GENERAL NEWS

Tuesday, December 17, 2002
NAIA Champions of Character Initiative
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL DONATES GOODS TO HARVESTERS
PARKVILLE, MO--On December 13, the Park University women's volleyball program donated 200 pounds of non-perishable food to the Harvester program. The food was donated at the door for admission to home contests in October.

Saturday, November 23, 2002
NAIA Cross Country National Meet
ATEM NAMED ALL-AMERICAN; BETHEL, FERGUSON REPRESENT WOMEN'S TEAM
KENOSHA, WISC.--Park University junior distance runner Mabior Atem finished 9th at the NAIA National Championship Meet in Kenosha, Wisc., Saturday. He completed the 8,000-meter run in 25 minutes, 37 seconds. His finish earned All-American recognition; it was also the highest finish by a Park men's cross country team member at the National Championship Meet. Juniors Jessica Ferguson and Crystal Bethel finished 44th and 87th, respectively in the women's 5,000-meter race. Ferguson completed the course in 19 minutes, 28 seconds; Bethel ran it in 19 minutes, 59 seconds. Bethel was named NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete.

Saturday, November 9, 2002
ATEM BOUND FOR NATIONALS AS REGION'S BEST; BETHEL, FERGUSON CLAIM ALL-REGION HONORS
LINCOLN, NEB.--Junior Mabior Atem outlasted the field of 148 runners to win the Region IV Championship in Lincoln, Neb. Atem finished the 8,000-meter race in 25 minutes, 45.56 second, just two seconds in front of Southwestern's Nathanael Wheately. Atem will represent Park at the NAIA National Championships for the third consecutive season. Jessica Ferguson and Crystal Bethel finished 11th and 12th, respectively in the women's 5,000-meter race. Both qualified for All-Region honors while they await a determination on qualifying for the NAIA National Championships.
Teams, Women's 5K: 1. Concordia, 39; 2. Doane, 65; 3. Hastings, 99; 4. Dordt, 130; 4., Sioux Falls, 130; 6. Northwestern, 146; 7. Southwestern, 203; 8. Park, 213; 9. Briar Cliff, 256; 10. Tabor, 269.
Individuals, Women's 5K: 11. Jessica Ferguson, 19:33.23; 12. Crystal Bethel, 19:43.98; 77. Amanda Geno, 22:27.40; 83. Kasey Scott, 22:50.30; 85. Rosalie Watkins, 23:00.61; 91. Amy Musil, 23:21.10; ; 106. Lanessa Hubbard, 24:27.29; 110. Adhel Riek, 25:23.05.
Teams, Men's 8K: 1. Concordia, 53; 2. Southwestern, 65; 3. Dana, 109; 4. Doane, 126; 5. Sioux Falls, 145; 6. Dakota Wesleyan, 171; 7. Hastings, 193; 8. Dordt, 222; 9. Park, 246; 10. Friends, 285; 11. Briar Cliff, 309; 12. Northwestern, 310; 13. Ottawa, 319; 14. McPherson, 361; 15. Haskell INU, 429; 16. York, 430.
Individuals, Men's 8K: 1. Mabior Atem, 25:45.56; 25. Keith Longuski, 27:41.68; 63. Jake Kidd, 29:08.76; 88. Joshua McKenzie, 29:59.72; 119. Bradford Exantus, 31:12.52; 133. James Shatto, 32:01.02.

Saturday, November 2, 2002
PIRATES BETTER THAN THE REST AT MCAC CONFERENCE MEET
LAWRENCE, KAN.--The Park University men's and women's cross country teams are Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions for 2002. Both teams won their races at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday. Head coach Brian Renshaw was named Coach of the Year for men's and women's cross country.
In men's cross country, Park scored 23 points. MCAC Runner of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference

Year Mabior Atem completed the 8,000-meter course in 25 minutes, 35 seconds for first place. Freshman Keith Longuski finished second overall in 26 minutes, 28 seconds. Atem, Longuski, Jerry Stablein and Jake Kidd were named to the All-Conference team. Joshua McKenzie, Bradford Exantus and James Shatto qualified for Second Team All-Conference.
The women's team scored 27 points to lead the way. Jessica Ferguson and Crystal Bethel finished second and third, respectively, each earning All-Conference First Team honors. Kasey Scott, Rosalie Watkins, Amy Musil and Amanda Geno all qualified for Second Team All-Conference honors.
Teams, Women's 5K: 1. Park, 27; 2. York, 57; 3. Newman, 70; 4. Haskell 74.
Individuals, Women's 5K: 2. Jessica Ferguson, 19:20.00; 3. Crystal Bethel, 19:41.00; 8. Kasey Scott, 22:06.00; 9. Rosalie Watkins, 22:15.00; 10. Amy Musil, 22:17.00; 11. Amanda Geno, 22:27.00; 16. Adhel Riek, 23:40.00; 18. Lanessa Hubbard, 23:49.00.
Teams, Men's 8K: 1. Park, 23; 2. York, 51; 3. Haskell, 55.
Individuals, Men's 8K: 1. Mabior Atem, 25:35.00; 2. Keith Longuski, 26:48.00; 4. Jerry Stablein, 28:39.00; 7. Jake Kidd, 29:09.00; 9. Joshua McKenzie, 29:14.00; 12. Bradford Exantus, 30:21.00; 13. James Shatto, 30:27.00.

Friday, October 18, 2002
ATEM WINS 8K AT SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE; BETHEL, FERGUSON LEAD WOMEN'S TEAM
WINFIELD, KAN--Park University junior Mabior Atem finished 18 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher in Friday afternoon's men's 8K at the Southwestern Invitational. Atem covered the course in 24 minutes, 50.23 seconds. As a team, Park's men finished eleventh, scoring 263 points. In the women's 5K, Park finished tenth with 218 points, just one point ahead of William Jewell College. Jessica Ferguson led Park with a time of 19 minutes, 7.63 seconds.
Teams, Women's 5K: 1. Doane, 71; 2. Northwood, Texas, 80; 3. Oklahoma Baptist, 113; 4. St. Scholastica, 126; 5. Oklahoma Christian, 175; 6. East Central, OK, 186; 6. Benedictine, KS, 186; 8. Southwestern, KS, 201; 9. St. Gregory's, OK, 212; 10. Park, MO, 218; 11. William Jewell, MO, 219; 12. Tabor, KS, 233; 13. Panhandle State, OK, 392.
Individuals, Women's 5K: 11. Jessica Ferguson, 19:07.63; 15. Crystal Bethel, 19:24.08; 65. Kasey Scott, 21:42.59; 79. Amy Musil, 22:22.27; 87. Rosalie Watkins, 22:57.74; 92. Adhel Riek, 23:46.02; 96. Lanessa Hubbard, 24:21.91.
Teams, Men's 8K: 1. Southwestern, 64; 2. Northwood, 94; 3. East Central, 123; 4. Graceland, 130; 5. Oklahoma Baptist, 134; 6. Lindenwood, 140; 7. William Jewell, 151;
8. Doane, 153; 9. St. Gregory's, 181; 10. Oklahoma Christian, 243; 11. Park, 263; 12. Friends, 296; 13. Haskell; 404.
Individuals, Men's 8K: 1. Mabior Atem, 24:50.23; 26. Keith Longuski, 26:48.18; 98. Josh McKenzie, 29:18.91; 100. Jake Kidd, 29:23.14; 110. Bradford Exantus, 30:00.71; 119. James Shatto, 30:51.31.

Friday, October 11, 2002
PERSONAL, SEASON BESTS ABUNDANT IN WILDCAT INVITATIONAL
BALDWIN CITY, KAN--Nine Park University cross country student-athletes set lifetime personal records in the Wildcat Invitational at Baker University Friday. Mabior Atem set a meet and course record in the 8,000-meters, finishing in 25 minutes, 10 seconds. Freshman Keith Longuski set a lifetime personal record and the Park University freshman record, completing the race in 26 minutes, 47 seconds. In the women's 5,000-meters, Crystal Bethel finished fourth and established a lifetime personal record of 19 minutes, 30 seconds. Freshmen Lanessa Hubbard and Adhel Riak also set lifetime personal records.
Women's team results: 1. Southwest Baptist, 24; 2. Northwest Missouri, 58; 3. Benedictine, 77; 4. Park, 87; 5. Highland CC, 121.
Individual results: 4. Crystal Bethel, 19:30 (PB); 7. Jessica Ferguson, 19:53 (SB); 30. Rosalie Watkins, 22:27 (SB); 31. Amy Musil, 22:31 (SB); 32. Amanda Geno, 22:32; 39. Lanessa Hubbard, 23:46 (PB); 40. Adhel Riak, 23:47 (PB). Men's team results: 1. Northwest Missouri, 38; 2. Southwest Baptist, 38; 3. Park, 49; 4. Wentworth Military, 113.
Individual results: 1. Mabior Atem, 25:10; 3. Keith Longuski, 26:47 (PB); 19. Jerry Stablein 28:10 (PB); 23. Robert Pavlovic, 28:50 (PB); 27. Jake Kidd, 29:12 (SB); 30. Josh McKenzie, 29:46 (PB); 33. Bradford Exantus, 30:14 (PB); 39. Matt Shatto, 31:01 (PB)
PB - Personal lifetime best | SB - Season best

Saturday, October 5, 2002
ATEM WINS MEN'S 8,000; FERGUSON AND BETHEL AMONG TOP FOUR IN BUXTON OPEN
INDIANOLA, IOWA--Mabior Atem outdistanced the men's second-place finisher by a full minute-and-a-half, as he raced to a first place finish in the field of 64 runners in the Buxton Open, Saturday. Keith Longuski, a freshman from Ubly, Mich., finished third overall as the men's team scored 110 points for third place.
Jessica Ferguson and Crystal Bethel finished third and fourth respectively in the women's 5,000-meter run, seconds behind a pair of runners from NCAA Division I Drake University. The women's team finished fourth, scoring 178 points.
Men's team results: 1. Wartburg, 86; 2. Central, 94; 3. Park, 110; 4. Simpson, 119; 5. Cornell, 221.
Individual results: 1. Atem, Mabior, 26:10; 3. Longuski, Keith, 27:59; 11. Stablein, Jerry, 28:42; 28. Kidd, Jake, 30:04; 34. Pavlovic, Robert, 30:17; 35. McKenzie, Josh, 30:24; 52. Exantus, Bradford, 31:57; 55. Shatto, Matt, 32:07.
Women's team results: 1. Central, 87; 2. Wartburg, 110; 3. Cornell, 150; 4. Park, 178; 5. Simpson, 249.
Individual results: 3. Ferguson, Jesica, 20:13; 4. Bethel, Crystal, 20:23; 34. Watkins, Rosalie, 22:47; 39. Geno, Amanda, 23:19 ; 50. Musil, Amy, 24:46; 51. Riak, Adhel, 24:47; 55. Hubbard, Lanessa, 27:04.

Saturday, September 21, 2002
PIRATES TEST LEGS AGAINST HEARTY FIELD IN GREENO INVITATIONAL
OMAHA, NEB.--The Park University cross country teams finished 19th in their respective races Saturday morning in Pioneer's Park, Lincoln, Neb. In the men's field, twenty-five teams and more than three-hundred runners competed; Park's Mabior Atem finished seventh, completing the 8,000-meter course in 25 minutes, 24.67 seconds. Keith Longuski was next for Park, finished 78th with a time of 27 minutes, 16.59 seconds.
In the women's 6,000-meter race, competing against twenty-one teams and more than two-hundred runners, Academic All-American Crystal Bethel finished 43rd, in 23 minutes, 48.64 seconds. Teammate Jessica Ferguson finished twenty-seconds behind Bethel.
Women's team results: 1. Wartburg, 34; 2. Nebraska-Kearney, 89; 3. Concordia, 116; 4. Nebraska-Omaha, 130; 19. Park, 515.
Park individual results: 43. Crystal Bethel, 23:48.64; --. Jessica Ferguson, 24:08.--; 172. Rosalie Warkins, 26:36.74; 188. Amanda Geno, 26:59.32; 196. Kasey Scott, 27:31.90; 225. Lanessa Hubbard, 30:46.88.
Men's team results: 1. Truman State, 114; 2. Wartburg, 125; 3. CMSU, 125; 4. Central Methodist, 157; 19. Park, 478.
Park individual results: 7. Mabior Atem, 25:24.67; 78. Keith Longuski, 27:16.59; 194. Jerry Stablein, 28:50.58; 227. Jake Kidd, 29:18.60; 261. Robert Pavlovic, 30:16.43; 262. Joshua McKinzie, 30:17.33; 286. Bradford Exantus, 31:04.78; 297. Anthony McCarley, 31:54.38; 306. Matt Shatto, 32:20.74.

Saturday, September 7, 2002
PARK'S ATEM IN STEP WITH KU LEADER, FINISHES SECOND IN TIMMONS INVITATIONAL
LAWRENCE, KAN.--Junior Mabior Atem finished second in the Bob Timmons Invitational on Saturday morning, running the 8,000-meter course just twelve seconds behind the University of Kansas' Mark Menefee. Atem finished before runners from Oral Roberts University and Pittsburg State, the other two institutions competing in the event. Park finished fourth as a team.
In women's cross country, Jessica Ferguson and Crystal Bethel led the Pirates, finishing 19th and 20th, respectively, in the 5,000-meter race.
Women's team results: 1. Kansas, 18; 2. Pittsburg State, 61; 3. Oral Roberts, 65; 4. Park, 99.
Park individual results: 16. Jessica Ferguson, 20:40.80; 17. Crystal Bethel, 20:56.30; 25. Kristin Wolfe, 24:07.56; 27. Amanda Geno, 24:17.32; 28. Kendricka Kemp, 25:09.23; 29. Amy Musil, 25:22.65; Adhel Riek, 28:22.34.
Men's team results:1. Kansas, 25; 2. Pittsburg State, 53; 3. Oral Roberts, 80; 4. Park, 87.
Park individual results: 2. Mabior Atem, 26:14.15; 13. Keith Longuski, 27:52.04; 38. Jerry Stablein, 31:00.10; 39. Bradford Exantus, 32:54.79, 40. Joshua McKenzie, 32:59.72; 41. Tony McCarly, 33:13.90; 42. James Shatto, 33:35.09.

Thursday, August 22, 2002
CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAMS STRIDE INTO REGION IV
2002 Women's Cross Country Preview
PARKVILLE, MO--Junior Crystal Bethel and senior Jessica Ferguson, both from Nassau, Bahamas, will blaze trails for the women's cross country program this fall as two of the four returning runners from last season. Junior Kristin Wolfe from Casselberry, Florida, and Kasey Scott, a sophomore from Stockton, Mo., complete the class of returning letterwinners for the program.
           Last season, Park finished fourth in the NAIA Region V meet on November 3. Ferguson led the team that day with a fifth place finish on the 3,000-meter course in a time of 19 minutes, 10.43 seconds. Head coach Brian Renshaw described the team's regional performance as their best event of the season. In 2002, Park will compete in NAIA Region IV and the MCAC conference.
           Five freshmen have joined the roster for the fall 2002 season, including standouts Amanda Geno and Amy Musil. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Geno finished third in the combined 1A-2A MSHSAA championships last fall. Musil comes to Park University from Platte County R-III, where she was a three-time state qualifier and the leader of her high school team.
Renshaw has cited the team's first two meets-at Lawrence, Kan., and Lincoln, Neb.-to be the most daunting of the season due to the presence several NCAA Div. I institutions. Park opens its season on September 7 at the Bob Timmons Invitational in Lawrence, Kan.

2002 Men's Cross Country Preview
           All-American junior Mabior Atem will head the pack during the 2002 men's cross country season. Atem, junior Jake Kidd and senior Robert Pavlovic are the three returners from last year's team which finished sixth in NAIA Region V. Atem finished fourth in the regional meet, completing the 8,000-meter run in 25 minutes, 49.09 seconds. In 2001, Atem was the lone representative of the men's program at the NAIA National Championship Meet; he finished the race in 27th place with a time of 25 minutes, 58 seconds, designating him as an All-American.
           Six freshmen will join the three returning upperclassmen in the season ahead. Among them are Jerry Stablein and Tony McCarley from Baldwyn, Miss., and Keith Longuski from Ubly, Mich. Stablein and McCarley were All-State finishers in Mississippi; Longuski finished fourth at the MHSAA Cross Country State Championships last fall.
           Head coach Brian Renshaw identified the first two meets of the season as especially critical, citing the presence of NCAA Division I opponents at the Bob Timmons Invitational in Lawrence, Kan., and the Woody Greenburg Invitational in Lincoln, Neb. The men's cross country season begins with the Bob Timmons Invitational on September 7.

Monday, April 28, 2003
NAIA Champions of Character Initiative
PIRATE SPIKERS GIVE TIME TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, CHARACTER INITIATIVE
PARKVILLE, MO--The Park University women's volleyball team and head coach Peggy Tuter spent April 5 working with the Northland Habitat for Humanity on an area development. Team members laid down flooring and framed in walls on four homes. The Northland Habitat for Humanity is pursuing the completion of ten houses by Father's Day. The activity brought the total NAIA Champions of Character activities involving the team to four this year, including a Harvesters food drive at home matches in October, a donation of goods to a charity in North Dakota, and a campus blood drive.

Tuesday, December 17, 2002
NAIA Champions of Character Initiative
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL DONATES GOODS TO HARVESTERS
PARKVILLE, MO--On December 13, the Park University women's volleyball program donated 200 pounds of non-perishable food to the Harvester program. The food was donated at the door for admission to home contests in October.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002
TENYSHA BROWN REPRESENTS PARK WITH MCAC VOLLEYBALL ACCOLADE
WICHITA, KAN.--Tenysha Brown, a 6-0 sophomore middle hitter for Park University, was named to the MCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention team last week. Brown, a 2001 graduate of Lincoln Prep in Kansas City, Mo., led Park in blocks with 110, averaging one per game. She played in 113 games this season, more than any other Park player. Brown, a dual-sport student-athlete in volleyball and basketball, also recorded 280 kills during the 2002 season.

Saturday, November 2, 2002
BRIANNE'S DAY: PARK CLOSES HOME SCHEDULE WITH SENIOR DAY WIN
PARKVILLE, MO--Senior Brianne Lehr and the rest of the Park University women's volleyball team enjoyed a hard-fought victory against the College of the Ozarks Lady Cats (18-14, 7-7) to cap their 2002 home season with a win. Park defeated the Cats, 3-2 (30-20, 30-14, 23-30, 24-30, 15-10). Lehr, the only senior in the program this year, was honored before the match; she finished with 14 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Tenysha Brown produced 16 kills and five blocks. Jilian Creighton contributed 18 kills; Bianca Hendricks had 32 assists. Kellie Howard led College of the Ozarks with 33 assists and eight digs.

Tuesday, October 29, 2002
PARK RALLIES IN SECOND GAME, DROPS MCAC MATCH TO PERU STATE
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (7-21, 3-10) nearly mustered enough resistance to steal the second game of the contest against MCAC opponent Peru State College (24-9, 9-4). The Bobcats defeated Park, 30-13, 32-30, 30-18, in front of 121 home fans. Jessica Silliman led Park with 12 kills and 22 passes. Tenysha Brown also had 12 kills in the match. In their final home contest of the regular season, Park hosts College of the Ozarks at noon on Saturday. Lone senior Brianne Lehr will be honored before the match as part of Senior Day for the women's volleyball program.

Monday, October 21, 2002
PIRATES BATTLE BACK, HANG ON FOR WIN OVER WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE
PARKVILLE, MO--In the season's rubber match against William Jewell, Park University (6-19) battled to the brink of early defeat before rallying back to win the final three games for a 3-2 victory against the Cardinals. William Jewell won the first and second games, 30-27 and 36-34. Park gained momentum in the third and fourth games, winning each of them 30-28, before claiming the deciding fifth game, 15-11. Park and William Jewell split the first two encounters of the season; Park defeated the Cardinals, 3-2 in the Mazio's Pizza Tournament. William Jewell returned the favor one week later, winning against Park in the Baker University Tournament, 3-0.

Tuesday, October 15, 2002
JETS DEFEAT PARK BY NARROW MARGIN IN MCAC CONTEST
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (5-18, 2-7) dropped their third consecutive home match in the MCAC, falling to the Newman University Jets (17-12, 6-2) in straight sets, 30-26, 32-30, and 30-23.

Saturday, October 12, 2002
BRUINS PROVE TOO MUCH FOR PIRATES
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University dropped its second conference match in two days as the Bellevue University Bruins (16-11, 9-2) defeated the Pirates (5-17, 2-6), 3-0, early Saturday afternoon. Game scores were 30-20, 30-19, and 30-27. Junior setter Bianca Hendricks led the Pirates with 19 assists; Jill Creighton added 12 kills. Brianne Lehr, a senior defensive specialist from Blue Springs, Mo., had 11 digs and made 21 passes. Park hosts Newman University in MCAC action at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Friday, October 11, 2002
COLLEGE OF ST. MARY OVERPOWERS PARK
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (5-16, 2-5) evened its home record to 2-2 this season with a loss to #13 College of St. Mary (15-4) Friday night. The Flames won in straight sets, 30-23, 30-17, 30-13. Park hosts Bellevue University at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Tuesday, October 8, 2002
PARK GETS SECOND IN-A-ROW, IMPROVES TO 2-4 IN MCAC
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (5-15, 2-4) won its second consecutive match and improved to 3-2 in October with a straight-set win against MCAC opponent Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Tuesday night. Park defeated the Lady Eagles, 3-0 (30-23, 30-21, 30-25). Jilian Creighton led Park with 11 kills; Tenysha Brown had eight. Setters Terra Van Duine and Bianca Hendricks combined for 31 assists in the match.

Tuesday, October 1, 2002
PIRATES TAKE FIRST WIN IN MCAC
PARKVILLE, MO--In their first home match since September 3, the Park University women's volleyball team (3-13, 1-4) claimed their first win in the MCAC Conference by defeating the Central Christian College Tigers, 3-0 (30-14, 30-17, 30-14). Sophomore setter Terra Van Duine had 28 assists in the win; Jessica Silliman, an outside hitter from Bernie, Mo., recorded seven aces out of 21 serves.

Wednesday, September 18, 2002
PIRATES SLIDE TO 0-2 IN MCAC WITH SECOND LOSS TO HASKELL
LAWRENCE, KAN.--Park University (2-10, 0-2) won the first game of Wednesday evening's MCAC matchup against Haskell Indian Nations University (10-4), before giving way to the much improved Fighting Indians, 3-1 (26-30, 20-17, 30-16, 30-20). Park is near the middle of a nineteen-game road playing streak that consumes the bulk of September. The Pirates haven't played a home match since September 3; their next home match is at 6:00 p.m. on October 1 against Central Christian College from McPherson, Kan. Head coach Peggy Tuter and the Park University program are 4-2 all-time against Haskell University through three seasons of head-to-head competition. Sophomore Jessica Silliman, sidelined by an ankle sprain since September 7, is expected to return to the lineup this weekend as the Pirates travel to Omaha, Neb., for games against Bellevue University and #15 College of St. Mary. Silliman is the team's leading passer with 4.6/game; she averages 2.5 kills per game at outside hitter.

Monday, September 9, 2002
CREIGHTON, BROWN NAMED TO MAZIO'S TOURNAMENT TEAM
POINT LOOKOUT, MO.--Sophomores Jilian Creighton and Tenysha Brown were named to the Mazio's Pizza All-Tournament Team for their performances in the event hosted by College of the Ozarks. Park defeated William Jewell College and Central Methodist College in the tournament. Creighton and Brown lead the team in blocks per game with 1.1 and 1, respectively.

Tuesday, September 3, 2002
PIRATES STRUGGLE IN MCAC SEASON OPENER
PARKVILLE, MO--Park's inauguration into NAIA Region IV and the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference was spoiled Tuesday night by the Haskell Indian Nations University Fighting Indians from Lawrence, Kan. Haskell (2-3, 1-0) defeated Park (0-1, 0-1), 3-0 (30-23, 30-18, 32-30). It was the first win for Haskell in the three seasons the schools have played. Park leads the all-time series, 3-1. Park women's volleyball competes in the Mazio's Tournament hosted by College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo., this weekend.

Sunday, September 1, 2002
MCAC Preseason Coaches Poll--Women's Volleyball
1. #6 College of Saint Mary
2. #24 Bellevue University
3. Newman University
4. Peru State College
5. Park University
6. College of the Ozarks
7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
8. Haskell Indian Nations University
9. Central Christian College

Wednesday, August 14, 2002
2002 Women's Volleyball Preview
STRONG MIDDLE AND AGGRESSIVE PASSERS CHARACTERIZE 2002 PIRATES
PARKVILLE, MO-- Entering her third season with the Pirates' women's volleyball program, head coach Peggy Tuter will depend on eight returning letterwinners from last season's team to forge into Region IV and the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule. The MCAC conference houses formidable, perennially ranked opponents, including Bellevue University and College of St. Mary.
The 2002 team is made up of six juniors, five sophomores and one freshmen;

they're a seasoned group, according to Tuter, who has decided plans to improve on last year's 7-29 record.
           Key returners for Park include Jessica Silliman, Kim Vernon and Brianne Lehr. Silliman, a sophomore from Bernie, Mo., led the team with 284 kills, 2.3 per game. An agile middle blocker, Vernon is joined by sophomore Tenysha Brown and transfer junior Tiffani Colon-Anderson as the team's net-protectors. Lehr, a defensive specialist, returns for her junior season; she was ranked second on last year's team with 233 kills.
           At the setter position, left vacant by the graduation of Erin Holt, a prolific passer and four-year letterwinner, junior Bianca Hendricks will challenge sophomore Terra Van Duine for playing opportunities. Van Duine, a 2001 graduate of Blue Springs South High School, backed up starter Erin Holt last season, logging considerable playing time while Holt was out with an ankle injury. She was second on the team with 141 assists, behind Holt's 752 assists.
           "This year's team will be much more seasoned," said Tuter. " We only have one freshman and no seniors. We've got very aggressive passers and more experience in the middle with Tenysha [Brown] and Kim [Vernon]."
Tuter is joined this year by first-year assistant coach Janne Peltonen, a 2001 graduate of Park University who recently served as an assistant at Longview Community College.
           Park University opens their regular season with an MCAC conference match against Haskell Indian Nations University on September 3. Park is 3-0 versus Haskell in the past two seasons since Haskell transitioned to four-year status. The season opener will be played in the Breckon Sports Center in Parkville, Mo., at 7:00 p.m.; it is Park's only home match in September.

Thursday, December 19, 2002
MORE HONORS POUR IN FOR PARK SOCCER; EIGHT ALL-AMERICANS NAMED
PARKVILLE, MO--The Park University men and women's soccer programs yielded eight NAIA All-Americans following the 2002 season in which both teams advanced to their respective National Championship Tournaments. Honorees were selected by coach's votes among the regional and national selection committees. All of those selected were also recognized as members of the NAIA All-Region IV team. | MEN'S SOCCER FULL LIST | WOMEN'S SOCCER FULL LIST |

Thursday, December 5, 2002
FOUR NAIA ALL-AMERICA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES HONORED FROM PARK WOMEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM
PARKVILLE, MO--Student-athletes from the 2002 Park University women's soccer program appeared four times among those recognized by the NAIA at All-America Scholar-Athletes following the fall season. The women's soccer team (18-4-1) advanced to the National Championship Quarterfinals. The team was one out of twenty-one institutions with four or more honorees, from among 219 NAIA women's soccer programs. Recipients must have a junior or senior academic standing and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above. | WOMEN'S SOCCER FULL LIST |

Saturday, November 23, 2002
NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Tournaments
SEASON ENDS AT THE HANDS OF UNION COLLEGE LADY BULLDOGS
#2 UNION COLLEGE (12-10-1) def. #7 PARK UNIVERSITY (18-4-1), 4-2
ST. CHARLES, MO--A flat first half and the outstanding play of Lady Bulldog freshman Alessandra Tavalone cost Park University a chance in the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. Union College (Ky.) defeated Park, 4-2; the Lady Bulldogs enjoyed a 3-0 advantage at halftime. Marilyn Boucher and Pam Bedzrah rallied the Pirates with two goals in the second half.
Summary: UC 1-0 (1:54) C. Mendes a. A. Tavolone; UC 2-0 (17:04) Tavolone a. A. Bruni; UC 3-0 (29:45) P. Fantani a. Tavolone; PARK 1-3 (49:13) Marilyn Boucher a. Pam Bedzrah; UC 4-1 (62:04) Bruni; PARK 2-4 (76:04) Bedzrah a. Janice Huffman. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 4 ga, 5 saves; UC Rebecca Woodworth (90:00) 2 ga, 3 saves. Shots: UC 16, PARK 7. Corner kicks: UC 14, PARK 0. Fouls: PARK 10, UC 11. | BOX SCORE | PRESS RELEASE |

Friday, November 22, 2002
NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Tournaments
PIRATES ADVANCE ON PENALTY KICKS AGAINST #10 SIENA HEIGHTS
#7 PARK UNIVERSITY (18-3-1) def. #10 SIENA HEIGHTS (21-3-0), 1-1 (4-2 pks)
ST. CHARLES, MO--Park University continued the trend of higher seeded teams advancing in the fifth match of the NAIA National Championship Tournament first round Friday afternoon. The Pirates (18-3-1), seeded-seventh, defeated the Siena Heights University Saints (18-3-0) from Adrian, Mich., 4-2 on penalty kicks following 120 minutes of action. Park held a one-goal lead in the first half, when senior forward Jennifer Greco sent one in from Haley Daniel and Tunde Nemeth. Siena Heights answered in the 52nd minute when Kristin Wickenheiser scored on a cross by Rebecca Meier. Greco, Jennifer Miller, Tunde Nemeth and Valerie Copenhaver each scored penalty kicks to give the Pirates the final advantage of 4-2; Jenni Visala recorded with win in goal for Park, stopping two of the Saints' four penalty kick attempts. Park will face two-seed Union College (Ky.) Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in the quarterfinal round.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (18:14) Jennifer Greco a. Haley Daniel, Tunde Nemeth; SHU 1-1 (51:11) Kristin Wichenheister a. Rebecca Meier. Penalty kicks PARK 4 (Greco, Jennifer Miller, Tunde Nemeth, Valerie Copenhaver), SHU 2 (Sally Skeels, Meier). Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (120:00) 3 ga, 7 saves; SHU Kara McKeon (120:00) 5 ga, 5 saves. Shots: PARK 14, SHU 17. Corner kicks: PARK 3, SHU 7. Fouls: PARK 17, SHU 13. | PRESS RELEASE | BOX SCORE |

Tuesday, November 19, 2002
NAIA Soccer National Championship Tournaments

PARK SOCCER PROGRAMS MAKE HISTORY WITH CONCURRENT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
PARKVILLE, MO—For the first time in Park University’s intercollegiate soccer history, the men’s and women’s programs are heading to the NAIA National Championship Tournament in the same year. Second-year head coaches Efrem Shimlis, for the men, and Scott Bowen, for the women, have departed with their teams to this years tournament locations. Both teams are set to play on Friday afternoon. Park’s women (17-3-1) will face #10 Siena Heights (Mich.) in St. Charles, Mo., at 12:00 p.m.; Park’s men (18-1-2) take on #11 Concordia (Calif.) in Bowling Green, Kent., at 2:30 p.m. This is the third national tournament appearance for each of the programs.

PARK WOMEN’S SOCCER
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT HISTORY

National tournament appearances: 2
Highest finish: Second, 1994

1994
POOL C
Park (Mo.) 2, Berry (Ga.) 1
Berry 2, Lindenwood (Mo.) 1
Park 6, Lindenwood 1
Semifinals
Lynn (Fla.) 3, Georgian Court (N.J.) 1
Park (Mo.) 2, Westmont (Calif.) 1
Championship
Lynn 3, Park 1

1996
POOL C
Findlay (Ohio) 4, Park (Mo.) 1
Brewton-Parker (Ga.) 4, Park 0
Findlay 2, Brewton-Parker 2

Monday, November 18, 2002
NAIA Soccer National Championship Tournaments
FORMAL SOCCER TEAM SEND-OFFS SET FOR TUESDAY NIGHT IN CONJUNCTION WITH PARK MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME
PARKVILLE, MO—With their respective NAIA Region IV Championship victories Saturday evening, the Park University men and women’s soccer programs have advanced to the sixteen-team NAIA National Championship Tournament. Park University will feature a formal congratulatory send-off for both teams at halftime of the men’s basketball game between Park and McKendree College, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, in the Breckon Sports Center. The men’s team will depart from campus at 9:00 p.m. for Friday’s match with #11 Concordia (Calif.), set for 2:30 p.m. that day. Park’s women’s team will depart from campus Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. for St. Charles, Mo., where they will face #10 Siena Heights on Friday at 12:00 p.m.
Park University men’s soccer (18-1-2) last advanced to nationals in 1984; the women’s program (17-3-1) last appeared in the tournament in 1996.

Monday, November 18, 2002
BEDZRAH CLAIMS FINAL MCAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR THIS SEASON
WICHITA, KAN.--Pam Bedzrah of Park University scored a goal in Park’s Region IV semi-final 2-0 win against Hastings College. She led the Pirates to a Region IV Championship title scoring a goal against conference rival #23 College of Saint Mary and defeating the Flames with a final score of 3-0. Pam was named Region IV Offensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the tournament. Pam Bedzrah is a junior forward from London, England. Park University will head on to the national tournament with a record of 17-3-1.

Saturday, November 16, 2002
Women's Soccer Results
PARK UNIVERSITY SADDLES ST. MARY FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS SEASON, ASSURES RIDE TO NATIONALS
PARKVILLE, MO--Park’s defense, led by seniors Jennifer Miller, Keri Buhrman and Jenni Visala held College of St. Mary (17-4-1) to just three shots in the first half as Park University (17-3-1) defeated the Flames, 3-0. With the win, Park captured the Region IV Championship and a spot as one of sixteen teams playing in the National Championship Tournament in St. Charles, Mo., next week. Park’s last trip to nationals was in 1996. Goal scorers for Park were Pam Bedzrah, Tunde Nemeth and Marilyn Boucher. In a ceremony after the match, head coach Scott Bowen was distinguished as Region IV Coach of the Year. Pam Bedzrah was honored as the Region IV Offensive Player of the Year. Senior Jennifer Miller was named Defensive Player of the Year. Saturday marked Park's third win against College of St. Mary this season.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (42:53) Pam Bedzrah; PARK 2-0 (54:55) Tunde Nemeth a. Jennifer Greco; PARK 3-0 (68:09) Marilyn Boucher a. Haley Daniel. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 1 so, 9 saves; CSM Candace Phillips (90:00) 3 ga, 10 saves. Shots: PARK 19, CSM 12. Corner kicks: PARK 5, CSM 2. Attendance: 207.

Friday, November 15, 2002
Region IV Tournament Results
PARK OUSTS HASTINGS COLLEGE, ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (16-3-1) advanced to the NAIA Region IV Championship match with a 2-0 win against Hastings College (16-5-1) in Friday's semifinals. Junior forward Pam Bedzrah, Park’s leading scorer this season, put the Pirates ahead 1-0 in the 31^st minute, beating Hastings keeper Jamie Welliver after a pass from Tunde Nemeth. Nemeth sealed Park’s win with a goal mid-way through the second half. Jenni Visala recorded four saves for the shutout. The winner of Saturday's Region IV Championship between Park and College of St. Mary will advance to the NAIA National Championship Tournament. Park's last appearance at Nationals was in 1996.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (30:51) Pam Bedzrah a. Tunde Nemeth; PARK 2-0 (69:43) Nemeth a. Jennifer Greco. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 4 saves, 1 so; HC Jamie Welliver (90:00) 8 saves, 2 ga. Shots: PARK 16, HC 9. Corner kicks: PARK 4, HC 7. Attendance: 189.

Friday, November 15, 2002
Region IV Tournament Results
COLLEGE OF ST. MARY ADVANCES AGAINST NEWMAN
PARKVILLE, MO--College of St. Mary enjoyed a one-goal lead on a through-ball from Shira Kaplan to goal-scorer Katie Korth until Newman University sophomore sweeper Ashley Anderson evened the match at 1-1 in the 61^st minute. In the end, College of St. Mary (17-3-1) prevailed, 2-1, advancing to the NAIA Region IV Championship match against Park University on Saturday afternoon. Korth scored the winning goal for the Flames, heading in a corner kick sent by Ashley Amick.
Summary: CSM 1-0 (33:19) Katie Korth a. Shira Kaplan; NU 1-1 (60:44) Ashley Anderson; CSM 2-1 (66:40) Korth a. Ashley Amick. Keepers: CSM Candace Phillips (90:00) 1 ga, 4 saves; NU Tiffany Simon (90:00) 2 ga, 9 saves. Shots: CSM 24, NU 10. Corner kicks: CSM 2, NU 2. Attendance: 97.

Thursday, November 14, 2002
MCAC ANNOUNCES ALL-CONFERENCE SOCCER TEAMS
WICHITA, KAN--The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference announced all-conference soccer teams this week. In women's soccer, seven Park players were distinguished. Junior forward Pam Bedzrah was named the MCAC Offensive Player of the Year; she was also honored as a first team selection. Others on the first team were junior forward Tunde Nemeth, senior defender Jennifer Miller and senior midfielder Jennifer Greco. Second team selections from Park were junior defender Valerie Copenhaver, senior keeper Jenni Visala and freshman midfielder Kesiann Francis.

Friday, November 8, 2002
Women's Soccer Results - MCAC Finals
JETS CLAIM CONFERENCE TITLE OVER PARK, 2-1
WICHITA, KAN--For the second time in three weeks, the #21 Newman University Jets women's soccer team defeated #12 Park University (15-3-1) in Wichita, Kan. Friday's result was a 2-1 decision in favor of Newman. With the victory, Newman claimed the MCAC Postseason Championship. Pam Bedzrah put Park on the board in the 54th minute, assisted by Tyler Stewart. Newman's Tanya Russell answered with a pair of goals in the 77th and 79th minutes to seal the win. Both teams will await seeding determinations for the NAIA Region IV Tournament, which begins next week.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (54:00) Pam Bedzrah a. Tyler Steward; NU 1-1 (77:00) Tanya Russell; NU (79:00) Russell. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 5 saves, 2 ga; NU --- (90:00) 5 saves, 1 ga. Shots: PARK 13, NU 10. Corner kicks: PARK 3, NU 1.

Thursday, November 7, 2002
Women's Soccer Results - MCAC Playoffs
PARK ADVANCES TO CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER OUTLASTING ST. MARY, 3-2
WICHITA, KAN.--Senior Jennifer Greco netted a penalty kick in the 82nd minute to push #12 Park University (15-2-1) ahead of College of St. Mary and into Friday's MCAC Conference Championship against the top-seed, Newman University. Pam Bedzrah scored the first goal of the match, giving Park a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. The Flames' Shira Kaplan answered in the 20th minute, tying the match, 1-1. A second goal by Bedzrah, assisted by Greco, gave the Pirates another advantage in the 64th minute; College of St. Mary tied the match just eight minutes later on a goal by Katie Korth before Greco scored the game winner. Friday's 3:00 p.m. championship between Newman and Park is a rematch of the regular season contest on October 20; Newman won that game, 2-1.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (5:20) Pam Bedzrah; CSM 1-1 (20:00) Shira Kaplan; PARK 2-1 (64:00) Bedzrah a. Jennifer Greco; CSM 2-2 (70:00) Katie Korth; PARK 3-2 Greco PK. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 7 saves, 2 ga; CSM Candace Phillips (90:00) 7 saves, 3 ga. Shots: PARK 12, CSM 12. Corner kicks: CSM 7, PARK 1.

Monday, November 4, 2002
MCAC WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT SITE AND TIMES CHANGED
WICHITA, KAN--Due to unfavorable conditions at Wilkins Field on the campus of Newman University, the MCAC women's soccer tournament will be held at an alternate site in Wichita. The games will be held on the campus of Wichita Northwest High School, which has a soccer-only complex with stadium seating, press box, lights and a North-South field. Wichita Northwest High School is located at 1220 N. Tyler at the corner of Tyler and 13^th street in West Wichita. Park University will face College of Saint Mary at 3:00 p.m. Thursday.

Thursday, October 31, 2002
PARK SOCCER CLAIMS ALL FOUR PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS IN MCAC
WICHITA, KAN.--Park University's #5 men's and #15 women's soccer programs claimed all four player of the week honors in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference this week. In women's soccer, keeper Jenni Visala was selected as the defensive player of the week for recording three shutouts. Visala didn't allow a single goal in wins against William Woods, Graceland and Central Christian. Teammate Pam Bedzrah was selected as the women's offensive player of the week. She posted four goals and two assists in the three wins, including a hat-trick against Central Christian.
In men's soccer attacking defender Eric Ongao was named defensive player of the week. He scored a goals and added an assist in Park's MCAC title-clinching win at Central Christian College. Freshman forward Ross Stride was named offensive player of the week for scoring two goals in the first nine minutes against William Woods.

Saturday, October 26, 2002
SCORING FLURRY MARKS END OF REGULAR SEASON FOR #12 PARK
MCPHERSON, KAN.--Five players scored and Jenni Visala recorded the team's eleventh shutout as Park University (14-2-1) completed the 2002 regular season with an 8-0 victory against Central Christian College. Park led the Lady Tiger at halftime, 3-0. Junior forward Pam Bedzrah spirited Park's attack with three goals; Kesiann Francis added two goals and an assist. With the win, Park capped it's MCAC season with a record of 5-1-0, finishing in second place for the regular season.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (23:30) Pam Bedzrah a. Janie Benoit; PARK 2-0 (26:00) Janice Huffman a. Marilyn Boucher; PARK 3-0 (36:07) Bedzrah a. Jennifer Greco; PARK 4-0 (49:46) Tyler Stewart; PARK 5-0 (72:18) Kesiann Francis a. Greco; PARK 6-0 (75:11) Boucher; PARK 7-0 (75:53) Francis; PARK 8-0 (87:22) Bedzrah a. Francis. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 0 saves, 1 so; CC --- (90:00) 6 saves, 8 ga. Shots: PARK 26, CC 0. Corner kicks: PARK 10, CC 1.

Thursday, October 24, 2002
PIRATES WRAP UP HOME SCHEDULE WITH SENIOR DAY WIN AGAINST GRACELAND
PARKVILLE, MO--Despite the drizzle, cold and mud, Park University's women's soccer squad (13-2-1)--complete with five seniors--concluded their regular season home schedule with a record of 8-0-0 by defeating Graceland University (11-6-0), 2-0, Thursday evening. Senior keeper Jenni Visala notched her tenth shutout of the year. Kesiann Francis and Janice Huffman each scored goals for #12 Park University. Seniors Visala, Jennifer Miller, Keri Buhrman, Jennifer Greco and Janie Benoit were recognized in a ceremony before the match. Park plays its final contest of the regular season against Central Christian College in McPherson, Kan., Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (12:15) Kesiann Francis a. Pam Bedzrah; PARK 2-0 (42:25) Janice Huffman a. Valerie Copenhaver. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 9 saves, 1 so; GU Samantha Clark (21:00) 4 saves, 1 ga, Maria Prieto (69:00) 6 saves, 1 ga. Shots: PARK 15, GU 9. Corner kicks: PARK 4, GU 3. Attendance: 61.

Tuesday, October 22, 2002
PIRATES BREAK SCORELESS CHILL LATE IN MATCH, BEAT WM. WOODS, 2-0
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University and William Woods played even through 79 minutes before senior midfielder Jennifer Greco's goal in the 79th minute warmed up the #12 Pirates. Park (12-2-1) scored again less than three minutes later; this time, Pam Bedzrah worked it in on a pass from Marilyn Boucher. Jenni Visala recorded the shutout for Park with five saves. Defenders Jennifer Miller, Keri Buhrman and Valerie Copenhaver kept the Owl forwards in check for ninety minutes. William Woods (10-4-0) came away with its second consecutive defeat after posting a 3-2 loss to Graceland over the weekend. Park hosts Graceland (11-5-0) for Senior Day on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (79:37) Jennifer Greco a. Pam Bedzrah; PARK 2-0 (82:25) Bedzrah a. Marilyn Boucher. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 1 so, 5 saves; WWU Alicia Hutchinson (90:00) 2 ga, 6 saves. Shots: PARK 18, WWU 7. Corner kicks: WWU 4, PARK 1. Attendance: 145.

Monday, October 21, 2002
KGSP SET TO BROADCAST FINAL HOME SOCCER MATCHES OF REGULAR SEASON
PARKVILLE, MO--KGSP 90.3 FM, Park University's student-operated radio station is scheduled for live broadcasts of the final home men's and women's soccer matches of the regular season this week. The broadcasts can be picked up locally on the FM dial or via the Internet. KGSP will broadcast the men's soccer match against William Woods University on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. On Thursday, they will air the women's match with Graceland University at 5:00 p.m. Both matches are also cast as Senior Day--the final home match for senior student-athletes who will graduate in the year ahead.

Sunday, October 20, 2002
NEWMAN DASHES PARK'S HOPES FOR PERFECT RUN THROUGH MCAC CONFERENCE
WICHITA, KAN--Coming off one of the biggest wins in the thirteen-year history of the program--a convincing 4-2 victory against #1 Lindenwood, #6 Park University (11-2-1) was surprised with a 2-1 loss against MCAC foe Newman University (12-1-1). Newman held a 2-0 advantage in the match before Park's Janice Huffman scored in the 83rd minute. Sunday's loss was Park's first of the season in the MCAC and Region IV.
Summary: NU 1-0 (22:23) Laura Packert a. Tonya Russell; NU 2-0 (79:43) Russell a. Jenny Walsh; PARK 1-2 (83:30) Janice Huffman. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 2 ga, 4 saves; NU --- (90:00) 1 ga, 11 saves. Shots: PARK 13, NU 9. Corner kicks: PARK 2, NU 2.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002
PIRATES BETTER THAN THE BEST IN 4-2 WIN OVER #1 LINDENWOOD
PARKVILLE, MO--Hard-working junior forward Tunde Nemeth out-hustled the Lindenwood University backfield for the fifth goal of the match to give Park the 3-2 advantage in the 85th minute of Wednesday's showdown between #6 Park University and #1 Lindenwood University at a cold, wet Julian Field. Park (11-1-1) prevailed in the match, 4-2, handing the top-ranked Lions (11-1-1) their first loss of the 2002 season. Park led for much of the first half on a Pam Bedzrah goal sent in by Haley Daniel at the 10:30 mark. Lindenwood's Eeva-Maria Saari evened the score thirty minute later, leaving the match 1-1 during halftime. A corner kick by Daniel, passed from Kesiann Francis to Nemeth to the net, put Park ahead early in the second half. Daniel iced the match with Park's fourth goal in the final minute. Keeper Jenni Visala made 12 saves for Park. The match marked Park's first win against Lindenwood in the last nine attempts, dating back to 1996. Park is 3-1-1 against nationally ranked teams this season.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (10:30) Pam Bedzrah a. Haley Daniel (video); LU 1-1 (41:10) Eeva-Maria Saari; PARK 2-1 (50:00) Tunde Nemeth a. Kesiann Francis a. Daniel (video); LU 2-2 (61:00) Lena Ingelsrudoya; PARK 3-2 (84:20) Nemeth a. Valerie Copenhaver (video); PARK 4-2 (89:34) Daniel a. Nemeth (video). Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 2 ga, 12 saves; LU Monica Lovett (90:00) 4 ga, 5 saves. Shots: PARK 9, LU 14. Corner kicks: PARK 3, LU 8. Attendance: 131.

Tuesday, October 15, 2002
PARK, TOP-RATED LINDENWOOD CLASH TOMORROW AT JULIAN FIELD
PARKVILLE, MO--Wednesday evening, #6 Park University (10-1-1) and #1 Lindenwood University (11-0-1) will square off in women's soccer action at Julian Field at 7:00 p.m. Lindenwood, one of four remaining undefeated teams in NAIA women's soccer, climbed from third to first in the poll released today; Park moved up one spot to sixth. In each of the past two seasons, the Lions squeaked by Park, 1-0, in their regular season matches. The Pirates haven't beaten Lindenwood in women's soccer since 1996, when Park won, 1-0, in a neutral site match played in Wichita, Kan. Park is 7-13-0 historically versus Lindenwood in women's soccer; the Lions have the goals-scored advantage, 32-23.

Wednesday, October 9, 2002
RESTED PIRATES CRUISE TO CONFERENCE WIN OVER BRUINS
BELLEVUE, NEB--Eleven days after their last match, Park's University's women's soccer team (10-1-1) returned to action Wednesday afternoon, defeating the Bellevue University Bruins (8-7-0), 4-0. Pam Bedzrah beat the clock with a goal in the 41st second of the match, assisted by Jennifer Greco. Greco put Park ahead 2-0 in the 14th minute. In the second half, Kesiann Francis and Tunde Nemeth added goals for the Pirates, winners of six consecutive matches. Jenni Visala recorded the shutout, making four saves in the match.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (00:41) Pam Bedzrah a. Jennifer Greco (video); PARK 2-0 (14:00) Greco a. Janice Huffman (video); PARK 3-0 (59:00) Kesiann Francis a. Bedzrah (video); PARK 4-0 (79:00) Tunde Nemeth a. Bedzrah (video). Keepers, PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 4 saves, 1 so (video); BU --- (90:00) 6 saves, 4 ga. Shots: PARK 21, BU 8. Corner kicks: PARK 6, BU 1.

Wednesday, October 2, 2002
VISALA AND NEMETH REPRESENT WOMEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM AS REGION, CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
PARKVILLE, MO--Senior goalkeeper Jenni Visala has been distinguished as the Region IV Women's Soccer Player of the Week for her performance against #9 William Jewell College and #22 College of St. Mary. Visala faced twenty shots on goal in wins against the nationally ranked opponents last week; she denied nineteen of those shots. Against, College of St. Mary, Visala recorded her seventh shutout of the 2002 season. With 26 career shutouts, she is second only to April Felker who recorded 58 career shutouts from 1992-1995. Felker, a 1996 graduate of Park, holds the NAIA national record for shutouts in a career.
Tunde Nemeth was honored as the Offensive Player of the Week for the MCAC Conference. Nemeth assisted the game-winning goal to Pam Bedzrah in Park's 2-1 overtime win at #9 William Jewell College. In Park's 2-0 win against College of St. Mary, Nemeth scored the second goal of the match, sealing Park's victory. The Pirates' win against College of St. Mary was the Flames' first ever loss in MCAC play.

Tuesday, October 1, 2002
INJURY-PLAGUED OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN TEAM FORFEITS WOMEN'S SOCCER MATCH
PARKVILLE, MO--The women's soccer match between Park University (9-1-1) and the Oklahoma Wesleyan Lady Eagles (1-4-0), scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today at Julian Field, was forfeited at the request of the Lady Eagles' program. The MCAC match will not be made up at a later date. The men's match between Park University (7-0-2) and Oklahoma Wesleyan (5-4-0) will still be played this afternoon; kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 28, 2002
PIRATES HOP INTO THE REGION IV DRIVER'S SEAT WITH 2-0 VICTORY OVER #22 FLAMES
PARKVILLE, MO.--Park University (8-1-1) notched its second win of the week against a nationally ranked opponent, defeating the #22 College of St. Mary Flames (9-2-1), 2-0, Saturday afternoon's Jamie Hemingway Memorial Match. Park, currently ranked eighth nationally, improved to 2-0-0 in the MCAC conference. Keeper Jenni Visala recorded her seventh shutout, making 11 saves in the match.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (6:16) Marilyn Boucher a. Kesiann Francis; PARK 2-0 (72:25) Tunde Nemeth. Keepers: PARK Jenni Visala (90:00) 11 saves, 1 so; CSM Candace Phillips (90:00) 8 saves, 2 ga. Shots: PARK 15, CSM 11. Corner Kicks: PARK 8, CSM 5. Fouls: PARK 7, CSM 12. Attendance: 165.

Wednesday, September 25, 2002
SATURDAY'S HEMINGWAY MEMORIAL MATCH TO BE BROADCAST BY T.E.A.M. SPORTS
PARKVILLE, MO.--This Saturday afternoon's 1:00 p.m. women's soccer match at Julian Field features the two top teams in NAIA Region IV: #8 Park University (7-1-1) and #22 College of St. Mary-Neb. (9-1-1). The contest has been designated the James Hemingway Memorial Match; all gate proceeds will contribute to the Women's Soccer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The match will also be produced for television rebroadcast by T.E.A.M. Sports; the game will be shown on October 8 in the Kansas City area on Time Warner Channel 4 at 10:00 p.m. and on Comcast Cable Channel 16 at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Park University holds the all-time advantage over College of St. Mary, going 5-1-0 against the Flames and outscoring them 14-10 in six matches.
After the women's match, Park's men (6-0-2), currently ranked #19 nationally, host Haskell Indian Nations University from Lawrence, Kan., in a 3:00 p.m. match at Julian Field.

Tuesday, September 24, 2002
PARK UNIVERSITY AFFIRMS RANKING, NORTHLAND PROWESS; DEFEATS #9 WILLIAM JEWELL, 2-1
LIBERTY, MO--With the all-time series tied at 1-1 and Park University steaming from last season's loss at the hands of the then-undefeated William Jewell College Cardinals, an air of tension lingered over the field as #8 Park University and #9 William Jewell College tangled in a rematch of Kansas City's best. On Tuesday afternoon, the eighth-ranked Pirates (7-1-1) prevailed against the Cardinals (7-1-0), using six minutes of overtime action to deliver William Jewell their first loss of the 2002 season.
William Jewell claimed a lead in the first half when, just four minutes before the break, Molly Thye scored on an assist from Kristin Neher. Park's Jennifer Greco answered in the second half, as a hooking cross-ball fell beyond the reach of Cardinal keeper Lara Melenbrink. Six minutes into overtime, Tunde Nemeth delivered a pass to forward Pam Bedzrah who connected on a fifteen-yard blast to win the game, 2-1 in overtime. With the win, Park reclaimed the advantage in the all-time series.
Summary: WJC 1-0 (41:00) Molly Thye a. Kristin Neher; PARK 1-1 (67:00) Jennifer Greco; PARK 2-1 (96:00) Pam Bedzrah a. Tunde Nemeth. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala, 1 ga, 8 saves; WJC, Lara Melenbrink, 2 ga, 4 saves. Shots: PARK 20, WJC 11. Corner kicks: PARK 5, WJC 4.

Saturday, September 21, 2002
PIRATES DEFEND #8 RANKING, OPEN WITH MCAC WIN OVER YORK, 5-0
PARKVILLE, MO--Junior forward Pam Bedzrah scored three goals on nine shots and added one assist in Park's 5-0 win against York College (2-4-0) in the MCAC opener Saturday afternoon. The eighth-ranked Pirates improved to 6-1-1 with the win. Kate Johnson, a freshman midfielder and 2002 graduate of Winnetonka High School, added two goals for Park. Keeper Jenni Visala recorded her sixth shutout of the season.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (13:00) Pam Bedzrah a. Tunde Nemeth; PARK 2-0 (24:50) Kate Johnson a. Bedzrah; PARK 3-0 (66:55) Johnson a. Nemeth; PARK 4-0 (71:55) Bedzrah a. Haley Daniel; PARK 5-0 (78:01) Bedzrah. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala (90:00) 0 saves, 1 so; YORK, Cheryl Noonan (90:00) 13 saves, 5 ga. Shots: PARK 34, YORK 1. Corner kicks: PARK 8, YORK 2. Attendance: 243.

Wednesday, September 18, 2002
MCAC SCHEDULE STARTS THIS WEEKEND FOR NATIONALLY RANKED SOCCER TEAMS
PARKVILLE, MO--On Saturday, September 21, the Park University soccer teams will begin their first season in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference with a home doubleheader against the York College Panthers from York, Neb. Saturday's matches will be the first meeting between Park University and York College in soccer. The women's match between #8 Park (5-1-1) and York (2-3-0) begins at 2:00 p.m.; Park's 18th-ranked men's team (5-0-1) kicks off against the Panthers (5-1-1) at 4:00 p.m. The doubleheader will be followed by a community support event for the Park University soccer programs, beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. The special event will include food, giveaways and a free soccer clinic for youth players.

Tuesday, September 17, 2002
#8 PIRATES RETURN TO WINNING WAYS, END BAKER'S PERFECT START
BALDWIN CITY, KAN.--Janie Benoit's unassisted goal in the first half of Tuesday evening's match was enough to lift the #8 Park University Pirates (5-1-1) past the Baker University Wildcats (4-1-0) in NAIA women's soccer action. Baker was undefeated entering the contest, while Park was coming off its 0-1-1 weekend road trip in Columbia, Kent.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (33:00) Janie Benoit. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala, (90:00) 1 so, 6 saves; BAKER, --- (90:00), 1 ga, 6 saves. Shots: PARK 12, BAKER 4. Corner kicks: PARK 2, BAKER 3.

Saturday, September 14, 2002
PARK HOLDS EVEN WITH #6 BERRY
COLUMBIA, KENT.--Park University (4-1-1) earned its first tie of the season in a 0-0 overtime thriller with #6 Berry College (2-1-4). Park's Jenni Visala and Berry's Nicole Heidler earned shutouts; each logged 120 minutes in goal.
Summary: No goals scored. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala (120:00) 1 so, 10 saves; BERRY, Nicole Heidler (120:00) 1 so, 8 saves. Shots: PARK 9, BERRY 13. Corner kicks: PARK 8, BERRY 5. Fouls: PARK 13, BERRY 20.

Friday, September 13, 2002
PIRATES STIFLED BY #12 LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE
COLUMBIA, KENT.--In their first match of the season against a nationally ranked opponent, the #7 Park University women's soccer team (4-1-0) was dealt a 4-2 loss at #12 Lindsey Wilson College. Down 1-0 early in the match, Park answered with a pair of goals and held on to a 2-1 lead until the final thirty minutes when Lindsey Wilson pulled ahead. Park faces #6 Berry College Saturday at 5:00 p.m..
Summary: LWC 1-0 (13:00) Natasha Hale a. Laura Humphries; PARK 1-1 (41:00) Marilyn Boucher a. Valerie Copenhaver; PARK 2-1 (42:00) Tunde Nemeth a. Jennifer Greco; LWC 2-2 (63:00) Dani Petrovic; LWC 3-2 (--:--) Nora Ohmberg; LWC 4-2 (79:00) Sarah Chandler. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala (90:00), 16 saves, 4 ga; LWC, 4 saves. Shots: PARK 9, LWC 18. Corner kicks: PARK 4, LWC 10.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002
PARK UNIVERSITY OVERCOMES BENEDICTINE AFTER A QUIET FIRST HALF
ATCHISON, KAN.--It took #7 Park University less than one minute into the second half to get on the board against the Benedictine College Ravens Tuesday afternoon. Park went on to win the match, 4-0, improving to 4-0-0 overall. Jennifer Greco led Park with two goals immediately after halftime; Pam Bedzrah and Lisa Flood also scored for the Pirates. Jenni Visala earned her third consecutive shutout in goal, turning away two Raven shots.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (46:00) Jennifer Greco a. Janice Huffman; PARK 2-0 (66:00) Graco a. Marilyn Boucher; PARK 3-0 (75:00) Pam Bedzrah a. Tunde Nemeth; PARK 4-0 (86:00) Lisa Flood. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala, 2 saves, 1 so. Shots: PARK 18, BC 2. Corner kicks: PARK 5, BC 4.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002
SOCCER TEAMS CLIMB IN POLLS; BEDZRAH AND FOSTER CHOSEN FOR WEEKLY HONORS
PARKVILLE, MO--The Park University men's and women's soccer teams inched higher in the national ratings. Tuesday's rating was the first poll since the preseason poll in early August. Park's women are currently ranked #7; the men jumped to #20. Both teams play nationally ranked opponents on the weekend ahead.
           Junior forward Pam Bedzrah was selected as the Offensive Player of the Week in the MCAC and the Region IV Player of the Week, for her five-goal, two-assist onslaught in two lopsided wins last week. Bedzrah leads the team with seven goals and four assists in three matches.
           Dave Foster, a senior forward from Kingston, Jamaica, represented Park's men's team as the MCAC Offensive Player of the Week. Foster scored four goals and two assists in Park's three victories against Region IV opponents Tabor, Concordia and St. Mary College (Kan.) last week.

Saturday, September 7, 2002
PIRATES REACH NET ON ONE-THIRD OF SHOTS, BLANK CONCORDIA, 13-0
SEWARD, NEB.--The eleventh-ranked Park University women's soccer team improved to 3-0-0 Saturday afternoon with a convincing 13-0 win over Concordia University (2-2-0). Park University scored goals on one-third of the team's 36 shots. Pam Bedzrah scored four goals and doled out one assist in the match, including a three-goal flurry in an eleven-minute stretch during the second half. The Pirate defense allowed just three shots by Concordia; Jenni Visala was credited with the shutout in goal.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (21:00) Pam Bedzrah a. Tunde Nemeth, PARK 2-0 (22:00) Marilyn Boucher a. Haley Daniel, PARK 3-0 (24:00) Boucher a. Jennifer Greco, PARK 4-0 (29:00) Daniel, PARK 5-0 (31:00) Kesiann Francis, PARK 6-0 (40:00) Nemeth, PARK 7-0 (43:00) Francis a. Bedzrah, PARK 8-0 (52:00) Bedzrah a. Flood, PARK 9-0 (62:00) Bedzrah, PARK 10-0 (63:00) Bedzrah, PARK 11-0 (79:00) Valerie Copenhaver, PARK 12-0 (89:00) Copenhaver a. Nemeth, PARK 13-0 (90:00) Nemeth a. Greco. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala (90:00) 3 saves, 1 SO; CU (90:00) 7 saves, 13 ga. Shots: PARK 36, CU 3. Corner kicks: PARK 2, CU 2.

Friday, September 6, 2002
SIX-GOAL FIRST HALF SUSTAINS PARK IN WIN OVER TABOR
PARKVILLE, MO--Senior keeper Jenni Visala earned the shutout, turning away just one shot from the Tabor College Blue Jays (0-1-0) Friday evening, as Park University (2-0-0) notched a lopsided 7-0 win. Park outshot Tabor 42-1. Senior Jennifer Greco, a midfielder from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, led Park's offensive burst with two goals and an assist. Park travels to Concordia University in Seward, Neb., for a 6:00 p.m. match on Saturday.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (5:00) Jennifer Greco PK, PARK 2-0 (11:00) Tunde Nemeth a. Greco; PARK 3-0 (24:00) Keri Buhrman a. Pam Bedzrah; PARK 4-0 (28:00) Haley Daniel CK; PARK 5-0 (34:00) Bedzrah; PARK 6-0 (43:00) Tyler Stewart; PARK 7-0 (53:00) Greco. Keepers: PARK, Jenni Visala (90:00) 1 save, 1 SO; TABOR, Kari Shorb (85:00), 18 saves, 7 ga; Tammy McCarren (5:00), 3 saves, 0 ga. Corner kicks: PARK 9, TABOR 0. Shots: PARK 42, TABOR 1. Fouls: PARK 8, TABOR 4. Attendance: 315.

Sunday, September 1, 2002
PIRATES BUCK BRONCOS WITH TWO EARLY GOALS, WIN 5-1
PARKVILLE, MO--In their season opener, Park University's (1-0-0) forward combination of Pam Bedzrah and Tunde Nemeth took over the match early. Bedzrah, a junior from London, England scored in the fifth minute; Nemeth made the score 2-0 in the eighteenth minute. Each assisted the other in the early flurry.
            In the second half, Hastings (0-1-0) forward Jackie Ellingson coasted through Park's defense, delivering a goal that brought the Broncos within one at 2-1. Bedzrah scored another goal just three minutes later before freshman Kesiann Francis added goals four and five for Park. Senior Jennifer Greco assisted Francis' final goal.
           "This whole game was about playing new positions," said head coach Scott Bowen. " We were getting used to it and we had a few defensive lapses when we weren't organized back there."
          In the end, senior Jenni Visala recorded the one-goal victory for Park, turning away seven shots on goal by the Broncos. In their next match, Park will host Tabor College on Friday, September 6, at 5:00 p.m.
Game summary: PARK 1-0 (4:29) Bedzrah a. Nemeth, PARK 2-0 (17:10) Nemeth a. Bedzrah, HASTINGS 2-1 (58:45) Ellingson, PARK 3-1 (61:58) Bedzrah, PARK 4-1 (68:18) Francis, PARK 5-1 (75:59) Francis a. Greco. Keepers: PARK, Visala, 1 ga, 7 saves; HASTINGS, Miller, 5 ga, 9 saves. Shots: PARK 24, HASTINGS 12. Corner kicks: PARK 7, HASTINGS 6. Fouls: PARK 20, HASTINGS 12. Attendance: 196.

MCAC Preaseason Coaches Poll - Women's Soccer - Friday, August 23, 2002
1. #11 Park University (MO)
2. #19 College of St. Mary (NE)
3. Newman University (KS)
4. Bellevue University (NE)
5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
6. York College (NE)
7. Central Christian College (KS)

Tuesday, August 20, 2002
ST. CATHERINE'S CANCELS TRIP TO KANSAS CITY, PRESEASON MATCH WITH PARK
PARKVILLE, MO--The women's soccer exhibition match between St. Catherine's and Park University scheduled for Friday evening, August 23, at 5:00 p.m., has been cancelled. The match will not be rescheduled.

Friday, August 9, 2002
2002 Women's Soccer Preview
BEDZRAH, FIVE SENIORS STEAM INTO FALL SOCCER SEASON
PARKVILLE, MO--With eleven returning upperclassmen, the 2002 Park University women’s soccer program and head coach Scott Bowen can’t improve much on last season. In 2001, Park finished 15-3-0, playing within 45 minutes of a trip to the NAIA National Championship tournament, before falling on the road to the eventual champion of Region V, Lindenwood University. Last season, Park outscored opponents 44-14, led by forward Pam Bedzrah who, with 19 goals and six assists, led the team in points.
Just two players have departed from last year’s lineup card—Sylvia Naungayan, a four-year letter winner who will graduate this fall with a degree in business administration, and Traci Kesterson, a transfer student who struggled with nagging injuries much of the season. Of the pair, only Kesterson started; she contributed five assists last season.
Senior goalkeeper Jenni Visala and All-American sweeper Jennifer Miller

of Independence, Mo., will anchor Park’s reputedly solid defense again in 2002. Sophomore Haley Daniel of Independence, Mo. senior Janie Benoit, and junior Janice Huffman of Raytown, Mo., will bolster the midfield for Park as the team makes its first appearance in NAIA Region IV as a member of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. In the new conference, Park will compete against several strong opponents, including Newman University, Bellevue University, and College of Saint Mary.    Park plowed through their Region IV schedule last year, going 7-0-0 against Region IV institutions, including then-ranked #7 College of St. Mary, which Park defeated the same weekend the Pirates toppled then-ranked #2 Lindsey Wilson College in the Hemingway Memorial Tournament. On the shift into Region IV, Bowen said, “We now become the team to beat, which is scary.”
            In the season ahead, Bowen regards mid-season trips to Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kent., and the refreshed rivalry with William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., to be among the toughest opponents scheduled. At the end of September in the 2002 season, William Jewell stole a 1-0 victory on Park’s Julian Field to break the Pirates’ undefeated streak of eight games. William Jewell was also undefeated at the time. Park will also face Berry College during the trip to Kentucky. Perennially ranked Lindenwood University will travel to Parkville on October 16.
            Bowen and first-year assistant coach Lisa Kerley, a 2001 graduate of Park, are optimistic about the addition of two freshmen. Kate Johnson and Jessica Jensen from Winnetonka High School will suit up as midfielders for Park this season. Bowen expects both players to make an immediate impact. “They both have good skills and a maturity about the game that will help the team succeed,” Bowen said.
            Success is stamped on the Pirate program, currently the third winningest program in NAIA women’s soccer history with a record of 212-66-7 in fourteen years. Park finished the 2001 season ranked 19^th nationally. In preliminary ratings for 2002 released August 6, Park was selected first in NAIA Region IV.

PARK UNIVERSITY MEN'S SOCCER

Thursday, May 15, 2003
BETHEL AND FOSTER NAMED PARK UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
PARKVILLE, MO--Junior Crystal Bethel and senior Dave Foster have been named Student-Athletes of the Year at Park University. Bethel, a runner from Nassau, Bahamas in the women's cross country and track programs, is studying chemistry and criminal justice. She has been named NAIA All-American three times. In the fall of 2002, she was named NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete. She has been selected as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar for the last two years.
Dave Foster, a three-time NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete, graduated in December with a degree in Computer Based Information Systems, after contributing 11 goals and five assists in Park's 21-2-2 men's soccer season. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Foster was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 2002.
The nominees for Student-Athlete of the Year honors at Park University must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and make an exceptional contribution to the campus community through leadership and scholarship.

Thursday, March 6, 2003
NAIA Champions of Character Initiative
PIRATES READ WITH KINDERGARTENERS; URGE LITERACY AT PRAIRIE POINT ELEMENTARY
PARKVILLE, MO--Members of the Park University men's soccer team and head coach Efrem Shimlis visited Staci Leive's afternoon kindergarten class Tuesday at Prairie Point Elementary in the Park Hill School District. Twenty-five kindergarteners split into groups to listen as junior Derrick Green and sophomore captain Justin Boersma read aloud from children's books including "The Gingerbread Man." Green, a 2002 NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete, and Boersma, an elementary education major at Park, spent forty-five minutes with the children; following the read-aloud, students from the school assembled for a costume party for which they dressed as their favorite characters from books.
     "Interaction with the young students means so much to our players and the kids," said Shimlis. "It doesn't take much time to see how much everyone involved grows from the experience. By reading with the children, we're affirming a message we believe strongly at Park."
     In early February, Shimlis and three players volunteered for Prairie Point's International Night, during which elementary students moved from table to table, collecting stamps for imitation passports and learning about different countries and cultures.
     Team members will also host four free foot skill clinics for youth soccer players in coordination with the Southern Platte County Athletic Association. Sessions are scheduled from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9 for players ages 7-13. The free clinics will be held at Tiffany Spring Park on field 10 of the upper level.

Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Men's Soccer News
PARK UNIVERSITY'S ONGAO NAMED NAIA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AT NSCAA COACHES CONVENTION
PARKVILLE, MO--Eric Ongao, a 6-4 sophomore defender from Nairobi, Kenya, has been awarded the NAIA National Player of the Year for 2002. The honor was announced at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City on Saturday. Ongao was the tallest player on the 2002 Park University men's soccer team, which went 21-2-2, recording the best-ever season in school history and advancing to the NAIA National Championship Finals. Regarded as one of the finest attacking defenders in the nation; he finished the 2002 season with twenty points on eight goals and four assists. A computer science major, Ongao scored four game-winning goals for the Pirates, including tournament game-winners against Rio Grande (Ohio) and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.). During the season, Ongao was distinguished as the MCAC Player of the Week twice and the NAIA Region IV Player of the Week once. In the post-season, he was recognized as MCAC All-Conference, NAIA All-Region IV, NAIA Region IV Defensive Player of the Year, and NAIA First Team All-American. Second year head coach Efrem Shimlis regards Ongao as "a quiet, smart defender who leads by example."
"He reads and responds to the opposing team and his own teammates as well as any player I have ever seen," said Shimlis.
The Player of the Year honor is the highest award given for men's soccer in the NAIA; Ongao is the first-ever student-athlete at Park to win the award.

Thursday, December 5, 2002
FOUR NAIA ALL-AMERICA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES HONORED FROM PARK MEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM
PARKVILLE, MO--Student-athletes from the 2002 Park University men's soccer program appeared four times among those recognized by the NAIA at All-America Scholar-Athletes following the fall season. Four members of the men's soccer program (21-2-2) that advanced to the National Championship Finals were selected. Park was one of fifteen institutions with four or more honorees, from among 217 schools sponsoring the sport. Recipients must have a junior or senior academic standing and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above. | MEN'S SOCCER FULL LIST |

Tuesday, November 26, 2002
NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Finals
MOBILE TOPS PIRATES IN CHAMPIONSHIP; RAMS CLAIM TITLE, 2-1
#5 MOBILE (17-5-1) def. #6 PARK UNIVERSITY (21-2-2), 2-1
BOWLING GREEN, KY.--University of Mobile's half-field tactic helped them build a 2-0 lead before Park's Ross Stride narrowed the advantage to 2-1, late in the second half of Tuesday night's National Championship Match. Despite 19 shots on goal, Park scored just once; the Rams got goals from Mike Fricke and James Gledhill.

Monday, November 25, 2002
NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Semifinals
PARK WINS! PIRATES SHAKE LINDSEY WILSON, VIE FOR NATIONAL TITLE AGAINST MOBILE TUESDAY NIGHT
#6 PARK UNIVERSITY (21-1-2) def. #2 LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE (KY) (21-2-1), 2-2 (4-3 PKs)
BOWLING GREEN, KY.--Cold temperatures and a pair of goals by Lindsey Wilson College, four-time defending NAIA National Champions and winners of six out of the last seven title banners, had head coach Efrem Shimlis and his odds-busting team feeling a bit chilly Monday night in the NAIA National Championship Semifinals at Lover's Lane Soccer Complex in Bowling Green, Ky. With less than twenty-three minutes remaining, sophomore Chris Lisaka warmed Park's chances, scoring on a pass from Region IV Offensive Player of the Year Siemon Mulama. With the margin narrowed at 2-1, Park's Mekete Gashaw evened the score with a goal at 83:58; assists came from Henok Belayneh and Lisaka on the play. After two scoreless overtime periods, Park's Eric Ongao scored the game-winning penalty kick; Ongao scored the game-winning penalty kick in Park's 1-0 quarterfinal win against Rio Grande (Ohio) Saturday. Park advances for a chance at the National Title for the first time in the men's soccer program's history and the second time ever in any sport. The sixth-seeded Pirates play the fifth-seeded University of Mobile (Ala.) Rams (16-4-1), Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2002
NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Quarterfinals
ONGAO'S PENALTY KICK SENDS PIRATES TO SEMIFINALS
#6 PARK UNIVERSITY (20-1-2) def. #3 RIO GRANDE (OHIO) (19-1-1), 1-0
BOWLING GREEN, KY.--Park University sophomore defender Eric Ongao connected on a penalty kick in the 19th minute of Saturday's quarterfinal matchup with three-seeded University of Rio Grande (Ohio), to carry Park into Monday's semifinal match. Game time will be either 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. Rio Grande, the number one team in the nation in the final poll, hadn't lost during the 2002 season. Keeper Scott Woods recorded the shutout for Park. | BOX SCORE |

Friday, November 22, 2002
NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournaments
ALMIR LEMES JR. LIFTS PARK TO FIRST ROUND WIN VERSUS CONCORDIA
#6 PARK UNIVERSITY (19-1-2) def. #11 CONCORDIA (Calif.) (16-5-2), 2-1
BOWLING GREEN, KY.--Park University (19-1-2) garnered their nineteenth win of the year Friday afternoon and advanced to the second round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament in Bowling Green, Ky., with a 2-1 win over Concordia University (Calif.). Almir Lemes Jr. scored both goals for Park; freshman forward Henok Belayneh assisted both goals. Senior Dave Foster also played a part in setting up the game-winning second goal. Park will face University of Rio Grande (Ohio) (19-0-1), the No. 1 team in the nation according to the final poll, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (56:14) Almir Lemes Jr. a. Henok Belayneh; PARK 2-0 (70:50) Almir Lemes Jr. a. Dave Foster a. Henok Belayneh; CU 1-2 (86:19) Kyle Carroll a. Derek Mantey. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 ga, 1 save; CU Ryan Hopkins (90:00) 2 ga, 3 saves. Shots: PARK 6, CU 3. Corner kicks: CU 6, PARK 1. Fouls: PARK 12, CU 6.

Tuesday, November 19, 2002
NAIA Soccer National Championship Tournaments

PARK MEN’S SOCCER
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT HISTORY

National tournament appearances: 2
Highest finish: Fourth, 1962

1962
East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 5, Park (Mo.) 0
Pratt Institute (N.Y.) 2, Castleton State (Vt.) 1
Castleton State 3, Park 2 (3rd)
East Stroudsburg 4, Pratt Institute 0 (championship)

1984
POOL D
Park (Mo.) 3, Westmont (Calif.) 3
Warner Pacific (Ore.) 6, Westmont 0
Warner Pacific 3, Park 2, (ot)

Monday, November 18, 2002
MULAMA NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THE MCAC
WICHITA, KAN.--Siemon Mulama of Park University gave the Pirates an offensive boost scoring two goals and assisting another goal in the Region IV semifinal against Doane College. Park went on to win that game 3-0 and advanced to the championship game where they defeated #18 Hastings with a score of 3-1. Siemon was named Region IV Offensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the tournament. Siemon Mulama is a freshman forward from Nairobi, Kenya. Park University advances to the national tournament with a record of 18-1-2.

Saturday, November 16, 2002
Region IV Tournament Results
PIRATES CLAIM REGION IV TITLE, TRIP TO NATIONALS
PARKVILLE, MO—With a 3-1 win over defending Region IV champions, Hastings College (20-2-1), Park University (18-1-2) advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the first time since 1984. Park surged ahead 2-0 with goals from Chris Lisaka and Enock Odede; Hastings’ Nick Krueger narrowed the lead to 2-1 with a goal in the 85^th minute. Park’s Ross Stride connected for the final goal of the match in the last minute, assisted by Almir Lemes Jr. In a ceremony following the match, Park head coach Efrem Shimlis was honored as the Region IV Coach of the Year. Region IV Defensive Player of the Year is sophomore defender Eric Ongao; the Offensive Player of the Year went to sophomore midfielder Siemon Mulama.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (42:12) Chris Lisaka a. Magnus Gunnarsson; PARK 2-0 (67:05) Enock Odede a. Tiago Sajben; HC 1-2 (84:46) Nick Krueger; PARK 3-1 (89:25) Ross Stride a. Almir Lemes Jr. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 ga, 7 saves; HC Cody Christline 3 ga, 12 saves. Shots: PARK 17, HC 10. Corner kicks: PARK 4, HC 5. Attendance: 253.

Friday, November 15, 2002
Region IV Tournament Results
PIRATES TAME DOANE; KICK INTO REGION IV CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY
PARKVILLE, MO--The smooth conditions on a groomed Julian Field favored Park University's technical game, as the top-seeded Pirates (17-1-2) advanced to the NAIA Region IV Championship, defeating the #5 seed Doane College Tigers (14-8-1), 3-0. Park's possession advantage resulted in 22-3 shot differential, favoring the Pirates. Sophomore midfielder Siemon Mulama scored the first two goals for Park; in the second half, he assisted teammate Almir Lemes Jr., who touched in the third goal of the match. Scott Woods earned the shutout for Park. The Pirates will play Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. against the winner of the Hastings-Bellevue match for a chance to advance to the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the first time since 1984.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (30:31) Siemon Mulama a. Enock Odede; PARK 2-0 (47:45) Mulama a. Stride; PARK 3-0 (82:59) Almir Lemes Jr. a. Mulama. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 0 saves, 1 so; DC Kip Hovie (90:00) 11 saves, 3 ga. Shots: PARK 22, DC 3. Corner kicks: PARK 9, DC 3. Fouls: PARK 7, DC 7. Attendance: 211.

Friday, November 15, 2002
Region IV Tournament Results
HASTINGS STANDS UP TO BELLEVUE CHALLENGE
PARKVILLE, MO--The Hastings College Broncos, defending Region IV Champions, advanced through the semifinal round Friday afternoon, topping the #3-seed Bellevue University Bruins (10-12-0), 3-2, in a back-and-forth scoring match. Hastings scored early in the match, but Bellevue’ David Oluyole tied the match before halftime. In the second half, Bellevue evened the match at 2-2; Hastings answered with the game winner sent in by Eric Pankoke, following a combination of passes from Greg Vuagniaux and Nick Krueger. Hastings will match up with Park University on Saturday afternoon for the championship match.
Summary: HC 1-0 (23:08) Greg Vuagniaux; BU 1-1 (40:28) David Oluyole; HC 2-1 (60:44) Greg Vuagniaux a. Nick Krueger; BU 2-2 (66:30) Matt Severa; HC (82:14) Eric Pankoke a. Vuagniaux a. Krueger. Keepers: HC Cody Christline (90:00) 6 saves, 2 ga; BU Justin Dudgeon (90:00) 3 ga, 18 saves. Shots: HC 22, BU 5. Corner kicks: HC 5, BU 4. Attendance: 91.

Thursday, November 14, 2002
MCAC ANNOUNCES ALL-CONFERENCE SOCCER TEAMS
WICHITA, KAN--The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference announced all-conference soccer teams this week. First team selections from the Park University men's soccer program were sophomore defender Eric Ongao, freshman midfielder Siemon Mulama, freshman forward Ross Stride, and senior forward Dave Foster. Second team selections were senior keeper Scott Woods, sophomore defender Justin Boersma, and sophomore forward Chris Lisaka. Erica Ongao was chosen MCAC Defensive Player of the Year; Park University coach Efrem Shimlis was honored as MCAC Coach of the Year.

Friday, November 8, 2002
MCAC TOURNAMENT UNKIND TO PIRATES; NEWMAN WINS, 2-1
PARKVILLE, MO--The #21 Newman University Jets capitalized on a one-man advantage and scored two goal in the second half to hand the #5 Park University Pirates (16-1-2) their first loss of the 2002 season, 2-1. Park led early on a goal by freshman Henok Belayneh. Newman advances to the MCAC Championship against Bellevue University at 3:00 p.m. Saturday on Park's Julian Field.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (28:06) Henok Belayneh a. Darnell Ross; NU 1-1 (57:30) Stephen Ralos; NU 2-1 (70:56) Tony Sapcutt. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 2 ga, 2 saves; NU Martin Jones (90:00) 1 ga, 9 saves. Shots: PARK 10, NU 4. Corner kicks: PARK 9, NU 2. Attendance: 234.

Tuesday, November 5, 2002
REGULAR SEASON FINALE BAGS REGION IV, MCAC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS FOR ONGAO
WICHITA, KAN.--Sophomore defender Eric Ongao has been named the Offensive Player of the Week in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference for the second consecutive week. In the final game of the regular season, Ongao scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute and the game-winning goal in the 97th minute, as Park completed its first-ever undefeated season with a 2-1 overtime win at St. Gregory's University. Ongao was also awarded the Region IV Player of the Week honor following his performance. Park men's soccer student-athletes have been recognized as conference or region players of the week nine times this season.

Tuesday, October 29, 2002
PIRATES USE OVERTIME TO OVERCOME ST. GREGORY'S, END REGULAR SEASON UNDEFEATED
SHAWNEE, OKLA.--Park University (16-0-2) needed seven minutes of overtime to do what no other Park University team has done since joining the NAIA in 1979; the #5 Pirates completed the 2002-2003 regular season without a single loss, running their unbeaten streak to eighteen matches. Park trailed 1-0 for much of the match, before sophomore defender Eric Ongao scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute. Ongao scored again in the 97th minute, connecting on the game-winner that capped Park's regular season. Park University outshot St. Gregory's, 23-9.
Summary: SGU 1-0 (34:00) --- pk; PARK 1-1 (82:00) Eric Ongao; PARK 2-1 (97:00) Ongao. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (97:00) 8 saves, 1 ga; SGU Mike Chesney (97:00) 22 saves, 2 ga. Shots: PARK 23, SGU 9. Corner kicks: PARK 8, SGU 4.

Saturday, October 26, 2002
PIRATES CLINCH MCAC REGULAR SEASON TITLE AGAINST CENTRAL CHRISTIAN
MCPHERSON, KAN.--Park University's (15-0-2) 5-0 win against Central Christian College (4-11-1) Saturday afternoon assured the Pirates the top seed in the MCAC Conference tournament, November 8-9. Park completed their conference schedule with a record of 5-0-1. Ryan Shaw put Park on the board in the fifth minute, assisted by Siemon Mulama. Eric Ongao scored two goals for Park; Mulama had a goal and two assists. Freshman Travis Jennings earned the shutout, facing just three shots from Central Christian.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (5:00) Ryan Shaw a. Siemon Mulama; PARK 2-0 (6:00) Henok Belayneh a. Mulama; PARK 3-0 (35:00) Mulama; PARK 4-0 (42:00) Eric Ongao a. Shaw; PARK 5-0 (62:00) Ongao a. Chris Lisaka. Keepers: PARK Travis Jennings (90:00) 3 saves, 1 so; CC --- (90:00) 19 saves, 5 ga. Shots: PARK 24, CC 3. Corner kicks: PARK 14, CC 1.

Tuesday, October 22, 2002
PARK ROLLS TO NINTH STRAIGHT WIN WITH SENIOR DAY VICTORY OVER OWLS
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (14-0-2) ran its win-streak to nine matches and its unbeaten streak to sixteen matches as the Pirates outscored William Woods University (8-8-0), 5-0, Tuesday afternoon. Ross Stride started Park's attack early, scoring goals in the third and ninth minutes. Henok Belayneh and Tiago Sajben also scored for Park. Keeper Scott Woods earned the shutout for Park; he also scored on a penalty kick in the 59th minute. With the win, Park completed its home regular season without a loss. The Pirates travel to McPherson, Kan., for a 3:00 p.m. match against Central Christian on Saturday, before closing out the regular season at St. Gregory's on Tuesday.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (3:00) Ross Stride a. Enock Odede; PARK 2-0 (9:00) Stride; PARK 3-0 (16:00) Henok Belayneh a. Magnus Gunnarsson; PARK 4-0 (57:00) Tiago Sajben; PARK 5-0 (59:00) Scott Woods PK. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (60:00) 1 so, 3 saves, Travis Jennings (30:00) 2 saves; WWU, Greg Scott (90:00) 8 saves, 5 ga. Shots: PARK 13, WWU 5. Corner kicks: PARK 2, WWU 1. Attendance: 145.

Tuesday, October 22, 2002
MULAMA, WOODS DISTINGUISHED AS MCAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR MEN'S SOCCER
WICHITA, KAN--After a week in which the #9 Park University Pirates men's soccer team remained unbeaten with a record of 13-0-2, two players, senior keeper Scott Woods and sophomore midfielder Siemon Mulama, have been named the defensive and offensive Players of the Week, respectively, in the MCAC Conference. Mulama scored goals in each of Park's wins this week, a 7-0 rout of Friends University and a hard-fought 1-0 win on the road against #17 Newman University. Keeper Scott Woods won the defensive award after making a total of five saves and recording shutouts in each of the wins. Park hosts William Woods University (8-7-0) at 3:00 p.m. today, in the final home match of the season for the men, followed by the women's match versus the Owls (10-3-0) at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 20, 2002
MULAMA NETS GAME-WINNER IN PHYSICAL MATCH WITH #17 NEWMAN
WICHITA, KAN--Sophomore midfielder Siemon Mulama scored on a pass from forward Darnell Ross in the 82nd minute as #9 Park University (13-0-2) extended its unbeaten streak to fifteen games with a 1-0 win against #17 Newman University (10-3-1). It was the first home loss of the season for the Jets, defending MCAC Champions. With the win, Park held on to the top position in the conference with a record of 4-0-1.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (82:00) Siemon Mulama a. Darnell Ross. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 so, 4 saves; NU --- (90:00) 10 saves, 1 ga. Shots: PARK 11, NU 4. Corner kicks: PARK 8, NU 5.

Monday, October 14, 2002
PARK CONTINUES WINNING WAYS, TOPS FALCONS, 7-0
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (12-0-2) extended its winning streak to seven and its unbeaten streak to fourteen Monday afternoon with a 7-0 victory against Friends University (5-8-0) from Wichita, Kan. With support from defenders Placide Tshibanda, Justin Boersma and Eric Ongao, keeper Scott Woods earned his eighth shutout of the season. Five players scored for Park.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (13:00) Chris Lisaka; PARK 2-0 (16:00) Henok Belayneh a. Lisaka; PARK 3-0 (42:00) Belayneh a. Eric Ongao; PARK 4-0 (67:00) Siemon Mulama a. Ongao, Odede; PARK 5-0 (70:00) Darnell Ross a. Lisaka; PARK 6-0 (74:00) Ross Stride; PARK 7-0 (75:00) Ross a. Stride. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (75:00) 1 save, 1 so, Travis Jennings (15:00) 1 save; FRIENDS Justin Jamis (90:00) 7 ga, 14 saves. Shots: PARK 21, FRIENDS 2. Corner kicks: PARK 6, FRIENDS 4. Attendance: 105.

Friday, October 11, 2002
PIRATES WIN WITH COUNTER-ATTACK AGAINST CROSS-TOWN RIVAL AVILA
PARKVILLE, MO--The Avila College Eagles' (5-7-1) half-field defensive strategy kept them within striking distance of #11 Park (11-0-2) Friday evening--for thirty minutes. In the thirty-fourth minute, on Park's seventh shot of the match, Siemon Mulama scored from the right side of the box, assisted by Dave Foster and Eric Ongao. Seven minutes into the second half, Enock Odede scored on a deep, low cross, which deflected off an Avila defender. Five minutes later, Mulama set up freshman Henok Belayneh for the final goal. Scott Woods earned the shutout for Park.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (33:15) Siemon Mulama a. Dave Foster, Eric Ongao; PARK 2-0 (52:29) Enock Odede (own goal); PARK 3-0 (57:50) Henok Belayneh a. Mulama. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 6 saves, 1 so; AVILA Ken Kirkendoll (90:00) 10 saves, 3 ga. Shots: PARK 13, AVILA 6. Corner kicks: PARK 4, AVILA 1. Fouls: PARK 14, AVILA 15. Attendance: 197.

Wednesday, October 9, 2002
PIRATES TOPPLE BELLEVUE IN MCAC ROAD MATCH
BELLEVUE, NEB--Park University (10-0-2) started off with back-to-back goals in the 17th and 18th minutes by Henok Belayneh and Chris Lisaka, respectively, as the #11 Pirates improved to 3-0-1 in the MCAC conference after a 4-1 win against Bellevue University (6-8-0). Bellevue took seven shots to Park's six, making the Bruins the first team since the season opener against Hastings College that the Pirates allowed more shots than they took.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (17:00) Henok Belayneh a. Siemon Mulama; PARK 2-0 (18:00) Chris Lisaka a. Mulama; BU 1-2 (43:00) David Rulde; PARK 3-1 (69:00) Ross Stride; PARK 4-1 (76:00) Enock Odede a. Stride. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 ga, 6 saves; BU --- (90:00) 4 ga, 4 saves. Shots: BU 7, PARK 6. Corner kicks: PARK 0, BU 2.

Wednesday, October 9, 2002
LISAKA REPRESENTS PARK AS MCAC, REGION IV PLAYER OF THE WEEK
WICHITA, KAN--Chris Lisaka, a sophomore forward from Nairobi, Kenya, has been named the men's soccer player of the week for Region IV and the MCAC following a week in which he scored two goals and doled out three assists in #11 Park University's 9-0 win against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Lisaka has scored five goals and issued five assists this season.

Monday, October 7, 2002
PIRATES STAY UNBEATEN, REACH GOAL FIVE TIMES AGAINST JEWELL
LIBERTY, MO--Park University improved to 9-0-2 with a 5-1 win against a tough William Jewell Cardinal team (9-2-1) in Liberty, Mo., Monday afternoon. Pirate freshman Henok Belayneh, put Park ahead early in the first half. The Pirates led 1-0 at halftime. Dave Foster gave Park a two-goal lead in the 57th minute; Jewell answered, cutting the margin to 2-1, when Blake Ryan scored in the 67th minute. Senior Craig Scriven's goal--a low, line-drive off a deflection--sealed the win for #12 Park. Park out-shot William Jewell, 24-4. Park holds the all-time advantage in men's soccer, going 6-1-0 against the Cardinals since 1990.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (15:00) Henok Belayneh; PARK 2-0 (57:00) Dave Foster; WJC 1-2 (67:00) Blake Ryan; PARK 3-1 (68:00) Craig Scriven; PARK 4-1 (85:00) Ryan Shaw; PARK 5-1 (89:00) Almir Lemes Jr. a. Siemon Mulama. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 ga, 3 saves; WJC Michael Patton (90:00) 4 saves, 5 ga. Shots: PARK 24, WJC 4. Corner kicks: PARK 5, WJC 0.

Friday, October 4, 2002
WILLIAM JEWELL HOSTS PARK MEN'S SOCCER IN TEST OF NORTHLAND RIVALS
PARKVILLE, MO--Monday afternoon, the #12 Park University Pirates (8-0-2) travel to Liberty, Mo., to face the William Jewell College Cardinals (8-1-1) in a 4:00 p.m. NAIA inter-region match. Both teams fought to a tie with #18 Baker University earlier this season. Jewell's only loss was a 4-1 decision against a spunky Graceland University squad; Park defeated the Yellowjackets 2-1 on September 10. Historically, Park holds the edge against William Jewell, going 5-1-0 against the Cardinals in matches dating back to 1990. Park has outscored William Jewell 26-3 during the six-match history. The Cardinals play at MidAmerica Nazarene on Saturday, October 5, before hosting Park on Monday; the Pirates are idle this weekend.

Tuesday, October 1, 2002
MEN ENJOY MOMENTUM IN LOPSIDED CONFERENCE WIN OVER OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN
PARKVILLE, MO--Park's overpowering goal-scoring barrage didn't end on Saturday, nor did it end with the month of September. On Tuesday, versus MCAC opponent Oklahoma Wesleyan University, the #12 Pirates (8-0-2) netted nine goals, en route to a 9-0 shutout of the Eagles (5-5-0). Sophomore forward Chris Lisaka scored two goals and added three assists in the match; Dave Foster contributed three goals.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (6:00) Chris Lisaka a. Enock Odede; PARK 2-0 (20:00) Henok Belayneh a. Siemon Mulama; PARK 3-0 (30:00) Darnell Ross a. Lisaka; PARK 4-0 (33:00) Lisaka a. Belayneh; PARK 5-0 (57:00) Belayneh a. Lisaka; PARK 6-0 (70:00) Dave Foster a. Ross; PARK 7-0 (71:00) Foster a. Lisaka; PARK 8-0 (76:00) Foster a. Gashaw; PARK 9-0 (87:00) Ken Calhoun. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (45:00) 0 saves, 1 so, Travis Jennings (45:00) 0 saves; OWU Tyrell Slagt (90:00) 13 saves, 9 ga. Shots: PARK 20, OWU 0. Corner kicks: PARK 10, OWU 0. Attendance: 121.

Saturday, September 28, 2002
PARK MEN SET RECORD WITH UNDEFEATED SEPTEMBER RUN
PARKVILLE, MO.--Park University improved to 7-0-2 Saturday, with a 15-0 win over Haskell Indian Nations University from Lawrence, Kan. The win marked Park's first-ever undefeated month in men's soccer and extended the team's unbeaten streak to nine matches. Ross Stride scored five goals for Park; Scott Woods earned the shutout, facing just one shot.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (16:00) Dave Foster a. Enock Odede; PARK 2-0 (18:00) Ross Stride a. Odede; PARK 3-0 (23:00) Stride a. Henok Belayneh; PARK 4-0 (24:00) Foster a. Stride; PARK 5-0 (27:00) Foster; PARK 6-0 (33:00) Stride a. Almir Lemes Jr.; PARK 7-0 (34:00) Stride a. Mickel Solomon; PARK 8-0 (37:00) Belayneh; PARK 9-0 (55:00) Lemes a. Mekete Gashaw; PARK 10-0 (58:00) Solomon a. Gashaw; PARK 11-0 (59:00) Solomon; PARK 12-0 (65:00) Stride; PARK 13-0 (68:00) Gashaw; PARK 14-0 (77:00) Darnell Ross a. Gashaw; PARK 15-0 (82:00) Lemes a. Tiago Sajben. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 1 so, 1 save; HINU Rocco Clark (90:00) 17 saves, 15 ga. Shots: PARK 29, HINU 1. Corner kicks: PARK 9, HINU 0. Attendance: 165.

Tuesday, September 24, 2002
FRESHMAN BELAYNEH SCORES FIRST AGAINST BENEDICTINE, LEADS PARK IN 2-0 WIN
ATCHISON, KAN.--Forward Henok Belayneh, playing in just his third game of the season for #19 Park University, scored the Tuesday's opening goal against the Benedictine College Ravens in the twentieth minute of action. Park went on to win the match, 2-0, improving to 6-0-2 this season. Belayneh, a freshman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, returned to the lineup despite a nagging injury; it was his first goal of the season. Sophomore Darnell Ross scored Park's second goal. Scott Woods earned the shutout, making eight saves.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (19:18) Henok Belayneh a. Eric Ongao; PARK 2-0 (67:00) Darnell Ross a. Dave Foster. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods (90:00) 1 so, 8 saves; BC, --- (90:00) 2 ga, 4 saves. Shots: PARK 15, BC 6. Corner kicks: PARK 3, BC 5.

Saturday, September 21, 2002
PARK, YORK FINISH MCAC MATCH TIED, 1-1
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (5-0-2) served up 41 shots, but York College (5-1-2) senior goalkeeper Kevin Megli made 25 saves as the two sides finished with a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes.
Summary: YORK 1-0 (33:44) Bobby Shinn; PARK 1-1 (74:55) Ross Stride a. Enock Odede. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods (110:00) 8 saves, 1 ga; YORK, Kevin Megli (110:00) 25 saves, 1 ga. Shots: PARK 41, YORK 9. Corner kicks: PARK 9, YORK 4. Attendance: 243.

Saturday, September 14, 2002
PARK UNIVERSITY PLAYS TO A DRAW WITH #23 WILDCATS
BALDWIN CITY, KAN.--Park University scored first, but the Baker University Wildcats (3-1-2) tied the game with a goal in the 80th minute. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Park sophomore Mekete Gashaw scored in the fifteenth minute of the match on a cross in the box from Enock Odede. Scott Woods kept net for Park, recording 10 saves.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (15:00) Mekete Gashaw a. Enock Odede; BAKER 1-1 (80:00) ---. Keepers: PARK Scott Woods (90:00) 10 saves, 1 ga; BAKER --- (90:00) 18 saves, 1 ga. Shots: PARK 19, BAKER 10.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002
YELLOWS FLY; PIRATES PREVAIL AGAINST GRACELAND
PARKVILLE, MO--Park University (5-0-0) built a 2-0 advantage and held on through the ninetieth minute of a hard-fought 2-1 match against inter-region rival Graceland University (1-2-0) Tuesday night in Parkville. Seven yellow cards were assessed during the match. Park's Darnell Ross put Park on top with a header sent in by Siemon Mulama early in the match. Mulama assisted Park's second goal, dishing off to Magnus Gunnarsson for a twenty yard blast that sailed past Yellowjacket keeper Brian Bendorf. In the final minute of play, Graceland's Jesus Rodriguez delivered a goal, bringing the match to a 2-1 final in favor of Park.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (13:18) Darnell Ross a. Siemon Mulama; PARK 2-0 (69:06) Magnus Gunnarsson a. Mulama; GU 1-2 (89:16) Jesus Rodriguez. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods (90:00) 11 saves, 1 ga; GU, Brian Bendorf (90:00) 2 ga, 12 saves. Shots: PARK 14, GU 12. Corner kicks: PARK 2, GU 0. Attendance: 229.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002
SOCCER TEAMS CLIMB IN POLLS; BEDZRAH AND FOSTER CHOSEN FOR WEEKLY HONORS
PARKVILLE, MO--The Park University men's and women's soccer teams inched h

igher in the national ratings. Tuesday's rating was the first poll since the preseason poll in early August. Park's women are currently ranked #7; the men jumped to #20. Both teams play nationally ranked opponents on the weekend ahead.
           Junior forward Pam Bedzrah was selected as the Offensive Player of the Week in the MCAC and the Region IV Player of the Week, for her five-goal, two-assist onslaught in two lopsided wins last week. Bedzrah leads the team with seven goals and four assists in three matches.
           Dave Foster, a senior forward from Kingston, Jamaica, represented Park's men's team as the MCAC Offensive Player of the Week. Foster scored four goals and two assists in Park's three victories against Region IV opponents Tabor, Concordia and St. Mary College (Kan.) last week.

Saturday, September 7, 2002
PARK MEN ROUT CONCORDIA BULLDOGS WITH EIGHT CONSECUTIVE GOALS
SEWARD, NEB.--Concordia's Bernie Ochoa gave his team a 1-0 lead on a sixth-minute penalty kick against Park keeper Scott Woods Saturday night in Seward, Neb. The Bulldogs (1-2-0) held the lead until Darnell Ross evened the match at 1-1 in the 27th minute. Park held a 3-1 advantage at halftime, then scored five more goals in the second half to improve to 4-0-0.
Summary: CU 1-0 (6:00) Bernie Ochoa, PARK 1-1 (27:00) Darnell Ross a. Enock Odede, PARK 2-1 (35:00) Ross a. Siemon Mulama, PARK 3-1 (40:00) Magnus Gunnarsson a. Tiago Sajben, PARK 4-1 (50:00) Dave Foster a. Eric Ongao, PARK 5-1 (53:00) Chris Lasaka a. Mulama, PARK 6-1 (58:00) Lasaka a. Mulama, PARK 7-1 (62:00) Mulama a. Doster, PARK 8-1 (75:00) Ross Stride a. Odede. Keepers, PARK Scott Woods (90:00), saves unav.

Friday, September 6, 2002
PIRATES OVERPOWER TABOR COLLEGE, 5-0
PARKVILLE, MO--Senior forward Dave Foster scored two of Park's five goals Friday evening, connecting twice in the first half against Tabor keeper Joe Stutzman. Foster attempted three shots on goal in the match. Other Park University goals came from sophomores Darnell Ross, Chris Lasaka and Enock Odede. Scott Woods recorded the shutout for Park as the Pirates improved to 3-0-0, their best start in over ten years. Park travels to Concordia University in Seward, Neb., for an 8:00 p.m. match on Saturday.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (9:00) Darnell Ross a. Chris Lasaka, PARK 2-0 (20:00) Dave Foster a. Enock Odede; PARK 3-0 (35:00) Lasaka a. Justin Boersma; PARK 4-0 (45:00) Foster; PARK 5-0 (64:00) Odede a. Lasaka. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods (85:00) 2 saves, 1 SO, Travis Jennings, (5:00), 0 saves; TABOR, Joe Stutzman (90:00), 14 saves, 5 ga. Corner kicks: PARK 5, TABOR 2. Shots: PARK 19, TABOR 2. Attendance: 315.

Wednesday, September 4, 2002
HEADERS SPARK PIRATES PAST ST. MARY COLLEGE
LEAVENWORTH, KAN.--Sophomores Eric Ongao and Darnell Ross headed-in goals in the first half as Park University (2-0-0) went on to defeat the defending KCAC Champion St. Mary College Spires (1-2-0), 4-0, in Leavenworth, Kan., Wednesday afternoon. Ongao's goal was set up on a corner kick sent in by Siemon Mulama; Ross's header was assisted by Dave Foster. Foster gave Park the 3-0 advantage, scoring on a pass from Magnus Gunnarson just before halftime.
In the second half, Mulama scored the final goal, assisted by Enock Odede. Keeper Scott Woods earned the shutout for Park. The Pirates outshot St. Mary College, 16-6.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (11:00) Eric Ongao a. Siemon Mulama; PARK 2-0 (35:00) Darnell Ross a. Dave Foster; PARK 3-0 (42:00) Foster a. Magnus Gunnarson; PARK 4-0 (70:00) Mulama a. Enock Odede. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods (83:00), 1 so, Travis Jennings (7:00). Shots: PARK 16, SMC 6.

Sunday, September 1, 2002
ONGAO ON-GOAL! SOPHOMORE MIDFIELDER NETS TWO AS PIRATES CHECK #14 HASTINGS
PARKVILLE, MO--Sophomore midfielder Eric Ongao netted two goals as Park University (1-0-0) defeated #14 Hastings College (2-1-0), 2-1, in front of nearly 200 fans at Julian Field. In the first half, Ongao scored a penalty kick. He gave Park a 2-0 lead off a corner kick set up by freshman Ross Stride.
Down 2-0, Hastings College, the defending Region IV Champions, rallied late in the second half when Nick Krueger scored with six minutes left in the match. Scott Woods earned the win in goal for Park with seven saves.
Summary: PARK 1-0 (35:47) Ongao PK, PARK 2-0 (68:05) Ongao a. Stride, HASTINGS 1-2 (83:29) Krueger. Keepers: PARK, Scott Woods, 1 ga, 7 saves; HASTINGS, Cody Chritline, 2 ga, 7 saves. Shots: PARK 15, HASTINGS 17. Corner kicks: PARK 5, HASTINGS 2. Fouls: PARK 18, HASTINGS 19. Attendance: 196.

Sunday, September 1, 2002
MCAC Preseason Coaches Poll--Men's Soccer
1. Park University
2. #24 Newman University
3. Bellevue University
4. York College
5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
6. Haskell Indian Nations University
7. Central Christian College

Friday, August 9, 2002
2002 Men's Soccer Preview
COHESIVENESS CRUCIAL FOR PIRATES, THIRTEEN NEWCOMERS
PARKVILLE, MO--The 2002 Park University men’s soccer team will be missing its four leading scorers from last season’s team which finished 11-7-2, including seniors Gorka Garcia and Adrian Callaghan. Gone also is Jerod Watkins, a gritty defender from Parkville, who graduated in May with a degree in Business Administration. So why, then, is second-year head coach Efrem Shimlis optimistic about the season ahead?
            A solid core of returners, led by senior defender Mike Heuze, senior goalkeeper Scott Woods, and midfielder Justin Boersma top a roster peppered with thirteen new names. Among the newcomers are Eric Ongao, Chris Lasaka, Enock Odede and Edwin Odipo. Shimlis and first-year assistant coach Timothy Kibune, a recent graduate of St. Gregory’s University, expect the newcomers to make an immediate impact.
           According to Shimlis, “Ongao, who has national team experience for the Kenyan National team is expected to lead our midfield position. Odipo, who led his team last year with 32 goals is expected to add fire power to our team.”
            Freshman Travis Jennings, a 2002 graduate of Park Hill South High School, will challenge for minutes in goal. As a senior, Jennings allowed an average of 1.44 goals per game in an eighteen-win season. Woods averaged 1.80 goals per game as the primary keeper for Park University last year.
            Figuring thirteen newcomers into an already-solid group of returning players will be the greatest challenge in the season ahead. “We have a group of very talented, hard-working, dedicated players,” said Shimlis. “I expect us to grow together into a cohesive, dynamic team.”
            Time is short for such large-scale gelling to take shape. After three accelerated pre-season weeks, Park, a new member of NAIA Region IV, will inaugurate its season schedule against preseason favorite Hastings College on Sunday, September 1, at 3:00 p.m. The event is also cast as Kansas City Wizards Day at Park University, where the MLS team will set up promotional attractions. Park narrowly defeated Hastings, 2-1, on the road in 2001.
            “Hastings College was one of the better teams we played last season as they went on to represent Region IV in the national tournament,” said Shimlis. “Newman University and Bellevue University are also expected to be challenging games for us. Both teams are in our conference and are often nationally ranked.” Other teams in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference include Haskell Indian Nations University, York College, Oklahoma Wesleyan, and Central Christian College. In preseason rankings released August 6, Park was slotted third in NAIA Region IV behind Hastings College and Newman University.

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