The last two seasons the Austin Peay State University Governors have been out rebounded both in and out of conference. This past season, the Govs ranked 7th out of 10 Ohio Valley Conference teams in offensive rebounds per game and 6th in defensive rebounding percentage. So it makes sense that Head Coach Dave Loos and his staff focused on adding size with the 2010 Signing Class. Enter Matt Hasse.

Matt Hasse is a 6′10″ center out of Naperville, Illinois that should help bolster the Governors’ frontcourt. He is a big body who takes up space in the paint and has a knack for taking charges. Hasse is an excellent passer and has range that extends out to the three point line. Matt’s AAU Coach Sean Connor said, “He is patient when catching the ball in the post and finding open shooters. He moves well off the ball and sets hard screens. Especially at his size, he is hard to guard because he can step out and knock down shots with 3-point range.”

Defensively, Hasse blocks shots and is a solid help defender. “Matt is a great communicator, and being that he’s in the post, he sees the floor well and makes sure his teammates are in the correct position,” Coach Connor said about Hasse’s defense abilities.

Like any incoming freshmen, there are areas that Hasse will need to improve to be successful at the college level. He needs to improve his back to the basket moves and work on finishing with power around the rim. He has recently been working on improving his footwork with the ball.

In addition to playing basketball, Hasse also plays volleyball for Naperville North. When not playing basketball or volleyball, Matt volunteers his time to work with special needs students. He chose Austin Peay over Dartmouth, having never been to a game at the Dunn Center. Hasse was scheduled to attend the Morehead State game but was unable due to snow. He plans to major in Physical Education.

Matt Hasse Answers Your Questions
Which APSU coach was most involved with your recruitment?
Coach Scott Combs

Any pregame rituals/superstitions?
Always a Gatorade before the game and in high school run into the locker room yelling showtime before every game.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?
Lil Wayne, Tupac, Nortorious, Jay Z, 50 cent, and Taylor Swift

Favorite movie? TV show?
Favorite movie is Heavyweights and favorite shows are The Office and Entourage

Favorite college and pro player to watch?
Robbie Hummel on Purdue and Lebron James

Name an NBA or college player that your game is similar to
People say I am like Brad Miller

Favorite sport besides basketball
Football

Tell us something we don’t know about you (hobbies, etc)
I love going fishing and being outside. My family owns a island with a cabin on it in Canada and I love going up there in the summer.

What made you choose Austin Peay?
I loved the coaches and the players, and basketball seems pretty big here. The chance to play for Coach Loos made the final decision on coming to Austin Peay.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?
I played with Tim Rusthoven who is going to William and Mary, and the best player I played against was Jereme Richmond who is going to U of I.

What is your opinion of Dave Loos?
Great guy and coach.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My brother

Illinois Velocity AAU Coach Sean Connor on Matt Hasse and Austin Peay

Describe Matt’s demeanor (character, leadership, etc) and work
ethic?
Matt is an upstanding young man with great leadership skills and character. When Naperville North was hiring a new coach last spring, Matt took the initiative to set up all the spring open gym workouts for the entire boys basketball program at NNHS. Matt also volunteers with the PE leaders program at NNHS that works with special needs students. He is vocal and always positive with his teammates. Matt has also been working as a shooting instructor for a youth basketball shooting camp for many years. Austin Peay could not have signed a better student-athlete with a better personality than Matt Hasse.

What do you think of Coach Loos and the Austin Peay program?
They not only have great basketball minds, but are great people. Coach Combs and Coach Loos worked the recruiting trail hard in Illinois and had actually come up to see another one of my players, Dave Dudzinski (Holy Cross) while visiting Matt. They did a great job of staying in touch with Matt and have been up to see him three times since the fall, which is hard work considering they’re in season coming all the way up from Tennessee. It goes to show they are very organized in their recruiting efforts and know what it takes to get it done on the recruiting scene at their level. Our recruiting services in Illinois are very impressed with their efforts in getting Chicago kids and you’re 2010 recruiting class proves it.

Compare Matt’s game to a player (college or professional) that our readers can identify with.
I know Matt would probably say Brad Miller of the Chicago Bulls, and I would agree with him. Neither one is “jump out of the gym” athletic, but they’re smart players who work very hard and understand the game of basketball very well, and their size and intelligence allows them to compete with more athletic players.

Matt Hasse Highlight Clip

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Jonathan Smith
6′0″, 185 lbs
Wide Receiver
Jonesboro High School
Jonesboro, Georgia

Jonathan Smith is a two-sport (baseball and football) athlete from Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Georgia.  Smith has excellent hands and has a great combination of power and speed. His 40-yard dash time is 4.5 seconds. Although signed as a wide receiver, Smith has played running back, cornerback, safety, and outside linebacker in high school.

Smith is also a versatile kick returner (see video below) who chose Austin Peay over Murray State and Troy. He has excellent football genes, with cousins Reggie Brown and Jamie Henderson having both played for the University of Georgia. Brown now plays wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jonesboro Head Coach De’Timothy Floyd describes Smith as a practical joker and a hard worker.

Jonathan Smith Interview
Any pregame rituals/superstitions?

I like to listen to my iPod and get “spatted.” Then, I like to talk to my quarterback.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?

I have a variety of music on my iPod, but its mostly rap.

Favorite movie? TV show?

My favorite movies are Stepbrothers and Avatar. My favorite tv show is Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

What player would you compare your game to (NFL or college)?

I would compare my game to Devin Hester because of his versatility. He can play many positions, and so can I.

What is your favorite sport besides football? Do you play any other sports?

I also enjoy watching basketball and playing baseball.

Tell us something we don’t know about you (Hobbies, etc)

I really don’t talk much when first meeting people. I like to play Xbox 360 and spend time with my friends.

Wide receiver Jonathan Smith as he signs his letter of intent to play for Austin Peay State University. Photo from Atlanta Journal Constitution.

What do you consider is the strongest facet of your game? What do you need to work on the most?

I consider my vision, hands, and speed to be the strongest facets of my game. I want to further improve my speed.

What made you choose Austin Peay? What do you want to major in?

Coach Sidney and his staff really impressed me throughout the recruiting process. They were professional and informed me about the positive things in their program. I am undecided about my major.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?

The best player I have played with is Michael Carlisle (linebacker concurrently considering Mississippi State, MTSU, and others) and the best player I have played against is Clarence Jackson (linebacker signed with Ole Miss).

Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

The biggest inspiration in my life is my cousin, Jamie Henderson. His football career was cut short due to a motorcycle crash, but he never lost his drive, ambition, or faith.

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Rolando Gautier is a left handed pitcher/outfielder from Pennsauken, New Jersey. Gautier has four pitches: 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, change-up, and curveball. Rolando has nice velocity on both his fastballs, reaching 90 miles per hour with his four-seam and mid-80’s with his two-seam. His two-seam fastball has excellent movement. When his fastball is working, Gautier’s change-up is one of his most effective pitches due in part to his excellent mechanics. His weakest pitch is his curveball, which he will have to improve if he wants to throw it at the college level.

In addition to being a force on the mound, Gautier is also a good position player. As might be expected from a lefty that throws 90, he has great arm strength from the outfield. He also possesses above average speed. At the plate, Gautier hit .500 last season and can go opposite field when necessary. Last season he was named to the South Jersey second team.

Pennsauken Head Coach Pete Nardello on Rolando Gautier:
What does Rolando need to work on most?
“He needs to most work on his mental game. He needs to improve as a team player and leader. He needs to work on controlling emotions during game, especially while on the mound and an error is committed.”

What his biggest strengths?
“Rolando’s greatest strength is his physical ability to play the game of baseball. He can hit for average and power. His fastball is dominant among high school players and his mechanics are great.”

Describe Rolando’s work ethic
“Rolando works very hard to improve himself. He does his best working out on his own. However, this year, he has been a great leader during pre-season conditioning workouts.”

Do you think he can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“Yes. He has incredible arm strength from the outfield, possesses above average speed, batted .500 last year as a junior in one of the toughest conferences in South Jersey and continues to improve as a hitter for both average and power, and pitches left-handed with a fastball near 90 mph. He is an outstanding baseball player”

Do you think he will spend more time as a pitcher or position player?
“Unless he can add more velocity to his fastball and develop his curveball/slider, he will undoubtedly be more effective as an outfielder. He is a tremendous outfielder and his bat is too valuable to neglect.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Pete Nardello, was a left-handed pitcher and played outfield… at the plate, batted .500 with 11 doubles and three home runs… on the mound was 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA… second team All-South Jersey selection… first-team all-conference… selected to play on 2009 East Coast Professional Showcase… was one of three incoming APSU players (Chris Gili and P.J. Torres the others) who played with the South Florida Bandits.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “Rolando has very good control and great mound presence, things we look for in high school pitchers. He also has a great upside because of the looseness of his arm and his body type. I believe he has the chance to play a major role on both our pitching staff and as a position player as a true freshman. He is a very mature young man who I believe can handle both the physical and mental adjustments necessary to be successful immediately at the Division I level, and I have no doubt that the tools are in place to do so.”

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Basketball (M)

Basketball (W)

Football

Golf (M)

Golf (W)

Volleyball

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A.J. Walkenhorst
6′1″, 195 lbs.
Right Handed Pitcher
Fort Zumwalt South High School
St. Peters, Missouri

A.J. Walkenhorst is a right handed pitcher from St. Peters, Missouri. Walkenhorst’s fastball tops out in the high 80’s, but should approach 90 miles per hour by the end of spring workouts.. His best off speed pitch is a cutter that is especially tough on right handed batters. He has great command of all his pitches.

The two things Walkenhorst needs to work on are increasing the velocity on his fastball and getting stronger. He has already shown dedication to getting stronger, gaining 16 pounds between his sophomore and junior seasons. Walkenhorst heads into his senior season after an 8-2 junior campaign. He struck out 68 batters and finished with a 1.41 ERA.

St. Louis Pirates’ Video of A.J. Walkenhorst



Ft. Zumwalt South Head Coach Keith DeShurley on A.J. Walkenhorst:
Describe A.J.’s work ethic.
“AJ will get the most out of his talent. He will work hard everyday to get better. He realizes his focus on pitching can’t just be on the mound on gameday. The 4 days in between are important too. He definitely has the work ethic to succeed at the next level.”

Do you think A.J. can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“I have no doubt AJ can be an immediate contributor in some role. He’s got the mental game and depending how quickly he can adapt to college hitters might determine how big his role is right away.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“Everything I have heard about the program is positive. Coach McClure’s record speaks for itself. He has made some positive connections in the St. Louis area. With everything AJ has shared with me about Austin Peay, I have confidence he is in great hands.”

Perfectgame.com on A.J. Walkenhorst
Perfectgame.com evaluated A.J. at two separate events in 2009. Here are their evaluations:

2009 National Showcase

AJ Walkenhorst is a 2010 RHP with a 6′0”, 180 lb. frame from St. Peters, MO who attends Ft. Zumwalt South HS. Medium athletic build with some strength. Slow paced delivery with pause at top, some effort in release, high 2-piece arm action. Mid 80’s FB, topped at 87 mph in the Metrodome, has some deception. Varies spin/shape on breaking ball, higher velo slider type break is sharper and later. Competes hard.

2009 Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase

AJ Walkenhorst is a 2010 RHP/OF with a 6′0”, 182 lb. frame from St. Peters, MO who attends Ft. Zumwalt South HS. Medium build, good present strength. Slow paced delivery, accelerates to the plate, quick compact arm action, 3/4’s release, good life on mid 80’s FB when down in zone, topped at 86 mph. CB sharp with hard spin, good pitch, threw a couple of hammers. Pounds lower part of K zone, works quickly, workable change still developing. Polished pitcher with good stuff.

At these two events, Perfectgame.com rated Walkenhorst at 8.5 and 9, respectively. To give an idea of what this means, Perfectgame.com’s Rating Scale is shown below.

Perfectgame.com Rating Scale
10 — Potential very high draft pick, Top DI in the nation prospect
9 — Potential top 10 round pick, Top DI prospect
8 — Potential mid round pick, definite DI prospect

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Keith DeShurley, compiled an 8-2 record and 1.41 ERA as a junior… in 69.2 innings pitched, struck out 68 batters and walked just 19… tossed shutout in district championship game… threw complete game, allowed one unearned run and struck out seven in state semifinal contest as team won Class 4 MSHSAA Championship… was a second-team All St. Louis Metro selection and a third-team all-state selection… was a one of two incoming players (Jordan Hankins the other) to play on St. Louis Pirates summer travel team run by former Govs standout Rick Strickland.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “I have seen A.J. pitch a lot and he has the ability to make a major difference in our starting rotation right away as a freshman. He is a competitor who comes right at you with everything he has and refuses to lose any battle. A.J. already understands what it takes to be successful on the mound.”"

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Matt “Mr. Clutch” Wollenzin (see video below) is one of two catchers signed by Austin Peay State University during the early signing period. Wollenzin, while throwing right-handed, bats left-handed. He hit over .559 last season on his way to being an Honorable Mention to the Denver Post Class 5A team. He was named the Jefferson County League MVP and was named as a league first team performer. He was also earned the Big Stick award at the 2009 Westminster Baseball Fever Classic.

Mr. Clutch earned his nickname in last season’s epic Colorado Class 5A District 4 championship game. Wollenzin hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. In the top of the 14th inning, Green Mountain fell behind by three runs and the game was suspended until morning due to darkness. The next morning, Wollenzin blasted a walk-off grand slam that sent his team to the state playoffs.

News Report of Matt’s Performance in the Colorado Class 5A District 4 Champsionship game

Green Mountain Head Coach Brad Madden on Matt Wollenzin:
What are Matt’s biggest strengths? What does he need to work on most?
“He is one of the best pure hitters I have seen in high school. He can hit for power and average. I think making the adjustment to college pitching will be a challenge but he will over come that very quickly.”

Describe his work ethic.
“Matt is a hard worker both on the field and off. He wants to do what ever it takes to be the best player possible.”

Do you think Matt can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“At the plate he could help this year so I expect him to be a immediate contributor in some way.”

Does he play any other sports?
“He has chosen to play only baseball but could have been a great football and basketball player if he would have went that direction.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“I think Austin Peay is a program on the rise in a very competitive league and if they continue to get players of Matt’s caliber they will be on the rise quickly.”

ESPNRISE.com’s Andrew Knepper on Matt’s Performance at the Cincinnati Reds Area Code Tryouts
“A well-built catcher out of Green Mountain High School displayed raw power and good times behind the dish.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Brad Madden, hit .559 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI in 20 games as a junior… was Jefferson County League “Most Valuable Player” and all-conference selection… selected to All-Colorado Class 5A honorable mention squad… hit walk-off grand slam in 14th inning of district championship game to advance Green Mountain to state tournament, also had a two-run home run in seventh inning of same game… was selected and played in 2009 Area Code Games.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “After seeing Matt play and having followed the progress of his junior season we feel Matt has the opportunity to come in and hit in the middle of the lineup and contribute heavily as a freshman. Matt – like P.J, our other catching signee – can really swing the bat and also hits for power. I feel confident about the situation we will have behind the plate with these two young men the next few years.”

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Zach Toney
6′3″, 215 lbs.
Left Handed Pitcher
Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, Mississippi

Zach Toney is a left handed pitcher from D’Iberville, Mississippi by way of Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. He has four pitches: fastball, curveball, straight change up, and a split finger fastball. Toney has good velocity on his fastball for a lefty, topping out at about 90 miles per hour. His best pitches are his fastball, which he commands well on both sides of the plate, and his change up. Toney has improved his curveball recently, but will need to continue to work on it to get it where it needs to be.

Jones County Head Coach Christian Ostrander on Zach Toney:
“He is a fierce competitor who wants the baseball. He is a big strong physical kid that is durable. His work ethic is off the charts. He is mature and driven about his pitching and getting better. He is a model for everyone else.”

What is Zach’s ceiling? Do you think he has what it takes to be a pro?
“Zach has a lot more out there for him. His potential is pretty good. I can see a big difference in just one year in his development and know that will only continue at APSU and those coaches. I think he has a great shot at pro ball. Upper 80’s low 90’s lefties are a valuable commodity. Top that off with Zach as a person and you have a chance for something special.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“I coached at Arkansas State University from 2002-2006 and am familiar with the program and Coach McClure because we recruited against them on a few kids while I was there. I know it is a regional contender year in and out, and for D 1 baseball that’s what you shoot for. I think they do a great job up there and it was a place I felt Zach would do well in.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Christian Ostrander, led the Bobcats with a 10-1 record and 2.67 ERA… made 19 appearances, including 13 starts, throwing 77.2 innings… threw four complete games and also recorded a save… allowed just 72 hits, struck out a team-best 85 batters… was a first-team All- Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges selection and led team to school-best 33-16 mark… prepped at D’Iberville High School.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “Zach is a gamer. He wants the ball when the game is on the line. We feel Zach is going to play a big part in the future success of this program. He’s a blue-collar kid that has worked for everything he has achieved. Toney will command a fastball that will sit in the upper 80’s and will touch a lot of low 90s, a sharp two-plane slider that has gotten better every time out this fall, and a change-up that he can throw in any count.”

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Which APSU coach was most involved with your recruitment?
Scott Combs

What other schools were you seriously considering?
Air Force, Army, Tennesse-Martin, Yale, and Washington University in St. Louis were the schools I talked to the most before I committed to Peay

What is the outlook for your high school team this season?
We should be pretty good. Last year we went to the Elite 8 in Illinois, and we return all five starters this year so we are looking to make a run at a title.

Any pregame rituals/superstitions?
Actually none. I used to always have a tuna salad sandwich before every game, but that left the worst taste in my mouth and I quit eating them like two years ago.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?
I put it on shuffle, and these were the first five songs to come up:
Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band
Midnight Flyer by The Eagles
Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.
Welcome to the Machine by Pink Floyd
Starlight by Muse
Basically I listen to all kinds of music, but Marshall Tucker Band is my favorite band.

Favorite movie? TV show?
The Dark Knight and Family Guy

Favorite college and pro player to watch?
Last year my favorite college player was Tyler Hansbrough, and my favorite pro player is Dwight Howard.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m actually a pretty good artist. I have shown a few paintings and drawings in some art shows around St. Louis.

Tell us about Will Triggs
I love playing with Will. He brings a bunch of energy to the floor. As a person, he is cool to hang with. He messes around all the time, and he does pretty good impersonations.

User Submitted Questions

What do you consider is the strongest facet of your game? What do you need to work on the most?
I’d say foot speed compared to other big men and shooting are my strengths. I need to work on getting stronger.

What made you choose Austin Peay? What do you want to major in?
I chose Peay because of the balance between athletics and academics. I wanted a school where i could play good competition, but also where I could get a great education. I feel like Peay had both of these. I want to major in either physics or chemistry.

What current or former nba or apsu players would you describe your game to most resemble?
I’d say my game is a lot like David Lee’s of the New York Knicks.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?
The best player I’ve played with is either Karl Madison (signed with Drake), Meyers Leonard (signed with Illinois), or Will Triggs. The best player I played against is Harrison Barnes (signed with North Carolina)

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http://www.apsugovs.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=45

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Part I: Recapping last season and the offseason
Part II: Frontcourt Players
Part III: Backcourt Players
Part IV: Season Outlook/Predictions

Drake Reed is gone. That means there is 36.7 minutes per game up for grabs down low. Kyle Duncan is gone. There’s 28.3 more minutes per game. Ernest Fields is out, maybe for the season. That’s 18.6 more. That’s a grand total of 83.6 minutes per game that has to be filled. From a production standpoint, there are 35.1 points and 14.9 rebounds per game that is gone from last season. Who is going to fill the void down low for the Govs?



#21 John Fraley – 6’8”, 220 lbs, Sophomore
John Fraley appears ready to answer the call. John has had a strong preseason, averaging 17.5 points and 12.5 rebounds a game in the two scrimmages. He also added 10 points at Reigning Red. In the exhibition game against Oakland City, Fraley again posted a double-double, with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Last season he appeared in 23 games, only starting 2. Though Fraley was used sparingly, but still managed to average 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in just 10 minutes a game. John will have to improve his free throw shooting. He averaged just 56% last season on 25 attempts.

#4 Marcel Williams – 6’6”, 235 lbs, Sophomore
Marcel Williams also seems ready to shoulder some of the scoring and rebounding load. Marcel has been inconsistent this off-season. After being almost none existent in the Reigning Red event and first scrimmage of the season, he exploded for 22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. In the first exhibition game, he had 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He appeared in 33 games last season, starting 12. He averaged 3.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Like Fraley, Marcel needs to improve from the line. He shot a feable 47% in the 2008-9 season.

#25 Anthony Campbell – 6’6”, 185 lbs, Sophomore
Anthony Campbell is a player poised for a breakout season. Although he is more of a perimeter-orientated player, his height and Austin Peay’s lack of depth in the backcourt will probably force Campbell into some minutes in the post, at least on defense. He posted 20 points, 15 in the first half, and 3 assists in the game against Oakland City. He posted 11 points in the Govs first scrimmage of the season. Last season, Campbell average 7.8 points and 2.8 rebounds. He shot 50% from the field, and almost 38% from three. Big things are expected from Campbell. Last season he was named the December 15th Freshman of the Week.

#12 Chris Reaves – 6’5”, 200 lbs, Freshman
Freshman forward Chris Reaves has steady as a rock this preseason. Reaves has scored 10, 12, and 14 points in the Reigning Red and first two scrimmages respectively. He is a good shooter and has played a large role on state tournament teams. Chris should be a big contributor for four years in Coach Loos’ system. “In my opinion, he could be an all-Conference player someday,” says Charles Clark, who coached against Reaves as an assistant with Dyer County.

#42 Duran Roberson – 6’8”, 215 lbs, Redshirt Junior
Duran Roberson should be called on to contribute more this season. He averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in 6.9 minutes a game last season. Duran has been inconsistent, but did perform well in the team’s scrimmage when he posted 15 points and 8 rebounds.

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Part I: Recapping Last Season and the Offseason

Part II: Frontcourt Players

Part III: Backcourt Players

Part IV: Season Outlook/Predictions

2008-2009 SEASON

The 2008-9 season was another successful campaign for the Austin Peay State University Governors.  APSU finished second in the OVC, going 19-14 overall and 13-5 in conference, and reached the championship game of the OVC Conference Tournament for the third consecutive season.  The team finished the season losing in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Post Season Tournament to Bradley University.



2008-9 Season Final Statistics

Game Results

Notable Events

• Govs open season with exhibition that saw Coach Dave Loos against his son Brad Loos, assistant coach for Central Missouri.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=1619941
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=1618193
• Chris Reaves from Bolivar High School signs to play for the Peay.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=1623510
• Drake Reed hits two free throws with 0.2 seconds in the game to seal the win at Belmont 86-84.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=1627420
• Greg Walker, Peay play-by-play announcer, has heart surgery.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3620140
• Drake Reed goes for 37 points and 8 rebounds to power the Govs past Eastern Illinois.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3629494
• Austin Peay scare eventual #1 seed Louisville.  The Govs had a five point lead with 13 minutes to go, before the Cards pulled away.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3632921
• Austin Peay plays Arkansas tough before falling 89-80
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3634791
• Fly Williams finally had his jersey retired, and signed copies of his book, Fly35.  He made a trip to the hospital that same weekend after falling ill at the Nashville International Airport.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3660027
• The fall to Drake in the ESPNU Bracketbuster Challenge
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3676175
• Former coach Lake Kelly dies from complications from kidney stone surgery.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3685144
• Drake Reed named to All OVC First Team for the third straight year.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3685292
• The Govs fall to Morehead State in two overtimes at the OVC Conference Tournament.  Caleb Brown banks in a shot at the buzzer to send the game to overtime, but Govs cannot outlast Morehead for the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3687388
• Govs fall to Bradley in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3695758

Accolades/Awards

Drake Reed

• All OVC First Team for the third straight season
• Four-time OVC Player of the Week
• OVC Conference All-Tournament Team
• CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major All-American
• Preseason All OVC Team (OVC Coaches, Blue Ribbon Yearbook, Sporting News, Athlon Sports)
• All-Undrafted.com All-Undrafted Team Honorable Mention
• Austin Peay State University Most Outstanding Male Athlete
• Played in the Music City All Star Classic, Nashville, TN
• Eight double-doubles
• Seven 30-point games
• 14^th highest scoring player in the nation
• 29^th highest field goal percentage in the nation
• Only player in APSU history to score over 1900 points and grab over 750 rebounds

Wes Channels

• All OVC Second Team
• OVC Conference All-Tournament Team
• Two-time OVC Player of the Week
• Exceeded 1,000 career points

Kyle Duncan

• Played in the Music City All Star Classic, Nashville, TN

Anthony Campbell

• Dec. 15 Freshman of the Week

John Fraley

• Nominated for Final Freshman of the Week Award

Ernest Fields

• OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (at least 3.25 GPa)

James Ross

• OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (at least 3.25 GPa)

Clark Stepp

• OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (at least 3.25 GPa)

OFFSEASON

It has been a pretty active offseason for the Govs.  Drake Reed and Kyle Duncan successfully fulfilled their obligations to themselves and the school by graduating in May.  Both are playing professional basketball now.  Clark Stepp transferred out, and James Harris was dismissed for violating athletic department policies.  Coach Loos and his staff signed a high scoring guard, Eric Mosley, out of Louisville to compliment an already deep backcourt.  Mosley was the high scorer at the Reigning Red event with 15 points.

The coaching staff has also been hard at work on the 2010 recruiting class.  They have verbal commitment three players, Joe Harms, Will Triggs, and Thomas Greer.  Harms and Triggs are post players who will bring toughness to this year’s thin frontcourt.  Greer is a combo guard, who is a nominee for the McDonald’s High School All American game.

The bad news is the Govs found out they will be without senior Ernest Fields for at least 3 months and possibly the entire season.  The good news is the Govs had very strong performances from freshmen Justin Blake, Eric Mosley, Chris Reaves, and sophomore John Fraley at the Reigning Red event.  Hopefully it is predictive of what they will be able to contribute during the regular season.  The Govs will need all the help than can get from Fraley and Reaves due to the loss of Fields.

Timeline

• May-Clark Stepp transfers to the University of the Cumberlands
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3733733

• May-Drake Reed and Kyle Duncan both graduate
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3735512http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3735277&SPID=10104&SPSID=85589

• May-Eric Mosley signs with Austin Peay
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=3737345&SPID=10132&SPSID=85722
  http://www.examiner.com/x-9504-Louisville-High-School-Sports-Examiner~y2009m5d12-Mosley-makes-the-call

• Aug-Todd Babbington to return as basketball graduate assistant
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=204771112

• Aug-Thomas Greer of West Carroll High School verbally commits.
  http://www.tnprephoops.com/content/view/1206/51/http://www.apsugovs.com/basketball-recruiting-class-of-09/

• Aug-Will Triggs of Edwardsville, IL and Team Ramey Basketball commits
  http://www.apsugovs.com/2010-commit-feature-will-triggs/
  http://www.apsugovs.com/basketball-recruiting-class-of-09/

• Aug-Kyle Duncan is playing with Oradea in the Romanian Basketball League
  http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20091022/SPORTS70/910220312

• Oct-Reigning Red kicks off with solid performances from Justin Blake, John Fraley, Eric Mosley, and Chris Reaves.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=204815420
  http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20091017/SPORTS/910170328/Austin-Peay-basketball-teams-unveiled

• Oct-Joe Harms verbally commits to play for APSU in 2010.
  http://www.apsugovs.com/joe-harms-commits-to-apsu/
  http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20091021/SPORTS70/910210351
  http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/preps-insider/preps-insider/2009/10/althoffs-harms-makes-college-commitment/

• Oct-James Harris dismissed from team.
  http://www.apsugovernors.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=85722&SPID=10132&DB_OEM_ID=16900&ATCLID=204819327

Check back soon when the series continues with Part II Frontcourt Players.

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