Spring game gives QU football program opportunity to showcase growth

The Quincy University football team's defense made significant strides this spring, where were on display Saturday night during the annual spring game at QU Stadium. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

QUINCY — Gary Bass put himself in the crosshairs. His team then took aim at ending the spring the right way. During Saturday afternoon’s build-up to the Quincy University football program’s spring game, the Hawks’ sixth-year coach willingly climbed into a dunk tank and got dumped into the water during a tailgate party a short…

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Hawks split doubleheader as Hammel dazzles in opener, pitching struggles in nightcap

Quincy University catcher Tanner Dreher tags out Saginaw Valley State's Tucker Roe to end the sixth inning in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fact the Quincy University baseball team landed fifth in the first NCAA Division II Midwest Region rankings didn’t matter much to the Hawks. If they don’t keep winning, the region rankings won’t matter at all. Another shutdown pitching performance from right-hander Jay Hammel resulted in a 4-1 victory over Saginaw Valley State…

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Walker befuddles Cardinals’ offense as Hawks open weekend series with shutout

Quincy University's Lance Logsdon, left, celebrates with teammates Gino D'Alessio and Nolan Wosman after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning Friday against Saginaw Valley State. Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Spencer Walker never gave Saginaw Valley State a chance. The Quincy University right-hander held the Cardinals hitless through the first six innings Friday, leaned on his defense to turn double plays in each of the final three innings and guided the Hawks to a 10-0 non-conference victory at QU Stadium. It was Quincy’s…

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Minor league report: Martin earns Carolina League Pitcher of the Week

Myrtle Beach Pelicans left-hander Riley Martin, a former Quincy University All-American, struck out 17 in two relief appearances last week. Photo courtesy Stephanie Lynn

QUINCY — Riley Martin’s effort out of the bullpen for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans is getting noticed. It has fans of the Chicago Cubs organization wondering loudly on social media when the former Quincy University All-American left-hander will get called up to either High-A South Bend or Class AA Tennessee. Martin was named the Carolina…

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Quincy University announces addition of men’s and women’s wrestling beginning next fall

QUINCY — Josh Rabe has watched as college athletic programs at all levels across the nation disbanded wrestling programs due to budgetary constraints. The Quincy University athletic director wanted to be on the flip side of that equation. Rabe and the QU athletic department announced Tuesday they will be adding men’s and women’s wrestling, beginning…

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Pair of QND baseball products pick up Great Lakes Valley Conference weekly honors

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn earned Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week honors after shutting out Truman State last Saturday. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

QUINCY — A pair of Quincy Notre Dame graduates showcased their wares on the baseball diamond last week and came away with Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher and Player of the Week honors. Quincy University sophomore left-hander Griffin Kirn threw a complete-game shutout in a 10-0 victory over Truman State on Saturday in Kirksville, Mo.,…

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Hawks’ Jennings picks up GLVC Pitcher of the Week accolades

Quincy University pitcher Jayle Jennings threw her first career no-hitter last weekend against Rockhurst. Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Jayle Jennings helped the Quincy University softball team turn its final homestand in a victory lap. The Hawks won three of four games last weekend, splitting Friday’s doubleheader with Rockhurst and sweeping Sunday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference twinbill with William Jewell, Jennings earned the victory in two of the three games and earned…

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Hawks finish off GLVC series victory over Bulldogs with another solid offensive effort

Quincy University center fielder Brock Boynton had four hits in Sunday's 9-3 victory over Truman State in Kirksville, Mo. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Brock Boynton and the Quincy University baseball team appear to have regained their stride just in time to make a push for the NCAA Tournament. The sophomore center fielder collected four hits Sunday as the Hawks finished off Truman State with a 9-3 victory in the Great Lakes Valley Conference series finale.…

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Hawks’ stellar pitching keeps Bulldogs at bay, while offense comes back to life in GLVC sweep

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel struck out six in Saturday's 6-1 victory over Truman State in Kirksville, Mo. Matt Schuckman file photo

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — The losing streak is history. So is the offensive slump. If that continues to be the case, the Quincy University baseball team might be able to fight its way back into NCAA Tournament contention. The Hawks ended a four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference skid Saturday, receiving stellar pitching performances from Jay Hammel…

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Back where it all began: After two elbow surgeries, Pribyl finishing QU career on pitcher’s mound

Alex Pribyl, a Quincy University right-handed pitcher now in his sixth year with the Hawks, has overcome two elbow surgeries to be able to be an impact pitcher either as a starter or out of the bullpen this season. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Everything about Alex Pribyl’s routine needed to change. Most things, such as when to start his warm-ups and how many pitches he should throw, the sixth-year Quincy University pitcher could figure out by feel or by asking. Still, the transition from bullpen mainstay to the starter on the backend of a doubleheader created…

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C-SC men’s golf team takes second, QU ties for fourth in Quincy Invitational

Quincy University's T.J. Wensing sets himself to tee off during the second round of the Quincy Invitational at Quincy Country Club. Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

QUINCY — The William Woods and Culver-Stockton College men’s golf teams flipped spots on the final day of the Quincy Invitational with the Wildcats finishing four strokes behind the Owls on Tuesday at Quincy Country Club. The Owls were the only team in the field to break 300 both days, shooting a 295 in the…

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Hawks’ Wosman picks up GLVC Player of the Week honors

Quincy University third baseman Nolan Wosman, left, celebrates his first-inning grand slam Sunday against Lewis with his teammates. It was Wosman's third home run of the series and propelled QU to winning the final three games of the Great Lakes Valley Conference series. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

QUINCY — Nolan Wosman finally got his groove back. Hit in the helmet by a pitch in the first game of a four-game series against Illinois-Springfield on March 25, the Quincy University junior third baseman didn’t play the remainder of the weekend. He returned the following week and played in three of the four games…

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Photo gallery: QU football team’s first spring scrimmage

The Quincy University defense collapses on a ballcarrier during Saturday's scrimmage at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass made it clear to the Hawks’ defense what the matra needed to be throughout spring practice. Play smart. Play hard. Play fast. So far, that’s working. The Hawks showed considerable improvement defensively during Saturday’s controlled scrimmage at QU Stadium, doing more gang tackling than one-on-one tackling as…

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Hawks able to salvage split with Screaming Eagles as Pribyl, Stephens overpower hitters

Senior right-hander Alex Pribyl struck out 10 over four innings in Saturday's 5-3 victory over Southern Indiana as the Quincy University baseball team split the Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader. File photo

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Alex Pribyl is settling nicely into his new role as a starting pitcher, and Sam Stephens appears to have his footing at the backend of the bullpen. That’s exactly what the Quincy University baseball team needs. The Hawks salvaged a split of Saturday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader with Southern Indiana as…

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Hawkins adds familiar face to QU basketball staff by bringing Walsh back as assistant coach

Tim Walsh, who spent the previous three seasons at Mineral Area College, is joining the Quincy University men's basketball program as an assistant coach. Photo courtesy Mineral Area College

QUINCY — Add another familiar face to the Quincy University men’s basketball team’s sideline. Tim Walsh, a former QU assistant, is returning to Pepsi Arena to be Steve Hawkins’ top assistant coach. Walsh served as an assistant coach under Hawkins from 1994-98 and also was on the Hawks’ staff for the 1986-87 season, which was…

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Hammel, Hawks finish taking GLVC series from Prairie Stars on make-or-break weekend

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel delivers a pitch during Sunday's game against Illinois-Springfield at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — In what they had dubbed a make-or-break weekend, the Quincy University baseball players made a strong case they intend on being a postseason contender. The Hawks may even be the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s team to beat. Taking three of four games from 13th-ranked Illinois-Springfield in the opening GLVC series of the season…

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Reversal of call on stolen base by D’Alessio turns into huge momentum shift for Hawks

Illinois-Springfield shortstop Nick Mayerhofer attempts to tag Quincy University's Gino D'Alessio on a stolen base attempt in the third inning of Sunday's game at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Gino D’Alessio‘s demonstrative reaction to being called out on a stolen base attempt and insistence he was safe made the decision easy for Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel to ask for a video review. After that, all they could do was wait. “I didn’t know what kind of view of the play…

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Hawks guarantee themselves split with Prairie Stars, go into Sunday looking to win GLVC series

Quincy University senior left-hander Tyler Carpenter delivers a pitch in the seventh inning Saturday against Illinois-Springfield at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A split of the first Great Lakes Valley Conference series of the season is guaranteed. Still, the Quincy University baseball team wants more. The Hawks want to send a definitive message they intend to compete for league and region titles, and to do so, it will take putting an exclamation point on the…

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Walker’s ability to stay down in zone enables Hawks to take first game from Prairie Stars

Quincy University senior right-hander Spencer Walker worked 8 1/3 innings against Illinois-Springfield on Friday, inducing 12 groundouts as he improved to 4-0 on the season. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker has found a neighborhood where he’d like to stay. That’s down in the zone. The Quincy University senior right-hander thrived there for a majority of Friday afternoon’s series-opening game against No. 13 Illinois-Springfield, enticing the Prairie Stars into 12 groundouts over 8 ⅓ innings in a 7-5 victory at QU Stadium.…

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Inability to string zeroes together dooms QU baseball team’s pitching staff in series setback

Quincy University coach Matt Schissel signals for a couple of players to come from the dugout to help second baseman Dayson Croes off the field after Croes suffered a high ankle sprain in the second inning Sunday against Davenport at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Hoping to build some momentum heading into the first Great Lakes Valley Conference series of the season, the Quincy University baseball team is instead looking for answers. Specifically, how do the Hawks get guys out, especially late in games? Quincy averaged nearly seven runs per game during a four-game, non-conference weekend series with…

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With wind blowing out to right field, QU baseball team manages to split twinbill with Davenport

Quincy University shortstop Gino D'Alessio attempts to turn a double play against Davenport in the third inning of Saturday's first game at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker tried to keep everything the Davenport baseball team hit in the ballpark despite winds blowing out to the short porch in right field. The rest of the Quincy University pitching staff didn’t have as much luck doing the same thing. After Walker tossed a seven-inning complete game and led the Hawks…

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College notebook: Surprenant resigns at WIU, Spraker goes to Blue Jays spring training, Hawks’ Lewis in top 10 at nationals

The news came as a surprise on many fronts when it was released late last Friday afternoon that Danielle Surprenant was resigning as the Western Illinois University athletic director. “We thank Danielle for her service to the University and for her leadership in Leatherneck athletics,” WIU President Guiyou Huang said in a press release. “We…

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Schuckman: Path to Hawkins’ return as QU men’s basketball coach began with meal at Portillo’s

Quincy University athletic director Josh Rabe, right, shakes hands with new men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins as the veteran coach is introduced during Wednesday's press conference in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Steve Hawkins isn’t shy about his appreciation for quality cuisine. He is loyal to the restaurants he finds reliable and appetizing. So it came as no surprise Wednesday morning, hours before he was to be introduced as the new Quincy University men’s basketball coach, Hawkins ate breakfast at the Coach House, a longstanding…

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Hawk homecoming: QU hires former hoops coach Hawkins to return to helm of men’s program

Steve Hawkins discusses his decision to become the next Quincy University men's basketball coach during Wednesday's introductory press conference at the QU Hall of Fame room. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Steve Hawkins made the 430-mile drive from Kalamazoo, Mich., to Quincy by himself Tuesday night, but he was hardly alone. “Word started to seep out the last couple of days in the coaching world,” said Hawkins, who was introduced Wednesday as the next Quincy University men’s basketball coach. “My phone … well, it…

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Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Professional basketball player Tanner Stuckman

Tanner Stuckman, a graduate of Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy University, is playing professionally in Canada for the Windsor Express. Submitted photo

QUINCY — Tanner Stuckman’s basketball career has been built around hard work, determination and an unwillingness to be told he couldn’t succeed. That’s why professional opportunities are coming his way. A graduate of Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy University, the 6-foot-9 Stuckman is currently playing in the National Basketball League of Canada for the Windsor…

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Valiant effort from QU women falls short in fourth quarter of GLVC tournament loss to Truman State

Quincy University women's basketball coach Kaci Bailey talks to her team during a timeout Monday night in the GLVC Tournament opening-round game against Truman State at Pershing Arena in Kirksville, Mo. Photo courtesy QU Athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — The Quincy University women’s basketball team ran out of steam, but it wasn’t before a valiant effort. The Hawks led Truman State by four points at the end of the third quarter Monday night in the opening round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Pershing Arena before the Bulldogs opened…

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Knipe, Hawks end regular season on high note, win finale for first time in six seasons

Quincy University forward Emma Knipe looks to outlet after grabbing a rebound during the Hawks' 78-70 victory at Southwest Baptist on Saturday at Bolivar, Mo. Photo courtesy Southwest Baptist Athletics

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The day will come when the Quincy University women’s basketball program will have a series of firsts that highlight a return to prominence within the Great Lakes Valley Conference. It takes a number of smaller firsts to get there. Saturday, the Hawks experienced a couple of those. For the first time since…

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QU men’s win streak comes to end as Southwest Baptist goes on second-half blitz

Quincy University guard Jamaurie Coakley, right, looks to get into the lane during Saturday's game against Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Mo. Photo courtesy Southwest Baptist Athletics

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Quincy University men’s basketball team ran out of steam. The challenge will be to recharge in a hurry. Trailing by one at halftime Saturday at the Meyer Sports Center, the Hawks struggled to keep it tight as Southwest Baptist went on a 20-4 run spanning nearly seven minutes of the second…

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QU baseball team begins weekend road trip by knocking off No. 8 Columbus State

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker worked seven innings in Friday's 15-3 victory at No. 8 Columbus State. File photo courtesy QU athletics

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Although the Quincy University baseball team scored 25 runs in three games in the season’s opening weekend, Hawks coach Matt Schissel felt they could have been more efficient and opportunistic. “We left a lot on the plate offensively,” Schissel said. Despite being stuck inside all week by wintry weather, the Hawks were…

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Hope floats: Weekend sweep gives QU men strong belief they can rise in GLVC Tournament seeding

Quincy University redshirt junior forward Adam Moore, center, talks to his teammates during a timeout in the second half of Saturday's game against William Jewell at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Adam Moore’s description of Jalen Stamps’ offensive rebound in the waning seconds of Saturday’s game probably wouldn’t be fit for print and likely would draw an NC-17 rating if it were to go public. “If I was on live TV, I’d have to say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’” Moore said with a smile. But…

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Saving the best for last: QU women finish home portion of schedule with back-to-back victories

Quincy University senior guard Maddie Spagnola, center, sheds some tears as she leaves the Pepsi Arena floor for the final time during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against William Jewell. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Not once in Maddie Spagnola’s five seasons with the Quincy University women’s basketball program had the Hawks swept a pair of Great Lakes Valley Conference games on the same weekend. So it’s easy to say she saved the best for last. With Dami Adeyinka scoring a career-high 19 points and Spagnola recording consecutive…

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‘We’re still a family’: QU men move past coaching upheaval, dig in together to take down Rockhurst

Quincy University junior forward Adam Moore made six 3-pointers in Quincy's victory over Rockhurst on Thursday night at Pepsi Arena. File photo

QUINCY — The extraneous noise that could have disrupted the Quincy University men’s basketball team’s season dissipated by the time Thursday night’s game rolled around. The Hawks weren’t going to listen anymore anyway. “Once the ball was rolled out there tonight, it was just play,” junior forward Adam Moore said. “It was just basketball. It’s…

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Spagnola’s double-double leads QU women to upset of Rockhurst to kickstart final home weekend

Quincy University senior guard Maddie Spagnola scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Thursday night's victory over Rockhurst. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With her opportunities to play in Pepsi Arena dwindling and determined to put the Quincy University women’s basketball program on the right course to respectability before she leaves, Maddie Spagnola is playing with a chip on her shoulder. It’s bringing out the best in the punky senior guard. Spagnola spearheaded a spirited effort…

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Hellenthal delivers heart-felt message thanking QU players, fans and community for their support

Former Quincy University men's basketball coach Ryan Hellenthal thanked the QU and Quincy communities for the support during his five seasons at the helm. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If you want to learn about a coach’s character in a cut-throat profession such as college basketball, look beyond the wins and losses. Take stock in what they say and how they say it when adversity threatens to bring them to their knees. Upon learning last Friday morning he was being fired immediately…

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Schuckman: Finding coach to ’embrace this basketball crazy community’ shouldn’t be difficult for QU administration

John Wood Community College men's basketball coach Brad Hoyt's success on the national level and ability to recruit regional talent could be the mix Quincy University is looking for in its next coach. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Thirty-one minutes is all it took. The news of Ryan Hellenthal’s dismissal as the Quincy University men’s basketball coach broke at 10 a.m. Friday, and 31 minutes after that news hit social media, the first mention of a possible successor was posted. A plethora of posts followed. Fans in this basketball savvy community…

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Hellenthal’s late-season dismissal about giving QU chance to get ahead in changing basketball program’s direction

Quincy University men's basketball coach Ryan Hellenthal, left, and assistant coach Kevin Reynolds, right, were fired Friday morning. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Josh Rabe didn’t want to fall any further behind. So as the Quincy University athletic director debated when the appropriate time to dismiss Ryan Hellenthal as men’s basketball coach might be, he kept coming back to the same question. Why wait? “This is a matter of timing,” Rabe said Friday afternoon. “It’s just…

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Buoyed by energetic defensive effort, Hawks push Bulldogs to limit before falling in GLVC play

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — As Kaci Bailey entered the Quincy University women’s basketball team’s locker room following Thursday night’s game, the first-year coach sensed the Hawks expected her to be upset or discouraged. Instead, Bailey walked in clapping. “I was like, ‘Hell of a game,’” Bailey said as her depleted troops battled Truman State to the…

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Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Former QU All-American linebacker Cody Leonard

Former Quincy University All-American linebacker Cody Leonard is headed to Finland to play professional football. Photo courtesy Quincy University athletics

CARROLLTON, Ill. — Football is in Cody Leonard’s blood. Try as he might to turn the page to the next chapter of his life, the former Quincy University All-American linebacker couldn’t ditch the itch to continue playing. Now, he has that opportunity. Leonard has signed a professional contract to play with the Kuopio Steelers in…

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GLVC preseason baseball poll projects another battle between Hawks and Prairie Stars

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker is expected to be at the front of the Hawks' rotation this spring. Photo courtesy Quincy University

QUINCY — To win a conference title, the Quincy University baseball team better be prepared to battle a familiar foe. The Great Lakes Valley Conference released its preseason coaches poll this week, and as expected, the Hawks sit No. 2 in the Blue Division behind Illinois-Springfield. Both teams received first-place votes and are coming off…

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QU football team finds upgrades defensively, talent throughout region in recruiting class

Palmyra product Peyton Plunkett, who played at Northwest Missouri State, is transferring to Quincy University as part of the Hawks' recruiting class. Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri State

QUINCY — To replenish and restore the Quincy University football program’s roster, Hawks coach Gary Bass gave his coaches a pair of priorities to follow on the recruiting trail. One, talent and versatility are a must. Two, make it a regional class and forego a nationwide scope. The end result is a signing class featuring…

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Press your luck: Hawks’ ability to disrupt Saints with full-court pressures sparks comeback victory

Quincy University guard Jalen Stamps, center, draws a blocking foul on Maryville's Jaeden Smith, right, during the second half of Monday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal compared defending the Maryville men’s basketball team’s offense to a college football team staring down an option attack. You know what’s coming and it’s your job to stop it. “There is no heavy scheme involved,” said Hellenthal, the fifth-year Quincy University coach. “You just have to buck up and guard.” By…

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Display of toughness allows Hawks to outlast Greyhounds in double overtime

Quincy University guard Nate Shockey, left, tries to protect the ball while being pressured by Indianapolis' Jesse Bingham during the second half of Thursday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — The bags of ice taped to both of Nate Shockey’s ankles and the way every muscle in his body ached from exhaustion suggested he needs more than 36 hours to recuperate. Having a victory to fall back on will speed up that timeline. “Oh, 100 percent,” the Quincy University sophomore guard said. And…

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QU women cannot sustain momentum in GLVC loss at home to Indianapolis

Quincy University guard Beth Matas Martin, left, looks to attack while the Hawks' Sarah Nelson, right, gets tangled up with Indianapolis' Shira Sasson during the second half of Thursday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Every big shot Maddie Spagnola hit needed a complementary piece. That never happened. Spagnola, a senior point guard on the Quincy University women’s basketball team, buried a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer Thursday night, only to see the Hawks miss their first two shots of the fourth quarter. She hit another 3-pointer early…

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Hawks unable to slow Tritons’ Jackson, suffer GLVC road loss

ST. LOUIS — The leading scorers in the Great Lakes Valley Conference are feasting on the Quincy University men’s basketball team’s defense. Marty Jackson became the latest to do so Saturday. The Missouri-St. Louis junior forward scored a career-high 30 points, going 13 of 18 from the field, and helping the Tritons shoot 58.7 percent…

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Inability to finish costs Hawks another chance to pick up GLVC victory

Missouri S&T's Kaden Froebe, center, tries to flip a pass to a teammate as Quincy University's Adam Price, left, and Solomon Gustafson attempt to take a loose ball away from Froebe during Monday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Deflated. There is no better word to describe the atmosphere surrounding the Quincy University men’s basketball program after Monday night’s 90-84 overtime loss to Missouri S&T in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Pepsi Arena. Gut-punched would work, too. The Hawks had a nine-point lead with 4:18 remaining in regulation, but got outscored…

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Hawks struggle in fourth quarter, fall to Miners for third straight GLVC loss

Quincy University's Sarah Nelson, left, takes a rebound away from Missouri S&T's Alex Kerr during Monday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team needs to work on its closing kick, too. The Hawks trailed Missouri S&T by one point heading to the fourth quarter Monday in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Pepsi Arena, but the Miners scored the first 10 points of the final stanza and led 58-47 with…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, January 13

Boys Basketball At Winchester, Ill. Winchester Invitational Tournament Liberty 40, Jacksonville Routt 34: The state-ranked Eagles needed a fourth-quarter rally to advance to Saturday night’s championship game. Trailing the Rockets by three heading to the fourth quarter, Liberty got 3-pointers from Reece Knuffman and Cannen Wolf and went 7 of 12 from the free-throw line…

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College notebook: QU game gets canceled, C-SC’s Blaize earns honor, JWCC’s Jennings reaches grand milestone

Quincy University's Nate Shockey, left, and Jamaurie Coakley, right, must wait until Saturday to get back on the court after Maryville canceled its trip to Pepsi Arena scheduled for Thursday due to COVID protocols. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team will have to wait a couple of extra days to get back on track. The Hawks were informed Wednesday afternoon that Maryville, which was scheduled to visit Pepsi Arena on Thursday for a Great Lakes Valley Conference game, has to cancel both of its games this week…

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Quincy’s Reis among college players eligible to be selected in upcoming MLS SuperDraft

Former Quincy University midfielder Aubrey Reis is one of 174 players eligible to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft taking place Tuesday. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Waking up Friday morning to a text message from Quincy University assistant men’s soccer coach Taylor Reis really didn’t catch Aubrey Reis by surprise. What he read amazed him. The former Hawks midfielder and four-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection saw his name had been added to the roster of eligible players for…

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Dynamic defensive effort carries resurgent QU men to victory over Southwest Baptist

Quincy University guard Jamaurie Coakley led the Hawls with 13 points in Thursday night's 73-69 victory over Southwest Baptist. Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — In times of struggle, there is some confidence gained. The Quincy University men’s basketball team displayed that Thursday night. Instead of reeling from a heartbreaking 73-72 loss to 16th-ranked Truman State on Tuesday night, the Hawks out-toughed a high-scoring Southwest Baptist University squad Thursday night for a potentially season-defining 73-69 Great Lakes Valley…

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Strait to the heart: Truman State guard hits 3-pointer to foil QU men’s upset bid

Truman State's Masen Miller, right, tracks down loose ball before, from left to right, Quincy's Adam Moore, Truman State's Elijah Hazekamp and Quincy's Charles Callier can get to it during Tuesday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal chose an apt description for how the final 30 seconds played out for the Quincy University men’s basketball team Tuesday night at Pepsi Arena. “Devastating,” the fifth-year coach said. Jeff Horner knew what caused the Hawks’ heartache. “Patience,” the Truman State coach said. Trailing by two points coming out of timeout…

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QU women unable to overcome fatigue in second half of loss to Truman State

Quincy University's Regan Loconte, center, tries to knock the ball away from Truman State's Brioenne Burns during Tuesday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A 15-day layoff and a shortened bench proved to be too much for the Quincy University women’s basketball team to overcome once fatigue took hold. The Hawks trailed Truman State by five points at halftime in Tuesday night’s Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena before allowing 21 points in the third…

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Loss to Missouri Valley negates QU men’s basketball team’s momentum heading back into GLVC play

Quincy University guard Nate Shockey backs away from two Missouri Valley College defenders during the first half of Thursday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — There is no time for the Quincy University men’s basketball players to dwell on defeat or lick their wounds. The Hawks have two days to regroup, regain their focus and rally together. Four Great Lakes Valley Conference games in eight days await, and the schedule is not kind. Following Thursday night’s 84-81 loss…

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Stocking stuffers: Hawks finish strong, upend Panthers, carry momentum into break

Davenport guard Jarrin Randall, left, looks to start the offense while being guarded by Quincy University's Mark Bradshaw Jr. during Sunday afternoon's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — No matter what the Quincy University men’s basketball players find wrapped beneath their Christmas trees, it may pale in comparison to what they received Sunday. They were blessed with the gift of momentum. By outscoring Davenport 18-6 over the final 5 minutes, 17 seconds of regulation, the Hawks head into the holiday break…

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McKendree backs out of QU classic, event rescheduled for just one game each day

QUINCY — The Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Holiday Classic is now a two-game affair. The Quincy University men’s basketball program’s annual pre-Christmas event was originally scheduled to be a four-team, four-game showcase taking place Saturday and Sunday at Pepsi Arena. Now, it’s a three-team, two-game weekend. McKendree informed tournament organizers Friday it could not make the…

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Schuckman: QU coach drums up support, supplies to help her hometown remain Dresden Strong following tornado

Quincy University women's basketball coach Kaci Bailey is heading to her hometown of Dresden, Tenn., with a van full of supplies and assistance after tornadoes devastated the community. Matt Schuckman photo

The text came close to midnight as Ric Bailey needed to know his daughter, Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey, hadn’t been in the path of the tornadoes that skirted the St. Louis area and created a path of destruction moving past Edwardsville, Ill. “He was making sure I’m OK,” Bailey said. At the…

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Hawks buckle down on final possession, refuse to allow Tigers open look at trey

From left to right, Quincy University's Sarah Nelson, Maddie Spagnola and Beth Matas Martin celebrate after Nelson was fouled while scoring in the post against Iowa Wesleyan on Wednesday night. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — One stop equaled one much-needed victory. The Quincy University women’s basketball team proved up to the task. Leading Iowa Wesleyan by three points with 13.3 seconds remaining in regulation Wednesday night at Pepsi Arena, the Hawks did not allow the Tigers an open look from the perimeter. Instead, Iowa Wesleyan was forced to…

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Injection of energy, excitement pushes Hawks to rout of Tigers

Quincy University sophomore guard Nate Shockey throws down a dunk during the first half of Wednesday night's game against Iowa Wesleyan at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Every aspect of the Illinois State University men’s basketball team’s pregame routine Tuesday screamed energy and excitement. The Quincy University players and coaches took note. “They came out in warm-ups and their pre-game shoot was unbelievable,” Hawks coach Ryan Hellenthal said of the Redbirds’ approach to the exhibition game at Redbird Arena. “And…

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North to Alaska: Once-in-a-lifetime trip will allow Hawks to improve their team bonds

The Quincy University men's basketball team is traveling to Alaska this week to play in the Seawolves Thanksgiving Classic in Anchorage, Alaska. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Malik Hardmon balked. Asked if he was prepared for the Quincy University men’s basketball team trip to Alaska and the single-digit temperatures awaiting the Hawks, the junior forward deadpanned, “No, I am not.” Hardmon admitted it sounds funny for someone who grew up in Chicago to be concerned with cold weather, but Alaska…

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Third-quarter struggles offensively spell doom for Hawks

Quincy University's Beth Matas Martin, center, looks to cut off Winona State's Lauren Fetch, left, during Saturday's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The lid finally came off the basket at one end. Somehow it ended up covering the rim at the other. The Quincy University women’s basketball team simply couldn’t pry it loose. Shooting just 20 percent from the field and making only three field goals in the first quarter Saturday afternoon led to the…

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Hawks need to show more competitive fire after falling in home opener to Bulldogs

Quincy University senior guard Maddie Spagnola looks to make a pass during Friday night's game against Ferris State in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Classic at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Compete. If the Quincy University women’s basketball team will do that, first-year coach Kaci Bailey will be satisfied no matter the outcome. Friday night’s 70-57 loss to Ferris State in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Classic at Pepsi Arena — the Hawks’ home opener — was less than satisfying. Trailing by 13 points at…

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Hawks’ Wijnbergen is GLVC Freshman of the Year, while Rehagen, Knoblauch earn all-conference honors

Quincy University outside hitter Emma Wijnbergen was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — Emma Wijnbergen made history Thursday. Emily Rehagen and Makayla Knoblauch simply continue to show they are two of the best players in the Quincy University women’s volleyball program’s NCAA Division II era. Wijnbergen was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, becoming the first Hawk to win the award in…

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Hawks avoid unsightly upset, dispatch Trojans with better second-half effort

Quincy University guard Jamaurie Coakley, right, sets up Hannibal-LaGrange University defender Bryce Stark before spinning to the basket during the first half of Wednesday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If the Quincy University men’s basketball players bring the same level of effort and enthusiasm to Saturday’s matchup with Purdue Northwest as they played with Wednesday night, they have a pretty good guess how it will end. “It won’t be pretty,” senior guard Jamaurie Coakley said. Good thing the Hawks have two days…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, November 13

Women’s Volleyball At Pepsi Arena Quincy University d. Lindenwood: The Hawks capped a strong run to end the regular season and secure a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament with a 25-15, 24-26, 25-18, 21-25, 15-13 victory. Quincy will be the fifth seed in the postseason conference tournament, opening at 2:30 p.m. Friday…

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Strong second half carries Hawks to first victory, split of weekend crossover

From left to right, Quincy University sophomore guard Nate Shockey, senior guard Jamaurie Coakley and junior forward Malik Hardmon led the Hawks to an 88-77 victory over Cedarville on Saturday night. Photos courtesy QU athletics

QUINCY — Nate Shockey didn’t come off the floor Saturday night, and he might not find himself on the sideline much hereafter. The sophomore guard’s presence was crucial in the Quincy University men’s basketball team finding some on-court chemistry and discovering a rotation of players that maintains the right level of tenacity to produce victories.…

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Hawks will look to adjust, improve after falling to Oilers in season opener

NCAA Division II men's basketball official Cody Crum tosses up the opening tip for Quincy University's game against Findlay on Friday night at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal’s description of what transpired Friday night at Pepsi Arena was quite apropos. “Outtoughed, outdisciplined,” the Quincy University men’s basketball coach said. The Hawks are intent on changing that. Opening the season against a seasoned Findlay team in the GMAC-GLVC Regional Crossover, Quincy fell behind 7-0 out of the gate, trimmed the…

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Change in culture, approach puts Hawks on right path to rebuild successful program

Quincy University junior forward Sarah Nelson is the Hawks' top returning scorer. Photo courtesy QU Athletics

QUINCY — Uncomfortably comfortable. That sums up what life has been like this fall for the Quincy University women’s basketball players. The cultural and physical changes they’ve experienced as first-year head coach Kaci Bailey establishes her program and her expectations have made life uncomfortable at times. Yet, working through it and embracing the change has…

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New year brings new energy as Hawks inject sense of urgency into pursuit of victories

Quincy University's Malik Hardmon, left, and Adam Moore battle for position during a drill at practice Wednesday at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The chatter the Quincy University men’s basketball players have heard across campus this fall has them anxious and intrigued to see just how loud Pepsi Arena might get this weekend. “Family members, students, faculty members are all talking about it,” junior guard Mark Bradshaw Jr. said. “They’re ready to see us play and…

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Hawks display competitive edge in total whitewashing of Bulldogs

The Quincy University women's volleyball team celebrates its straight-set sweep of Truman State on Wednesday night at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Seven points into Wednesday night’s crucial Great Lakes Valley Conference match and facing little resistance from Truman State, the Quincy University women’s volleyball team could have shifted into cruise control. It would have been the worst thing imaginable. The Hawks want to build momentum for the looming postseason conference tournament, not glide into…

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‘My head was just spinning’: Out-of-blue offer takes QU graduate from college sports medicine to working with NBA superstar

Murphy Grant, athletic trainer for two-time NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell, is shown on the floor before the Utah Jazz played Thursday at Houston. | Photo by Trey Kamberling, Manager of Basketball Content, Utah Jazz

QUINCY — The call was unexpected. So was the offer. In the matter of a few days, Murphy Grant’s professional life changed forever. He was in Quincy last weekend, accepting his induction into the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, celebrating with family and college friends.  Three days later, he was back…

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Lantz, Hawks’ top returning scorer, leaves women’s basketball program

Laney Lantz averaged 16.9 points as a sophomore, but the former Central-Southeastern all-stater has decided to leave the Quincy University women's basketball program. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With a myriad of life changes looming, Laney Lantz decided to devote her time and efforts to her family and her future. That meant walking away from basketball. Lantz informed Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey this week she was leaving the program. The junior guard was expected to be a starter…

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Hawks in tough predicament following tie with Panthers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mathematically, the Quincy University men’s soccer team remains in contention for a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. Realistically, climbing into the No. 8 spot in the league standings is going to be a challenge. It may take some intervention from the league office just to have a chance. Friday’s…

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QU women’s soccer team eliminated from GLVC Tournament consideration

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Quincy University women’s soccer team was eliminated from postseason consideration Friday when another unfortunate bounce didn’t go the Hawks’ way. Tied at 1 through regulation and the first 10-minute overtime against Drury in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Harrison Stadium, the Hawks opened the second overtime with possession and drove…

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Hawks given opportunity to climb according to GLVC preseason basketball polls

Sophomore guard Nate Shockey is one of the new faces expected to have a big impact on the success of the Quincy University men's basketball program this winter. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Where the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams landed in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason polls came as no surprise, even though both squads are expected to look quite different this winter. The QU men were picked to finish fourth in the five-team GLVC Central Division, according to a vote of…

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