LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Grant Wahl, one of the most well-known soccer writers in the United States, died early Saturday while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. He was 48.

U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of the game, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance.

Emergency services workers responded very quickly, treated him for 20 or 30 minutes on the spot and then took him out on a stretcher, said Keir Radnedge, a veteran British sports journalist who was working nearby at the time.

The World Cup organizing committee said he was taken to Doha's Hamad General Hospital, but it did not state a cause of death. “We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes,” it said in a statement.

Wahl, who wrote for Sports Illustrated for a decade then started his own website, was a major voice in introducing professional soccer to an American public more used to seeing the sport as a school-level game. He also brought a critical eye to the organizational bodies of the international sport.

He “really helped put soccer on the mainstream sports map in the States,” Radnedge said.

“Grant had a strong moral compass, on where sports should be and how sport ... should help set standards for people,” he said. “There was never any doubt that Grant was on the side of the good guys in wanting soccer to make the best of itself.”

Wahl was covering his eighth World Cup. He wrote Monday on his website that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/world-cup-daily-day-22">visited a medical clinic</a>&nbsp;while in Qatar.

“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”

Wahl wrote that he tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.

“I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno,” he wrote.

Wahl tweeted on Wednesday that he had celebrated his birthday that day.

“We could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement. “Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”

Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, tweeted that she was thankful for the support of her husband’s “soccer family” and friends who had reached out.

“&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1601404727014879232?s=20&amp;t=Wpv4uCqNxr74RB-kYxrn-w">I’m in complete shock</a>,” wrote Gounder, who is an associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, an attending physician at Bellevue Hospital Center and a CBS News contributor.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1601419687619067904">in a tweet</a>&nbsp;that American officials were in touch with Qatari authorities “to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible."

<a href="https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/an-unexpected-detention-by-world">Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt in support of LGBTQ rights to the United States' World Cup opener against Wales on Nov. 21</a>&nbsp;and wrote that security refused him entry and told him to remove the shirt. Gay and lesbian sex is criminalized in Qatar, a conservative Muslim emirate.

Wahl wrote he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then was let go by a security commander. Wahl said FIFA apologized to him.

Among Wahl’s work before he began covering soccer exclusively was&nbsp;<a href="https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/02/18/ahead-of-his-class-ohio-high-school-junior-lebron-james-is-so-good-that-hes-already-being-mentioned-as-the-heir-to-air-jordan">a Sports Illustrated cover story</a>&nbsp;about LeBron James in 2002, when James was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio.

“He was always pretty cool to be around. He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron,” James said in Philadelphia after the Los Angeles Lakers lost in overtime to the 76ers. “Any time his name would come up, I’ll always think back to me as a teenager having Grant in our building down at St. V’s. It’s a tragic loss. It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was. I wish his family the best. May he rest in paradise.”

A voter at times in FIFA’s annual awards, Wahl was among 82 journalists honored last week by FIFA and the international sports press association AIPS for attending eight or more World Cups.

“His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

Wahl graduated from Princeton in 1996 and worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, known primarily for his coverage of soccer and college basketball. He then launched his own website.

Wahl also worked for Fox Sports from 2012-19.

His death at the World Cup left fellow journalists covering the games stunned.

“You come to a World Cup as a journalist to work, to share the stresses, the pressures but also the enjoyments and the fascination of it — and to share that with your readers, your listeners, your viewers. That’s what Grant was doing, that’s what he enjoyed doing. Everybody recognized that enthusiasm in him,” Radnedge said.

“So for him to not be with us anymore at such a young age, that’s an immense shock.”

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Grant Wahl, one of the most well-known soccer writers in the United States, died early Saturday while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. He was 48.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. “You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.” <a href="https://t.co/TvSGThMYq8">pic.twitter.com/TvSGThMYq8</a>&mdash; Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1594721724746338305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of the game, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance.Emergency services workers responded very quickly, treated him for 20 or 30 minutes on the spot and then took him out on a stretcher, said Keir Radnedge, a veteran British sports journalist who was working nearby at the time.The World Cup organizing committee said he was taken to Doha's Hamad General Hospital, but it did not state a cause of death. “We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes,” it said in a statement.Wahl, who wrote for Sports Illustrated for a decade then started his own website, was a major voice in introducing professional soccer to an American public more used to seeing the sport as a school-level game. He also brought a critical eye to the organizational bodies of the international sport.He “really helped put soccer on the mainstream sports map in the States,” Radnedge said.“Grant had a strong moral compass, on where sports should be and how sport ... should help set standards for people,” he said. “There was never any doubt that Grant was on the side of the good guys in wanting soccer to make the best of itself.”Wahl was covering his eighth World Cup. He wrote Monday on his website that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/world-cup-daily-day-22">visited a medical clinic</a>&nbsp;while in Qatar.“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”Wahl wrote that he tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.“I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno,” he wrote.Wahl tweeted on Wednesday that he had celebrated his birthday that day.“We could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement. “Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, tweeted that she was thankful for the support of her husband’s “soccer family” and friends who had reached out.“&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1601404727014879232?s=20&amp;t=Wpv4uCqNxr74RB-kYxrn-w">I’m in complete shock</a>,” wrote Gounder, who is an associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, an attending physician at Bellevue Hospital Center and a CBS News contributor.U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1601419687619067904">in a tweet</a>&nbsp;that American officials were in touch with Qatari authorities “to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible."<a href="https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/an-unexpected-detention-by-world">Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt in support of LGBTQ rights to the United States' World Cup opener against Wales on Nov. 21</a>&nbsp;and wrote that security refused him entry and told him to remove the shirt. Gay and lesbian sex is criminalized in Qatar, a conservative Muslim emirate.Wahl wrote he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then was let go by a security commander. Wahl said FIFA apologized to him.Among Wahl’s work before he began covering soccer exclusively was&nbsp;<a href="https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/02/18/ahead-of-his-class-ohio-high-school-junior-lebron-james-is-so-good-that-hes-already-being-mentioned-as-the-heir-to-air-jordan">a Sports Illustrated cover story</a>&nbsp;about LeBron James in 2002, when James was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio.“He was always pretty cool to be around. He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron,” James said in Philadelphia after the Los Angeles Lakers lost in overtime to the 76ers. “Any time his name would come up, I’ll always think back to me as a teenager having Grant in our building down at St. V’s. It’s a tragic loss. It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was. I wish his family the best. May he rest in paradise.”A voter at times in FIFA’s annual awards, Wahl was among 82 journalists honored last week by FIFA and the international sports press association AIPS for attending eight or more World Cups.“His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: <a href="https://t.co/CBp1mCK1mQ">pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ</a>&mdash; U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/1601401947692863489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wahl graduated from Princeton in 1996 and worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, known primarily for his coverage of soccer and college basketball. He then launched his own website.Wahl also worked for Fox Sports from 2012-19.His death at the World Cup left fellow journalists covering the games stunned.“You come to a World Cup as a journalist to work, to share the stresses, the pressures but also the enjoyments and the fascination of it — and to share that with your readers, your listeners, your viewers. That’s what Grant was doing, that’s what he enjoyed doing. Everybody recognized that enthusiasm in him,” Radnedge said.“So for him to not be with us anymore at such a young age, that’s an immense shock.”

⚽️ Writer Grant Wahl, who wore rainbow shirt to World Cup, dies in Qatar

The Missouri Western women's basketball team fell behind a couple of times in the first half, and after a back-and-forth start, it seemed the lead might change hands many times.

The Griffons (7-3, 2-1 MIAA) grabbed the lead back at 24-23 with 5:08 left in the second quarter off of a Brionna Budgets three-pointer, and Missouri Western never trailed again in a 68-65 win over No. 22 Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The game remained a single-digit affair for the next 2.5 quarters, but the Griffons led by as many as nine on a couple of different occasions, and they held off a late push from UNK to score a key, early season win over the Lopers.

"I loved our defense," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We ran a lot of people in and out to try to be as up tempo as we could defensively and really fly around and play really hard and I thought we did that."

Missouri Western led 56-47 with 6:39 to play, and were still up 64-57 with 3:18 remaining. Nebraska-Kearney (9-2, 2-1 MIAA) then had a 6-0 run to pull within 64-63 with 1:08 to go.

With both teams in the double bonus, junior Connie Clarke got to the free throw line twice in the final minute, making three out of four attempts to put the Griffons up 67-63 with 11 seconds to go.

Kearney had one more look at a tying three with 0.6 seconds left, but Clarke blocked the attempt from Trinity Law.

Clarke was defended hard all night, but she still finished with seven points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block.

"I can't say enough about Connie all year," Whitaker emphasized. "She wasn't necessarily there a ton tonight offensively, but my goodness she has now had three tight ball games where she has come up with a play defensively to ice the game for us and give us an opportunity to win it at the end."

Junior Jordan Cunningham led Missouri Western Thursday with 14 points and a career-high eight rebounds.

"After losing that tough game to (Missouri Southern Saturday 75-69), we really went back and really evaluated ourselves and what we did wrong and really flipped that switch tonight," Cunningham said. "It was almost the same case and we really showed that we can finish out games. I think that was a great step for us and a big improvement."

Budgets had 13 points for the Griffons, while freshman Cleao Murray scored 10. Junior Trinity Knapp had eight points and six rebounds in her second start of the season. Sophomore Alyssa Bonilla did big things off the bench, especially in the second half, and she finished with five points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.

Law led UNK with 20 points on four made threes. Fifth-year senior Elisa Backes scored 17 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The win Thursday marked the first victory over Nebraska-Kearney at home for Missouri Western women's basketball since January 2017. It's the first regular season over UNK for Candi Whitaker, and it's also the second ranked team the Griffons have beat this season.

"I think tonight just shows how much we've improved just from the games we've already played," Cunningham said. "I think it's a huge win in general for (coach) Whitaker and for the team and I'm just really proud of everybody."

Missouri Western stays home to face (RV) Fort Hays State (6-3, 2-0 MIAA) on Saturday. Tip-off from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 1:30 p.m. Coverage starts at 1 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670555039132.jpeg" alt="Photo by Chris Roush." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chris Roush.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team fell behind a couple of times in the first half, and after a back-and-forth start, it seemed the lead might change hands many times.The Griffons (7-3, 2-1 MIAA) grabbed the lead back at 24-23 with 5:08 left in the second quarter off of a Brionna Budgets three-pointer, and Missouri Western never trailed again in a 68-65 win over No. 22 Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse.The game remained a single-digit affair for the next 2.5 quarters, but the Griffons led by as many as nine on a couple of different occasions, and they held off a late push from UNK to score a key, early season win over the Lopers."I loved our defense," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We ran a lot of people in and out to try to be as up tempo as we could defensively and really fly around and play really hard and I thought we did that."Missouri Western led 56-47 with 6:39 to play, and were still up 64-57 with 3:18 remaining. Nebraska-Kearney (9-2, 2-1 MIAA) then had a 6-0 run to pull within 64-63 with 1:08 to go.With both teams in the double bonus, junior Connie Clarke got to the free throw line twice in the final minute, making three out of four attempts to put the Griffons up 67-63 with 11 seconds to go.Kearney had one more look at a tying three with 0.6 seconds left, but Clarke blocked the attempt from Trinity Law.Clarke was defended hard all night, but she still finished with seven points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block."I can't say enough about Connie all year," Whitaker emphasized. "She wasn't necessarily there a ton tonight offensively, but my goodness she has now had three tight ball games where she has come up with a play defensively to ice the game for us and give us an opportunity to win it at the end."Junior Jordan Cunningham led Missouri Western Thursday with 14 points and a career-high eight rebounds."After losing that tough game to (Missouri Southern Saturday 75-69), we really went back and really evaluated ourselves and what we did wrong and really flipped that switch tonight," Cunningham said. "It was almost the same case and we really showed that we can finish out games. I think that was a great step for us and a big improvement."Budgets had 13 points for the Griffons, while freshman Cleao Murray scored 10. Junior Trinity Knapp had eight points and six rebounds in her second start of the season. Sophomore Alyssa Bonilla did big things off the bench, especially in the second half, and she finished with five points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.Law led UNK with 20 points on four made threes. Fifth-year senior Elisa Backes scored 17 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and two steals.The win Thursday marked the first victory over Nebraska-Kearney at home for Missouri Western women's basketball since January 2017. It's the first regular season over UNK for Candi Whitaker, and it's also the second ranked team the Griffons have beat this season."I think tonight just shows how much we've improved just from the games we've already played," Cunningham said. "I think it's a huge win in general for (coach) Whitaker and for the team and I'm just really proud of everybody."Missouri Western stays home to face (RV) Fort Hays State (6-3, 2-0 MIAA) on Saturday. Tip-off from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 1:30 p.m. Coverage starts at 1 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Postgame interviews<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB-coach-Candi-Whitaker---UNK-postgame-12822-e1s067n" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-junior-Jordan-Cunningham---UNK-postgame-12822-e1s0697" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western WBB tops No. 22 Nebraska-Kearney Thursday

Tyler Fenwick made memories to last a lifetime during his six years as the Missouri Western football team's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012.

Not only did the Griffons go a combined 53-18 during that time and average 35.1 points per game in the process, but Fenwick developed lasting relationships with players, alums and community members.

Relationships that would ultimately, a decade later, pave his road back to St. Joseph as the seventh head coach in Missouri Western football history.

He credits his old boss, former Missouri Western head coach Jerry Partridge, for making it possible.

"He gave me the opportunity to run the offense here," Fenwick said Thursday at his introductory press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex.

"He allowed me to coach his son (quarterback Travis Partridge). We had a lot of success here and a lot of fun and the staff we had here, they're memories you don't forget."

Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter made the announcement on November 13, one day after the 2022 season ended, that there would be a change in leadership for Griffon football.

Over a span of just 24 days, Carter worked with Russell Wright and Collegiate Consulting to navigate through a field of over 100 candidates who applied.

On Thanksgiving night, Carter narrowed the field from 100 candidates to 11. By the evening of Black Friday, that list was narrowed to seven.

The more he heard from and heard about Tyler Fenwick, the more convinced Carter was that Missouri Western found their guy. Fenwick was announced the Griffons' head coach on December 6.

"A real kicker on the back end of this was that he had been here before," Carter said. "He had seen us have success and had been a part of that success. He's tied into the alums. That wasn't the primary part of this, but that put it over the top for me. The candidate pool was crazy good."

For Fenwick, who coached Southeastern Oklahoma State in the Live United Bowl this past Saturday, the process of accepting the job and getting to his introductory press conference all culminated in less than a week's time.

"It was like, 'Hey, do you want the job? Yes, I want the job. Okay, be here tomorrow, let's get this going,'" Fenwick explained. "We drove up here (Wednesday) night, and lo and behold with three kids, we had to go to Target to make sure we got some pants."

Fenwick has accumulated 10 years of head coaching experience since leaving Missouri Western in 2012. He was the head coach of Division II Missouri S&amp;T in Rolla from 2013-2018.

Taking over a Miners program that had just five winning seasons from 1986-2012, Fenwick led S&amp;T to a 10-2 season in 2018 and took the program to just its second bowl game appearance in history.

That season earned him the honor of Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year.

In 2019, Fenwick took the head coaching job at Southeastern Oklahoma State - a DII school in the Great American Conference.

After a 1-10 record in '19, and after COVID-19 canceled the 2020 season, a combined 31 starters and second string players&nbsp; stayed and helped Fenwick lead the Savage Storm to a 9-3 finish and a Live United Bowl victory over Emporia State in 2021.

That season earned him the honor of Great American Conference Coach of the Year.

"I've been a head coach now for 10 years," Fenwick said. "Which seems like it's flown by. Doesn't feel like it's been that long. I've been a head coach now at two different institutions. Both great places and both allowed me to be who I am."

Fenwick inherits a Missouri Western team coming off of a 5-6 season in 2022 - the Griffons' first losing season since 2017. He inherits a roster of 93 total players, though numerous Griffons have since entered the transfer portal, including sophomore running back and last year's MIAA Freshman of the Year Brandon Hall.

More over, Missouri Western football hasn't been to the playoffs since&nbsp; 2012 - Fenwick's last year as offensive coordinator. While it's hard to know exactly when the Griffons will get back to that point, Fenwick took this job to fully embrace that challenge, going against a stout MIAA conference.

"I've got to make sure I put the surrounding people around me and have the roster so we can compete with the big dogs in the MIAA," Fenwick said. "It's a tough conference. Every week is a tough week. That's why we get into coaching. That's the challenge and competition of it."

Missouri Western football is a member of perhaps the best DII conference in the nation with top notch facilities. Its campus, 50 minutes north of Kansas City, has been the host of Kansas City Chiefs training camp for over a decade.

The location, revenue, resources and passion are all there. Now, Fenwick hopes to unleash the program's potential, and lead the Griffons back to where they haven't been since he left in 2012 - competing for an MIAA title. Getting into the playoffs. Winning playoff games.

"It's going to come down to building a culture and staff and development system and coaching these guys up to let them be successful," Fenwick said. 

"I can tell you the team we put on the field in September is going to be a physical football team, a fast football team and a disciplined football team. All of those things, that's a process you have to go through."

Carter confirmed that co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Patrick St. Louis was retained and helped run the recruiting and day-to-day activities of the program.

Graduate assistants Dalton Franks, Clay Marshall, Bryce Bailey and Ace Ventura also stayed back to help with those things. The shape of the future staff, Carter says, will be up to Fenwick.

"He loves the program and is an alum," Carter said of coach St. Louis. "He's done a fantastic job for us and keeping things on the rails and moving forward and communicating with our recruits and student-athletes. At the end of the day, coach Fenwick will decide who's on staff."

Fenwick had his first team meeting on Thursday afternoon following the press conference.&nbsp;

Fenwick's record as a head coach is 53-48. He was 37-29 at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018, and 16-19 at SEOSU from 2019-2022.

The Savage Storm, like MWSU, played two unofficial games in 2020. One of those was a 12-9 win over Emporia State in the spring of 2021 in a scrimmage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670535921063.jpeg" alt="MWSU football Tyler Fenwick delivers remarks at his opening press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>MWSU football Tyler Fenwick delivers remarks at his opening press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTyler Fenwick made memories to last a lifetime during his six years as the Missouri Western football team's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012.Not only did the Griffons go a combined 53-18 during that time and average 35.1 points per game in the process, but Fenwick developed lasting relationships with players, alums and community members.Relationships that would ultimately, a decade later, pave his road back to St. Joseph as the seventh head coach in Missouri Western football history.He credits his old boss, former Missouri Western head coach Jerry Partridge, for making it possible."He gave me the opportunity to run the offense here," Fenwick said Thursday at his introductory press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex."He allowed me to coach his son (quarterback Travis Partridge). We had a lot of success here and a lot of fun and the staff we had here, they're memories you don't forget."Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter made the announcement on November 13, one day after the 2022 season ended, that there would be a change in leadership for Griffon football.Over a span of just 24 days, Carter worked with Russell Wright and Collegiate Consulting to navigate through a field of over 100 candidates who applied.On Thanksgiving night, Carter narrowed the field from 100 candidates to 11. By the evening of Black Friday, that list was narrowed to seven.The more he heard from and heard about Tyler Fenwick, the more convinced Carter was that Missouri Western found their guy. Fenwick was announced the Griffons' head coach on December 6."A real kicker on the back end of this was that he had been here before," Carter said. "He had seen us have success and had been a part of that success. He's tied into the alums. That wasn't the primary part of this, but that put it over the top for me. The candidate pool was crazy good."For Fenwick, who coached Southeastern Oklahoma State in the Live United Bowl this past Saturday, the process of accepting the job and getting to his introductory press conference all culminated in less than a week's time."It was like, 'Hey, do you want the job? Yes, I want the job. Okay, be here tomorrow, let's get this going,'" Fenwick explained. "We drove up here (Wednesday) night, and lo and behold with three kids, we had to go to Target to make sure we got some pants."Fenwick has accumulated 10 years of head coaching experience since leaving Missouri Western in 2012. He was the head coach of Division II Missouri S&amp;T in Rolla from 2013-2018.Taking over a Miners program that had just five winning seasons from 1986-2012, Fenwick led S&amp;T to a 10-2 season in 2018 and took the program to just its second bowl game appearance in history.That season earned him the honor of Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year.In 2019, Fenwick took the head coaching job at Southeastern Oklahoma State - a DII school in the Great American Conference.After a 1-10 record in '19, and after COVID-19 canceled the 2020 season, a combined 31 starters and second string players&nbsp; stayed and helped Fenwick lead the Savage Storm to a 9-3 finish and a Live United Bowl victory over Emporia State in 2021.That season earned him the honor of Great American Conference Coach of the Year."I've been a head coach now for 10 years," Fenwick said. "Which seems like it's flown by. Doesn't feel like it's been that long. I've been a head coach now at two different institutions. Both great places and both allowed me to be who I am."Fenwick inherits a Missouri Western team coming off of a 5-6 season in 2022 - the Griffons' first losing season since 2017. He inherits a roster of 93 total players, though numerous Griffons have since entered the transfer portal, including sophomore running back and last year's MIAA Freshman of the Year Brandon Hall.More over, Missouri Western football hasn't been to the playoffs since&nbsp; 2012 - Fenwick's last year as offensive coordinator. While it's hard to know exactly when the Griffons will get back to that point, Fenwick took this job to fully embrace that challenge, going against a stout MIAA conference."I've got to make sure I put the surrounding people around me and have the roster so we can compete with the big dogs in the MIAA," Fenwick said. "It's a tough conference. Every week is a tough week. That's why we get into coaching. That's the challenge and competition of it."Missouri Western football is a member of perhaps the best DII conference in the nation with top notch facilities. Its campus, 50 minutes north of Kansas City, has been the host of Kansas City Chiefs training camp for over a decade.The location, revenue, resources and passion are all there. Now, Fenwick hopes to unleash the program's potential, and lead the Griffons back to where they haven't been since he left in 2012 - competing for an MIAA title. Getting into the playoffs. Winning playoff games."It's going to come down to building a culture and staff and development system and coaching these guys up to let them be successful," Fenwick said. "I can tell you the team we put on the field in September is going to be a physical football team, a fast football team and a disciplined football team. All of those things, that's a process you have to go through."Other news and notesCarter confirmed that co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Patrick St. Louis was retained and helped run the recruiting and day-to-day activities of the program.Graduate assistants Dalton Franks, Clay Marshall, Bryce Bailey and Ace Ventura also stayed back to help with those things. The shape of the future staff, Carter says, will be up to Fenwick."He loves the program and is an alum," Carter said of coach St. Louis. "He's done a fantastic job for us and keeping things on the rails and moving forward and communicating with our recruits and student-athletes. At the end of the day, coach Fenwick will decide who's on staff."Fenwick had his first team meeting on Thursday afternoon following the press conference.&nbsp;Fenwick's record as a head coach is 53-48. He was 37-29 at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018, and 16-19 at SEOSU from 2019-2022.The Savage Storm, like MWSU, played two unofficial games in 2020. One of those was a 12-9 win over Emporia State in the spring of 2021 in a scrimmage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670537661229.jpeg" alt="MWSU athletic director Andy Carter addresses the room at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on Thursday before introducing Tyler Fenwick as the Griffons' next head football coach. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>MWSU athletic director Andy Carter addresses the room at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on Thursday before introducing Tyler Fenwick as the Griffons' next head football coach. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670537780491.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy delivers remarks Thursday at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy delivers remarks Thursday at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex.</figcaption>
 </figure>AUDIO<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-football-coach-Tyler-Fenwick-media-QA---12822-e1rvqc3" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-athletic-director-Andy-Carter-media-QA---12822-e1rvqfo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Fast, physical, disciplined - Tyler Fenwick's vision as MWSU's football coach

The Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball team got off to a 12-2 start and outscored St. Joseph Christian 15-5 in the second quarter, ultimately cruising to a 56-37 win over the Lions at Grace Gymnasium Tuesday.

LeBlond, fresh off of a Mound City Invite championship from over the weekend, handed St. Joseph Christian its first loss of the season Tuesday, and the Golden Eagles are off to a 5-0 start for the third straight season.

"It was a great win for us," said senior Tatum Studer, who led her team in scoring with 18 points. "We need this for districts in order to be the No. 1 seed. So, we're excited about this win. We just knew we needed to come out, do what we always do, and play together as a team. I think we executed that pretty well."

LeBlond shot well Tuesday, knocking down eight total three-pointers. Junior Kyla Conard scored 10 points, while seniors Emma Raines and Shae Lewis each scored six.

Junior Chloe Burnham, who was in foul trouble starting in the first quarter, stayed in for the game's entirety and led the Lions with 18 points.

St. Joseph Christian (4-1) was short a couple of players Tuesday due to illness. They also lost a starter in sophomore Lexi McDaniel about midway through the first half due to an ankle injury.

In the end, it's a key district win for LeBlond, as the Eagles and Lions are both in Class 2 District 16. With the bulk of their lineup back from a season ago, and with every victory coming by at least 18 points so far this season, LeBlond is already making waves in 2022-23.

"It's our senior year," said Studer, one of the four seniors on the Golden Eagles varsity roster. "We're just focused on having fun. It's carrying us a long way - just having fun and playing well.

LeBlond boys get off to fast start, roll Christian at home Tuesday

Bishop LeBlond held St. Joseph Christian to just two made field goals in the first quarter.

The Eagles (3-1), meanwhile, made seven shots from the field in the game's first eight minutes, led 18-5 after one quarter and never looked back in a 68-36 win over the Lions at Grace Gymnasium Tuesday.

Senior Jake Korell led the Golden Eagles with 18 points, and sophomore Cooper Waterman came off the bench and dropped 16 points behind five made three-pointers.

"I think we're in a good position," Waterman said of the season so far. "We've got a lot of people who can score the ball and we have good defenders. I think we have a lot of depth on the team and I think we can make it far."

Senior Landon Gardner also finished with 16 points. Sophomore Vincent Nguyen had nine.

Sophomore Johnston Stewart led Christian (3-2) with nine points on three made triples. Sophomore Nick Orscheln had eight points, while fellow sophomore Hayden Riley and junior Vail Fruechting had six.

Both the LeBlond and Christian girls and boys go on the road Friday. The Eagles play at Stanberry, while the Lions go to Rock Port.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670385710860.jpeg" alt="Kaleigh Ziesel (15) pulls up for a shot in LeBlond's 56-37 win over St. Joseph Christian Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kaleigh Ziesel (15) pulls up for a shot in LeBlond's 56-37 win over St. Joseph Christian Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball team got off to a 12-2 start and outscored St. Joseph Christian 15-5 in the second quarter, ultimately cruising to a 56-37 win over the Lions at Grace Gymnasium Tuesday.LeBlond, fresh off of a Mound City Invite championship from over the weekend, handed St. Joseph Christian its first loss of the season Tuesday, and the Golden Eagles are off to a 5-0 start for the third straight season."It was a great win for us," said senior Tatum Studer, who led her team in scoring with 18 points. "We need this for districts in order to be the No. 1 seed. So, we're excited about this win. We just knew we needed to come out, do what we always do, and play together as a team. I think we executed that pretty well."LeBlond shot well Tuesday, knocking down eight total three-pointers. Junior Kyla Conard scored 10 points, while seniors Emma Raines and Shae Lewis each scored six.Junior Chloe Burnham, who was in foul trouble starting in the first quarter, stayed in for the game's entirety and led the Lions with 18 points.St. Joseph Christian (4-1) was short a couple of players Tuesday due to illness. They also lost a starter in sophomore Lexi McDaniel about midway through the first half due to an ankle injury.In the end, it's a key district win for LeBlond, as the Eagles and Lions are both in Class 2 District 16. With the bulk of their lineup back from a season ago, and with every victory coming by at least 18 points so far this season, LeBlond is already making waves in 2022-23."It's our senior year," said Studer, one of the four seniors on the Golden Eagles varsity roster. "We're just focused on having fun. It's carrying us a long way - just having fun and playing well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386842616.jpeg" alt="Tatum Studer (14)." />
 <figcaption>Tatum Studer (14).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386866460.jpeg" alt="Chloe Burnham (2)." />
 <figcaption>Chloe Burnham (2).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386890860.jpeg" alt="Shae Lewis (22)." />
 <figcaption>Shae Lewis (22).</figcaption>
 </figure>LeBlond boys get off to fast start, roll Christian at home Tuesday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386748168.jpeg" alt="Cooper Waterman (right) looks to shoot in Tuesday's game against St. Joseph Christian." />
 <figcaption>Cooper Waterman (right) looks to shoot in Tuesday's game against St. Joseph Christian.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bishop LeBlond held St. Joseph Christian to just two made field goals in the first quarter.The Eagles (3-1), meanwhile, made seven shots from the field in the game's first eight minutes, led 18-5 after one quarter and never looked back in a 68-36 win over the Lions at Grace Gymnasium Tuesday.Senior Jake Korell led the Golden Eagles with 18 points, and sophomore Cooper Waterman came off the bench and dropped 16 points behind five made three-pointers."I think we're in a good position," Waterman said of the season so far. "We've got a lot of people who can score the ball and we have good defenders. I think we have a lot of depth on the team and I think we can make it far."Senior Landon Gardner also finished with 16 points. Sophomore Vincent Nguyen had nine.Sophomore Johnston Stewart led Christian (3-2) with nine points on three made triples. Sophomore Nick Orscheln had eight points, while fellow sophomore Hayden Riley and junior Vail Fruechting had six.Both the LeBlond and Christian girls and boys go on the road Friday. The Eagles play at Stanberry, while the Lions go to Rock Port.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386777401.jpeg" alt="Jake Korell (left)." />
 <figcaption>Jake Korell (left).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670386813485.jpeg" alt="Vail Fruechting (24)." />
 <figcaption>Vail Fruechting (24).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond girls, boys basketball dominate against St. Joseph Christian Tuesday

Missouri Western State University is set to hire Southeastern Oklahoma State head coach and former Missouri Western offensive coordinator Tyler Fenwick as the next head football coach.&nbsp;

A University source confirmed the news to KFEQ Radio and St. Joseph Post on Tuesday afternoon.

Fenwick, the 2021 Great American Conference Coach of the Year, and 2018 Great Lakes Valley Coach of the Year, was MWSU's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012 before becoming the head man at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018.

He'd been at Southeastern Oklahoma State since 2019.

Fenwick was part of a Missouri Western program that played in the postseason in all six seasons while he was on coach Jerry Partridge's staff, including a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals in 2012.

That 2012 team was enshrined into the Missouri Western Athletic Hall of Fame this past October.

The Griffons averaged 35.1 points per game while Fenwick was the O-coordinator. The Griffons made the playoffs three times and had three bowl appearances from 2007-2012 as well. The Griffons' record during that time was a combined 53-18.

Fenwick's turnaround of programs has been impressive. He led Missouri S&amp;T to a 10-2 record in 2018 after going 5-6 two years prior.

He took a one win Southeastern Oklahoma State team in 2019 and turned them into a 9-3 squad in 2021. That team beat Emporia State in the Live United Bowl at the end of the season.

As a head coach, Fenwick's record is 53-48. He was 37-29 at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018, and 16-19 at SEOSU from 2019-2022.

Fenwick will be introduced to the media and the public on Thursday in St. Joseph during a press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex at 1:30.

This ends a three-week search by the University after the dismissal of Matt Williamson as head coach.

Williamson concluded his tenure with a 31-26 record, and a 29-26 mark in MIAA play. He was fired the day after the Griffons beat Lincoln 41-0 on November 12 to conclude the 2022 season.

Williamson led the Griffons to Live United Bowl victories in 2018 and '19, peaking with a 9-3 record in 2019.

During Williamson's time, Missouri Western never made the playoffs and were 2-11 against ranked opponents.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670361313857.jpeg" alt="Tyler Fenwick will be the next head football coach at Missouri Western State University. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Tyler Fenwick will be the next head football coach at Missouri Western State University. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is set to hire Southeastern Oklahoma State head coach and former Missouri Western offensive coordinator Tyler Fenwick as the next head football coach.&nbsp;A University source confirmed the news to KFEQ Radio and St. Joseph Post on Tuesday afternoon.Fenwick, the 2021 Great American Conference Coach of the Year, and 2018 Great Lakes Valley Coach of the Year, was MWSU's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012 before becoming the head man at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018.He'd been at Southeastern Oklahoma State since 2019.Fenwick was part of a Missouri Western program that played in the postseason in all six seasons while he was on coach Jerry Partridge's staff, including a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals in 2012.That 2012 team was enshrined into the Missouri Western Athletic Hall of Fame this past October.The Griffons averaged 35.1 points per game while Fenwick was the O-coordinator. The Griffons made the playoffs three times and had three bowl appearances from 2007-2012 as well. The Griffons' record during that time was a combined 53-18.Fenwick's turnaround of programs has been impressive. He led Missouri S&amp;T to a 10-2 record in 2018 after going 5-6 two years prior.He took a one win Southeastern Oklahoma State team in 2019 and turned them into a 9-3 squad in 2021. That team beat Emporia State in the Live United Bowl at the end of the season.As a head coach, Fenwick's record is 53-48. He was 37-29 at Missouri S&amp;T from 2013-2018, and 16-19 at SEOSU from 2019-2022.The Savage Storm, like MWSU, played two unofficial games in 2020. One of those was a 12-9 win over Emporia State in the spring of 2021 in a scrimmage.Fenwick will be introduced to the media and the public on Thursday in St. Joseph during a press conference at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex at 1:30.This ends a three-week search by the University after the dismissal of Matt Williamson as head coach.Williamson concluded his tenure with a 31-26 record, and a 29-26 mark in MIAA play. He was fired the day after the Griffons beat Lincoln 41-0 on November 12 to conclude the 2022 season.Williamson led the Griffons to Live United Bowl victories in 2018 and '19, peaking with a 9-3 record in 2019.During Williamson's time, Missouri Western never made the playoffs and were 2-11 against ranked opponents.You can follow Tommy om Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western to hire Tyler Fenwick as next head football coach

CINCINNATI (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had only lost to one quarterback three times — until Sunday.

Mahomes fell to 0-3 against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, including playoffs, when Burrow rallied his team to a 27-24 victory.

Tom Brady is the only other QB with three wins over Mahomes, but he also has three losses.

Burrow has beaten the Chiefs three times in this calendar year alone. Cincinnati won 34-31 on Jan. 2, then prevailed 27-24 in overtime in the conference championship game four weeks later to send the Bengals to the Super Bowl.

This time, Burrow engineered a go-ahead touchdown drive after Cincinnati (8-4) forced a fumble from usually reliable tight end Travis Kelce.

“They just have a well put-together team,” Mahomes said. “You saw the offense — even though it has playmakers, they'll take their time and utilize the clock.”

None more so than on the final drive, when Burrow converted two third downs — including a 14-yard throw to Tee Higgins on third-and-11 — to ensure Mahomes wouldn't get the ball back.

“They have a great quarterback,” he said. “A guy who has won a lot of football games, even if that was in college. And now he's won a lot of football games in the NFL. He's someone who competes to the very end, too.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid doesn't think the Bengals' recent success against his squad is anything extraordinary.

“I think it's (just) two good football teams playing each other. We've got to take care of business down the stretch," he said.

“It's part of the NFL, you know,” Kansas City linebacker Willie Gay said. “They're not doing anything we haven't seen. You win some, you lose some. Unfortunately, we've lost the last three we've played against this team. I'm sure we'll see them again.”

Burrow is the only quarterback to face Mahomes multiple times and be undefeated in head-to-head matchups, including the playoffs. The level-headed Burrow doesn't get too worked up over statistics like that.

“It just felt like another regular-season game. It didn’t feel any different," the third-year quarterback said.

Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd said the wins over Kansas City show the quality of the team Cincinnati has built.

“It's a message to all the other guys who doubted us and think we had a lucky year last year,” Boyd said. “Nah, we're here to stay, we're here to keep winning, and we're here to fight for another Super Bowl.”

The Chiefs are eager for another shot at the Bengals.

“The good news is,” safety Justin Reid said, “we have a lot of football left to play in December, and I'm sure we're going to see those guys again come January.”

The Chiefs (9-3) are on the road to face Denver (3-9) this Sunday at 3:25 central. The game will be on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph PostCINCINNATI (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had only lost to one quarterback three times — until Sunday.Mahomes fell to 0-3 against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, including playoffs, when Burrow rallied his team to a 27-24 victory.Tom Brady is the only other QB with three wins over Mahomes, but he also has three losses.Burrow has beaten the Chiefs three times in this calendar year alone. Cincinnati won 34-31 on Jan. 2, then prevailed 27-24 in overtime in the conference championship game four weeks later to send the Bengals to the Super Bowl.This time, Burrow engineered a go-ahead touchdown drive after Cincinnati (8-4) forced a fumble from usually reliable tight end Travis Kelce.“They just have a well put-together team,” Mahomes said. “You saw the offense — even though it has playmakers, they'll take their time and utilize the clock.”None more so than on the final drive, when Burrow converted two third downs — including a 14-yard throw to Tee Higgins on third-and-11 — to ensure Mahomes wouldn't get the ball back.Mahomes gave credit where it was due.“They have a great quarterback,” he said. “A guy who has won a lot of football games, even if that was in college. And now he's won a lot of football games in the NFL. He's someone who competes to the very end, too.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid doesn't think the Bengals' recent success against his squad is anything extraordinary.“I think it's (just) two good football teams playing each other. We've got to take care of business down the stretch," he said.“It's part of the NFL, you know,” Kansas City linebacker Willie Gay said. “They're not doing anything we haven't seen. You win some, you lose some. Unfortunately, we've lost the last three we've played against this team. I'm sure we'll see them again.”Burrow is the only quarterback to face Mahomes multiple times and be undefeated in head-to-head matchups, including the playoffs. The level-headed Burrow doesn't get too worked up over statistics like that.“It just felt like another regular-season game. It didn’t feel any different," the third-year quarterback said.Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd said the wins over Kansas City show the quality of the team Cincinnati has built.“It's a message to all the other guys who doubted us and think we had a lucky year last year,” Boyd said. “Nah, we're here to stay, we're here to keep winning, and we're here to fight for another Super Bowl.”The Chiefs are eager for another shot at the Bengals.“The good news is,” safety Justin Reid said, “we have a lot of football left to play in December, and I'm sure we're going to see those guys again come January.”The Chiefs (9-3) are on the road to face Denver (3-9) this Sunday at 3:25 central. The game will be on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

Burrow tops Mahomes again, rallies Bengals past Chiefs 27-24 Sunday

COLUMBIA, MO- The East Buchanan football team accomplished a feat that hasn't been done in almost a decade by a public school in Class 1, repeated as state champions.    

The last time a public school in Class 1 won back-to-back championships was 2007-08, when Orrick completed the hard task.  But East Buchanan put on a clinic, defeating Adrian 42-0 on a chilly Saturday evening at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri, clinching the title.   

East Buchanan Head Coach Dan Ritter says this championship doesn't feel much different from last years, in fact, he says it almost feels like deja vu.  

"You know, the same team, same weather, same experience, but the way we were able to handle ourselves, have confidence going in knowing we've done it before, it did feel a whole lot different," Ritter tells reporters in a postgame press conference. "There was a whole lot less nerves at least for me, and then you could see it on the players, they had confidence going into this game, and that's something you really like to see as a coach when you know your players are coming in ready to go." 

After Junior quarterback Gage Busby threw an interception on the first drive of the game, possession went back and forth until the third drive of game for the Bulldogs, when Junior running back Trevor Klein broke free up the middle for a 42-yard touchdown run, scoring the first touchdown of the game with 3:24 left in the first quarter.  

Busby says after throwing that interception on the first drive, it was words from assistant coach Colby Rapp that helped him turn the tide around, telling Busby to go out and get control of the huddle.  

"We're doing the right things, we just weren't executing, and I got to step up and be a leader for my team," Busby says. "And I just got to go out there and continue to let my guys make plays." 

East Buchanan would put up three more scores in the second quarter, the first coming after their longest drive of the game, a 12 play 74-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes of clock, ending with a Klein one yard touchdown run.    

Busby would find Junior wide receiver Aidan Hensley for 35-yard touchdown to extend lead to 21-0, and then at the end of the quarter, with 20 seconds left, Klein would score his third touchdown of the day rushing in from two yards out.  East Buchanan led at halftime 28-0.  

Busby would go on to throw two more touchdowns in the third quarter, a 41-yard score to Klein and an 82-yard touchdown pass to Senior wide receiver Adam Stephen Engnes, pushing the lead to 42-0, which would push the game to running clock until the end as the Bulldogs hoisted the trophy again.

The East Buchanan defense was clicking on all cylinders once more, the Bulldogs forced three interceptions on the day.  Senior linebacker Rylee Parker led with seven tackles while Senior defensive tackle Ethan Bailey and Klein each had one sack.  Hensley hauled in two interceptions on the game, his final one ultimately sealing the game, while Klein picked Adrian off once. 

On offense Klein had 221 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.  Busby threw for 312 yards on 14 of 19 passing and threw three touchdowns and one interception.  His leading receiver was Stephen Engnes with four catches for 143 yards and one touchdown.  

For many of the Bulldog juniors, winning a championship has been a dream a long time coming, Junior offensive and defensive lineman Barrett Veatch says many of them have talked about it since first grade 

"Every game that we played we took serious, even if it was youth," Veatch says. "We talked about it whenever we were little how awesome it would be to go to state, but we never really talked about going to state two times, so it means the world to us, the community, and everybody." 

East Buchanan finishes the season 14-1, bringing home just the second football state championship in school history.  The Bulldogs will be without eight seniors next year, but bring back 16 juniors, which includes both Trevor and Nick Klein, Busby, Hensley, Veatch, Chase Meers, and Wyatt Parker among others, all with two years of championship experience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670112968821.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan celebrates a second consecutive Class 1 Championship at the Show Me Bowl in Columbia/ Photo by Ken Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan celebrates a second consecutive Class 1 Championship at the Show Me Bowl in Columbia/ Photo by Ken Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCOLUMBIA, MO- The East Buchanan football team accomplished a feat that hasn't been done in almost a decade by a public school in Class 1, repeated as state champions. The last time a public school in Class 1 won back-to-back championships was 2007-08, when Orrick completed the hard task. But East Buchanan put on a clinic, defeating Adrian 42-0 on a chilly Saturday evening at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri, clinching the title. East Buchanan Head Coach Dan Ritter says this championship doesn't feel much different from last years, in fact, he says it almost feels like deja vu. "You know, the same team, same weather, same experience, but the way we were able to handle ourselves, have confidence going in knowing we've done it before, it did feel a whole lot different," Ritter tells reporters in a postgame press conference. "There was a whole lot less nerves at least for me, and then you could see it on the players, they had confidence going into this game, and that's something you really like to see as a coach when you know your players are coming in ready to go." After Junior quarterback Gage Busby threw an interception on the first drive of the game, possession went back and forth until the third drive of game for the Bulldogs, when Junior running back Trevor Klein broke free up the middle for a 42-yard touchdown run, scoring the first touchdown of the game with 3:24 left in the first quarter. Busby says after throwing that interception on the first drive, it was words from assistant coach Colby Rapp that helped him turn the tide around, telling Busby to go out and get control of the huddle. "We're doing the right things, we just weren't executing, and I got to step up and be a leader for my team," Busby says. "And I just got to go out there and continue to let my guys make plays." East Buchanan would put up three more scores in the second quarter, the first coming after their longest drive of the game, a 12 play 74-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes of clock, ending with a Klein one yard touchdown run. Busby would find Junior wide receiver Aidan Hensley for 35-yard touchdown to extend lead to 21-0, and then at the end of the quarter, with 20 seconds left, Klein would score his third touchdown of the day rushing in from two yards out. East Buchanan led at halftime 28-0. Busby would go on to throw two more touchdowns in the third quarter, a 41-yard score to Klein and an 82-yard touchdown pass to Senior wide receiver Adam Stephen Engnes, pushing the lead to 42-0, which would push the game to running clock until the end as the Bulldogs hoisted the trophy again.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670186780245.jpeg" alt="Trevor Klein hauls in a pass between his legs that he would go on to take 41 yards to the endzone/ Photo by Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>Trevor Klein hauls in a pass between his legs that he would go on to take 41 yards to the endzone/ Photo by Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure>The East Buchanan defense was clicking on all cylinders once more, the Bulldogs forced three interceptions on the day. Senior linebacker Rylee Parker led with seven tackles while Senior defensive tackle Ethan Bailey and Klein each had one sack. Hensley hauled in two interceptions on the game, his final one ultimately sealing the game, while Klein picked Adrian off once. On offense Klein had 221 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Busby threw for 312 yards on 14 of 19 passing and threw three touchdowns and one interception. His leading receiver was Stephen Engnes with four catches for 143 yards and one touchdown. For many of the Bulldog juniors, winning a championship has been a dream a long time coming, Junior offensive and defensive lineman Barrett Veatch says many of them have talked about it since first grade "Every game that we played we took serious, even if it was youth," Veatch says. "We talked about it whenever we were little how awesome it would be to go to state, but we never really talked about going to state two times, so it means the world to us, the community, and everybody." East Buchanan finishes the season 14-1, bringing home just the second football state championship in school history. The Bulldogs will be without eight seniors next year, but bring back 16 juniors, which includes both Trevor and Nick Klein, Busby, Hensley, Veatch, Chase Meers, and Wyatt Parker among others, all with two years of championship experience.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670186971833.jpeg" alt="Aiden Hensley hauls in a catch before taking it into the endzone for a 35 yard receiving touchdown/ Photo by Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>Aiden Hensley hauls in a catch before taking it into the endzone for a 35 yard receiving touchdown/ Photo by Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670186871820.jpeg" alt="Mason Brown (7) moves to stiff arm Adrian's Andrew Kendrick (42) in the MSHSAA Class 1 Championship game/ Photo by Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>Mason Brown (7) moves to stiff arm Adrian's Andrew Kendrick (42) in the MSHSAA Class 1 Championship game/ Photo by Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure>

East Buchanan champions of Class 1 again, a feat over a decade in the making

JOPLIN - The Missouri Western women's basketball team led by as many as eight points in the first half and led 65-59 with 3:20 to play, but. No. 5 Missouri Southern (9-0) ended the game on a 16-4 run and edged the Griffons 75-69 on Saturday afternoon in Joplin.

The Griffons (6-3, 1-1 MIAA) overcame a 10-point deficit in the second quarter, and led 47-45 entering the fourth, but 19 turnovers proved costly in the narrow defeat.

"We gave them the game," Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker said. "They made plays, but we made so many mistakes in those last three minutes on both ends of the floor. I'm disappointed for our team, because I thought they really handled how physical this game was."

There were a lot bright spots for the Griffons in the first 37 minutes. Missouri Western outrebounded MoSo 48-40, the Griffons blocked four shots and outscored MoSo in the paint 36-32.

Junior Brionna Budgets led Missouri Western in scoring with a game-high 19 points. Fellow junior Connie Clarke tallied her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.

Junior Mary Fultz was also solid with 10 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Kassandra Caron came off the bench and finished with six points on two made threes - her first points as a Griffon.

Missouri Southern sophomore guard and All-American Lacy Stokes was held to nine points on 3-of-18 shooting through the first three quarters, but she scored nine in the fourth quarter to end with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.

The Lions also got to the free throw line frequently Saturday, knocking down 24-of-30 attempts from the stripe. Missouri Western was 10-of-15 at the foul line.

The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for Missouri Western, as Missouri Southern won its 13th straight home game.

A tough loss in a close game to the team tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the MIAA, but Whitaker remains encouraged by what she's seen from her squad so far this season.

"I think we're playing well and we have a good team," she said. "We'll get it fixed and keep getting better. We're excited about this year and our team. This one hurts, but we have to move on quickly."

Griffon men have scorching hot shooting start, secure win over Lions

The Missouri Western men's basketball team made 12 of their first 13 shots Saturday, including their first five three-point attempts, to take a 32-13 lead with 7:26 left in the first half.

The Griffons (5-2, 2-0 MIAA) rode that momentum the rest of the game, and fended off Missouri Southern down the stretch in a 79-65 win over the Lions at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center in Joplin Saturday.

Missouri Western led by 19 points on two different occasions. Missouri Southern (4-4, 0-2 MIAA) got to within 10 points twice in the second half, but it never got closer than that.

"We knew this was going to be a big one for us," sophomore guard Taye Fields said after finishing with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds Saturday.

"We only get MoSo once (this season), so we knew we had to get this one. We felt like this was a big, important game and it showed."

The Griffons finished the game shooting 62.5 percent (25-of-40) from the field, including 11-of-18 from three. MWSU was also 18-of-24 at the free throw line, including 12-of-13 in the second half.

Missouri Western dominated on the defensive glass 30-14 and held the Lions to just 37.9 percent shooting from the field, including 8-of-24 from three.

The win is Missouri Western's fourth straight overall, and Saturday marked just the second win in Joplin for the program since 2007.

"I feel like this team is getting better," said head coach Will Martin, who has now had a 2-0 start in MIAA play in each of his first three seasons at the helm. "It's always exciting to coach a team that you feel like is making incremental growth. It was awesome to see our offense flourish a little today."

Will Eames and Julius Dixon each had 14 points to lead the scoring for Western. Reed Kemp added 10, while Reese Glover and Zion Swader contributed nine points each.

Both the Missouri Western men and women are back home Thursday to face Nebraska-Kearney. The Loper women are 9-1, while the Loper men are 2-6.

Tip-off times from the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday are 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Coverage starts at 5 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670178026345.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Connie Clarke goes up for a basket during the Griffons' 75-69 loss at No. 5 Missouri Southern Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Connie Clarke goes up for a basket during the Griffons' 75-69 loss at No. 5 Missouri Southern Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJOPLIN - The Missouri Western women's basketball team led by as many as eight points in the first half and led 65-59 with 3:20 to play, but. No. 5 Missouri Southern (9-0) ended the game on a 16-4 run and edged the Griffons 75-69 on Saturday afternoon in Joplin.The Griffons (6-3, 1-1 MIAA) overcame a 10-point deficit in the second quarter, and led 47-45 entering the fourth, but 19 turnovers proved costly in the narrow defeat."We gave them the game," Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker said. "They made plays, but we made so many mistakes in those last three minutes on both ends of the floor. I'm disappointed for our team, because I thought they really handled how physical this game was."There were a lot bright spots for the Griffons in the first 37 minutes. Missouri Western outrebounded MoSo 48-40, the Griffons blocked four shots and outscored MoSo in the paint 36-32.Junior Brionna Budgets led Missouri Western in scoring with a game-high 19 points. Fellow junior Connie Clarke tallied her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.Junior Mary Fultz was also solid with 10 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Kassandra Caron came off the bench and finished with six points on two made threes - her first points as a Griffon.Missouri Southern sophomore guard and All-American Lacy Stokes was held to nine points on 3-of-18 shooting through the first three quarters, but she scored nine in the fourth quarter to end with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.The Lions also got to the free throw line frequently Saturday, knocking down 24-of-30 attempts from the stripe. Missouri Western was 10-of-15 at the foul line.The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for Missouri Western, as Missouri Southern won its 13th straight home game.A tough loss in a close game to the team tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the MIAA, but Whitaker remains encouraged by what she's seen from her squad so far this season."I think we're playing well and we have a good team," she said. "We'll get it fixed and keep getting better. We're excited about this year and our team. This one hurts, but we have to move on quickly."Griffon men have scorching hot shooting start, secure win over LionsThe Missouri Western men's basketball team made 12 of their first 13 shots Saturday, including their first five three-point attempts, to take a 32-13 lead with 7:26 left in the first half.The Griffons (5-2, 2-0 MIAA) rode that momentum the rest of the game, and fended off Missouri Southern down the stretch in a 79-65 win over the Lions at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center in Joplin Saturday.Missouri Western led by 19 points on two different occasions. Missouri Southern (4-4, 0-2 MIAA) got to within 10 points twice in the second half, but it never got closer than that."We knew this was going to be a big one for us," sophomore guard Taye Fields said after finishing with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds Saturday."We only get MoSo once (this season), so we knew we had to get this one. We felt like this was a big, important game and it showed."The Griffons finished the game shooting 62.5 percent (25-of-40) from the field, including 11-of-18 from three. MWSU was also 18-of-24 at the free throw line, including 12-of-13 in the second half.Missouri Western dominated on the defensive glass 30-14 and held the Lions to just 37.9 percent shooting from the field, including 8-of-24 from three.The win is Missouri Western's fourth straight overall, and Saturday marked just the second win in Joplin for the program since 2007."I feel like this team is getting better," said head coach Will Martin, who has now had a 2-0 start in MIAA play in each of his first three seasons at the helm. "It's always exciting to coach a team that you feel like is making incremental growth. It was awesome to see our offense flourish a little today."Will Eames and Julius Dixon each had 14 points to lead the scoring for Western. Reed Kemp added 10, while Reese Glover and Zion Swader contributed nine points each.Both the Missouri Western men and women are back home Thursday to face Nebraska-Kearney. The Loper women are 9-1, while the Loper men are 2-6.Tip-off times from the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday are 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Coverage starts at 5 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Taye Fields interview<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Taye-Fields---MWSU-MBB-vs--Missouri-Southern-12322-e1rntkv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670178128269.jpeg" alt="Taye Fields (13) has notched double-doubles in each of his last two outings for Missouri Western. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Taye Fields (13) has notched double-doubles in each of his last two outings for Missouri Western. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB falls in close game at #5 MoSo, Griffon men beat Lions for fourth straight win

Ahead of Saturday's matchup in Columbia with Adrian, the Bulldogs aren't feeling any pressure about repeating as state champions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Senior Riley Parker says the team doesn't feel the pressure, because they believe in themselves.&nbsp;

"You know, we really didn't think about what everybody else's expectations are," Parker tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We know we've been here and we know what it takes to be the top team."&nbsp;

Junior quarterback Gage Busby knows there will be pressure, after taking over this year from last year's quarterback Conner Musser, but Busby knows the talent of his team.&nbsp;

"Stepping in i've just got to do my job and so does everyone else, I mean, not much pressure with that," Busby says.&nbsp;

East Buchanan will face an Adrian team coming off a 32- 16 win over previously undefeated Monroe City.&nbsp; The Bulldogs advanced to Columbia after defeating Duchesne 41-14 in the Class 1 semifinals. &nbsp;

Junior running back Trevor Klein says now that the excitement has worn off it's back to business preparing for the championship game.&nbsp; But still, Klein knows how much it will mean to bring another championship back to Gower&nbsp;

"Another reason I want to win is because that celebration with the town afterwards, just last year it was really fun seeing the whole community come together," Klein emphatically says. "And I'm just really hoping that happens again."&nbsp;

East Buchanan head coach Dan Ritter says it's a great feeling to get back to this point with it being a goal for his team from the beginning of the season&nbsp;

"But, to actually get it done and take care of some really good teams down the stretch, like Mid-Buchanan, Gallatin, and Duchesne, man it's quite an accomplishment," Ritter proudly says. "Now we're not finished, but it's definitely something to hang our hat on so these young men are really excited, they've done this before, and I feel like we're set up for success just because we've been there, done that."&nbsp;

Kickoff between East Buchanan and Adrian from Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field on the campus of Mizzou will take place at 3pm on Saturday.&nbsp; The game will be broadcast live on stjosephpost.com with pregame at 2:30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670009976634.jpeg" alt="The East Buchanan Bulldogs prepare to face Adrian in the Class 1 State Championship in Columbia on Saturday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The East Buchanan Bulldogs prepare to face Adrian in the Class 1 State Championship in Columbia on Saturday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Ahead of Saturday's matchup in Columbia with Adrian, the Bulldogs aren't feeling any pressure about repeating as state champions.&nbsp; &nbsp;Senior Riley Parker says the team doesn't feel the pressure, because they believe in themselves.&nbsp;"You know, we really didn't think about what everybody else's expectations are," Parker tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We know we've been here and we know what it takes to be the top team."&nbsp;Junior quarterback Gage Busby knows there will be pressure, after taking over this year from last year's quarterback Conner Musser, but Busby knows the talent of his team.&nbsp;"Stepping in i've just got to do my job and so does everyone else, I mean, not much pressure with that," Busby says.&nbsp;East Buchanan will face an Adrian team coming off a 32- 16 win over previously undefeated Monroe City.&nbsp; The Bulldogs advanced to Columbia after defeating Duchesne 41-14 in the Class 1 semifinals. &nbsp;Junior running back Trevor Klein says now that the excitement has worn off it's back to business preparing for the championship game.&nbsp; But still, Klein knows how much it will mean to bring another championship back to Gower&nbsp;"Another reason I want to win is because that celebration with the town afterwards, just last year it was really fun seeing the whole community come together," Klein emphatically says. "And I'm just really hoping that happens again."&nbsp;East Buchanan head coach Dan Ritter says it's a great feeling to get back to this point with it being a goal for his team from the beginning of the season&nbsp;"But, to actually get it done and take care of some really good teams down the stretch, like Mid-Buchanan, Gallatin, and Duchesne, man it's quite an accomplishment," Ritter proudly says. "Now we're not finished, but it's definitely something to hang our hat on so these young men are really excited, they've done this before, and I feel like we're set up for success just because we've been there, done that."&nbsp;Kickoff between East Buchanan and Adrian from Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field on the campus of Mizzou will take place at 3pm on Saturday.&nbsp; The game will be broadcast live on stjosephpost.com with pregame at 2:30.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/1222022-Journal--East-Buchanan-feels-no-pressure-as-they-seek-to-defend-state-title-e1rln2a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670009896690.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan defenders work on defending the pass ahead of a matchup with Adrian Saturday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan defenders work on defending the pass ahead of a matchup with Adrian Saturday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

East Buchanan prepares to defend state football title

The Missouri Western women's basketball team took down Pittsburg State in an overtime battle 80-74 to open MIAA play on Thursday night at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS.

Connie Clarke led the Griffons with 21 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Brionna Budgetts added 17 points, including the game-tying three-pointer with 12 seconds left in regulation.

Missouri Western never trailed in overtime, scoring 15 points over the final five minutes. Mary Fultz added 13 points. Johnni Gonzalez had 11. The Griffon women improve to 6-2 with their fourth straight win.

The Missouri Western men delivered a thriller as well, as the Griffons overcame a 13-point deficit, edging Pittsburg State 66-65 Thursday night on a go-ahead dunk from Taye Fields with three seconds left.

 Missouri Western was down 60-51 with 2:46 to play. Fields finished the night with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. Will Eames had 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Griffons win their third straight and improve to 4-2. The Missouri Western men and women are both on the road Saturday to face Missouri Southern in Joplin. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669985919210.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Taye Fields had a go-ahead slam with three seconds left to lift the Griffons to a 66-65 win at Pittsburg State Thursday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Taye Fields had a go-ahead slam with three seconds left to lift the Griffons to a 66-65 win at Pittsburg State Thursday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team took down Pittsburg State in an overtime battle 80-74 to open MIAA play on Thursday night at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS.Connie Clarke led the Griffons with 21 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Brionna Budgetts added 17 points, including the game-tying three-pointer with 12 seconds left in regulation.Missouri Western never trailed in overtime, scoring 15 points over the final five minutes. Mary Fultz added 13 points. Johnni Gonzalez had 11. The Griffon women improve to 6-2 with their fourth straight win.The Missouri Western men delivered a thriller as well, as the Griffons overcame a 13-point deficit, edging Pittsburg State 66-65 Thursday night on a go-ahead dunk from Taye Fields with three seconds left. Missouri Western was down 60-51 with 2:46 to play. Fields finished the night with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. Will Eames had 13 points and seven rebounds.The Griffons win their third straight and improve to 4-2. The Missouri Western men and women are both on the road Saturday to face Missouri Southern in Joplin. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com).Northwest women fall, Bearcat men dominate Missouri SouthernThe Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team fell to No. 5 ranked Missouri Southern Thursday, 52-37 in Joplin. Evelyn Vazquez and Molly Hartnett each finished with nine points to lead the Bearcats. Northwest drops to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.The No. 1 ranked Bearcat men, meanwhile, opened MIAA play with a 72-45 win over the Missouri Southern Thursday night to improve to 7-0 on the season. Bearcat senior Diego Bernard tied a career high with 25 points.Both Northwest teams are back in action Saturday at Pittsburg State. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30.