Steve Michael Presented with the 2026 Chet Foraker Legacy Award at MVNU Homecoming

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Steve Michael, class of 1976 and former member of the MVNC baseball team, who will be presented with the 2026 Chet Foraker Legacy Award at MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image link below!

Steve tells us more about himself and where he is at now. He also talks about where he is from and what brought him to MVNU all those years ago. His family had strong connections to the the Nazarene Church and on his visit, he met Coach Foraker who paved the way for him to attend and play baseball.

He graduated from MVNU in 19076 as a member of the first baccalaureate class of MVNU. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Spanish.

Steve takes us through his journey post-graduation. He had dreams of becoming a college professor and he chased that dream by heading to Ohio State University to get his PHD.

He ended up back at MVNC where he became the Head Baseball Coach for one year before enrolling in his PHD program. After all of this, the academic doors didn’t open for him and he ended up enlisting in the US Air Force and spent 40 years in his profession of defending our country.

Steve talks about his love for baseball and when the romance started for him. It began when he was a child and he fell in love due to the competitive nature of the sport and the intense rivalry between hitter and pitcher.

He also talks about his collegiate career at MVNC. Steve was a primary pitcher for the Cougars but he also was able to hit consistently and play both sides of the ball. For his outstanding play he also received awards and became the first ever MVNU player to receive 1st-team all-conference recognition.

Steve goes into more detail about his coaching career here at MVNU. He was tasked with being the head coach for the 1978 season and he jumped at the opportunity.

He says that his biggest contribution to the baseball program was helping Sam Riggleman become the head coach following Steve’s departing to Ohio State for his PHD. Coach Riggleman set MVNU Baseball on the successful path it is today and Steve is thankful that it worked out.

Steve shares a couple of his favorite memories from when he was at MVNC. One comes from a big win over Kenyon College in the 1973 season, where his teammate hit a homerun in extra innings to win.

A second memory that stands out for him comes from the 1976 season where he played a pivotal role, pitching and hitting, in two huge wins over conference rivals. The wins gave them a berth in the NAIA District Playoffs.

Steve tells us what it means to him to be awarded the Chet Foraker Legacy Award. He is honored and deeply grateful top receive this recognition, and he hopes that this accolade will be viewed along with the great class of 1976.

He also views this award as a validation that his choice to come for MVNU was the best decision he could’ve made.

Steve gives his advice to current MVNU athletes. He also gives his two cents to the MVNU Baseball team. He urges the Cougar Baseball team to cherish every moment with the program.

The last time Steve was on campus was last year for Homecoming. He got to attend the dedication for the new baseball clubhouse.

Steve shares his greatest learning experience that MVNC gave him. He credits MVNC with giving him the opportunity to mature and break away from his home. Without coming to MVNC he most likely would never have left his hometown and his life would look completely different. He also mentions why he thinks it is so important for alumni to stay connected to MVNU. There is a lot that comes along with staying connected such as nurturing college friendships as well as supporting students who are on the same walk that you were on.

Click HERE for more info on MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!

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The Morning Thing Hosts Share Their Favorite Way to Share Kindness to Celebrate World Kindness Day

Today on Friday, November 13th is World Kindness Day! To celebrate, The Morning Thing hosts share their favorite way to share kindness to others.

Click HERE to listen to this week’s Friday Favorites, or click the image link below!

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Heather Clark Hebrank Reflects on MVNU Softball and Cougar Wall of Fame Honor

WNZR’s Josiah Pletcher talked with 2006 MVNU graduate and Cougar Wall of Fame inductee Heather Clark Hebrank!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Hebrank shared how an unexpected campus visit led her to MVNU, where she played softball, earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, strengthened her faith, and met her future husband. She also discussed her career in education, where she is now serving as assistant principal at Stephen Bell Elementary in Bellbrook, Ohio. She is currently in her twentieth year working in education.

Hebrank reflected on her softball career and the friendships, team experiences, and spiritual growth that made her time with the Lady Cougars so meaningful. She described her Cougar Wall of Fame induction as a humbling, full-circle moment, especially sharing the honor with former teammate Stephanie Johnson Smith. Hebrank also encouraged MVNU alumni to stay connected, invest in current students, and help provide future generations with the same life-changing experiences they received.

Click HERE for more info on MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!

Here is a look at Heather’s career:

Hebrank played for the softball team from 2003-2006 as a pitcher.

Her MVNU records include:

  • 4th in lowest career ERA at 1.81
  • 3rd in most innings pitched with 540.2
  • 2nd in most games started with 79
  • 3rd in most complete games with 71
  • 4th in most strikeouts with 281

Other Awards include:

As a freshman in 2003:

  • American Mideast Conference Second Team
  • NCCAA East Region Team
  • Pitched perfect game vs. St. Olaf on March 25th

As a sophomore in 2004:

  • AMC South Division Second Team
  • NCCAA East Region Team

As a Junior in 2005:

  • NCCAA East Region Team

As a Senior in 2006:

  • NCCAA East Region Team
  • NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete
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Daryl and Julie Pierce Reflect on WNZR’s 40-Year Legacy

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Daniel Russell talked with MVNC Class of 1989 graduates Daryl and Julie Pierce during WNZR’s Homecoming and 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion celebration!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

The couple shared memories of meeting through WNZR, getting married during their senior year, and discovering their callings in Christian radio. Both credit their experiences at MVNU and WNZR with helping shape their personal lives and professional careers.

Today, Daryl serves as Program Director for Strong Tower Christian Media, while Julie hosts an on-air music program. They reminisced about favorite campus memories, memorable radio programs, influential mentors, and the excitement of WNZR’s early years. The Pierces also offered advice to current communication students, encouraging them to practice their skills, remain teachable, and focus on connecting with listeners.

As WNZR celebrates 40 years of ministry, the couple reflected on the lasting impact of Christian radio and its ability to bring hope and encouragement to listeners. They expressed gratitude for being part of WNZR’s history and encouraged the station to continue building on its strong foundation.

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Former MVNU Softball Standout Stephanie (Johnson) Smith to Join Cougar Wall of Fame

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with former MVNU softball standout Stephanie Johnson Smith, who will be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

Smith shares that she grew up in Tallmadge, Ohio, near Akron, and came to MVNU after learning about the university through friends and the opportunity to play softball. She earned degrees in Health and Physical Education and Exercise Studies and remained an additional semester to complete student teaching.

After graduation, Smith accepted a position at Worthington Christian School in Columbus and has remained there for 20 years. She teaches physical education, health, fitness, nutrition, and weight training classes and says she has enjoyed a long career helping students develop healthy habits and life skills.

Smith discusses her experiences coaching after college, including nearly a decade coaching high school soccer and softball. After stepping away from coaching to focus on raising her family, she recently returned to the sidelines through girls flag football and youth softball.

She also updates listeners on her family life. Smith and her husband Brad have been married for 16 years and have two children, Brinley and Beckett, who attend Worthington Christian School. She says their family stays busy traveling to sports and activities, with both children actively involved in athletics.

Smith reflects on her softball career, which began in tee ball as a young child. She credits her father, who coached her through much of her youth and high school career, for helping develop her love for the game and teaching her the importance of hard work and preparation.

She also looks back on her four seasons as the Cougars’ shortstop. While she enjoyed many successes on the field, Smith says her favorite memories center on the friendships she built with teammates and coaches. She recalls team trips, bus rides, and time spent together as some of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

Smith reacts to the many honors and records she earned during her Cougar career, including several all-conference and academic recognitions as well as numerous places in the MVNU softball record book. She says she had not thought much about those accomplishments in recent years and views them as a reflection of the teammates and coaches who helped her succeed.

She also discusses learning that she would be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame. Smith says she was surprised when she received the phone call and was especially excited to learn she would be inducted alongside former teammate and close friend Heather. She describes the recognition as both humbling and meaningful.

Click HERE for more information on MVNU’s Homecoming events!

Stephanie (Johnson) Smith played for the softball team from 2003-2006 as a shortstop.


She holds MVNU records for:

– Most career at bats with 550
– Most career doubles with 57
– 5th in most games played with 163
– 4th in highest career batting average with an average of .400
– 3rd in career hits with 220
– 2nd in career RBI’s with 141
– 2nd most career in assists with 403.

As a freshman in 2003, Johnson was named:

– American Mideast Conference Honorable Mention
– American Mideast Conference Freshman of the Year
– NCCAA East Region Team
– NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American
– Cougar Sports Associates’ “Freshman of the Year,” and
– the 2003 Team Most Valuable Player as a Freshman!

In 2004 as a sophomore, she batted .359, had a team best 14 doubles, five triples, two home runs, 29 runs scored, and 34 RBIs. She was also named to:

– the AMC South Division Second Team
– NCCAA East Region Team, and
– NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American Team.

In 2005 as a junior, Johnson was named:

– American Mideast Conference South Division Second Team
– NCCAA East Region Team
– NFCA Great Lakes Region Second Team
– NCCAA All-American First Team
– American Mideast Conference All-Academic Team
– NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete
– NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete, and
– ESPN The Magazine© Academic All-District IV First Team. In 2006, as a senior, she was named:
– American Mideast Conference South Division First Team
– NAIA Region IX Team
– NCCAA East Region Team
– NCCAA East Region Player of the Year
– NCCAA All-American First Team
– American Mideast Conference All-Academic Team
– NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete and
– NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete

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Kevin Henthorne Recognizes Veterans Day with WNZR!

WNZR’s Marcy Rineheart talks to Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veterans Services, about the importance of Veterans Day and honoring the men and women who have served our country.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation or click the image link below!

Kevin Henthorn discusses the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a day to recognize those who have served and passed. Veteran Day is a time to recognize those who have served and are currently alive. Kevin discusses the Knox County Veterans Services and what his job entails. The KCVS’s main objective is to advocate for Veterans. Kevin says his job is to “spoil” veterans.

Kevin talks about Veterans’ benefits and services. He helps veterans know what services and benefits they qualify for. He also shares how veterans can connect with their offices.

Kevin shares what special celebrations and recognitions are taking place for Veterans Day in the Knox County Community. The KCVS aids the local schools in their Veterans Day ceremonies. Kevin shares some final thoughts for Veterans; Kevin emphasizes that Veterans are not alone in their struggles and the KCVS is there for all veterans.

Click HERE to learn more about Knox County Veterans Services!

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Former MVNU Baseball Standout Lucas Daugherty to Join Cougar Wall of Fame

Former MVNU baseball standout Lucas Daugherty will be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend. WNZR’s Xander DeVault talked with Daugherty about his time as a Cougar from 2012–2016, his baseball career, and the memories that made his experience special.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

During his time at MVNU, Daugherty earned several honors, including Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American recognition. However, he says some of his favorite memories came from road trips, spring trips to Florida, and the relationships he built with teammates. He also reflects on the influence of longtime coach Keith Veale and the importance of consistency, teamwork, and strong leadership.

Today, Daugherty teaches science and coaches baseball at Waynedale High School. He says MVNU helped shape his faith, career, and life beyond baseball. He is grateful for the opportunity to join the Cougar Wall of Fame and encourages future students and alumni to stay connected to the university.

Click HERE for more information on MVNU’s Homecoming events!

Congratulations to Lucas Daugherty for holding these MVNU Records:
– Lowest Earned Run Average in a career at 2.11
– 4th in most career pitching victories with 32
– 4th in most career strikeouts with 286
– 2nd in most career shutouts with 9
– 3rd in most innings pitched with 294.1

In 2014 as a sophomore, he was named Crossroads League First Team, NCCAA East Region, and NCCAA All-American.
In 2015 as a junior, he was Crossroads League First Team, started 13 games and posted a 10-2 record with 8 complete games. He also added 63 Strikeouts, an ERA of 3.39 in 82.1 IP, and tallied a fielding % of 0.955 with 6 putouts and 15 assists.
In 2016, as a senior, he was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, and Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year Crossroads League First Team.

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Knox Community Jazz Orchestra to Host Food For The Hungry Benefit Concert

The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra will bring an evening of classic big band music to Kenyon College on Saturday, November 14, with a benefit concert supporting Food For The Hungry. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Ted Buehrer, founder and director of the orchestra, about the group’s history and its continued commitment to serving the Knox County community.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

Founded by Buehrer in 2017, the Knox Community Jazz Orchestra is celebrating its 10th year. Buehrer serves as the organization’s president and music director while also playing trumpet. The 18-member ensemble brings together students, educators, working professionals, and retirees who share a love of music and a desire to make a difference in their community.

The free concert, titled “When You’re Smiling,” begins at 7 p.m. in Ross Hall at Kenyon College. The evening will feature beloved jazz standards, including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “Embraceable You.” Kenyon College senior Benjamin Priestland will also join the orchestra as a vocalist for several selections.

This year marks the fifth time the orchestra has partnered with Food For The Hungry for its annual benefit concert. Although admission is free, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make a financial donation to support the campaign.

Buehrer says the partnership reflects the orchestra’s desire to be a positive presence in the community. He emphasizes the importance of working together, sharing resources, and using individual talents to help neighbors facing food insecurity. The concert also reflects this year’s Food For The Hungry theme, “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors.”

Community members are invited to enjoy an evening of music while supporting an important cause in Knox County!

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MVNU Prepares for a Full Weekend of Homecoming Activities

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is preparing for its 2026 Homecoming Weekend, featuring class reunions, campus activities, athletic events, and special celebrations. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Mike Cheek, MVNU’s Executive Director of Alumni and Major Gifts, about the weekend’s schedule and opportunities to reconnect.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Highlights include the Golden Grad Luncheon, Homecoming Chapel, the Before the Bird 5K, the WNZR 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion, and Cougar basketball games. Saturday evening will also feature A Night with Nashville, a concert benefiting Cougar Baseball. Songwriters Brian White, Andy Chrisman, and Tony Wood will perform Christian music hits and share the stories behind the songs.

Click HERE for more information about MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!

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MVNU Alumni Look Ahead to Homecoming 2026

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with the two former Cougar baseball players, Mike Cheek and Brian White, about their time at MVNU, life after graduation, and the special events planned for Homecoming.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Cheek now works at MVNU and helps oversee alumni events, while White moved to Nashville after college to pursue songwriting and youth ministry. White shared how his Christian music journey began, including writing his first song, “Pardon By The King.” Both alumni reflected on how MVNU has changed over the years while emphasizing that students’ passion and fire for Christ remain the same.

One highlight of Homecoming Weekend will be A Night with Nashville – Benefitting Cougar Baseball with the Hits. Cheek and White shared how the event came together as an opportunity to bring alumni together through music while supporting Cougar Baseball. They also discussed why Homecoming is so meaningful, celebrating life change, friendships, and memories made at MVNU.

Click HERE for more information about MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!

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