MC Athletics | Track Signings

2004 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2004 season starting with the most recent signing.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of LaNita Terry of McPherson, Kans., to a track & field letter of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Joining LaNita Terry in her letter of intent signing with McPherson College are (front, left) her father, Temoer Terry III, and (back, left) Mike Reith (McPherson High track coach) and Bart Gray (McPherson College head track & field and cross-country coach).

Terry graduated from McPherson High School in 1999, where she was twice a state champion at 400 meters and was also part of a state champion 4x400 meter relay team for the Lady Bullpups under coach Scott Schaefer. LaNita also competed extensively in summer track where she was a four-time qualifier from Junior Olympics national championships. She placed 5^th with a time of 55.11 at the 1996 National Junior Olympics championships. That time still ranks fifth on the all-time Kansas prep list.“I am very excited and happy that LaNita has chosen McPherson College to renew her efforts in track and field and to pursue her degree,” said McPherson College track & cross-country coach Bart Gray. “LaNita obviously represents one of the most talented individuals in Kansas prep history. Our goal will be to help her return to the form that saw her run some outstanding times in high school. “After talking with her for only a short time, I was impressed by her maturity and her positive attitude, both related to her education as well as athletics. LaNita possesses the kind of talent and attitude that we can use as a nucleus to build on for our teams of the future.”LaNita is the daughter of Temoer and Venita Terry of McPherson, Kans. LaNita, who plans to major in elementary education at McPherson College, is the mother of three young daughters.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Seth Cavenee of Tribune, Kan., to football and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. The 6’1”, 170-pound Cavenee was a 2002 graduate of Greeley County High School in Tribune, and attended Fort Hays State University this past year. Seth was a four-year letter winner in football, basketball, and track, and twice lettered in cross-country at Greeley County HS, where he was also recognized as the “Most Improved Performer” in both football and basketball during his prep career. This past year, Seth ran track at Fort Hays State University, but did not participate in football. “Although Seth has not played (football) in a year, we watched high school film on him,” said McPherson College head coach David Cunningham, “and, he did a very good job of catching the ball in traffic and making plays. We feel that he can help us at wide receiver and on our special teams. Plus, we are always excited about adding another Kansan to our roster.” “Seth posted some solid sprint times for Fort Hays this past spring,” said Bart Gray, McPherson College’s recently named track and cross-country coach. “Working under Coach Krob (at Fort Hays) this past year, he has improved technically as a sprinter and had the opportunity to work out daily with some of the best sprinters in NCAA Division II. “Seth will give us a good starting point as we begin developing our sprint program at McPherson. We are glad the opportunity to join Stacy at McPherson has worked out, for them, their family, and us.” Seth is the son of Mark and Nancy Cavenee of Tribune, Kan. He will join his younger brother Stacy at McPherson College as a member of the Bulldog track & field team. Seth and Stacy’s older brother Bryce competed in track at Wichita State University.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Kelsey Hendricks of Alma, Kan., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Kelsey Hendricks (front, center) celebrates her letter of intent signing along with her father, Don Hendricks and McPherson College volleyball coach, Nathalea Stephenson, and (back, left) Amy Schutter (Alma-Wabaunsee volleyball coach), Brian Boucher and Charlie Gann (Alma-Wabaunsee track & field coaches).

A first team All-Mid East League setter following her junior and senior season at Alma-Wabaunsee High School, the 5’4” Hendricks also qualified for the 2003 KSHSAA state track and field championships where she placed 6^th in the Class 3A shot put. Named the 2003 “Female Athlete of the Year” at Wabaunsee High, she also broke the school record in the shot put. “Kelsey has worked hard at improving her skills, not only in season but also in the off-season playing club ball,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She will be able to run a variety of sets for us next year and knows what it takes to get the ball to the setter. She is a smart player and can also hit the ball. We look for great things from her next year.” “We’re glad to have another thrower joining the young group that Coach Seal began putting together this year,” said Bart Gray, newly named head track and cross-country coach for McPherson College. “Kelsey has shown she is a competitor and given the opportunity to get stronger and refine her skills, she can compete in the KCAC.” The daughter of Don and Rosa Hendricks of Alma, Kelsey intends to major in pre-physical therapy at McPherson College.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Stacy Cavenee of Tribune, Kan., to track & field and basketball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Tribune's Stacy Cavenee signs his track and basketball letters of intent with McPherson College. Looking on is MC head basketball coach Roger Trimmell.

A 5’11”, 140-pound hurdler and guard, Cavenee averaged 13 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this past season for Greeley County High School in Tribune. In basketball, he was an honorable mention All-Area selection. Cavenee won the 2003 Western Kansas Liberty League 300-meter intermediate hurdlers this past weekend. He has also been an important cog in the Jackrabbits’ 4x100 and 4x400 relays, as well as long jumped for GCHS. “I was looking for the small college experience where I could continue to compete, yet know I would get personal attention and a quality education,” said Cavenee. “I was real pleased with the scholarship and financial aid package the college was able to put together for me.” “Stacy’s hurdling ability is going to be a great addition to our program,” said McPherson track coach Pete Seal. “That is an area we need to develop and Stacy is a good start. He has shown promise in the long jump as well as having the ability to help with the relays. He is an all-around athlete of the type we feel we need to build our program.” “Stacy is a heady point guard,” said McPherson College head basketball coach Roger Trimmell. “He has a good feel for the game. His passing skills are solid, he can penetrate and also know down the shot. Stacy will give us added depth at the guard spot.” Stacy is the son of Mark and Nancy Cavenee of Tribune. Stacy, who intends to major in business management at McPherson College, has two older brothers, Bryce and Seth, who have competed in track at the collegiate level for Wichita State and Fort Hays State.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Katie Atwater of Elizabeth, Colo., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Katie Atwater is joined by her mother, brenda Atwater, in signing her McPherson College letter of intent.

The 6’0” Atwater was an honorable mention All-Conference selection in volleyball for Elizabeth High after being named EHS’ “Best Offensive Player” this past season. “We are very lucky to have an individual like Katie joining our program next year,” said McPherson College volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is not only a good volleyball player, but a very good student. Katie will bring some blocking skills that will help us next fall. She is an individual that wants to get better every time she steops on the court and is willing to do what need to be done to do that, and help her team. “Katie fits into our program very well and will be a positive addition to our campus. We look for many positive contributions from Katie in the years ahead.” Atwater was a first team All-Conference performer as a thrower in track & field as a sophomore before earning second team honors a year ago. She was selected as Elizabeth High’s “Most Valuable Thrower” in 2002. “Katie is going to make some noise in the KCAC throws department,” said McPherson College track coach Pete Seal. “She has a strong build and long levers, which are prime for launching huge throws. While the discus has been her main event in high school, I believe she can become a good hammer thrower really fast.” “With the addition of Katie and Shelia (Bevan of Macksville, Kan.) to our group of young throwers, the team should be primed for success in the throws over the next few years.” Katie is the daughter of Brenda and Harold Atwater of Elizabeth, Colo.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Sheila Bevan of Macksville, Kan., to basketball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Joining Sheila Bevan in the signing of her McPherson College basketball and track & field letters of intent are (front row, left) Gaylon DeVore (Macksville head girls' basketball coach), Sheila Bevan, Daniel Grizzell (Macksville head track & field coach) along with (back row, left) Mel Wright (McPherson College head women's basketball coach), Denise Bevan (mother), and Allen Bevan (father).

The 5’ 9” Bevan participated in last month’s Central Kansas All-Star basketball game hosted by McPherson College. During her senior season, Bevan pulled down six rebounds and dished off three assists per game to go along with six points for coach Galyn DeVore. “We are very excited to have Shelia joining our program,” said McPherson College head coach Mel Wright. “She is a sound fundamental basketball player coming from a strong high school program. She played in our All-Star game and proved she can compete against the best. She is an extremely strong rebounder and runs the floor very well. Add to those assets an outstanding attitude and a love to compete, and you have a complete package.” “Sheila has been a 5’ 9” post player in high school. It may take her a year or so to adjust to playing out on the floor a little further, but we see her helping us down the road. Sheila is a strong student and leader. She’ll be a great fit for our program and campus.” As a junior, Bevan was the Central Prairie League shot put champion for Macksville under coach Daniel Grizzell, a 1995 graduate of McPherson College. “Sheila will help add depth and experience to our throws group,” said McPherson College track coach Pete Seal. “She possesses a good background in the shot, discus, and javelin. We will look to expand on that base to make Sheila into conference contender. I think she may have the most fun learning the hammer though.” Sheila is the daughter of Allen and Denice Bevan of Macksville, Kan. She is undecided on her major area of study at this time.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Eric Perry of Solomon, Kan., to football and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year. “Eric is a good-sized young man,” said McPherson track coach Pete Seal. “He is going to be a good addition to the you group of throwers we have. We will be looking for him to make a contribution in the hammer (throw) and shot put, right off the bat.” The 6’ 0”, 240-pound Perry was a three-year letter-winner in football and twice in track for the Solomon High Gorillas. At the conclusion of his senior season, he was named Solomon’s “Most Improved Player.” “Eric is a very good offensive lineman,” said McPherson College football coach David Cunningham. “He has good size and strength. We have tried to make Kansas recruits our top priority, and Eric is an example of a young man coming in from a smaller Kansas school that we believe can be an important piece as we work to continue building our program at McPherson College. He will help provide quality depth for us on the offensive line.” Eric is the son of Casandra Perry of Solomon, Kan. He is undecided on his intended major at this time.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Deidre Frager of Morrowville, Kan., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Joining Deidre Frager in her signing with McPherson College are (left to right) Sonja Frager (mother), Nathalea Stephenson (McPherson College volleyball coach), and Terry Frager (father).

The North Central High School record holder for the 800 meters and javelin as well being part of the school record setting 4x800 meters relay, Frager placed second in the individual, Class 1A state 800-meter run as a sophomore. She then concluded her junior season with a sixth place finish in the 800 meters. Frager posted the school record in the javelin throw last season when she hurled the spear 121’ 10”. “Deidre will be a building clock in diversifying our team over the next couple of years,” said McPherson College head track coach Pete Seal. “She has the ability and talent to score in a variety of events, 800 meters and up, plus in the javelin. Her talents will make a huge impact on our team.” The 5’ 6” Frager was an All-Pike Trail League volleyball selection following her junior and senior seasons at North Central High School,after being named honorable mention All-Pike Trail and All-Area as a sophomore. Part of the Cougars’ third place, state medal winning volleyball team in 2000, Frager posted 243 kills, 30 kill blocks, and posted 35 ace serves on her way to a 97% serving rate for the Cougars. “I first met Deidre at a volleyball camp three years ago,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “We have been watching her develop as a player and student during that time, and knew we wanted to recruit her. Deidre has great volleyball skills and knowledge of the game. She has worked hard, going to campus and playing club ball, to continue to make herself a better player. “Deidre is a very smart young lady, and her work ethic is very evident in the classroom as will as on the court. She comes from a good program that knows what it takes to win. She has very good fundamental skills. We are excited about having her decide to be a Lady Bulldog next fall.” Deidre is the daughter of Terry and Sonja Frager of Morrowville, Kan., and she plans to major in marketing/business at McPherson College.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Richard Brad Cates of Lawrence, Kans., to a track & field letter of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year. A 2002 graduate of Lawrence High School, Cates has spent the current school year at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kans. “Brad hasn’t been part of a formal track and field program recently,” said McPherson track coach Pete Seal. “But, he has expressed an interest in competing in the distance events. Coming out of a sport like soccer, where he is running almost non-stop, he shows the necessary endurance (to run distance events.)” “We had several members of this year’s track team join our program after their other sport has completed its season,” added Seal. “That is the type of opportunity a young athlete won’t get at a larger school in many cases.” Cates will also be participating in soccer for the Bulldogs next fall. “Brad is a mid-field player with good speed and mobility,” said McPherson College head soccer coach Doug Quint. “I see him flourishing at the collegiate level. His work ethic and dedication to everything his does, is a great fit for McPherson College. He brings a good soccer background. His coach was a colleague of mine in the Kansas Olympic Development program.” In his final season at Lawrence High, Cates was received the “Iron Man Award” for outstanding work ethic. Tyler is the son of Rick and Emily Cates of Lawrence, and he intends to major in education.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Klayton Keesling of St. John, Kans. to football and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year. Kessling was named to the All-Central Prairie football first team as a tight end following his senior season. A four-year letter winner in both football and track for the St. John Tigers, Keelsing finished fourth in the Class 2A pole vault at the 2002 state championships with a vault of 12’ 0”. Klayton, who personal best in the vault is 13’ 6”, had previously qualified for the state meet pole vault as a sophomore. “Klayton comes in with experience on both sides of the ball (defensive end and tight end),” said McPherson College head coach David Cunningham. “With a little more maturity and some time in the weight room developing his overall strength, he’ll get an opportunity to play. Klayton is the type of young man from the area who can blossom in an environment like McPherson College. We’re glad to have him become a Bulldog.” “The pole vault was a hole we needed to fill for next season,” said McPherson College Track & field coach Pete Seal. “Klayton is a little bigger (6’ 0”, 180-pounds) than some vaulters, but he’s been shown the ability to participate at the state level. He’ll be a good addition.” Klayton, the son of Kurt and Beth Keesling of St. John, intends to major in biology/environmental stewardship at McPherson College.

McPherson College has announced the recent signings of Jacob Cherry of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Korey Ferguson of Guthie, Texas, to track and field letters of intent for the 2003-04 academic year.


Jacob Cherry signs his McPherson College letter of intent.	Korey Ferguson signs on with the Bulldogs. On hand for the signing are (front row) Bill Minard, McPherson College defensive coordinator, and (back row, left to right) Harvey Wellman (Guthrie High football coach), Kristi Ferguson (mother), Bruce Ferguson (father), and Roddy Shipman (Guthrie basketball coach).