ACTIVE, Fall 2014

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JOINING THE CLUB

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK:

PLUS:

Meet the 2014 Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame

Take a peek at the new soccer facility improvements

New women’s basketball coach no stranger to mid-Missouri

A PUBLICATION FROM COUGAR ATHLETICS FA L L 2014

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2 ACTIVE A PUBLICATION FROM COUGAR ATHLETICS

WHERE ARE THEYJERROD THOMPSON THEN 2001 - BASKETBALL PLAYER, NOW 2014 - OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

Jerrod Thompson, or JT as he is commonly referred to by most friends, finished his college basketball career in 2001. A 2nd Team All-American, Thompson scored 1,029 points during his two seasons with the college. His teams were 55-14, winning the AMC regular-season and post-season titles each year.

Don’t worry — you only need three to participate in the 2015 Cougar Club and Scholarship Fund Golf Tourna-ment. Enjoy a great day of golf at the newly renovated Columbia Country Club all while supporting the Cougars! The 2015 tourna-ment will be played on Monday, June 1, and features two shotgun

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D N’T HAVE F UR FRIENDS?

Wendy Mertz Slifka completed her stellar softball career in 1990. A member of the inaugural class of the Columbia College Athletics Hall of Fame, Slifka still reigns supreme with a collection of individual honors. Her school record of seven no-hit-

WENDY SLIFKA THEN 1990 - SOFTBALL PLAYER, NOW 2014 - KNOXVILLE UTILITIES BOARD

Thompson and his wife, Jill, reside in Columbia, Missouri, with their two sons, Jaden (12) and Wesley (7). In 2007, Thompson created Outdoor Solutions, a landscaping company specializing in new construction. He works closely with Columbia developers, such as Anderson Homes, Pate-Jones Construction and Hemme Construction, on projects throughout the city. He currently has six full-time employees, though seasonal employment is often higher. Thompson praises Columbia College and Athletics for instilling in him the value of working hard and enjoying what he does. “I loved my Columbia College experience. When people watched me play, I hope they saw how much fun I was having. I really try to bring that same passion and enthusiasm to my personal and professional life now.”

ters in a single season is the second highest season total in NAIA history. On the NAIA single season list, she is tied for seventh place for most wins in a season (34), and she is sixth place for most shutouts (16).

After earning her master’s degree in busi-ness administration in 1993, Slifka’s profes-sional career began in the sports manage-ment field as she worked for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, USA Gymnastics and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2003, she began working with the Knoxville Utilities Board, where she currently works as a business management analyst and is responsible for industrial and specialty billing.

Thompson and his family continue to have a presence with Cougar Athletics. The Thompson household has made participation in Family Day/Homecoming activities an annual tradition. “I love getting to see all of my close friends and teammates during Homecoming, ” Thompson says. “Columbia College Athletics holds a special place in my heart.” He and his family attend as many home basketball games as possible, and Jaden and Wesley participate in the Cougar Basketball Academy each summer.

So, whether you remember his record-setting 10 three-point field goals in one game or his unexpected play above the rim, Thompson definitely left his mark on Cougar Basketball.

Who do you want to see here next? Send an email to [email protected], and give us some ideas; you may see them in the next issue!

Slifka and her husband, Doug, reside in Knoxville, Tennessee, with their son, Denver (9). She spends much of her free time involved with family activities and loves watching Denver play baseball, following in her footsteps. He is a catcher and has recently seen some time on the “bump” as a pitcher. She follows Cougar Athletics as much as possible from afar and keeps in touch with her friend and former teammate Wendy Spratt, who is the current Columbia College softball coach. Slifka has been a consistent contributor to the Cougar Club & Scholarship Fund as well as the Chuck Bob-bitt Softball Scholarship. “Columbia College has been such a great part of my life, I want to ensure it is for others as well.”

sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. All funds raised will support

the athletic department’s goal of “Creating Champions.” Visit www.ccis.edu/CougarClubGolf Tournament for more details, or contact Drew Grzella at [email protected].

49 lowest team

score in 2014 tournament

SOCCER FACILITIES ARE PART OF MUCH-NEEDED UPGRADES

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JERROD THOMPSON THEN 2001 - BASKETBALL PLAYER, NOW 2014 - OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

LEMME’ UPGRADE YOU

The Cougar Soccer Campers were set to arrive and the pitch was abuzz with college soccer players who had turned into coaches for the week. The field, with many different teaching stations already prepared, was ready for the onslaught of more than 100 young campers in just a couple of hours. As the coaches were getting their stations in order, a dark sky began to head toward the R. Marvin Owens Soccer Field. A small morning summer thunderstorm that could derail the start of summer camp was moving through. Coach John Klein turned to the other coaches and said, “I sure am glad we have new synthetic turf. This rain won’t slow us down at all.”

Potential scenarios like this will be the new norm, thanks to major renovations to the soccer field, which are expected to be completed by June 2015. The field, which plays host to a number of activities throughout the year — from summer soccer camps and intramural/recreational activities to college soccer practices and games — will be transformed into another crown jewel of Columbia College’s main campus in Columbia,

“IT WILL BE EXCITING TO SEE THE DRAMATIC IMPACT THE COMPLEX

WILL HAVE ON THE ENTIRE CAMPUS COMMUNITY.”

~ DREW GRZELLA

Rendering provided by Simon Oswald Architecture

WATCH/LISTEN TO THE COUGARS ONLINE You can watch/listen to Cougar volleyball, basketball and soccer online at www.columbiacougars.com. Scroll down to the “Upcoming Event Zone,” and click “Live Video” on the current game to start streaming right to your computer.

MILES

323

COACH KLEIN HAS COACHED

218

SOCCER PLAYER RUNS IN A 90-MINUTE GAME

AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE

L O A D SOF DIRT TO FILL THE LOCKER ROOM BUILDINGS AND PRESS BOX

AVERAGE DISTANCE AMissouri. The renovations will include the addition of synthetic turf, multiple locker rooms, a press box and a stand-alone building consisting of a ticket office, restrooms and concessions.

This July, construction began on the building that will adorn the east side of the field. The structure will house varsity and guest locker rooms, an officials’ locker room and a satellite training room. A second level press box will allow for advanced media coverage. On the west side of the field, restrooms, concessions and a paved outdoor plaza will give fans a better stadium experience. Fans will immediately notice the changes as they enter the

stadium past the new ticket window.

“The need for additional outdoor recreation space has grown,” says Drew Grzella, assistant

director of Athletics. The synthetic turf will allow for year-round use by athletic teams, but also for students, faculty and staff. Grzella adds, “It will be exciting to see the dramatic impact the complex will have on the entire campus community.”

4 ACTIVE A PUBLICATION FROM COUGAR ATHLETICS

Columbia College

2014 Athletic Hall of Fame

The Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame was created in 2003 to recognize those individuals who made significant contribu-tions to Columbia College Athletics. Since its inception, 46 individuals or groups have been honored for their achievements. On Friday, Oct. 3, the Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed its 12th class for induction into this prestigious club.

To nominate someone for the 2015 class, please visit www.columbiacougars.com.

1999 COUGAR VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The volleyball team took the 1999 season by storm, capturing the NAIA National Championship for the second time in two years. The Cougars completed the back-to-back national championships with an undefeated 40-0 record, overwhelming their opponents throughout the season. Coaches Wayne and Susan Kreklow were named Conference, Region and National Tournament Coaches of the Year.

KATIE MCMAHON SMITH ’08 & ’10, Softball

During Katie McMahon Smith’s career, the softball team made national tournament appearances in three of her four seasons. Smith has been named All-Conference, Aca-demic All-Conference, First Team All-Region, Conference Pitcher of the Year and Region Pitcher of the Year. After receiving her de-gree and while working on her MBA, Smith worked as the Cougar graduate assistant softball coach and pitching coach.

DR. DONALD B. RUTHENBERG Columbia College president, 1984-1995

Dr. Donald B. Ruthenberg moved Columbia College Athletics into a realm far beyond its stature at the time. Ruthenberg was an avid fan of all sports, attending most home contests and remaining a friend to our student athletes. He added softball and golf to the college, rein-stated men’s soccer and oversaw the construc-tion of Southwell Gym, the Cougar Softball Field and R. Marvin Owens Soccer Field.

Two athletes, two teams and one president were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

NAME THESE ATHLETES, AND WIN COUGAR GEAR. Think you know who is pictured at left? Send an email to [email protected] with the correct answer, and you could win a free Columbia College t-shirt (while supplies last). Please include your name, t-shirt size and mailing address in your email.

NAME THESE ATHLETES

J.P IRRERA ’06, Soccer

In 2000, J.P. Irrera, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, accepted an invitation to play soccer at Columbia College. Each season, he was named American Midwest Conference and Region V First Team. Irrera received the AMC Player of the Year in 2003 and Region V Player of the Year in 2004, where he helped his team qualify for the NAIA National Tour-nament for the first time in college history.

2001 COUGAR VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The 2001 volleyball team was the third in Cougar Athletics history to win an NAIA National Championship. The team finished the season with a perfect 38-0 record while avenging their second-place finish at the national contest the previous year. At the helm was Coach Melinda Wrye-Washington, who was named Conference, Region and National Coach of the Year.

GET UP & GET ACTIVE

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WWhen the 2014 Columbia College women’s basketball team tips off, all eyes will be on their newest addition. No, we’re not talking about a prized recruit, but the Cougars’ new head coach, Jessica Keller. The Belle, Missouri, native becomes only the second coach in the history of the women’s basketball program since it was reinstated in 2001.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be named head coach of the Lady Cougar basketball program,” Keller says. “I want to thank Columbia College and the athletic department for the opportunity to return home to Missouri and lead these young women. I look forward to building on the success of the program and producing teams that proudly represent Columbia College on the court, in the classroom and within the community.”

Photograph provided by Katie Blake.

Come cheer them on! The women’s basketball team begins the 2014 home schedule at 7 p.m, Tuesday, Nov. 4, vs. Central Christian College of the Bible.

With winter fast approaching, the drop in temperature and loss of sunlight makes it difficult to find the motivation for exercise. Here are five ideas from Tim Cornell, the Columbia College head cross country coach, to keep you active during the short winter days.

Go straight to the gym, track or trail. Once you sit down on the couch, you might not get back up.

Try new forms of exercise. If you don’t have a race or event coming up, use non-specific training to keep you interested.

Set goals for the spring and summer. Winter is a slow season, and setting goals early makes it much easier to stay motivated and lay out a smart training plan.

Tim Cornellwith

Keller comes to Columbia College from Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota, where she served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Keller was a part of 67 victories, and the Mavericks were named the Northern Sun Conference regular season runner-up the past two years.

Prior to her time in Mankato, Keller was a two-year graduate assistant coach at Quincy University in Illinois, where she completed her Master of Business Administration. She also completed her bachelor’s degree at Quincy, playing basketball for the college from 2005 to 2009. There, Keller was a three-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer and was named the GLVC Player of the Year in her senior season. She left Quincy as the school’s career record holder in points scored (1,823), steals (324),

free throws made (487) and free throws attempted (652).

“During the search process, we spoke to many different people connected to women’s basketball who knew Jessica well, on and off the court,” says Cindy Potter, associate director of Athletics. “Her passion, energy and knowledge stood out, as well as her commitment to student athletes. She is prepared and excited for this opportunity and will be the perfect fit for all aspects of Lady Cougar Basketball at Columbia College.”

Involve co- workers and friends. Misery loves company; find a friend to work out with.

Put some effort into perfecting your entire exercise routine from start to finish.

Winter can be a very productive time and a chance for change and renewal. This winter, when the sun goes down early, make sure your exercise goals don’t go with it.

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6 ACTIVE A PUBLICATION FROM COUGAR ATHLETICS

“Not only did the Buy a Book Program help me financially, but it also motivated and

encouraged me to excel in the classroom.”

~ Meg Goddard ‘13, women’s soccer

$91,315

80Percentage of teams that were named NAIA Scholar Team.

student athletes were named NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2013-14 for achieving a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher.

1 in 7

Amount spent on books and educational materials for Columbia Cougar student athletes in 2013-14.

Help us envision greater by making a gift today!

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COU

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Please charge my: MasterCard Visa Discover

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with a monthly sustaining gift of:

$15 $10 Other $__________Your monthly sustaining donation is automatically charged to your credit or debit card each month. Your giving continues uninterrupted. You can increase, decrease or stop your monthly donation at any time.

with a gift to the Cougar Club & Scholarship Fund:

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with the purchase of an Alumni Pack Season pass: Benefits include passes to allow four people to attend all regular season home athletic events, Halftime access to Bixby room events, Game program recognition, Invitation to hospitality events and banquets, and one year access to campus recreation facilities

$350 one time payment (less than $30 per month!)

with a gift to the Buy a Book campaign:

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Make checks payable to: COLUMBIA COLLEGE Use the enclosed, postage paid reply envelope or mail form to: Columbia College Office of Development 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216 To give online visit: www.ChooseCC.org

Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Development Office (800) 231-2391, ext. 7563

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WANT TO PARTICIPATE? Provide our athletes with academic tools by making a gift designated to the Buy a Book Campaign. Make a donation online now at www.ChooseCC.org/buyabook.

BOOKBUY A

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students, Sutton has also worked to establish a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter on the main campus.

In his three years on the men’s basketball team, Sutton has played in all 105 games since joining the team as a freshman, starting in 70 of 71 games over the last two seasons. Since his arrival, Columbia College has won an outstanding 94 games. As a Cougar, the junior guard has amassed a total of 696 points, 194 rebounds, 173 assists and 72 steals. In

addition to his contributions on the court and in the community, he has excelled in the classroom, currently sporting a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“Tanner excels in the classroom and on the court, and he is committed to serving others,” Burchard says. “It is awesome

that Allstate is willing to pay tribute to these deserving students who demonstrate the commitment to the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The Columbia College community is proud of Tanner and how he represents our men’s basketball program, the athletic department and our institution.”

TANNER SUTTON2014 ALLSTATE NABC GOOD WORKS TEAM

namedto the

IIn February, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Allstate Insurance Company named 10 male college basketball players to the 2014 Allstate NABC Good Works Team. Tanner Sutton of Columbia College was the only NAIA representative on the team, which honors student athletes who have made a commitment to improving their communities and the lives of others through acts of community service.

“This is an amazing honor for Tanner,” says Bob Burchard, the men’s basketball head coach. “This is a very select group of individuals that spans all divisions of college basketball. Tanner’s ‘good works’ as a student athlete at Columbia College represent everything that is positive about the intercollegiate athletic experience.”

Sutton has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia and at Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, a nationally renowned Christian camp for kids and teens with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. At the camp, Sutton has participated as a volunteer counselor and a member of the cabin staff, working to provide a unique and unforgettable experience. With the help of two other Columbia College

“TANNER EXCELS IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE COURT, AND HE IS

COMMITTED TO SERVING OTHERS.” ~ BOB BURCHARD

Allstate NABC Good Works Team at NCAA Final Four site in North Texas. April 5, 2014. Tanner Sutton, far left

Support our student athletes with a gift to the Cougar Club and Scholarship Fund.

8 ACTIVE A PUBLICATION FROM COUGAR ATHLETICS

Addressee1234 Main StreetColumbia, MO 65201

a note frombob burchard, athletic director

Dear Alumni and friends,

I hope you enjoy the first ACTIVE, a new magazine from Columbia College Athletics! We are excited to promote our department in a new way to all of you who have been so supportive over the years. There is always something amazing happening here at CC, and we don’t want to keep it a secret. I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank everyone whose contributions over the years have turned a once-sputtering sports program into an extremely successful and growing athletic department.

With that said, your financial support of Cougar Athletics has never been more

important. In the last two years, we have grown from five sports and 75 athletes to 10 sports and more than 130 athletes. More student athletes than ever before are counting on us to propel them toward successful lives. We would be so appreciative if you found your special way to support Cougar Athletics and continued to help us in our goal of “Creating Champions.”

We are CC!

Columbia College • Athletics Department1001 Rogers Street • Columbia, MO 65216