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)

The Missouri Western (9-12, 3-9 MIAA) basketball team finally put to end their losing streak with a 68-64 victory over the Emporia State Hornets (11-10, 6-6).

Before this victory the Griffons last win was a 61-53 over Central Missouri on January 16. The Griffons played as a team  and this helped them win the game.

In the game, the Griffons were balanced in scoring. Jay McFarland had 15 points and six rebounds, Lonnel Johnson scored 16 points and Gus Moss added 13 points off the bench. They also shot well from the free throw line in the game as they went 23-29.

With this victory, the Griffons moved into a ninth place tie with Truman State in the conference. The Griffons still have to play catch up to make the conference tournament. They trail Washburn and Pittsburg State by two games a piece.
On Wednesday, the Griffons put up a good fight against No. 15 Southwest Baptist, as they lost 84-72. Southwest Baptist swept the season series from the Griffons for the second season in a row. The team struggled defensively by giving up 84 points. (Full story)

The professional football season may be over, but it marks the beginning for arena league and semi-pro football teams such as the St. Joe Ravens, whose season started last month.

The St. Joe Ravens are a semi-professional, eight on eight football ball team that play on an outdoor field, as opposed to playing indoors in an arena. They belong to the CPFL, or Central Plains Football League and have been around the area for years. (Full story)

Missouri Western’s football team has announced its incoming recruiting class for next season’s team and as usual it has a local flavor to it.

They signed 24 high school players, 22 from the state of Missouri and four from St. Joseph. The Griffons signed three athletes from Central High School. From Central, they signed Michael Hill a running back, who had 746 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns his senior year.

They also signed Ben Pister, also from Central who played linebacker and was two-time all state during his high school career. The last player they signed from Central was Jeremy Weston who played both wide receiver and defensive back during high school. (Full story)

The Missouri Western Griffons struggled throughout the 42nd annual Mineral Water Bowl hounded by cold, rainy weather but were able to pull out a 20-13 victory over Wayne State. The Wildcats — who hail from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s (NISC) —met the Griffons at Tiger Stadium in the annual battle that pits the best non-playoff team from their respective conference.

Western came into the game 8-3 fresh off of a demoralizing defeat to Truman State in the final week of the season to end their playoff hopes, while Wayne State came in with a 7-4 record. (Full story)

Another Griffon football season came to a close Saturday and after a roller coaster of a season, Missouri Western’s general on the field has received some well-deserved recognition.

Drew Newhart was recently named the MIAA conference Freshman of the Year.  Newhart threw for 21 touchdowns, only 10 interceptions and over 2,000 yards this year.  He had the fourth highest passer rating in the conference during regular season play at 148.4 and completed 58.9% of his passes (139-236.)  Numbers like these are very strong, especially for a freshman.  Newhart was also an All-MIAA honorable mention selection, but credits his success to his teammates.

“It’s a team accomplishment really,” Newhart said. “It takes everyone to do that.  The o-line did a great job this year and the receivers always made big plays so it’s definitely a credit to them too.”

  (Full story)

The Missouri Western Griffon Football teams wins against the Wayne State College Wildcats in the 42nd Mineral Water Bowl.

Both teams struggled in the first-half of the game, with Western scoring the only scoring opportunity of the half with a touchdown pass from quarterback Newhart, to wide receiver,  Mead.

In the second-half, Missouri Western put on 13 more points to counter the Wildcats’ 13 points.

Three of Western’s points were scored with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Dustin Strickler, a record for the Mineral Water Bowl series. He also had 30-yard field goal.

Running Back La’Darrian Page had a 55-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to help Western win over the Wildcats.

Western’s punter, Jamie Hanson, also broke a record with a 76 yard punt from Western’s 15 yard line to WSC’s 9 yard line.

Western’s Page was named offensive player MVP and Linebacker Jacob Schoonover was defensive MVP of the game.