NBC World Series Bracket

Just got this from big-time Plaza Tire Capahas fan D.J. The bracket for the upcoming NBC World Series Tournament in Kansas.

NBC World Series Tournament Bracket

Jess Bolen has his Capahas playing red hot at the moment. They scorched teams en route to a title in the Union Printers Tournament in Florida. The Capahas won four straight outscoring teams 51-4 increasing their season record to 25-10.

I got a fever and the only cure....More football!

Once the MLB All-Star game is in the rear view mirror I star getting "Football Fever". I'm not sure that's the technical term but for my purposes it works.

This year my fever is luke warm at best. I actually have reason to still be excited about the second half of the baseball season... The Reds are battling the for first place and ready for a pennant race with the Cardinals. For the first time in what feels like decades they are not heading into the second half of the season nursing a double digit deficit in the "Game Behind" category of the standings.

There are a lot of story lines on the horizon in our area, enough to keep even the hungriest sports fan content.

All four Heartland College football teams enter, what could be, program defining seasons. Albeit each for different reasons.

After a brief paragraph on each team I put my prediction for the team which was based upon hours of crunching numbers and exhaustive research. If you believe that call me and I'll sell you a "get rich quick" program for only $19.95. Hurry operators are standing by! Call in the next ten minutes and I'll double your order.

SEMO - Final year of Coach Samuels current contract. How many wins will he need to be brought back. Has the SEMO brass already decided Samuels fate? Will he be judged only on the win - loss record?
Your guess is as good as mine...If I had to venture a guess I would lean toward a new coach for next season (unless the Redhawks make a serious run at a OVC Championship). With a new Athletics Director running the show I would think he wants his "own" guy....Not a guy he inherited.

My prediction for the Redhawks: 4-7

UT Martin - Head Coach Jason Simpson is entering his fifth season and looking to put the Skyhawks back in the post season for the first time since 2006. Under Simpson UT Martin is 20-11 in the OVC. He has four years remaining on his current contract.

My prediction for the Skyhawks: 6-5

Murray State - The Chris Hatcher era is underway. The Racers have not enjoyed a winning season since Joe Pannunzio coached the team to a 7-4 record . Coach Hatcher has a big job to tackle but looking at the numbers you have to be excited (for the future)...Hatcher is 84-27 in ten years as a head coach.

My prediction for the Racers: 1-10

Southern Illinois - Of the three Heartland teams the 2010 Salukis are the odds on favorites to have the better season...A season which could end with a FCS National Championship.
Since taking over for Jerry Kill following the 2007 season Dale Lennon has kept the program in the elite category. Lennon's Salukis have posted a 20-5 record with back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Titles. There is no reason to believe a hat trick in 2010 is out of the question and to top it off SIU has a new football stadium.

My prediction for the Salukis: 10-1 (Don't be surprised if the Salukis knock off Illinois September 11th in Champaign)

Sometimes technology can bite!

Live TV can be extremely unpredictable. This past Sunday a power outage earlier in the day caused issues to our computer editing system so I was not able to attach video to the my sportscast.

I still had three and half minutes to fill so the only thing I could do was stand in front of the camera and talk. Not exactly how I was looking to wrap-up the week....Still kind of funny.

2010 OVC Football Media Day

After a one year hiatus (for financial reasons) the Ohio Valley Conference was back in full force with Football Media Day at LP Field in Nashville, TN. The format was a bit different from years past but the content was the same... All the coaches and players are excited about the upcoming season and ready to get things rolling.

Stay with Heartland News for more on the upcoming OVC Football Season. Don't forget KFVS12.com will once again webcast all of the SEMO home football games.

A pair of Redhawks named to preseason All-OVC team:

Junior quarterback Matt Scheible and senior defensive lineman J.J Sanchez.

Tune into Heartland News tonight at 6:00 pm for more on OVC Football Media Day.

Sent from my iPhone

2010 OVC Football Predicted Order of Finish

1. Jacksonville State (11)
2. Eastern Illinois (4)
3. Eastern Kentucky (1)
4. Tennessee Tech (1)
5. Tennessee State (1)
6. UT Martin
7. Austin Peay
SEMO
9. Murray State

*First place votes in parenthesis

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SEMO Football Media Guide

Hard to believe football season is just around the corner. SEMO kicks off the fifth season under head coach Tony Samuel Thursday September 2nd at Ball State.

To feed your hunger you can download and dissect the 2010 SEMO Football Media Guide put together by Southeast Sports Information Director Jeff Honza and his staff.

OVC Football Media Day is scheduled for Monday (July 26th) at LP Field in Nashville. Catch Heartland News and check back here for more on the upcoming season for SEMO, UT Martin and Murray State.

2010 SEMO Football Media Guide

Missouri Native Back in Bigs?

For all you Jefferson City, MO / Texas Longshorns / Cincinnati Reds Fans pitcher:

It appears the Reds had recalled pitcher Sam LeCure from triple -A- Louisville and will put him on the mound to start Saturday against the Houston Astros.

Johnny Cueto is under the weather and could miss his scheduled start so LeCure looks to be the next man to take the mound.

In six starts this season LeCure is 1-4 with a 4.86 era. In 33 1/3 innongs this season he has allowed 37 hits while walking 20 and striking our 22.
He last made a start for the Reds in a 15-6 victory over Houston on May 28 and picked up the win ending his four game losing streak.

A.J. Ellis optioned to AAA

Southeast Missouri Native A.J. Ellis, a catcher with the LA Dodgers, was optioned back to triple -A- Albuquerque. Ellis was hitting 204 with 8 R .B.I. and three runs scored.

He spent his first eleven years growing up in Jackson, MO.

Last weekend the LA Dodgers trio with Heartland ties (A.J Ellis, Blake DeWitt and Jamey Carroll) were in St. Louis playing the Cardinals.
Rusty Hendricks, one of our KFVS Sports interns, caught up with the trio and put together a feature story.

Kudos to Rusty for a job well done....A great effort for his first "package".
Package is a television news term which describes a story containing a reporters voice track and interviews (A-roll) and video (b-roll). It's all put together in a nice neat package running about a minute and thirty seconds.

Izzy on his way back to the bigs?

This is a bit surprising! I am watching the Reds and Washington Nationals game and heard a broadcaster say the Reds offered former Cards closer Jason Isringhausen a contract.

Apparently Izzy threw a bullpen session for Reds GM Walt Jocketty and field manager Dusty Baker.

According to Reds broadcaster Jim Day Izzy was impressive. If he signs the contract he could be with the big league club in as soon as a couple weeks.

Look ahead on the schedule and it could be interesting if Izzy signs.... Cards and Reds hook up in Cincinnati August 9 - 11.

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Malden Speedway Race Results For Jul 16

Results for races at Malden Speedway July 16.

CRATE LATE MODELS
7 Start Feature

1. Jerry Buck - 81
2. Jamie Robards - 69R
3. Doug Moore - 07
4. Mason Oberkramer - 93
5. Jeff McGhee - 80M
6. Julie Bell - 20B
7. Steve Tarry - 3X

MODIFIEDS
8 Start Feature
1. Robert Powers - 02
2. Robbie Arnold - 96
3. Ronnie Vernon - G3
4. Scott Burge - 3B
5. Paul Reeder - 97
6. Tom Vogt - 47
7. Jimmy Cornell - 51 Jr.
8. Austin Mathews - 67

HOBBY STOCKS
8 Start Feature
1. Josh Tomlin - 29
2. Scott Tracer - 007
3. Claudie Cook - 54
4. Jason Pennington - JP21
5. Chris Kelley - 38K
6. John Stephens - 11X
7. Greg Sparks - J19
8. Kevin Holman - 74

PURE STREET STOCKS
6 Start Feature

1. Mark Todd - 31
2. Willis Glass - 44 W
3. Greg Sparks - 68
4. Matt Brown - 11
5. Kyle Oberkramer - 93
6. Cory Lowe - 02


E-MODS
7 Start Feature

1. Adam Hemby - 03
2. Scott Tracer - 94
3. Chad Tilley - 75
4. Tyler Fowler - 15
5. Tyler Santie - Mee 2
6. Tim Gage - 5B
7. Josh Sissom - 95


MINI STOCKS
7 Start Feature

1. Jerod Dewrock - 90
2. Vernon Pickard - 7
3. Michael McCain - 5
4. Derrick Durrall - 62
5. Robert Owens - 39
6. Rick Joiner - 58
7. Justin Reddick - 35

Former Saluki Basketball Player Arrested

Former Southern Illinois Saluki basketball player Nick Evans was arrested early Saturday morning.

According to the Carbondale police department Evans was is being charged with criminal trespassing, resisting a police officer and aggravated battery to a police officer. He is currently being held in the Jackson county jail.

Police were investigating a trespassing complaint at 700 East Grande around 2:00 am Monday morning in Carbondale.

Evans, a sophomore center, left the saluki program late this past season. he averaged five points, three boards and 16 minutes a game this past season.

Copyright 2010 KFVS. All rights reserved.

UT Martin linebacker named to preseason poll

By Joe Lofaro, UTM Athletic Communications Director

MARTIN, Tenn. – Rising senior linebacker Josh Bey was named to Phil Steele's College Football Preview All-Ohio Valley Conference first team. Three other UT Martin players, Kenny Jones, Rodney Irvin and Jeremy Buchanan were named to Steele's All-OVC second team.

Bey (6-0, 220 pounds) led the Skyhawks in total tackles with 107 and was second in the OVC in total tackles. He was ranked among the top 40 in the NCAA FCS in three statistical categories: tackles/game (30th); sacks/game (40th); and tackles for loss/game (10th).

Recently Bey was named to the second team 2010 Consensus Draft Services (CDS) Preseason Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-American team. Bey, a native of Springfield, earned CSN Fabulous 50 Honorable Mention honors and first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference accolades in 2009.

Jones (Jr., 6-0, 235) will make the transition from tight end to fullback this season, after scoring three receiving touchdowns in 2009. Buchanan (Sr., 6-4, 300) moves from tight end to right tackle on the offensive line, while Irvin (R-Jr., 6-3, 290) will anchor the Skyhawks' offensive line from his left tackle position.

Steele's College Football Preview magazine includes 174 pages of Football Championship Subdivision coverage including a full page for every team. The magazine is on sale now at local retail stores.

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Racers in Preseason Hoops Poll

Nothing like starting the day with a College hoops teaser. I will admit I haven't poured over each roster in the OVC or compared returning starters so this is a based totally on a guess....But I think it's safe to say (once again) Murray State will be the team everyone in the OVC chases this year.

The Racers were picked 57th last year and nearly advanced to the Sweet 16...So image what could happen with a ranking 10 better this season. Dare I say Elite 8! That would be one heck of a shining moment.

By Dave Winder

Murray, Ky. --- The Murray State Racers have been tabbed as the no. 47 team in the men's college basketball preseason rankings by CollegeHoops.net.

The Racers, coming off a record-breaking 31-win season in 2009-10 and their first win in the NCAA Tournament since 1988, are ranked in front of no. 48 Alabama and behind no. 46 Wichita State.

The top-50 rankings by CollegeHoops.net set Purdue as their preseason no. 1, followed by Duke,Michigan State, Kentucky, KansasState, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Butler,Kansas and Syracuse making up the top-10.

Vanderbilt, the team the Racers defeated in the NCAA Tournament, received a no. 12 rank, while Butler, who handed the Racers a heartbreaking two-point loss in the NCAA second round, had a no. 8 preseason rank.

Recent Murray State opponents fromthe last several seasons include Missouri at no. 13, Tennessee at no. 17, while former MSU coach Mick Cronin at Cincinnati received a no. 49 ranking.

The Racers were selected 57th in the same poll a year ago.

Murray State returns eight regulars from last season and add four newcomers for the 2010-11 season.

Golf Tips #7 - The Finale

This is the final Golf Tips segment. Either later this summer or early next spring I will put together more. Maybe some geared toward women or younger golfers. If you have any suggestions post a reply.

Consider this a web "Exclusive" since Tip #7 may not even air on KFVS 12. If it does run during a sportscast look for it Monday July 12th at 6:00 pm or 10:00 pm.

Golf Tips #7:

Golf Tips #4

Wow... I just realized I forgot to post Golf Tips #4.

Golf Tips #4:

Golf Tips #6

Our golf tips segment is winding down and I will pay close attention to this one. I love the beach...there is nothing like a day in the sand and sun but wish I could avoid it when on the course.

Bootheel Golf Clubs Jeff Ketterman delivers the goods on Golf Tips #6.

Golf Tips #6:

Golf Tips #5

We are like a factory on overtime...We're churning out the golf tips.

Four are in the book... Sikeston Bootheel Golf Club's Jeff Ketterman set to deliver number five... the second part to tip #4 on chipping.

Golf Tip #5

Jackson Senior Babe Ruth Headed To State Tourney

Congrats to the Jackson Senior Babe Ruth team for qualifying for its 3rd straight Missouri State Tournament.

Jackson needed only to split a double header Saturday night against New Madrid to secure a tournament bid. They got the job done in game one but lost game two (only their fourth loss of the season). Jackson enters the State Tournament with a record of 22-4.

The Missouri State Senior Babe Ruth Tournament is set to get underway July 15th in Charleston, MO.

Jackson has been successful of late, finishing 2nd in the Missouri State Tourney and 2nd in the 8 state Midwest Plains Regional Tourney a year ago.

Golf Tips #3

This is the final Golf Tip for your putting game. The remainder will continue to move farther away from the hole. Tip #3 from Jeff Ketterman of the Sikeston Bootheel Golf Club should be a hit with football fans.

Golf Tip #3: Kick It Through The Goal Posts

Golf Tips #2

Thursday on Heartland News at six Jeff Ketterman of Sikeston Bootheel Golf Club dropped some golf knowledge to help your putting game. Today for tip number two we stay on the green but move farther from the cup... Stay tuned...More to com.

Golf Tip #2 Farther from the cup

Golf Tips #1

Back by popular demand a series of "Golf Tips". A few years ago Jeff Ketterman from the Bootheel Golf Club in Sikeston approached me about putting together a series of tips and tricks to improve the average golfers game.

I believe the series originally ran in 2007 and received a lot of positive feedback. At least a few times each month over the past few years I'm asked if we will do it again.

You ask... We deliver. I called Jeff and without hesitation he jumped on board, ready to tackle another group of tips.

We'll start with putting and work our way to chipping. Shortly after one airs during my sportscast I'll post it to the blog.

Tip #1: Ring of Confidence

Fomer Skyhawk Signs Pro Deal

By Joe Lofaro

MARTIN, Tenn. – Wes Alsup, the former University of Tennessee at Martin right-handed pitcher whose fastball has been clocked in excess of 95 mph, made his professional debut this past week for the Joliet Jackhammers, an Independent baseball team playing in the Northern League.

“I am excited for Wes,” UT Martin head baseball coach Bubba Cates said. “He is a professional although he is not affiliated with a Major League team. This is Wes’ avenue to the big league. He needs to stay healthy and pitch well.”

Alsup, who signed with Joliet before its July 1 game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, pitched the eighth inning. He faced four batters and walked the first two he faced. He got out of the inning with a double play and a ground out. He returned to the mound Sunday against the Goldeyes and pitched the ninth inning. Alsup walked two in the inning, but did not give up a hit or a run.

“Wes is off to a good start, but he must be sharper,” Cates said. “The bottom line is he is putting zeros on the board.”

While Alsup did not give up an earned run in the inning, the Jackhammers (19-20) suffered a 9-4 loss to the Goldeyes. The Jackhammers are currently in fifth place in the eight-team league. Alsup and the Jackhammers play the Goldeyes in a four-game series which ends Sunday.

Alsup made 15 appearances and recorded seven saves for UT Martin this past spring. He pitched 17 innings and sported a 4.24 earned run average which was the team’s second best. He led the team in saves and struck out 22 batters.

All-Star Team Loaded With Miners

No surprise here... The Frontier Leagues best team places eight players on the 2010 All-Star roster. I will be the last person to suggest how you should spend your dollars...but I can't recommend enough to catch a Miners game.

As unpredictable as baseball is you never know if the Miners current roster will remain intact. As well as they are playing I think it's safe to say big league clubs are paying attention and could swoop down and sign guys to deals.

--- --- ---
By Scott Gierman (Southern Illinois Miners)
Marion, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners are excited to announce that a league-leading eight Miners, including four starters, have been voted to the 2010 Frontier League All-Star Team. The 18th Annual Frontier League All-Star Game will be played at Rent One Park on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:05 p.m.
First baseman Brad Miller, designated hitter Todd Martin and outfielders Stephen Head and Jereme Milons have been voted starters for the West Division All-Stars, along with catcher Brendan Akashian. Pitchers Joe Augustine, Mike Damchuk and Jake McMurran have also been voted to the team. This is the second all-star selection for Miller and McMurran.

"It is a great honor to be recognized in this league," Miller said. "It is extra special being able to play in front of our loyal fans."

Miners Manager Mike Pinto will manage the West All-Stars. Later this week he will select three more players from the division to join the 24-man roster. He will also decide the starting pitcher.

"I could not be more proud of the players on our team voted to the all-star squad," Pinto said. "It is a testament to their preparation coming into the season and the tremendous skills they have shown in the first half in helping us to a great start to the season. I am thrilled that our coaching staff gets the opportunity to have so many of our players join us for the all-star festivities next week. It will be a week I am sure we will all remember."

The all-star rosters were voted on by Frontier League coaching staffs, general managers, radio broadcasters and local media representatives.

Racing At Malden Speedway

Racing is one of my guilty pleasures... I love to strap into a race car and hit track. However I have only had the fortune of actually driving in a race a handful of times. Currently I am relegated to fed my need for speed withh racing games on the PS3.

It's probably safe to say I get my love for racing honestly. Growing up just over an hour east of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and within shouting distance of Eldora Speedway. For a brief time I thought I wanted to become a NASCAR driver instead of going to college.

Working nights and weekends makes it tough (nearly impossible) to get to the track so whenever I get to cover a race it's extra special. There really isn't anything like feeling the roar as the cars fly past the start/finish line slinging chunks of mud into the front row of the grandstands or catching strong whiffs of the racing fuel in the air. To those who have never experienced a night at a dirt track you owe it to yourself to add it to your "bucket list".

A few weeks ago on my Sunday nigh sportscast I started running a few highlights and race results from Malden Speedway...It's something I will try to do each week.

Malden Speedway race results from July 2nd:

*thanks to David Darnell

USCS SPRINTS
19 Start Feature

1. 88 - Tim Crawley
2. 51 - Lee Sowell
3. 24 - Justin CarverPublish Post
4. 26 - Marshall Skinner
5. 39 - Brad Bowden


USCS MODIFIEDS
17 Start Feature

1. Ashley Newman - 73
2. Robert Powers - 02
3. Ronnie Vernon - G3
4. Josh Hughes - 6H
5. Scott Burge - 3

CRATE LATE MODELS

11 Start Feature
1. Billy James - 17 B
2. Jerry Buck - 81
3. Jamie Robards - 69 R
4. Doug Moore - 07
5. Robby Moore - 66

HOBBY STOCKS
5 Start Feature

1. Jason Pennington - JP 21
2. Scott Tracer - 007
3. Johnny Stephens - 11X
4. Greg Sparks - J-19
5. Kevin Holman - 74

PURE STREET STOCKS
10 Start Feature

1. Mark Todd - 31
2. Matt Brown - 11
3. Greg Sparks - 68
4. Derick Lee- 12
5. Maury Hays - 7½

E-MOD
7 Start Feature

1. Scott Tracer - 94
2. Tyler Fowler - 15
3. Adam Hemby - 03
4. Tyler Santie - Mee 2
5. Tim Gage - 5 B

MINI STOCKS
12 Start Feature

1. Justin McCalister - 49
2. Derick Durall - 62
3. Vernon Pickard - 7
4. Robert Owens - 39
5. Jimmy Newsom - 6

OVC Basketball News

We are still a few months from the beginning of the college basketball season but it's never too early to look ahead. Morehead State could once again pose a tough challenge for SEMO and Murray State this season.

Anytime I can bring up Morehead State it gives me a chance to revisit a classic "fail".

--- --- ---
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) - Morehead St. Coach Donnie Tyndall is hoping good things come to those who wait. Tyndall will have Miami of Ohio transfer Drew Kelly at his disposal after the first eight games of the season. Kelly, a 6-7, 253-pound forward, can play for the Eagles after the absence

because of NCAA transfer rules.

Tyndall says Kelly has the potential to average double figures in scoring and snag five to six rebounds a game as a freshman. Kelly was Tennessee's Mr. Basketball in 2009 after averaging 31 points and 15 rebounds as a senior at Centennial High School in Brentwood. Kelly was a redshirt at Miami, so he will have four seasons of eligibility at Morehead.

Kelly's grandfather was the late Lake Kelly, who coached Austin Peay and Oral Roberts and was an assistant at the University of Kentucky under Joe B. Hall.


(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)