Category: MVNU Athletics

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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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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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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Cougar Conversations – MVNU Men’s Basketball Coach Jared Ronai Reflects on 13 Years of Coaching, Faith, and Family

WNZR’s Xander DeVault talked with Jared Ronai, Head Coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Men’s Basketball team, about his 13 years leading the program, the impact of faith and family on his coaching journey, and what fans can expect from this year’s team.

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

Ronai reflected on some of his favorite memories at MVNU, including seeing former players return to scrimmages and games to encourage and invest in current players. He also discussed how his coaching philosophy has developed over the years, shaped by significant moments and experiences in his life. While basketball remains an important part of his work, Ronai is grateful for the opportunity to use the game as a vehicle to develop young men and help them grow.

Ronai also shared how God has been working through his family following the tragic passing of his youngest daughter. Over the past year, his family has been able to organize events for children with Down syndrome and their families, creating opportunities for connection and encouragement. Those experiences have influenced his perspective and continue to shape the way he approaches coaching. As he looks ahead to the new season, Ronai discussed the makeup of this year’s team, including its personnel, playing style, and emerging leaders. He also described the team identity he hopes to build both on and off the court, emphasizing the importance of developing players beyond basketball.

Looking ahead to the home opener, Ronai shared some insight into his game-day routine, which includes setting aside quiet time for prayer and reflection. He also talked about what he hopes to see from his players as they take the court at Ariel Arena and how much the support of the home crowd means to the program. After 13 years at MVNU, Ronai says his passion for coaching remains strong because he continues to find joy in investing in the lives of young men. He hopes his current and former players leave the program with lessons that extend well beyond the basketball court. Ronai also shared ways listeners can pray for him, his family, and the team throughout the season.

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WNZR’s Cougar Conversation with Coach Lauryn VanHoose

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lauryn VanHoose, Head Coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Women’s Basketball team, about the upcoming season and the growth of the Cougar program.
Click HERE or click on the picture below to hear the full conversation on our first Cougar Conversation of basketball season!

Entering her second year as head coach, VanHoose is focused on staying present, continuing to develop her players, and preparing the team for the physical and demanding competition of the Crossroads League. With seven new players, including five freshmen and two transfers, the team is working to build chemistry and learn to compete together. VanHoose says one of the team’s greatest strengths is how closely connected the players are, both on and off the court.

As the Cougars prepare for the season, the coaching staff is emphasizing mental toughness, defensive play, and the ability to respond to mistakes and challenges. VanHoose is especially encouraged by the leadership of the team’s four upperclassmen, who bring valuable Crossroads League experience. She hopes fans will notice the team’s effort, energy, and commitment to competing for all 40 minutes. Beyond basketball, VanHoose also wants her players to grow in their faith and learn to rely on God through both the challenges and successes of life. She asks for prayer for the team’s safety, health, and mental and physical strength throughout the season.

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MVNU Track and Field Tribute Week – Simon Rohwer and Ryan Lehman!

We had a chance to talk with Simon Rohwer and Ryan Lehman, from the MVNU Track and Field Team, ahead of their trip to Outdoor Nationals! They share with us about their season and year at MVNU! We also get to chat about what motivates the guys as well as their experiences this year as freshman!

They ran in the 4x800m relay yesterday and finished 11th of 30 teams! Congratulations on a fantastic season!

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MVNU Track and Field Tribute Week – Evan Hodkinson

We had a chance to talk with Evan Hodkinson, from the MVNU Men’s Track and Field Team!

Evan shares with us about everything nationals! Evan is running 3 different events! So we will talk about his past experiences at the national championships, as well as what his goals are this year! We also get to chat about what motivates him and what is next for him, now that he is graduated.

Evan and the rest of his team are headed to Marion, Indiana this week to compete and we wish them the best of luck!

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MVNU Track and Field Tribute Week – Lyssi Snouffer!

We had a chance to talk with Lyssi Snouffer, from the MVNU Women’s Track and Field Team!

Lyssi shares with us about everything nationals! We talk about her past experiences, as well as what her goals are this year! We also get to chat about what motivates her and what is next for her after graduation.

Lyssi and the rest of her team are headed to Marion, Indiana this week to compete and we wish them the best of luck!

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MVNU Track and Field Tribute Week – Mason Hendrickson and Tyler Shipley!

We had a chance to talk with Mason Hendrickson and Tyler Shipley, from the MVNU Men’s Track and Field Team!

Mason shares with us about his track experiences leading into his 6th National Championship appearance! He is competing in the steeplechase and just posted his best times of the season!

Tyler also shares with us what it has been like going to nationals before, as well as what he is expecting this time around. The pole vault is his event and he is currently ranked 3rd in the nation!

Not to mention both of these guys have a very special date coming up!

They are headed to compete in Marion, Indiana this week and we wish them the best of luck!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Olivia Skillings

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday feature is back! We are welcoming 13 NEW DJs to our airwaves this month!

Today, we introduce you to Olivia Skillings. She is a Freshman Communication & Media (Digital Media) Major from Mechanicsburg, OH.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

She came to MVNU because she wanted to grow in her faith and be with people who thought the same way.

Olivia plays basketball at MVNU and just finished her season.

She shares some of her favorite foods and artists and memories she has made here at MVNU.

Olivia talks about how God has been working in her life. Her favorite verse is 2 Timothy 1:7.

You can hear Olivia Skillings on WNZR on Thursdays at 1pm and 7pm.

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