MARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.

Literally. The program didn't exist until he started there in 2017.

Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.

Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.

Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job.

"(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."

Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.

Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail during that time.

"(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."

Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.

He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history.

"Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said.

"He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'"

"He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"

Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.

Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.

McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.

That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.

Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."

"I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that."

"'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."

Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.

But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas.

"We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."

&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.

&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.

- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713988365177.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.Literally. The program didn't exist until he started there in 2017.Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job."(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail during that time."(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history."Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said."He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'""He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."Both in tempo and in work ethic."I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that.""'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas."We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."Other news and notes&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."Full audio<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Matt-Keeley---full-press-conference-e2iraam" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990561097.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990603795.jpeg" alt="Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right)." />
 <figcaption>Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Matt Keeley looks to 'embrace greatness' as new Northwest men's basketball coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.

Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur back out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.

Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.

Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. He was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — but he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.

After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.

The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.

Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.

The Royals take on the Blue Jays again Wednesday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713926914717.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur back out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. He was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — but he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.The Royals take on the Blue Jays again Wednesday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Witt's 2-run double after a costly Blue Jays error sends Kansas City to a 3-2 win over Toronto

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.

The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.

Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.

He ran into trouble in the sixth, allowing a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.

Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three. Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save.

Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.

Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.

Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.

The Royals take on the Blue Jays again Tuesday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713839444810.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.He ran into trouble in the sixth, allowing a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three. Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save.Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.Varsho's homer in the sixth made it 5-0.The Royals take on the Blue Jays again Tuesday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Bo Bichette has 3-run triple, Yusei Kikuchi solid as Blue Jays beat Royals 5-3 for 7th win in 9

Ashton Feldhaus grew up in Richmond, Kentucky, surrounded by basketball and coaching royalty.

Her father, Allen Feldhaus Jr., has been the head boys' basketball coach at Madison Central High School in Richmond for 31 years, amassing over 700 career wins in that time.

Ashton's mother, Karen, is the head cheer coach at Madison Central, and has been for over three decades. She's led the Indians to 11 state titles and a&nbsp;Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship in the small varsity division in 2021.

Her uncle, Deron, is a Kentucky Wildcat legend, who played on a 1991-92 team known as the "Unforgettables."

So, when Ashton got the offer to become the next head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University, she felt more than ready.

"I grew up watching two coaches," Feldhaus said. "I knew I wanted to do it. I also knew I didn't want to be a teacher. College athletics was the way for me to go, so I didn't have to teach. Now, I will just teach the game of basketball to these amazing young women."

Feldhaus, 28, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5bb78909-68af-47c7-b40a-aca3ca00db7d">was picked as the Griffons' 10th women's basketball coach</a> on April 15. She was formally introduced at a press conference at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph on Monday.

Feldhaus comes to Western after a vastly successful stint at Eckerd College - a Division II school in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She spent the last five seasons with the Tritons as an assistant coach, including the last two years as the associate head coach. Feldhaus helped Eckerd to an NCAA tournament bid in each of her five years there, working under longtime head coach Paul Honsinger.

"I feel fully prepared to be standing here in front of you, ready to lead this (Missouri Western) team, but know for certain I could not be here without (Paul)," Feldhaus said of her former boss. "So, I hope he knows how grateful I am. I feel forever indebted to him for starting my career."

The Tritons posted a 91-28 overall record in Feldhaus' five years there.

 Missouri Western, under Candi Whitaker, went 100-47 in exact that same span, winning a Central region title (2022) and an MIAA regular season title (2024) along the way.

"For me, I see nothing but excitement and opportunity," Feldhaus said, noting Western's proud history in women's hoops. "I'm ready to take a bar that's already set high and a team that's already won rings and win more. That is the goal and I do not shy away from that."

Feldhaus will turn 29 this June. Having played at both Butler and UT-Martin, she&nbsp;was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Annual 'Thirty Under 30' Class this past March.

Her energy, her vision, her credentials, matched what Missouri Western's leadership was seeking.

"Energetic, confident, prepared," Carter said of Feldhaus, recalling his first meeting with her. "Sometimes, when you talk to a group of assistant coaches, you walk out and say, 'that's why they're assistant coaches. They don't think as a head coach.'"

"It's clear Ashton already sees herself in that role."

Carter says over 150 people applied to the job after <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2d7a1e70-209e-4807-aa1c-23ab926ff51b">Whitaker announced her departure for North Alabama</a> on March 25.

That field was narrowed to six finalists on April 2 and then to three by April 8. Feldhaus was chosen a week later.

"There were probably 30-40 coaches in that search process that could do a really good job, but we wanted to find the person who was the very best fit for Missouri Western and our culture and where we're going and the things we want to accomplish."

Feldhaus had a brief practice and meeting with the team on Sunday evening at MWSU Fieldhouse. The players will take their final exams this week, and then go home for summer break.

Missouri Western just graduated six seniors. The Griffons have nine players on roster that would be eligible to come back.

In this transfer portal era of college basketball, it's near impossible to tell who's going to end up where when the dust settles.

Regardless, Feldhaus is eager to attack this challenge before her, knowing that she can relate to the challenges players are facing today.

She was a college player herself only six years ago.

"It's awkward, at first, to be honest," Feldhaus said of the transition. "You're trying to get to know them, they're trying to get to know you. I told them, 'Guys, it's going to take time. Relationship building takes time.'"

"But, I'm invested in it and here now, so we're going to do it, and I laid it out for them. I hope they're as excited as I am, because I thought they've been fantastic up to this point."

All nine players who are eligible to return were present Monday. Feldhaus will meet with each player individually in the coming days.

 Sophomore forward Kassandra Caron says the new coach is very matter-of-fact and driven to win, but also empathizes with what players are going through on and off the court.

"She talked about her experiences as a college athlete," Caron said. "She said, 'I want to make it enjoyable for you.'" It's nice to have someone who's been through it recently. They understand and know how hard it is to balance those academics and athletics while traveling."

Freshman guard, Benton graduate and St. Joseph native Kelsey Johnson was also impressed with the energy Feldhaus has brought.

"She brought so much energy," Johnson said. "It was her first time out there coaching us, and she brought that drive for us. I think it'll be a great next couple years for us."

"She's young, but she knows what she's talking about and she's confident. We love the way she coaches, so I'm excited."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713817553632.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (left), women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right). Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (left), women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right). Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAshton Feldhaus grew up in Richmond, Kentucky, surrounded by basketball and coaching royalty.Her father, Allen Feldhaus Jr., has been the head boys' basketball coach at Madison Central High School in Richmond for 31 years, amassing over 700 career wins in that time.Ashton's mother, Karen, is the head cheer coach at Madison Central, and has been for over three decades. She's led the Indians to 11 state titles and a&nbsp;Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship in the small varsity division in 2021.Her uncle, Deron, is a Kentucky Wildcat legend, who played on a 1991-92 team known as the "Unforgettables."So, when Ashton got the offer to become the next head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University, she felt more than ready."I grew up watching two coaches," Feldhaus said. "I knew I wanted to do it. I also knew I didn't want to be a teacher. College athletics was the way for me to go, so I didn't have to teach. Now, I will just teach the game of basketball to these amazing young women."Feldhaus, 28, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5bb78909-68af-47c7-b40a-aca3ca00db7d">was picked as the Griffons' 10th women's basketball coach</a> on April 15. She was formally introduced at a press conference at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph on Monday.Feldhaus comes to Western after a vastly successful stint at Eckerd College - a Division II school in St. Petersburg, Florida.She spent the last five seasons with the Tritons as an assistant coach, including the last two years as the associate head coach. Feldhaus helped Eckerd to an NCAA tournament bid in each of her five years there, working under longtime head coach Paul Honsinger."I feel fully prepared to be standing here in front of you, ready to lead this (Missouri Western) team, but know for certain I could not be here without (Paul)," Feldhaus said of her former boss. "So, I hope he knows how grateful I am. I feel forever indebted to him for starting my career."The Tritons posted a 91-28 overall record in Feldhaus' five years there. Missouri Western, under Candi Whitaker, went 100-47 in exact that same span, winning a Central region title (2022) and an MIAA regular season title (2024) along the way."For me, I see nothing but excitement and opportunity," Feldhaus said, noting Western's proud history in women's hoops. "I'm ready to take a bar that's already set high and a team that's already won rings and win more. That is the goal and I do not shy away from that."Feldhaus will turn 29 this June. Having played at both Butler and UT-Martin, she&nbsp;was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Annual 'Thirty Under 30' Class this past March.Her energy, her vision, her credentials, matched what Missouri Western's leadership was seeking."Energetic, confident, prepared," Carter said of Feldhaus, recalling his first meeting with her. "Sometimes, when you talk to a group of assistant coaches, you walk out and say, 'that's why they're assistant coaches. They don't think as a head coach.'""It's clear Ashton already sees herself in that role."Carter says over 150 people applied to the job after <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2d7a1e70-209e-4807-aa1c-23ab926ff51b">Whitaker announced her departure for North Alabama</a> on March 25.That field was narrowed to six finalists on April 2 and then to three by April 8. Feldhaus was chosen a week later."There were probably 30-40 coaches in that search process that could do a really good job, but we wanted to find the person who was the very best fit for Missouri Western and our culture and where we're going and the things we want to accomplish."Feldhaus had a brief practice and meeting with the team on Sunday evening at MWSU Fieldhouse. The players will take their final exams this week, and then go home for summer break.Missouri Western just graduated six seniors. The Griffons have nine players on roster that would be eligible to come back.In this transfer portal era of college basketball, it's near impossible to tell who's going to end up where when the dust settles.Regardless, Feldhaus is eager to attack this challenge before her, knowing that she can relate to the challenges players are facing today.She was a college player herself only six years ago."It's awkward, at first, to be honest," Feldhaus said of the transition. "You're trying to get to know them, they're trying to get to know you. I told them, 'Guys, it's going to take time. Relationship building takes time.'""But, I'm invested in it and here now, so we're going to do it, and I laid it out for them. I hope they're as excited as I am, because I thought they've been fantastic up to this point."Players' reactionAll nine players who are eligible to return were present Monday. Feldhaus will meet with each player individually in the coming days. Sophomore forward Kassandra Caron says the new coach is very matter-of-fact and driven to win, but also empathizes with what players are going through on and off the court."She talked about her experiences as a college athlete," Caron said. "She said, 'I want to make it enjoyable for you.'" It's nice to have someone who's been through it recently. They understand and know how hard it is to balance those academics and athletics while traveling."Freshman guard, Benton graduate and St. Joseph native Kelsey Johnson was also impressed with the energy Feldhaus has brought."She brought so much energy," Johnson said. "It was her first time out there coaching us, and she brought that drive for us. I think it'll be a great next couple years for us.""She's young, but she knows what she's talking about and she's confident. We love the way she coaches, so I'm excited."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🏀 “You know when you’re time’s right.” Join us today as we introduce new <a href="https://twitter.com/GriffonWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GriffonWBB</a> head coach Ashton Feldhaus. The press conference is open to the public. 📍 - Spratt Stadium HOF Room 🕛 - 12pm 📺 - <a href="https://t.co/cuwsLMy4qt">https://t.co/cuwsLMy4qt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GriffUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GriffUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/oNx7kRWpU7">pic.twitter.com/oNx7kRWpU7</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1782420631306297441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Audio from Monday<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Ashton-Feldhaus---FULL-press-conference-e2invd7/a-ab6p4k0" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Ashton-Feldhaus---1x1-media-session-e2invfe/a-ab6p4o8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Kelsey-Johnson--Kassandra-Caron-e2invh4/a-ab6p4rm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713820011834.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Feldhaus 'fully prepared' to be Missouri Western's women's basketball coach

Longtime St. Joseph resident and historian, Bob Slater, has
been honored by the Kansas City Royals, which named Slater a Buck O’Neil Legacy
Seat recipient.

Slater, a former reporter for the St. Joseph News Press and
Vice President of the then-St. Joseph Light and Power Company, was honored
Sunday for his numerous volunteer activities throughout the years.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLongtime St. Joseph resident and historian, Bob Slater, has
been honored by the Kansas City Royals, which named Slater a Buck O’Neil Legacy
Seat recipient.Slater, a former reporter for the St. Joseph News Press and
Vice President of the then-St. Joseph Light and Power Company, was honored
Sunday for his numerous volunteer activities throughout the years.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Slater honored at Royals game with Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.

Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.

“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”

The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.

Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.

Cowser's splash came one day after he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.

“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”

Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.

Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.

The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.

“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”

Royals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.

The Royals continue a seven-game homestand Monday night against Toronto with RHP Brady Singer (2-0, 1.54 ERA) on the mound.&nbsp; First pitch at 6:40pm with pregame at 6 on KFEQ.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.Cowser's splash came one day after he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.UP NEXTThe Royals continue a seven-game homestand Monday night against Toronto with RHP Brady Singer (2-0, 1.54 ERA) on the mound.&nbsp; First pitch at 6:40pm with pregame at 6 on KFEQ.

Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers, helping the Orioles beat the Royals 5-0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.

Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.

Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.

Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.

Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.

Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.

Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.

Kansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.

Baltimore LHP Cole Irvin (0-1, 6.75 ERA) goes to the mound and Kansas City sends RHP Seth Lugo (3-0, 1.05) for Sunday’s series finale.&nbsp; Pregame at 12:30pm with first pitch at 1:10 on KFEQ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713668530710.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.ROSTER MOVESKansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTBaltimore LHP Cole Irvin (0-1, 6.75 ERA) goes to the mound and Kansas City sends RHP Seth Lugo (3-0, 1.05) for Sunday’s series finale.&nbsp; Pregame at 12:30pm with first pitch at 1:10 on KFEQ.

Kimbrel gets 422nd save, Santander hits 3 doubles and Orioles beat Royals 9-7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles' four-game winning streak.

Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.

Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.

MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Michael Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.

Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate as Kansas City won its ninth straight home game.

Alec Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings.

The Royals take on the Orioles again Saturday evening with first pitch at 6:10. Coverage begins at 5:30 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713581267441.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles' four-game winning streak.Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Michael Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate as Kansas City won its ninth straight home game.Alec Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings.The Royals take on the Orioles again Saturday evening with first pitch at 6:10. Coverage begins at 5:30 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Pasquantino, Melendez homer as Royals win 9-4 and stop Orioles' 4-game winning streak

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri is planning a $250 million renovation of Memorial Stadium.

The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project, expected to be completed by the 2026 season, will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add a variety of new premium seating options. The field-level Bunker Club in the south end zone will be converted to a team recruiting center, with upgrades to restrooms, concessions and the sound system among other changes.

The university's Board of Curators unanimously approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group on Wednesday to handle the project.

The Tigers have played in Memorial Stadium since 1926.

“We are competing in a dynamic, highly ambitious environment in intercollegiate athletics and across the totality of higher education,” Board Chair Robin Wenneker said. “We are momentum investing in Memorial Stadium to elevate Mizzou’s national brand and deliver a world-class facility that creates year-round connections for Tiger Nation within the campus, the community and the state of Missouri. We want to be pace setters and establish the new standard for success.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713505241816.jpeg" alt="FILE - Memphis and Missouri play in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo. The university is planning a $250 million renovation of the stadium. The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project, expected to be completed by the 2026 season, will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add a variety of new premium seating options. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Memphis and Missouri play in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo. The university is planning a $250 million renovation of the stadium. The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project, expected to be completed by the 2026 season, will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add a variety of new premium seating options. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri is planning a $250 million renovation of Memorial Stadium.The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project, expected to be completed by the 2026 season, will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add a variety of new premium seating options. The field-level Bunker Club in the south end zone will be converted to a team recruiting center, with upgrades to restrooms, concessions and the sound system among other changes.The university's Board of Curators unanimously approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group on Wednesday to handle the project.The Tigers have played in Memorial Stadium since 1926.“We are competing in a dynamic, highly ambitious environment in intercollegiate athletics and across the totality of higher education,” Board Chair Robin Wenneker said. “We are momentum investing in Memorial Stadium to elevate Mizzou’s national brand and deliver a world-class facility that creates year-round connections for Tiger Nation within the campus, the community and the state of Missouri. We want to be pace setters and establish the new standard for success.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMizzouFootballShowMe%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0gPoK9hsDuJvx4h4c7m6PyVNQSUyDtwxoMGivT5XFdHsnLz3wvbUrNpVBqk8jMCPrl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="670" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

University of Missouri plans $250 million renovation of Memorial Stadium

The Missouri State High School Activities Association announced last May that boys’ volleyball would become a sanctioned sport in the spring of 2024.

Seventy-two schools across Missouri are taking part in this first official season. The majority of them are in the Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas.

 But, one of them is in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Central is fielding a boys’ volleyball team for the first time ever this spring - head coached by Dan McCamy.

A longtime track coach and P.E. teacher, McCamy says getting boys’ volleyball to the city and the state has been a long time coming.

"When we played volleyball in the spring of last year and in the fall this year, we really started looking at the process of recruiting players to be a part of the program," McCamy told KFEQ Radio.

"Evaluating some of those guys through P.E. and trying to encourage them to be a part of something."

Sixty boys tried out for Central’s team. Twenty-three of them are on the roster. McCamy says these 23 boys have brought great energy and enthusiasm each day.

"The energy around our program has been great," he said. "I think the boys have been excited. Every program right now is just excited to be a part of it. The Kansas City teams we play, there's just been good energy toward every match we've been a part of."

Central has played some outstanding competition from the Kansas City area this season. After an 0-3 start, the Indians went onto win three matches in a row, and are now 5-6 on the season.

Not bad, McCamy says, considering nearly all of the schools that Central plays have had either club or intramural volleyball for at least a few years.

"If we can get to a team that I believe, maybe on paper we shouldn't beat, then we're really starting to make those stepping stones in the right direction," he said. "Now, it's always going to be a challenge for us right now, because all of those teams in the Kansas City area have been playing 4-5 years of volleyball."

McCamy’s top assistant is former Missouri Western libero and Leavenworth native Jessica Sachen. She says transitioning from playing women’s college volleyball, to coaching first-year varsity boys, can be a challenge, but also a great reward.

"I love to see growth," she said. "That's why I chose high school, whether it was girls or boys. I wanted to see growth in general in the athletes. I think that's what made me love coaching, really. So, love the boys. Love the team. There's been a lot of growth. I'm excited to see what the next year holds."

Sophomore and outside hitter A.J. Whiteman first tried volleyball in one of McCamy’s P.E. classes.

"Playing volleyball in there was super fun," Whiteman recalled. "Having all of my new teammates trying out this new sport. It was just super exciting compared to basketball. I just got right into it and wanted to learn more."

Freshman libero Rifath Lian says the best part about the experience has been the development and growth of team chemistry.

"We started off really rough," Lian said. "We didn't have great communication. We lacked a lot of skills and we hit the ball very bad. Like, ego hitting. But, I mean, we've gotten a lot better since the start."

Central is the only school in northwest Missouri, north of Kansas City, that’s tried boys’ volleyball so far.

McCamy estimates that won’t be the case much longer.

"With MSHSAA making a stance and saying this is a sport for us, I think you'll see substantial growth because of it. I think there's going to be just a lot more growth here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713467368933.jpeg" alt="Dan McCamy (left) and Jessica Sachen (right) meet with the team before a practice at the CHS Coliseum. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Dan McCamy (left) and Jessica Sachen (right) meet with the team before a practice at the CHS Coliseum. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri State High School Activities Association announced last May that boys’ volleyball would become a sanctioned sport in the spring of 2024.Seventy-two schools across Missouri are taking part in this first official season. The majority of them are in the Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas. But, one of them is in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Central is fielding a boys’ volleyball team for the first time ever this spring - head coached by Dan McCamy.A longtime track coach and P.E. teacher, McCamy says getting boys’ volleyball to the city and the state has been a long time coming."When we played volleyball in the spring of last year and in the fall this year, we really started looking at the process of recruiting players to be a part of the program," McCamy told KFEQ Radio."Evaluating some of those guys through P.E. and trying to encourage them to be a part of something."Sixty boys tried out for Central’s team. Twenty-three of them are on the roster. McCamy says these 23 boys have brought great energy and enthusiasm each day."The energy around our program has been great," he said. "I think the boys have been excited. Every program right now is just excited to be a part of it. The Kansas City teams we play, there's just been good energy toward every match we've been a part of."Central has played some outstanding competition from the Kansas City area this season. After an 0-3 start, the Indians went onto win three matches in a row, and are now 5-6 on the season.Not bad, McCamy says, considering nearly all of the schools that Central plays have had either club or intramural volleyball for at least a few years."If we can get to a team that I believe, maybe on paper we shouldn't beat, then we're really starting to make those stepping stones in the right direction," he said. "Now, it's always going to be a challenge for us right now, because all of those teams in the Kansas City area have been playing 4-5 years of volleyball."McCamy’s top assistant is former Missouri Western libero and Leavenworth native Jessica Sachen. She says transitioning from playing women’s college volleyball, to coaching first-year varsity boys, can be a challenge, but also a great reward."I love to see growth," she said. "That's why I chose high school, whether it was girls or boys. I wanted to see growth in general in the athletes. I think that's what made me love coaching, really. So, love the boys. Love the team. There's been a lot of growth. I'm excited to see what the next year holds."Sophomore and outside hitter A.J. Whiteman first tried volleyball in one of McCamy’s P.E. classes."Playing volleyball in there was super fun," Whiteman recalled. "Having all of my new teammates trying out this new sport. It was just super exciting compared to basketball. I just got right into it and wanted to learn more."Freshman libero Rifath Lian says the best part about the experience has been the development and growth of team chemistry."We started off really rough," Lian said. "We didn't have great communication. We lacked a lot of skills and we hit the ball very bad. Like, ego hitting. But, I mean, we've gotten a lot better since the start."Central is the only school in northwest Missouri, north of Kansas City, that’s tried boys’ volleyball so far.McCamy estimates that won’t be the case much longer."With MSHSAA making a stance and saying this is a sport for us, I think you'll see substantial growth because of it. I think there's going to be just a lot more growth here."Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Central-boys-VB-coach-Dan-McCamy-e2iivm0/a-ab6c8gu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Central-boys-VB-assistant-Jessica-Sachen-e2iivnb/a-ab6c8kt" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/A-J--Whiteman---Central-boys-VB-e2iivs9/a-ab6c946" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Rifath-Lian---Central-boys-volleyball-e2iivu3/a-ab6c9as" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713469496892.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713469512670.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713466888105.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713469636575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Central navigating first season of boys' volleyball

CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.

Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.

Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.

Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.

Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.

Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.

In the opener, Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.

“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”

Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.

“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”

Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.

Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.

DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.

Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.

Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.

Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.

“These are the close games we need to win," he said.

White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.

“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.

“It was a dream come true, really," he added. “I was standing on the mound before the game started, just taking it all in."

The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out.

Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.

Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.

Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.

The Royals next take on the Orioles Friday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713399137825.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the eighth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the eighth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.In the opener, Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.“These are the close games we need to win," he said.White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.“It was a dream come true, really," he added. “I was standing on the mound before the game started, just taking it all in."The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out.Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.The Royals next take on the Orioles Friday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on 680 KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Sheets, Fedde help White Sox to DH split vs Royals, Chicago ends 6-game slide

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City beat the struggling Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left center for a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started Wednesday after missing Monday with a groin injury.

“Clearly that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless I thought (Perez looked really good prior to that too.”

“Not surprised, he earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”

Hunter Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.

Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals ace Brady Singer and finished with three hits. Chicago has lost six straight and its 2-15 record is its worst start in franchise history.

Singer yielded two runs on three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The righty entered having given up just two runs in 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.

Singer's command wasn't as sharp in this one, including missing his location on DeJong's shot. But Perez and the Royals attack picked him up as they improved to 12-6.

“They've done a great, an incredible job of doing that this year,” Singer said. “These are the close games we need to win.”

“It was a dream come true, really," he added “I was standing on the mound before the game started, just taking it all in."

Wednesday’s doubleheader was set up after Tuesday night’s game was rained out.

Cannon retired the first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a routine liner to center, but Dominic Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double. Frazier followed with a single to put Kansas City head 1-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713393222199.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City beat the struggling Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader.Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left center for a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started Wednesday after missing Monday with a groin injury.“Clearly that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless I thought (Perez looked really good prior to that too.”Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.“Not surprised, he earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”Hunter Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals ace Brady Singer and finished with three hits. Chicago has lost six straight and its 2-15 record is its worst start in franchise history.Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.Singer yielded two runs on three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The righty entered having given up just two runs in 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.Singer's command wasn't as sharp in this one, including missing his location on DeJong's shot. But Perez and the Royals attack picked him up as they improved to 12-6.“They've done a great, an incredible job of doing that this year,” Singer said. “These are the close games we need to win.”White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.“It was a dream come true, really," he added “I was standing on the mound before the game started, just taking it all in."Wednesday’s doubleheader was set up after Tuesday night’s game was rained out.Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.Cannon retired the first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a routine liner to center, but Dominic Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double. Frazier followed with a single to put Kansas City head 1-0.Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning on DeJong’s third homer.Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.

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