stjoelive.com | Stories for April 2008

Wednesday's prep sports 04-30-08

Rangers bash Bannister, Royals

ARLINGTON, Texas - Josh Hamilton capped a torrid April with his first career grand slam and the Texas Rangers hit a season-high five home runs to beat the Kansas Royals 11-9 Wednesday night. Rookie Brandon Boggs hit his first major league homer, and Milton Bradley, David Murphy and Gerald Laird also homered for the Rangers, who roughed up Brian Bannister (3-3). Kevin Millwood (2-2) allowed five runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings as he picked up his first victory since April 10.

Bearcats' mission: Finish with a flourish

Northwest Missouri State's baseball team is in the ultimate must-win situation this week as it attempts to squeeze into the fourth and final berth in the MIAA Baseball Tournament, which will be held May 9 to 11 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan. But before they can even think about playing in that venue they need to dominate in Kirksville, Mo. The Bearcats play nine-inning games against Truman State at 4 p.m. on today and Friday and two seven-inning games on Saturday. And they must win all four if they have any chance of catching Missouri Western for that No. 4 tournament spot.

Benton, Chillicothe get to play at T-Bones' home

Last season, Benton's baseball squad gleamed under the bright lights of Kauffman Stadium. The Cardinals hope to do the same today at CommunityAmerica Ballpark - home of the Kansas City T-Bones - when they take on Chillicothe at 4:30 p.m. in the Kansas City, Kan. stadium.

City replaces basketball jamboree with new showcase

The Hillyard Inc. Basketball Jamboree is no more, but city hoops fans will still have two nights to enjoy the pageantry - just in a much different format. The annual season-opening event, which started in 1982, is being replaced with a two-night basketball showcase. Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond and Central each will play doubleheaders during two nights in mid-December. There will be eight full games total with four on each night, two boys and two girls, but the event will remain at Civic Arena.

Local golfers earn trip to state

Several local prep golfers teed, chipped and putted their way to state on Wednesday. Despite finishing third overall in the Class 2 District 8 tournament, Bishop LeBlond will compete as a team at state after four Golden Eagles shot less than 90. At Richmond's Shirkey Golf Course, Stephen Culver led the way with a 13-over 84, while Brian McCullough (87), Mitchell Culver (88) and Tom Schoeneck (89) all came in not far behind.

Why Google is beating Yahoo

With all the swirling controversy about Microsoft's bid to take over Yahoo, people have failed to ask why a company as powerful and inovative as Yahoo has placed itself in a position to be bought in the first place. This is the question I hope to answer in this blog entry.

Royals hammer Rangers in opener

Guillen drives in five runs, blasts 3rd home run

ARLINGTON, Texas - Jose Guillen drove in five runs and the Kansas City Royals held off the Texas Rangers 9-5 on Tuesday night.

PREP REWRITES: Benton halts 3-year LeBlond win streak

Tuesday's tennis, baseball and soccer

Bishop LeBlond's boys tennis team dropped its first regular season dual since the 2005 season. And it was city rival Benton playing spoiler again.

Tabor solidifies part of Benton coaching staff

Benton's newest football coach already has a few pieces set in his developing coaching staff. Matt Tabor announced this week that current Central science teacher and assistant coach Shawn Fowler will be in Cardinal red next season. Fowler has a resume full of impressive stops.

Western baseball rolling toward MIAA tournament

Griffons reel off 4 straight victories

Missouri Western's first sweep of the season pushed the Griffons baseball team back into the familiar territory of a MIAA tournament berth. Western entered last weekend tied with Missouri Southern at 15-13 in the conference standings and then proceeded to beat the Lions by two, 12, 10 and four runs, respectively.

Tuesday's prep sports 04-30-08

Benton walks all over Lafayette

Benton made Tuesday's conference matchup with Lafayette at Phil Welch Stadium look like a leisurely day on the parkway system that surrounds the venue.

Monday's Prep Sports

Northwest's Peterson signs with Green Bay Packers

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Mike Peterson may have been passed over during the NFL Draft this weekend, but even before the 252nd pick was announced, the Northwest Missouri State tight end knew he was headed to the NFL. Peterson on Sunday evening accepted a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. "I had several teams call me after the draft, and even during the draft the Packers told me that if I wasn't drafted they wanted me," Peterson said Monday.

Chiefs' top picks introduced to Kansas City

KANSAS CITY - Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert jumped into a limo Monday and struck up an instant friendship. To use one of Kansas City coach Herm Edwards' favorite cliches, "That's good for us." Just a few hours after meeting for the first time, the Chiefs' two first-round picks were presented to the media, standing shoulder-to-shoulder and grinning ear-to-ear while holding up a "No. 1" jersey as cameras clicked and whirred.

Northwest names new assistant basketball coach

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Former Northwest Missouri State men's basketball player Austin Meyer has been named assistant coach to Steve Tappmeyer in the school's men's basketball program. Meyer, who will complete his graduate work in physical education in May, will officially begin his duties June 1. "I'm excited coach Tappmeyer has given me the opportunity to start my career here at Northwest at such a young age," Meyer said. "I'm familiar with the program and with school behind me can devote all my efforts towards our team."

Bethany native signs on with NFL team

Missouri offensive lineman Tyler Luellen may not have been drafted this past weekend, but he's still got a golden opportunity. Luellen, a native of Bethany, Mo., and graduate of South Harrison High School, signed an NFL contract late Sunday with the San Diego Chargers. Luellen, the Tigers' three-plus-year starter at left tackle, said he's thrilled with the opportunity - and more than a little anxious.

Rolen helps Blue Jays snap tailspin at Royals' expense

KANSAS CITY- Scott Rolen provided the power and Alex Rios the legs, and together they helped the Toronto Blue Jays snap a six-game losing streak.

Chiefs get 12 players in draft

KANSAS CITY - As Kansas City's most important draft in nearly 20 years drew to a close, smiles abounded.

Pro says players' 1st mistake is mental

The first mistake most new golfers make has nothing to do with their swing or putting or chipping.

Bills take Northwest RB in 6th round

Omon becomes fourth player in school history to be drafted into NFL

Xavier Omon was sick of watching the NFL Draft on television. His girlfriend, recent Northwest Missouri State women's basketball player Lauren Williams, could sense he also was a nervous wreck, so she invited him outside to shoot some hoops. Just as he prepared to take his second warmup shot, the Northwest running back got the phone call he was awaiting.

Sunday's Prep Results

Sunday's Local College Results

Chiefs Draw the Line

K.C. picks big men in successful 1st day of draft

The Kansas City Chiefs started their big draft with big men. First, they used the fifth overall selection to grab Glenn Dorsey, a 297-pound All-American defensive lineman who helped lead LSU to the national championship. Then, making yet another trade, they swapped their 17th pick of the first round to Detroit to inch upward two spots and take Virginia offensive lineman Branden Albert, a 316-pounder who can play both tackle and guard.

Teams 'go Long' with early picks

Jake, Chris Long go Nos. 1, 2 on draft's 1st day

NEW YORK - Things were going so normally, so predictably at Saturday's NFL draft. All six players the league invited to the festivities hit the stage in the first half-dozen selections. Yawn. Then came the wake-up call: trade after trade after trade, affecting 14 of the 31 first-round picks.

Hochevar picks up first big league victory

KANSAS CITY - Luke Hochevar picked up his first big league win in just his third career start, but he's already sounding like a wily veteran giving all the credit to the guys playing behind him.

Dixon captures pole for RoadRunner Turbo

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Scott Dixon ran fastest in practice, then captured the 10th pole of his career Saturday afternoon at Kansas Speedway.

Hornaday gets trucks win with 'cautionary' effort

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The field forced Ron Hornaday, Jr., into a slow-and-go driving lesson.

Saturday's prep boxes

Central's Zak Attack

Swyhart accomplishes Division I status

Central's Zak Swyhart didn't have the easiest road to the Division I ranks. The switch-hitting senior center fielder overcame his fair share of ups and downs on the way to signing a baseball scholarship with Missouri State last November.

Friday's Prep Sports

Full Speed gets ahead in ARCA race

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Scott Speed clutched a championship trophy in his right hand Friday afternoon but didn't show the overwhelming emotion of a driver who hadn't won a major race in nearly five years. In the ARCA/ReMax Series at Kansas Speedway, the former Formula One driver was far removed from the glitz and glamour of big-time racing. But to Speed, it's just another stop on the path to gaining the respect needed to someday race in NASCAR's Sprint Cup. Speed passed Jesse Smith's No. 30 Dodge on a restart with seven laps to go, then used another restart four laps later to gain the margin needed to win the Kansas Lottery $150 Grand.

Danica now ready to conquer Kansas Speedway

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Danica Patrick made preparations for when she earned her first victory. But no amount of foresight could keep the pint-sized Indy Racing League driver from being a little overwhelmed this week. After taking her first checkered flag last week in Motegi, Japan, Patrick's week of interviews and appearances included national television time on "The David Letterman Show" and "The View." Now, she looks forward to today's qualifying session at Kansas Speedway and Sunday's RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300.

Waiting almost over for Omon, Peterson

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Xavier Omon is an unemployed college graduate at the moment, and that's just fine with him. The former Northwest Missouri State running back hopes his future employer calls him today or Sunday to let him know he's a member of the National Football League. "I am a little bit nervous, but more than that I am just anxious to get it over with," Omon said this week as he awaited the start of the NFL Draft. "I can't get a job - not that I want to. I just work out, play PlayStation and hang out with my girlfriend."

Martin T. Rucker gets his day as NFL Draft unfolds

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Sitting on a couch in his St. Joseph home, a 13-year-old Martin T. Rucker's eyes were glued to the television. His brother, Mike, was there. So were his friends and family. It was Mike Rucker's big day. They sat in that living room all morning and then into the afternoon watching television and waiting, hoping to see Mike's name. Then the house went quiet. The telephone was ringing. Mike, all 250 pounds of him, went to pick it up. "Yes sir." "Yes sir." Then, across the bottom of the TV screen, they saw it: Mike Rucker, a defensive end from Nebraska, was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. "And everybody just went crazy," Martin said. "That was an awesome feeling." That was nine years ago this weekend. Now it's Martin's turn.

Ten reasons people fail to attract purple martins

1. Lack of open space Aerial space around the housing at the height of the housing should be unobstructed, and no tall trees should be within 40 feet of the house. 2. Unmanaged competitors Landlords can't allow other bird species to claim the housing first. Sparrows and starlings are the fiercest competitors.

Jamesport man enjoys hobby of attracting purple martins

JAMESPORT, Mo. - A feathered soap opera plays out every day this time of year, and Ivan Ray Miller makes sure he has a supporting role. According to the Purple Martin Association, Miller is one of the country's estimated 1 million purple martin "landlords," as they're called, and those birds are in the midst of their spring migration back to this region. "The adults (known as ASYs) are always here four to six weeks before the sub-adults are here," said Miller, who welcomed the first adults this year on March 13. Now, he's waiting for the return of the sub-adults (SYs), which he expects in about a week.

Musical milestone

The Saint Joseph Symphony celebrates its 100th anniversary with concert this weekend

The year 1908 was when the Ford Motor Company introduced the world to the Model T. But in St. Joseph, 1908 was the year that something musical also got rolling. For 100 years, the Saint Joseph Symphony orchestra has been bringing classical music to St. Joseph, and this Saturday, April 26, it will celebrate the occasion with the orchestra's Centennial Celebration at the Missouri Theater. The symphony put on its first-ever concert on May 5, 1908 at the Tootle Theatre. Throughout its long history, the group mainly performed as a community orchestra, but it gained professional status in the mid-1980s. While it's not possible to talk to those original symphony members from 1908, in recent years, the positive changes have been obvious.

They can duet

Vandel-Snook sets its sights on Nashville

If you watched the premiere of CMT's newest show, "Can You Duet," you might have seen local country duo Phil Vandel and Matt Snook (aka Vandel-Snook) on it. You'd have to look closely though. They only appear in crowd shots. Vandel-Snook made the trip to Nashville in January to try out for the show, and they made the first round of cuts. The crowd of thousands was cut down to 200 duos, who were given a number and told to wait for a call.

A splendid tragedy

Kansas City Ballet to perform 'Romeo and Juliet'

One of the most popular ballets in the world, "Romeo and Juliet," will be taking the stage at the Music Hall in Kansas City this weekend and next. The lavish production will be the finale of the Kansas City Ballet's 50th anniversary season.

On the scene: Symphony birthdays and other cool sounds

So many things are undecided. We STILL don't know who the Democratic candidate for president is. Meanwhile, I have to decide which kidney to donate to fill up my car with gas, which leaves no change to pick up a Snickers or a Slushy. But at least this weekend, as far as arts and entertainment, people will have some sure things.

Artist of the week: Kaycee Wyatt

Highland Community College student artist Kaycee Wyatt doesn't have the patience for paint. She tends to use charcoal and chalk pastels to work quickly to capture the essence of the personalities of those around her with her work. She will be one of several students to have artwork on display at the Student Honors Art Exhibition at the Walter Yost Gallery at Highland Community College. Art will be on display through May 9 during regular business hours.

What's up for the week of April 25

Thursday's Prep Sports

Local high schools choose their new coaches

Three local football programs closed the books on their coaching searches, as Cameron, Plattsburg and Tarkio all filled their vacant positions recently. Cameron tapped former Kearney assistant Dave Rash to succeed Eric Thomas, who departed for a job at Columbia-Hickman. During his first two seasons with the Bulldogs, Rash got to savor the thrill of back-to-back state championships. "Once you've gone through the playoff experience, you always strive to get back to it," Rash said. "That's definitely going to be one of our focuses."

Tennis refuge boosts Northwest's conference title hopes

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Top-seeded Northwest Missouri State hopes to reclaim the MIAA tennis championship this weekend with a little help from a collegiate tennis refugee. Kristina Vucenov transferred from Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University when that school dropped its tennis program. She came to Northwest in time to compete in the fall season and had an immediate impact, placing fifth in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association national tournament. The senior from Serbia has been on a tear this spring and enters the two-day MIAA Tennis Championships on Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan., on a 12-match winning streak that has boosted her singles record to 20-3. She and Lina Gomez are 13-3 in doubles play.

Board OKs upgrades for Western sports facilities

Missouri Western State University's athletic facilities are in line for upgrades. A new baseball field, a student recreation center, and a refurbished and expanded Spratt Stadium are on a $6.6 million to-do list pending a favorable bond market. Western's governing board approved a motion Thursday allowing university staff to seek bonding for the construction and renovation. About 80 percent of the funding will go to improvements at Spratt Stadium, the list of which includes new bleachers, locker room and concession area on the north side, and upgrades to the existing grandstand, including its press box. Private suite development is not a part of this phase of the project.

'Heads up' call hands Talbot tourney title

Benton's Luke Talbot is accustomed to winning, thanks to his blistering serves and powerful ground strokes. Turns out his coin-flip predictions are just as accurate. The Cardinals' senior claimed the No. 1 singles title at Thursday's Benton-Savannah Invitational at Noyes Tennis Complex with a 'heads' call - much to the disappointment of Bishop LeBlond's Ryan Walker, who tied Talbot's 57 points.

Mizzou coaches visit St. Joseph

Practically everywhere Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel goes, he's trailed closely by the 2007 Cotton Bowl trophy. "They have a little truck for it that follows my car," Pinkel said. Pinkel and the trophy visited the St. Joseph Country Club on Thursday as part of the University of Missouri Coaches Caravan.

They'll skate all over you

Kansas City Roller Warriors matches are rough, rowdy fun

It's not many sporting events where you get to watch girls on wheels body-check each other, or fans compete in crowd competitions to win VIP seating on a couch. The Kansas City Roller Warrior matches, though, are not like most sporting events. It's rare that a sport can combine sex appeal and physicality like a roller derby.

Wednesday's prep sports 04-23-08

Royals get rained out

KANSAS CITY - Joakim Soria has been sitting a lot more than he's been pitching. The Kansas City Royals closer hasn't worked in more than a week, since logging a save on April 16 at Los Angeles, where he retired all three Angels he faced. Soria didn't get a chance to pitch again on Wednesday night, when the Royals' game against Cleveland was rained out. It's been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Thursday night.

Bearcat football names captains

Five seniors-to-be and one junior-to-be have been named 2008 captains of the Northwest football team. Brandon Clayton, Joel Osborn, Reid Kirby, Matt Nelson and Jeremy Davis were elected by their teammates to be captains during their final season of eligibility, while Myles Burnsides was honored by his teammates with two years of elibility remaining. Kirby, a left tackle, and Davis, a right guard, were first-team All-Americans a year ago. Nelson serves as center.

Western signs Lafayette grad

Tom Smith's recent house cleanings at Missouri Western have had a tendency to distance the men's basketball program from the community by bringing in another batch of unfamiliar players after each losing campaign. After last year's 9-18 season - the worst in Smith's 20 years at Western - he is ready to start over again, aiming to bring in seven to eight new players. But at least one of those faces should be familiar to St. Joseph basketball fans.

Benton chooses Tabor as next football coach

Matt Tabor entered the familiar halls of Benton High School on Wednesday afternoon, ready for the school to announce him as its next football coach. The walk down the historic corridors was a long time coming for the 1995 Benton graduate. "I'm not that old, but it does seem like forever since I've been down here," Tabor said.

COACHING CHANGE: Tabor officially in

Matt Tabor stood in front of the small gathering of soon-to-be Benton senior football players Wednesday afternoon with a unique message. "I know how you like to flirt with the girls in the hallway," the new football coach said. "But I need you to hit on some dudes."

Chiefs finalize Allen's trade to Vikings

Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen was traded from Kansas City to the Minnesota Vikings in a blockbuster deal, making the Chiefs one of the major players in this weekend's NFL draft. Kansas City gets Minnesota's first-round pick, No. 17 overall, and both of the Vikings' third-round selections, a person close to the negotiations said Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.

Long and short of it: Tackle is No. 1

Dolphins sign former Michigan lineman to contract

DAVIE, Fla. - Jake Long seemed at ease in his new role as the NFL's No. 1 draft pick, leaning into a news conference microphone to talk about his mean streak while his mother sat in the corner, nodding as she smiled.

Royals' offense dormant in another loss

KANSAS CITY - Casey Blake had a grand slam and six RBIs and C.C. Sabathia struck out 11 in his first victory, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 15-1 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Benton on brink of hiring head football coach

Announcement expected today

Benton could name its next head football coach as soon as today. The St. Joseph School District conducted six interviews Tuesday in the search for Derek Wilson's successor. Doug Flowers - the district's director of human resources - said the district has narrowed it down to two candidates who fit the bill to be the Cardinals' next coach.

Bearcats' Bell set for transfer to Western

Benton graduate seeks transfer to hometown hoops program

Each rehabilitation session with the Northwest Missouri State training staff brings Alicia Bell a little closer to a return to the basketball court. Each session also brings the Benton High School graduate a little closer to becoming the Bearcats' opposition.

Robinson's path to playing delayed further by mugging

Assailants broke Northwest wide receiver's jaw in Florida

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State wide receiver Raphael Robinson's journey back from an Achilles' injury was dealt a major blow - literally - 1,200 miles from where it started.

The Right Time for Rucker

South Side native decides to retire

St. Joseph native Mike Rucker never was very good at quitting. While playing at Benton and then the University of Nebraska, Rucker refused to listen to the litany of voices who shouted that a kid from the South Side had almost no chance of making it to the NFL. Instead of giving up, he worked harder.

Tuesday's college sports 04-22-08

Tuesday's prep sports 04-22-08

St. Joseph native, Mike Rucker, announces retirement from NFL

Mike Rucker, the second-leading tackler in Carolina Panthers history and one of the franchise's most recognizable players, is retiring after nine seasons. Rucker will make the announcement at an afternoon news conference at Bank of America Stadium, a team official said Tuesday. The move comes 10 weeks after Rucker decided he'd try to play for at least one more season. But the 33-year-old Rucker recently began having second thoughts, and the Panthers decided not to re-sign the unrestricted free agent.

St. Louis double trouble for Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE - Skip Schumaker doubled in the go-ahead run in the ninth and the St. Louis Cardinals overcame a fielding blunder in the eighth to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Monday night in the opener of a two-game set. Brian Barton, who pinch hit for reliever Ryan Franklin, doubled off embattled Brewers reliever Derrick Turnbow (0-1) to start the inning and Schumaker drove him in with a double to the wall after a sacrifice bunt.

MIAA Golf 04-21-08

Monday's prep sports 04-21-08

Arizona State assistant who recruited Coy leaves for Drake

The collegiate coach responsible for first recruiting Benton Johnny Coy to Arizona State won't be on the bench for the Sun Devils when Coy arrives in Tempe, Ariz., this summer. Drake tabbed Mark Phelps as its new men's basketball coach Monday, replacing Keno Davis. The 42-year-old Phelps spent more than a decade as an assistant to Arizona State coach Herb Sendek, both in Tempe and during Sendek's earlier tenure at North Carolina State.

City Council approves slight increase in fees at Fairview

Fairview Golf Course will lose some of its claim to shame July 1 when green fees will increase. The St. Joseph City Council on Monday night voted to increase 18-hole green fees by $2 on weekdays and $3 on weekends. Nine-hole rates will increase by 50 cents.

Glaus winning by default

St. Louis getting better part third-basemen swap because Rolen hasn't played

ST. LOUIS - So far, the St. Louis Cardinals have the better of the Rolen-for-Glaus third baseman swap by default. Of course, Scott Rolen is on the disabled list with a broken finger and hasn't played an inning.

KU's Collins has successful knee surgery

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Kansas guard Sherron Collins had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Monday, coach Bill Self said.

Local boxer considers offer in Germany

St. Joseph heavyweight boxer Byron Polley has an offer to fight in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 30 after earning a win at Civic Arena last weekend.

Cards' Mulder solid in 2nd rehab start

ST. LOUIS - Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder, trying to come back from two shoulder operations, pitched six scoreless innings for Double-A Springfield, Mo. on Sunday in his second rehabilitation outing.

Giants get offensive with Cards

San Francisco completes 7 games in 11 days against St. Louis with a win

ST. LOUIS - Now that Barry Bonds is long gone, San Francisco has a lineup that hardly scares anyone. Except maybe the St. Louis Cardinals' pitching staff, which has surrendered the Giants' three biggest offensive days. Bengie Molina hit three doubles and drove in three runs, and the Giants reached season highs for runs, hits and winning margin in an 8-2 victory on Sunday. San Francisco won the season series 4-3, with all seven games played in a span of 11 days.

No more majors for Nomo?

OAKLAND, Calif. - Hideo Nomo's career in the majors might be over. The Kansas City Royals designated the right-hander for assignment Sunday, perhaps ending his 12 seasons in the big leagues. Pitcher Luke Hochevar was called up from Triple-A Omaha. Nomo was among the Japanese pioneers in the big leagues, and threw two no-hitters in the majors. He was trying to make a comeback at the age of 39 after having elbow surgery in 2006, but pitched only three times and 4 1/3 innings for the Royals this year.

Hochevar's season debut provides little relief for Royals

OAKLAND, Calif. - So far, the "scrappy" Oakland Athletics haven't been hindered much by their lack of power. Oakland battered rookie phenom Luke Hochevar with base hits throughout the order just as it did Kansas City's experienced starters the previous two days. Jack Hannahan's two-run double highlighted a five-run fourth inning, Dana Eveland won for the first time in three starts and the Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the Royals with a 7-1 victory Sunday.

Sunday's College Sports

Northwest Tennis 04-19-08

Saturday's prep sports 04-19-08

Giants muzzle Cardinals' offense

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Cardinals are certainly glad they've seen the last of Tim Lincecum in 2008. Lincecum pitched seven sharp innings and beat St. Louis for the second time in a week, leading the San Francisco Giants over the Cardinals 3-0 Saturday. The two teams conclude their three-game set on Sunday, which is also their last scheduled meeting this season. And that means Lincecum will need to go pick on someone else.

Chiefs' Allen working on deal with Vikings

Jared Allen continued his visit with the Vikings on Saturday afternoon at Winter Park as the team worked both to reach an agreement on a multiyear contract with the Pro Bowl defensive end as well as a trade that would send draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Oakland manhandles Kansas City bullpen

OAKLAND, Calif. - Daric Barton wasn't bothered by the booing he heard in the second inning after dropping Miguel Olivo's fly ball in foul territory. When Olivo homered two pitches later, Oakland's first baseman could only shrug his shoulders. "It's not the first time it's happened in my life and it's not going to be the last," Barton said. "It's part of the game and you have to have a short-term memory and get over it." Barton did that, going 3-for-5 with a single, double and triple in the Athletics' 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Spring sports headed toward stretch run

In just more than a week, the first postseason competition will start for spring sports. It seems like just yesterday the sound of basketballs dribbling permeated the area. To get you ready for the upcoming playoff push, here's a look at each spring sports upcoming schedule:

Mizzou enjoys attention as it regroups in spring ball

COLUMBIA - The Missouri football team returned to the field Saturday with a new swagger. The Tigers enjoyed the attention of a record 26,322 fans and an ESPNU broadcasting crew, all of whom turned out despite a misty, 50-degree afternoon for the Tigers' spring game. The excitement follows a 2007 season in which Missouri won 12 games and finished ranked fourth in the nation.

Griffons get look at new running back

The Missouri Western defense extended down the line of scrimmage, leaving Anthony Easterwood no route of escape. The freshman running back tried for the edge only to have four Griffons swarm over him in the backfield Saturday. At that point, the call went up across the field for Zach Walker as the offense walked back to the other end of the field to start over during Western's spring scrimmage at Spratt Stadium. So the junior running back trotted back into the scrimmage and picked up two more first downs. The annual spring scrimmage brings a taste of what is to come next fall, but for Walker, Saturday's exhibition meant a little more. The Oakland, Calif., native spent the three seasons prior to 2007 at Nevada and Sierra Community College. He played one season for the Wolfpack after redshirting and then missed the entire 2006 campaign with a left shoulder injury.

Believe it: There's some logic to mushroom hunting

For those craving one of nature's greatest culinary delights, things are beginning to stir under the soil. Anyone who has ever sought out a heaping batch of morel mushrooms knows the normal time to hit the woods is drawing near. Although morels can be found from February through June if conditions are right, most people find the end of April and first part of May are usually the peak period. There's a lot of speculation on the subject of when, where and how to collect morels. But through the years there are a few rules that, if followed, tend to lead to heftier bags of these golden morsels coming out of the woods.

Safety a concern as turkey season approaches

While Missouri Department of Conservation officials are optimistic that hunters will have a good regular turkey season, they're not anticipating any records will be broken - except for one, hopefully. Tony Legg, the conservation department's hunter education coordinator, thinks 2008 could be a season free of accidents.

Mizzou awaits national attention in spring game

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Chase Daniel's final Black and Gold game will be like none of his previous three. This time, after a 12-2 season and top-5 national ranking, Missouri is being watched much more closely during its annual spring scrimmage.

Lead content in artificial turf draws national agency's attention

TRENTON, N.J. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is looking into the possible health hazards of lead in artificial turf installed at schools, parks and stadiums across the country.

Polley headlines tonight's Civic Arena boxing card

No more cutting corners for Byron Polley. The St. Joseph boxer, who's getting ready for the main event on Saturday's Civic Arena boxing card, failed to make it past the first round in his last fight - against Brian Minto - because of a cut over his left eye.

Chiefs letting Allen shop around with other NFL teams

KANSAS CITY - As improbable as it might have sounded at the end of last season when he led the NFL in sacks, the Kansas City Chiefs could be willing to part with All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen while he's in the prime of his career.

Friday's prep boxes

Friday's college boxes

St. Joe indie

The Griffon International Film Festival gets started next week

St. Joseph isn't exactly on the cutting edge when it comes showcasing low-budget cinema or even films that think outside the box. It only took "No Country For Old Men" winning the Oscar for Best Picture before the movie came to St. Joe, four months after the film's release. But next week, St. Joe will be the home to numerous films from Missouri to Germany that are quirky, thought-provoking and probably done on a shoestring budget. The Griffon International Film Festival will be taking place from April 21 through April 25.

Country gone crazy

The Hooten Hallers bring their unique interpretation of country to St. Joe

The Hooten Hallers' music has zero chance of making it to country radio. Which is fine with singer/guitarist John Randall, since that's not his particular brand of whiskey. "I used to hate country music, but that was because I was only familiar with your radio/top 40 country," he says. But The Hooten Hallers, a Columbia, Mo.,-based country/garage rock duo, will bring a brand of music that's as crazy as it is country when they perform at The Rendezvous tonight.

Take in a show

Graduating seniors display their art at Missouri Western

Nathan Martinez is headed for the House of Mouse. That would be Mickey Mouse. "I got a job with the Disney Design Group as a creative assistant," he says. But before the Missouri Western State University senior and Elwood, Kan., resident says so long, he'll showcase his creativity in a senior art show in Potter Hall Gallery 206.

On the scene: Gone country

It's rare that I get the opportunity to see mainstream hip-hop one week and chart-topping country the next without having to drive to Kansas City. But with seeing Rick Ross and Yung Joc last week and Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Bucky Covington in Maryville on Wednesday, I have effectively gotten in touch with my inner gangsta and cowboy (if I even have an inner gangsta or cowboy. My frequent wearing of Chuck Taylors and cardigans might suggest otherwise). Go to "Sound, Scene, Delivered" at www.stjoenews.net to read my review of Dierks Bentley, see pictures from the show and hear me talk about what I caught last weekend.

Artist of the week: Open Systems

There's something peculiar about the music of Kansas City experimental/progressive rock trio Open Systems. The music doesn't hit you as much as crawl up your arm or hover around you like smoke. That may be because the group, with Kurt Lehleitner (vocals/guitars), Charles Moore (guitar) and Joey Dinatale (percussion), manages to channel a little bit of Velvet Underground and Tool into a final product that is eccentric yet intriguing. The group has plans to come to St. Joseph, but you can check them out April 21 in Kansas City at Korruption.

Geneo's Pizza and Pub

As of April 15, the last coat of paint was going on Sammy and Casey's, a new addition to Geneo's Pizza and Pub in downtown St. Joseph. The addition makes an interesting three-in-one setup: the restaurant in the middle, a quiet bar on the right and Sammy and Casey's on the left. They are all connected on the inside, but have separate entrances.

What's up for April 18

PREP LEADERBOARD: Track and Field

The News-Press track and field leaderboard is compiled by Andy Meyer through coaches submissions and meet results. If there is an inaccurate or missing time/distance, please e-mail Andy at andymeyer@npgco.com or fax it in to the News-Press at (816) 271-8692.

Western's Johnson, St. Louis earn top student-athlete honors

The sight of a podium and accompanying microphone brings out the tears for Jill Johnson. A month and a half ago, Johnson's postgame words were nearly indiscernible through her crying after the Washburn basketball team ended Missouri Western's season in the MIAA tournament. She sat red-faced in front of the microphone in the bowels of Municipal Auditorium and tried to put her four-year career as a Griffon into words.

Kansas' Arthur, Rush opt for NBA draft

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Brandon Rush is headed to the NBA for sure this time. Darrell Arthur may be going with him. Mario Chalmers? He hasn't made up his mind. Two of Kansas' three biggest stars declared themselves eligible for the draft on Thursday, less than two weeks after helping lead the Jayhawks to their first national title in 20 years.

Chiefs in talks to trade Allen

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Chiefs are in discussions with multiple teams to trade defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season.

Dierks Bentley and Bucky Covington at Bearcat Stadium

Young, charistmatic country stars excite Maryville crowd with solid performances

On the football field of Bearcat Stadium in Maryville, under overcast skies, a group of young gun country artists didn't have to suit up in pads to be cheered on like the home team.

Knock 'em down

Silver Strike leagues take bowling out of the alley

Cordonnier's Place sponsors a bowling league, but the teams don't go to the alley to play. There are no heavy balls, no rented blue and red shoes, no team shirts. Instead, the teams meet at Cordonnier's and the game is electronic, played on an arcade console. Players "bowl" by using a trackball controller that they move with their hands.

Wednesday's college sports 04-16-08

Wednesday's prep sports 04-16-08

K-State signs Martin to a 5-year contract to keep him in Manhattan until 2012

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State signed coach Frank Martin to a five-year contract on Wednesday that will keep him in Manhattan through the 2011-12 season. Martin will get a base salary of $180,000 with a total compensation package of $760,000, which includes TV, radio, and internet appearances, shoe and apparel sponsorships and other services. The contract is retroactive to the 2007-08 season.

Mizzou football player finds legal trouble

Wuebbels arrested with alcohol, drugs in his car last weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri offensive lineman Austin Wuebbels was arrested over the weekend after police discovered marijuana and alcohol in his car during a traffic stop. The redshirt freshman was arrested on suspicion of possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alcohol by a minor and false identification.

Western set to recognize its student-athletes

Missouri Western will host the Student-Athlete Honors Banquet tonight in conjunction with the News-Press at the on-campus Fulkerson Center. The ninth annual banquet will honor 11 student-athletes in their respective sports along with naming male and female student athletes of the year and recognizing other team and individual achievements from the past calendar year.

Tabor not eliminated as Benton candidate

Interviews set to find next football coach

North Dakota comes calling for Jefferson's Archer

Doug Archer didn't see Division I basketball as a possibility when he entered Jefferson High School as a rail-thin, 6-foot-3 freshman. "I probably thought I was too skinny," Archer said. "But working hard and growing a lot really helped." On Wednesday afternoon, the now 6-7 senior's basketball journey officially started down that path when Archer signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Chillicothe rallies again for 1st Pony Express title in 13 tries

For the third straight day, Chillicothe followed its ill-advised scoring pattern - fall behind early, wait until the final innings and unleash the pent-up offense in a few short bursts. The Hornets claimed their first Pony Express Tournament title in 13 tries Wednesday with its ulcer-inducing brand of baseball during a 9-5 victory against Benton at Hyde Park No. 6. Trailing 4-1 with five outs left, Chillicothe stung three Benton pitchers for eight runs on seven hits in the come-from-behind effort.

From pudding pops to hip hop

Bill Cosby to release a rap album next month

Bill Cosby is releasing a hip hop album next month. Sadly, you won't get to hear him rap on it.

Western notebook: Griffons baseball back in the mix

Buzz Verduzco worried that adding grounds keepers to the list of responsibilities for his student-athletes might be too much for the Missouri Western baseball team. But apparently multi-tasking doesn't bother the Griffons, who went 4-2 at Phil Welch Stadium last week to pull within one game of the fourth and final spot in the MIAA tournament.

Chiefs' 2008 season holds tough start

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Chiefs ended 2007 with a nine-game losing streak. Stopping the streak there could be difficult.

Tuesday's prep sports 04-15-08

Mariners run over Royals

SEATTLE - Jose Lopez became the 12th player in major league history to hit three sacrifice flies in a game, Yuniesky Betancourt drove in three runs and the Seattle Mariners set a season high for runs with an 11-6 victory over the previously stingy Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Benton, Chillicothe advance to Pony Express final

Mike Musser is sick of seventh-inning comebacks. Three times this season, the Benton coach has watched his Cardinals build a hefty lead only to watch the opponent make things too close for comfort in the final frame. Lafayette did it in the City Round Robin. Then Chillicothe. Then Savannah. The Cardinals didn't leave the door open Tuesday, however, and slammed the Fighting Irish 19-9 in the semifinals of the Pony Express Tournament at Hyde Park No. 6.

Greinke, Royals stifle Mariners

SEATTLE - Zack Greinke pitched a five-hitter for his third career complete game, and the Kansas City Royals opened a seven-game road trip with a 5-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night. Billy Butler and Miguel Olivo each hit their first homer of the season for Kansas City. Greinke (3-0) joined teammate Brian Bannister with his third win, though his ERA climbed from 0.60 to 0.75. The right-hander was efficient, striking out four and inducing three double plays while facing only three batters more than the minimum.

Monday's Prep Sports

Kansas football holds spring scrimmages

LAWRENCE, Kan. - It would be tough enough for any team to repeat the same level of success after going 12-1, winning the Orange Bowl and enjoying the best season in school history. But throw in the loss of first team All-Americans Aqib Talib and Anthony Collins, second-team All-American James McClinton, receiver Marcus Henry and the team's best rusher in Brandon McAnderson, and the task seems almost impossible for coach Mark Mangino and Kansas. Yet that's what the Jayhawks, who played their annual spring game Monday night in front of an estimated 7,500 fans, are faced with heading into summer workouts and the 2008 season.

Kansas State's Beasley heads for NBA Draft

MANHATTAN, Kan. - His collared button-down was tucked neatly into his fancy dress slacks, but Michael Beasley needed help attaching a microphone. It was an odd sight Monday at the Legends Room inside Bramlage Coliseum, the soon-to-be instant millionaire, who cited the desire to provide for his family during the formal announcement that he was turning pro, turning to his doting mother for assistance on such a menial task.

Carrithers closes out Cameron in Pony Express

Lafayette coach Jeff Leake walked to the mound with the intention of pulling Josh Carrithers. When he got there, the Fighting Irish starter threw a different kind of pitch. One out away from a complete game, Carrithers convinced his coach to intentionally load the bases and slam the door on Cameron himself. "He wanted the opportunity, so I gave it to him," Leake said. "I have no problem with that." Carrithers rewarded that trust by inducing a game-ending groundout that he scooped up and threw to catcher Kellin Smith. His strong mound work gave Lafayette a 4-1 victory against the Dragons in the first round of the Pony Express Tournament at Bartlett Park.

Monday's Local College Results

Bannister complete in mastery of Twins

Royals salvage final game of series against Minnesota

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Brian Bannister had a plan against the Minnesota Twins and Francisco Liriano, and it worked out perfectly. As a result, the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game losing streak on a frigid Sunday afternoon with a 5-1 victory over the Twins and Liriano, who was making his first major league appearance in 17 months.

Bearcats spring into action

Northwest football team shakes off rust at scrimmage

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Semester tests at Northwest Missouri State aren't scheduled for another couple of weeks, but the Bearcats passed their final spring football exam with flying colors Sunday. The Spring Green and White Scrimmage was the 14th and final practice of the spring for the Bearcats, who got a better-than-normal opportunity to look at the underclassmen because of injuries and other issues.

Top 5 Legendary Coaches

John Chavez's experience and innovation make him one of the most recognizable coaches in St. Joseph. He certainly ranks with some of the best, but who are the five most legendary coaches in St. Joseph? Here's our stab at it.

Coy not selected as DiRenna Award winner

Benton senior Johnny Coy was not selected as the winner of the 2008 DiRenna Award, given to the top basketball player in the Greater Kansas City area.

Boof sends Royals to another shut-out loss

KANSAS CITY - Boof Bonser could see his fingers, so he knew they were still there. "I couldn't feel my fingers," he said.

Tracking Down a City Legend

John Chavez has seen a lot in his 43 years of coaching track in St. Joseph

At an age when most are slowing down, John Chavez is picking up the pace. Set to turn 66 next month, the lifelong St. Joseph native recently took up part-time teaching gigs at Wathena and Elwood - after a year away from the classroom - in addition to his track and field coaching duties at St. Joseph Christian. A 1960 graduate of Christian Brothers, Chavez is in his 43rd season of coaching and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Twins silence Royals

KANSAS CITY - Livan Hernandez scattered seven hits over seven innings to win his third straight start, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Friday night.

Friday's college scores

Friday's prep scores

Rick Ross and Yung Joc at Civic Arena

The big-time rappers only produce small crowd, lacking show

It seemed like something that could potentially be a big deal for St. Joseph. Miami-based MC Rick Ross and Atlanta rapper Yung Joc both have platinum-selling albums under their belts (or around their neck). Both have smash singles, Yung Joc's southern snapper "It's Goin' Down" and Ross's yayo-anthem "Hustlin.'" They were both sharing the stage in at the Civic Arena in St. Joe, a city whose hip hop scene in need of a boost. But as big as these MCs are (or were), they brought out a dismally small crowd and with a show that left something to be desired.

Thank you for being a friend

'The Golden Girls' is leaving Lifetime, and my TV viewing schedule will never be the same

'The Golden Girls' is being taken off Lifetime, and my TV viewing routine is thrown into chaos.

This is our country

Country megastar Dierks Bentley comes to Northwest Missouri next week

We interrupt this article to state the obvious: People in St. Joseph love 'em some country. "The fact of the matter is, you can't go anywhere like Missouri and even St. Joe for a passion for country music," says Teresa Hetz, on-air personality and program director for 92.7 Q Country. "They'll drive thousands of miles to see their favorite artist." Next week, people won't have to drive nearly that far to see one of today's biggest country music stars. Dierks Bentley will bring his Throttle Wide Open Tour to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville Wednesday when he, along with Luke Bryan and Bucky Covington, perform at Bearcat Stadium.

Inspired by the West

Exhibitions at Albrecht-Kemper feature Old West, Colorado

Whether you're interested in the Old West or that state out west known as Colorado, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art has a couple of exhibitions you might like. Two new exhibitions are opening this weekend, the first of which is "At the foot of the Rockies: Artists from the Moffett Collection." It features 80 works from about 50 artists who lived, worked or studied in Colorado, according to museum registrar Ann Tootle.

Rock, straight up

Retro rockers The Effects play The Rendezvous Saturday

The Effects are not out to save rock n' roll, but they wouldn't mind letting you know where the best stuff came from. "Our influences show with our music," Krantz says. "We just represent the old-school style rock n' roll a little bit." The Tulsa-based retro rock band, with Joel King (vocals/guitar), Chase McGillis (bass), Dalton McNaughton (drums/backing vocals) and Jeff Krantz (guitar/backing vocals), have been hitting the road hard over the past two-and-a-half years. When it comes to their sound, it's hard not to hear the bits of Zeppelin's "Black Dog" on the song "Zeus" or the Stones meets AC/DC groove of "Turn on the World" from their upcoming album "And It Is..."

On the scene: Hip-hop recap, rocking contrasts and cross-dressing

So, the Rick Ross and Yung Joc concert last night is in the books. Even though my eyes were blinded by all the bling and my intestines have been thoroughly dislodged from all the bass, I managed to write a review of the show that you can read on "Sound, Scene, Delivered" on www.stjoenews.net. While the hip-hop may have left town, rock, singer/songwriter folk and even a little comic theater is all here for you to see and hear this weekend.

Artist of the week: Sugar Daddy

Sugar Daddy may be a relatively new band, but its members are some familiar faces if you check out bar bands in St. Joe. Consisting of Tracy Huffman (guitar/vocals), Sean Cleary (lead guitar/slide guitar/vocals), Dave Loyd (bass), Wilbur May (drums) and Pedro "Chili" Squella (harmonica), they try to put their own spin on cover tunes while throwing in some original material. You can see Sugar Daddy when they perform at 9 p.m. April 12 at Last Call Bar and Grill.

What's up for the week of April 11

Thursday's prep sports 04-10-08

Christian's Nelson proves to be 1 of a kind

Instead of a bright, red "S," Adam Nelson wore a blue "V" across his chest. The superstar St. Joseph Christian senior played the hero during a Thursday afternoon assembly that celebrated his status as a preferred walk-on to Villanova's baseball program. As soon as he takes the diamond wearing a Wildcat uniform, he will become the first Christian athlete in the school's 20-year history to display his skills on the Division I level. "I still don't think I realize the significance of it yet," Nelson said. "It's really exciting, and I'm looking forward to it."

Royals get silenced by Pettitte, Yankees

KANSAS CITY - Andy Pettitte picked up his first victory and Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera each homered and drove in two runs, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 Thursday night and avoid a series sweep. Pettitte (1-1) held the Royals to one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings, and is 7-0 in his past nine starts against them. He has a career record of 12-4 with a 3.06 ERA against Kansas City, which is his best earned run average against any American League club. After throwing 31 pitches in the first inning, when the Royals managed their only run off him, Pettitte needed just 61 pitches through the next 5 2/3 innings.

Kansas, Self agree on extension

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Three days after winning the NCAA championship, Kansas coach Bill Self said no thanks to Oklahoma State, his alma mater, and agreed to a lucrative contract extension that could keep him at Kansas for the rest of his career. "Home called," Self said. "And we love home. But this is home now."

Troubled star leaves Western program

Troubled Missouri Western basketball star Ashleigh Curry ended her association with the Griffons' program on Thursday. Curry, who has been arrested twice in the last month, voluntarily removed herself from the team, according to an e-mail statement from the school Thursday evening. The decision is effective immediately.

New Tabor could be candidate for Benton job

Matt Tabor followed in his father's footsteps once before. Given the right circumstances, he might just do it again. The current Lafayette football assistant coach and former Bishop LeBlond head coach quickly emerged as a potential replacement for Derek Wilson, who won't return as Benton's head football coach next season. The late Don Tabor, Matt's father, served as head coach at LeBlond and Benton during his 40-plus-year career, and Matt graduated from Benton in 1995.

MIAA baseball: Christmas in April

For an avid college sports fan in this area, anything that is Northwest Missouri State vs. Missouri Western on the schedule is like opening up presents on Christmas morning. On Wednesday night, the miserable spring weather for their baseball doubleheader was just like Christmas, minus the glistening snow. If it were just a few degrees colder, we would have seen the white stuff glistening in the lights of Phil Welch Stadium. Instead, it was a miserable, bone-chilling rain, driven by a wind that whistled through the leaky, rickety press box atop the stadium and making me lose all feeling in my feet and hands. (Insert wailing violin music here.)

You be the DJ

iPod fight nights at First Ward House put the crowd in control of the music

There's a fight every Wednesday night at First Ward House, but iPods are the weapons of choice, not fists, and you're more likely to leave with a new favorite artist than a black eye. It's the weekly U.B.A.D.J. iPod fights, where the crowd controls the music. The idea came from new manager Mike Bransfield, and it's one he's had for awhile. As a DJ, he's seen his share of people who think they know how to pick music to please a crowd.

Royals keep rolling, knock off N.Y.

KANSAS CITY - Zack Greinke threw eight scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the banged-up New York Yankees 4-0 on a rainy Wednesday night. Greinke (2-0) gave up six hits, walked two and struck out two, lowering his earned run average to 0.60.

Wednesday's Northwest Tennis Results

Wednesday's Prep Sports

Western, Northwest split doubleheader

With two strikes on him after two good cuts, Adam Carolan knew he had to put the ball in play any way he could. The Missouri Western senior did, with a grounder to Northwest Missouri State shortstop Ryan Bledsoe. But Bledsoe's throw to first base went in the dirt, and first baseman Britt Westman could not come up with it. The two-run error provided the difference in Western's 4-2 victory over the Bearcats, earning the Griffons a split of Wednesday night's MIAA doubleheader at Phil Welch Stadium. Northwest rode Brett Harvel's complete-game shutout to an 8-0 victory in the seven-inning opener.

Lafayette sprinters race to big day at City Meet

Mara Grayson was running on fumes. The Lafayette senior's lead seemed to shrink with each labored step and didn't look ready to fend off a hard-charging Hannah Moore. Somehow, Grayson reached down to some unknown reserves, tore across the finish line ahead of the Benton sprinter and secured her third 100-meter title at Tuesday's City Track Meet by eleven-tenths of a second.

Benton, football coach part ways

Benton football coach Derek Wilson will not return next season. The St. Joseph School District posted the opening Wednesday afternoon, the culmination of several weeks of negotiations with Wilson. Benton activities director Mike Ziesel said in a statement that the two sides were unable to come to agreement on Wilson's needs for his coaching staff.

Calloway signs with new promoter, announces upcoming bouts

After 15 years as a self-contained boxing enterprise, Rob Calloway is ready to accept a little help to reach his one remaining goal. The St. Joseph boxer announced Wednesday that he signed a three-year contract with Rumble Time Promotions out of St. Louis. The contract ensures Calloway a monthly salary, five fights a year at a minimum of $10,000 each and some added clout that he hopes to parlay into a world title bout. "It's been great doing it all myself here, but I think even my closest fans are glad I am signing on with a group," Calloway said. "I know I needed it. I was hoping I could do it without them. But you have to do what you have to do."

COACHING CHANGE:Benton's Wilson out as head coach

"If I didn't (believe I could turn it around), I'd turn in my resignation papers." Derek Wilson told me that after Benton opened its season with a 39-19 loss to Chillicothe this season. Even in what turned out to be a dismal season, Benton's now-former football coach believed he could turn it around. He meant he'd resign in the morning, but he never did -- not that next morning and not Wednesday afternoon when it was announced Wilson would not return for a sixth season due to concerns about how football staffing positions were filled.

Tuesday's prep sports 04-08-08

Weather postpones area sporting events

Stormy weather pushed back a pair of prominent city sporting events for two full spins of the clock. Missouri Western baseball will host Northwest Missouri State today in a doubleheader slated for a 4 p.m. first pitch at Phil Welch Stadium. The two teams split their previous two games in Maryville on April 1. The first game will seven innings and the nightcap nine.

Rock chalk celebration

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Between spring showers, city crews picked up stray plastic cups Tuesday, while Kansas fans grabbed hot coffee and Jayhawk souvenirs. But as the team drove to a celebration at the football stadium, speculation built that Bill Self might join his seniors in leaving after beating Memphis, 75-68. Self's alma mater was reportedly preparing to offer the coach a huge contract to fill the vacancy at Oklahoma State.

Miles sets school record in 100 meters

MARYVILLE, Mo. - John Miles had been due to "explode." The Northwest Missouri State sprinter posted a school-record time of 10.48 seconds in winning the 100 meters, helping his team capture the title at its own Jock's Nitch Northwest Open. But Miles did much more than that. He earned a provisional qualification to the Division II national championships with that performance and doubled up with a victory in the 200 meters. His 21.55 clocking was just .07 seconds off the provisional qualifying standard.

KU holds these truths to be Self evident

Jayhawks captured national title, now they are looking to hang onto head coach

SAN ANTONIO - Kansas coach Bill Self slept for less than an hour after the Jayhawks stunned Memphis in one of the more memorable finals in NCAA tournament history, wrapping up their first national title in 20 years. The details of the Jayhawks' 75-68 overtime victory will soon be etched in Kansas lore. After Memphis missed a series of free throws, Kansas guard Mario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to send the game to overtime, where the Jayhawks overwhelmed the Tigers.

Royals fan A-Rod four times in home-opener

KANSAS CITY - Raw, windy conditions made things miserable for pitchers Tuesday afternoon. It must not have done Alex Rodriguez any good, either. For only the fourth time in his career, Rodriguez struck out four times and the Kansas City Royals beat the banged-up New York Yankees 5-2 before a sellout crowd in their home opener.

Miguel Zenon - Awake

I didn't know what to think about alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon's new CD, "Awake" after my first listen. It didn't strike me as indistinguishable in any way. And it seemingly had no rhyme, reason or direction. Zenon himself sounded like yet another Sonny Rollins impersonator. And his band mates, Luis Perdomo on piano, Hans Glawischnig on bass and drummer Henry Cole were unknown, at least to me.

Monday's prep sports 04-07-08

Royals bring momentun into today's home opener

KANSAS CITY - Trey Hillman struck up a conversation with a stranger at a coffee shop and quickly realized how skeptical long-suffering Kansas City fans can be. "I said, 'Who's going to win that basketball game tonight?" the Royals' new manager recalled Monday afternoon. "He said, 'Well, I don't know. I think Kansas is going to be all right.'

Bad breaks cost Griffons baseball

Almost provides no consolation for Buzz Verduzco. The Missouri Western coach watched his Griffons come agonizingly close to winning their weekend series at No. 17 Central Missouri only to leave Warrensburg with one win in four games. "You lose two games at Central with two pitches. That's hard to swallow," Verduzco said. "I have been coaching collegiality since 1987. I don't think I have felt worse for a team ever as far as what happened to our club. For those two things to happen to us with as well as we played this weekend is disappointing."

Kansas perseveres, nabs national championship

Jayhawks take overtime thriller against Memphis

SAN ANTONIO - So patient for 20 years, Kansas had no problem working an extra five minutes to bring a long-awaited championship back to the heartland. Mario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left in regulation to push the game into overtime, and the Jayhawks grinded it out from there for a 75-68 victory Monday night over Memphis in one of the best title games in recent memory.

The Matchup | Kansas vs. Memphis for the 2008 National Championship

WHERE: The Alamodome, San Antonio. TIME: Tip at about 8:20 p.m. T.V.: CBS, with play-by-play man Jim Nantz and analyst Billy Packer. RECORDS: Kansas 36-3, Memphis 38-1.

Rush's NBA dreams still there, so are national title hopes

SAN ANTONIO - Brandon Rush was living the dream. He was going to be an early pick in the NBA draft. Then came a devastating knee injury, months of rehab and the realization he would be headed back to Kansas for his junior season instead of pocketing paychecks. Today, Brandon Rush is living another dream.

Royals avoid Twins sweep thanks to Tomko

MINNEAPOLIS - The Kansas City Royals got off to a fast start, even with a first week on the road against AL Central rivals. Brett Tomko pitched five shutout innings, Alex Gordon hit a two-run single that put Kansas City ahead in the second inning, and the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1 Sunday.

Calipari served well by his 3 early years in Lawrence

SAN ANTONIO - When he sees that Jayhawk logo or hears the rock-chalk chant, John Calipari thinks back to his good ol' days at Kansas. Watering Larry Brown's flowers. Walking his dog. Picking up the laundry. Stuffing envelopes. "You know what?" the Memphis coach said Sunday. "It was the greatest time of my life."

Kansas' defense keys title bid

SAN ANTONIO - Two statistics stood out in Kansas' 84-66 victory over North Carolina in the national semifinals. The Tar Heels shot a season-low 35.8 percent from the floor, and they had 18 turnovers, four more than their average. Chalk those uncharacteristic numbers up to Kansas' relentless defense, especially early in the game, when the Jayhawks seemed to be playing with six or seven defenders. The trick for Kansas will be duplicating that effort against the speedy Memphis Tigers in today's national championship.

Saturday's Prep Sports

Kansas stomps North Carolina, advances to title game

What Roy Williams needed was a comeback for the ages. What he got was a disappointing dose of payback - a chance to see what it feels like when Kansas breaks his heart. The Jayhawks left their old coach in the dust Saturday night, getting 25 points and seven rebounds from Brandon Rush to stave off a ferocious comeback by North Carolina for an 84-66 victory in the national semifinals. Trailing 40-12 late in the first half, Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington and the Tar Heels made a valiant rally, getting as close as five points with nine minutes left, but ran out of steam in their effort to pull off the biggest Final Four comeback ever.

Royals, Meche stumble in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS - Asked if he had any special words of encouragement for Justin Morneau before Saturday's game against Kansas City, Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire got right to the point. "I told him to hit a home run," he deadpanned. "I say that every day, though." Morneau capped an otherwise quiet opening week by hitting his first homer of the season and driving in four runs, and the Twins had their best offensive output of the young season in a 6-4 victory over the Royals.

Local athletes gear up for city track meet

Make sure not to blink at the wrong time during Tuesday's City Track Meet. You might miss something thrilling. With an abundance of returning speedsters, the short-distance events look to be the highlight of the annual showdown between all five city schools at Central.

Phenomenal freshmen

Top five rookie track performances

Michigan's Fab Five captivated the nation during their run to the Final Four. Adrian Peterson racked up more than 1,900 rushing yards as a true freshman at Oklahoma. Although they didn't gain national media attention, loads of local track athletes have posted impressive feats during their rookie campaigns. With apologies to surprising state championship efforts from Polo's Brittney McGinley (shot put, 2007) and Katie Kohler (400, 2003), here's our take on the top five freshman showings of the past few years. More impressed with someone else? Let us know about it at rossmartin@npgco.com.

Phil Welch is a good investment -- at right price

An empty Phil Welch Stadium isn't an appealing thought. But it's not nearly as disturbing as the average St. Joe sewer calamity or the community's current job outlook or even a drive down the pothole-permeated catastrophes we consider streets. Let's face it: We should be used to vacant bleachers. The stadium stood essentially empty most of last year, as the embarrassment of the St. Joe Blacksnakes' collapse unfolded and attendance was better measured in dozens than hundreds or thousands. Nonetheless, a vacant stadium remains a blow to the community. Kansas City restaurateur Dan Gerson offered some relief this week when he spoke publicly for the first time about his plan to bring a college wood-bat team back to the city in 2009.

Bearcats search for assistant coach continues

Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Steve Tappmeyer said it might be another 10 days before he makes a decision on who will replace Jerome Haden as the assistant coach for the 2008-09 basketball season. Tappmeyer admitted he's been moving slowly in the process, but has had considerable interest since Haden was reassigned to other duties within the athletic department. Tappmeyer and Haden parted ways because of professional differences, according to athletic director Dr. Bob Boerigter.

McLouth native makes impression

It's a whole new world for Skeeter Kingsolver. Fresh off his 18th birthday, the McLouth, Kan., teenager is the top-ranked bullrider in this weekend's National Federation of Professional Bullriders' Federation Finals, being held at Civic Arena.

Minnesota hands K.C. its 1st loss

MINNEAPOLIS - Carlos Gomez went 3-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases and Scott Baker recovered from a sluggish first two innings in the Minnesota Twins' 4-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night, the Royals' first loss of the season. Baker gave up three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings and Joe Nathan picked up his second save, but the news wasn't all good for the Twins.

Western softball boxes

Roy still riles many Jayhawk fans 5 years later

Tonight's semifinal a grudge match as Kansas faces Williams' Tar Heels

SAN ANTONIO - Dan Barker had three heroes. "My dad, my grandpa and Roy Williams," he said Friday as he carried nachos to his seat at the Alamodome. These days, though, he only has two. "Roy Williams dropped pretty far off the list when he left," said Barker, a die-hard Kansas fan in search of a certain measure of revenge in Saturday's Final Four meeting against the Tar Heels.

K-State tabs Krause as next AD

University opts for in-house candidate over national search

KANSAS CITY - Instead of launching the traditional nationwide search for a new athletic director, Kansas State stayed home. Bob Krause, a longtime administrator at Kansas State who has served on several occasions as interim athletic director, now will bear the title full time. Jim Epps will run the department on a day-to-day basis. He is a 30-year Kansas State employee who was promoted from senior associate athletic director to deputy athletic director.

KU's Stewart fractures knee

SAN ANTONIO - Kansas' practice started off as a rock-chalk rally, with the pep band blaring as the Jayhawks ran onto the Alamodome floor to the cheers of throngs of red-and-blue-clad fans. It ended some 40 minutes later with the crowd watching in silence as Jayhawks reserve guard Rodrick Stewart writhed on the court, his knee shattered when he fell while attempting a dunk at the end of Friday's light workout.

Savages take title at Irish tourney

Shooting even par at the halfway point, most golfers would be content to maintain the same pace down the stretch. But Derek Baade isn't like most golfers. The Savannah junior, defending Class 3 state champion, reeled off seven straight birdies on the back nine Friday en route to a runaway win at the inaugural Lafayette Invitational at Fairview Golf Course. His 5-under 67 led the way for the Savages, who claimed the team title by a mere two strokes over a balanced Bishop LeBlond team.

Sunday's Fairview Men's Club tee times

Sunday's fairview tee times

Prep results from Friday

Northwest Missouri State Baseball box

Northwest Baseball

Hanging tough: the New Kids on the Block are reuniting.

The original boy band is back, and I'm so excited.

It's official, New Kids on the Block are reuniting!! The 8-year-old fan inside of me is screaming giddily and jumping up and down!

Hustle and flow

Platinum-selling hip-hop artists Rick Ross and Yung Joc play Civic Arena next week

When it comes to today's hip-hop music, the person who can drop the sickest rhyme doesn't necessarily sell the most records. "It is about the hook," says Maurice Devoe, program director at 95.7 The Vibe in Kansas City. "If people can either sing or rap the hook, you've got something going on." If that is the case, the hip-hop artists coming to the St. Joseph Civic Arena next week, Miami-based rapper Rick Ross and Atlanta's Yung Joc, definitely have something going on. Both artists have platinum-selling albums and Billboard-charting singles that have been in heavy rotation on hip-hop and, in some cases, top 40 radio.

Joyful noise

Harlem Gospel Choir performs tonight at Missouri Theater

A Sunday gospel brunch at Harlem's famed Cotton Club served up more than a tasty meal for Allen Bailey. It served up inspiration. Clips of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were being shown during the event, and one segment made a lasting impression. Bailey says the quote from Dr. King - "We can all be great because we can all serve" - inspired him to found the Harlem Gospel Choir in 1986.

Laughs and taxes

Robidoux Resident Theatre presents 'Love, Sex and the I.R.S.' next week

It's got a catchy title, plenty of laughs and a dude in a dress. Just in time for tax season, the play "Love, Sex and the I.R.S." obviously sounds like a comedy, and it will come to life with the help of the Robidoux Resident Theatre when they perform the production at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse next week

On the scene: Singing praises, furry metal and droids

If you happened to read the center piece, you already know that the Civic Arena will be bumping like a lowrider when hip-hop MCs Rick Ross and Yung Joc come to St. Joe. But that's not until next week.

Artist of the week: Avalon

With multiple Grammy nominations, numerous number one Christian singles and several gold records, the contemporary Christian pop group Avalon must be doing something right. The vocal quartet, featuring singers Melissa Greene, Greg Long, Janna Long and Jeremi Richardson, are on tour promoting their new album, in which they give Christian classics a modern pop update. They are performing on their We Will Stand tour at Word of Life Church at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5.

What's up for the week of April 4

P. J.'s Place

Paul Williams and his wife, Janis, opened up P.J.'s Place about five months ago. It's one of those long-time, dream-come-true stories for Paul, who previously cooked at Cascone's in Kansas City, the Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn, among others.

Bull riders kick off Federation Finals at Civic Arena

With his stellar attendance record, Kort Reynolds might be one of bull riding's biggest enthusiasts. He just doesn't know it yet. The 6-week old son of Seth Reynolds watched his dad post a score of 90 1/2 and claim a first-round victory in the National Federation of Professional Bullriders' Federation Finals on Thursday at Civic Arena.

Thursday's Prep Sports

Cardinals stifle Rockies

ST. LOUIS - Brad Thompson got only two spring training starts while the St. Louis Cardinals auditioned other pitchers for openings in their injury-riddled rotation. He needed just one start to convince the Colorado Rockies of his ability. Thompson's six strikeouts in 6 2-3 innings were three more than his previous best and he also earned his first career RBI in a 3-0 victory Thursday.

Kansas coach Self says he won't let alma mater's job opening distract Jayhawks

SAN ANTONIO - On the day Sean Sutton resigned as Oklahoma State's coach, Bill Self walked into Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins' office. Self told Perkins what he already knew: there would be speculation that Self was a candidate to return to his alma mater. Perkins said Thursday that Self told him: "'I'm staying. I'm not going anyplace.'"

Royals stun Tigers, earn opening series' sweep

DETROIT - The Kansas City Royals were supposed to provide a perfect launching pad for the Detroit Tigers' highly touted offense. The Royals pitchers did not cooperate, and the Tigers failed to launch. Zack Greinke had another outstanding pitching performance for Kansas City, allowing one run in seven innings as the Royals finished off a season-opening sweep with a 4-1 win on Thursday.

Griffons' basketball star faces more legal trouble

Missouri Western officials now have something else to consider when it comes to Ashleigh Curry's case for re-instatement to the women's basketball team. Western public safety officers arrested the Griffons guard Wednesday afternoon for misdemeanor identity theft and failure to appear in court. They then turned her over to city police, who released her to Maryville police. The warrant stemmed from Maryville Municipal Court. It was the second time in 10 days Curry has been arrested.

What could possibly be better than a flying car?

I've found a lot of crazy things online, but this one has to take the cake. I'm still not sure whether I should be saddened by this or excited by it's complete radical awesomeness.

Cards rock Colorado

Ankiel homers in victory over defending NL champs

ST. LOUIS - New St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Rick Ankiel had a game that would have made Jim Edmonds proud. Ankiel, the former wild left-hander who resurrected his career as a power-hitting outfielder last year and now is Edmonds' replacement, homered, singled twice and made a diving catch in an 8-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night.

Wednesday's prep sports 04-02-08

Jayhawk faced tough road to get to Final Four

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Tragedy keeps following Darnell Jackson. It first found him in Oklahoma, taking his father, leading him to the crime scene of a classmate's murder. It tracked him down at Kansas, snatching the lives of friends and relatives - his beloved grandmother among them - and maiming his mother. Tragedy's pursuit has been relentless, flooring Jackson at nearly every turn, cramming a lifetime of heartache into 22 years. But each time, Jackson pulled himself up - sometimes reluctantly - pounding his chest in defiance. "You have to keep getting up," he said. "It's the only way you can keep going."

Davis, Musser earn top scholar-athlete honors

When Josh Davis' name was called Wednesday night, it was hard to tell who was more excited the Lafayette senior or his family and coaches. "I'd have to say me," Davis said. "It's something I've wanted since I was little." Davis realized a life-long dream when he was named the 2008 male scholar-athlete winner at St. Joseph Sports, Inc.'s 23rd annual Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony.

Coy among 5 finalists for K.C.'s prep player of the year

The best boys basketball player in the Greater Kansas City area might have played in St. Joseph this year. The Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association recently named Benton senior Johnny Coy as one of five finalists for the DiRenna Award, given annually to the best player in Kansas City since 1954. The GKCBCA has helped present the award for the past 12 years and has not had a finalist from this far north in that span.

Match made at Noyes

Central tennis duo measures itself against tough field

Change has been an aggravating constant for Andrew Ellis - especially when it comes to doubles partners. The Central senior, who got to state with Alex Dobyan as a sophomore, has paired with a different teammate each of the past three years with roller-coaster results. Ellis is riding high with his newest partner - sophomore Sirish Veligati - after the Indian duo finished a close runner-up in the No. 1 doubles flight during Wednesday's Central Invitational at Noyes Tennis Complex among a field of potential state qualifiers.

Royals' Bannister tames Tigers' vaunted lineup

DETROIT - If Brian Bannister were a lefty, people would call him crafty. Instead, he'll have to settle for effective. Bannister stymied the Detroit Tigers' heralded offense Wednesday, allowing two singles in seven innings as the Kansas City Royals won 4-0. "That's a very good lineup, and they are going to score a lot of runs, but I also know that they have a lot more expectations than we do," Bannister said. "That's why I wanted to put them under pressure early."

LeBlond offense finds high gear in soccer win against Benton

After 40 frenzied minutes, Bishop LeBlond had nothing to show for its first-half offensive barrage. The Golden Eagles watched as Benton goalkeeper Morgan Brown scooped up shot after shot and kept her composure with a solid stream of forwards running through the box.

St. Joseph Sports, Inc., high school scholar-athlete banquet tonight

St. Joseph Sports Inc. annually honors outstanding male and female scholar-athletes in St. Joseph. Two scholar-athletes will be chosen tonight and each will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The remaining six nominees each will receive $500 scholarships.

Western, Northwest baseball split doubleheader

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Danny Malone still had his no-hitter, but not his dignity. The Northwest Missouri State junior was pulled with control problems with one out in the fifth inning of Tuesday's nightcap of a doubleheader against Missouri Western, but his early dominance and a seven-run second-inning boosted the Bearcats to a 10-3 victory over the Griffons and a split of their MIAA doubleheader at Bearcat Field.

Kauffman Stadium renovations could cause some distractions

KANSAS CITY - If ever a team was having a rebuilding year, it's the 2008 Kansas City Royals. The whining of saws and the rat-a-tat-tat of jackhammers in a race against time will crank up at 6 o'clock every morning all over Kauffman Stadium. When the Royals are home for night games, workmen will pack up their equipment and call it a day about four hours before the first pitch.

Some up, some down: Western golf sees mixed results at home invitational

Freshman Thorne shines amidst disappointments

If at first you don't succeed, change putters. That was Derek Thorne's approach this week at the MWSU Invitational. The Missouri Western freshman switched to a longer putter last Wednesday, and six days later it paid off when he shot a career-best, 3-under 69 on the final day of the Griffons' home meet at Fairview Golf Course on Tuesday.

Stories for April 2008

Wednesday, April 30

Guillen drives in five runs, blasts 3rd home run

Tuesday, April 29

Tuesday's tennis, baseball and soccer

Griffons reel off 4 straight victories

Monday, April 28

Sunday, April 27

Omon becomes fourth player in school history to be drafted into NFL

K.C. picks big men in successful 1st day of draft

Saturday, April 26

Jake, Chris Long go Nos. 1, 2 on draft's 1st day

Swyhart accomplishes Division I status

Friday, April 25

The Saint Joseph Symphony celebrates its 100th anniversary with concert this weekend

Vandel-Snook sets its sights on Nashville

Kansas City Ballet to perform 'Romeo and Juliet'

Thursday, April 24

Kansas City Roller Warriors matches are rough, rowdy fun

Wednesday, April 23

Tuesday, April 22

Dolphins sign former Michigan lineman to contract

Announcement expected today

Benton graduate seeks transfer to hometown hoops program

Assailants broke Northwest wide receiver's jaw in Florida

South Side native decides to retire

Monday, April 21

St. Louis getting better part third-basemen swap because Rolen hasn't played

Sunday, April 20

San Francisco completes 7 games in 11 days against St. Louis with a win

Saturday, April 19

Friday, April 18

The Griffon International Film Festival gets started next week

The Hooten Hallers bring their unique interpretation of country to St. Joe

Graduating seniors display their art at Missouri Western

Thursday, April 17

Young, charistmatic country stars excite Maryville crowd with solid performances

Silver Strike leagues take bowling out of the alley

Wednesday, April 16