North by Northwest (NxNW) - Lindenwood University

NxNW - Lindenwood University
Location - St. Charles, Missouri 63301
Founded - 1827
Enrollment - Approximately 15,000
Colors - Black & Gold
Nickname - Lions

Lindenwood started its existence as an all-female institution of higher learning until as recently as the 1970's.  It was at that time that the modern adoption of Lindenwood's athletics department began.
Lindenwood spent its entire Athletics history as a member of the NAIA and had tremendous success at that level.  In total, Lindenwood won 10 NAIA National Championships with 9 of those championships coming since 2002-2003.  In addition, Lindenwood has 4 national runner-up finishes at the NAIA level.  Lindenwood boasts 2 athletes that marched with Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  In 2010, Lindenwood applied for membership to the NCAA Division 2 level and that application was accepted later that year.  Lindenwood spent 2 candidacy years before the 2012-2013 season where the Lions are now considered a provisional member this year.  Lindenwood is in the final stages of a 9-million-dollars facilities construction project with a 115,000 square foot student athlete success center.

Lindenwood University sits on 500 acres of land in the community of St. Charless (approximate population of 62,000) which is a western suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.

In 2012, the Lindenwood Lions baseball team finished the year at 30-19 without playing any official MIAA Conference games.  The Lions were a remarkable 13-2 at home, 2-2 at neutral site games, and 15-15 on the road.  Despite not counting as official conference games in 2012, Lindenwood did play against MIAA member Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma, Central Missouri (split a 4-game series, 2 games a piece), Southwest Baptist, and Truman State.  The 2012 Lions did not hit for a lot of power (12 total home runs with 1 player having 7 of those home runs) with a .379 slugging percentage, but got on-base at a successful level with a .377 on-base percentage.  The Lions were solid at pitching with a Team ERA of 4.65 (2 lights out pitchers with ERAs in the 1s).  The Lions were average defensively with a .963 fielding percentage, 65 errors in 49 games.

Go Cats!!
###

North by Northwest (NxNW) - Lincoln University

North by Northwest (NxNW) - Lincoln University

City/Zip - Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Founded - 1866 (Land-grant institution)
Enrollment - 3,284
Field - LU Baseball Field (Capacity - 300)
First Year in Baseball - 1971
Overall Record - 528-950-6
Best Record Ever - 31-18 (1999)

Head Coach - Jim Dapkus (Missouri Western '91)
Record at Lincoln University - 120-238
Overall - 317-437

About Lincoln University - Offers 6 degrees in 50 programs, 5 graduate degrees with 16-areas of concentration.

In 2012, Lincoln University had a tough year finishing with an overall record of 8-40 (8-31 MIAA) and was 4-14 at home and 4-26 on the road.  Chris Pfau made the All-MIAA First Team squad as a Utility player after he batted .333, earned 51 hits, 7 doubles, 3 triples, 21 rbis, slugged .418%, 22 walks, 3 hit by pitches, .425 on-base percentage, and stole 7 bases in 12 attempts.  Pfau also pitched for Lincoln and earned a record of 5-7, appeared in 12 games and made 11 starts, earned a 5.17 ERA, had 6 complete games, worked 69.2 innings, allowed 40 earned runs, 35 walks, and 56 strike-outs.  Besides Pfau though, Lincoln did not hit the ball well, field the ball well, or pitch the ball well.

Go Cats!!
###

North by Northwest (NxNW) - Fort Hays State

NxNW - The B2R takes a look at the member institutions of the MIAA Athletic Conference.  Today, Fort Hays State is at bat:

Fort Hays State University
City/Zip - Hays, Kansas 67601
Founded - 1902
Enrollment - 11,000
Nickname - Tigers
Colors - Black & Gold
Home Venue - Larks Park (capacity - 1,200)(Constructed in 1940)(Field Turf added Fall 2012)
First year of baseball - 1966
All-time record (at the beginning of the 2012 season) - 1295-822-4
2012 Season - Fort Hays finished in 6th place as the final qualifier for the MIAA Post-Season Tournament, but advanced all the way to the Tournament Championship against Central Missouri.  UCM defeated FHSU by a score 7-1 to finish its year 29-24.

About Fort Hays State -
FHSU is the 2nd youngest of the State of Kansas' six universities.  It original faculty consisted of 2 members teaching the 19-course curriculum and greeted 34 students to campus.  Today, the faculty totals approximately 300, support staff of approximately 250, and 11,000 students.  The University sits on approximately 4,160 acres exactly where a frontier military post was located.  About 20,000 people live in the Hays community.

NCAA D2 World Series Appearances - 2000 (2nd place overall - National runner-up);
NCAA Regionals - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2006.
RMAC Championship - 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000 (Regular Season), 2003 (Regular Season & Tournament);
FHSU has owned a .600 winning percentage or better in 13 of 18 seasons since its move to NCAA Division 2;

Notable FHSU Baseball Alumni - Nate Field (Pitcher for the KC Royals, Rockies, Marlins, and Mets)

Notable FHSU Baseball Coaches - Bob Fornelli (yep, the Emporia State Coach) from 1997 to 2003 (See basically all of FHSU's NCAA Post-season success);

Curtis Hammeke - Presently FHSU's Athletics Director (very good for baseball);

Steve Gillispie - Head Coach of NCAA D1 Youngstown State

Go Cats!!
###

North by Northwest - NxNW - Emporia State University

NxNW stops in Emporia, Kansas, for a look at Emporia State University Hornets.

Location - Emporia, Kansas
Founded - 1863
Enrollment - 6,258
Colors - Old Gold & Black
Nickname - Hornets

Why the Hornets?

A casual conversation between Vic Trusler and an Emporia Gazette reporter named Cecil Carle led the establishment of the Hornets as Emporia State’s mascot. In the early 1930’s, the Teachers College students were called the Yaps. It is uncertain why the students were called that except popular legend suggests that because they were teachers, they did a lot of “yapping.” In any case, most of the students were not fond of the moniker.

Trusler, a legendary figure on campus in the 1930’s, and coach at Roosevelt High School, and Carle, without design, were instrumental in getting the name changed.

Carle was seeking information on the official name of the Roosevelt High School team. Trusler suggested he call the Roosevelt team the Bluejackets since they wore blue jerseys.

In that momentous conversation, Trusler further commented that the students at the Teacher College really did not like being called the Yaps. Instead he suggested they be called the Yellow Jackets because the men wore yellow sweaters with black stripes on the sleeves. And, like the insect, they had quite a sting to them.

Nothing further was said, but the next Gazette article about the Teachers College referred to the students as Yellow Jackets.

The evolution of the name Yellow Jacket to Hornet is almost anti-climatic. A lack of newspaper space forced the Yellow Jacket to be shortened to Harnet. For a while

the two names were interchanged and used throughout the state.

To further cement the Hornet tradition, the football team received new uniforms in 1936. They were almost entirely black prompting some to suggest that the team be called the Mud Daubers, which are yellowjackets, which are hornets, which gave more sting to the legend.

“Corky” first appeared on the scene in 1934 when Paul Edwards, then a sophomore, made what he thought was a more representative figure of the school mascot than the strereotyped hornet being used. He entered it in a contest and finished second. Not to be discouraged Edwards redrew his hornet and showed it to Ray Maul, then manager of the Memorial Union, who thought he could “use the buzzard.” The Corky figure would soon become popular on campus.

Edwards liked his Corky so much he patented the bug in 1936, which dated its 50th anniversary to 1986. During Homecoming 1987, Edwards dedicated a Corky the Hornet statue he sculpted and is now on display in the Memorial Union Bookstore.

A large number of Corky’s cropped up beginning in 2003 during a Parade of Corkys throughout Emporia and many of them are still on display around campus

and in the community.

MIAA Championships - 6

1993, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011

NCAA Regional Appearances - 9
1993, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

NCAA World Series Appearances - 2
2006 & 2009

NCAA World Series Runner-up - 2009

Notable Coaches

Brian Embery - 1987-2003 - 458-320 - 5-time MIAA Coach of the Year (now coaches Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington;)

Dave Bingham - 1973-1987 - He helped Emporia State to the NAIA World Series twice.  He played in the Washington Senators' farm system.  He coached Emporia State and had a record of 557-223.  Bingham went on to be the Head Coach of the University of Kansas from 1988-1995.  With the University of Kansas, he participated in the 1993 NCAA College World Series.  He also spent time as an assistant coach for the University of New Mexico and Nebraska-Lincoln.  Finally, he was an assistant coach for the USA Olympic baseball team in 1984 and 1988.

Current Coach - Bob Fornelli - 2004-Present

Coach Fornelli will enter his 10th season as Emporia State's Head Coach in 2013.  Except for 2012, Fornelli took his Emporia State Hornets to the NCAA play-offs every year since he hs been coach.

Fornelli took his Emporia State squad of 2009 to the farthest the school has even been with a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division 2.  Fornelli's first head coaching experience appears to have been at another MIAA school (Fort Hays State) before entering the head coach position at Emporia State.  In 7 years, Coach Fornelli earned 306-113 at Fort Hays State when they were a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletics Conference.

Coach Fornelli recruits 25 players from the State of Kansas (16 came from another school via transfer); 2 kids from the State of Texas, 3 kids from the State of Missouri, 4 from Oklahoma, among others.

Go Cats!!
###

North by Northwest (NxNW) - University of Central Oklahoma

North by Northwest - A preview of the other schools of the MIAA Conference - University of Central Oklahoma

Location - Edmond, Oklahoma
Founded - 1890
Enrollment - 17,101
Colors - Bronze and Blue
Nickname - Bronchos

Why the Bronchos?

Bronchos was selected for UCO in 1922 by Mrs. Wantland, wife of long-time UCO football coach C.W. Wantland.  The name was chosen from several suggestions for UCO football which was adopted for all varsity athletic teams at the university.  Mrs. Wantland was named an honorary member of UCO's Letterman's Club for her selection of the school's mascot and nickname being the first female selected to the distinquished organization.

First season of baseball at UCO - 1896
Conference/Division Championships - 14 - 1929, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1947, 1948, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006.
NCAA Regional Appearances - 7 - 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006.

Head Coach - Dax Leone (3rd Season)(68-79 overall record - 31-17 record though in 2012).  Leone is in his first head coaching job having spent 2 years as an Assistant Coach for Oklahoma State and 3 years as an Assistant Coach at Louisiana-Monroe.  As a player, Leone spent two years at Seminole State College and two years at Texas.

With that note aside, Leone had a break-out year at UCO in 2012 and finished with an overall record of 31-17.  I didn't see a Conference Tournament referenced in the school's website, or a NCAA Regional for that matter, but a 31-17 record is a remarkable season.  Leone is a fiery competitor.  I attended the 2012 season opener where NWMSU played at UCO.  With UCO down late in the game and Northwest's closer on the mound, Leone stormed onto the field and went nuts over non-called balks by the Bearcat pitcher.  Leone got tossed, and with a performance worthy of an Emmy, the Bronchos got fired-up, rallied and won the game, then swept the series.  Another note from the 2012 series - Kretzer went deep on a UCO pitcher which went foul.  Kretzer was then hit in the head in the same at-bat.  The UCO pitcher was pulled immediately thereafter.  Leone was a remarkable 19-5 in Edmond and a stellar 12-12 on the road.

Leone's recruits his roster heavy in the State of Oklahoma with 25 of 32 players on the 2013 roster from OK.  Of the 7 other players - 2 are from outside the country, 2 are from Arizona, 2 are from Texas, and 1 is from California.

Go Cats!!
###

North by Northwest (NxNW) - University of Central Missouri

The B2R presents a series it will call "North by Northwest" where we will take a look at the MIAA Baseball programs on a school-by-school basis.  First stop - Warrensburg and the University of Central Missouri.

University of Central Missouri (UCM)
Located - Warrensburg, Missouri
Founded - 1871
Enrollment - 11,000
Colors - Cardinal & Black
Nickname - Men (Mules) Women (Jennies)

Why the Mules?

The Mules affiliation with Central Missouri originates in the early 1920s when school officials felt the "Normals" and "Teachers" were no long appropriate names for its athletics teams.  So a committee was formed and suggestions sought.  The winning suggestion was offered a free 3-year subscription to the school newspaper.  The Mules were selected over the likes of the skunks, bobcats, and hippopotamus.

Notable UCM Baseball Head Coaches -

Dave Van Horn - 1994 (took Nebraska Cornhuskers and Arkansas Razorback to NCAA D1 College World Series and won a D2 National Championship in his only season at UCM);
Brad Hill 1995-2003 - (Head Coach of Kansas State);
Darin Hendrickson - 2004-2007 - SLU Baseball Head Coach;

Baseball success -

22 MIAA Baseball Titles
16 NCAA Regional Titles
2 National Championships

Current Head Coach - Tom Myers

Tom Myers was hired as UCM's 13th Baseball Coach in 2007 and has a record of 192-53.  In his 5 seasons at UCM, he has taken the Mules to the College World Series 3 times.  He has been an Assistant Coach at UCM, an Assistant Coach at K-State, and a Head Coach at Pitt State prior to being appointed as the Head Coach at UCM.

Tom Myers recruits strongly in Central Missouri with several Mules coming from the KC-area, Columbia/Jeff City, and St. Louis.  Of the 2012 roster, 18 of 39 players transferred in from another school.  Missouri State was listed as previous school 2 times, Longview CC listed 3 times, SLU listed 1 time, and K-State listed 1 time.

Go Cats!!
###

B2R exceeds 31,000 "Base" hits (or make that website hits)

The B2R salutes its fans for breaking the 31,000 site hits in November 2012.  The Bearcats are the best.  Here are some fun facts about the B2R based on Blogger statistics:

Page Views as of December 2, 2012 - 31,123;
Most page views in a single month - 2702 in August 2010;
Top 3 referring websites to the B2R - 1) Google, 2) Facebook, and 3) Yahoo;
#1 Keyword search used to find the B2R - "bearcat b2r baseball"
Page views by Country - USA, Russia, England, Germany, Canada, France, Ukraine, Romania, Latvia, Turkey, China, India, Venezuela, Malaysia, Poland, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Djibouti, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, Slovakia, Indonesia, Sweden, Singapore, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines;

It is official - the B2R is a domestic and international sensation.

Based on the B2R's research team findings, or the lack thereof, the B2R is the only fan website devoted primarily to baseball in the MIAA.

B2R's chowline is a fan supported program whereby the Bearcat Baseball team enjoys sub sandwiches, chips, and water during every double-header during the regular season.  An informal study conducted by the B2R (aka - looking over to the other dugout), the Bearcats eat together while the other team scatter off to fend for themselves.

B2R fans pooled money to support a "Salute to the US Military" day at a home double-header in 2012 including special camoflauge jerseys.  No other MIAA baseball program held a special US Military Salute based on a review of each school's official athletics website.

Finally, a great big thank you to everyone that took time to read the B2R, to attend a Bearcat Baseball game, to follow the team via internet radio, or donated a few dollars to help out the guys.  In total, the B2R is convinced you will not find a better collection of blue-collared kids from hard working families than on the Bearcats Baseball team, all of whom sincerely appreciate the attention and support of Bearcat fans, and that is what makes rooting for this team so worth it.

Go Cats!!
###

Cool Baseball Video from Youtube

It is a little over 2 minutes long.  Succinctly illustrates a fundamental principle for success in baseball - hard work in the off-season means success in the post-season.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Brandon Huske

Brandon Huske joins Northwest Missouri State University as a Junior after he transferred from St. Charles Community College.  Brandon stands 5'10" and weighs 175 pounds.  He is from Overland Park, Kansas.  He is a right-handed infielder and bats left-handed. 

In 2012, Brandon batted .322, played and started in 38 games, scored 19 runs, 39 hits, 2 doubles, 9 RBIs, .380 slugging %, 22 walks, 19 strike-outs, grounded into 1 double play, 4 stolen bases (5 attempts), 3 errors, .977 fielding %.

The B2R welcomes Brandon to the Bearcat Nation.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruiting Profile - Blane Reutter

Blane Reutter enters Northwest Missouri State University as a junior after he transferred in from Des Moines Area Community College.  Blane is from Boone, Iowa.  He stands 5'11" and weighs 185 pounds.  He is a left-handed pitcher and also bats left-handed.

In 2012, Blane had a 2.70 ERA, 4-0 W/L record, 16 appearances, 3 starts, 3 complete games, 40.0 innings pitched, allowed 42 hits (12 extra base hits), 12 earned runs, 18 walks, 36 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, and he hit 4 batters for DMACC.

In 2011, Blane had a 3.12 ERA, 2-0 W/L record, 8 appearances, 1 start, 17.1 innings pitched, 17 hits allowed (4 extra base), 6 earned runs allowed, 9 walks, 14 strike-outs, hit 2 batters, and allowed 1 balk for DMACC.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Ryker Fox

Ryker Fox joins Northwest Missouri State University as a junior after he transferred here from Kirkwood Community College in Iowa.  Ryker is a left-handed pitcher.  Ryker stands 6'00" and weighs 183 pounds.  He is from Bettendorf, Iowa, which is where he graduated high school.

In high school, Ryker was named a First-Team All-Conference performer as a Junior and Senior; named a Second Team All-District Utility Player as a Junior; He was named a First-Team All-District Pitcher as a Senior.

In Ryker's first year at Kirkwood, he led the team as a freshman with 19 appearances, had a 2-2 w/l record, 2.43 ERA, and earned 5 saves.  For his efforts, Ryker was named an Honorable Mention ICCAC All-Region team.

In 2012, Ryker appeared in 15 games for Kirkwood, worked 63.1 innings pitched, allowed 25 earned runs, allowed 80 hits, 51 strike-outs, 16 walks, had a 3.55 ERA, 2-7 W/L record.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Nathan Sickle

Nathan Sickle joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in the 2012-2013 academic year.  Nathan is a lefty that pitches and plays 1st Base.  He is a lanky 6'2" 180-pound kid from Rayville, Missouri, and graduated from Richmond High School in Richmond, Missouri.

The B2R welcomes Nathan Sickle to the Bearcat Nation.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Tanner Beene

Tanner Beene joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in the 2012-2013 academic season.  He is a 6'1" 170-pounds Short Stop/Right-Handed Pitcher from Omaha.  Tanner graduated from Omaha North High School in 2012.  In 2012, the Omaha North Vikings finished the year at 9-15.

Here is a video of Tanner hitting, fielding, and pitching.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Michael Levasseur

Michael Levasseur is a freshman entering Northwest Missouri State University this fall.  Michael plays both catcher and outfield.  He is a 5'11" 160-pound right hander from Las Vegas, Nevada.  He graduated from Centennial High School.  In the 2012 Prep season, the Centennial Bulldogs finished 27-13-1.  Michael was a 3-sport athlete in high school participating in both football and wrestling.

The B2R welcomes Michael to the Bearcat family.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Taylor Bruch

Taylor Bruch joins Northwest Missouri State as a freshman in the 2012/2013 academic season.  Taylor is a 6'1" 175-lbs right-handed pitcher from Papillion, Nebraska, where he graduated from Papillion LaVista High School. In 2012, Taylor appeared in 19 games for Papillion LaVista Monarchs, started 6 games, pitched 1 complete game, 4 wins, 3 losses, 1 save, allowed 43 hits, 24 earned runs, hit 4 batters, 22 walks, 1 intentional walk, 38 strike-outs, and a 3.17 ERA.

For Taylor's efforts in 2012, the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star named him an Honorable Mention Class A All-Nebraska baseball team.  Class A is the State of Nebraska's largest schools class.

Go Cats!!
###

Thanksgiving Day Prayer from the B2R

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all of the blessings you've sent;
In all things, give thanks;
So I want to thank you for Bearcat Baseball and the mighty athletes that you brought to Maryville;
Thank you for Singleton and Charlie Krueger;
Thank you for Mapes and McLaughlin;
Thank you for Garrett and Abernathy;
Thank you for Bigford and Lanke;
Thank you for the Bradys, Zach Douglas, and Carson Smith;
Thank you for Luke Lawyer, Paul Johnson, Steven Garber, and Barthman;
Thank you Camo, Chase, Jase, and Swainey;
Thank you for Jacob, JJ, and Jonny P;
Thank you Hort and the Magic Man, Tyler Durant;
Thank you for the new guys;
I thank you for Darin Loe and Mike Creason for recruiting and coaching talented baseball players for my alma mater;
Thank you for Joe and Kelly Quinlin for giving us athletes with the power we see on game days;
Thank you for Wren Baker, Mark Clements, and Lori Hopkins for supporting baseball;
Lord, I want to thank you for Easton and TPX performance bat technology;
Thank you for Rawlings and raised seams;
Thank you for pine tar and batting gloves;
Lord, bless the Bearcat Baseball team - may they dominate the weight room over the winter to perform with power and precision this spring worthy of the hallowed grounds of Bearcat Baseball field;
Most importantly Lord, thank you for my family, having the coolest wife on Earth and my boy Alex;
B..E..A..R..C..A..T..S..
Amen


Happy Thanksgiving from the B2R
Go Cats!!

###

Recruit Profile - Mitchell Young

Mitchell Young joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in the 2012-2013 academic year.  Mitchell is a 5'11" 155-lbs right-handed infielder from Papillion, Nebraska, and graduated from Papillion-LaVista High School.  Mitchell was named an Honorable Mention All-Nebraska Team for Class A (highest class in Nebraska) in 2012 by the Omaha World Herald.

Mitchell Young in Summer American Legion ball - 2012

In 2012, Mitchell appeared in 49 games for Papillion-LaVista Monarchs Varsity Baseball team, 141 AB, scored 31 runs, smacked 42 hits, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 30 RBIs, got hit by a pitch 6 times, 6 walks, 17 strike-outs, 9 sacrifice bunts, 2 stolen bases, .298 batting average, .397 slugging percentage, .351 on-base percentage.

Mitchell Young circa 2004 Papillion Predators Little League

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Tanner Smith

Tanner Smith is a freshman at Northwest Missouri State University for the 2012-2013 academic season.  Based on what the B2R can tell via an internet search, Tanner red-shirted his one year at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.  Tanner Smith graduated from Cameron High School.  He is a 6'1" 185-pounds left-handed pitcher.  I liked what I saw in Tanner in Fall Practice.  He could challenge for playing time as a freshman.  The above photo is one of my favorites and is from the Fall 2012 fall practice.

The B2R welcomes Tanner to the Bearcat family.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Kole Klocko

Kole Klocko enters Northwest Missouri State University as a Junior after he transferred in from Iowa Central Community College.  Kole is 6'00" tall, 190 pounds right-handed pitcher and outfielder.  Kole comes from Norwalk, Iowa, where he graduated from Washington High School in or near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  According to PerfectGame.org, Kole has packed on 15 pounds of muscle since 2010 where at that time he registered his fastball in the mid-80s with a curveball and change-up in the 70s.  As PerfectGame writes in 2010:

"Kole Klocko is a 2010 RHP/OF with a 6'1'', 175 lb. frame from Norwalk, IA who attends Norwalk. Medium sized frame, lean build, some arm strength, arm works ok, pause at top of delivery, good sink and armside run CH, deceptive CH, throws strikes, projects with mechanical adjustments, good student."

 
In 2011, Kole attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  According to Kirkwood's website:

"High School- Two-time all-conference and all-district pitcher/utility player...two-time all-state performer...quarterback on his high school football team.

Personal- Born 2/21/1992...prepped at Norwalk High School...parents are Jeff and Janet...has two brothers, Keaton and Klay...high school coach was Chad Wiedmann...majoring in Business...favorite mlb team is the San Francisco Giants."

 Kole spent his sophomore season at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  In his only season playing for the Tritons in 2012, Kole had a 5-3 record, 3.74 ERA, 12 appearances, 10 starts, 2 complete games, 45.2 innings pitched, allowed 43 hits, 19 earned runs, 31 walks, 40 strike-outs, 13 extra base hits, 5 wild pitches, 5 hit batters, and 1 balk.

Kole comes to Northwest in 2012 and seems like a great kid.  From what the B2R saw in fall practice, Kole had an excellent fall camp.  He had good zip on his fastball and his change-up and breaking ball had batters leaning forward.  It will be exciting to see where Kole fits in the wide open race for pitching positions on the Bearcats 2013 squad.

The B2R welcomes Kole to the Bearcat Family.

Go Cats

###

Recruit Profile - Andrew Trout

Andrew Trout enters Northwest Missouri State University as a junior having transferred from Central Arkansas.  Andrew is a 6'2" 205 lbs left-hander from Overland Park, Kansas, who plays both a utility position as well as pitches.  Andrew spent the 2012 summer playing for the Wisconsin Woodchucks in the premier college woodbat league, Northwoods League.  In total, Trout worked 11.2 innings, earned 12 strike-outs, 9 walks, 16 hits, and a 3.85 ERA.

The B2R welcomes Andrew Trout to the Bearcat family.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Ben Bruck

Ben Bruck enters Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in the 2012-2013 academic year.  Ben comes from Portsmouth, Iowa, and graduated from Harlan High School.  Ben is a lanky 6'00" tall, 170 pounds right-hander that plays Short Stop.  According to the Omaha World Herald, Ben was selected as a 2nd Team Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association's Super Team in 2012 and a First Team Class 3A All-State team selection. 

Go Cats!!
###

Bearcat Fan - Newbie or Long-time?

1974 Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats Varsity Baseball Team

You might be a long-time Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Baseball fan if . . .

1.    You see jersey number 23 on the field and the first name you think of is legendary Bearcat Head Coach Jim Wasem.

2.    You show up for a game at Bearcat Baseball Field with the temperature in the 80s and you layered up and  brought an extra jacket

3.    You saw Bearcat Baseball games coached by Jim Johnson.  Extra points if you saw Jim Wasem coach.

4.    You remember Marty Albertson as a hot-hitting short stop more than as a league-leading safety and punter.

5.    You've ever been nervous walking up the rickety stairs to the Bearcat Baseball Field’s press box

6.    You've watched a game during a rain shower with a winter coat on the east side of the press box to block the wind.

7.    You had to scurry your toddler from the Bearcat bullpen so the pitchers could warm-up.

8.    You remember the rivalry with MIAA conference baseball powers Northwest Missouri State, Southwest Missouri State, and Southeast Missouri State…between 1969-1983.

9.    You understand the significance of 1975.  

You might be a Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Baseball newbie if .. .

1.    You show up at a game when the temperature is in the upper 60s, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and are surprised how cold it is.

2.    You park in an open parking spot located next to the field between home and 3^rd Base thinking you scored a primo parking spot for the baseball game.  Your excitement is rewarded with a baseball-sized hole through your windshield…or the car next to yours…you hope.

3.    You ask, "Where do you buy tickets?"

4.    You think a Bearcat Baseball game is the perfect place to bring your dog…then you meet Mark Clements.

5.    You're surprised when the Event Staff doesn’t stop you from bringing a cooler of food and drinks into the game.

6.    You ask why the #3 hitter is bunting with a runner on first base or you get to the 7^th inning and think the game is almost over.

7.    You don't get excited when the Bearcats beat Missouri Western, Central Missouri, or Emporia State.

8.    The numbers 1975, 1983, and 7 mean nothing to you.

9.    You're surprised at how much fun you can have at Bearcat Baseball games.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Torrey Escamilla

Torrey Escamilla is a freshman at Northwest Missouri State University.  He stands 6'00" and weighs 210 pounds.  Torrey is a right-handed pitcher and graduated from Fremont High School in Fremont, Nebraska.

Go Cats!!
###

Recruit Profile - Garrett Fort

Garrett Fort is a freshman at Northwest Missouri State University.  The 6'1" lanky midfielder weighs in at 165 pounds.  He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.  He plays Short Stop and 2nd Base.  He graduated from Ankeny High School in Iowa.  In 2012, Ankeny High School had a tremendous season winning the Iowa State High School Class 4A State Championship by a score 10-0.  Ankeny was ranked #1 in the State of Iowa heading to the post-season tournament.  Garrett was Top 7 in runs scored, Top 10 in RBIs, and Top 8 in Triples.

The B2R welcomes Garrett to the Bearcat Nation.

Go Cats!!
###

National Letter of Intent - Early Signing Period for Baseball Quickly Approaching

National Letter of Intent Signing Dates for prospective student-athletes enrolling in 2013-2014 for baseball (early period) commences November 14, 2012, and concludes November 21, 2012, a look at the past few years' early signings have proven to be important for the Bearcats by either starting or regular playing time as a reserve.

You can find additional information about the early signing period by clicking the links below:

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/nli/nli

Go Cats!!
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2012 Fall Practice Highlights - Slideshow

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Baseball team wrapped up its Fall 2012 practice season a few weeks ago.  There are a lot of new faces on the squad this year.  There is a lot of competition out there for all positions.  There seemed to be a sense of urgency amongst the team.  I like what I saw from the sidelines.  The guys worked hard to get better every practice.

I get a little sense that the 2013 Bearcat Baseball team is going to be scrappy, high energy, the "engine that could."  I decided to go with slideshow music reflective of determined and passionate focus to be the absolute best team in 2013 and bring home a MIAA Conference Championship.

Go Cats!!
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Exciting Facilities Upgrades in near future

The Northwest Missouri State University Athletics Department announced at Saturday's football game versus Missouri Western that a new football video scoreboard will be constructed in time for the 2013 season including improvements to the Bearcat Stadium sound system.

Furthermore, some exciting action is in place for remarkable athletics facilities in the very near future.  The B2R is very excited with the aggressive direction that Northwest Athletics Director Wren Baker has pursued in his early tenure in Maryville.  Despite a Hall of Fame Coach retiring, a tragic passing of another coach, long time women's basketball coach retiring, turnover in the volleyball program, the worst university budgetary times in 15 years, Wren has held serve with out losing any varsity athletic programs, and securing the largest increase in corporate sponsorships and donations in school history.

Wren is definitely a baseball fan and has some terrific ideas.  I encourage everybody to join the Booster Club at Northwest (information available at the school's athletics website of www.northwestbearcats.com).  The more people the better the booster club can support our student-athletes.

Keep an eye out for remarkable, and I mean remarkable, things from Northwest in the near future.

Read more by clicking on the link below:

http://www.nwmissouri.edu/sports/football/2012/pressreleases/12fb1110video.htm

Go Cats!!
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Ode to Jake Kretzer

The B2R heard that Jake Kretzer decided to retire from baseball.  So its with a heavy heart, but a very thankful one, that I present the B2R's "Ode to Jake Kretzer."  Thanks for being a Bearcats, Jake.

Go Cats!!
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MLB Play-offs are Awesome!!

Go Cats!!
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Recruit Profiles - Adam Pennington & Denton Hopkins

Recruit Profile - Adam Pennington
Adam joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in 2012-2013.  Adam graduated from Kirksville High School.  He projects out to be either a 1B or Pitcher.  Adam stands 6'0" and weighs 170 pounds.

Recuirt Profile - Denton Hopkins
Denton joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman in 2012-2013.  Denton graduated from Earlham, Iowa, high school in 2012.  Denton projects out to be a catcher or third 3rd Baseman.  Denton stands 6'1" and weighs 200 lbs.
Go Cats!!
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Recruit Profile - Rod Schmidt

Rod Schmidt joins Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman for the 2012-2013 academic year.  Rod is a right-handed pitcher standing 6'00" and weighs 180 pounds.  Rod continues the California pipeline of baseball talent to Northwest Missouri State after graduating from Edison High School in or near Costa Mesa, California.  A google check indicates Huntington Beach, California is nearby (home of fellow Bearcats JJ Baccari and Aaron Amaral).

In 2007, Rod played at the Cooperstown Dreams Park during National Association of Tournament Champions in Cooperstown, New York as a member of the Blue Wave (California).  He finished with a .680 batting average, 5 home runs including back-to-back 3-run home runs and 21 RBIs.

According to the Dailypilot.com newspaper, a young Rod was quoted as saying:

“I don’t have any video games,” Schmidt said. “I think it’s personally a waste of time. I’d rather be doing something healthy in life. With video games, you get obsessed and then you can’t focus on baseball and school.”

“[Rod’s] a great kid,” Stokes said. “He’s hard working, doesn’t quit, is focused and he’s a great listener. I see him getting a scholarship to [an NCCA Division I] school and then maybe getting drafted [in Major League Baseball]. He is growing each year.”

“My coach taught me a slider which is kind of like his and I’m still developing that, but it’s so much fun because it breaks right off. It’s real nice,” Schmidt said. “I can’t even try to do any of the leg lift stuff he does. That’s just crazy.”

Rod's favorite MLB player isn’t home run king Barry Bonds, New York All-Star Alex Rodriguez, National League MVP Ryan Howard, or even World Series champion Albert Pujols.  It’s David Eckstein, the scrappy former Angel who won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals last season. Eckstein is famous for overachieving as an undersized shortstop with a super-sized heart.

“He wasn’t the most gifted player, but he still tried as hard as he could and did everything he possibly could to get on the team,” Schmidt said. “When he is out there, he hustles everywhere and is a good role model. It would be nice to be like him.”

“It’s like why else be out there?” Schmidt said. “If you don’t want to be out there and are dogging it, why even come out? If you’re not going to give it 100%, it’s not worth it.”

At Edison High School, Rod was named team MVP of his freshman class.  During Rod's junior year in 2011, ESPN Rise, Baseball America, and Max Preps all ranked Edison as the top ranked high school baseball team in the United States.  That season, Edison finished 25-4 and claimed a Sunset League Championship.  Also in 2011, Rod was selected to participate in the 18-under US National Team at the Goodwill Series in Australia.

Coach Loe comment: “Rod has proven that he can compete with some of the best competition nationally at the High School level.  He has a great feel for pitching with an advanced approach to the game.”

Recruit Profile - Robert Henrichs

Robert Henrichs is a 6'1" freshman entering Northwest Missouri State University.  The 205-lbs native of Liberty, Missouri, graduated from Liberty High School in 2012.  Robert played both Third Base and a Right-handed pitcher for the Liberty Bluejays.  Robert is a right-handed batter, too.

In 2012, Henrichs was a 2nd Team All Big 6 Conference performer as a pitcher for the Liberty Bluejays.  The Liberty Bluejays finished the year 28-4, scoring 259 runs and allowing 128 runs.  The Liberty Bluejays were State Runner-up in 2011, and placed 3rd in 2012.  In 2011, he pitched in 11 games, had a 6-1 w/l record, earned 1 complete game, worked 35.1 innings, allowed 38 hits, 23 earned runs, and had an ERA of and had a 4.56 ERA.  With the bat, Robert earned a .750 batting average, 1.500 slugging %, and was the starting pitcher for the 2011 Class 4A state championship.  Henrichs is also a 2-year varisty starter with the Liberty High School Bluejays football team. 

Coach Loe comment: “Rob is a quality high school pitcher that that has the rare combination of a live arm and a great feel for pitching.  Rob is a tremendous athlete who will immediately compete for innings on the mound that will also have the ability to compete on the infield.”

Go Cats!!

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Midland Lutheran - Jordan Bischel named Head Coach

Fremont, Neb. - Midland University has announced Jordan Bischel as the institution's first new head baseball coach in 18 years. Bischel, who was most recently the head coach and field manager with the Green Bay Bullfrogs, has an impressive record as both coach and player-evaluator.

"Jordan is a fantastic fit for Midland University's baseball program," said Dr. Ben Sasse, President of Midland University. "He has proven himself as a coach and, more importantly, he knows how to facilitate a baseball team that is in line with our core values."

Bischel comes to Midland with a successful background as both a head coach and a specialist. Bischel has compiled 132 wins in four seasons as head coach and field manager for the Green Bay Bullfrogs, an elite summer-league team. He is the winningest coach in the franchise's history, and his career winning percentage as head coach (.561) ranks 10th in the Northwoods League's 18-year history. During the past two seasons, the Bullfrogs' 81-58 record ranks as the second best in the 16-team league. His 2012 squad led the league in All-Star selections and Perfect Game top prospects. In his tenure, Bischel has also seen 31 of his players selected in the MLB draft.

Additionally, Bischel has spent the past three seasons as the head pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State. While there, Bischel's 2011 squad recorded the lowest overall ERA in the 12-team conference at 3.44. He also helped guide the 2010 team to its first Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Postseason Tournament berth since 2007.  In addition to his duties on the field Bischell aided in the Bearcats recruiting efforts in the state of Nebraska, specifically the Omaha metro.

"Jordan has a special ability to mold talent and create a winning atmosphere," said Jason Dannelly, Midland University's Athletic Director. "We are excited to see him build on these successes through the Warrior baseball program."

Bischel has held additional assistant coaching positions at John Carroll University (Cleveland, Ohio) and Saint Norbert College, where his teams won three consecutive division championships and received one bid to the NCAA National Tournament.

He holds a bachelor degree from Saint Norbert College and a master's in physical education from Northwest Missouri State University.

Go Cats!!
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