stjoelive.com | Stories for February 2009

Chiefs trade for Patriots quarterback Cassel

KANSAS CITY - The New England Patriots must feel certain Tom Brady's injured knee will be fine next season. After putting the franchise tag on Matt Cassel as insurance for their two-time Super Bowl MVP, the Patriots shipped Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City on Saturday. The Chiefs gave up shockingly little - the 34th overall pick in the April draft for both players.

Southern puts end to Northwest men's season

JOPLIN, Mo. - Hunter Henry gave Northwest Missouri State its only lead of the game on the opening possession. Then Missouri Southern's Skyler Bowlin responded with a 3-pointer, and the Lions never trailed after that, ending Northwest's season with an 85-69 victory Saturday at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions (19-11, 9-11 MIAA) get the No. 8 seed in the MIAA tournament while Northwest (12-15, 7-13) finishes one game out of the running.

Benton girls fall in district finals

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Benton kept the score low and put Platte County's dominant post player in foul trouble. All of the factors seemed aligned for Benton to upend Class 4 District 16's top seed. Instead, a combination of poor free-throw shooting and missed opportunities doomed the Cardinals to a 51-42 loss Friday night at Savannah High School. Benton made only 4 of 13 free throws, including Meghan Curtis' 1-for-6 showing in the third quarter when 6-foot-4 Platte County center Morgan Johnson went to the bench after picking up her fourth foul.

Central girls chased out of playoff hunt

LIBERTY, Mo. - After coaxing yet another steal, Liberty's Kelsey Goff broke into the frontcourt as multiple Central defenders fruitlessly gave chase. The details and players involved would change, but the scene repeated itself countless times Friday night at Liberty High School. A ferocious Blue Jays defense trapped, tripped and trounced Central on the way to a 48-25 victory during the Class 5 District 16 final. In all, the Indians committed 32 turnovers - at least seven in every quarter - to fall one game short of their second straight postseason berth.

Greinke debuts for Royals with 2 perfect innings

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Zack Greinke signed a four-year, $38 million contract extension last month with the Kansas City Royals. Greinke looked to be worth the investment Friday in his spring training debut, throwing two perfect innings in the Royals' 7-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants. "I was going out just like the normal spring training, the first game," Greinke said. "I always do bad to start. I was like, 'Maybe I should try a little harder the first game because of that (new contract).' It's still spring training. The main thing is just getting your stuff working for the real deal."

Lafayette boys celebrate another district title

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Cody Miller strode near midcourt to collect the Class 4 District 16 championship plaque. Before Lafayette's senior guard could collect the hardware, the celebration started in earnest behind him. The sizable Irish crowd rushed Lafayette's players and coaches following their 60-41 victory against Friday night at Savannah High School, serenading the victorious squad with reverberating chants of "Here we go." Another championship, another reason to rejoice.

Best basketball venues in the MIAA

With Wednesday's trip to Warrensburg, I've now been to 10 of the 11 hoops arenas in the MIAA. Fort Hays is the lone exception, and I have no intention of changing that any time soon. Western assistant Mike Nicholson told me ole Gross Memorial is one of the league's best venues when full, so we'll let his opinion stand for the Tigers. From the blog that brought you the MIAA's best football stadiums, media guides and uniforms, here are the league's best basketball venues - based on facilities and atmosphere.

Friday's Prep Sports

Cowabunga, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are 25 years old!

Celebrate your favorite heroes in a half-shell birthdays

Cowabunga, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are 25 years old! If you're like me, a child of the '80s, there's a pretty good chance you grew up watching "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." So, does it make you feel old to know that the turtles are turning 25 this year?

Country for a cause

Sawyer Brown and Bucky Covington come together for benefit concert in St. Joe tonight

St. Joseph is not a city that registers as a must-play location for a lot of national touring acts. It often gets passed over in favor of KC and Omaha. But for country music veterans Sawyer Brown, playing St. Joseph is something they rarely pass up. "There's a sense of home there," says Sawyer Brown keyboardist Gregg "Hobie" Hubbard. "It's real people. It's real America... There's just something that feels right about St. Joe."

Connecting generations

Blitzen Trapper brings throwback sound to Lawrence

Those of you who read this article and become interested in Blitzen Trapper will probably go online and download a few of the band's songs. But what will come out of your computer speakers will sound like it's coming from a record player. It'll sound like 1973. You might even feel the shag beneath your toes.

Doing what they love

Classic rockers Shooting Star come to St. Joe

During more than 30 years, Shooting Star has experienced worldwide fame, signed major record deals, toured with classic rock icons, undergone multiple lineup changes and even called it quits at one point. The group went through everything a rock band CAN go through. Only one thing motivates Shooting Star to keep playing.

The last days of Marlowe

Production examines the mysterious death of the Elizabethan playwright

At first glance, a poem about the last days of an Elizabethan-era playwright might not seem very exciting. But throw in some espionage, conspiracy theories and a possible murder, and things get more interesting.

We recommend... for 2/27/09

We recommend for Feb. 27, 2009

The Shuffle: One false move

At the 2009 Grammy Awards three weeks ago, there were some big winners and several great performances. However, thanks to events that occurred away from the show, history will remember this year's Grammys for all the wrong reasons.

That game we play: It's all about chemistry

Recently it seems that I've been seeing a lot of articles online all with the same general theme: "How to rock that first date," "Make your first date unforgettable," and "The exact thing to say to make him fall in love with you." OK, so the last one is a bit extreme, but again, all of these articles seem to have the same underlying theme: that there is a secret or a trick that can make your first date completely magical. And if you don't do this, well, you might be left wondering if the guy who never called you again really was your soulmate and you totally blew it.

Eats: Hap's is worth the hunt

The restaurant business is a tough one, especially in St. Joseph, where prices had better be low and the food consistently good and plentiful or you're out. Hap's Place is one of the few that have been able to stand the test of time. Established in 1958 by Hap Sutton, it's still going strong, thanks in part to Connie Wertin, the current owner. She knows what it takes to keep it running, but then she ought to. She's been working there for 43 years, originally for her parents (Dick and Juanita Trent) who owned it, and finally as owner with her husband, Pete, after they bought it in 1980.

This is: Blackout

Entertainment briefs for Feb. 27, 2009

LeBlond's Drew Shinn submits resignation

Finally given a shot at head coaching, Drew Shinn believed his two decades of diverse assistant coaching experience led him to Bishop LeBlond.

Entertainment calendar for Feb. 27, 2009

Davies makes early bid for spot in Royals rotation

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Kyle Davies started spring training the same way he finished last season.

Lafayette defeats Savannah to reach district title game

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Lafayette's sizeable crowd frothed itself into a fervor as the Fighting Irish's first-quarter lead slowly matriculated upwards. Already leading by 14, Bryston Williams took the fever pitch to the brink. The senior guard poked the ball away from Savannah's Lee McFadden at the top of the key in the waning moments of the first quarter. The Irish guard sprinted uncontested towards the other end with the green-clad faithful rising to their feet in anticipation.

Basketball Notebook: Celebration a wet one for Neff

Considering Lafayette's big-game track record, Chris Neff might want to consider wearing a poncho on the sidelines.

Friday's Prep Results

GAME BLOGS: Central sweeps Western

After most of Western's losses this year, you could identify turning points that had they gone the Griffons' way, it was easy to see the result following. Not the case Wednesday in Warrensburg.

Graves joins most House colleagues in pay-freeze vote

Members of the U.S. House had a "we-get-it" moment Wednesday when voting to freeze their congressional pay for the next year.

Central Missouri bashes Western women

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - No layup was too easy, no free throw too open and no pass too close for the Missouri Western women on Wednesday. And that was just the offensive portion of the Griffons' problems. The Griffons stumbled and bumbled their way to a 79-57 loss to Central Missouri at the Multipurpose Building. It was Western's worst loss since a 29-point beating at Augustana (S.D.) on Dec. 17 and the second-largest margin of defeat for the Griffons this conference season.

Mules complete a sweep of Griffon men

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - If Wednesday was a preview of the MIAA tournament's first round, the Missouri Western men will need to find themselves a few more weapons before heading to Kansas City next week. No. 12 Central Missouri outgunned the Griffons 84-66 at the Multipurpose Building. The Mules' five-pronged attack left Western with little answer as Central became the first team to sweep the Griffons this season.

Cardinals avenge earlier loss

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Holly Switzer bided her time and set her feet, even as the closing seconds of the first quarter ticked away. She rose up and fired a 3-pointer, burying it as the buzzer sounded to give Benton a nine-point lead against Smithville. Cardinals coach Brett Goodwin nearly ran himself out the doors on the west of end of Savannah High School with an enthusiastic pump of his fist. The senior guard's shot meant that much to Benton.

Northwest men dealt losing hand against Southwest Baptist

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State shuffled the deck against Southwest Baptist on Wednesday night, but it still couldn't come up with a winning hand. The visitors outhustled, outshot and outrebounded Northwest - and they outscored them, too - in an 81-58 mauling in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest women keep hope alive

MARYVILLE, Mo. - For all the buckets she made on Wednesday night, the one Southwest Baptist's Rachel Graves couldn't make at the buzzer proved the difference in Northwest Missouri State's 75-73 victory. Graves scored a game-high 24 points for Baptist (7-19, 4-15), hitting 8 of 11 field goals, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range. But the trey she failed to make at the buzzer bounced off the rim, as she was draped by two Northwest defenders.

Local College Basketball Box Scores

Wednesday's Prep Sports

Why Tjeerdsma should, but won't, be the new coach at UTSA

Unless you've been living in a cave the past two days, you no doubt have heard Northwest Missouri State football coach Mel Tjeerdsma is a finalist for the Texas-San Antonio head coaching position and will interview with the Roadrunners next week. The announcement surprised many of us who just assumed Tjeerdsma, 62, would retire a Bearcat. And he still might because I believe the Roadrunners will hire former Miami coach Larry Coker over Tjeerdsma.

PDAs, sewers and procurement cards, oh my

Over $300,000 was transferred from the Sewer Fund to the Aviation Fund over the last 5 years as compensation for dumping sewer sludge on airport farmland. Justification for these transfers have not been maintained and whether this is the most cost efficient means of disposing of sludge is unclear.

Speech impresses Bond, but he also has doubts

After President Obama finished his Tuesday night speech to the nation and descended the steps on the left side of the House rostrum, one of the first hands he shook belonged to Missouri's senior senator, Kit Bond.

Griffin hits decisive free throws in Central girls' playoff victory

LIBERTY, Mo. - Bailey Griffin strolled to the free throw line, exuding a steely poise. The result already seemed like a foregone conclusion. With 6.1 seconds left, the Central senior knocked down a pair of free throws that hit nothing but nylon and finally provided some hard-earned breathing room. Facing staggering pressure, Griffin wouldn't have it any other way. "I wanted to be the one to shoot them and make them. I felt like it was my job," Griffin said. "I didn't want our season to be over."

Savages emerge with last-second district victory against Chillicothe

Benton boys survive Platte County

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Travis Partridge's didn't completely convince his mind when he let his last-second shot fly. "You always think it's in," the Savannah senior forward said. In this case, Partridge was right. Partridge's deep jump shot from the right wing delivered a 45-44 victory against Chillicothe on Tuesday night at Savannah High School. The game-winner completed a bizarre finale to the Class 4 District 16 opener that saw Savannah overcome a seven-point deficit in the final 1 minute, 2 seconds.

East Buchanan boys find their groove just in time

GOWER, Mo. - With 27.7 seconds left on Tuesday night and his team hanging onto a two-point lead, East Buchanan senior Andrew Treat knew that if he missed this free throw any made field goal by Hamilton would tie the game or give the Hornets the lead. But Treat, who likes the tough situations, not only made the front end of the one-and-one, but hit the back end as well to give his team a four-point cushion on its home court. The margin held up for a 55-51 East Buchanan victory.

Henry successfully carries leadership burden for Northwest men

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Some players are vocal leaders. Others lead with their work ethic on the court. Still others lead with their off-court demeanor. Hunter Henry has had to do it all this season for the Northwest Missouri State basketball team. Henry, a 6-foot-9 forward, plays his final game at Bearcat Arena tonight when the Bearcats take on No. 4 Southwest Baptist in a 7:30 p.m. MIAA game.

Northwest prepares for big basketball weekend

The potential of high drama exists this weekend in Joplin, Mo., even if it is occurring in the bottom half of the MIAA men's basketball standings. With just one spot remaining to be claimed for the conference's postseason tournament, Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Southern are tied at 7-11 in the standings. Northwest can clinch the final spot in the bracket with a win tonight against Southwest Baptist, coupled with a Missouri Southern loss against Nebraska-Omaha. That's a difficult proposition, considering that Southwest Baptist (22-3, 15-3 MIAA) is ranked No. 4 nationally, eight spots higher than a Central Missouri team that blew out Northwest on national television Saturday.

Wednesday's Prep Scores

Wednesdays Prep Sports

Review: 'Milk'

Sean Penn helps to give a civil rights icon his proper tribute

The word "change" is one that has been thrown around in abundance in 2008 thanks to the presidential elections. But back in the 1970s, gay rights activist Harvey Milk was actually making that change happen. And thanks to the skilled direction of Gus Van Sant and a powerhouse performance by Sean Penn, the catalyst figure for the gay rights movement gets the tribute he deserves in "Milk," which is easily one of the best films of 2008. The film begins with Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) sitting in his kitchen recording a tape to only be played in the event of his assassination, a foregone conclusion at the hands of fellow city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) thanks to archival footage in the film's opening sequence. Milk's recording serves as narrative, taking the audience back to New York City in 1970, where a closeted, 40-year-old Milk meets his young lover Scott Smith (a very likeable James Franco). The two move to San Fran in 1972 and open a camera shop on Castro Street, a more accepting neighborhood to their lifestyle but one still prone to gay discrimination among business owners and harrassment and brutality from police.

Time for a Senate candidate forum? Already?

For the record, 616 days remain before Missouri's next U.S. Senate election. And, for the record, the first call has gone out for a candidate debate.

Northwest's Tjeerdsma a finalist for D-1 position

Mel Tjeerdsma Field is on the Northwest Missouri State campus to stay, but its namesake could be leaving Maryville in the near future. The Bearcats' football coach is among the three finalists for the University of Texas-San Antonio position and will interview with the Roadrunners this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Crowds return as Missouri Western men make MIAA progress

The Griffon men are back in the MIAA tournament, and plenty of Northwest Missourians were there to see it. Western completed the home portion of its 2008-09 season last Saturday and finished with an average attendance of 2,083 at MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons drew better than 2,500 fans for three of their last four home games, finishing with the highest attendance for the program this decade. Based on last year's national numbers, Western would've placed 12th among Division II schools with this year's average.

Griffons' Allen enjoys NFL audition

Roger Allen joined an elite group just by receiving an invitation to the NFL's 2009 Combine and then stood alone when the Missouri Western guard didn't participate in drills last weekend. Allen was one of seven Division II players invited to Indianapolis and the only one who didn't perform for the NFL's coaches, general managers and scouts. The 6-foot-3 senior suffered a sports hernia in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game Feb. 2, forcing Allen to undergo surgery Feb. 11 and sidelining him for six to eight weeks.

Savannah girls sink free throws, Lafayette

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Savannah won the opening game of the Class 4 District 16 tournament against Lafayette 49-32 on Monday night at Savannah High School. The Savages scored 25 of their 49 points via wide-open, uncontested shots. Poor defense wasn't to blame. After all, you can't defend a free throw. Savannah (14-11) had trouble hitting field goals, but for the Savages, free throws seemed to be just that: free.

Tuesday's Local Scores

Best and the Rest: Final rankings for 2008-09

Last week's blog entry listed our all-MIAA women's picks. That leaves us with the men's team for this week:

Weekend recap: Madahoochi at Hammerjacks. Jean Claude Van Halen at The Vous

Two performances on opposite ends of the spectrum for St. Joe's craziest party weekend

As I walked into Hammerjacks on Friday night during Madahoochi's first set break, I had to wonder what the band was thinking. The St. Louis jam quartet, primarily known for playing the funk/blues/jazz/rock amalgam that jam band fans adore, was drinking as death metal played over the jukebox and the male bartender entertained patrons by blowing flames. I would bet that this isn't their ideal venue, but the skilled musicians won most of the crowd over with an excellent choice of covers and some bouncy originals

The best and worst of the Oscars

I'm dedicating this entry to 'Seymour' Philip Hoffman.

Local scores Monday Feb. 23

Neff brings cutting edge to Lafayette basketball

Arms folded, Lafayette coach Chris Neff watches as his team plays on basketball's cutting edge. The scrimmage's pace is frenetic. The action unceasing. Slashing guards slice into the paint, only to throw kick-out passes to a waiting perimeter player. Another forceful drive ensues. All the while, Neff barks out instructions, fueling the tempest. Though it goes by many names, this non-stop whirlwind of action is most commonly referred to as the Dribble-Drive Motion offense and is the spark behind the Fighting Irish's rapid resurgence.

GAME BLOG: Truman 71, Western women 62

It's telling when trailing by for with 1:30 to go, Western's players stood around the perimeter and waited for Jessica Koch to save them. No one wanted the ball in the crucial moments of this game, possibly expecting Koch to rescue the Griffons like she did in their win over Truman in Kirksville. Only Saturday, Koch's driving layup through three defenders rolled off the rim, and the Griffons experienced a new sensation this conference season getting upset.

GAME BLOG: Western men 67, Truman 48

Even when these teams met the first time (when the Bulldogs won 69-67), I had no doubt Western was the more talented team. The difference in the two outings for the Griffons was just a commitment to get to the ball to the rim no matter what. Western didn't shoot it any better Saturday 2 for 14 behind the arc as opposed to 2 for 15 in its loss to Truman. The Griffons' primary jump shooters Dominique Thuston, Lonnel Johnson and Quentin Noblin were a pedestrian 6 of 18 from the floor Saturday, and I would bet most of those baskets came in the paint.

Missouri's Lyons proves too much for Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. - Leo Lyons wasn't about to miss out on all the fun like last time. The senior forward, who missed Missouri's 45-point blowout of Colorado last month while serving a one-game suspension after his arrest on traffic violations, posted a double-double in leading the 11th-ranked Tigers to a 66-53 victory in the rematch Saturday. Lyons had 13 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Tigers (23-4, 10-2 Big 12) reach double figures in conference wins for the first time in nine years.

Reeling Northwest women keep plunging

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Renae Shippy isn't known for her 3-point shot, having hit only three of them all season. But the Central Missouri freshman drained a pair of them in the first 10 minutes Saturday as the Jennies rushed to a 72-48 victory against Northwest Missouri State. The victory puts the Bearcats on the ropes for any chance to make the MIAA tournament. Northwest now needs to win out and get a little help from other teams during the final two games to earn the eighth and final berth.

Central stymies Northwest

Mules shut down Bearcats' star, Henry; tourney hopes fade some

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The television cameras were on Hunter Henry. But this time, the 6-foot-9 senior wasn't the star of the show. No. 7 Central Missouri manhandled the Northwest Missouri State forward, taking him out of the game in their 78-48 thrashing of the Bearcats in a game televised nationally on Saturday by CBS College Sports Network.

Truman gets payback against Western women

The Missouri Western women's first win of the season came at Truman State's expense. Five weeks wasn't enough time to make the Bulldogs forget that particular thorn, and retribution came Saturday with a 71-62 victory against Western at MWSU Fieldhouse.

Savages keep focused on last day

After Cody Hummer dropped his semifinal, Savannah coach Gary Bergmann wanted his three guaranteed medalists to focus on third place on the final day of the Class 2 Wrestling Championships. Only Hummer reached the third-place match Saturday at Mizzou Arena, but he dropped the 103 bout to Pleasant Hill's Kolton Ross in a 9-3 decision. Hummer (47-4) defeated Ross in overtime in quarterfinals but fell into an early 5-0 hole in the rematch and didn't recover. Hummer's fourth-place result might have been the highest for the Savages, but Tanner Aebersold and Marty Uehlin each won their final matches.

Maryville's Merrill claims title

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Letting no moment go to waste, Maryville's Dannen Merrill quickly made his way up the steps at Mizzou Arena to find his family. There were hugs for almost the entire Merrill clan after Dannen pinned Knob Noster's Kirk Luzano in the second period of the Class 1 119-pound championship match. There was mom and dad and three of Dannen's four older brothers - D.J., Derek and Dakota. Eldest sibling David couldn't be in Columbia on Saturday night due to military obligations, but there was little doubt this was a win for the whole family.

Prep results from Saturday

Game blog: Central Mo. men 78, Northwest 48

For many teams, the UCM Multi-Purpose building is "The Black Hole" of the MIAA. Not many teams come out of that cavernous facility with a win. On Saturday, the colors inside the building matched the building's reputation. With most of the Central Missouri fans wearing black for the "Central Missouri Blackout" or in the case of a number of bare-chested students, painted black this was a raucous atmosphere even a half hour before tipoff.

Northwest women's motivation

With Northwest Missouri State's women all but out of the running for an MIAA tournament berth, Gene Steinmeyer had two different messages for his team on Saturday following a 72-48 loss to Central Missouri. "The first message is that you play your last week of the season as if you're going to the NCAA Tournament," coach Gene Steinmeyer said. "They're on scholarship. They're representing the school."

LeBlond boys survive Benton

Bishop LeBlond might have left the Midland Empire Conference for a couple decades. But in their first year back, the Golden Eagles' old rivalries - and passions - obviously remain. Tensions boiled over with Benton on Friday night when Cardinal coach Ron Tyler had to be restrained by referees after he attempted to go after LeBlond coach Steve Vertin during a timeout in the closing second of the Golden Eagles' 52-50 victory at Springer Gymnasium.

Indians keep medal streak alive at wrestling finals

Central kept a decade-old streak alive Friday at the Class 4 State Wrestling Championships, even if it took until the Indians' final match of the day. Josh Phillips pinned Medrick Woods of Hazelwood East in the third period of their Class 4 third-round wrestleback match. The victory ensures Phillips can finish no worse than sixth - marking the 11th straight year a Central wrestler will earn a medal. The streak dates back to the year after current Central coach Brett Swope wrestled for the Indians in 1997. He placed fifth that year.

Central's Myer swims strong but just short of finals

ST. PETER'S, Mo. - Shannon Myer suffered through an excruciating waiting game Friday at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Despite turning in a season-best time in the 50-meter freestyle, the Central sophomore watched as her time of 24.85 fell a tenth of a second short of the finals at the MSHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Her time would have been good enough for seventh overall at last year's event.

Williams helps put Benton in position for a team trophy at state wrestling championships

Dustin Williams knew where to focus long before the Class 2 Missouri State Wrestling Championships brackets came out. Moberly's Weston Keleher. One day last week, Williams ran four miles after a grueling wrestling practice. His reasoning? The Benton junior figured he could use the extra endurance when he met Keleher.

Mid-Buchanan's Rumpf draws tough foe at wrestling championships

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Jake Rumpf remembers sitting in the stands watching his peers wrestle for state titles. After two years of heartache, Rumpf finally will find out what the pressure of a state championship match feels like. The Mid-Buchanan junior persevered for a 11-10 semifinal win Friday night at Mizzou Arena, advancing to his first title tilt at the Class 1 Missouri State Wrestling Championships. Rumpf's semifinal win also allowed him to experience a different emotion.

Missouri Western scouting report

Truman State at Missouri Western

South Harrison keeps Hamilton girls at bay

HAMILTON, Mo. - When her badly team needed stability, Mysti Williams loomed larger than ever. Already enjoying a monster game, the South Harrison senior forward bullied her way to four crucial points during a pivotal stretch in the final minutes against Hamilton. Williams' inside efforts helped the Bulldogs exhale and hold on for a pivotal 79-70 victory Friday against their Grand River Conference rival. The win kept South Harrison perfect in conference play and gives it a chance to complete an undefeated run to the league title.

Northwest Missouri State scouting report

Northwest Missouri State at Central Missouri

Thuston finds himself at home with Griffons

In high school, Dominique Thuston dreamed of basketball taking him from a North Side gym to the limelight of Division I athletics and beyond. But his two-year journey through junior-college basketball didn't fit the script. Thuston stopped in Iowa and Kansas before finally settling six miles from the high school gym where he starred. It's not the ideal path he imagined, going from Lafayette to Missouri Western. But nonetheless, Thuston is satisfied to be home again.

Friday's Prep Sports

Ice-fishing issues heat up in Maryville

The tables seemed to have turned at Mozingo Lake. Several weeks ago, I reported how an ordinance that prohibited ice fishing effectively put an end to the popular activity at the lake. Now the ordinance has been changed. But it raises another question: Has the city of Maryville violated its partnership agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation?

Gun sales take off after election

Home-defense rifles, shotguns gain in sales through region

The media keeps shouting about how bad the economy is, but gun buyers don't seem to be listening. Firearms sales have soared the past couple of months, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) attributes this to concerns about incoming lawmakers.

And the Oscar goes to...

What are you looking forward to the most about this Sunday's ceremonies?

It's Oscar time, what are you excited about? Is it the dresses, the speeches, the stars or the actual awards themselves?

CD Review: Eagles of Death Metal's "Heart On"

Sleezy garage rockers newest loaded with grooves, sex and hooks

Plenty of rock music that comes out today wants to break new ground or provoke thought. Then there's the L.A. outfit Eagles of Death Metal, who would just prefer to lay down some scuzzy-and-fuzzy guitar while tossing sexual metaphors and tongue-in-cheek choruses around like dollar bills at a strip club. They do that on their latest album, "Heart On," which is a fun dose of filthy-sounding seventies guitar grooves and glammy touches

February fun on Felix

Leave the kids at home - it's Mardi Gras time!

St. Joe certainly cherishes its festivals. When winter comes, however, the snow and the cold squelch those large, joyful gatherings. Until February, that is. For the eighth year, thousands of people will break out of winter hibernation and swarm the downtown area for the Mardi Gras parade and ensuing parties.

From Russia with love

The Saint Joseph Symphony's concert this weekend brings some east European flavor

The Saint Joseph Symphony's upcoming concert may be titled "Bring Your Own Vodka," but it won't be celebrating Russian names like Smirnoff and Stolichnaya. Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin are more like it. These are the names of Russia's most famous composers, and the Saint Joseph Symphony will make their works ring loudly within the walls of the Missouri Theater at 8 p.m. Feb. 21. Tickets are $10 to $35.

Dark, twisted and thought-provoking

Experience something different with Neil LaBute's 'Bash'

Prepare to drastically switch gears this weekend for the Robidoux Resident Theatre production of "Bash" at the Landing Playhouse. The three, one-act plays, written by playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute ("In The Company of Men" and "The Wicker Man" ) is intensely different from RRT's "Peter Pan" last weekend at the Missouri Theater.

Beating the bad times

The Airborne Toxic Event sees good in the gloom

The literary lyrics of the L.A. indie rock quintet The Airborne Toxic Event cover some pretty dismal terrain. For writer-turned-singer/guitarist Mick Jollett, it's all autobiographical. But tackling those dark emotions has helped him rise above them. "Don't be afraid of them. Look them dead straight in the eye and they kind of lose their power," Jollett says. "There's some beauty in that."

Over the rainbow

For singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright, over the top is the only way

Welcome to the world of Rufus Wainwright, where opera is the new pop, Judy Garland is worthy of worship and no arrangement is too extravagant. The openly gay New York-born, Canadian-raised singer/songwriter has made a career out of taking songs on a different path. The son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, the imaginative escapist child accessed his creative side when he was put in front of piano at age 6.

We recommend... for 2/20/09

We recommend for Feb. 20, 2009

The Shuffle: Fighting back the backlash

Is it just me, or does the general public always look for a reason for things to hate something? That may be the case in many aspects of life and culture, but it definitely appears to be the case when the Oscars roll around.

That game we play: Technology: help or hurt, part 2

A couple weeks ago I explored a few of the ways technology has helped moved dating forward. Now we look at the other side, the ways technology has hindered rather than helped our love lives. In "He's Just Not That Into You," Drew Barrymore gives a monologue lamenting the days when "you had one phone number and that one phone was hooked up to one machine and that one machine had one tape and either you had a message or you didn't."

This is: Madahoochi

Entertainment briefs for Feb. 20, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Feb. 20, 2009

Friday's Prep Sports

Finney, LeBlond hold off Benton

Time and again, Dain Finney and her Bishop LeBlond teammates dug their heels in, needing and praying for yet another crucial stop. During the final 4 minutes against Benton, the Golden Eagles' senior withstood the nail-biting atmosphere at Grace Gymnasium and hoped her team's tenuous lead would hold up. "You always have doubt in the back of your mind," Finney said. "There's always that fear, but you just try to overcome it."

Royals claim Hulett off waivers

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Royals claimed infielder Tug Hulett off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. The Royals designated left-handed pitcher Neal Musser, who made one relief appearance last year for the Royals, for assignment to make room for Hulett on the 40-man roster. Hulett was expected to arrive Friday at the Royals camp and will likely start the season at Class AAA Omaha.

PREP BASKETBALL NOTES: Troy to hold ceremony for former star tonight

Before looking forward to its year-end stretch run, Troy will take a moment to recall a proud part of its past. The Trojans will hold a brief ceremony before today's girls game to recognize the achievements of 2005 graduate Abby Winder, who currently is finishing her successful collegiate career down the road at Benedictine.

Five Benton wrestlers battle into quarterfinals

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Benton freshman Jake Chellew held on - barely - during the final 30 seconds of his first match at the Class 2 State Wrestling Championships. Down 4-2 to Boonville's Trevor Ditto in their 119-pound, first-round match, Chellew started in the top position. Rather than allow the Pirates' senior an escape, Chellew worked his offense. His patience was rewarded with 40 seconds left when he turned Ditto to his back for three near-fall points.

Round 1 not kind to Central

Four Indians still wrestling in Class 4 bracket despite slow start

Almost nothing went Central's way during the first round of the Class 4 State Wrestling Championships - especially the stalling calls. Three of the Indians' five qualifiers lost to ranked opponents Thursday evening at Mizzou Arena, but Lane Swan's loss in the first round of the 125-pound bracket was the toughest.

Lathrop searching for a Day 2 encore

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The first day was another good one for Lathrop at the Class 1 Missouri Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena. The Mules won their first five matches Thursday, sending Tyler Rader (103 pounds), Jerad Potter (112), Bryant Krauth (119), Ronnie Bloss (130) and Caleb Hartzell (140) into the quarterfinals. Freshman Tyler Berg (171) and senior Curtis Miller (215) survived their wrestleback matches to keep all seven of the team's qualifiers alive. Lathrop currently ranks sixth with 24 points.

Roy Blunt to run for U.S. Senate

Congressman Roy Blunt announced his plan to Thursday morning to run for Missouri's U.S. Senates seat in 2010.

Indians get tough in OT victory

With the bodies careening toward her, Kaitlin Siela extended her arms and hoped for the best. When she returned to the hardwood, the Central junior had ripped down a decisive rebound with 2 seconds left in overtime and simultaneously embodied the toughness her team had been searching for. "It looked like I had it pretty open, and then like five girls collapsed around me," Siela said, recalling the moment. "We just knew we had to come out strong tonight."

Carrying on a tradition

Cameron grappler looks to build on school's, family's success at state

Throughout his career, Cameron's Kemper Kellerstrass always had plenty of victorious examples to follow. From older brother Connor to three-time state champion Brian McClure, the Dragons' wrestling room was littered with state medalists during his development into a state finalist. Now it's his turn to lead. The only remaining member from the Dragons' state title team in 2006, Cameron's youthful roster has turned to its lone upperclassman to provide the authority and know-how to carry on the school's tradition of success at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships, which start today at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

Larsen hurtles Bearcat men past Bulldogs

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Mike Larsen was almost unnoticeable offensively for the first 34 1/2 minutes Wednesday night. For the final 5 1/2 minutes, he was unstoppable. Larsen hit back-to-back 3-pointers to turn a three-point lead into a nine-point margin, scoring 11 of his 14 points in that late span to help Northwest Missouri State secure a 62-51 victory against Truman State.

Central swimmers make waves

To witness the dramatic shift in Central's swim program, look no further than Sarah Insco. As a freshman, she considered herself and her 200-meter relay teammates fortunate to earn a cross-state trip to St. Peters, Mo., the site of the Swimming and Diving Championships. After qualifying each of the three years that followed, however, she now possesses a different mindset. Even without the lavish facilities or rich tradition of many competitors, the Indians belong there.

Burton carries Northwest women early; Henry clinches at end

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Jessica Burton kept Northwest Missouri State close with her 29-point outburst, and Abby Henry put the Bearcats over the top with a free throw in the last second of play Wednesday night in a 67-66 victory against Truman State at Bearcat Arena. Drama in the last minute salvaged the energy-starved game between the two bottom teams in the MIAA.

The wonderful world of Oz

Crown Center celebrates 70 years of 'The Wizard of Oz'

Since 1939, we've been entertained by a young girl from Kansas, searching to find her way home with the help of a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion. Now, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz," Crown Center in Kansas City has created an exhibit that lets visitors step into the movie. The "70 Years of Oz" exhibit recreates several scenes from the movie with life-size sets. Visitors can follow the yellow brick road through Munchkinland to Emerald City and the Wicked Witch of the West's castle.

Council, Burnsides earn awards as Northwest's top football players

MARYVILLE, Mo. - LaRon Council was named the team's top offensive player and Myles Burnsides captured the award for being Northwest Missouri State's top defensive player as the football program celebrated its national runner-up season this week. Council, a junior, rushed for 1,739 yards and 35 touchdowns on 325 carries, and he added another 214 and one touchdown on 26 pass receptions for the Bearcats, who finished the season 13-2, dropping the Division II championship game 21-14 against Minnesota-Duluth.

Northwest Missouri State Basketball Box Scores

Wednesday's Prep Sports

Henry auditioning for next year

Look for more of Abby Henry on the basketball court as Northwest Missouri State concludes its season with three conference games and barely a whisker's chance of making the MIAA tournament. With this season almost in the books, it's time for the Bearcats to assess exactly what they have for returning talent next season.

Breaking Down the Brackets

Ross previews this weekend's state wrestling tournament with an extensive crash course in bracketology

Timely turnaround for Savannah

Savages hit free throws when they count against Benton

One of Savannah's biggest weaknesses on Tuesday night ended up becoming it's saving grace. After shooting only 4 of 11 over the first three quarters from the line, the Savages' free-throw shooting allowed Benton to hang on and extend the game into overtime. However, the Savages went 15 of 20 in the fourth quarter and beyond, including a perfect 8 of 8 in the extra period, as they edged out the Cardinals 51-48.

Bearcats try to avoid Bulldog trap

Truman State may be languishing in the MIAA cellar, but Northwest Missouri State coach Steve Tappmeyer said his team cannot afford to take the Bulldogs lightly tonight when the teams meet in a conference men's basketball game at Bearcat Arena. Northwest defeated the Bulldogs by nine points in Kirksville, Mo., in their Jan. 10 meeting. He's not banking on things being so easy this time around.

Northwest Missouri State scouting report

Truman State at Northwest

Griffon women throttle Park

Missouri Western's women kept rolling with more than a little help from its bench. Backup Colleen Schneider paced the Griffons to a wire-to-wire win Tuesday night during a non-conference road contest against Park University, 60-47. Schneider, a sophomore forward, contributed 14 points and was one of three Western players in double figures.

Central football coach announces plans to retire

One of the long-standing institutions of Central High School knows when he will call it quits. Longtime coach Tony Dudik announced Tuesday that he plans to step down after next year's football season. Dudik's decision came after he informed the school Tuesday that he planned to retire from full-time teaching at the end of the year. Dudik told Central administration he would like to continue on as head coach during retirement, but the school will only accommodate that for one year.

Bearcats get back on track after accident

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Scott Lorek didn't mention the unfortunate events of Friday night when he spoke during Tuesday afternoon's media luncheon at Northwest Missouri State. He didn't have to. "Overall, we're happy to be here," Lorek said, hinting at the rollover accident that sidetracked the team's planned trip to Crete, Neb., for an indoor meet.

Chiefs retain offensive coordinator Gailey

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Chiefs retained offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and hired former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs on Tuesday as new coach Todd Haley filled out his staff. Also hired were Bill Muir, who was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Tampa Bay, and Joel Collier, Pat Perles, Steve Hoffman, Clancy Pendergast and Dedric Ward.

Injuries plague Bearcat softball

The gravity of the injury situation never hit Northwest Missouri State softball coach Ryan Anderson until he took a head count on the bus for the return trip from Edmond, Okla. Anderson counted 13 heads, and three of those were pitchers. "I had only one pinch runner the whole time, and that kind of put us in a pickle," said Anderson, whose overmatched team nevertheless eked out one victory and lost another one-run game in a 1-3 weekend.

Western Womens Basketball box score

Western Womens basketball box scores

Tuesdays Prep Sports

tuesdays prep sports

Graves bill urges continuance of six-day mail delivery

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves has taken the congressional lead in pushing the U.S. Postal Service to continue its six-day mail delivery service.

The Best and the Rest: Week of Feb. 15

I read a threat on the D2hoops message board today speculating on the first-team, all-conference selections today. With only two weeks left of these rankings, I figured I would share my picks - the women this week and the men next week.

Griffon Notebook: Luteyn goes on a tear

Forty-four points in three games inflated Rachel Luteyn's scoring average but not her ego.

Royals' Jose Guillen reports in better shape

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Kansas City Royals right fielder Jose Guillen is looking to have a better start to 2009 than he had last season.

On the diamond: Griffons go 3-1 in Arkansas over weekend

Missouri Western baseball's pre-conference season consists of three weekend trips to Arkansas, and coach Buzz Verduzco hopes his Griffons emerge from the Natural State at least couple of games above .500.

Benton overtakes Savannah

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Savannah came out firing with two quick 3-pointers, but as Benton's offense and press picked up, Savannah couldn't sustain its early barrage, getting overwhelmed 48-25 in a matchup of Midland Empire Conference girls basketball teams.

Jefferson boys hold off Maryville for 1st time since 2006

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The rumors are true. Hard as it is to believe, Craig Mattson still has nerves to deal with.

Monday's Local Sports

Sunday's local sports

Where the Northwest women went wrong

The team that started Northwest's precipitous fall, fittingly, is the one that put the Bearcats out of their misery Saturday night. Northwest lost its ninth game in 10 tries Saturday a 94-65 thrashing at the hands of Missouri Western. While not mathematically eliminated with four games left, Bearcats coach Gene Steinmeyer said afterward, "The tournament isn't going to happen."

Kids and keys

The Monster Piano Concert showcases young musical talent next weekend

The piano is mainly a solo instrument. But considering the typical piano has 88 keys, the performer probably wouldn't mind a little help from time to time. And that time will come next weekend at the Young Monster Piano Concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Potter Hall Fine Arts Theatre. The concert, now in its 15th year, is organized by the St. Joseph Area Music Teachers Association with help from the Missouri Western State University Department of Music.

Maryville transfer makes most of his opportunity at wrestling districts

FAUCETT, Mo. - Bryce Alexander bounded around Mid-Buchanan High School moments after winning the 152-pound Class 1 District 4 championship Saturday evening. The Maryville junior didn't let the effects of a grueling 9-8 decision victory against Maysville's Jake Rhoad damper his excitement. Alexander's too busy enjoying his first-year experience with the Spoofhounds.

Lafayette junior takes stride, qualifies for state championships

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. - In the midst of his most bitter memories, Derek Bohnsack took the long road to redemption. After falling one place short of a state berth a year ago, the Lafayette junior returned to Excelsior Springs High School - the site of so much disappointment - and faced a long climb to Columbia. If any memories still haunted him, consider them exorcised. Bohnsack breezed through a loaded bracket and claimed the 112-pound title Saturday at the Class 2 District 4 meet. His 7-1 victory against Benton's Bryson Dixon in the finals avenged a previous loss and helped him wipe away last season's lingering stains of regret.

Western women slaughter Northwest

Running the fast break, Jade Simmons tripped on the 3-point line, falling face first on the MWSU Fieldhouse floor. As the Missouri Western guard nursed her injured pride and leg, the Griffons bench tried in vain to stifle its laughter. But the joke was on Northwest Missouri State. The Griffons breezed past the Bearcats, 94-65, and into the MIAA tournament picture Saturday in game all but decided for the final 23 minutes. Up by nearly 28 with a little less than 5 minutes to go, Western coach Lynn Plett began clearing the bench - a luxury the Griffons have seldom enjoyed this season. Every Griffon played, and Western's regular rotation got to kick back and enjoy some laughs on the bench in the game's final moments.

Bearcat track athletes involved in wreck

Only minor injuries reported

HAMBURG, Iowa - A van carrying nine members of the Northwest Missouri State track team rolled over Friday afternoon near Hamburg. Authorities reported only minor injuries.

Bearcats lean on psychologist to help with mental attitude

Northwest Missouri State's 6-foot-9 forward Hunter Henry towers over one of the biggest advisers of this basketball season. And although she must stretch the truth a bit to claim just 5-foot-3, Dr. Linda Sterling's influence over Henry and the Bearcat basketball program continues to grow. "I don't want to sound crazy, but we've got a sports psychologist on campus, and she's kind of been helping with the mental edge," Henry explained following a recent victory. "Any edge you can get, I'll use it."

Lafayette needs 3OTs to top LeBlond

The 3-pointer left Ben Baker's hand with time whittling away. But in the expiring seconds of the third overtime, the shot's destination finally didn't matter. Baker's shot clanked off the rim, and the horn at Grace Gymnasium sounded. After nearly 2 1/2 hours and 44 minutes of game time, Lafayette could finally celebrate, holding on for a 66-62 win Friday night in a wild, back-and-forth Midland Empire Conference matchup. "It got a little crazy," said Lafayette senior guard Bryston Williams, who scored 13 of his game-high 32 points during the overtime periods. "After all them overtimes, you can't wait for that clock to say zero, zero, zero - three zeroes on that board."

Ortega's trey rescues Cardinals from Spoofhounds

McFadden's free throws lift Savannah over Chillicothe

Contrary to conventional wisdom, open 3-pointers aren't always the best shots for Anthony Ortega to take. They give the Benton guard too much time to think. Luckily, Ortega buried a contested trey from the right wing with 6 seconds left that helped Benton grab a 53-51 win Friday at Maryville High School. "It's the type of shot that I want him to shoot because he didn't have time to think about it," Benton coach Ron Tyler said. "That's his shot, and he knocked it down."

MIAA Softball Box Scores

Friday's Prep Sports

Missouri not dwelling on KU win

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Coming off one of the program's biggest wins in recent memory, Missouri players know they have to refocus as they prepare for today's home game against Nebraska. On Monday, the 17th-ranked Tigers rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat No. 16 Kansas 62-60 in front of a national television audience on ESPN.

Ramirez returns to Royals

SURPRISE, Ariz. - After a topsy-turvy 2008, Horacio Ramirez is back with the Kansas City Royals. But this time it will be as a probable starter, not a reliever. Last year, Seattle released Ramirez in March. He signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on May 21, made three starts for Triple-A Omaha and was promoted to Kansas City on June 22. But after 15 relief appearances, the Royals traded him to the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 9. Ramirez came full circle on Dec. 10, signing a one-year $1.8 million contract with the Royals. It was not the money but the chance to start again that lured Ramirez back to Kansas City.

Northwest-Missouri Western scouting reports

Scouting reports for Northwest Missouri State at Missouri Western

Flash from the past makes finding fish simpler

A wise angler once said 90 percent of the fish are often found in 10 percent of the water. To find these spots, many of us rely heavily on modern graph style sonar units that reveal an amazing representation of what's below. Unfortunately, many of us are missing out on the benefits offered by a flash from the past. Traditional flasher-style sonar units are making a big comeback in the fishing industry. Using a rotating wheel or dial that displays bottom and other targets (fish, brush, etc.) as a series of multi-colored lights. Flashers, unlike other fish finders, work in real time, meaning that what you see on the display is exactly what's under the transducer.

Wathena farmer earns national Quail Unlimited award

Dave Weber of Wathena, Kan., has been an active member of Quail Unlimited since the early 1990s. His love of conservation and passionate management of his land has led to one of the top honors the organization could bestow upon anyone. Weber was named the 2008 National Adopt A Covey Habitat Farmer/Landowner of the Year. The award is the culmination of over a decade's worth of effort and a lot dedication. Weber attributes much of his success to the Heartland Chapter of Quail Unlimited and its members.

WbNW Podcast: Breaking down Western's '09 recruiting class

Last week, Western football coach Jerry Partridge unveiled his 2009 signing class. I brought in our prep writers, Ross Martin and Andy Meyer, to discuss and breakdown the Griffons' 19 signees, including local products Austin Barnes, Travis Partridge and Andrew Treat.

Fly boy

Robidoux Resident Theatre brings 'Peter Pan' to life this weekend

He's the classic character who caws like a crow, fights with a sword, flies high and refuses to grow up. Now, thanks to Robidoux Resident Theatre, "Peter Pan" will be taking flight this weekend at the Missouri Theater. The story of Peter Pan is one plenty of people know, whether they're familiar with the J. M. Barrie play, the animated Disney movie or the Steven Spielberg live-action adaptation, "Hook." Based on the 1954 Broadway production, the play follows Peter Pan as he travels to London and whisks three children - Wendy, John and Michael - off to Neverland, a magical place where they run into Pan's gang of runaway children, The Lost Boys, Indians, fairies (Tinker Bell, brought to life through creative lighting) and pirates, including the evil Captain Hook.

Going back to Caliendo

'Frank TV' star is trading makeup for a mike

Frank Caliendo, the master of imitation comedy, spent Monday morning playing his Nintendo Wii and watching "The Wiggles" like a college student who didn't feel like going to his early lectures. "What else is an unemployed guy like me supposed to do?" he laughs.

An expanding trance

The Disco Biscuits are making fans, friends, unreal music

Trance fusion: It sounds like something created in a comic book or some kind of advanced futuristic technology the engineers at NASA are looking into. In reality, trance fusion is a music genre that unites electronica with elements of rock and jazz. It was a sound first innovated by a Pennsylvania-based jam band called the Disco Biscuits in the mid-1990s. Even though the band pioneered a new scene, the Biscuits feel they are nothing that would resemble superheroes or space geniuses.

All in the family

Sibling act Leahy brings decades of music experience to the Missouri Theater

Musical family acts are nothing new. There were the Osmonds, the Jacksons and, more recently, the Jonas Brothers. But a musical family act that can last for decades, that's something a bit different. That's Leahy.

'Friday the 13th'

Iconic slasher film gets remade but not re-imagined

Like Jason Voorhees' unfortunate victims, the "Friday the 13th" horror franchise suffered an undignified death. By the end of the never-ending string of sequels, Jason had terrorized Manhattan, had his evil heart transplanted, was shot into space and had an epic battle with "A Nightmare on Elm Street's" Freddy Krueger.

We recommend... for 2/13/09

Each week, members of the Lifestyles staff share something we like. Maybe you'll like it, too.

The Shuffle: Appetite for redemption

I remember watching "The Daily Show" back when Stephen Colbert was reporter talking about reality shows like "The Simple Life" that centered around the wealthy. I don't know what year it was, but I do know it was in the early part of this decade when everybody was nuts for "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." In talking about the rich folk reality TV craze, Colbert proclaimed, "Being rich is the new gay."

That game we play: V-Day: Is it ever that great?

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Woohoo, big deal. And no, I'm not saying this just because I'm single. I'm actually looking forward to this Valentine's Day more than any other in recent memory. I'm in Denver this weekend, visiting one of my best friends from college. We're going to spend the day skiing and then get dressed up and hit the town that night. I'm expecting it to be a pretty good Valentine's Day, provided I don't break a leg on the slopes. In a way, I'm almost happy my Valentine's Day won't include any romance. In the past, even the good Valentine's Days were just OK. They never really lived up to the hype.

This is: East Ash Street Band

Entertainment briefs for Feb. 13, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Feb. 13, 2009

Thursday's Prep Sports

Banged-up Bearcats limp into start of 2009 season

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State's softball team seems to be losing the battle of attrition even before the first pitch. With three potential starters already on the shelf and a fourth still fighting a mysterious illness, third-year coach Ryan Anderson sees plenty of holes in his roster as the team prepares for a pair of doubleheaders in Edmond, Okla., this week. "It's been a tough year, and we haven't even played," Anderson said. "We don't have room for error right now, physically or mentally."

Lee's Summit holds off Indians

With two athletic layups in the first 70 seconds, Anissa DeMarr looked to be well on the way to another solid game against Lee's Summit. After all, the Central senior enjoyed a tremendous performance in the post when the teams met in January - as the Indians relied on strong forward play through the lineup in a narrow victory. But the early success soon slipped into stagnation. Thanks to solid inside play of its own, Lee's Summit held on down the stretch for a 53-50 win Thursday at Central High School.

LeBlond staves off Irish's upset bid

Walker's 8 points in game's final frame help Eagles pull away

Kelly Walker finally allowed Bishop LeBlond to take a collective breath of relief. The Golden Eagles junior forward scored her team's first eight points in the fourth quarter, allowing LeBlond to pull away from Lafayette for good Thursday night. LeBlond led by 10 in the second and third quarters only to allow Lafayette to close within one at halftime and four entering the fourth quarter. Walker's scoring burst helped the Eagles to a 49-39 Midland Empire Conference victory at Lafayette High School.

Mid-Buchanan's Jake Rumpf aiming for gold at state

FAUCETT, Mo. - Jake Rumpf won't dodge reality. After two straight semifinal losses at the Class 1 State Wrestling Championships, the Mid-Buchanan junior wants more than just an elusive trip to the finals. Rumpf wants to win and won't accept anything less. "Just being in the finals isn't gonna be good enough. You've got to win if you get there," said Rumpf, who finished third last year and fourth as a freshman. "Second's not good enough, never has been."

GIRLS BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: South Harrison's Butler breaks school scoring mark

Kelsey Butler long ago imprinted her mark on South Harrison basketball. Last Friday, the Bulldogs senior assured her name would stand atop one list in the school's record book - for now. Butler moved into first place on South Harrison's all-time scoring list during last Friday's win against Stanberry. Butler, a 6-foot guard, now has 1,562 career points entering tonight's game against Gallatin.

Boys basketball notebook: District streaks to ponder as playoffs near

Districts for Classes 4 and 5 start a week from Monday with the the three small classes following suit a week later. With the postseason closing in on area teams, West Platte's boys take one of the more impressive active runs. The Blue Jays have won six straight district titles and appear to have a realistic shot at a seventh despite dipping under .500 this week. West Platte (10-11) lost its second straight KCI Conference game of the season - to Plattsburg - Wednesday night.

GAME BLOG: Missouri Western at Nebraska-Omaha

Musings and observations from my perch at Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha --- The nightcap between Missouri Western and Nebraska-Omaha was just a great game well played on both sides with few mistakes. Western shot 50 percent from the floor, Omaha 61. Players on both sides made a ton of tough shots off-balance layups, contested dunks, turn-around, fade-away jumpers with a hand in the face. This might have been the best-played game I've seen all season. Neither team lost. Western just made a handful of better plays down the stretch to win, 83-77.

Honest Abe to visit Buchanan County

Lincoln Day celebration planned for Feb. 28

The Buchanan County Lincoln Day dinner plans a special guest this year ... Honest Abe himself.

Plattsburg tops West Platte for 3rd time

PLATTSBURG, Mo. - Despite already having two victories over West Platte, Plattsburg stepped onto its home court Wednesday night needing to notch a third to gain positioning in the KCI Conference race. In the official conference matchup, the Tigers frustrated the Blue Jays with their press and ran away in the second half to a 58-45 win.

Omaha's late shots help sink Western

OMAHA, Neb. - For most of Wednesday's game, the best thing that came from a Nebraska-Omaha 3-point attempt was an offensive rebound.

Griffon surprise

Bagley hopes season brings Griffons success beyond expectations

Steady but not stellar, Missouri Western softball is set to surprise. Jen Bagley coached her teams into the national tournament in 2005, '06 and '07 - squads that succeeded because of their stars and despite their obvious deficiencies.

Griffons closer to MIAA berth

OMAHA, Neb. - As the shot clock ticked toward zero, Marcus Rhodes just wanted something to show for this last-minute possession.

Great Plains Energy lowers earnings projections

Even utility companies can't hide from the gloomy economy. Great Plains Energy, the parent company of Kansas City Power & Light, is cutting dividends and reducing the earnings guide for 2009. The company blames lower demand for electricity and higher financing costs for the decision.

Benton girls push toward playoffs

Benton and Lafayette continued to head in opposite directions since their last major setback. During Tuesday night's conference tilt, Benton only trailed once but needed a plus-nine rebounding advantage to overcome a poor shooting performance from the perimeter. The Cardinals collected 14 offensive rebounds while making less than 25 percent of their 3-point attempts - but Benton still won 59-40 at Lafayette High School.

Good bye: Bearcats hope to maximize their break

Not everyone at Northwest Missouri State is looking forward to tonight's bye in the MIAA schedule. After the way his women's team played in the second half of Saturday's contest against Pittsburg State, coach Gene Steinmeyer would rather put his team right back on the court. Pittsburg State had the Bearcats reeling early with a 34-8 game-opening run, but Northwest recovered to keep the gap from widening any further in a 72-57 MIAA loss. "It was just like we got dumped on the head by a cement truck," Steinmeyer said. "But in truth, (Pittsburg State) didn't score as much in the next 30 minutes. For 30 minutes of that game, we played them equal, and you want to take that (momentum) and put it out on the court."

Lubanski still hopes to break through for Royals

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Chris Lubanski, the overall fifth pick in the 2003 draft, still hasn't made his major-league debut. This season, he's a non-roster invite to the Kansas City Royals' spring training and a long shot to break camp with the club that drafted him six years ago out of Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School in Schwenksville, Penn. "This year I'm really focusing on shortening my swing and cutting down on the strikeouts," he said Tuesday. "I feel if I do that, my average will go up, and I'll hit for even more power and everything will kind of come together."

Northwest pitches some optimism as baseball gears up

MARYVILLE, Mo. - With eight pitchers back from last season's 29-22 team, Northwest Missouri State baseball coach Darin Loe believes he can prove the rest of the MIAA coaches wrong. The Bearcats were tabbed to place fifth in the conference's preseason coaches poll, but Loe is more optimistic than that.

Bloomquist hopes to impact Royals

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Willie Bloomquist, a former utilityman for the Seattle Mariners, is hoping to become the Kansas City Royals' new second baseman.

Tuesday's Prep Sports

Breaking down the MEC

Watching Benton's boys stave off Chillicothe last Friday simply confirmed the reality. This MEC race is mind-boggling. The standings already looked muddled late last week. Losses by Cameron and Smithville further opened the door for those lurking in the middle of the pack, however, and now every team in the league now has at least one blemish on its conference record. Here's an updated look at your standings on the boys side after Monday night:

McCaskill calls speed essential to stimulus bill

Sen. Claire McCaskill sees the economic stimulus measure as no panacea. The Missourian doesn't see it curing joblessness in one sure stroke. But she expects the $838 billion Senate package to have the stimulative effect the nation needs.

MIAA tournament in Western's men's sights

Griffon notebook

In years past, Tom Smith would just as soon get a head start on recruiting than be a sacrificial lamb for a No. 1 or 2 seed in the MIAA tournament. But with his Missouri Western team currently sitting seventh in the conference standings, Smith has changed his stance on the importance of simply making the tournament. "In the past with my lofty program, I snubbed my nose at getting in as the eighth seed," Smith said. "This league has changed and gotten so tough. I feel that anybody could be dangerous."

New-look Griffons baseball team adjusts to upgraded stadium

The power is down, but the home runs should rise for Missouri Western this baseball season. The city of St. Joseph finally moved the fences in about 25 feet at Phil Welch Stadium, and the Griffons, whom coach Buzz Verduzco expected to hit for average, not power this year, smacked four home runs during a recent scrimmage. With outfielders like Troy Landi, Cody Tipton, Matt Meyer and Matt Savage putting the ball in play and speeding around the base paths, Verduzco finds himself fielding an atypical Western team this season.

Monday night Prep sports

Best and the Rest: Week of Feb. 8

Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western enter this week with the same record - 10-12 - and face each other this Saturday in a game with all sorts of MIAA tournament implications. But if Western coach Tom Smith had his way, he would have followed Northwest coach Steve Tappmeyer's lead when it came to scheduling this season and the Griffons would be sitting above .500. Three of the Bearcats' wins came against NAIA schools William Woods and Peru State and NCCAA member Central Bible.

Weekend recap: Aliaz at The Vous

St. Joe's lone hip-hop ambassador delivers energetic show

Some people can't see that St. Joe has an original hip-hop music scene, but that's because there's really only one guy carrying the torch. Lucky for us, Brandon Smith a.k.a. Hollywood Aliaz proved during a solo show at The Rendezvous Friday night that he carries it well.

Grammy Awards recap

Pleasant surprises, best and worst performances and my scorecard

Well, the Grammys are in the books and in my first attempt to predict the outcomes, I learned a few things. 1. I have a about a .500 batting average on these things. 2. In some cases, it turned out that much better that my predictions were incorrect. So from what I saw of the telecast, here are my the awards that caught me by surprise, the best and worst performances and the things that make you go "huh?"

Bearcat men hope to build momentum, get back in tournament hunt

MARYVILLE, Mo. - When you've lost three straight ball games and are on the outside looking in at the MIAA tournament field, any win can be a good win. And even though Northwest Missouri State didn't look like championship material on Saturday afternoon, there were no complaints following the Bearcats' 75-72 victory over Pittsburg State.

Coldplay, hot night

Plant, Krauss, Lil Wayne, Martin and crew and Jennifer Hudson celebrate Grammys

A tearful Jennifer Hudson won her first Grammy, thanking her family "in heaven and those who are with me today" to kick off an evening already stoked with drama when police said they were investigating double nominee Chris Brown for an alleged assault on an unidentified woman. Brown and longtime girlfriend Rihanna, each nominated and slated to perform, separately dropped out of the Grammys at the last minute and their whereabouts were not immediately known Sunday night. The victim of Brown's alleged assault wasn't identified, and it wasn't immediately clear whether Rihanna's absence was related to Brown's.

Sunday's Local College Baseball Box Scores

Top 10 from the Southern-Western matchups

I decided to go with a different blog format for Saturday. Teams don't really change their stripes 20 games into the season, and the keys to success, and harbingers for failure, for both Western hoops squads has been pretty well covered in this space. Instead, here are 10 reasons Western swept its first MIAA doubleheader in 13 months on Saturday.

Newtown-Harris survives Mid-Buchanan

FAUCETT, Mo. - Mid-Buchanan and Newtown-Harris' impromptu battle of ranked teams lived up to its billing - no matter how short the promotional period. In a contest finalized just two days beforehand, Canaan Fairley knocked down two free throws with 12.3 seconds left Saturday to seal a 65-61 victory for Newtown-Harris, The Tigers - ranked No. 5 in Class 1 - travelled 2 1/2 hours to reach Mid-Buchanan High School and then survived the back-and-forth affair with Class 2's No. 9 team.

Northwest game blog: Wonder twins

It was a weekend of big achievements for the Henry twins of Northwest Missouri State. Hannah, the older sibling by a few minutes, got things rolling on Friday night in Warrensburg, Mo.

Western women get payback

To describe the Missouri Western women's matchup with Missouri Southern as a defensive struggle would be kind. But somewhere in the ugliness of sub-35 shooting percentages and football-like final scores, the Griffons finally found the beauty of a winning streak. In the process, Western snuffed out Missouri Southern's seven-game run with a 52-39 victory at MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Griffons (4-17, 4-11 MIAA) now have won back-to-back games for the first time in a season they started 0-13.

Bearcat backup comes through as men down Pittsburg State

MARVILLE, Mo. - The little guy came up big for Northwest Missouri State on Saturday afternoon. Reserve guard Jake Petersen pumped in the go-ahead 3-pointer on a four-point play with 58 seconds remaining, then made a crucial defensive play seconds later to help the Bearcats defeat Pittsburg State 75-72 at Bearcat Arena.

Thuston, Johnson nearly flawless as Western men bash Southern

Lonnel Johnson rose up behind the arc and let his 10th 3-pointer fly Saturday night. It hit nothing but the MWSU Fieldhouse floor with 18 seconds remaining - a startling aberration that came far too late to save Missouri Southern from Missouri Western's shooting display. Johnson poured a game-high 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 5 of 10 behind the arc, and fellow gunner Dominique Thuston was nearly flawless, knocking down 8-of-10 shots and both free throws en route to 22 points.

Pittsburg State rolls Bearcat women

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Pittsburg State shot lights out in the first half, sapping Northwest Missouri State of its energy in a 72-57 women's basketball victory over the Bearcats on Saturday. While the guards bombed away from the outside, forward Nicole McCombs went to work inside, scoring a game-high 18 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

GAME BLOG COMBO: Lafayette boys 56, Cameron 46; Newtown-Harris boys 65, Mid-Buchanan 61

Some thoughts after pulling the back-to-back Fridy night/Saturday afternoon game watch. Lafayette's boys impressed in front of the home crowd, but Cameron showed exactly why it is a team of the present and the future. Mitch Hatten hit his first four shots -- all jumpers from various parts of the floor -- and the sophomore appears to be developing a versatile game. Sean Skilling struggled to only six points, and the Dragons clearly weren't firing on all cylinders.

Saturday's Prep Sports

Women in the Outdoors event coming to Geiger

They've hosted the No. 1 event in the state for four years running, and the Platte Purchase Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) would like to make it a fifth. It's the Women in the Outdoors event, and it's coming to Camp Geiger in less than two months.

Northwest Missouri State scouting report

Pittsburg State at Northwest

Mozingo ice fishing clinic gains in popularity

MARYVILLE, Mo. - It seemed as though the cards were stacked against the Missouri Department of Conservation's annual ice fishing clinic at Mozingo Lake. A forecast of warm temperatures and an obscure city ordinance seemed to threaten everyone's fun. Even with these roadblocks, more than 120 area anglers showed up to learn a little and experience the sport of ice fishing last weekend. This year's attendance was nearly double that of last year, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in this region.

Haley ready to tackle Chiefs job

KANSAS CITY - Whenever conversation at the Haley family dinner table turned to football, it was more than just talk. It was education. While Dick Haley was personnel director at Pittsburgh and helping craft the great Steelers dynasty of the 1970s, Todd Haley was taking it all in. Todd Haley rose to prominence this year as offensive coordinator for the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals and on Friday, just weeks shy of his 42nd birthday, was introduced as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Benton boys run past Chillicothe

Benton's playing style is not for the faint of heart. After cruising to a sizeable lead, the aggressive defense suddenly tensed up. The free throws kept clanking, and the Cardinals watched their advantage slowly dwindle to one possession against a hard-charging Chillicothe team in the final minute. But Benton dug its heels in when it mattered and hit its final four free throws to preserve a 61-56 win Friday night against the Hornets at Springer Gymnasium.

Irish boys survive Cameron surge

Lafayette needed a response. Coming off of an upset loss, the Fighting Irish welcomed Midland Empire Conference leader Cameron to Lafayette High School on Friday night. Lafayette used a near flawless third quarter to pull away from Cameron but then needed to hold off the Dragons' fourth-quarter rally.

Friday's Prep Sports

Missouri Western scouting report

Missouri Southern at Missouri Western

St. Joseph Mustangs lean heavily on players with local ties

Matt Johnson has gathered the pieces. Now he'll spend the next few months seeing how they might fit together this summer at Phil Welch Stadium. Johnson, manager of the fledgling St. Joe Mustangs, will be surfing the Internet, keeping up on every hit, home run and pitching appearance of the 25 players he has assigned to contracts for the team's inaugural season. The roster is heavy on local players, including five St. Joseph natives, a Cameron High School graduate and a former East Buchanan standout.

A little of this, a little of that

Some random headlines for your weekend

Extra, extra, read all about it: Jessica Simpson suffers a meltdown! Val Kilmer wants to be in politics! And is a "Sex and the City" sequel in the works?

We recommend... for 2/6/09

We recommend... for Feb. 6th, 2009

Spring into the theater

The next few months offer movie variety

Sure, spring movies don't offer the grandiosity of summer blockbusters. They're not winter films built for Oscar gold, either. But sometimes the best comedy of the year will come out in March. Sometimes, you'll catch an awesome action flick in April. It's a guarantee that people are being brutally murdered in a February horror movie. And that's where this preview starts: In the cabins of Camp Crystal Lake.

Mardi Gras at Magoons

'Missourah' Mudbugs to bring Cajun music to St. Joseph

Do you have a craving for jambalaya and some Mardis Gras mambo? Gather up your beads and head over to Magoons on Saturday night. Magoons owner Barry Woodhull plans to turn his downtown deli into the Big Easy for the evening by bringing in the Cajun band The "Missourah" Mudbugs while serving up some of the Louisiana's favorite dishes.

Street fighting men

The Living Things exercises liberation through fuzzed-out rock

The St. Louis agit-rock quartet The Living Things may not rage against the machine, but they're definitely prone to disagree with it. "We're just a band with a point of view," says bassist Eve Berlin. "It's just all about opening up the conversation about what's going on in the world."

The madness of matrimony

Tyler Perry's 'The Marriage Counselor' comes to Kansas City

There are some people in entertainment who only have to put their name on something for it to become a hit. And for the past couple of years, one of those names has been Tyler Perry.

Review: 'He's Just Not That Into You'

Women - single or not - will like this chick flick

If you're a single woman in the 20 to 50 age range, chances are you've read a book titled "He's Just Not That Into You." Authored by "Sex and the City" writer Greg Behrendt and his wife, the book explores the simple concept that if a guy isn't calling you, isn't asking you out, isn't marrying you, he's just not that into you.

The Shuffle: Peacock panic

During last weekend's great American holiday known as Super Bowl XLIII, I couldn't help but notice something beyond the mixed bag of over-priced commercial spots and fourth-quarter football drama. I saw the NBC television network have the equivalent of a panic attack in front of an audience of millions.

That game we play: Technology: help or hurt?

The advent of technology has improved everyday life in many ways. Thanks to the power of Facebook, you can connect with long-lost friends you might have never seen again. Thanks to e-mail and texting, communication between people is almost instantaneous.

What's in that?: Frozen rose margarita at Carlos O'Kelly's

This is: "Tool" by Steve Mayse

Entertainment briefs for Feb. 6

News-Press Boys Fab 5 poll, Feb. 6

The teams in the News-Press Fab 5 are done before Thursday games and are based on who we believe has the best chance to play for a state title.

Northeast Nodaway, Stanberry deal with injuries

Northeast Nodaway coach Jared Freemyer isn't an expert on knee injuries, but the school is becoming adept at dealing with them. For the second straight year, the Blue Jays have a key player out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Junior guard/forward Hallie Oelze tore the ACL in her left knee in mid-December against West Nodaway in the Northwest Missouri Tournament.

LeBlond survives Savannah

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Savannah bolted out of halftime and appeared ready to coast to a comfortable victory. Instead, Bishop LeBlond absorbed the blow and responded with a charge of its own. Neither team ever grasped complete control, but LeBlond senior Jocelyn VanVickle's two free throws with 1.6 seconds left sealed a 46-42 win Thursday night at Savannah High School. LeBlond only scored 25 points through three quarters and needed a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter to salvage the victory.

Elwood proves trouble for St. Joe Christian

Troubles came in threes for St. Joseph Christian in the final stages of Thursday night's matchup with Elwood. Christian's Levi Evans hit a 3-pointer on the third chance of a final possession with 3 seconds left to bring the Lions within three points. However, Christian coach Scott Jenkins' plea for a timeout went unheard, and the game ended in 40-37 victory for the Panthers.

Calendars for Feb. 6, 2009

Benton boys find identity during run

From 0-5 to 2-9, Benton's record seemed to mirror the prospects of this year's team. But after a loss to Kearney in the first round of the Kearney Bulldog Classic, the Cardinals started to find an identity, and the wins piled up. Benton ripped off a string of six victories in seven games before losing to Cameron in a Tuesday night Midland Empire Conference tilt.

Prep Basketball Leaderboard, Feb. 6

Top performers in points, rebounds, assists and steals

Union Star struggles to fill out rosters

Tom Thompson has seen the lows at Union Star. There's no way to tell if Thompson will ever see a high. Now in his fifth year as boys basketball coach for the Trojans, Union Star owns just 10 wins in boys basketball during that span, and the Trojans are more than a decade removed from a winning season. The Trojans' roster slowly depleted in recent years, hitting a new low this week.

Puett's surprising comeback powers Benton wrestlers

Chris Puett's first round with wrestling didn't last long. About a week - to be exact. That's how long it took him to break his collarbone as a freshman and steer him away from the sport. But the Benton senior returned to the mats and has stunned his teammates and coaches with a solid season. "I was surprised. Everybody has been," Puett said. "Coach (Brad Hubbard) thought I wouldn't have a winning record, but I think it's turned out pretty well so far."

Prep Basketball Standings, Feb. 6

Standings, conference and overall, for area teams

Thursday's Prep Sports

News-Press Girls Fab 5 poll, Feb. 6

The teams in the News-Press Fab 5 are done before Thursday games and are based on who we believe has the best chance to play for a state title.

Chiefs follow Rooney rule

KANSAS CITY - If the Kansas City Chiefs fail to name a minority as their next head coach, it will not be because they failed to follow the Rooney Rule, the head of a group that works with the NFL to promote diversity said. John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, told The Associated Press on Thursday that he was "distressed" to hear reports that Kansas City has not talked with any black candidates since coach Herm Edwards was fired on Jan. 23.

Grammy predictions: The Big Categories

Artists from every generation have a shot at winning some of the Grammy's biggest honors

Well, after trying my hand at nailing down my picks for winners in a few specific genres, it's time to talk about the categories that seems to bring them all together. Whether it's epic bands, platinum-selling rappers, soulful songbirds, peculiar collaborations or Disney kids, all are represented this year. And I'm giving you my final call before the Grammy Awards air on Feb. 8.

Hobson explains his snub of Western

Missouri Western's first and second choices to replace Josh Keister were in the MWSU Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Fort Hays coach Tony Hobson returned to Western, which offered him its head women's coaching position in 2007 when Keister left to be an assistant at TCU. Hobson turned down the Griffons, who reopened their search and eventually settled on current coach Lynn Plett.

List of 2009 Local College Football Recruits

Bearcats bring in hometown kids

The cross-town pipeline continues to produce for Northwest Missouri State. Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma announced Wednesday his 27-member recruiting class for 2009, which includes three Maryville High School standouts. Running back Adam Mattson, linebacker John Schreck and defensive lineman Zach Sherry each signed their national letters of intent to become Bearcats next fall. The trio helped lead the Spoofhounds to a 13-2 record and Class 2 runner-up status.

Wednesday's Local College Box Scores

2 Indians head to Division I to play football

Justin Love didn't put any added significance on the Division I status associated with Southeast Missouri State. "It really didn't matter what school I went to, as long as I play," the Central senior said. On Wednesday afternoon, Love signed a national letter of intent to play football at the Championship Subdivision school in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He inked during a joint ceremony with fellow seniors Ghaali Muhammad (Wyoming) and Austin Barnes (Missouri Western). All three received full scholarships.

Poor free-throw shooting costs Griffons

Tom Smith called this week his team's Waterloo. If that's the case, Wednesday night was for the Missouri Western men what the Mont St. Jean escarpment was for the French. The Duke of Wellington's army withstood wave after wave of the French assault on that higher elevation, making a British counterattack possible, and Fort Hays repeatedly held off the Griffons on in a 68-63 victory Wednesday at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Koch gives Western advantage against Fort Hays

The MIAA season produces scenarios on a nightly basis in which one crucial, unorthodox play tips a close contest. Most of the current campaign has left the Missouri Western women, who have lost seven games by eight points or less this season, on the wrong side of that scale. On Wednesday, the Griffons' Jessica Koch finally tipped things back in Western's favor. The freshman forward scored a team-high 16, including six points in the final 3 minutes, 15 seconds, to send Western to a 62-55 victory against Fort Hays State at MWSU Fieldhouse.

Burton helps Bearcat women end skid

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Nobody was happier than Jessica Burton on Wednesday night, and not just because she scored a career-high 32 points. It was because her career night helped Northwest Missouri State halt its losing streak at seven games with a 102-96 double-overtime victory against Nebraska-Omaha. "It's the Fourth of July, my birthday and Christmas, all put into one," the senior forward beamed after the Bearcats' first double-overtime win since Feb. 18, 1987 and their first at home in a quarter century.

Something different downtown

Foster's adds movie nights, poetry readings to its calendar

You know you can go to Foster's if you want a premium martini and smoke-free environment. But now you can also go there for cheesy B-movies and poetry readings (though not at the same time). Â¶ On the second Wednesday of each month, Foster's is hosting movie nights from 7 to 9 p.m. The next movie, "King Kong vs. Godzilla," will be shown on Feb. 11.

Recruiting wars, signing-day edition

Landing the Chiefs' training camp and the indoor facility that will come with it will boost Missouri Western's recruiting. There is little debate to that. The question in when. On Wednesday, coach Jerry Partridge unveiled his 2009 recruiting class 19 players, 16 from Missouri. When asked about whether the Chiefs announcing their intent to come to St. Joseph helped this year's class, Partridge thought there might have had a small impact initially on this class, but nothing big overall.

Central kicker key to Western recruiting class

Missouri Western coach Jerry Partridge believes he found one answer for a two-fold problem. Punter Dustin Strickler and place kicker Jamie Hanson finished up their careers in the Mineral Water Bowl last December, leaving a big void in the Griffons' special teams unit. On Wednesday, Partridge unveiled his 2009 signing class - a 19-player group that includes Central punter/kicker Austin Barnes.

Benedictine adds 38 recruits

Benedictine stayed busy during national signing day on Wednesday, when the Ravens inked 38 football players - many who already know thing or two about victory. Several area recruits gave the team a sprinkling of local flavor, including Smithville's Austin Baker and Dakota Stinson. Baker, a running back, rolled up more than 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground during the Warriors' run into the playoffs, while Stinson provided a similar impact on the defensive side.

Region's reps don't favor DTV delay

Measure passes, pushing digital television transition to June

None of the region's U.S. representatives supported a measure Wednesday to delay by four months the shutdown of analog television signals.

Tuesday's Prep Sports

North Platte survives 1st-half dry spell

DEKALB, Mo. - North Platte seemed unable to figure out how to play with Bailee Testorff on the bench. Coach Karl Matt decided to let his Panthers ride it out. Testorff - North Platte's senior leading scorer - spent 10-plus minutes on the bench in the first half Tuesday against DeKalb. During that span, the Panthers' double-digit lead evaporated.

Defensive stand lifts Maryville boys to 1st MEC victory

After a full game of disciplined defense, Maryville needed one last stand. Clinging to a one-point lead, the Spoofhounds stared down Bishop LeBlond for 30 long seconds Tuesday night at Grace Gymnasium. Maryville refused to blink, however, and survived a hectic finish - securing a 49-48 win in the process. On a play that worked to perfection throughout the night, Pat Lawhon's airborne, back-door cut just missed the mark inside with 10 seconds left, and the Spoofhounds forced a turnover with 4 seconds left to seal the win.

Honor bestowed quietly on Northwest women's basketball coach

His co-workers didn't know. Even his own players were unaware. And that was just the way Gene Steinmeyer wanted it on Friday night when he was inducted into the Doane College Athletics Hall of Fame. Steinmeyer posted a 360-141 record in 15 seasons at Doane from 1985-99 before taking the job as Northwest Missouri State's women's basketball coach. Steinmeyer said he didn't mention the award to his players, even as late as Friday morning, when he concluded a practice then put his team on a bus for Hays, Kan., and their Saturday evening game against Fort Hays State.

Late mistakes, crucial turnovers continue to prove costly for Northwest men

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State has left too much business unfinished this basketball season. Bearcats men's coach Steve Tappmeyer said a combination of factors has led to the team's inability to finish games this season, leading to a 4-8 MIAA record going into tonight's 7:30 conference game against Nebraska-Omaha at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest Missouri State scouting report

Nebraska-Omaha at Northwest Missouri State

Missouri Western scouting report

Fort Hays State at Missouri Western

Missouri's U.S. House candidates spend $17.7 million

Missourians have nine members in their U.S. House delegation. In last fall's campaign, voters paid about $4 each to send them to Washington.

Best and the Rest: Week of Feb. 1

The announcement of Lincoln's admittance to the MIAA got me thinking if there is any possible way to keep the conference football games against the Blue Tigers from resembling Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. My suggestion: Allow schools to use their redshirt, scout teams against Lincoln.

Savages muscle way to victory

Lafayette walked onto their home court Monday night looking for an identity against MEC foe Savannah. The Fighting Irish now hope they didn't find that identity in their 47-40 loss to the Savages.

Frederick returns to roots with new title

Former Western assistant introduced as Griffons' 6th head volleyball coach

Cory Frederick didn't really want to leave Missouri Western initially and plans on making his second stint at the school last a little longer. Western introduced Frederick as the sixth volleyball coach in the program's history Monday. Frederick served as an assistant under Griffons coach Cindy Brauck from 2001-03 and had been the head men's volleyball coach at Park in Kansas City since leaving Western.

Griffon Notebook: Benton grad Bell perseveres on, off court

Allen receives NFL combine invite

The Missouri Western women's hardest-working and most consistent player in practice hasn't played a second this season. Barring something unforeseen, that will change immensely next year.

Lincoln returns to MIAA

Blue Tigers readmitted to conference after 11-year absence

Welcome back, Lincoln. It's been awhile. On Monday, the MIAA announced its CEO Council voted unanimously to approve Lincoln's application to the MIAA, starting in 2010-11.

Monday's prep results

Superbowl Commercials - the good, the bad and the just plain dumb

Why commercials did you love or hate?

It's the day after the Super Bowl and you know what everybody is talking about: the commercials! (OK, and maybe Santonio Holmes too).

GAME BLOG: Washburn women 77, Western 64

Four of Western's starters Jessica Koch, Rachel Luteyn, Tierra Ford and London Houchin combined for 56 points in this game. To compare, Washburn's top four starters scored 43 points. But Western got very little from its bench or starter No. 5 Lauren Nolke. For a team of moderate talent like Western to hang with even a mediocre Washburn team, by the Lady Blues' high standards, the Griffons need production from everyone.

GAME BLOGS:Men: Washburn 79, Western 78

Talking with a relieved Bob Chipman outside the Washburn locker room Saturday night, the Ichabods coach remarked, "I don't know who 15 was. He wasn't on the radar." That would be Griffons junior Marcus Jones, who knocked down 5-of-7 3-point attempts Saturday and shook Western out of an early funk. I told Chipman that Jones checked in during Western's game against Southwest Baptist and hit a couple of 3-pointers and has been contributing here and there since then. Chipman responded, "Oh, I didn't watch that film. Just Emporia and Pitt. But obviously the kid can play."

Stories for February 2009

Saturday, February 28

Friday, February 27

Celebrate your favorite heroes in a half-shell birthdays

Sawyer Brown and Bucky Covington come together for benefit concert in St. Joe tonight

Blitzen Trapper brings throwback sound to Lawrence

Classic rockers Shooting Star come to St. Joe

Production examines the mysterious death of the Elizabethan playwright

Thursday, February 26

Wednesday, February 25

Benton boys survive Platte County

Tuesday, February 24

Sean Penn helps to give a civil rights icon his proper tribute

Monday, February 23

Two performances on opposite ends of the spectrum for St. Joe's craziest party weekend

Sunday, February 22

Saturday, February 21

Mules shut down Bearcats' star, Henry; tourney hopes fade some

Friday, February 20

Home-defense rifles, shotguns gain in sales through region

What are you looking forward to the most about this Sunday's ceremonies?

Sleezy garage rockers newest loaded with grooves, sex and hooks

Leave the kids at home - it's Mardi Gras time!

The Saint Joseph Symphony's concert this weekend brings some east European flavor

Experience something different with Neil LaBute's 'Bash'

The Airborne Toxic Event sees good in the gloom

For singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright, over the top is the only way

Thursday, February 19

Four Indians still wrestling in Class 4 bracket despite slow start

Cameron grappler looks to build on school's, family's success at state

Crown Center celebrates 70 years of 'The Wizard of Oz'

Wednesday, February 18

Savages hit free throws when they count against Benton