After high school, Russ moved on to play end for Graceland College in 1952 and 1953 before transferring to UCLA in 1954. 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. 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. In addition to receiving several honors as a Warrior, Alphie participated in the Wool Bowl in Roswell, New Mexico. Graceland University Yellowjackets Schedule 2022 . 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. He ran in four events for a total of three mile, winning the mile at 4:15.2 and anchoring three winning relay events. He is currently teaching in West Columbia, South Carolina, where he has been residing with his wife, Audrey, for the past 20 plus years, and they have an 18 year old daughter, Kristen. Rich amassed a career coaching record of 509-467 in his 40 years of coaching including a Graceland coaching record of 160-298, and has had teams that were ranked nationally. He has served the Graceland community in various ways over the years, dedicating countless hours as the home announcer, the voice of Yellowjacket football, and as the official scorekeeper for Yellowjacket basketball. She was the HAAC Player of the week two times and District #15 Player of the Week once. Dr. Barney Parker has continued his success off the field. Matt Lynch came to Graceland from Mount Ayr, Iowa, where he was a standout local basketball talent. Pam was a solid contributor at each. She Holds an M.S. He went on to obtain a PhD from the University of Utah in 1972. 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. He continued this career as a successful high school athletic director, football and basketball coach. MMA. After leaving Graceland, McKain was a coach and teacher at the University Northern Colorado from 1966-88. Now residing in Des Moines, Iowa Christel is the happy mother of two daughters and a son, and grandmother to four girls. Clayton began his basketball coaching at Graceland in 1966. Dava continued to excel on the field at Culver-Stockton. During his freshman year, Tripp and his teammates were the Heart Basketball Conference Champions, posting an undefeated record at home. As a sophomore and junior, Neumann earned first team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference, first team all-district and the Eastern Iowa Team. Hughes was honored by his teammates again when he was selected the most valuable defensive lineman and was named Honorable Mention All-American. His Willow Lake, South Dakota, High School tams had a two-year 18-1-1 record in football and a 52-30 record in basketball. Originally an 800 meter specialist, she was advised to participate in cross country to condition for track. A right-handed, slugging catcher, Jones was a staple of the Jacket lineup, playing in 160 games in four years in Lamoni. Weldon for turning him into a standout in a wide variety of events. from Central Missouri State University in 1972. 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 is has six children (Courtney, Carinea, Caprica, Conner, Cameron and Cole). In addition to his NAIA success, he played on teams that won over 40 USA Volleyball tournaments in his playing career, many of which occurred after his Graceland playing days were done. Functions, Sorts, Exports & More for more than 25 Major Clients the past 15 Years. 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. He joined the Graceland faculty in 1967 as assistant coach for four sports and became head football coach in 1974. During Christel's junior year, the Graceland track & field team placed second in the AIAW Regional Championship. John David Turner graduated from Graceland in 1964. 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. NCAAF . Join our linker program. 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. As a four-year member of "Weldon's Warriors", Graceland's cross-country team. As a junior , the Yellowjackets set the school record for victories with 27. 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. He returned to Graceland in 1960, after earning his B.A., M.S. Cricket. from Central Missouri State University in 1972. He was named first team Heart of America Athletic Conference and was a first team All-District 15 selection as well. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 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. In her senior year, Wendi was an All-Conference selection as well as an All-District 15 selection. 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. Her professional career was cut short by a knee injury shortly thereafter. His high school football coaching record was 69-8-1; baseball 228-61. return to top, Gary Sage was a member of the football and wrestling teams from 1960 to 1964. While at Graceland, Casey's basketball success continued, making the HAAC All-Conference team three times, two of which were first team honors, and he was also named an NAIA All-American. His mile record of 4:11 still stands as a Graceland record. He returned in 1974-75 to be an assistant basketball coach and to earn a follow-up degree in elementary education. 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. 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. 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. The Laxtons own a financial services company and have two children, Bo and Josie. from Pepperdine College, and an A.A. from Ventura Junior College. Visit ESPN to view the latest Graceland University Yellowjackets news, scores, stats, standings, rumors, and more . In 1979, Pam's second year ever having played the sport, the team scored a record 42 goals-19 of which were credited to Pam. 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. A two-way contributor, Brush played offensive guard and defensive end. Benda left Graceland with lifelong friends and says she is honored to be inducted into the hall of fame. He toured with an All-Star Team called World Basketball Opportunities. As a freshman he started at inside linebackers and was named a second team All-District 15 and a second Team Heart of America Athletic Conference selection. Historical Coaches: Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry, Curly Lambeau . He has been successful in the construction industry, however his greatest joy comes from his family: five children and four grandchildren. Having exited the business world, Clayton returned to teaching and coaching in the Shawnee Mission Schools of Kansas City, Kansas as an assistant for 3 years at East H.S. He has aspirations if running a shelter for abused women and children in the future. As a student before the days of varsity women's athletic teams, Phyllis was a member of the WRA All-Star teams in four sports, including field hockey, basketball, volleyball and softball. Judy taught womens physical education and sponsored the Graceland Womens Recreational Association. It is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. Cochran was also named to the Kansas Wesleyan Hall of Fame. He attended Graceland from 1976 to 1980 and earned his B.A. 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 track and field, Dr. Hutchins credits Hall of Fame coach L.D. Leading the team in triples, runs, hits, on base percentage, and stolen bases, Billy was team MVP, voted a unanimous 1st Team All-Conference selection, and was runner-up HAAC player of the year. return to top, Erwin "E" Houser attended Graceland from 1974-1977 and played football and baseball each year. Tommy DeVito. 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. Then, in 2009, the Lester-led Cardinals went 22-10 and, once again, earned an NCAA post-season berth. He and his wife Diane have also hosted international students and other Graceland students, providing a home away from home for those students who are far from their own homes. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Sydney Bingham maintained high standards of personal conduct and served many teammates and peers as an excellent role model. Over the years, Shelton served four years as an admissions counselor at Graceland recruiting students, and helped establish the Chance Program for students with special needs. Part of Graceland and Lamoni High School lore, Billy Dudek joins his Hall of Fame father, William "Duke" Dudek, and brother Casey on the wall of honor, the bearer of a great athletic dynasty. He is the head football coach at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Football Announced 2023 Spring Schedule. She worked at Queen's Medical Center as a research associate and then as a surgical technician until her retirement in 1996. Ross officially starts immediately and will begin connecting with players and assistant coaches via phone. Harney would be a mainstay for a Graceland team that, during his career, would feature fellow GU Hall-of-Famers Dr. Robert Hutchins and Tom Powell, earning Coach Larche's admiration for his toughness and leadership. After graduating from high school, Alphie attended Indian Hills Community College where he had a decorated junior college career, receiving All-Conference and 1st team All-NJCAA accolades in his sophomore year. Verneda remained active in volleyball after her Olympic experience. In 1971, Peck helped lead the Jackets to a Missouri College Athletic Union Conference title in baseball, with a record of 11-1. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the player. He has won over 300 bgames in baseball, is a two-time Southwest Iowa Class 2A coach of the year and led I-35 to their first ever state playoff appearance in 2004. Darrick married his wife Debbie in 2006, with whom he has two sons, Lachlan and Spencer. The WRC sponsored intramural competitions and provided the opportunities for women to express their athletic talents and interests. The current McDole won-lost record on the hill is 745-363 and counting as he remains the Head Women's Volleyball Coach and continues year after year to collaborate with quality student/athletes to raise anew the traditions of Graceland Volleyball. "Willie Gilbert was born in Weility, Kansas, in 1899. Football. Hughes began the pattern of developing Female Athletic Programs. Employed as an adjunct math instructor at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Clayton was exposed first hand to Indiana High School Basketball as an assistant coach to Rex Rudicel. Football / Sun, Nov. 13, 2022. Graceland University. 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. At Graceland, she competed in field hockey, basketball, track and softball. The search committee was assisted by several Graceland football alumni, including Jeff Criswell, who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. 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. An instant leader, Dudek became the first Graceland ballplayer to earn conference player of the week honors after a show-stopping performance in his first conference match after belting two triples and two doubles in a 6 for 8 day against Evangel. Select College/Full Roster View: . 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. In 1995, Jeff signed with the Kansas City Chiefs where he played until his retirement in 1999. Jennie proclaims that one of her greatest accomplishments is becoming a mother and wife. In her four years, Neumann and the Yellowjackets compiled a record of 165-60-1. He also earned a M.S. 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. from Indiana University, a B.S. Stan lives in Corydon with his wife of 30 years, Julie. He was also selected as one of the 14 best basketball players in the NAIA to represent the NAIA and the Country (and Graceland) as a member of the NAIA All-Star team during that summer for three months in Australia, following his junior season. Since then the accolades have been rolling in. After completing his sophomore year at Indian Hills Community College, Alphie decided to return to Lamoni to pursue his athletics as a Yellowjacket. Adam Cavazos, Ethan De La Garza, Jose Ruiz, Michael Bermea and Ryan Garza are headed to Graceland from Santa Rosa High School to play football this fall - four of them also plan to play baseball - and it was all at the urging of de los Santos, who says "Graceland changed my life in a positive way, and I wanted them to have that same opportunity 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". Vikings Football Set to Host No. MLB. In 1998, Lester became the head men's volleyball coach at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, where he served for 19 seasons. In his final season, he averaged 22.3 points/game and 15 rebounds. Cara now lives in beautiful Los Angeles, California, where she plays beach volleyball whenever she can around her career as an interior designer specializing in authentic modern interiors. Victor, Iowa native Christel Olsen (Brown) had an outstanding career as member of the Graceland Women's Track & Field team from 1973-1977. Defensive Run Game and Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line. O'Daniels was awarded the Charles Morris Award as the NAIA Administrator of the Year for 2000-2001. 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. Baker (KS) 56. She ended her collegiate career outdoors with new school records in the 3K and the 5K. 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. Martin holds the GU record for most interceptions during a four-year career (24), including a single-season high during his senior season (13). Jenny currently serves as the head volleyball coach at Saint Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana. The Jackets also placed second at 12 tournaments and third at six. He received additional honors in football being named Small College All-American as a quarterback. As a senior, her earned All-district 15, All-Heart of America Conference and Honorable Mention All-American honors. In 2003, he was selected as Graceland's first full-time Director of Athletics. During both 1976 and 1979 Rod was honored as NAIA Coach of the Year. In his 30+ years, Shelton missed just three football games. David graduated in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a 3.42 GPA. Executives Bud Adams, Scott Pioli, George Halas . As a sophomore, he was First Team All-Conference in the Interstate Conference in football. He has continued to participate in athletics by coaching baseball and basketball at the high school and college levels inn Missouri and Kansas. Hughes was elected co-captain for the following 1975 season. Now married to Kelly Nichols and teaching elementary school in the Norwalk, Iowa school system, Pam and her three sons live in her birth place town of Grand River, Iowa. He swiped 35 bases in 36 attempts despite playing a limited schedule for the Jackets. Rod also was NCIVAC Coach of the Year in 1977 and every year between 1983. 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. Donte Sylencieux - WR - Graceland - 2021 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football From Prep to Pro!, EST 2001 . As Director of Finance and Administration for the capital city of Idaho, he was recognized as "outstanding employee" of the year; president and later Lt. in Social Work from Graceland in 1979. Dudek was also honored as a Street & Smith's Honorable Mention All-American and was a McDonald's All-American Game Nominee. Gary and his wife Alta have two children, Alicia and Greg. Auxier's educational career has taken him all over the world, including a three year stint at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Visit our athletics website by clicking the button below. 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. Betty L. Welch is the first woman named to the Graceland Athletic Hall of Fame. 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. return to top, Julie (Wendt) Carver earned honors in three sports as a Graceland athlete. As a student/athlete at Graceland, he earned six letter, two each in football, basketball and track. In 1979 she chaired the division of health and education. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Lynch graduated from Graceland with a degree in psychology in 2005. In an outstanding senior campaign Russ recorded 84 tackles and 64 assists in eight games and was named to the 15th District All-NAIA football team for the year. After Graceland, Teri moved on to receive her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. In 1996, Wendi qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the Heptathlon and recorded a seventh place finish with 6,078 points. An end on the gridiron and post player on the court, he excelled at both sports. 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. 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. Diana Jensen, the daughter of Graceland alumni Ralph 67 and Phyllis 66 Jensen, was an outstanding high school volleyball player helping Linden High win the California Division IV State Championship in 1996. Pam was born in Leon, Iowa and attended Grand Valley High School where she excelled in basketball, softball and track and field. As official head trainer and manager of Clossen Center, and "unofficial" counselor to Graceland athletes, Brunner become knows as a dedicated "Coach of All Sports." He was additionally honored by being selected the most valuable defensive lineman by his teammates. Wendi's outstanding performance in 1990 earned her the honor being named the Most Outstanding Female Athlete for the National Meet. His 1968 team was undefeated. Hughes' junior year, he lead the team in tackles with 166 in nine games, averaging 18 tackles per game and breaking the school record. Dan and Suzanne have three children, Kelle ('90), Mark ('92), Brian, and four grandchildren. She participated in two National Track Championships. return to top. Jack Eskridge was an outstanding athlete for the Yellowjackets from 1941-1943. In that year, Jeff signed a 1-year contract with the New York Jets-making him the first Graceland graduate to play in the NFL. return to top, Betty L. Welch is the first woman named to the Graceland Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from Graceland College in 1964, Gary taught and coached at Lee's Summit High School in Missouri. 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. in physical education from the University of Colorado, and from 1951 to 1958, taught physical education in elementary and secondary schools in the Midwest. She is grateful the softball coaches (Bill Dudek and Donovan Nelson) took a chance on her, giving her a second chance to play the sport she loved. Moving back to the mainland, Tom was head coach for the Emmetsburg, IA team during the 1967-68 season, winning Emmetsburg's only District championship in 20 years. She was a four-year starter and leading scorer in basketball, sinking her 1000th point on February 6, 1986. In game one of the Kings quarterfinals appearance in 1989, Davies scored a game-high 30 points in just 18 minutes. ED., and Ed.D. 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. Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, is more than just a school. Flag Football Schedule Roster News Soccer Schedule Roster News . Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. Julia Anna Travis Closson, known best as Judy, was born Nov. 25, 1903, in western Nebraska. During Syd's football career at Graceland he amassed 464 tackles, 6 interceptions, 3 fumbles recoveries, 10 forced fumbles, and 3 sacks. In 1979, Pam's second year ever having played the sport, the team scored a record 42 goals-19 of which were credited to Pam. Weldon and Johnny Tophman. Not only was Jones a force on the field, he was also a standout student in the classroom. In a campaign where she garnered 1st Team All-Conference and All-District honors for a second consecutive year, Teri's 1992 season could not be called anything but consistently dominant. He was also participated in events such as the Goodwill Games, the Pan-American Games and the U.S. Olympic Festival. William "Billy" Gray graduated from Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala, Ohio in 1987. Judy assisted Eugene in starting the first youth camp offered by the local church. In 1999 Hanton returned to Graceland as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Women's basketball coach. Although Jackie made her mark in volleyball, what she did in softball was every bit as remarkable. return to top, Jeff grew up in the small town of Searsboro, Iowa (population 164). Gary won numerous medals as a member of relay teams anchored by Hall of Fame member Rich Simmons. The 2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams; Monroe Earns Second Team Offense. 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. In Team USA's game against the Dutch, Dava accumulated 16 strikeouts in the victory. pro-football-reference.com. His 26 years of network television broadcasting includes the World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball and Track and Field Championships, AIAW Swimming and Diving Championships, Winter Olympics, the Major League All-Star Game, and many bowl games. 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. Jim Braby received his AA Degree from Graceland College in 1949. In 1970, he was inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame. Rod has coached the Yellowjackets to NAIA Men's Nationals Championships in 1973, 1976, and 1979. All Player Colleges, High Schools . She is currently in her 18th year of teaching in Stockton, California. Jerry is only the 24th person in the USA Volleyball's 67 year history to be honored with this prestigious award. 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. Then he joined the faculty at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he began his career in eye research. In his senior year, 1977, "E" peaked his collegiate career by being named Honorable Mention All-American. All rights reserved. After graduating in 2000 with a BA in sociology-human services and a minor in psychology, she moved to Hayward, California, and currently works as a deputy probation officer for San Mateo County. Harrop graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in physical education and health and a minor in biology. 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. Ross will start the new position immediately, connecting with players and coaches by phone. The majority of athletes he trains compete on junior high, high school and USA Volleyball club teams in Missouri and Kansas. She is enlisted in the military and is completing her final year of nursing school. She also narrowly missed the Olympic trials. She qualified for Nationals in the Distance Medley Relay her freshman indoor season.