Another year of sports has come and gone at Baker University with the usual highs and lows. For me, I’m glad to see the season’s finish and look forward to the promise of fresh starts and long summers to contemplate next season’s possibilities. But like all things in sports, there has to be a countdown.
Well here it is: my top 10 sports highlights from this year. Sure, there will be a run at a conference title or a milestone that I’m missing, and I do apologize for those. There were just not enough words allotted on this page for them to fit.
10. New record
Jeremiah Gress’ performance in the 28 – 17 win against Central Methodist University still is one for the ages. Gress racked up 25 tackles for the Wildcats, including 10 solo tackles. Gress would go on to finish first in tackles in the conference, earning him third-team honors. The tackles set a new school record, as well.
9. So close
Three hundredths of a second was the time that separated senior Brett Weir from becoming a national champion. Weir placed second in the 60m hurdles at the NAIA indoor nationals, nearly becoming the first national champion in 50 years at Baker. Weir has been a solid performer on the track, racking up numerous honors and records during his four years at Baker.8. Another
8. Milestone
The season before, basketball coach Rick Weaver was left with one win shy of reaching the milestone. He would reach it in the first game of this season with a win against Haskell Indian Nation University. Weaver, a folklore hero to the city of Baldwin, placed his name in the record books for years to come, and with last year’s success, it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.
7. Baker @ 150
On Nov. 2, Baker University’s Board of Trustees approved the final stage of the athletic facility upgrades. The then $2 million third phase, which includes the placement of a new synthetic turf over the field at Liston Stadium, will accommodate football and soccer. A new surface will also be added to the track, as well as two additional lanes. The facility is set to be ready before the start of the fall season.
6. Overtime Upset
Backed by some big-time performances, the men’s basketball team beat No. 17 Lindenwood on the road. Junior Greg Allen hit a three-pointer to send it into a second overtime before Baker won 109 – 103. Seniors D.J. Watkins and David Ward each had 27 points, and Nate Pedrow wound up with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
5. Six Yards Shy
After upsetting No. 17 Missouri Valley on the road, the Wildcats were six yards shy of notching another top-25 win, this time over No. 6 MidAmerica Nazarene University. The Pioneers would take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but Baker fought back to send it to overtime, where the Wildcats needed a touchdown and an extra point to win.
After what looked like three costly penalties, the ‘Cats moved the ball to the six. Going for the win, Wildcats quarterback Kendall Bradley’s throw toward the end zone was intercepted and returned 105 yards for a touchdown to give the Pioneers the 32-20 win.
4. Headed West
A day after losing 4 – 1 to Graceland University in the first round of the NAIA Region V tournament, long time head men’s soccer coach Ron Pulvers announced he had accepted the head coaching position at California State University – San Marcos. Pulvers earned a 126-70-14 record in 10 years at Baker. Under his guidance, the Wildcats went to three consecutive national tournaments and won two Region V championships. In January, Alan Koch was hired as his replacement.
3. Overtime Thriller
Unfortunately, the most exciting game of the season happened on the road. But those who were there, listened to the radio broadcast or talked with members of the team know exactly why this was the biggest game of the season. As the No. 5 seed, the Baker women’s basketball team had to travel to Springfield, Mo., to face Evangel University for the second time in as many weeks. The Wildcats were victorious in the first game, ending a 29 game losing streak against the Crusaders.
2. Baker Cheesehead
Alumnus Mike McCarthy became the first Baker graduate to be named head coach of a major professional sports team when he was hired with the Green Bay Packers in January. McCarthy, a former tight end during the 1980s, worked his way up the ladder to take over a team that had previously had one of their worst years in franchise history. Baker head coach Mike Grossner said he hopes to use McCarthy, his staff and team as a resource for the upcoming years.
1. Drug Policy
By far, the biggest topic of discussion this year was the new drug and substance abuse policy that the athletic department implemented. Baker joined two other schools in the conference and many others in the NAIA to form their own drug and substance testing program.
From the start, many had reservations and students questioned whether it was a violation of rights for students to be tested. Several students and athletes spoke out against the policy, while others saw the need for change.
They also questioned the motive behind the drug tests. Many believed the tests were adopted to cut down on the use of marijuana and other recreational drugs. Whether that was the case, issues with the policy continued to be looked into and future changes may be made if need be.