Rick Dunaway
Sports Reporter

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Mustangs survive Sedalia thanks to wild pitch
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, July 2, 2009

Between Ryan Hook’s legs and Sedalia pitcher Aaron Kleekamp’s curveball in the dirt, the St. Joseph Mustangs found a way to win on Thursday night.
Hook scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Mustangs defeated the Bombers 4-3.

St. Joe positioned for playoff push
by Rick Dunaway
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

With a league-leading 12-7 MINK League record and the best mark in the North Division going into Tuesday night’s game against Mac-N-Seitz in Kansas City, it’s difficult for Mustangs fans to keep from giving at least some thought to the postseason and the possibilities of a trip to Wichita, Kan., and the National Baseball Congress World Series.

Patient Mustangs walk past Beatrice again
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, June 19, 2009

Sometimes you win a game by swinging the bats. On Friday night, the St. Joseph Mustangs can chalk up their 5-3 victory over the Beatrice Bruins to keeping the bat on their shoulders.
Beatrice starter Mike Strong walked two, uncorked a couple of wild pitches, balked once and allowed a double to Rob Lind to spot the Mustangs three unearned runs in the first inning. St. Joseph’s offense and pitching did just enough after that.

Gumm, Studley avoid trouble, hold on to win Highland Classic
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, June 18, 2009

After spotting themselves to a four-stroke lead in the first round, the duo of Teresa Gumm and Alane Studley used consistency on Wednesday to lock down their first Highland Classic golf championship at St. Joseph Country Club.

Mustangs roll on
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, June 11, 2009

When the St. Joseph Mustangs needed some order restored, Ben Baker answered the call.
The Mustangs’ designated hitter, called on as a relief pitcher, hurled 4 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday night in an 9-3 MINK League victory over the Sedalia Bombers.

Mustangs make clutch plays
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, June 11, 2009

Ryan Hook did his alma mater proud on Benton High School Night at Phil Welch Stadium.
The former Cardinals player drove in three runs in a 3-for-4 performance and reliever Ryan Carbah got a game-saving strikeout in the ninth inning as the St. Joseph Mustangs defeated the Mac-N-Seitz Athletics 8-7 Wednesday night.
Hook admitted that he had been uncomfortable and struggling at the plate, but he said he worked hard in the batting cage at Hard Ball Academy earlier Wednesday.

Famous Chicken to appear at Phil Welch Stadium
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, June 4, 2009

What started as a $2-per-hour job that was intended to last one week has hatched into a 35-year career and pop icon status for Ted Giannoulas, otherwise known as the San Diego Chicken.
Giannoulas will have free range of Phil Welch Stadium tonight when the St. Joseph Mustangs take on Chillicothe in their MINK League home opener. That’s many miles and many years since, as a college student, he took the temporary assignment to hand out Easter candy for a San Diego radio station.

Mustangs roll to another easy wins
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, May 30, 2009

The first three games for the St. Joseph Mustangs were supposed to be to figure out who will be the regular starters.
After his two hits and two RBIs in Saturday night’s 10-2 rout of the Omaha Diamond Spirit, Brent Seifert has no worries about his playing time on this team.
“What’s nice about him is that he can play three positions for us — third, center, first, and we can DH him,” manager Matt Johnson said. “He’s a guy we’ve got to keep in the lineup every single day, the way he’s swinging.”

Mustangs open season in emphatic fashion
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, May 29, 2009

The 1,673 fans at Phil Welch Stadium saw a flashy show on Thursday night. They saw plenty of substance, too, as the St. Joseph Mustangs began their era with a 9-1 thrashing of the Omaha Diamond Spirit.
Even third baseman Johnny Coy was thrilled with the atmosphere in the team’s season opener.

St. Joseph Mustangs baseball team makes debut at Phil Welch Stadium tonight
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, May 28, 2009

The sound of horsehide smacking glove leather had barely begun to echo inside the Hard Ball indoor baseball facility Tuesday morning when St. Joseph Mustangs pitching coach Caleb Balbuena made his first observation about the team.

Mustangs preparing for inaugural season
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, May 22, 2009

Batting helmets? Check. Bats? Check.
Uniforms and a full contingent of players to fit into them?
Well, not yet.

Northwest is well represented at NCAA meet
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, May 21, 2009

With its largest contingent since 2003 and a legitimate national title contender at the core, Northwest Missouri State hopes to make some noise this week in the NCAA Division II national track and field championships.
The Bearcats sent seven athletes — five women and two men — to Angelo, Texas, where action begins today for all five of the women.

Bearcat football scrambling to fill home dates
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, May 21, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — A nationally televised game to open the season gives Northwest Missouri State football fans cause for excitement, but the thrills at Bearcat Stadium could be scarce in 2010 because of scheduling quirks.
The Bearcats open 2009 at Abilene Christian in a game to be televised by CBS College Sports, but that game represents the second and final contest in a two-year contract between the two schools.

Central's Love, Bates qualify for sectionals
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, May 16, 2009

KANSAS CITY — Biscuits and gravy are not exactly the breakfast of champions.
But despite the stomach discomfort it caused Central’s Justin Love, it wasn’t exactly the recipe for disaster, either.
The Indians’ senior qualified for next weekend’s sectional meet in both hurdle events Saturday during the Class 4 District 8 Track & Field Meet at Park Hill High School.

Christian's Taff ignores injury, leads Lions to victory
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, May 9, 2009

Alexa Taff’s facial expressions told the story of triumph and perseverance Saturday at the Class 1 District 7 track meet.
A smile creased the St. Joseph Christian freshman’s lips as coach John Chavez whispered her 100-meter dash time to her: 12.71, good enough for a school record.
That same fresh face carried a furrowed brow about an hour later, at the end of her victory in the 400.

Mustangs Notebook: Moon dirt and a chicken will have St. Joseph in common this summer
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, May 8, 2009

Moon dirt and a famous chicken seemingly have nothing in common. They will this summer, however, according to the promotion schedule announced by the St. Joseph Mustangs.

Golf a Dickensian experience for 2 locals
by Rick Dunaway
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The beginning of the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series has been just like the start of a classic novel for a pair of local golfers.
Matt Van Cleave and Brice Garnett have seen the best of times and the worst of times, just four tournaments into the season.
Each has missed the cut twice, but each also has recorded a top-10 finish, most recently Van Cleave on Saturday in the Jamie Hilton’s Hillcrest Children’s Golf Classic in Waco, Texas.

Mustangs take 3 steps forward, 2 steps back
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, May 1, 2009

The St. Joseph Mustangs have taken three steps forward and two steps back with the roster for their inaugural season.
The team picked up outfielder/pitcher Ben Baker, a sophomore from Rockhurst, as well as outfielders Greg Noble of Northeast Texas Community College and Houston Slemp of Eastern Oklahoma Community College.

Two Bearcats leave football program
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, May 1, 2009

Three players on the Northwest Missouri State spring football roster likely will be missing once play resumes in August.
Backup quarterback Tyler Herl is looking to transfer in an effort to gain more playing time, while the Bearcats cut backup running back Sheldon Cook, the News-Press has learned.

Northwest men, women eye national tourney opponents
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, April 30, 2009

Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Northwest Missouri State kept a watchful eye on Tuesday’s announcement of the NCAA Division II national tournament field, but for very different reasons.
The women’s team, holding an automatic berth, simply wanted to verify its opponent.
The men, however, were holding their collective breath to make sure they made the field.
Both are heading south to battle for their playoff lives.

Northwest's invisible asset
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, April 29, 2009

On a campus with All-Americans and All-Region performers, conference championships and national championship contenders, one player has stood out in my mind over the past two years.
He doesn't wear a jersey. Heck, he might not be able to bench press half his own weight. He is quiet, almost to the point of being timid, and frankly he looks rather bookish.
It is unlikely you've ever heard of him.
But boy, is Jared Verner a great team player.

Northwest’s Pestock ready for shot in the NFL
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, April 24, 2009

For the first time in years, former Northwest Missouri State offensive lineman Tom Pestock was only a spectator — not a competitor — at the regional Golden Gloves boxing championships.
He was saving himself for what increasingly looks like a legitimate shot to put on a National Football League uniform.

Family heritage inspires Northwest track and field star
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bagpipes, kilts and plenty of muscle. Those are the things on display when the McKim brothers get
together.
Holding true to their Scottish heritage, Northwest Missouri State thrower Ben McKim and
Bearcat alum Daniel McKim have found a competitive outlet in the Highland Games.

Northwest athletes earn nationals' berths
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Kansas Relays were kind to a couple of Northwest Missouri State athletes.
Thrower Ben McKim automatically qualified for the NCAA National Championships in the shot put by winning his event last weekend, while Audrey Bailey earned an automatic bid to nationals with her second-place performance in the 400-meter hurdles.
The efforts were good enough for both to earn MIAA athlete of the week honors, as announced Wednesday.

Mustangs notebook: Balbuena returns to Phil Welch as pitching coach
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, April 18, 2009

Caleb Balbuena spent the better part of two seasons on the mound at Phil Welch Stadium as a relief pitcher for the St. Joe Blacknakes.

Northwest women's team signs 3 players
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, April 16, 2009

A problem position on the court for the Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team last season could become a strong point for the Bearcats.
Coach Gene Steinmeyer signed three players on national signing day, and he’s particular high on Gabby Curtis, who is expected to immediately provide some added punch at point guard.

Northwest tennis team keeps it in the family
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, April 10, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Northwest Missouri State athletics occasionally boasts about the “Bearcat family.”
In the case of Northwest’s tennis program, “family” is more literal than figurative.
Family names like Lipira, Pendrak and Lindsay have dotted Northwest tennis rosters for the past decade.

McCollum gets reacquainted with Bearcat family
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, April 10, 2009

It didn’t take Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum very long to throw down the gauntlet with assistant coach Austin Meyer.
Let’s just call this coaching combination a Bearcat players’ reunion. McCollum was a guard for the Bearcats for two seasons from 2001-03, and his Bearcat career overlapped that of Meyer, a sharpshooting forward.

McCollum begins to mold his new team
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, April 10, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The smell of fresh paint wafted from Ben McCollum’s office toward the couch and chairs that cluttered the hallway outside, testaments of change in the Bearcat basketball program.
McCollum, named late last month as Northwest’s new basketball coach, hopes a few broad brush strokes will give a new look to a program that limped to a 12-15 record and missed the MIAA Tournament for the first time since many of his players were in preschool.

The times, they have changed, but we must hold our heads high
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, April 3, 2009

As I read this passage from a famous book, the author’s words made me feel as if I were with him on that mountain looking over his shoulder during the encounter. His recollection of the hunt revealed his passion for the sport and obviously a different era in American history.

WNBA trainer brings prevention message to St. Joseph
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, March 27, 2009

Laura Ramus knows just by watching a female athlete’s landing when she jumps that the player is on her way to a painful anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Mustangs add some more local faces
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, March 19, 2009

The St. Joseph Mustangs this week added another outfielder to their roster, bolstering their stable of local athletes at the same time.
Ryan Hook, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior at Western Kentucky, has signed a contract to play for the college wood bat summer league team.
Hook, who batted .394 for Maple Woods Community College last year before transferring to Western Kentucky, was a standout performer at Benton High School.

Phil Welch Stadium improvements hit snag
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Nobody is expecting ideal playing conditions this afternoon when Missouri Western takes on Nebraska-Omaha in the Griffons’ delayed opening to their home schedule.
After what has gone on the past two weeks, they’re just happy to be playing.
With the construction going on around Phil Welch Stadium, everyone expected some inconveniences, but things went from inconvenient to downright problematic two weekends ago when an electrical subcontractor, putting finishing touches on the new lighting system, got a crane stuck in right field.

Tappmeyer out as Northwest coach
by Rick Dunaway
Tuesday, March 17, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Steve Tappmeyer is out after 21 seasons as head basketball coach at Northwest Missouri State.

Spoofhound girls can't stop defending state champions
by Rick Dunaway
Sunday, March 15, 2009

KANSAS CITY — Maryville’s girls played smart basketball on Saturday, but Skyline displayed too much Wisdom.
Senior guard Maci Wisdom scored 28 points, including six straight free throws in the second overtime period, as defending state champion Skyline escaped with a 56-54 double-overtime victory against the Spoofhounds in the Class 3 quarterfinals at Staley High School.
The victory gives Skyline (26-4) another in a long run of final four appearances and keeps alive the Tigers’ hopes for a sixth state championship.

Northwest women reflect on missed chances
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, March 14, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The other MIAA women’s basketball teams tried to hand Northwest Missouri State a ticket to this year’s conference postseason tournament. But coach Gene Steinmeyer’s team just couldn’t reach out with that one additional victory it took to give them a chance to defend their conference tournament title.

Northwest looks to make changes
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, March 13, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Exactly a year after it earned a trip to the NCAA South Central Regional, the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats are sitting at home, pondering the “what ifs.”

Former Saints march on to World Baseball Classic
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, March 12, 2009

A couple of personalities from St. Joseph baseball history have found themselves on the world stage.
With the World Baseball Classic in full swing, two St. Joseph Saints are competing on two different teams in the international event.

Mound City boys take down South Holt
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, March 7, 2009

ROSENDALE, Mo. — Mound City’s Cole Rosier drained a jump shot from the left wing Friday night, salvaging a 52-50 victory over South Holt in the championship game of the Class 1 District 14 basketball tournament.
Rosier’s bucket and the ensuing buzzer touched off a wild celebration, but that celebration was a bit premature. Officials huddled and determined that 1.9 seconds needed to be put back on the clock.

South Nodaway surges in 2nd half for district championship
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, March 7, 2009

ROSENDALE, Mo. — The bond between sisters — especially twin sisters — can overcome almost anything.
With her sibling Sami in tears at the start of the game, scratched from the starting lineup with a sprained ankle, Lindsi Jackson scored 17 points Friday night to rally South Nodaway to a 40-35 victory against Mound City.

Tjeerdsma to stay; Coker gets UTSA job
by Rick Dunaway
Friday, March 6, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — It looks like Northwest Missouri State University will not have to look for a new head football coach after all.

MIAA tournament capsules
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Capsules for the MIAA tournament in Kansas City

Bearcats' Henry makes All-MIAA
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Seniors Hunter Henry from the men’s team and Meghan Brue from the women’s team were the only Northwest Missouri State basketball players to earn a spot on the All-MIAA teams announced Monday, and Bearcats coach Steve Tappmeyer, for one, believes at least one other Northwest player was deserving of some consideration.
“I’m happy for Hunter Henry making first-team all-conference and the all-defensive team,” Tappmeyer said. “He’s had such a good career. But I was surprised Elijah Allen didn’t get anything.”
While Henry was the clear team leader with 17 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, the sophomore Allen came on to average 13.1 points and nearly five rebounds per outing.

Bearcats set up plan in case Tjeerdsma leaves
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, March 4, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — With or without coach Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State is set to begin spring football practice on Friday.
And if Tjeerdsma — a finalist for the head coaching job at the University of Texas at San Antonio — isn’t around to blow the whistle, defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick will be.
Bostwick confirmed Tuesday that he would become the interim head coach for the Bearcats in the event Tjeerdsma is offered and accepts the job as the first head coach of the Roadrunners.

Missouri Southern too much for Northwest women
by Rick Dunaway
Sunday, March 1, 2009

JOPLIN, Mo. — Jolea Apon scored from the outside, Danielle DeVader scored from everywhere and the Missouri Southern Lions scored the knockout blow to Northwest Missouri State’s season Saturday afternoon.
Apon obliterated her career high with 28 points and DeVader scored 22 as the Lions (18-9, 12-8 MIAA) knocked the Bearcats out of contention for the final MIAA postseason tournament spot with a 74-59 victory. Northwest (9-18, 5-15) will miss the conference tournament for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

Southern puts end to Northwest men's season
by Rick Dunaway
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009

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.

Northwest women keep hope alive
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009

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.

Northwest men dealt losing hand against Southwest Baptist
by Rick Dunaway
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009

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.

Henry successfully carries leadership burden for Northwest men
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009

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
by Rick Dunaway
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009

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.