Grand View - News

[Women's Golf] Grand View Finishes 21st at National Championships

Molly Brown — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:05:00 -0600

The Vikings played their final round at the 2013 NAIA Women's Golf Championship today in Lincoln, Neb. Grand View shot a 325 in the third round, its best round of the tourney, to bump up two spots from the conclusion of yesterday's round and finish 21^st overall in the team standings (344 341 325=1010). It matches the highest national finish for the women's golf program; GV also finished 21^st in 2012.

Junior Nicole McDonald (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) shot a personal tournament low round today (75) to jump 26 spots from yesterday's round into 51^st place. She was highest individual performer for the Vikings and finished with a tourney total of 241(90-76-75).

Senior Amalia Mejia (Medellin, Colombia) tied for 87^th with a three-round total of 250 (79-84-87). Sophomore Kenzie Rottinghaus (Urbandale, Iowa) was just one stroke behind Mejia and finished tied for 92^nd place (87-77-77-251).

Sophomore Caitlin Bruch (Carroll, Iowa) tied for 128^th (90-95-86=271) and senior Amanda Jones (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) 134^th(88-94-98=280).

The top 17 teams will play a fourth and final round on Friday. Oklahoma City currently leads in the team standings and has recorded rounds of 310-305-305 for a three-day total of 920 for a 10 stroke lead over second-place British Columbia.

Complete results.

[Women's Golf] Jones and McDonald Named NAIA Women�s Golf Scholar-Athletes

Molly Brown — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:30:00 -0600

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced Thursday that 131 women's golf student-athletes have been named 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status.

Two Grand View student-athletes were recognized as NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Senior Amanda Jones (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) was named a Scholar-Athlete for the second straight year. Junior Nicole McDonald (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) was honored for the first time.

Complete list of 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Women's Golf Scholar-Athletes

[Track and Field] Ten Vikings to Represent GV at NAIA Track & Field Championships

Molly Brown — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:00:00 -0600

The Grand View track & field teams will once again be well represented at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships being held this week on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Viking All-Americans Bryce Adger (Carrollton, Texas) and Colleen Frank (Eldora, Iowa) will kick things off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. Adger will be competing in the first of two-days in the decathlon, while Frank competes in the women's hammer throw.

On Friday, Adger will compete in the second day of the decathlon beginning at 9:30 a.m. A pair of Viking field event athletes are slated to start at 1 p.m Friday with Val Veiock (West Des Moines, Iowa) in the shot put and Allen Clark (Chicago, Ill.) in the long jump. MCC sprint champion, Keonte White (Grand Praiie, Texas) and fellow sprinter Toi Jones (Portland, Ore.) take to the track in the men's 100m dash prelims at 3:10 p.m. MCC Field Athlete of the Year Lance Maxwell (Racine, Wis.) and MCC all-conference performer Jon Higgins (Council Bluffs, Iowa) step into the ring for the men's discus beginning at 5 p.m

Saturday marks the final day of competition as the marathon gets under way at 6 a.m, with Kelsey Carbajo (Spring Hill, Kan.) representing Grand View on the 26.2 mile course through the city of Marion. All-Americans Veiock and Devon Jensen (Underwood, Iowa) will compete in the discus at 3 p.m. The duo swept the top two spots in the discus at the MCC Championships earlier this month and Veiock placed 8th in the event at last year's national championships.

Head Coach Jerry Monner said "I'm anxious to get things started. We have a really good group of athletes representing us at the national meet, each one of them has put in the work and deserves to be here, I can't wait to see them in action. We always have a great showing at nationals and I think our kids are ready to compete."

Follow the free live video stream here.

[Women's Golf] Vikings Consistent in Opening Rounds at Nationals, 23rd in Team Scoring

Molly Brown — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:55:00 -0600

The Grand View women's golf team sits in 23^rd place in the team standings through two rounds at the NAIA Championships held at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln, Neb.

The Vikings shot a 344 in the first round on Tuesday and improved by three strokes today with a 341. At the end of each round Tuesday and Wednesday, GV was 23^rd overall.

Senior Amalia Mejia (Medellin, Colombia) leads the Vikings individually. Mejia is in 64^th place in the 144-player field with a score of 163 (79-84). Junior Nicole McDonald (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) is just three strokes behind Mejia and shot the fourth lowest individual round today (76). She is 77^th,overall with a two-day total of 166 (76-90).

Sophomore Kenzie Rottinghaus (Urbandale, Iowa) is 113^th (87-87=174), senior Amanda Jones (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) 130^th (88-94=182), and sophomore Caitlin Bruch (Carroll, Iowa) 134^th (90-95=185).

Action gets underway in round three of the 2013 NAIA Women's Golf Championships Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. Grand View tees off beginning at 8:15 a.m. and is paired with Dakota Wesleyan and Olivet Nazarene.

Live leaderboard with complete results here.

[Women's Soccer] Urbandale Prep Smith Commits to Viking Women's Soccer Program

Molly Brown — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:25:00 -0600

Colleen Smith (Urbandale, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Grand View women's soccer program announced by head coach Ventsi Stoimirov.

Colleen is a two-year letter winning defender from Urbandale High School and also competes for the Johnston and Urbandale Soccer Clubs (JUSC). She has earned both All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors.

"Colleen is a hard-nosed defender who does not back down to any opponents or shy away from tackles. She is one of the very few high school players with proper technique for slide tackling and she has learned to use it very effectively. Her athletic ability and her experience playing for Urbandale High School and JUSC have developed Colleen into a very good all-around soccer player. I am delighted to have Colleen as a Viking this fall," said Stoimirov.

The daughter of Scott and Claudia Smith, Colleen plans to study Pre-Physical Therapy at Grand View.

[Men's Golf] Slavin Named NAIA Men's Golf First Team All-American

Molly Brown — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:45:00 -0600

Slavin Named NAIA Men's Golf First Team All-American

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the 2013 NAIA Men's Golf All-America teams, as selected by the NAIA-Men's Golf Coaches Association All-America Committee. A total of 45 student-athletes were honored with 15 individuals being named to each of the three teams.

Viking senior Mike Slavin (Johnston, Iowa) capped off his career at Grand View by earning First Team All-American honors. Slavin was instrumental in leading the Vikings to their fourth straight MCC title and NAIA Championship appearance this season. He was the 2013 MCC Championship medalist and Player of the Year. Slavin was voted as the MCC Player of the Week four times this year.

Slavin becoms the second Grand View player to earn NAIA First Team All-American honors under head coach Chris Winkel. Josh Manske ('12) was a three-time First Team All-American for the Vikings during his career.

The Grand View men's golf team made program history with the team's fourth place finish at the 2013 NAIA Championships. It was the second highest finish ever at a national championship by a Grand View athletic team.

Complete NAIA Men's Golf All-American release.

[Men's Tennis] Forcucci Signs with Viking Tennis Program

Molly Brown — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:00 -0600

Anthony Forcucci (Des Moines, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Grand View men's tennis program announced by head coach Bob Peterson.

Anthony is s four-time state qualifier and four-year letter winner from Dowling Catholic High School. He transfers to Grand View from NCAA Div I University of Nebraska Omaha where he lettered twice. At UNO, Anthony advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament and earned MIAA All-Conference honors.

The son of Albert and Diane Forcucci, Anthony plans to study Health Promotion with a Fitness/Wellness concentration at Grand View.

[Men's Basketball] Vikings Sign Denholm for 2013

Justin Einerson — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 -0600

Mason Denholm (Valley City, North Dakota) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Grand View men's basketball program announced by head coach Denis Schaefer. He comes to Grand View from Valley City High School where he was a guard.

Mason led his team in assists his junior and senior year while leading the team in free throw percentage and was also named defensive player of the year. Denholm was also named to the all-tournament team for the Barnes County Tournament and averaged 10.7 points per game and five assists per game on the year. He also grabbed over four rebounds a game.

Mason is a member of the National Honor Society and was named trainer of the year in football during the 2012 campaign.

The son of Jack and Anne Denholm, Mason plans to study Business at Grand View.

[Men's Basketball] Wisconsin Wing Signs With Grand View

Justin Einerson — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:50:00 -0600

Justin Schweiner (Green Bay, Wisconsin) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Grand View men's basketball program announced by head coach Denis Schaefer. He comes to Grand View from Green Bay Southwest where he was a wing player.

Justin was a team captain and named to the all-conference team in his senior season. He finished his career as a three-year letter winner and was on the honor roll all four years of high school.

The son of Dan and Lisa Schweiner, Justin plans to study Marketing at Grand View.

[Women's Soccer] McGregor Signs with Viking Women's Soccer Program

Molly Brown — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:40:00 -0600

Randi McGregor (Des Moines, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent with the Grand View women's soccer program announced by head coach Ventsi Stoimirov.

Randi is a three-time all-CIML defender from Hoover High School. She was named to the First Team once and the Second Team twice.

Also accomplished in the classroom, Randi is on the Honor Roll and has earned academic all-conference honors.

"It is great to continue the long tradition of signing Hoover High School and Northwest Soccer Club players for the Viking soccer program. Randi is a very athletic and fast defender who has the ability to make decisive runs forward and deliver driven crosses and score goals from a long range. She is a very physical player and will be a very valuable addition to our defensive line. I am delighted to see Randi as Viking this fall and I expect her to make a quick transition to the college game," said Stoimirov.

The daughter of Donald and Sheila McGregor, Randi plans to study Psychology at Grand View.

[Men's Golf] Highest National Finish for Vikings, Slavin Ping First Team All-American

Molly Brown — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:20:00 -0600

On the fourth and final round of the 2013 NAIA Men's Golf Championships in Salem, Ore. on Friday, the Vikings shot a 300 for the second straight day and moved up one spot from Thursday to finish fourth overall. It is the highest national finish for Grand View; the previous highest finish for GV was in both 2011 and 2010 when the team placed sixth.

Grand View shot a four-day four-round total of 1182 (288-294-300-300), one shot behind third place Cal State-San Marcos and six shots behind runner-up Texas Wesleyan.

Oklahoma City claimed its second-straight national title. The Stars, who never trailed during the event, registered a team score of 291 en route to posting a tournament-low 4-under, 1,148 (280-288-289-291).

Sophomore Tyler Christians (Urbandale, Iowa) had the highest overall individual finish for Grand View. Christians shot a four-day total of 292 (70-72-73-77) to tie for 13^th place. At the conclusion of the tournament, Christians was named to the 15-member All-Tournament Team.

Sophomore Matt Weeks (Spirit Lake, Iowa) was the second highest placer for the Vikings. Weeks finished tied for 24^th place after shooting a 296 (72-76-74-74)

Mike Slavin (Johnston, Iowa) capped off his career with a 31^st place finish (70-71-82-75=298). It was the highest finish at the national tournament for Slavin who placed 54^th in 2012 and 46^th in 2011. He had a stellar senior season and was named to the Elite Ping All-American First Team on Friday. Slavin led the Vikings to the most successful season in program history. In addition to the team's fourth place NAIA Championship finish, GV won its fourth straight MCC title with Slavin the individual conference medalist and 2013 MCC Player of the Year. He was named the MCC Player of the Week four times this season.

Junior David Walter (Eau Claire, Wis.) and sophomore Kyler Ludwig (Carroll, Iowa) placed 52^nd and 59th respectively. Walter shot a 3-5 (81-75-75-74) and Ludwig a 308 (76-77-78-77) for the tournament.

Complete individual and team results.

2013 All-Tournament Team
Sondre Ronold, Oklahoma City
Aaron Flores, Our Lady of the Lake
Adam Loran, Cal State San Marcos
Michael Palmer, Oklahoma City
Davis Garner, Bellevue
Anthony Marchesani, Oklahoma City
Dylan Anthony, Texas Wesleyan
James Marchesani, Oklahoma City
Jose Mario Vega, Bellevue
Trevor Banks, Virginia Intermont
Zach Cabra, St. Thomas
Matthew Latham, St. Andrews
Nathan Anderson, Texas Wesleyan
Tyler Christians, Grand View
Julian Taylor, William Woods

NAIA PING First-Team All-Americans
Nathan Anderson, Texas Wesleyan
Aaron Flores, Our Lady of the Lake
Adam Loran, CSU San Marcos
Anthony Marchesani, Oklahoma City
James Marchesani, Oklahoma City
Michael Palmer, Oklahoma City
Thane Ringler, The Master's College
Sondre Ronold, Oklahoma City
Mike Slavin, Grand View
Julian Taylor, William Woods
Alastair Tidcombe, University of the Cumberlands

[Men's Golf] Vikings Slip to Fifth at NAIA Golf Championships

Justin Einerson — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 -0600

Tyler Christians 1-under par remains in a tie for sixth at the NAIA Golf National Championships but the Vikings slipped to fifth place in the third round on Thursday. Christians is just three back of the leaders, Aaron Flores of Our Lady of the Lake and Sondre Ronald of Oklahoma City, going into the final round.

Matt Weeks is in a tie for 27th at 6-over par. Mike Slavin is in a tie for 32nd after a third round 82. Slavin was sitting fourth going into the third round. David Walter and Kyler Ludwig are tied for 65th.

As a team, the Vikings are now fifth at 18-over par, 25 shots back of leader Oklahoma City. Texas Wesleyan is second at 9-over, California San Marcos is 15-over and Johnson & Wales is fourth 17-over.

Following third round action the field is cut to 17 teams and the top 40 individuals. The fourth and final round will begin play on Friday at 7:30 a.m. (PDT). Grand View tees off at 8:30 a.m. (PDT) and is paired with Johnson & Wales (Fla.) and Our Lady of the Lake (Texas).

For the complete fourth round tee times and pairings, click here.

For complete schedule and results for the 2013 NAIA Men's Golf National Championships, click here.

[Men's Soccer] Former Viking Standout Signs to Play Professionally with Minnesota United FC

Molly Brown — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:15:00 -0600

The professional soccer experience is expanding in the United States. Players with the drive and talent who can put themselves in an environment to succeed, can work hard for an opportunity to become a professional athlete. Luis Heitor-Piffer did just that.

The two-time All-American at Grand View University has fulfilled a childhood dream to become a "professional soccer player". He recently signed a three year contract with Minnesota United, a top franchise in the NASL (North American Soccer League). Minnesota were the 2011 NASL Champions. At that time the franchise was known as the Minnesota Thunder. The NASL and USL Pro are the two 2nd division professional leagues in the United States. MLS (Major League Soccer) being the sole division 1 professional league.

"We identified Luis over the winter in training, when he came out and pushed himself. We're excited for a young player to try out and make our squad and excited for his future with the club," said Minnesota United FC head coach and technical director Manny Lagos.

At the end of April, Luis was back in Des Moines for his college graduation. He earned a BS in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management. When asked about his experience at Grand View Luis said "After two great years at Grand View, hard work, dedication, faith, and a desire to improve, prepared me to go out and fight for my dream to become a professional player. I remember Coach Blair (Reid) saying you are going after a job, and if you are serious about taking someone's job, you better be ready for anything. When I was going through my trial with Minnesota, each day and night I would prepare myself mentally to battle and do whatever I needed to do. Coach Al (Driscoll) got me fit, and worked on my touch weeks before heading to Minneapolis. I set my mind that I was going to show the coaches at Minnesota United I was good enough to play. I worked hard for weeks. I did not want to come back to Des Moines with bad news. My teachers at Grand View also helped me when I was on trial. I would not have graduated without their help".

Having just been cleared by the Brazilian and United States soccer federations, Luis continues to train hard with the club, and anxious to make his first appearance for United. Grand View Coach Reid had these comments about Luis' experience. "We are happy and proud of Luis. He has accomplished something that most young soccer players strive for or at least dream about. The staff here knew Luis had the talent to play at the next level. What needed to be seen from Luis was that he had the true ambition, physical and mental toughness to go through the process becoming a pro. Luis' commitment and preparation showed us he was serious and ready to take that challenge. Minnesota United is a fantastic organization. They were professional when dealing with Luis' academic schedule, and kept us updated on his progress. Class outfit".

Check out Luis on the Minnesota United FC Roster

[Men's Golf] Men's Golf Remains in Second Place Following Second Round at Nationals

Justin Einerson — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 -0600

Fueled by three individuals in the top 10, defending national champion Oklahoma City extended its lead to 14-strokes after 36 holes at the 62nd annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championships presented by FORE! Salem. The 2013 event is being hosted at Creekside Golf Club by the Cascade Collegiate Conference and Corban University (Ore.).

The Stars posted an even-par 288 in the second round and are a combined 8-under 568 (280-288) after 36 holes.

Despite cold and damp conditions to start the day, Grand View held its second-place position with a second round 294. The Vikings are at 6-over par through 36 holes. Mike Slavin was the lone Viking under par today despite a bogey on No. 4 and double bogey on No. 5. He currently rests in fourth-place in the individual race.

"I thought we played really well," said Grand View head coach Chris Winkel. "We were led by really good play out of Mike Slavin, which really paced us. Six-over par today in the conditions we played in I thought was pretty good."

Rounding out the remainder of the top five teams is Bellevue (Neb.) and Cal State San Marcos tied for third at 11-over, while Johnson & Wales (Fla.) is fifth at 15-over. Cal State San Marcos matched Oklahoma City for the best team score of round two with an even-par 288.

Rounding out the top five individuals through 36 holes are Sondre Ronold of Oklahoma City (69-69—138), Adam Loran of Cal State-San Marcos (70-69—139), Anthony Marchesani of Oklahoma City (68-72—140), Slavin (70-71—141) and Tyler Christians of Grand View (70-72—142).

The third round will begin play on Thursday at 7 a.m. PDT Grand View tees off at 1:40 p.m. PDT and is paired with Oklahoma City and Bellevue.

[Track and Field] Peden Signs with Viking Track & Field

Whitney Franker — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:55:00 -0600

Head track & field coach Jerry Monner has announced the signing of Christopher Peden (Pleasantville HS/Pleasantville, Iowa) to his 2013-14 recruiting class. Peden will represent Pleasantville in four events at 2013 State Track & Field Championships. He's qualified individually in the 200m dash and will also compete on the Trojans 4x100m, 4x200m, and shuttle hurdle relays at the state meet.