In her junior year Dava led the team to the conference championship game against Lindenwood University, suffering a 3-2 extra-innings defeat. 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. Casey Dudek arrived at Graceland after an illustrious career as a student-athlete at Lamoni High School. Neumann was named to an all-tournament team six times during her career with Graceland. weight class and the MCAU Conference Championship at 123lbs. Dr. Hutchins exceeded even these impressive efforts during his senior campaign, however, with ten touchdowns and 785 rushing yards on 166 carries to rank 30th in the nation in rushing. Christel finished fifth in the 200 meter run and fourth in the long jump. An accomplished Karate fighter, Dr. Hutchins has black belts in Okinawan Shorei-Ryu and Yamashita Shorin-Ryu and competed under the auspices of the United States Karate Association throughout the 1970s. 2022 NCAA Football . Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. In 1971, Peck helped lead the Jackets to a Missouri College Athletic Union Conference title in baseball, with a record of 11-1. in radio and television broadcasting and marketing from the University of Denver in 1949. She continues to be an active member of the Riverton Kiwanis and Wyoming Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, having served on the Executive Board as the VP for Health and as the 1997 State Convention Manager. Home; Sports. He was First Team All-American Offensive Tackle for the NAIA. Stew has directed in excess of 300 camps over the years. Gilbert signed a personal note for lights for the field. Peck was a four-year varsity letter-winner in both basketball and baseball. As a member of the 1952 and 1953 Interstate Football Conference Champions, Parker was named to the All-Conference Team in both season and in 1953 was named to the Junior College All-American Team. Kristy graduated from Graceland in 2002 with a degree in Wellness Program Management and Health and Physical Education. In addition to his accomplishments on the field for Graceland, Billy was selected for an all-star team which traveled through Belgium and Holland to play baseball. That year the Yellowjackets finished ninth at the national tournament. in health, physical education and recreation. joined an impressive Yellowjacket lineup of grapplers and anchored the Graceland squad for four outstanding seasons. After graduating in 1976 with a BA in health, physical education and recreation, Hughes started a construction company and has remained in the construction industry since. Douglas has also spent time as the head coach of baseball and girl's basketball at I-35 High School in Truro, Iowa. Vikings Set to Host Lindsey Wilson in the Quarterfinals. In the spring of 1974, he finished his freshman season third in the nation in home runs with 13, sparking an eventual 40 home runs throughout his Graceland career. NFL. NHL. Following his playing days, he spent two seasons as the men's varsity assistant coach for the Yellowjacket program. In his 30 year tenure, Gary established a wrestling program, and served as a coach for wrestling, football, and track and field teams. 7. He was the third recipient of the NAIA Outstanding Alumnus Award. Diane Loving-Kyser came to Graceland from Overland Park, KS in 1963. During his summers he played semi-pro baseball and earned All State honors while working full time - his leadership was evident in many facets throughout his career. Through USA Volleyball, the sports national governing body, Kaleikau is a certified CAP Level I instructor and certified member of the American Sport Education Program, and he serves as a coach and player evaluator for the national USA Volleyball High Performance program, which is the pipeline for young athletes who aspire to reach elite levels of the USA Olympic competition. Benda had been away from the sport for two years and was out of shape but realized how much she missed the game. Stan lives in Corydon with his wife of 30 years, Julie. 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. Graceland becomes one of the first Iowa NAIA schools to offer this emerging sport. He developed software called SPORTISTIS, to more efficiently keep track of sports static's. Clayton co-coached the Wyandotte Basketball Team to the Kansas State Championship. The next year she came back with a vengeance qualifying for Indoor Nationals in the 1000 and the 4x800 and setting school records in the 1000, 1500 and the mile. NCAAF ESPN Player . Dava, beyond being named an honorable mention All-American, posted a 42-13 record as a Yellowjacket. NHL. return to top, Pam was born in Leon, Iowa and attended Grand Valley High School where she excelled in basketball, softball and track and field. Do you have a blog? Her senior season, Kristy overcame an extreme case of anemia and earned a spot for Nationals. An unprecedented seven time All-American in both indoor and outdoor track, Wendi was a four time NAIA National Champion. Weldon's teams won 11 out of 13 Missouri Conference Athletic Union and HAAC Championships. In 1994, Dr. Parker was presented the Graceland College Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. degree in Business Administration. Dr. Collins graduated from Graceland College in 1963 with a B.A. She ended her collegiate career outdoors with new school records in the 3K and the 5K. Dudek and his wife Annie have two children, Major and Kaicen. 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. Coach Nowlin is committed to the idea at Graceland that emphasizes the importance of classroom performance before athletics. Graceland University Hires Patrick Ross to Lead Football Program After Graceland, he was awarded a full scholarship to play football and baseball at Montana State University, (now University of Montana). In baseball, he was a two-time All-District and All-Heart of America Athletic Conference selection. He was named first team Heart of America Athletic Conference and first team All-District 15. Graceland Uni Flag Football (@GracelandU_WFF) / Twitter We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Dr. Rae is one of a select few outstanding investigators in biomedical to receive the MERIT Award from the National Institutes of health. Harmon is in his 40th year of covering major sporting events on both radio and television. Graceland University Yellowjackets Football - Yellowjackets News - ESPN Day 2. Throughout his career, Seefeldt scored six defensive touchdowns. Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. In addition to her excellence on the volleyball court, Wessel helped anchor the Yellowjacket women's basketball squad, earning All-Conference nods all three years and All-District honors her junior and senior years. Gary has been teaching at NWMSU since 1976 as an associate professor in the physical education department, and is also the director of the college fitness center. Although he played 3 games with the Indianapolis Colts in 1987, it was in 1988 that Jeff truly succeeded in his quest for the NFL. After concluding his college coaching career, McCracken was called back to action after a decade of retirement, the 35 year veteran took the Ashland (Oregon) High School girls to the state tournament, going undefeated at home and winning the conference coach of the year. Darrick was a two-time academic All-American in 2001 and 2002 and he carried a strong GPA throughout his career. In her post-high school career, Verneda's high jumping took her across the world to compete on behalf of her country. In track, Harrop threw the javelin for a conference record 192 feet. During his 25 years at the two schools he amassed a record of 390-201 in girls basketball, was inducted into the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and is a on the Board of Directors of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (2005). Two of his decathletes won Olympic medals-Jack Parker, a bronze in 1936, and Bruce Jenner, a gold on 1976. Connie played football for Graceland College from 1975 through 1978. 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. Kaleikau has over 40 years of volleyball involvement as a player, coach and administrator. Bravely facing those challenges, Thomas proved to be a standout high jumper and, at 17, won the AAU championship and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. He went on to obtain a PhD from the University of Utah in 1972. From 1959-64, he broke records in the 100, 200, and 440 yard dashes and in the 880-yard run. He has served on Graceland search committees and was a member of the Alumni Board from 2003 to 2011. Graceland Hall of Fame track coach Betty Welch called '77 AIAW meet, "The highlight of my coaching career.". Mr. Sherman served as a pilot for the U.S Navy and for TWA. From Major Media Outlets to NFL Team Personnel. After departing from Graceland in the spring of 1981, Pam taught school in Mercer, Missouri. From 1962-1966, Hal was an interim coach for the Yellowjacket tennis, basketball and football programs. NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Markel Garner, OL, Graceland in Education, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics and Science. 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. Dan and Suzanne have three children, Kelle ('90), Mark ('92), Brian, and four grandchildren. In each of his five years as head football coach at Fairview High School in Colorado, his team took first and second place conference finishes, and went to the state championships. Then he joined the faculty at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he began his career in eye research. February 07, 2023 . Upon arriving at Graceland, Peck continued to play two sports, competing in baseball and basketball. Peck spent ten years teaching and coaching at Lamoni High School before spending 25 years teaching and coaching at Raytown South High School in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. He also was a two time All-American wrestler, winning second place in the NAIA national wrestling tournament, as a junior and third place is senior year. The 1965 and 1966 co-ed tennis team was undefeated in conference play and won the conference tournament. In April 1972, he met the Olympic qualifying standard at the Drake Relays and finished 10th in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Rich's high point game was 41, then a school record, and he graduated with 1411 points, the school's career scoring record at the time. 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. Dr. Rae is one of a select few outstanding investigators in biomedical to receive the MERIT Award from the National Institutes of health. Mark Martin came to Graceland University by way of Lamoni High School in 1975. She continues to run for Iowa's Elite Development Team. She has shared in their joys and their sorrows, guided many as they sought to balance their academic and athletic obligations, and may have occasionally administered a "get going kick" to students who needed additional motivation to stay on track to graduate. He has coached football, wrestling, track, tennis and golf and served as athletic director, chair of the division of health and education and coordinator of the department of physical education. With his wife, Phyllis and sons, David and Mark, Barnet gave up a scholarship to the University of Kansas and retuned to Graceland, which had become a four-year institution. Hughes began the pattern of developing Female Athletic Programs. Other coaches who inspired Russ include Red Sanders and his staff, who coached the UCLA team to their National Championship and the Rose Bowl. His passion for coaching is evident, having spearheaded the wrestling team at Creston High School from 1999-2010 where the overall record stands at 191-44. In 1996, Wendi qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the Heptathlon and recorded a seventh place finish with 6,078 points. in physical education from Northeast Missouri State University in 1972. Erwin's hobbies include spending time with his children, providing guidance counseling to high school students, and outdoor activities. DT; Senior; 6-1, 280 lbs; Kennesaw St; Scouts Grade; Conference TBD; 2023 Draft Pick Info. Dudek and his wife Annie have two children, Major and Kaicen. return to top. NBA. Graceland University Yellowjackets American Football - Yellowjackets 2023 Football. As a member of the 1952 and 1953 Interstate Football Conference Champions, Parker was named to the All-Conference Team in both season and in 1953 was named to the Junior College All-American Team. He is now professor of physiology, biophysics and ophthalmology at the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota. As coach at Marymount College, he achieved a record of 285 wins, 56 losses in eleven seasons. Dever continues to be successful athletically. Ross will start the new position immediately, connecting with players and coaches by phone. Cochran was also named to the Kansas Wesleyan Hall of Fame. Five-time Iowa Open Champion, turner holds 13 major Iowa championships. After his time with the Goldeyes, Jones excelled with his hometown Baldur Regals, where he won consecutive provincial titles from 2008-2010 and a Western Canadian Senior Baseball Championship in 2009. His academic accomplishments at Graceland include placement on both the Dean's and President's lists and include in Who's Who In American College and Universities. She Holds an M.S. Graceland University Yellowjackets Schedule 2022 . In addition to receiving several honors as a Warrior, Alphie participated in the Wool Bowl in Roswell, New Mexico. He influenced student-athletes to become a total person both on and off the competition field. In their third year, the team won fifteen of their sixteen conference games as well as the conference title. He received the Graceland Silver Seal for student life. Jones bookended his Jacket career with a monster senior year where he hit .409 with 15 doubles, 6 home runs and 48 RBIs in a season that saw him make the All-Region 5 team and pick up a fourth All-Conference honor as well as earning Second Team All-American honors. After her time at Graceland, Jensen began her teaching career. and Jasmine Chanson. Rod is also known for helping volleyball technologically with his computer know-how. Her three children, Ed, Mary Jane and Jim, all attended Graceland, as did each of their spouses. From Major Media Outlets to NFL Team Personnel. During her time on the volleyball court, Diana was also named to three all-tournament teams, voted as the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) player of the week two times and named the Heart player of the year in 2000. Also during her days at Graceland, Dava was invited to play on Team USA's international tour through Belgium and the Netherlands in 1995. Pam was born in Leon, Iowa and attended Grand Valley High School where she excelled in basketball, softball and track and field. Along with being an outstanding player, Dudek was consistently on the Dean's List and President's List at GU for his outstanding work in the classroom. His older brother Dennis played for the 1976 national championship team; his older sister, Liane, played for the women's team, and his younger brother, Ed, also played on the 1979 national championship team. She still called Lamoni home when she passed away on June 11, 2011. Graceland University Yellowjackets Football - Yellowjackets News He spent his last three years with the department at headquarters creating, implementing and leading the Continuous Quality Improvement Office while also holding the department's Chief Safety Officer position. In her senior year, Wendi was an All-Conference selection as well as an All-District 15 selection. His mark stood as the world record until 1980, and as the Olympic record from 1976-1984. Select College/Full Roster View: . Floyd Ayers graduated from Graceland in 1958 with an AA degree. A member of the 1965 graduating class, he spent the next 33 years in Michigan, first as a member of the faculty and coaching staff in Brown City and as manager of the Booth Publishing Company, and completing the last twenty-seven years of his high school teaching and coaching career within the Port Huron Area School District. As a defensive end, he was a first team All-Conference and All-District '15' selection for three years (1976-78). He won 233 games in 11 years (1990-2000) as the head baseball coach. In 1987 the alumni board granted McKain the Graceland Award of Recognition for exhibiting outstanding loyalty and devotion with gifts of time, talent and resources. return to top, Raised on a Kansas farm, Howard Brunner spent every opportunity playing on town athletic teams. NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Clarence CJ Counts, DB 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. In this role he developed an eight team youth and adult club program that competed in USA Volleyball settings. In 1996, Wendi qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the Heptathlon and recorded a seventh place finish with 6,078 points. As a freshman, Tom averaged double figures in points scored and led the team in assists during a brilliant opening campaign. Baldur, Manitoba native Darrick Jones came to Graceland in 1999 and made an immediate splash as a freshman for the Yellowjacket baseball team. In basketball, he earned the Most Improved Award and received HAAC All-Conference Honorable Mention ('88-'89), received the Mr. Defense Award ('92-'93), and earned 3 varsity letters. Two sport star Cara Warner was born in Kansas, but she truly grew up on the Graceland campus after moving to Lamoni at age 11. The Canadian backstop maintained his power in all four years, belting six home runs in each season for a total of 24. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. return to top, Jerry Sherman graduated from Graceland College and Central Missouri State College with a B.S. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Martin holds the GU record for most interceptions during a four-year career (24), including a single-season high during his senior season (13). In addition to that accomplishment, he was a three-year starter and a tri-captain during his senior campaign. It is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. At the conclusion on the 1999 season, and 24 years in this volunteer capacity, he stated it was time to step down and turn his position in the football staff to a younger coach. Sydney Bingham maintained high standards of personal conduct and served many teammates and peers as an excellent role model. Both Steve and his wife, Pam, have always been amazing supporters of the university. "E" graduated in 1977 with a degree in health, physical education and recreation and a minor in social work. In baseball, Erwin was an All-District 15 selection for four years, All-Heart of America Conference First Team selection for three years, and second team selection for one year. Gary also received great success on the wrestling mat as well. Stew made his college playing debut for the cream and crimson. She is currently in her 18th year of teaching in Stockton, California. En route to those 13 interceptions, Martin picked off Tom Stine of Central Methodist University five times, halting the offense that still holds an NAIA record of highest average gain per completion. He is currently the voice of the Texas Rangers. Both of Robs parents attended Graceland. Neumann resides in Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband, Ed, and their two daughters, Malia and Kanoelani. Stan and Julie have two children: Shane, 27 and Rashawn, 21. return to top. return to top, Charlie Seefeldt was a remarkable defensive player for the Yellowjacket football team from 1980-1983. He earned letters in both sports at the university and was voted Captain and selected all conference on the baseball team his senior year. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Weldon himself was captain of the Iowa track team and a two-time winner in the javelin at the Drake and Kansas relays. Dr. Collins graduated from Graceland College in 1963 with a B.A. Playing both tight end and tackle for the Bruins, he went on to play on the undefeated National Championship team as well as facing Michigan State in the 1955 Rose Bowl. In the meantime, she taught English, history and girls physical education at Lamoni High School until 1930. In 1994, Coach Hughes retired from coaching after 23 years. For this performance, the NAIA recognized Seefeldt with national player of the week honors. She is enlisted in the military and is completing her final year of nursing school. One of the most outstanding performances was in the 1962 Graceland Relays. Hailing from Central Lyon High School in northwest Iowa, this small-town girl had yet to reveal her potential. 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. Jeff Criswell - Wikipedia in Community Counseling from Adams State College, followed by a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Counsel from Idaho State University in 2001. In 1975, he joined the Graceland Football Staff as a volunteer coach during which time he has coached quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. Ross served as the head football coach at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas from 2002 to 2003 and Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri from 2004 to 2016. Martin has been married to Nancy (Class of '79) for 34 years and they have two children, Rebecca and Tyler. Gary was named District Coach of the Year in 1972 for his work with the wrestling program at Lee's Summit.