MSHSAA amendment works for swimmers

Swimming teams across the state may have a couple of new faces on their teams this season, thanks to a recent ruling by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

An amendment now allows members of high school swimming and diving teams to belong to non-school swimming and diving teams during the high school season. The amendment was approved by a vote of 416 to 82.

"I'm thrilled it finally passed," Notre Dame coach Lenny Kuper said.

The amendment helps swimmers like Notre Dame junior Jameson Kuper, who qualified for the state meet as a freshman but did not swim for the team last year in order to get more practice time through another outlet. Kuper swims for the Saluki Swim Club in Carbondale, Ill.

Lenny Kuper said that while Jameson had already made up his mind to swim for the Bulldogs this season, MSHSAA's decision can only help him.

"That does make it easier for us," he said. "I don't think it affects anyone else on the boys team."

All-district volleyball

Bell City and Advance led the way in Class 1 District 2 with both having two players on the first team.

Katie Niemczyk and Emily Burch seniors, represented the Cubs. Bell City, the district winner, also had Rachel Spears make the second team.

Alicia and Angela Broshuis were the Hornets' first-team representatives, while Kaci Cooper made the second team.

Carmen Duncan was one of three Oran players recognized, with Duncan making the first team. Courtney Nenninger and Mandi Wood were on the second team.

College notes

Nebraska sophomore Kim Pancoast, a Central graduate, finished her cross country season with a 29th-place finish at the Big 12 Cross Country Championship. Pancoast finished in 22 minutes, 37 seconds. Pancoast was named to the all-academic Big 12 team for the second straight season.

Indiana State senior midfielder Ashlie Voerg, a Central graduate, became a part of the women's soccer program's history when the Sycamores defeated Northern Iowa 2-1 in a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament play-in game on Oct. 31. It was the first MVC tournament win for Indiana State, which later lost 1-0 to Creighton in the MVC semifinals. Voerg had three goals this season for the 9-10 Sycamores.

Notre Dame graduate Lisa Millham scored 14 points to lead Central Missouri State to a 71-61 exhibition win over St. Louis Goldstar on Oct. 31. Millham, a junior, was 4-for-5 from the field. Lisa's younger sister Ashley Millham, a sophomore, added seven points.