<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Hanna-Williams---MWSU-Track--Field-eecect">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TRACK &amp; FIELD RUNNER HANNA WILLIAMS</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western track &amp; field runner Hanna Williams.  The junior from Trimble, Missouri discusses the season getting canceled, her career, becoming the first female at MWSU to qualify for the NCAA Championships, quitting track in high school and much more.

The Griffon track &amp; field teams were able to complete the indoor season but they didn't get a chance to compete outdoors this spring as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled their season before they were able to go to a meet.

Williams, a Plattsburg High School graduate, has finished third in the MIAA two different times in her career.  She was third in the 600 yard at the Indoor Championships this past February and she finished third in the 400 meter at the 2019 Outdoor Championships.

Williams also became the first female in Missouri Western track &amp; field history to qualify for the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, as she so in 2019.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Hanna-Williams---MWSU-Track--Field-eecect">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TRACK &amp; FIELD RUNNER HANNA WILLIAMS</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western track &amp; field runner Hanna Williams. The junior from Trimble, Missouri discusses the season getting canceled, her career, becoming the first female at MWSU to qualify for the NCAA Championships, quitting track in high school and much more.The Griffon track &amp; field teams were able to complete the indoor season but they didn't get a chance to compete outdoors this spring as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled their season before they were able to go to a meet.Williams, a Plattsburg High School graduate, has finished third in the MIAA two different times in her career. She was third in the 600 yard at the Indoor Championships this past February and she finished third in the 400 meter at the 2019 Outdoor Championships.Williams also became the first female in Missouri Western track &amp; field history to qualify for the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, as she so in 2019.

1-on-1 with Griffon track & field runner Hanna Williams

Donna L. Vanier, 85, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020. Following is an obituary from her family and statements from Kansas State University leadership.

The scriptures say, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48. To Donna Vanier, this was much more than Biblical council. It was a way of life.

Born in Salina, Kansas, on October 24, 1934 to Willis and Helen Lindsey, Donna Vanier is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Douglas. 

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John K. (Jack) Vanier, daughter Mary Vanier of Manhattan, daughter Dr. Marty Vanier of Manhattan and her stepchildren Katie, Kirsten and Kathy, and son John K. Vanier II of Salina, his daughters Lauren and Sarah, his wife Kim, and stepchildren Pallie, Landon, Jess, Ty, Jake &amp; Norah.

Donna Vanier possessed an outlook on life that focused on others and needed to look no further than her own family and community to make a difference. 

When her family’s way of life called, Donna Vanier replied with time, talent and treasure. 

Donna Vanier lived most of her adult life with her husband on the CK Ranch outside of Brookville, Kansas.  As matriarch of a ranch family, her commitment to their way of life did not stop at the fence line. She worked harder at CK Ranch than anyone; active in all aspects of the cattle business including producing the ranch’s annual production sale catalogs, hosting countless ranch tour groups, tracking cattle inventories, and making employees and their families feel valued and appreciated.  Her dedication and support of her family and her family’s work was motivated by care and kindness.  She was one of the founders of the American Hereford Association Auxiliary and sought to ensure leadership in the next generation of agriculture by offering scholarships through the Hereford Youth Foundation and the Kansas 4-H Foundation. 

When Salina Kansas called, Donna Vanier answered with benevolence.

She served as the driving force behind the creation of the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center which opened in 2012.  Donna also served many years as: treasurer of the Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas; founding board member of the Greater Salina Community Foundation; Chair of the governing Boards of the Salina Regional Health Foundation, the Rolling Hills Museum, and St. John’s Military School; and was a contributing member to countless other local boards and organizations.

When Kansas State University called, Donna Vanier responded with generosity.

At K-State, her service and leadership included roles on the KSU Foundation Board of Directors, the Ahearn Scholarship Board, where she originated the Powercat Auction, and Chair of the Beach Museum of Art Board of Visitors. Through these acts and countless others, Donna Vanier earned the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, which recognizes those who have advanced K-State through exceptional service, leadership and philanthropic contributions.

When her friends and family called, Donna Vanier was always there with love.

Not one to forget a birthday, anniversary or other significant milestone, Donna Vanier  was the truest of friends and a source of wisdom and kindness. Her many friends from the Salina area, the cattle business and the K-State family brought her immense joy. 

To whom much is given, much will be required. The scripture from Luke is an exhortation to vigilance.  Generosity, strength, benevolence, toughness, vigilance. Over the generations, the Kansas culture has cultivated an apt description for people like Donna Vanier. She was a do-gooder. Wherever she went, Donna Vanier did good. The scripture ends, “And of him to whom they have entrusted much, they will demand more.” As her family stated “Donna understood innately what God expected of her and her life reflected it.” 

Funeral service plans will be made and announced when COVID-19 gathering restrictions are lifted. The family suggests memorial gifts to any of the following organizations:  the St. Francis Ministries of Salina; the KSU Foundation; the Christ Cathedral Endowment Fund in Salina; the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund in Manhattan; and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Manhattan.  Memorials may be sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas 67401

K-State leaders offered their condolences to the Vanier family. 

“Donna Vanier exemplified what K-State family is all about. She personified our values and set an example of leadership and graciousness that extended to all whose lives she touched. She will be missed, but her legacy of service and kindness to others will be remembered. Donna will live on in our collective memory as a great friend to her state and university.: 

Amy Button Renz, president and chief executive officer of the  K-State Alumni Association:

"Donna’s support of so many areas at K-State, including the Alumni Association and Alumni Center, was transformational. She and Jack provided the funding for the bronze Wildcat Statue at the K-State Alumni Center. This statue has quickly become a K-State icon and a visible reminder of the sense of family and support K-Staters have for one another. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will carry on and we are forever grateful to have had her as a member of our K-State family. I know the thoughts and prayers of the Wildcat community are with Jack and the entire Vanier family."

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the all-time great K-Staters in Donna Vanier. Words cannot begin to explain the impact the Vanier family has had on the entire Kansas State community, and Donna’s caring personality and love for the Wildcats will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Mary, Marty, John and the entire Vanier family during this emotional time.”

Greg Willems, president and chief executive officer of the KSU Foundation:

“Few individuals have been as influential to the K-State family as Donna Vanier. Along with her husband, Jack, and their children, John, Marty and Mary, Donna maintained a lifelong commitment to Kansas State University and our broader Kansas community. Donna thoughtfully and passionately supported K-State students, faculty and staff, and the breadth of that generosity can be seen and felt across our campuses and programs. Her outstanding service to her community and care for others will forever be an inspiration to the K-State family.”

Donna L. Vanier, 85, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020. Following is an obituary from her family and statements from Kansas State University leadership.From the Vanier family:The scriptures say, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48. To Donna Vanier, this was much more than Biblical council. It was a way of life.Born in Salina, Kansas, on October 24, 1934 to Willis and Helen Lindsey, Donna Vanier is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Douglas. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John K. (Jack) Vanier, daughter Mary Vanier of Manhattan, daughter Dr. Marty Vanier of Manhattan and her stepchildren Katie, Kirsten and Kathy, and son John K. Vanier II of Salina, his daughters Lauren and Sarah, his wife Kim, and stepchildren Pallie, Landon, Jess, Ty, Jake &amp; Norah.Donna Vanier possessed an outlook on life that focused on others and needed to look no further than her own family and community to make a difference. When her family’s way of life called, Donna Vanier replied with time, talent and treasure. Donna Vanier lived most of her adult life with her husband on the CK Ranch outside of Brookville, Kansas. As matriarch of a ranch family, her commitment to their way of life did not stop at the fence line. She worked harder at CK Ranch than anyone; active in all aspects of the cattle business including producing the ranch’s annual production sale catalogs, hosting countless ranch tour groups, tracking cattle inventories, and making employees and their families feel valued and appreciated. Her dedication and support of her family and her family’s work was motivated by care and kindness. She was one of the founders of the American Hereford Association Auxiliary and sought to ensure leadership in the next generation of agriculture by offering scholarships through the Hereford Youth Foundation and the Kansas 4-H Foundation. When Salina Kansas called, Donna Vanier answered with benevolence.She served as the driving force behind the creation of the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center which opened in 2012. Donna also served many years as: treasurer of the Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas; founding board member of the Greater Salina Community Foundation; Chair of the governing Boards of the Salina Regional Health Foundation, the Rolling Hills Museum, and St. John’s Military School; and was a contributing member to countless other local boards and organizations.When Kansas State University called, Donna Vanier responded with generosity.At K-State, her service and leadership included roles on the KSU Foundation Board of Directors, the Ahearn Scholarship Board, where she originated the Powercat Auction, and Chair of the Beach Museum of Art Board of Visitors. Through these acts and countless others, Donna Vanier earned the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, which recognizes those who have advanced K-State through exceptional service, leadership and philanthropic contributions.When her friends and family called, Donna Vanier was always there with love.Not one to forget a birthday, anniversary or other significant milestone, Donna Vanier was the truest of friends and a source of wisdom and kindness. Her many friends from the Salina area, the cattle business and the K-State family brought her immense joy. To whom much is given, much will be required. The scripture from Luke is an exhortation to vigilance. Generosity, strength, benevolence, toughness, vigilance. Over the generations, the Kansas culture has cultivated an apt description for people like Donna Vanier. She was a do-gooder. Wherever she went, Donna Vanier did good. The scripture ends, “And of him to whom they have entrusted much, they will demand more.” As her family stated “Donna understood innately what God expected of her and her life reflected it.” Funeral service plans will be made and announced when COVID-19 gathering restrictions are lifted. The family suggests memorial gifts to any of the following organizations: the St. Francis Ministries of Salina; the KSU Foundation; the Christ Cathedral Endowment Fund in Salina; the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund in Manhattan; and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Manhattan. Memorials may be sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas 67401K-State leaders offered their condolences to the Vanier family. University President Richard Myers:“Donna Vanier exemplified what K-State family is all about. She personified our values and set an example of leadership and graciousness that extended to all whose lives she touched. She will be missed, but her legacy of service and kindness to others will be remembered. Donna will live on in our collective memory as a great friend to her state and university.: Amy Button Renz, president and chief executive officer of the K-State Alumni Association:"Donna’s support of so many areas at K-State, including the Alumni Association and Alumni Center, was transformational. She and Jack provided the funding for the bronze Wildcat Statue at the K-State Alumni Center. This statue has quickly become a K-State icon and a visible reminder of the sense of family and support K-Staters have for one another. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will carry on and we are forever grateful to have had her as a member of our K-State family. I know the thoughts and prayers of the Wildcat community are with Jack and the entire Vanier family."Gene Taylor, director of athletics:“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the all-time great K-Staters in Donna Vanier. Words cannot begin to explain the impact the Vanier family has had on the entire Kansas State community, and Donna’s caring personality and love for the Wildcats will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Mary, Marty, John and the entire Vanier family during this emotional time.”Greg Willems, president and chief executive officer of the KSU Foundation:“Few individuals have been as influential to the K-State family as Donna Vanier. Along with her husband, Jack, and their children, John, Marty and Mary, Donna maintained a lifelong commitment to Kansas State University and our broader Kansas community. Donna thoughtfully and passionately supported K-State students, faculty and staff, and the breadth of that generosity can be seen and felt across our campuses and programs. Her outstanding service to her community and care for others will forever be an inspiration to the K-State family.”--- K-State Athletics ---

Kansas State University icon Donna Vanier passes away

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Taylor-Hoelscher---MWSU-Softball-OF-eecf39">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOFTBALL OF TAYLOR HOELSCHER</a>

Dave Riggert was able to talk with Missouri Western softball outfielder Taylor Hoelscher as discusses the season getting canceled, her career in high school and at MWSU, the future of Griffon softball and much more.

The sophomore from Papillion, Nebraska was impressive in the 22 games the Griffons played this spring.  She hit .412 with one home run and 16 RBI.  Hoelscher added 10 runs scores, nine doubles and had an on-base percentage of .474. 

Missouri Western was 13-9 and 2-0 in the MIAA when the season was canceled in March, but they were playing their best softball of the season.  The Griffons won seven of their last eight, and 10 of their final 12 games.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Taylor-Hoelscher---MWSU-Softball-OF-eecf39">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOFTBALL OF TAYLOR HOELSCHER</a>Dave Riggert was able to talk with Missouri Western softball outfielder Taylor Hoelscher as discusses the season getting canceled, her career in high school and at MWSU, the future of Griffon softball and much more.The sophomore from Papillion, Nebraska was impressive in the 22 games the Griffons played this spring. She hit .412 with one home run and 16 RBI. Hoelscher added 10 runs scores, nine doubles and had an on-base percentage of .474. Missouri Western was 13-9 and 2-0 in the MIAA when the season was canceled in March, but they were playing their best softball of the season. The Griffons won seven of their last eight, and 10 of their final 12 games.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western outfielder Taylor Hoelscher

The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors Friday approved a phase in for student-athletes to return to campus to engage in voluntary activities related to sport participation. Beginning June 15 football student-athletes will be permitted to access campus athletic facilities and support personnel for voluntary conditioning and training exercises.  Volleyball, soccer and cross country student-athletes are able to return July 1.  All other Big 12 student-athletes may return to campus for voluntary sport-related activities July 15.  

This phased approach is intended to permit gradual adoption of best practices for mitigation of COVID-19 as well as ensuring a safe environment and appropriately prepared facilities.  Until these dates, the Conference’s activities policy that was scheduled to sunset May 31 remains in effect for all Big 12 student-athletes.

The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors Friday approved a phase in for student-athletes to return to campus to engage in voluntary activities related to sport participation. Beginning June 15 football student-athletes will be permitted to access campus athletic facilities and support personnel for voluntary conditioning and training exercises. Volleyball, soccer and cross country student-athletes are able to return July 1. All other Big 12 student-athletes may return to campus for voluntary sport-related activities July 15. This phased approach is intended to permit gradual adoption of best practices for mitigation of COVID-19 as well as ensuring a safe environment and appropriately prepared facilities. Until these dates, the Conference’s activities policy that was scheduled to sunset May 31 remains in effect for all Big 12 student-athletes.--- Big 12 Press Release ---

Big 12 approves phase in for student-athletes to return to campus

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (May 22, 2020)&nbsp;- Voluntary in-person athletics activities may resume on Southeastern Conference campuses, at the discretion of each university, beginning June 8 under strict supervision of designated university personnel and safety guidelines developed by each institution, the SEC announced Friday.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the SEC had suspended all athletics activities through May 31. June 8 will begin a transition period that will allow student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training and sports activity after this recent period of inactivity. Under plans developed by each university and consistent with state and local health directives, certain activities will be permitted based on the ability to participate in controlled and safe environments, while also maintaining recommended social distancing measures.

The decision to resume athletics activities, which at this time is limited by the NCAA to voluntary activities supervised by strength and conditioning personnel, was made with the guidance of the Conference's Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force. Created by the SEC's Presidents and Chancellors in April and comprised of a cross-section of leading public health, infectious disease and sports medicine professionals from across the SEC's 14 member institutions, the Task Force will remain active to provide continued advice and guidance to the SEC and its members as they prepare for a return to competition.

"The safe and healthy return of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our greater university communities have been and will continue to serve as our guiding principle as we navigate this complex and constantly-evolving situation," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "At this time, we are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled, and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8 is an important initial step in that process. Thanks to the blueprint established by our Task Force and the dedicated efforts of our universities and their athletics programs, we will be able to provide our student-athletes with far better health and wellness education, medical and psychological care and supervision than they would otherwise receive on their own while off campus or training at public facilities as states continue to reopen."

As part of its recommendations, the Task Force prepared a series of best practices for screening, testing, monitoring, tracing, social distancing and maintaining cleaned environments. These recommendations will serve as a roadmap for each school prior to and upon the return of student-athletes to their campuses.

"While each institution will make its own decisions in creating defined plans to safely return student-athletes to activity, it is essential to employ a collaborative approach that involves input from public health officials, coaches, sports medicine staff, sports performance personnel and student-athletes," Sankey said. "Elements of the Task Force recommendations provided key guidance for determining the date of the return to activity."

In addition to standard infection prevention measures as approved by public health authorities such as facility cleaning and social distancing, recommended enhanced health and safety measures include:

During the month of June, NCAA regulations permit only strength and conditioning personnel to supervise voluntary on-campus athletics activities in the sports of football and men's &amp; women's basketball. A current waiver that permits eight (8) hours of virtual film review has been extended through June 30 for football and basketball.

Consistent with NCAA regulations, organized practices and other required physical activities remain prohibited in all sports. A previously announced suspension of in-person camps and coaches clinics conducted by SEC institutions remains in effect until July 31.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (May 22, 2020)&nbsp;- Voluntary in-person athletics activities may resume on Southeastern Conference campuses, at the discretion of each university, beginning June 8 under strict supervision of designated university personnel and safety guidelines developed by each institution, the SEC announced Friday.Due to the impact of COVID-19, the SEC had suspended all athletics activities through May 31. June 8 will begin a transition period that will allow student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training and sports activity after this recent period of inactivity. Under plans developed by each university and consistent with state and local health directives, certain activities will be permitted based on the ability to participate in controlled and safe environments, while also maintaining recommended social distancing measures.The decision to resume athletics activities, which at this time is limited by the NCAA to voluntary activities supervised by strength and conditioning personnel, was made with the guidance of the Conference's Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force. Created by the SEC's Presidents and Chancellors in April and comprised of a cross-section of leading public health, infectious disease and sports medicine professionals from across the SEC's 14 member institutions, the Task Force will remain active to provide continued advice and guidance to the SEC and its members as they prepare for a return to competition."The safe and healthy return of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our greater university communities have been and will continue to serve as our guiding principle as we navigate this complex and constantly-evolving situation," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "At this time, we are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled, and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8 is an important initial step in that process. Thanks to the blueprint established by our Task Force and the dedicated efforts of our universities and their athletics programs, we will be able to provide our student-athletes with far better health and wellness education, medical and psychological care and supervision than they would otherwise receive on their own while off campus or training at public facilities as states continue to reopen."As part of its recommendations, the Task Force prepared a series of best practices for screening, testing, monitoring, tracing, social distancing and maintaining cleaned environments. These recommendations will serve as a roadmap for each school prior to and upon the return of student-athletes to their campuses."While each institution will make its own decisions in creating defined plans to safely return student-athletes to activity, it is essential to employ a collaborative approach that involves input from public health officials, coaches, sports medicine staff, sports performance personnel and student-athletes," Sankey said. "Elements of the Task Force recommendations provided key guidance for determining the date of the return to activity."In addition to standard infection prevention measures as approved by public health authorities such as facility cleaning and social distancing, recommended enhanced health and safety measures include:<ol>
 <li>Enhanced education of all team members on health and wellness best practices, including but not limited to preventing the spread of COVID-19</li><li>A 3-stage screening process that involves screening before student-athletes arrive on campus, within 72 hours of entering athletics facilities and on a daily basis upon resumption of athletics activities</li><li>Testing of symptomatic team members (including all student-athletes, coaches, team support and other appropriate individuals)</li><li>Immediate isolation of team members who are under investigation or diagnosed with COVID-19 followed by contact tracing, following CDC and local public health guidelines</li><li>A transition period that allows student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training and sport activity following a period of inactivity</li>
 </ol>During the month of June, NCAA regulations permit only strength and conditioning personnel to supervise voluntary on-campus athletics activities in the sports of football and men's &amp; women's basketball. A current waiver that permits eight (8) hours of virtual film review has been extended through June 30 for football and basketball.Consistent with NCAA regulations, organized practices and other required physical activities remain prohibited in all sports. A previously announced suspension of in-person camps and coaches clinics conducted by SEC institutions remains in effect until July 31.--- SEC Press Release ---

SEC to permit voluntary in-person athletics activities

ST. LOUIS, Mo.,
May 22, 2020 – In a televised special on FOX Sports Midwest this evening,
the St. Louis Cardinals announced that Tom Herr,
John Tudor and Bill White will be inducted into
the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.&nbsp; This is the seventh induction class
since the team dedicated the Cardinals Hall of Fame with an inaugural class on
Opening Day in 2014.&nbsp; Details regarding a formal induction ceremony for
the 2020 Induction Class will be announced at a later date.

Chosen
by the fans, Tom Herr and John Tudor were the top two-vote getters in the
Cardinals Hall of Fame online balloting presented by Edward Jones.&nbsp; The
ballot, which also included Cardinals legends Steve Carlton, Keith Hernandez,
Matt Morris, Edgar Renteria and Lee Smith, was selected by a Red Ribbon
committee of St. Louis baseball experts through a secret ballot process.&nbsp;
Cardinals fans cast a record 113,000 votes over the nine-week voting period.

In addition to
nominating modern players for fan balloting, the Red Ribbon Committee also
elected Bill White, a veteran player, for induction using a secret ballot
process.&nbsp; White, a Gold Glove first baseman and African-American pioneer,
was a starter for the Cardinals from 1959-1965 and returned to finish his
career in 1969.&nbsp; The 1964 World Champion would later become the first
black president of a major sports league when he was named National League
President in 1989.

“Selecting the members of the Cardinals Hall of
Fame Induction Class is one of our organization’s greatest traditions,” said
Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals Chairman and CEO.&nbsp; “We thank the over 100,000
fans and our Red Ribbon Committee who cast their votes for this year’s
induction class and look forward to celebrating the achievements of these
remarkable players with Cardinals Nation very soon.”

The St. Louis
Cardinals Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize the exceptional
careers and significant achievements of the greatest players in Cardinals
history, as well as those who have made exceptional contributions to the
organization.&nbsp; To be eligible, players must have played for the Cardinals
for at least three seasons and must be retired as a player from Major League
Baseball for at least three years.&nbsp; The eligible pool of players is
divided into two categories of “modern players” and “veteran players”.&nbsp; If
a player retired more than 40 years prior to the induction year, he is
classified as a veteran player.

Each member of the
Cardinals Hall of Fame is permanently enshrined in the Cardinals Hall of Fame
Gallery presented by Edward Jones that is located on the second floor of
Cardinals Nation in Ballpark Village, just outside the entrance to the
Cardinals Museum.&nbsp; The Hall of Fame Gallery is free and open to the
public.&nbsp; Fans can visit <a href="http://www.cardinals.com/HOF">cardinals.com/HOF</a>
for more information.&nbsp; #CardsHOF

The following is a
description of each Inductee’s career as a Cardinal:

Tom Herr (Modern
Era Player — Fan Selection)

Years: 1979 –
1988&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.274/.349/.354, 1021 H, 179 2B, 31 3B, 498 R, 152 SB (1029 Games)

Making his debut the
same night Lou Brock clubbed his 3,000th career hit, Tom Herr made his mark on
one of the most popular eras of Cardinals baseball.&nbsp; He led the National
League in both fielding percentage and assists as a second baseman in 1981 and
finished in the top-three in double plays turned in six of his 10 seasons in
St. Louis.&nbsp; Herr’s finest offensive season came in 1985 when he was named
to the All-Star team and finished fifth in NL MVP voting after finishing in the
league’s top-ten in on-base percentage, batting average, hits, doubles, runs
batted in and walks.&nbsp; That season he had 110 RBI and only eight home runs,
making him the last player in NL history to reach 100+ RBI with less than 10
HR. A fan favorite of the Whiteyball era, Herr may best be remembered for
hitting a 10th inning walk-off grand slam against the New York Mets on “Seat
Cushion Night” at Busch Stadium, resulting in thousands of fans hurling their
cushions onto the field.

John Tudor
(Modern Era Player — Fan Selection)

Years: 1985 – 1988,
1990&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
62-26, 2.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 22 CG, 12 SHO, 881.2 IP (125 Games Started)

During his five
seasons in a Cardinals uniform, John Tudor accumulated a .705 winning percentage
and 2.52 ERA over 125 starts, both of which still stand as all-time Cardinals
records (minimum 750.0 IP).&nbsp; The left-hander’s finest season came during
his first year with the club in 1985 when he won 21 games (including a
mind-blowing 20-1 record after June 1) with a miniscule 1.93 ERA and 10
complete game shutouts, and finished second in National League Cy Young
voting.&nbsp; A member of two National League pennant-winning teams in 1985 and
1987, Tudor had a 3.16 ERA over nine post-season starts for the
Cardinals.&nbsp; Tudor would go on to win at least 10 games in each of the four
full seasons he pitched for the Redbirds and remains the only pitcher to reach
double-digit shutouts in a single season in the last 45 years.

Bill
White (Veteran Era Player — Red Ribbon Panel Selection)

Years: 1959 – 1965,
1969&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.298/.357/.472, 1241 H, 209 2B, 140 HR, 843 R, 870 RBI (1113 Games)

Acquired via trade two
weeks before the start of the 1959 season, Bill White would go on to spend the
next seven years in the Cardinals starting lineup.&nbsp; The left-handed first
baseman was named an All-Star in five of those seven seasons, and was part of
the all-Cardinals starting infield in the 1963 All-Star Game. After setting
career highs in batting average (.324) and OPS (.868) in 1962, White returned
with an even better year in 1963, establishing career bests in hits (200, runs
(106, home runs (27) and RBI (109).&nbsp; The next year, White finished third
in NL MVP voting after putting up another 20+ HR and 100+ RBI season as the Cardinals
won their first World Series title in 18 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to his
prowess at the plate, White earned six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from
1960-1965.&nbsp; While playing for the Cardinals, White worked part-time for
KMOX, a precursor to him becoming the first African-American play-by-play
broadcaster for a major league team in 1971 and the first African-American
president of a major sports league (National League President) in 1989.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.,
May 22, 2020 – In a televised special on FOX Sports Midwest this evening,
the St. Louis Cardinals announced that Tom Herr,
John Tudor and Bill White will be inducted into
the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.&nbsp; This is the seventh induction class
since the team dedicated the Cardinals Hall of Fame with an inaugural class on
Opening Day in 2014.&nbsp; Details regarding a formal induction ceremony for
the 2020 Induction Class will be announced at a later date.Chosen
by the fans, Tom Herr and John Tudor were the top two-vote getters in the
Cardinals Hall of Fame online balloting presented by Edward Jones.&nbsp; The
ballot, which also included Cardinals legends Steve Carlton, Keith Hernandez,
Matt Morris, Edgar Renteria and Lee Smith, was selected by a Red Ribbon
committee of St. Louis baseball experts through a secret ballot process.&nbsp;
Cardinals fans cast a record 113,000 votes over the nine-week voting period.In addition to
nominating modern players for fan balloting, the Red Ribbon Committee also
elected Bill White, a veteran player, for induction using a secret ballot
process.&nbsp; White, a Gold Glove first baseman and African-American pioneer,
was a starter for the Cardinals from 1959-1965 and returned to finish his
career in 1969.&nbsp; The 1964 World Champion would later become the first
black president of a major sports league when he was named National League
President in 1989.“Selecting the members of the Cardinals Hall of
Fame Induction Class is one of our organization’s greatest traditions,” said
Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals Chairman and CEO.&nbsp; “We thank the over 100,000
fans and our Red Ribbon Committee who cast their votes for this year’s
induction class and look forward to celebrating the achievements of these
remarkable players with Cardinals Nation very soon.”The St. Louis
Cardinals Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize the exceptional
careers and significant achievements of the greatest players in Cardinals
history, as well as those who have made exceptional contributions to the
organization.&nbsp; To be eligible, players must have played for the Cardinals
for at least three seasons and must be retired as a player from Major League
Baseball for at least three years.&nbsp; The eligible pool of players is
divided into two categories of “modern players” and “veteran players”.&nbsp; If
a player retired more than 40 years prior to the induction year, he is
classified as a veteran player.Each member of the
Cardinals Hall of Fame is permanently enshrined in the Cardinals Hall of Fame
Gallery presented by Edward Jones that is located on the second floor of
Cardinals Nation in Ballpark Village, just outside the entrance to the
Cardinals Museum.&nbsp; The Hall of Fame Gallery is free and open to the
public.&nbsp; Fans can visit <a href="http://www.cardinals.com/HOF">cardinals.com/HOF</a>
for more information.&nbsp; #CardsHOFThe following is a
description of each Inductee’s career as a Cardinal:Tom Herr (Modern
Era Player — Fan Selection)Years: 1979 –
1988&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.274/.349/.354, 1021 H, 179 2B, 31 3B, 498 R, 152 SB (1029 Games) Making his debut the
same night Lou Brock clubbed his 3,000th career hit, Tom Herr made his mark on
one of the most popular eras of Cardinals baseball.&nbsp; He led the National
League in both fielding percentage and assists as a second baseman in 1981 and
finished in the top-three in double plays turned in six of his 10 seasons in
St. Louis.&nbsp; Herr’s finest offensive season came in 1985 when he was named
to the All-Star team and finished fifth in NL MVP voting after finishing in the
league’s top-ten in on-base percentage, batting average, hits, doubles, runs
batted in and walks.&nbsp; That season he had 110 RBI and only eight home runs,
making him the last player in NL history to reach 100+ RBI with less than 10
HR. A fan favorite of the Whiteyball era, Herr may best be remembered for
hitting a 10th inning walk-off grand slam against the New York Mets on “Seat
Cushion Night” at Busch Stadium, resulting in thousands of fans hurling their
cushions onto the field.John Tudor
(Modern Era Player — Fan Selection)Years: 1985 – 1988,
1990&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
62-26, 2.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 22 CG, 12 SHO, 881.2 IP (125 Games Started)During his five
seasons in a Cardinals uniform, John Tudor accumulated a .705 winning percentage
and 2.52 ERA over 125 starts, both of which still stand as all-time Cardinals
records (minimum 750.0 IP).&nbsp; The left-hander’s finest season came during
his first year with the club in 1985 when he won 21 games (including a
mind-blowing 20-1 record after June 1) with a miniscule 1.93 ERA and 10
complete game shutouts, and finished second in National League Cy Young
voting.&nbsp; A member of two National League pennant-winning teams in 1985 and
1987, Tudor had a 3.16 ERA over nine post-season starts for the
Cardinals.&nbsp; Tudor would go on to win at least 10 games in each of the four
full seasons he pitched for the Redbirds and remains the only pitcher to reach
double-digit shutouts in a single season in the last 45 years.Bill
White (Veteran Era Player — Red Ribbon Panel Selection)Years: 1959 – 1965,
1969&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.298/.357/.472, 1241 H, 209 2B, 140 HR, 843 R, 870 RBI (1113 Games)Acquired via trade two
weeks before the start of the 1959 season, Bill White would go on to spend the
next seven years in the Cardinals starting lineup.&nbsp; The left-handed first
baseman was named an All-Star in five of those seven seasons, and was part of
the all-Cardinals starting infield in the 1963 All-Star Game. After setting
career highs in batting average (.324) and OPS (.868) in 1962, White returned
with an even better year in 1963, establishing career bests in hits (200, runs
(106, home runs (27) and RBI (109).&nbsp; The next year, White finished third
in NL MVP voting after putting up another 20+ HR and 100+ RBI season as the Cardinals
won their first World Series title in 18 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to his
prowess at the plate, White earned six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from
1960-1965.&nbsp; While playing for the Cardinals, White worked part-time for
KMOX, a precursor to him becoming the first African-American play-by-play
broadcaster for a major league team in 1971 and the first African-American
president of a major sports league (National League President) in 1989.--- Cardinals Press Release ---

St. Louis Cardinals announce 2020 Hall of Fame Class

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Cody-Ingold---MWSU-Track--Field-Head-Coach-eeeaqi">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TRACK &amp; FIELD COACH CODY INGOLD</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk to Missouri Western track &amp; field head coach Cody Ingold.  The first-year head coach of the Griffons discusses not having an outdoor season this spring, the impact COVID-19 will have on the program and the future of MWSU track &amp; field.

This is the third year for Missouri Western track &amp; field as they were able to compete during the indoor season, but the pandemic shut down the sports world before the Griffons were able to compete in an outdoor meet.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Cody-Ingold---MWSU-Track--Field-Head-Coach-eeeaqi">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TRACK &amp; FIELD COACH CODY INGOLD</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk to Missouri Western track &amp; field head coach Cody Ingold. The first-year head coach of the Griffons discusses not having an outdoor season this spring, the impact COVID-19 will have on the program and the future of MWSU track &amp; field.This is the third year for Missouri Western track &amp; field as they were able to compete during the indoor season, but the pandemic shut down the sports world before the Griffons were able to compete in an outdoor meet.

1-on-1 with Griffon track & field head coach Cody Ingold

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced its 2019 Winter Student-Athletes of the Year Awards. The male winner was Levi Wyrick of Pittsburg State and the female winner was Morgan Fleming of Central Missouri.

Levi Wyrick - Pittsburg State, Indoor Track &amp; Field

Wyrick was an indoor track and field student-athlete this past winter season. He was the runner-up in the weight throw at the 2020 MIAA Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships and earned All-MIAA honors in the event for the third time in his career. Wyrick qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II Championship in the event before the meet was canceled due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.

Academically, the graduate student carried a 4.0 GPA in Educational Leadership. He was set to receive the NCAA’s Elite 90 Award as the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the NCAA Championship before the cancellation of the meet. The accolade would have been his third Elite 90 award in his career. Wyrick has also been a four-time NCAA Division II Academic All-America recipient in the sports of football and track and field. Last year, he was named with the MIAA’s Ken B. Jones Award as the Association’s top male student-athlete and earned MIAA Academic Excellence Awards each of his four years at PSU.

Wyrick spent time as a volunteer serving meals to those in need at the Lord’s Diner in Pittsburg, Kansas as well as volunteering at his hometown church. On-campus, he volunteered with the annual Youth Football Clinic for the Gorilla football team. 

Morgan Fleming - Central Missouri, Basketball

Fleming was a women’s basketball student-athlete during the 2019-2020 season. She was named first-team All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and second-team All-Region by the D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA). Fleming also earned first-team All-MIAA accolades this past winter as she helped Central Missouri claim the MIAA women’s basketball regular-season conference title. She also led the Jennies to the tournament title and picked-up the Association’s Co-Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament Award. UCM was the top seed in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Central Region Championship before the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.

In the classroom, the senior maintained a 3.8 GPA as a Biology major and Chemistry minor. Fleming received a CoSIDA Academic All-District accolade in 2019. She was also a four-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient, three-time MIAA Scholar-Athlete recipient, and MIAA Academic Excellence recipient.  

Fleming was involved as a volunteer with the Warrensburg Elementary Schools Adventure Club UCM Literacy Team, Community Clothes with the Warrensburg School District, and the WBCA Day of Service at Maple Grove Elementary School. She also volunteered at Warrensburg Parks and Recreation youth practices, Western Missouri Medical Center and at the Missouri Veterans Home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. 

The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA’s COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume. 

A 15-member committee comprised of one administrator from each MIAA institution and the conference office ranked each candidate based on excellence in three categories: Athletic Achievement in that academic year, Career Academic Achievements, and Community/Campus Service during the Academic Year. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced its 2019 Winter Student-Athletes of the Year Awards. The male winner was Levi Wyrick of Pittsburg State and the female winner was Morgan Fleming of Central Missouri.Levi Wyrick - Pittsburg State, Indoor Track &amp; FieldWyrick was an indoor track and field student-athlete this past winter season. He was the runner-up in the weight throw at the 2020 MIAA Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships and earned All-MIAA honors in the event for the third time in his career. Wyrick qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II Championship in the event before the meet was canceled due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.Academically, the graduate student carried a 4.0 GPA in Educational Leadership. He was set to receive the NCAA’s Elite 90 Award as the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the NCAA Championship before the cancellation of the meet. The accolade would have been his third Elite 90 award in his career. Wyrick has also been a four-time NCAA Division II Academic All-America recipient in the sports of football and track and field. Last year, he was named with the MIAA’s Ken B. Jones Award as the Association’s top male student-athlete and earned MIAA Academic Excellence Awards each of his four years at PSU.Wyrick spent time as a volunteer serving meals to those in need at the Lord’s Diner in Pittsburg, Kansas as well as volunteering at his hometown church. On-campus, he volunteered with the annual Youth Football Clinic for the Gorilla football team. Morgan Fleming - Central Missouri, BasketballFleming was a women’s basketball student-athlete during the 2019-2020 season. She was named first-team All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and second-team All-Region by the D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA). Fleming also earned first-team All-MIAA accolades this past winter as she helped Central Missouri claim the MIAA women’s basketball regular-season conference title. She also led the Jennies to the tournament title and picked-up the Association’s Co-Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament Award. UCM was the top seed in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Central Region Championship before the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.In the classroom, the senior maintained a 3.8 GPA as a Biology major and Chemistry minor. Fleming received a CoSIDA Academic All-District accolade in 2019. She was also a four-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient, three-time MIAA Scholar-Athlete recipient, and MIAA Academic Excellence recipient. Fleming was involved as a volunteer with the Warrensburg Elementary Schools Adventure Club UCM Literacy Team, Community Clothes with the Warrensburg School District, and the WBCA Day of Service at Maple Grove Elementary School. She also volunteered at Warrensburg Parks and Recreation youth practices, Western Missouri Medical Center and at the Missouri Veterans Home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA’s COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume. A 15-member committee comprised of one administrator from each MIAA institution and the conference office ranked each candidate based on excellence in three categories: Athletic Achievement in that academic year, Career Academic Achievements, and Community/Campus Service during the Academic Year. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA hands out Winter Student-Athletes of the Year Awards

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Cam-Grandy---MWSU-FB-Tight-End-ee9mne">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TE CAM GRANDY</a>

Dave Riggert spoke with Missouri Western football tight end Cam Grandy as he discusses missing spring practices, transitioning from quarterback in high school to tight end at MWSU, playing as a true freshman, the expectations for the 2020 season and much more.

Grandy, a junior from Benson, Illinois, was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA last season as he had 20 receptions for 261 yard and five touchdowns.

The Griffons are scheduled to open the 2020 season on the road at Central Oklahoma on Thursday, September 3.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Cam-Grandy---MWSU-FB-Tight-End-ee9mne">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU TE CAM GRANDY</a>Dave Riggert spoke with Missouri Western football tight end Cam Grandy as he discusses missing spring practices, transitioning from quarterback in high school to tight end at MWSU, playing as a true freshman, the expectations for the 2020 season and much more.Grandy, a junior from Benson, Illinois, was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA last season as he had 20 receptions for 261 yard and five touchdowns.The Griffons are scheduled to open the 2020 season on the road at Central Oklahoma on Thursday, September 3.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western junior tight end Cam Grandy

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the NCAA Division I Council’s approval allowing the resumption of voluntary activities for certain student-athletes, Missouri State University has also begun finalizing steps to re-open many of its athletics practice and training facilities on a limited basis.

The latest NCAA action permits only football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball student-athletes to participate in voluntary, on-campus activities, beginning June 1, as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. Additionally, teams in those sports may require eight hours per week of virtual non-physical activities through the end of June, recognizing that some student-athletes won’t be able return to campus or will not be comfortable doing so.

Voluntary, on-campus activities must be initiated by the student-athlete. Coaches may not be present unless a sport-specific safety exception allows it. Likewise, activity cannot be directed by a coach or reported back to a coach.

“What this means for us is a first step in having our student-athletes able to condition and train in our own facilities,” said Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. “We won’t have all of our football and basketball players showing up June 1. This will be a gradual process, to allow some individuals to work out, but these are not team workouts.

“Obviously we are a long way from ‘normal’ or having everyone back. But in consultation and cooperation with university officials, we will take great precautions to create a safe environment for our student-athletes and our staff who chose to return.”

According to Moats, Missouri State’s re-entry plan for student-athletes to begin voluntary activities includes two basic requirements: a risk assessment survey and COVID-19 clearance procedures facilitated through Magers Health &amp; Wellness Center on the Springfield campus. 

Additionally, all voluntary activities will implement specific safety criteria related to social distancing, gathering size, limiting contact, use of personal protective equipment, facility sanitation, and daily risk assessments. 

Moats also noted that additional sports are expected to be added to the NCAA’s list of allowable volunteer activities in the coming weeks.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the NCAA Division I Council’s approval allowing the resumption of voluntary activities for certain student-athletes, Missouri State University has also begun finalizing steps to re-open many of its athletics practice and training facilities on a limited basis.The latest NCAA action permits only football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball student-athletes to participate in voluntary, on-campus activities, beginning June 1, as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. Additionally, teams in those sports may require eight hours per week of virtual non-physical activities through the end of June, recognizing that some student-athletes won’t be able return to campus or will not be comfortable doing so.Voluntary, on-campus activities must be initiated by the student-athlete. Coaches may not be present unless a sport-specific safety exception allows it. Likewise, activity cannot be directed by a coach or reported back to a coach.“What this means for us is a first step in having our student-athletes able to condition and train in our own facilities,” said Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. “We won’t have all of our football and basketball players showing up June 1. This will be a gradual process, to allow some individuals to work out, but these are not team workouts.“Obviously we are a long way from ‘normal’ or having everyone back. But in consultation and cooperation with university officials, we will take great precautions to create a safe environment for our student-athletes and our staff who chose to return.”According to Moats, Missouri State’s re-entry plan for student-athletes to begin voluntary activities includes two basic requirements: a risk assessment survey and COVID-19 clearance procedures facilitated through Magers Health &amp; Wellness Center on the Springfield campus. Additionally, all voluntary activities will implement specific safety criteria related to social distancing, gathering size, limiting contact, use of personal protective equipment, facility sanitation, and daily risk assessments. Moats also noted that additional sports are expected to be added to the NCAA’s list of allowable volunteer activities in the coming weeks.--- Missouri State Athletics ---

Missouri State finalizing steps to re-open its athletics practice facilities

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced its 2019 Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Awards. The male winner was Jace McDown of Emporia State and the female winner was Piper Misse of Pittsburg State.

McDown was a football student-athlete during the fall season for the Hornets. As a linebacker, he was selected as an honorable mention All-American and also received first-team All-MIAA accolades. McDown led the Association with 58 solo tackles and was second with 95 total tackles. His peers on the team voted him as the best teammate and most outstanding player.

Academically, the junior carried a 3.98 GPA in Health and Human Performance. McDown’s work in the classroom, combined with his play on the field allowed him to be named a second-team CoSIDA Academic All-America selection and a D2 Athletic Director's Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Award winner. He was also an MIAA Scholar-Athlete and Academic Honor Roll Recipient over his career. 

The 2019-2020 Emporia State most outstanding male student-athlete logged volunteered time with the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, the National Strength &amp; Conditioning Association Conference, and at powerlifting meets at local high schools. He was also active in ESU’s HornetFest which was in conjunction with NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Love2Play Initiative and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as the chapter’s vice president. 

Piper Misse - Pittsburg State, Cross Country

Misse was a cross country student-athlete during the fall season for the Gorillas. She captured her second career individual MIAA cross country championship in 2019 and helped PSU to its third straight conference title. Misse, and the Gorillas, also qualified for the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country Championships in the fall season. 

In the classroom, the senior excelled with a 4.0 GPA in nursing. Misse was a 2018-19 Google Cloud Academic All-America selection and is under consideration for the accolade again this season. She was an MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient, MIAA Scholar-Athlete, and MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient all four years of her career. Misse was also tabbed with Pittsburg State’s 2020 Outstanding Senior Award and will graduate Summa Cum Laude from the university.

Misse engaged in numerous projects as a volunteer including the Honors College Association, activities with community members with special needs, and visiting residents at a local nursing home. She is an active member of the Kansas Association of Nursing Students and serves as a faculty-peer liaison for the PSU School of Nursing. Misses also helped the campus community as she was an ambassador or reception host at events for alumni, donors, and legislators. 

The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA’s COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume. Winners of the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Friday, May 22. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced its 2019 Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Awards. The male winner was Jace McDown of Emporia State and the female winner was Piper Misse of Pittsburg State.Jace McDown - Emporia State, FootballMcDown was a football student-athlete during the fall season for the Hornets. As a linebacker, he was selected as an honorable mention All-American and also received first-team All-MIAA accolades. McDown led the Association with 58 solo tackles and was second with 95 total tackles. His peers on the team voted him as the best teammate and most outstanding player.Academically, the junior carried a 3.98 GPA in Health and Human Performance. McDown’s work in the classroom, combined with his play on the field allowed him to be named a second-team CoSIDA Academic All-America selection and a D2 Athletic Director's Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Award winner. He was also an MIAA Scholar-Athlete and Academic Honor Roll Recipient over his career. The 2019-2020 Emporia State most outstanding male student-athlete logged volunteered time with the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, the National Strength &amp; Conditioning Association Conference, and at powerlifting meets at local high schools. He was also active in ESU’s HornetFest which was in conjunction with NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Love2Play Initiative and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as the chapter’s vice president. Piper Misse - Pittsburg State, Cross CountryMisse was a cross country student-athlete during the fall season for the Gorillas. She captured her second career individual MIAA cross country championship in 2019 and helped PSU to its third straight conference title. Misse, and the Gorillas, also qualified for the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country Championships in the fall season. In the classroom, the senior excelled with a 4.0 GPA in nursing. Misse was a 2018-19 Google Cloud Academic All-America selection and is under consideration for the accolade again this season. She was an MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient, MIAA Scholar-Athlete, and MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient all four years of her career. Misse was also tabbed with Pittsburg State’s 2020 Outstanding Senior Award and will graduate Summa Cum Laude from the university.Misse engaged in numerous projects as a volunteer including the Honors College Association, activities with community members with special needs, and visiting residents at a local nursing home. She is an active member of the Kansas Association of Nursing Students and serves as a faculty-peer liaison for the PSU School of Nursing. Misses also helped the campus community as she was an ambassador or reception host at events for alumni, donors, and legislators. The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA’s COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume. Winners of the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Friday, May 22. A 15-member committee comprised of one administrator from each MIAA institution and the conference office ranked each candidate based on excellence in three categories: Athletic Achievement in that academic year, Career Academic Achievements, and Community/Campus Service during the Academic Year. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA announces Fall Student-Athlete of the Year awards

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Josh-Looney---MWSU-VP-of-Intercollegiate-Athletics-eeb9lo">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU AD JOSH LOONEY</a>

Dave Riggert talked with Missouri Western Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Josh Looney as he gave an update about the Griffon Athletic Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He discusses the financial challenges this has caused, the new 2020-2021 schedule, Chiefs Training Camp and much more!

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Josh-Looney---MWSU-VP-of-Intercollegiate-Athletics-eeb9lo">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU AD JOSH LOONEY</a>Dave Riggert talked with Missouri Western Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Josh Looney as he gave an update about the Griffon Athletic Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the financial challenges this has caused, the new 2020-2021 schedule, Chiefs Training Camp and much more!

1-on-1 with MWSU VP of Intercollegiate Athletics Josh Looney

Mid-Buchanan High School announced on Wednesday the addition of girls soccer to their athletic department and they will begin competing during the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year.

Soccer will be the 13th sports offered at Mid-Buchanan and that season will take place in the spring.  That give the female student-athletes a second sports to compete in during the spring, along with track &amp; field.

The Dragons have hired Danielle Beers as the soccer programs first head coach.  Beers is a Bishop LeBlond graduate and she played collegiately at Truman State University.  This will be the first head coaching job for Beers.

Mid-Buchanan High School announced on Wednesday the addition of girls soccer to their athletic department and they will begin competing during the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year.Soccer will be the 13th sports offered at Mid-Buchanan and that season will take place in the spring. That give the female student-athletes a second sports to compete in during the spring, along with track &amp; field.The Dragons have hired Danielle Beers as the soccer programs first head coach. Beers is a Bishop LeBlond graduate and she played collegiately at Truman State University. This will be the first head coaching job for Beers.

Mid-Buchanan High School announces the addition of girls soccer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) - The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts by football and basketball players effective June 1 as a growing number of college leaders expressed confidence that fall sports will be possible in some form despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

This decision clears the way for individual workouts by athletes, mostly on their own, subject to safety and health protocols decided by their schools or local health officials..

NCAA officials noted that the workouts could go on as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. The status of voluntary workouts for other sports will be determined later.

“We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate resocialization framework,” Penn athletic director and council chair M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement. “Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts.”

From Notre Dame to LSU and more, a number of schools have announced plans to reopen campuses for the fall semester and conferences have begun setting up plans for how to play football amid the pandemic. The latest came this week with the Florida State system announcing plans for its 12 schools and more than 420,000 students.

Many questions remain, including specific safety protocols and whether fans would be allowed if games proceed.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in conference call Wednesday that he believes the Buckeyes could safely play home games with 20,000 to 30,000 fans in its 105,000-seat stadium.

“I think we can get there,” Smith said.

Smith said he hadn’t figured out yet how those 20,000 to 30,000 spectators would be chosen. He said masks and other precautions would be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Smith added that Ohio State is ready to open the 15,000-square-foot Woody Hayes Athletic Center to athletes starting June 8 if the NCAA allows it. About 10 players at a time would be allowed to work out on staggered scheduled with social-distancing and other hygiene precautions in place. Some coaches returned to the complex on a limited basis this week.

Other schools also are looking into ways they can hold workouts as safely as possible.

Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school plans to take the temperature of players daily and make sure they are wearing masks. Massaro has even discussed moving some equipment from the weight room to the Red Floyd Stadium concourse to make sure workouts allow social distancing.

“We’re a little bit kind of almost like guinea pigs,” Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said. “We’re the ones that are coming back first, football’s coming back first all across the country. So we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our part so there’s not a setback, and it’s going to take all of us buying in and doing whatever we can to keep everybody else healthy and safe.”

The presidents of Miami and Notre Dame said in separate interviews they expect the football season to be played.

Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins told MSNBC he expects to have clarity on how — or if — the football season can happen in the next few weeks.

“The team itself, I feel we can manage that one,” Jenkins said. “Then the question is people in the stands. We have an 85,000-person stadium. Can we get 85,000 people in there? That will be a big challenge to do that. But could we get a smaller number -- 10,000, 15,000, 20,000? I don’t know.”

Miami President Julio Frenk told CNN he hopes the Hurricanes can play this fall and that safety would be the top priority.

“They will probably play in empty stadiums, like so many other sports,” Frenk said.

Scott Woodward, the athletic director at defending national champion LSU, said his school was preparing to welcome back its athletes after the Southeastern Conference’s closure of athletic facilities to students is slated to end May 31.

LSU will offer summer classes online and doesn’t have plans to reopen its campus to the general student population at least until the fall semester.

Most athletic departments need the revenue generated from football to fund their other sports. Hundreds of schools are reeling financially from the effects of the pandemic. Athletic departments, particularly at smaller schools and in Division II, have already cut a number of sports.

The NCAA this week lowered the minimum and maximum number of games Division II schools are required to play in all sports next year. The move includes a 33% reduction in the minimum number of games needed for sponsorship and championship qualification in most sports.

Under the plan, D-II schools must play at least five football games to maintain NCAA sponsorship and at least seven games to be eligible for playoff consideration. The maximum number of allowable games is 10.

The requirements would return to normal in 2021-22.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) - The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts by football and basketball players effective June 1 as a growing number of college leaders expressed confidence that fall sports will be possible in some form despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.This decision clears the way for individual workouts by athletes, mostly on their own, subject to safety and health protocols decided by their schools or local health officials..NCAA officials noted that the workouts could go on as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. The status of voluntary workouts for other sports will be determined later.“We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate resocialization framework,” Penn athletic director and council chair M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement. “Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts.”From Notre Dame to LSU and more, a number of schools have announced plans to reopen campuses for the fall semester and conferences have begun setting up plans for how to play football amid the pandemic. The latest came this week with the Florida State system announcing plans for its 12 schools and more than 420,000 students.Many questions remain, including specific safety protocols and whether fans would be allowed if games proceed.Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in conference call Wednesday that he believes the Buckeyes could safely play home games with 20,000 to 30,000 fans in its 105,000-seat stadium.“I think we can get there,” Smith said.Smith said he hadn’t figured out yet how those 20,000 to 30,000 spectators would be chosen. He said masks and other precautions would be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.Smith added that Ohio State is ready to open the 15,000-square-foot Woody Hayes Athletic Center to athletes starting June 8 if the NCAA allows it. About 10 players at a time would be allowed to work out on staggered scheduled with social-distancing and other hygiene precautions in place. Some coaches returned to the complex on a limited basis this week.Other schools also are looking into ways they can hold workouts as safely as possible.Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school plans to take the temperature of players daily and make sure they are wearing masks. Massaro has even discussed moving some equipment from the weight room to the Red Floyd Stadium concourse to make sure workouts allow social distancing.“We’re a little bit kind of almost like guinea pigs,” Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said. “We’re the ones that are coming back first, football’s coming back first all across the country. So we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our part so there’s not a setback, and it’s going to take all of us buying in and doing whatever we can to keep everybody else healthy and safe.”The presidents of Miami and Notre Dame said in separate interviews they expect the football season to be played.Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins told MSNBC he expects to have clarity on how — or if — the football season can happen in the next few weeks.“The team itself, I feel we can manage that one,” Jenkins said. “Then the question is people in the stands. We have an 85,000-person stadium. Can we get 85,000 people in there? That will be a big challenge to do that. But could we get a smaller number -- 10,000, 15,000, 20,000? I don’t know.”Miami President Julio Frenk told CNN he hopes the Hurricanes can play this fall and that safety would be the top priority.“They will probably play in empty stadiums, like so many other sports,” Frenk said.Scott Woodward, the athletic director at defending national champion LSU, said his school was preparing to welcome back its athletes after the Southeastern Conference’s closure of athletic facilities to students is slated to end May 31.LSU will offer summer classes online and doesn’t have plans to reopen its campus to the general student population at least until the fall semester.Most athletic departments need the revenue generated from football to fund their other sports. Hundreds of schools are reeling financially from the effects of the pandemic. Athletic departments, particularly at smaller schools and in Division II, have already cut a number of sports.The NCAA this week lowered the minimum and maximum number of games Division II schools are required to play in all sports next year. The move includes a 33% reduction in the minimum number of games needed for sponsorship and championship qualification in most sports.Under the plan, D-II schools must play at least five football games to maintain NCAA sponsorship and at least seven games to be eligible for playoff consideration. The maximum number of allowable games is 10.The requirements would return to normal in 2021-22.--- Associated Press ---

NCAA Division I football, basketball players permitted to workout starting June 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The NCAA Division II President’s Council announced today that it has adjusted Division II's maximum number of permissible contests (in all sports) for the 2020-21 academic year.&nbsp; This action by the NCAA is a response to help Division II institutions manage the economic fallout from the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp; The Council has also approved changes to the division's minimum number of contests (in all sports) that must be completed for postseason selection for the 2020-21 academic year. The maximum and minimum number of contests for the 2020-2021 academic year&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/fe485d7d-e122-459b-8a0f-4204a1754877?elinkdata=144643" target="_blank">are available here</a>.&nbsp;

With these changes set for Division II, the MIAA’s scheduling subcommittee will review MIAA schedules for the 2020-21 academic year, and make modifications where necessary to comply with the new NCAA requirements.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee is comprised of an administrator from each MIAA member institution.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee will make its recommendations in the next few weeks, and the Association is hopeful that MIAA schedule adjustments will be approved by the MIAA CEO Council when that group meets by videoconference on June 15.

"I applaud the NCAA for this quick action to help schools address the disruption and budget shortfalls occurring in higher education", stated&nbsp;MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.&nbsp; "As state tax revenues continue to decline, and state expenses continue to increase, and higher education appropriations in each state continue to shrink, these NCAA reductions in every Division II sport will assist MIAA athletics departments as they make adjustments to their 2020-21 budgets."

As noted by the NCAA, the emergency one-year recommendations from the President’s Council are focused on institutional cost savings, reducing athletics operating costs as a result of COVID-19 compliance, and preserving fair and equitable standards for Division II championships' selection and competition.

The Presidents Council said: "NCAA Division II conferences and institutions have acknowledged through survey feedback on contests reductions that COVID-19 has presented us with financial challenges that we are proactively addressing together. In that spirit, and as a result of the governance structure’s decision to reduce contest maximums, thus affecting current schedules, we strongly encourage all member institutions and conferences to work cooperatively and collegially when adjusting schedules. Please keep in mind the purpose behind these actions is to assist all institutions with short-term financial concerns so that we may emerge stronger as a membership and division."&nbsp;

The one-year scheduling changes considered by the President's Council were&nbsp;recommended by the NCAA Management Council&nbsp;after the Council reviewed feedback from several leadership groups including Division II governance committees, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC, and two surveys of the Division II membership.

“As a student-athlete, it is not easy to accept that I will be playing a shorter season. However, I know that the NCAA and MIAA put student-athletes first and I understand that cutting the maximums will help more institutions to stay open and athletic programs to compete equitably,” stated Mackenzie O’Neill, Missouri Western women’s soccer student-athlete and the MIAA’s NCAA Division II National SAAC Representative. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, and this season is going to look different. I trust the MIAA will adjust to this adversity, as we have from the beginning, and continue to uphold a high level of competition throughout the conference.“



KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The NCAA Division II President’s Council announced today that it has adjusted Division II's maximum number of permissible contests (in all sports) for the 2020-21 academic year.&nbsp; This action by the NCAA is a response to help Division II institutions manage the economic fallout from the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp; The Council has also approved changes to the division's minimum number of contests (in all sports) that must be completed for postseason selection for the 2020-21 academic year. The maximum and minimum number of contests for the 2020-2021 academic year&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/fe485d7d-e122-459b-8a0f-4204a1754877?elinkdata=144643" target="_blank">are available here</a>.&nbsp;With these changes set for Division II, the MIAA’s scheduling subcommittee will review MIAA schedules for the 2020-21 academic year, and make modifications where necessary to comply with the new NCAA requirements.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee is comprised of an administrator from each MIAA member institution.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee will make its recommendations in the next few weeks, and the Association is hopeful that MIAA schedule adjustments will be approved by the MIAA CEO Council when that group meets by videoconference on June 15."I applaud the NCAA for this quick action to help schools address the disruption and budget shortfalls occurring in higher education", stated&nbsp;MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.&nbsp; "As state tax revenues continue to decline, and state expenses continue to increase, and higher education appropriations in each state continue to shrink, these NCAA reductions in every Division II sport will assist MIAA athletics departments as they make adjustments to their 2020-21 budgets."As noted by the NCAA, the emergency one-year recommendations from the President’s Council are focused on institutional cost savings, reducing athletics operating costs as a result of COVID-19 compliance, and preserving fair and equitable standards for Division II championships' selection and competition.The Presidents Council said: "NCAA Division II conferences and institutions have acknowledged through survey feedback on contests reductions that COVID-19 has presented us with financial challenges that we are proactively addressing together. In that spirit, and as a result of the governance structure’s decision to reduce contest maximums, thus affecting current schedules, we strongly encourage all member institutions and conferences to work cooperatively and collegially when adjusting schedules. Please keep in mind the purpose behind these actions is to assist all institutions with short-term financial concerns so that we may emerge stronger as a membership and division."&nbsp;The one-year scheduling changes considered by the President's Council were&nbsp;recommended by the NCAA Management Council&nbsp;after the Council reviewed feedback from several leadership groups including Division II governance committees, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC, and two surveys of the Division II membership.“As a student-athlete, it is not easy to accept that I will be playing a shorter season. However, I know that the NCAA and MIAA put student-athletes first and I understand that cutting the maximums will help more institutions to stay open and athletic programs to compete equitably,” stated Mackenzie O’Neill, Missouri Western women’s soccer student-athlete and the MIAA’s NCAA Division II National SAAC Representative. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, and this season is going to look different. I trust the MIAA will adjust to this adversity, as we have from the beginning, and continue to uphold a high level of competition throughout the conference.“

---- MIAA Press Release ---

Division II schedules to be reduced in 2020-21 because of COVID-19


















The Northwest
Missouri State University Department of Athletics has postponed or canceled all
camps in the month of June.


Camps scheduled in July are tentatively slated to be held as scheduled at this
time.

Continue to check <a href="http://www.BearcatSports.com">www.BearcatSports.com</a>
and <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/camps/sports.htm">https://www.nwmissouri.edu/camps/sports.htm</a>
for the latest scheduling changes and developments.

June Camps
Postponed/Canceled Football Team Camp I (June 5-6) – Postponed Individual Camp (June 7) – Postponed Team Camp II (June 12-13) – Postponed Men's Basketball Team Shootout (June 10-12) – Postponed Kids Day Camp (June 15-17) – Postponed Women's Basketball Youth Camp (June 8-10) – Canceled Two Day Team Shoot-Out (June 17-18) – Postponed One Day Team Shoot-Out (June 18) - Postponed Elite Skills Camp (June 19) – TBD Tennis Camp I (June 8-11) – Canceled Camp II (June 15-18 - Canceled

The Northwest
Missouri State University Department of Athletics has postponed or canceled all
camps in the month of June.
Camps scheduled in July are tentatively slated to be held as scheduled at this
time.
Continue to check <a href="http://www.BearcatSports.com">www.BearcatSports.com</a>
and <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/camps/sports.htm">https://www.nwmissouri.edu/camps/sports.htm</a>
for the latest scheduling changes and developments.June Camps
Postponed/Canceled Football Team Camp I (June 5-6) – Postponed Individual Camp (June 7) – Postponed Team Camp II (June 12-13) – Postponed Men's Basketball Team Shootout (June 10-12) – Postponed Kids Day Camp (June 15-17) – Postponed Women's Basketball Youth Camp (June 8-10) – Canceled Two Day Team Shoot-Out (June 17-18) – Postponed One Day Team Shoot-Out (June 18) - Postponed Elite Skills Camp (June 19) – TBD Tennis Camp I (June 8-11) – Canceled Camp II (June 15-18 - Canceled--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest Athletics postponing or canceling all camps in June

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Highlighted by Big 12-leading marks from the women’s tennis and women’s cross country programs, all of Kansas State’s athletic teams met and exceeded the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate multi-year standard for the ninth straight year as the NCAA released its latest Division I APR data from the 2018-19 academic year. 

Also, the women’s tennis and women’s cross country programs were awarded APR Public Recognition distinction after posting perfect 1000 multi-year APRs which placed in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport. 

Kansas State’s highest ratings came from the two programs that earned Public Recognition Awards in addition to the football program (979) which ranked second in the Big 12, while the men’s cross country (986, men’s golf (994) and women’s track and field (998) all ranked in the top half of the league. Other multi-year scores included baseball (966, men’s basketball (956, men’s track and field (966, women’s basketball (970, rowing (984, women’s golf (991, women’s soccer (991) and volleyball (984).

Also of note, a total of five programs recorded perfect current year marks as the men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s tennis, men’s golf and women’s golf teams had perfect 1000 marks.

The Academic Progress Rate measures the eligibility, retention and graduation of student-athletes competing on every Division I sports team and also serves as a predictor of graduation success. Each year, the NCAA tracks the classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I team through the annual scorecard of academic achievement, known as APR. The score measures eligibility and retention each semester or quarter and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years.

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Highlighted by Big 12-leading marks from the women’s tennis and women’s cross country programs, all of Kansas State’s athletic teams met and exceeded the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate multi-year standard for the ninth straight year as the NCAA released its latest Division I APR data from the 2018-19 academic year. Also, the women’s tennis and women’s cross country programs were awarded APR Public Recognition distinction after posting perfect 1000 multi-year APRs which placed in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport. Kansas State’s highest ratings came from the two programs that earned Public Recognition Awards in addition to the football program (979) which ranked second in the Big 12, while the men’s cross country (986, men’s golf (994) and women’s track and field (998) all ranked in the top half of the league. Other multi-year scores included baseball (966, men’s basketball (956, men’s track and field (966, women’s basketball (970, rowing (984, women’s golf (991, women’s soccer (991) and volleyball (984).Also of note, a total of five programs recorded perfect current year marks as the men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s tennis, men’s golf and women’s golf teams had perfect 1000 marks.The Academic Progress Rate measures the eligibility, retention and graduation of student-athletes competing on every Division I sports team and also serves as a predictor of graduation success. Each year, the NCAA tracks the classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I team through the annual scorecard of academic achievement, known as APR. The score measures eligibility and retention each semester or quarter and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years.--- K-State Athletics ---

K-State programs shine in APR report for ninth straight year

Northwest Missouri State freshman women's tennis player Vera Alenicheva has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Central Region Rookie of the Year.

Alenicheva (Moscow, Russia) posted a 9-1 record for the Bearcats during the abbreviated 2019-2020 season. She was a perfect 8-0 at No. 2 singles in the dual portion of the campaign. Alenicheva also notched a doubles mark of 6-2, including a 4-1 mark at No. 2 doubles with teammate Julia Aliseda in the spring.

Northwest Missouri State freshman women's tennis player Vera Alenicheva has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Central Region Rookie of the Year.Alenicheva (Moscow, Russia) posted a 9-1 record for the Bearcats during the abbreviated 2019-2020 season. She was a perfect 8-0 at No. 2 singles in the dual portion of the campaign. Alenicheva also notched a doubles mark of 6-2, including a 4-1 mark at No. 2 doubles with teammate Julia Aliseda in the spring.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcats' Alenicheva named ITA Central Region Rookie of the Year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Twenty-three members of the Missouri Western track &amp; field teams were recognized as part of the MIAA Academic Awards were released for both the men's and women's teams on Monday.

Jacob Oyler and Taylor Robinson received MIAA Academic Excellence Awards for achieving at least a 4.0 GPA at a certifying member institution. The duo joined 21 of their teammates on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll for having at least a 3.0 GPA. Those on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll from the men's team included: Graham Buresh, Logan Cutler, Nate Daugherty-Parrish, Derek Dixon, Nathan Haggerty, Konner Larkin, Oyler, Dallas Thompson and Andrew Wright. From the women's team, Tara Bergman, Grace Bryant, Kelsey Cox, Morgan Doyle, Bailey Gilbert, Megan Gillen, Allison Goos, Grace Langford, Lynzi Miller, Claire Reedy, Robinson, Kallin Sheppard, Savannah Simmons and Sydney Stigall were all named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

MIAA Newcomer Academic Awards for freshmen and first-year transfers from all seasons will be released at a later date.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Twenty-three members of the Missouri Western track &amp; field teams were recognized as part of the MIAA Academic Awards were released for both the men's and women's teams on Monday.Jacob Oyler and Taylor Robinson received MIAA Academic Excellence Awards for achieving at least a 4.0 GPA at a certifying member institution. The duo joined 21 of their teammates on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll for having at least a 3.0 GPA. Those on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll from the men's team included: Graham Buresh, Logan Cutler, Nate Daugherty-Parrish, Derek Dixon, Nathan Haggerty, Konner Larkin, Oyler, Dallas Thompson and Andrew Wright. From the women's team, Tara Bergman, Grace Bryant, Kelsey Cox, Morgan Doyle, Bailey Gilbert, Megan Gillen, Allison Goos, Grace Langford, Lynzi Miller, Claire Reedy, Robinson, Kallin Sheppard, Savannah Simmons and Sydney Stigall were all named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.MIAA Newcomer Academic Awards for freshmen and first-year transfers from all seasons will be released at a later date.--- MWSU Athletics ---

23 Griffons named to MIAA Track & Field Academic Honor Roll

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat women's outdoor track and field team had 17 student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the competition platform.

The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 women's outdoor track and field season. More than 215 women's student-athletes were recognized for their work in the classroom.

Five Bearcat women earned the distinguished Academic Excellence Award. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Excellence members for women's indoor track and field is available here.

Keely Danielsen	So.	4.00	Political Science	Kansas City, Missouri

Jordan Hammond	Gr.	4.00	Applied Health: Sports Sciences	Kansas City, Missouri

Makayla Hewell	Gr.	4.00	Recreation	Alto, Georgia

Lisette Perez	So.	4.00	Recreation and Park Management	Nixa, Missouri

Lauren Shapcott	So.	4.00	Radiologic Sciences	Underwood, Iowa

The achievement of Academic Honor Roll was accomplished by 17 Bearcat indoor track and field performers. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for women's outdoor track and field is available here.

Moe Bianchi	So.	3.02	Marketing	Papillion, Nebraska

Erinn Fitzgerald	So.	3.84	Biology/Psychology	Salisbury, Missouri

Jordan Hammond	Gr.	4.00	Applied Health Sports Sciences	Kansas City, Missouri

Amaya Hernandez	So.	3.74	Undecided	Blue Springs, Missouri

Mercedes Isaacson-Cover	Sr.	3.63	Psychology	Elkhorn, Nebraska

Shayleigh James	Sr.	3.68	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Alex Koschel	Jr.	3.37	Finance: Financial Management	Loveland, Colorado

Hiba Mahgoub	Sr.	3.46	Finance: Financial Management	Kansas City, Missouri

Randi Overkamp	So.	3.82	Business Management	Columbia, Missouri

Addie Palser	So.	3.55	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Kearney, Nebraska

Caroline Ross	So.	3.76	Human Services	Cedar Falls, Iowa

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat women's outdoor track and field team had 17 student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the competition platform.The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 women's outdoor track and field season. More than 215 women's student-athletes were recognized for their work in the classroom.Five Bearcat women earned the distinguished Academic Excellence Award. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Excellence members for women's indoor track and field is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownKeely Danielsen	So.	4.00	Political Science	Kansas City, MissouriJordan Hammond	Gr.	4.00	Applied Health: Sports Sciences	Kansas City, MissouriMakayla Hewell	Gr.	4.00	Recreation	Alto, GeorgiaLisette Perez	So.	4.00	Recreation and Park Management	Nixa, MissouriLauren Shapcott	So.	4.00	Radiologic Sciences	Underwood, IowaThe achievement of Academic Honor Roll was accomplished by 17 Bearcat indoor track and field performers. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for women's outdoor track and field is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownMoe Bianchi	So.	3.02	Marketing	Papillion, NebraskaKeely Danielsen	So.	4.00	Political Science	Kansas City, MissouriErinn Fitzgerald	So.	3.84	Biology/Psychology	Salisbury, MissouriJordan Hammond	Gr.	4.00	Applied Health Sports Sciences	Kansas City, MissouriAmaya Hernandez	So.	3.74	Undecided	Blue Springs, MissouriMakayla Hewell	Gr.	4.00	Recreation	Alto, GeorgiaMercedes Isaacson-Cover	Sr.	3.63	Psychology	Elkhorn, NebraskaShayleigh James	Sr.	3.68	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Scottsbluff, NebraskaAlex Koschel	Jr.	3.37	Finance: Financial Management	Loveland, ColoradoHiba Mahgoub	Sr.	3.46	Finance: Financial Management	Kansas City, MissouriRandi Overkamp	So.	3.82	Business Management	Columbia, MissouriAddie Palser	So.	3.55	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Kearney, NebraskaLisette Perez	So.	4.00	Recreation and Park Management	Nixa, MissouriCaroline Ross	So.	3.76	Human Services	Cedar Falls, IowaLauren Shapcott	So.	4.00	Radiologic Sciences	Underwood, IowaSymaih Smith	So.	3.17	Human Services	Blue Springs, MissouriAudrey Wichmann	Gr.	3.75	MBA - General Management	Kirksville, Missouri--- Northwest Athletics ---