In 1958, San Diego State won the NAIA Baseball National Championship, the one and only in program history. The team went 3-0 at the national championship which was hosted at Sul Ross College in Alpine, Texas. The Aztecs defeated Elon (11-1), St. Cloud State (17-0) and Southwestern Oklahoma (23-9). The team still holds the record for most runs scored in an NAIA national championship game (23) and at the time set NAIA championship game records for most hits (21), most runs by both teams (32), runs in one inning (12) and RBI (18). That year first baseman Jerry Smith, shortstop Tom Rinks and pitcher Steve Evans were named to the all-tournament team.

The NAIA recently met-up with teammates Mr. Larry Schimpf and Mr. Art Flaming…check out what they had to say about their national championship run and student-athlete experience. A big congrats to Mr. Schimpf and Mr. Flaming on their induction into the Hall of Fame.

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Behind the starting line at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington, nearly 700 runners made their final preparations for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships. Over 1,500 fans from near and far lined the course as student-athletes made their journey through the park’s historic Parade Ground and Great Meadow.

Dave Haglund, Commissioner for the Cascade Collegiate Conference, and Matt English, Athletics Director at Concordia University (Ore.), made the push to bring the national championship to the Pacific Northwest in 2009 and currently retain host duties through 2012. According to co-hosts the NAIA Cross Country National Championship isn’t just a race, it is an experience.

“We strive to create an experience that is memorable and unique,” said Haglund. “Participation in a national championship is a big deal for these student-athletes. For many it may be their one and only opportunity to compete on the national stage. We’ve tried to build experiences that are attractive to the student-athlete beyond the race itself.”

The multi-day event pulsated with lessons both on and off the course. Student-athletes took a break in race day prep and participated in Champions of Character community outreach events, attended movie night at the Hilton Vancouver and relaxed in the interactive Red Bull-Verizon Experience Lounge with games, music and conversation.

Haglund and English along with hundreds of volunteers invited all the runners to the NAIA Cross Country Opening Ceremonies where the athletes had the opportunity to meet and greet American record holder and collegiate champion Galen Rupp and his coach Alberto Salazar.

And then there’s the race itself. With long distance running wildly popular in the Pacific Northwest fans lined the course as runners made their way through the park-like setting with the Vancouver/Portland metropolitan area in the background. This year Cal State San Marcos took home the women’s team title and Oklahoma Christian won team honors on the men’s side. After the last runner crossed the finish line there was a pasta dinner and after party sponsored by Red Bull-Verizon.

The race – the Cascade Collegiate Conference and Concordia University-Portland – provided value beyond and created a memorable student-athlete experiences.

By Kristie VerMulm, Evening Anchor, KTIV (NBC) News

(Photos courtesy of Taylor University Sports Information)

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) – Thousands have come to Sioux City this week to cheer on their teams in the NAIA Women’s National Volleyball Championship. It’s the fourth year Sioux City has played host to this event.

24 teams from across the country are taking part in the pool play tournament that leads to single elimination brackets. Tournament officials say teams like playing at the Tyson Events Center because they can play and practice in the same building. And they appreciate the support they get from fans in the stands.

“They appreciate having people watching them and you don’t have to have your team in the tournament. You can find a team and they will enjoy it. And bring your kids down, because it’s a great family thing to do,” said Corey Westra, NAIA Volleyball Tournament Co-Director.

So what kind of skills do these players need to take home a title? Kristie VerMulm ventured out on the volleyball court with some of the top athletes in their field to find out what it takes to play at this level.

The Taylor University Trojans from Upland, Indiana are making their seventh national tournament appearance. It’s their third straight year competing for a title in Sioux City.

“It’s a fun game to play,” said Coach Brittany Smith.

Smith, a former Taylor player herself, says volleyball is about momentum and teamwork.

“It’s a loud game. It’s a fast game. But, it’s ultimately a game of momentum. You’re building on the next play and the next play and the next play,” said Brittany Smith.

Click here to read complete story.

Lady Bobcats Raised $10,000 for Joplin High School 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Tuesday the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (CTSA) named the College of the Ozarks (Mo.) women’s basketball team the recipient of the 4th Annual “All That’s Right in Sport” award. The Lady Bobcats will be honored during the 13th Annual National Sportsmanship Awards hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission and CTSA in fall 2012.

The National Sportsmanship Awards celebrates athletes, programs and personalities from around the nation that exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct and community service. It is one of the most prestigious sports awards events in the country and features major league superstars and local favorites, as well as individuals who may not necessarily be household names, but bring with them the most heartwarming stories.

Every so often there is a sports story so compelling it deserves a moment of reflection. On May 22, 2011, an EF4 tornado struck Joplin, Mo. about 100 miles from Point Lookout where College of the Ozarks sits. It was the deadliest tornado to hit the United States since 1974, and nearly six months later the stricken city is gradually recuperating. People throughout the country had a choice to do nothing or do something to help. College of the Ozarks senior guard Maranda Vaught, whose grandparents live in Joplin, and her teammates decided to take action and make a difference. With support from the coaching staff the team organized a Rebound and Rebuild alumni benefit game and raised $10,000 for the Joplin High School girls’ basketball team. The money went toward the purchase of new uniforms and equipment for the Lady Eagles. 

“After the tornado hit Joplin, our coaching staff and players discussed what our team could to help with this rebuilding effort,” said College of the Ozarks Head Coach George Wilson. “As we narrowed our focus to one specific group we could impact, we decided that we wanted to assist the Joplin High School girls’ basketball team.”  

“We were very overwhelmed with College of the Ozarks, the women’s basketball team and coaches in how they took it upon themselves to rescue our program,” said Joplin Lady Eagles Basketball Coach Vicki Spivy. “Their heart is so big and passionate. We will forever be thankful to Coach Wilson, his staff and his girls for what they did for us. Not just material things were given, but hope was restored. My girls realized that there are great people in this world and it starts with the team from College of the Ozarks.”

Nearly 25 former and current College of the Ozarks players united for a benefit game and more than 80 items were sold in the silent auction. Word spread. Faculty, administrators and students rallied around the event which garnered support from the Branson community and beyond.  

“A great game, a great turnout, a great need in Joplin,” added College of the Ozarks Athletics Director Al Waller. “Most important, over $10,000 raised to help an area team that lost everything in the devastating tornado last May.” 

To learn more about the National Sportsmanship Awards contact the St. Louis Sports Commission at 314-992-0687.

About the NAIA: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

NAIA Football: The ninth installment of the 2011 NAIA National Football Players of the Week was announced on Monday by the national office. Cris Basch of Saint Mary (Kan.) was named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, Treyton Buresh of Midland (Neb.) was tabbed NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week and John van den Raadt of Azusa Pacific (Calif.) was selected as NAIA Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 24 – 30. These winners were chosen out of a pool of player of the week performers among 10 conferences and Independents.

Cris Basch, a 5-foot-11, 195 pound junior linebacker, was the defensive difference-maker in the Spires’ 34-31 win over McPherson (Kan.) on Oct. 29. He finished with 12 tackles (7 solo), including 2.0 tackles-for-a-loss, 1.0 sack, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He returned one pick for a 30-yard touchdown that put Saint Mary on the board in the first quarter. His other interception led to a score by the Spires offense. The native of Las Vegas, N.V., ranks third in the NAIA in tackles-for-loss (19.5) and 10th in tackles per game (10.1).

Treyton Buresh, a 5-foot-6, 165 pound sophomore kicker, broke a school record in the 29-3 victory over Concordia (Neb.) on Saturday. The native of Lincoln, Neb., connected on a school-best five field goals, which shattered the previous mark of three. Two of his kicks were from 35-plus yards out, including a 42-yarder to cap off the scoring in the fourth quarter. Those field goals were his first on the season as he is now 5-of-6 in that category.

John van den Raadt, a 6-foot-3, 210 pound senior quarterback, accumulated 388 yards of total offense and scored four touchdowns in the 51-28 win over Southern Oregon on Saturday. In the passing game, he went 14-of-26 for 216 yards and two scores. He complemented that effort with 172 rushing yards on 19 carries (9.1 ypc) and two touchdowns. van den Raadt led his squad to 512 yards of total offense. He ranks fourth in the NAIA in rushing yards per game (107.9) and fifth in total offense (2,381 yards). The native of Mira Loma, Calif., set Azusa Pacific’s career completions record (501) over his four-year ledger.

NAIA Men’s Soccer: The ninth installment of the 2011 NAIA National Men’s Soccer Players of the Week were announced on Tuesday by the national office: Deshorn Brown of Mobile (Ala.) was named NAIA Offensive Player of the Week and Greg Hartley of Belhaven (Miss.) was named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week. They were selected based on their performances from Oct. 24 – 30 and were chosen out of a pool of conference/independent/unaffiliated groupings.

Deshorn Brown, a 5-foot-10 sophomore forward, posted five goals for 10 points in two victories last week. The native of Manchester, Jamaica, notched two scores in the 4-0 win over No. 12 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) on Oct. 25. The match was a battle of the top-two teams in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). The four goals allowed tied the highest amount given up by a Senator defense this year. Brown followed that effort with a hat trick in the 5-0 triumph over Spring Hill (Ala.) on Oct. 29.  He ranks first in the NAIA in total goals (29) and total points (60).

Greg Hartley, a 6-foot junior goalkeeper, allowed only one goal and made 12 saves in a pair of SSAC road victories last week. He finished with eight saves in the 3-0 victory at Faulkner (Ala.) on Oct. 25 and then compiled four saves in the 2-1 win at No. 7 William Carey (Miss.) on Oct. 29. Thanks to the efforts of Hartley, William Carey scored one goal for just the fourth time this season (in 17 matches). In the NAIA rankings, the native of Manchester, England, is sixth in goals against average (0.540).

This week Chad Waller, NAIA Director of Sports Information and Media Services and Jake Knabel Sports Information and Media Services Intern, talk with NAIA footballers and volleyball players at the top of their game.

The eighth installment of the 2011 NAIA National Football Players of the Week was announced on Monday by the national office. Dantren Anderson of MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) was named NAIA Defensive  Player of the Week, Tom Lynch of Saint Xavier (Ill.) was tabbed NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week and E.J. White of St. Francis (Ill.) was selected as NAIA Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 17 – 23. These winners were chosen out of a pool of player of the week performers among 10 conferences and Independents.

Concordia (Calif.) opposite hitter Brooke Marino has been named the NAIA Volleyball National Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Marino was selected based on her performance from Oct. 17 – 23 and was chosen out of a pool of conference player of the week selections among 23 conference/independent/unaffiliated groupings.