APU Alumnus Dave Canales ’03 Hired as Carolina Panthers Head Coach

This article was originally published on apu.edu.

After an athlete’s playing career wraps up, the pinnacle of professional sports is becoming a head coach at the highest level: the major leagues. Azusa Pacific University alumnus Dave Canales ’03 reached that pinnacle yesterday when he was named the head coach of the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers. David Tepper, the Panthers’ owner, said “Dave's background is rooted in success. He has an innovative mindset and positive energy that connects well with players and staff. We are impressed with his ability to bring out the best in players.”

Canales will be tasked with coaching last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, and guiding the offense of the team that ranked last in the NFL this year to new heights. Canales becomes the only active Hispanic head coach in the league, and only the fifth in NFL history.

"I am extremely proud of David, and happy for him and the entire Canales family,” said APU Athletic Director Gary Pine. “He is an excellent leader, and he'll do a marvelous job of guiding men, both on and off the field."

Canales takes the helm of the Panthers after serving for one season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator. In Tampa Bay, Canales helped with the resurgence of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Before the season, Mayfield went from a former No. 1 overall pick to a perennial backup. Canales was not daunted by the task of reviving Mayfield’s career. Under Canales’ guidance, Mayfield passed for a career high in passing yards (4,044) and passing touchdowns (28), enhancing his reputation as a quarterback and likely earning a long- term contract.

Under Canales’ coaching, the Buccaneers offense as a whole improved from 25th in the NFL to 20th overall, seeing a sizable jump even after losing the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady, to retirement. Tampa Bay overachieved expectations, not only reaching the playoffs, but also knocking off the defending conference champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round before narrowly losing to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.

Prior to Tampa Bay, Canales spent most of his coaching career in Seattle under future Hall of Fame head coach Pete Carroll. Canales started as a quality control coach for the Seahawks from 2010-12 before working his way up to assistant quarterbacks coach (2013-14), receivers coach (2015-17), passing game coordinator (2020-21), and quarterbacks coach (2018-19, 2022). During Canales’ tenure in Seattle, the Seahawks made the playoffs 10 times, winning the NFC championship twice (2013-14) and the Super Bowl once (2013).

Canales’ impact on the Seahawks offense and team success cannot be overstated. Former Seahawks star Russell Wilson was a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback with Canales’ coaching, earning nine Pro Bowl selections from 2012-2021 before he was traded to the Denver Broncos, more than any other quarterback in the NFL during that span. Canales also helped revitalize the career of quarterback Geno Smith in 2022. Smith had been relegated to being a backup from 2015-21. But after Wilson was traded, Canales transformed Smith into a Pro Bowl signal caller who achieved career highs in passing yards (4,282) and touchdowns (30) while leading the NFL in completion percentage (69.8).

Before Seattle, Canales served under Carroll for one year as an assistant strength coach and video assistant at the University of Southern California. Earlier, Canales spent three years (2006-08) at El Camino College as tight ends coach, special teams coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Canales began his coaching career at his alma mater, Carson High School, after graduating from APU in 2003.

Going back to his playing days, Canales was a five-year member of the APU football program (1999-2003), serving as a team captain in 2002 and 2003. During his time at APU, the Cougars posted a 36-15 record and made three playoff appearances. As a wide receiver for the Cougars, Canales caught 27 passes for 298 yards and had a touchdown reception in his senior season. Canales graduated in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in business.

Canales and his wife Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Henderson ’05) have two children. Canales’ younger brother, Coba Canales (’06), played baseball and football for the Cougars, serving as a team captain for both programs; he is currently the dean of students at APU.

"The Canales family is extremely proud and excited about this new opportunity for Dave to continue his impact on lives through football as the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers," Coba Canales said. "He's been blessed with many coaching mentors who have built him into the man he is today. He leads authentically from his faith in Christ and desire to bring out the best in everyone, which has garnered him success in the NFL in Seattle and Tampa. From starting as a volunteer JV coach at Carson High School and grinding it out for years until finally earning a full-time coaching role with the Seattle Seahawks, Dave and Lizzy have prayed their way through lots of ups and downs, victories and uncertainties, and have trusted God in the midst of it all. We're hoping for wins on the field because that's what keeps you there, but we know for sure that lives will be changed for God's glory."

Canales becomes the second APU alumnus to reach the pinnacle as a head coach of a major league team. Stephen Vogt ’07 was named the manager of Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians in November.

“To have David leading the Carolina Panthers and his former classmate Stpehen Vogt at the head of the Cleveland Guardians says something about the type of student-athletes who come to Azusa Pacific, and hopefully some of the impact we have on them,” Pine said.

Read more about Canales’ background here.

Dominique Johnson '10: Pouring into the Next Generation

This article was originally published on apu.edu.

Dominique Johnson ’10 is driven to pour into the next generation. After 13 years playing professional basketball in the NBA D-League, for many international teams, and in the Big3, Johnson returned to Azusa Pacific University to serve as assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. “I wanted to share my knowledge and experience,” Johnson said. “I talked with (head coach) Pete Bond and he said I should start here. I’m grateful for the opportunity and it’s been great to be back at APU.” Johnson’s journey back to his alma mater was a long one, filled with lots of life lessons that he hopes to pass on.

A Detroit native, Johnson discovered his love for basketball as a child and began playing for his middle and high school teams. After graduating from high school, he moved to Memphis, and began playing college basketball at Southwest Tennessee Community College. After a standout sophomore season, he was recruited by several schools and decided to transfer to APU.

“When I visited APU, I saw the big God First sign on the wall in the gym and everything just felt right,” he said. “I didn’t even fly back to Tennessee. My friends just shipped my stuff out here.”

The natural fit translated to enormous success for Johnson and the men’s basketball team. In 2008-09, Johnson paced the squad in points at 17.2 per game and three-point field goals with 70 on the season. “Coach (Justin) Leslie broke down my whole game and taught me how to play high percentage shots, spacing, and positioning. I was like a raw piece of clay and he molded me,” Johnson said. “He showed me how to play the right way.” Johnson’s achievements earned the recognition of NAIA All-American third team. He led the Cougars to a 24-10 record and a Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) championship. “It took a while, but when we all started trusting each other, we hit our stride and were almost unstoppable.”

The following year, as a senior, Johnson played even better, earning NAIA All-American first team honors. APU won the GSAC championship again and made it all the way to the NAIA Championship. Unfortunately, the Cougars lost in the final seconds to Oklahoma Baptist. “It was a brutal loss. We sunk a game winning shot at the buzzer, but it turned out the clock had expired literally .1 seconds before the ball left my teammate’s hands,” Johnson said. “That team was special. I’ll never forget that season.”

Although his time at APU came to a close, Johnson’s basketball career was just taking off. He was selected by the Idaho Stampede in the 2010 NBA D-League Draft, but never played a game for them after getting cut right before the season. “That was the first time I had ever been cut from a team. It taught me a lot about the politics of the D-League,” he said. Johnson rebounded, signing with the Texas Legends, where he played for two years. He went on to play with the Canton Charge for a season before deciding to move on from the D-League.

“I received advice from friends and teammates to play basketball overseas, so I found a new agent who helped secure me my first international contract in Poland.”

Johnson’s experience in Poland was a game changer. In his first season, his team won the Polish Cup, even though they weren’t considered contenders. “I didn’t realize the significance of winning the Cup. I thought it was just another game, but everyone was absolutely ecstatic. My agent told me that I had accomplished something most guys don’t experience in their whole career,” he said. That season kickstarted Johnson’s international playing experience. He went on to play for another team in Poland, where he led the league in scoring, then played in Israel, Turkey, Germany, Italy, China, Italy again, Lebanon, France, Mexico, and Egypt. “If I had the chance to stay in one place for 10 years, I probably would have, but having the opportunities to experience all those different countries and their cultures was life changing,” he said. Johnson went on to win the FIBA Europe Cup in 2018 and the Lebanese Cup in 2019.

Although most rules of the game are the same in other countries, Johnson said the way the game was played and the environment were completely different than American basketball. “In the NBA, it’s all about offense. Overseas, it’s much more defense-centric; they’re strategic and more physical to stop you from scoring,” he said. “And the fans are on another level. They’re jumping from start to finish, setting off flares in the gym, and lighting coins on fire. Every game is like Game 7 of the NBA Finals for them.”

Although Johnson had amazing experiences on the court, life off the court could be challenging at times. He married his college sweetheart from APU, Marissa Johnson ’12, but she was still living in the U.S. as her career as an education administrator blossomed. “Marissa would visit me during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring breaks. She was able to stay longer for two stints when I was playing in Venice and Florence,” Johnson said. “I was grateful for those times and I’m so proud of her career.” Johnson bonded with his teammates and made good friends at each stop along his journey. He particularly loved his time in Israel. “My best friend is Israeli. Her family took me in and invited me over every Saturday for Shabbat dinner,” he said. “There were tons of Americans in Israel too. We would have barbecues every week where we would hang out and play cards. It felt like you were at home.” Through all the ups and downs of playing overseas, Johnson’s one constant was his faith. He wears a WWJD bracelet everyday and has Scripture from 1 Corinthians tattooed on him serving as a reminder of God’s provision.

“God has never left me. He’s always protected me. When I have doubts about how I’m going to get through tough times, God’s there for me.”

After playing for 13 teams in 10 countries, Johnson decided to retire from playing international basketball. He decided to pass on his knowledge in a book, Adjusting, Adapting, and Managing Expectations of Overseas Basketball, which gives athletes insight on how to pick an agent, how to read contracts, and how to avoid hiccups in international basketball. Johnson returned to the U.S. and was promptly drafted by the Killer 3’s in the Big3 league. “The Big3 has been a great experience. I’ve gotten to play alongside a lot of former NBA players,” he said. “It’s fun talking to Ice Cube and seeing him at every game. I even got to meet Dr. J. That had me starstruck.”

Johnson may continue playing in the Big3 next summer if the opportunity arises again, but for now, he’s focused on being a husband and a father to his three-year-old daughter and three-month-old son and coaching at APU. “It’s all about mentoring for me. I feel like I can motivate the students and get the best out of them,” he said. “We’ve got a talented team and they work very hard.” Johnson is excited to learn from Coach Bond. “I’m constantly picking Pete’s brain. He’s a fantastic coach and has already taught me a lot.” Johnson said the team’s goal is to win a national championship, but he’ll measure success in different ways. “I want the guys to develop their skills and learn about life outside of basketball. The ball isn’t going to bounce forever. I tell them to take their education seriously.” Johnson is furthering his education as well, pursuing a Master’s in Leadership through APU. “If the players can grow in their knowledge and their faith, that’s far greater than any championship.”

Stephen Vogt ’07 Named Manager of Cleveland Guardians

This article was originally published on apu.edu.

Today will go down as one of the most significant moments in the history of Azusa Pacific athletics. Stephen Vogt ’07 was named the new manager of the Cleveland Guardians—the first APU alumnus to become a head coach of a major league team. Vogt has big shoes to fill, replacing future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona who led the Guardians for the past 11 seasons. Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, is certain he’s the right man for the job.

“Stephen earned a reputation as one of the best teammates in the game across his 16-year career as a player, and we’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him over the past several weeks,” Antonetti said in a statement. “Stephen has thought critically about the type of leader and manager he wants to be. His deep care for others, his ability to build meaningful relationships with those around him, and his open-mindedness and curiosity make him an ideal fit to lead our club moving forward. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Stephen.”

A two-time All Star, Vogt played 10 seasons in the MLB, primarily with the Oakland A’s. Across that span, he batted . 239 with a .301 on-base-percentage and 82 career home runs. While he had many big moments in his career, including hitting a walk-off single in the 2013 American League Division Series and winning a World Series as a member of the Atlanta Braves, Vogt’s most memorable moment was his final game in 2022 when he homered in his last at bat. Vogt is one of only three players in MLB history to hit a home run for his first and final career hits. After Vogt retired from playing, he spent the last year as the bullpen and quality control coach for the Seattle Mariners.

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Life on Film: Stephen Vogt '07

During his time with the A’s, Vogt was a consistent leader in the clubhouse and a four-time winner of the Catfish Hunter Award, which is given to the A's player whose play on the field and conduct in the clubhouse best exemplifies the competitive, inspirational, and courageous spirit of Hall of Fame pitcher Catfish Hunter. He also earned the A’s Dave Stewart Community Service Award three times for his efforts in the community. Vogt was one of the most beloved A’s of the last decade, a hero on and off the field. The chant, “I Believe in Stephen Vogt,” often rang out whenever he would step to the plate, and it can be found on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and many other places. The Guardians even mimicked it in their announcement, saying “We believe in Stephen Vogt.”

Before Vogt broke out in the MLB, he had a historic career at APU, which included:

• Three-time NAIA All-American (2005-07)

• Four-time All-Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) honoree (2004-07)

• Two-time GSAC Player of the Year (2005, 2007)

• Setting nine APU records, including highest career batting average (.451), career hits (294), career doubles (74), career RBIs (199), career walks (158), single season hits (108), and single season doubles (26)

• Leading the Cougars to their best record in program history (51-10) and an NAIA World Series appearance in 2007

• 30-game hit streak

• 84-game streak reaching base

• Inducted into the Cougar Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

Athletic director Gary Pine reflected on Vogt’s APU days after hearing the Guardians announcement. “Anyone who knows Stephen well is not surprised that he has risen to this level of leadership so quickly in his career,” Pine said. “He was an outstanding leader even as a young player at Azusa Pacific, and his ability to relate to all types of people was clearly evident even then. He is a terrific man of God, and will represent his family name, his alma mater, and the Guardians with the highest level of integrity and honor.”

When Vogt announced his retirement as a player in 2022, he declared that his next dream was to become a big league manager one day. Today, that dream came true.

The Sword Project: Blessing Athletes with Personalized Bibles

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Carrie Webber, Azusa Pacific University’s head softball coach, was on a mission. She walked onto the field with a stack of thick leatherbound books in her arms, knowing that this moment meant more than any win ever would. These were no ordinary books; in fact, they were copies of the bestselling, most read book of all time. Titled the Sword Project, APU’s Athletics Department gives personalized study Bibles to all incoming athletes.

For Webber, the inspiration for the Sword Project came from former player Becca Jewett ’21. While Jewett was an upper-division student at APU, she went into her own pocket to buy Bibles for the freshmen on the team. “Becca would have dinner with them and present them with a Bible with their name on it,” Webber said. “It was awesome watching the impact that had. It definitely meant a lot to them.” Webber began to notice that many incoming athletes didn’t have Bibles. “I think that one of the best things that we can possibly do for our athletes is to put a Bible in their hands,” she said.

As Webber began to look for the right study Bibles, she encountered a problem—the Bibles weren’t cheap, and the cost added up quickly with the large number of athletes. This problem was solved thanks to a generous donation through a foundation by Jamen Wurm, CPA, MS ’98, a member of APU’s 1998 NAIA national-championship-winning football team. Wurm, a partner at Goehner Accountancy, is a big believer in giving back to the program that helped shape him into who he is today. When APU announced the closure of the football program in 2020, he asked former football coach Bo Beatty ’94 if he had any ideas about where the funds he had donated could go. Beatty told him about the work Webber does and got them in contact. After talking with Webber, Wurm knew he wanted to be a part of the Sword Project. “I’m very excited to know that this is going toward such a great cause,” Wurm said. “It is a blessing to be a part of possibly providing a student-athlete with their first Bible ever.”

The Sword Project’s name comes from a hand-engraved sword on the cover of each Bible, referring to the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Inside the sword, Webber can inscribe up to 12 characters, which athletes choose. Many ask for their names or the Scriptural location of their favorite Bible verse. Webber has received lots of encouraging feedback from the athletes. “One girl had wanted a Bible for years, but cost was always an issue. She was so excited to receive one,” Webber said. “Another girl had an old hand-me-down Bible. She said it was hard for her to open it, for many reasons, but this Bible is her own and has given her the newfound motivation to open it and experience God’s Word.”

APU athletes have a unique opportunity to grow in their faith, according to athletic director Gary Pine ’84, who conducted a survey on their spiritual growth. “While Bible classes and chapel are an integral part of APU’s Christian education, the resounding response from athletes was that they saw the most spiritual growth from meaningful conversations with their teammates and coaches,” Pine said. “The beauty of athletics is that when you’re on a team, you develop a bond that allows for vulnerability. People feel comfortable asking deep questions that they might not feel comfortable asking elsewhere.”

In academic classes, APU faculty find ways to integrate their faith with the subject material. On athletic teams, coaches model a Christian lifestyle and walk alongside their players. “We want to impact our athletes beyond the four years they’re here. Nothing can impact your life greater than the Word of God,” Pine said.

“When our student-athletes walk across that commencement stage, they’re no longer a student and no longer an athlete. We hope to pour into them enough so they know their identity is not in academics or athletics, rather it is in Christ. Now they’ll have their own Bibles, and it’s a book they’ll continue to use long after they graduate.”

Each coach has their own ways they pour into their players—some do Bible studies, others have team movie nights featuring Christian productions such as The Chosen, and others pray with their team before and after practices. All APU coaches are available to talk to their players when deep questions arise. “I had a player call me recently and say, ‘Coach, I know God’s real, and I don’t know much more, but I really want to know. Can you sit down with me and tell me more?’” said Webber. “I told her I absolutely could. I live for those moments. Wins are pretty cool, but the joy from those moments lasts way longer. I don’t always get to be there for that moment when they say yes to their faith and yes to God. But while I might not get to see that moment, I definitely notice how they’ve been transformed at APU. That’s very special.”

Baseball Coach Kirk Nieuwenhuis Comes Full Circle

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis ’12 returned to his old stomping grounds in 2020 with a plethora of professional baseball experience, eager to help the Cougars program excel to new heights. At first, he served as an assistant coach, but after 18-year head coach Paul Svagdis left APU to return to his alma mater, Tufts University, in 2021, Nieuwenhuis was chosen to be his successor, serving at the helm of Cougar baseball.

Nieuwenhuis was a star outfielder for the Cougars from 2006-08, batting .373 over three seasons alongside eventual MLB All-Star Stephen Vogt ’07. Together, they helped APU reach the NAIA World Series in back-to-back years. Reflecting on his time as a player at APU, Nieuwenhuis said he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “I have so many good memories [of] hanging out with teammates on and off the field,” he said. “Those bonds and relationships were so strong. Many of my teammates came to my wedding, and I’ve gone to theirs. Those lifelong friendships are what made it special.”

In 2008, the New York Mets made Nieuwenhuis the highest MLB draft pick in APU history, selecting him in the third round with the 100th overall pick. “I always had a desire to play in the big leagues, but I was certainly surprised when I got drafted in the third round,” he said. Nieuwenhuis said that the first year in the minor leagues was the hardest transition as he adapted to the demanding pro schedule. “I realized quickly that I needed to rely on and draw near to God,” he said. “I remember missing a family reunion that my parents and relatives attended and feeling lonely and homesick.”

In that moment, and many more that followed throughout his professional career, Nieuwenhuis turned to a favorite Scripture, Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Nieuwenhuis knew that God had a plan for his life and he could only take things day by day. “In all the uncertainty, that verse provided comfort for me, knowing that God’s in control and I could trust Him.”

This trust in God proved pivotal to Nieuwenhuis’ career. It took a few years before he matriculated from the minor leagues to MLB, but when he debuted in 2012, Nieuwenhuis made a splash, batting .252 with 7 home runs, 12 doubles, and 28 RBIs over 91 games. He appeared in 226 games for the Mets over the next three years, but was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2015, before being cut and re-signing with the Mets in a matter of weeks. “I relied on God a lot during that time,” he said. Later that year, Nieuwenhuis became the first player to hit three home runs in a single game at Citi Field and the first Cougar to play in a World Series. “That was the highlight of my professional career. It just emphasized how special baseball is and the excitement you have in playing with your teammates at the highest level. I was just so grateful for the opportunity to play in a World Series. It’s something that every ballplayer dreams of but there’s not many people that get to do it.”

Nieuwenhuis went on to play a few more seasons in the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers before deciding to end his professional playing career. Soon after, he received a call from his former head coach at APU. “I didn’t know if coaching was ultimately the career for me, but coming back to APU felt right. I wouldn’t have done it anywhere else,” he said.

Nieuwenhuis said Coach Svagdis was a great mentor during his time playing for APU and an even better teacher in the two years Nieuwenhuis was able to coach under him. “I was a pretty fiery player and he helped me keep my emotions in check on the field and channel them into higher levels of performance, especially in high-stakes games,” Nieuwenhuis said. “In terms of coaching, the biggest thing I learned from him is that players respond to different styles of coaching. What works for one of my guys may not work for another, so I have to get to know my players and how to coach each of them best.”

Nieuwenhuis teaches his players to focus on each pitch. “Being present during a game and in life takes an incredible amount of mental energy; that’s why it helps to focus on just one day or one pitch at a time,” he said. “My players are learning, just like I did, to trust the process, not the results. You don’t always get the results you want, but you can control the process and learn from it.”

Coaching at APU provides Nieuwenhuis with an avenue for sharing his faith with his players. “That’s not something you get to do everywhere,” he said. “It’s important for me to help them learn the perspective that baseball is important, but whether you win or lose, at the end of the day, it’s just a game. The bonds these guys form with each other, how they treat people, and ultimately their relationship with the Lord is far more important than anything they do on the field.”

After working with the team each day, Nieuwenhuis returns home to his wife, Bethany, and their two children. His professional career taught him a lot about how to prioritize his time. “When I leave the field, I leave work behind. My time at home is for my family and I’m grateful that coaching at APU allows me to be present and focused with them,” he said.

For Nieuwenhuis, it truly feels like he has come full circle—after an amazing collegiate baseball career at APU, he spent years cutting his teeth in the minor leagues, then made a lasting impact at the MLB level, and now is back at his alma mater coaching the next generation of Cougars. “It’s definitely been an honor and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back on the campus where I learned so much and made many lifelong memories and friends.”

APU Grad Shows Resilience with Medal Win in Tokyo Paralympics

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Trenten Merrill ’15 went to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games on a mission. He was determined to succeed in the long jump and represent the U.S. on the podium after falling just short in his Paralympic debut at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Although his jump in Rio was a personal best and it broke the American record, it placed him fourth and just off the podium. 

“Rio was an amazing experience. Tokyo was incredible, but more laid back without all the fans there,” he said. Although he felt much more prepared going into his second Paralympic games, Merrill didn’t have an auspicious start in Tokyo. “I tripped up on my second jump and just ate it in front of everyone.” 

Although the jump was painful and hurt his chances at attaining a medal, Merrill was not daunted by a little adversity. He had overcome much greater obstacles in his life.

When he was 14 years old, Merrill and his best friend were riding dirt bikes to his house in San Juan Capistrano, California. They came to the final turn before the house, looked both ways, and began to cross the street. “We didn’t see the car when we checked, and they didn’t see us, because there was a divided median with trees and shrubs that obstructed the view,” he said. “I woke up in the other lane and it felt like the whole thing was a dream at first. Then I looked over and saw my friend Scott on the ground, screaming. I realized it wasn’t a dream. It was real.”

Merrill felt a numb sensation in one of his feet and could tell from looking at it that it was broken. He grabbed his cell phone and called his dad, who arrived followed by two ambulances. They first took Scott, who was in critical condition with a broken back, chipped pelvis, punctured lung, and a bruised face from hitting the car’s windshield. With much medical intervention and prayer, Merrill’s friend eventually made a full recovery. 

Merrill remained in the hospital for the next month and a half. After several weeks of effort to avoid the unthinkable, the doctors at Mission Hospital delivered the news that he would need his right leg amputated, just below the knee. Merrill began to cry, panicking at the thought of a life without one of his legs. He reflected on his identity, which was largely rooted in athletics. 

Growing up, Merrill played numerous sports—soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, swimming, and motocross racing. “I remember watching those old Gatorade commercials with Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm and falling in love with sports,” he said. “My dad taught me to play basketball when I was in preschool and we’d play every night until dinnertime, but I would only come in to dinner if I was winning; otherwise we’d keep playing.” This passion for competition grew with time. When he was asked to think about his dream career, Merrill always answered he would be a professional athlete. 

“I felt like my identity was gone when they told me about the amputation. My heart was broken and I didn’t know what my life would be like,” he said. “Then my friend’s mom walked into my hospital room and started praying over me. I felt the Holy Spirit and I sensed God telling me He had big plans for me.” Merrill decided to place his trust in God, and at that moment his uncertainty and anguish were replaced by peace and hope. 

Soon after Merrill received his prosthetic leg, he was up and moving again. “I was walking on it that first day, and jogging by the end of the first week. Once I knew I could run with my prosthetic, I just wanted to go back to playing sports. I allowed myself to be me again, to try everything, and not be afraid to fail.”

Merrill continued playing sports in high school, including two new ones for him, volleyball and wrestling. It wasn’t until college that he began competing in track and field. He always knew he was fast, even outrunning some of his teammates during wrestling practice, but he didn’t find out about the Paralympics until his sophomore year at Saddleback Community College. He was invited to a running clinic hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation where he met Joaquim Cruz, a retired Brazilian Olympian sprinter who now coached Paralympians. Merrill instantly recognized that this was the move he needed to make—his new dream was to become a track and field Paralympian.

To take the next step in his journey, Merrill decided he needed to transfer to a university. “I had heard a lot of Azusa Pacific ads on my Lecrae/Christian rap Pandora radio station. Then I was watching track and field videos on YouTube and came across Bryan Clay training for the 2012 Olympics at APU,” he said. “The last sign came one day when I was heading to the gym and reached into a pile of workout shirts and pulled out an ‘APU Track & Field’ shirt. I had gotten it at a camp from a friend named John Ellis, who had gone to APU. I decided three signs were enough.” 

Merrill began to research APU. He reached out to then-coach Kevin Reid, who got back to him immediately and said the team would love to have him. “I went to check out the school in person,” said Merrill. “As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was the place I belonged. God brought me to Azusa.” Merrill competed for the Cougars from 2013-14. He went professional in 2015 and finished up his last few APU classes online.

His years of hard work and perseverance paid off in Tokyo. After his second long jump, Merrill crawled out of the sand pit determined. “I told myself to keep going, to fight. It was a mental battle. I focused on taking it one jump at a time, not worrying about anything else,” he said. He jumped three more times, including a 7.08-meter jump that placed him third in the T64 category. “To put the U.S. on the podium and see that American flag raised, that was an incredible feeling. To get a medal was such an amazing experience,” he said. “It’s now a part of history. I’ll always be grateful.”

Merrill celebrated his achievement, but is by no means resting on his laurels. He aspires to keep competing and setting personal bests, has broken the American record three times, and strives to set more records, including becoming only the second jumper in his category to jump over 8 meters (his current record is 7.75 meters). If he can jump that far, Merrill has a shot at beating Markus Rehm, an undefeated German jumper.

Merrill plans to compete in two more Paralympic games, and he dreams of ending his athletic career at home in Los Angeles in 2028. That goal, and his desire to bring glory to God, are what drive Merrill. “Faith is what helps me in the best and worst of times,” he said. “All this is meaningless without it. It gives me a purpose. It gives me the fuel to keep going. God created me to be an athlete. He hasn’t told me that I’m finished yet, so I’m going to keep going.”

Best of the decade: The 2010s

This article originally appeared in ZU News.

While some may accuse me of recency bias for saying the 2010s held some of the greatest sports moments ever, the 2010s truly did house a number of the best spectacles American sports fans have ever seen.

It is incredibly hard to pick just one moment from the big four leagues, and since we already wrote about the best NBA Finals and World Series ever, I’m going to choose two other moments for the NBA and MLB.

Here are the best sports moments of the 2010s:

MLB: MadBum is not human (2014)

As a die hard San Francisco Giants fan, this is a biased selection (though I also could have chosen when the Los Angeles Dodgers lost the World Series in 2017, or 2018). However, any baseball enthusiast could tell you that Madison Bumgarner’s postseason performance in 2014 was unparalleled. He did what Barry Bonds could not do in the 2002 World Series — carry his team to victory.

Let’s start off by looking at the stats. During the 2014 postseason, Bumgarner pitched a record-breaking 52.2 innings with a 1.03 ERA. This included a complete game shutout in the wild card round over the Pittsburgh Pirates and three quality starts where he only allowed five earned runs and struck out 18 batters in the NLDS and NLCS. But it was his performance during the 2014 fall classic against the Kansas City Royals that truly made Bumgarner “Mr. October.”

Bumgarner started Game 1, tossing seven innings and allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while fanning five. The Giants claimed victory 7-1 and held a 1-0 series lead. Then the Giants dropped Game 2, 7-2, and Game 3, 3-2, before drawing the series even at 2-2 with a 11-4 win in Game 4. Bumgarner started his second contest in Game 5, dominating the Royals with a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out eight. The Giants grabbed a 3-2 series lead, but the Royals crushed San Francisco 11-0 in Game 6, bringing it to a winner-take-all Game 7.

Both starters struggled early, as Tim Hudson only made it 1.2 innings after allowing two runs for the Giants, and Jeremy Guthrie was pulled after allowing three runs in 3.1 innings for the Royals. Jeremey Affeldt pitched 2.1 innings of shutout ball for the Giants, and that’s when the world’s eyes turned to the 6’4” southpaw coming out of the bullpen. 

On just three days of rest after already pitching 16 innings in the series, Bumgarner was coming in. 

It didn’t start out well, as he allowed a single and a sacrifice bunt, leaving a runner-in-scoring-position with no outs. But Bumgarner rallied, getting 13 straight outs before allowing a single which turned into a triple thanks to an error by Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco. With two outs and a man on third, Bumgarner went to work trying to get the final out of the World Series against Salvador Perez. Perez popped up a pitch in foul territory and Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval caught it, ending the series. 

No pitcher has ever had a postseason performance like Bumgarner did in 2014. The Chicago Cubs World Series victory in 2016 was perhaps the biggest moment of the decade, but MadBum’s heroics were more memorable.

NFL: Malcom Butler says goodnight to the Seahawks (2015)

It seems like the New England Patriots own so many of the best moments in the NFL over the 2010s, and while their victory over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI was the better game, Malcolm Butler’s interception to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX was the better moment.

To give some context, the Seahawks were the best team in the NFL at the time. They had dominated the past two seasons, going a combined 25-7 in the regular season, and destroyed the Denver Broncos 43-8 in the previous Super Bowl. Seattle’s “legion of boom” was perhaps the best defense in the history of the NFL, allowing just 14.25 points and 239.6 yards per game. Led by the NFL’s best cornerback (at the time) Richard Sherman and Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas III, the Seahawks held one of the strongest secondary groups in league history.

However, down 28-22 with less than a minute remaining, the Seahawks were counting on their offense to win the game. Though he’s surely a Hall of Famer now, quarterback Russell Wilson was still young and inexperienced then. But Wilson had ice in his veins, as he completed three passes for 75 yards to get the Seahawks to New England’s five-yard-line with just over a minute remaining. Star running back Marshawn Lynch, also known as “Beast Mode,” charged up the middle on the next play to the one-yard-line. 

The whole world expected Lynch to finish the job on the next play, but head coach Pete Caroll decided to throw the ball (resulting in countless memes), and Wilson was picked off by Butler in the end zone, sealing the victory for New England. It was their first Super Bowl victory in a decade, and they would add two more titles in the next five years, while the Seahawks haven’t even been back to the NFC Championship since then.

NBA: Ray Allen saves Heat on last second three (2013)

Steph Curry’s dominance over the past five years from beyond the arc may make fans forget that he wasn’t always the three-point king. Ray Allen was the original, and still holds a fair amount of records (that Curry will likely break), but none of his triples were more significant than his game saving three-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in 2013. 

It was Game 6 of the NBA Finals and the Miami Heat were down 3-2 against the Spurs. The Spurs held onto a 10-point lead, 75-65, entering the fourth quarter and did everything they could to shut down the best player in the game, LeBron James. The Spurs were somewhat successful in this, holding James to 30 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but even they could not contain him forever. 

James rallied the Heat and their defict was at three with under 20 seconds remaining. However, James’ three point attempt in the closing seconds was too strong, but Chris Bosch grabbed the rebound and slung it to Allen in the corner who drilled the three with five seconds remaining, tying the game at 95-95. The Heat would go on to win it in overtime, 103-100, and win the Finals in Game 7 by a score of 95-88, and giving Miami their second consecutive championship.

NHL: Patrick Kane ends Blackhawks title drought (2010)

So what if this happened in the opening year of the decade? It was still a part of the 2010s. I was tempted to go with the Las Vegas Knights’ spectacular inaugural season, or with the St. Louis Blues’ first title in 2019, but this was the best moment of the decade. 

The Chicago Blackhawks hadn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1961, a drought only trumped by the Cubs 108-year stretch between winning the World Series, at least in Chicago fans’ eyes. The Blackhawks put together a strong 2009-10 season, going 52-22-8 during the regular season, winning the Central Division and securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Then Chicago took out the Nashville Predators in the quarterfinals (4-2), then the Vancouver Canucks in the semifinals (4-2), and swept the San Jose Sharks (4-0) in the Western Conference Finals.

The Blackhawks squared off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Flyers weren’t as strong of a squad, but they still had a respectable 41-35-6 regular season record, before taking out the New Jersey Devils (4-1) in the quarterfinals, the Boston Bruins (4-3) in the semifinals—in which the Flyers came back from a 0-3 series deficit making them the third team in NHL history to do so—, and the Montreal Canadiens (4-1) in the Conference Finals. 

The Blackhawks claimed Game 1 (6-5) and Game 2 (2-1), but dropped Game 3 (4-3) and Game 4 (5-3). Chicago rallied for a 7-4 victory in Game 5, setting the stage to end the 49-year-drought in Game 6. The Blackhawks struck first, scoring on a goal from Dustin Byfuglien, but Philadelphia tied it up. 

In the second period, the Flyers grabbed the lead on a goal by Daniel Briere, but the Blackhawks tied it up and then grabbed the lead again on goals by Patrick Sharp and Andrew Ladd. The Flyers tied it up once more before the end of regulation. 

Then, in overtime, winger Patrick Kane took a short angle shot and started celebrating. Kane was the only one cheering at first, since the puck got lost and no one knew if it was a goal, but then the entire team joined him when it was confirmed. Kane brought Chicago it’s first Stanley Cup in nearly half a century, and helped them win it again just two years later and again in 2015 making the Blackhawks the NHL dynasty of the 2010s.

Best of the decade: The 1980s

This article originally appeared in ZU News.

As we continue to wait for sports to come back, hopefully soon, we are continuing our series of looking into the past and analyzing the best sports moments of every decade. After sharing the best moments across the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL in the 1970s last week, here are the best moments of the 1980s.

MLB: Kirk Gibson’s home run

As a die hard San Francisco Giants fan, it’s hard for me to admit that the best moment in professional baseball of the 80s belongs to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it’s true. This pain is eased by the fact that the Dodgers haven’t won the World Series since 1988. It was during that very same fall classic that outfielder Kirk Gibson made history with an infamous walk-off home run.

Gibson had just signed with the Dodgers earlier that year after nearly a decade with the Detroit Tigers. He was always a good player and had even helped the Tigers win the World Series in 1984. However, it wasn’t until he came to LA that Gibson reached his peak. During 1988, Gibson had his best season ever, hitting .290 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs, while stealing 31 bases and scoring 106 times. These numbers netted Gibson his first and only MVP award. 

However, even with his tremendous year, the Dodgers were still heavy underdogs against the Oakland A’s. The A’s won 104 games that year and swept the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. Led by the Bash Brothers, José Canseco and Mark McGwire, the A’s had better than 2-1 odds to win the series. Canseco was the AL MVP that year, after slugging 42 home runs and  124 RBIs along with 40 stolen bases. McGwire wasn’t far behind with 32 homers and 99 RBIs. The A’s also had three top tier starting pitchers and the game’s best closer in Dennis Eckersley, who had notched 45 saves that year.

Fittingly, Eckersley was the man on the mound when Gibson came up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 1. Eckersley had gotten two outs, with one man on first when Gibson came up to bat. It was all down to him. 

Oh yeah, there’s one more thing, Gibson was injured. He had suffered a severely pulled hamstring in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Mets. Gibson wasn’t even supposed to play at all that night. But with just one out remaining, Gibson went in and prayed for a miracle. 

After a couple foul balls and a few taken pitches, Gibson was staring at a full count from the game’s best closer with all of Dodger Stadium on their feet. Eckersley made a mistake down the middle and Gibson used all the power he had in his arms to crush the ball over the left field wall. As the crowd roared and his dugout emptied, Gibson jogged, limping the whole way, around the bases. He was the hero of the game and the Dodgers would go on to win their first World Series since 1981.

NBA: Magic Johnson comes in clutch 

The greatest franchise in the history of the NBA is, without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers. The greatest dynasty of the NBA is, arguably, the Lakers during the 80s (Bulls fans will fight you on this since they had six championships in the 90s, but the Lakers won five championships and had two more finals appearances). The greatest moment of the Lakers dynasty came in the opening year of the decade. 

The Lakers had established a 3-2 lead in the 1980 NBA Finals over the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in Game 5, Lakers superstar and reigning MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33.4 points and 13.6 rebounds per game in the finals, had sprained his ankle and was out for Game 6. This put all the pressure in the world on rookie sensation Earvin “Magic” Johnson. 

Johnson came in clutch with the performance of a lifetime. During Game 6, Johnson scored a series high 42 points while snatching 15 rebounds, dishing out 7 assists, thieving 3 steals and even notching one block, while playing all five positions on the court. The Lakers beat the 76ers 123-107 and took the series 4-2. It established the Lakers dynasty and Magic Johnson as a legend.

NFL: The catch

I’m a bit biased here since I’m also a San Francisco 49ers fan, but any football fan would tell you that the 80s belonged to the Niners. San Francisco took home the Lombardi Trophy four times during the decade, once in the beginning, once in the middle and twice to close it out. Led by Joe Montanta, the best moment of the 80s for the Niners actually came in the NFC Championship, not the Super Bowl.

The 49ers were down 21-27 against the Dallas Cowboys with less than a minute left on the clock. The ball was snapped and Montana rolled right, scrambling for what seemed like forever as Cowboys defenders swarmed him. With legendary defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones in his face, Montana threw a ball to the back of the end zone that everyone thought he was just throwing away, except he wasn’t. 

San Francisco’s 6’4’ wide receiver Dwight Clark snatched the ball out of the air for the game winning touchdown. The reception became known as “the catch” and was recently named as the second greatest football play of all time. Clark became a legend and the 49ers went on to win the Super Bowl against the Bengals, and three more before the decade ended.

NHL: The “Miracle on Ice”

First of all, I don’t watch hockey at all. I’ve seen a couple games in my life and was more confused than I was after the Seahawks passed on the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX. But even I have heard of “the miracle on ice.” Disney made a movie about it after all. 

Second, technically this shouldn’t be on the list since it wasn’t an NHL game; it was in the Olympics. However, if anyone tells you there was a bigger moment in hockey in the 1980s than the miracle on ice, they are a liar. Okay, the Wayne Gretzky trade was a distant second place, but it still didn’t come close. So we’re making an exception.

Now that we’re through with all of that, let’s dive into what happened. 

In the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Soviet hockey squad was heavily favored to win the gold medal. They had won the previous four gold medals, dating back to 1964 and hadn’t even dropped a single Olympic hockey game since 1968. Meanwhile the U.S. team was a joke, seeded seventh and comprised of college players. The average age on the team was just 22-years-old.

While they lacked experience, the team made up for it with determination and perseverance. They went undefeated with four victories and one tie in the opening round, advancing to the medal round. Then on Feb. 22, 1980, the Americans took on the Soviets in front of a sold-out crowd.

The U.S.S.R struck first with a goal by Valery Krotov. American Buzz Schneider answered with a goal for the U.S. midway through the first period. Sergei Makarov responded with another goal for the Soviets, but the Americans tied it again at 2-2 off a goal from Mark Johnson with just one second remaining in the period. 

In the second period, Russia outshot the U.S. 12-2, but American goalie Jim Craig saved all but one goal, as Russia took a 3-2 lead. The Soviets held that lead until nine minutes into the final period as Johnson scored again after a Soviet penalty.  Then just a minute and a half later, Mike Eruzione smacked a 25-foot shot into the back of the net and the U.S. took a 4-3 lead. They spent the final 10 minutes doing everything they could to keep the Soviets from scoring again. 

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the crowd chanted “five, four, three, two, one,” and Al Michaels gave what is probably his most renowned sports call ever as he yelled “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” resulting in the name, the “Miracle on Ice.” The U.S. won the game and went on to defeat Finland in the finals to win the gold medal.

***

The best of the decade series continues next week with the 1990s.

Zoe March loves basketball again

This article was originally published in ZU News.

Senior guard Zoe March has been a star on Azusa Pacific’s women’s basketball team for the past four years. With enough talent to start as a freshman, March helped lead the Cougars to two straight conference championships and three consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances.

From Reedley, Calif., March began playing basketball as a kid, but it wasn’t until her freshman year of high school that she fell in love with the game. She originally wanted to be a professional soccer player, but after working with her high school coach, she knew basketball was the sport for her.

“I love the team aspect of basketball. There’s nothing like it,” she said. “In basketball, there’s no way of winning a game on your own. There are highlight players and there are players that obviously contribute more than others, but when it comes down to it, you need the entire team to win games.” 

March practiced more than three hours every day. She soon became a leader on the court after her high school coach instructed her on how to be more vocal during games. Her leadership and skill led her to earn a spot at APU. Although she had the talent to make a Division I squad, she chose APU because of her faith and the way head coach T.J. Hardeman spoke about the program.

“He said he invested more in the players than in the game of basketball,” March said.

Photo courtesy of Zoe March.

During her freshman year, March earned a starting nod and got her Cougar career off to a strong start. She averaged 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Her sophomore campaign was even stronger.

In her incredible sophomore season, March earned WBCA All-American honors and was voted to the PacWest all-conference team. This led her to have even higher expectations for her junior year. She was on pace to beat her personal bests in points with 11.4 points-per-game and steals, averaging 2.5 per game. 

Then the unthinkable happened.

On Dec. 17, 2018, in a game against Dominican, March was driving down the lane and stopped to shoot a jumper when she collided with a Dominican player. 

“The top of her knee hit the bottom of mine, so the top of my knee was stabilized but the bottom kept going. I remember feeling like it popped out and popped right back in,” March said. “I knew instantly I tore it based on the pain. I just kept praying in the back of my mind, ‘Lord, don’t let this happen to me.’”

March tore her ACL, the ligament which connects your thighbone to your shinbone, and knew she would be out for months, missing at least the rest of the season. She had surgery soon after and returned to APU and the team just three weeks later.

While she couldn’t play, March cheered her team on from the sideline at every game, home and away. She went to most practices too, only missing the ones she had to for physical therapy. Even though she wasn’t playing, March was still happy getting to watch her team succeed.

“It was hard because I couldn’t play, but I was never angry or frustrated because basketball is my mission field and I could do that whether I’m playing or not,” March said. “I love basketball, but in the end it doesn’t fulfill you. I find fulfillment in God. I want to share that with other girls and pour into them. That’s why it’s my mission field.”

Since March couldn’t practice and train, she decided to find another aspect of her life to control which would help her get back to her former playing shape.

“I didn’t want to gain weight after surgery, so I highly limited what I ate, to the point where food consumed my mind all day long. I thought, ‘I can’t eat here. I can’t eat this,’” March said. “It became something I could control because, at that time, it was the only thing I could control. It became very unhealthy.”

March lost weight, to the point where her friends started to notice. 

“I was working out a lot and not eating enough to sustain my body. It was affecting every part of my life,” she said. “One of my roommates, Ally, started to notice and held me accountable. She would eat with me. I started gaining it back and I started gaining so much that I felt like I was overweight. Then it was no longer a thing about accolades, now it was just my appearance.”

When March eventually returned to the court, she noticed she wasn’t able to move the way she could before the injury. Because of this, March struggled to find love for the game that she had once treasured so much. Then one day in her Interpersonal Communication class, she heard something that changed her life.

“My professor, Courtney Davis, was talking about identity and I realized that my identity was being an athlete. That meant I had to look a certain way. I had to act a certain way. I had to be the best I could be on the court and get back to the point of earning accolades to show people that I’m a good athlete,” March said. 

Photo courtesy of Zoe March.

March realized she was thinking about her identity in the wrong way. 

“That class changed my whole outlook on basketball. Now, honestly, I couldn’t care less if I drop 30 points or I don’t score at all. I just want to work really hard and do my best to be a good team player, because when I do that, I have a really fun time with my team,” she said. “I don’t focus on other things that can hinder that. I’m less selfish on the court. I respect my teammates more. I’m more attuned to people’s feelings and emotions on the court if I’m not focused on myself.”

While it took March a while to learn this throughout the recovery process, she said she’s happy with where she is now.

“I’m glad I learned that because it was starting to consume me. I’m having way more fun now that I don’t focus on the accolades,” March said. “I love the game again.”

Cougars crush Academy of Art on Senior Night

This article was originally published in ZU News.

Azusa Pacific’s women’s basketball squad took on the Academy of Art (Art) on Thursday night, defeating the Urban Knights 92-62 on APU’s senior night. The Cougars were on fire from behind the arc, hitting 16 three-pointers on the night, while their defense stifled Art to the tune of a 32.9 shooting percentage.

APU got off to a hot start, going on eight and nine point runs to start the first quarter. Senior guard Savanna Hanson led the Cougars with three triples in the first five minutes. Then freshman forward Molly Whitmore went on a tear, hitting three straight baskets for the Cougars. At the end of the quarter, APU led 30-16, shooting 54.5 percent.

“I’ve been warming up well and getting in tempo so in the game I can be relaxed when I shoot,” Savanna Hanson said. “ My teammates found me a lot and their [Art’s] zone was kind of sagged down, so we had a lot of open looks at threes.”

The Cougars quickly added to their lead in the second quarter, including two more triples from Savanna Hanson. However, for a few minutes, both teams struggled to find the basket. The Cougars and Urban Knights played tough defense, fouling each other six times in the closing minutes.

By the end of the quarter, APU increased their lead to 23 points at 47-24. While the Cougars only scored 17 points, their defense suffocated the Urban Knights, allowing only eight points on a dismal 11.1 percent shooting.

“Our communication was a lot better this game,” said senior guard Daylee Hanson. “Our scouting was on it this game, whereas last time they had a couple girls that just went off. This game we really focused on that.”

The Urban Knights entered the second half determined to score more points, which they were able to, scoring 12 points in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Cougars struggled to make shots in the quarter, only hitting on 25.0 percent. 

While their offense struggled, Daylee Hanson made the most of her opportunities from the charity stripe, making all six free throws in the quarter. She ended the game with 10 free throws made on 10 opportunities, a perfect 100 percent shooting and an APU record.

“I’ve been off free throws for the past few games, so it was just in my head to focus on that,” Daylee Hanson said.

The Cougars entered the final quarter up 67-43. They continued to increase their lead off a pair of layups from senior guard Zoe March and three more triples from Savanna Hanson. When the game was down to the final two minutes, head coach T.J. Hardeman sent in the reserves as the starters exited to thunderous applause. APU scored one last basket before the buzzer, ending with a 92-62 win.

Both Hanson sisters had big nights in their final regular season home game as Cougars. Savanna Hanson led the team with 26 points, including eight triples on the night. Daylee Hanson also had a stellar performance with 16 points, three steals, six assists, and a team leading 11 rebounds.

“It was really special. The win felt good, just the way we all played together and set each other up,” Daylee Hanson said. “I’ll miss playing with my sister for sure. Not many people get to do that.”

The Hansons were joined by three other seniors — March, Rachel Bozlee and Cierra Roufosse — after the game and presented with flowers. The group led APU to the NCAA Division II postseason tournament two consecutive years, including an Elite Eight appearance last year.

“Every one of them has had a huge impact. It’s the biggest loss we’ve ever had to lose that whole group,” Hardeman said. “They’re phenomenal. You cannot replace that group. You’ve just got to rebuild and do something else. It was special to see them work together.”

Although Hardeman is sad to lose the five seniors, he knows this is not the end for the Cougars.

“This was a nice win, but we’re not done,” Hardeman said. “There’s other things to happen and we’re excited for those.”