccer.Kerry Zavagnin has been appointed as Sporting’s interim head coach, effective immediately.“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a news release from the club. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”Vermes’ historic run as Kansas City’s head coach began on Aug. 4, 2009, punctuating the start of a winning era as the club rebranded to Sporting KC and moved into Children’s Mercy Park ahead of the 2011 season. He guided Sporting to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in 2011 and 2012, including a club-record 63-point regular season in 2012. That same year, Sporting captured the U.S. Open Cup—the club’s first trophy since 2004—with a home victory over Seattle Sounders FC on penalty kicks.Sporting reached greater heights in 2013, winning the club’s second MLS Cup with an iconic penalty shootout win over Real Salt Lake at Children’s Mercy Park. Vermes also coached the MLS All-Stars in the 2013 MLS All-Star Game at the same stadium, two weeks before his selection into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.In addition to hoisting the 2013 MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017, Vermes guided the club to 11 playoff appearances—including eight straight from 2011-2018—and four first-place finishes in the regular season. He remains the only person to win MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team, having led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a standout central defender, and his three Open Cup championships were the most among active MLS coaches entering 2025. He ranks third on the all-time MLS chart with 203 regular season wins and concludes his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Kansas City professional sports history.Vermes coached 609 matches for Sporting in all competitions, more than half of the games in the club’s 30-year existence and the most ever for a manager at one MLS club. His 511 regular season matches coached are third-most all-time and his 17-season run at the helm of Sporting was at least seven seasons longer than any other active MLS head coach.Like Vermes, Zavagnin has been inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor as one of the club’s most accomplished leaders. He made 291 appearances for Kansas City as a player from 2000-2008—earning MLS Best XI and All-Star nods in 2004—and has served as an assistant with the club since 2009. As a member of the club for 26 consecutive seasons, he holds the MLS record for most seasons with one club as a player or coach.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sporting KC mutually agrees to part ways with Peter Vermes

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3312025-e30sv5o/a-abs297s" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The struggles of Sporting Kansas City over the past few seasons have reached a boiling point with some of the largest fan groups of the Major League Soccer club.&nbsp;

Both Sporting KC fan groups, the KC Cauldron and the South Stand Supporters Club, have called for the resignation of head coach Peter Vermes.

Sporting KC is currently last in the Western Conference, sitting at 0-5-1 after losing 2-1 to FC Dallas on Saturday.&nbsp; This slow start comes after a 2024 season where they finished 8-19-7 and finished second to last in the conference. They have finished below .500 over the past three seasons.

Following the loss on Saturday, the two fan groups released the following statement on social media:&nbsp;

Peter Vermes &amp; Sporting Kansas City Ownership,

“As the official supporters’ groups of Sporting Kansas City, the KC Cauldron and South Stand Supporters Club write to you today with urgency and frustration. We are at a breaking point-one that demands decisive action to protect the legacy, culture, and future of our beloved club.

For over two decades, Peter Vermes has been a defining figure in Kansas City soccer, from his time as a player with the Wizards to his transformation of Sporting KC into an MLS powerhouse. The championship victories, the commitment to a strong defensive identity, and the winning culture he once cultivated will always be respected. However, history and loyalty cannot be shields against accountability. The trajectory of this club on the field has become unacceptable, and we can no longer stand by while mediocrity overshadows our once-proud legacy.

Year after year, we have watched as this team has stagnated, its ambitions dwindled, and its results declined. Fans have been expected to tolerate repeated disappointment with no meaningful change in approach. The lack of urgency, lack of adaptation, and lack of accountability have been glaring. This is not about a single bad season-it is about a pattern of failure that has been allowed to persist without consequence.

We, as supporters, are the backbone of this club. We show up, we sing, we travel, we pour our time, money, and hearts into this team because we believe in what it should stand for. But belief alone does not win matches, and unwavering support does not excuse repeated underperformance. The Sporting KC standard has been abandoned, and we will not sit idly by while this club fades into irrelevance.

We cannot and will not accept this level of mediocrity. The hard truth is this: for Sporting KC to reclaim its rightful place as a dominant force in MLS, a change in leadership is necessary. Peter Vermes must resign as manager. This is not a request-it is a demand from a fanbase that refuses to watch its club wither under outdated tactics and unchallenged authority. His tenure has run its course, and a fresh vision is required to lead Sporting KC into the future.

To the ownership group: The responsibility to act falls on you. You must decide whether Sporting KC remains content with being a relic of past success or whether it fights to become a dominant force once again. The time for loyalty-based decisions has passed. We demand accountability. We demand ambition. We demand change. Peter, we acknowledge your contributions to club and the Kansas City community, but Sporting KC is bigger than any one person. The club’s future must take precedence over past achievements. A fresh vision is required to carry this team forward. It is time to make the decision that serves the club’s best interests, rather than personal ones.

We stand behind Sporting KC, not just in words, but in action. We will continue to support this team, but we will not remain silent when the legacy we love is at risk.

The KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club“

Vermes has been the head coach for Sporting KC since 2009 and is the longest-tenured coach in the MLS. He played with the franchise from 2000 to 2002. He is also third all-time in regular-season wins. Vermes signed a five-year extension with Sporting in 2023 through the 2028 season.

During his time in KC, he has won four major trophies. He won the 2013 MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. He is the only person to win an MLS Cup as a player and coach with the same team.

With the team’s struggles, fans’ frustrations have continued to build as they look to Vermes to step down. It will be intriguing to see if Sporting can turn things around or if the organization follows through on the demand from the core fanbase.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743386459892.jpeg" alt="Some of the largest fan groups of Sporting Kansas City are calling for the resignation of manager Peter Vermes with displeasure of&nbsp; the teams struggles over the past few seasons/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Some of the largest fan groups of Sporting Kansas City are calling for the resignation of manager Peter Vermes with displeasure of&nbsp; the teams struggles over the past few seasons/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe struggles of Sporting Kansas City over the past few seasons have reached a boiling point with some of the largest fan groups of the Major League Soccer club.&nbsp;Both Sporting KC fan groups, the KC Cauldron and the South Stand Supporters Club, have called for the resignation of head coach Peter Vermes.Sporting KC is currently last in the Western Conference, sitting at 0-5-1 after losing 2-1 to FC Dallas on Saturday.&nbsp; This slow start comes after a 2024 season where they finished 8-19-7 and finished second to last in the conference. They have finished below .500 over the past three seasons.Following the loss on Saturday, the two fan groups released the following statement on social media:&nbsp;Peter Vermes &amp; Sporting Kansas City Ownership,“As the official supporters’ groups of Sporting Kansas City, the KC Cauldron and South Stand Supporters Club write to you today with urgency and frustration. We are at a breaking point-one that demands decisive action to protect the legacy, culture, and future of our beloved club.For over two decades, Peter Vermes has been a defining figure in Kansas City soccer, from his time as a player with the Wizards to his transformation of Sporting KC into an MLS powerhouse. The championship victories, the commitment to a strong defensive identity, and the winning culture he once cultivated will always be respected. However, history and loyalty cannot be shields against accountability. The trajectory of this club on the field has become unacceptable, and we can no longer stand by while mediocrity overshadows our once-proud legacy.Year after year, we have watched as this team has stagnated, its ambitions dwindled, and its results declined. Fans have been expected to tolerate repeated disappointment with no meaningful change in approach. The lack of urgency, lack of adaptation, and lack of accountability have been glaring. This is not about a single bad season-it is about a pattern of failure that has been allowed to persist without consequence.We, as supporters, are the backbone of this club. We show up, we sing, we travel, we pour our time, money, and hearts into this team because we believe in what it should stand for. But belief alone does not win matches, and unwavering support does not excuse repeated underperformance. The Sporting KC standard has been abandoned, and we will not sit idly by while this club fades into irrelevance.We cannot and will not accept this level of mediocrity. The hard truth is this: for Sporting KC to reclaim its rightful place as a dominant force in MLS, a change in leadership is necessary. Peter Vermes must resign as manager. This is not a request-it is a demand from a fanbase that refuses to watch its club wither under outdated tactics and unchallenged authority. His tenure has run its course, and a fresh vision is required to lead Sporting KC into the future.To the ownership group: The responsibility to act falls on you. You must decide whether Sporting KC remains content with being a relic of past success or whether it fights to become a dominant force once again. The time for loyalty-based decisions has passed. We demand accountability. We demand ambition. We demand change. Peter, we acknowledge your contributions to club and the Kansas City community, but Sporting KC is bigger than any one person. The club’s future must take precedence over past achievements. A fresh vision is required to carry this team forward. It is time to make the decision that serves the club’s best interests, rather than personal ones.We stand behind Sporting KC, not just in words, but in action. We will continue to support this team, but we will not remain silent when the legacy we love is at risk.Sincerely,The KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club“Vermes has been the head coach for Sporting KC since 2009 and is the longest-tenured coach in the MLS. He played with the franchise from 2000 to 2002. He is also third all-time in regular-season wins. Vermes signed a five-year extension with Sporting in 2023 through the 2028 season.During his time in KC, he has won four major trophies. He won the 2013 MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. He is the only person to win an MLS Cup as a player and coach with the same team.With the team’s struggles, fans’ frustrations have continued to build as they look to Vermes to step down. It will be intriguing to see if Sporting can turn things around or if the organization follows through on the demand from the core fanbase.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from the KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club <a href="https://t.co/I2rHgCI0Gd">pic.twitter.com/I2rHgCI0Gd</a>&mdash; The Cauldron (@KCCauldron) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCCauldron/status/1906406080936132841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Displeased with results, Sporting Kansas City fans calling for Peter Vermes resignation 

The St. Louis Cardinals are 3-0 for just the 17th time in 134 seasons and for the first time since 2006 after beating the Minnesota Twins 9-2 on a stormy Sunday at Busch Stadium to complete the opening series sweep.&nbsp; That 2006 season of course,&nbsp;the Cardinals swept the Phillies on the road and went on to win the franchise’s 10th of 11 World Series titles.

For the first time all series, the Twins took the first lead of the game in the first inning, an RBI single from Byron Buxton driving in Matt Wallner, but the Cardinals wasted no time taking the lead back the very next inning, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second, a three run shot coming off the bat of Victor Scott II to right field that also drove in Nolan Gorman and Pedro Pagés.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis added five more runs in the bottom of the third inning, the first two on an RBI double by Alec Burleson that drove in Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; And after Gorman singled, Pagés hit a three run home run of his own to score Gorman and Burleson, pushing the Cardinals lead to 8-1 after three innings&nbsp;

Pagés finished a triple shy of the cycle after racking up a double, home run and single in the game’s first five innings.&nbsp;

Minnesota scored their final run of the game in the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run from Willi Castro to right center field.&nbsp; The game ended up delayed during the fifth inning due to inclement weather in the area.

The rain delay lasted just around an hour before the game resumed.&nbsp; St. Louis scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on Gorman's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on four hits, striking out three while walking two batters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Gorman (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for St. Louis.&nbsp;

The Cardinals will stay in the comforts of Busch Stadium to host the Los Angeles Angels next.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas will make his season debut for St Louis against&nbsp;Tyler Anderson for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743384833763.jpeg" alt="St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pagés celebrates after hitting a three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pagés celebrates after hitting a three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals are 3-0 for just the 17th time in 134 seasons and for the first time since 2006 after beating the Minnesota Twins 9-2 on a stormy Sunday at Busch Stadium to complete the opening series sweep.&nbsp; That 2006 season of course,&nbsp;the Cardinals swept the Phillies on the road and went on to win the franchise’s 10th of 11 World Series titles.For the first time all series, the Twins took the first lead of the game in the first inning, an RBI single from Byron Buxton driving in Matt Wallner, but the Cardinals wasted no time taking the lead back the very next inning, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second, a three run shot coming off the bat of Victor Scott II to right field that also drove in Nolan Gorman and Pedro Pagés.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great Scott! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/XdsJthaCoQ">pic.twitter.com/XdsJthaCoQ</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906420143858786488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis added five more runs in the bottom of the third inning, the first two on an RBI double by Alec Burleson that drove in Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; And after Gorman singled, Pagés hit a three run home run of his own to score Gorman and Burleson, pushing the Cardinals lead to 8-1 after three innings&nbsp;Pagés finished a triple shy of the cycle after racking up a double, home run and single in the game’s first five innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PEDRO POWER! ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/ZnPpfHmgB3">pic.twitter.com/ZnPpfHmgB3</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906426507117080821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Minnesota scored their final run of the game in the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run from Willi Castro to right center field.&nbsp; The game ended up delayed during the fifth inning due to inclement weather in the area.The rain delay lasted just around an hour before the game resumed.&nbsp; St. Louis scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on Gorman's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nolan Gorman launches his first home run of 2025! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/YNSZUpbLMH">pic.twitter.com/YNSZUpbLMH</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906455576491462959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on four hits, striking out three while walking two batters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Gorman (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for St. Louis.&nbsp;The Cardinals will stay in the comforts of Busch Stadium to host the Los Angeles Angels next.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas will make his season debut for St Louis against&nbsp;Tyler Anderson for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals start undefeated for first time since '06, beat Twins 9-2

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher&nbsp; Tanner Bibee’s bout with food poisoning delayed his 2025 debut by three days. It didn't stop the right-hander from picking up where he left off last season.

Bibee tossed 5.2 scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium and the Guardians claimed the opening series from the Kansas City Royals with a 6-2 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bibee allowed just two hits and two walks.

The Guardians scored first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Gabriel Arias, driving in Carlos Santana.&nbsp; Kyle Manzardo continued his monster series in the fifth inning hitting a two run home run off Royals reliever Sam Long.&nbsp; Arias added another run in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Chris Stratton, who gave up one more run in the inning when&nbsp;Daniel Schneemann scored on a groundout from Steven Kwan, putting Cleveland up 5-0 after six innings.

The Guardians put their final run on the board in the top of the eighth inning, a solo home run by&nbsp;Schneemann, before Kansas City was finally able to score in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr and a bases loaded walk to Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp;

The scariest moment came in the bottom half of the ninth inning, with Jonathan India at the plate, facing Emmanuel Clase.&nbsp;&nbsp;One pitch after India was brushed back by a 97.1 mph fastball up and in from Clase, the Royals' leadoff hitter was hit on the left side of his face by a 98.9 mph cutter. The ball hit India’s earflap of his batting helmet, but India fell to the ground and clutched his face.

India remained alert but immediately walked off the field with Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner. The Royals’ dugout had choice words for Clase and the rest of the Guardians dugout while India was taken to the locker room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals believe “it’s non-concussive, but we’re waiting on some imaging and he will be evaluated further over the next few days,” a team spokesperson said.

Clase said he texted catcher Salvador Perez after the game to check how India was doing, and to apologize to India and the Royals' clubhouse for the hit-by-pitch. Clase relayed to Perez that it was not intentional, and that the pitch slipped out of his hand.&nbsp; It was 45 degrees at first pitch on Sunday, which affected Clase’s ability to grip the baseball.

“I [texted Perez], ‘Please just check on him and say that it wasn’t intentional," Clase said through interpreter Nelson Pérez, the Guardians strength and conditioning coach. “It was just a pitch that slipped out of my hands."

Michael Wacha took the loss for the Royals pitching four innings, giving up just four hits and one run while striking out two, but walking four batters.&nbsp; The Royals managed just five hits in the game, five players each getting one hit.

Kansas City is back in action on Monday on the road travelling to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will make his season debut for the Royals against&nbsp;Elvin Rodriguez for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will join first pitch at 1:10pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743383126494.jpeg" alt="Royals utilityman Jonathan India exits the game after being hit in the helmet by a pitch from Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase/ courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Royals utilityman Jonathan India exits the game after being hit in the helmet by a pitch from Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase/ courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCleveland Guardians starting pitcher&nbsp; Tanner Bibee’s bout with food poisoning delayed his 2025 debut by three days. It didn't stop the right-hander from picking up where he left off last season.Bibee tossed 5.2 scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium and the Guardians claimed the opening series from the Kansas City Royals with a 6-2 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bibee allowed just two hits and two walks.The Guardians scored first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Gabriel Arias, driving in Carlos Santana.&nbsp; Kyle Manzardo continued his monster series in the fifth inning hitting a two run home run off Royals reliever Sam Long.&nbsp; Arias added another run in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Chris Stratton, who gave up one more run in the inning when&nbsp;Daniel Schneemann scored on a groundout from Steven Kwan, putting Cleveland up 5-0 after six innings.The Guardians put their final run on the board in the top of the eighth inning, a solo home run by&nbsp;Schneemann, before Kansas City was finally able to score in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr and a bases loaded walk to Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp;The scariest moment came in the bottom half of the ninth inning, with Jonathan India at the plate, facing Emmanuel Clase.&nbsp;&nbsp;One pitch after India was brushed back by a 97.1 mph fastball up and in from Clase, the Royals' leadoff hitter was hit on the left side of his face by a 98.9 mph cutter. The ball hit India’s earflap of his batting helmet, but India fell to the ground and clutched his face.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jonathan India had to exit the game after getting hit in the jaw by Emmanuel Clase. Clase threw two pitches in a row under his chin. Headhunting? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FountainsUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FountainsUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/4G8vurr4WJ">pic.twitter.com/4G8vurr4WJ</a>&mdash; Royals Muse (@KCRoyalsMuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCRoyalsMuse/status/1906457038588170313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>India remained alert but immediately walked off the field with Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner. The Royals’ dugout had choice words for Clase and the rest of the Guardians dugout while India was taken to the locker room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals believe “it’s non-concussive, but we’re waiting on some imaging and he will be evaluated further over the next few days,” a team spokesperson said.Clase said he texted catcher Salvador Perez after the game to check how India was doing, and to apologize to India and the Royals' clubhouse for the hit-by-pitch. Clase relayed to Perez that it was not intentional, and that the pitch slipped out of his hand.&nbsp; It was 45 degrees at first pitch on Sunday, which affected Clase’s ability to grip the baseball.“I [texted Perez], ‘Please just check on him and say that it wasn’t intentional," Clase said through interpreter Nelson Pérez, the Guardians strength and conditioning coach. “It was just a pitch that slipped out of my hands."Michael Wacha took the loss for the Royals pitching four innings, giving up just four hits and one run while striking out two, but walking four batters.&nbsp; The Royals managed just five hits in the game, five players each getting one hit.Kansas City is back in action on Monday on the road travelling to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will make his season debut for the Royals against&nbsp;Elvin Rodriguez for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will join first pitch at 1:10pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals fall to Guardians 6-2 in series finale, India exits after being hit by pitch

The Kansas City Royals battled from behind again, but this time came out on top and evened up their opening series with the Cleveland Guardians at one game apiece, winning 4-3 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

After a scoreless first inning, the Guardians put up runs in both the second and third innings.&nbsp; A single from Bo Naylor in the second drove Nolan Jones across home plate, while Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly in the third brought across Steven Kwan to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Royals did cut into the deficit in the fourth inning, Salvador Perez singling to score Jonathan India, but the Guardians extended their lead again the very next inning on a home run to right center field by Kwan.&nbsp; Perez though, in the sixth inning, cut into the deficit once again on an RBI single driving in Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;

Trailing by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia stepped to the plate facing Guardians reliever Cade Smith.&nbsp; Garcia fouled off the first pitch, and then took a ball, and on the third pitch smacked it hard to left field, watching it sail towards foul territory but catching and clanking off the foul pole to tie the game at 3-3.&nbsp;

Cavan Biggio followed the home run with a single, and was replaced by pinch runner Dairon Blanco who stole second base.&nbsp; After Isbel struck out swinging, and India popped out to the third base side, Bobby Witt Jr doubled into left field to score Blanco and give Kansas City the 4-3 lead.&nbsp;

Lucas Erceg would pitch a scoreless eighth inning before new Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth to close out the game for his first save in the Royals powder blue.&nbsp;

Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings and putting zeroes across the board.&nbsp; Seth Lugo started the game and pitched fiving innings in the no decision giving up four hits and three runs, striking out four and walking three.&nbsp;

India (2-3, 1 BB), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI), and Garcia (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Royals in the win.

Kansas City and Cleveland will wrap up their series on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Michael Wacha is set to start for the Royals while Tanner Bibee, who was originally scheduled to start opening day before being scratched due to food poisoning, will start for the Guardians.&nbsp;

First pitch is set for 1:10 pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743307873887.jpeg" alt="Maikel Garcia rounds the bases after his game tying home run clanked off the left field foul pole/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Garcia rounds the bases after his game tying home run clanked off the left field foul pole/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals battled from behind again, but this time came out on top and evened up their opening series with the Cleveland Guardians at one game apiece, winning 4-3 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;After a scoreless first inning, the Guardians put up runs in both the second and third innings.&nbsp; A single from Bo Naylor in the second drove Nolan Jones across home plate, while Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly in the third brought across Steven Kwan to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;The Royals did cut into the deficit in the fourth inning, Salvador Perez singling to score Jonathan India, but the Guardians extended their lead again the very next inning on a home run to right center field by Kwan.&nbsp; Perez though, in the sixth inning, cut into the deficit once again on an RBI single driving in Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;Trailing by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia stepped to the plate facing Guardians reliever Cade Smith.&nbsp; Garcia fouled off the first pitch, and then took a ball, and on the third pitch smacked it hard to left field, watching it sail towards foul territory but catching and clanking off the foul pole to tie the game at 3-3.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maikey ties it up! <a href="https://t.co/CytEcw4wTv">pic.twitter.com/CytEcw4wTv</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1906105421049495784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cavan Biggio followed the home run with a single, and was replaced by pinch runner Dairon Blanco who stole second base.&nbsp; After Isbel struck out swinging, and India popped out to the third base side, Bobby Witt Jr doubled into left field to score Blanco and give Kansas City the 4-3 lead.&nbsp;Lucas Erceg would pitch a scoreless eighth inning before new Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth to close out the game for his first save in the Royals powder blue.&nbsp;Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings and putting zeroes across the board.&nbsp; Seth Lugo started the game and pitched fiving innings in the no decision giving up four hits and three runs, striking out four and walking three.&nbsp;India (2-3, 1 BB), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI), and Garcia (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Royals in the win.Kansas City and Cleveland will wrap up their series on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Michael Wacha is set to start for the Royals while Tanner Bibee, who was originally scheduled to start opening day before being scratched due to food poisoning, will start for the Guardians.&nbsp;First pitch is set for 1:10 pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Garcia homers, Royals even up series with Guardians with 4-3 win

The St. Louis Cardinals offense, led once again by Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado, wore down the Minnesota Twins pitching staff with 10 hits, and Erik Fedde spun a gem, as the Redbirds remained undefeated to start the young season Saturday, winning 5-1.&nbsp;

After Nootbaar singled to open the bottom of the first inning, he was driven in two batters later by Arenado for the early 1-0 lead for St. Louis.&nbsp; Minnesota tied up the game in the top of the second on an RBI double by Willi Castro that drove in Trevor Larnach who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;

&nbsp;From there though, Fedde and the rest of the Cardinals pitching staff shut down the Twins bats, with Minnesota managing just one more hit through the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Fedde, who earned the win, pitched six innings and struck out two, giving up just the two hits in the second inning.&nbsp; Reliever Jo Jo Romero surrendered the final hit in the eighth inning.

St. Louis put together a three run inning in the sixth.&nbsp; Arenado doubled to open the frame, Alec Burleson walked, and an Ivan Herrera single finally brought Arenado around to score and chased&nbsp;Jorge Alcala, who had replaced Minnesota starter Joe Ryan to begin the inning, from the game before he could even record an out.&nbsp; 

Twins reliever&nbsp;Louis Varland walked Jordan Walker to start, loading the bases, but got back to back strike outs on&nbsp;Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn, nearly escaping the inning before Nootbaar singled to score Burleson and Herrera to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp; The Cardinals final run came in the eighth inning, a sacrifice fly by Brendan Donovan that scored Scott II.

Nootbaar (2-3, 2 RBI's), Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI), Herrera (2-4, 1 RBI), and Scott II (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Up next for St. Louis and Minnesota is the series finale on Sunday at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is set to start for the Cardinals against Bailey Ober for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743284132614.jpeg" alt="The St. Louis Cardinals remained undefeated to open the young MLB season, defeating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>The St. Louis Cardinals remained undefeated to open the young MLB season, defeating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals offense, led once again by Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado, wore down the Minnesota Twins pitching staff with 10 hits, and Erik Fedde spun a gem, as the Redbirds remained undefeated to start the young season Saturday, winning 5-1.&nbsp;After Nootbaar singled to open the bottom of the first inning, he was driven in two batters later by Arenado for the early 1-0 lead for St. Louis.&nbsp; Minnesota tied up the game in the top of the second on an RBI double by Willi Castro that drove in Trevor Larnach who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;From there though, Fedde and the rest of the Cardinals pitching staff shut down the Twins bats, with Minnesota managing just one more hit through the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Fedde, who earned the win, pitched six innings and struck out two, giving up just the two hits in the second inning.&nbsp; Reliever Jo Jo Romero surrendered the final hit in the eighth inning.St. Louis put together a three run inning in the sixth.&nbsp; Arenado doubled to open the frame, Alec Burleson walked, and an Ivan Herrera single finally brought Arenado around to score and chased&nbsp;Jorge Alcala, who had replaced Minnesota starter Joe Ryan to begin the inning, from the game before he could even record an out.&nbsp; Twins reliever&nbsp;Louis Varland walked Jordan Walker to start, loading the bases, but got back to back strike outs on&nbsp;Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn, nearly escaping the inning before Nootbaar singled to score Burleson and Herrera to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp; The Cardinals final run came in the eighth inning, a sacrifice fly by Brendan Donovan that scored Scott II.Nootbaar (2-3, 2 RBI's), Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI), Herrera (2-4, 1 RBI), and Scott II (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Up next for St. Louis and Minnesota is the series finale on Sunday at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is set to start for the Cardinals against Bailey Ober for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nootbaar, Arenado help carry Cardinals to 5-1 win over Twins

The new coach of Missouri Western men's basketball hopes to restore some of the glory days back to the program.  

Brooks McKowen brings a winning way to Missouri Western.  The seventh coach in program history has won at least 21 games in three of the past four seasons, coming from Upper Iowa University.  

McKowen says he's been in this region before and knows the MIAA is a great conference, and knows they won't walk in and win championships, but says that's the goal 

"We want to compete for championships and at the end of the year we want to be in the running for the tournament, we want to make constant attempts at getting into that NCAA tournament," McKowen tells a crowd during his introductory press conference.  "Because as we've all seen, if you can get into the tournament and get through our region, you've got a chance, this is one of the best regions in the country so if you can get in there and you can have teams that can compete in it, you've got a chance for a title." 

Now with the Griffons, McKowen says the goal, even in a tough MIAA conference, is to win those championships 

"On a year in, year out basis it's to have a team that you believe can get there," McKowen says.  "Now a lot of things have to go your way, you have to stay healthy, you have to mesh the right way, but it's to put a product out there that you can compete for championships." 

McKowen says he wants his team to be tough and hardnosed, but most of all he wants them to have fun 

"Basketball is fun, that's why I coach, I love being around the game I think it's a great game, it's a difficult game, but I want them to have some fun while they're doing it, and I want them to compete and I want them to play hard," McKowen explains.  "Some of the best compliments I've gotten after games, win or lose, is when people come up to me and say. wow coach, your guys compete, how do you get them to play that hard?" 

McKowen says while he has respect for what the past coaches of the program have done, this team is going to be different 

"Our style is going to be different; our play is going to be different; I'm probably going to run the program different, there are going to be a lot of similarities but there's going to be differences in it," McKowen says.  "So, I feel like the way we play and the style we have offensively, defensively, wins games and that's what we're hoping to continue here." 

McKowen spent 12 seasons with the Upper Iowa Peacocks and compiled over 200 wins.  He replaces Will Martin who resigned in March. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743190474723.jpeg" alt="New Missouri Western men's basketball coach Brooks McCowen (middle) with President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>New Missouri Western men's basketball coach Brooks McCowen (middle) with President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The new coach of Missouri Western men's basketball hopes to restore some of the glory days back to the program. Brooks McKowen brings a winning way to Missouri Western. The seventh coach in program history has won at least 21 games in three of the past four seasons, coming from Upper Iowa University. McKowen says he's been in this region before and knows the MIAA is a great conference, and knows they won't walk in and win championships, but says that's the goal "We want to compete for championships and at the end of the year we want to be in the running for the tournament, we want to make constant attempts at getting into that NCAA tournament," McKowen tells a crowd during his introductory press conference. "Because as we've all seen, if you can get into the tournament and get through our region, you've got a chance, this is one of the best regions in the country so if you can get in there and you can have teams that can compete in it, you've got a chance for a title." Now with the Griffons, McKowen says the goal, even in a tough MIAA conference, is to win those championships "On a year in, year out basis it's to have a team that you believe can get there," McKowen says. "Now a lot of things have to go your way, you have to stay healthy, you have to mesh the right way, but it's to put a product out there that you can compete for championships." McKowen says he wants his team to be tough and hardnosed, but most of all he wants them to have fun "Basketball is fun, that's why I coach, I love being around the game I think it's a great game, it's a difficult game, but I want them to have some fun while they're doing it, and I want them to compete and I want them to play hard," McKowen explains. "Some of the best compliments I've gotten after games, win or lose, is when people come up to me and say. wow coach, your guys compete, how do you get them to play that hard?" McKowen says while he has respect for what the past coaches of the program have done, this team is going to be different "Our style is going to be different; our play is going to be different; I'm probably going to run the program different, there are going to be a lot of similarities but there's going to be differences in it," McKowen says. "So, I feel like the way we play and the style we have offensively, defensively, wins games and that's what we're hoping to continue here." McKowen spent 12 seasons with the Upper Iowa Peacocks and compiled over 200 wins. He replaces Will Martin who resigned in March. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743190497899.jpeg" alt="Brooks McKowen/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Brooks McKowen/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New MWSU men's coach Brooks McKowen ready to compete for championships

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3282025-e30q11r/a-abrujro" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals entered this year looking to bounce back from a rough 2024, coming in with a resurgence of youth.&nbsp; That youth movement showed some good signs on Opening Day, as the Cardinals won 5-3 over the Minnesota Twins after a nearly hour and half long rain delay.&nbsp;

Rain didn't hamper the Cardinals offense though, getting on the board right away in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Brendan Donovan that drove in Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; In the second inning, it was Nootbaar that added to the scoring, blasting a two run home run to right field, putting the Cardinals up 3-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;

The St. Louis scoring run continued into the third inning as well.&nbsp; After Donovan and Nolan Arenado both singled to open the inning, Alec Burleson grounded into a double play, but with two outs&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled into right field to bring Donovan home to score, extending the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;

After pitching four scoreless innings, the Twins were finally able to get to Cardinals starter Sonny Gray in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Former Cardinal Harrison Bader smacked a line drive two run home run to left field to cut the Redbirds lead in half at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; After Gray walked Matt Wallner though, he forced Carlos Correa to ground into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;

Gray was pulled to start the sixth inning in favor of reliever&nbsp;Kyle Leahy.&nbsp; After Leahy walked Trevor Larnach, he surrendered a single to Ryan Jeffers, and then with two outs, Leahy was pulled for John King, who went to give up a double to Willi Castro, scoring Larnach, and leaving the run charged to Leahy, cutting the Cardinals lead to 4-3.&nbsp;

The final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning helped secure the game for the Cardinals, a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp;Arenado, who turned down a trade to Houston in the offseason, took a curtain call for the sellout crowd after his home run

Ryan Helsley, who led the National League and Major League Baseball last year in saves, came on in the ninth and struck out three batters, only surrendering one hit, a double to Bader.&nbsp;

Gray earned the win against his former club, pitching five innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, while walking two.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI's), Donovan (2-4, 1 RBI), Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI), and Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way hitting on the day. It was the first time the Cardinals&nbsp;won on Opening Day for the first time since 2022.

Cardinals and Twins will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will take the mound for St. Louis against Joe Ryan for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:15pm, coverage will begin at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743127319338.jpeg" alt="Lars Nootbaar celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after Nootbaar hit a two run home run in the Cardinals 5-3 Opening Day victory/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Lars Nootbaar celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after Nootbaar hit a two run home run in the Cardinals 5-3 Opening Day victory/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals entered this year looking to bounce back from a rough 2024, coming in with a resurgence of youth.&nbsp; That youth movement showed some good signs on Opening Day, as the Cardinals won 5-3 over the Minnesota Twins after a nearly hour and half long rain delay.&nbsp;Rain didn't hamper the Cardinals offense though, getting on the board right away in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Brendan Donovan that drove in Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; In the second inning, it was Nootbaar that added to the scoring, blasting a two run home run to right field, putting the Cardinals up 3-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/mVWfTGrTxP">pic.twitter.com/mVWfTGrTxP</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1905387739907789138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The St. Louis scoring run continued into the third inning as well.&nbsp; After Donovan and Nolan Arenado both singled to open the inning, Alec Burleson grounded into a double play, but with two outs&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled into right field to bring Donovan home to score, extending the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;After pitching four scoreless innings, the Twins were finally able to get to Cardinals starter Sonny Gray in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Former Cardinal Harrison Bader smacked a line drive two run home run to left field to cut the Redbirds lead in half at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; After Gray walked Matt Wallner though, he forced Carlos Correa to ground into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;Gray was pulled to start the sixth inning in favor of reliever&nbsp;Kyle Leahy.&nbsp; After Leahy walked Trevor Larnach, he surrendered a single to Ryan Jeffers, and then with two outs, Leahy was pulled for John King, who went to give up a double to Willi Castro, scoring Larnach, and leaving the run charged to Leahy, cutting the Cardinals lead to 4-3.&nbsp;The final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning helped secure the game for the Cardinals, a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp;Arenado, who turned down a trade to Houston in the offseason, took a curtain call for the sellout crowd after his home run<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NADOOOOOO!! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/PVqUE3jnTs">pic.twitter.com/PVqUE3jnTs</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1905411968254476610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ryan Helsley, who led the National League and Major League Baseball last year in saves, came on in the ninth and struck out three batters, only surrendering one hit, a double to Bader.&nbsp;Gray earned the win against his former club, pitching five innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, while walking two.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI's), Donovan (2-4, 1 RBI), Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI), and Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way hitting on the day. It was the first time the Cardinals&nbsp;won on Opening Day for the first time since 2022.Cardinals and Twins will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will take the mound for St. Louis against Joe Ryan for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:15pm, coverage will begin at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals top Twins 5-3 after lengthy rain delay on Opening Day

The Kansas City Royals were looking to gain some early ground in a competitive American League Central on Opening Day, but unfortunately fell to the Cleveland Guardians 7-4 in 10 innings to open the MLB season.&nbsp;

It didn't start out pretty for Kansas City either, as starting pitcher Cole Ragans faced a jam early on.&nbsp; Singles from Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas, and a walk to Kyle Manzardo loaded the bases up in the first inning with two outs.&nbsp; But Ragans showed why he was named the Opening Day starter for a second year in a row, striking out&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel to end the top of the first.&nbsp;

After a scoreless bottom half by the Royals, Ragans recovered from a tough first with a three up, three down second inning, and again made quick work of Cleveland in the third before Kansas City went on to take the first lead of the game in the bottom half of the frame.&nbsp;

With two outs, and Kyle Isbel at second base after his double, Bobby Witt Jr. singled to keep the inning alive, bringing up designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit the first Royals home run of the season deep to right center field to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead at the end of three innings.&nbsp;

The Guardians found their way onto the board in the fourth inning, after Manzardo tripled, Noel singled to drive him in to cut the lead to two.&nbsp; In the fifth, Gabriel Arias led off with a double, and after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kwan, went on to score thanks to a sacrifice fly from Jose Ramirez.&nbsp;

Ragans opened up the sixth inning on the mound, but after a leadoff single to Carlos Santana was pulled for Angel Zerpa, who on his first pitch gave up a two run, go ahead home run to Manzardo, to give Cleveland the 4-3 lead, allowing the Guardians to hand the game off to a bullpen that was one of the best in the league last year.&nbsp;

And that bullpen lived up to that name, holding that lead until the ninth inning, when closer Emmanuel Clase entered the game.&nbsp; Pasquantino led off with a double, and was replaced by pinch runner Freddy Fermin, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey tying up the game.&nbsp; 

Kansas City did have an opportunity to win in the inning as well.&nbsp;With Salvador Perez at second base, following a Maikel Garcia single, new Royal Mark Canha stepped up to the plate, but struck out to end the ninth inning to send the game to extras, where the game ended up in disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting the top of the tenth, with&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio at second base, Kwan doubled to score him, and after a flyout by Ramirez, and ground out by Thomas, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Santana, to face Manzardo, who on a 3-2 count doubled to score both Kwan and Santana, pushing the Guardians lead to 7-4.&nbsp; Manzardo finished a single shy of the cycle.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals went on to go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th, securing the save for Cleveland reliever Paul Sewald, giving Clase the win.&nbsp;

Pasquantino led the Royals in hitting, going 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Manzardo led the Guardians hitting 3 for 4 with four RBI's.&nbsp; Ragans pitched five innings, struck out three, walked two, and gave up five hits while giving up three runs in a no decision.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Cleveland will have a day off on Friday, and will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo is slated to start for the Royals, the Guardians starter has yet to be announced.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10, coverage will begin at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743122731245.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals fell to the Cleveland Guardians on Opening Day 7-4 in 10 innings/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals fell to the Cleveland Guardians on Opening Day 7-4 in 10 innings/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals were looking to gain some early ground in a competitive American League Central on Opening Day, but unfortunately fell to the Cleveland Guardians 7-4 in 10 innings to open the MLB season.&nbsp;It didn't start out pretty for Kansas City either, as starting pitcher Cole Ragans faced a jam early on.&nbsp; Singles from Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas, and a walk to Kyle Manzardo loaded the bases up in the first inning with two outs.&nbsp; But Ragans showed why he was named the Opening Day starter for a second year in a row, striking out&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel to end the top of the first.&nbsp;After a scoreless bottom half by the Royals, Ragans recovered from a tough first with a three up, three down second inning, and again made quick work of Cleveland in the third before Kansas City went on to take the first lead of the game in the bottom half of the frame.&nbsp;With two outs, and Kyle Isbel at second base after his double, Bobby Witt Jr. singled to keep the inning alive, bringing up designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit the first Royals home run of the season deep to right center field to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead at the end of three innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pasquatch power. 💪 <a href="https://t.co/dLvPAwYKwP">pic.twitter.com/dLvPAwYKwP</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1905364520966525121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Guardians found their way onto the board in the fourth inning, after Manzardo tripled, Noel singled to drive him in to cut the lead to two.&nbsp; In the fifth, Gabriel Arias led off with a double, and after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kwan, went on to score thanks to a sacrifice fly from Jose Ramirez.&nbsp;Ragans opened up the sixth inning on the mound, but after a leadoff single to Carlos Santana was pulled for Angel Zerpa, who on his first pitch gave up a two run, go ahead home run to Manzardo, to give Cleveland the 4-3 lead, allowing the Guardians to hand the game off to a bullpen that was one of the best in the league last year.&nbsp;And that bullpen lived up to that name, holding that lead until the ninth inning, when closer Emmanuel Clase entered the game.&nbsp; Pasquantino led off with a double, and was replaced by pinch runner Freddy Fermin, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey tying up the game.&nbsp; Kansas City did have an opportunity to win in the inning as well.&nbsp;With Salvador Perez at second base, following a Maikel Garcia single, new Royal Mark Canha stepped up to the plate, but struck out to end the ninth inning to send the game to extras, where the game ended up in disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting the top of the tenth, with&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio at second base, Kwan doubled to score him, and after a flyout by Ramirez, and ground out by Thomas, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Santana, to face Manzardo, who on a 3-2 count doubled to score both Kwan and Santana, pushing the Guardians lead to 7-4.&nbsp; Manzardo finished a single shy of the cycle.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals went on to go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th, securing the save for Cleveland reliever Paul Sewald, giving Clase the win.&nbsp;Pasquantino led the Royals in hitting, going 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Manzardo led the Guardians hitting 3 for 4 with four RBI's.&nbsp; Ragans pitched five innings, struck out three, walked two, and gave up five hits while giving up three runs in a no decision.&nbsp;Kansas City and Cleveland will have a day off on Friday, and will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo is slated to start for the Royals, the Guardians starter has yet to be announced.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10, coverage will begin at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals fall to Guardians 7-4 in extra innings on Opening Day

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3272025-e30oaf1/a-abrsd8i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Area track athletes kick off season

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3262025-e30mpvs/a-abrqf1a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Missouri Western State University have found the next man to lead it's men's basketball program, announcing today the hiring of&nbsp;Brooks McKowen as the seventh head coach in program history.&nbsp;

McKowen comes to Missouri Western from Upper Iowa University, where he spent 12 seasons guiding the Peacocks, amassing a 209-148 career record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Upper Iowa competed for 10 years in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference before moving to the Great Lakes Valley Conference the past two years.

McKowen's teams have won at least 21 games in three of the previous four seasons, including a 21-9 mark in 2024-25, a 22-10 record in 23-24 and a program best 26-6 season in 21-22. The Peacocks have posted winning seasons in 10 of McKowen's 12 years on the sidelines. Known for their trademark fast-paced brand, the Peacocks have averaged at least 80 points per game in each of the last 12 seasons.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Missouri Western and am thankful for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program," McKowen said in a news release. "I look forward to bringing an exciting and up-tempo style of play to our city. My family and I can't wait to be a part of Griffon Nation."

Prior to UIU, the Fairbank, Iowa native spent two seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Mn. 

A 2007 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, McKowen was a four-year letter winner at point guard, ranking second all-time in assists and fourth all time in minutes played. Playing for head coaches Greg McDermott and Ben Jacobson, He helped lead the Panthers to three 20-plus win seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Following graduation, McKowen spent three seasons (2007-2010) on the coaching staff at UNI, while earning his master's degree in physical education and coaching.

"Having watched Brooks coach while we both were in the NSIC, there was something about him and the way his teams played which caught my attention," Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says. "He is a winner and his teams play with such energy and toughness.&nbsp; I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Brooks during the process as he shared his vision for Griffon Men's basketball and I am fully confident in his ability to move our program forward," Carter said.We welcome Brooks, his wife Amanda and their family to St. Joseph."&nbsp;&nbsp;

McKowen will formally be introduced in a press conference on Friday, at 11:00am in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited to attend.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742927533542.jpeg" alt="Brooks McKowen has been hired as the new head coach of the Missouri Western men's basketball program/ Photo courtesy of Upper Iowa University Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Brooks McKowen has been hired as the new head coach of the Missouri Western men's basketball program/ Photo courtesy of Upper Iowa University Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University have found the next man to lead it's men's basketball program, announcing today the hiring of&nbsp;Brooks McKowen as the seventh head coach in program history.&nbsp;McKowen comes to Missouri Western from Upper Iowa University, where he spent 12 seasons guiding the Peacocks, amassing a 209-148 career record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Upper Iowa competed for 10 years in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference before moving to the Great Lakes Valley Conference the past two years.McKowen's teams have won at least 21 games in three of the previous four seasons, including a 21-9 mark in 2024-25, a 22-10 record in 23-24 and a program best 26-6 season in 21-22. The Peacocks have posted winning seasons in 10 of McKowen's 12 years on the sidelines. Known for their trademark fast-paced brand, the Peacocks have averaged at least 80 points per game in each of the last 12 seasons."I am incredibly honored and excited to join Missouri Western and am thankful for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program," McKowen said in a news release. "I look forward to bringing an exciting and up-tempo style of play to our city. My family and I can't wait to be a part of Griffon Nation."Prior to UIU, the Fairbank, Iowa native spent two seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Mn. A 2007 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, McKowen was a four-year letter winner at point guard, ranking second all-time in assists and fourth all time in minutes played. Playing for head coaches Greg McDermott and Ben Jacobson, He helped lead the Panthers to three 20-plus win seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Following graduation, McKowen spent three seasons (2007-2010) on the coaching staff at UNI, while earning his master's degree in physical education and coaching."Having watched Brooks coach while we both were in the NSIC, there was something about him and the way his teams played which caught my attention," Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says. "He is a winner and his teams play with such energy and toughness.&nbsp; I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Brooks during the process as he shared his vision for Griffon Men's basketball and I am fully confident in his ability to move our program forward," Carter said.We welcome Brooks, his wife Amanda and their family to St. Joseph."&nbsp;&nbsp;McKowen will formally be introduced in a press conference on Friday, at 11:00am in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited to attend.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Western hires Brooks McKowen as new men's basketball coach

 Robin Pingeton, who led Missouri women's basketball to 10 postseason appearances – including four NCAA Tournaments – over the past 15 seasons, has been hired to lead the Wisconsin women's basketball program,Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced.

Pingeton, a Naismith Coach of the Year semifinalist in both 2017 and 2018, is one of just 14 "Power Four" conference coaches with more than 500 career victories.

Pingeton has compiled 585 wins during her 30-year head coaching career. Her teams have played in the postseason 20 times and she has coached 45 all-conference players, nine All-Americans, seven academic All-Americans and five conference players of the year. She has guided three teams to regular-season conference titles, two postseason conference tournament crowns and been named conference coach of the year three times.

"I am excited to get to Madison and get to work," Pingeton said in a news release. "Relationships are very important to me. I appreciate the time I spent with Chris McIntosh and Marcus Sedberry and I can tell my value system aligns with the people at Wisconsin. I learned a lot in almost 15 years in the Southeastern Conference and I am ready to apply that in Madison while also evolving with the changing landscape in college athletics. There is a rich tradition of athletics success at Wisconsin and I can't wait to get started!"

Pingeton directed Missouri's program from 2010-25 and led the Tigers to a 250-218 record, including five 20-win seasons. Under Pingeton's direction, the Tigers recorded 30 wins over top-25 opponents and seven over top-10 foes, including an upset of top-ranked South Carolina in 2021. Among Pingeton's players at Missouri were WNBA draft picks Sophie Cunningham, Bri Kulas and Christine Flores. Pingeton signed the No. 11 class in the nation in 2019. Off the court, Pingeton developed two SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award winners, 97 Academic Honor Roll members and 12 Community Service Team selections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181587960.jpeg" alt="Former Missouri women's coach Robin Pingeton, who resigned at the end of this past season, has signed to become the new head coach of Wisconsin women's basketball/ File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former Missouri women's coach Robin Pingeton, who resigned at the end of this past season, has signed to become the new head coach of Wisconsin women's basketball/ File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post Robin Pingeton, who led Missouri women's basketball to 10 postseason appearances – including four NCAA Tournaments – over the past 15 seasons, has been hired to lead the Wisconsin women's basketball program,Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced.Pingeton, a Naismith Coach of the Year semifinalist in both 2017 and 2018, is one of just 14 "Power Four" conference coaches with more than 500 career victories.Pingeton has compiled 585 wins during her 30-year head coaching career. Her teams have played in the postseason 20 times and she has coached 45 all-conference players, nine All-Americans, seven academic All-Americans and five conference players of the year. She has guided three teams to regular-season conference titles, two postseason conference tournament crowns and been named conference coach of the year three times."I am excited to get to Madison and get to work," Pingeton said in a news release. "Relationships are very important to me. I appreciate the time I spent with Chris McIntosh and Marcus Sedberry and I can tell my value system aligns with the people at Wisconsin. I learned a lot in almost 15 years in the Southeastern Conference and I am ready to apply that in Madison while also evolving with the changing landscape in college athletics. There is a rich tradition of athletics success at Wisconsin and I can't wait to get started!"Pingeton directed Missouri's program from 2010-25 and led the Tigers to a 250-218 record, including five 20-win seasons. Under Pingeton's direction, the Tigers recorded 30 wins over top-25 opponents and seven over top-10 foes, including an upset of top-ranked South Carolina in 2021. Among Pingeton's players at Missouri were WNBA draft picks Sophie Cunningham, Bri Kulas and Christine Flores. Pingeton signed the No. 11 class in the nation in 2019. Off the court, Pingeton developed two SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award winners, 97 Academic Honor Roll members and 12 Community Service Team selections.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Former MU women's coach Robin Pingeton named new head coach of Wisconsin

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3252025-e30l320/a-abro9i4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

One year after the hiring of women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus, Missouri Western State University will be searching for her replacement after Feldhaus announced her resignation.&nbsp;

After one season leading the Griffons, Feldhaus will depart to head back to her home state of Kentucky, to coach Division I Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.&nbsp; Feldhaus led the Griffons to a 20-10 overall record, a third-place finish in the MIAA and an NCAA Tournament berth during the this past season.

"I want to express my deepest (gratitude) to (Athletic Director) Andy Carter for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western program," Feldhaus said in a news release from the University. "His support, guidance and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my time here. While I am excited for this new chapter to return to my home state, I will always cherish my time as a Griffon. I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned here as a first-time head coach into the next chapter of my career."

"Ashton is a winner," Athletic Director Andy Carter said. "I appreciate her aggressive offensive style and the energy she brought every day. She has a bright future in coaching and wish her all our best in her new position."

"Her first-year success is a brief but memorable chapter in our program's storied history.&nbsp; But now we turn the page and we are excited for the next chapter. The basketball marketplace for high-quality coaches is moving extremely fast. We will match the velocity of change and do the work to hire another winner to our women's basketball program."

Missouri Western will have an announcement regarding its next head women's basketball coach in the next seven to 10 days.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741579772732.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Ashton Feldhaus announced her resignation from the university on Monday.&nbsp; She will go on to become the new head coach at Morehead State" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Ashton Feldhaus announced her resignation from the university on Monday.&nbsp; She will go on to become the new head coach at Morehead State</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOne year after the hiring of women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus, Missouri Western State University will be searching for her replacement after Feldhaus announced her resignation.&nbsp;After one season leading the Griffons, Feldhaus will depart to head back to her home state of Kentucky, to coach Division I Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.&nbsp; Feldhaus led the Griffons to a 20-10 overall record, a third-place finish in the MIAA and an NCAA Tournament berth during the this past season."I want to express my deepest (gratitude) to (Athletic Director) Andy Carter for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western program," Feldhaus said in a news release from the University. "His support, guidance and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my time here. While I am excited for this new chapter to return to my home state, I will always cherish my time as a Griffon. I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned here as a first-time head coach into the next chapter of my career.""Ashton is a winner," Athletic Director Andy Carter said. "I appreciate her aggressive offensive style and the energy she brought every day. She has a bright future in coaching and wish her all our best in her new position.""Her first-year success is a brief but memorable chapter in our program's storied history.&nbsp; But now we turn the page and we are excited for the next chapter. The basketball marketplace for high-quality coaches is moving extremely fast. We will match the velocity of change and do the work to hire another winner to our women's basketball program."Missouri Western will have an announcement regarding its next head women's basketball coach in the next seven to 10 days.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus announces resignation

After leading the Drake Bulldogs to a 31-4 record, and their first NCAA Tournament win since 1971, former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum will be heading to be the next head coach at Iowa.&nbsp;

Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz announced today that McCollum was to be named the 23rd coach in the history of the Hawkeyes, replacing longtime head coach Fran McCaffery after he was fired following Iowa's exit from the Big 10 tournament.&nbsp;

“We are excited to welcome Coach McCollum and his family back to Iowa City.  Ben has a track record of success both on and off the court. His talent for developing student-athletes and fostering a strong team culture has been evident throughout his career,” said Goetz in a news release.  “I am confident that Hawkeye fans will enthusiastically support the McCollum family as we embark on the next chapter of Iowa men’s basketball.”

McCollum arrives in Iowa City with a sterling resume that includes four NCAA Division II national championships at Northwest Missouri State University. In his first season in NCAA Division I, McCollum guided Drake to a school-record 31 wins, the Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles, and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

During his 16-year coaching career, McCollum has amassed a record of 426-95 record for an 81.8 winning percentage. It is fifth-best all-time among collegiate men’s basketball coaches.

“Returning to Iowa City as the head coach of the Hawkeyes is a dream come true for me and my family. The passion of Hawkeye fans is unmatched, and I am incredibly excited to get started on this new journey together. I am thankful to so many people who have been part of my journey, especially Michelle, Peyton, Tate and Grace," McCollum says.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742833323305.jpeg" alt="Ben McCollum.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Ben McCollum.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter leading the Drake Bulldogs to a 31-4 record, and their first NCAA Tournament win since 1971, former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum will be heading to be the next head coach at Iowa.&nbsp;Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz announced today that McCollum was to be named the 23rd coach in the history of the Hawkeyes, replacing longtime head coach Fran McCaffery after he was fired following Iowa's exit from the Big 10 tournament.&nbsp;“We are excited to welcome Coach McCollum and his family back to Iowa City. Ben has a track record of success both on and off the court. His talent for developing student-athletes and fostering a strong team culture has been evident throughout his career,” said Goetz in a news release. “I am confident that Hawkeye fans will enthusiastically support the McCollum family as we embark on the next chapter of Iowa men’s basketball.”McCollum arrives in Iowa City with a sterling resume that includes four NCAA Division II national championships at Northwest Missouri State University. In his first season in NCAA Division I, McCollum guided Drake to a school-record 31 wins, the Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles, and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.During his 16-year coaching career, McCollum has amassed a record of 426-95 record for an 81.8 winning percentage. It is fifth-best all-time among collegiate men’s basketball coaches.“Returning to Iowa City as the head coach of the Hawkeyes is a dream come true for me and my family. The passion of Hawkeye fans is unmatched, and I am incredibly excited to get started on this new journey together. I am thankful to so many people who have been part of my journey, especially Michelle, Peyton, Tate and Grace," McCollum says.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former NWMSU coach Ben McCollum moving from Drake to Iowa

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3242025-e30jfdd/a-abrm7u7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

In a historic year that saw both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams compete for a state title, both are returning to St. Joseph with second place finishes in the Class 4 Show Me Showdown.&nbsp;

The boys faced a tough test against a Vashon team that coming into the game had won four straight state titles.&nbsp; The Cardinals though didn't waiver through the first quarter, shooting 5 of 12 to the Vashon's 3 of 9 and led at the end of one 14-10.&nbsp;

But the Wolverines showed in the second quarter why they've won so many titles in a row, and shot a blazing 11 of 15 in the quarter, outscoring Benton 30-10 and pushing their lead to 16 at the halftime break.&nbsp; Vashon's Jimmy McKinney III had 11 points at the break, while Myles Bachali led the Cardinals with 4.&nbsp;

Benton's struggles continued into the third quarter while Vashon continued shooting hot, pushing their lead even farther with a 27 point third quarter.&nbsp; The Cardinals did find better luck in the fourth quarter, shooting 57% from the field, but it was too little too late, falling to Vashon 81-45.&nbsp;

Bachali led the Cardinals with 14 points while Lincoln Goodwin added 12 points.&nbsp; The second place finish for the boys was their best finish since 1941, when they won a championship.&nbsp; The Cardinals finished the season 29-4.&nbsp;

For the Benton girls, it was a battle against a Doniphan team that was seeking their first ever state championship, while the Cardinals were looking for their first since 2016.&nbsp;

Much like the boys, the Lady Cardinals led after the first quarter 15-10, but in the second quarter the&nbsp;Donettes shot 71% to Benton's 36%, but even with that a last second shot from&nbsp;Eliana Arambula tied up the game at 27 a piece heading into the halftime break.&nbsp; Andrea Simmons led the Cardinals at halftime with 7 points.&nbsp; Carsyn Hagood also had 7 points for Doniphan.&nbsp;

The Donettes pulled away even more in the third quarter, the Cardinals continuing to shoot cold.&nbsp; While Benton did force seven turnovers in the quarter, Doniphan held a 10 point lead heading into the final quarter 48-38.&nbsp;

The Lady Cardinals did start to push a comeback, battling and continuing to cut into the Donettes lead, eventually getting within two points with 13 seconds remaining.&nbsp; But, a layup from Doniphan, followed by a missed three point shot with five seconds left, brought the game to an end and Benton fell 63-59.&nbsp;

Simmons finished with a team leading 18 points, while&nbsp;Arambula added 12 points.&nbsp; Hagood scored 31 points for Doniphan.&nbsp; The second place finish was the third in the last four years for Benton.

The Lady Cardinals finished the season 24-7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742704899191.jpeg" alt="Myles Bachali/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp; the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association " />
 <figcaption>Myles Bachali/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp; the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association </figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostIn a historic year that saw both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams compete for a state title, both are returning to St. Joseph with second place finishes in the Class 4 Show Me Showdown.&nbsp;The boys faced a tough test against a Vashon team that coming into the game had won four straight state titles.&nbsp; The Cardinals though didn't waiver through the first quarter, shooting 5 of 12 to the Vashon's 3 of 9 and led at the end of one 14-10.&nbsp;But the Wolverines showed in the second quarter why they've won so many titles in a row, and shot a blazing 11 of 15 in the quarter, outscoring Benton 30-10 and pushing their lead to 16 at the halftime break.&nbsp; Vashon's Jimmy McKinney III had 11 points at the break, while Myles Bachali led the Cardinals with 4.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742705437619.jpeg" alt="Mach Mayom/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association " />
 <figcaption>Mach Mayom/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association </figcaption>
 </figure>Benton's struggles continued into the third quarter while Vashon continued shooting hot, pushing their lead even farther with a 27 point third quarter.&nbsp; The Cardinals did find better luck in the fourth quarter, shooting 57% from the field, but it was too little too late, falling to Vashon 81-45.&nbsp;Bachali led the Cardinals with 14 points while Lincoln Goodwin added 12 points.&nbsp; The second place finish for the boys was their best finish since 1941, when they won a championship.&nbsp; The Cardinals finished the season 29-4.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742705995087.jpeg" alt="Emma Loehnig/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association " />
 <figcaption>Emma Loehnig/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Missouri State High School Activities Association </figcaption>
 </figure>For the Benton girls, it was a battle against a Doniphan team that was seeking their first ever state championship, while the Cardinals were looking for their first since 2016.&nbsp;Much like the boys, the Lady Cardinals led after the first quarter 15-10, but in the second quarter the&nbsp;Donettes shot 71% to Benton's 36%, but even with that a last second shot from&nbsp;Eliana Arambula tied up the game at 27 a piece heading into the halftime break.&nbsp; Andrea Simmons led the Cardinals at halftime with 7 points.&nbsp; Carsyn Hagood also had 7 points for Doniphan.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742706519997.jpeg" alt="Eliana Arambula/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp; Missouri State High School Activities Association" />
 <figcaption>Eliana Arambula/ Photo courtesy of the&nbsp; Missouri State High School Activities Association</figcaption>
 </figure>The Donettes pulled away even more in the third quarter, the Cardinals continuing to shoot cold.&nbsp; While Benton did force seven turnovers in the quarter, Doniphan held a 10 point lead heading into the final quarter 48-38.&nbsp;The Lady Cardinals did start to push a comeback, battling and continuing to cut into the Donettes lead, eventually getting within two points with 13 seconds remaining.&nbsp; But, a layup from Doniphan, followed by a missed three point shot with five seconds left, brought the game to an end and Benton fell 63-59.&nbsp;Simmons finished with a team leading 18 points, while&nbsp;Arambula added 12 points.&nbsp; Hagood scored 31 points for Doniphan.&nbsp; The second place finish was the third in the last four years for Benton.The Lady Cardinals finished the season 24-7.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton boys, girls finish second in Class 4 championship games

The Kansas City Royals made a late spring move and added a veteran outfielder on Friday evening, trading with the Milwaukee Brewers for Mark Cahna for a player to be named later or cash considerations, a source told MLB.com.&nbsp;

The 36 year old Cahna was on a Minor League deal in Spring Training with Milwaukee and is 2-for-23 in Cactus League play with one homer, four strikeouts and four walks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Canha has spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors playing for five teams and has hit 120 career home runs with a .349 career on-base percentage, with more gap-to-gap doubles power than home run power. He’s had neutral splits but has a .763 career OPS against southpaws. And as Spring Training progressed, the Royals thought an offensive hole of theirs would be a right-handed bat off the bench who could come in against lefties. Canha could be a backup left fielder and first baseman on the days he plays or comes in late in the game.

Canha slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven homers and 42 RBIs across 125 games between Detroit and San Francisco last season. A right-handed hitter who can play the corner outfield and first base, Canha will enter the 2025 season as a bench player for the Royals, who have had several options in camp fighting for a bench spot but no clear answers with Opening Day next week.

With Canha, the Royals will have two bench spots now accounted for along with backup catcher Freddy Fermin. Outfielder Dairon Blanco is viewed as a heavy favorite for a spot because of his pinch-running value.

The last spot could go any number of ways. Speedy outfielders Joey Wiemer, a right-hander, and Drew Waters, a switch-hitter, are in the running. Infielder/outfielder Tyler Tolbert could fill Blanco’s role if Blanco isn’t 100% after dealing with Achilles tendon soreness earlier this spring. Utility players Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro -- both left-handed -- as well as right-handed Nick Loftin have all shown off their versatility and ability to get on base this spring. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez and first baseman/outfielder Nick Pratto are both out of Minor League options, but they might be blocked now with Canha in the fold -- especially if the Royals went out and found a right-handed option in Canha despite having Velázquez in camp.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742606518123.jpeg" alt="Mark Cahna" />
 <figcaption>Mark Cahna</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals made a late spring move and added a veteran outfielder on Friday evening, trading with the Milwaukee Brewers for Mark Cahna for a player to be named later or cash considerations, a source told MLB.com.&nbsp;The 36 year old Cahna was on a Minor League deal in Spring Training with Milwaukee and is 2-for-23 in Cactus League play with one homer, four strikeouts and four walks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Canha has spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors playing for five teams and has hit 120 career home runs with a .349 career on-base percentage, with more gap-to-gap doubles power than home run power. He’s had neutral splits but has a .763 career OPS against southpaws. And as Spring Training progressed, the Royals thought an offensive hole of theirs would be a right-handed bat off the bench who could come in against lefties. Canha could be a backup left fielder and first baseman on the days he plays or comes in late in the game.Canha slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven homers and 42 RBIs across 125 games between Detroit and San Francisco last season. A right-handed hitter who can play the corner outfield and first base, Canha will enter the 2025 season as a bench player for the Royals, who have had several options in camp fighting for a bench spot but no clear answers with Opening Day next week.With Canha, the Royals will have two bench spots now accounted for along with backup catcher Freddy Fermin. Outfielder Dairon Blanco is viewed as a heavy favorite for a spot because of his pinch-running value.The last spot could go any number of ways. Speedy outfielders Joey Wiemer, a right-hander, and Drew Waters, a switch-hitter, are in the running. Infielder/outfielder Tyler Tolbert could fill Blanco’s role if Blanco isn’t 100% after dealing with Achilles tendon soreness earlier this spring. Utility players Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro -- both left-handed -- as well as right-handed Nick Loftin have all shown off their versatility and ability to get on base this spring. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez and first baseman/outfielder Nick Pratto are both out of Minor League options, but they might be blocked now with Canha in the fold -- especially if the Royals went out and found a right-handed option in Canha despite having Velázquez in camp.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals add veteran outfielder Mark Cahna in trade with Brewers

For the first time in 12 years, TNA Wrestling is coming to St. Joseph for live tapings at the Civic Arena.  

Two legendary wrestlers that might show up are the TNA World Tag Team Champions, and one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, Matt and Jeff Hardy, the Hardy Boyz.  

Matt Hardy says it's very exciting to be bringing TNA back to St. Joseph 

"You can tell that TNA is really doing everything right right now because we're hitting all these markets that we haven't been to in so many years," Hardy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So, TNA has been white hot recently and we're very happy and proud to be part of this great resurgence TNA is having right now."

Earlier this year, the WWE announced a partnership with TNA, which has allowed wrestlers from each company to show up on either TNA Impact! or WWE's NXT.  Matt Hardy says it's exciting because it makes wrestling unpredictable 

"You never know who from NXT might show up on TNA programming, you never know who from TNA might show up on NXT on a Tuesday night," Hardy explains.  "And that's what makes wrestling great, when it's unpredictable and you don't know what's going to happen next and you get legitimately surprised, that's when wrestling is the best-case scenario." 

Recently, during TNA Sacrifice, Matt Hardy was attacked by Nic Nemeth, formerly Dolph Ziggler in the WWE, and his brother Ryan following a win in a steel cage, and the Hardy's could be looking for some revenge when TNA is in St. Joseph

Jeff Hardy says people that come to the tapings should expect exactly what TNA stands for, Total Nonstop Action 

"Beginning of revenge, the Nemeth brothers and they messed with the wrong set of brothers," Hardy says. "And Leon Slater man, he is a star in the making, he does the 450 Swanton and it's just incredible to see him do that in person, so yeah it's going to be some total nonstop action."

Live tapings are being held at the Civic Arena on Friday March 28th and Saturday March 29th. Tickets are still available through<a href="https://tnawrestling.com/"> TNA's website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742563717122.jpeg" alt="TNA promo for live tapings in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of TNA Wrestling on X" />
 <figcaption>TNA promo for live tapings in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of TNA Wrestling on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For the first time in 12 years, TNA Wrestling is coming to St. Joseph for live tapings at the Civic Arena. Two legendary wrestlers that might show up are the TNA World Tag Team Champions, and one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, Matt and Jeff Hardy, the Hardy Boyz. Matt Hardy says it's very exciting to be bringing TNA back to St. Joseph "You can tell that TNA is really doing everything right right now because we're hitting all these markets that we haven't been to in so many years," Hardy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, TNA has been white hot recently and we're very happy and proud to be part of this great resurgence TNA is having right now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742563609346.jpeg" alt="Matt and Jeff Hardy enter for a match during a TNA event/ Photo courtesy of TNA" />
 <figcaption>Matt and Jeff Hardy enter for a match during a TNA event/ Photo courtesy of TNA</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this year, the WWE announced a partnership with TNA, which has allowed wrestlers from each company to show up on either TNA Impact! or WWE's NXT. Matt Hardy says it's exciting because it makes wrestling unpredictable "You never know who from NXT might show up on TNA programming, you never know who from TNA might show up on NXT on a Tuesday night," Hardy explains. "And that's what makes wrestling great, when it's unpredictable and you don't know what's going to happen next and you get legitimately surprised, that's when wrestling is the best-case scenario." Recently, during TNA Sacrifice, Matt Hardy was attacked by Nic Nemeth, formerly Dolph Ziggler in the WWE, and his brother Ryan following a win in a steel cage, and the Hardy's could be looking for some revenge when TNA is in St. Joseph<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHAT DID <a href="https://twitter.com/NicTNemeth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NicTNemeth</a> JUST DO?! <a href="https://twitter.com/ryrynemnem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ryrynemnem</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MATTHARDYBRAND</a> Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNASacrifice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNASacrifice</a> on TNA+: <a href="https://t.co/1GrcYv61qg">https://t.co/1GrcYv61qg</a> <a href="https://t.co/fUUvmq870d">pic.twitter.com/fUUvmq870d</a>&mdash; TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisIsTNA/status/1900745509838397653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jeff Hardy says people that come to the tapings should expect exactly what TNA stands for, Total Nonstop Action "Beginning of revenge, the Nemeth brothers and they messed with the wrong set of brothers," Hardy says. "And Leon Slater man, he is a star in the making, he does the 450 Swanton and it's just incredible to see him do that in person, so yeah it's going to be some total nonstop action."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SWANTON 450 FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE! <a href="https://twitter.com/LEONSLATER_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LEONSLATER_</a> Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNASacrifice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNASacrifice</a> on TNA+: <a href="https://t.co/1GrcYv6zfO">https://t.co/1GrcYv6zfO</a> <a href="https://t.co/dsnXXk3vjT">pic.twitter.com/dsnXXk3vjT</a>&mdash; TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisIsTNA/status/1900743705495310643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Live tapings are being held at the Civic Arena on Friday March 28th and Saturday March 29th. Tickets are still available through<a href="https://tnawrestling.com/"> TNA's website</a>. FULL INTERVIEW WITH THE HARDY'S<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interview-Matt-and-Jeff-Hardy-e30epge/a-abrg9o6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

TNA Wrestling back in St. Joseph for first time in 12 years for live tapings

For the first time since 1992, the Benton boys basketball team will compete in the Final Four, starting today.

Head Coach Jared Boone says while he's told his players it's ok to take step back and realize how special this opportunity is, he's also reminded them to think back to the offseason, and remember this was the goal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741402893764.jpeg" alt="Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor the first time since 1992, the Benton boys basketball team will compete in the Final Four, starting today.Head Coach Jared Boone says while he's told his players it's ok to take step back and realize how special this opportunity is, he's also reminded them to think back to the offseason, and remember this was the goal"To get down here and have an opportunity to play for a state championship, and it's like you guys have achieved that but we're not satisfied with this, because we want to win," Boone tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Just kind of keep reminding them of that and allowing them to take it in, but also not making it seem like oh it's state so there's a lot of pressure blah, blah, blah, it's like no it's just another game on the schedule."For the first time ever, both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams will be competing for a state championship, at the same time. Boone says a lot of people in the southside of St. Joseph know how important this is"They know the specialness of this and the importance of this," Boone says. "And so I've been making jokes to my wife and everybody it's like man I hope people lock their houses up, because the whole south end could get robbed because nobody's going to be down here the next couple days."Girls head coach Chris Michaels says this is special, and adds after serving as an assistant under Boone, it's something he knew would happen sooner rather than later"We knew Boone would be there but to be able to be there with him and the both of us going and supporting each other and basically having a built in crowd that travels with you is something that's special, and will never be forgotten," Michaels explains.The Benton girls basketball team went to two straight Final fours before missing out last year. This year, they are back in Columbia looking for a state title.Michaels says his message to his girls coming into this season was to remember what it felt like to not be part of the final four. "We just kind of got surprised a little bit last year and I think we thought it was going to be easy to make it again," Michaels says. "What we did this year is we came in and made sure we understood it was going to take everyday getting better in order to do our goal, and so we've done that and we've gotten better every single time we touch the floor, and we're very intentional in what we do."Both the boys and girls are in action today, both against Logan Rogersville. The boys tipoff at 4pm, the girls at 8pm in Columbia. The championship and third place games will be SaturdayINTERVIEW WITH JARED BOONE<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Interview-Jared-Boone-Benton-boys-basketball-e30epm2/a-abrga02" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS MICHAELS<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Interview-Chris-Michaels-Benton-girls-basketball-e30epo6/a-abrga37" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div> FRIDAY JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal-Benton-girls-and-boys-going-to-state-together-e30epsq/a-abrga7i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;