Hammer time needs to stop immediately

My classes lately have been filled with the wonderful sounds of hammers hammering, drills drilling and teachers trying to teach.
It seems to me the statement of the college, "Learning comes first at JCCC" has been lost in the shuffle of construction.
Is it necessary to renovate and rebuild all these classrooms during peak instruction hours. How much more would it cost to allow these construction companies to work on nights and weekends?
But no, we can't do that. So I am left with hyperextending my ear drums to hear what my professor is saying.
Perhaps I can find temporary solace inside the walls of the Regnier Center, where nary a construction worker, drill nor hammer is found. Perhaps I should persuade my professor to have our classes inside the Shull Foyer, that way we would only have to drown out the sounds of Cafe Tempo and Nerman patrons.
One thing is clear to me, learning apparantly does not come first at this college.
Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Here Say: Volume One, Edition One

We at the Campus Ledger are always on the lookout for that juicy quote, that awesome one liner that makes the story. It is with that attitude that we present Here Say, a random conglomeration of overheard quotes and phrases around campus. Here is the first edition:

Girl to table of girls: I have to get injections...

Guy: Why do you need three octaves in the flat? This is just insane. How
the hell are you gonna play that on a piano?

Guy to girl: How are you going to eat that hot dog?

Not all flannel is plaid, but all plaid is flannel.

I know in the movie the grandfather is reading the book.

Have you seen juice?

You look like somebody who's here for GIG.

Guy to mixed company: How I masturbate...

I don't want to see your man thighs.

Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Hallway etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

A friend and colleague of mine at the paper mentioned to me how he had an unfortunate hallway collision with a female who was texting while walking the hallway.

It inspired me to write this post, for you see I witness stuff like this every day roaming the halls at the college.

What has happened to etiquette? Did it go out the window with the arrival of roll over minutes and nights and weekends?

So I, Cameron Fletcher, in all my wisdom will now offer my tips on hallway etiquette.

First of all, for centuries mankind has gotten along on the principal that you walk on the right side and allow people to pass the opposite direction on the left. It's a simple process that allows for the seamless flow of humanity. Which brings me to the first tip.

Tip #1 Do not walk on the left side of the hallway.

We are not in Great Britain folks. Walk on the right. And don't get an angry look on your face when I make no effort to get out of your way since you are in fact on my side of the hallway. Walk on the right. It makes things easier.

Another thing I notice is people like to mingle right at crucial intersections of multiple hallways and talk about whatever is on their mind. Which leads me to my next pointer.

Tip #2 Do not loiter in the middle of a busy intersection

There actually are people on a time crunch who are trying to get to their next class or appointment. If you must chat make use of the seating areas around campus. They are there for a reason. Use them.

By mingling and loitering in the middle of congested trafficways and intersections just proves that you are only thinking of yourself and are too asinine to realize it. Get out of the hallway!

The other thing that I don't understand is people's naive nature when it comes to the laws that govern elevator etiquette. Moving on to the next tip.

Tip #3 When waiting for the elevator don't stand right in the doorway.

Stand off to the side. It was they way I was taught and should be common knowledge. By standing off to the side it allows anyone on the elevator that needs to get off the room to get off said elevator. As soon as all people who need to get off are off enter said elevator. It is common courtesy.

Yet I still encounter, daily I might add, people standing right in my way as I attempt to get off the elevator. As I nearly take them down like a linebacker going after the quarterback they have the marbles to flippantly say "excuse me" to which I reply, well I never reply actually.

I don't know who is to blame for all of this, the parents of these kids that apparently aren't teaching their kids how to act; or the young people of this generation who despite a lack of direction from authority still don't have enough common sense to know the difference between right and wrong, courteous and non-courteous or the way things are done. My gut tells me it's a little bit of both.

My only warning is beware crazy text messaging, left side walking, elevator door huggers the next person you may run into, literally, is me.

Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Cameron Fletcher joins Kenny and Ozone, makes week one picks

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Cameron Fletcher joins the Kenny and Ozone Show to talk about the Cavaliers

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Cavaliers improve to 2-0 on the Fall

Pitching, defense and timely hitting led the Cavs to an 8-2 victory over JC Fall Select at the Baseball Complex Tuesday night.
Pitchers Gage Daniels, Tony Schulte, Brad Alberts and John Lenherr combined gave up two runs and six hits while striking out 14.
The game was a fairly close 2-1 through three and a half innings before the Cavs offense woke up.
The Cavs loaded the bases with no one out when Sam Stucky drew a walk. Following Stucky’s walk Brad Alberts cleared the bases with a double.
“He was struggling to throw stikes,” Alberts said. “I had a three-to-one count and I was just looking to jump on something and it was there.”
After the damage was done the Cavs led 6-1 and never looked back.
David Drahozal hit an inside the park home run to center field to make the score 7-2 Cavs.
Zach Smith picked up the eighth and final run in the seventh with a single, a stolen base and scored as Tanner Funk got caught up in a run down between first and second base.
The Cavaliers coasted to the victory from there.
Eric Horner, assistant coach likes what he has seen from the Cavs so far this fall.
“We’ve got a young club and we’re learning every day. It’s good to get out and play,” he said.
Horner said Fall baseball games allow the college to see some of the young high school stars in the area.
“It also allows our freshman to get out and kind of learn the game outside of practice and not play and beat ourselves up,” he said. “We’ve got to get our guys out there and see what they can do.”
Alberts said he feels the team isn’t playing up to their potential.
“Some of the little things we didn’t execute but as a whole we played well,” he said.
Nate Thomas, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored said the hitting isn’t quite up to par yet.
“Our defense looks pretty good but we’ve got a lot of work to do on the hitting,” he said.
John Lenherr, who struck out the side in the ninth after going 2-for-3 said the team played a lot better than the first game against the Expos.
“We are getting better but we’ve still got a ton of work to do,” he said. “We just need to come out and work hard every day and continue to get better.”
The Cavs next play a doubleheader on the road at North Central Missouri Community College in St. Joseph, Mo. on Sept. 6.


Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Link To Oath Of Employment Ceremony

http://www.vidiLife.com/video_play_1224034_Oath_Of_Employment_Ceremony.htm?tc=1124565

Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Justin Miller Podcast

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JCCC volleyball team opens season ranked sixth in NJCAA

Story by Tyler Cundith
Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- The Johnson County Community College volleyball team has been picked No. 6 in the NJCAA preseason volleyball for the 2008 season.

This is the third straight season the Cavaliers have been a top 10 pick to open a campaign. JCCC was ranked third in 2006 and second in 2007. JCCC finished ninth at the national tournament in 2006, and were runner-up last year. JCCC won the national championship in 2005.

The Cavaliers also open the campaign under the direction of a new coach, Jennifer Ei. She takes over after serving five years as Jill Stinson’s top assistant. Stinson stepped down after serving 11 years as JCCC’s volleyball coach.

This season, 10 ranked teams appear on JCCC’s schedule, including Iowa Western, ranked fourth in Division I volleyball, and Florida Community College-Jacksonville, ranked 25th in D-I.

JCCC will face eight ranked teams in Division II and will tested immediately in their first four matches, all against ranked teams. JCCC opens its season with No. 25 Longview Community College, Aug. 22, at JCCC.

The Cavaliers follow with No. 2 ranked and conference rival Cowley College later that evening, then face No. No. 4 Des Moines Area Community College and No. 5 Parkland College on Aug. 23.

Also ranked in Division II are No. 11 Marshalltown Community College (Oct. 4), No. 12 Central (Neb.) Community College (Sept. 20), No 14 Lincoln Land Community College (Sept. 19) and No. 19 Butler Community College (Oct. 27).

Additionally, Neosho County Community College, JCCC’s last conference mach of the season on Oct. 22, received votes and could be a contender in the race this season.

“Our schedule this year is similar to our schedules in the past,” Ei said. “We opened last year with nine ranked opponents to start the season. We are excited about the challenges this schedule presents, and it will benefit us when postseason arrives. We will have already have played big matches against tournament caliber competition.”

JCCC returns three players from last year’s squad, including 2007 All-American hitter Sydney Pemberton of Prairie Village, Kan. Other key returnees are hitter Ivy Morrison of Topeka, Kan., and defensive specialist Taylor Pruitt of Wichita, Kan.

JCCC’s newcomers consist of sophomore libero Caitlin Schaffstall (Blue Valley West), defensive specialist Susan Shaw (Blue Valley North), middle hitter Katie O’Conner (Bishop Miege), right-side hitter Beth Bruemmer (Lohman, Mo.), outside hitter Emily Forbes (Carbondale, Kan.), outside hitter Torey Lyman (Hutchinson, Kan.) outsider hitter Jordan Lockwood (Silver Lake, Kan.) and setter Codi Lawrence (Shawnee Mission West).

Schaffstall returns to the area after playing her freshman year at the University of Evansville.

Send me your comments at cfletch5@jccc.edu

Rumor Mill: Speed torn ACL

Straight from the rumor mill...

According to Nafis Ricks, sophomore basketball player, teammate Kyle Speed has torn his ACL.

On his Facebook it states, "we just caught a big blow from my team my main man SPEED went down wit (sic) a torn ACL that means I'm going to pick up the slack and run the point and win nationals."

This has not yet been confirmed. Stay tuned to this blog for the details as they become available.

Shows to return to team

This just in...

Danielle Shows, who had earlier said she was leaving the team to join the military has now decided to return this season.

She said she will not be joining the military for the time being.

More details to come...

Lady Cavs speak out about new coach

Early indications indicate Benjamin Conrad is the perfect fit to lead the Lady Cavs.

Sophomore Amanda Dittmer said she thinks he will be a welcome addition to the club.

"He has been great so far about getting in contact with each of the girls and he has met with some of our parents," she said. "He seems really excited for this upcoming year to work with us girls and start somewhere new. I am very excited about the upcoming year."

Fellow sophomore Ivy Morrison said she hasn't met Conrad yet.

"But he should be coming up here sometime very soon," she said. "I will get a chance to be introduced to, and to speak with him."

Incoming freshman Megan Cook said she is excited about the new coach.

"He seems like a young guy that really wants to be here and feels very strongly about his new position," she said.

Cook said she's under the impression that Conrad wants to be here.

"This is where he wants to be and feels privlidged to be here. He seems very passionated and intense about the game," she said. "He is going to push the team very hard and it is my assumption that we will be very successful under his coaching."

Conrad began his career in 1996 as a coaches assistant at University of Northern Iowa. After three seasons at UNI he spent one year as a graduate assistant at Iowa State in 2000-01. That year the Cyclones advanced all the way to the Sweet 16.

After receiving his Bachelors in Political Science from UNI (1999) and his Master's in Exercise Science from Iowa State (2001) he spent one season as an assistant coach at Graceland University (2001-02). In 2002 he accepted his first head coaching job at Des Moines Area Community College . Conrad spent three seasons (2002-05) at Des Moines going 71-27.

In 2005, Conrad accepted the head coaching position at Upper Iowa University, an NCAA Division II school. Upper Iowa's won-lost record in Conrad's first season (2005-06) is unavailable. In 2006-07 they joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and went 9-19 (5-13 in conference). Last season Upper Iowa went 7-23 (3-15).

New coaches introduced at Trustees meeting

Story by Corey Thibodeaux, reporter The Campus Ledger

The head Track and Field, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball coaches left some big voids to fill in the off-season.

The Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees announced on June 19 the replacement for three of the college’s Head Coaches.

Mike Bloemker will inherit the title of Head Track and Field Coach. He served as the Women and Men’s Assistant Track Coach and the Head Cross Country Coach for the past ten years.

The new women’s hoops coach will be Benjamin Conrad, the only newcomer to the college. He coached women’s basketball as a head coach since 2002 at Des Moines Arena Community College then Upper Iowa University.

Assistant Volleyball Coach Jenny Ei will be promoted to Head Coach. Ei has history of coaching club and high school Volleyball, she has not head coached at the college level.

The new coaches’ one-year contracts become effective July 1, 2008.

Ricks selected as NABC/State Farm All-American

Story by Tyler Cundith

Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Johnson County Community College freshmen guard Nafis Ricks of Philadelphia, Pa., has been named to the 2008 State Farm Coaches’ All-American Team as selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He is the first player in team history to earn this honor.

Earlier this year, Ricks became the 11th player in JCCC history to earn All-America accolades, and the second to earn first-team honors. He joins Chris Lollar as the only two first-team All-Americans in Cavalier basketball history.

Ricks also earned second-team East Jayhawk Conference honors, was voted the East Jayhawk Conference Freshman of the Year and selected as a first-team All-Region VI performer. He is the first player in team history to earn Freshman of the Year.

Ricks helped JCCC to a 21-12 record, a No. 14 ranking in the final NJCAA Division II poll, a Region VI title and a runner-up finish in the District 10 Championship. The team’s 21 victories are the most since 2001-02, and tie the second-best season total in the 17-year tenure of head coach Mike Jeffers.

Ricks led the team in scoring (15.4), rebounding (7.4) and steals (87). His 87 steals tie the fifth-best season in school history. Ricks led JCCC in scoring in 16 games, was the top rebounder 18 times and game leader in assists six times.

He scored in double figures in 27 games, and had six double doubles of points and rebounds. Twice Ricks was selected the NJCAA D-II Player of the Week. His first honor came the week of Nov. 28.

The freshman guard led JCCC to a pair of victories over Cloud County Community College and Hutchinson Community College at the Hutchinson Thanksgiving Classic last weekend.

Ricks scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds with three assists and two steals in a 60-54 win over Cloud County. He then netted 14 points with eight rebounds and five assists in a 80-68 win over Hutchinson. Ricks’ second honor came the week of Feb. 6 when he averaged 28.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in JCCC two games that week.

He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals in leading the Cavaliers to a 75-61 road victory over Highland. He followed with a career-high 31 points, along with 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in a near upset of Division I nationally ranked Independence.

Located in Kansas City, MO, the NABC was founded in 1927 by Phog Allen, the legendary basketball coach at the University of Kansas. Allen, a student of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, organized coaches into this collective group to serve as Guardians of the Game. The NABC currently claims nearly 5,000 members consisting primarily of university and college men’s basketball coaches.

All members of the NABC are expected to uphold the core values of being a Guardian of the Game by bringing attention to the positive aspects of the sport of basketball and the role coaches play in the academic and athletic lives of today’s student-athletes.

The four core values of being a Guardian of the Game are advocacy, leadership, service and education. Additional information about the NABC, its programs and membership, can be found at www.nabc.com.

Former JCCC baseball player drafted

Story by Tyler Cundith
Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Former Johnson County Community College catcher Ryan Arp of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was recently drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.

He was selected in the 45th round and was the 1,356th pick overall. He is expected to report to a Dodger rookie league team in in either Florida or Utah.

Arp played for head coach Kent Shelley in the springs of 2005 and 2006. His sophomore season, Arp hit .303 (33-for-109) with nine doubles, two triples and 20 RBI. For his career, he hit .287 (45-for-157) with 12 doubles, three home runs and 33 RBI.

Arp continued his athletic career at Upper Iowa University. He is the first player in the program’s history to be selected in the Major League Draft.

Jackie Hoyt leaving to go to Central Christian College

Jackie Hoyt is leaving Johnson County Community College for Central Christian College in Macpherson, Kansas.

She said she chose to leave the college because she didn't have fun.

"Because it was too big to make a lot of friends," Hoyt said. "I didn't like the season, because I wasn't havin fun. I sat on the bench a lot."

Hoyt said she will have a lot more fun at Central Christian College.

"I chose there because I like the coach," she said. "I liked the christian environment and people and I feel I would get more of a college experience."

Hoyt looks back fondly on her experience at the college.

"I dont regret going to JCCC. I enjyed my time there. It just feels right to go to CCC."

Zach Smith signs with Johnson County Community College

According to Piratesbaseballclub.com Pitcher Zach Smith of Fort Zumwalt South High School in the St. Louis area has signed a letter of intent with Johnson County Community College.

More details to come...

Softball standout Chiles headed to Johnson County

Pulled from lansingcurrent.com

By Chris Wristen
March 13, 2008

One of the most reliable members of the Lansing High softball lineup is taking her game to the next level.

Morgan Chiles, a varsity starter since her freshman year, will join the lineup at Johnson County Community College in the fall.

“I realized that all of my efforts were worth it,” she said with a smile before signing her letter-of-intent.

Chiles’ story began on ball fields throughout Leavenworth County as a five-year-old T-ball player. She began playing softball on a 10-and-under team coached by Rhonda Lang before moving on to the Leavenworth Twisters and Olathe Rockets club teams.

Chiles said she began dreaming of playing college softball around the time she was a freshman.
“I was probably 14 or 15 when I realized that there is college, and there is a possibility of me playing,” she said. “I thought I could really achieve that goal someday.”

She has spent the past few years at LHS working to attain that goal, and the Lions have benefited from her contributions.

In three years, Chiles has helped the Lions post a 41-22 record, win the school’s first Kaw Valley League softball title and advance to state for just the second time in program history.

She has played a variety of positions in the process. She was a utility player as a freshman, helping out in the outfield and at catcher. As a sophomore she transitioned to third base to replace the steady glove of long-time starter Maggie Aus.

Chiles played both third base and shortstop as a junior, and she garnered All-KVL first-team honors while hitting .325.

After shifting throughout the field during her first few seasons at LHS, Chiles likely will stay put on the left side of the infield in 2008 because the Lions return their entire squad from a year ago. The 2007 team had no seniors, and coach Terry Cornett praised Chiles for taking on the role of the team’s vocal leader.

Throughout her high school career Chiles has been a year-round athlete. She was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team, and she spent two seasons playing varsity volleyball — including as a member of the 2007 squad that set the program’s single-season wins total, won an undefeated KVL championship and placed fourth at the Class 5A state tournament.

Through it all, softball has been her first love. Even when she was playing other sports, Chiles always made time for softball. She and LHS teammate Amanda Darrow routinely played Friday night basketball games and then hit the road for weekend indoor softball tournaments.

Indoor tournaments?

“Basically it’s this gym, and they put a little net so (the ball) can’t hit the ceiling, and you get some corners taken away,” she explained. “If you want to hit a home run, you’ve got to hit it straight.”

Chiles feels like she hit a home run with her college selection of JCCC. The Cavaliers are one of the top junior college softball programs in the nation on a yearly basis. They are a regular participant in the national tournament and have finished the top 10 in the national tournament 10 times. In 2007 they were the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II runner-up and posted a 46-14 record.

Chiles said she was attracted to Johnson County’s record of success.

“I remember in their coaches’ office they have pictures of All-Americans all over,” she said. “That’d be pretty cool if that could be me.”

Chiles also liked the fact that JCCC is only about 30 minutes from home. That will allow her family — always a presence at her sporting events — to catch most of her games.

“They’re a big support,” she said. “They go to almost every game that they can unless they’re sick, and they support me in a lot of decisions I’ve made. Even if I didn’t want to play softball I’m sure they’d be happy for me.”

Although Chiles said she isn’t certain that she will go on and play at a four-year school after two years at Johnson County, she said she wouldn’t rule anything out.

“I don’t think I would be able to turn it down if I got the chance to,” she said.

Travis Blankenship to pitch at Kansas next season

Travis Blankenship, recently named Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference after going 6-2 with a 2.86 Era, signed a letter of intent to play for the Kansas Jayhawks next season.

Megan Cook signs letter of intent with Johnson County Community College

Pulled from www.kapuan.org

April 22, 2008
Wichita, Kansas
Kapaun Mt. Carmel senior Megan Cook signed a National Letter of Intent today to attend Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas in the fall of 2008 and play basketball for the school.

Cook was a four-year player for Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, and played on the varsity squad the last three years.

As a Crusader, Megan helped to lead KMC to a 3rd place finish in the Greater Wichita Athletic League in 2008. In 2007, the Crusaders finished 4th the 5A State Tournament.

In 2008, Cook was named All-City Honorable Mention and received the same honor at the state level.

Megan is the daughter of Mike and Jenny Cook. The Cook family belongs to St. Jude Parish in Wichita.

She plans to major in Dental Hygiene at Johnson County Community College.

From Cats To Cavs Bechard and Nelson sign with JCCC

According to knsafm.com reporter Justin Fluke Holton High School alumnus Melissa Nelson and Crista Bechard signed letters of intent May 1 with Johnson County Community College.

The article says, "Nelson and Bechard helped the Holton girls basketball team to three straight undefeated Big 7 League Championships as well as two Sub State titles and a runner up state finish in 2008."

The article says the Lady Cats, of Holton High School fame went 24-2 last season and the duo combined to go 67 and 6 over three seasons.

The article says, "Nelson led the league averaging better than 14 points per game while also hitting 54 percent from inside the arc.

Nelson was second in the league in steals and free throw percentage at 75 percent.

She was a first team all state selection by the KBCA and Topeka Capital Journal in Class 4A and departs Holton as the fifth leading scorer in school history.

Bechard also earned all league honors for two seasons and was honorable mention all state.

Crista was second in the Big 7 in assists and free throw percentage while also ranking high in steals and field goal percentage while averaging nearly ten points per game."

No information was found on the other recruits outgoing coach Debbie Carrier mentioned. See post titled, "Three coaches resigning at Johnson County Community College"

Ready to change and it Shows

Danielle Shows, sophomore women's basketball player is leaving the hardwood to join the ranks of the military.

Shows said she is doing it to become a better person.

"I don't feel like I am headed in the right direction," she said. "My grades dont look how I want them to and I am irresponsible, unorganized, undisciplined."

Shows said knowing some people who were in the miltary factored in her decision.

Does Shows plan to return to the basketball team?

"Seeing as i am only joining the reserves, I might play next year," she said.

If Shows doesn't return it will be a tough transition year for the Lady Cavs. Minus Shows, the Lady Cavs only return three players in Ivy Morrison, Amanda Dittmer and Katie Buenger. All three were bench players last season, and with the exception of Dittmer saw very little playing time (except at the end of blowouts).

Shows did a good job playing second guard to Brittney Slifer last year and running the point when Slifer rested. Shows experience would certainly be missed.

Search For Coaches Begins

This just in...

Carl Heinrich, Athletic Director said the search committee for a new women's basketball coach has narrowed it down to three candidates.

At this time Heinrich cannot publicly announce who the candidates are.

Heinrich also said the college has found new coaches for volleyball and track but has to wait until the Board of Trustees approves the hirings at their next board meeting, June 19.

More details to come...

JCCC Baseball Team Swept Out of National Tournament

The Cavaliers baseball season ended on Sunday with a 20-7 loss at the hands of Central Arizona at the Division II National Tournament in Grand Junction, Colo.

SOFTBALL TEAM WINS FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME

Pulled from JCCC ListServ.

The JCCC fastpitch softball team won its first game at the NJCAA Division II Tournament in Normal, Ill. The Lady Cavaliers defeated Oakland Community College, 7-2. Krista Cummings and Lindsay Bowers each hit home runs. Jamin Landreth was the winning pitcher. JCCC is coached by Kelly Latendresse.

Three coaches resigning at Johnson County Community College

This just in...

The Johnson County Community College's athletic department takes a big hit with the resignation of three coaches.

Tyler Cundith, director of Sports Information confirms that Debbie Carrier, women's basketball coach, Joe Weis, men's and women's track coach and Jill Stinson, volleyball coach have all stepped down from their current roles.

Carrier said she stepped down as coach and accepted a full-time teaching position in order to spend more time with family.

"I've been coaching for 23 years at the college level and I am gone most nights from November to March and my husband is also a coach during that time," she said.

Carrier said she wanted to spend some time with her daughter, a high school senior who leaves for Colorado next year to play soccer.

"We also have two little ones who are very active. So this was an opportunity that had never been there before to teach and spend more time with them."

Carrier said it was a hard decision.

"I have a special place in my heart for Johnson County Community College they gave me twelve great years and the way the school and the administration supported myself and the program," she said. "I feel very special and lucky to have had the opportunity to coach here and been very fortunate to have great players."

Carrier will teach in the Physical Education department.

"As coaches we have to teach part-time so I'm still in the Physical Education and Health area and teaching more of what I was teaching," she said. "Personal Community Health, Wellness and Life and Sports Officiating."

Carrier said she spoke with Stinson and Weis about their decisions to step down as well.

"I think you'd have to speak with them to get their reasonings, but I think it's just an opportunity for them to do something a little different."

Carrier said next year's recruits have all committed to staying on for the new coach.

Details will come on the new recruits but they are the following: Melissa Nelson, Christa Bechard, Nikki Naab, Katie Nietzke and Megan Cook.

Carrier also mentioned the departure of Jackie Hoyt (transfer) and Danielle Shows (military). More details to come on that as well.

Returning from last year are Katie Buenger, Amanda Dittmer and Ivy Morrision.

Cavaliers qualify for JUCO World Series

5/15/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith

Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Johnson County Community College sophomore left-hander Travis Blankenship tied a school record for wins in a season with 11, but his recent victory Wednesday night was the sweetest of his career. The Lawrence native who signed with Kansas earlier this year went the distance to lead the Cavaliers to a 6-2 win over cross town rival Kansas City Kansas in the final game of the Region VI Tournament at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in Wichita, Kan., giving his team its first berth to the NJCAA JUCO World Series.

Blankenship pitched nine innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, and struck out nine to earn the complete game victory. Blankenship set the tone early, striking out the first two batters of the game, and four of the first five he faced. He didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning.

While Blankenship was throwing a gem, Kansas City Kansas’ defense opened the door for JCCC. The Blue Devils committed eight errors in the game, two in the first inning which led to two runs, two in the second and two in the third, giving JCCC a 4-0 lead.

Kansas City Kansas cut into the Cavaliers lead with a two run sixth inning, but JCCC matched that in the bottom half of the inning, and never looked back.

Offensively JCCC was led by sophomore Mitchell Mathis (2-for-3, 1 RBI), freshman Parker Amos (2-for-4, 1 RBI) and sophomore Doug Otto, the conference MVP (1-for-4, 1 RBI).
The victory improved JCCC to 41-16 overall, and gave head coach Kent Shelley his 599th victory of his career. He will go for his 600th in the JUCO World Series.

View the box score.

Cavaliers in winner-take-all game tonight

5/14/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith
Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- The Johnson County Community College baseball team will face cross-town rival Kansas City Kansas Community College in a winner-take-all game tonight in the Region VI Tournament at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in Wichita, Kan.

The Blue Devils forced the final game by handing the Cavaliers its first loss of the tournament, 16-7. The Blue Devils hit early and often, racking up 18 hits and 16 runs. Six of KCK’s lineup had two or more hits, led by center fielder Zach Theadman’s four-hit, three-RBI effort.

Kansas City Kansas jumped out to an early lead with four runs in the top of the first, and another in the top of the second. JCCC closed the gap with single runs in the second and fourth, but the Blue Devils broke the game open with a six-run fifth and three-run sixth, to lead 14-2.

The Cavaliers did mount a comeback, combining for five runs in the sixth and seventh off Blue Devils starter Trent Kohlstaedt, but it wasn’t enough.
Offensively, JCCC was led by freshmen outfielders John Lenherr (Hutchinson, Kan.) and Parker Amos (Shawnee Mission Northwest H.S.) Lenherr was 3-for-5 with an RBI, and Amos went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Freshman second baseman David Drahozal (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) had two hits and an RBI, and sophomore Jeremy Francis (Emporia, Kan.) had a hit, scored twice and stole two bases.

The Cavaliers will go staff ace, sophomore left-hander Travis Blankenship of Lawrence, Kan. Blankenship leads the team with 10 wins this season. Also available if needed will be JCCC’s No. 2 starter, left-hander Brandon Droge, who ranks among the nation’s leaders in ERA.

A victory tonight would advance JCCC (40-16) to its first NJCAA JUCO World Series. This year’s World Series is May 24-3, at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, Colo.

View the box score.

Cavaliers advance to Region VI Championship game

The Cavaliers baseball team moves one step closer to their Grand Junction.

Cowley College had leads of 1-0, 4-1 and 6-4 but the Cavaliers came back and tied the first two times and then took the lead for good with a three run final frame. The final run scored on a wild pitch from Connor Farris. Jacob Smith who pitched the final 1.2 innings closed the deal and got the win.

The Cavs next game is at 7 P.M. tonight against either Kansas City Kansas Community College or Cowley who play at 4 P.M.

Box Score:

Johnson County CC 7 (40-15)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
David Drahozel 2b........ 3 1 0 0 2 1 3 1 2
Mitchell Mathis c........ 4 1 1 0 1 1 7 0 0
Drew House pr........... 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Andy Chamberlain c...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
John Lenherr rf.......... 5 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 1
Doug Otto ss............. 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 2 0
Parker Amos cf........... 5 0 4 2 0 0 4 0 1
Jeremy Francis lf........ 4 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 0
Nate Thomas dh........... 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1
Chad Griffin 1b.......... 4 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 5
Brian McCulloch 1b...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Drew Garwood 3b.......... 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Dustin Holthaus p........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Blake Gosch p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jacob Smith p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals................... 36 7 10 5 5 7 27 4 10

Cowley College 6 (37-18)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
Brice Cole lf............ 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 2
Chase Roten dh........... 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tom O'Gorman 3b.......... 5 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0
Luke Zeller cf........... 5 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 2
Frank Specht 2b.......... 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 3
Andy Petz c.............. 5 1 1 0 0 4 8 0 0
Colt Loehrs rf........... 5 2 3 1 0 1 1 0 0
Heath Wall ss............ 4 0 2 1 1 1 1 5 4
Tyson Parks 1b........... 5 0 2 0 0 0 12 0 1
Curt Simpson p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Chris O'Brien p......... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alex Schell p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Connor Farris p......... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Totals................... 42 6 15 5 2 8 27 13 12

Score by Innings R H E
Johnson County CC... 001 001 203 - 7 10 3
Cowley College...... 010 210 020 - 6 15 3

E - D. Drahozel; P. Amos 2; B. Cole; T. O'Gorman; C. Loehrs. DP - Cowley 1.LOB - Johnson Co. 10; Cowley 12. 2B - H. Wall; T. Parks. HR - J. Lenherr; C.Loehrs. HBP - D. Otto; N. Thomas; B. Cole. SH - C. Griffin. SB - J. Lenherr;D. Otto; J. Francis 5; N. Thomas 2.

Johnson County CC IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
Dustin Holthaus..... 4.0 11 4 3 0 3 22 22
Blake Gosch......... 3.1 3 2 1 1 3 14 16
Jacob Smith......... 1.2 1 0 0 1 2 6 7

Cowley College IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
Curt Simpson........ 6.1 6 4 4 3 5 24 29
Chris O'Brien....... 0.2 1 0 0 1 0 3 4
Alex Schell......... 1.1 3 3 2 1 2 6 8
Connor Farris....... 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 3

Win - J. Smith. Loss - A. Schell. Save - None.WP - D. Holthaus 2; C. Simpson; C. Farris. HBP - by C. Simpson (D. Otto); by C.Simpson (N. Thomas); by B. Gosch (B. Cole).Umpires - HP: Mark Lytle 1B: Ray Grenke 3B: Greg MuddStart: 4:41 pm Time: 3:00 Attendance:D. Holthaus faced 3 batters in the 5th.C. O'Brien faced 1 batter in the 8th.

Baseball team advances to region semifinals

4/12/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith

Pulled from www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- The Johnson County Community College baseball team is just two wins away from reaching its first NJCAA World Series. The Cavaliers have advanced to the semifinals of the Region VI Baseball Tournament in Wichita, Kan., by posting wins over Barton County and Seward Count over the weekend. The Cavaliers face Cowley College today at 4 p.m. with a berth to the title game on the line.

JCCC (39-15) opened the tournament with a 7-4 win over Barton County on Saturday morning, and followed with an impressive 6-3 win over No. 10 ranked Seward County, Sunday afternoon. Outstanding starting pitching and timely hitting proved key in both victories.

In the win over Barton County, sophomore left-hander Travis Blankenship picked up his 10th win of the season, going six innings, allowing four runs on eight hits, with four strikeouts. Nick Holtgrieve and
Dustin Holthaus pitched the final three innings of scoreless relief. The win was Blankenship’s 16th of his career, setting an new team record at JCCC.

Offensively the Cavaliers were led by team MVP Doug Otto and Parker Amos. Both had two hits. Otto had single and double and drove in a run.

Amos had two singles and two RBI. Additionally, Jeremy Francis, Chad Griffin and Drew Garwood each had run producing hits. The Seward
County game saw another pitching gem from freshman left-hander
Brandon Droge. He pitched all nine innings, giving up just three runs, only one earned, while striking out six batters.

The Cavaliers trailed 3-1 entering the bottom of the fourth inning, but JCCC would score single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth, then added two more in the seventh, giving Droge a three run cushion for the final two innings. Droge recorded four of his six strikeouts in the eighth and ninth.

John Lenherr had two hits and two RBI, and Garwood and Griffin each had one RBI to power the Cavaliers offensive attack.

Misty Stone to play at Ottawa University next season

This just in...

Misty Stone, former Lady Cavalier basketball player has announced her intent to play basketball at Ottawa University next season.

Stone said she knew if she didn't play she'd miss basketball.

"I choose Ottawa because I absolutely love Coach Tate and think he is a great coach," she said. "I also know a lot of the girls there and I just know I will enjoy it."

Cavaliers win region title and earn trip to nationals

5/7/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith

Pulled from: www.jccc.edu

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- The Johnson County Community College softball team is champions of the NJCAA Region VI Division II softball for the second straight year. The Lady Cavaliers dominated No. 5 ranked Cowley College in the championship game, 11-3, and advance to the NJCAA D-II National Tournament in Normal, Ill, next week. Last year, JCCC also defeated Cowley to win the region, then went on to place second at nationals, the highest finish in team history.

JCCC, ranked No. 7 in the RINGOR NJCAA Division II Softball Poll, put on a hitting clinic in this championship. As a team, the Lady Cavaliers hit .402, and ripped 105 hits, including 18 doubles and an amazing 17 home runs. The team scored 75 runs in the eight games.

“Anytime you hit 17 home runs and score 75 runs, your going to win,” said head coach Kelly Latendresse.

However, as powerful as JCCC’s bats were, their ride to the champions was not easy. After a record 29-1 win over Brown Mackie in the opening round, JCCC edged Hutchinson with a 3-2 win in the second round, setting up a meeting with conference champion Cowley. The Tigers downed JCCC 5-3 on a solo home run by Breayle Tackett and a grand slam from Kashilia Young, dropping the Lady Cavaliers into the losers bracket.

By falling down to the loser bracket, JCCC would need to win five games, four on Sunday, to claim the title, and that’s exactly what happened. The Lady Cavaliers began their run with a 10-8 win over Allen County Saturday night, followed by an 8-2 victory over Pratt and a 3-2 win over Highland, setting up a rematch with Cowley.

JCCC All-America second baseman Krista Cummings belted two home runs against East Jayhawk Conference MVP Jacey Juden, leading the Lady Cavaliers to an 8-5 win, setting one final game against the Tigers. That game was all JCCC, ending Cowley’s season with an 11-3 loss. Lindsay Bowers provided shot that sealed the victory in the top of the seventh. Leading 9-3, she belted a two-run shot over the center field fence.

“Johnson (County) was hitting everything, it didn’t matter what the pitch was,” Cowley head coach Ed Hargrove said in a Cowley College press release. “They took advantage of every opportunity they got.”

For the tournament, sophomore outfielder Kacee McDonald was the team’s leading hitter, batting .515 (17-for-33) with two doubles, four home runs, 13 runs and 13 RBI. She was also named to the All-Region VI second-team. Sophomore Debbie Schlagel hit 379 (11-for-29) with five doubles, two home runs, nine runs and 12 RBI. Other key producers were freshman Lindsey Tuter (.419, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI), sophomore Lindsay Bowers (.345, 2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI), Cummings (.423, 1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI), freshman Sam Neely (.467, 1 double, 1 HR, 7 RBI), sophomore Kristen Kluge (.370, 3 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI) and sophomore Alex Zimmerman (.381, 1 double 4 RBI).

But while JCCC’s power numbers were amazing, the MVP’s of the tournament may have been freshmen pitchers Jamin Landreth and Katie Ford. Both battling nagging injuries, they battled throughout the tournament, and kept JCCC in all of the games.

“They demonstrated amazing character,” said Latendresse. “Jamin had not pitched in back-to-back games all year, and on Sunday, she pitched in all four games. These two flat out competed.”

Landreth logged the most time in the circle, pitching 35.3 innings. She was 5-0 with 22 strikeouts and held her opponents to a .248 average. Ford, an All-Region VI selection, was 2-1 with seven strikeouts in 17.6 innings of work. On the season, Ford leads the staff with 19 victories, followed by Landreth with 11.

###

Former Lady Cavaliers spread all over the map

Former members of the Lady Cavaliers will be all over the map next season.
Heather Rourk will play next year at University of Indianapolis.
Meghan Waggoner and Brittney Slifer both committed to University of Central Missouri.
Bethany Schwab will play just up the street at Mid America Nazarene University in Olathe.
However not everyone will continue playing ball.
Emily Larson plans to go to K-State next fall, but just as a student.
Erica Rothweiler, a third year student said she plans to get a job.
"I am actually not going anywhere. I have been at JCCC for 3-years doing the Interior Design Program and I am job searching and getting out in the design world," she said.
Misty Stone is unsure at this point.
"I dont know for sure if I am even going to play next year," Stone said. "But if I do I am pretty sure I am going to go to Ottawa [University]. If not i am just going to go to school at [University of Kansas]."

Former Cav Quintin Totta signs with Columbia College

Quotes pulled from: www.columbiatribune.com

Quintin Totta, former Cavaliers big man, signed a letter of intent with Columbia College.

Totta, 6-6, average 11 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Bob Burchard, head coach at Columbia College feels Totta will make an immediate impact.

"Quintin is a highly skilled forward who is used to being highly successful," Columbia Coach Bob Burchard said. "We need immediate help in his position and feel confident he will make a significant contribution."

Heideman, Otto selected JCCC athletes of the year

5/8/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith

Pulled from: www.jccc.edu

Christa Heideman

Doug Otto

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Johnson County Community College sophomore Christa Heideman of the women’s cross country and track teams, and sophomore Doug Otto of the baseball team were announced as the female and male athletes of the year at JCCC’s annual awards dinner. The event was held May 7, at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, Kan. In addition, each team announced their most valuable player, Cavalier award winner and top academic sophomore. Sophomore Vika Scnose of the women’s tennis team and sophomore Drew Garwood of the baseball team were top academic student-athletes.

Heideman will lead JCCC as the school’s most decorated athlete. She has garnered 13 All-America honors in her two years, the most by any athlete in the JCCC’s 39-year history. She also was named the women’s cross country MVP and women’s track MVP in each of her years at JCCC. Heideman has twice earned All-American in cross country and the half marathon. At indoor track nationals, she has earned a total of six All-America honors, including four her freshman year. Outdoors, Heideman was a three-time All-American in 2007, and enters this year’s championship looking to add her her total. She also owns three school records. She has the best time recorded by a Cavaliers at cross country nationals, setting that mark last fall. She also ran a leg on the record setting indoor distance medley relay her freshman year, and set the outdoor mark in the 1,500-meter run last spring. Heideman also ranks in the top five in the outdoor 5,000-meters and as a member of the 4x800 relay.

Otto, a former walk-on to the baseball team, is having an MVP season as a sophomore Otto is batting .443 (70-for-158) with 18 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 57 runs and 43 RBI. He leads the team or is tied for lead in average, hits, doubles, triples, home runs and runs scored, and ranks second in RBI and stolen bases with 25. Otto also leads the team in slugging percentage at .715 and on base percentage .528. His .443 average ranks tied for 32nd in the NJCAA, and he tied for 28th in the nation in stolen bases. Otto’s 70 hits tie the fourth-best season at JCCC, and his 18 doubles rank third all-time for a season. The sophomore from Jefferson City, Mo. has been extremely solid with his glove, posting an impressive .957 fielding percentage from his shortstop position, which ranks him among the best to play his position in JCCC history. He has just 11 errors in 258 fielding chances. His team will play for the Region VI Championship this weekend in Wichita, Kan., with a berth to the NJCAA World Series on the line. Otto also ranks tied for eighth all-time at JCCC with nine career triples.

Background checks for prospective employees

Fourteen people were listed on the college’s website, www.jccc.edu, as registered sex offenders.

According to the website the Department of Public Safety “has received notification of registered sex offenders that currently work, teach, volunteer, visit or attend classes on the campus of Johnson County Community College.”

According to www.securityoncampus.org, the public posting of such a list is in concordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, sponsored by Jon Kyl, senator of Arizona and supported by Security on Campus Incorporated.

The Act is an amendment to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act which requires sex offenders already required to register with the state “to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.”

According to the September 2007 Board of Trustees report one of the names on the college’s list of sex offenders was listed as a recommendation to hire as a work study employee from August 20, 2007 to May 16, 2008 at $8.96/hour. The recommendation was accepted.

This person has been registered since August 5, 2005 for lewd and lascivious behavior.

Chris Christensen, director of Financial Aid, said this person is no longer employed as a work study student.

How long was he employed at the college?

Becky Centlivre-Meinke, director of Human Resources said he was employed as administrative support in the Railroad Operations department during the Fall 2006, Spring 2007 and Fall 2007 semesters.

“Overall the college has no policy regarding the employment of registered sex offenders,” Centlivre-Meinke said. “Certain jobs (i.e. Children’s center) would prohibit a registered sex offender from that type of work.”

Centlivre-Meinke said the college is looking into policies, procedures and guidelines with regards to background checks of prospective employees.

“There are a lot of issues that need to be considered,” Centlivre-Meinke said. “A committee is being established to address all of those concerns.”

Centlivre-Meinke said a board policy is already in place concerning background checks.

“The committee will help establish the pass/fail criteria for specific positions and outcome should an existing employee not pass,” Centlivre-Meinke said.

According to 415.01c Investigative Examination, “The college may require an applicant for a position at the college or current employees of the college to submit to a polygraph or background test, the cost of which will be at the college's expense. A refusal to submit to such exam may be grounds to preclude employment or grounds to suspend, terminate or non-renew.”

Centlivre-Meinke said Human Resources will lead the committee, but various members of other departments will be involved as well.

“The kickoff meeting was this week and the committee plans to meet every other week (or so) until we have the criteria and outcomes established,” Centlivre-Meinke said. “As background checks do not directly affect students (except students who are employed by the college) they were not included on the committee. We have invited a member of the Student Services staff to be on the committee.”

The college has been looking into this issue for quite some time now.

In the article, “Law targets sex offenders on campus” by Courtney Farr from the January 23, 2003 issue of The Campus Ledger, “[Dennis] Day said a committee will be formed, made up of faculty, students, and the college’s attorney to decide what kind of policy should be implemented.”

Dennis Day, vice president of Student Services said, “There has been
a committee working on this issue over the last year chaired by Dorothy
Friedrich [vice president of Policy and Strategic Initiatives]. It led to several recommendations, one of which was to engage a company to perform such checks.”
Friedrich said she led the task force that focused on the requirements for background screenings.

“Human Resources is currently working on the process for implementation,” Friedrich said. “There are other areas where background checks are going on. As far as other areas we have not yet begun.”

Friedrich said much of background checks are in regard to financial matters.

“We want to make sure we are in compliance with the Payment Card industry,” Friedrich said. “They set the standards for how companies use credit card information.”

According to the December 13, 2007 Board of Trustees meeting minutes the Board of Trustees “approved the proposals from HireRight, Inc. at an annual amount not to exceed $21,000.00, and from 1138 Inc. (dba Validity Screening Solutions) at an annual amount not to exceed $10,000.00, for a total estimated annual expenditure not to exceed $31,000.00 for background checks.”

Friedrich said HireRight offered the best level of service at a reasonable cost.

“We did a thorough job selecting the carrier,” Friedrich said. “I know that Human Resources will do a great job in implementing it.”

Staying out of Harms way: Royce Harms aims to serve and protect

Now, not only can athletes brag about their guns, but the Department of Public Safety can.

Royce Harms, officer with the Overland Park Police Department acts as a liaison between the police department and the Department of Public safety at the college.

“I provide support to them,” Harms said. “I work with the Community Policing unit which deals with public relations in and around the college to help prevent crime.”

Harms, who is fully armed and began working at the college January 16, has 24 years experience in the Overland Park Police Department and was a School Resource Officer for ten of those years.

Harms hopes to assuage student fears of having an armed officer on campus.

“I would say that a majority of students had school resource officers in their schools,” Harms said. “It’s really no different just because I am here as a resource does not mean something bad is happening.”

The college plans on eventually arming all security personnel.

At the December Board of Trustees meeting Terry Calaway, president at the college that having a School Resource Officer “is a nice interim step for us to continue to provide the best we can good safety and care for our students.”

Calaway addressed concerns that Don Weiss, trustee at the college, had about the pace of implementing armed officers.

“I realize the importance of proceeding on our proposal on whether we should arm our security force or not that we need to proceed with that as deliberately a process as possible,” Weiss said. “But at the same time I’m a little bit concerned in light of the continued shootings incidences with Colorado, for example, that perhaps we are not proceeding with that study and recommendation as quickly as possible.”

Weiss said he believes the college should pursue the armed officer issue further.

Calaway agreed with Weiss and said the college plans to pursue the issue.

“It’s important for us to continue on with that assessment,” Calaway said. “We’re not doing one in lieu of the other. But it is a good interim step for us.”