Sports – Page 770 – Hays Post Archive

Chen, Timely Hitting Lead Royals Past Indians

Posted on May 31, 2012

KC Royals at Cleveland — Kansas City Royals' Johnny Giavotella watches his RBI single to center, scoring teammate Alex Gordon, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

CLEVELAND — The Kansas City Royals are headed home on a high note.

Wednesday’s 6-3 win over the Cleveland Indians was significant on several fronts for the Royals. The victory gave Kansas City a 5-4 road trip in which it won four of its last six games. The Royals, who are off Thursday, finished May with a 15-13 record, their first winning mark in the month since 2000.

Kansas City, which took two of three in both Baltimore and Cleveland after losing two of three in New York to open the trip, is 16-11 on the road. The Royals are 18-14 since losing 12 straight from April 11-24.

“It’s time to forget about the streak,” Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. “We’ve played really good baseball from that point on and we’re going to continue to get better.”

“We played three good teams,” said left fielder Alex Gordon, who had two hits and drove in a run. “Baltimore and Cleveland are at the top of their divisions. We’re starting to play a little better. This road trip is definitely a positive.”

Bruce Chen overcame a rocky second inning and the Royals scored their first five runs with two outs. Chen (4-5) held Cleveland scoreless after giving up three runs in the second. Gordon, Johnny Giavotella, Mike Moustakas, Jeff Francoeur and Brayan Pena each had run-scoring hits to help Kansas City rally from a 3-0 deficit.

Chen worked the first five innings before relievers Tim Collins, Aaron Crow, Jose Mijares and Jonathan Broxton pitched scoreless ball over the final four innings. Broxton worked a shaky ninth for his 11th save.

Broxton retired the first batter, but Shin-Soo Choo walked and Jason Kipnis singled. Asdrubal Cabrera walked to load the bases, but Jose Lopez hit into a game-ending double play.

Cleveland, which has lost five of six, fell to 4-11 against left-handed starters.

The Indians announced before the game that designated hitter Travis Hafner will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Thursday and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Catchers Carlos Santana and Lou Marson and third baseman Jack Hannahan are also out with injuries.

Cleveland has an off-day Thursday, which is about the only good news manager Manny Acta has had in the last week.

“This was not a good series,” he said. “The week continues to be rough for us. Pitching sets the tone, and we aren’t setting the right one. The day off comes at a perfect time. We all need to go home and relax, and come back and play better baseball on Friday.”

Chen, who improved to 6-3 against Cleveland, chuckled when asked if he had to grind out the victory.

“It was a battle,” he said. “The bullpen did a great job. Once we got the lead, I couldn’t let my teammates down. It was a total team win.”

Jeanmar Gomez (3-4) gave up five runs in five innings. The Indians, who swept a three-game series from Detroit last week, lost all three games in Chicago over the weekend and dropped two of three against the Royals. Cleveland, which is off Thursday, fell out of first place in the AL Central for the first time since April 24 with Tuesday’s loss.

Kansas City scored twice in the third on an RBI double by Moustakas and a run-scoring single by Francoeur. Gordon’s run-scoring double and an RBI single by Giavotella put the Royals ahead in the fourth. Pena, who had three hits, added an RBI single in the fifth. The rallies in the fourth and fifth began with two outs and nobody on.

“That just shows you our offense right now,” said Yost. “They keep getting after it even with nobody on and two outs. That’s a good sign.”

The Indians scored three times in the second on run-scoring singles by Casey Kotchman and Choo and an RBI fielder’s choice by Luke Carlin.

Moustakas hit an RBI double in the third before Francoeur’s single to left made it 3-2.

The Royals scored two more with two outs in the fourth, when Gordon doubled off the wall in left and Giavotella hit a single through the right side .

Billy Butler, the only starter without a hit, added an RBI groundout in the eighth.

The Royals, who lost their first 10 home games of the season, return to Kauffman Stadium for a series against Oakland on Friday. Kansas City is major-league worst 5-17 at home.

“We’ve got to figure that out,” Gordon said. “We’ve been playing better on the road. It’s just one of those things that will come over time. We’re due for a good stretch at home.”

Gomez gave up 10 hits.

Left-hander Scott Barnes, called up from Triple-A Columbus before the game, made his major league debut in the sixth. He walked two and hit a batter, but didn’t allow a run.

Johnny Damon singled in the sixth for his 2,736th career hit, which moves him past Goose Goslin and into 54th place on the career list.

Cabrera played shortstop Wednesday and was 1 for 4 with a walk. He was the DH on Tuesday after missing four games with a strained hamstring.

NOTES: Royals INF Yuniesky Betancourt (sprained right ankle) could rejoin the team this weekend. He is on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and has been on the DL since May 2. … Kansas City LHP Jonathan Sanchez (biceps tendinitis) will likely get at least one more rehab start at Omaha. He’s been on the DL since May 8. … Royals RHP Felipe Paulino faces the A’s on Friday. The Indians host Minnesota and RHP Derek Lowe will face the Twins. … Struggling Indians RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, who has been bothered by cramping in his left side, won’t make his next start until Tuesday at Detroit. He’s 5-4 with a 5.79 ERA in 10 starts. … Marson (mouth bruise) missed his third straight game.

– Associated Press –

Big 12 Prefers Playoff with Top-4 Overall

Posted on May 30, 2012May 31, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Big 12 favors a four-team playoff to decide college football’s national champion, and supports some kind of selection committee to determine its participants.

Interim commissioner Chuck Neinas also said the league is content with 10 members after inviting TCU and West Virginia, though he left open the possibility of revisiting expansion.

Neinas spoke after meeting with Big 12 athletic directors Tuesday in Kansas City.

Several configurations of a four-team playoff are being presented at conference meetings around the country. How the teams will be picked is one of the items up for debate.

Neinas said “we’re in favor of taking the four highest-ranked teams.”

– Associated Press –

Busboom Named to All-America First Team by the NCBWA

Posted on May 30, 2012

Fort Hays State junior outfielder Ryan Busboom was honored with his second All-American selection for the 2012 season on Wednesday, May 30. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) selected Busboom to the All-America First Team in the outfield, his second first-team honor for 2012 after being named to the Daktronics All-America First Team the previous week.

Busboom earns this distinction after earning a first-team selection to the NCBWA All-South Central Region Team. He was also a Daktronics All-South Central Region First Team selection and the Daktronics South Central Region Player of the Year.

Busboom was a force at the plate in 2012, leading the MIAA and South Central Region in RBI with 66. He also led the MIAA in home runs with 16, slugging percentage (.718), hits (78) and total bases (145). Entering the final week of the regular season, Busboom owned the MIAA lead in all three triple crown stats, but ended the regular season fourth in the batting average race. After helping the Tigers to their first-ever MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament final and a record of 29-24, Busboom ended the year with a .386 batting average. He finished the year with 34 extra-base hits (17 doubles, 1 triple and 16 home runs) and 50 runs scored.

Busboom is referenced along with five other players from the MIAA on the NCBWA All-America Team for 2012. Lee Stoppelman, starting pitcher from Central Missouri, and Joe Vaskas, designated hitter from Emporia State, each earned second team honors. John Calhoun of Washburn was a third-team selection at third base. Eric Dawson of Emporia State was an honorable mention selection at second base.

NCBWA 2012 ALL-AMERICA TEAM

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nathan Minnich, Sr., Shepherd
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Timothy Flight, Jr., Southern New Hampshire
COACH OF THE YEAR: Charlie Migl, St. Mary’s

ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM
Catcher: Geno Escalante, jr., Mount Olive
First Baseman: Nathan Minnich, Sr., Shepherd
Second Baseman: Joe Wendle, Sr., West Chester
Third Baseman: Joe Lippencott, Sr., Concordia-St. Paul
Shortstop: Blake Miller, Jr., Western Oregon
Outfielder: Casey Allison, Sr., Wingate
Outfielder: Ryan Busboom, Jr., Fort Hays State
Outfielder: Zach Taylor, Jr., Armstrong Atlantic
Utility Player/DH: Anthony Boza, Sr., Lynn
Starting Pitcher: Timothy Flight, jr., So. New Hampshire
Starting Pitcher: Carl O’Neal, Jr., St. Mary’s
Starting Pitcher: Grady Wood, Sr., Western Oregon
Relief Pitcher: Stephen Johnson, Jr., St. Edward’s

Hays Eagles Senior American Legion Sweeps Great Bend

Posted on May 30, 2012

The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion opened their season with a pair of wins over Great Bend Tuesday night at Larks Park. The Eagles score two in the bottom of the seventh to win the opener 10-9. Hays scores four in the third to break a 2-all tie and take the second contest 7-2.

Game 1: Hays 10, Great Bend 9
The Eagles scored six in the third to grab a 6-0 lead but the Chiefs rally with four in the fifth and five in the sixth and led 9-6.

Hays pulled within a run, scoring two in the sixth on a Riley Kaus groundout and a wild pitch.

The Eagles tie the game in the seventh on a Dan Bittel single. Kaus drove in the game winner two batters later with a single.

Austin Unrein went 4-for-5 and picked up the win in relief, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings, striking out two and walking none.

Hays scored their six runs in the third on RBI doubles from Kaus and Trevor Henningson, RBI singles from Zack Legleiter and Clayton Basgall and a sac fly from Dan Bittel.

Game 2: Hays 7, Great Bend 2
The Eagles score four in the third to break a 2-2 tie. Josh Heifner goes the distance, allowing two runs on two hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking three.

Casey Sedbrook, Riley Kaus, Clayton Basgall and Jake Sedbrook all had RBI’s.

Moustakas, Smith Help Royals Romp Indians

Posted on May 30, 2012

CLEVELAND — Will Smith celebrated his first major league win by taking four showers.

Two by teammates dousing him with beer and two more to rinse off the suds.

“I’m very clean,” he said, “and very happy.”

Smith survived a shaky start and pitched six innings for his first win and Mike Moustakas had a career-best four RBIs, leading the Kansas City Royals to an 8-2 win over Cleveland on Tuesday night., bouncing the Indians out of first place in the AL Central for the first time in 28 days.

Moustakas hit a two-run homer off Justin Masterson (2-4) in the first inning and singled in two runs in the second as the Royals built a 7-2 lead for Smith (1-1).

That was more than enough support for the left-hander, who allowed two runs and four hits and rebounded nicely after being thumped by the New York Yankees in his big-league debut last week. Afterward, the humble 22-year-old was stunned by the moment.

“It’s just awesome,” said Smith, who was in the clubhouse for the final three innings. “An amazing feeling. You think of what it will be like your whole life. Just getting to the big leagues, and then to win? It’s a dream come true.”

Humberto Quintero added two RBIs as the Royals, despite three errors and 12 strikeouts, improved to 15-11 on the road.

Masterson, who beat Detroit ace Justin Verlander in his previous start, allowed seven earned runs in six innings.

The Indians have dropped four of five since sweeping the Tigers last week. Following the game, Indians manager Manny Acta opened his remarks by commenting on his team’s flat performance.

“I must confess, that had to be the most boring game I have ever been part of,” he said. “That second inning just sucked all the energy out of us.”

Smith took the mound with a 2-0 lead but quickly found trouble, walking the first two hitters he faced before giving up a single to load the bases. Smith limited the damage to two runs and gained strength as he went along. After he allowed two singles in the third, the only Cleveland player to reach — on a throwing error by third baseman Moustakas — was erased on a double play.

Smith walked two and struck out five.

“I just got mad and went after them,” he said. “It sure helps when your offense puts up some runs. I can’t thank them enough.”

Royals manager Ned Yost said he nearly pulled Smith in the first.

“It was real shaky, so much so that I had (Vin) Mazzaro warming up,” Yost said. “If it gets to four (runs), I’m getting him. I didn’t want to do it. Then he got after it. Getting the lead helped him regain composure and he pretty much said, `Enough of this.’ And he went right after people.”

Masterson trailed 7-2 after two innings but, like Smith, the right-hander found his groove and finished with no walks and eight strikeouts, his most since fanning 10 on Opening Day.

“It’s always one inning,” Masterson said.

Most of the pregame discussion centered around Cleveland closer Chris Perez’s gesture toward Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson in the ninth inning of Monday’s series opener.

Perez, who irked the Royals with comments earlier this season, celebrated a strikeout of Dyson by waving his hand — “You can’t see me” — in front of his face. Dyson was annoyed by Perez’s antics and was looking forward to getting even with the right-hander. That matchup never materialized as the Royals built a large lead and rolled.

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera went 1 for 4 as the DH after missing three consecutive games with a tight hamstring.

By the end of the second inning, Moustakas already had his four RBIs and was looking for more. After connecting for his eighth homer in the first, his two-run single capped a five-run outburst in the second off Masterson as the Royals opened a five-run lead.

Kansas City used small-ball tactics — a single, hit batter and sacrifice — to set things up before Quintero, Alex Gordon and Johnny Giavotella delivered RBI singles. Moustakas just missed hitting a three-run homer — the umpires left the field to review his shot to right — before his base hit made it 7-2.

Moustakas was batting just .115 (3 of 26) on the road trip before his homer in the first. With Giavotella on with a fielder’s choice, Moustakas drove Masterson’s 3-1 pitch over the wall in right-center to make it 2-0.

Moustakas could have accepted some of the credit for getting Smith his first win, but he passed the praise off to his young teammate.

“It’s a big night for Will,” he said. “That’s what today is all about. It was a lot of fun watching him get his first major league victory.”

The Indians tied it in their half on RBIs by Jose Lopez and Michael Brantley, and Cleveland seemed to have Smith reeling. But the smooth lefty, who lasted just 3 1-3 innings in his debut at Yankee Stadium, retired Aaron Cunningham on a pop out before striking out Lonnie Chisenhall.

NOTES: The Indians had at least a share of first since April 22. …. Smith was originally signed by Angels scout Tom Kotchman, father of Indians 1B Casey Kotchman. … Royals LHP Danny Duffy has had his Tommy John elbow surgery postponed indefinitely because he has strep throat. Duffy, the third Kansas City player to have the procedure, had been scheduled to have the operation on Thursday in Los Angeles. … Indians OF Grady Sizemore, still recovering from back surgery, was impressed with Brantley’s incredible catch a few days ago in Chicago. “Great catch,” Sizemore said of Brantley’s leaping over-the-wall grab. “It’s one of those things I used to be able to do.” … Royals LHP Jonathan Sanchez, sidelined since May 8 with biceps tendinitis, pitched 5 2-3 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha.

– Associated Press –

FHSU’s Whitehill Ken B. Jones Finalist

Posted on May 29, 2012May 30, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Finalists for the 2011-12 Ken B. Jones Awards as MIAA Student-Athletes of the Year have been determined. Shawn Boss (Central Missouri), Ryan Dougherty (Southwest Baptist), and Alex Whitehill (Fort Hays State) are the men’s finalists, while the women’s finalists are Mollie Lacy (Washburn), Lindsay Lettow (Central Missouri), and Katelyn Mona (Emporia State).

The award, which is in its 19th year, is named in honor of the man who served as the MIAA’s first full-time commissioner for 16 years. Jones retired in 1997 and passed away in May 2004. He was inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame in the inaugural Class of 2010. One male and one female are selected for the Ken B. Jones Awards, with the finalists invited to the annual MIAA Awards Dinner, which is set for June 7 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Mo.

A 12-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors – including a representative from each member institution – selects the finalists.

Each nominee is judged in four areas: 2011-12 Athletics Accomplishments; 2011-12 Academic Accomplishments; 2011-12 Campus/Community Service; and Career Athletics, Academics and Service Achievements.

To be nominated, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average as of April 1, and must have completed at least their junior season of eligibility in the 2011-12 academic year.

Women’s Finalists

Mollie Lacy
Washburn
Volleyball
5-11, Sr., Crete, Neb.
Major(s): Nursing
Cumulative GPA: 4.00
2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Mollie Lacy completed her college career with her fourth straight All-MIAA honor by earning her third straight appointment to the first team. She also earned two more all-region honors with a Daktronics second team appointment and AVCA honorable mention, giving her four all-region awards in her career.

She reached the 1,000 kill mark, a pinnacle in one’s volleyball career, during her senior year and finished her career 12th in school history with 1,220 kills. She finished first at Washburn with a .365 career attack percentage after all four of her single-season percentages cracked the top six in Washburn history. Lacy also became just the eighth player in school history to record 1,000 kills and 300 blocks. She led the Lady Blues this year with 108 total blocks and 0.90 per set and she was second with a .341 attack percentage.

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): Mollie Lacy earned her second straight Capital One Academic All-America award by being named to the first team. She kept a 4.00 in nursing for the fourth straight year. Lacy also earned first team Capital One Academic all-district. She will earn the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for the fourth straight year, as well as MIAA Scholar Athlete and Academic All-MIAA awards.

Lacy earned spots on the President’s Honor Roll at Washburn as well as the Clousing Nursing Scholarship and Anspaugh Nursing Scholarship.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Participated in a Family Fun Night at a local elementary school, participating in sporting activities with the students while helping to raise money.

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Mollie Lacy earned All-MIAA third team her freshman year in 2008 and then earned three straight All-MIAA first team awards after that, giving her an All-MIAA honor all four years. She was named an AVCA honorable mention all-American in 2009 after setting a school record with a .405 attack percentage, becoming the first Lady Blue to hit over .400 in a season. She has earned AVCA all-region honors three times with first team honors in 2009 and 2010 and an honorable mention selection this year. She also earned Daktronics all-region this year with a second team selection.

Lacy hit .365 in her career to set a school record, shattering the second place mark of a .326 attack percentage. All four of her single-season percentages are in the top six in school history. She finished 13th in school history with 1,220 kills and she became just the eighth Lady Blue to reach 1,000 kills and 300 blocks in a career.

Lacy was just as impressive academically as she was on the court. She earned two Capital One Academic All-America awards with a first team honor her senior year and second team honor her junior year. She earned first team all-district both those years. Lacy kept a 4.00 all four years and will finish her career with four MIAA Academic Excellence Awards, four MIAA Scholar Athlete Awards and four Academic All-MIAA awards.

Along with that national and regional recognition, Lacy was rewarded on campus for her classroom work. She made the President’s Honor Roll all four years and eight semesters. She earned the Clousing Nursing Scholarship twice and two other nursing scholarships throughout her time at Washburn. She plans to graduate in December 2012 and is a candidate for the NCAA Degree Completion Scholarship.

During her time at Washburn she worked with many community engagement projects. She volunteered with the Special Olympics in 2008 and 2009, helping with organization and set-up both years. She chaperoned a group one year and helped with participation in planned activities. She was also a member of the Washburn Student Athlete Advisory Committee from 2008-2010 and helped with various activities including reading to elementary students once a year. She was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years and met regularly with the group.

Lindsay Lettow
Central Missouri
Women’s Track & Field
5-9, Sr., Urbandale, Iowa
Major(s): Psychology with a minor in Spanish
Cumulative GPA: 3.84

2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Dr. Peggy Martin Award winner as Central Missouri’s Top Female Senior Student-Athlete…won the NCAA Division II Indoor pentathlon national championship with an all-time NCAA-II record score of 4,193 points, breaking her own record which she set as a junior … that Indoor pentathlon score ranked 6^th in the United States in 2012, and was the third-best score by a U.S. collegian … National Runner-Up in the high jump at the Indoor National Championships … also earned Indoor All-America honors in the long jump … named USTFCCCA Indoor Female Athlete of the Year for the second straight year … named 2012 USTFCCCA South Central Region Outdoor Female Field Athlete of the Year … recorded the third-highest score in Division II history in the heptathlon at 5,703 points earlier this spring, that point total ranks third in NCAA regardless of division, sixth in the United States (amateur or professional) and 30^th in the World … that total earned her a “B Standard” in qualifying her for the 2012 US Olympic Trials where she will compete for a spot on the US Olympic Track & Field Team … captured three MIAA individual championships at the indoor meet and two at the outdoor meet … captured the MIAA Female High Point Athlete of the Meet honors at the indoor meet for the third straight year and the High Point Athlete of the Meet at the outdoor championships for third time in her career (’09, ’10 & ’12) … Set seven UCM records, re-setting five of her own previously held school records … a two-time MIAA Women’s Track & Field Athlete of the Week … one of only two female Division II track & field athletes named to the Bowerman Award watch list for Outstanding Male & Female Collegiate Track & Field Athletes of the Year.

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): 3.84 GPA in psychology with a minor in Spanish … Awarded prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship … UCM Dean’s List … NCAA-II Conference Commissioner’s Association Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year … Red & Black Academic Scholarship … National Society of Collegiate Scholars … Delta Epsilon Iota Honors Fraternity … Psi Chi International Honors Society … will be a 2012 MIAA Scholar Athlete Award Winner and MIAA Academic Honor Roll member … Lead Investigator for research project, in which the findings were presented at the 24^th Annual Association for Psychological Science Convention in Chicago.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Vice President in charge of external operations – UCM Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) … served as a member of the Jennies “Literacy Team” that visited local elementary schools to read newly purchased books to young students … Active participant in Mules and Jennies for Joplin bracelet distribution and clothing drive to aid tornado relief in Joplin … a member of the student organization Psi Chi, which is active in the department of psychological science to contribute to the community and the profession … participant for Angel Tree … volunteer at Warrensburg Manor Nursing Home and Warrensburg Veterans Home … volunteered to tutor fellow UCM students in Spanish… In the fall she can be found putting her musical talents to work singing the National Anthem before UCM home sporting events … worked with Soles for Souls, an organization that collects shoes for people in third-world countries.

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Athletic: 2010-11 Ken B. Jones Award Winner as MIAA’s top female student-athlete as a junior, only the second female in the history of the award to win it as a junior … A three-time National Champion winning the pentathlon in 2011 and 2012 and the heptathlon in 2011 … A 13-time All-American and four-time United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Field Athlete of the Year … Lettow has claimed 15 MIAA championships with 40 All-MIAA performances … set three MIAA Indoor championship meet records in 2011 … owns 9 school records, two MIAA Indoor championship meet records and two NCAA Division II records … appears in the top five of the all-time UCM list in seven other events, and in the UCM top ten list a total of 18 times … has won the High Point Award at the MIAA Championships six times in eight total MIAA championship meets … three-time South Central Region Field Athlete of the Year … finished ninth in the heptathlon at the 2011 United States Track & Field Championships … competed for Team USA in the 2011 Jim Thorpe Cup, an annual heptathlon and decathlon competition between the United States and Germany.

Academic: Lindsay was one of 29 female athletes, regardless of division, from the 2011-12 winter sports season to be awarded a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship (both MIAA recipients were from UCM) … a four-time MIAA Scholar Athlete Award winner … Four-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll … 2010-2011 NCAA-II Conference Commissioner’s Association Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year … Three-time National Women’s Track & Field All-Academic Team … named to UCM Dean’s List every semester … Red & Black Academic Scholarship 2008-2011 … research assistant in psychology department’s behavioral medicine and biofeedback laboratory.

Katelyn Mona
Emporia StateCross Country/Track & Field
5-8, Sr., Lenexa, Kan.
Major(s): Health Promotions
Cumulative GPA: 3.99

2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Was named ESU Female Student-Athlete of the Year…three-time champion at the MIAA Indoor Track & Field Championships…earned All-American honors in the indoor 800m…had an automatic qualifier in the mile but only ran the 800m at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field championships…broke 24 year old MIAA record in the mile run, clocking a 4:54.04 to better the record of 4:55.24 set by Central Missouri’s Connie Frank in 1988…set ESU records in mile and 3000m indoors…ran 4:48.55 at the Iowa State Classic to break Jonel Rossbach’s mark of 4:50.65 in the mile set in 2007…rank 9:47.15 at the UCM Invite to break Rossbach’s mark of 9:50.39 set in 2008…is ranked second all-time indoors in 800m with 2:10.75 set at Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational…was runner-up in two events at the MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships…will compete in the 1500m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships…became the first woman at ESU to run under 4:30 in the 1500m outdoors since 1986 when she turned in a 4:29.00 at the KU Relays…is ranked second all-time at ESU in 1500m behind Kelly McCammon’s 4:26.20 at the 1986 NAIA National Championships…has run provisional qualifier in both the 800m and 1500m outdoors…all-region selection in 1500m with second best mark in the South Central Region…earned All-MIAA honors with eighth place finish in women’s cross country…was an All-Region performer in cross country with a 17^th place finish at the regional meet…won three straight regular season meets in cross country.

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): Had 4.0 GPA in both semesters this year…will be named MIAA Scholar Athlete and member of MIAA Academic Honor Roll…member of ESU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and ESU Dean’s List…USTFCCCA All-Academic performer…nominee for Academic All-American.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Named ESU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s Wal-Mart Without Peer Award winner for community service, academics and athletic accomplishments…participated in Emporia Clean Sweep, a community wide effort to clean up the city of Emporia…assisted with the Drive for Food can drive that helped fill the Emporia Salvation Army food pantry…raked yards of senior citizens in Emporia with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) club…took part in Laps for Landon, a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, named for Landon Doty the son of an ESU faculty member…volunteered with Westside Family Church to clean safe houses and paint buildings in the Kansas City area and served at the Church’s café on selected Sundays when not competing

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Ten-time MIAA Champion and 20-time All-MIAA honoree in cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field…three-time All-American entering this year’s outdoor national championships…ESU record holder in three events and ranked second in another…was ESU Undergraduate Award of Excellence winner as a junior…four-time USTFCCCA All-Academic performer…CoSIDA Academic All-District as a junior…member of SAAC…created sport specific videos for the ESU athletics website…helped out with ESU fun runs and multiple events at her church…has one A- on her record that has kept her from a perfect 4.00 GPA.

Men’s Finalists

Shawn Boss
Central Missouri
Men’s Track & Field
6-2, 175, Sr., Oak Grove, Mo.
Major(s): Computer Information Systems with minor in Management
Cumulative GPA: 4.0

2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Vernon Kennedy Award winner as Central Missouri’s top Male Senior Student-Athlete…National Runner-Up in the heptathlon…2^nd in heptathlon at MIAA Indoor Championships…3^rdin decathlon at MIAA Outdoor Championships…has provisionally qualified for outdoor championships…Two All-MIAA performances this year (heptathlon and decathlon).

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): 4.0 GPA in computer information systems with a minor in management … Elite 89 Award winner at NCAA-II Indoor Track & Field Championships; award given to competing athlete with highest overall GPA at the championships … NCAA Track & Field Academic All-American … UCM Dean’s List … Two-time winner of Fall KCP&L Programming competition … CIS Outstanding Achievement Award … Integrative Business Experience Company President … Honor’s College at UCM … Association of Information Technology Professionals … Delta Sigma Pi Professional fraternity … National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Helped raise money for Gabi Schull, a young cancer patient in Warrensburg community, as her family was in need of assistance in a tough time. Shawn helped coordinate with Delta Sigma Pi to raise funds to aid the family…member of Delta Sigma Pi Adopt-a-highway cleanup along Highway 50 in and around Warrensburg for last three years…participated in canned food drives to support Harvesters and the Warrensburg Food Pantry.

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Athletic: Vernon Kennedy Award winner as top UCM Male Senior Student-Athlete…three-time All-American in Heptathlon, 2010-2012…National Heptathlon Runner-Up at 2012 Indoor Championships, also placed 3^rd in 2011 and 6^th in 2010…Decathlon National Qualifier in 2011 and has provisionally qualified for 2012 championships…helped the Mules to seven MIAA Track & Field Championships out of a possible eight (4 indoor and 3 outdoor titles)…integral part of two 4^th place team finishes at NCAA Indoor Championships (2010 and 2011) and 6^th place finish in 2012…9 All-MIAA performances during his career.

Academic: Two-time NCAA Elite 89 Award winner at NCAA Indoor Championships, award is given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA competing at the championships…CoSIDA 1^st Team Academic All-American in 2010-11 (2012 still to be decided later in May), 3^rd Team Academic All-American in 2009-10…4-time NCAA Track & Field Academic All-American…Earned Bright Flight Scholarship in Missouri with ACT of 31 or higher…awarded UCM Red & Black scholarship for academic achievement…UCM Dean’s List every semester…HCBA Honor Roll all four years…three-time winner of KCP&L Programming competition…three times named CIS Outstanding Student Achievement Award winner…IBE (Integrative Business Experience) Company President…participated in canned food drive for Warrensburg Food Pantry (2010)…volunteered to be support staff on course for Warrensburg 5k in 2010…Mule Haul participant, helping other students move into their dorm rooms, unloading furniture and belongings on move in day (2011).

Ryan Dougherty
Southwest Baptist
Men’s Basketball5-11, 180, Sr., Fort Worth, Texas
Major(s): Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy)
Cumulative GPA: 3.622

2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Ryan Dougherty had a record setting season in 2011-12 earning All-MIAA First Team and All-MIAA Defensive Team honors. Dougherty was also named to the 2012 NABC All-South Central Second Team. This season Dougherty ranked in the top five in the MIAA for points (4^th, 16.4 ppg), field goal percentage (5^th, 47.3%), 3 point field goals made (4^th, 2.6 per game), assist to turnover ratio (3^rd, 2.1), and minutes played (1^st, 34.7 minutes per game).

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): Ryan Dougherty was named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-American First Team after being named to the Academic All-District First Team earlier in the year. When the MIAA Academic Awards are released later this summer, Ryan will have earned the Scholar-Athlete Award (3.5 cumulative GPA plus All-MIAA Honors) and will also be named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Ryan maintained an excellent 3.622 GPA while pursuing his degree in Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy). He will graduate this May and has been accepted into SBU’s PT program and will start next fall.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Ryan Dougherty has stayed very active within the campus and community during his entire four-year career at SBU. In this past year alone Ryan has been an active member of SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) to help athletes receive a voice within the University and has also volunteered two separate times in Special Olympics events held on the SBU campus, once during the fall of 2011 and once during the winter of 2012. Ryan has spent multiple days volunteering at different retirement homes in Bolivar, helping clean up litter around the home and entertaining and spending time with their residents.

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Ryan Dougherty has helped re-write the record books at SBU, joining the prestigious 1,000 point club this season. Ryan broke SBU career school records for 3 point baskets made (218), games played (119), and minutes played (3,133). Ryan also ranks in the top 10 all-time in several other categories including: points (6^th, 1,322), assists (7^th, 318), and steals (5^th, 136).

Ryan was named to the NABC 2010-11 Honors Court, and has been a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll all four years while at SBU. In 2012 Ryan was also awarded the Orlin B. Stewart Award, handed out by a member of the Bolivar community, and the Rex Brown Award, which is an honor given to the top male senior athlete at SBU.

Ryan is a two-year member of SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) and remained extremely involved within the Bolivar community during his time at SBU. Ryan volunteered six separate times during Special Olympics events held on the SBU campus from 2009-2012, sang Christmas Carols to special needs children in 2009, shoveled snow for the elderly in 2009 and 2010, volunteered at the First Baptist Church Basketball Clinic in 2010, and volunteered at retirement homes in 2011 and 2012.

Alex Whitehill
Fort Hays State
Football
6-3, 220, Sr., McPherson, Kan.
Major(s): Nursing
Cumulative GPA: 3.54

2011-12 Athletic Accomplishments (45%): Daktronics First Team All-American, Beyond College Sports Network Second Team All-American, Don Hansen Third Team All-American, and D2Football.com All-American Honorable Mention at linebacker… Daktronics and Don Hansen All-Super Region 4 First Team selection at linebacker… All-MIAA First Team selection at linebacker… Led NCAA Division II in tackles with 164 and set new FHSU records for total tackles and assisted tackles in a single season… Broke the NCAA Division II record for most assisted tackles in a season with 106, breaking the old mark of 105 set by Brian Holliday of Fayetteville State in 2002… Recorded at least 10 tackles in 9 of 11 games in 2011 and never had less than 7 in a game… Recorded at least 20 tackles in 3 games… Named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week on November 14, 2011 for his school and NCAA record setting efforts in the final game of the season.

2011-12 Academic Accomplishments (25%): 2011 CoSIDA/Capital One First Team Academic All-American… One of just six linebackers in NCAA Division II to earn Academic All-American honors in 2011… CoSIDA/Capital One First Team Academic All-District honors in 2011… Became the 11th Academic All-American selection for FHSU in football all-time… Will earn the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in the summer of 2012 and earned the same honor last year.

2011-12 Campus/Community Service (15%): Part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Hays, Kan… Helped with on-campus move in during the fall for incoming freshmen… Member of FHANS (Fort Hays Association of Nursing Students)… Assisted in the Meals on Wheels program in Hays, Kan… Assisted with Fort Hays State Football Camps in the summer of 2011.

Career Athletic, Academic and Service Accomplishments (15%): Four-year letterwinner for the FHSU football team… Recorded 333 tackles in his career which ranks third in NCAA history at Fort Hays State… Led the team in tackles in 2010 with 118 and 2011 with 164… Two-time All-MIAA selection at linebacker (2010-honorable mention, 2011 first team)… Two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection (2010 and 2011)… Two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award…. CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-American in 2011… Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hays for four years, assisted in Meals on Wheels throughout his collegiate career, helped with incoming freshmen move-in for four years, was an active member of FHANS (Fort Hays Association of Nursing Students), assisted with FHSU Football Camps throughout his career, and was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Fort Hays State Leadership Studies Association.

Other Men’s Nominees

Ravel Grey, Senior, Lincoln, Men’s Track & Field, Montego Bay, Jamaica
TJ Johnson, Senior, Missouri Western, Men’s Basketball, Pflugerville, Texas
Eric Love, Senior, Pittsburg State, Football, Cozad, Neb.
Devon Myers, Senior, Truman, Baseball, Fenton, Mo.
Calvin Patterson, Senior, Northwest Missouri, Men’s Tennis, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Other Women’s Nominees
Crista Bechard, Senior, Fort Hays State, Women’s Basketball, Holton, Kan.
Natalie Bird, Junior, Missouri Western, Women’s Golf, Carl Junction, Mo.
Michelle Cumberbatch, Junior, Lincoln, Women’s Track & Field, Nassau, Bahamas
Nicole Green, Senior, Missouri Southern, Women’s Track & Field, Carthage, Mo.
Heidi Smith, Senior, Pittsburg State, Women’s Track & Field, Elkhart, Kan.
Kate Walter, Senior, Northwest Missouri, Women’s Track & Field, Kansas City, Mo.
Jennifer Zweifel, Senior, Truman, Women’s Track & Field, Maryville, Mo

K-State Coach Bruce Weber Rounding Out Staff

Posted on May 29, 2012May 30, 2012

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State coach Bruce Weber is rounding out his coaching staff by hiring former Illinois standout Chester Frazier as an assistant coach.

Frazier will earn a base salary of $135,000. He joins former Southern Illinois coach Chris Lowery and Alvin Brooks III as assistant coaches, while Brad Korn will be director of basketball operations and Jimmy Price the strength and conditioning coach.

Frazier has spent the past two years playing professionally in Germany. He led S. Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg Basketball Club to the semifinals of the Bundesliga playoffs this season.

After playing for Weber at Illinois, Frazier served as a graduate assistant and video coordinator for the Fighting Illini between stints playing in Germany.

– Associated Press –

Hutchison Named WAC Baseball Player of the Year

Posted on May 29, 2012

Hays High’s Hayden Hutchison has been named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and is one of five Indians named to the first team of the All-Western Athletic Conference team.

Indians coach Frank Leo is the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

Hutchison lead the Indians with 26 doubles and was second on the team with a .456 batting average and 24 RBI’s. He was third with 31 hits. Hutchison was 6-1 on the mound in seven starts with a 3.12 ERA. He led the team with five complete games and in innings pitched with 49.0.

All-Western Athletic Conference Team

Player of the Year: Hayden Hutchison-Hays
Coach of the Year: Frank Leo-Hays

First Team
Thomas Solorio-Garden City
Taylor Murphy-Dodge City
Andrew Balderaz-Dodge City
Jordon Doan-Dodge City
Jace Bowman-Great Bend
Connor Sell-Great Bend
Mith Kottas-Great Bend
Austin Unrein-Hays
Riley Kaus-Hays
Zach Legleiter-Hays
Trevor Henningson-Hays
Hayden Hutchison-Hays

Honorable Mention
Taylor Renz-Hays

Lunsford Named WAC Softball Player of the Year

Posted on May 29, 2012May 29, 2012

Hays High senior Paige Lunsford has added another Player of the Year honor to her list of accomplishments. Earlier this spring, Lunsford was named the Western Athletic Conference basketball Player of the Year. Now she’s been named the WAC Softball Player of the Year.

Lunsford led the Indians with 11 home runs and 42 RBI’s. She was second on the team with a .543 batting average, 38 hits and had one of the squads four triples on season.

She’s joined on the All-Western Athletic Conference first team by junior Katelyn Schumacher, sophomore Haley Wells and freshman Hannah Hearld.

Mackenzie Flaska, Shea Briggs, Jillian Taylor and Courtney Storer were named honorable mention.

All-Western Athletic Conference Team

Player of the Year: Paige Lunsford-Hays
Coach of the Year: Carrie Minton-Great Bend

First Team
Hannah Hearld-Hays
Katelyn Schumacher-Hays
Haley Wells-Hays
Hunter Middleton-Great Bend
Stephanie Morrison-Great Bend
McKenna Mauler-Great Bend
Jennifer St. Clair-Garden City
Leslie Ford-Garden City
Sierra Scott-Garden City
Jaycee Darroch-Liberal
Ashley Stephenson-Dodge City
Paige Lunsford-Hays

Honorable Mention
Elizabeth Barber-Great Bend
Kennedy Brunson-Garden City
Kori Thornton-Garden City
Jamie St. Clair-Garden City
Mekayle Guerrero-Garden City
Bravlin Bretz-Great Bend
Tarynn Stueder-Great Bend
Bonny Boultinghouse- Great Bend
Ramey Petty-Liberal
Kaitlyn Ralston-Liberal
Alexis Sanchez-Dodge City
Brooklyn Garcia-Dodge City
Shea Briggs-Hays
Makenzie Flaska-Hays
Jillian Taylor-Hays
Courtney Storer-Hays

Royals Drop Series Opener in Cleveland

Posted on May 29, 2012

CLEVELAND — One bad inning started the Kansas City Royals on a downward spiral Monday.

A season-high three errors didn’t help.

The result was an 8-5 loss to Cleveland as the Royals couldn’t pull off a third straight win after taking the final two games in Baltimore.

“I felt like our offense was battling back all day long,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “It was one of those games we couldn’t keep them from scoring.”

Starter Nate Adcock (0-3) allowed five runs in the third that began with Kansas City holding a 2-0 lead. He didn’t get through the inning and was optioned to Triple-A Omaha following the game.

Errors by third baseman Mike Moustakas, second baseman Irving Falu and pitcher Jose Mijares further hurt the cause as did a blown call by second base umpire Dan Bellino that continued Cleveland’s big inning.

Eric Hosmer and Brayan Pena homered, but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Royals’ eighth loss in 12 games.

Adcock breezed through the first two innings, giving up a walk and throwing 22 pitches, but the right-hander stumbled in the third.

Lonnie Chisenhall, batting for the first time since being called up from Triple-A Columbus before the game, homered to right on a 1-1 pitch. After Luke Carlin singled to center, Juan Diaz flied out to left, but that was the last hitter Adcock retired.

A single by Shin-Soo Choo and a walk to Michael Brantley loaded the bases. Jason Kipnis worked the count to 3-2 before fouling off three pitches. Kipins hit a hard grounder into center field on the ninth pitch of the at-bat to score two more runs and move Brantley to third.

Moustakas fielded Jose Lopez’s high chopper that scored Brantley. Moustakas had no play at first, but ran directly at Kipnis, who rounded too far around the second base bag. While it looked like Moustakas clearly made the tag, Bellino ruled he didn’t and Kipins took third. Moustakas was charged with an error.

Yost raced from the dugout to argue with Bellino. The four umpires met to discuss the situation, but didn’t change the call and a dissatisfied Yost went back to the dugout.

Moustakas was certain he tagged Kipnis.

“(Bellino) might have been in a bad spot,” Moustakas said. “He couldn’t see anything. I didn’t give him a chance to say anything to me. I was kind of fired up. That was something we needed right there. He ends up scoring. We can’t have that.”

Adcock’s day ended when Casey Kotchman slapped a single past Moutsakas to score Kipnis with the fifth run of the inning.

The error made one of the runs unearned. Adcock allowed six hits, walked two and didn’t strike out a batter in 2 1-3 innings.

Adcock, making his second start, was trying to plug a hole in the Royals’ injury-plagued rotation. Jonathan Sanchez, Danny Duffy and Everett Teaford are on the disabled list. Adcock held Arizona to one run in five innings on April 20, but got the loss.

Vin Mazzaro will be recalled up from Omaha to pitch in long relief. The Royals are off on Thursday and won’t need a fifth starter until early June.

Hosmer put the Royals ahead 2-0 in the second by hitting his sixth homer off Josh Tomlin (2-2). Jeff Francoeur drew an 11-pitch walk with one out before Hosmer connected on the first pitch for his first homer since April 25, which also came at Progressive Field off Ubaldo Jimenez, a span of 104 at-bats.

“The game plan was to get aggressive and jump on him,” Hosmer said. “Tomlin is going to throw a lot of strikes. I put a good swing on it.”

Francoeur went 1 for 3 with a walk. He is 16 for 32 over his past eight games.

Pena’s first homer, starting the fifth, closed Kansas City to 5-3. It was his first home run since May 29, 2011, at Texas, snapping a streak of 223 homerless at-bats.

Jarrod Dyson, returning to the lineup after missing Sunday’s game with a bruised hamstring, followed with a triple into the right-field corner and scored when Kipnis’ relay throw from second bounced into the stands for an error.

Lopez’s RBI single off the left-field wall made it 6-4 in the bottom half. He was thrown out by left fielder Alex Gordon trying to stretch it to a double.

Dyson’s speed helped the Royals again the seventh. He walked, stole second and scored on a single to right by Alcides Escobar to make it 6-5.

Michael Brantley and Lopez had RBIs in the bottom half to make it 8-5.

Lopez had three RBIs and Kipnis drove in two runs. Chris Perez pitched the ninth for his 17th save as the Indians rebounded from being swept in three games in Chicago.

“Nothing against the Royals, but we wanted this game,” Kipnis said. “We knew we had to bounce back.”

NOTES: Hosmer has 25 career home runs, 20 coming on the road. … LHP Will Smith (0-1) will make his second major league start Tuesday. He allowed five runs in 3 1-3 innings in his debut against the Yankees, including a pair of homers by Alex Rodriguez. … RHP Justin Masterson starts for the Indians. … Teaford, out with a lower abdominal strain, threw a pregame bullpen session. … The Royals are 14-11 on the road.

– Associated Press –

HHS Boys Track Wins Third Straight 5A State Title

Posted on May 26, 2012May 27, 2012

Mission accomplished for the Hays High boys track and field team in their quest for a third straight 5A state title. The Indians score 118 points, holding off second place Bishop Carroll who tallied 104.

Junior Adam Deterding brought home two gold medals, winning the high jump (6’6″) on Friday then finishing first in the 110 high hurdles (14:54) on Saturday. He also finished sixth in the triple jump (44′ 7 3/4″).

Cade Sharp also won two golds, finishing first in the discus Friday (161′ 2″) and taking the shot put (54′ 6″) Saturday. The Indians finish 1-2-3 in the shot put, which pushed then over the top for the team title.

The 4×800 meter relay team of Tanner Staab, Josh Brungardt, Ethan Fort and Eric Stumon also brought home a gold medal.

100: Emilio Mitchell-3rd (10.75)
800: Eric Stumon-2nd (1:56.64), Tanner Staab-6th (2:00.41)
110 High Hurdles: Adam Deterding-1st (14.54), Dominique Carrasco-6th (15.48)
4×100 Relay: 5th (43.44) (David Cardinal, Preston Weigel, Shawn Herrman, Emilio Mitchell)
4×400 Relay: 3rd (3:35.56) (Josh Brungardt, Eric Stumon, Ethan Fort, Tanner Staab)
4×800 Relay: 1st (7:56.73) (Tanner Staab, Josh Brungardt, Ethan Fort, Eric Stumon)
High Jump: Adam Deterding-1st (6-6), Derek Bixenman-2nd (6-6)
Triple Jump: Adam Deterding-6th (44-7.75), TJ Dreling-7th (41-7.75)
Shot Put: Cade Sharp-1st (54-6), Zach Binder-2nd (51-7.75), Luke Madden-3rd (49-10.25)
Discus: Cade Sharp-1st (161-2), Luke Madden-2nd (153-9), Zach Binder-6th (143-4)
Javelin: Emilio Mitchell-3rd (167-2)

TMP-Marian Girls Finish Runner-up at 3A State Track

Posted on May 26, 2012

For a second straight year, the TMP-Marian girls’ track and field team finishes second at the 3A state championships behind Rossville who scored 74 points. The Monarchs finished with 48

Heather Ruder led the way for the Monarchs with two first place finishes and two second place finishes. Ruder won the 1600 (5:17.80) and 800 (2:23.93) meter runs and was a part of the second-place 4×800 meter relay team along with Kayla Walker, Annie Mindrup and Allison Pfeifer. Friday Ruder finished second in the 3200 meters, missing out on a chance to win all three individual races for a third straight year.

Rachel Jacobs round out the Monarchs scoring with a seventh place finish in the javelin (119’3″).

Plainville, LaCrosse Boys Win State Track Titles

Posted on May 26, 2012May 26, 2012

The Plainville boys track and field team scored 53 points and edged Meade by one point to win the 2A state championship Saturday at Cessna Stadium in Wichita. The Cardinals had two individual champs. Dalton Werner won the long jump (22-2) and Jameson Klein the discus (160-7).

LaCrosse won the 1A title with 84 points, easily outdistancing Centralia who tallied 38. The Leopards were led by junior Levi Morss who won the long jump (21-11.25) and finished second in the 200 (22.54) and 400 (50.88) meter runs. Junior Kip Keeley won the javelin (181-11) while the 4×400 relay finished second. Austin Webs and William Storie finished third and fourth respectively in the 300 hurdles.

The Osborne won both the 1A boys 4×100 and 4×400 relays.

The Ellis boys 4×100 relay team of Jared Pfeifer, Riley Hunsiker, Dylan Krause and Jared Herl finished first in class 2A (43.91).

Trego’s Lexi Riedel won the 2A girls’ 200 meters (26:58). She finished second in the 100 meters (12:46) and third in the 400 meters (1:00.85).