WESTON JOINS CARDINAL SQUAD

Monday afternoon saw Coach Holley’s latest recruit become a William Jewell Cardinal as he signed his letter of intent. Chris Weston, the ’07 starting point guard for the Jays, has committed to come back to Liberty to complete his collegiate career. Chris, along with his parents, teammates, coaches, and WJC faculty, is transferring from North Arkansas JUCO and Maple Woods. He will be a sophomore and have three seasons to be a Cardinal.
Why did you choose WJC?
CW: After leaving North Ark, I was back in Liberty and would come to Jewell to play in their open gyms. I expressed interest in trying to play here and I had some good talks with Coach Holley. One thing led to another and here I am.
What’s it going to be like playing with Nick Larson again?
CW: It’s going to be a lot of fun. Nick and I had success in high school and I wanted to play with him in college. He went to a couple of schools and I explored options to join him. I’m just real happy that we’re here together.
What’s one emotion you’re feeling now?
CW: I’m very anxious. I’m ready to go…ready to get started and go prove myself at this level.
What are your goals for yourself?
CW: I want to start. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn the spot. Whether it’s play great defense, make a three, set a pick, I’ll do my best.
What are your team goals this season?
CW: I want to make it a long way in the national tourney. I watched their tournament games and I think we have the tools to make it further this next season. I hope we can pack the Mabee Center for our games this season. We’re going to be fun to watch so I hope people will come to support us.
What are you going to major in?
CW: I’m going to major in business. I’ve got all my classes set up. The people here have been great in helping me get organized with my courses.
Anything else you’d like to add?
CW: It’s going to be great to play in Liberty again. Not only is it going to be nice to play in front of my family and friends, just playing in my hometown, where I had a great high school experience, is going to be great.

ADAMS CHOOSES #4 TO HONOR WEP

It was a short summer for BlueJay graduate Shaun Adams. He left for college on June 27th to begin workouts and start classes. He’s enjoying the life of a Division 1 student/athlete. He is very proud of his new collegiate jersey number, #4, which he selected to remember and honor former teammate Barrett Wepler.


How are workouts going?
Workouts are going really well, I can already feel a difference on how strong I am getting. The lifting portions of workouts are extremely tough but good for me. The conditioning is there for me too. The workouts we did in high school were probably just as difficult so it wasn't as bad for me. In fact, I was the only incoming player not to throw up on the first day.

What’s your workout schedule?
My workout schedule is M-F except for Wed. Each morning at 7 am we condition until about 7:40 and then lift until 8:30. At nights we have open gym almost every night followed by a study table, making it a long day. The weekends are pretty much to us to get in the gym and work on ball handling and lots of shots in the gym.

You’re taking a couple of classes now. Are they a little tougher than HS courses?
Classes are really hard up here. Especially coming from high school it is a lot more intense, you are expected to read something every night for the upcoming class.

Tell us about your new collegiate number and the significance of it.
Well I couldn't get my high school number,# 33, so I knew the right choice for me was # 4. It still has a huge meaning in my life even to this day, I know he is still looking down, and I have told other people the story and how he should be at a college of this academic and athletic caliber right now, so I think it is very fitting. I know from talking to Coach Stirtz and the rest of the staff, that it still has a huge meaning. Wep always needs to be remembered and honored and this was a way for me to do that. My parents both really liked the choice of the number and I know it will help me on the court both athletically and spiritually.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Overall, it’s been a great 4 weeks for me so far. I am playing really well in open gyms and in the summer league we are in. My teammates here are really accepting and the freshman class is really doing well. Look for Loyola to be a surprise team in the Horizon league this year.

JOE PRICE NAMED JV COACH

Joe Price has been named the new Junior Varsity coach for the BlueJay Basketball program. Coach Price has been a very successful junior high coach for the past 7 years at the 8th and 9th grade levels.

"Our program is excited to have Coach Price as a member of the high school coaching staff," states Coach Stirtz. "His loyality to the program, emphasis on the fundamentals of the game, and his ability get the most out of his players earned him the job. Having watched Coach Price's teams practice and play games over the years, his teams are at an advantage because of his teaching style and attention to detail."

Let's get to know Coach Price:

Hometown: Skidmore, Missouri
College/Major:Graduated from Northwest Missouri State/K-12 Physical eduction/Health
Collegiate playing experience: 2 years at Central Methodist College-team made national tournament, 2 years at Northwest Missouri State-team made national tournament both years.
Teaching assignment: Warren Hills Elementary K-5 Health
Coaching experience: 1 Year assistant Varsity coach South Nodaway. 7 Years Coaching 8th/9th grade for Liberty
What made you want to be a JV coach: Getting to work with more advanced basketball players for such a successful program and working with a staff that will help me develop and become a better coach.
Outlook for this upcoming season: To continue the success of the JV program while helping to develop the junior varsity athletes into varsity athletes.
Family: Wife- Dena, Son- J.J., 2 1/2 years old; Son-Deacon 1 years old.

2nd Annual Wepler Golf Tourney a Big Success

On July 13th, Staley Farms golf course hosted the 2nd annual Wepler Memorial Golf Tournament. Organized by former BlueJays Michael Noland and Eric Adams, the tournament saw almost 20 teams compete for the 4 person scramble low score and prizes on certain holes. But more importantly, the participants donated their time and money for a wonderful cause. Funds generated by the tournament and silent auction will benefit cardiomyopathy awareness and the Wepler Scholarship Fund.
“I really want to thank the golfers who make this possible. It’s an extra special day to remember and honor Barrett and Jennifer. I also want to thank everyone who helped today and especially our sponsors,” remarked Michael Noland.
Players enjoyed cooler temperatures, under July conditions, and a golf course which was in great shape.
“It was a privilege to be able to play in the tournament,” stated participant Jim Cooper. “It was a great day to be on the course. The best part of the event was the opportunity to honor Jennifer and Barrett, and with everyone’s involvement this scholarship will benefit worthy individuals of Liberty High School.”
List of sponsors: Northland Pain Consultants and Professional Care; Los Compas Restaurant; Patton & Associates; Kirkland & Woods, P.C.; Noland Law Firm, LLC; Alliance Radiology-Liberty Division; Underground Environmental Services; Citizens Bank & Trust; Kearney Trust Bank; McDonald’s; Commerce Bank; The Brown Family; The Dale Family; PriceChopper; Spencer Financial; Dice Photography; The Dish Pizza; EarthScapes of Liberty; State Farm Insurance, Dennis Cordray; and Ferguson Properties. Thank you.