Jennie (Howard) Joyce began her career at Graceland College in 1986 as the only freshman on the varsity team. He received additional honors in football being named Small College All-American as a quarterback. Peck spent ten years teaching and coaching at Lamoni High School before spending 25 years teaching and coaching at Raytown South High School in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. Floyd excelled those two years in both scholarship and athletics. A two-year captain for the Jackets, Harney also served as president of Aaron House during his time at Graceland. NFL Coaches Active Coaches: Bill Belichick, Andy Reid, Mike Tomlin, Pete Carroll . Graceland University retired Criswell's jersey, #69. Dava, beyond being named an honorable mention All-American, posted a 42-13 record as a Yellowjacket. Draft Scout Graceland Player Rankings. Collins was an assistant at Ottawa University in Kansas, from 1971 to 1972 and at Graceland College from 1974 to 1978. In his senior year, 1977, "E" peaked his collegiate career by being named Honorable Mention All-American. Soccer . He was further honored his junior year by being selected Heart of America Conference Most Valuable Player and Honorable Mention NAIA All-American (Division II). Soccer. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Weldon himself was captain of the Iowa track team and a two-time winner in the javelin at the Drake and Kansas relays. Indiana-Bloomington was the next stop on the academic trail where he completed a Master's (1967) and ultimately a Doctorate (1977) in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies. In his 30 year tenure, Gary established a wrestling program, and served as a coach for wrestling, football, and track and field teams. Dr. Barney Parker has continued his success off the field. Some of her fondest memories were the endless stories and laughs shared during the road trips with her teammates. After graduating, McCracken spent two years as head coach at Antilles High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then in 1979, Kaleikau played a huge part in securing a third NAIA national championship title for Graceland. 2022-23 Graceland Football Roster - Graceland University Christel Brown, Peggy Brown, Nancy Crawford and Deena Miller upset the favored team to set a record of 47.6 in the 440 yard relay. Day 2. Closson came to Graceland as a student in 1923 and participated in all of the available womens sports. He was a member of the 1965 graduating class with teacher certifications in Social Studies and Physical Education. He earned 13 varsity letters in basketball, football, baseball and track. After departing from Graceland in the spring of 1981, Pam taught school in Mercer, Missouri. Also a fine defender behind the plate, Jones finished his career with a .983 fielding percentage, recording 790 putouts and 140 assists. He has served the Graceland community in various ways over the years, dedicating countless hours as the home announcer, the voice of Yellowjacket football, and as the official scorekeeper for Yellowjacket basketball. When the spring season rolled around, Pam kept herself plenty occupied shuttling between the softball field where she played first base for coach Judy Sanken and the track where she threw the shot put. William "Billy" Gray graduated from Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala, Ohio in 1987. Collins was an assistant at Ottawa University in Kansas, from 1971 to 1972 and at Graceland College from 1974 to 1978. On a national scale, Gray secured NAIA All-American honors twice, including a Second Team selection in 1990 and a First Team selection in 1991. The Van Wert, Iowa native inked a 2nd Team All-Missouri Collegiate Athletic Union award his junior season, and was honored with a 1st Team nod the next year in 1969. She received all-conference honors throughout high school and was highly recruited to play college softball. After graduating from high school, Alphie attended Indian Hills Community College where he had a decorated junior college career, receiving All-Conference and 1. return to top, Elmo Gamet is the 1993 inductee into the Yellowjackets Athletic Hall of Fame. In her second year at Graceland, Pam combined her basketball quickness, keen eye at the plate and shot put strength to become a dominate player on the Graceland Field Hockey Team coached by Graceland Hall of Fame Coach Betty Welch. In her post-high school career, Verneda's high jumping took her across the world to compete on behalf of her country. In baseball, he was a two-time All-District and All-Heart of America Athletic Conference selection. After an amazing cross country season her senior year, she stepped on the indoor track again setting new records in the 1000m, 1500m, mile, 3K, and the 5K and running qualifying marks in all events from the 800m to the 5K including the 4x800. Shortly after graduation, Russ married the former Thresa Machelle Savage (1972), with whom he had a son, Nathan, and a daughter Kris. Gadberry totaled 1,792 yards receiving and scored 25 touchdowns during his career. In the process, he earned an M.S. O'Daniels was awarded the Charles Morris Award as the NAIA Administrator of the Year for 2000-2001. Hailing from Central Lyon High School in northwest Iowa, this small-town girl had yet to reveal her potential. ED., and Ed.D. Since completing graduate school, Dr. Hutchins was selected teacher of the year in 1985 and was elected Region Coach of the Year for Track and Field in 1986. Starring during the on-campus Spectacular festivities as well as in prep athletics, the 6'3" Warner possessed a unique athleticism that would pay off almost immediately after she first officially donned the navy and gold in 1997. Erwin "E" Houser attended Graceland from 1974-1977 and played football and baseball each year. One of the greatest athletes in Demon history, Dudek left Lamoni as the second all-time leading scorer on the basketball court. On the volleyball court, Lester helped guide his team to four national tournaments, which included two runner-up appearances and a fifth- and ninth-place finish. Darrell's abilities in football allowed him to successfully co-captain the team in his junior and senior years. She ended her collegiate career outdoors with new school records in the 3K and the 5K. Dan Hughes came to Graceland College in the fall of 1972 after graduating from Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Connecticut. Both teams won the Heart of America Conference Championships. Russell was also a four-year letter winner in basketball and baseball. Indiana played in the only varsity collegiate volleyball conference in the Midwest as a club team. Joining the Graceland volleyball team, she made an immediate impact. Hughes began the pattern of developing Female Athletic Programs. Powerful. In Hughes' junior year, before the season started, head coach Bill Dudek approached him about playing one of the linebacker spots as he thought it would be a good fit. As a student/athlete at Graceland, he earned six letter, two each in football, basketball and track. Graceland University. As a defensive end, he was a first team All-Conference and All-District '15' selection for three years (1976-78). Elmo Gamet is the 1993 inductee into the Yellowjackets Athletic Hall of Fame. Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. While in high school, Clayton was a substitute player on a very successful basketball team in Salina, Kan. As a competitor he has the reputation of being greatly respected by his teammates, as well as his opponents, due to his likeable personality. In football, during the 1983 season, he was ranked second in the country in interceptions. Strait, who taught at Lamoni Elementary School was killed in a small plane crash on March 3, 1972. return to top, Syd came to Graceland College in 1984, from Stamford, Connecticut, and made an immediate and lasting impact on the football team. After basketball, Acosta became a pediatric nurse. During that stint he initiated at Graceland in behalf of USA Volleyball the longest running and most highly regarded volleyball camping program in the country. NFL. return to top, Gary entered Graceland College in 1958 with no high school football or wrestling experience. As a team, the women finished the AIAW Regional Track & Field Championships in second place. As a sophomore Syd led the team in tackles and was named first team All-District, and first team All-HAAC at linebacker. Upon leaving Graceland, Hughes taught Junior High School Physical Education in her hometown of Torrington, WY before moving to Berthound, CO where she started both school's girl's sports programs, coaching volleyball, basketball, and track. He set many practical records, including 286 consecutive free throws (four-year average 99%) and 499 jump shots in a row from the head of the circle. His Graceland career began during his time as a student at Graceland in 1926-29 as a pre-med major. In volleyball, the middle hitter was dual threat at the net who anchored Coach Stew McDole's front court, where she collected All-Regional honors during a dominating Yellowjacket season her senior year in addition to adding Academic-All American honors in that sport as well. Dan and Suzanne have three children, Kelle ('90), Mark ('92), Brian, and four grandchildren. Football. She was also recognized during that campaign as District #15 Player of the Week and as a Russell Athletic All-American Second Team member. Bakersfield, California native Russell "Russ" Hampton came to Graceland in 1952 and made an immediate impact as a freshman for the Yellowjacket football team. Kristy graduated from Graceland in 2002 with a degree in Wellness Program Management and Health and Physical Education. Rushing & Receiving Table. Throughout his career, Seefeldt scored six defensive touchdowns. After Graceland, he was awarded a full scholarship to play football and baseball at Montana State University, (now University of Montana). Casey now lives in the greater Kansas City area and is an elementary Physical Education teacher. 2022 Graceland University Yellowjackets Schedule | ESPN The Power of Graceland's Alumni Network Recruits Five Football Student After college, he served in the Marines where he was a player and coach for the "Camp Caitlin Bulldogs" who boasted a 37-1 record. During her time on the volleyball court, Diana was also named to three all-tournament teams, voted as the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) player of the week two times and named the Heart player of the year in 2000. Visit ESPN to view the latest Graceland University Yellowjackets news, scores, stats, standings, rumors, and more . In 1970, he was inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame. Dr. Collins coached wrestling at Northwest Missouri State University from 1965-1970 and again from 1978 to 1985. He lettered in football, basketball, track and golf as received All-State honors in football as a quarterback. He is currently the voice of the Texas Rangers. As a member of the 1952 and 1953 Interstate Football Conference Champions, Parker was named to the All-Conference Team in both season and in 1953 was named to the Junior College All-American Team. She is grateful the softball coaches (Bill Dudek and Donovan Nelson) took a chance on her, giving her a second chance to play the sport she loved. In his senior year, 1977, "E" peaked his collegiate career by being named Honorable Mention All-American. Jerry is only the 24th person in the USA Volleyball's 67 year history to be honored with this prestigious award. Christel began seeing athletic success during her senior year of high school at H-L-V. She was the Iowa state long jump champion, helping to carry her team to a second place finish at state. At the conclusion on the 1999 season, and 24 years in this volunteer capacity, he stated it was time to step down and turn his position in the football staff to a younger coach. Always active in the community, Russ served as an elder in the Community of Christ Church, and as financial officer for the Scammon, Kansas congregation. She graduated from Graceland College in 1965 with a degree in Physical Education and Biology. from Central Missouri State University in 1972. NCAAF ESPN Player . return to top, Raised on a Kansas farm, Howard Brunner spent every opportunity playing on town athletic teams. In the state meet his senior year, he ran the mile in 4:26.7 to beat Dyrol Burleson, an extremely tough competitor who later broke the four-minute mile. In 1972 she arrived at Graceland in hopes of furthering her education and starting a career outside of sports. After an adolescence with every spare hour spent in the Graceland gym, future as a Yellowjacket was not a matter of chance, but a matter of destiny. After getting used to the game, Thomas and some companions from the YMCA formed a club called the Chicago Rebels. Getting her start in track, Thomas joined the Chicago Comets track team and was soon traveling across the country for meets. return to top. Throughout his career, Seefeldt scored six defensive touchdowns. Draft Scout Graceland Pro Prospects, Graceland Roster, Graceland Football Dava continued to excel on the field at Culver-Stockton. His passion for coaching is evident, having spearheaded the wrestling team at Creston High School from 1999-2010 where the overall record stands at 191-44. He received his M.A. Christel finished fifth in the 200 meter run and fourth in the long jump. After a strong showing at the national tournament, she was picked for the 1964 U.S. Olympic team, bound for Tokyo, Japan. Eskridge was later named equipment manager and purchasing agent for the Dallas Cowboys football team, a position he held for 13 years. Visit GUJackets.com Quick Facts & Stats 22 Varsity teams (2020-21) Fall 2022 11 In the meantime, she taught English, history and girls physical education at Lamoni High School until 1930. In his first 17 years at Graceland he worked with 3,500 athletes, 340 student workers and 25 coaches. Rod has coached the Yellowjackets to NAIA Men's Nationals Championships in 1973, 1976, and 1979. Stew made his college playing debut for the cream and crimson. Graceland University retired Criswell's jersey, #69. return to top, The love of Clayton Henry's life aside from his family has been mathematics, baseball and basketball. As a basketball player in college, Rich was a two-time first team all-conference selection whose name appears throughout Graceland's all-time records lists. A late summer church youth volleyball tournament started by Stew in 1969 grew to 30 teams in 1972 and ultimately moved to Graceland to become the annual Sports, Arts and Leadership Spectacular. MMA. The Yellowjacket's welcomed someone of Allen's ability with open arms. Dever was most successful wrestling at the 118 lbs. Parallel to his coaching achievements, Stew volunteers much of his time to better volleyball. Dr. Collins coached wrestling at Northwest Missouri State University from 1965-1970 and again from 1978 to 1985. Throughout his career, Tripp was named a Heart of America All-Conference athlete four times, three of which were first team selections. He has coached two AFCA All-Americans, a Remington Award Winner (best Center in NAIA) and 18 All-Conference players. Alphie Fulton came to Graceland College in 1975 as a center for the Yellowjacket football program. During his 8 years with the Jets, Jeff started 104 of 108 games played and was named to the USA Today's All-Underrated team. Five-time Iowa Open Champion, turner holds 13 major Iowa championships. Dever capped off an outstanding career by finishing second at the 1971 NAIA National Tournament and earning a place on the NAIA All-American Team. Skinner still works as a consultant for undercover narcotics and has been a featured guest lecturer for his work in drug enforcement. He has successfully trained thousands of athletes throughout the Midwest since the 1990s. Stew represented the NAIA on the board of the American Volleyball Coaches Association for 17 years and was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2003. NCAAF ESPN Player . Part of Graceland and Lamoni High School lore, Billy Dudek joins his Hall of Fame father, William "Duke" Dudek, and brother Casey on the wall of honor, the bearer of a great athletic dynasty. Glenn was also a three-year Letterman on the track and fielder team participating in the shot and discus for fellow Hall of Famce coach L. D. Weldon. F1. Kristy graduated from Graceland in 2002 with a degree in Wellness Program Management and Health and Physical Education. He now serves as professor of physical education at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. Diane Loving-Kyser came to Graceland from Overland Park, KS in 1963. Gay was the organization's president during her junior and senior years. She was an All-American honorable mention selection in 1999 and named to the second team in 2000. NCAAW. In the singles spot, Tom won numerous tournaments, and lost only one match in the season. On the soccer pitch, Lester was a four-year starting goalkeeper. He formed "O-Line Limited", a charitable marketing firm and initiated the "Boomer's Body Guards" campaign to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Upon arriving at Graceland, Peck continued to play two sports, competing in baseball and basketball. NHL. As a Demon, he ran in the state 2-mile relay team and also received football 1st team All-Conference and All District 15 honors. She is enlisted in the military and is completing her final year of nursing school. Tom McCracken attended Graceland College from 1960 to 1964, excelling in three sports during that time. In 1956, Cochran served as starting catcher on the United Olympic Baseball Team. Stew represented the NAIA on the board of the American Volleyball Coaches Association for 17 years and was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2003.
