MCC-Maple Woods STC coordinator finishes debut season as professional coach

A fixture of the MCC-Maple Woods baseball program for the past few years, former assistant coach and current Sports Training Center coordinator Kenny Hook will finish his debut season with the Kansas City T-Bones Tuesday night against the RedHawks. Hook started this season as bench coach for the T-Bones.

Before joining the T-Bones coaching staff, Kenny built up almost a decade of collegiate coaching experience, in addition to his playing days at Crowder College and Benedictine College and for the semi-professional Amarillo Dillas in the Texas-Louisiana league.

For more information about the MCC-Maple Woods Sports Training Center, visit them on the web.

Former MCC-Maple Woods student athlete killed in action while serving in Afghanistan

Matt Mason, who grew up in the small town of Holt, Mo. and who excelled as a student, athlete, competitor and soldier, was recently killed in action when a Chinook helicopter carrying members of the US Navy's elite SEALs was shot down in Afghanistan.

Matt Mason, who attended Kearney High School, was known as an easy-going student, and a talented linebacker and first-baseman. Although he graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in geology and geography, he began his college career at MCC-Maple Woods in 1992, where he continued his drive to be a fiercely competitive athlete, playing baseball for the (former) Centaurs.

That drive continued when he joined the SEALs, something his family and friends said he had wanted to do for many years. Even after being badly injured in Iraq in 2004, Mason was competing in the Kansas City triathlon just months later. According to family, he never considered staying out of combat an option, rejoining the SEALs and serving in multiple war zone missions.

Matt Mason was a scholar, athlete, father and distinguished serviceman. MCC-Maple Woods, Kansas City and the United States is extremely grateful for his dedicated service to his country.

Baseball player Kyle Simpson heads to Missouri Western State University

From the LakeNewsOnline.com:

A former Camdenton Laker will continue his baseball career at the NCAA D-II level. Missouri Western State University announced that Kyle Simpson will transfer to play his junior and senior years with the Griffons.

Simpson played two years of junior college baseball for Metropolitan Community College-Longview in Kansas City. As a Longview Laker, Simpson was an all-region and all-district catcher and third baseman. As a freshman at Longview he hit .424 with six home runs while as a sophomore he hit .309 with two home runs.

Read more about Simpson here.

NJCAA honors MCC-Maple Woods student athletes

In addition to their on-field talent, several student-athletes at MCC-Maple Woods are flexing their scholarly muscles as well, earning academic honors from the National Junior College Athletics Association for their classroom performance.

Tara Chavez (women’s soccer), Kara Chavez (women’s soccer), Sheryl Mattox (softball) and Mallory White (softball) were each awarded for Exemplary Academic Achievement. Students earning this award must have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 to 3.79.

Tara and Kara are both graduates of Winnetonka High School and are the daughters of Paul Chavez and Theresa Quattlebaum of Kansas City.

Mallory White is a graduate of Marceline High School in Marceline, Mo., and is the daughter of Greg and Patti White. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the academic honor society for 2-year institutions.

Sheryl Mattox, daughter of Russell and Shirley Mattox, graduated from Archie High School in Archie, Mo. She is pursuing a degree in architectural engineering and is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Jeff Cline (baseball) was awarded for Superior Academic Excellence, which requires a 3.8 to 3.99 cumulative GPA. Jeff is a graduate of Platte City High School and is the son of Diane Cline.

Neil Smith (baseball) earned the highest academic honor recognized by the NJCAA – The Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence. Students who earn a perfect 4.0 GPA are selected for this award. Neil graduated from Hickman Mills High School in Columbia, Mo., and is pursuing a degree in biochemical engineering.

MCC-Maple Woods signs two hot pitching prospects

As summer practices heat up, new recruits are headed to Maple Woods.

Will Cameron - St. Jospeh High School. The left-handed pitcher and outfielder is a great hitter. According to Coach Marty Kilgore, he's a high-energy guy that shows the potential to be a two-way hitter. I believe that Will can help the Maple Woods Monarch on the bump and at the plate.

Daulton Terry - Bentonville High School. Highly sought-after as a senior, the right-handed pitcher already throws in the low-90s and is expected to provide a big contribution on the mound.

Former Monarch Nathan Ramler commits to Missouri Western

Nathan Ramler, one of the Monarchs' best offensive players this spring season, will be continuing his career at Missouri Western State University. Ramler led the Monarchs in several offensive categories after spending his first year injured.

Read more here.

MCC-Maple Woods Sports Training Center offering summer youth softball and baseball camps

Keeping the kids out and active this summer is easy at the MCC-Maple Woods sports training center. Baseball and softball camps, taught by college coaches and players, are available for kids aged 7-16. The camps will cover the fundamentals of both games. The camps are $100 per player. To register, send an email with name, address, phone number, school and age to Kenny Hook (baseball) or Kerry Casper (softball).

Baseball Monarchs complete a successful spring season

Another MCC-Maple Woods Monarchs team has completed a successful season, with the baseball team finishing its spring season with a record of 26-27 and placing third in the NJCAA Region XVI tournament. Although the weather was uncooperative at times, the Monarchs players worked hard against opponents like Jefferson College, Johnson County Community College and Crowder College.

In addition to team accomplishments, Jeff Cline and Nathan Ramler were also named to the all-region team for their personal achievements throughout the season. Head coach Marty Kilgore said that over the summer, the coaching staff will be working hard to help sophomores continue their baseball and academic careers at other institutions and recruiting for the 2012 season.

Owensville's Ryan Cooper commits to play baseball for Monarchs

The All-State senior from Owensville High School will bring a lot of athleticism and talent to the Monarchs next spring -  check him out here!

Lakers baseball headed to the post-season.

Coming off a victory in Iowa, the MCC-Longview Lakers baseball team will compete in the NJCAA Districts against Kansas's top team, Dodge City Community College.

The Lakers will then take on the Oklahoma top team, which is to be determined, in Oklahoma.

If they win there, the Lakers will advance to the NJCAA World Series in Enid, OK on May 28.

The Lakers are battle-tested and more than ready to take on any team. Wish them luck and keep them in your thoughts as they gear up for their ultimate goal, to bring home another National Championship.

Hometown newspaper features Lakers baseball player Shawn Egge

The Williston Herald caught up with Shawn as he is deep into another successful season with the Lakers. Check out the article as it highlights some of the great accomplishments and record breaking achievements Shawn has been making while played ball at Longview.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Monarchs Baseball Update

Cam Johnson and Grant Woods sign on to play baseball at MCC-Maple Woods

MCC-Maple Woods head baseball coach Marty Kilgore is busy building the 2012 recruiting class, signing talented high school players from the local area and the region to play for the Monarchs in the 2012 competitive season.

Cam Johnson, a senior from Lee's Summit, Mo., plays infield and outfield positions. Although he excelled for Lee's Summit West High School as a football player, Johnson chose to play baseball for the Monarchs instead of continuing with football. Kilgore expects Johnson to contribute in many areas. Watch the video here.

Grant Woods, a right-handed pitchers from Smithville, Mo., will be a big addition to the Monarchs pitching staff. Already throwing in the low 90s, Grant played on the Kansas City Royals scout team this year and Kilgore expects him to contribute immediately on the mound. Check out this article for more about Grant Woods.

Smithville pitcher Grant Woods signs with Monarchs

Smithville High School senior Grant Woods recently signed on to join the Monarchs for the 2011-2012 baseball season.

Read the full interview here!

Lakers baseball shuts out Rockhurst JV

A great story from The Longview Current about the Lakers' recent outing against Rockhurt.



From The Current:

The Longview Lakers swept Rockhurst JV in a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon on the MCC-Longview Campus. The Lakers rolled, thanks in large part, to great pitching outings from virtually everyone who touched the mound. Kyle Thornton was sensational, setting the tone at the start of the first game. Thornton put on a clinic, changing speeds and locations, keeping Rockhurst hitters guessing all afternoon.

Check out the story and more photos over on The Current's website.

MCC-Maple Woods Baseball Alum Stephen Ross (2010) finds success at Marshall

Former Monarch outfielder Stephen Ross (2010) was recruited by Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and is enjoying a successful season.

Read the full story here!

MCC-Maple Woods Baseball Alum Logan Morrison interview!

Logan Morrison, a former MCC-Maple Woods Monarch (2006) and current member of the Florida Marlins, gives an interview to "Answer Man" David Brown.

Check it out here!

Lakers go 3-1 in their first 4 games on the road

The MCC-Longview Lakers baseball team is 3-1 in their first four games in Enid, Oklahoma, this past Tuesday and Wednesday.

Way to go!

They travel back to Oklahoma this weekend where we hope the success and this beautiful weather continues.

Don't miss the Lakers' first home game coming up on March 5 and 6 at 1 p.m. against the Des Moines Area Community College.

For more information, check out the MCC-Longview Facebook page.

Play Ball! Spring Athletics are back at MCC-Maple Woods!

The baseball and softball Monarchs are back in action at MCC-Maple Woods for the spring semester.
The baseball Monarchs begin their season on the road, but will play their home opener against Iowa Central College at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at the MCC-MW baseball field.


The softball Monarchs also start the 2011 season on the road, and will play a double-header home opener against Highland Community College at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. March 8 at Happy Rock Park in Gladstone, Mo.

Register your child for the MCC-Longview winter baseball camps

Check out some of the exciting baseball camp opportunities offered by MCC-Longview's own Lakers Baseball coaches.



K through 6th grade camps

1st Session

Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7

2nd Session

Feb. 14, 21, 28 & March 7

Times

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cost

$80 for one session

$150 for two sessions

These pitching and/or hitting camps are progressive camps. Each session is four dates for one hour each time. Participants have the choice of picking one of two time slots and doing pitching and/or hitting. Pitching camps will focus on developing proper mechanics and increasing strike percentage. Hitting camps will focus on proper mechanics and increasing consistency of contact. Each time slot is limited to 6 hitters and 6 pitchers. Call now to reserve your spot.


7th Grade though 12th Grade camps

Jan.15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5

Pitching/Catching- 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Hitting- 3:30 - 6 p.m.

Cost

Pitching $50, Hitting $50 and Catching $20

Pitching and Hitting $90

Catching and Hitting $60

All four Pitching $180

All four Hitting $180

All four Catching $60

Four Pitching and Hitting $360

Four Catching and Hitting $240

Four individual camps will highlight either pitching or catching and/or hitting. Pitchers will work on mechanics and ways to increase velocity. Catchers will work on basic receiving and blocking skills and throwing.
The Hitting camp will focus on ways to increase power and consistency of contact. All camps will be age appropriate.

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All camps will be instructed by the MCC-Longview Lakers baseball coaching staff, Head Coach Clint Culbertson and Assistant Ramon Grado. In 2007, their first year coaching the Lakers, they led the team to their first ever National Championship title. Since then the Lakers have won Regional Titles in 07, 08 and 10 and won District Titles in 07 and O8 and made another World Series appearance in 08.

Culbertson has coached at the collegiate level for eleven years including a four year stint at the University of Central Missouri, making the World Series each of his four years. There, as pitching coach, he won his first National Championship title in 2003.

Together Coaches Culbertson and Grado have over 20 years of baseball coaching experience.

Questions? Call Coach Culbertson at 816.604.2193 or email him at clint.culbertson@mcckc.edu