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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KFEQ Morning Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Area track athletes kick off season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MWSU women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus announces resignation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former NWMSU coach Ben McCollum moving from Drake to Iowa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lady Cardinals finished the season 24-7.

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

Benton boys, girls finish second in Class 4 championship games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royals add veteran outfielder Mark Cahna in trade with Brewers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"To get down here and have an opportunity to play for a state championship, and it's like you guys have achieved that but we're not satisfied with this, because we want to win," Boone tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Just kind of keep reminding them of that and allowing them to take it in, but also not making it seem like oh it's state so there's a lot of pressure blah, blah, blah, it's like no it's just another game on the schedule."

For the first time ever, both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams will be competing for a state championship, at the same time. 

Boone says a lot of people in the southside of St. Joseph know how important this is

"They know the specialness of this and the importance of this," Boone says.  "And so I've been making jokes to my wife and everybody it's like man I hope people lock their houses up, because the whole south end could get robbed because nobody's going to be down here the next couple days."

Girls head coach Chris Michaels says this is special, and adds after serving as an assistant under Boone, it's something he knew would happen sooner rather than later

"We knew Boone would be there but to be able to be there with him and the both of us going and supporting each other and basically having a built in crowd that travels with you is something that's special, and will never be forgotten," Michaels explains.

The Benton girls basketball team went to two straight Final fours before missing out last year.  This year, they are back in Columbia looking for a state title.

Michaels says his message to his girls coming into this season was to remember what it felt like to not be part of the final four. 

"We just kind of got surprised a little bit last year and I think we thought it was going to be easy to make it again," Michaels says.  "What we did this year is we came in and made sure we understood it was going to take everyday getting better in order to do our goal, and so we've done that and we've gotten better every single time we touch the floor, and we're very intentional in what we do."

Both the boys and girls are in action today, both against Logan Rogersville.  The boys tipoff at 4pm, the girls at 8pm in Columbia.  The championship and third place games will be Saturday

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

Benton boys and girls look to make history during Final Four

 Chiefs Radio Network executive producer Dan Israel has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;His family shared the news of his passing on Thursday.

The Kansas City Chiefs also shared their condolences on social media. Owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid and President Mark Donovan each shared their own statements.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Israel was an important part of the organization for more than 35 years.

"Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day," Hunt said. "Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers."

Israel is credited with building up the network, which now has affiliates in 12 states.

"I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten."

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network."&nbsp; Said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.&nbsp; "He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742528234628.jpeg" alt="Dan Israel/Photo courtesy of 96.5 The Fan" />
 <figcaption>Dan Israel/Photo courtesy of 96.5 The Fan</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post Chiefs Radio Network executive producer Dan Israel has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;His family shared the news of his passing on Thursday.The Kansas City Chiefs also shared their condolences on social media. Owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid and President Mark Donovan each shared their own statements.Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Israel was an important part of the organization for more than 35 years."Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day," Hunt said. "Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers."Israel is credited with building up the network, which now has affiliates in 12 states."I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten."“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network."&nbsp; Said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.&nbsp; "He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.”You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs Mourn the Passing of Chiefs Radio Network Executive Producer Dan Israel

The 11th seeded Drake Bulldogs, led by former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and former player Bennett Stirtz, controlled the pace of the game and held off a rally from the six seed Missouri Tigers, winning 67-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;

The Tigers and Bulldogs traded blows early before Drake pulled away in the first half, controlling the tempo and keeping the ball away from Missouri, leading 30-23 at the end of the first half.&nbsp;

Drake continued to pull away to start the second half after Missouri scored the first two points, going on a 12-3 run before the Tigers could score again thanks to a layup by Tamar Bates.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Tigers would make a furious comeback, and for a moment it looked like they might have a miracle stored up.&nbsp; Missouri started inching closer and closer. Down 15 points with 12:40 remaining, the Tigers went on a 5-of-5 run from the field to get back into the game.

Mizzou's Marques Warrick clipped a rare step-back triple to cut the deficit to eight points. Caleb Grill, who led the Tigers with 14 points, opened his 3-point account on his sixth attempt at the 7:42 mark of the second half to get them out of a double-digit deficit hole again.

Mizzou battered and bruised its way to the free throw line — making seven straight in the space of three minutes — until it was a one-point game with 4:20 to play. Drake’s mistakes began to stack, with empty trips to the stripe and turnovers piling.

The misses started to pile up again, and Drake again became the aggressor in the game’s final four minutes, when Stirtz, who led the game with 21 points, made a jumper that kicked off Drake’s ride to the second round. The Bulldogs closed the game on a long 16-6 run. Mizzou made two shots from the field in the final four minutes.

Drake will now play either three seed Texas Tech or 14 seed UNC Wilmington in the round of 32 on Saturday.

Kansas falls in Round of 64 for first time since '06 to Arkansas

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- — Jonas Aidoo scored 22 points to help 10th-seeded Arkansas to a 79-72 opening-round NCAA Tournament victory over No. 7 seed Kansas in the latest meeting between two of college basketball’s winningest coaches.

Johnell Davis added 18 points, including some crucial late free throws, to help John Calipari to his first tournament victory as Razorbacks coach. Freshman standout Boogie Fland played for the first time since having right thumb surgery in January and scored six points in 24 minutes.

Zeke Mayo had 18 points for Kansas (21-13), which has made 35 straight NCAA Tournaments and hadn't lost in the first round since 2006. Aj Storr finished with 15 points and Hunter Dickinson added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Thursday’s matchup was the third March Madness meeting between two of the four active win leaders in men’s college basketball. Calipari is second (876), with Bill Self of Kansas fourth (831) on the list. Both previous meetings were in the national championship game, with each winning once.

Kansas erased what was an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.

The Jayhawks kept the lead until Aidoo connected on a pair of free throws to put the Razorbacks back in front. Arkansas got a stop on the other end and then got a 3-pointer by Davis that gave it a 71-67 cushion with less than two minutes on the clock.

Arkansas’ edge was down to 71-69 before Davis dropped in a pair of free throws. Dickinson missed a 3 on Kansas’ next trip and Arkansas added two more free throws.

The Jayhawks got it back down to 75-72 on a 3-pointer by Rylan Griffen with 13 seconds left. The Razorbacks called back-to-back timeouts trying to get the ball inbounds. They finally did and Davis calmly sank two free throws to help close it out.

&nbsp;Kansas fell to 47-6 record in first-round games all-time.

Arkansas will get either No. 2 seed St. John’s or No. 15 Omaha in the second round of the West Region on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742522127790.jpeg" alt="Missouri's Caleb Grill drives in for a layup during the Tigers first round matchup with Drake/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Missouri's Caleb Grill drives in for a layup during the Tigers first round matchup with Drake/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe 11th seeded Drake Bulldogs, led by former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and former player Bennett Stirtz, controlled the pace of the game and held off a rally from the six seed Missouri Tigers, winning 67-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;The Tigers and Bulldogs traded blows early before Drake pulled away in the first half, controlling the tempo and keeping the ball away from Missouri, leading 30-23 at the end of the first half.&nbsp;Drake continued to pull away to start the second half after Missouri scored the first two points, going on a 12-3 run before the Tigers could score again thanks to a layup by Tamar Bates.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742523409190.jpeg" alt="Bennett Stirtz goes for a layup between Missouri's Trent Pierce (11) and Tony Perkins (12)/ Photo courtesy of Drake basketball on X" />
 <figcaption>Bennett Stirtz goes for a layup between Missouri's Trent Pierce (11) and Tony Perkins (12)/ Photo courtesy of Drake basketball on X</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers would make a furious comeback, and for a moment it looked like they might have a miracle stored up.&nbsp; Missouri started inching closer and closer. Down 15 points with 12:40 remaining, the Tigers went on a 5-of-5 run from the field to get back into the game.Mizzou's Marques Warrick clipped a rare step-back triple to cut the deficit to eight points. Caleb Grill, who led the Tigers with 14 points, opened his 3-point account on his sixth attempt at the 7:42 mark of the second half to get them out of a double-digit deficit hole again.Mizzou battered and bruised its way to the free throw line — making seven straight in the space of three minutes — until it was a one-point game with 4:20 to play. Drake’s mistakes began to stack, with empty trips to the stripe and turnovers piling.The misses started to pile up again, and Drake again became the aggressor in the game’s final four minutes, when Stirtz, who led the game with 21 points, made a jumper that kicked off Drake’s ride to the second round. The Bulldogs closed the game on a long 16-6 run. Mizzou made two shots from the field in the final four minutes.Drake will now play either three seed Texas Tech or 14 seed UNC Wilmington in the round of 32 on Saturday.Kansas falls in Round of 64 for first time since '06 to Arkansas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742521915238.jpeg" alt="Kansas forward KJ Adams dunks during the Jayhawks first round loss to Arkansas/ Photo courtesy of KU Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Kansas forward KJ Adams dunks during the Jayhawks first round loss to Arkansas/ Photo courtesy of KU Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- — Jonas Aidoo scored 22 points to help 10th-seeded Arkansas to a 79-72 opening-round NCAA Tournament victory over No. 7 seed Kansas in the latest meeting between two of college basketball’s winningest coaches.Johnell Davis added 18 points, including some crucial late free throws, to help John Calipari to his first tournament victory as Razorbacks coach. Freshman standout Boogie Fland played for the first time since having right thumb surgery in January and scored six points in 24 minutes.Zeke Mayo had 18 points for Kansas (21-13), which has made 35 straight NCAA Tournaments and hadn't lost in the first round since 2006. Aj Storr finished with 15 points and Hunter Dickinson added 11 points and nine rebounds.Thursday’s matchup was the third March Madness meeting between two of the four active win leaders in men’s college basketball. Calipari is second (876), with Bill Self of Kansas fourth (831) on the list. Both previous meetings were in the national championship game, with each winning once.Kansas erased what was an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.The Jayhawks kept the lead until Aidoo connected on a pair of free throws to put the Razorbacks back in front. Arkansas got a stop on the other end and then got a 3-pointer by Davis that gave it a 71-67 cushion with less than two minutes on the clock.Arkansas’ edge was down to 71-69 before Davis dropped in a pair of free throws. Dickinson missed a 3 on Kansas’ next trip and Arkansas added two more free throws.The Jayhawks got it back down to 75-72 on a 3-pointer by Rylan Griffen with 13 seconds left. The Razorbacks called back-to-back timeouts trying to get the ball inbounds. They finally did and Davis calmly sank two free throws to help close it out.&nbsp;Kansas fell to 47-6 record in first-round games all-time.Arkansas will get either No. 2 seed St. John’s or No. 15 Omaha in the second round of the West Region on Saturday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mizzou comeback bid falls short, Arkansas downs Kansas for first 1st round loss since '06

The Missouri Tigers begin their NCAA Tournament run today, taking on former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and the Drake Bulldogs. 

Missouri finished the season 22-11 and earned the sixth seed in the tournament, while Drake finished 30-3 getting the 11th seed.  

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates says while Drake wants to control the pace of the game, the Tigers aim to make it a high school affair 

"Both programs will continue to do what they've done throughout the course of the season, and we'll continue to do that as well," Gates tells reporters.  "I think at the end of the day, if their ball isn't going in and ours is going in, it can feel like things are being sped up a bit and that's kind of what we want to continue to do." 

McCollum says it is difficult to prepare for the variety of defenses the Tigers will throw at them 

"You know you can kind of get down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out, and a lot of it just comes back to conceptual basketball of just playing the right way," McCollum explains.  "Move the basketball, do what we've done all season long, and keep it pretty simple."

Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum to Drake, says the Bulldogs want the game played at their pace 

"We're going to have to play our game, obviously the SEC is the best conference in the nation, Mizzou will be ready to go, they play really physical, and they try to speed you up, things like that," Stirtz says.  "So, I'd just say play our speed, try not to get sped up and just play calm." 

Meanwhile Tigers guard Tamar Bates says pushing the tempo begins on the defensive end 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741919994141.jpeg" alt="Missouri's Tamar Bates drives in during the first round of the SEC Tournament/ Photo courtesy of the SEC on X" />
 <figcaption>Missouri's Tamar Bates drives in during the first round of the SEC Tournament/ Photo courtesy of the SEC on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostBy MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Tigers begin their NCAA Tournament run today, taking on former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and the Drake Bulldogs. Missouri finished the season 22-11 and earned the sixth seed in the tournament, while Drake finished 30-3 getting the 11th seed. Missouri head coach Dennis Gates says while Drake wants to control the pace of the game, the Tigers aim to make it a high school affair "Both programs will continue to do what they've done throughout the course of the season, and we'll continue to do that as well," Gates tells reporters. "I think at the end of the day, if their ball isn't going in and ours is going in, it can feel like things are being sped up a bit and that's kind of what we want to continue to do." McCollum says it is difficult to prepare for the variety of defenses the Tigers will throw at them "You know you can kind of get down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out, and a lot of it just comes back to conceptual basketball of just playing the right way," McCollum explains. "Move the basketball, do what we've done all season long, and keep it pretty simple."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741196162442.jpeg" alt="Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum to Drake, says the Bulldogs want the game played at their pace "We're going to have to play our game, obviously the SEC is the best conference in the nation, Mizzou will be ready to go, they play really physical, and they try to speed you up, things like that," Stirtz says. "So, I'd just say play our speed, try not to get sped up and just play calm." Meanwhile Tigers guard Tamar Bates says pushing the tempo begins on the defensive end "We're not going to try to do anything outside of what we've done all year to speed things up," Bates says. "I mean we'll be solid defensively and take away what we can, obviously they have some things that they're really good at on the offensive end that they've stuck too, so for us it's just about doing what we do." Missouri and Drake tipoff tonight at 6:35 in Wichita. Coverage begins on KFEQ at 6pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;