stjoelive.com | Stories for September 2009

Bad call, Lee's Summit N. knock Central soccer off balance

Just when midfielder Jake Funck appeared to have a chance at a breakaway goal, the offside flag went up from the near-side judge. The flag admittedly went up in error, but officials refused to reverse the call and awarded Lee's Summit North a free kick. In the ensuing run of play, Lee's Summit North tallied a third goal and added two more in quick succession during a 7-1 victory Wednesday night at The Den. Central's young squad seemed to unravel after the mistake against a physical Lee's Summit North team that committed 16 fouls and drew two yellow cards.

Local man to race at Kansas Speedway

Billy Gerhart telephoned St. Joseph auto racer Doug Keller with a wild idea last weekend. Keller knew how much of a sacrifice funding even one race can be. "We talked about a month ago about doing this," Keller said, "but we kind of blew him off because business was way too slow, and I didn't want to ask my sponsors. Some gave me the answers I expected. Times are tough."

Our country's melodies

The Saint Joseph Symphony begins new season with its 'Made in America' concert this weekend

Rico McNeela knew he was the Saint Joseph Symphony's new conductor and musical director when he moved to St. Joseph in June. What he didn't know was the city's heritage. He was almost awe-struck when he saw how many museums St. Joe had and took it upon himself to visit ones like the Patee House. As far as history is concerned, he knew he was inheriting some of his own as head of the century-old symphony, but he has no intentions of letting the orchestra turn into a relic. "We fit into the performing groups that maintain tradition and at the same time, balance that tradition with offering new things and creating an environment that's exciting," McNeela says.

Entertainment briefs for Oct. 2, 2009

Yankees drop Royals

NEW YORK - A.J. Burnett pitched well in an encouraging playoff tuneup and the New York Yankees rallied for two runs in the ninth inning, beating the Kansas City Royals 4-3 Tuesday night for their seventh straight victory. Little-used Juan Miranda got the game-winning hit off ex-Yankee Kyle Farnsworth (1-5), an infield single that caromed off the reliever's leg and into foul territory between home plate and first base.

Tuesday's Local Sports

Cardinals cruise at Irish Invitational

With two top-five finishers, Benton's boys ran away with the team title at Tuesday's Irish Invitational at Krug Park. John Beamon (18:11) ran to a third place finish, while Cardinals freshman Kain Ellis (18:34, 5th) wasn't far behind, as Benton bested Chillicothe by 30 points in the team standings. Ryno Relford, Keegan Cunningham and Tanner Murphy also notched top-20 showings.

Mustangs' attendance ranks in top 10 nationally

With an average attendance of 1,853 fans per game, the St. Joseph Mustangs ranked No. 9 nationally in summer collegiate baseball attendance, according to the web site www.ballparkbiz.com

Chiefs trade Thigpen to Miami

MIAMI - Chad Pennington's season officially ended with a trade that didn't involve him. The Miami Dolphins placed Pennington on the reserve-injured list to create a roster spot for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who was acquired Tuesday from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick.

Central swim team makes splash

This is one routine Central's swim team could get used to. Once a remarkable accomplishment, the Indians made state-qualifying cuts in both the 400-yard freestyle and 400-yard medley relays a week and a half ago at the Park Hill Invitational. It marks the third consecutive year Central will send all three of its relays to St. Peter's, Mo. for the state meet. "It helps a lot because making state is not so much the focus," Central senior Joe Smith said. "It's a huge relief because now we can focus on how many individuals we can get down there."

Rivalry sets game's tone

Western, Northwest set for MIAA showdown

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Here's the plot: Undefeated conference records and national rankings are at stake. But here is the cast of characters: Missouri Western's Griffons and Northwest Missouri State's Bearcats. That's what really fuels the drama that will be played out Saturday at Spratt Stadium when the two MIAA teams meet in a 1:30 p.m. matchup. This will be only the second time ever that the two geographic rivals - both 3-0 in MIAA play - enter the game nationally ranked.

Bearcats' defense shows its strength

Northwest Missouri State roared back from a disappointing outing in a record-setting way. The Bearcats (4-1, 3-0 MIAA) allowed only 92 yards in total offense to Truman State in Saturday's 70-0 rout of the Bulldogs. That defensive performance shattered a record of 118 yards allowed against Missouri Southern in 2002. Along the way, the Bearcats sacked Truman's quarterback eight times - the most in coach Mel Tjeerdsma's 16-year tenure - boosting their total of a Division II-best 24 sacks.

Counting the cost of contraceptives

Hormonal birth control has its benefits but can come with serious risks

It seemed like something of a miracle pill. Not only would Yaz prevent pregnancy, it would treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder - a dramatic form of premenstrual syndrome - according to its commercials. The oral contraceptive manufactured by Bayer quickly became popular.

Monday's Prep

New leadership, new players: Chiefs still struggle

KANSAS CITY - The defense is still a clunker, the next breakdown just around the corner. The offensive line, in disarray. Wins? Nope, not yet. For a team that underwent an offseason overhaul, the Kansas City Chiefs sure look a whole lot like last year's run-down version. And it doesn't get any easier: Up next are the 3-0 New York Giants, with Dallas after that.

Greinke tires of attention

KANSAS CITY - All this Cy Young talk is wearing on Zack Greinke. Even when it comes from the hometown fans, Kansas City's attention-shy ace doesn't want to hear it. "It's pretty annoying, actually. I really don't like it all," he said. Sorry, Zack. When you put up an ERA that looks like a misprint and make big-league hitters slam their helmets in frustration, people are going to talk. And the buzz is building.

Western, Northwest team strengths to clash in showdown

Saturday's MIAA showdown between Missouri Western and Pittsburg State pits the team with the best passing efficiency rating in the conference against the team with the best passing efficiency defense. But Missouri Western coach Jerry Partridge isn't so sure his focus should be on what happens when Western quarterback Drew Newhart throws the football. Instead, he's concerned about Northwest's offense and quarterback Blake Bolles. "You look at the stats, and they're up there in everything," Partridge said of the Bearcats (4-1, 3-0 MIAA), who will invade Spratt Stadium on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. matchup of the only two teams still undefeated in MIAA play. "It's like playing the 1985 Chicago Bears, except Bolles runs better than Jim McMahon."

Western plans for big crowd

Missouri Western is doing what it can to alleviate long lines and parking bottlenecks when it hosts what is expected to be the biggest crowd of the football season on Saturday. Assistant athletic director Brett Esely said the ticket office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, with fans able to purchase by phone at (816) 271-4481 or (816) 271-5904 using Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Esely said the university is experiencing a high volume of calls, so he is encouraging fans to be patient.

McGhee returns spark Western

After sitting out two weeks with an MCL sprain, Missouri Western senior wide receiver Ferrell McGhee made a triumphant return to the football field on Saturday at Pittsburg State. While he caught only two passes for 20 yards - his long being an 11-yarder - McGhee's impact came on special teams. McGhee had two kickoff returns, including a 31-yarder, and was named the Griffons' special teams most valuable player for the game.

Tylenol Recall

Certain children's and infants' Tylenol liquid recalled

This is: Nigel Dupree Band

Bring 'one of the scariest movies of all-time' to St. Joe

Most of you have probably never heard of "Paranormal Activity." But this frightening low-budget film is gaining buzz around the country.

Sunday's Local Sports

Royals' Greinke keeps making case for Cy Young

KANSAS CITY - The Minnesota Twins somehow missed Zack Greinke the first 14 times they faced the Kansas City Royals this season. Now, they get him twice in a week - it couldn't have come at a worse time. Greinke worked through several jams in seven innings to bolster his Cy Young Award chances and put a dent in Minnesota's postseason hopes, helping the Royals win their home finale 4-1 on Sunday.

Even without McNabb, Eagles rout Chiefs

Michael Vick was a super decoy. Getting significant contributions from their youngsters and backups, the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Kansas City Chiefs 34-14 in Vick's return to the NFL on Sunday. The Eagles didn't need much from Vick and they got nothing from Donovan McNabb or Brian Westbrook, who both sat out with injuries. Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns, LeSean McCoy had 84 yards rushing and one TD, and DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek each had 100-plus yards receiving and one score for Philadelphia (2-1).

Saturday's Prep Sports

Saturday's Local College Results

Northwest scouting report

Bearcats host Truman State

Northwest scouting report

Western scouting report

Griffons at Pittsburg State

Western scouting report

Western relies on depth at receiver

Depth over adversity - Missouri Western's receiving corps should print that motto on T-shirts this season. Everyone knew going into this season that Missouri Western quarterback Drew Newhart could throw the football. But keeping healthy the players who can catch it has been a problem. The Griffons entered preseason camp loaded at wide receiver and with significant experience at tight end. Few could argue that the senior trio of Andrew Mead, Ferrell McGhee and Cedric Houston weren't among the MIAA's best. And tight end Billy Babcock had the size and experience - starting every game the past two seasons - to be a fourth impact player.

Big plays key Fighting Irish

Despite a 1 hour, 7-minute rain delay, Smithville playing the entire second half on its side of the field and missing the homecoming dance, the Lafayette Fighting Irish mustered a 14-10 win over the Warriors on Friday night at Alumni Field. The Irish did it in virtually one play, overcoming a 10-7 deficit on a 65-yard hook-and-lateral play that moved the ball from their 4-yard line to the Warriors' 25-yard line with a little under 3 minutes remaining.

Savannah strikes quick, often against LeBlond

SAVANNAH, Mo. - A mere minute and 18 seconds into the game, Savannah scored its first touchdown - a 28-yard interception return by senior linebacker Derek Yost. And the Savages' onslaught didn't stop until the game was called, due to weather, 6 minutes into the third quarter. "We say it every week," Savannah coach Mark Cole said. "The defense is the catalyst to our team - the attitude, the demeanor, the mindset that they bring and the way they get the game set for us. And again tonight, the pick-six right off the bat set the tone and got everything going."

Haskell can't lift Missouri squad at USGA team championship

ST. LOUIS - St. Joseph golfer Brian Haskell contributed his best round of the week, but the Missouri squad made little impact at the USGA Men's State Team Championship at The Country Club of St. Albans in St. Louis on Friday. Haskell shot a 3-over 74 on the third and final day of the event, which featured three-golfer teams from each state.

Lions fall in 11-man debut

TARKIO, Mo. - Shocked to have the football in his hands, Ryan Burke had no choice but to rely on instinct. While the play was a blur to him, the Tarkio junior provided dramatic punctuation Friday night during the Indians' thrilling, double-overtime victory against St. Joseph Christian, 12-6, at M. David Palmeiro Field. On a busted, fourth-down play, the frizzy-haired running back caught the ball between the hashes, turned upfield and sprinted 18 yards to the far pylon - ending the game and bringing the home crowd to its feet.

Chillicothe hammers Benton

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. - What happened to the Benton Cardinals when they visited Chillicothe's Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium on Friday night was easy for coach Matt Tabor to capsulate. "We just lost to the best team we've played all season," he said of the 49-7 thumping Chillicothe's undefeated Hornets (5-0, 2-0 MEC) administered. "This is the best team in (the Midland Empire Conference)," lauded Tabor. "They are extremely, extremely good at what they do. They play hard."

Central comes out flat against Lee's Summit

Central coach Tony Dudik and his Indians might have questioned he final miscue Friday night, but there were plenty of other mistakes to lament against Lee's Summit. Officials wiped out Malkaam Muhammad's apparent 22-yard second-half touchdown run on a fumble call as Central vainly tried to erase a 27-point halftime deficit. But shortcomings on four first-half plays created too much to overcome. One week after Dudik recorded his 100th career victory with the Indians in a dramatic overtime win, Central lost 30-15 to Lee's Summit at Noyes Field.

Outdoor column: An outdoor holiday to celebrate

Don't expect a day off from work or gifts from family and friends. But outdoorsmen across the nation can celebrate because the 37th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day has arrived.

Black bears prove no match for local trio

Three local hunters trekked up to Canada for a weeklong bear hunt, and two returned with kills. Now before we go on, many of you are probably picturing three burly guys hunting with guns in the Canadian wilderness.

Friday's prep boxes

Legacies in the spotlight

Robidoux Resident Theatre kicks off its season with 'Always ... Patsy Cline' and the Glenn Miller Orchestra

It may not look like it on the surface, but country music icon Patsy Cline and big band jazz legend Glenn Miller have a few things in common. Both are some of the most reverred artists and performers in their respective genres. Both died at a young age from circumstances involving plane crashes and disappearances. And thanks to Robidoux Resident Theatre, both of their legacies will be showcased on stage. The hit theatrical production "Always ... Patsy Cline" will kick off its run this weekend at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse, while the Glenn Miller Orchestra comes to the Missouri Theater next week.

An epic re-emergence

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead returns to form

For Austin alt-rockers ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (we'll call them Trail of Dead for short), 2009 marked their return to the forefront of indie rock. Not only did the band release the critically praised album, "The Century of Self," but they played some big shows including the All Points West Festival in Jersey City, N.J. and the South by Southwest Festival in Austin.

We recommend for Sept. 25, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Sept. 25, 2009

Thursdays college sports

Thursdays Prep scores

Eats: A buffet with German flavor

I travel a lot in my sales job, and one thing I usually do not eat at is buffets. But there is one little place here in St. Joseph that has the best homemade food on its buffet and that's the Cabbage Roll.

The sound of free

Folk singer/songwriter Jim Keaveny swings by Cafe Acoustic Saturday

Austin-based folk singer/songwriter Jim Keaveny isn't the type of guy who likes to stay in one place. How else could you explain his frequent cross-country journeys for months on end - hitchhiking, hopping aboard train cars and playing music wherever he lands - or the two years he spent in Europe as a street musician?

This is: "Lumbago" by Marydorsey Wanless

Imagining new worlds

Northwest hosts 3D animation exhibit

Anyone who walks into the first-floor gallery space of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building on the Northwest Missouri State University campus in Maryville won't see any paintings on the wall or sculptures on display. Instead, they'll see a computer, a projector and a short film being played on a screen.

The Shuffle: Why Lady why?

I'm not adverse to acknowledging genuine talent or a pop culture phenomenon when I see it.

Entertainment briefs for Sept. 25, 2009

Get lost in the fun

St. Joseph Corn Maze provides a challenge for the whole family

Most of us have never journeyed through a giant maze before. That type of experience is usually reserved for Harry Potter, while battling for the Tri-Wizard Cup in "The Goblet of Fire," or Danny Torrance, while running away from his axe-wielding father in "The Shining." However, fantasy found a cornfield in northeast St. Joseph.

Wednesday's Local Results

Wednesday's Prep Results

St. Joseph golfer, Missouri team lag behind at USGA Men's State Team Championship

ST. LOUIS - On the 12th hole at at The Country Club of St. Alban's, St. Joseph golfer Brian Haskell hit to within 20 yards of the short par-three hole. But the ball landed in a hazard, and Haskell had to settle for a bogey. That's the way the entire day went for Haskell and the Missouri team on Wednesday at the USGA Men's State Team Championship being held this week in St. Louis.

Central grads back on the track

Prep notebook

After controversy ended his burgeoning prep running career, Akech Aye is making the most of his second chance. The Sudan native and 2009 Central graduate - along with his half-brother, Yout Aye - has excelled at the collegiate level as a member of the cross country team at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. Thus far, Aye has led the Spartans in all but one race and routinely has finished in the top quarter of the field. Last fall, Aye was disallowed from competition by the Missouri State High School Activities Association because of an age dispute that robbed him of his senior season.

Tuesday's Games

Northwest gets passing grade in victory

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State was fortunate its football test against Nebraska-Omaha last Saturday was of the pass-fail variety. If coach Mel Tjeerdsma gave a grade, the Bearcats' gridiron GPA would have dropped. Tjeerdsma's annual lesson plan is to improve each game. Despite a 37-27 victory against the Mavericks at Bearcat Stadium, that didn't happen.

Chiefs sticking with Cassel

KANSAS CITY - Brodie Croyle has a much higher quarterback rating and a better completion percentage, but Matt Cassel has a bigger guaranteed contract. Guess who'll start for Kansas City on Sunday? It will be Cassel facing the Eagles in Philadelphia, coach Todd Haley said Tuesday. But the rookie head coach also said he would not hesitate to make a switch if he decided Croyle gives the winless Chiefs a better chance.

Bearcats' 'prayer' gets answered

As long as Northwest Missouri State's Mel Tjeerdsma has coached, he's never seen this before. A "Hail Mary" pass - on an untimed down - found its mark, giving the Bearcats a huge boost going into halftime. For a few giddy moments in the heat of an MIAA battle last Saturday against Nebraska-Omaha, football was pure, joyful fun. "It was almost like playing a video game," quarterback Blake Bolles said. "You don't really expect that to happen."

Griffon Notebook: Western ground game proves bruising

Thanks to Drew Newhart's impressive aerial displays, Western's passing offense has garnered most of the attention during the team's flawless start.

Griffons crack AFCA Top 25 as Pittsburg State looms

Missouri Western football coach Jerry Partridge picked up his fourth coaching win of the season on Saturday, marking the first time he has started 4-0 as Griffons head coach.

Jacobs helps rally Royals past Red Sox, 12-9

KANSAS CITY - Mike Jacobs hit a three-run homer and Alberto Callaspo's two-run double keyed Kansas City's biggest inning in almost a year, rallying the Royals past the Boston Red Sox 12-9 on Monday night.

Winless Chiefs figure they'll have to face Vick in Philadelphia

KANSAS CITY - As if they didn't have enough problems, the winless Kansas City Chiefs now must get ready for the possible return of the greatest running quarterback in NFL history and a slog through all four teams in the rugged NFC East.

Monday's Prep Sports

St. Joe Live 2009 Fall Movie Preview

A guide of 26 films to watch from this Friday through Thanksgiving

Now that the summer movie season is officially over, it's time for dramas, family flicks and Oscar contenders to start invading the theaters. Here is a preview of the mainstream films coming to a theater near you this fall.

Raiders spoil Chiefs' home opener

On one of the most miserable days of his career, JaMarcus Russell got more than a win. He also put his name in the Oakland Raiders history book. Missing high, low and everywhere in-between, the overall No. 1 draft choice of 2007 completed only 7 of 24 passes for 109 yards. But Russell came into focus when he had to, engineering a 69-yard scoring march in the final 2 minutes for a wildly improbable 13-10 victory over mistake-prone Kansas City. The Chiefs out-gained the Raiders (1-1) 409-166, while Russell became just the second quarterback since the start of the 1997 season to try 20 or more passes and complete less than 30 percent of them but still win.

Griffons relieved to get past Washburn

This time, Missouri Western was able to make all those yards count. The Griffons amassed 541 yards of total offense - 288 in the first half alone - yet they never led Washburn in Saturday night's showdown of MIAA unbeatens until quarterback Drew Newhart's 12-yard keeper put the Griffons up 34-27 with 2 minutes, 15 seconds remaining.

Miscues cost Benedictine

FAYETTE, Mo. - Mistakes cascaded down on Benedictine, and the Ravens collapsed in the onslaught of errors. Benedictine fell 45-26 to Central Methodist on Saturday at Fayette. "We played poorly on both sides of the ball," said Charlie Gartenmayer, Ravens' defensive coordinator and interim head coach. "Any time we sustained a lead, frankly we couldn't stop them defensively."

MEC race shapes up behind Hornets

Chillicothe confounded many in the area after two slow performances to start this season. Fresh off a Class 3 semifinal appearance, the Hornets appeared a prohibitive favorite to repeat as Midland Empire Conference champions and contend for a state title. But the Hornets seemed headed to its Week 4 MEC opener with question marks. Until they roughed up previously Class 4-ranked Grain Valley this past Friday. Then the Hornets rolled Bishop LeBlond on Thursday night.

Chiefs-Raiders see negative reflection in each other

KANSAS CITY - No matter how much their fans hate admitting it, long-time enemies Kansas City and Oakland have slouched into near mirror images of one another in many unflattering ways. The Raiders have won just nine games the past two seasons and the Chiefs have won only six. The Raiders endured a two-win season in 2006, the Chiefs went through the pain of a two-win year in 2008, leading to a front office housecleaning and the arrival of new coach Todd Haley.

Beckwith kicks Western to win

Washburn's two-minute drill was impressive on Saturday night, but Missouri Western's 21-second drill was even better, thanks to the strong right leg of Brad Beckwith. Beckwith nailed a record-breaking 53-yard field goal with just 0.5 seconds remaining as the Griffons defeated the Ichabods 37-34 at Spratt Stadium. Washburn, down by a touchdown with 2 minutes, 14 seconds left, drove 65 yards in nine plays, with quarterback Dane Simoneau tying the game at 34-34 with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Brad Cole with 27 seconds left.

Series of big plays gives Bearcats the edge

Big plays led to a big win for Northwest against Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday. The Bearcats produced pass plays of 46, 54 and 69 yards, and ran a blocked Maverick extra point attempt back to score 23 second-quarter points as they improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 MIAA. "We'd been talking about it all week that we had opportunities to stretch the field against these guys," Northwest quarterback Blake Bolles said. "If we opened up some holes, LaRon (Council) would do some good things running, which he did, and if we protected, like our offensive line did today, then our receivers would get open and make plays after they caught the ball."

Saturdays Prep Scores and results

Saturday's College Scores

Friday's prep results

One big reunion

Southside Fall Festival appeals to all ages

There's no doubt that the South Side of St. Joseph displays a great sense of community and family. Perhaps, it shows most at the Southside Fall Festival. "I like to think of the Southside Fall Festival as one great big family reunion," says festival chair Sally Pike. The festival is located at Hyde Park and will be open to the public from noon to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. And the three-day event has a little something for those of all ages.

Persisting in song

Ra Ra Riot overcomes tragedy to compose smart, triumphant pop

There's plenty to love about the chamber pop of the Syracuse, N.Y., quintet Ra Ra Riot. The elegance of the string arrangements. The caffeinated drum rhythms. The infectiously tuneful melodies and smart arrangements. But if you knew the band's back story, you also would grasp the music's underlying sense of personal loss.

We recommend for Sept. 18, 2009

Entertainment calendar for Spet. 18, 2009

Area football previews

Here's a capsule look at tonight's featured area football games:

City game previews

Here are capsule previews of tonight's city football matchups:

8-man powers set to clash

Stanberry's Dan Collins doesn't like rankings, polls or the expectations that come along with those lists. But the veteran coach expects his No. 2-ranked team to compete with No. 1 Mound City in tonight's crucial matchup of perennial Highway 275 powers in Stanberry. Whether that means a Stanberry victory isn't Collins' main concern. He'd just like to be in the game.

Hornets stomp Eagles

The last time Chillicothe packed its football freight and headed to St. Joseph to play Bishop LeBlond was during the 1987 season. That game was a 33-26 Hornet win at Noyes Field. This season, the Hornets scored their 35th point of the game at the 3-minute, 14-second mark of the first quarter and cruised to a 49-13 win against LeBlond at Eagles Field on Thursday night.

Former Central star makes impact at Wyoming

A cell phone and the Internet keep Ghaali Muhammad connected to his St. Joseph roots while he pursues a football career at the University of Wyoming. After the 2009 Central graduate recorded a "Sportscenter"-worthy highlight this past weekend, both tools of technology provided him with plenty of hometown adulation. Muhammad recorded Wyoming's lone touchdown in a 41-10 loss to No. 2 Texas last week, scooping up a blocked punt and returning it 6 yards for a score. "I had people from back home calling me every 5 seconds," said Muhammad, the 2008 News-Press offensive player of the year. "I got back to my cell phone and probably had 50 missed calls. I had people Facebooking me and congratulating me. It was crazy."

'Just another athlete'

Benton's female kicker's work ethic shines

Clutching her football helmet at her side, Heavin Warner turns away from the post-game huddle and walks off the field. Benton's female kicker enjoyed a successfully productive night, booting through both of her extra-point opportunities during a tough loss to Maryville, but unlike her teammates, her night is far from over. Warner still has to get in a lengthy cross country workout before her day is over - six miles long, to be exact. And don't forget about the day-long softball tournament the next morning. Although her involvement on the football team makes her undeniably unique, that's not remotely her most remarkable achievement. The Cardinals' junior has an audacious goal of competing in six varsity sports this school year - three of them this fall.

Thursday's Prep Sports

St. Joseph's Haskell repeats at Missouri Mid-Amateur

St. Joseph golfer Brian Haskell was ready to congratulate the player who had taken his Missouri Mid-Amateur crown as he walked off the 18th green of Glen Echo Country Club on Wednesday in St. Louis. So when players already in the clubhouse came out and started congratulating Haskell, the defending champion was shocked. "I just said, 'Nobody shot low round?' And they said 'Not low enough,'" Haskell said.

Screen shots

The Kansas International Film Festival showcases big releases and unknown talents starting Friday

Those people who dispute the Midwest's value as a film market may have to think twice after attending the Kansas International Film Festival (KIFF). While the film festival will screen more than 52 films from Sept. 18 through 24 at the Glenwood Arts Theatre in Overland Park, Kan., it's the festival's first cinematic offering that's garnering a great deal of buzz. Incendiary documentary filmmaker Michael Moore's latest film, "Capitalism: A Love Story," targeting Wall Street and the causes of our current economic crisis, will play on opening night. That's three weeks before the rest of the country gets the chance to see it on the big screen and, according to Kansas City Star film critic Robert Butler, a sign of KIFF's growing prominence.

Savannah's Gallagher decides to golf at Mizzou

Kate Gallagher always seems to have a decision to make. Even choosing a college destination couldn't be simple for the Savannah senior standout. Before picking a school, Gallagher had to decide what sport she really wanted to play. Ultimately, Gallagher decided on golfing at the University of Missouri. She recently made her verbal commitment to Tigers golf coach Stephanie Priesmeyer.

Wednesday's Prep Sports

Mess and finesse

The Readygoes bring polished indie rock to The Rendezvous Saturday

If you are a reality TV fiend or a purveyor of pop culture, you've probably heard the music of Minneapolis indie rockers the Readygoes and not even known it.

Where the river flows

RiverSong Chorus celebrates 50th anniversary

The members of RiverSong Chorus have a new slogan: "Real women. Real harmony. Real fun." And they're living by it.

This is: "Great Accommodations" by Jamie Burkart

The Shuffle: Judging the judge

For this column, I can't help but focus on one thing: how one person's presence and actions can completely change everything. How one person speaking their mind can completely alter the mood of an entire televised event. For the record, I'm not talking about hip-hop man egomaniac Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at MTV's Video Music Awards. No matter how many public apologies that guy makes, there's no shrinking that hubris. What I'm actually referring to is the decision to find a replacement judge for the infinitely kind, loopy Paula Abdul on "American Idol." And who did they choose? Another former music superstar? Record producer? Boy band has been? How about a talk show host?

Eats: Stop in at the Snow Ball

When you're shopping in Atchison, Kan., perhaps searching for ideas at Nell Hills (Mary Carol Garrity's legendary decorating store) consider taking a break at Snow Ball for ice cream, sandwiches and their espresso bar.

Royals use trio of 3-run home runs to blast Tigers

DETROIT - Jim Leyland is out of answers. Not only did his division-leading Detroit Tigers drop a fifth straight game to the last-place Kansas City Royals, 11-1 on Tuesday night, he has to fill another spot in his patchwork rotation.

Wednesday's High school prep

Wednesday's College results

BEARCAT NOTEBOOK: Sobota finally back on pitch

Northwest's soccer fans have had to wait a long time to see what Heidi Sobota could do. The transfer from Briar Cliff College already sat out a year because of NCAA transfer rules, when she took the pitch in Northwest's 2008 season opener.

Northwest's Roach won't forget Omaha

Tyler Roach will play Saturday with a chip on his shoulder. He hasn't forgotten his feelings in the fall of 2005, as an Elkhorn High School senior playing practically in the shadow of the University of Nebraska-Omaha campus, when his hopes of getting a call from the Mavericks faded.

PREP ROUNDUP: LeBlond goalkeeper Lammoglia fuels comeback

Goalkeeper Nic Lammoglia and two freshmen scored crucial goals for Bishop LeBlond on Tuesday, when the Golden Eagles came back from three goals down to pull out a wild, shootout victory against St. Pius X, 3-3 (4-3). Jeffery Meyers, a freshman forward, and Lammoglia both scored in the final three minutes of regulation to force overtime, and freshman fullback Chris Sadler secured the victory by finishing his penalty kick chance in the shootout session. With the win, LeBlond won its fifth straight contest and improved to 6-2 on the season.

St. Joseph's Haskell leads Missouri Mid-Amateur

With 18 holes to play, Brian Haskell knows he has a chance. The defending champion fired a 6-under in Tuesday's first round of the Missouri Mid-Amateur at St. Louis' Glen Echo Country Club, good enough to hold the lead entering today's second and final round. Although he leads by two strokes, Haskell knows a championship isn't guaranteed, but he hopes to make it two straight.

Chiefs sign WR Wade, unsure who will throw to him

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Chiefs shuffled in a new pair of hands Tuesday in coach Todd Haley's continuing quest to locate an acceptable set of wide receivers. Still unclear is who would be throwing the ball. Haley said it was too early to know if quarterback Matt Cassel will miss a second straight start this weekend because of an injury to his left knee. But he is hopeful of making a decision earlier than Sunday, when the decision was made just hours before the season-opener at Baltimore.

Entertainment briefs for Sept. 18, 2009

Griffons' secondary endures aerial assault

Missouri Western football coach Jerry Partridge called it a "stroke of genius," the way he and his coaching staff prepared the defense for Saturday's game at Fort Hays State. Of course, Partridge's tongue was firmly implanted in his cheek.

Griffons fall just short of AFCA ranking

Bearcats jump back up to No. 6

When Washburn invades Spratt Stadium to take on Missouri Western on Saturday night, the Ichabods will do so as an undefeated, nationally ranked team. It's a distinction that Western coach Jerry Partridge believes the Griffons deserve as well.

K.C. still searching for victories

KANSAS CITY - It says a lot about the state of football in Kansas City when the Chiefs give up 501 yards of total offense, get beat by two touchdowns, and still set off waves of optimism among excited fans. Losing 26 games in two years will do that to a victory-starved town. Simply hanging tough with a double-digit favorite is viewed as proof that happy days are only a couple of kickoffs away.