Sports

For their first competition this season, Excelsior Springs’ cross country runners had a choice: They could run a 3.1-mile race or a 2-mile race. The Tigers were given that option at the Tom Nixon Invitational, held Aug.

Excelsior Springs varsity softball coach Megan Gilbert and her Tigers already have a championship under their belts this season – still less than a week old. By scoring 41 runs and pounding out 40 hits, Excelsior Springs went 4-0 and claimed the Cameron Tournament championship Aug 31.

Excelsior Springs varsity football coach Jake Danneman had reasons to be impressed when watching his Tigers scrimmage against Cameron and East Buchanan during an Aug. 23 preseason jamboree at Cameron.

With this weekend marking the start of competition for fall prep sports in Missouri, I have a challenge for the fans reading this: be respectful of the athletes, coaches and officials. For the athletes, this is their time to shine.

Excelsior Springs High School alumnus and pro football player is still a Las Vegas Raider. The Raiders stated Wednesday on their website that they had signed the cornerback to their practice squad.

Excelsior Springs varsity boys soccer coach Zac Ganzer and a core group of returning Tigers are eyeing a fourth straight top-four finish at state competition.

The youth movement is over for Excelsior Springs in varsity softball. At least it is for this season.

The Excelsior Springs varsity girls tennis team is on a quest, according to coach Richie Marsh. “The girls have set a goal to … get back to the district final and claim the championship once again after falling short last year,” Marsh said.

Excelsior Springs cross country coach Steve Houck will have some experienced runners again this varsity season. On the girls side, the program returns two-year letterwinner Katie Houck – one of three girls juniors.