Wendi was a member of the Yellojacket women's volleyball team from 1987 to 1990. 2020 Graceland University Yellowjackets Schedule | ESPN He is now professor of physiology, biophysics and ophthalmology at the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota. in Education, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics and Science. The 2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams; Monroe Earns Second Team Offense. After a short stint as a volunteer assistant coach with his former college team, Martin held the assistant coaching position at Doniphan West High School in Kansas for four years, resulting in three state titles. In 1970, he was inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame. His successful recruiting efforts in the Kansas City area high schools paid dividends when the team was crowned Co-Champions of the Conference. Tom McCracken attended Graceland College from 1960 to 1964, excelling in three sports during that time. Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. She remains one of the finest players to ever play for Head Coach Stew McDole. Retrieved 2008-09-25. In 1989, Wendi was the national champion is the 400 meter hurdles. Whether you're joining one of our 21 varsity teams, interested in our intramural sports or are ready to make some noise from the stands, at Graceland, there's plenty of ways to show your Yellowjacket pride. return to top, Jennie (Howard) Joyce began her career at Graceland College in 1986 as the only freshman on the varsity team. Russell serves as senior systems programmer at allied signal in Blue Springs, Missouri. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects [] NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Hill, RB, Graceland University In addition, Dever was a very successful wrestler. She returns to the mainland every year for volleyball championships and to visit her family. He graduated from Graceland in 1973. ED., and Ed.D. In volleyball she was named All Tournament team three times at the Graceland Invitational, the NAIA Classic twice, and once at the Emporia State Invite. Thompson remained active with the Yellowjackets and was assistant offensive line coach from 1980-1982. return to top, Merle Harmon received his A.A. from Graceland in 1947, and his B.A. Erwin and his wife, Shelly Kent-Houser (Graceland, 1977), live in Fairfield, Connecticut where he has been employed with Federal Express since 1985. He also represented Australia at the Olympics in 1980 and 1984, and the World Championships in 1982 and 1986. McDole teams have won 14 regular season Heart of America Athletic Conference championships, 7 post season HAAC championships, and he has been recognized as HAAC Coach of the Year 12 times. He later played professional baseball for three years with the St. Louis Organization. Because of his performance at the National Decathlon Championship, Dr. Hutchins was selected by the US Olympic Committee shortly after graduation to be one of ten decathletes to train for the Munich Olympics in 1972. In his senior year, 1977, "E" peaked his collegiate career by being named Honorable Mention All-American. She worked at Queen's Medical Center as a research associate and then as a surgical technician until her retirement in 1996. After graduating, Michelle coached Graceland's Junior Varsity team to a winning season in 2003-2004 and was subsequently offered a contract to play professional basketball in Sweden. He was also named to the Graceland baseball team's Most Valuable Player in 1974 and 1977. In all, Brunner has given Graceland over 49,000 hours of his time and energy. return to top, Dr. Richard A. Carter ('37) is a former coach, division chairperson, intramural director and instructor of health physical education and recreation. She earned National Champion honors that season in the mile, besting the field with a 4:55. While a District Chief, Gadberry was awarded his department's Chief Officer of the Year Award in 2010. Visit GUJackets.com Quick Facts & Stats 22 Varsity teams (2020-21) Fall 2022 11 Graceland Uni Flag Football (@GracelandU_WFF) / Twitter In her four years, Neumann and the Yellowjackets compiled a record of 165-60-1. Graceland University Yellowjackets American Football - Yellowjackets Nowlin was the first wrestling coach at Graceland and was the head coach of baseball, tennis and track while serving as an assistant football coach throughout his tenure with the Yellowjackets. Hughes' junior year, he lead the team in tackles with 166 in nine games, averaging 18 tackles per game and breaking the school record. Carver added softball to her schedule during her sophomore year, earning All-Conference honors for her outstanding second base performance. Winter Conditions Advisement; First Round. He set many practical records, including 286 consecutive free throws (four-year average 99%) and 499 jump shots in a row from the head of the circle. return to top, Jackie Allen first came to Graceland University in 1995 following two years of collegiate play at Peru St. University. Erwin's hobbies include spending time with his children, providing guidance counseling to high school students, and outdoor activities. She is still athletically active and has won twelve medals in the first three years of the Iowa Games. He won five consecutive conference championships and remains the winningest football coach in Westmar history. Erwin's hobbies include spending time with his children, providing guidance counseling to high school students, and outdoor activities. Peck was selected by the San Diego Padres in June of that year in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft; however, he chose to attend college instead and made the move east to Graceland College, in Lamoni, Iowa. In 1962, he finished third in the nation (NAIA) in the 177 pound class and he was second in the nation in the 191 pound class in 1963. After limited playing time as a freshman, Dr. Hutchins began to produce with a vengeance starting in his sophomore year, increasing his statistics every year. He excelled in competition, including a second place showing at the 1974 U.S.K.A. Both Steve and his wife, Pam, have always been amazing supporters of the university. Julia Anna Travis Closson, known best as Judy, was born Nov. 25, 1903, in western Nebraska. Now in retirement, Kyser has discovered Pickleball to be a satisfying way to get lots of exercise, enjoying friendships and providing a meaningful expression of her interest in the invigorating thrill of hard play and the fun of the sport. Russell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration in 1982 from Graceland, and completed his M.B.A at Rockhurst College in 1991. Shane Skinner's wife, Deb Skinner, is the current Director of Residence Life at Graceland. Kaleikau credits his family, teammates, coach Rod Schall, many others and God for the inspiration, friendship, and knowledge that has blessed him in his volleyball life journey. Both his junior and senior years, Seefeldt was recognized as the team's most valuable player. During his 8 years with the Jets, Jeff started 104 of 108 games played and was named to the USA Today's All-Underrated team. Before leaving teaching and coaching to work for the RAND Corporation, where he helped develop and program a computerized air defense system for the U.S. Air Force in the mid 1950's, Clayton accepted a position at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He began coaching at Graceland in 1922, and worked at the college until 1944, including four years as the dean and acting President. Executives Bud Adams, Scott Pioli, George Halas . Graceland Kicks Off Women's Flag Football Program Strait ran the third fastest high school mile in the nation in 1957, with a time of 4:21.7 in the Oregon A.A.U meet. He developed software called SPORTISTIS, to more efficiently keep track of sports static's. Holding over 150 Data Rows Per Prospect, Over 3,000 Players per Draft Year, 12K Per Draft Cycle. While in New York, Jeff maintained his small town values and worked for a variety of charitable organizations. To highlight his marvelous senior season, Martin garnered All-District, All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-American awards in 1978. As a freshman at Graceland in 1973-1974, Christel placed in the AIAW National meet held in Denton, Texas. He has also spent countless hours volunteering in the community, including the Lamoni Schools, Special Olympics, and Community of Christ Church, and as the President of the Lamoni Thrift Center Board. Rod has coached the Yellowjackets to NAIA Men's Nationals Championships in 1973, 1976, and 1979. Dr. Hutchins also has an older daughter, Michelle, from his first wife, Gale Shirky Hutchins(Graceland 1970), now deceased, who is the mother of two children, Emma Gale and John William Hertlein IV, who resides with her husband in Sherman Oaks, California. During Syd's football career at Graceland he amassed 464 tackles, 6 interceptions, 3 fumbles recoveries, 10 forced fumbles, and 3 sacks. Following Graceland, Alphie found his vocation in education and taught in Villisca, Iowa for 20 years where he also enjoyed coaching football, girls' basketball and softball. return to top, Gay Hughes earned a degree in physical education from Graceland in 1971. As a result of his performance as a baseball pitcher, he was recruited in both football and basketball under Coach Willie Gilbert. As a junior , the Yellowjackets set the school record for victories with 27. Previous to his tenure as President, Jerry held many roles, which contributed greatly to the success of the USVBA. He played for four different teams during his career, starting with the Launceston Casino City. After a strong showing at the national tournament, she was picked for the 1964 U.S. Olympic team, bound for Tokyo, Japan. return to top, Former Graceland athlete, Athletic Director and track and cross country coach, L.D. In 1971, Peck helped lead the Jackets to a Missouri College Athletic Union Conference title in baseball, with a record of 11-1. Donte Sylencieux - WR - Graceland - 2021 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football From Prep to Pro!, EST 2001 . She is grateful the softball coaches (, NAIA Guide for College Bound Students (PDF). Throughout her time on the team, Graceland won 11 tournaments, including three Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament titles. In 2003, he was selected as Graceland's first full-time Director of Athletics. In April 1972, he met the Olympic qualifying standard at the Drake Relays and finished 10th in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Under his tutelage, the Cardinals made the first two trips to the NCAA Division III National Championships in program history. Alphie is married to Kathy and they have four grown children; Christy, Jay, Matt, and Amanda . Dever was a member of three conference championship teams and finished second in Graceland's one-two finish at the 1970 MCAU Conference Championships. He has broadcast over 1,000 football gamed, 2,000 basketball games, and 5,000 major league baseball games. He was also participated in events such as the Goodwill Games, the Pan-American Games and the U.S. Olympic Festival. Stan and Julie have two children: Shane, 27 and Rashawn, 21. return to top. The Yellowjacket's welcomed someone of Allen's ability with open arms. In his second year as the head coach at Graceland, Harrop was selected as the 1991-92 Heart of America conference "Coach of the Year". Coming back to the hardwood as a junior, McCracken led the team in scoring, shooting percentage and free throw percentage and was selected to the All-Conference team of the Missouri College Athletic Union. As coach at Marymount College, he achieved a record of 285 wins, 56 losses in eleven seasons. Currently, Lester is the Director of Athletics at Rochester Community and Technical College. Weldon is noted for coaching former world record holders Tim Moore and Jack Humphrey (high hurdles) and Jack Maugers (pole vault); Mike Mattox, U.S. Federation Decathlon Champion; Joe Rateste, holder of the National Junior College record in the high hurdles; and Dave Bahr, Bob Hutchins and Bruce Jenner, national decathlon champions. MLB. The Jackets also placed second at 12 tournaments and third at six. 1968-1972 were spent in the full time service of the Center Stake jurisdiction of the now Community of Christ as Director of Youth and Leisure Ministries. Travis Bell 2023 NFL Draft Profile - ESPN Jenny currently serves as the head volleyball coach at Saint Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana. Three years as a player and two as the IU head coach sparked and forever cemented his love for the sport. Jennie finished here final year ranked 2nd in the nation in passes per game (7.55) and 10th in service aces per game (.639) Jennie was the honorable distinction of being Graceland Volleyball's first two-time All-American Athlete. QB; Senior; Illinois; Scouts Grade; Conference TBD; 2022 NCAA Football Stats. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. He captured four Wheaton College Invitational Championships, where he was named outstanding wrestler in 1971 as well as the Southwest Missouri State and 1997 NAIA Iowa District Championships. Once his term of service was over, Glenn returned to Kansas City, where he coached at Raytown High School for 30 years. Volleyball stayed a part of Thomas' life. One season her "A" and "B" team earned a combined record of 40-0. The Canadian backstop maintained his power in all four years, belting six home runs in each season for a total of 24. In all, Brunner has given Graceland over 49,000 hours of his time and energy. Dan and Suzanne have three children, Kelle ('90), Mark ('92), Brian, and four grandchildren. from the University of Northern Colorado, a M.S. She now lives in Harlingen, Texas with her husband, Abel Fonseca II, a fellow Graceland alum with whom she has twin daughters, Alexis and Aliyah. A force by nature in the paint, Teri notched more than 1000 points and 1000 rebounds for Graceland during her career, and graduated second on the all-time school record book for rebounding. After graduation, Gadberry went on to pursue a degree in the fire service. Harrop graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in physical education and health and a minor in biology. He earned his master's in biology and PhD in physiology and biophysics from Michigan State University. from Indiana University, a B.S. Casey played in 128 consecutive games, which is also a Graceland record. In addition, she is presently the Faculty Athletics Representative and Eligibility Chair for the Heart of America Athletic Conference, Region V Eligibility Chair, and a member of the National Coordinating Council of the NAIA. During his tenure he produced 17 all-conference performers as well as being named the HAAC Coach of the Year in 1999. She was also named HAAC player of the week on 10 different occasions, received 1st team all-conference honors in both 1995 and 1996 as well as being named to the All-American team in both seasons. Caleb Thomas - WR - Graceland - 2022 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football From Prep to Pro!, EST 2001 Sat . return to top, Erwin "E" Houser attended Graceland from 1974-1977 and played football and baseball each year. A three time captain, she helped to lead the Jackets to 53 victories over the course of her career, including a school-record 18 wins and a conference quarterfinals appearance during her senior year. Teammates of Elmo were L.D. In a pre-volleyball era tennis was his varsity sport under Hall of Fame Coach, Dr. Hal McKain. Doctor Elmo Gamet decided to purse his interest in the medical field and served as Graceland physician from 1939 until 1974 and as the Yellowjacket football team physician from 1970 until retirement in 1980. Eastern New Mexico University was his next stop, and his teams were ranked in the NAIA Top 20 for four consecutive years. Julie (Wendt) Carver earned honors in three sports as a Graceland athlete. He also visited local schools frequently to mentor kids and stayed involved in community programs for the elderly. Collins was an assistant at Ottawa University in Kansas, from 1971 to 1972 and at Graceland College from 1974 to 1978. Closson taught at Graceland for a total of 12 years before becoming a florist and beginning Judys Gardens in 1946, where she worked for the next 20 years. Erwin "E" Houser attended Graceland from 1974-1977 and played football and baseball each year. No matter how the season went, Hoffman spent precious time with many fine young adults and their families, supporting the team. He continues to serve as a corporate officer and was in 2005 given the Harold T. Friermood "Frier" Award, the highest honor given by the association. In his final season in 2016, the Cardinals finished 24-5 overall, including an 8-3 showing in conference play. Connie received his B.A. A 1991 graduate, Jennie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education and health. Dudek ended his collegiate career scoring 1,955 points, which ranks him 3rd on Graceland's all time scoring list. Hughes was honored by his teammates again when he was selected the most valuable defensive lineman and was named Honorable Mention All-American. Dennis Paul Thompson is a life-long resident of Lamoni and is currently the co-owner and manager of a local farm related business. In her junior year, 1989, Jennie earned All-Heart Of America Athletic Conference First Team, All-District #15 First Team, and All-Region First Team and NAIA All-American Second Team honors. Graceland University offensive lineman Markel Garner is a tough player NFL Draft Diamonds has been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. Weldon's teams won 11 out of 13 Missouri Conference Athletic Union and HAAC Championships. Martin has been married to Nancy (Class of '79) for 34 years and they have two children, Rebecca and Tyler. In her senior year, Wendi was an All-Conference selection as well as an All-District 15 selection. As a senior, he was awarded the silver seal for excellence in athletic achievements. Two sport standout Teri Wessel arrived at Graceland in 1989 from Davenport West High School in Davenport, IA. Governor of the Utah Idaho Kiwanis civic organization; a sought-after public speaker on civic affairs often quoted by the media; community representative on the. Eskridge was later named equipment manager and purchasing agent for the Dallas Cowboys football team, a position he held for 13 years. As starting tailback for all but five games of his tenure, Hutchins, in his second and last year, was the leading scorer in the league. He is currently the voice of the Texas Rangers. He then worked as a salesperson before coming to Lamoni in 1970. Struggling to crack the top spot in the high jump, an unsatisfied Verneda transitioned to volleyball. National Championship before retiring in 1978 after winning the Utah Quarterly Championship. Jeffrey L. Criswell [1] (born March 7, 1964) is a former American football offensive lineman who played twelve professional seasons in the National Football League. She earned All-Tournament honors on several occasions, including the "Big G" and the Graceland Challenge. Voted the "Most Athletic girl" in high school. Sherman has received numerous honors including the National Leader in Volleyball Award in 1977, the USAV Referees Golden Whistle Award in 1970, the Referee Emeritus Award in 1988, and USA Volleyball's highest honor the Frier Award in 1994. and Jasmine Chanson. Both teams won the Heart of America Conference Championships. Her hobbies include serving as a coach with the United States of America Volleyball Junior program, managing the Louisville Volleyball Center, and volleyball camp director at Saint Mary's College. Never playing a day of organized softball until she arrived on campus, Allen was named HAAC player of the week on four separate occasions, 1st team all HAAC team in both of her Yellowjacket campaigns, and 1st team All-Region V her senior year. Criswell said that he feels Ross is the best candidate to rebuild the football program and develop a winning culture. Prior to Graceland, Alphie attended Lamoni High School where he lettered all four years in football, basketball and track. Dr. Clarence "C.R." In the fall of 1931, both Judy and Eugene became members of the Graceland faculty. In the state meet his senior year, he ran the mile in 4:26.7 to beat Dyrol Burleson, an extremely tough competitor who later broke the four-minute mile. He played semi-pro football with the Iowa Nighthawks and the Colorado Nuggets, and worked out with the Dallas Cowboys. He then set a school record at the University of Kansas by scoring 30 points in one half against Nebraska. She received First Team All-Conference and MVP/CO-MVP team honors her sophomore, junior and senior years. Weldon. Rod is also known for helping volleyball technologically with his computer know-how. Jackie currently resides in Corpos Cristi, Texas with her husband and three children. Russ Harney passed away July 27, 2005 in Park City, Kansas at the age of 56. Meet 2020 Draft Prospect: Andre Bird-Pierre, DL, Graceland University Syd again anchored Graceland's defensive attack as a junior captain. As a local high school softball star, Dava posted a career batting average of .518 while being nominated four times as both an All-Conference and All-District athlete. Rushing & Receiving Table. in physical education from Northeast Missouri State University in 1972. Since leaving Graceland Val has worked for the Hawaii USA Federal Credit Unuon for 17 years as an Accounting Manager and is an active member of the Community of Christ Kalihi Congregation. Bob Dever attended Graceland from 1967-1971 excelling in both Cross-Country and Wrestling. In his 30 year tenure, Gary established a wrestling program, and served as a coach for wrestling, football, and track and field teams. Ralph L. Strait made the news as a star runner at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. Coach Hughes also coached volleyball and assisted basketball at Central, Wyoming College, before coaching volleyball at Riverton Middle School. His 1968 team was undefeated. While playing for the Alligators, he led the team in RBI's, homeruns, triples and stolen bases, and hit for an incredible .408 batting average. She is currently in her 18th year of teaching in Stockton, California. During both 1976 and 1979 Rod was honored as NAIA Coach of the Year. She broke the Missouri state record in 1993 when she hurled 11 strikeouts in the state title match en route to a state championship. NHL. In 1998 C.R. After serving two years in the navy, he was back in the headlines as Graceland track and cross country star, setting conference records in the mile, mile, and two-mile. While at Graceland, Darrell excelled in both baseball and football for the Yellowjackets, lettering all four years in each sport. Harmon is in his 40th year of covering major sporting events on both radio and television. Harrop graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in physical education and health and a minor in biology. He has one son, Nicholas, 27 years old and a University of Florida graduate. in Education, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics and Science. Benda left Graceland with lifelong friends and says she is honored to be inducted into the hall of fame. Ken Cochran, a 1952 Graceland graduate, competed in Yellojacket football, basketball and tennis. In outdoor track she set a new school record in the 1500m, qualifying her for Nationals. She earned All-Tournament honors on several occasions, including the "Big G" and the Graceland Challenge. Joining the 1956 Pan American Games track team, Verneda got her first taste of international competition in the high altitude of Mexico City. Matching that performance, Christel Brown, Nancy Crawford, Deena Miller and Caren Horstmeyer came in first in the 880 meter medley with yet another record time of 1:47.82. Connie played football for Graceland College from 1975 through 1978. The Graceland era began in 1982 when Stew answered the call and followed his heart back to the Hill. Soccer. He formed "O-Line Limited", a charitable marketing firm and initiated the "Boomer's Body Guards" campaign to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is still athletically active and has won twelve medals in the first three years of the Iowa Games. Graceland College (IA) Players/Alumni - Pro-Football-Reference.com Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Graceland Uni Flag Football @GracelandU_WFF Iowa's first NAIA women's flag football program. As the starting point guard, Dudek averaged 12 points and 6 assists per game while shooting an amazing 94% from the free throw line. In football he was selected as both a HAAC all-conference player and an all-district player in 1977, he was voted the MVP of the 1977 homecoming football game and he was a member of the 1975 "Mineral Water Bowl" team (inducted 2006) coached by fellow Graceland Hall of Fame inductee Bill Dudek. From there, he went on to serve as an assistant coach at the University of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota from 1996-97. As a member of the Yellowjacket football team, Gary was as All-Conference selection in 1963 and 1964, and was named to the 1964 All-American Team as an honorable mention selection. Doctor Elmo Gamet decided to purse his interest in the medical field and served as Graceland physician from 1939 until 1974 and as the Yellowjacket football team physician from 1970 until retirement in 1980. He also established an endowment for campus ministries, has established an annuity and makes yearly donations to Graceland's Lamoni campus. Baseball . His softball teams won eight conference championships and won the 1988 Greater Kansas City softball tournament. Alphie currently lives in Leon with his wife Kathy. He became a member of the 1,000-point club during his junior year and moved past the 1,500-point career mark his senior season (1,770 career points total). He founded Merle Harmon's Fan Fair a nationwide chain of over 100 sports gift shops. In 1956, Cochran served as starting catcher on the United Olympic Baseball Team. Since then the accolades have been rolling in. Parker also captained Graceland's Tennis Team ands was the 1956 Junior College Interstate Conference Singles runner-up and 1958 Graceland Relay Singles and Doubles Champion. He received the Graceland Silver Seal for student life. NFL. He has continued to participate in athletics by coaching baseball and basketball at the high school and college levels inn Missouri and Kansas. Throughout her teen years, she spent her time on the softball field playing travel softball all summer long and was the starting catcher on the varsity high school team her freshman through senior years. . Collins was honored as an All-Conference football player his junior year. Some of her fondest memories were the endless stories and laughs shared during the road trips with her teammates. The basketball star saw success right from the beginning. Visit ESPN to view the latest Graceland University Yellowjackets news, scores, stats, standings, rumors, and more . return to top, Jim Braby received his AA Degree from Graceland College in 1949. Actively recruiting for inaugural (spring 2023) season. On the football field he started at left end and played both ways on offense and defense. Stew has directed in excess of 300 camps over the years. Shane Skinner, a 1997 graduate, surpassed two career milestones while at Graceland. As of his graduation, Hutchins owned Graceland records in the 440 relay, 50-, 60-, 100-, and 220-yard dashes, as well as the indoor 330-yard and the 100 meter runs. In a pre-volleyball era tennis was his varsity sport under Hall of Fame Coach, Dr. Hal McKain. Jackie currently resides in Corpos Cristi, Texas with her husband and three children. Darrick himself was crowned Manitoba Senior Baseball Player of the Year in 2005 and 2009. During the next two years, Hughes would be coached at that position by another Hall of Fame inductee, Dr.Gary Collins. degree in Business Administration. Under the tutelage of Graceland Hall of Fame coach Gerald Hampton, Auxier tore his way through competition as a 137 pound wrestler. Graceland's football games were played at North Park and the bean field by the Administration Building was used for practice. She was an All-American honorable mention selection in 1999 and named to the second team in 2000. He also established an endowment for campus ministries, has established an annuity and makes yearly donations to Graceland's Lamoni campus. Christel finished fifth in the 200 meter run and fourth in the long jump. from Central Missouri State University in 1972. Hal is a 1952 graduate of Graceland and played fullback on the football team and threw the javelin in track. He has logged 13 years as an officer of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Association serving twice as President (1994-96 and 2000-02). Dudek set all current four-year coaching records, including most wins in a single season and in a four-year period, most career victories, and most winning seasons.