Breaking news, sports and campus news from Western Kentucky University

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com
All content by Zach Greenwell

Walk-on guard Gabbard will transfer from WKU to Division-II Erskine

Zach Greenwell
May 5, 2011

Former Warren Central guard Sheldon will walk on at WKU

Zach Greenwell
May 5, 2011

Lady Tops searching for consistency in final week of regular season

Zach Greenwell
May 3, 2011

COLUMN: Keeping the goodbye short and sweet

Zach Greenwell
May 3, 2011

Point guard Kaspar signs letter of intent with WKU

Zach Greenwell
May 2, 2011

Lady Tops fall 10-0 in series finale at No. 23 Louisiana-Lafayette

Zach Greenwell
May 1, 2011

COLUMN: Don’t overlook tonight’s Vandy game, baseball fans

Zach Greenwell
April 26, 2011

Toppers swept at Troy with 12-9 loss Sunday

Zach Greenwell
April 25, 2011
Fant scores 6 points in strong first half at Derby Classic

Fant scores 6 points in strong first half at Derby Classic

Zach Greenwell
April 23, 2011

WKU announces new four-year basketball series with Murray

Zach Greenwell
April 21, 2011
White team quarterback Kawaun Jakes was named MVP of the Red and White spring game in Houchens-Smith Stadium Saturday. White team won 27-11.

COLUMN: Jakes, new Toppers shine in front of sparse crowd

Zach Greenwell
April 19, 2011

REPORT: WKU could play home-and-home series with Vanderbilt

Zach Greenwell
April 8, 2011
COLUMN: WKU receivers facing a golden opportunity

COLUMN: WKU receivers facing a golden opportunity

Zach Greenwell
April 5, 2011

COLUMN: Young defensive backs reflect Toppers’ future

Zach Greenwell
April 1, 2011

COLUMN: WKU’s young pitching duo impressing early

Zach Greenwell
March 29, 2011

Lady Toppers drop two at South Alabama in conference opener

Zach Greenwell
March 19, 2011
Men's basketball Head Coach Ken McDonald, left, listens Monday as Athletics Director Ross Bjork announces the university's decision to keep McDonald as head coach after a tumultuous 16-16 season.

McDonald to stay as head coach with revised contract

Zach Greenwell
March 15, 2011
Head Coach Ken McDonald watches as WKU plays against North Texas in the Sun Belt tournament semifinals. McDonald was announced as WKU's head coach moving forward on Monday.

McDonald: Toppers have to limit distractions

Zach Greenwell
March 15, 2011
RYAN STONE/Herald

McDonald, Cowles will return next season as WKU basketball coaches

Zach Greenwell
March 14, 2011

Last WKU football coaching hires now official

Zach Greenwell
March 4, 2011
WKU travels to Hot Springs, Ark., this weekend for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Toppers first play Louisiana-Monroe at 6:45 p.m. Saturday.

Notes: Toppers talk Sun Belt tourney, pressure, Pat Forde

Zach Greenwell
March 2, 2011
Middle Tennessee freshman Kerry Hammonds attempts to block WKU senior Sergio Kerusch during the Toppers' game at MTSU on Saturday. WKU lost 57-39, finishing third in the Sun Belt East division.

Toppers enter survival mode for Sun Belt tournament

Zach Greenwell
March 1, 2011
MTSU freshman Kerry Hammonds attempts to block WKU senior Sergio Kerusch during the Toppers' game at MTSU on Saturday. The Toppers lost 57-39, assuring them of a third-place finish in the Sun Belt East.

WKU finishes regular season with 57-39 loss at MTSU

Zach Greenwell
February 27, 2011
Toppers finish third in Sun Belt East, face ULM on first day of tourney

Toppers finish third in Sun Belt East, face ULM on first day of tourney

Zach Greenwell
February 27, 2011
Senior forward Steffphon Pettigrew smiles with his family as he walks past his jersey, framed at midcourt during Thursday's Senior Night in Diddle Arena.

Pettigrew ‘hungry’ for one more tourney trip

Zach Greenwell
February 25, 2011
Senior forward Sergio Kerusch smiles to his fans in the student section right after the final buzzer of WKU's Senior Night matchup against Florida International on Thursday night in Diddle Arena. The Toppers won, 80-73.

Toppers close home schedule with win over FIU on Senior Night

Zach Greenwell
February 25, 2011
New WKU offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni

SOURCE: Former UF coach Azzanni hired as offensive coordinator

Zach Greenwell
February 24, 2011
Sophomore utility infielder Ciara Garcia makes contact during the second game of the Lady Toppers' doubleheader against Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon. The Toppers lost both games.

WKU softball swept by Eastern Kentucky in home doubleheader

Zach Greenwell
February 24, 2011
Former UAPB defensive coordinator Alonzo Hampton

Arkansas-Pine Bluff: DC Hampton resigns, headed to WKU

Zach Greenwell
February 22, 2011

Column: Tops baseball offering best ticket in town

Zach Greenwell
February 22, 2011
Sophomore guard Jamal Crook signals to his teammates on offense during WKU's home game against North Texas in January. Crook has started the last seven games for WKU at point guard.

Crook settling into leadership role

Zach Greenwell
February 22, 2011

Second-half comeback falls short as WKU loses at Lafayette

Zach Greenwell
February 20, 2011

Column: Toppers need to plant some roots

Zach Greenwell
February 18, 2011
Rest at a premium as Toppers adjust to shorter bench

Rest at a premium as Toppers adjust to shorter bench

Zach Greenwell
February 18, 2011

Crook’s buzzer-beater lifts Toppers past UALR, 61-59

Zach Greenwell
February 18, 2011
Former WKU quarterbacks coach Mike Sanford

WKU QB coach Sanford headed to Stanford

Zach Greenwell
February 16, 2011
Sophomore center Teeng Akol fights North Texas players for a rebound in the second half of their ESPN2 game Saturday afternoon in Diddle Arena. Akol had a career-high nine points and six rebounds against the Mean Green.

Akol’s increased play winning over home crowds

Zach Greenwell
February 15, 2011
Senior forward Juan Pattillo slaps hands with fans at the end of the first half of WKU's game against North Texas on ESPN2 Saturday in Diddle Arena. WKU won 87-76 and beat Florida Gulf Coast on Monday.

Toppers looking for increased consistency in final league games

Zach Greenwell
February 15, 2011
Senior forward Sergio Kerusch fights for a loose ball under the basket in the second half of Monday's game against Florida Gulf Coast. Kerusch led the Toppers with 20 points, and WKU won the game, 80-70.

Tops sneak by FGCU, 80-70, in final non-conference game

Zach Greenwell
February 15, 2011
Senior forward Cliff Dixon sits in the stands during the second half of WKU's game against North Texas on Saturday. Dixon didn't play in the first half and didn't join the Toppers after halftime, and WKU announced Sunday that the senior has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.

Dixon dismissed from WKU for violation of team rules

Zach Greenwell
February 13, 2011
Senior forward Cliff Dixon sits in the stands during the second half of WKU's game against North Texas on Saturday. Dixon didn't play in the first half and didn't join the Toppers after halftime, and WKU announced Sunday that the senior has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.

Notes: McDonald says Dixon’s second-half absence an ‘internal’ issue

Zach Greenwell
February 13, 2011
Senior forward Juan Pattillo had 18 points and 10 rebounds Saturday in Diddle Arena, helping WKU beat North Texas, 87-76, in a game broadcast on ESPN2.

Tops shine on national TV with 87-76 win over North Texas

Zach Greenwell
February 13, 2011
Clayton White

SOURCE: DB coach White leaving WKU for assistant job at UConn

Zach Greenwell
February 11, 2011
WKU junior Kahill McDonald drives down the court during Thursday's game against MTSU. WKU lost, 69-60.

Tops keeping close watch on Sun Belt standings

Zach Greenwell
February 11, 2011
COLUMN: Wins best way to fight Insell's words

COLUMN: Wins best way to fight Insell’s words

Zach Greenwell
February 11, 2011
Senior forward Cliff Dixon hangs his head as he walks off the court after WKU's 69-60 loss to MTSU on Thursday night in Diddle Arena. The defeat marked the first time WKU has lost three straight to the Blue Raiders since 1930.

Toppers drop third straight to MTSU for first time since 1930

Zach Greenwell
February 11, 2011

WKU reuniting 1971 Final Four team Saturday

Zach Greenwell
February 10, 2011
Senior forward Steffphon Pettigrew lays up the ball during the first half of WKU's game against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday. WKU won 81-61.

Toppers having fun as season winds down

Zach Greenwell
February 8, 2011
Senior forward Juan Pattillo takes on two ULM defenders as he takes the ball to the basket. WKU beat ULM, 81-61, to improve to 10-12.

Tops bounce back from Thursday loss with convincing win over ULM

Zach Greenwell
February 6, 2011
New WKU defensive coordinator Lance Guidry

Lance Guidry hired as WKU’s new defensive coordinator

Zach Greenwell
February 4, 2011

Long stay at home gives Toppers confidence

Zach Greenwell
February 4, 2011
WKU linebacker C.J. Odom

Former Miami commit joins WKU football as walk-on

Zach Greenwell
February 4, 2011
Senior forward Steffphon Pettigrew attemps to block South Alabama's sophomore guard Martino Brock during the second half of WKU's on Feb.3. WKU lost 80-76.

WKU’s four-game winning streak snapped with loss to South Alabama

Zach Greenwell
February 4, 2011

Four players confirmed gone from football team

Zach Greenwell
February 3, 2011

The Herald’s plans for Signing Day

Zach Greenwell
February 1, 2011
Sophomore guard Caden Dickerson fights Troy's defense for a layup in the first half of their game against Troy in Diddle Arena. WKU won 77-58.

Tops’ turnaround continues with Florida sweep

Zach Greenwell
February 1, 2011

COLUMN: Education Day game crucial for Lady Toppers

Zach Greenwell
February 1, 2011

Time set for Signing Day celebration

Zach Greenwell
January 31, 2011

WKU upends Sun Belt leader FAU with 57-53 road win

Zach Greenwell
January 30, 2011

COLUMN: Taggart’s best weapon is his enthusiasm

Zach Greenwell
January 28, 2011
Junior guard Kahlil McDonald makes his way toward the basket during Saturday night’s game against Troy. The Toppers defeated Troy 77-58.

Transfer McDonald finding his groove at right time for WKU

Zach Greenwell
January 28, 2011

Tops ride free throws, big effort from Pattillo to 81-78 win at FIU

Zach Greenwell
January 28, 2011
Sophomore guard Jamal Crook shoots free throws while WKU's student section cheers him on in the first half of their home game Saturday against Troy. Crook played for 20 minutes and recorded eight points, nine assists and eight rebounds. WKU won 77-58.

Crook, McDonald ready to put point guard drama to bed

Zach Greenwell
January 25, 2011
WKU Head Coach Ken McDonald talks to members of the press after losing to Florida Atlantic on Jan. 15. The Toppers are now 7-11 and 2-4 in the Sun Belt Conference.

WKU evaluating basketball programs after disappointing month

Zach Greenwell
January 25, 2011

Defensive coordinator interviews ongoing; Signing Day nears

Zach Greenwell
January 25, 2011
Sophomore guard Jamal Crook takes free throws while WKU's student section cheers him on in the first half of their home game against Troy. Crook played for 20 minutes and finished with eight points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Notes: Crook’s career night brings energy to Tops

Zach Greenwell
January 23, 2011
Senior forward Cliff Dixon goes up for a layup during Saturday night's game against Troy. WKU won, 77-58, to improve to 7-11 in front of 3,802 fans in Diddle Arena.

Tops start having fun again with 77-58 win over Troy

Zach Greenwell
January 23, 2011
Gary Ransdell

Ransdell: Decisions on basketball programs will be made by Bjork

Zach Greenwell
January 21, 2011

REPORT: Guidry named WKU’s defensive coordinator

Zach Greenwell
January 21, 2011
Junior guard Kahlil McDonald scored a career-high 15 points, and WKU picked up its first Sun Belt victory with an 84-75 win at South Alabama Thursday. The win was WKU's first in 40 days.

Tops break six-game losing streak with win at South Alabama

Zach Greenwell
January 21, 2011
Senior forward Juan Pattillo and WKU visit South Alabama at 7 p.m. Thursday. Follow along as the Toppers search for their first victory in more than five weeks.

BLOG: WKU 84, South Alabama 75 (Final)

Zach Greenwell
January 20, 2011
WKU Athletics Director Ross Bjork (right) told the Herald Wednesday that evaluations of the struggling basketball programs remain ongoing. “You take everything into consideration, and I don’t think anyone should ever hit a panic button," Bjork said.

AD Bjork talks coaches, attendance, academics

Zach Greenwell
January 19, 2011
From left, WKU sophomore guard Jamal Crook, junior guard Kahlil McDonald, and senior forward Juan Pattillo walk back to the locker room after losing to FAU, 78-73. The Toppers (5-11) travel to South Alabama on Thursday.

Confidence, depth main concerns for Tops moving forward in Sun Belt

Zach Greenwell
January 18, 2011
WKU senior forward Steffphon Pettigrew prepares to go for a layup during the first half of Saturday's loss to FAU. Pettigrew scored a career-high 31 points, but the Toppers slid to 0-4 in the Sun Belt for the first time ever.

WKU moves to 0-4 in Sun Belt for first time with 78-73 loss to FAU

Zach Greenwell
January 16, 2011
Former WKU Athletics Director Ross Bjork accepted the same position at Ole Miss on Wednesday. Bjork was responsible for a number of changes in WKU's athletic programs, including the firing of both men's and women's basketball coaches this season.

Bjork: WKU taking evaluation of basketball programs day by day

Zach Greenwell
January 16, 2011
Senior forward Sergio Kerusch led WKU with 24 points, but the Toppers fell at Troy Thursday, 82-68. The loss was WKU's fifth straight, dropping them to 5-10 overall.

Tops fall at Troy, drop to 0-3 in Sun Belt for first time in 22 years

Zach Greenwell
January 14, 2011
Senior forward Steffphon Pettigrew and the Toppers travel to Troy at 7 p.m. Thursday, trying to find their first win in the Sun Belt Conference. Follow along for updates.

BLOG: Troy 82, WKU 68 (Final)

Zach Greenwell
January 13, 2011
With three minutes left in the game and his team 10 points down, head coach Ken McDonald yells instructions to his players. McDonald acknowledged after the loss to Denver that criticism is increasing. "There's always pressure," he said.

McDonald on rocky season start: ‘put it on me’

Zach Greenwell
January 7, 2011
Senior forward Sergio Kerusch is blocked by Denver's Chris Udofia in the first half of Thursday's home game at Diddle Arena. WKU lost 62-59, falling to 0-2 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Tops drop second straight game in Diddle with loss to Denver

Zach Greenwell
January 7, 2011
Senior forward Sergio Kerusch scored 25 points at Arkansas State Saturday, but he was overshadowed by the 30 points Trey Finn dropped in for ASU. The Toppers' 81-73 loss sends them to 0-1 in the Sun Belt.

Finn’s career night helps Arkansas State send WKU to 0-1 in Sun Belt

Zach Greenwell
January 2, 2011
Freshman guard Brandon Peters was declared academically ineligible for the rest of the 2010-11 season due to NCAA rules. After losing Ken Brown to academic troubles, Peters had filled in as WKU's starting point guard.

Peters ruled academically ineligible for rest of 2010-11 season

Zach Greenwell
January 2, 2011
The Lady Toppers and Head Coach Mary Taylor Cowles leave the court after a 70-60 loss to Texas Tech on Wednesday night at Diddle Arena. WKU has started 4-8 with the 12th strongest schedule in the nation, but the Lady Tops can move to 2-0 in the Sun Belt at Arkansas State Sunday.

Lady Tops taking lessons from strong early schedule into Sun Belt

Zach Greenwell
January 1, 2011
Chris Wilson/Herald

BLOG: Arkansas State 81, WKU 73 (final)

Zach Greenwell
January 1, 2011

Two-star QB Mauro gives verbal commitment to WKU

Zach Greenwell
December 31, 2010
Head Coach Ken McDonald looks out onto the court during the first half of the game against the University of Louisville on Dec. 22. The Toppers enter 2011 and Sun Belt Conference play at 5-7.

McDonald: Tops had ‘enough time to settle in’ before Sun Belt play

Zach Greenwell
December 30, 2010
Junior forward Keisha Mosley fights off multiple defenders during Wednesday night's game against Texas Tech. Mosley ended the night with a game-high 20 points, but the Lady Toppers lost the game, 70-60.

Lady Tops go cold in second half of 70-60 loss to Texas Tech

Zach Greenwell
December 30, 2010
Head Coach Mary Taylor Cowles yells at a referee during the first half of WKU's game against Texas Tech on Wednesday. The Lady Toppers lost 70-60, dropping them to 4-8 on the season.

BLOG: Texas Tech 70, Lady Toppers 60 (Final)

Zach Greenwell
December 29, 2010

McDonald makes good on promise to reimburse for Vandy loss

Zach Greenwell
December 23, 2010
WKU fans in the student section show their disappointment in the Toppers' performance on Wednesday night against Louisville. Cody Sparks (far right), a senior from Beaver Dam, got to the game at 10 a.m. to get front-row seats. The attendance in Diddle Arena was 7,326.

Notes: Tops fall flat, but Louisville game draws big crowd

Zach Greenwell
December 23, 2010
Freshman guard Brandon Peters unsuccessfully goes up for a basket against Louisville's Kyle Kuric and Gorgui Dieng in WKU's 114-82 loss to the Cardinals.

Hot-shooting Cards too much for WKU in 114-82 loss

Zach Greenwell
December 23, 2010
For the first time since 1990, Louisville returns to Diddle Arena. WKU (5-6) hosts the Cardinals, who are ranked 25th in the USA Today/Coaches Poll, at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Quick Guide: WKU vs. Louisville, 7 p.m. Wednesday

Zach Greenwell
December 21, 2010
Howard's hot shooting pushes Lady Toppers to win over Grambling

Howard’s hot shooting pushes Lady Toppers to win over Grambling

Zach Greenwell
December 19, 2010
WKU is going for its second straight win after a victory over Alabama A&M last Sunday.

BLOG: Lady Toppers 60, Grambling 43 (final)

Zach Greenwell
December 19, 2010
Sophomore center Teng Akol (center) made his WKU debut on Saturday after transferring from Oklahoma State last winter. Akol notched his only point of the game on a free throw in the first half.

Notes: Akol debuts; Murray series still unsure for next season

Zach Greenwell
December 19, 2010
The Toppers move to 5-6 on the season with a 69-60 loss at Murray State on Saturday.

Murray’s Canaan too much for WKU in road loss

Zach Greenwell
December 19, 2010
Senior forward Juan Pattillo snags a rebound away from Southern Illinois during a game at Diddle Arena. Head Coach Ken McDonald announced Friday that Pattillo has been dealing with "personal" issues and is questionable for the game against Murray State Saturday.

Notes: Pattillo could be out for Murray game; Akol likely to debut

Zach Greenwell
December 17, 2010
Freshman guard Brandon Peters drives the ball to the basket against Southern Illinois. Peters, playing point guard after junior Ken Brown's dismissal, scored 11 points in 19 minutes as WKU went on to win the game 53-46.

Notes: Brown dismissed from program; Peters fills void at point

Zach Greenwell
December 12, 2010
Sergio Kerusch lays up during the Hilltoppers' Saturday afternoon game against Southern Illinois in Diddle Arena. The Toppers shot just 25 percent in the first half but eventually won 53-46.

Tops turn cold shooting into gritty 53-46 win over Southern Illinois

Zach Greenwell
December 11, 2010
Head Coach Ken McDonald told the media on Friday that junior guard Ken Brown has been suspended indefinitely for a 'serious' violation of team rules. That leaves WKU with two point guards -- sophomore Jamal Crook and freshman walk-on Mike Gabbard.

Notes: Ken Brown suspended indefinitely for ‘serious’ violation of team rules

Zach Greenwell
December 10, 2010
WKU Head Coach Ken McDonald looks on from the Toppers' bench during Saturday night's away game against the University of Memphis at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., December 4, 2010. WKU lost 77-61.

McDonald: Toppers need to get back to fundamentals

Zach Greenwell
December 10, 2010
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Zach Greenwell