Men’s golf team finishes in a disappointing third place at the MWSU invitational last week at Fairview golf course.

The Griffons played an excellent first round shooting a team total of 288, day two was not as good as the team shot a 295.  Only two strokes behind Missouri Southern, the second place finisher, the men shot a two day total of 583.  

Freshman, Derek Thorne, shot a 69 on the second day of the invitational helping him finish the tournament in fifth place with a two day total of 144.  Team captain Aaron Lisenbee, and Craig Lytle shot a 146 which led them both to a tie for a 9th place finish.    (Full story)

The determined women of the Missouri Western tennis team were busy this week, having played a four game stretch at home which ended Saturday against Minnesota State- Mankato.

Western opened the stretch of matches on April 1, against the 26th ranked Washburn Lady Blues. Although the Griffons gave a valiant effort, they ultimately lost, 9-0, Tuesday afternoon.

With freshman Dominique Leone out for the season with an injury, the Griffons had to make some adjustments in their line-up. Lindsey Frisbie was bumped up to No. 2 doubles to play with Shelby Penno. The duo played hard, but fell to Washburn’s Lauren Harris and Rachel Stevens by a score of 8-4. Penno was also moved up to play No. 3 singles, but lost 6-3, 6-1 to Audrie Miller. Freshman Laura Kokuc got her first action of her young career as a Griffon, playing No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles. She would fall short, 6-1, 6-1 to Lauren Harris in singles play. (Full story)

Missouri Western and the Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Western will host an off season practice for the Chiefs on June 12 at Spratt Stadium.

The practice will be a passing practice featuring some of the Kansas City Chief players. The players will not be in full pads, but rather helmets and shorts. The Chiefs cheerleaders and KC Wolf will also be in attendance for fans to enjoy. Missouri Western Vice President Dan Nicoson has been appointed chair of the committee for this event and he believes this will help Western’s prominence. (Full story)

The Missouri Western men’s baseball team hasn’t exactly got out to the start they planned this season, with many of their first games getting cancelled, thier record now stands at 8-14 and (5-6) in conference.

The Griffons have struggled defensively committing errors that have led to many unearned runs. They have committed a total of 36 errors. Head Coach Buzz Verduzco knows this isn’t acceptable. (Full story)

The Griffons’ 2007 season was filled with many highlights. The pinnacle of the season came with the victory over the Wayne State Wildcats in the 42nd annual Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Mo. This year’s squad hopes to follow in the legacy of success.

Beginning March 24, the public will be able to get a first hand look at the 2008 Griffons, as spring football practice begins. The main purpose of spring practice is to shake cob webs and work on fundamental techniques. Offensive coordinator Tyler Fenwick agrees,

“Spring practice works on the fundamental things like tackling, blocking, getting used to the schemes and getting the player’s minds back into the game,” Fenwick said.

Aside from fundamentals, spring practice also allows coaches to analyze the heart and determination of the hard hitting players who desire to earn a starting spot in the fall.  (Full story)

St. Joseph’s semi-professional football team, the St. Joseph Ravens, played in their home opener against the Junction City Tigers. The Ravens lost 21 to 42.

The Tigers took off in the first quarter scoring two touchdowns and the Ravens fought back hard but they couldn’t stop the magic that was happening for the Tigers.

The Ravens had several chances to score due to Tiger fumbles, but couldn’t manage to put the numbers up. (Full story)

The long road has came to an end for the athletic director search committee.  President Scanlon announced David Williams as Western’s new AD on March 7.  Scanlon offered  Western’s sixth AD position in history to Williams on Thursday morning and he accepted the position later that day. 

Williams will start May 1 at the latest and said he expects to be on campus much sooner. The seven-month process that started over once and reached another dead end, is finally concluded by the Friday press conference and contract agreement.

Williams received his bachelor’s in physical education and his master’s in educational administration at North Dakota State. 

Williams has the credentials to potentially be a very good leader for Westerns athletic department. He has sustained roles as the AD at UW-P since 2001. Williams was an assistant basketball coach at Augustana (S.D.), North Dakota State and Parkside, before entering administration.   (Full story)