Northwest Missourian • December 11th, 2024

Northwest football loses its chance for the playoffs after Homecoming game

Northwest football is out of playoff contention after it fell to the Central Missouri Mules in its Homecoming game Oct. 19. Starting off the first quarter, the ‘Cats put together a nice drive to end up inside the five-yard line. However, junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke threw an interception at the goal line and gave the Mules an important stop to keep the game tied at zero. Later on in the first quarter, Ruhnke came back from the miscue and gave the Bearcats their first touchdown of the game. Wi...

Northwest Missourian • December 11th, 2024

Northwest football looks to take big Homecoming win against Central Missouri

As the campus is filled with chalk art, Homecoming banners and set ups for Donation Creation, the Bearcat Football team has its eyes on the big prize — a Homecoming win against the Central Missouri Mules. Despite being under pressure from the high level of play in the MIAA, head coach Rich Wright thinks the team has a chance to bounce back from their recent loss. “With the way the MIAA is shaping up, there’s still an opportunity for us,” Wright said. “We’ve got to handle what we need to handle.”...

Northwest Missourian • December 6th, 2024

Northwest football announces new head coach

A former Bearcat football player is coming back — but this time as coach. John McMenamin is returning to the program after 22 years as the ‘Cats 21st head coach. “I am thrilled to be able to bring Coach McMenamin back to lead our football program,” said Northwest Director of Athletics Andy Peterson in a press release. “His energy and passion for coaching and leading young men through the game of football just consumes you when you talk to him. I cannot wait to get him in front of our athletes, r...

Northwest Missourian • December 6th, 2024

Northwest football ends season 6-5, seeking out new head coach during post season

The Northwest football team ended the 2024 season finishing 6-5 and 5-4 in MIAA conference play, which is one of its worst records produced under the coaching of coach Rich Wright. Starting off the season 0-2, the first time since the 1995 season the team had that record, the Bearcats saw two difficult opponents with No. 13 Minnesota State and then University of Nebraska-Kearney.Not only did the Bearcats start the season on the wrong foot, but they also lost their playoff contention after fallin...

Northwest Missourian • December 5th, 2024

Bearcat volleyball's Abby Brunssen reflects on career at Northwest

From coming into the volleyball program during the COVID pandemic to becoming a leader on and off the court, senior middle hitter Abby Brunssen has done it all. The 23-year-old from Atkins, Iowa, has made her mark on Bearcat volleyball. In her first year, she totaled 72 blocks and played in 29 matches. Brunssen also received an MIAA Honorable Mention for her performance in the conference in the 2021 season and was a MIAA Scholar Athlete in 2021. “Every year each team is different,” Brunssen said...

Northwest Missourian • December 4th, 2024

Bearcat volleyball ends season with loss in MIAA semifinals

The Northwest volleyball team’s season came to an end after a three-set loss to the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers in the MIAA semifinals Nov. 22. The Bearcats matched up against the Lopers three times within the current season, taking two sets from UNK in the second matchup, but ultimately losing in the fifth set. The team last beat the Lopers Oct. 29, 2022, in a four-set game, marking only the third Bearcat victory out of 26 matches since 2012. The Bearcats ended the season 9-7 in the M...

Northwest Missourian • November 20th, 2024

Bearcat volleyball claim Senior Day win, move to MIAA tournament

The Northwest volleyball team bounced back from a five-set loss to the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers with a Senior Day win against the Fort Hays State Tigers. Back in 2019,  outside hitter Payton Kirchhoefer, middle hitter Abby Brunssen, libero Kyah Luhring, defensive specialist Kristen Ford and outside hitter Olivia Dir joined the volleyball team. The following year, middle hitter Avery Kemp and setter Natalie Laiolo joined them. With the win, the ‘Cats secured the fifth seed in the MIA...

Northwest Missourian • November 20th, 2024

Northwest to not renew Rich Wright's contract for next football season

Following a 23-7 loss against Pittsburg State to end the regular season, Northwest is not renewing Head coach Rich Wright’s contract effective Dec. 31. Wright finished the regular season 6-5 and 5-4 in MIAA play, which is the worst season since 1995. This season also caps Wright's lowest performing season as head football coach he has produced while in the position. Wright finished his 7-year head coaching career 65-22, with three MIAA championships and five NCAA playoff appearances. Wright has...

Northwest Missourian • November 19th, 2024

Bearcat football finishes season with Senior Day loss

The Northwest football team’s regular season came to a close after a 23-7 Senior Day loss to the No. 13-ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas. Prior to kickoff, 18 seniors were recognized for their dedication to the program — including two starters; linebacker Andrew Dumas and place kicker Noah Guastella. “I mean, I’ve spent five and half years here,” Dumas said. “That’s a long time of my life, and the people and the places that I’ve been in this town, it means so much to me. I’ve made so many memorie...

Northwest Missourian • November 15th, 2024

Bearcat volleyball takes down Central Missouri, prepares for University of Nebraska-Kearney

The Northwest volleyball team took down Central Missouri in a three-set thriller Nov. 9 in Bearcat Arena. Assistant coach Nick Sepulveda is working with the team following the win to prepare to face the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.“We understand what Kearney brings to the table, talent-wise,” Sepulveda said. “We know they have a good history of being a successful team. But in reality, you know, when it comes to the sport that we play and what we’re doing right now — you know it’s not r...

Northwest Missourian • November 13th, 2024

Northwest football defeats Missouri Western, looks for win on Senior Day

The Northwest football team is looking for a Senior Day win against the No. 13-ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas. The ‘Cats are coming back to Bearcat Stadium with a 33-23 win against the Missouri Western Griffons Nov. 9. Head coach Rich Wright is looking forward to Senior Day with the chance of ending the season second in the MIAA conference. “You know, just finishing off the season right,” Wright said. “It’s an opportunity if we win on Saturday, we’ll finish tied for second in the MIAA. And from...

Northwest Missourian • November 8th, 2024

Northwest football bounces back after bye week

After a tough loss to Central Missouri and a bye week, the Northwest football team bounced back with a 44-26 victory over the Northeastern State RiverHawks. The Bearcats started off on their 25-yard line, junior running back Tank Young gained 10 yards to have the first down for the team. Junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke connected to junior wide receiver Luke Mathews for another 15 yards. On the next play, Ruhnke attempted to connect with sophomore wide receiver Eric Richardson but was knocked dow...

Northwest Missourian • November 6th, 2024

Northwest volleyball claims weekend wins, looks to post-season

Northwest volleyball swept back-to-back teams last weekend, with hopes for MIAA conference post-season play. The Bearcats started out their weekend in Wichita, Kansas, where they faced Newman University and left the gym with a three-set sweep (25-12, 25-18, 25-12). Head coach Amy Woerth is working hard to prepare the team for another away game. “Our team culture stood out to us,” Woerth said in an email. “We worked harder and smarter than the opponents.” 
Not only is the team working har...

Northwest Missourian • October 20th, 2024

Northwest football loses its chance for the playoffs after Homecoming game

Northwest football is out of playoff contention after it fell to the Central Missouri Mules in its Homecoming game Oct. 19. Starting off the first quarter, the ‘Cats put together a nice drive to end up inside the five-yard line. However, junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke threw an interception at the goal line and gave the Mules an important stop to keep the game tied at zero. Later on in the first quarter, Ruhnke came back from the miscue and gave the Bearcats their first touchdown of the game. Wi...

Northwest Missourian • October 16th, 2024

Northwest volleyball claims win over University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Northwest volleyball swept University of Arkansas-Fort Smith after a four-set loss against University of Central Oklahoma over the weekend. Coming off the tough loss to the Bronchos, head coach Amy Woerth regrouped the team to prepare for the game against the Lions.“We got to let go of what happened and play a better game today,” Woerth said. “And I thought from the standpoint of them doing that, they executed well and kept erros down, which I think was big.” 
The team opened up the firs...

Northwest Missourian • October 10th, 2024

Northwest football prepares to face Central Missouri for Homecoming game, look for revenge

HOMECOMINGNorthwest football is set to play Central Missouri for its Homecoming game. The Bearcats are hungry for revenge against the Mules. Compared to last season, the Bearcats lost to Central Missouri early in the season with a 41-38 game. The Mules put up the first touchdown and led at halftime 24-3. With the 41-38 loss, the Bearcats will head back to the drawing boards for the upcoming matchup.
Using the freshmen to their full advantage, freshman defensive back Jordan Hurst is hungr...

Northwest Missourian • September 25th, 2024

Northwest volleyball pulls off win, prepares for Family Weekend

Northwest volleyball is currently on a four-win streak after defeating the Winona State Warriors in a four-set game this past weekend at the Upper Iowa Tournament.The Bearcats first faced the Upper Iowa Peacocks Sept. 20, where the ‘Cats came out on top. The team recorded 19 blocks, which is the fourth-highest single-match total in program history. Senior middle hitter Abby Brunssen led the team with 15 blocks during the game. Head coach Amy Woerth is excited to be back in the Bearcat Arena, as...

Northwest Missourian • September 25th, 2024

Bearcat football claims big win, looks to Family Weekend face off

The Bearcat football team is set to play the undefeated No. 11 Emporia State Hornets during Family Weekend Saturday, Sept. 28. Coming off of the 59-0 win against the Missouri Southern Lions, head coach Rich Wright has recently changed some plays for the upcoming game. “We wanted to start fast on both sides of the ball,” Wright said. “We accomplished that. We went three and out in our first series defensively and went down the field and scored. We just continued to play and push on both sides of...

Northwest Missourian • August 30th, 2024

Bearcats take down undefeated Emporia State during Family Weekend

The Northwest Bearcats took down undefeated No. 11 Emporia State in a Family Weekend thriller Saturday, Sept. 28. This being the MIAA Game of the Week — a top matchup within the conference each week — both teams were eager for the meeting. Head coach Rich Wright wanted the game to be all about family. “Coach Scott Bostwick was very near and dear to my heart,” Wright said. “We talked about family and how big and instrumental his family was in his life. Each player had a homework assignment. They...

Northwest Missourian • August 30th, 2024

Bearcats face home opener loss against Minnesota State, talk working on fundamentals

Making an exceptional comeback wasn’t on the Northwest Bearcat’s radar after having a scoreless first half. The team opened its season against No. 13 Minnesota State Mavericks who played last season for a playoff clinch but failed to secure the win. Head coach Rich Wright said the team has potential for growth. “It’s just a start,” Wright said. “It’s a nonconference game, and you know we are Northwest Missouri State. We’re going to play good football teams.” 
Despite being down 29-0 at t...

Northwest Missourian • August 29th, 2024

Northwest football team plays Green and White Scrimmage, Wright talks upcoming season

As fall camp comes to a close for the Northwest football team, it’s preparing for the upcoming season. Despite finishing in the top 3 last season, the team is focusing on a new script and a new standard to hold each other to. Head coach Rich Wright does not feel the pressure of being ranked No. 22 in the preseason polls as it was a year ago. He said that is not where the team stands now. Wright has decided to not start any freshman to conserve their redshirt eligibility. Although the scrimmage w...

Northwest Missourian • August 29th, 2024

Northwest volleyball team talks different focuses for upcoming season

As the preseason comes to an end for the Northwest volleyball team, it is preparing for the upcoming season — with hopes of ending this year's season with 20 wins and a postseason conference tournament win. Head coach Amy Woerth is holding the team to higher expectations than years prior. By the end of the season, Woerth wants the team to be No. 1 in the MIAA conference. “We’ve spent some time learning about leadership,” Woerth said. “I’m hopeful that will translate to a better season.”...

The Orator • May 6th, 2024

Rule changes make school feel like jail.

Many students have noticed the changes that not only Omaha Public Schools but Millard Public Schools have put into place. As a former student of Millard South, these two districts seem the easiest to compare. Differences include higher security, detector sweeps at school events, closed campus for lunch and drug dog checks. We are students, not inmates.

When you walk into each of these very different school districts, you can see that many students stress about school and some don’t show up to c

February 24th, 2024

BLOCKING THE BALL.