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. Tom Nowlin coached five sports in more than 41 years while working at Graceland University. Graceland's football games were played at North Park and the bean field by the Administration Building was used for practice. His teams have also earned sectional titles and conference titles during his tenure. In 1959 she began her Graceland career as an instructor of physical education for women at Graceland. The Coal Valley, Illinois, native attended Graceland from 1991-95, graduating with a bachelor's degree in social science. in Community Counseling from Adams State College, followed by a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Counsel from Idaho State University in 2001. One of the most decorated athletes in school history, Dudek was a four-time All-Conference, three-time All-District and two-time First Team All-State performer for LHS. She notes that, not only was she individually successful in her races, but the team as a whole was able to flourish. He brought home district titles in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008. At Graceland, she competed in field hockey, basketball, track and softball. A.R. In 1978 he was both a HAAC all-conference and all-district player. From 1987 to 2000, he was an assistant coach for the football team. Three of his teams have made the jump to the NAIA National Championships finishing 9th (1986), 5th (1993) and 9th (2002) respectively. Meet 2020 Draft Prospect: Andre Bird-Pierre, DL, Graceland University Stew made his college playing debut for the cream and crimson. He was additionally honored by being selected the most valuable defensive lineman by his teammates. The Canadian backstop maintained his power in all four years, belting six home runs in each season for a total of 24. Erwin also excelled in football, earning All-Heart of America Conference Honorable mention honors his sophomore year. Acosta was selected as the runner up for conference MVP as a senior and that year also was selected to the All-American Second Team (after an Honorable Mention in 2001-2002), Graceland's first ever women's basketball All-American. Jennie's accolades were numerous. Stew has directed in excess of 300 camps over the years. It was obvious to those that knew her, that Pam possessed the mental and physical skills, which would allow her continued success at the collegiate level. "Doc" Gamet and his wife, Bernice, have two children: James and Onalee. Hal, who has a deep passion for the Community of Christ, conducted prayers before practices and games for all of his athletic teams. As a senior, her earned All-district 15, All-Heart of America Conference and Honorable Mention All-American honors. In addition, he has developed high school and college leader of NAIA/AAU wrestlers and trips to Japan and Korea. Parker was a starting two-way lineman earning accolades for his stellar play. 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). She received First Team All-Conference and MVP/CO-MVP team honors her sophomore, junior and senior years. He finished his Graceland career as a two-time All-American, a three-time MAIVA Conference MVP, three-time MVP of major tournaments, and he served two seasons as a captain for the Yellowjackets. Skinner was the team co-captain for the Yellowjackets both his junior and senior years. 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. return to top, Dr. Barney C. Parker attended Graceland College from 1952-1953 and 1956-1958 interrupted by military service during the Korean War. 2022 Graceland University Yellowjackets Schedule | ESPN Jackie made an immediate impact in both volleyball and softball. Moving uptown to Graceland College in 1991, Billy was an immediate hit for the Jacket baseball team. Always active in the community, Russ served as an elder in the Community of Christ Church, and as financial officer for the Scammon, Kansas congregation. As a freshman at Graceland in 1973-1974, Christel placed in the AIAW National meet held in Denton, Texas. Pam was a solid contributor at each. He continued this career as a successful high school athletic director, football and basketball coach. Originally an 800 meter specialist, she was advised to participate in cross country to condition for track. return to top. For this performance, the NAIA recognized Seefeldt with national player of the week honors. 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. 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. Gary won numerous medals as a member of relay teams anchored by Hall of Fame member Rich Simmons. In all, Brunner has given Graceland over 49,000 hours of his time and energy. She earned National Champion honors that season in the mile, besting the field with a 4:55. Later, in the U.S. Army, he played football while stationed in Germany. . in Physical Education from the University of Central Missouri. MMA. During his four years on the "Hill" he was a member of the basketball, football, golf and track teams. 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. He has coached two AFCA All-Americans, a Remington Award Winner (best Center in NAIA) and 18 All-Conference players. NBA. return to top, Jennie (Howard) Joyce began her career at Graceland College in 1986 as the only freshman on the varsity team. 2022 NCAA Football Standings. He also earned a M.S. In 1970, he was inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame. A powerful force at the net in both offense and defense, Teri graduated with 407 total blocks, presently standing as Graceland's third all-time blocker. Dever continues to be successful athletically. Jerry and his wife Celia own an antique shop and furniture refinishing business in Independence, MO. She remains one of the finest players to ever play for Head Coach Stew McDole. Dr. Rae is one of a select few outstanding investigators in biomedical to receive the MERIT Award from the National Institutes of health. 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 Idaho Statesman editorial board; and a Municipal Bond Specialist underwriting Idaho local government tax exempt bonds for schools, cities, counties and other local government agencies for two decades. In Team USA's game against the Dutch, Dava accumulated 16 strikeouts in the victory. She met Eugene E. Closson while they were students at Graceland and got married in the summer of 1927. He has continued to participate in athletics by coaching baseball and basketball at the high school and college levels inn Missouri and Kansas. Kristy quickly made her mark in Graceland history. His statically abilities certified his as a USVBA National Volleyball Scorekeeper in 1986 Rod's abilities have located him abroad in the world of volleyball. In this role he developed an eight team youth and adult club program that competed in USA Volleyball settings. 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. Since 1967, Rod has served as Graceland Men's Volleyball Head Coach and has established a lifetime winning record of 833 wins to a mere 400 losses giving him a .676 percentage. In 1995, Jeff signed with the Kansas City Chiefs where he played until his retirement in 1999. Lamoni, IowaJoined March 2022 451Following 184Followers Tweets Tweets & replies Media Likes Graceland Uni Flag Football's Tweets Pinned Tweet In his final season, he averaged 22.3 points/game and 15 rebounds. Through her children, Teri has returned to the court as a coach, passing along her hard-won experience to the next generation. return to top. She graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in Physical Education and Biology. As a Co-Captain of the team in 1964, Gary finished the season ninth in the nation in rushing. Currently, Lester is the Director of Athletics at Rochester Community and Technical College. In their third year, the team won fifteen of their sixteen conference games as well as the conference title. He was also named Iowa Section PGA Champion in 1986, Iowa Player of the Year, and Golf Professional of the Year by PGA in 1989. Christel finished fifth in the 200 meter run and fourth in the long jump. Coach Joe Kegler, his basketball coach from Bakersfield High School and Graceland College's Dick Carter who he felt taught him the most in terms of fundamentals and effort. Graceland Hires Patrick Ross to Lead Football Program After leaving Graceland, McKain was a coach and teacher at the University Northern Colorado from 1966-88. Stew served 10 years on the national board of directors of USA volleyball where in 1991 he was chosen as one of the five elected officers of the association. in Social Studies and Education 67). He has been successful in the construction industry, however his greatest joy comes from his family: five children and four grandchildren. Gamet has been active with Graceland athletics throughout his adult life. F1. Jennie (Howard) Joyce began her career at Graceland College in 1986 as the only freshman on the varsity team. 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. 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. In outdoor track that year she broke her own record in the 1500m and set new school records in the mile, 3K, and the Sprint Medley, as well as running qualifying marks in the 1500m, 3K, and the 4x800. "Willie Gilbert was born in Weility, Kansas, in 1899. In 1994, Coach Hughes retired from coaching after 23 years. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. He compiled a brilliant dual match record of 46-2-1 and took 4th place in the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament. He later played professional baseball for three years with the St. Louis Organization. She also narrowly missed the Olympic trials. Prior to Grand View, Pilcher was the head coach at Nevada and Louisa-Muscatine High Schools for three seasons. In her post-high school career, Verneda's high jumping took her across the world to compete on behalf of her country. Clayton co-coached the Wyandotte Basketball Team to the Kansas State Championship. In the process, he earned an M.S. in Social Work from Graceland in 1979. degree in Business Administration. Erwin was also an active member of the Black Student Union for four years at Graceland. Charting the Progress & Development of College Football Players Since 2001 Twitter: Draft . He was a four-time MIVA All-Conference recipient, two-time All-American and a National Championship Most Valuable Player. He joined the Graceland Staff in 1959 and retired in 1973, faculty emeritus. Jeff grew up in the small town of Searsboro, Iowa (population 164). In 1994, Coach Hughes retired from coaching after 23 years. Kaleikau has over 40 years of volleyball involvement as a player, coach and administrator. She also runs in many 5k and 10k races. In addition to coaching wrestling, Coach Frain has coached baseball, track, and football at various high schools around Iowa. Although Jackie made her mark in volleyball, what she did in softball was every bit as remarkable. Stew represented the NAIA on the board of the American Volleyball Coaches Association for 17 years and was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2003. Vikings Football Set to Host No. William "Duke" Dudek, a 1965 graduate holds Graceland record of 13 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. 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 1981 he finished third in the nation in individual total offence with 259.8 yards per game and third in the nation in individual passing offence averaging 258 yards an outing. Strait, who taught at Lamoni Elementary School was killed in a small plane crash on March 3, 1972.
return to top, Syd came to Graceland College in 1984, from Stamford, Connecticut, and made an immediate and lasting impact on the football team. As a freshman she held the conference strikeout record and posted a 14-3 record as a pitcher. As a junior , the Yellowjackets set the school record for victories with 27. Adam Rittenberg weighs in on Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC in 2024.. She qualified for the U.S Track and Field Championships four separate years: 1990, 1993, and 1994 in the Long Jump and 1993, 1994, 1995 in the Heptathlon. Bingham graduated from Graceland College in 1989 with a B.A. Her senior season, Kristy overcame an extreme case of anemia and earned a spot for Nationals. return to top, Linda Louise Rowe graduated from Graceland in 1976 with a B.A. 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. Both his junior and senior years, Seefeldt was recognized as the team's most valuable player. return to top. His men's track team won numerous Heart of America Athletic Conference championships. Following a four-year term as the Executive Vice-President (1988-1992) of the United States Volleyball Association, Jerry's involvement in volleyball culminated when he was elected President in 1992. 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 also directed the swim meet for Graceland Spectacular for 30 consecutive years." The Jackets also placed second at 12 tournaments and third at six. Connie received his B.A. Indiana-Bloomington was the next stop on the academic trail where he completed a Master's (1967) and ultimately a Doctorate (1977) in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies. In April 1972, he met the Olympic qualifying standard at the Drake Relays and finished 10th in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. MMA. He and his wife Robin have one son, Nathan Robert. He is still ranked in the top 20 on the Iowa High School's all-time scoring list. Bob Dever attended Graceland from 1967-1971 excelling in both Cross-Country and Wrestling. Mrs. Joyce and her husband, Tom, have one daughter, Alyssa. A.R. She taught physical education in Grandview, Texas from 1987 to 1989, played on the U.S. Air Force traveling basketball team 1988-89; and since 1989 has been teaching at Holden Missouri, High School where she coaches volleyball and assists with basketball and track. His statically abilities certified his as a USVBA National Volleyball Scorekeeper in 1986 Rod's abilities have located him abroad in the world of volleyball. He was also a first team All-American defensive selection his junior and senior years. Bingham showed great skill and exceptional leadership ability's a freshman and was elected by his teammates to serve as defensive captain in his sophomore year. He had 267 steals in his career, including 118 in his senior season in 2005. In this role he developed an eight team youth and adult club program that competed in USA Volleyball settings. For his efforts, Darrell received the 2008 NFHS Coaches Association Iowa "Wrestling Coach of the Year" award and the ICOA 2A "Wrestling Coach of the Year" award, and is the six time winner of the 2AA Southwest Iowa District "Wrestling Coach of the Year" award. Seefeldt is best known around the football department for his game on September 18, 1982, when he had 17 tackles, nine take downs, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two sacks and two knockdowns. Jon Pilcher enters his fourteenth year coaching for Grand View football. He swiped 35 bases in 36 attempts despite playing a limited schedule for the Jackets. In 1998 C.R. Phyllis O'Daniels is a strong supporter of the total athletic program at Graceland University. Also a fine defender behind the plate, Jones finished his career with a .983 fielding percentage, recording 790 putouts and 140 assists. Alphie Fulton came to Graceland College in 1975 as a center for the Yellowjacket football program. His overall college coaching record is 94-52-5; his career record is 141-56-6.
return to top, L.R "Rod" Schall was a 1950 graduate of Graceland College. While at Graceland, Hughes captained the field hockey team and was very active in the Women's Recreation Association. [2] Criswell attended Lynnville-Sully High School and Graceland University. He was the third recipient of the NAIA Outstanding Alumnus Award. She is currently in her 18th year of teaching in Stockton, California. Eastern New Mexico University was his next stop, and his teams were ranked in the NAIA Top 20 for four consecutive years. Welch retired in 1985, faculty emerita. As a pitcher, she held an outstanding 1.23 earned run average. He has since become very active in the Professional Golf Association (PGA). Throughout his career, Seefeldt was a two-time NAIA All-American, District 15 linebacker and first team all-conference player. Stew coached the Leatherneck men's volleyball club often facing off with the Yellowjackets in league championships. In 1994, Dr. Parker was presented the Graceland College Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. The left-handed lead-off hitter extraordinaire was an on base machine for Graceland, pestering opponents with grinding plate appearances and then running with virtual impunity once between the sacks. NFL Officials Ed Hochuli, Tony Steratore, Terry McAulay . She ended her collegiate career outdoors with new school records in the 3K and the 5K. Ralph L. Strait made the news as a star runner at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. After the 1980 Olympics, Davies returned to Australia and played 10 seasons in Australias National Basketball League (NBL), where he played 252 games. Hal is a 1952 graduate of Graceland and played fullback on the football team and threw the javelin in track. Martin has been married to Nancy (Class of '79) for 34 years and they have two children, Rebecca and Tyler. Kristy quickly made her mark in Graceland history. February 07, 2023 . 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. After graduation, Gadberry went on to pursue a degree in the fire service. Dever capped off an outstanding career by finishing second at the 1971 NAIA National Tournament and earning a place on the NAIA All-American Team. After an adolescence with every spare hour spent in the Graceland gym, future as a Yellowjacket was not a matter of chance, but a matter of destiny. In 1957, Parker was elected co-captain and earned NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. Rodeo Sat, Sep. 10. Since completing graduate school, Dr. Hutchins was selected teacher of the year in 1985 and was elected Region Coach of the Year for Track and Field in 1986. 2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Andre Bird-Pierre, DL, Graceland University Damond Talbot May 27, 2019 0 12 3 minutes read Andre Bird-Pierre of Graceland University is a solid pass rusher with great moves and quickness. Wendi's outstanding performance in 1990 earned her the honor being named the Most Outstanding Female Athlete for the National Meet. Darrell's abilities in football allowed him to successfully co-captain the team in his junior and senior years. One season her "A" and "B" team earned a combined record of 40-0. Wessel also notched her second NAIA All-American award. After two years, Tom moved on to Southern Utah University. He came to Graceland in 1982 and was a 4-year starter for the Yellowjackets as an offensive lineman. NBA. 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. Collins was honored as an All-Conference football player his junior year. He has conducted professional golf workshops for various golf clubs and for non-profit organizations. As a Yellowjacket he was named All-American in football and baseball, and won the Rawlings "Big Stick" Award as one of the top three hitters in American Collegiate Baseball. He ran in four events for a total of three mile, winning the mile at 4:15.2 and anchoring three winning relay events. Along with teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Gary Collins, Auxier's exploits helped to cement the Yellowjackets as a perennial wrestling power for the rest of the decade. Her junior year she broke Graceland's school records indoors in all distances from the 1000m to the 5K and 4x800, also qualifying for Nationals in those events. Mr. Sherman served as a pilot for the U.S Navy and for TWA. Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. An end on the gridiron and post player on the court, he excelled at both sports. In his junior year, Chaz received the Doc Hughes Defensive Player of the Game award for his stellar execution in the 1982 homecoming football game. To match all of Sydney's athletic accolades, he added class both off and on the field. A 1967 graduate of Central Decatur High School in Leon, Iowa, Russell Harney migrated a few miles south to continue his athletic career in college at Graceland. After a hiatus from softball her sophomore year, Dava finally made her way to Graceland University where she double-majored in Physical Education and Wellness Management while minoring in Health and Coaching. The multi-sport high school athlete had already won accolades as an all-conference player in both football and basketball. At NWMSU he coached many All-Americans including two NCAA Division II national champions and won several team conference championships. She was named a three-time all-conference player, earning second team once and first team twice. After his playing days were over Rupe got his first job teaching physical education and health as well as coaching at Wayne Community Schools in Corydon, IA. 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. 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. Always a renaissance man, Auxier was a higher education instructor and mentor for thirteen years, a graphic artist for sixteen years, and spent four years as a mental health counselor. Throughout her time on the team, Graceland won 11 tournaments, including three Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament titles. Gary entered Graceland College in 1958 with no high school football or wrestling experience. As a senior, he was awarded the silver seal for excellence in athletic achievements. Christel still holds the South Iowa Cedar League records in the 100 meter sprint and long jump, as well as the H-L-V high school records. Other school records include most career three pointers made (301) and a career free throw percentage of 85.5%. The 1965 and 1966 co-ed tennis team was undefeated in conference play and won the conference tournament. He continued this career as a successful high school athletic director, football and basketball coach. He is currently the voice of the Texas Rangers. And she accomplished the feat again in the 400 meter hurdles as well as becoming the national champion in the Long Jump and Heptathlon in 1990. When Pam came to Graceland in 1977, her impact was immediate as a standout in basketball under Head Coach Jean McKinze. Gray led his squad while being named captain for the 1990 and 1991 season and lettered three years, manning the outside linebacker/defensive end position. As a team, the women finished the AIAW Regional Track & Field Championships in second place. 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. in business administration. In volleyball, she stared as a freshman; received All-Conference, All-District, and All-Tournament honors the next three years; and finished her senior year with an All-American nomination on a team the placed ninth in the nation. Gilbert signed a personal note for lights for the field. He was one of two recipients of the "Studentship Medal" in 1958 given infrequently and at the time the highest level of recognition given to outstanding student scholar/athletes for their contribution to the campus community. After getting used to the game, Thomas and some companions from the YMCA formed a club called the Chicago Rebels. Bruch's accolades began his junior year when he was an All-Heart of America Conference quarterback. Verneda remained active in volleyball after her Olympic experience. Jerry is only the 24th person in the USA Volleyball's 67 year history to be honored with this prestigious award. He has taken part in volleyball activities in Bulgaria, Japan, and Italy and other countries. Since then he has established himself as a highly respected sports commentator, television personality, actor, producer, commercial spokesperson, auto racer, and as a dedicated supporter of organizations such as the Special Olympics and American Diabetes Association. He went on to obtain a PhD from the University of Utah in 1972. He also helped to supervise the renovation of the baseball, football, softball, and locker room facilities. NFL. Graceland University Yellowjackets Roster NCAAF News What does early departure of Texas, Oklahoma mean for Big 12? She placed 4th among all NAIA runners in the country - the highest ranking of a Graceland cross country athlete to date. Eskridge was later named equipment manager and purchasing agent for the Dallas Cowboys football team, a position he held for 13 years. He lettered in football, basketball, track and golf as received All-State honors in football as a quarterback. He founded Merle Harmon's Fan Fair a nationwide chain of over 100 sports gift shops. She graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in Physical Education and Biology. Dever capped off an outstanding career by finishing second at the 1971 NAIA National Tournament and earning a place on the NAIA All-American Team. Skinner took a one year break from law enforcement and enjoyed teaching for one year at North Harrison High School in Eagleville, Missouri, as a history teacher and boys' basketball coach. For her many accomplishments on these teams, Phyllis was awarded with the Graceland Seal for Athletics in May of 1965. Benda had been away from the sport for two years and was out of shape but realized how much she missed the game. Jennie proclaims that one of her greatest accomplishments is becoming a mother and wife. She was one of 12 children, 11 of whom attended Graceland College. Graceland University Yellowjackets Roster | ESPN Additionally, Dr. Hutchins held the record in both the indoor and outdoor iterations of the triple jump, high jump and long jump, and still owns the record for the outdoor version of the last at 24 feet, 4.5 inches. Graceland Hall of Fame track coach Betty Welch called '77 AIAW meet, "The highlight of my coaching career.". Thompson remained active with the Yellowjackets and was assistant offensive line coach from 1980-1982. He was named District 15 Wrestling Coach of the Year twice, and 1986 District 15 Tennis Coach of the Year.