Oskaloosa–William Penn University continues to be a Champion of Character as the NAIA announced its 2015-2016 list of Five-Star institutions.

William Penn is one of 171 institutions that were recognized by the NAIA.  The Statesmen earned Bronze status, while Blue Mountain (Miss.) and Columbia (S.C.) led all NAIA schools with 95 points each (out of 100).  A total of 81 schools were in the Bronze category.

Nine Heart of America Athletic Conference institutions made the Five-Star list; the Heart was also named a Five-Star conference.

Depending on the institution’s point tally, it was designated for one of three groups (Gold–90-100 points; Silver–75-89 points; Bronze–60-74 points).  Points were collected in the following areas: Character Training (67%), Character Recognition (17%), Academic Focus (8%), and Character Promotion (8%).  All recipients will be recognized on the NAIA’s COC website as well as receive a special web banner for their own site and a paper certificate depicting their honor and designation.

William Penn’s athletic programs make a conscious effort to demonstrate the Champions of Character’s five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Sportsmanship.

William Penn has excelled in the COC program, having received five Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Region VII or MCC awards (2005-2008, 2010), claiming Region VII/MCC/Heart Coach of Character honors in 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2015, and obtaining Champions of Character Team awards for women’s golf (2012, 2014) and women’s indoor track and field (2013).

For a complete list of all the COC institutions, click here

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen volleyball squad made easy work of Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) Tuesday to collect its first victory of the young season, winning 3-0 in non-conference action.

WPU (1-4), which won by scores of 25-15, 25-17, 25-17, narrowly outhit the Trojans (0-1) by a margin of .069-.062.

The navy and gold kept the visitors in its rearview nearly all match, though, by posting 13 aces and being the recipient of 12 H-LG service errors; overall, the team was a combined +19 at the service line.

The Statesmen faced just one deficit all night, at 2-1 in the opening set.  With the score still tied at four, William Penn tallied six straight and was never threatened in taking the 1-0 advantage.

Claire Simmons (So., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) recorded four of her six aces in the first set; she also managed six kills in the victory.

The hosts rolled through the second round and despite leading only 18-16 late in the final set, finished strong to post the sweep.

Nesreen Iskandrani (Fr., Lawrence, Kan., History/Government) and Shawni Wills (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) both matched Simmons with six kills apiece, while Wills also had a pair of block assists.

Kathleen Steffen (So., Vinton, Iowa, Biology) assisted on 12 winners and served up four more points, while Haley Smith (So., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) added nine assists.

Defensively, Ashley Miller (So., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) contributed 14 digs and Lilly Martinez (Jr., Oakland, Calif., Psychology) recorded two solo blocks.

“This was a good win tonight,” Head Coach Jennifer Carlson said.  “The energy was great on the floor and in the gym from our fans.  The ladies executed and got the job done.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Forest City this weekend to compete in the Waldorf Tournament.  On Friday, the Statesmen play Sterling (Kan.) at 4 p.m. and host Waldorf at8 p.m.  On Saturday, WPU faces Central Methodist (Mo.) at 11:30 a.m. and Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) at 1:30 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

The Mahaska Zone Network has announced an adjusted schedule for the Game of the Week in 2016.

In Week 2, the featured game will be PCM at Montezuma. In Week 3, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont will travel to face Chariton (online only).

Also in Week 7, the game featured on the stream only on kboeradio.com will be Centerville at Albia.

After the adjustments, here is the full Game of the Week schedule:

9/2 – PCM at Montezuma

9/9 – Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont at Chariton (stream only)

9/16 – Tri-County at Twin Cedars

9/23 – New London at North Mahaska

9/30 – Lynnville-Sully at Pekin

10/7 – Centerville at Albia (stream only)

10/14 – Cardinal at Montezuma

10/21 – Open date for a matchup with playoff implications

You can see the Game of the Week on kboeradio.com and on the kboeradio YouTube channel. The games can also be heard on 104.9 FM KBOE except the two weeks listed as “stream only.” You can hear and see everything on the KBOE mobile app as well.

Start times for these games is roughly 7 PM, with the pregame starting at 6:30 PM.

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen men’s soccer team did not pepper the opposing goal with many shots, but the ones that were taken were right on target as William Penn defeated Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) 4-1 in non-conference action Tuesday.

While WPU (1-1) was outshot 23-5, that stat is deceiving as play was quite even throughout.  The navy and gold obviously took advantage of those limited opportunities, including a goal just 2:07 into the afternoon.

Anfernee Houston (Fr., Harrisburg, Ill., Kinesiology), who was making his collegiate debut, drove home a pass from Bill Baye (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Physical Education) for the day’s first score.

The Trojans (0-1-1) evened things up in the 32nd minute, but just over four minutes later Houston hooked up with Nenad Markovic (So., Belgrade, Serbia) to give the hosts the lead for good.

Houston tacked on another goal (assist to Markovic) in the 49th minute, and Markovic capped the scoring at the 85:04 mark.  Jeremy Esparza (Sr., Evergreen Park, Ill., Pre-Law) collected the assist on the fourth goal.

Emannuel Esparza (So., Posen, Ill., Physical Education (K-12)) faced 17 shots in the second half, but most were off-line or blocked by a Statesmen defenseman.  The sophomore recorded seven saves in the victory.

“Our guys earned a well-deserved victory today,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said.  “We looked very fast and powerful on the counter attack and it was good to see what we have been learning in practice has come out in a game.  Defensively, we were intense and solid.  This team is very capable of scoring goals, so I am looking forward to when everything comes together.”

“Manny played a terrific game in goal and it was good for the subs to make a good impact as well,” Highcock added.  “A big thank you to all the sports programs and coaches for coming to support us.  We look forward to getting on the road and hopefully bringing back some good results.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to South Bend, Ind. this weekend to compete in the Goshen Tournament.  On Friday, the Statesmen face Goshen (Ind.) at 5 p.m., while on Saturday, WPU takes on Holy Cross (Ind.) at 3 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Here is a recap of all the area sports scores from week one of the High School Football Season:

CLASS 4A

Ottumwa 6, Newton 42

Class 3A

Fairfield 25, Williamsburg 22

South Tama 53, Grinnell 27

Chariton 0, Knoxville 34

Oskaloosa 13, Pella 37

Washington 42, Albia 0

Class 2A

Central Decatur 40, Centerville 18

Davis County 27, Fort Madison 20

Pleasantville 33, EBF 6

Louisa-Muscatine 14, Mid-Prarie 41

Pella Christian 42, PCM 20

Albia 0, Washington 42

Class 1A

Pella Christian 42, PCM 20

Pleasantville 33, EBF 6

Sigourney/Keota 42, Pekin 20

Class A

Montezuma 24, BGM 14

Cardinal 20, Van Buren 0

Colfax-Mingo 0, Lynnville-Sully 56

North Mahaska 6, Belle Plaine 38

Sigourney/Keota 42, Pekin 20

8-Player

English Valleys 12, Melcher-Dallas 42

Moravia 47, Morman Trail 0

Tri-County 0, Lone Tree 66

Twin Cedars 66, Waco 56

Game preview video with Coach Hafner at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSyvGXi4et4

Oskaloosa–A new gridiron season will begin Saturday night as #23 William Penn hosts Missouri Valley in a Heart of America Athletic Conference crossover game.

The Statesmen (7-4 last year, 3-2 North) host the Vikings (6-5 last year, 3-2 South) at Lacey Complex Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

FOLLOW THE STATESMEN: Saturday’s game can also be followed on the internet at:

— (VIDEO & AUDIO) https://portal.stretchinternet.com/wpu/
— (AUDIO) http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/kboe.portal AND radio (KMZN 740 AM)

Live stats will also be available at:

— https://portal.stretchinternet.com/wpu/

The game will have a social media presence as well with updates available on:
— Twitter (@WPUAthletics)
— Facebook (William Penn University Athletics)

SERIES HISTORY: William Penn is 7-0 all-time in its series against Missouri Valley, including winning last year’s game 28-27.

The Statesmen trailed 28-13 early in the third quarter, but WPU scored 22 unanswered to start 2015 with a win.

The squad outgained MVC 427-413 with Tyler Hafner rushing for 92 yards (two scores) and passing for another 82.  Amos Johnson also scored twice.

1960–William Penn, 40-14
1961–William Penn, 35-14
1964–William Penn, 21-7
1965–William Penn, 14-0
1966–William Penn, 26-0
1967–William Penn, 26-19
2015–William Penn, 35-28

WPU ENDED 2015: The Statesmen came up short of a playoff bid in a 26-14 loss to Grand View in the 2015 season finale.

William Penn was outgained 434-237, but was knotted in a scoreless tie at intermission.  The squad cut the deficit to five midway through the fourth quarter only to give up a late score in the loss.

Hafner threw for 149 yards and both touchdowns, while Jatavius Stewart accounted for 139 receiving yards and both scores.

WPU BY THE NUMBERS (2015):

Offense (Team):

Points/Game–37.5

Yards/Game–448.1

Rushing Yards/Game–352.2 (1st in NAIA)

Passing Yards/Game–95.9

Offense (Individual):

Rushing Yards–Tyler Hafner (742)

Passing Yards–Tyler Hafner (909)

Receiving Yards–Jatavius Stewart (660)

Defense (Team):

Points/Game–29.4

Yards/Game–398.0

Rushing Yards/Game–112.9 (10th in NAIA)

Passing Yards/Game–285.1

Defense (Individual):

Tackles–Isaac Samek (86)

Sacks–Cameron Colbert (3)

Interceptions–Two players (4)

Special Teams (Individual):

Punting Avg.–Aaron Allen (34.5)

Kicking–Samson Tamijani (48-53 XP, 4-6 FG) (60 pts)

Return Yards–Jatavius Stewart (457) (26.9 kickoff return avg.)

MISSOURI VALLEY ENDED 2015: The Vikings fell 16-13 to MidAmerica Nazarene in the season finale.

MVC led 13-6 early in the third quarter, but could not hold onto the lead.  The squad was outgained 395-230, including being limited to 87 rushing yards.  The Vikings stayed close by forcing four turnovers.

Dominic Hill passed for 136 yards, while Jakari Johnson had 71 rushing yards.

MISSOURI VALLEY BY THE NUMBERS (2015):

Offense (Team):

Points/Game–29.9

Yards/Game–442.6

Rushing Yards/Game–223.4

Passing Yards/Game–219.3

Offense (Individual):

Rushing Yards–Elliott Hawkins (1,037)

Passing Yards–Joseph Muriel (1,040)

Receiving Yards–Dorian Stanard (582)

Defense (Team):

Points/Game–26.9

Yards/Game–324.6

Rushing Yards/Game–187.4

Passing Yards/Game–137.3 (1st in NAIA)

Defense (Individual):

Tackles–Kyrton Kilgore (74)

Sacks–Kyrton Kilgore (6.5)

Interceptions–Terrence Hollins-White (2)

Special Teams (Individual)

Punting Avg.–Desi Villanueva (42.4 avg.) (2nd in NAIA)

Kicking–Desi Villanueva (37-42 XP, 4-12 FG) (49 pts)

Return Yards–Darrian Turk (537)

SATURDAY’S TWO-DEEPS:

WILLIAM PENN OFFENSE
QB
17-Eric Cooper, 6-2, 175, Jr.

2-Van Parker, 5-10, 180, Sr.

RB
21-Jon Ward, 5-8, 187, Sr.

5-Christian Williams, 5-9, 180, Sr.

RB
26-Carl Sivels, 6-0, 190, Jr.

23-Jesse Bade, 5-11, 172, So.
FB
47-Nate VanVeldhuizen, 5-11, 210, So.

44-Lyle Jennings, 6-0, 235, Jr.
WR
1-Desmond Douglas, 5-11, 190, Sr.

11-Jeremiah Benson, 6-0, 180, Fr.

WR
80-Tyler Phillips, 5-10, 178, So.

81-Tyler Wood, 6-0, 180, Fr.

TE
89-Trey Bennett, 5-11, 210, So.

65-Rafael Belman, 5-11, 220, Fr.
LT
70-Nick Jackson, 6-2, 260, So.

75-Sam Mosiman, 6-2, 270, So.

LG
60-Joe Reschman, 5-10, 270, So.

52-JaNathian Parrish, 6-2, 250, Fr.

C
54-Sione Mafua, 5-9, 255, Fr.

61-Tyler Hern, 6-2, 230, Fr.

RG
63-Beau Picard, 6-1, 270, So.

76-Haydn Stender, 6-1, 250, Fr.

RT
53-Hunter Dailey, 6-0, 240, So.

66-Charles Nelson, 6-1, 230, Fr.

K

10-Samson Tamijani, 5-8, 145, So.

92-Hunter Behm, 6-2, 215, Fr.

HOLDER

81-Tyler Wood, 6-9, 180, Fr.
18-Hunter Anfinsen, 6-1, 190, So.
KR

1-Desmond Douglas, 5-11, 190, Sr.
7-Antonio Brown, 6-0, 175, Sr.

PR

1-Desmond Douglas, 5-11, 190, Sr.
7-Antonio Brown, 6-0, 175, Sr.

WILLIAM PENN DEFENSE
DE
55-Cooper Gosch, 6-2, 230, So.

51-Derek Robinson, 6-2, 240, Jr.

N
90-Hunter Barry, 6-0, 275, Sr.

96-Azia Seei, 5-10, 250, So.

DE
59-Anthony Jackson, 6-3, 240, So.

95-Resean Coleman, 6-4, 240, Fr.

LB
41-Jake Baptiste, 6-0, 200, Jr.

6-Clive Manuao, 5-11, 215, Fr.

LB
31-Mason Wisse, 5-11, 190, So.

29-Austin Cox, 5-8, 178, Sr.

LB
9-LeeAndre Fisher, 6-0, 205, Jr.

39-Pedro Quiroz, 6-0, 180, Fr.

LB
36-Aaron Allen, 5-10, 200, Jr.

38-Justin Beener, 5-11, 180, So.

CB
7-Antonio Brown, 6-0, 175, Sr.

16-Ray Watson, 5-10, 185, Jr.

CB
3-Dajon Shaw, 6-1, 182, Jr.

14-Nate Deadmond, 6-0, 145, Fr.

FS
8-Walter Eastwood, 5-9, 200, Jr.

19-Winston Green, 6-0, 210, Jr.

SS
27-Kyle Baldassarre, 5-10, 185, So.

24-Josh Vasquez, 6-0, 175, Fr.

PUNTER

36-Aaron Allen, 5-10, 200, Sr.

81-Tyler Wood, 6-0, 180, Fr.
LONGSNAPPER

97-Cody Brigham, 6-1, 210, Sr.

53-Hunter Dailey, 6-0, 220, So.

MISSOURI VALLEY OFFENSE
QB
11-Dakota Collins, 6-0, 200, Jr.

17-Joe Muriel, 6-1, 205, So.

RB
10-Kenny Sanford, 5-9, 195, Fr.

28-David Robinson, 5-9, 157, Fr.

WR
3-Jacoby Bellard, 5-10, 180, Sr.

81-Davon Henry, 5-7, 173, Jr.

WR
14-Ch’von Richardson, 5-11, 167, Sr.

22-Raysean Parker, 6-1, 191, So.

WR
4-Dorian Stanard, 6-2, 178, Jr.

12-Khalil Smith, 5-11, 158, Fr.

TE
88-Joe Young, 6-3, 252, Sr.

35-Cody Hendricks, 6-0, 238, Sr.

LT
78-Jay Atherton, 6-4, 265, Fr.

79-Braxton Willis, 6-2, 260, So.

LG
56-Brendan Latham, 6-0, 275, So.

72-Josh Murtaugh, 6-1, 262, Jr.

C
62-Troy Jones, 6-0, 248, So.

63-Tate Greifonor, 6-1, 240, Fr.

RG
74-Brandon McDonald, 6-1, 282, Fr.

66-Thomas Payne, 6-3, 317, Fr.

RT
76-Anasi Sotoa, 6-3, 320, Jr.

53-Akinola Osata, 6-2, 283, Sr.

PK

16-Austin Johnson, 5-11, 161, So.

39-Aaron Baum, 6-2, 231, Fr.

HOLDER
3-Jacoby Bellard, 5-10, 180, Sr.

11-Dakota Collins, 6-0, 200, Jr.

KR
4-Dorian Stanard, 6-2, 178, Jr.

10-Kenny Sanford, 5-9, 195, Fr.

PR
81-Davon Henry, 5-7, 173, Jr.

3-Jacoby Bellard, 5-10, 180, Sr.

MISSOURI VALLEY DEFENSE
DE
98-Justin Aguilar, 6-3, 253, Jr.

54-Myles Campbell, 6-2, 225, Fr.

DE
99-Nate Higgins, 6-5, 242, Jr.

93-Torenzo Vereen, 6-3, 220, So.

N
44-Kyrton Kilgore, 6-1, 305, Jr.

97-Jeff Desir, 5-11, 292, Jr.

LB
42-Elliott Souter, 5-8, 235, So.

45-Patrick Overby, 5-10, 185, So.

LB
55-Dillon Babb, 6-1, 266, Jr.

32-Jake King, 6-1, 200, Jr.

LB
6-Stephen Thayer, 5-9, 202, Sr.

19-Cedric O’Hara, 5 -10, 206, Sr.

LB
2-Ricky Williams, 5-11, 204, Sr.

27-Taylor Palade, 6-2, 205, Jr.

S
7-John Battle, 6-1, 192, Jr.

30-Justin Gallagos, 5-11, 190, Sr.

S
5-Nate Desemone, 5-11, 197, Jr.

8-Antoine Palmer, 5-11, 192, Jr.

CB
9-Juhwan Cassidy, 5-11, 186, Jr.

20-Chaun Smith, 5-7, 150, Fr.

CB
21-Stephan Seals, 5-9, 170, Sr.

33-DeShaun Osbourne, 5-10, 185, Fr.

PUNTER
39-Aaron Baum, 6-2, 231, Fr.

16-Austin Johnson, 5-11, 161, So.

LONGSNAPPER
46-Nik Fields, 5-11, 243, So.

50-Gerald Payoute, 5-10, 200, Fr.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Preview video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtuGQnEHxm0

2015-2016 Heart Finish: 4th of 11
Letterwinners returning/lost: 5/4

Notable returners:
Frederik Lundsgaard      Jr.        Jebjerg, Denmark
(Letterwinner, 75.8 avg., low of 71)
Brandon Dizon              Sr.        San Leandro, Calif.
(Letterwinner, 77.5 avg., low of 71)
Clay Tucker                   Sr.        Oskaloosa, Iowa
(Letterwinner, 79.1 avg., low of 75)
Zach Swink                   Sr.        Burlington, Iowa
(Letterwinner, 81.6 avg., low of 76)

Notable Losses:
Spencer Skipper
(All-Heart)
Ben Roberts
(Three-time letterwinner)
Justin Bothma
(Two-time letterwinner)

Notable newcomers:
Zachary Chegmidden     Fr.        England
Skylar Cunningham        So.       Knoxville, Iowa
Sebastian Rulis             Jr.        Denmark
Beau Squires                Sr.        Conrad, Iowa

The Statesmen men’s golf team will look to build off a great inaugural season in its new conference and possibly take another step closer to a league title as it hits the links in 2016-2017.

William Penn placed fourth out of 11 teams at last year’s Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, and Head Coach Steve Tucker has a lot of talent returning.

Frederik Lundsgaard (Jr., Jebjerg, Denmark, History/Government) is at the front of the class with a 75.8 stroke average last year, while Brandon Dizon (Sr., San Leandro, Calif., Sociology) (77.5 avg.), Clay Tucker (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elementary Education) (79.1 avg.), Zach Swink (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Sociology) (81.6 avg.), and Kyle Hashimoto (Sr., Acampo, Calif., Exercise Science) (81.9 avg.) also earned varsity experience last year.

Fellow returners Peter Frederiksen (Jr., Hornslet, Denmark, Mechanical Engineering), Rory Schafer (Jr., Solwezi, Zambia, Mechanical Engineering), Cade Hartman (Jr., Las Vegas, Nev., Business Management), and Bradley Hamilton (So., Earlham, Iowa, Physical Education) will battle several newcomers to bolster the team.

Zachary Chegmidden (Fr., England) and Sebastian Rulis (Jr., Denmark, Business Management) are coming from Europe this fall, while Skylar Cunningham (So., Knoxville, Iowa, History/Government) is venturing just a few miles down Highway 92.  Beau Squires (Sr., Conrad, Iowa, History/Government and Sociology) is also back on the Statesmen roster after years away.

Schedule/Conference

The fall season begins on August 28-29 as WPU hosts the Midwest Intercollegiate Open in Moravia, while seven additional tournaments will fill up the rest of the schedule.  The Statesmen will also host the William Penn 27 Shootout in September and the William Penn Classic in October.  The NAIA Preview, consisting of some of the best teams in the nation, will wrap up the fall.

2015-2016 national qualifiers Grand View and Mount Mercy will likely serve as favorites to claim the Heart crown, but Tucker can envision his program being a real threat next spring.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Omaha, Neb.–A couple of tight sets could have gone the other way, but unfortunately they did not and the William Penn volleyball team came up short against Grace 3-1 in non-conference play Tuesday.

WPU (0-4) fell by scores of 23-25, 18-25, 25-20, 22-25.  The squad was outhit .176-.100, including posting a .135 mark in the second set.

The visitors fought to the bitter end, but failed to overcome 33 attacking errors (both sides tallied 51 kills).  Shawni Wills (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) had an efficient evening, leading the navy and gold with 13 kills and a .346 attack clip.

Savanna Hartman (Sr., Morgan Hill, Calif., Psychology) was also in double figures with 11 winners, while Claire Simmons (So., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) and Lilly Martinez (Jr., Oakland, Calif., Psychology) just missed the mark with nine kills apiece.

Kathleen Steffen (So., Vinton, Iowa, Biology) topped the setting duo with a double-double of 29 assists and 16 digs, while Haley Smith (So., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) added 15 helpers.

Ashley Miller (So., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) paced the defensive effort with 35 digs, while Nesreen Iskandrani (Fr., Lawrence, Kan., History/Government) finished with three block assists.

In addition to her hitting tally, Simmons was also productive at the service line (three aces) and at the defensive net (one solo block, two block assists).

“We are learning, but it is going to take baby steps,” Head Coach Jennifer Carlson said.  “We are making too many errors at this point and that is hurting us as we try to finish games.  We are close, so I know we can do this, but we need to buckle down and continue to remove those unforced errors.”

Next Up: William Penn takes a week off before returning to Oskaloosa for its home opener next Tuesday, hosting Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) in non-conference action at 7 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Preview video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSuNwuvguOs

2015-2016 Heart Finish: 1st of 11
Letterwinners returning/lost: 5/3

Notable returners:
Elise Warne                   So.       Melbourne, Australia
(All-Heart, 82.4 avg., low of 73)
Miranda Keeler              Jr.        Plattsmouth, Neb.
(All-Heart, 83.1 avg., low of 76)
Courtney Cunningham    Sr.        Muskogee, Okla.
(All-Heart, 83.8 avg., low of 76)
Jodi Saito                     Sr.        Mililani, Hawaii
(All-Heart, 83.1 avg., low of 78)
Helene Larsen               So.       Viborg, Denmark
(Letterwinner, 83.9 avg., low of 79)
Brooke Fletcher             Jr.        Atlantic, Iowa
(Letterwinner, 84.0 avg., low of 77)

Notable losses:
Demi Coertze
(Two-time All-America)
Natalie Booton
(Two-time all-conference)
Jing Yang
(Two-time all-conference)

Notable newcomers:
Brittany Evans               Fr.        Fernley, Nevada
Alexis Guimaraes          Fr.        San Ramon, Calif.
Deanna Peiffer              Fr.        Washington, Iowa

With a dynasty being built, the task of reloading and remaining a major player on the national scene awaits the William Penn women’s golf team in 2016-2017.

Three consecutive league crowns, including winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships in their debut season, the Statesmen are primed for even more success this year.  They will, however, have to accomplish this success without their best player as two-time NAIA All-American Demi Coertze has graduated.  Do not fret, though, as Head Coach Nik Rule and his staff did a tremendous job in retention and recruiting.  In addition to a load of returners, a set of strong newcomers should help to produce continued winning ways.

Four all-Heart performers are back on the roster, headlined by Elise Warne (So., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) who owned an 82.4 stroke average in her freshman campaign.  Miranda Keeler (Jr., Plattsmouth, Neb., Communications) (83.1 avg.), Jodi Saito (Sr., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) (83.1 avg.), and Courtney Cunningham (Sr., Muskogee, Okla., Computer Science) (83.8 avg.) earned post-season recognition last season as well and the entire crew will make a formidable quartet at the top of the lineup.

Brooke Fletcher (Jr., Atlantic, Iowa, Business Management), who had an 84.0 stroke average, came on strong at the end of 2015-2016 and will pace another talented quartet who are all poised to fight for varsity slots.  Helene Larsen (So., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) (83.9 avg.) has been outstanding in the preseason and will actually be at the top of the lineup when the season starts.  Megan Rhoads (So., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) (84.7 avg.) and Alyssa Kerry (So., Bend, Ore., Communications) (86.7 avg.) are also expected to improve in their sophomore campaigns.

Fellow returners Jordan Postma (Jr., Marion, Iowa, Biology), Sofie Lund (So., Herning, Denmark, Psychology), Tiffany Duhon (So., Lafayette, La, Elementary Education), and Aramina Flores (Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas, History/Government) will add depth to the program.

The team’s talent pool does not end with the returners as freshmen Brittany Evans (Fernley, Nev.), Deanna Peiffer (Washington, Iowa, Public Accounting), and Alexis Guimaraes (San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) are coming off incredible prep careers and will be in the mix immediately.

The Statesmen host two events as part of a seven-tournament fall schedule, including the Midwest Intercollegiate Open in August and the William Penn Classic in October.  WPU will also leave the state four times to face some of the best teams in the nation.  Odds-on favorites to defend their Heart title, the navy and gold will likely be tested again by perennial contenders Grand View and Baker.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage

Preview video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7YPxeKQnsQ

2015 Heart Finish:8th out of 12
Letterwinners returning/lost: 4/5

Notable returners:
Payton Busch               Sr.        Centerville, Iowa
(Letterwinner, season-best 8K 27:56)
Zack Johnson               Jr.        Decatur, Ill.
(Letterwinner, season-best 8K 28:43)
Garrett Heckman           Jr.        New Virginia, Iowa
(Letterwinner, season-best 8K 28:18)
Cameron Shade            Fr.        Riverdale, Ga.
(Redshirted in 2015)

Notable losses:
Ochaung Akway
(Two-time national qualifier)

Notable newcomers:
Jamal Boma                  Sr.        Des Moines, Iowa
Filmon Bayene              Fr.        Houston, Texas
Mykael Holliman            Fr.        Rockford, Ill.
Terry Jackson               Fr.        Houston, Alaska

Slowly but surely, the Statesmen men’s cross country team is building a contender and the program will look to take another step towards the top in 2016.

William Penn, headed by Sean Gosewisch, finished a disappointing eighth at last year’s Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, but strength is back, including top returner Payton Busch (Sr., Centerville, Iowa, Secondary Education).  The Statesmen will unfortunately have to replace two-time national qualifier Ochaung Akway, which Gosewisch feels is possible with talented newcomer Jamal Boma (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa).

Busch’s top 8K time was 27:56; he finished as high as sixth at the Grand View Invitational.  He will be flanked by two-time letterwinners Zack Johnson (Jr., Decatur, Ill., Mechanical Engineering) and Garrett Heckman (Jr., New Virginia, Iowa, Mechanical Engineering).  They were an interchangeable 3-4 last fall with Johnson posting a top time of 28:43 and Heckman at 28:18.

Cameron Shade (Fr., Riverdale, Ga., Sociology) redshirted a year ago and should be in the mix, while Jeremy Mooney (Sr., Clinton, Iowa, Physical Education) provides the squad with a lot of past experience.  Mooney’s fastest 8K finish is 29:34.

A handful of newcomers will also vie for spots in the top seven, including Filmon Beyene (Fr., Houston, Texas), Mykael Holliman (Fr., Rockford, Ill.), Terry Jackson (Fr., Houston, Alaska, Biology), Robert Rosebud (Fr., Southaven, Miss., Physical Education), and David Williams (Fr., Victor, Iowa, Secondary Education).

Schedule/Conference

The 2016 schedule is identical to 2015 with the Augustana Twilight again serving as the opener on September 2.  The Heart Championships will be hosted by Mount Mercy, therefore basically making the NAIA Seminole Valley Stampede on October 22 a preview meet.  Benedictine and Mount Mercy are favored to be at the top of the standings in November.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage