Crusaders charge into seasons with optimism

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Coaches for both the men's and women's basketball teams at Evangel University are optimistic about the 1999-2000 season.

According to Coach Steve Jenkins, men's head coach, his team won the Heart of America Conference last year for the second time in three years.

"I'm silly enough to think we have a chance to win the conference championship," Jenkins said. "But I know it won't be easy. The group of men proved a lot last year, however, and I think they'll continue that success this season."

Jenkins is in his 25th year of coaching at Evangel.

This year is his 18th as head coach for the Crusaders. Evangel's teams have compiled a 272-259 record in Jenkins' tenure.

Jenkins is from Pittsfield, Ill., and is a 1974 Evangel graduate.

He was a basketball and baseball star during his college years, earning four letters in baseball and three in basketball.

Jenkins received a master's degree from the University of South Florida in 1978.

The men's coaching staff is completed by Assistant Coach Steve Shepherd.

Shepherd is beginning his second year with the team. Steve Richard is student assistant.

The Crusaders open the season with the Ozarks Food Harvest Basketball Tournament Nov. 12-13.

The home-court tournament begins with Evangel playing against Avila College on Nov. 12. On Nov. 13 Evangel takes on Columbia College.

Though the team lost a couple of good seniors from last year's team, returning players and new talent make Jenkins confident about his team, he said.

Last year's leading scorer, Mike Hawkins, returns along with Daniel Cutbirth, named Heart of America Conference Freshman of the Year in the 1998-1999 season. Also returning are Wes Murphy, Andy Truesdale and Terry Klemett.

Bryan Osterloh, a returning junior, will be eligible to play in the second semester. "He'll certainly be a force when he plays," Jenkins said.

Evangel's women Crusaders are pumped up and ready for the season, according to Head Coach Leon Neal.

The women's team begins its season Nov. 9 on the road against Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.

Neal is in his 12th year on the women's basketball staff and his sixth year as head coach.

Prior to this season, Neal shared the head coaching position with Lynn Bowen.

Neal's assistant coach is his wife, Dawn, in her first year on the basketball coaching staff and her second year as assistant volleyball coach.

Both Leon Neal and Dawn Neal are former Evangel athletes.

Leon Neal has worked with the Springfield Police Department's Gang Task Force and he speaks to several youth and athletic groups about drug and alcohol abuse.

Dawn Neal played for the Evangel volleyball and basketball teams, then played for a number of years in a professional women's basketball league in Europe.

She returned to Evangel in 1995 to earn her bachelor of science degree in physical education and begin her teaching career.

Cheryl House-Brown, Matt Clopine, and Tori Mooneyham are student assistants.

"I think we are going to be a much-improved team this year," Leon Neal said. "Our success, however, will depend on how well and how soon we jell as a team."

Leon Neal said he is expecting great things, in particular, from junior Staci Jones.

Jones won second team NAIA All-America honors last year and was a first team All-Heart of America Conference selection for the second year in a row.

The Crusaders have five seniors on the women's roster: Jaycie Cherry, Lana Collins, Cary Mills, Melissa Rogers and Sarah Whitmore.

Neal said he is counting on these five players to lead the team and fill some gaps left by key departed players Rachel Sooter and Mooneyham.