Eagle Athletics News

Cheer coach Kennedy Wingbermuehle Bowling coach Kevin Duncan

CMU Introduces New Cheer, Bowling Coaches

Central Methodist University’s athletics program added two new coaches in the fall – Kennedy Wingbermuehle is the new cheer coach, and Kevin Duncan has hit the ground running as the bowling coach at Central.

Wingbermuehle is no stranger to the Eagles. She spent her first season at Central by starting the STUNT program and has transitioned to cheer.

Wingbermuehle is an experienced competitor and proven winner. She is a 2021 graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she led her team to two STUNT national titles in 2019 and 2021. Wingbermuehle was also named the STUNT athlete of the year in 2019.

In addition, Wingbermuehle captained the OSU cheer team to its seventh national championship in Large Cheer Co-Ed Division 1A in 2021. She also served as a cheerleading instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association from 2016-19.

Wingbermuehle replaces longtime cheer coach Terin Fuemmeler, who led the team to its first national championship in the Advanced Small Coed NAIA Division at the NCA Collegiate Cheer and Dance National Championship.

One of the most familiar faces in the Midwest bowling community, Kevin Duncan, has taken the reins of the Central Methodist University bowling team.

Duncan, 55, is an Edward Jones advisor in Mexico and has been bowling for more than 40 years. He joined the Professional Bowlers Association in 2003, with a list of Top 100-place finishes in various open events. He also owns a pro shop in Mexico, and has fifty-four 300 games to his credit.

Duncan’s team wasted no time making an impression, defeating McKendree College in its first match this season.

“We are delighted to have Kennedy and Kevin as part of the CMU coaching family,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management and athletics. “They have the experience and the passion to help our programs soar.”

Mike McCrary, left, with Paden Kleinhesselink ‘16, Andy Seaton ‘16, and Ricardo Sandulli.

Trainers Save Official’s Life at Davis Field

Mike McCrary doesn’t remember a thing about that warm, sunny afternoon in early September. He doesn’t remember taking the field or officiating the Eagles’ soccer game.

People told him that he went down and his heart stopped. Two Central Methodist University athletic trainers performed life-saving CPR, and a defibrillator was used more than once. McCrary was without a pulse for quite a while.

The game was quickly suspended, and players from both teams huddled together in prayer, as McCrary, 56, was transported to the hospital in Columbia. He survived thanks to the great work of the CMU trainers and spent a week in the cardiac ICU on his miraculous road to recovery.

Fast-forward to October 6. Central’s Board of Trustees honored the life-saving action of athletic trainers Paden Kleinhesselink, ’16, and Andy Seaton, ’16, and CMU student Ricardo Sandulli. The three humbly accepted the accolades and thought the quick ceremony was over until McCrary emerged from a back room to thank them in person.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you guys, so thank you,” said McCrary, talking over the applause in the room.

McCrary had hugs and handshakes for each of the trainers, and the audience of trustees was all smiles with the heartwarming ceremony.

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Front row: Hap Hairston, ’71, and Dr. Jim Luetjen Middle row: Steve Luetjen, ’79; Roger Wilson, ’71; Digger O’Dell, ’73; Clint Kraft, ’68; Nip Meckfessel, ’70; Don Malson, ’69; Larry Anderson, ’67; Walt Bauer, ’70; Jason Holmes, ’69; Mike Dowdy, ’70; and Larry Clickner, ’70 Back row: Brett Speight, ’70; Dennis Humphrey, ’71; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; Ken Laune, ’70; Dale Marksberry, ’71; Don Brashears, ’69; Randy Hubbard, ’70; Tim Walley, ’71; Bill Powell, ’67; John Cater, ’68; and Clayton Smith, ’70

1. Standing: Jason Holmes, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; Larry Anderson, ’67; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Don Brashears, ‘69. Seated: Dr. Jim Luetjen 2. Gary Whitson; Jim Liner, ’69; Jason Holmes, ’69; Randy Hubbard, ’70; Don Moxley, ’69; Don Brashears, ’69; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; and Ken Laune, ’70 3. Rod Hoffman; Nip Meckfessel, ’70; Buster De la Roche, ’71; Eric King; Bill Shiflett, ’75; and Woody McCutchen, ’74 4. Brad McCarty, ’94, and Shannon Jeffrey, ’95 5. Andrew Malson and Don Malson, ’69 6. Darren Pannier, ’90; Matt Sherman, ’10; Jeff Sherman, ’83; and Steve Scheiner 7. Bill Hagedorn, ’76; Tyler Watkins; Dan Gierse; and Paden Kleinhesselink, ’16 8. Tim Wally, ’71; Everett Preyer, ’85; and Clayton Smith, ’70

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Scan to view all the photos from the tournament or visit https://bit.ly/3zJpKby

CELEBRATING EAGLES ATHLETICS 2022

The 6th annual Celebrating Eagle Athletics Auction in July raised more than $90,000 for the CMU athletics department.

Puckett Field House was filled with alumni and friends en-

joying great food and a lively time, while bidding on a variety

of fantastic gifts. In addition, the crowd heard from two of

our outstanding student-athletes, pictured at right. 1.

See the full album Scan to see more photos from the athletic auction or visit https://bit.ly/3EwocV9

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6. Women’s wrestling coach Brieana Delgado, cheer and STUNT coach Kennedy Wingbermuehle, Caleb Bonaventure, dance coach Matt Fohn, ’20, and Mackenzie Roberts 7. Dick Hutchison, ’83 and Rev. Bill O’Neal 8. Jeff Arrigo, ’89, and Trustee Debbie Dodge, ’89 9. Ellen Pannier, ’89 and Leslie Reardon, ’91 1. Davion Stockard (football) and Madison White (softball) 2. President Roger Drake and Trustee Eric Trelz, ’80 3. Paul and Gail King, ’68 4. Rachael Kluck, Sharon Rubey, and Jason Stauffenberg playing Heads or Tails 5. Garth Menees, ’09

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DO YOU HAVE AN ITEM TO DONATE FOR THE ATHLETIC AUCTION?

We are seeking items such as hotel stays,

vacation homes, tickets for concerts or

sporting events, airline or hotel points,

gift cards and experiences.

Please contact Stasia at ssherman@cen-

tralmethodist.edu for more information.