Sports

NAIA and AMC Recognize Another McKendree Baseball Player

The McKendree baseball team has had an impressive season and has gained the second seed in the AMC tournament. The team has an overall record of 28-22 and has one team member who has been setting some major records. Junior Calvin O'Rear, who is new to McKendree this year, was recently named as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Region V Player of the Week. On top of that, O'Rear was also recognized by the American Midwest Conference, along with Joey Ullery who was the AMC pitcher of the week. O'Rear broke a McKendree team record when he hit his twenty-first home run of the season. O'Rear, who sports the number 22, has ended up with that many homers going into the post-season.

The team has also looked to key seniors Brandon Melliere, who follows O'Rear with nine home runs and Chris Bellm who has hit four home runs after battling back from an injury. Senior Todd Harpstrite had an impressive showing against the SIUE Cougars where he hit a home run in the first inning and also played impressively at third base and had a sacrifice fly. More

Women's Tennis Senior Day Cancelled...But Headed to Nationals

Two McKendree University seniors won't have the opportunity to wave goodbye and bow out gracefully at home because the rain poured down this spring, but they will have the chance to compete against the highest level of competition to end their careers.

On March 21, the women's tennis team was scheduled to make their home debut, honor two athletes on Senior Day and play their final home match of the spring 2008 season. Mother Nature had different plans though.

Weather permitting has often been the fine print this season and has left a sore subject for two seniors. Kelly Beiermann and Sara Johnson didn't get the opportunity to compete on their own home court during their final season of play. More

Bearcat Basketball: Active in the Off Season

As you may know, both the women and men's Bearcat's basketball teams recently wrapped up a couple of great seasons. The women made it all the way to the first round of the NAIA National Championship, while the men competed through the second round of the NAIA Division I Tournament. Although their seasons might be over, the work doesn't stop for these two teams. The teams must be in top physical condition when the season starts; the only way to do that is by a lot of hard work and practice during the off season.

According to junior Julie Garrison, the women's team has already started scrimmage games for practice, less than a month after the season ended. "It is important to stick with it in the off season," said Garrison. She added, "We have to stay disciplined, stay in shape, and that requires practice." Head coach, Melissa Ringhausen said the women will also be playing on Sunday evenings over the summer. More