Goalkeepers post shutouts, earn Defensive Player of the Week honors for Hawks, Wildcats

Quincy University goalkeeper Olivia Kindt, left, and Culver-Stockton College goalkeeper Mackenzie Frizzell, right, were named the Defensive Player of the Week in their respective conferences. | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Olivia Kindt’s stingy play is giving the Quincy University women’s soccer team’s offense all the time it needs to find its footing. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Frizzell made sure the Culver-Stockton College women’s soccer team didn’t have to worry about a sizable lead slipping away. For their efforts, the goalkeepers picked up Defensive Player of…

Read More

Hawks’ Harris earns GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honors after record-setting performance

Quincy University quarterback Tionne Harris picked up the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor after throwing six touchdown passes in last Thursday's victory over Trinity International. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

QUINCY — Tionne Harris hung out on the Quincy University football team’s sideline during the second half of last Thursday’s game against Trinity International having put his pads away and changed into shorts. The junior quarterback did enough in the first half to break a school record, propel the Hawks to their first victory of…

Read More

Crim: Love of going to ballpark continues to drive Sloan, major league scout and QU Hall of Famer

Brad Sloan, right, receives his Midwest Scout of the Year plaque during a ceremony in 2018. Sloan, a Quincy University graduate and Hall of Famer, has been scouting for major league franchises for four decades. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — It would have been a trade that changed the course of baseball history. In July 2000, with Eli Marrero on the disabled list and Mike Matheny playing with cracked ribs, St. Louis was in the market for a backup catcher. The Cardinals, who would go on to win 95 games and the Central…

Read More

Deep six: Harris throws for record-setting six TDs as Hawks rebound by overwhelming Trojans

Quincy University wide receiver AJ Hardin heads for the end zone after catching one of quarterback Tionne Harris' record-breaking six touchdown passes during Thursday night's victory over Trinity International at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Tionne Harris tried the best he could to not allow himself to break into a smile. Better luck next time. “Six touchdowns … yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Quincy University’s junior quarterback finally admitted, with an ear-to-ear grin punctuating what had been a record-setting performance. The 5-foot-8 junior threw a Hawks record six touchdown…

Read More

Norris gives QU women’s volleyball team second consecutive GLVC Offensive Player of the Week

Quincy University senior outside hitter Mattison Norris was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week after being named the most outstanding player of the Warrior Invitational at Wayne State University in Detroit. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett/QU Athletics

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s volleyball team is beginning to monopolize the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week award. Last week, senior setter Makayla Knoblauch earned the league’s weekly honor when she had 117 assists and 32 digs in a four-game sweep at the Henderson State Tournament. This week, Mattison Norris…

Read More

Ashby’s corner kick enables QU men’s soccer team to snare first victory of season

Quincy University forward Macker Little, right, drives a header into the net for the first goal in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Upper Iowa at Legends Stadium. | Photo courtesy QU athletics/Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — George Ashby’s first career goal is going to be tough to top. After the Quincy University men’s soccer team surrendered two goals in the second half of Sunday’s non-conference game against Upper Iowa, Ashby rescued the Hawks from a third consecutive draw in dramatic fashion. On a corner kick with less than two…

Read More

New season, nothing new: QU football team’s defense leaks heavily in season-opening loss

Glenville State wide receiver Javian Bellamy, center, eludes the tackle of Quincy University linebacker Trevon Rhodes during Thursday night's game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, Quincy University

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass didn’t sugarcoat things after the Hawks’ season-opening 44-15 loss to Glenville State Thursday night at QU Stadium. “We got punched in the face, so we’ll see how well we respond next week,” Bass said. Glenville State, an NCAA Division II school from Glenville, W. Va., didn’t take…

Read More

QU football team embarks on new season with defense featuring new attitude, demeanor

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson will anchor an offensive line ready to create more record-setting moments. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Even if he had tried, Gary Bass wasn’t going to find a credible defense for the Quincy University football team’s defensive effort. So the Hawks’ head coach did what was necessary. He fixed the problem. Bass, heading into his sixth season at the helm, made changes within the coaching staff, brought in crucial…

Read More

Two-goal loss serves as reminder for QU women’s soccer team need to be more determined grows

Quincy University defender Destinee Robertson, left, attempts to drive the ball upfield while being challenged by Saginaw Valley State's Sarah Fredrick during Sunday's game at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — First-year Quincy University women’s soccer coach Mackenzie Schissel knows the difference between starting the season with a scoreless draw and a two-goal loss and being undefeated comes down to one thing. The Hawks need to be more bulldogged. Quincy trailed Saginaw Valley State 1-0 at halftime Sunday at Legends Stadium before allowing a…

Read More

QU men’s soccer team salvages draw on Whitmore’s header late in home opener

Quincy University's Ethan Morgan begins to celebrate as the Northern Michigan defenders realize Ben Whitmore's header landed in the side netting and tied Sunday's game at 2 in the 86th minute. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A mild sense of relief mixed with some lingering frustration. That adequately sums up how the Quincy University men’s soccer team felt walking away from Sunday’s 2-2 draw with North Michigan at Legends Stadium. The Hawks surrendered a one-goal lead in the second half and had to fight, scrap and throw everything they…

Read More

QU women’s volleyball team finishes strong in exhibition victory over WIU

Quincy University setter Makayla Knoblauch, right, battles at the net during Saturday's exhibition match against Western Illinois University at Western Hall in Macomb, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — The Quincy University women’s volleyball team doesn’t officially open its season until Friday at the Henderson State Tournament in Arkadelphia, Ark., but the Hawks already have set the stage for success. QU dominated Western Illinois University in the final two sets of Saturday’s exhibition match at Western Hall, winning 25-17, 22-25, 25-16,…

Read More

Strong start to second half propels QU men’s soccer team to exhibition victory

Quincy University freshman midfielder Jake Ellis, center, scores on a diving header during the second half of Thursday's exhibition game against Missouri Valley College at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s soccer team appears to have the right mix of experience and talented new blood to make its attack electric. Eliminate some youthful mistakes defensively and the Hawks could find themselves in the heart of a title chase in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Thursday night in an exhibition match…

Read More

Atwell’s Hall of Fame honor is product of decades of hard work and tribute to small-town roots

Pat Atwell, right, accepts his Hall of Fame plaque after induction into the New York Section V Baseball Hall of Fame during ceremonies at Frontier Field in Rochester, N.Y. | Photo courtesy Ethan Bissinger, Rochester Red Wings

CANTON, Mo. — Pat Atwell enjoyed a trip down memory lane, and his family went along for the ride. While the stories told may have been embellished just a little, what can’t be overexaggerated is the impact Atwell has had on multiple communities and countless people throughout a career as a standout baseball player, a…

Read More

Balance, defensive aggressiveness highlight QU football program’s first preseason scrimmage

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, left, runs down a running back during Saturday's scrimmage at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Revamping a defense that statistically ranked among the worst in NCAA Division II last fall starts with a single mission. Become more aggressive. The Quincy University football program’s first scrimmage of the preseason revealed a defense hell bent on being a collective nuisance. The Hawks swarmed ball carriers, harassed wide receivers and delivered…

Read More

Photo gallery: QU women’s soccer team ties Indian Hills Community College in exhibition game

The Quincy University women's soccer team celebrates its goal in the first 30-minute segment of Saturday's exhibition against Indian Hills Community College at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Coming off a 4-0 loss to Western Illinois University in the first exhibition game of the fall, the Quincy University women’s soccer team played Indian Hills Community College to a 1-1 tie in Saturday’s exhibition at Legends Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the action through his camera lens.…

Read More

GLVC coaches pick QU football team to finish sixth in preseason poll

Quincy University linebacker Peyten Chappel, left, and left tackle B.J. Wilson answer questions during the GLVC Kickoff on Friday at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett

LEBANON, Ill. — There is excitement bubbling around the prospects of the Quincy University football team trotting out an offense that could challenge some of the single-season records the Hawks established last season. At the same time, there is concern about a defense that was one of the worst in the nation in NCAA Division…

Read More

Former Hawks guard Adeyinka signs contract with professional team in Spain

Former Quincy University guard Dami Adeyinka signed a professional contract with a team in Spain's second division. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dami Adeyinka may need to lean on a pair of former Quincy University teammates to bridge the language barrier as she embarks on a professional basketball career. The guard signed a contract with Magectias Contra Violencia Genero, one of 28 teams in Liga Femenina 2 de Baloncesto, which is the second division of…

Read More

Illinois native Aschemann to take over as Quincy University’s cross country/track and field coach

Chris Aschemann, who has been named Quincy University's head coach for cross country and track and field, works with an athlete last spring during a meet while coaching for Dakota Wesleyan University. | Photo courtesy Dakota Wesleyan University

QUINCY — Quincy University is bringing an Illinois native home to be its next cross country and track and field coach. Chris Aschemann, who grew up in Carterville, Ill., was officially introduced Monday. Aschemann spent the previous three seasons as the associate head coach for both sports at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. “I’m…

Read More

QU senior offensive tackle receives mention on Shrine Bowl 1,000 list

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson is one of 29 NCAA Division II players to be named to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list. | Photo courtesy Quincy University athletics

QUINCY — B.J. Wilson understood Quincy University football coach Gary Bass had a vision. That doesn’t mean Wilson shared it. “I did not think I was going to like O-line,” said the 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle. Bass felt Wilson’s mixture of size and athleticism — he was a 240-pound tight end from St. Louis University…

Read More

QU men’s basketball team to face tough road tests while launching Hawkins’ second stint as coach

Junior swingman Paul Zilinskas, left, will provide leadership as the Quincy University men's basketball team opens the 2022-23 season with four of its first five games on the road. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ideally, Quincy University men’s basketball coach Steve Hawkins wouldn’t want to launch his second stint with the Hawks by playing four of the first five games on the road. “I wish there was a way to start our tenure here at home,” the veteran skipper said. This schedule doesn’t accommodate such a wish.…

Read More

Former QU standout McGaughey closes chapter on professional basketball career

Evan McGaughey, an Illini West graduate and three-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference basketball standout at Quincy University, announced this week he was retiring from professional basketball. Submitted photo

CINCINNATI — Evan McGaughey’s passport reveals quite a story. In the five years since his graduation from Quincy University, the Carthage native’s 4.5 x 3.5 inch booklet has been stamped enough times to allow him entrance into 15 countries on two different continents as he pursued a professional basketball career. “I got to see a…

Read More

Twenty-three QU athletes receive GLVC Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award

INDIANAPOLIS – Twenty-three Quincy University athletes recently received the Great Lakes Valley Conference Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award. The GLVC has identified a league-record 545 student-athletes to be honored. This year’s total marks the first time more than 500 honorees have been recognized since the award was first given in the spring of 2010. …

Read More

Nineteen athletes from Quincy University earned GLVC award for carrying 4.0 grade-point average

INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Lakes Valley Conference recognized a record 581 student-athletes who earned the Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award. Nineteen Hawk student-athletes were recognized by the conference for their performance in the classroom during the 2021-22 academic year. The award is named after Brother James Gaffney, former president of Lewis University for more…

Read More

New softball coach ready to embrace energy building throughout QU athletic department

Cathy Monroe, who spent the previous seven seasons coaching at Missouri S&T, has been named the next Quincy University softball coach. | Photo courtesy Missouri S&T athletics

QUINCY — The shift that has taken place within the Quincy University athletic department in the past year so noticeable to those on the inside is becoming more and more noticeable to those on the outside. Cathy Monroe sensed it during the interview process. “I liked the energy I was feeling from the athletic department,”…

Read More

Former QU great Jessica Keller joins women’s basketball coaching staff at Nebraska

Jessica Keller, right, a former Quincy University All-American basketball player, is joining the women's basketball coaching staff at the University of Nebraska following five seasons at Illinois State University. Photo courtesy ISU athletics

LINCOLN, Neb. — Jessica Keller continues climbing the coaching ladder. The all-time leading scorer in the history of the Quincy University women’s basketball program is heading to the Big 10 Conference, joining Amy Williams staff with the University of Nebraska women’s basketball program as an assistant coach. Keller spent the previous five seasons on the…

Read More

Passini making transition from softball coach to administrative role with Quincy University

Carla Passini

QUINCY — Carla Passini’s passion to see Quincy University succeed academically and athletically is nearly unrivaled. QU athletic director Josh Rabe is one whose heart and soul for his alma mater runs just as deep. So it makes sense they will work hand-in-hand to push the QU athletic department forward. Passini resigned in May as…

Read More

QU baseball team gets showdown with GLVC rival Illinois-Springfield in super-regional

The Quincy University baseball team will face Illinois-Springfield in the Midwest Region super-regional beginning Friday in Springfield. The winner of the best-of-3 series advances to the NCAA Division II World Series in Cary, N.C. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Great Lakes Valley Conference is going to be represented at the NCAA Division II World Series. A best-of-3 series will decide which team it will be. On Sunday, the Quincy University baseball team learned its opponent for the Midwest Region’s super-regional as third-seeded Illinois-Springfield finished off its undefeated run through Midwest Regional…

Read More

Super sensation: Hawks outlast Panthers with clutch performances, secure spot in super-regionals

The Quincy University baseball players celebrate their 9-7 victory over Davenport that earned them a berth in next week's super-regionals. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

CALEDONIA, Mich. — The odds were never in the Quincy University baseball team’s favor. The Hawks suffered a demoralizing 10-5, 12-inning loss to Northwood in Thursday’s opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional, squandering a 5-1 lead in the ninth inning. “A lot of people would have probably bet a lot of money…

Read More

Pribyl finishes what he started freshman year by leading Hawks to super-regional berth

Quincy University right-hander Alex Pribyl throws a pitch during the ninth inning of Saturday's 9-7 victory over Davenport in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

CALEDONIA, Mich. — Some might think Alex Pribyl actually enjoys the suspense. “It’s not me if I don’t make it interesting, isn’t that right?” the Quincy University right-handed reliever said. So the fact he allowed a single and a walk to the first two Davenport hitters in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday with…

Read More

Schuckman: Logsdon delivers clutch hit because no one in QU dugout ever lost faith in him

Quincy University's Lance Logsdon, right, reacts to his ninth-inning double that plated Dayson Croes with the winning run in a 9-7 victory over Davenport in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional in Caledonia, Mich. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

CALEDONIA, Mich. — The kind of moments a hitter lives for can be the ones most taxing or debilitating when success eludes you. Lance Logsdon knows how true that can be. The Quincy University junior first baseman faced the opportunity to capitalize on a game-changing at-bat each of the past two weekends. Neither time he…

Read More

Kirn-el of hope: Left-hander’s bounce-back game moves Hawks to brink of super-regional bid

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn delivers a pitch Friday against Northwood in an NCAA Division II Midwest Regional elimination game in Caledonia, Mich. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

CALEDONIA, Mich. — Griffin Kirn couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong. Last weekend against Lewis in the Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball tournament, the Quincy University left-hander retired the first nine batters he faced without incident. Then in the fourth inning, everything unraveled. He allowed the first six Flyers to collect hits, including four…

Read More

Hawks put together ‘Quincy inning’ to send Timberwolves packing in Midwest Regional

Quincy University second baseman Dayson Croes reacts after scoring during the Hawks' nine-run second inning Friday against Northwood in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

CALEDONIA, Mich. — It’s come to be known as the “Quincy inning.” Friday afternoon, the Quincy University baseball team enjoyed putting up one of those crooked numbers on the scoreboard. Leading Northwood 1-0 entering the second inning of an NCAA Division II Midwest Regional elimination game at Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex, the Hawks exploded for…

Read More

Schuckman: Character Schissel shows in wake of heart-breaking loss is why success will follow

Quincy University coach Matt Schissel has the Hawks two wins from playing in an NCAA Division II super-regional in his first season at the helm. Matt Schuckman photo

CALEDONIA, Mich. — Matt Schissel struggled for good reason to calculate whether the Quincy University baseball players were ready to rebound 40 minutes after a gut punch. “I’ll be honest,” the first-year Hawks coach said, “I wasn’t ready to go back and play.” Schissel took at least 25 minutes of that 40-minute gap between games…

Read More

‘We put it in the past’: Hawks regroup after gut-punching loss, stave off elimination with offensive eruption

Quincy University third-base coach Chandler Purcell, left, and sophomore center fielder Brock Boynton celebrate as Boynton rounds third base after hitting a three-run home run in the 17-4 victory over Davenport in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional on Thursday in Caledonia, Mich. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

CALEDONIA, Mich. — Brock Boynton felt he had to get away. “I actually left the ballpark and took a walk in the woods,” the Quincy University sophomore center fielder said. “It was tough.” With a victory in the opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional seemingly within its grasp, the fourth-seeded QU baseball…

Read More

Hammel earns payback with complete-game victory over Panthers to keep Hawks’ season alive

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel pitched a complete game in Thursday's 17-4 victory over Davenport in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional in Caledonia, Mich. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

CALEDONIA, Mich. — Jay Hammel never forgot. A year ago, when the Quincy University baseball team was eliminated from the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional with a 22-13 loss to Davenport, Hammel worked one inning of relief and allowed two runs and four hits. That crept into his mind as the right-handed pitcher warmed up…

Read More

QU baseball team earns seventh straight NCAA tourney bid, heads to Michigan for regional play

The Quincy University baseball team received a bid to the NCAA Division II MIdwest Regional for the seventh straight season and will travel to Caledonia Township, Mich., for the double-elimination tourney beginning Thursday. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

QUINCY — The expectation exists that on the second Sunday of May the Quincy University baseball team will see its name appear on the NCAA Division II Midwest Region bracket. Yet, until it does, there is always a touch of trepidation. “You really never know with the committee,” QU left-hander Tyler Carpenter said. “But we…

Read More

Carpenter’s bulldogged effort moves Hawks into title game, but Prairie Stars capture GLVC crown

Quincy University left-hander Tyler Carpenter worked eight innings in Sunday's 9-4 victory over Lewis in a Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament elimination game. Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Tyler Carpenter’s effort proved inspiring. That should benefit the Quincy University baseball team in the long run, even if Sunday ended without a conference championship. A left-hander hurler who mostly had been used out of the bullpen this season, Carpenter put the Hawks in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship…

Read More

Left stranded: Unable to come up with clutch hits, Hawks leave 16 runners on base in tourney loss

Quincy University shortstop Gino D'Alessio belted a two-run home run in the seventh inning of the Hawks' 6-4 loss to Lewis on Saturday in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in St. Charles, Mo. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — From the onset, first-year Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel wanted the Hawks to incorporate some small-ball mentality into the attack. So he stressed taking a “get ’em on, get ’em over, get ’em in” approach when needed. Saturday, it was needed, but the Hawks didn’t follow through. Nineteen of the…

Read More

Hawks survive with one-run victory, move closer to playing for GLVC Tournament title

Quincy University left-handed closer Sam Stephens delivers a pitch during the ninth inning of Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Indianapolis at Weber Field on the Maryville campus in St. Louis. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

ST. LOUIS — Three outs away from winning a second round game in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament, Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel was surprisingly relaxed. “I was probably the calmest person in the ballpark,” Schissel said. The rest of the QU dugout was on pins and needles. “I can’t lie to you,”…

Read More

Play at the plate gives Hawks emotional boost necessary to finish off Greyhounds

Quincy University right-hander Alex Pribyl, right, tags out Indianapolis' Blake Minor, who was trying to score from third base on a wild pitch with two outs in the seventh inning of Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament game. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

ST. LOUIS — Everything had to work in unison to allow the Quincy University baseball team to turn near disaster into a defining moment. With two outs in the seventh inning Friday afternoon and the bases loaded, Hawks right-handed reliever Alex Pribyl uncorked a wild pitch that bounced over catcher Luke Napleton, went to the…

Read More

Earning some R&R: Victory in opening round of GLVC Tournament gives Hawks time to rehydrate and recover

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton connects for a two-run home run in the third inning of Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament opener against Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The local Aldi Grocery Store better work on restocking its shelves. After a visit from Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel and a few helpful parents of his players, the store’s supply of Gatorade is seriously diminished. Following the Hawks’ 12-3 victory Lindenwood in Thursday’s opening round of the Great Lakes…

Read More

Walker grinds through hot, humid conditions to give Hawks another sterling effort

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker delivers a pitch during Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament opener against Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Anything from a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call to Thursday’s rising temperatures could have been what made Spencer Walker feel a little out of sorts. “Something felt off mindset-wise,” the Quincy University right-handed pitcher said. “It just felt a little different. I wasn’t like my usual self.” No one outside the Hawks’…

Read More

Walker, Napleton land on All-GLVC first team, with three Hawks earning second-team honors

Quincy University senior right-hander Spencer Walker, who has fashioned an 8-1 record, was named to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference first team. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker’s consistency and Luke Napleton’s power couldn’t be ignored. Neither could the stellar effort of Jay Hammel, the quality at-bats of Dayson Croes and the comeback effort of Alex Pribyl. Those five have played an integral part in the Quincy University baseball team rising to fourth in the latest NCAA Division II…

Read More

Hawks’ rally falls short in regular-season finale, turn attention to GLVC Tournament

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon steps into foul territory to snare a throw a force out Missouri S&T's Will Hayes during Sunday's game at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team’s seed for the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament wasn’t going to change with the outcome of Sunday’s regular-season finale. Only the vibe the Hawks carry into the postseason could be altered. A 12-11 loss to Missouri S&T at QU Stadium didn’t totally change that thanks to an offense…

Read More

Photo gallery: QU baseball team celebrates Mother’s Day and Senior Day

Senior right-handed pitcher Alex Pribyl, left, hugs Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel during pregame ceremonies Sunday honoring the Hawks' graduating players. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team honored its mothers and its seniors during pregame ceremonies before playing Missouri S&T in the regular-season finale Sunday at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured images that helped sum up the day.

Read More

Burns, baby, Burns: QU senior middle infielder provides spark during twinbill sweep of Missouri S&T

Quincy University's Kade Burns safely reaches third base during the fourth inning of Saturday's 11-3 victory over Missouri S&T in the second game of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader At QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Gino D’Alessio took a hack during batting practice Saturday morning and noticeably grimaced because of the pain in his back. At that moment, Kade Burns knew he better be ready. “I try to show up every day and be ready to go if anything like that ever happens,” Burns said. The Quincy University…

Read More

Napleton’s home run sets tone for Hawks, Walker slams door shut on opponent yet again

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton throws the ball back to pitcher Spencer Walker during the second inning of Friday's game against Missouri S&T at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton raised his right hand to ask for time and stepped backward out of the right-handed batter’s box. The home plate umpire didn’t recognize the Quincy University leadoff hitter’s request and called on a strike on a pitch thrown by Missouri S&T’s Elijah Gross. Momentarily surprised by the call, Napleton regrouped, stepped back…

Read More

Hawks sweep GLVC weekly pitching honors as Walker, Highbarger are rewarded for shutouts

Quincy University senior right-hander Spencer Walker was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The last time Spencer Walker worked at least seven scoreless innings, the Quincy University baseball team’s offense put up so many runs there was no need for him to pitch the final two frames. Last Friday, even with a comfortable lead, the senior right-hander finished what he started. Walker shut out Saginaw Valley…

Read More

Hawks turn series finale into slugfest to finish off Cardinals and keep momentum rolling

Quincy University third base coach Chandler Purcell, left, congratulates the Hawks' Brock Boynton as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday against Saginaw Valley State. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The scene was all too familiar. The reaction was decidedly different. That enabled the Quincy University baseball team to finish the weekend with a flourish. Saginaw Valley State’s Austin Schweiger belted a three-run home run in the top of the first inning Sunday — the Cardinals’ Hayden Jatczak did the same thing Saturday…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More