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BASKETBALL PRESEASON NO. 12 IN NATION (October 16, 2003)

BASKETBALL PRESEASON NO. 9 IN NATION (September 29, 2003)

WHITESIDE EARNS TRI-NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR
(September 4, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan's Nick Whiteside received Tri-National Defensive Player of the Week honors by Football Gazette for his performance in the Panthers 38-14 loss to Lambuth last Saturday.

LISTEN TO ALL KWC FOOTBALL GAMES ON THE INTERNET OR BY PHONE (August 29, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan College fans, alumni, parents and friends can listen to all Panther football radio broadcasts from anywhere in the world by going to KWC's website: www.kwc.edu/athletic/audio/htm and click on the game.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN FOOTBALL PICKED PRESEASON NO. 8 (August 5, 2003)

Football Gazette tabbed the Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers No. 8 in their NCAA Division II Mid-Major preseason poll.

UK'S MICKIE DEMOSS TO SPEAK IN OWENSBORO ON AUGUST 23 (July 21, 2003)

University of Kentucky's new women's basketball coach Mickie DeMoss will be the featured speaker at the Successful Women in Sports Fundraising Dinner at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, August 23 at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN ANNOUNCES NCAA DECISION (July 15, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan has responded to the NCAA finding regarding two secondary violations in the men's basketball program during the 2002-03 season. Dr. Wesley H. Poling, President of Kentucky Wesleyan college, released the following statement today:

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (July 13, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan will open their 21st season of football with three straight home games at Owensboro's Rash Stadium, where the Panthers called home during their first 11 seasons of the modern-era of intercollegiate football (1983-1993), as announced by first year head coach Brent Holsclaw.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN SIGNS OHIO PREPSTER (June 23, 2003) 

Brandon Bannister, a 6-9, 220 pound, center from Georgetown High School in Georgetown, Ohio, signed a national letter-of-intent during the spring signing period to play basketball for Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Bannister, a first team All-Southern Buckeye Conference and All-District 16 performer, averaged 12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in leading the G-Men to a 18-4 record and the district semifinals this past season for head coach Jerry Underwood.

"We're really pleased to have Brandon join our program," Harper said. "With the help from our returning players, Brandon has the chance to grow into a good college basketball player."

Bannister led the conference in rebounding and blocked shots and was named honorable mention Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star and to the District 16 East-West All-Star squad as a senior. He also earned recognition as one of the top 60 seniors in Ohio and also rated 10th as one of the top centers in the Prep Spotlight Magazine.

He plans to major in criminal justice and is the son of James and Janie Bannister of Georgetown.

Bannister becomes the second spring signee for the Panthers joining 6-5 forward Dontae Truitt from Sheridan (Jr.) College. Kentucky Wesleyan returns 11 letterwinners including four with starting experience from their 31-4 NCAA Finalist squad.

PANTHERS FINISH FOURTH IN BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE (June 23, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan College for the third-time in school history finished fourth in the nation (Div. II) in average men's basketball attendance for the 2002-03 season with 3,282 per game as released by the NCAA.

The Panthers were third in total home attendance with 55,800 in 17 games. In the past 23 years, KWC has been the only private college or university consistently ranked in the top 10 in the Division II national attendance figures.

First was Nebraska Kearney with 3,839, followed by South Dakota State (3,491), North Dakota (3,423), then KWC, Northern State [SD] (3,153), St. Cloud [Minn.] (3,105), North Dakota State (2,868), Washburn [Kan.] (2,685), Virginia State (2,651) and Pittsburg State [Kan.] (2,638) rounding out the top 10.

The Great Lakes Valley Conference, which KWC is a chartered member, finished fifth in attendance for Division II conferences with an average of 1,126 per game. The top conference was the North Central Conference with 2,473.

The national average for a Division II game (269 members) in 2003 was 855. The NCAA began reporting basketball attendance figures in 1977.

KWC SIGNS TWO FROM EVANSVILLE AREA TO PLAY FOOTBALL (May 29, 2003) 

Matt Duncan from Reitz Memorial High School and Brad Higginson from North Posey High School have both signed a national letters-of-intent to continue their academic and football careers at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by new KWC head football coach Brent Holsclaw.

Duncan, a 6-foot-1, 215-pounder, was a three-year starter on the offensive and defensive lines for the Tigers and head coach Larry Mattingly. The resident of Waverly, Ky., led Reitz Memorial with 90 tackles as a senior where he was named team captain and earned the school's outstanding hitter award plus academic all-city honors.

"Matt will be an excellent addition to an already solid defensive line," said Holsclaw. "He provides a lot of range when he covers ground at defensive end. His versatility could also be used at outside linebacker. Matt is a solid local area addition to our program coming from Evansville."

He is the son of Robby and Debbie Duncan of Waverly.

Higginson, a 6-foot-1, 165-pounder, was a two-year starter where he played defensive back, wide receiver and quarterback for the Vikings and head coach Joe Gengelbach. He served as team captain and earned all-area recognition in 2002.

He led North Posey with 67 tackles, four interceptions and four pass breakups as a senior. On offense, Higginson caught six passes for 87 yards and rushed for 36 yards on 15 attempts. He also completed 11 of 49 passes for three touchdowns.

"Brad's a very good safety who has the ability to cover a lot of ground playing free safety," Holsclaw said. "He is also an excellent track runner and we hope to utilize that speed in our defensive secondary. We are very pleased to have Brad join the Panthers."

He is the son of Kim and Carolyn Higginson of Poseyville.

Kentucky Wesleyan, a NCAA Division II independent located in Kentucky's third-largest city in Owensboro, has 19 starters (7 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists) and 26 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-10 squad in addition to 15 redshirts from 2002.

VOGT TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT KENTUCKY WESLEYAN (May 29, 2003) 

Austin Vogt, a running back and wide receiver from Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger, signed a national letter-of-intent to continue his academic and football career at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by new KWC head football coach Brent Holsclaw.

Vogt, a 5-foot-9, 172-pounder, rushed for 1,203 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 47 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Juggernauts to a 9-3 record, a district title and the second round of the state playoffs for head coach Roy Lucas, Jr. in 2002. He also averaged 20.7 yards per kickoff return, 14.1 yards per punt return and scored two touchdowns on returns.

"We feel like we found a needle in the hay stack with Austin," Holsclaw said. "His ability as a kick and punt returner is tremendous. He will definitely give us added depth on the receiving corps and on special teams. Our entire staff is extremely excited to have Austin come to KWC."

His career totals for 27 games include 2,456 yards rushing, 20 touchdowns, 104 tackles, six interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He twice earned Northern Kentucky Coaches Association All-Star honors and played in the Northern Kentucky All-Star game as a senior.

Vogt also was named team captain by his teammates and received the Coaches Award for his character, leadership, dedication and hard work last season. He is also a member of the honor roll society.

He is the son of William and Cindy Vogt of Erlanger.

Kentucky Wesleyan has 19 starters (7 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists) and 26 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-10 squad in addition to 15 redshirts from 2002.

BISCHOFF TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT KENTUCKY WESLEYAN (May 29, 2003) 

 Donnie Bischoff from Bethlehem High School in Bardstown, signed a national letter-of-intent to continue his academic and football career at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by new KWC head football coach Brent Holsclaw.

Bischoff, a 6-foot, 165-pounder, was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for head coach Steve Hart. Sat out most of senior season with an injury and saw limited action late in the season.

He help lead the Eagles to a 7-5 record and a runner-up finish in the eight-man Kentucky state championship as a junior in 2001. Bischoff completed 33 of 68 passes for 585 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 200 yards and one touchdown in 32 carries. On defense, he had 22 tackles and four pass breakups. He earned all-conference honors as a junior.

"Donnie's a crafty quarterback who makes plays," Holsclaw said. "He throws the ball well for a high school player and has good knowledge of defensive recognition. We are very pleased to have Donnie join the Panthers."

He is the son of Marion Bischoff and the late Nancy Bischoff of Bardstown.

Kentucky Wesleyan, a NCAA Division II independent located in Kentucky's third-largest city in Owensboro, has 19 starters (7 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists) and 26 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-10 squad in addition to 15 redshirts from 2002.

BASKETBALL SIGNS JUCO STANDOUT (May 28, 2002) 

Dontae Truitt, a 6-foot-6, 220 pound, sophomore forward from Sheridan (Jr.) College in Sheridan, Wyo., signed a national letter-of-intent to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College and play basketball for the eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions as announced by KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Truitt, a 2003 honorable mention All-American selection, led the No. 9-ranked Generals in scoring (25.9 ppg), rebounding (7.6 rpg), field goal percentage (61.1) and blocked shots (28) enroute to a 30-2 record, a Wyoming Community College Conference title (10-0) and a quarterfinal finish in the NJCAA regional tournament this past season for head coach Brian Marso.

"Dontae brings a tremendous amount of athletism and versatility to our program," said Harper. "He can run, jump, play defense, handles the ball, rebound and score from anywhere including hitting the open three-pointer. Dontae’s a thoroughbred who can play on the wing or inside at both ends of the floor. Coach Marso paid Dontae the ultimate compliment by saying he was the best player ever in Sheridan history. "

The 2003 conference player of the year shot a second-best 40.5 percent from three-point territory while shooting 72.0 percent from the free throw line and averaged 1.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 21.9 minutes per game in starting 26 of 28 games played in 2003.

Truitt recorded career highs of 41 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, six steals and four blocked shots as a sophomore. He scored in double figures all 28 games where he had 14 games scoring 25 plus points, five scoring 30 plus and one 40-point game. Truitt also recorded six double-doubles in points and rebounds.

The native of Baltimore, Md., earned conference player of the year as a freshman and twice earned first team all-region honors at Sheridan. He becomes the first spring signee for the Panthers.

Kentucky Wesleyan, fresh from their record breaking sixth consecutive 30-win season (31-4) and sixth straight NCAA championship game appearance, returns 11 letterwinners including four with starting experience from 2003.

FOOTBALL PANTHERS SIGN FOUR FROM OWENSBORO AREA (May 28, 2003)

New Kentucky Wesleyan College head football coach Brent Holsclaw announced today that his first four signees of his initial recruiting class will come from three Owensboro area high schools.

The Panthers inked Justin Clatterbuck and Ryan Worthington from Apollo; Jon Garrett from Muhlenberg South; and Andrew Pennington from South Spencer (Ind.).

"We are extremely excited to have such quality local talent help us rebuild this football program", Holsclaw said. "I strongly feel that when a rebuilding process takes place, you must start in your own back yard. We expect big things from all of these young men and hope to utilize their successes in the classroom and on the playing field to further better our local recruiting base."

Clatterbuck, a 6-foot-2, 185-pounder, was a three-year starter at punter for the Eagles for head coach Dan Gooch. He averaged 32.6 yards per punt and received the Special Teams Player of the Year Award as a senior in 2002.

Worthington, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, started two seasons and lettered three years on the offensive and defensive line at Apollo. He earned all-area and all-district honors as a senior and twice received academic all state recognition.

Both helped lead Eagles to back-to-back district titles and a regional runner-up finish during their careers.

Garrett, a 6-foot-1, 225-pounder, was a 2002 second-team All-State selection by the Associated Press at defensive end as a senior for coach Matt Day. He led the Suns with 90 tackles, four sacks, three pass breakups and blocked two field goals and one punt. The three-year starter twice received all-county and all-region honors as a junior and senior. He also earned and all-conference and all-district recognition.

Pennington, a 6-foot, 215-pounder, received all-conference honors at guard and defensive tackle in leading the Rebels to a 8-4 record and a sectional runner-up finish for head coach Bruce Green in 2002. He had 62 tackles, five sacks and one interception his senior season. The two-year starter also earned academic all-conference and academic all-state recognition.

Kentucky Wesleyan has 19 starters (7 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists) and 26 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-10 squad in addition to 15 redshirts from 2002.

OWENS NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH (May 27, 2003)

Emily Owens, a graduate assistant women's basketball coach at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., has joined Kentucky Wesleyan College's coaching staff as the top assistant to new Panthers head coach Ron Williams.

"A large priority has been placed on putting great people around our basketball program," said Williams. "With the addition of Emily Owens to our staff, the future looks very bright. A huge amount of work remains and Coach Owens is well prepared to meet those challenges."

Owens, 25, coaching tenure also included stints as graduate assistant coach at Div. I Mercer and No. 1 NAIA ranked Life University (Ga.) and a student assistant at her alma mater Hardin Simmons (Texas). She was responsible for on-court coaching, recruiting, scouting and academics with each program.

"I am very excited about this opportunity and joining the family at Kentucky Wesleyan", Owens said. "Coach Williams has a great vision for women’s basketball and I feel honored to be a part of this kind of program and these are the people I want to be associated with."

Prior to joining the coaching profession, Owens was a three-year letterwinner for Hardin Simmons where the Cowgirls reached the 1999 NCAA Div. III Sweet Sixteen and won the American Southwest Conference Championship with a 24-4 record in her final season.

The Celina, Texas native earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Hardin Simmons University in 2000 and will receive her master's degree in sports administration from Henderson State University (Ark.) this July.

SOCCER SIGNS EVANSVILLE STANDOUT (May 22, 2003) 

Drew Waldroup, a midfielder from Evansville (Ind.) Harrison High School has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College and play soccer for the Panthers as announced by KWC head coach Scott Wilson today.

Waldroup, a honorable mention all-state selection, scored 13 goals and set a school season record with 19 assists as a senior for Warrior head coach Bob Gaudin. The four-year letterwinner was named all-city three times and all-Southern Indiana Athletic Conference and all-district twice. He also received the Most Valuable Player Award and served as the Warriors team captain as a senior in 2002.

"Drew is a great addition for our program," said Wilson. "His presence in the midfield fulfills a great need, but he also has the potential to play any position for us. Drew brings a high level of commitment and experience to a very young squad. I think Drew will be a integral player in the building process of this program. With us being able to sign a young man of his quality from a great high school program and the city of Evansville, is a tremendous addition to KWC."

Waldroup also played on the Indiana Olympic Development team in 1998, the Brasilia Futbol Academy in Brazil in 1999 and played for the Evansville Alliance Club for the past three seasons.

BROOKS SELECTED FIRST TEAM ALL-REGION (May 19, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan pitcher Brandon Brooks was named to the 2003 NCAA American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings All-North Central Region first team today, as selected by region coaches..

Brooks, a right hander from Owensboro/Daviess County HS, led the Panthers with a season record tying eight wins (8-2) and a 2.10 ERA in 11 of 12 games started. He also recorded a season-best 58 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched with nine complete games, two shutouts, one save and held the opposition to a .203 batting average.

He is the first Panther since 1992 to earn all-region honors and the first freshman in KWC history.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished with their first winning season in five years with a 24-22 overall record and 15-15 in the GLVC (sixth place) under second-year head coach Todd Lillpop. The 15 GLVC wins were the most in Panther history and the 24 wins were the most by a second-year KWC head coach.

CARY AND SHERRARD NAME HEAD COACHES (May 13, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College Director of Athletics Larry Moore announced the appointment of Chris Cary as head men's and women's golf coach and Eric Sherrard as head women's tennis coach today.

"We are please to find two individuals who know their sport inside and out," said Moore. "They both posses the expertise to coach our student-athletes to a high level of achievement and have a tremendous passion for their teams to succeed.

"Kentucky Wesleyan College has renewed their commitment to ensuring all 11 Panther teams are successful in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and postseason play and that begins with hiring the best coaches possible".

Cary, 32, was a former golf standout at KWC from 1990 to 1994 where he was the Panther's Most Valuable Player as a senior and finished in the Top 15 in the GLVC Championship. He came to KWC from Central City (Ky.) High School where he began playing on the varsity squad as a seventh grader. Following his collegiate career, Cary has been teaching the game to kids and adults, organizing golf tournaments and overseeing a golf course in Owensboro.

"I love Kentucky Wesleyan and I love golf," said Cary. "I have been associated with successful teams in high school and college and I know what it takes to have a winning program. We can make both golf teams winners again and one that Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro can be proud of."

Cary will continue to serve as Hillcrest Golf Course Manager in Owensboro.

Sherrard, 32, played for three seasons at Div. III Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio at the No. 5 singles position and No. 2 doubles flight. The native of Goshen, Ky. was a four-year letterwinner at Oldham County High School where he played No. 1 in singles and doubles as a junior and senior. He was ranked among Kentucky's best 16 and under age players. After college, Sherrard served as the head tennis instructor at Paramont Country Club outside of Louisville for four seasons.

"Tennis is in my blood and I see a great opportunity at Kentucky Wesleyan to return the sport to a competitive and strong program once again," said Sherrard. "I must prepare the women both mentally and physically to play to their full potential. It will take time but we will be a contender for the GLVC."

BROOKS AND STEVENS SELECTED ALL-GREAT LAKES VALLEY CONFERENCE (May 12, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan pitcher Brandon Brooks was named first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference plus Freshman of the Year and right fielder Dusty Stevens received second team honors, as voted on by league coaches.

Brooks, a right hander from Owensboro/Daviess County HS, led the Panthers with a 8-2 record and a 2.10 ERA in 11 of 12 games started. He also recorded a season-best 58 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched with nine complete games, two shutouts, one save and held the opposition to a .203 batting average.

Stevens, a sophomore from Owensboro/Apollo HS, led KWC in batting (.353), hits (54), at bats (153), games played (45) and starts (43). He also had 22 RBIs with eight doubles and two home runs and scored 23 runs.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished with their first winning season in five years with a 24-22 overall record and 15-15 in the GLVC (sixth place) under second-year head coach Todd Lillpop. The 15 GLVC wins were the most in Panther history and the 24 wins were the most by a second-year KWC head coach.

HARPER NAMED TO USA BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF (May 7, 2003) 

Ray Harper, who led Kentucky Wesleyan College to their sixth straight 30-win season (31-4) and sixth consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship game appearance in 2003, has been named one of two assistant coaches for the 2003 USA Basketball Men’s Junior World Championship National Team this summer.

BASEBALL PANTHERS EARNS TRIP TO GLVC TOURNAMENT (May 5, 2003)

Kentucky Wesleyan (23-21, 15-15) earned a trip to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament for the first time in 10 years when KWC defeated Wisconsin Parkside, 5-1, on Sunday. Sophomore Morgan Embry, a designated hitter from Owensboro, hit a game winning three-run home run in the fifth inning to collect four RBIs on the day to propel KWC into the GLVC postseason playoffs. The 15 GLVC wins is the most in KWC history. The No. 6 seed Panthers will play No. 1 seed and tournament host Missouri St. Louis (35-13, 22-7) on Thursday, May 8 at 3 p.m. For more information on the GLVC Tournament go to:    

 http://www.umsl-sports.com/sports/glvc_bb/glvc_bb_index.htm

RON WILLIAMS PROMOTED TO WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH 
(April 23, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College promoted assistant women's basketball coach Ron Williams to head coach today as announced by KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

"After a thorough search, we concluded that the best person for this position was just right next door," said Moore. "Ron's familiarity with the players, the program, the college and the tough Great Lakes Valley Conference make for some very strong points. We expect Ron to move the program where KWC achieves consistent success on the hardwood and continues the academic success our student-athletes have accomplished in the classroom over the years."

Williams, 30, came to KWC one year ago as the top assistant to former Panther head coach Tandy Bradford after serving three seasons in the same position at Georgetown College.

"I would like to thank Kentucky Wesleyan College for showing the confidence in me to lead this program to a new level of success," Williams said. "This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Williams will have four players with starting experience plus three letterwinners returning along with three redshirts from last season's squad that completed the 2003 season with a 7-20 record and an 11th place finish in the GLVC at 4-16.

In three seasons at Georgetown (2000-02), Williams assisted head coach Susan Johnson and the nationally ranked Tigers to a 69-30 record where they won two consecutive Mid-South Conference Championships and made two trips to the NAIA national tournament. He also was an assistant at Georgetown during the 1997 season.

Prior to returning to Georgetown, Williams was a assistant girls and junior varsity coach at Muhlenberg South High School in Greenville for two years (1998-1999).

The Lewisport, Ky., native was a four-year letterwinner on the basketball, football and track teams at Hancock County High School (1987-1991). He signed to play football at Campbellsville University and was a first-team all-conference defensive back for the Tigers as a junior.

Williams earned his bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville University (Ky.) in 1996 and his master's degree from Georgetown in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have a daughter Elizabeth.

He replaces Tandy Bradford who resigned in March.

SPRING FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY (April 22, 2003) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team will concluded its spring practice under new head coach Brent Holsclaw with the annual Purple/White scrimmage on Saturday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. CT on the front lawn of the campus.

Holsclaw, a former KWC standout quarterback, has 19 starters (7 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists) and 26 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-10 squad in addition to 15 redshirts from 2002.

"I am very pleased with the enthusiasm and effort these players have shown in spring practice," said Holsclaw. "We have some talented players and they have made significant strides in understanding and implementing our offensive and defensive schemes. This has been an exhilarating 15 practice days over the past month."

Top returnees for the Panthers are 2002 All-Americans Vince Brodt (lb), Nathan East (wr), Haven Mosley (qb) and Quentin Womack (db).

The scrimmage is free and open to the public and will feature the offense unit versus the defense unit.

NOTE: Remaing practice sessions are Tuesday, April 22 at 3:30; Thursday, April 24 at 3:30; and Friday, April 25 at 3:30.

PARMER TO PLAY IN PORTSMOUTH INVITATIONAL (April 9, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's 6-3 guard Marlon Parmer, the 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year, begins his journey to a professional basketball career tonight at the prestigious 51st Portsmouth Invitational Tournament through Saturday, April 12.

The PIT features 64 college seniors from across the nation as they showcase their talents before NBA scouts and general managers. Parmer was one of three non-Division I players invited to this premier event. Joining Parmer are Division II All-Americans Jerome Beasley, a 6-10 center from North Dakota, and Wykeen Kelly, a 6-0 guard from Salem International (WVa.).

Parmer, a native of Inglewood, Calif., led the Panthers with 19.9 points, 8.2 assists (second in the nation), 1.3 steals and 35.2 minutes in guiding Kentucky Wesleyan to a record sixth straight 30-win season (31-4) and sixth consecutive NCAA Championship game appearance.

He shot 46.8 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three-point, and 79.1 percent from the free throw line and was third in rebounding at 5.6 per game. Parmer scored in double figures 33 of 35 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles in 2003.

Along with two Division II Player of the Year awards, Parmer has been named consensus All-American, NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, NABC All-Great Lakes Region first team, Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region first team, NCAA Great Lakes Regional Most Outstanding Player, Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, six-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week and Division II Bulletin Player of the Month.

WARREN RECEIVES TOP AWARD AT KWC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BANQUET (April 2, 2003)

The Kentucky Wesleyan women's basketball team announced their award winners at their annual team banquet.

NEW DATE FOR KWC WELCOME HOME BASKETBALL PANTHERS CELEBRATION (March 31, 2003) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball "Welcome Home Panthers Rally" for the 2003 NCAA Finalist has been rescheduled as a celebration banquet on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Woodward Health and Recreation Center. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance from the Athletic Department. For more information contact 270-852-3330.

BASKETBALL TIMES SELECTS PARMER NCAA DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE YEAR (March 31, 2003) 

For the second time in three days, Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer has been chosen as the 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year when Basketball Times announced their selection today. The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) made their choice on Saturday.

Parmer, a 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., led the Panthers with 19.9 points, 8.2 assists (second in the nation), 1.3 steals and 35.2 minutes in guiding Kentucky Wesleyan to a record sixth straight 30-win season (31-4) and sixth consecutive NCAA Championship game appearance.

He shot 46.8 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three-point, and 79.1 percent from the free throw line and was third in rebounding at 5.6 per game.

Parmer scored in double figures 33 of 35 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles in 2003.

Along with two Division II Player of the Year awards, Parmer has been named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, NABC All-Great Lakes Region first team, Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region first team, NCAA Great Lakes Regional Most Outstanding Player, Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, six-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week and Division II Bulletin Player of the Month.

He becomes the second player in Kentucky Wesleyan’s 92-year basketball history to be named Basketball Times Division II Player of the Year joining Antonio Garcia (1999).

PARMER NAMED NCAA DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE YEAR (March 29, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer has been named 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The announcement was made today on CBS Sports during the broadcast of the NCAA Championship game between Kentucky Wesleyan and Northeastern State (Okla.) in Lakeland, Fla.

He has scored in double figures 32 of 34 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles in 2003.

Along with Division II Player of the Year, Parmer has been named NABC All-Great Lakes Region first team, Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region first team, NCAA Great Lakes Regional Most Outstanding Player, Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, six-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week and Division II Bulletin Player of the Month.

He becomes the third player in Kentucky Wesleyan's 92-year basketball history to be named NABC Division II Player of the Year joining Corey Crowder (1991) and Antonio Garcia (1999).

Parmer will receive his award at the NABC Banquet in New Orleans during the Div. I Final Four.

NORTHEASTERN STATE DEFEATS KENTUCKY WESLEYAN 75-64 TO WIN NCAA TITLE (March 29, 2003) 

Shon Robinson scored 26 points, including eight-of-10 shooting from the free throw line in the game’s final 2:16, to lift the Northeastern State (OK) Redmen to a 75-64 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan for the NCAA Division II men’s basketball national championship. The national championship is the first for Northeastern State (32-3), and comes in just the program’s fifth season at the Division II level.

Over the game’s final five minutes, NSU would convert 14-of-18 free throws and outscored Kentucky Wesleyan 16-9 to seal the national championship.

While NSU was winning the school’s first national championship, Kentucky Wesleyan (31-4) was appearing in their sixth straight national championship and attempting to win their ninth national championship.

"We’re only five years in Division II, and these guys believed from the beginning," said NSU head coach Larry Gipson. "We’re starting our own tradition."

Darnell Hinson added 19 points and Shon Robinson added 12 for NSU.

Kentucky Wesleyan’s Marlon Parmer, named 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches earlier in the day, led the Panthers with 17 points. Parmer who shot 50% (6-12) from the field, but just 44.4% (4-9) from the free-throw line in the game, tallied a team-high eight rebounds and a game-best six assists. He also committed a game-high five turnovers.

Bobby Zuerner scored 14 points off the bench, while Damon Garris added 10 in the Panthers’ losing effort.

For the game, NSU shot 40.0% (22-55) from the field, including 50.0% (12-24) shooting in the second half. Kentucky Wesleyan converted 45.6% (26-57) of their field goal attempts, including a 51.7% (15-29) clip in the second half.

NSU shot even better from beyond the three-point arc, posting a 47.8% shooting percentage, buoyed by a 64.3% (9-14) showing in the second half. The Redmen held Kentucky Wesleyan to 35.3% (6-17) three-point shooting in the contest.

Just as NSU was able to seal the game from the free-throw line, the Redmen enjoyed a decided edge from the charity stripe, shooting 69.0% (20-29) for the game, as opposed to just 46.2% (6-13) for the Panthers.

NSU also claimed a slight 37-36 rebounding edge, led by Justin Barkley’s game-high 12 boards.

Both teams were sluggish offensively at the start, with Northeastern State scoring the game’s first five points and taking a 7-2 lead just four minutes into the contest. After falling behind by five, Kentucky Wesleyan would heat up, embarking on a 12-2 run over the next six minutes. The run, which was capped by back-to-back three pointers by Zuerner just 17 seconds apart, put Kentucky Wesleyan ahead 14-9 at the 10:17 mark. During the run, the Panther defense held NSU scoreless for a 5:21 span.

The five-point Kentucky Wesleyan lead would turn out to be the largest either team would enjoy for the remainder of the defensive-minded first half. Over the final 10 minutes of the first half, NSU would outscore the Panthers 16-11 and take a brief 25-23 lead with 1:36 to play, but the teams would find themselves deadlocked 25-25 at the half.

Kentucky Wesleyan, plagued by nine first-half turnovers, shot 39.3% (11-28) in the opening period, but limited NSU to just 32.3% (10-31) shooting. NSU converted 50% (3-6) of their free-throw attempts in the first half, while Kentucky Wesleyan did not go to the line. The Panthers won the first-half rebounding battle 23-18.

Hinson led all first-half scorers with 12 points, while Zuerner collected eight points in 11 minutes off the bench to pace Kentucky Wesleyan.

In the second half, the lead would change hands six times during the first seven minutes, but momentum shifted NSU’s way at the 12:37 mark. Barkley converted a four-point play, nailing a long three-pointer and sinking a free throw following a Damon Garris foul to put the Redmen up 44-40, their largest lead since the game’s first four minutes.

Barkley’s four-point play proved to be the start of a 12-4 NSU run, as the Redmen would take an eight-point lead, 52-44, with 10:17 on the clock, the largest lead by either team in the first 30 minutes of play

Kentucky Wesleyan would trim the NSU lead to three, 56-53, at the six-minute mark, on Zuerner’s fourth three-pointer, but the Panthers could get no closer.

All-Tournament Team: Darnell Hinson - Northeastern State (Most Outstanding Player), Shon Robinson - Northeastern State, Marlon Parmer - Kentucky Wesleyan, Eugene Dabney - Kentucky Wesleyan, Derek Cline, Northeastern State.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN WINS 84-64 TO ADVANCE TO RECORD SIXTH STRAIGHT NCAA TITLE GAME (March 27, 2003) 

Eugene Dabney and Marlon Parmer combined for 52 points and 17 rebounds to power Kentucky Wesleyan to a 84-64 win over Bowie State to advance to Saturday’s title game of the NCAA Division II National Championship at Lakeland, Fla. 

The Panthers will face No. 7 Northeastern State (31-3) at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports.

Kentucky Wesleyan (31-3) will be making its record sixth straight and 13^th overall appearance in the NCAA Division II Championship Game. The Panthers have won eight NCAA titles, the last coming in 2001. Bowie State, making its first ever appearance in NCAA post-season play, ends its season at 30-5.

“It’s a family,” Kentucky Wesleyan head coach Ray Harper said of his team. “We’re really close to accomplishing our goal.  We left Owensboro on a business trip and we still have a job to finish.”

“We did the best we could,” commented Bowie State head coach Luke D’Alessio. “We worked hard and never gave up. If you want to beat Kentucky Wesleyan, you have to score points. We missed some shots that we usually make. They’ve been here six times and have their program in place, our’s is growing. We’re taking it one step at a time and we want to be a top-10 team from now on. This was a big step for us.”

The first half featured six lead changes and the score was tied nine times. The Panthers took the final lead with 2:44 left in the first period on a Parmer jumper. A pair of free throws by Dabney pushed the Kentucky Wesleyan lead to 37-34 while Stephen Moss-Kelley cut the lead to one, 37-36, on a basket with 50 seconds left. Dabney then followed with a layup to give the Panthers a 39-36 lead at intermission.

The two teams were an identical 14-of-33 from the floor in the first period.

Kentucky Wesleyan opened the second half with a 14-7 run behind five points from Parmer including a three-pointer which put the Panthers ahead, 53-43, at the 16:57 mark. Bowie State never recovered and trailed by 20 five times in the final period.

“At the half, I told them we were down six,” said Harper. “We were playing well, but we need to defend, swing the ball, get it to the guy who is a warrior (Parmer). If there is a better player in Division II that Marlon Parmer, or a better Player of the Year candidate, I’d like to see him. I have never coached a player as good as Marlon Parmer.”

Dabney was 11-of-17 from the field for a career-high 28 points for Kentucky Wesleyan and pulled down eight rebounds and blocked four shots. Parmer connected on 10-of-13 free throws for 24 points, and just missed a triple double with nine rebounds and eight assists.

“I tried to get everyone involved, especially Eugene,” said Parmer. “Once they started focusing on him, it allowed me to get open.”

“We had a lot of guys step up,” added Harper. “When your point guard (Parmer) is your leading rebounder, you are doing something right. I’m really proud of this team and the way they have come together.”

Bowie State placed four players in double figures including Moss-Kelley who led the Bulldogs with 15 points. Jon Smith and Cornelius McMurray each had 12 points for Bowie State while Omarr Smith added 10.

“My dream has always been to play in a final four,” commented Bowie State forward Tim Washington.  “I didn’t play a great game, but I played as hard as I could. This means a lot to our program.”

Both teams finished the game with 66 field goal attempts, Kentucky Wesleyan connected on 29 while Bowie State made 24 shots, but was just 10-of-33 in the second half. Rebounding was as balanced as the Panthers held a slight 43-40 advantage. The big difference, stats-wise, was that the Panthers were 21-of-25 from the free throw line while the Bulldogs were just 10-of-16.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN CRUISES TO 85-60 WIN OVER CAL POLY POMONA IN NCAA ELITE EIGHT (March 26, 2003) 

Great Lakes Region champion Kentucky Wesleyan (30-3) jumped to a 43-21 halftime lead and cruised to an 85-60 victory over West Region champion Cal Poly-Pomona (23-8) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Elite Eight at Lakeland, Fla. Marlon Parmer led four Panthers in double figures with 20 points while Jeff Bonds led Pomona with 19 points.

The Panthers converted 58.1% from the field in the first half as they seized control from the very beginning. To the contrary, the Broncos struggled to shoot only 25.9% of their field goal attempts in the first half.

“When we get out and play high energy,” said Kentucky Wesleyan head coach Ray Harper, “regardless of whether or not we make shots, defense is the key to our team.

Parmer scored 19 points in the half to lead Kentucky Wesleyan while Thad Key added 12. Michael Ridgeway had 10 first half points to lead the Broncos.

“Coach lets me be the offensive player I can be,” said Parmer. “If they back off, I make them pay.”

“We’ve been in situations like this [behind at the half] all year and weren’t looking for the home run,” said Cal Poly-Pomona forward Jeff Bonds. “We just couldn’t get within 10.”

Kentucky Wesleyan increased their lead to as many as 32 in the second half before Cal Poly-Pomona trimmed the lead down to 23 points with two minutes remaining.

Cal Poly-Pomona improved their field goal percentage to 46.7% in the second half, but Kentucky Wesleyan remained hot as they connected on 53.8%. The Broncos did hold a slight rebound edge as they out-rebounded the Panthers 34 to 33.

Eugene Dabney and Thad Key each had 14 points for Kentucky Wesleyan while Huggy Dye added 13. Michael Ridgway had 12 and Hervey Malone 10 for the Broncos.

“You need to play good defense,” said Cal Poly-Pomona head coach Greg Kamansky. “They are just too explosive of a team to hold down. They’ve got a lot of weapons. There is no shame on our part.”

 “Our team executed what we wanted down to a tee,” Harper added. “Defensively we were exceptional. It’s our sixth straight trip to the Elite Eight, our sixth straight 30 win season, and I thanked our team for letting me be a part of it.”

Kentucky Wesleyan will be looking to secure their sixth straight trip to the NCAA Division II championship game when they face Bowie State in the semifinals at 5 p.m. CT on Thursday. Bowie State, which is appearing in the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time in school history, reached the semifinals with a 72-62 victory over Massachusetts-Lowell.

PARMER NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-GREAT LAKES REGION (March 21, 2003) -- Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer has been named to the 2003 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Great Lakes Region team.

Parmer, a 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., leads the nation in assists (8.3 apg) while averaging 19.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He leads KWC in scoring, assists, steals, free throw percentage and minutes played. He has scored in double figures 30 of 32 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles in 2003.

His other season accolades include NCAA Great Lakes Regional Most Outstanding Player, Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, Daktronics first team All-Great Lakes Region, six-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week and Division II Bulletin Player of the Month.

No. 3 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan (29-3) will make their NCAA record breaking sixth straight and 21st appearance in the "Elite Eight" when the Panthers travel to Lakeland, Fla. to play Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (22-7) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II National Championship on Wednesday, March 26, at 1:30 p.m. CT.

The Panthers have won the NCAA Championship a record eight times (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001) and have won a record 94 of 119 games played in the NCAA tournament.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN GOING TO THE ELITE EIGHT FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR 
Panthers seek record ninth NCAA Championship (March 19, 2003) 

No. 3 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan (29-3) will make their NCAA record breaking sixth straight and 21st appearance in the "Elite Eight" when the Panthers travel to Lakeland, Fla. to play in the NCAA Division II National Championship on Wednesday, March 26, through Saturday, March 29.

The Panthers earned a trip to the "Elite Eight" when KWC won the Great Lakes Regional Championship by defeating long-time arch-rival Southern Indiana, 95-91, in Houghton, Mich. The Panthers have won the NCAA Championship a record eight times (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001) and have won a record 94 of 119 games played in the NCAA tournament.

The "Elite Eight" will played at the Lakeland Center's Jenkins Arena (4,668) and will be hosted by Florida Southern College.

Tickets for the 2003 NCAA "Elite Eight" are now on sale by calling The Lakeland Center Ticket office at 863-834-8111 or by visiting the website at www.thelakelandcenter.com. They can also be ordered at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Individual tickets for quarterfinal and semifinal games are priced at $12 ($10 groups of 10 or more) for adults and $6 ($5 groups of 10 or more) for kids 18 and under and seniors 55 and older. Tickets for the finals are $15 ($10 groups) for adults and $6 ($5 groups) for kids and seniors (55 & Over). A special all tournament pass providing admission to all sessions is $35 for adults and $20 for kids.

The "Elite Eight" schedule (times are Central):

Wednesday, March 26

11a.m. No. 6 Massachusetts Lowell (28-4) vs. No. 10 Bowie State (29-4)

1:30 p.m. Cal Poly Pomona (22-7) vs. No. 3 Kentucky Wesleyan (29-3)

5 p.m. No. 9 Queens (28-3) vs. Eckerd (25-6)

7:30 p.m. No. 7 Northeastern State (29-3) vs. No. 8 Nebraska Kearney (30-2)

Thursday, March 27

4 p.m. Semifinals-Massachusetts Lowell-Bowie State winner vs. Cal Poly Pomona-KWC winner

6:30 p.m. Semifinals-Queens-Eckerd winner vs. Northeastern State-Nebraska Kearney winner

Saturday, March 28

Noon Championship.

BRADFORD RESIGNS (March 19, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head women's basketball coach Tandy Bradford announced her resignation today.

Bradford in three seasons compiled a 21-59 (.263) overall record including a 11-49 (.183) record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. KWC finished the 2003 season with a 7-20 record and 11th place in the GLVC at 4-16.

Moore said, "a search will begin immediately and we will move as quickly as possible. No timetable has been established on fulfilling the position. We are proud of Kentucky Wesleyan women's basketball and the future it holds."

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN' S PARMER AND HARPER SWEEP TOP GLVC AWARDS (March 11, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer and Ray Harper swept the Great Lakes Valley Conference top two basketball honors when the league coaches voted Parmer Player of the Year and Harper Co-Coach of the Year.

Parmer, a 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., leads the nation in assists (8.4 apg), the Panthers in scoring (19.3 ppg) and is third in rebounding (5.6 rpg). He has scored in double figures 27 of 29 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles. Parmer was the league's first six-time honoree for a season in the GLVC's 25-year history.

Harper, a five-time GLVC Coach of the Year honoree, guided the Panthers to a 26-3 overall record and his fifth Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship and sixth NCAA tournament appearance. The winningest active NCAA Division II coach with a 89.1 winning percentage, became KWC's all-time winningest coach with 205 in 230 games in his seventh season.

KWC's 6-11 senior center Eugene Dabney (10.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.6 bpg) was named to the second team and 6-3 senior guard Huggy Dye (13.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg) 6-4 junior forward Damon Garris (11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) were named honorable mention.

Parmer joins former KWC All-Americans Corey Crowder (1990 and 1991), Willis Cheaney (1995), Antonio Garcia (1998 and 1999), Tyrus Boswell (2002) and Ronald Evans (2002) who also won the GLVC Player of the Year award.

Harper is the third KWC coach to receive GLVC Coach of the Year honors along with Mike Pollio (1981, 1983 and 1984) and Wayne Chapman (1986 and 1990). Northern Kentucky Ken Shields also was named 2003 Co-Coach of the Year.

No. 2 seed and No. 3 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan (26-3) will play No. 7 seed Gannon (20-9) in the first round of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championship on Friday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. CT at the Student Development Complex Gym (3,200) on the campus of Michigan Tech University in Houghton.

PARMER NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-GREAT LAKES REGION (March 11, 2003) 

 Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer has been named to the 2003 Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Great Lakes Region team where he was the region's leading vote getter. Voting for the team was done by sports information directors in the Great Lakes region.

Parmer, a 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., leads the nation in assists (8.4 apg) while averaging 19.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He leads KWC in scoring, assists, steals, free throw percentage and minutes played. He has scored in double figures 27 of 29 games, recorded eight double-doubles (pts-assts) and had back-to-back triple-doubles in 2003.

His season accolades also include six-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honors and Division II Bulletin Player of the Month (February) award.

No. 2 seed and No. 3 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan (26-3) will play No. 7 seed Gannon (20-9) in the first round of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championship on Friday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. CT at the Student Development Complex Gym (3,200) on the campus of Michigan Tech University in Houghton.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN NO. 3 IN FINAL POLL (March 10, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan (26-3) finished No. 3 in the final National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll after two weeks at No. 1. The Panthers fell to Lewis, 84-79, in the semifinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament last Friday.

KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 5 for 58 weeks and the Top 10 for 70 consecutive weeks.

Great Lakes region member Michigan Tech (25-2) returned to No. 1 and. GLVC foes Northern Kentucky rose to No. 4, Southern Indiana slipped to No. 23 and Lewis dropped to No. 25.

No. 2 seed Kentucky Wesleyan will play No. 7 seed Gannon (20-9) in the first round of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championship on Friday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. CT at the Student Development Complex Gym (3,200) on the campus of Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Mich. Here is the final Top 25 for the 2003 season:

1. Michigan Tech 28-2
2. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 26-4 
3. Kentucky Wesleyan 26-3 
4. Northern Kentucky 25-5 
5. Tarleton State (Texas) 27-3 
6. Massachusetts Lowell 25-4 
7. Northeastern State (Okla.) 26-3
8. Nebraska Kearney 27-2
9. Queens (NC) 25-3
10. Bowie State (Md.) 26-4 
11. Rollins (Fla.) 25-5
12. Brigham Young Hawaii 19-3 
13. Columbus State (Ga.) 27-4 
14. Humboldt State (Calif.) 22-5 
15. Henderson State (Ark.) 28-4 
16. Cal State San Bernardino 21-6 
17. Washburn (Kan.) 25-5 
18. Salem International 24-5 
19. St. Cloud State (Minn.) 25-4 
20. Millersville (Pa.) 24-5 
21. South Dakota State 23-6 
22. Florida Southern 26-4 
23. Southern Indiana 23-6 
24. Barton (NC) 21-5 
25. Lewis (Ill.) 23-7 

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN GOING TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR 32ND TIME
Panthers seek record ninth NCAA Championship (March 10, 2003) 

No. 1 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan (26-3) will make their 32nd record breaking appearance in the NCAA Division II men's tournament when the Panthers travel to Houghton, Mich. to play in the Great Lakes Regional on Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17. The eight-team tournament will be hosted by Michigan Tech University in their 3,200-seat Student Development Complex Gym. The winners of the eight regions from around the nation will meet in the Elite Eight in Lakeland, Fla., on March 26-29.

Kentucky Wesleyan has won the NCAA Championship a record eight times (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001) and have won a record 91 of 116 games played in NCAA postseason.

The Great Lakes Region Championship schedule (times are Central):

Friday, March 14
11a.m. No. 3 Northern Kentucky Norse (25-5) vs. No. 6 Findlay Oilers (22-7)
1:30 p.m. No. 2 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers (26-3) vs. No. 7 Gannon Golden Knights (20-9)
5 p.m. No. 1 Michigan Tech Huskies (28-2) vs. No. 8 Indianapolis Greyhounds (18-10)
7:30 p.m. No. 4 Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (23-6) vs. No. 5 Lewis Flyers (23-7)

Saturday, March 15
4 p.m. Semifinals Northern Kentucky-Findlay winner vs. Kentucky Wesleyan-Gannon winner
6:30 p.m. Semifinals Michigan Tech-Indianapolis winner vs. Southern Indiana-Lewis winner

Monday, March 17
6 p.m. Championship

Tickets for the 2003 NCAA Great Lakes Regional are now on sale at the SDC Ticket Office (906-487-2073). Reserved seats come in a $32 package for all four sessions. Adult general admission seating is $6 per session. Students ages five and older are $4 each, while children under five are free.

VIEW THE NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL SELECTION SHOW 
(March 9, 2003) 

The NCAA Division II Basketball Men's Championship selection show will be broadcast on NCAASports.com. The show will be broadcast at 1 p.m. EST on Monday. You must take a minute to pre-register and test your system before the selection show is set to broadcast (Sunday evening or early Monday morning).

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN STILL NO. 1 (March 4, 2003) 

For the second straight week, Kentucky Wesleyan remained No. 1 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll..

The Panthers (25-2) are coming off two road victories and their 15th record breaking Great Lakes Valley Conference title where they defeated SIU Edwardsville, 91-60, and Quincy, 110-93, last week.

This marks the 31st time KWC has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 20th time in head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 5 for 57 weeks and the Top 10 for 69 consecutive weeks.

Great Lakes region member Michigan Tech (25-2) was No. 3 and. GLVC foes Northern Kentucky rose to No. 10, Southern Indiana moved up to No. 19 and Lewis dropped to No. 20.

No. 1 seed Kentucky Wesleyan will play No. 8 seed Quincy (12-15, 6-14) in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m. CT at Roberts Stadium (12,500) in Evansville, Indiana. Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 25:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 25-2 
2. Tarleton State (Texas) 25-2 
3. Michigan Tech 26-2 
4. Northeastern State (Okla.) 25-2 
5. Nebraska Kearney 26-1 
6. Queens (NC) 25-2 
7. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 23-4 
8. Rollins (Fla.) 24-4 
9. Cal State San Bernardino 21-4 
10. Northern Kentucky 22-5 
11. Humboldt State (Calif.) 22-4 
12. Washburn (Kan.) 23-4 
13. Massachusetts Lowell 22-4 
14. Salem International (WVa.) 24-4 
15. South Dakota State 22-5 
16. Bowie State (Md.) 26-4 
17. Brigham Young Hawaii 17-3 
18. Columbus State (Ga.) 24-4 
19. Southern Indiana 22-5 
20. Lewis (Ill.) 20-5 
21. Henderson State (Ark.) 25-4 
22. St. Cloud State (Minn.) 23-4 
23. Millersville (Pa.) 21-5 
24. Southern New Hampshire 20-6 
25. Florida Southern 24-4 

BEAVERTON, Ore. (March 4, 2003) -- Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer, who produced a record back-to-back triple-doubles and earned Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honors three straight weeks during February, was named Division II Bulletin Player of the Month.

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR RECORD SIXTH TIME (March 3, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer averaged 23 points, 8.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds in leading the No. 1 ranked Panthers to two road victories and their 15th record breaking Great Lakes Valley Conference title to earn the league's Player of the Week honor for the fourth straight week and the sixth time this season.

Parmer becomes the league's first six-time honoree for a season in the GLVC's 25-year history. He previously received the award on Dec. 3, Jan. 27, Feb. 10, 17 and 24.

The 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., started the week by nearly producing his third consecutive triple-double with 20 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds as the Panthers defeated SIU Edwardsville, 91-60, on Thursday

He came back on Saturday to pour in 26 points, grab six rebounds and hand out four more assists as KWC (25-2, 18-2) ended the regular season with a 110-93 triumph over Quincy on Saturday.

His numbers for the week: 46 points (23.0 ppg), 15-29 FGs (51.7 percent), 6-12 three-pointers (50 percent), 10-12 FTs (83.3 percent), 17 assists (8.5 apg) and 15 rebounds (7.5 rpg).

Twenty-eight Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 60 times in history.

No. 1 seed Kentucky Wesleyan will play No. 8 seed Quincy (12-15, 6-14) in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m. CT at Roberts Stadium (12,500) in Evansville, Indiana.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN BACK TO NO. 1 (February 25, 2003) 

For the first time since the preseason rankings, Kentucky Wesleyan returned to No. 1 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll. KWC (23-2, 16-2) jumped from No. 4 after the top three teams lost last week.

The Panthers, who was the No. 1 choice in preseason, are coming off two Great Lakes Valley Conference home victories where they defeated Saint Joseph's, 101-66, and Wisconsin Parkside, 97-59.

This marks the 30th time KWC has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 19th time in head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 5 for 56 weeks and the Top 10 for 68 consecutive weeks.

Great Lakes region member and previous No. 1 Michigan Tech (25-2) dropped to No. 4 and. GLVC foes Northern Kentucky rose to No. 13, Lewis dropped to No. 16 and Southern Indiana moved up to No. 20.

KWC will end the regular season on the road as they travel to SIU Edwardsville (8-17, 4-14) on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. CT, and to Quincy (12-13, 6-12) on Saturday, March 1, at 3:30 p.m. Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 25:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 23-2 
2. Tarleton State (Texas) 23-2 
3. Northeastern State (Okla.) 24-1 
4. Michigan Tech 25-2 
5. Nebraska Kearney 24-1 
6. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 22-3 
7. Humboldt State (Calif.) 21-3 
8. Queens (NC) 22-2 
9. Massachusetts Lowell 22-3 
10. Salem International (WVa.) 23-3 
11. Rollins (Fla.) 23-4 
12. Cal State San Bernardino 19-4 
13. Northern Kentucky 20-5 
14. Columbus State (Ga.) 23-3 
15. Washburn (Kan.) 21-4 
16. Lewis (Ill.) 20-5 
17. South Dakota State 20-5 
18. Bowie State (Md.) 23-4 
19. Brigham Young Hawaii 14-3 
20. Southern Indiana 20-5 
21. Henderson State (Ark.) 23-4 
22. West Chester (Pa.) 20-5 
23. St. Cloud State (Minn.) 22-4 
24. Kennesaw State (Ga.) 22-6 
25. Millersville (Pa.) 20-5 

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR FIFTH TIME
Produces back-to-back triple-doubles (February 24, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer produced a record back-to-back triple-doubles in leading the No. 4 ranked Panthers to two impressive home victories to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the third straight week and the fifth time this season.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN STAYS AT NO. 4 (February 18, 2003) 

For the second straight Kentucky Wesleyan remained No. 4 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll.

The Panthers (21-2, 14-2) are coming off two Great Lakes Valley Conference road victories where they soundly defeated Bellarmine, 89-85, on Thursday and beat then No. 10-ranked Northern Kentucky, 71-68, on Saturday. KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 5 for 55 weeks and the Top 10 for 67 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure.

Great Lakes region member Michigan Tech (24-1) held on to the No. 1 spot and. GLVC foes Lewis rose to No. 12, Northern Kentucky dropped to No. 19 and Southern Indiana returned to the poll at No. 25 and fellow region member Findlay moved up one spot to No. 24.

Kentucky Wesleyan will host Saint Joseph's (10-14, 6-11) on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. CT, and Wisconsin Parkside (13-10, 8-8) on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 3:30 p.m.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 18, 2003:

1. Michigan Tech 24-1 
2. Nebraska Kearney 23-0 
3. Humboldt State (Calif.) 20-2 
4. Kentucky Wesleyan 21-2 
5. Tarleton State (Texas) 21-2 
6. Northeastern State (Okla.) 22-1 
7. Metro State (Colo.) 20-3 
8. Queens (NC) 20-2 
9. Massachusetts Lowell 20-3 
10. Columbus State (Ga.) 22-2 
11. Salem International (WVa.) 20-3 
12. Lewis (Ill.) 19-4 
13. Brigham Young Hawaii 13-2 
14. Henderson State (Ark.) 22-3 
15. West Chester (Pa.) 19-4 
16. Rollins (Fla.) 21-4 
17. South Dakota 19-4 
18. Cal State San Bernardino 17-4 
19. Northern Kentucky 19-5 
20. Florida Southern 22-3 
21. Washburn (Kan.) 19-4 
22. South Dakota State 18-5 
23. Bowie State (Md.) 21-4 
24. Findlay (Ohio) 19-4 
25. Southern Indiana 18-5 

Others receiving consideration: Barton (17-3); Millersville (18-5); Eckerd (19-5); Kennesaw St. (20-6); Cal St. Bakersfield (16-5); St. Cloud State (20-4).

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR FOURTH TIME (February 17, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer averaged 26.0 points and played the key role in leading his Panther squad to two thrilling road victories to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the second straight week and the fourth time this season.

Parmer becomes the league's first four-time honoree this season and the third Kentucky Wesleyan player to earn GLVC Player of the Week four times in one season. Antonio Garcia was named five times in 1999 and Tyrus Boswell four times in 2002.

The 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif. started the week by scoring 31 points on 10-17 shooting and collected five assists as No. 4 KWC slipped past Bellarmine, 89-85, on Thursday. He scored a critical three-point play with 1:00 left to give the Panthers 85-82 lead and the victory. It was Parmer’s second consecutive 30-point game.

He came back on Saturday to score 21 more points and grab seven rebounds as KWC completed the road sweep with a big 71-68 triumph at No. 10-ranked Northern Kentucky. Parmer scored 17 points in second half to erase a 35-30 NKU halftime lead. He hit five free throws in the last 3:30, including two with 13 seconds left to give KWC a 69-66 lead.

His numbers for the week: 52 points (26.0), 17-26 field goals (53.1 percent), 17-20 free throws (85.0 percent), eight rebounds (4.0), nine assists (4.5) and four steals (2.0).

This is the fifth-time this season the league has named recognize a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Parmer on Dec. 3, Jan. 27 and Feb. 10; and Eugene Dabney on Dec. 17. On record, 28 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 58 times in the 25-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will host Saint Joseph's (10-14, 6-11) on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. CT, and Wisconsin Parkside (13-10, 8-8) on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 3:30 p.m.

HARPER ECLIPSES FASTEST TO 200-WIN MARK (February 15, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Ray Harper won his 200th career collegiate win on Saturday afternoon as the No. 4 Panthers defeated No. 10 Northern Kentucky, 71-68, to reach 200 wins faster than the NCAA Division I record holder and Hall of Fame coach Clair Bee.

Harper in seven seasons has won two NCAA championships (1999, 2001); has taken the Panthers to five consecutive NCAA championship games (second only to UCLA's John Wooden seven ); posted a NCAA best five consecutive 30-win seasons (passing Kentucky's Adolph Rupp's three straight); and has received seven NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year awards in the last five seasons.

Kentucky Wesleyan has won a record eight NCAA Division II National Championship (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001).

FASTEST TO 200-WINS*

Wins-Games Season Year
200-224 Ray Harper, Kentucky Wesleyan 7th 2003
200-231 Clair Bee, Rider & Long Island 12th 1938
200-234 Jerry Tarkanian, Long Beach &UNLV 9th 1977
200-250 Everett Case, North Carolina State 9th 1945

*Source: 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball Record Book

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN MOVES UP TO NO. 4 (February 11, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan moved up one spot to No. 4 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 4, 2003:

1. Michigan Tech 22-1 
2. Nebraska Kearney 20-0 
3. Humboldt State (Calif.) 18-2 
4. Kentucky Wesleyan 19-2 
5. Tarleton State (Texas) 18-1 
6. Massachusetts Lowell 19-2 
7. Columbus State (Ga.) 21-1 
8. Northeastern State (Okla.) 20-1 
9. Metro State (Colo.) 18-3 
10. Northern Kentucky 19-3 
11. Queens (NC) 18-2 
12. West Chester (Pa.) 18-3 
13. Salem International (WVa.) 18-3 
14. Rollins (Fla.) 20-3 
15. South Dakota State 17-4 
16. Florida Southern 21-2 
17. Bowie State (Md.) 19-3 
18. Lewis (Ill.) 18-4 
19. BYU Hawaii 12-2 
20. Henderson State (Ark.) 19-3 
21. South Dakota 17-4 
22. Cal State San Bernardino 15-4 
23. Washburn (Kan.) 17-4 
24. St. Cloud (Minn.) 19-3 
25. Findlay (Ohio) 17-4 

Others receiving consideration: Shaw (17-5); Presbyterian (20-4); Barton (15-3); Northwest Missouri (16-5); Southern New Hampshire (17-4); and Southern Indiana (16-5).

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME (January 27, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer averaged 23.5 points, 10.0 assists and single-handedly led the No. 5 Panthers (19-2, 12-2) to a thrilling win at No. 22 ranked and arch-rival Southern Indiana to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the third time this season.

Parmer, with the score tied at 84-84, drilled a three-pointer with 20 seconds left and then stole the ball with eight seconds remaining preventing USI from taking the last shot where he was fouled and hit two free throws with six second left for the final margin. In addition, he scored a career-high 7-10 three-pointers in the game and also collected three steals.

His numbers for the week: 47 points (23.5 ppg), 15-29 field goals (51.7 percent), 8-13 three pointers (61.5 percent), 9-11 free throws (8.18 percent), 20 assists (10.0 apg), six rebounds (3.0) and four steals (2.0).

This is the fourth-time this season the league has named recognize a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Parmer on Dec. 3 and Jan. 27; and Eugene Dabney on Dec. 17. On record, 28 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 57 times in the 25-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will go on the road for two more GLVC contests this week as they travel to Bellarmine (9-15, 4-11) on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. ET, and at No. 12 Northern Kentucky (19-3, 13-2) on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 3:15 p.m. ET.

RZYCZYCKI NAMED DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR (February 5, 2003) 

New Kentucky Wesleyan head football coach Brent Holsclaw began assembling his coaching staff with the announcement of Brad Rzyczycki (rye-ZICK-ee) as the Panthers defensive coordinator today.

Before Saginaw Valley, Rzyczycki spent seven seasons at his alma mater Mercyhurst College, an NCAA Division II member, in Erie, Pa., where he was an assistant with Holsclaw. He took over the defensive coordinator role prior to the 2001 season after serving as secondary and strength coach for the Lakers for six seasons.

His defenses were among the leaders in the nation during his tenure at Mercyhurst. His teams were ranked second in interceptions (2000) and third in turnover ratio (1997) in NCAA Division II statistics. Under his tutelage, the defense unit set two school records for interceptions.

Rzyczycki played cornerback for Mercyhurst and was a three-year starter from 1992-94. He registered 127 tackles and intercepted seven passes during his career. He also has the distinction of returning two blocked punts for touchdowns in a 1993 game against Pace.

He graduated from Mercyhurst in 1995 with a bachelor of arts degree in marketing and is completing requirements for a masters of education degree in special education from Mercyhurst.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN MOVES UP TO NO. 5 (February 4, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan moved up one spot to No. 5 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll.

1. Tarleton State (Texas) 18-1 
2. Michigan Tech 20-1 
3. Nebraska Kearney 18-0 
4. Humboldt State (Calif.) 16-2 
5. Kentucky Wesleyan 17-2 
6. Massachusetts Lowell 17-2 
7. Columbus State (Ga.) 19-1 
8. Northeastern State (Okla.) 18-1 
9. Bowie State (Md.) 19-1 
10. South Dakota State 16-3 
11. Metro State (Colo.) 16-3 
12. Northern Kentucky 17-3
13. Queens (NC) 15-2 
14. West Chester (Pa.) 16-3
15. Salem International (WVa.) 15-3 
16. Henderson State (Ark.) 18-2 
17. Rollins (Fla.) 18-3 
18. Florida Southern 19-2
19. Lewis (Ill.) 16-4 
20. BYU Hawaii 11-2 
21. South Dakota 15-4 
22. Southern Indiana 15-4
23. Cal State San Bernardino 13-4
24. Washburn (Kan.) 15-4
25. St. Cloud (Minn...) 17-3 20

Others receiving consideration: Central Oklahoma (15-4); Findlay (16-4); Cal Poly Pomona (13-4); Carson-Newman (15-5); Shaw (15-5).

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN STAYS AT NO. 6 (January 21, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan stayed at No. 6 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll for the second consecutive week.

The Panthers (15-2, 8-2) are coming off two impressive Great Lakes Valley Conference road victories where they defeated Indianapolis, 77-67, on Thursday and trounced Saint Joseph's, 109-83, on Saturday.

The top seven teams remained the same with Tarleton State (16-1) holding the top spot for the second straight week.

KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 64 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure.

The Panthers will host No. 17 Lewis (15-3, 8-3) on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. CT, and SIU Edwardsville (7-10, 3-7) on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 28, 2003:

1. Tarleton State (Texas) 16-1 
2. Humboldt State (Calif.) 15-1 
3. Massachusetts Lowell 16-1 
4. Michigan Tech 17-1 
5. Nebraska Kearney 16-0 
6. Kentucky Wesleyan 15-2 
7. Columbus State (Ga.) 17-1 
8. Northeastern State (Okla.) 16-1 
9. Bowie State (Md.) 18-1 
10. South Dakota State 15-3 
11. Metro State (Colo.) 14-3 
12. Northern Kentucky 15-3 
13. Queens (NC) 13-2 
14. West Chester (Pa.) 14-3 
15. Florida Southern 18-1 
16. Salem International (WVa.) 14-3 
17. Lewis (Ill.) 15-3 
18. Washburn (Kan.) 14-3 
19. South Dakota 14-3 
20. St. Cloud (Minn.) 16-2 
21. Henderson State (Ark.) 15-2 
22. Nebraska Omaha 14-3 
23. Rollins (Fla.) 16-3
24. Barton (NC) 11-1 
25. Delta State (Miss.) 

Others receiving consideration: Colorado Mines (15-2); Incarnate Word (15-3); Valdosta State (14-3); Cal State Bernardino (11-4); Eckerd (15-3); New Haven (12-3); Southern New Hampshire (13-3); Brigham Young Hawaii (10-2); Clarion (14-3).

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK (January 27, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Marlon Parmer averaged 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in leading the No. 6 Panthers to crucial road victories over Indianapolis and Saint Joseph's to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the second time this season.

Parmer, a 6-3 senior guard from Inglewood, Calif., began the week by recording his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and collecting a game-high 11 assists as the Panthers won a key 77-67 contest at Indianapolis. He also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, just missing his first career triple-double.

Last Saturday, he came back to pour in a game-high 27 points - including a career-high six three-pointers - as KWC ran past Saint Joseph’s, 109-83. Parmer hit 10-18 shots in that game and grabbed five more rebounds.

His numbers for the week: 44 points (22.0 ppg), 15-32 FGs (46.9 pct), 7-14 three-pointers (50.0 percent), 7-11 FTs (63.6 percent), 14 rebounds (7.0 rpg), and 14 assists (7.0 apg).

This is the third-time this season the league has named recognize a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Parmer on Dec. 3 and Eugene Dabney on Dec. 17.

On record, 28 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 56 times in the 25-year history of the conference.

The Panthers will host No. 20 Lewis (15-3, 8-3) on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. CT, and SIU Edwardsville (7-10, 3-7) on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m.

HOLSCLAW NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH (January 18, 2003) 

Brent Holsclaw, a former Panther quarterback (1991-93), has been named the fourth head football coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

"I could not be more proud that one of our own Kentucky Wesleyan family is at the helm," said Moore. "He knows our program, our college, the Owensboro community, and college football. During the last nine years, he has prepared himself to become a head coach and we are very pleased that he’s coming back home."

"It truly is an exciting time for the football program with KWC joining the Mid-South Conference in 2004 and playing on campus for the first time next season."

Holsclaw returns to KWC after serving the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill. He helped lead the Foresters to their first-ever appearance in the 2002 NCAA Division III playoffs with a 9-2 record, the most wins in school history, and their first Midwest Conference Championship since 1983. Under his two-year tutelage, the offensive unit broke all passing records for a single game and season.

Before Lake Forest, Holsclaw spent five seasons at Mercyhurst College, an NCAA Division II school in Erie, Pa. He took over the offensive coordinator role at Mercyhurst prior to the 1998 season. Holsclaw’s offenses were among the finest in the nation during his tenure as coordinator. His teams were ranked third (1999), fourth (1998), and 26th (2000) in NCAA Division II for total offense.

Also in 2000, Mercyhurst ranked eighth in passing and the team’s starting quarterback finished fifth in the nation for total offense. In both 1998 and 1999, his offenses ranked among the nation’s top four in passing.

NINE FOOTBALL PANTHERS RECEIVE ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION (January 21, 2003) 

Nine Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers were named NCAA Div. II Mid-Major All-American by Football Gazette today. This marks the fourth straight season KWC has had five or more players named All-American.

East, a junior from Paducah, Ky. (Lone Oak HS), led the Panthers with 49 receptions for 659 yards and two touchdowns.

Mosley, a junior from Chicago (Thornridge HS), completed 122 of 283 passes for 1,694 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Nelson, a sophomore from Arjay, Ky. (Bell County HS), caught a third-best 42 passes for 551 yards and a season best six touchdowns.

Oglesby, a senior from Gallatin, Tenn. (Gallatin HS), accumulated a fourth-best 61 tackles including 31 solos.

Price, a senior from Franklin, Tenn. (Battle Ground Academy), started all 11 games on the offensive line.

Womack, a junior from St. Louis (Cardinal Ritter HS),. topped the Panther defense with 92 tackles.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN MOVES UP TO NO. 6 (January 21, 2003) 

For the second straight week Kentucky Wesleyan moved up one spot in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll at No. 6.

KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 63 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure.

The Panthers will go on the road for two GLVC contests when they play at Indianapolis (12-4, 7-2) on Thurday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. ET and at Saint Joseph's (8-8, 4-5) on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3:15 p.m. CT.

The next poll will be Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2003.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 21, 2003:

1. Tarleton State (Texas) 14-1
2. Humboldt State (Calif.) 13-1 
3. Massachusetts Lowell 14-1 
4. Michigan Tech 16-1 
5. Nebraska Kearney 14-0 
6. Kentucky Wesleyan 13-2 
7. Columbus State (Ga.) 15-1
8. Metro State (Colo.) 13-2 
9. Queens (NC) 12-1 
10. Salem International (WVa.) 12-2 
11. Washburn (Kan.) 13-2
12. Northeastern State (Okla.) 14-1 
13. South Dakota 14-2 
14. Bowie State (Md.) 15-1 
15. St. Cloud (Minn.) 15-1 
16. South Dakota State 13-3 
17. Northern Kentucky 14-3 
18. West Chester (Pa.) 12-3 
19. Florida Southern 16-1 
20. Lewis (Ill.) 13-3 
21. Assumpton (Mass.) 12-3 
22. Henderson State (Ark.) 13-2 
23. Nebraska Omaha 12-3 
24. Belmont Abbey (NC) 10-3 
25. Cal Poly Pomona 10-3 

Others receiving consideration: Rollins (14-3); Barton (9-1); Delta State (9-2); Colorado Mines (13-2); Incarnate Word (13-3); Pittsburg State (12-3);Fort Hays (13-2); Carson Newman (11-4); Valdosta St. (12-3); Fairmont State (10-2).

BASKETBALL ADDS JAMAR AVANT (January 18, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Ray Harper announced that Jamar Avant, who transferred from Murray State University after the fall semester, became eligible on Friday and would play when the Panther host Bellarmine tonight.

Avant, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound freshman forward, originally signed with Murray State in Nov. 1999 and sat out the 2001 season as a Prop 48 student where he did not practice with the Racers. He will have three and half years of eligibility remaining.

"Jamar is a very aggressive and tenacious rebounder who can score with his back to the basket or step out to shoot the jumper," said Harper. "He brings another added dimension to our talented frontline which is a key factor in the success of this season."

As a junior, Avant averaged 20 points and 17 rebounds in helping Murphysboro to a 29-3 record and the conference and regional titles. He was named all-conference, all-region and all-state plus team MVP in 1999. Played in the prestigious Nike, Adidas and Reebok camps between his junior and senior season.

At Cairo High School he averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds as a sophomore and 11 points and 12 rebounds as a freshman playing for head coach Larry Baldwin. Avant was an all-state selection as a sophomore and the team's MVP.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN SLIPS TO NO. 8 (January 7, 2003) 

Kentucky Wesleyan slipped to No. 8 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll after No. 2 in the first week of the ratings.

The Panthers (10-2, 3-2) split two Great Lakes Valley Conference road contests last week as they defeated Wisconsin Parkside, 76-68, on Thursday and lost to No. 14 Lewis, 96-73, on Saturday.

KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 61 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure.

The Panthers will host Great Lakes Valley Conference foes Quincy (8-4, 2-3) on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. CT and Missouri St. Louis (5-6, 2-4) on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 3:30 p.m.

The next poll will be Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003. 

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 7, 2003:

1. Humboldt State (Calif.) 10-0 
2. South Dakota State 11-1 
3. Massachusetts Lowell 10-0 
4. Tarleton State (Texas) 10-1 
5. Michigan Tech 12-1 
6. Nebraska Kearney 10-0 
7. Washburn (Kan.) 10-1 
8. Kentucky Wesleyan 10-2 
9. South Dakota 12-1 
10. Columbus State (Ga.) 10-1 
11. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 10-2
12. Northern Kentucky 11-2
13. Belmont Abbey (NC) 8-1
14. Lewis (Ill.) 11-1
15. Queens (NC) 8-1
16. Cal State Bakersfield 8-1
17. Salem International (WVa.) 7-2
18. Northeastern State (Okla.) 9-1
19. Bowie State (Md.) 10-1r
20. Shaw (NC) 9-2
21. Northwest Missouri 9-2
22. Valdosta State (Ga.) 11-1
23. Saint Cloud (Minn.) 12-1
24. Southern New Hampshire 9-1
25. Florida Southern 13-0

Others receiving consideration: Pittsburg State (9-2); Texas A&M Commerce (10-2); Nebraska Omaha (10-2); Fairmont State (7-1); Hawaii Pacific (10-1); Presbyterian (12-2); Pfeiffer (7-1); Ashland (11-2); Delta State (6-1); Carson-Newman (8-3); Alaska Fairbanks (9-2).

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN NO. 2 IN FIRST WEEKLY BASKETBALL POLL (December 17, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan was the No. 2 choice in the first National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 men's poll after No. 1 in the preseason rankings.

KWC (4-1) has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 5 for 52 weeks and the Top 10 for 60 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's seven-year tenure.

The Panthers will host Great Lakes region foe Northern Michigan (5-3) on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. CT, Lincoln [Mo.] (3-4) on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. and Southern Arkansas (3-4) on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m.

The next poll will be Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2003.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Dec. 17, 2002:

1. Humboldt State (Calif.) 5-0
2. Kentucky Wesleyan 4-1 
3. South Dakota State 8-1 
4. Michigan Tech 8-0 
5. Massachusetts Lowell 6-0 
6. Northern Kentucky 8-0 
7. Salem International (WVa.) 6-1 
8. South Dakota 8-0 
9. Tarleton State (Texas) 6-1 
10. Shaw (NC) 6-1 
11. Carson Newman (Tenn.) 5-1 
12. Northwest Missouri 8-1 
13. Cal State Bakersfield 4-0 
14. Nebraska Kearney 7-0 
15. Northeastern State (Okla.) 7-0 
16. Montana State Billings 5-0 
17. Ashland (Ohio) 7-0 
18. Washburn (Kan.) 7-1 
19. Assumption (Mass.) 4-1 
20. Tampa 7-1 
21. Nebraska Omaha 6-1 
22. Alaska Fairbanks 7-0 
23. Columbus State (Ga.) 7-1 
24. Millersville (Pa.) 7-1 
25. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 5-2 

Others receiving consideration: Belmont Abbey (5-0); Lewis (6-1); Gannon (8-1); Valdosta State (8-0); Harding (6-0); Texas A&M Commerce (8-1); Pittsburg State (7-0); Missouri Western (5-1); Southern New Hampshire (5-0); Minnesota. Moorhead (7-1); Florida Southern (8-0); Barry (7-0); Cameron (7-1); Bowie State (6-1); Fairmont State (5-0), Queens [NC] (7-1), Incarnate Word (5-2).

DABNEY NAMED GLVC CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (December 17, 2002) 

 Kentucky Wesleyan senior center Eugene Dabney had a career-high 26 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Panthers to a victory over unbeaten Gannon to earn Co-Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Dabney, a 6-11, 240-pound senior center from Birmingham, Ala., hit 14-14 free throws and 6-9 field goals against the Golden Knights. His 14 consecutive free throws made in a single game was just behind the GLVC record of 16 straight set by Saint Joseph's Brent Mason in January of 2001.

This is the second-time in three weeks the league has named recognize a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Marlon Parmer on Dec. 3.

On record, 28 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 55 times in the 25-year history of the conference.

The Panthers will host Great Lakes region foe Northern Michigan (5-3) on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. CT, Lincoln [Mo.] (3-4) on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. and Southern Arkansas (3-4) on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m.

Saint Joseph's guard Hodges Smith shared GLVC co-Player of the Week honors with Dabney.

FOOTBALL BANQUET AWARD WINNERS (December 9, 2002) -- Kentucky Wesleyan capped off the 2002 football season their annual awards banquet on Sunday, December 8, at the Health and Recreation Center on KWC's campus. The award winners:

Julian Cunningham Offensive Most Valuable Player: Haven Mosley, QB, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Talmadge Hocker Defensive Most Valuable Player: Quentin Womack, LB, Jr., St. Louis, Mo.
Most Improved Offensive Player: Erik East, WR, So., Paducah, Ky. and Ryan Denton, WR, Jr., Olney, Ill.
Most Improved Defensive Player: Eric Dewig, LB, Fr., Evansville, Ind.
Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Michael Agee, TE, Fr., Vincennes, Ind.and John Warren, RB, Sr., Fairfield, Ill.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Jacques Williams, DB, Fr., Owensboro
Offensive Coaches Award: Matt Brannon, OL, Sr., Central City, Ky.
Defensive Coaches Award: Morgan Asay, DB, Fr., Lafayette, Ind.
Offensive Team Leader Award: Brian Price, OL, Sr., Franklin, Tenn.
Defensive Team Leader Award: Vince Brodt, LB, Jr., Kennesaw, Ga.
Offensive Teammate Award: Keith Nelson, QB-WR, So., Arjay, Ky.
Defensive Teammate Award: Adam Presler. LB, So., Largo, Fla.
Offensive Panther Award: Greg Brown, OL, So., Barnesville, Ga.
Defensive Panther Award: J. D. Wargel, LB, Sr., Evansville, Ind.

Position Awards:
Best Quarterback/Running Back: Haven Mosley, QB, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Best Wide Receiver: Nathan East, Jr., Paducah, Ky.
Best Offensive Lineman: Jake Colson, Sr., Columbus, Ga.
Best Defensive Lineman: Tommy Oglesby, Sr., Gallatin, Tenn.
Best Linebacker: Tony Black, Sr., College Park, Ga.
Best Defensive Back: Tycen Brock, So, Odon, Ind.
Special Teams: Shawn Payne, K, So., Owensboro
Offensive Scout Team Award: Jon Jent, QB, Fr., Smiths Grove, Ky.
Defensive Scout Team Award: Jake Taylor, DB, Fr., Rosine, Ky.

PARMER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK (December 3, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan senior guard Marlon Parmer averaged 23.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists and led the No. 1-ranked Panthers to a pair of victories to earn the first Player of the Week honor in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this season.

Parmer, a 6-3, 190-pounder from Inglewood, Calif., began the week by scoring a game-high 26 points on 11-16 shooting and collecting eight assists as KWC defeated Illinois Springfield, 105-73, on Nov. 25. He came back on five days later to score 21 points, deal out seven assists and grab six rebounds as the Panthers defeated arch GLVC rival and No. 8-ranked Southern Indiana, 73-61, on Nov. 30

His numbers for the week: 47 points (23.5 ppg), 14-25 FGs (56.0 percent), 2-5 three pointers (40.0 percent), 17-20 FTs (85.0 percent), 15 assists (7.5), and 11 rebounds (5.5).

On record, 27 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 54 times in the 25-year history of the conference.

The No. 1 Panthers (2-0, 1-0) will host Northern Kentucky (5-0, 2-0) on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. CT and Indianapolis (3-1, 2-0) on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3:30 p.m. at the Owensboro Sportscenter.

JOHNSON'S CONTRACT NOT RENEWED (November 26, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College announced that head football coach John Johnson's contract will not be renewed for the 2003 season.

In making this decision KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore said, "We appreciate how far Coach Johnson has taken this program during his tenure. However, Kentucky Wesleyan wants to move in a new direction with our football program."

Johnson in nine seasons compiled a 34-58 overall record and a 34-32 record against NCAA Div. II, III and NAIA opponents. The 34 wins is the most by any coach in KWC football history. He has produced four national player of the years and 23 All-Americans and his teams have broken 57 of 69 KWC records.

1999 marked the best season in Johnson's career when he guided the Panthers to a record setting seven wins (7-4) and their highest weekly ranking at No. 1 and highest final ranking at No. 2 in the non-scholarship poll. For his achievement Johnson was named 1999 Coach of the Year by Football Gazette.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished the 2002 season with a 1-10 record.

Moore said, "a search will begin immediately and we will move as quickly as possible. No timetable has been established on fulfilling the position. We are proud of Kentucky Wesleyan football and the future it holds."

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN-SOUTHERN INDIANA TICKETS ON SALE (November 24, 2002)

Tickets for the Kentucky Wesleyan versus Southern Indiana basketball game on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Owensboro Sportscenter are on sale Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 25-27, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the KWC ticket office located in the Woodward Health and Recreation Center. The ticket office will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the

Thanksgiving holiday. Tickets will go back on sale at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Saturday afternoon at 4:30. Tickets are $7.

EIGHT PANTHERS HONORED BY INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL ALLIANCE (November 21, 2002) 

Six Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers were named to the All-Independent Football Alliance first, second, and honorable mention teams as voted on by member coaches and two were selected to the IFA All-Academic squad.

BASKETBALL PRESEASON NO. 3 (November 12, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College, the 2002 NCAA National Finalist, has been chosen preseason No. 3 by Basketball Times in their NCAA Division II preseason Top 20 men's poll. The Panthers were previously picked No. 3 by Street & Smith's and No. 1 by Division II Bulletin.

The magazine also selected the Panthers 6-3 senior guard Huggy Dye and 6-2 senior guard Marlon Parmer to their preseason Top 25 All-America squad. Dye averaged 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists at Maine in 2002 and Parmer averaged 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists at New Mexico last season.

KWC posted an all-time NCAA record setting fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3), earned a  record breaking fifth straight trip to the NCAA Division II championship game and won the GLVC regular season championship with a record 19 wins in 20 games in 2002.

Seventh-year head coach Ray Harper returns four letterwinners from last season and two redshirts including a starter from their 2001 NCAA Championship squad. He also signed a highly touted recruiting class including three Division I transfers and two junior college standouts.

The Panthers (2-0 in exhibition) will host the Charleston Bombers, an AAU team from Charleston, WVa., on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Owensboro Sportscenter at 7:30 p.m. CT in their final exhibition contest. Tickets will go on sale at the Sportscenter on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person and seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Kentucky Wesleyan begins their 92nd season on Monday, Nov. 25 at the Sportscenter against Illinois Springfield at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Kentucky Wesleyan 59
Thad Key 21, Bobby Zuerner 14, Huggy Dye 9, Eugene Dabney 6 Damon Garris 4, Dewayne Rogers 3, Ryan West 2 (Zuerner 7 rebounds, Eric Freeman 5 reb., Dean Smith 5 reb., Garris 3 asst., Matt Enos 3 asst).

St. Mary's 52
Gabriel Goree 16, Damon Cole 15, Muhammad Ibrahei 6, Ben McCarthy 5, Geoff Williams 4, Dere VanWeerdhulz 2, Prosper Hewa 2, Shawn Smith 2 (VanWeerdhulz 6 reb., Muhammad Ibrahei 5 reb., Cole 6 asst.) 

The Panthers are 2-0 in exhibition play. The No. 1 preseason ranked Kentucky Wesleyan returns home on Tuesday, Nov. 19 for their final exhibition contest against the Charleston Bombers (AAU) at the Owensboro Sportscenter at 7:30 CT.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN  BASKETBALL WINS EXHIBITION GAME IN CANADA (November 8, 2002)

Rogers AT&T NCAA Basketball Showcase at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Kentucky Wesleyan 75
Eugene Dabney 17, Huggy Dye 15, Damon Garris 14, Eric Freeman 9, Bobby Zuerner 8, Thad Key 6, Matt Enos 4

St. Francis Xavier 68
Will Jemigan 16, Kyle Sanders 14, E. L. Adams 9, Edwin Reynolds 8, Michael Baxter 7, Brandy Gorman 5, Alex Stephan 3, Dion Williams 2, John Bustin 2, Neil MacDonald 2

MOSLEY NAMED NATIONAL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (October 29, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan Haven Mosley received quad-National Offensive Player of the Week honors by Football Gazette for his record setting performance last Saturday. He also received honorable mention Offensive Player of the Week recognition by D2football.com.

Mosley, a 6-3, 201 pound, junior quarterback from Chicago (Thornridge HS), threw a KWC record 60 passes, completing 25 for 473 yards and four touchdowns and also accumulated 509 yards in total offense in the Panther's 56-46 loss at North Greenville.

His 473 passing yards and 509 yards in total offense are the third-best single game performances in NCAA Div. II this season. Both are also the second best in the KWC record book and the 25 completions was the seventh best.

Mosley is the first Panther to receive multiple Player of the Week awards this season. He also was named Offensive Player of the Week by the Independent Football Alliance last Tuesday.

Also receiving national offensive player of the week recognition were Kyle Henderson (wr) of West Alabama, Mike Miller (rb) of Nebraska Kearney and Justin Schreiber (qb) of Minnesota Crookston.

The Panthers (0-8) will host the Quincy University Hawks (2-6) on Saturday at Reid Stadium for a 1:30 p.m. CT kickoff.

WILLIAMS AND WOMACK EARN PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS (October 22, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan Jacques Williams received Tri-National Special Teams Player of the Week honors by Football Gazette and Quentin Womack earned Defensive Player of the Week recognition by the Independent Football Alliance for their performance in the Panthers near upset, 23-21, of I-AA Austin Peay.

Williams, a 5-9, 164 pound, freshman cornerback from Owensboro (Apollo HS), returned two kickoffs for 104 yards, with one a 91-yard return for a touchdown.

Womack, a 6-1, 212-pound, junior linebacker from St. Louis (Cardinal Ritter HS), registered 15 tackles including six solos along with a forced fumble and a pass deflection.

This marks the first time two Panthers have garner Player of the Week honors at the same time.

Joining Williams for the special teams selection were Richard Robinson of Livingstone and Allen Getschow of St. Norbert.

The Independent Football Alliance is an association of 11 NCAA Division II independent institutions consisting of California Davis, Gannon (Pa.), Lincoln (Mo.), Kentucky Wesleyan, New Haven (CT), North Greenville (SC), Panhandle State (Okla.), Quincy (Ill.), Saint Joseph's (Ind.), Tiffin (Ohio) and Western New Mexico.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN FAVORED TO CAPTURE GLVC TITLE (October 16, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan, 2002 NCAA Runner-up, received 10 of 11 first place votes in the 2003 Great Lakes Valley Conference men's basketball preseason poll as the favorite to capture its fifth GLVC title in the past six years and 15th overall as voted on by league coaches. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

KWC is followed in the poll by defending GLVC Tournament champion Lewis (one first place vote), Southern Indiana, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, Bellarmine, Quincy, Missouri St. Louis, Wisconsin Parkside, SIU Edwardsville and Saint Joseph's.

This marks the 14th time in 23 years the Panthers have been voted No. 1 in the GLVC preseason poll.

The No. 1 preseason ranked Panthers returns four letterwinners from their record-breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance plus two redshirts including a starter from their 2001 NCAA Championship squad. Coach Harper also added a highly touted recruiting class with three Div. I transfers and two junior college standouts.

Here are the Great Lakes Valley Conference men's and women's preseason basketball polls.

GLVC Men's Coaches Pre-Season Poll
Rk. (First place votes) Pts
1. Kentucky Wesleyan  (10) 110
2. Lewis (1) 95
3. Southern Indiana 93
4. Nothern Kentucky  88
5. Indianapolis  68
6. Bellarmine 54
7. Quincy 52
8. Missouri St. Louis 47
9. Wisconsin Parkside 47
10. SIU Edwardsville 31
11. Saint Joseph's  30

GLVC Women's Coaches Pre-Season Poll
Rk. (First place votes) Pts
1. Northern Kentucky (6) 106
2. Quincy  (4) 98
3. Bellarmine (1) 90
4. Southern Indiana 86
5. Indianapolis 77
6. SIU Edwardsville 67
7. Saint Joseph's 46
8. Missouri St. Louis 45 
9. Wisconsin Parkside 40
10. Lewis 34
11. Kentucky Wesleyan 26

FOOTBALL PANTHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM ON SATURDAY (October 15, 2002) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan football team will be participating in the American Football Coaches Association's National Child Identification Program at this Saturday's game against Austin Peay at Apollo Stadium, 6 p.m. CT. This free child identification kits will be distributed as fans enter the stadium on Saturday.

This program provides free inkless fingerprint kit for each child. The inkless ID kit allows parents to take and store their child's fingerprints in their own home. The card remains in the parents' possession. If ever needed, this card can give authorities vital information to assist them in their efforts to locate a missing child.

The AFCA is distributing more than two million Child Identification Kits in college football stadiums nationwide this Saturday. This the largest community service project of its kind in the nation.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN PRESEASON NO. 1 (October 15, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College, with no returning starters from their national runner-up squad, has been chosen preseason No. 1 by Division II Bulletin magazine in their NCAA Division II Top 25 men's poll for the second consecutive year.

"With its new players and with Coach Ray Harper’s history of blending talent together, we felt Kentucky Wesleyan was the top team in the country heading into the season," said Division II Bulletin editor Gary Rubin. "Three transfers from Division I and a deep roster make the Panthers a tough team to match up with."

Following Kentucky Wesleyan in the Top 10 was defending NCAA Div. II Champion Metropolitan State (Colo.), South Dakota State, Salem International (WVa.), Humboldt State (Calif.), California (Pa.), Tarleton State (Tex.), Southern Indiana, Shaw (NC) and Carson Newman (Tenn.).

The second 10 includes No. 11 Michigan Tech, Northwest Missouri, Massachusetts Lowell, Cal State Bakersfield, Washburn (Kan.), Assumption (Mass.), West Chester (Pa.), Tampa (Fla.), West Georgia and Incarnate Word (Tex.).

Rounding out the Top 25 are No. 21 Nebraska Kearney, Montana State Billings, Johnson C. Smith (NC), Nebraska Omaha and Gannon (Pa.).

This marks the third time in four years and eighth overall KWC has been a preseason No. 1 selection. The previous years were 1968, 1969, 1974, 1988, 1991, 1999, 2001 and 2002. The Panthers were chosen No. 3 by Street & Smith's in their preseason top 10 poll in late September.

The Panthers are coming off an all-time NCAA record fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and a Div. II record fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance in 2002. KWC also finished No. 1 in the final rankings.

Harper, the winningest active Div. II coach by percentage and seven-time national coach of the year honoree, returns four letterwinners from 2002 and two redshirts including a starter from their 2001 NCAA Championship squad. The Panthers signed a highly touted recruiting class including three Div. I transfers and two junior college standouts.

SANDERS SIGNS PRO CONTRACT (October 2, 2002) 

Former Kentucky Wesleyan forward Marshall Sanders has signed to play professionally with the Gary (Ind.) Steelheads of the Continental Basketball Association. Terms of the contract were not released.

Sanders, a 6-foot-7, 250-pounder, averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in leading the Panthers to their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth consecutive NCAA championship game appearance. He shot 53.2 percent from the field and 67.3 percent from the foul line.

The St. Petersburg, Fla. native earned honorable mention All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors as a senior and was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team as a junior. Sanders started for the Panthers 2001 NCAA Division II National Championship team in 2001. He finished fifth on KWC's all-time career blocked shot list with 84.

Sanders becomes the third player in KWC history to play in the CBA joining former All-Americans Rod Drake and Alex Kreps.

BASKETBALL PRESEASON RANKED NO. 3 IN NATION (September 26, 2002) 

 Kentucky Wesleyan, fresh from their national record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance, has been picked No. 3 in Street & Smith's preseason men's basketball Division II top 10 poll.

The magazine also selected the Panthers 6-3 senior guard Huggy Dye to their preseason second team All-America squad. Dye, a Division I transfer from Danville, Ill., averaged 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists at the University of Maine in 2002.

"I am honored that Street and Smith's has chosen me for their preseason recognition," said Dye. "The success of this season depends on 14 players and the coaches pulling together for the ultimate goal of winning a championship."

Harper, the winningest active Div. II coach by percentage and seven-time national coach of the year honoree, returns four letterwinners from 2002 and two redshirts including a starter from their 2001 NCAA Championship squad.

In addition to the returnees, Kentucky Wesleyan signed a highly touted and talented recruiting class according to basketball experts including three Div. I transfers and two junior college standouts.

The Panthers have won a record eight NCAA Division II National Championships — 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001.

BASKETBALL ADDS TWO TO SQUAD (September 18, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head basketball coach Ray Harper announced that Paul Lodzick from Owensboro Catholic High School and John Foster from Olive Harvey (Jr.) College in Chicago will join the 2002-03 Panthers squad as non-scholarship players.

Lodzick, a 6-foot-6, 180-pound freshman forward, led the Aces with 7.2 rebounds per game and was the second leading scorer at 13.0 points per contest. He shot a team best 55.3 percent from the field and led Owensboro Catholic in blocked shots with 1.8 per game. Lodzick earned honorable mention all-region honors and received the Most Improved Player Award by the Aces coaching staff as a senior.

Foster, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior guard from Indianapolis, was Olive Harvey's leading playmaker with 5.4 assists per game. He also averaged a third best 12.1 points and had 4.2 rebounds per game. Foster prepped at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis.

"We are pleased to have Paul and John join our basketball team," Harper said. "Both will play an important role as we develop our team into a national contender."

Kentucky Wesleyan, fresh from their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance, returns four letterwinners from 2002 plus three redshirts including a starter from the 2001 NCAA Championship squad and a highly touted and talented recruiting class.

SIX NAMED TO PRESEASON FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA SQUAD (August 30, 2002) 

Six Kentucky Wesleyan football players were chosen to Football Gazette's 2002 preseason NCAA Division II Mid-Major All-America teams.

Seniors Tony Black (de) and Jake Colson (og) along with juniors Vince Brodt (lb) and Nathan East (wr) were named first-team All-American and senior Brian Price (og) and junior Quentin Womack (db) received honorable mention All-America recognition.

Black, a 5-10, 224 pound senior from College Park, Ga./South Cobb HS, led the Panthers with a season high four sacks for minus 28 yards and four fumble recoveries last season. He finished fourth in the nation (NCAA Div. II ) in sacks per game with 1.1. Black also had 38 total tackles, 11 tackles for lost yardage, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups.

Colson, a 6-1, 247 pound senior from Columbus, Ga./Columbus HS, started 10 games on the offensive line at right guard in 2001.

Brodt, a 5-11, 213 pound junior from Kennesaw, Ga./North Cobb HS, led the Panthers with 80 total tackles including 33 solos and 12 tackles for lost yardage. He had two sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, in starting ten games in 2001.

East, a 6-1, 182 pound junior from Paducah, Ky./Lone Oak HS, led KWC with 43 pass receptions for 783 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also had 11 kickoff returns for 301 yards and a 93-yard touchdown run plus led the team with a 27.4 yard return average.

Price, a 6-0, 300 pound senior from Franklin, Tenn./Battle Ground Academy, started 10 games on the offensive line at left guard in 2001.

Womack, 6-1, 212 pound junior from St. Louis, Mo./Cardinal Ritter College Prep HS, recorded a third-best 59 total tackles including 30 solos in 2001. He also had tackles for lost yardage, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

FOOTBALL NAMES FIVE ASSISTANTS (August 20, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head football coach John Johnson announced five new assistants to his staff including three former KWC standouts.

HAMM NAMED ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH AND HEAD MEN'S GOLF COACH (August 19, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Ray Harper announced the appointment of Bryan Hamm to his coaching staff as the second assistant. He will also take over the duties as head men's golf coach.

Prior to Ohlone, Hamm was an assistant at Hill (Jr.) College in Hillsboro, Texas in 2000 where they finished regional runners-up with a 20-10 record. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at his alma mater McMurry University in Abilene, Texas in 1999.

"It's a great opportunity to work in a championship program and I am very appreciative of Coach Harper's confidence in me," said Hamm. "I look forward to being involved with all aspects of this championship tradition and the education I will receive from Coach Harper."

The Denton, Texas native played one season for McMurry before an injury ended his playing career where he led the Indians in three-point field goal percentage (55.8) and averaged 4.2 points in 1997.

Hamm played for his father, Troy, at Krum High School where he earned all-region, all-area and all-state honors and won the 1994 2-A state championship as a senior. He also was a four-year letterwinner for the Bobcats golf program.

Hamm graduated from McMurry with a bachelors degree in kinesiology in 1999.

GREEN AND FORTENER TO TRANSFER (August 19, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan's Beau Green and Nathan Fortener have announced their decision to transfer to other colleges to finish their basketball careers according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Green, a 6-foot-1 junior guard from Owensboro, averaged 5.2 points, 2.4 assists and 1.8 rebounds in starting 33 of 34 games played at point guard. He has not indicated where he will transfer for his final two seasons at this time.

Fortener, a 6-foot-6 junior forward from Beaver Dam, Ky., averaged 1.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in 22 games played. He will transfer to Longwood College in Farmville, Va. for his last two years and play for former KWC assistant Michael Leeder.

Kentucky Wesleyan completed their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance in 2002.

MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE CHANGE (August 16, 2002)

The Kentucky Wesleyan versus Abilene Christian men's basketball game scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16 at the Owensboro Sportscenter at 7:30 p.m. CT has been cancelled. In place of the cancelled contest, KWC will play Lees McRae on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the Owensboro Sportscenter at 2:30.

JARRETT NAMED VOLLEYBALL COACH (August 12, 2002) 

Karie Jarrett, who was the captain and starting setter for the Kentucky Wesleyan College volleyball team one year ago, has been named the Panthers new head coach as announced by KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

Jarrett at age 21 becomes the one of the two youngest, if not the youngest, head collegiate volleyball coaches in the country according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

"Karie has the knowledge and ability we were looking for to lead our volleyball program," Moore said. "Being a former KWC player has helped her understand all aspects of the game. We look forward to working with her as she strives to take the volleyball program to the next level of success."

Jarrett, a native of Effingham, Ill., was a three-year starter for KWC where she holds the records for most assists in a match (62) and season (786). She complete her career by finishing second on the all-time assist list with 1,953 in 245 games played.

"I am honored the college would bestow such an tremendous opportunity on me," Jarrett said. "Coaching at the college level has been a dream of mine but I did not know that my dream would come so soon in my lifetime. My immediate goal is to help KWC improve in the Great Lakes Valley Conference."

Jarrett began her collegiate career as a freshman at Parkland (Jr.) College where she help lead name to the NJCAA sectional championship game in 1998. She was a four-year starter at St. Anthony (Ill.) High School and became the school's first all-state selection as a senior and twice earned all-conference honors.

She will graduate from Kentucky Wesleyan in December with a bachelor's degree in fitness and sports management. Jarrett becomes the Panthers sixth head coach in the college's 23-year volleyball history replacing Heather Oxley who resigned in May.

NEW MEXICO GUARD TRANSFERS TO KENTUCKY WESLEYAN (August 5, 2002) 

Marlon Parmer, a 6-foot-2, 182 pound, left-handed point-guard from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, has announced his decision to transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College for his senior year and play basketball for the eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

"Marlon brings a wealth of talent and ability to our program," said Harper. "He gives us the quickness and speed that we needed in the backcourt. Marlon can literally dominate a game with his passing, scoring, rebounding and tenacious defense. There is no doubt that he will be the best point guard that I have ever coached at Kentucky Wesleyan."

As a sophomore, Parmer averaged 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and led the Mountain West Conference in assists with 5.4 per game in leading New Mexico to a 21-13 record and to a NIT third round finish. He scored 850 points (10.4 ppg), grabbed 326 rebounds (4.0 rpg), had 76 steals (0.9 spg) and started 56 of 82 games in his three-year career with the Lobos.

Parmer played at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles where he won the John Wooden Award as the top prep player in Southern California as a senior in 1999. He averaged 26.1 points and 9.2 assists as a senior in leading the Eagles to back-to-back state titles in 1998 and 1999 for head coach David Greenwood, a former NBA and UCLA star.

Recruiting guru Bob Gibbons ranked Parmer as the nation's 14th-best point guard All-Star report going into his senior season in his Bob Gibbons' All Star Report.

Kentucky Wesleyan, fresh from their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA championship game appearance, returns eight letterwinners and one starter plus three redshirts from the 2001-02 season.

PANTHERS ANNOUNCE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS (August 3, 2002) 

 Kentucky Wesleyan College head football coach John Johnson has announced 45 student-athletes have decided to continue their football careers for the Panthers this fall.

"We've brought in a good recruiting class of student-athletes," said Johnson. "They are a solid hard-working group who will be the backbone of our program for years to come."

Name, Pos.,  Ht., Wt., Yr.., Hometown,  High School or College
Michael Agee, DL, 6-2, 220, Fr., Vincennes, IN, Lincoln
Barry Alford, OL, 6-0, 260, Fr., Gadsden, AL, Hokes Bluff
Morgan Asay, DB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Lafayette, IN, McCutcheon
Ronnie Barton, Rec, 6-2, 186, Fr., Memphis, TN, Ridgeway
Don Bonelli, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Batesville, IN, Batesville
Cory Bradley, Rec, 6-0, 205, Fr., Newburgh, IN, Castle
Terrell Brumfield, RB-DB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Milwaukee, WI, Rufus King
Scott Cole, OL, 6-2, 300, Fr., Brownsville, KY, Edmonson County
Keith Cottoner, DB, 5-10, 205, Fr., Madisonville, KY, Hopkins County Central
Boomer Crann, DB, 5-10, 178, So., Cudjoe Key, FL, Glenbrook South, Ill.
Brandon Elliott, DL, 5-10, 215, Fr., Lake City, TN, Anderson County
Mike Evans, QB, 6-1, 200, Fr., Nortonville, KY, Hopkins County Central
Nick Gambriel, Rec, 5-10, 170, Fr., Arjay, KY, Pineville
Ray Gorman, Rec, 5-11, 175, Fr., Jeffersontown, KY, Jeffersontown
Joshua Goss, Rec, 6-4, 225, Fr., Evansville, IN, Reitz Memorial
Chauncey Gregory, LB, 5-10, 170, Fr., St. Petersburg, FL, Gibbs
Jonas Hamilton, DL, 6-0, 220, Fr., Owensboro, KY, Apollo
Brandon Hanley, RB, 5-8, 165, Fr., Owensboro, KY, Owensboro 
James Hanshaw, LB, 6-0, 205, Fr., Big Clifty, KY, Grayson County
Stark Hinton, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Owensboro, KY, Owensboro Catholic
Joe Jackson, Rec, 6-6, 200, Fr., Clewiston, FL, Clewiston
Jon Jent, QB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Smiths Grove, KY, Warren East
Matt Keltner, DL, 6-2, 210, Fr., Harrisburg, IL, Harrisburg 
Tony King, LB, 5-11, 210, Fr., Covington, KY, Holmes
Kenneth Lindsey, RB, 5-10, 175, So., Forest City, IA, Waldorf (Jr.) College
J. P. Madrigal, LB, 6-2, 235, Fr., Anniston, AL, White Plains
Justin McKim, QB, 6-2, 180, So., Red Bluff, CA, Butte College
Austin Millay, LB, 6-3, 215, Fr., Owensboro, KY, Owensboro Catholic
Craig Mills, OL, 6-3, 240, Fr., Coral Springs, FL, Palm Beach Garden
Dan Newberg, LB, 5-10, 215, Fr., St. Petersburg, FL, Boca Ciega
Josh Ogburn, OL, 6-3, 260, Fr., Panama City, FL, J. R. Arnold
Caleb Phelps, DL, 6-0, 225, Fr., Brownsville, KY, Edmonson County
Matthew Ransdell, OL, 6-3, 285, Fr., Auburn, KY, Franklin Simpson 
Conrad Reed, DL, 6-1, 245, Fr., Woodstock, GA, Etowah
Chris Robinson, OL, 6-4, 300, So., Royal Palm Beach, FL, Univ. of South Florida
Andrew Seaton, LB, 6-0, 210, Fr., Reynolds Station, KY, Hancock County
Jason Simpson, Rec, 6-3, 180, Fr., Fort Payne, AL, Susan Moore
Keidrick Stout, RB, 5-9, 182, So., Elkhart, IN, Waldorf (Jr.) College
Jake Taylor, DB, 5-10, 165, Fr., Rosine, KY, Ohio County
Rusty Thompson, Rec, 6-3, 215, Jr., Antioch, TN, Univ. of Tennessee
Jason Tillery, Rec, 6-1, 175, Jr., Salisbury, NC, Virginia Union Univ.
John Warren, RB, 6-2, 205, Fr., Fairfield, IL, Fairfield Community
Matt Whitlock, LB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Tehachapi, CA, Tehachapi
Jacques Williams, DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Owensboro, KY, Apollo
Reggie Williams, Rec, 6-3, 210, Fr., Hawesville, KY, Hancock County

Kentucky Wesleyan returns 20 starters (nine offense, nine defense and two specialists) and 30 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-9 squad.

The Panthers open their 20th season of modern football at Div. I-AA Southern Illinois on Thursday, August 29 at 7 p.m. CT.

GUY STRONG TO ENTER KENTUCKY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME (July 29, 2002) 

Former Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Guy Strong, who led the Panthers to their first NCAA Division II National Championship in 1966, will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame at its annual banquet on Monday, Sept. 9 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville.

"I am humbled and delighted to be selected for this prestigious honor", said Strong. "Many of my heroes are in the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. I appreciate and am grateful for the opportunity afforded me by Kentucky Wesleyan early in my coaching career."

He is the first former KWC coach in history to enter the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.

Strong, a native of Irvine, coached Kentucky Wesleyan for four seasons (1964-67) where he had a 73-30 record for an amazing 70.9 winning percentage and guided the Panthers to three NCAA tournament appearances.

In his third season at the helm, Strong made school history as he led Kentucky Wesleyan to their first National Championship in any sport with a 24-6 record and was named National Coach of the Year. This was the first of a record eight NCAA basketball titles at KWC.

He followed the 1966 championship season by coaching the Panthers to a national third place finish in 1967 with a 25-4 record. He saw six of his athletes earn All-American status and three play professionally in the old American Basketball Association.

Strong went on as head coach at Eastern Kentucky University and Oklahoma State University before returning to Kentucky as head coach at Clark County High School in Winchester. He retired after 35 years of coaching in 2001 that included 15 years at the collegiate level and 20 years in the high school ranks.

Joining Strong in the 2002 induction class will be jockey Patti Cooksey, University of Kentucky football star Sonny Collins, UK basketball "Unforgettable" Richie Farmer, University of Louisville basketball great Rodney McCray, ex-National Football League lineman Maurice ''Mo'' Moorman, Lexington golfer Johnny Owens, former Western Kentucky University radio announcer Wes Strader and race driver Danny Sullivan.

Tickets for the banquet are $45 and can be purchased at Kosair Charities or by calling 637-7696. Cocktails will be at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:30.

BASEBALL ADDS DIV. I TRANSFER (July 29, 2002) 

Triffon Callos (pronounced Trif-fon), a left-handed pitcher from Morehead State University, has decided to transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College for his final two seasons according to KWC head baseball coach Todd Lillpop.

WILLIAMS NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH (July 17, 2002) 

Ron Williams, an assistant women's basketball coach at Georgetown College for the past three years, has joined Kentucky Wesleyan College's coaching staff as the top assistant to Panthers head coach Tandy Bradford.

"I have cross paths many times with Ron on the recruiting trail," Bradford said. "He comes with a reputation as an excellent recruiter, but I am also very impressed with his coaching ability. Ron will be a great addition to our staff."

Prior to returning to Georgetown, Williams was a assistant girls and junior varsity coach at Muhlenberg South High School in Greenville for two years (1998-1999).

Williams was a four-year letterwinner on the basketball, football and track teams at Hancock County High School (1987-1991). He signed to play football at Campbellsville University and was a first-team all-conference defensive back for the Tigers as a junior.

The Lewisport, Ky., native will be responsible for the development of the post players, coordinate recruiting efforts, scouting opponents and academic progress. He will also serve as the Panthers head women's golf coach.

Williams earned his bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville University (Ky.) in 1996 and his master's degree from Georgetown in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have a daughter, Elizabeth Williams.

He replaces Bryce Swafford who resigned to return to high school coaching.

KWC BASEBALL SIGNS DAVIESS COUNTY DUO (July 10, 2002) 

Daviess County High School standouts Brandon Brooks and T. J. Turner have signed national letters of intent to continue their baseball career at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by KWC head coach Todd Lillpop.

Brooks, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound pitcher/outfielder, recorded a second-best 63 strikeouts and 54.2 innings pitched with a 3.20 ERA in 12 appearances this past season. The two-time all-district and Kentucky East-West All-Star honoree also batted a third-best .333 with 33 hits in 99 plate appearances and knocked in a season high 35 runs with eight doubles and two home runs.

Turner, a 5-foot-10, 150 pound infielder/pitcher, started 32 games at shortstop or second base for the Panthers. He earned the Panthers Gold Glove Infield Award with an .858 fielding average as a senior and at the plate batted .203 with five doubles, one triple and 14 RBIs. Turner also was named MVP of the Panther Classic as a senior.

Daviess County finished the 2002 season with a 23-10 record and a trip to the regional semifinals.

"We are very excited about signing these local stars," said Lillpop. "Brandon and T. J. both bring an amazing work ethic to the program because they want to exceed as players. They are fundamentally sound with strong arms, good hands and speed.

"Brandon will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff, at the plate and defensively. T. J. gives us depth in the middle with his glove and we look forward to honing his pitching skills."

Brooks and Turner become the second and third DCHS signing and fourth overall for KWC this summer as they join teammate Adam Saalwaechter. Lillpop also added former Apollo High School and Southeastern Illinois JC shortstop Derek Price.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished the 2002 season with a 22-23 record under first-year head coach Todd Lillpop. The 22 wins were the most by a first-year head coach in KWC baseball history.

BOSWELL SIGNS WITH GLOBETROTTERS (July 10, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan All-American Tyrus Boswell has signed to play professionally with the Harlem Globetrotters. Terms of the contracts were not released.

FORMER APOLLO BASEBALL STANDOUT DEREK PRICE SIGNS (July 8, 2002)

Former Apollo High School shortstop Derek Price has signed a national letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Kentucky Wesleyan College, after spending his freshman year at Southeastern Illinois (Junior) College in Harrisburg, according to KWC head coach Todd Lillpop.

Price, a 5-foot-9, 190-pound native of Owensboro, started 26 games at shortstop and third base for the Falcons this past season. He led Southeastern Illinois with a .342 batting average and knocked in two home runs. Price missed the last 12 games of the season with an injury.

"We are very pleased to have Derek return home and play for us," said Lillpop. "He was an outstanding high school performer and gained a tremendous amount of experience at Southeastern Illinois. His versatility in the field with a solid glove and experience at the plate will be an asset to our program. Derek's best baseball lies ahead."

At Apollo, Price hit a season record 10 home runs and batted .416 with 39 RBIs in guiding the Eagles to a 36-5 record, a regional championship and a semi-state runner-up finish as a senior in 2001. The two-time all-district performer was a member of the Kentucky East-West All-Star team and named co-MVP by his teammates his final season.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED (June 20, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College taking advantage of a new NCAA scheduling policy will increase their women's basketball slate to 27 games including 12 at the Owensboro Sportscenter for the 2002-03 season as announced by KWC head coach Tandy Bradford.

After Christmas for the second straight year, KWC and Brescia will co-host the Owensboro Classic on Dec. 28-29. The doubleheader includes Pikeville, Ky. (16-17) and St. Vincent, Pa. (18-11). The Classic will be played at Brescia on Dec. 28 and at the Sportscenter on Dec. 29.

KWC returns to the rugged GLVC schedule after Christmas with 10 of the remaining 17 on the road including Quincy (18-9) and Bellarmine (18-10). The top eight teams in the final league standings will compete for the conference tournament title.

The sixth-annual GLVC postseason tournament will be March 5, 7-8 at Roberts Stadium (12,300) in Evansville, Ind. for the fifth straight year to determine the league's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The NCAA tournament begins with the Great Lakes Regional on March 14-15 and 17 and the NCAA Division II National Championship will be March 26-27 and 29 at St. Joseph, Mo.

Kentucky Wesleyan returns four starters and three letterwinner from last season's 6-21 squad.

KWC - Women's Basketball Schedule

PANTHERS FINISH THIRD IN BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE (June 17, 2002) 

SCHWEITZER DRAFTED BY ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (June 4, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's left handed pitcher Scott Schweitzer was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 18th round of the Major League Draft today.

Schweitzer, a senior from Alexandria, Ky./Campbell County HS, led the Panthers with a 2.66 ERA in 11 appearances and three shutouts and tied a team high five wins (5-4). He recorded a second-best 68 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched and had 10 starts, three complete games and one save.

Schweitzer also batted .295 with 31 hits in 105 plate appearances and knocked in 15 runs with six doubles and three home runs. He started 39 of 41 games played at first base and the designated hitter. The Great Lakes Valley Conference twice chose Schweitzer as the pitcher of the week this season and the coaches voted him first-team all-conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan finished the 2002 season with a 22-23 record under first-year head coach Todd Lillpop. The 22 wins were the most by a first-year head coach in KWC baseball history.

23 STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE (May 31, 2002)

Twenty-three Kentucky Wesleyan College student-athletes were named to the 2002 Great Lakes Valley Conference Winter and Spring Sports All-Academic team today. This marks a record 43 student-athletes, including 20 in the fall, were named to the GLVC All-Academic squad this year.

The Panthers were led by the college's second four-time honoree Allison Estes (basketball) a senior from Lewisport/Hancock County HS and three-time selection Kami Vaal (basketball) a junior from Celestine, Ind./Northeast Dubois HS.

Two-time honorees include Adam Hancock (baseball) a sophomore from Owensboro/Owensboro Catholic HS; Katie Kavanaugh (softball) a junior from Louisville/Eastern HS; Selena Morris (softball) a sophomore from Whitesville/Trinity HS; Travis Powell (basketball) a senior from LaCenter/Ballard Memorial HS; Lydia Purvis (basketball) a sophomore from LaGrange/Oldham County HS; Brandy Reynolds (basketball) a sophomore from Mt. Vernon/Rockcastle County HS; Carol Richardson (softball) a sophomore from Radcliff/North Hardin HS; and Kelly Waters (basketball) a senior from Cold Spring/Campbell County HS.

First-time selections are Christie Alvey (basketball) a junior from Cannelton, Ind./Cannelton; Andrea Clarke (basketball) a freshman from Guelph, Ontario, Canada/Our Lady of Lourdes HS; Trey Ferguson (basketball) a junior from Birmingham, Ala./Hoover HS; Adam Gautreau (baseball) a sophomore from London, Ontario Canada/South HS; Becky Nix (softball) a freshman from Owensboro/Owensboro Catholic HS; Jamie Neal (basketball) a junior from Franklin/Franklin Simpson HS; Amanda Peters (basketball) a sophomore from Elizabethtown/Central Hardin HS; Paul Richardson (baseball) a freshman from Indianapolis, Ind./Broad Ripple HS; Jeremy Sheetinger (baseball) a sophomore from Frankfort/Franklin County HS; Melissa Solomon (softball) a freshman from Reidland/Reidland HS; Rick Wood (baseball) a sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder HS; January Willhoit (softball) a freshman from Frankfort/Frankfort HS; and Heather Zoll (softball) a freshman from Lexington/Bryan Station HS.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a starter or significant substitute and the student-athlete has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 or has attained a GPA of at least 3.4 in each of the preceding two semesters. Freshmen or first-year transfers must achieve a GPA of 3.4 or higher during the academic year.

WIMSATT NAMED SOFTBALL COACH (May 31, 2002) 

Owensboro native Rob Wimsatt has been named head softball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by Director of Athletics Larry Moore. Joining Wimsatt as an assistant coach will be his wife Patricia.

Wimsatt began his coaching career in 1993 as head coach of the Owensboro men's open division team where they finished twice as state runnerup and third place once. The 1988 graduate of Owensboro High School was a four-year starter at first base for the Red Devils baseball team.

"Softball is a passion with Patricia and myself and Kentucky Wesleyan provides us a great opportunity to continue our passion by coaching on the collegiate level," said Wimsatt. "We have a good class of student-athletes, a winning tradition with four Great Lakes Valley Conference championships and a renovated softball facility."

Patricia Wimsatt, a native of Mayfield, Ky., was a four-year starter at Brescia where she twice was named all-conference and all-region. She graduated from Brescia in 1998 and Mayfield High School in 1993.

The Wimsatts are the first husband-wife coaching staff in Kentucky Wesleyan athletic history.

SWAFFORD RESIGNS (May 31, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head women's golf coach and assistant women's basketball coach Bryce Swafford has resigned after one season to return to high school as announced by KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

CROWDER INDUCTED INTO INAUGURAL GLVC HALL OF FAME (May 30, 2002) 

Corey Crowder, one of the most celebrated basketball players in Kentucky Wesleyan College history, was one of four individuals inducted into the inaugural Great Lakes Valley Conference Hall of Fame last night at the annual GLVC awards banquet in Nashville, Ind.

Crowder, a 6-5 guard/forward from Carrollton, Ga., became the league's first Division II National Player of the Year in any sport in 1991, first three-time All-American (1989, 1990 and 1991), first two-time GLVC Player of the Year (1990 and 1991) and the first conference athlete to play in the National Basketball Association (Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs).

The all-time leading scorer in KWC history with 2,282 points led the Panthers to the 1990 NCAA Championship, four NCAA tournament appearances and four consecutive GLVC championships. During his four years as a starter (1988-91), Kentucky Wesleyan had a 100-24 won-loss record for a winning percentage of 80.6 percent.

Crowder returned to Owensboro in 2000 to finish his education and graduate from Kentucky Wesleyan with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

He was unable to attend his induction because he is playing professionally in France where his team is competing for the country's championship. Dr. Jim Welch, KWC's Faculty Athletic Representative, accepted the award in his absence.

The inaugural class of inductees also included Lois Taurman from Bellarmine University; Richard Scharf, former Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph's College; and Jim Spalding, former Director of Athletics at Bellarmine. Taurman was the league's first three-sport All-GLVC performer while Scharf and Spalding were the co-founding fathers of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 1978.

BASKETBALL GUIDE RECOGNIZED AS BEST IN THE NATION (May 24, 2002) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's and women's basketball press guide was judged "Best in the Nation" by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) in NCAA Division II, III and NAIA.

This marks the 25th CoSIDA publication award and 13th "Best in the Nation" honor for Sports Information Director Roy Pickerill. He will receive his award at the CoSIDA convention on July 3 in Rochester, NY.

The judging was done by a panel of sportswriters, radio and television sports broadcasters, graphic artists and printers.

BASKETBALL ADDS SEASONED POINT GUARD (May 15, 2002)

La-Troy Farrow, a 5-foot-10, 160 pound, point guard from Barat College in Lake Forest, Ill., has announced his decision to transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College for his senior year and play basketball for the eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

"We are very fortunate to find someone of Troy's talent and ability," said Harper. "He gives us the quickness, speed and depth in the backcourt that we needed. His style of play is perfect for our uptempo offense and pressure defense. Troy can score by shooting the three or driving to the basket. He has good court awareness by passing the ball to the open man and has quick hands and feet for steals and defensive stops."

His other honors include first-team all-conference and all-region recognition. As a sophomore, Farrow came off the bench to average 7.1 points and 2.6 assists in 2001. He played his freshman year at John C. Calhoun State Community College in Decatur, Ala.

Farrow prepped at Louisville Moore High School where he averaged 13.6 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 steals as a senior in 1998. The two-time all-district selection was chosen captain his junior and senior years. He earned the team's co-MVP award as a senior, twice received the best three-point shooting award and was a honor scholar-athlete recipient. He was also an all-district honoree in football and baseball for the Mustangs.

Farrow joins spring signees 6-9 JuCo All-American center Eric Freeman from Gadsden State Community College, 6-3 swingman Damon Garris from Labette Community College and Division I transfers 6-10 center Eugene Dabney from Rutgers and 6-2 guard Huggy Dye from Maine for KWC's 2002 recruiting class.

Kentucky Wesleyan returns eight letterwinners and one starter from the 31-3 NCAA National Finalist squad plus four redshirts from the 2001-02 season.

OXLEY RESIGNS (May 14, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head volleyball coach Heather Oxley has resigned to take the same position at a high school in southern Indiana as announced by KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore. Oxley had a 4-17 record in her only season with the Panthers in 2001.

A search will begin immediately and letters of application maybe sent to Larry Moore, Director of Athletics, Kentucky Wesleyan College, 3000 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.

HAMMONS RELEASED (May 14, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head softball coach Dylan Hammons contract was not renewed as announced by KWC Director of Athletics Larry Moore. Hammons had a 8-23 record in his only season with the Panthers in 2002.

SCHWEITZER AND GAUTREAU SELECTED ALL-GREAT LAKES VALLEY CONFERENCE (May 9, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Scott Schweitzer was named to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball team at two positions and Adam Gautreau received second team honors, as voted on by league coaches.

Schweitzer, a senior from Alexandria, Ky./Campbell County HS, earned first team recognition as a designated hitter and second team as a pitcher. He batted .295 with 31 hits in 105 plate appearances and knocked in 15 runs with six doubles and three home runs in starting 39 of 41 games played. On the mound, Schweitzer led the Panthers with a 2.66 ERA in 11 appearances and shutouts (3) and tied a team high five wins (5-4). He recorded a second-best 68 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched and had 10 starts, three complete games and one save.

Gautreau, a sophomore pitcher from London, Ontario Canada/South HS, threw a second-best 2.89 ERA and tied Schweitzer for most victories (5-4). He led KWC in strikeouts (80), innings pitched (84), starts (12), complete games (4).

Kentucky Wesleyan finished the 2002 season with a 22-23 record under first-year head coach Todd Lillpop. The 22 wins were the most by a first-year head coach in KWC baseball history.

BASKETBALL ADDS DIVISION I TRANSFER FROM RUTGERS (May 7, 2001) 

Eugene Dabney, a 6-foot-10, 225 pound, center from Rutgers University, has announced his decision to transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College for his senior year and play basketball for the eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

HANCOCK AND GAUTREAU SWEEP GLVC HONORS (May 6, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Adam Hancock and Adam Gautreau have claimed the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, respectively, for the final week of the baseball season.

Hancock, a sophomore third baseman from Owensboro, Ky., batted .637 on the week (7-11), with five of his seven hits for doubles, as he helped lead KWC to a 3-1 week. Hancock managed six runs batted in and four runs scored, as KWC finishes the season just a game under .500 at 22-23.

Gautreau, a sophomore righthander from Ontario, Canada, tossed a no-hitter in the first of three games vs. Quincy on Saturday in a 5-0 Panther win. Gautreau faced 22 batters in the contest, walking one and hitting one, while striking out seven in the game. He finishes the 2002 season with a mark of 5-4.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN ANNOUNCES 11-GAME FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (April 30, 2002)

For the second time in three seasons and the third time in Kentucky Wesleyan College football history the Panthers will play an eleven-game schedule that will feature six home games as announced by ninth-year head coach John Johnson.

New to the slate at Cumberland (Ky.), Lincoln (Mo.), North Greenville (SC), Southern Illinois and Union (Ky.). KWC has previously played Cumberland and Union. Returning from last season's slate are Austin Peay, Bethel, Quincy, Saint Joseph's Southwest Baptist and Tennessee Martin.

"The schedule will be very competitive and tough once again," said Johnson. "It is a challenge to play Austin Peay, Southern Illinois and Tennessee Martin, but it is one that our players love to tackle.

"Playing our longtime rivals Quincy, Saint Joseph's, Bethel, Cumberland and Union along with Southwest Baptist, Lincoln and North Greenville constitute a very strong and solid schedule."

KWC returns 20 starters (nine offense, nine defense and two specialists) and 30 letterwinners from last season's 1-9 squad in addition to 20 redshirts from 2001. Top returnees for the Panthers are 2001 All-Americans Tony Black (dl), Vince Brodt (lb), Jake Colson (og), Nathan East (wr) and Quentin Womack (db).

2002 SCHEDULE 
Aug. 31 at Southern Illinois 1:30
Sept. 7 at Southwest Baptist 7:00
Sept. 12 at Tennessee Martin 7:00
Sept. 21 Lincoln 1:30 at Apollo Stadium
Oct. 5 Saint Joseph's 1:30 at Apollo Stadium
Oct. 12 at Union 12:30
Oct. 19 Austin Peay 6:00 at Apollo Stadium
Oct. 26 at North Greenville 12:30
Nov. 2 Quincy 1:30 at Reid Stadium
Nov. 9 Cumberland 1:30 at Reid Stadium
Nov. 16 Bethel 1:30 at Reid Stadium

(Home games in bold, all times Central))

BASKETBALL SIGNS JUCO SWINGMAN (April 26, 2001) 

Damon Garris, a 6-3, 225-pound swingman from Labette Community College in Parsons, Kan., has signed a national letter of intent to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College and play basketball for the eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Garris, a native of Baltimore, Md., led the Cardinals in scoring with 25.7 points, free-throw attempts per game 12.8, and steals with 1.9 a contest where he earned All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honors as a sophomore this past season..

He was second in rebounding with 5.7 per game and averaged 1.5 assists. Garris also led Labett in field goal shooting at 55.2 percent and shot 36.4 percent from three-point range and 72.4 percent from the free throw line.

"Damon brings a lot of versatility to the program where he could play up to three positions," said Harper. "He's a scorer, who has the amazing ability to create shots for himself and his teammates. He can shoot the three and put the ball on the floor to drive to the basket which makes him very tough to guard.

"With his size, strength and bulk Damon will also play some on the inside. He's a very solid player whose a high major athlete. What I like about Damon the most is his mental and physical toughness, a trait that you just cannot teach."

Garris becomes the first spring signee for the Panthers and joins mid-term Division I transfer 6-2 guard Huggy Dye from the University of Maine for KWC's 2002 recruiting class.

Kentucky Wesleyan returns eight letterwinners and one starter from the 31-3 NCAA National Finalist squad plus four redshirts from the 2001-02 season.

SPRING FOOTBALL GAME SATURDAY (April 22, 2002) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team will concluded its spring practice with the annual Purple/White scrimmage game on Saturday, April 27 at 3 p.m. CT at the KWC practice field. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.

The game wraps up 15 practice sessions in 30 days and is the last time for the coaching staff to see the players before they report for preseason camp in August.

Head coach John Johnson, entering his ninth season at KWC, has 20 starters (nine offense, nine defense and two specialists) and 30 letterwinners returning from last season's 1-9 squad in addition to 20 redshirts from 2001.

Top returnees for the Panthers are 2001 All-Americans Tony Black (dl), Vince Brodt (lb), Jake Colson (og), Nathan East (wr) and Quentin Womack (db).

Also returning are seniors Nic Vasilchek (te), Brian Price (og), Marty Montgomery (c) and Tommy Oglesby (dt) plus starting freshman quarterback Keith Nelson.

RICK WOOD NAMED GLVC PITCHER OF THE WEEK (April 9, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan's Rick Wood has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week. He is the second Panther hurler to receive Pitcher of the Week honors this season joining teammate Scott Schweitzer.

Wood, a right-handed sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder HS, threw a complete game shutout against visiting GLVC rival Bellarmine on last Wednesday in a 6-0 win. In nine innings, Wood allowed just five hits, one walk and struck out nine batters.

He then came back on three days rest to record another victory on Sunday at Missouri St. Louis in a 5-2 win. Wood pitched six innings, allowing seven hits, two earned runs, walking two and striking out three, to record a 2-0 week and improve his overall record to 3-4 and his ERA to a second best 2.94 for the Panthers.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to cross-town rival Brescia for a single game on Tuesday, April 9 starting at 6 p.m. CT at Panther Park. The Panthers will travel to Kenosha, Wisc. for a three-game series with Wisconsin Parkside on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14. First pitch for both days is Noon.

EVANS AND BOSWELL EARN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS (April 4, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan's Ronald Evans was named first-team All-American and Tyrus Boswell received second team All-American honors as announced by Division II Bulletin today after leading the Panthers to their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth consecutive NCAA championship game appearance.

Evans, a 6-foot-5 senior forward from Memphis, Tenn., led the Panthers in scoring (19.4) and finished second in rebounding (6.9), assists (3.6) and steals (1.2). He shot 44.9 percent from the field, 42.4 percent from three-point territory and 79.4 percent from the free throw line.

Evans other 2002 post season honors include Great Lakes Valley Conference co-Player of the Year, first-team All-GLVC selection, NCAA Great Lakes Region All-Tournament Team, and first-team All-Great Lakes Region by Daktronics and NABC.

Boswell, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, led KWC in rebounding (9.1), blocks (60) and field goal shooting (59.9). The 60 blocks was a new KWC season record. He also had a team best 18 double-doubles (pts-reb) and topped the Panthers in rebounding 21 times and blocked shots 20 games.

The Mountain Brook, Ala. native also was named first-team All-American by Basketball Times and Daktronics plus third-team by NABC this season.

Boswell also earned Great Lakes Valley Conference co-Player of the Year, first-team All-GLVC selection, NCAA Great Lakes Region Tournament Most Outstanding Player, GLVC All-Tournament Team and first-team All-Great Lakes Region by Daktronics and NABC.

FOOTBALL PANTHERS TO HOLD FOURTH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE (April 4, 2002) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team will hold their fourth annual golf scramble on Friday, April 26 at Ben Hawes State Park starting at 9 a.m. All participants will have an opportunity to win prizes. The cost is $60 per player. All proceeds go to benefit the KWC Football Program. For more information or to sign you and your team up, please call 270-852-3330 or 852-3350.

SPRING FOOTBALL STARTS TUESDAY, PURPLE/WHITE GAME SET FOR APRIL 27 (April 1, 2002) 

Ninth-year Kentucky Wesleyan College head football coach John Johnson will begin spring football practice on Tuesday, April 2, with 20 starters (nine offense, nine defense and two specialist) and 30 letterwinners from last season's 1-9 squad in addition to 20 redshirts from 2001.

"I will basically use this spring finding replacements for our four graduating seniors on offense and defense," said Johnson. "Spring ball is also a time for adjustments and experimentation."

Top returnees for the Panthers are All-Americans Tony Black (wr), Vince Brodt (lb), Jake Colson (og), Nathan East (wr) and Quentin Womack (db).

Also returning are seniors Nic Vasilchek (te), Brian Price (og), Marty Montgomery (c) and Tommy Oglesby (dt) plus starting freshman quarterback Keith Nelson.

Ten of the 15 practice days allowed by the NCAA will be contact. This is Kentucky Wesleyan's seventh spring practice since moving up to Division II status. Spring practice will wrap up on Saturday, April 27, with a Purple/White scrimmage at 3 p.m. CT on the KWC practice field.

All practice sessions will begin at 3:30 p.m. The dates are as follows: April 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.

KWC BASKETBALL BANQUET SET FOR APRIL 9 (April 2, 2002) 

The annual Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball banquet, honoring the 2002 NCAA Division II National Finalist, will be Tuesday, April 9 at the Woodward Health and Recreation Center on KWC's campus beginning at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at the KWC Athletic Office or by calling at 270-852-3330.

EVANS AND BOSWELL NAMED FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (March 26, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan seniors Ronald Evans and Tyrus Boswell were named first-team All-American by Basketball Times after guiding the Panthers to their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth consecutive NCAA championship game appearance.

Boswell, a 6-foot-7 forward, led KWC in rebounding (9.1), blocks (60) and field goal shooting (59.9). The 60 blocks was a new KWC season record. He also had a team best 18 double-doubles (pts-reb) and topped the Panthers in rebounding 21 times and blocked shots 20 games.

The Mountain Brook, Ala. native was named first-team All-American by Daktronics and third-team by NABC last Tuesday.

Boswell also earned Great Lakes Valley Conference co-Player of the Year, first-team All-GLVC selection, NCAA Great Lakes Region Tournament Most Outstanding Player, GLVC All-Tournament Team and first-team All-Great Lakes Region by Daktronics and NABC.

They become the 15th and 16th player in Kentucky Wesleyan's 91-year basketball history to be named first-team All-American. The Panthers lead the nation (Div. II) in first-team All-America selection as 16 players have earned the recognition 41 times.

HARPER NAMED NATIONAL CO-COACH OF THE YEAR (March 26, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan College's Ray Harper, who led the Panthers to their record breaking fifth consecutive 30-win season (31-3) and fifth straight NCAA Division II

His coaching awards also include two-time Great Lakes Region Coach the Year (1998, 1999) and four-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year (1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002).

KWC PLAYS FOR NINTH NATIONAL NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP (March 22, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan College plays for their 9th national championship in the NCAA Division II National Championship game tomorrow, Saturday, March 23 in Evansville, Ind. The game will be televised by CBS at noon (CST) Saturday.

Tickets will be sold at the door of Roberts Stadium beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.

Kentucky Wesleyan defeated Shaw University last night 101-92 and will play Metropolitan State for the championship. This is Kentucky Wesleyan's fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II championship game, winning the title in both 1999 and 2001. 

KWC also won titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, and 1990.

SCOTT SCHWEITZER NAMED GLVC PITCHER OF THE WEEK (March 12, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan's Scott Schweiter has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week in leading the Panthers (9-2) to a 5-0 shutout over Winona State (Minn.) on Mar. 4 during their spring trip to Fort Myers, Fla.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play open Great Lakes Valley Conference play with a three-game homestand against Northern Kentucky with a doubleheader on Saturday, Mar. 16 and a single game on Sunday, Mar. 17. First pitch for both days is Noon CT.

ELITE EIGHT TICKETS ON SALE (March 11, 2002)

Tickets to the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship, better known as the "Elite Eight", are now on sale at the Ticket Box Office at Roberts Stadium.

A special ticket package plan for all seven games will be sold for $40 (a $50 value).Individual ticket prices on game days are $16 each for quarterfinal afternoon, quarterfinal evening and semifinal sessions, and $18 for the championship game.

Tickets can be purchased at the Roberts Stadium Box Office or by phone by calling 812-476-1383 ext 25 or Ticketmaster at 812-423-7222 in Indiana or 270-926-6661 in Kentucky.

The 2002 "Elite Eight" tournament begins on Wednesday, March 20, with quarterfinals action beginning at Noon, 2:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. CT, with the semifinals slated for 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21. After a day off on Friday, March 22, the championship game will be held at Noon, Saturday, March 23.

FIVE PEAT AND 20TH APPEARANCE (March 10, 2002)

The Panthers are making their fifth straight and 20th NCAA record breaking appearance in the "Elite Eight" after winning their 20th record breaking NCAA Regional Championship by defeating Lewis 80-75 on Mar. 9 at the Owensboro (Ky.) Sportscenter. KWC won their eighth NCAA record breaking national title in 2001 and also won it in 1999. They were national finalists in 1998 and 2000.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN TO HOST NCAA GREAT LAKES REGIONAL 
(March 3, 2002) 

No. 1 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan will host the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Great Lakes Regional Championship, Thursday, March 7, through Saturday, March 9, at the Owensboro Sportscenter (5,002) for the fifth-straight year.

The semifinals are slated for Friday, March 8 with No. 1 seed Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers versus the winner of the Findlay/Gannon game at 6 p.m., followed by No. 2 seed Michigan Tech University Huskies (27-2) from Houghton, against the winner of the Lewis/Hillsdale matchup at 8:15.

The championship game will be Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 CT.

Tickets go on sale at the Kentucky Wesleyan Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Woodward Health and Recreation Center, Monday, March 4 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. KWC season ticket holders have until Wednesday March 6, at noon to pickup their tickets. Any unclaimed season tickets will go on sale to the general public at noon on Wednesday.

Ticket packages are:

3 days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) $30 chairbacks, $21 bench seats, $12 students.

2 days (Friday, Saturday) $20 chairbacks, $14 bench seats, $8 students.

1 day (Thursday) $10 chairbacks, $7 bench seats, $4 students.

NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL SELECTION SHOW SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE INTERNET (March 2, 2002)

The NCAA will announce the 48-team field for the Division II Men's Basketball Championship Tournament bracket on Sunday, March 3 at 9:30 p.m. CT via the internet. Fans can see the NCAA webcast by going to http://www.ncaachampionships.com. Fans will need to register on the site to ensure their computer is equipped for the broadcast. They will also need to allow a minimum of one hour to download the software to view the selection show, if that software is not already installed on their computer.

SCOTT AGNEW NAMED GLVC BASEBALL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (February 26, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan first baseman Scott Agnew has been named co-Great Lakes Valley Conference Baseball Player of the Week in leading the Panthers (5-1) to three wins over visiting Indiana Wesleyan last weekend. He becomes KWC's first honoree of the season and second in history.

Agnew, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound junior from Noblesville, Ind./Nobelsville HS, Agnew batted .818 (9-11) in three games played, going 5-5 in game one with a double and three RBIs, 3-3 in game two with a homerun and three RBIs, and 1-3 in game three with two RBIs. Agnew reached base all 13 times he stepped to the plate, scoring five runs on the week.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play at cross-town rival Brescia on Thursday, Feb. 28 at Shifley Park beginning at 4 p.m.

Also sharing co-GLVC honors was Missouri St. Louis outfielder Brody Jackson and Indianapolis Rick Hummel was named GLVC Pitcher of the Week.

TYRUS BOSWELL NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR FOURTH TIME (February 25, 2002) 

For the third straight week and fourth time this season Kentucky Wesleyan senior Tyrus Boswell was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week. He becomes the league's first four-time honoree this season.

Boswell becomes the second Kentucky Wesleyan player to earn GLVC Player of the Year four times in one season. Antonio Garcia was named five times in 1999.

This is the ninth-time in 16 weeks the league has named a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26; Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3, Feb. 11, 18 and 25; Chris Landry on Jan. 1 and Feb. 4; and Ronald Evans on Jan. 14 and 21.

This is the first time in KWC history three different players have twice been named GLVC Player of the Week in the same season. It is also a first that four different KWC players have earned GLVC Player of the Week honors in the same campaign.

On record, 26 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 53 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

No. 1 seed Kentucky Wesleyan will play No. 8 seed Missouri St. Louis (10-16) in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. CT at Roberts Stadium (12,500) in Evansville, Indiana.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN NO. 1 IN FINAL POLL (February 25, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan finished No. 1 in the final National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll for the season. 

This marked only the second time in the Panthers 91-year history they finished No. 1in the nation.. KWC started and ended the 1999 season with a 35-2 record and their seventh record breaking NCAA Championship.

The Panthers (25-1, 19-1) put away visiting arch-rival Southern Indiana, 96-68, to end the regular season. This was the first time in 79 years KWC finished the regular season with one loss and set the school record for best regular season winning percentage (96.2).

The victory also set two new Great Lakes Valley Conference records for wins (19) and winning percentage (95.0). Kentucky Wesleyan also won their 14th record breaking GLVC championship by the largest margin in league history with a four game lead.

The Panthers was the No. 1 choice in preseason and the first three weeks of the poll before their only loss on Jan. 3. This marks the 29th time KWC has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 18th time in head coach Ray Harper's six-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 59 consecutive weeks which includes 51 weeks in the Top Five.

No. 1 seed Kentucky Wesleyan will play No. 8 seed Missouri St. Louis (10-16) in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. CT at Roberts Stadium (12,500) in Evansville, Indiana.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 25, 2002:

1 Kentucky Wesleyan 25-1
2 Northeastern State (Okla.) 25-1 
3 Cal State San Bernardino 24-1 
4 Adelphi (NY) 25-1 
5 Humboldt State (Calif.) 24-1 
6 Northwest Missouri 24-2 
7 Tampa 23-2 
8 Michigan Tech 24-2 
9 Seattle Pacific 22-3 
10 Cal State Bakersfield 22-3 
11 Salem International (WVa.) 23-3 
12 Missouri Western 21-5 
13 Nebraska Kearney 22-4 
14 Assumption (Mass.) 21-4 
15 Shaw (NC) 22-4 
16 Indiana (Pa.) 22-4 
17 South Dakota State 21-5 
18 Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 22-4 
19 Gannon (Pa.) 21-5 
20 Henderson State (Ark.) 21-5 
21 Delta State (Miss.) 21-5 
22 Metropolitan State (Colo.) 22-5 
23 Wingate (NC) 23-5 
24 West Virginia Wesleyan 18-5
25 California (Pa.) 21-5 

TYRUS BOSWELL NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME (February 18, 2002) 

For the second straight week and third time this season Kentucky Wesleyan senior Tyrus Boswell was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week by averaging 25.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in leading the No. 1 ranked Panthers (24-1, 18-1) to their record breaking 14th Great Lakes Valley Conference championship last week.

Boswell, a 6-foot-7, 250 pound forward from Mountain Brook, Ala., began the week by scoring 24 points on 9-13 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds as KWC eased past visiting Indianapolis, 94-88, last Thursday. He came back on Saturday to score a career-high 26 points, grab 11 rebounds and block four shots and the Panthers dominated Northern Kentucky, 99-76.

His numbers for the week: 50 points (25.0), 23 rebounds (12.5), 21-34 FGs (61.8 percent), 2-4 3FGs (50.0 percent), 6-10 FTs (60.0 percent), seven blocks (3.5), four assists (2.0) and two steals (1.0).

Boswell becomes the third Kentucky Wesleyan player to earn GLVC Player of the Year three times in one season. Antonio Garcia was named five times in 1999 and Corey Crowder three times in 1991.

This is the eighth-time in 15 weeks the league has named a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26; Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3, Feb. 11 and 18; Chris Landry on Jan. 1 and Feb. 4; and Ronald Evans on Jan. 14 and 21.

This is the first time in KWC history three different players have twice been named GLVC Player of the Week in the same season. It is also a first that four different KWC players have earned GLVC Player of the Week honors in the same campaign.

On record, 26 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 52 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to Southern Indiana in the season finale on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. CT.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN CONTINUES AT NO. 1 (February 18, 2002) 

For the third straight week Kentucky Wesleyan remained No. 1 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll after winning their record breaking 14th Great Lakes Valley Conference championship last week.

KWC (24-1, 18-1) pulled away from pesky Indianapolis in the last 3 minutes and 20 seconds to win 94-88 in securing at least a tie for the GLVC title last Thursday and then on Saturday, the Panthers went on a 17-0 run in the second half to put away Northern Kentucky, 99-76, to earned the conference championship outright for the eighth time.

The Panthers was the No. 1 choice in preseason and the first three weeks of the poll before their only loss on Jan. 3. This marks the 28th time KWC has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 17th time in head coach Ray Harper's six-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 58 consecutive weeks which includes 50 weeks in the Top Five.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to Southern Indiana on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT in the season finale. Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 18, 2002:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 24-1 
2. Northeastern State (Okla.) 23-1 
3. Cal State San Bernardino 22-1 
4. Adelphi (NY) 24-1 
5. Humboldt State (Calif.) 22-1 
6. Northwest Missouri 22-2 
7. Tampa 21-2 
8. Michigan Tech 22-2 
9. South Dakota State 21-3 
10. Assumption (Mass.) 20-3 
11. Gannon (Pa.) 21-3 
12. Seattle Pacific 20-3 
13. Cal State Bakersfield 20-3 
14. Salem International (WVa.) 21-3 
15. Henderson State (Ark.) 20-4 
16. Missouri Western 19-5 
17. Nebraska Kearney 20-4 
18. Shaw (NC) 20-4 
19. California (Pa.) 20-4 
20. Wingate (NC) 22-4 
21. Indiana (Pa.) 20-4 
22. Belmont Abbey 20-4 
23. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 20-4 
24. Delta State (Miss.) 19-5 
25. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 20-5 

BASEBALL OPENS SEASON AT HOME ON SATURDAY (February 14, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College begins their 43rd season of modern-era intercollegiate baseball on Saturday, February 16, when the Panthers open the 2002 season by playing host to Martin Methodist for a single game at Panther Park (2 p.m. CT) and then a doubleheader on Sunday (Noon).

New Panther head coach Todd Lillpop has returning from last season's 20-27 squad five position starters, one designated hitter and three starting pitchers along with two squad members and two redshirts plus 12 newcomers. KWC finished fourth in the south division of the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a 10-17 record in 2001.

"We have made huge improvements from the fall," said Lillpop. "These kids have worked very hard and the fruits of their labor are starting to show. Probably the biggest improvement is the offensive production especially the little things to be a productive squad. Our pitching is ahead of the offense and that can be expected with the experience and depth we have returning. I am really surprised at our development in hitting at this point and feel very confident with the other aspects of our game. We are prepared open the season on Saturday."

Returning starters from 2001 to open Saturday will be sophomore first baseman Scott Agnew from Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville HS (.333); senior designated hitter Scott Schweitzer from Alexandria, Ky./Campbell County HS (.250); sophomore right fielder Josh Milam from Louisville/DeSales HS; sophomore third baseman Adam Hancock from Owensboro/Owensboro Catholic HS (.241); junior second baseman Matt Kennedy from Lafayette, Ind./Kankakee JC (.205); and junior leftfielder Patrick Donahue from Morganfield, Ky./Union County HS.

Also returning starters on the mound will be sophomore right-hander and GLVC Newcomer of the Year Rick Wood from Cincinnati, OH/Elder HS (3.73 ERA); senior left-hander Scott Schweitzer from Alexandria, Ky./Campbell County HS (5-3); sophomore right-hander Adam Gautreau from London, Ontario, Canada/South HS (57 strikeouts); plus senior right-hand reliever Aaron Biddle from Burlington, Ky./St. Catherine JC (19 appearances);

Newcomers to watch for will be redshirt freshman right hander pitcher Brian Lortz from Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville HS; redshirt freshman catcher Paul Richardson from Indianapolis, Ind./Broad Ripple HS; freshman outfielder Dusty Stevens from Owensboro/Apollo HS; freshman right hand pitcher Cory Wade from Indianapolis, Ind./Broad Ripple HS; freshman outfielder Matt Dugan from Danville, Ind./Danville HS; and junior catcher Jason Ballatine from Niles, IN/Kankakee JC.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN STAYS AT NO. 1 (February 11, 2002) 

For the second straight week Kentucky Wesleyan remained No. 1 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll after two come-from-behind Great Lakes Valley Conference road victories over Lewis and Wisconsin Parkside.

KWC (22-1, 16-1) overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Lewis, 80-73, in overtime at Romeoville, Ill. and on Saturday came from 11 points down to ease past Wisconsin Parkside, 90-79, in Kenosha.

The Panthers was the No. 1 choice in preseason and the first three weeks of the poll before their only loss on Jan. 3. This marks the 27th time KWC has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 16th time in head coach Ray Harper's six-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 57 consecutive weeks which includes 49 weeks in the Top Five.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to Indianapolis on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT and Northern Kentucky on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 11, 2002:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 22-1 
2. Northeastern State (OK) 21-1 
3. Cal State San Bernardino 20-1 
4. Tampa 20-1 
5. Adelphi (NY) 22-1 
6. Humboldt State (Calif.) 20-1 
7. Seattle Pacific 20-1 
8. Salem International (WVa.) 20-2 
9. Northwest Missouri 20-2 
10. Michigan Tech 20-2 
11. Henderson State (Ark.) 18-3 
12. South Dakota State 19-3 
13. Indiana (Pa.) 20-2 
14. Nebraska Kearney 18-3 
15. Assumption (Mass.) 18-3 
16. Gannon (Pa.) 20-3 
17. Cal State Bakersfield 18-3 
18. Missouri Southern 17-5 
19. Johnson C. Smith (NC) 18-4 
20. Missouri Western 17-5
21. Shaw (NC) 18-4 
22. California (Pa.) 19-4 
23. Wingate (NC) 20-4 
24. Metropolitan State (Colo.) 19-4 
25. Montana State Billings 20-5 

Others receiving consideration: Carson Newman (18-4); West Virginia Wesleyan (16-5); Washburn (17-5); Belmont Abbey (17-4); Tarleton State (20-5).

TYRUS BOSWELL NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME (February 11, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan senior Tyrus Boswell won his second Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honor this season by averaging 21.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in leading the No. 1 ranked Panthers to two come-from-behind road victories over Lewis and Wisconsin Parkside this past week. He first received the honor on Dec. 3.

His numbers for the week: 42 points (21.0), 17-29 FGs (58.6 percent), 1-1 three-pointers (100 percent), 7-11 FTs (63.6 percent), 25 rebounds (12.5), three assists (1.5), two steals (1.0) and one block (0.5).

This is the seventh-time in 14 weeks the league has named a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26; Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3 and Feb. 11; Chris Landry on Jan. 1 and Feb. 4; and Ronald Evans on Jan. 14 and 21.

This is the first time in KWC history three different players have twice been named GLVC Player of the Week in the same season. It is also a first that four different KWC players have earned GLVC Player of the Week honors in the same campaign.

On record, 26 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 51 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

The Panthers will play host to Indianapolis on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT and Northern Kentucky on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN RETURNS TO NO. 1 (February 4, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan returned to No. 1 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll today after two weeks at No. 2. The Panthers had been No. 1 choice in preseason and the first three weeks of the poll before their only loss on Jan. 3.

This marks the 26th time Kentucky Wesleyan has been ranked No. 1 in the weekly poll since 1984 and the 15th time in head coach Ray Harper's six-year tenure. The Panthers have been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 56 consecutive weeks which includes 48 weeks in the Top Five.

Kentucky Wesleyan (20-1, 14-1) soundly beat visiting conference foes Missouri St. Louis, 80-64, on Thursday and Quincy, 113-63, on Saturday.

KWC, the all-time winningest team in NCAA Division II with a 1,336-671-1 record in 91 seasons, will go on the road for two Great Lakes Valley Conference contests this week. The Panthers will play at Lewis (15-5, 10-4) in Romeoville, Ill. on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT and continue on to Kenosha, Wis. to face Wisconsin Parkside (12-9, 8-7) on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT.

Previous No 1 Cal State San Bernardino was upset at home on Friday night by No. 22 Cal State Bakersfield, 62-60.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Feb. 4, 2002:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 20-1 
2. Northeastern State (Okla.) 19-1
3. Northwest Missouri 19-0 
4. Cal State San Bernardino 18-1 
5. Tampa 18-1 
6. Adelphi (NY) 19-1 
7. Humboldt State (Calif.) 19-1 
8. Seattle Pacific 18-2 
9. Salem International (WVa.) 17-2 
10. Michigan Tech 18-2 
11. Henderson State (Ark.) 16-3 
12. South Dakota State 18-3 
13. Gannon (Pa.) 19-2 
14. Shaw (NC) 17-3 
15. Missouri Southern 15-4 
16. California (Pa.) 17-3 
17. Indiana (Pa.) 17-2 
18. Nebraska Kearney 16-3 
19. Washburn (Kan.) 15-4 
20. St. Cloud State 16-4 
21. Assumption (Mass.) 17-3 
22. Charleston (WVa.) 16-4 
23. Cal State Bakersfield 16-3 
24. Rockhurst (Mo.) 17-3 
25. Johnson C. Smith (NC) 16-4 

Other receiving consideration: Belmont Abbey (16-3); Carson Newman (16-4); West Virginia Wesleyan (14-5); Montana State Billings (18-3); Missouri Western (14-5); and Augusta State (15-4).

CHRIS LANDRY NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME (February 4, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan senior forward Chris Landry won his second Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honor this season by averaging 22.5 points on 78.9 field goal shooting in leading the No. 1 ranked Panthers to two home victories over Missouri St. Louis and Quincy this past week. He first received the honor on Jan. 1.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN REMAINS AT NO. 2, BECOMES ALL-TIME WINNINGEST TEAM IN NCAA DIVISION II (January 28, 2002) 

For the second consecutive week, Kentucky Wesleyan remained at No. 2 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll. Cal State San Bernardino (17-0) held on to the No. 1 spot while Northeastern State (Okla.) followed the Panthers at No. 3.
This marks the 55th consecutive week KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 which includes 47 weeks in the Top Five.

The Panthers (18-1, 12-1) won two home games as they beat Great Lakes Valley Conference arch-rival Bellarmine 90-62 on Thursday and trounced non-conference foe Lincoln (Mo.) 120-81 on Sunday.

Kentucky Wesleyan, who began the season trailing Central Missouri (10-7) in all-time wins by seven, surpassed the Mules on Thursday to become the all-time winningest team in NCAA Division II. The Panthers have a 1,334-671-1 record in 91 seasons and Central Missouri has a 1,333-824 record in 97 seasons.

KWC will play host to GLVC foes Missouri St. Louis (7-10, 3-9) on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. CT and Quincy (6-13, 3-10) on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. CT.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 28, 2002:

1. Cal State San Bernardino 17-0 
2. Kentucky Wesleyan 17-1 
3. Northeastern State (Okla.) 17-1 
4. Northwest Missouri 17-0 
5. Tampa 16-1 
6. Adelphi (NY) 17-1 
7. Henderson State (Ark.) 15-2 
8. Humboldt State (Calif.) 17-1 
9. Gannon (Pa.) 18-1 
10. Seattle Pacific 16-2 
11. Washburn (Kan.) 14-3 
12. Salem International (WVa.) 14-2 
13. Michigan Tech 16-2 
14. South Dakota State 16-3 
15. Charleston (WVa.) 14-3 
16. St. Cloud (Minn.) 15-3 
17. Assumption (Mass.) 16-2 
18. Shaw (NC) 15-3 
19. Missouri Southern 13-4 
20. Catawba (NC) 15-2 
21. California (Pa.) 16-3 
22. Cal State Bakersfield 15-2 
23. Indiana (Pa.) 15-2 
24. Nebraska Kearney 14-3 
25. Angelo State (Tex.) 16-4 

Others receiving consideration: Rockhurst (16-3); Hawaii Hilo (15-3); Wingate (17-3); Montana State Billings (16-3); Johnson C. Smith (14-4); Missouri Western (12-5); Augusta State (13-4).

20 STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE (January 24, 2001) 

Twenty Kentucky Wesleyan College student-athletes were named to the 2001 Great Lakes Valley Conference Fall Sports All-Academic team today. The Panthers were led by the college's first four-time honoree Dominique Crisp (soccer) a senior from Fremont, Calif./Mission San Jose HS.

First-time selections are Terra Bashman (tennis) a junior from Whitesville, Ky./Trinity HS; Andrea Dick (volleyball) a freshman from Evansville, Ind./Mater Dei HS; Tammy Howe (tennis) a junior from Maceo, Ky./Daviess County HS; Nikki Janiak (soccer) a freshman from Owensboro, Ky./Owensboro Catholic HS; Patti King (soccer) a freshman from Columbus, Ohio; Elyssia Kitchin (volleyball) a sophomore from Vincennes, Ind./Lincoln HS; Nicole Mangiardi (soccer) a junior from Fremont, Calif./Mission San Jose HS; Brooke Ruxer (volleyball) a junior from St. Meinrad, Ind./Hertiage Hills HS; Justin Starks (soccer) a senior from Owensboro, Ky./Owensboro HS; Laura Stokes (golf) a freshman from Russellville, Ky./Logan County HS; and Alisha Tanner (tennis) a junior from Slaughters, Ky./Webster County HS.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a starter or significant substitute and the student-athlete has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 or has attained a GPA of at least 3.4 in each of the preceding two semesters. Freshmen or first-year transfers must achieve a GPA of 3.4 or higher during the fall semester.

BEAVERTON, Oregon. (January 21, 2002) -- Kentucky Wesleyan moved from third to No. 2 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll after No. 1 Northeastern State (15-1) lost for the first time on Saturday. Previous No. 2 Cal State San Bernardino (15-0) climbed to the No. 1 spot while Northeastern State (Okla.) dropped to No. 3.

This marks the 54th consecutive week KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10.

The Panthers (16-1, 11-1) won two Great Lakes Valley Conference road games as they walloped Saint Joseph's 94-68 and came from behind to defeat Indianapolis 106-100.

KWC tied Central Missouri on Saturday to become the all-time winningest teams in NCAA Division II history with 1,332 victories.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to GLVC arch-rival Bellarmine (8-9, 5-6) on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. CT and non-conference foe Lincoln University (10-7) on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. CT.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 21, 2002:

1. Cal State San Bernardino 15-0 
2. Kentucky Wesleyan 16-1 
3. Northeastern State (Okla.) 15-1 
4. Charleston (WVa.) 14-1 
5. Northwest Missouri 15-0 
6. Tampa 14-1 
7. Adelphi (NY) 14-1 
8. Seattle Pacific 15-1 
9. Henderson State (Ark.) 13-2 
10. Humboldt State (Calif.) 15-1 
11. Gannon (Pa.) 16-1 
12. Washburn (Kan.) 12-3 
13. Missouri Southern 12-3 
14. Assumption (Mass.) 15-1 
15. Salem International (WVa.) 13-2 
16. Valdosta State (Ga.) 14-2 
17. Shaw (NC) 13-2 
18. Michigan Tech 14-2 
19. South Dakota State 14-3 
20. Delta State (Miss.) 10-3 
21. Indiana (Pa.) 14-1 
22. St. Cloud (Minn.) 14-3 
23. Catawba (NC) 14-2 
24. Belmont Abbey (NC) 11-2 
25. Findlay (Ohio) 15-2 

Others receiving consideration: Metropolitan State (15-2); Eckerd (15-2); Cal State Bakersfield (14-2); Winston Salem (13-2); Angelo State (14-4); Nebraska Kearney (12-3); Barton (11-2); Hillsdale (16-2).

RONALD EVANS NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WEEK (January 21, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan senior forward Ronald Evans won his second consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honor by averaging 33.0 points and 9.5 rebounds while leading the Panthers to consecutive road victories over Saint Joseph's and Indianapolis this past week.

His numbers for the week: 66 points (33.0 ppg), 19 rebounds (9.5), 23-42 field goals (54.8 percent), 6-11 three-pointers (54.5 percent), 14-17 free throws (82.4 percent), five assists and four steals.

This is the fifth-time in 10 weeks the league has named a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26, Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3, Chris Landry on Jan. 1 and Ronald Evans on Jan. 14.

This is the first time in KWC history four different players have earned GLVC Player of the Week honors in the same season.

On record, 26 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 49 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will play host to GLVC arch-rival Bellarmine (8-9, 5-6) on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. CT and non-conference foe Lincoln University (10-7) on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. CT.

RONALD EVANS NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK (January 14, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan College senior Ronald Evans averaged 23.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in leading the No. 3 ranked Panthers to a pair conference triumphs to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

His numbers for the week: 47 points (23.5), 15-28 FGs (53.6 percent), 4-6 three-pointers (67 percent), 13-14 FTs (92.9 percent), 17 rebounds (8.5), and 11 assists (5.5).

This is the fourth-time in nine weeks the league has named a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26, Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3, Chris Landry on Jan. 1. This marks the first time in KWC history four different players have earned GLVC Player of the Week honors in the same season.

On record, 26 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 48 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will go on the road to play two GLVC contests this week. The Panthers travel to Saint Joseph's (3-12, 0-9) on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. CT and continue on to Indianapolis (8-6, 5-4) on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. CT.

BEAVERTON, Oregon. (January 14, 2002) -- Kentucky Wesleyan remained at No. 3 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll.
This marks the 53rd consecutive week KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10.

1. Northeastern State (Okla.) 14-0 
2. Cal State San Bernardino 13-0 
3. Kentucky Wesleyan 14-1 
4. Charleston (WVa.) 11-1 
5. Northwest Missouri 13-0 
6. Tampa 12-1 
7. Adelphi (NY) 11-1 
8. Salem International (WVa.) 13-0 
9. Seattle Pacific 13-1
10. Humboldt State (Calif.) 14-0
11. Washburn (Kan.) 11-2 
12. Shaw (NC) 12-1
13. Henderson State (Ark.) 11-2
14. St. Cloud (Minn.) 13-2 
15. Michigan Tech 13-1 
16. South Dakota State 13-2 
17. Delta State (Miss.) 10-2 
18. Gannon (Pa.) 14-1 
19. Missouri Southern 10-3 
20. Belmont Abbey (NC) 9-1 
21. Wingate (NC) 14-2 
22. Findlay (Ohio) 14-1 
23. Assumption (Mass.) 12-1 
24. Hillsdale (Mich.) 14-1 
25. Valdosta State (Ga.) 12-2 

Others receiving consideration: Indiana (Pa.) (11-1); Metropolitan State (13-2); Catawba (12-2); Eckerd (13-2); Pace (12-2); Cal State Bakersfield (11-2); Southern Indiana (12-4); Winston Salem (11-2); Fort Hays (11-2); Angelo State (12-4); Neb. Omaha (14-4); Rockhurst (11-2).

EIGHT FOOTBALL PANTHERS NAMED ALL-AMERICAN (January 11, 2002) 

Eight Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers were named NCAA Div. II Mid-Major All-American by Football Gazette today. Of the eight selections, three earned first-team recognition and five honorable mention.

The three first-team members are two-time honorees Corey Jordan (wr) and Frank Wintrich (lb) along with Vince Brodt (lb). Honorable mention members are Tony Black (de), Jake Colson (og), Nathan East (wr), Adam Fossett (ot) and Quentin Womack (db).

Jordan, a 5-7, 152 pound senior from Barnesville, Ga./Lamar County HS, caught a second-best 42 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns, averaged 15.5 yards per catch and 65.0 yards per game this season. He also received honorable mention honors as a return specialist with 22 kickoff returns for 371 yards for an average of 16.9 yards per return. Jordan recorded a team-best 1,156 in all-purpose yards.

Wintrich, a 6-3, 240 pound senior from Seminole, Fla./Seminole HS, was second in total tackles with 77 and led the KWC with 34 solos. He also had eight tackles for lost yardage, two sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, in 10 starts this past season.

Brodt, a 5-11, 202 pound sophomore from Kennesaw, Ga./North Cobb HS, led the Panthers with 80 total tackles including 33 solos and 12 tackles for lost yardage. He had two sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, in starting ten games in 2001.

Black, a 5-10, 210 pound junior from College Park, Ga./South Cobb HS, led the Panthers with a season high four sacks for minus 28 yards and four fumble recoveries. He finished fourth in the nation (NCAA Div. II ) in sacks per game with 1.1. Black also had 38 total tackles, 11 tackles for lost yardage, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups.

Colson, a 6-1, 260 pound junior from Columbus, Ga./Columbus HS, started 10 games on the offensive line at right guard.

East, a 6-1, 174 pound sophomore from Paducah, Ky./Lone Oak HS, led KWC with 43 pass receptions for 783 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 11 kickoff returns for 301 yards and a 93-yard touchdown run plus led the team with a 27.4 yard return average.

Fossett, a 6-4, 270 pound senior from Barnesville, Ga./Lamar County HS, started 10 games on the offensive line at right tackle next to Colson.

Womack, 6-1, 204 pound sophomore from St. Louis, Mo./Cardinal Ritter College Prep HS, recorded a third-best 59 total tackles including 30 solos. He also had tackles for lost yardage, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN SLIPS TO NO. 3 (January 7, 2002) 

Kentucky Wesleyan slipped to No. 3 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin men's weekly Top 25 poll after No. 1 in preseason and the first three weeks of the rankings.

The Panthers (12-1, 7-1) had their 26-game winning streak, the second longest in school history, snapped in their loss at Southern Indiana, 94-88, on Thursday. KWC bounced back as they trounced host Missouri St. Louis, 86-57, on Saturday.

KWC has been ranked in the NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 10 for 52 consecutive weeks during head coach Ray Harper's six-year tenure.

The Panthers will host SIU Edwardsville (6-8, 2-6) on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. CT and Lewis (10-3, 5-3) on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 3:15 p.m. CT in the Owensboro Sportscenter.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Jan. 7, 2002:

1. Northeastern State (Okla.) 12-0
2. Cal St. San Bernardino 11-0 
3. Kentucky Wesleyan 12-1 
4. Charleston (WVa.) 9-1 
5. Northwest Missouri 10-0 
6. Tampa 10-1 
7.. St. Cloud (Minn.) 12-1
8. Adelphi (NY) 8-1
9. Salem International (WVa.) 10-0
10. Seattle Pacific 12-1
11. Delta State (Miss.) 8-1
12. Humboldt State (Calif.) 12-0
13. Washburn (Kan.) 8-2
14. Shaw (NC) 9-1
15. Missouri Southern 9-1
16. Henderson State (Ark.) 8-2
17. Lynn (Fla.) 9-2
18. Gannon (Pa.) 12-0
19. Michigan Tech 10-1
20. Florida Southern 9-3
21. South Dakota State 12-2
22. Findlay (Ohio) 13-0
23. Belmont Abbey (NC) 6-1
24. Hillsdale (Mich.) 13-0 
25. Wingate (NC) 12-2

Others receiving consideration: Metropolitan State (11-2); Assumption (10-1); Catawba (10-2); Eckerd (10-2); Hawaii Hilo (12-2); Pace (10-2); Valdosta State (11-2); Incarnate Word (13-1); Cal State Bakersfield (10-2); St. Augustine’s (7-0); Missouri Western (7-3).

CHRIS LANDRY NAMED CO-GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK (January 1, 2002)

Kentucky Wesleyan College senior Chris Landry averaged 20.7 points and led the No. 1-ranked Panthers to three victories over the holiday break to earn co-Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Landry, a 6-foot-5 guard, began the holiday season by scoring 13 points and grabbing six boards as KWC defeated Kentucky State, 105-61. He came back two days later to score a career-high 33 points on 15-19 shooting as the Panthers raced by visiting Abilene Christian, 109-76. He finished the break with a 16-point, five assist effort as undefeated KWC won its 11th straight game, 92-59, over Oakland City.

His numbers for the holiday break: 62 points (21.7 ppg), 26-40 FGs (65.0 percent), 7-11 three-pointers (63.6 percent), 14 rebounds (4.7), nine assists (3.0) and six steals (2.0). He is a computer information major from White Castle, Louisiana.

This is the third-time in six weeks the league has named recognize a Panther for Player of the Week honors. The GLVC selected Bobby Zuerner on Nov. 26 and Tyrus Boswell on Dec. 3. KWC has the most players chosen for this honor this season.

On record, 25 Kentucky Wesleyan players have been chosen GLVC Player of the Week 47 times in the 24-year history of the conference.

Kentucky Wesleyan will go on the road to play two GLVC contests this week. The Panthers travel to arch-rival Southern Indiana (8-4, 3-3) on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. CT and continue on to St. Louis to play Missouri St. Louis (6-4, 2-3) on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 3:15 p.m. CT.

Saint Joseph's senior forward Brent Mason shared GLVC co-Player of the Week honors with Landry. This week’s Player of the Week includes all games from December 17 through December 31.

FOOTBALL BANQUET AWARD WINNERS (December 10, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan capped off the 2001 football season their annual awards banquet on Saturday, December 1, at the Health and Recreation Center on KWC's campus. The award winners:

Julian Cunningham Offensive Most Valuable Player: Corey Jordan, WR, Sr., Barnesville, Ga.
Talmadge Hocker Defensive Most Valuable Player: Frank Wintrich, LB, Sr., Seminole, Fla.

Most Improved Offensive Player: Bobby Cordell, RB, Fr., Nashville, Tenn.
Most Improved Defensive Player: Vince Brodt, LB, So., Kennesaw, Ga.

Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Joe Almony, WR, Fr., Gulf Breeze, Fla.; Keith Nelson, QB, Fr., Arjay, Ky.; and Nathan East, WR, So., Paducah, Ky.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Quentin Womack, DB, So., St. Louis, Mo.

Offensive Coaches Award: Alex Long, RB, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Defensive Coaches Award: J. D. Wargel, LB, Jr., Evansville, Ind.

Offensive Team Leader Award: Nic Vasilchek, TE, Sr., Newburgh, Ind.
Defensive Team Leader Award: Frank Wintrich, LB, Sr., Seminole, Fla.

Offensive Teammate Award: Pete Howard, QB, So., Franklin, Ohio.
Defensive Teammate Award: Nick Whiteside, DL, So., Tucker, Ga.

Offensive Panther Award: Jake Colson, OG, Jr., Columbus, Ga.
Defensive Panther Award: Bo and Luke Alexander, DB, Sr., Owensboro, Ky.

Position Awards:
Best Quarterback/Running Back: Keith Nelson, Fr., Arjay, Ky.
Best Wide Receiver: Nathan East., Fr., Paducah, Ky.
Best Offensive Lineman: Adam Fossett, Sr., Barnesville, Ga.
Best Defensive Lineman: Tommy Oglesby, Jr., Gallatin, Tenn.
Best Linebacker: Frank Wintrich, Sr., Seminole, Fla.
Best Defensive Back: Tycen Brock, Fr., Odon, Ind.
Special Teams: Matt Battles, K, Fr., Indiana Harbor Beach, Fla.; Jason Orth, P, Jr., Mt. Vernon, Ind.; and Shawn Payne, K, Fr., Owensboro, Ky.

Offensive Scout Team Award: Erik East, Fr., Paducah, Ky.
Defensive Scout Team Award: Josh Moore, Fr., Frankfort, Ky.

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 7-0 
2. Northeastern State (Okla.) 8-0 
3. Tampa 5-0 
4. Washburn (Kan.) 3-0 
5. St. Cloud State (Minn.) 6-0 
6. Cal State San Bernardino 5-0 
7. Charleston (WVa.) 4-1 
8. Henderson State (Ark.) 7-0 
9. Florida Southern 5-2 
10. Northwest Missouri 7-0 
11. Lynn (Fla.) 6-0 
12. Adelphi (NY) 5-1 
13. Western Washington 5-2 
14. Salem International (WVa.) 7-0 
15. Seattle Pacific 6-1 
16. Delta State (Miss.) 5-1
17. Humboldt State (Calif.) 6-0 
18. Michigan Tech 6-0 
19. Wisconsin Parkside 7-1r
20. Shaw (NC) 6-1 
21. Northern Kentucky 6-2 
22. Missouri Southern 7-1 
23. Bentley (Mass.) 6-1 
24. South Dakota 6-1 
25. Montana State Billings 6-0 

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN NO. 1 IN FIRST WEEKLY BASKETBALL POLL (December 3, 2001) 

Defending NCAA Champions and unanimous preseason No. 1 Kentucky Wesleyan (5-0, 4-0), continues as the No. 1 choice in the first National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Bulletin weekly Top 25 poll for men after two Great Lakes Valley Conference victories last week.

In the top ten following the Panthers were No.2 Northeastern State (Okla.) 6-0; No. 3 Tampa 5-0; No. 4 Washburn (Kan.) 2-0; No. 5 St. Cloud (Minn.) 4-0; No. 6 Cal State San Bernardino (3-0); No. 7 Charleston (WVa.) 2-1; No. 8 Henderson State (Ark.) 6-0; No. 9 Florida Southern (5-2) and No. 10 Longwood (Va.) 3-1

The second 10 included No. 11 Northwest Missouri 6-0; No. 12 Lynn (Fla.) 6-0; No. 13 Adelphi (NY) 3-1; No. 14 Western Washington 3-2; No. 15 Shaw (NC) 6-0; No. 16 Delta State (Miss.) 5-0; No. 17 Northern Kentucky 5-1; No. 18 Southwest State (Minn.) 4-1; No. 19 Salem International (WVa.) 5-0 and No. 20 Seattle Pacific (Wash.) 4-1.

Rounding out the Top 25 were No. 21 Presbyterian (SC) 6-1; No. 22 Humboldt State (Calif.) 6-0; No. 23 Michigan Tech 5-0; No. 24 South Dakota 4-0; and No. 25 Missouri Southern 6-1.

The Panthers will travel to No. 17 Northern Kentucky (5-1, 2-1) on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7:45 p.m. ET and continue on to Louisville to play GLVC arch-rival Bellarmine (3-3, 2-2) on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. ET.

Here is the Top 25 for the week of Dec. 3, 2000:

1. Kentucky Wesleyan 5-0 
2. Northeastern State (Okla.) 6-0 
3. Tampa 5-0 
4. Washburn (Kan.) 2-0 
5. St. Cloud (Minn.) 4-0 
6. Cal State San Bernardino 3-0 
7. Charleston (WVa.) 2-1 
8. Henderson State (Ark.) 6-0 
9. Florida Southern 5-2 
10. Longwood (Va.) 3-1 
11. Northwest Missouri 6-0 
12. Lynn (Fla.) 6-0 
13. Adelphi (NY) 3-1 
14. Western Washington 3-2 
15. Shaw (NC) 6-0 
16. Delta State (Miss.) 5-0 
17. Northern Kentucky 5-1 
18. Southwest State (Minn.) 4-1 
19. Salem International (WVa.) 5-0 
20. Seattle Pacific (Wash.) 4-1 
21. Presbyterian (SC) 6-1 
22. Humboldt State (Calif.) 6-0 
23. Michigan Tech 5-0 
24. South Dakota 4-0 
25. Missouri Southern 6-1 

Others receiving consideration: Wingate (6-2); Montana State Billings (4-0); Rockhurst (6-0); Central Washington (4-0); Findlay (5-0); Hillsdale (5-0); Cal State Bakersfield (3-0); California [PA] (4-0); Cameron (5-0); Angelo State (4-2); St. Anselm (4-2); South Dakota St. (4-2); Benley (4-1), Columbus State [Ga.] (4-1); Catawba (5-1).

ZUERNER NAMED GLVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK (November 26, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan sophomore guard Bobby Zuerner came off the bench to score a career-high 34 points and tied a school record by connecting on nine three-pointers against Quincy to earn Player of the Week honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

This is the first-time the league has named Zuerner as Player of the Week in his two-year career. He is the 22nd Panther to earn this honor.

The Owensboro, Ky. native started the week with a 10-point effort off the bench as the Panthers defeated visiting Central State, 109-93, on Wednesday.

He came back on Saturday to rescue No. 1 ranked KWC with his 34 point performance, including a rebound basket with 3.9 seconds left to send the game into overtime as the Panthers survived at Quincy, 106-100. Zuerner also hit two three’s in the overtime to help Kentucky Wesleyan stretch its winning streak to 16 games.

Zuerner’s numbers for the week: 44 points (22.0 ppg), 15-23 FGs (65.2 percent), 10-17 three-pointers (58.8 percent), 4-4 FTs, eight rebounds (4.0), 11 assists (5.5), and two steals.

LISTEN TO KENTUCKY WESLEYAN FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL RADIO
BROADCASTS ON THE WEB (November 19, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan fans, alumni and friends can listen to any Panther football and basketball games from anywhere in the world by going to Kentucky Wesleyan's website, www.kwc.edu/athletic/audio.htm, and click on the game.

An individual must have RealPlayer on their computer to listen to the broadcasts. Fans who do have RealPlayer already on their computer can download RealPlayer (free) from the KWC website to their computer. Once RealPlayer is installed, anyone can listen to the broadcasts. Installation takes time so it is advised that it should be done a day in advance of your first game. 

Broadcasts begin 10 minutes prior to game time and will conclude following the coaches' post game show.

FORMER KWC BASKETBALL STAR DRAFTED IN NBA DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE (November 2, 2001) 

Former Kentucky Wesleyan basketball star Albert Richardson was drafted in the seventh round of the NBA's Developmental League's draft by the Huntsville, Ala. franchise on Thursday.

The 6-8 center from New Orleans led the Panthers to a 31-3 record and the 2000 NCAA Championship game where he averaged 12.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. Richardson was named All-Great Lakes Valley Conference, GLVC All-Tournament team and NCAA Great Lakes Regional All-Tournament team as a senior.

IT'S UNANIMOUS, DEFENDING NCAA CHAMPIONS PRESEASON NO. 1 (October 31, 2001)

Basketball Times named Kentucky Wesleyan College, the defending NCAA Division II National Champions, No. 1 in their preseason men's Top 20 poll to make the Panthers the unanimous choice for No. 1 in all three preseason polls. Street & Smith's and Division II Bulletin announced their choice of KWC earlier this month.

Following Kentucky Wesleyan in the Top 10 was No. 2 Western Washington; No. 3 Tampa; No. 4 South Dakota State; No. 5 Washburn (Kan.); No. 6 Cal State San Bernardino; No. 7 Wingate (NC); No. 8 Southern Indiana; No. 9 Longwood (Va.); and No. 10 St. Cloud (Minn.).

Rounding out the Top 20 was No. 11 Florida Southern; No 12 Charleston (WVa.); No. 13 Northeastern State (Okla.); No. 14 Southwest State (Minn); No. 15 Clarion (Pa.); No. 16 Seattle Pacific; No. 17 West Georgia; No. 18 Saint Joseph's (Ind.); No. 19 Henderson State (Ark.); and No. 20 Catawba (NC).

Kentucky Wesleyan opens their preseason schedule against the world famous Harlem Globetrotters on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Owensboro Sportscenter with game time at 3 p.m. CT. The Panthers will conclude their preseason schedule at Cincinnati on Nov. 12 at 7:05 p.m. CT

Head Coach Ray Harper, the winningest active Division II coach and three-time national coach of the year, return nine letterwinners including four players with starting experience from last year’s 31-3 squad. The 2001 championship was the Panthers second national title in three seasons, fourth straight NCAA championship game appearance and an all-time NCAA record fourth consecutive 30-win season.

DEFENDING NCAA CHAMPIONS PICKED NO. 1 AGAIN (October 15, 2001)

 Division II Bulletin magazine tabbed Kentucky Wesleyan College, the defending NCAA Division II National Champions, No. 1 in their preseason men's Top 25 poll, as announced by publisher and editor Gary Rubin today.

SOCCER CHANGED TO TUESDAY (October 14, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan's home soccer games (men and women) against Southern Indiana scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 14, have been changed to Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 12:30 pm (women's) and 3 pm (men's).

DEFENDING NCAA CHAMPIONS PICKED NO. 1 (October 8, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan, the defending and eight-time NCAA Division II National Champions, has been picked No. 1 in Street & Smith's preseason men's basketball Division II top 10 poll.

This marks the second time in three years and seventh overall the Panthers have been preseason
No. 1. The previous years were 1968, 1969, 1974, 1988, 1991 and 1999.

Ray Harper, the winningest active Div. II coach and three-time national coach of the year, return nine letterwinners including four players with starting experience from last year’s 31-3 squad plus a highly touted recruiting class with a mixture of transfers and prep standouts.

This was the Panthers second national title in three seasons, fourth straight NCAA championship game appearance and an all-time NCAA record fourth consecutive 30-win season.

Following Kentucky Wesleyan in the poll were No. 2 Western Washington, No. 3 Tampa, No. 4 South Dakota State, No. 5 Washburn (Kan.), No. 6 Cal State San Bernardino, No. 7 Wingate (NC), No. 8 Southern Indiana, No. 9 Longwood (Va.) and No. 10 St. Cloud (Minn.).

Kentucky Wesleyan has won the NCAA championships in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001.

BASKETBALL SCHEDULE CHANGE (October 2, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan, the defending and eight-time NCAA Basketball Champions, has replaced Arkansas Monticello on the Panthers schedule with Kentucky State according to KWC head coach Ray Harper. The date, time and location will remain the same which is Tuesday, December 18, 7:30 p.m. CT at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Arkansas Monticello requested to be let out of the contract due to scheduling conflicts.

SPORTING EVENTS ON SCHEDULE (September 12, 2001)

All Kentucky Wesleyan home and away sporting events -- men's and women's soccer, tennis and volleyball -- will play as scheduled this weekend including the Panther's football game at Tennessee Martin on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

FOOTBALL GAZETTE NAMES SIX PANTHERS TO PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA SQUAD (August 31, 2001) 

Football Gazette named six Kentucky Wesleyan student-athletes to their 2001 preseason NCAA Division II Mid-Major (non-scholarship) All-America teams.

Seniors Drew Hall (rb), Corey Jordan (wr), Frank Wintrich (lb) and junior Tony Black (de) received first team honors. Seniors Jake Colson (og) and Nick Boling (lb) received honorable mention All-America recognition.

Football Gazette previously announced the six to their composite NCAA Div. II All-America teams on August 20.

Jordan, a 5-foot-7-inch, 152 pounder from Barnesville, Ga./Lamar County HS, caught a team-best 63 passes for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaged 14.1 yards per catch and 89.0 yards per game last season. He was named National Receiver of the Year by Football Gazette as a junior.

Black, a 5-foot-10-inch, 207 pounder from College Park, Ga./South Cobb HS, led the Panthers with a season record 11 sacks for minus 75 yards and finished fourth in the nation (NCAA Div. II) in sacks per game with 1.1 in 2000.

Hall, a 5-foot-10-inch, 214 pounder from Owensboro, Ky./Owensboro HS, led KWC with 810 yards rushing on 115 attempts and 12 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry and 101.2 yards per game last year. Hall also caught nine passes for 88 yards and one touchdown.

Colson, a 6-foot-1-inch, 276 pounder from Columbus, Ga./Columbus HS, started all ten games last season on the offensive line.

Wintrich, a 6-foot-3-inch, 225 pounder from Seminole, Fla./Seminole HS, led the Panthers with 94 total tackles including 51 solos and 10 tackles for lost yardage. Wintrich had three sacks, two pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, starting all ten games last season.

Boling, a 6-foot-1-inch, 225 pounder from Reynolds Station, Ky./Hancock County HS, sat out last season as a medical redshirt. He was named first-team All-American by Football Gazette in 1999 where he the led the Panthers with 88 tackles.

OWENSBORO, Ky. (August 29, 2001) -- The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team will hold their third annual golf scramble on Friday, Sept. 7 at the Summit Country Club starting at 8 a.m. All participants will have an opportunity to win prizes including a chance to win a Buick Rendezvous with a hole-in-one of the 12th hole. The car is courtesy of Roberts Motor Sales. The cost is $75 per player and $50 for students and alumni. All proceeds go to benefit the KWC Football Program. For more information or to sign you and your team up, please call 270-852-3350.

SWAFFORD NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH (August 27, 2001) 

Bryce Swafford, head girls basketball coach at state champion Conway Springs High School in Conway Springs, Kan., has been named assistant women's basketball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by head coach Tandy Bradford.

He was named state coach of the year for all classes by the Greater Wichita Sports Commission and Class 3-A state coach of the year by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. His first season as head coach ended with a 21-2 record and a regional runner-up finish.

Prior to his promotion to head coach, Swafford was the assistant coach for three seasons in addition to serving as the head girls track coach and assistant football coach at Conway Springs. He also won back-to-back state championships in girls track and field in 2000 and 2001

The Burrton, Kan., native will be responsible for the development of the post players, coordinate recruiting efforts, scouting opponents and academic progress. He will also serve as the Panthers head women's golf coach.

Swafford earned his bachelor’s and master's degrees in industrial technology education from Pittsburg State University (Kan.) in 1994 and 2000.

He replaces Jason Clarke who left to become the assistant coach at the University of Evansville.

FORMER DAVIESS COUNTY STANDOUT BEAU GREEN TRANSFERS (August 27, 2001) 

Former Daviess County High School standout Beau Green, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound, guard, will transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College from the University of Louisville for his final three seasons and play basketball for the defending and eight-time NCAA Div. II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Green, a native of Owensboro, played in eight games for the Cardinals last season as a walk-on freshman. He recorded one steal in eight minutes played for Denny Crum.

"We are very pleased to have Beau return home and play for us," said Harper. "He was an outstanding high school performer and gained a tremendous amount of experience at Louisville. His best basketball lies ahead."

Green averaged 24.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists as a senior at Daviess County where he was named Third Region Player of the Year in 2000 and helped lead the Panthers to an 18-8 record for coach Curtis Turley.

In 1988 at the age of seven, Green began his association with Kentucky Wesleyan when he served as a ball-boy for the Panthers basketball team for five seasons.

Coach Harper also announced that 6-5 junior forward Shaun Green from Calhoun State Community College (9.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg) in Decatur, Ala., and 5-10 junior guard Ryan Earl from Orange Coast [Jr.] College (10.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) in Costa Mesa, Calif., have also joined the Panthers as walk-ons.

FOOTBALL AND SOCCER OPEN THIS WEEKEND (August 26, 2001) 

Three of seven Kentucky Wesleyan teams open the 2001 fall athletic season this weekend.

The football Panthers (0-0) will host the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Apollo Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m. CT.

On Sunday, the women's (0-0) and men's soccer (0-0) teams will travel to Hanover College for a doubleheader. The women play at 2 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m.

The volleyball squad begins their season at Oakland City on Tuesday, Sept 4 at 7 p.m. The women's tennis team opens at Northern Kentucky on Friday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m.

Both men's and women's golf teams start their season in two weeks. The women's squad participates in a two-day tournament at SIU Edwardsville on Sunday-Monday, Sept. 9-10. The men host their annual invitational at The Summit Country Club at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10.

NCAA CHAMPIONS ADD TWO 6-8 FRONTLINERS (August 22, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan, the defending and eight-time NCAA basketball champions, added two to their 2001-02 recruiting class with DeWayne Floyd from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Tex. and Dean Smith from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Fla. according to KWC Head Coach Ray Harper.

"Dean's a great athlete who can run and jump and that is very evident with his rebounding and shot blocking stats," said Harper. "He really fits our style of play like a glove and will be an excellent asset to our program."

Floyd and Smith joins Division I transfers 6-7 forward Tyrus Boswell from Mississippi State, 6-2 guard Gene Evans from Wisconsin Green Bay and 6-5 forward Trey Ferguson from Tennessee Tech along with prep signee

6-4 guard Dewayne Rogers from Hart County (Ky.) High School to bring the 2001-02 Panther recruiting class to six.

Coach Harper, the winningest active NCAA Division II coach, returns eight letterwinners including four players with starting experience from the 31-3 NCAA Championship squad.

OXLEY NAMED VOLLEYBALL COACH (August 20, 2001) 

Heather Oxley, an assistant coach at Oakland City University (Ind.), has been named head volleyball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

"We are indeed very fortunate to find someone of Heather's background to lead our volleyball program," said Moore. "She has nearly ten years of experience as a player and coach from one of the hot beds of volleyball in the Midwest. Her knowledge of the game and rapport with the players is ideal for us."

Oxley, 23, joined her alma mater Oakland City last season as the top assistant after a stellar two-year career for the Mighty Oaks. She made her coaching debut by leading Washington High School to the Hoosier State Games last summer.

"Kentucky Wesleyan has made my dream to become a head coach come true," said Oxley. "I have tremendous knowledge of the Panthers since I competed against them as a player and coach. We have a good class of student-athletes and the opportunity to take the program to the next level of success."

At Oakland City, Oxley was twice named co-captain, the most valuable defensive player and the team's top Scholar-Athlete. She began her collegiate career as a freshman and sophomore at Vincennes University (Ind.) where she earned the Most Valuable Offensive Player award twice.

Oxley was a four-year starter at Washington (Ind.) High School before signing with Vincennes University in 1996. She graduated cum laude from Oakland City University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Oxley becomes the Panthers fifth head coach in the college's 22-year volleyball replacing Kelly Bennett.

SIX NAMED TO PRESEASON FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA SQUAD (August 20, 2001) 

Six Kentucky Wesleyan football players were chosen to Football Gazette's 2001 preseason Division II All-America teams.

Jordan, a 5-foot-7-inch, 152 pounder from Barnesville, Ga./Lamar County HS, caught a team-best 63 passes for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaged 14.1 yards per catch and 89.0 yards per game last season. He was named National Receiver of the Year by Football Gazette as a junior.

Black, a 5-foot-10-inch, 207 pounder from College Park, Ga./South Cobb HS, led the Panthers with a season record 11 sacks for minus 75 yards and finished fourth in the nation (NCAA Div. II ) in sacks per game with 1.1 in 2000.

Hall, a 5-foot-10-inch, 214 pounder from Owensboro, Ky./Owensboro HS, led KWC with 810 yards rushing on 115 attempts and 12 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry and 101.2 yards per game last year. Hall also caught nine passes for 88 yards and one touchdown.

Colson, a 6-foot-1-inch, 276 pounder from Columbus, Ga./Columbus HS, started all ten games last season on the offensive line.

Wintrich, a 6-foot-3-inch, 225 pounder from Seminole, Fla./Seminole HS, led the Panthers with 94 total tackles including 51 solos and 10 tackles for lost yardage. Wintrich had three sacks, two pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, starting all ten games last season.

Boling, a 6-foot-1-inch, 225 pounder from Reynolds Station, Ky./Hancock County HS, sat out last season as a medical redshirt. He was named first-team All-American by Football Gazette in 1999 where he the led the Panthers with 88 tackles.

Kentucky Wesleyan will host the Southwest Baptist (Mo.) Bearcats in the season opener on Sept. 1 at Apollo Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

FOOTBALL PANTHERS PICKED PRESEASON NO. 6 (August 17, 2001) 

Football Gazette tabbed the Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers No. 6 in their NCAA Division II Mid-Major preseason poll.

American International (Mass.) received the No. 1 spot in the preseason top eight poll followed by No. 2 LIU/C.W. Post (NY), No. 3 Bentley (Mass.), No. 4 Southern Connecticut, No. 5 Assumption (Mass.), No. 6 KWC, No. 7 St. Anselm (NH), and No. 8 Merrimack (Mass.).

This marks the third straight season and fourth-time in KWC football history the Panthers have been ranked in the preseason football polls. The Panthers were No. 4 in 1995, No. 7 in 1999 and No. 1 in 2000.

Eighth-year head coach John Johnson returns 16 starters (six offense, nine defense and one specialist) and 31 letterwinners from last season's 4-6 squad.

Kentucky Wesleyan will host the Southwest Baptist (Mo.) Bearcats in the season opener on Sept. 1 at Apollo Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

PURPLE-WHITE EXHIBITION GAMES ON SATURDAY (August 16, 2001) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers football, men's and women's soccer and volleyball teams will make their public debut on Saturday, Aug. 18 with three Purple-White intrasquad games and a practice session.

The volleyball team starts the day off with an open practice at 1 p.m. in the Health and Recreation Center.

The first Purple-White exhibition game will be the women's soccer team at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the Barnard-Jones Administration Building campus followed by the men's team at 3 p.m.

The football squad will kickoff at 3 p.m. at KWC's practice field with the offense against the defense.

All four events are free and open to the public.

CINCINNATI EXHIBITION GAME MOVED TO NOV. 12 (August 14, 2001) -- The Kentucky Wesleyan versus Cincinnati men's basketball exhibition game scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15 has been moved up to Monday, Nov. 12 at 7:05 p.m. CT in UC's Shoemaker Center (13,176).

The change of date was to accommodate Cincinnati's season opener at Oklahoma State on Nov. 16.

A limited number (1,000) of tickets for the Cincinnati contest will be sold at KWC's Athletic Office, at a date to be announced, for $15.

A RECORD 117 STUDENT-ATHLETES REPORT FOR FOOTBALL (August 13, 2001)

The Kentucky Wesleyan College football program under the leadership of eighth-year head coach John Johnson welcomed a record 117 student-athletes on Saturday as they begin preparation for the Panthers 19th intercollegiate football season.

The 2001 squad features 47 returning letterwinners including 16 starters from last year's team along with 70 newcomers. The student-athletes come from 11 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

The first day of practice for the 2001 season is Tuesday, August 14, at 9 a.m. on the Panthers practice field. KWC will practice from 9-11 a.m., 2-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. CT Tuesday through Thursday. Friday's sessions will be at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturday will have one practice at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday and Monday, August 18-19, will wrap-up the preseason training camp with practices at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Classes begin on Tuesday, August 20 and all practices will begin at 3:30 p.m. fro the rest of the season.

The Panthers will hold a final scrimmage on Saturday, August 25 at 3:30 p.m. on the practice field. The public is invited to attend the scrimmage.

Kentucky Wesleyan will host the Southwest Baptist (Mo.) Bearcats in the season opener on Sept. 1 at Apollo Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

JOSKA NAMED ASSISTANT SOCCER COACH (August 8, 2001) 

Former Kentucky Wesleyan College soccer standout Robin Joska has been named assistant soccer coach for the men's and women's programs as announced by Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

Joska, a 2001 KWC graduate, was a four-year starter for the Panthers at midfield. The native of Chrudm in the Czech Republic started all 18 games last season where he was KWC's second leading scorer with seven goals and 15 points.

"We are very pleased to have Robin remain with the program as a coach," said Moore. "He has tremendous knowledge of the game where he was the coach on the field for the past four seasons for Kentucky Wesleyan."

BURGESS JOINS BASKETBALL STAFF (August 7, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Ray Harper announced the appointment of Adam Burgess to his coaching staff as the second assistant coach.

Burgess, 24, comes to KWC after spending the past season as a graduate assistant coach at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss.

"Adam will be a great asset to Kentucky Wesleyan," said Harper. "He has excellent knowledge of Division II and what it takes to be the best. He came from a very successful Division II program at Delta State where he served under one of the best coaches in Steve Rives."

Prior to Delta State, Burgess served as a student assistant at the University of South Alabama in Mobile for two seasons including one with then USA assistant and now current KWC Associate Head Coach Tommy Wade. The Jaguars won the 2000 Sun Belt Conference title with a 20-10 record.

Burgess also was an assistant coach for two seasons at Snead State Community College in Boaz. Ala. where they posted a 43-17 record and won the state junior college title in 1998.

"It's a great opportunity to work in a championship program and I am very appreciative of Coach Harper's confidence in me," said Burgess. "I look forward to being involved with all aspects of this championship tradition and the education I will receive from Coach Harper."

The Boaz, Ala. native graduated from South Alabama with a bachelors degree in physical education in 2000 and is currently pursuing a masters degree from Western Kentucky University.

Burgess replaces Kevin Brown who left to become an assistant coach at Division I Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

HAMMONS NAMED SOFTBALL COACH (August 3, 2001) 

Dylan Hammons, a national softball hitting and pitching instructor, has been named head softball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College as announced by Director of Athletics Larry Moore.

"Kentucky Wesleyan College is very fortunate to find someone of Coach Hammons skills to lead our softball program," said Moore. "His years of teaching fastpitch softball on the national and local level brings a new dimension to our program. Dylan’s knowledge of the local talent will serve him well in his recruiting efforts."

Hammons, 29, for the past three years has served as manager of softball training at the Players SportsPlex in Owensboro with special emphasis on fastpitch hitting and pitching. He also has been a hitting and pitching instructor for nine years with the All-American Talent Showcase, a renowed softball instructional academy across the country, in addition to the SportsPlex.

"Kentucky Wesleyan is a gold mine concerning softball," said Hammons. "They have a good class of student-athletes, a winning tradition with four Great Lakes Valley Conference championships and a renovated softball facility. These key ingredients are why I wanted to pursue this coaching opportunity."

The Oroville, Calif. native this summer coached the Kentucky United Softball team to three championships including the state title. Hammons began his coaching career in 1991 as an assistant softball coach at his alma mater Oroville High School. He then spent three seasons at La Jolla High School in San Diego as an assistant before moving to Las Plumas High School in Oroville as the head coach for six years.

Hammons also was an assistant coach at his alma mater Butte College in Oroville for two seasons where he was a four-year letterwinner for the baseball team.

Hammons becomes the Panthers fifth head coach in the college's 22-year softball history replacing Fred Gillum, who left for the head softball coaching position at Mars Hill College (NC).

FOOTBALL PANTHERS TO HOLD THIRD ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE (July 23, 2001) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team will hold their third annual golf scramble on Friday, Sept. 7 at the Summit Country Club starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $75 per player and all proceeds go to benefit the KWC Football Program. For more information or to sign you and your team up, please call 270-926-3111.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY (July 20, 2001) 

Tickets for the Kentucky Wesleyan versus Harlem Globetrotters exhibition game will go on sale Monday, July 23 at the KWC Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Health and Recreation Center, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for chairbacks and $10 for bleacher seats. The game will be played at the Sportscenter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m.

This exhibition game will not be part of the season ticket package but KWC season ticket holders have until Friday, Sept. 14, to purchase their seats. Any unclaimed season tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Sept. 18.

Tickets for the general public will also be sold on Monday, July 23.

BASKETBALL SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED (July 16, 2001) 

The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's and men's basketball schedules for the 2001-02 season will feature new foes and renewed opponents from past seasons of the non-conference slate followed by the rugged Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule.

The men's non-league schedule includes five of six contests against NCAA Division II members. First-time foes are Abliene Christian [Tex.] (6-20), Arkansas Monticello (20-8) and Glenville State [WVa.] (14-12), along with renewed opponents Lincoln [Mo.] (20-7) and NAIA powerhouse Central State (18-13), plus Great Lakes Region rival Oakland City (7-21).

Highlighting the GLVC are Northern Kentucky (27-7, NCAA Regional Runner-up) and Southern Indiana (26-4, NCAA Regional Semifinalist).

The women (8-18) will play 13 games at the Sportscenter and 14 on the road and the defending NCAA Champions (31-3) will play 16 contests at the Sportscenter and 10 on the road.

Should the women and/or men qualify for the fifth-annual GLVC tournament (top eight in each), the Panthers will play at Roberts Stadium (12,300) in Evansville, Ind. on Feb. 27 through March 2.

The NCAA Great Lakes Regionals will be March 7-9 at two sites to be determined and the NCAA Division II National Championship, better known as the "Elite Eight", will be March 20-23 at Rochester, Minn. for the women and at Evansville for men.

Kentucky Wesleyan College assistant baseball coach Todd Lillpop has been promoted to head coach as announced by Larry Moore, Director of Athletics today. He succeeds Greg McVey, who resigned to take the same position at Quincy University last month.

Prior to joining the staff in 2000, Lillpop was a three-year starter for Kentucky Wesleyan in center field (1997-99) where he batted .304 for his career. He also finished in the top 10 in the seven career categories: No. 3 - six triples; No. 4 - 471 at bats; No. 6 - 143 hits and 37 stolen bases; No. 7 - 138 games played; No. 8 - 100 runs scored; and No. 9 - 27 doubles.

"The keys to Todd's appointment is that he will provide stability to the program and has an excellent rapport with the players," said Moore. "His knowledge of the game, recruiting of area talent, and a deep love for his alma mater to succeed is paramount."

The Owensboro native began his collegiate career at Southeastern Illinois Junior College as a freshman before transferring to KWC. Lillpop was a four-year starter at Apollo High School in Owensboro. He received his bachelor of science degree in physical education with a marketing minor from Kentucky Wesleyan in December, 2000.

Lillpop returns 17 letterwinners including six position starters and the entire pitching staff from this past season 20-27 squad.

GILLUM RESIGNS (July 6, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan head softball coach Fred Gillum resigned to accept the same position at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, SC. Gillum posted a 26-64 record in two seasons with the Panthers. A national search for the position will begin immediately. 

NCAA CHAMPIONS TO PLAY HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS (June 21, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College, the defending NCAA Division II National Champions, will open the 2001-02 basketball season with an exhibition game against the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Owensboro Sportscenter at 3 p.m. CT.

"This game is an exciting opportunity for our fans and will be a competitive challenge for our team," said Kentucky Wesleyan Head Coach Ray Harper, whose Panthers defeated Washburn, 89-76, for their eighth record breaking national title this past March. "The NCAA Champions playing against the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters is the match up of a lifetime.

On April 1, 2001, the Globetrotters defeated the NABC College All-Stars, 75-63, during the Final Four weekend at Minneapolis Target Center before a record-setting crowd of 15,253 fans. This marked the second year in a row the Globetrotters competed against the nation’s top college seniors.

Last year the Globetrotters defeated Purdue (74-65), Div. II champion Metropolitan State (76-69) and lost to defending NCAA Champions Michigan State (72-68) to break their 1,270 winning streak.

The original World Series of Basketball began in 1950 that pitted the college all-stars against the Harlem Globetrotters and was resurrected by Mannie Jackson, current owner of the Globetrotters, in 1997 after a 35-year layoff. Overall, the Globetrotters own a 154-66 record in games versus college all-star competition. The team’s current win streak stands at 284 consecutive games without a loss.

Ticket prices will be $20 for chairbacks and $10 for bleachers and will go on sale at a date to be announced in the fall. The game will not be part of Kentucky Wesleyan's basketball season ticket package.

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (June 21, 2000) 

Kentucky Wesleyan College's Sandy Nevy was named to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Softball Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Nevy, daughter of David and Kathleen Nevy of Fairfield, Calif., was a two-year starter on the Panthers softball team in the outfield. She led the Panthers in nine offensive categories: .382 batting average, .588 slugging percentage, 136 at bats, 52 hits, 33 runs scored, 25 runs batted in, 11 doubles, seven stolen bases and tied her season record of five home runs.

Nevy also set two career records this season with a .385 batting average and a .628 slugging percentage and finished second in home runs with 10. She 

graduated in May with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. Nevy is a 1997 graduate of Kentridge High School in Kent, Wash.

The GLVC selects one student-athlete in each conference sport to be named GLVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is based upon academic excellence (at least a 3.0 grade point average) and athletic accomplishments.

SOCCER PANTHERS SIGN THREE (June 21, 2001) 

Nathan Thompson and Joey Flory from Russellville, Ky., and Zach Heil from Cheyenne, Wyoming, have signed a national letters-of-intent to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College and play soccer for the Panthers according to KWC head coach Scott Pulliam.

"Nathan can play both forward and midfield," said Pulliam. "He reads the game very well and I believe the best years of soccer are ahead of him. We are excited to have him join the Panthers next season."

Flory was a four-year starter at defender for Russellville. "He's a very good defender with a nose for the ball and good foot speed," said Pulliam.

Zach Heil, a two-time second team all-state goalie, guided East High School to the Wyoming state championship last month for head coach Kosta Tsandes. He also was twice chosen all-conference and all-region. He is the parents of Ray and Dorthy Heil.

"Zach at 6-4 is a very good athlete with a lot of size to defend the goal. He is a proven winner with big game experience."

NEVY SELECTED TO SOFTBALL ALL-REGION TEAM (June 18, 2001) 

Kentucky Wesleyan center fielder Sandy Nevy has been selected second team National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Great Lakes Region in softball as voted on by region coaches for the second straight season. Last month she was named first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Nevy, a senior from Kent, Wash., led the Panthers in nine offensive categories: .382 batting average, .588 slugging percentage, 136 at bats, 52 hits, 33 runs scored, 25 runs batted in, 11 doubles, seven stolen bases and tied her season record of five home runs. She set two career records this season with a .385 batting average and a .628 slugging percentage and finished second in home runs with 10.

The Panthers finished the season with a 14-32 record under second-year head coach Fred Gillum.

KWC RETURNS TO FORMER WINCHESTER CAMPUS TO RETRIEVE ORIGINAL BASKETBALL FLOOR FROM 76 YEARS AGO (June 18, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan College, who called Winchester home for 61 years, will return to their old eight-acre campus on Wednesday, June 20 at 11 a.m. ET to remove the center jump circle from the original basketball floor in KWC's former "Spencer Memorial Gymnasium" [now called College Park Gym] that was built January, 1926.

"We appreciate the generosity of the City of Winchester and the Parks and Recreation Department in making this historical artifact available to us. We continue to celebrate and preserve our rich heritage of the years Kentucky Wesleyan occupied the campus in Winchester."

The Panthers defeated Transylvania, 34-23, in the first game at Spencer Gym on January 9, 1926 and went on to a career home record of 124 wins and 77 losses for a 63.5 winning percentage in 24 seasons (1926-51). KWC won five of their first 11 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament basketball championships while in Winchester.

Today, Kentucky Wesleyan continues the "championship tradition" by winning their eighth record breaking NCAA Division II National Championship in March. With the eight titles the Panthers are second all-time to UCLA’s 11 in NCAA basketball championships. The Panthers won the NCAA titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001, making KWC the only school in NCAA history to win a national championship in each of the past five decades.

The Winchester campus, located on College Drive, is now called College Park. The gym currently serves as offices for the Winchester Parks and Recreation Department's along with their indoor activities. The building was built for $100,000 and will be renovated later this summer.

MCVEY RESIGNS (June 6, 2001)

Kentucky Wesleyan head baseball coach Greg McVey resigned today to accept the same position at Quincy University in Quincy, Ill. McVey posted a 37-54 record in two seasons with the Panthers. A national search for the position will begin immediately. 

PANTHERS FINISH SECOND IN BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE (June 5, 2001) 

 Kentucky Wesleyan College, who won their eighth breaking NCAA Championship in March, for the second straight season and fourth-time in school history finished second in the nation (Div. II) in average men's basketball attendance for the 2000-01 season with 3,883 per game as released by the NCAA today.

The Panthers led the nation in total home attendance with 69,902 in 18 games for the third straight year. In the past 22 years, Kentucky Wesleyan has been the only private college or university in Division II national attendance figures. The rest have been state colleges or universities.

First was Morehouse (Ga.) with 4,404 per game, followed by KWC, South Dakota State (3,765), North Dakota (2,987), South Dakota (2,716), Southern Indiana (2,577), Northern State [S.D.] (2,507), Pittsburg State [Kan.] (2,494), Johnson C. Smith [NC] (2,493) and Augustana [SD] (2,456).

The Great Lakes Valley Conference, which KWC is a chartered member, finished fifth in attendance for Division II conferences with an average of 1,210 per game. The top league was the North Central Conference with 2,118.

The Panthers won the NCAA titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001.

The national average for a Division II game (261 members) in 2001 was 887. The NCAA began reporting basketball attendance figures in 1977.

NCAA CHAMPIONS ADDS THIRD DIVISION I TRANSFER (June 5, 2001) 

Trey Ferguson, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound, guard/forward from Tennessee Tech University, will transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College for his final two seasons and play basketball for the defending and eight-time NCAA Div. II National Champions according to KWC head coach Ray Harper.

Ferguson, a native of Birmingham, Ala., saw limited playing time for the Golden Eagles where he averaged 4.8 points, one rebound and one assist in 11 games this past season as a sophomore. He shot 45.7 percent from the field, 52.2 from three-point land and 52.9 percent from the foul line. As a freshman, Ferguson played in 22 of 28 games averaging 3.4 points and 1.0 rebounds.

After his senior year, Ferguson was named by the Birmingham News to their Super 12 squad by ranking him fourth best on the state list. He also was placed on the 1999 State's Super Seniors list by ranking second in class 6A. Ferguson twice attended NIKE All-American camp and Future Stars National camps twice each.

In the classroom, he was an honors graduate where he maintained a 3.85 grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Ferguson joins fellow Division I transfers 6-7 forward Tyrus Boswell from Mississippi State and 6-2 guard Gene Evans from Wisconsin Green Bay along with prep signee 6-4 guard Dewayne Rogers from Hart County (Ky.) High School to bring the Panther newcomers for the 2001-02 season to five.

Kentucky Wesleyan returns eight letterwinners including two starters from the 31-3 NCAA Championship squad.

SEVENTEEN STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE (June 4, 2000)

Seventeen Kentucky Wesleyan College student-athletes were named to the 2001 Great Lakes Valley Conference Winter and Spring Sports All-Academic team today.

First-time selections are Brian Crowe (golf) a senior from Manitou, Ky./Hopkins County Central HS; Adam Hancock (baseball) a freshman from Owensboro/Owensboro Catholic HS; Katie Kavanaugh (softball) a sophomore from Louisville, Ky./Eastern HS; Selena Morris (softball) a freshman from Whitesville, Ky./Trinity HS; Sandy Nevy (softball) a senior from Kent, Wash./Kentridge HS; Lydia Purvis (basketball) a freshman from LaGrange, Ky./Oldham County HS; Brandy Reynolds (basketball) a freshman from Mt. Vernon, Ky./Rockcastle HS:

Carol Richardson (softball) a freshman from Radcliff, Ky./North Hardin HS; Katie Vandiver (golf) a junior from Livermore, Ky./McLean County HS; and Kelly Waters (basketball) a junior from Cold Spring, Ky./Campbell County HS.

Overall 34 Kentucky Wesleyan student-athletes were named to the GLVC All-Academic teams during the 2000-01 seasons.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a starter or significant substitute and the student-athlete has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 or has attained a GPA of at least 3.4 in each of the preceding two semesters. Freshmen or first-year transfers must achieve a GPA of 3.4 or higher during the academic year.

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07/11/06
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