Seniors quit QU women’s soccer program amid accusations of bullying, inappropriate behavior

The Quincy University women's soccer team warms up prior to the second half of last Sunday's game against Southwest Baptist under the watchful eye of graduate assistant coach Michele Barletta. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s soccer team planned to board a charter bus at 9 a.m. Friday and head toward Kansas City for a pair of Great Lakes Valley Conference games that will impact the Hawks’ postseason pursuit. The Hawks did so without a full roster. A tumultuous week featuring one player being dismissed…

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Schuck on a Truck: Former QU All-American Dayson Croes discusses first season playing professional baseball

QUINCY — It started with the American Association’s longest hitting streak of the season and ended with Rookie of the Year honors. Dayson Croes’ first season as a professional baseball player was an undeniable hit. He capped it with a tournament championship in Mexico. Croes, the former Quincy University All-American infielder, signed with the Winnipeg…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s soccer team wins GLVC matchup, QU men settle for draw

Quincy University freshman midfielder Reegan Hess shields the ball from a Southwest Baptist player during Sunday's game at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s soccer team continues to keep itself in the conversation for postseason play. The QU men are desperately trying to get some results that do that same. Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Southwest Baptist moved the QU women to 3-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and into ninth place in…

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Truman State methodically erases QU’s lead, rallies to win GLVC showdown in overtime

Truman State quarterback Nolan Hair outruns the Quincy University defense to the front corner of the end zone for a game-winning 20-yard touchdown in overtime Saturday at Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Truman State athletics/Timothy Barcus

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Coming oh-so-close hurts oh-so-much. Quincy University football coach Gary Bass felt that pain for his players Saturday afternoon. The Hawks grabbed a 20-0 lead over No. 24 Truman State in the first 13 minutes of their first road game of the season, but managed to score just seven points over the remaining…

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Hawks finish homestand with best start since 1994 following resilient effort against Bearcats

Quincy University safety Joseph Webb, left, brings down Southwest Baptist running back Abel Carter during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — The schedule gave the Quincy University football team every opportunity to build some momentum before facing the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s heavyweights. All the Hawks needed to do was be resilient enough to take advantage of it. Saturday, the Hawks proved they were. Quincy trailed Southwest Baptist for a majority of the second…

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Second-half surge carries QU football team to third stright victory heading into GLVC play

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett, left, pressures Northern Michigan quarterback Mariano Valenti during Saturday's game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An air of frustration in the Quincy University football team’s locker room seemed inevitable. Twice during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Northern Michigan, the Hawks forced and recovered fumbles that gave them possession at the Wildcats’ 27-yard line both times. Neither time did Quincy score. First, the Hawks missed a 43-yard…

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Hawks’ Davis sets friendships with former teammates aside to lead Hawks to victory

Quincy University quarterback Drake Davis threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns during Saturday's 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As the Quincy University football team prepared for its final non-conference game, Drake Davis needed to shift his way of thinking. Friends were now foes. Northern Michigan visited QU Stadium on Saturday, which meant Davis, the Hawks’ first-year starting quarterback, was going up against his former teammates. Davis transferred to Quincy after deciding…

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Photo gallery: QU football team heads into GLVC play following victory over Northern Michigan

Quincy University wide receivers Travis Isaac, left, and Jalen Lawrence react after Isaac scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass Saturday against Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team is taking a three-game winning streak into Great Lakes Valley Conference play following Saturday’s 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at the venerable stadium and put together this photo gallery:

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Schuckman: Coaching camaraderie that brought Izzo to town helps create fervor for QU season

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, left, and Quincy University coach Steve Hawkins entertain the crowd with a question-and-answer session during Sunday's tip-off banquet in QU's Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Logistically, it didn’t make sense. Tom Izzo didn’t care. Steve Hawkins needed the right person to headline the Quincy University men’s basketball program’s first tip-off banquet, and the Michigan State Hall of Fame coach willingly obliged, despite the whirlwind schedule it created. Izzo boarded a plane from East Lansing, Mich., to Quincy early…

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Photo gallery: QU tip-off banquet draws large crowd to hear Michigan State’s Tom Izzo speak

Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo, left, signs a copy of the book "Mr. March" for a fan prior to Sunday night's QU men's basketball program's tip-off banquet at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tom Izzo is entertaining. Steve Hawkins is, too. Put the Michigan State and Quincy University men’s basketball coaches on the stage together and time flies with the stories they tell. That’s what took place Sunday night in QU’s Pepsi Arena where Izzo served as the guest speaker at the QU basketball program’s first…

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Lightning strikes, Hawks roll: QU football team puts away Fort Lauderdale with 42-point first half

Quincy University junior running back Jadon Washington, right, looks for running room Saturday against the University of Fort Lauderdale at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — It turns out three quarters was enough. The Quincy University football team led the University of Fort Lauderdale 42-0 at halftime Saturday at QU Stadium, tacked on another touchdown in the third quarter and went to the locker room due to a lightning delay with a 49-0 edge. The game resumed and teams…

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Schuckman: Those criticizing QU’s lopsided victory need to dig deeper to see final score didn’t come from lack of sportsmanship

Quincy University running back Teon Dollard — the Hawks' third-string back — breaks loose for a 54-yard gain in the second quarter of last Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The only way to truly understand how the Quincy University football coaches handled a situation none of them enjoyed would have been to be one of the few on the sidelines or in the coaches’ booth wearing a headset. Without being privy to those conversations, it’s difficult to claim the Hawks chose to…

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Hawks set single-game scoring record with 89-0 drubbing of Crusaders

Quincy University tight end Hans Wisnewski (81) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown reception with offensive lineman Austin Dearing (74) during Saturday's game against Madonna University at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The video from Saturday’s 89-0 sandblasting of Madonna University could be an invaluable tool for Quincy University football coach Gary Bass and his staff to use in molding the depth chart this season and evaluating how to build future rosters. Now the coaches possess film on everyone. The highest-scoring game in program history…

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Photo gallery: QU football team rewrites single-game records in whitewashing of Madonna

Quincy University quarterback Ike Wiley, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate, looks to pass during the second quarter of Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team established new single-game records for points scored and margin of victory during Saturday’s 89-0 lambasting of Madonna University at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this photo gallery:

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QU volleyball team captures title of own invitational by outlasting Upper Iowa in five sets

The Quincy University volleyball team reacts to winning a point during a match against Edinboro during the Quincy Invitational at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Payton Miller

QUINCY — The Quincy University volleyball team was pushed to the limit to complete a sweep of the Quincy Invitational field on Saturday night. The Hawks outlasted Upper Iowa 25-11, 23-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12 in the final match of the weekend, ending the event with three victories and improving to 6-1 overall this season. Forced…

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Former QU All-American Croes earns postseason all-star nod as rookie in American Association

Former Quincy University All-American infielder Dayson Croes was named an American Association postseason all-star after leading the league in hits with 135 as a rookie. | Photo courtesy Winnipeg Goldeyes

QUINCY — Dayson Croes proved he was more than a professional hitter during his rookie season in the American Association. He was All-Star material, too. The former Quincy University All-American infielder was named to the American Association’s postseason all-star team after leading the Winnipeg Goldeyes in hitting with a .351 average and leading the league…

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QU’s Plunkett earns GLVC Defensive Player of the Week after big plays against Chadron State

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after returning a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown and setting up another score with an interception last Thursday night against Chadron State. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A new number. Same attitude and effort. Peyton Plunkett’s aggressive approach to playing linebacker for the Quincy University football team is why he is considered a lynchpin of the Hawks’ defense. It showed in the season-opening 35-34 loss to Chadron State as Plunkett helped the Hawks dig out of a 22-0 hole to…

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Same old situation? Hawks say not at all despite Eagles’ late TD costing them season opener

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, right, looks to attack a ball carrier after the snap during the first half Thursday night against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Some may see it as the same old song and dance. Jackson Connell insists it’s a different tune, and he’s been around the Quincy University football program long enough to know the difference. Sure, the self-inflicted wounds responsible for allowing Chadron State to sneak out of QU Stadium on Thursday night with a…

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Photo gallery: QU football team opens season under lights against Chadron State

Quincy University senior defensive end David Tabakovic leads the Hawks onto the field for Thursday night's season opener against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team opened its season Thursday night, rallying from a 22-point deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter before Chadron State scored in the final minute to snare a 35-34 victory at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this…

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Answers don’t come easy: Hawks need to respond after allowing five goals in season opener

Quincy University midfielder Lewis Chapman, left, congratulates freshman midfielder Carter Venvertloh after the former Quincy High School all-stater scored his first career goal in Thursday's game against Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alex Lehmann doesn’t want youth to be the Quincy University men’s soccer team’s crutch. “I made a mistake that cost us a goal,” the senior defender and captain said. “So it’s not the young guys. We’re a team. Win as a team, lose as a team.” Respond as a team, too. The Hawks…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s soccer team opens season with loss to Wisconsin-Parkside

Quincy University freshman goalkeeper George Roke makes one of his 11 saves in Thursday's season opener against Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The youthful Quincy University men’s soccer team showed some resolve and the ability to create scoring opportunities. The Hawks also struggled defensively, losing 5-3 in their season opener Thursday afternoon to Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this photo gallery after spending the afternoon with the Hawks:

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Inside QU football: Five players who will impact how much success Hawks enjoy

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett is expected to be one of the central figures in the middle of the Hawks' defense this season. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team kicks off its season Thursday night by welcoming Chadron State, an NCAA Division II program in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, to QU Stadium. The Hawks are coming off a 4-7 season — their seventh consecutive losing season — but have the advantage of playing eight home games…

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GLVC preseason polls: QU volleyball team in top four, soccer teams both in bottom half of league

Sophomore middle blocker Alice Pavan, center, and the Quincy University women's volleyball team will try to duplicate last season's success. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Expectations remain high for the Quincy University women’s volleyball team, while the Hawks have something to prove in men’s and women’s soccer. The Great Lakes Valley Conference released its fall preseason coaches polls this week with the volleyball team still earning respect after winning the league’s regular-season championship last fall and grabbing the…

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Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo to speak at QU men’s basketball program’s Tip-Off Banquet

Tom Izzy's teams at Michigan State have won 10 regular-season Big Ten Championships and six Big Ten Tournaments while making eight Final Four appearances. | Photo courtesy of Michigan State University

QUINCY — Hall of Fame college basketball coach Tom Izzo will be the featured speaker during the Quincy University men’s basketball program’s annual Tip-Off Banquet, scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 in Pepsi Arena on the QU campus. Izzo has been the head coach at Michigan State University since 1995. Izzo was elected to…

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Aquatic center at Quincy University gets new name after receiving support from Bank of Springfield

The Quincy University swimming pool and aquatic facilities will now be known as the BOS Aquatic Center, thanks to financial support from Bank of Springfield. The facility is home to the QU men's and women's swimming programs. | Photo courtesy of Quincy University

QUINCY — Quincy University recently announced the naming of the university’s swimming pool and aquatic facilities as the BOS Aquatic Center after receiving financial support from Bank of Springfield. In a press release, Tom Marantz, Bank of Springfield CEO and chairman of the board, said, “BOS believes in the mission of education and the dedication…

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Trip to Australia will provide QU women’s soccer players with once-in-a-lifetime experience

Second-year Quincy University women's soccer coach Mackenzie Schissel is taking the Hawks to Australia this week to play two exhibition games and attend three Women's World Cup games. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alayna Vela has watched enough of past Women’s World Cup events to understand how incredibly passionate and unique the fans are. Now, she gets to see it up close. Vela, a sophomore midfielder on the Quincy University women’s soccer team, is part of the Hawks’ 45-person traveling party heading to Australia this week.…

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Hawks’ Kirn earns chance to pitch against college baseball’s best in Cape Cod League

Griffin Kirn, a senior left-handed pitcher for the Quincy University baseball team and a Quincy Notre Dame graduate, will finish the summer pitching in the prestigious Cape Cod League. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Griffin Kirn happened to be enjoying a relaxing midsummer afternoon when Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel unexpectedly called. “I figured it was to check in and see how my summer was going,” said Kirn, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior left-handed pitcher. There was a little more to this call. Schissel had been contacted…

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Former QU All-American infielder Croes to play in American Association all-star game

Former Quincy University All-American infielder Dayson Croes is representing the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association All-Star Game with a .342 average, which is the third highest in the league. | Photo courtesy Dave Mahussier/Winnipeg Goldeyes

FRANKLIN, Wis. — Throughout Dayson Croes’ three-year stint as an All-American infielder for the Quincy University baseball team, his coaches continually used a two-word phrase to describe Aruba native. Professional hitter. He’s proving just how accurate that is. The left-handed hitting Croes will represent the Winnipeg Goldeyes in Tuesday’s American Association of Professional Baseball all-star…

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Angels select Hawks right-handed reliever Gockel in ninth round of MLB draft

Right-handed reliever Chase Gockel went 3-0 with four saves in 21 appearances for the Quincy University baseball team in the spring. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Word of Chase Gockel’s electric fastball, the kind that made Quincy University baseball fans anxious to see how high the velocity would register, brought Major League Baseball scouts to the stadium. How he used the fastball in unison with his slider made them take note. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Angels liked the combination…

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Former QU southpaw Martin gets call up to Triple-A Iowa, while Croes, Logsdon get pro careers off to strong starts

Former Quincy University left-hander Riley Martin was called up to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Tuesday after an impressive first two months with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The number of former Quincy University baseball players pursuing professional playing careers more than doubled in the last month. One of the Hawks chasing their big-league dream moved a step closer to that reality Tuesday. Left-handed reliever Riley Martin was promoted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs after a sterling first two months coming…

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Hawks’ Schissel named NCBWA Division II Coach of the Year, Napleton first-team All-American

Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel, left, has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Coach of the Year. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Capping a record-setting season with a first-in-school-history honor is quite special. Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel earned that. Hawks catcher Luke Napleton earned his All-American honor, too. Schissel, the second-year skipper who led the Hawks to a 47-11 record while winning both the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championships, was…

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Napleton, D’Alessio among four QU baseball players to enter transfer portal

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton follows the flight of one of his 29 home runs this season. The single-season record holder for dingers announced he is entering the NCAA transfer portal. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two starters from the record-setting Quincy University baseball team are among four Hawks who are entering the NCAA transfer portal. Junior catcher Luke Napleton and junior shortstop Gino D’Alessio are exploring opportunities to move to the NCAA Division I level, while senior infielder Logan Voth is seeking the chance for more at-bats and…

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Dreams of Division II World Series berth dashed as soft-tossing lefties befuddle Hawks in super regional

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon and the Hawks saw their record-breaking season end Saturday with a 5-2 loss to Indianapolis in the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Olivia Kindt, QU Athletics

QUINCY — That’s just baseball. Those three words were the only way the Quincy University baseball team could make sense of an unlikely finish to an incredible season. The Hawks were ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division II by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and No. 4 by Collegiate Baseball. However, they saw their…

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Saturday sweep needed: Top-seeded Hawks face elimination after losing super regional opener

Quincy University shortstop Joe Huffman sizes up a pitch during Friday's opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional against Indianapolis at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The weather hasn’t always been ideal, but Saturdays at QU Stadium throughout the spring have been perfect nonetheless. One more flawless Saturday is needed. The Quincy University baseball team finds itself in a win-twice-or-it’s-over scenario following Friday’s 4-3 loss to Indianapolis in the opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional,…

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Greyhounds’ Donaldson seizes extra opportunity to spoil final home start for Hawks’ Walker

In his final career start at QU Stadium, right-hander Spencer Walker went 7 2/3 innings while allowing four runs and five hits with nine strikeouts. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker never saw exactly where Luke Napleton caught the fastball or where it crossed the plate. He didn’t think he needed to look. With runners on second and third and two outs in the top of the eighth inning Friday at QU Stadium, the Quincy University senior right-hander felt he’d painted the…

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Photo gallery: QU, Indianapolis square off in Midwest Super Regional at QU Stadium

A young fan waves a Quincy University baseball towel during Friday's NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional turned into a pitchers’ duel, one the seventh-seeded University of Indianapolis baseball team won with a 4-3 victory over top-seeded Quincy University on Friday at QU Stadium. The Hawks (47-10) must win twice Saturday to advance to the D-II World Series in…

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Super regional primer: Top-seeded Hawks chasing World Series berth against Greyhounds

Two of Quincy University's record-setting hitters — Gino D'Alessio, left, and Luke Napleton — leads the Hawks into the best-of-three Midwest Super Regional against Indianapolis beginning at 3 p.m. Friday at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball program is guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Division II World Series for the third consecutive season and the seventh time in the past nine seasons. Will it be the team of destiny or the ultimate underdog? A best-of-three series taking place at QU Stadium will decide…

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Hawks’ Napleton becomes fourth QU standout to be named Midwest Region Player of the Year

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton has been named the Midwest Region Player of the Year, become the fourth Hawk in program history to receive the honor. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton’s historic season has him in line for All-American honors. The Quincy University junior catcher was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s Midwest Region Player of the Year and a first-team all-region selection, which makes him eligible for All-American consideration. QU coach Matt Schissel was named the Midwest Region Coach of…

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Super duper: Hawks score six times in first inning to extinguish Timberwolves’ hope, advance to super regional

The Quincy University baseball players celebrate after the final out in Saturday's 9-0 victory over Northwood to advance to the NCAA Division II Midwest super regional. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU athletics

QUINCY — Eight innings remained, but any hope Northwood had of stymying the steamroller better known as the Quincy University baseball team evaporated after a single frame. The Hawks weren’t surrendering a six-run lead. Not one game from reaching the super regional. Not with Jay Hammel in control on the mound. And certainly not at…

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Hammel’s first-pitch dominance takes pressure off bullpen, shuts down Timberwolves

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel delivers a pitch during Saturday's game against Northwood in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Olivia Kindt, QU athletics

QUINCY — A walkie talkie hangs from the netting stretched around the Quincy University baseball team’s dugout and always within Hawks coach Matt Schissel’s reach. It’s how he communicates with the bullpen during a game. Saturday, he hardly touched it. Right-handed starter Jay Hammel alleviated any pressure on Schissel and the bullpen during the final…

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‘Do your job’: Simple premise leads to extraordinary results as Hawks move one victory closer to super regional

QUINCY — It’s a philosophy so basic it comes across as too simple at times. “Everybody does their job,” Luke Napleton said, “and the team wins.” The Quincy University catcher can point to Friday’s performance against Northwood as the perfect example of that. The top-seeded team in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional received a…

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Kirn’s bulldogged performance is further proof nothing can knock Hawks down for good

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn, left, stretches to help alleviate the pain after getting hit just below the rib cage with a line drive during the third inning of Friday's game against Northwood in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Griffin Kirn could have snuck away to the bathroom or a corner of the dugout at any point during the final two innings Friday to see just what kind of mark was left by the line drive that hit him squarely below the rib cage on his left side. He didn’t bother. It…

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Napleton gets back in power groove, breaks GLVC single-season home run record with two dingers

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton, left, and pitcher Joe Byers celebrate on of Napleton's two home runs during Friday's NCAA Division II Midwest Regional victory over Northwood at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Going 20 at-bats without hitting a home run may not seem like much of a drought, but Luke Napleton knew he had taken several swings since his last blast. None of them felt like the right rhythm. “I’ve been rolling over the past few games, being a little early,” the Quincy University catcher…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team beats Northwood to move one win from super regional

From left to right, Troy Logsdon, Brad Boynton and Chris Kirn celebrate Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn ending the seventh inning of Friday's NCAA Division II Midwest Regional victory over Northwood with a strikeout. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As each day passes, the Quincy University baseball team moves a step closer to its ultimate goal. Saturday, the Hawks can take a leap forward. They will face Northwood at noon Saturday at QU Stadium, needing to win just once to capture the regional title and advance to the super regional. The top-seeded…

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Marinara muscle: Full-scale Italian meal fuels Hawks’ power surge in Midwest Regional opener

Quincy University leadoff hitter Gino D'Alessio, left, celebrates one of his his three home runs Thursday with third-base coach Chandler Purcell as the Hawks eliminated Wayne State with an 18-8 victory. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Paul D’Alessio decided he needed to fuel the Quincy University baseball team with some Italian power this week. So Tuesday, he assembled the kind of feast a loving nonna would serve to her family at Sunday dinner. Pasta, meatballs, sausage, chicken cacciatore, etc. It was the kind of meal where you wipe the…

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Photo gallery: QU, Northwood win on opening day of NCAA Division II Midwest Regional

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker catches a throw back from catcher Luke Napleton during Thursdays game against Wayne State in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two teams that have gone head-to-head in NCAA Division II regional play twice before with try to eliminate each other once again. The top-seeded Quincy University baseball team and fifth-seeded Northwood both beat Wayne State on Thursday on the opening day of the Midwest Regional at QU Stadium. The Timberwolves scored three times…

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Position of power: Wosman returns to seeing barrel meet ball, crushes pair of homers for Hawks

Quincy University's Nolan Wosman. left, celebrates one of his two home runs Thursday against Wayne State with teammates Austin Simpson, center, and Lance Logsdon during the Hawks' 18-8 victory at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Nolan Wosman has never lost sight of what matters. A frustrating weekend swinging the bat couldn’t change that. A week ago, during the Quincy University baseball team’s four-game march to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship, the senior second baseman struggled to marry the barrel to the ball. He went 2 for…

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NCAA Midwest Regional primer: Eight things you need to know about QU baseball team

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton has hit 19 of his single-season record 27 home runs at QU Stadium this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team’s pursuit of a trip to Cary, N.C., begins in earnest Thursday with the start of NCAA Division II Midwest Regional play. The top-seeded Hawks, who carry a 44-9 record into the postseason, will face either Northwood or Wayne State at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at QU Stadium. The Timberwolves…

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Nice ring to it: Hawks capture GLVC Tournament championship, earn No. 1 Midwest Regional seed

The Quincy University baseball team celebrates winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship following Sunday's 13-6 victory over Drury at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Jared McFarlane, Great Lakes Valley Conference

MARION, Ill. — The first step is always the hardest or so the adage goes. If that rings true, the Quincy University baseball team better ready itself for a prolonged journey. The Hawks followed up their regular-season Great Lakes Valley Conference championship by winning the GLVC Tournament, capping a four-game swath through the tourney field…

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Schuckman: Days like this are reason Hammel returned to Hawks to pitch one more season

Quincy University pitcher Jay Hammel, left, gets congratulated by teammates and coaches as he comes off the field following an inning during Sunday's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship game against Drury at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Jared McFarlane, Great Lakes Valley Conference

QUINCY — Jay Hammel wrestled with the decision. Should he stay or should he go? Last May, Hammel graduated from Quincy University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies. He also fashioned a 9-2 record as a right-handed starter for the QU baseball team, helping the Hawks get within one victory of a…

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Carpenter shuts down Saints, sends Hawks into GLVC Tournament title game

Quincy University left-hander Tyler Carpenter delivers a pitch during Saturday's game against Maryville in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

MARION, Ill. — Tyler Carpenter got mad. Then he got nasty. That made the Maryville baseball team’s plans to rally obsolete. The Quincy University left-handed reliever entered Saturday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament game in the fifth inning with the Hawks ahead 9-7, two outs and two runners on base. The Saints’ Jed Zebig greeted…

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DuPont hits it where Greyhounds can’t catch it, Hawks play stellar defense to advance

Quincy University third baseman Dustin DuPoint hit a three-run home run Friday night in the Hawks' 7-5 victory over Indianapolis in the second round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. | Matt Schuckman file photo

MARION, Ill. — No matter how hard Dustin DuPont hit the ball in his first two at-bats Friday night — he stung it with authority both times — University of Indianapolis center fielder Brandon DeWitt ran down those line drives for the first out in both the first and third innings. “I got back to…

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Offensive tackle Wilson becomes first QU player ever to sign contract with NFL franchise

Quincy University left tackle BJ Wilson signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers this week, becoming the first player in QU history to sign with an NFL franchise. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — BJ Wilson was standing in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport when he received the phone call that made him part of Quincy University football history. In the midst of so many people, the 6-foot-7, 320-pound Wilson tried his best not to make a scene. “I’m in a crowded airport in a very public…

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QU’s Napleton receives GLVC Player of the Year honor, while Schissel is Coach of the Year

Quincy University junior catcher Luke Napleton, left, was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Not long after Luke Napleton left QU Stadium the day he broke the Quincy University baseball program’s single-season home run record, he received a text message with a video attached. It was from Ryan Snyder, the slugger whose record Napleton broke, who wanted to congratulate the Hawks junior catcher. Snyder may need to…

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Put a ring on it: Hawks head into postseason ready to chase championships, earn some new bling

Quincy University center fielder Brock Boynton, center, and the Hawks look to celebrate a championship this weekend by winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Marion, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brock Boynton can envision a championship ring sizable enough to celebrate more than one title. “I was thinking about it last night,” the Quincy University senior center fielder said Wednesday morning before the Hawks boarded a bus headed for Marion, Ill., and the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. “There’s four sides to a…

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QU baseball team ready to roll into postseason after capping ‘nine-game heater’ at Rockhurst

The Quincy University baseball team capped a 40-win regular season and the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season championship Sunday with an 11-9 victory over Rockhurst in Kansas City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brock Boynton called it. Following a mid-week victory over nationally ranked Central Missouri on April 25, the Quincy University baseball team’s senior center fielder said the Hawks needed to go on a “nine-game heater” to carry the momentum of an historic regular season into the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. Sunday,…

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Former QU men’s basketball players in transfer portal find new landing spots

Quincy University swingman Paul Zilinskas, left, is transferring to the University of Indianapolis with two years of eligibility remaining. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two former Quincy University men’s basketball players who entered the transfer portal have found new homes. Paul Zilinskas, a 6-foot-6 swingman with two years of eligibility remaining, announced via social media last week he will be joining another Great Lakes Valley Conference program as he plans to sign with the University of Indianapolis.…

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Hawks continue to batter opposing pitching, slug six home runs in series finale against Panthers

Quincy University pitcher Joe Byers, center, prepares to celebrate a home run with teammates Brock Boynton, right, during Sunday's game against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The DJ Khaled collaboration “All I Do Is Win” was released in 2010 and remains a ballpark staple more than a decade later. Still, it may be time for some fresh lyrics. The Quincy University baseball team seems to be providing them. It goes a little like, “All we do is crush, crush,…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team wins regular-season home finale by hammering Drury

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel, right, gets congratulated as he heads to the dugout after finishing the fifth inning Sunday in a 16-6 victory over Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team doesn’t want Sunday’s 16-6 victory over Drury to complete a Great Lakes Valley Conference sweep to be its final game this season at QU Stadium. The Hawks want to play host to an NCAA Division II regional. Keep hitting the way they are and the Hawks likely will…

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‘You can’t stop it’: Walk-off grand slam keeps Hawks rolling with twinbill sweep of Panthers

The Quincy University baseball players celebrate a three-run home run by Gino D'Alessio, center, during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A rally that began with a record-breaking home run, ended with an epic bat flip and featured some of the most selfless, mature at-bats in between left everyone exiting QU Stadium with the same train of thought. This Quincy University baseball squad may truly be a team of destiny. “I told you three…

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Photo gallery: Walk-off grand slam sets stage for QU baseball team to complete twinbill sweep

Quincy University junior Luke Napleton connects for an extra-base hit during Saturday's doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brock Boynton knew it immediately. The epic bat flip made it obvious to everyone else. The senior center fielder crushed a walk-off grand slam to give the Quincy University baseball team a 12-8 victory in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. The eighth-ranked Hawks completed the sweep with…

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Logsdon’s grand slam puts cap on strong start to weekend for QU baseball team

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon connects for a single in the first inning of Friday's game against Drury at QU Stadium. He finished with three hits, including his seventh career grand slam, in the 12-5 victory. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If the rest of the weekend follows suit, the seniors on the Quincy University baseball team will create a memorable way to say goodbye. Friday’s start set the tone. Senior right-hander Spencer Walker struck out eight over seven innings, the eighth-ranked Hawks opened the game with five consecutive singles and fifth-year first baseman…

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Photo gallery: Hawks open final home weekend of regular season with victory over Panthers

Quincy University assistant coach Chandler Purcell, left, shakes hands with the home plate umpire prior to Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Drury. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The team that has been virtually unbeatable at home this season continued to show why Friday. The eighth-ranked Quincy University baseball team parlayed a quality start from right-hander Spencer Walker and a 17-hit attack into a 12-5 victory over Drury at QU Stadium. The Hawks are now 23-2 at home this season. Muddy…

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Schuck on a Truck: Logsdon, Norris talk about how QU served as home, family during incredible athletic careers

Quincy University record-setting slugger Lance Logsdon, left, and All-American volleyball player Mattison Norris joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate for an episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The highs and lows — things both Lance Logsdon and Mattison Norris experienced throughout the Quincy University athletic careers — never sidetracked either, largely because of their competitive nature and dogged determination, but also because they had each other. The record-setting slugger for the QU baseball team and the All-American outside hitter for…

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Standard of success: Logsdon’s legacy with QU baseball program will be defined by drive, determination and doing things right way

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon will leave the program after this season with a bachelor's degree in sports management and a master's degree in business administration, along with his name etched in the record books as one of the most accomplished hitters. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The preferred option isn’t always the right option. Josh Rabe helped Lance Logsdon see that. And by embracing such a notion, the left-handed slugger discovered he was choosing the best option imaginable. Deciding to play baseball at Quincy University and forego the dream of an NCAA Division I scholarship allowed Logsdon to earn…

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Six is a serious number: No. 13 Hawks use six-run rally in seventh inning to upend No. 4 Mules

Quincy University's Gino D'Alessio watches the flight of his go-ahead, three-run home run to left field in the seventh inning of Tuesday's game against Central Missouri at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brock Boynton never felt the ball leave the bat. “That’s when you know it’s going to be a good one,” he said. Gino D’Allesio didn’t feel the ball explode off his bat either. “I’ve been waiting for one of those,” he said. When the Quincy University center fielder and shortstop barreled up pitches…

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Photo gallery: No. 13 QU baseball team erases four-run deficit to knock off No. 4 Central Missouri

Quincy University second baseman Nolan Wosman tags out Central Missouri's Brennan van Breusegen on a stolen base attempt during Tuesday's game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A six-run rally in the seventh inning Tuesday — a “Quincy six-spot” as center fielder Brock Boynton called it — pushed the 13th-ranked Quincy University baseball team to an 8-6 victory over No. 4 Central Missouri at QU Stadium in the Hawks’ final non-conference game of the regular season. Muddy River Sports Editor…

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Hawks blend ingredients for victory together to win another GLVC weekend series

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel went seven innings Sunday in leading the Hawks to an 11-2 victory over Missouri-St. Louis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. | Matt Schuckman photo

ST. LOUIS — The Quincy University baseball team’s recipe for success worked well Sunday. The Hawks piled up runs, scoring 11 times and collecting 18 hits. Jay Hammel delivered a strong start as the right-hander allowed just two runs over seven innings. The bullpen finished it off with Chase Gockel and Tyler Carpenter each striking…

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Kirn dials in, mows down Tritons with career-high 13 Ks as No. 13 Hawks reach 30-victory plateau

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn struck out a career-high 13 batters in Saturday's 6-1 victory over Missouri-St. Louis in Great Lakes Valley Conference action in St. Louis. | Matt Schuckman file photo

ST. LOUIS — Maybe Griffin Kirn should have known something special lied ahead. “Typically, it seems the better games a pitcher pitches their catch is bad or their bullpen is bad,” the Quincy University left-handed pitcher said. “For me, my catch was the worst game of catch I’ve had in a long time.” Prior to…

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Hawks gear up for GLVC tourney appearance, two QU tennis players earn all-league honors

The Quincy University women's tennis team, here at the pre-tournament banquet on Thursday night, will play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament from the second time in the last three years with Friday's opening-round match against Indianapolis. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Opportunity awaits the Quincy University women’s tennis team. For the second time in three seasons, the Hawks have qualified for the Great Lakes Valley Conference postseason tournament, finishing fourth in the league’s West Division after winning two of their final three conference duals. The only drawback, if there is even one, is the…

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College notebook: Derry gets NAIA coaching job, Alleyne earns All-MIVA honors, QU grad gets jersey retired at SIU

Southeastern graduate Emma Derry has been named the head women's volleyball coach at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky. | Photo courtesy Brescia University athletics

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Emma Derry is taking her talents to the college game. The Southeastern graduate spent the past two years as the head volleyball coach at Lincoln High School, guiding the Railers to a 30-win season, a regional championship and a second-place finish in the Apollo Conference last fall. The success earned her the…

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Napleton garners GLVC Player of the Week after crushing McKendree pitching

Quincy University's Luke Napleton, left, celebrates one of his four home runs last weekend against McKendree with teammate Gino D'Alessio. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton’s big weekend earned him another Great Lakes Valley Conference honor. The Quincy University baseball team’s junior catcher was named the GLVC Player of the Week after helping the Hawks go 5-0 last week with a four-game sweep of McKendree to move into sole possession of first place in the league standings.…

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Hawks continue to showcase offensive firepower, finish sweep of Bearcats with big bang

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton gets ready for an at-bat during the final game of the four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference weekend series against McKendree on Saturday at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Filling out the lineup card isn’t too much of a chore for Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel. “It isn’t drawing straws,” he said. Eight starters are hitting .350 or better. Seven starters have each hit six or more home runs. Five have 30 or more RBIs. And every single one of them…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team completes four-game sweep of McKendree

Quincy University designated hitter Austin Simpson talks to the home plate umpire before stepping into the batter's box during Saturday's game against McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A four-game sweep of McKendree, coupled with a series split between Illinois-Springfield and Maryville, has the Quincy University baseball team alone in first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference following Saturday’s 13-6 and 15-4 victories at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on hand to capture some of the…

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Kirn, Hawks turn up heat on Bearcats, open weekend series with doubleheader sweep

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn delivers a pitch in the third inning against McKendree during Friday's doubleheader at QU Stadium. Kirn struck out 10 in the 5-2 victory in the nightcap. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Of all the unusual pieces to the puzzle the Quincy University baseball program had to maneuver into place to play its Great Lakes Valley Conference series at home this weekend, dealing with the heat wasn’t on the list of concerns. At least not until gametime. The 84-degree afternoon temperature at QU Stadium was…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team wins first two games of weekend series with McKendree

Quincy University center fielder Brock Boynton, center, celebrates his home run as he returns to the dugout during the first game of Friday's doubleheader against McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The logistical challenges of moving a four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball series from the McKendree campus to QU Stadium were unique, but the end result of Friday’s series-opening doubleheader was expected. The 14th-ranked Hawks swept the Bearcats, winning 15-5 and 5-2. Due to weather concerns, the rest of the weekend schedule has…

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Martin confident more complete arsenal of pitches will lead to rise through Cubs organization

Former Quincy University All-American left-hander Riley Martin, shown here throwing a pitch last season for the South Bend Cubs, is beginning this season with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. | Submitted photo

KODAK, Tenn. — To get to where he sees himself going, Riley Martin understands the importance of having another pitch in his arsenal. More specifically, the left-handed hurler needed a pitch to befuddle left-handed hitters. So this spring, the former Quincy University All-American pitcher and current member of the Chicago Cubs organization took advantage of…

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Hawks erase four-run deficit, win GLVC series against Saints

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon homered and tripled during Saturday's 8-4 victory over Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton tossed the bat away thinking he’d just drawn a walk, but the home plate umpire called it a strike to force the Quincy University catcher back into the batter’s box to face a full-count payoff pitch. But he only had a few seconds to regroup because the pitch clock was running.…

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Dupont’s blast completes rally as nationally ranked Hawks sweep twinbill from Saints

Quincy University junior catcher Dustin Dupont, center, celebrates his go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning Friday against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dustin Dupont hoped some verbal encouragement would work. The fly ball he hit in the bottom of the sixth inning Friday afternoon seemed to have enough steam behind it to clear QU Stadium’s left field stone wall. Still, as the Quincy University baseball team’s left-handed hitting catcher bounced out of the batter’s box,…

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Photo gallery: Late-inning rally leads to twinbill sweep for QU baseball team

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn follows his pitch during the fourth inning Friday against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — In need of something to lift morale and change momentum, the Quincy University baseball team got a quality start from left-hander Griffin Kirn and a three home run day from Dustin Dupont to sweep Maryville 14-6 and 6-5 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action Friday at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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‘Here we go’: Boyd ready to guide QU women’s basketball program back to historic heights

Quincy University President Dr. Brian McGee, left, and new women's basketball coach Courtney Boyd share a laugh at the end of her introductory press conference Thursday in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The caller ID read “Josh Rabe,” which meant Courtney Boyd knew which direction the conversation would veer if she answered. She said hello without hesitation. “What went through my head was, ‘Here we go,’” said Boyd, the Keokuk, Iowa, native who recently capped her sixth season as the head women’s basketball coach at…

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Ninth-inning collapse costs Hawks opening game of crucial GLVC series with Saints

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker delivers a pitch during Thursday's game against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brett Panick’s wildness, Maryville’s patience and an inopportune time for a letdown has the nationally ranked Quincy University baseball team needing to rebound. The ninth-ranked Hawks took a three-run lead to the ninth inning Thursday in the opening game of a four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference series, but Panick was unable to close…

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Photo gallery: QU’s Walker, Palmyra’s Kroeger engage in GLVC pitcher’s duel at QU Stadium

Palmyra native Jacob Kroeger, a junior left-hander for the Maryville baseball team, delivers a pitch during Thursday's game against Quincy University at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker delivered. So did Jacob Kroeger. Once the two starting pitchers exited, it was up to their respective bullpens to determine which team won the opening game of the Great Lakes Valley Conference series. Give the edge to the Maryville baseball team. The Saints rallied for four runs in the top of…

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Schuckman: Coaching change is emotional torture on Hawks, but their research reveals ‘good, positive things’ with Boyd’s hiring

Courtney Boyd, introduced Thursday as the new Quincy University women's basketball coach, discusses her approach to coaching during her introductory press conference in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The overlapping exodus of Kaci Bailey and arrival of Courtney Boyd made for an emotionally challenging 36 hours for the Quincy University women’s basketball players. “Definitely a little stressful, a little overwhelming,” freshman guard Rylee Denbow said. Mix in plenty of uncertainty. “There are a lot of unknowns up in the air right…

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Schuckman: Bailey left QU women’s basketball program riding upward trajectory

Kaci Bailey led the Quincy University women's basketball team to 22 wins in two seasons at the helm, nearly equaling the 25 victories the program had in the previous five seasons combined. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Kaci Bailey never intended to leave Quincy University as abruptly as she did. “Obviously, I wouldn’t have bought a house,” she said. Bailey never sold it as a lifelong commitment to coach women’s basketball here either. “As I told (QU athletic director Josh Rabe), QU has never been in the mix to be…

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Hammel, Hawks finish series with dominant effort, earn split with Prairie Stars

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel delivers a pitch during Sunday's game against Illinois-Springfield in the nightcap of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jay Hammel delivered his best when the Quincy University baseball team needed it most. Having lost the first game of Sunday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader with Illinois-Springfield, the Hawks needed a victory in the nightcap to split the day and the four-game series between two nationally ranked teams. Hammel made certain…

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