It’s the first time in state history that educators don’t agree with the Governor’s choice in the newest leader of state education… Governor Matt Blunt’s appointee Donayle Whitmore-Smith is already at work attending state board meetings, but spokesman Brent Gahn with the School Boards’ Association says the state’s largest education organizations don’t want her. Gahn says Whitmore-Smith’s support of vouchers and tuition tax credits undermines public education because that would be diverting public funding away from public schools and toward private institutions. But Governor Blunt’s spokesman Brian Hauswirth says Whitmore-Smith is more than qualified to serve on the Education Board and points out she has worked with children and has even established and arts and science academy. He says Blunt’s disappointed state educators aren’t giving his appointee a chance before they criticize her.
McCaskill Would Consider Supporting Possible U.S. Troop Withdrawal Vote
Missouri’s Senator-elect says she would consider voting for a proposal to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq – if such a proposal comes up for a vote in the new session of Congress that begins in January. Claire McCaskill says the U.S. does not have many options regarding the situation in Iraq, and those that exist are not good. McCaskill says her support for this possible proposal would depend on the timetable for withdrawal, what military commanders say in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee – of which McCaskill is a member – and what the recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton Commission are.
Former Missouri Prep Leads Upset
Missouri fans had to be kicking themselves in the rear end last night as they watched Tyler Hansbrough lead North Carolina to an upset win over Ohio State. Hansbrough, a former prep hoopster from Poplar Bluff, MO, led the No. 7 Tar Heels over the top-ranked Ohio State 98-89. The sophomore All-American center recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
Hansbrough is Carolina’s only other non-freshman starter.
Hunt Still Hospitalized
Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt remains in a Dallas area hospital a week after being admitted. Hunt, who has been battling cancer since 1998, is battling a partially collapsed lung. He’s already missed three games this season because of hospital stays, but he doesn’t want to miss any more.
Chiefs President/General Manager Carl Peterson says Hunt’s health struggles are a combination of things.
“People can appreciate when you have as much treatment as he’s had that sometimes… it erodes your immune system,” Peterson said. “He’s in good medical hands, but he’s not there yet to be excused and allowed to go home.”
The Chiefs travel to Cleveland this week. Kansas City trails San Diego in the AFC West by two games.
NCAA Volleyball Tournament Begins Today
SLU
Saint Louis University volleyball received its first berth to the NCAA Tournament in school history. SLU earned an automatic bid by winning the Atlantic-10 Tournament behind tournament MVP freshman Whitney Roth. Fellow freshman Whitney Behrens and senior Tatyana Menshikova were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Billikens travel to 14th-seeded Purdue for the first-round tonight. The winner will play the winner of the Kentucky-Ohio match.
“I’m very, very excited about going to Purdue. It’s a great place to play, they got big crowds, and they’re a huge physical team. It’ll be a challenge for us and that’s when we’re our best,” said head coach Anne Kordes.
Purdue finished the regular season 21-10, 11-9 in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers are ranked 22nd in the nation, but is going into the NCAA’s losers in six of its last eight matches. This is the third straight appearance for Purdue. They made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last year.
Mizzou
The Tigers (17-12) are hoping this year’s first round is as good as the last two. Mizzou has won consecutive opening round matches. It’s their seventh straight appearance overall, only Nebraska in the Big 12 has been more times in a row. Last year, Missouri made it to the Elite Eight before bowing out. This year’s first round opponent is Santa Clara (20-7). The Broncos beat Mizzou in four games earlier this year. The game is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. (CST).
Missouri State
The Bears open first round play Friday against Arkansas. MSU (26-8) earned an at-large bid after losing in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Arkansas and Missouri State have met at least once in the last five years, with Arkansas winning three times. In 2003, Arkansas eliminated the Bears in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
