by John Unrein Grain Valley Eagle first baseman Kaden Jeffries sat in the dugout prior to the game looking down with his head on his bat. Minutes passed and Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell considered checking on whether his clean up hitter was okay. Turns out Jeffries was only gathering his thoughts and visualizing doing good things during the Class 5 Quarterfinal playoff round versus the Smithville Warriors. The Eagles would win the contest by a score of 7-3 on May 29th at Blue Springs South baseball stadium. The precedence placed on envisioning positive things paid off for Jeffries in the top of the fourth inning. Jeffries pulled a fastball down the right field line well over the 325 foot sign. The no doubt home run left the entire Grain Valley bench waiting for Jeffries at home plate. A raucous celebration ensued on the way back to the dugout as the Eagles moved ahead 4-0 at that point in the game. Jeffries would end up with three runs batted in total in providing offensive muscle for his team. Grain Valley’s confidence was a high point due to scoring at least one run in each of the first four innings. The Eagles dugout was louder than it had been at any point during the season. To say that Eagles came to play would have been an understatement. A sentiment echoed by Jeffries who held true to being a young man of few words. “The more chances I get to see the baseball throughout at-bats during the game the better I feel about my swing. Today was no different. I knew the baseball was gone (on the home run) as soon as it left my bat,” Jeffries said. “Getting to go to Springfield next and getting to travel with the boys was the best thing about today.” Equally as impressive to Jeffries fireworks at the plate was the effort on the mound by starting pitcher Cole Keller. The senior hurler would strikeout five Warrior batters and only surrender one hit across four innings of work. Keller would work top to bottom and both sides of the plate with his fastball and secondary offerings. The fastball would be Keller’s go to pitch when in trouble or needing to put away hitters. “I leaned on my fastball today until the second time through the lineup when I turned to my curveball. My breaking stuff felt good out of my hand, and I relied on my defense behind me to help keep them scoreless when I was pitching,” Keller said. “KJ (Kaden Jeffries) is a special player. We have seen him hit balls over and off the wall all year. Bown showed up as well in relief. He is smart and is not necessarily going to overpower you with his stuff. I think he has like seven different pitches, and he locates all of them really well.” Keller continued, “I have never been to the semifinals before, and we will approach it like it is just another game. We will take this one step at a time with our focus being on preparation.” Bown has shown his mettle throughout the season for Grain Valley. The senior has gotten ready to pitch in relief on short notice, through a nagging injury, and with a fearless mentality when he steps on the hill. Bown was no different in the two and one-third innings he delivered for his team in the win against the Warriors. A Smithville team that refused to go away quietly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to make things interesting as the game progressed. Bown fought back emotion to stay composed in sharing his postgame thoughts. “There are no words to describe this feeling right now. It is awesome. I walked that guy and gave up a run initially. To get to go to the semifinals is unreal. We all have each other’s back and that is special.” Driskell approached his team during preparation the day prior to the game in their film room with what he told them may sound corny but asked that they participate with faith in what was being asked. The Eagles were asked to close their eyes and focus on the first three innings of the game going well before something going sideways in the middle of the contest. The last thing requested by Driskell was to focus on how they would finish the game through any adversity they faced before picturing a jubilant celebration. Driskell would turn on the lights and tell his team to go get it done. “This was an incredible game today. I am a little bit lost for words. We played outstanding team baseball today. We did have a couple of hiccups and glitches as well. We missed a couple of signs that could have scored some runs. I am excited that we get to move forward,” Driskell said. “Jeffries is coachable and has been a consummate professional at the plate. He is a kid that has not shrunk in the moment.” Driskell added, “Keller did a great job as well. He told me before the game that he had four solid innings for us and that is what he ended up delivering. I am proud of Cole’s effort and what this team has accomplished.” Grain Valley (26-8) will next travel to US Baseball Park in Ozark for their matchup against Rockwood Summit (17-14) on June 4th at 11:00 am. The Grain Valley Eagles baseball team celebrates their Class 5 quarterfinal victory. Photo credit: John Overstreet Cole Keller struck out five batters and only gave up one hit across four innings of work. Photo credit: John Overstreet Kaden Jeffries delivers a homerun for the Eagles during the fourth inning. Photo credit: John Overstreet Alex Snyder alludes the tag at home plate to add a run on the scoreboard for the Eagles.
Photo credit: John Overstreet by Michael Smith Grain Valley sophomore Kylie Barnett missed half of the girls soccer season with a broken right foot. She said she was only supposed to be out for a month or a few weeks, but the pain wouldn’t go away. That’s why when she came back around the 13th game of the season, Eagles head coach Tyler Nichol decided to only play her 5 minutes. From there, he slowly increased her minutes each week as the sophomore came off the bench. After a few weeks, the sophomore said she felt 100 percent, just in time for Saturday’s Class 3 quarterfinal game against Platte County. Barnett played a crucial role in the contest scoring in the 24th minute off a rebound that was deflected by Pirate goalkeeper Avery Krahenbill. That goal helped spark Grain Valley’s 2-0 victory as the Eagles will be making their first final four appearance in school history next week. They will face Notre Dame St. Louis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. “It’s kind of surreal,” Nichol said of making the final four with the girls for the first time.” We had an idea early in the season that it was going to be this matchup in this game. It’s a game we’ve been waiting for. “We’ve been close to making it a few times, so to finally get across that line, and for them to go and get that experience, we are just so pumped for it.” And the Eagles may not have made it without Barnett’s big goal. She said she felt good, and it reflected in her play and she fit right in with an Eagles team that has multiple players who can score. “(The pain) just kept continuing throughout the season when people stepped on it,” Barnett said. “Now I’m finally getting back. I got a great assist from (Annabelle Totta). I had to contain my excitement and remain calm. “Today it felt good. In past games (her right foot) has been a little swollen.” With Barnett playing more minutes, the chemistry was unaffected. The Eagles midfield and front line looked sharp Saturday. “When she came back from injury, she showed up and played amazing,” Grain Valley freshman midfielder Annabelle Totta said. “She keeps her head up and she can find people. She has amazing footwork and she is able to keep possession when she has it and get rid of it at the right spot.” Nichol said he was getting emotional talking about Barnett’s big moment. “I can’t say enough about her. She works so hard all the time,” Nichol said. “We are just excited for her. It was awesome for her to be the one who made the game-winning goal. It’s a moment she will never forget.” While Barnett’s goal was huge, Totta provided some insurance for the Eagles (21-2-1) when she executed a perfect give-and-go with freshman Emma Thiessen. Totta passed the ball to Thiessen, who gave it right back to her on a through ball. Totta tucked a shot inside the far post from the right wing with 15:45 remaining for a 2-0 advantage. “I was excited because we were right in front of the goal and it was because of Emma’s perfect pass to me, and I was able to finish it,” Totta said. Meanwhile, Grain Valley, which controls possession in most games, had an even battle with Platte County. Sophomore goalkeeper Camihle Williams stepped up big with six saves to help her team preserve the shutout. She had a couple of diving stops in the first half and stopped a point-blank shot from Platte County’s Addison Bradley late in the second half. Williams plays an aggressive style of goalkeeper and often comes off her line to challenge ball handlers. “To be in goal, you have to be willing to sacrifice yourself,” Williams said. “It helps your team a lot. If I hadn’t done that, we probably would have had to go to overtime. I know I am going to get hurt, it’s only for a second. It’s not like it’s a baseball or a bowling ball.” Coming off her line almost backfired late in the first half. A Platte County player lofted a shot toward an empty net when Williams was on the ground at the top of the penalty box. Center back Sophie Broockerd used a sliding kick to knock the ball away when it looked like it was going in. Williams had a similar situation happen in the second half but Platte County’s Allie Corbin overshot the empty net. “Camihle was phenomenal today,” Nichol said. “She’s not afraid to come off her line as you saw. It made me nervous a couple of times. It was a risk vs. reward thing. She’s aggressive and that’s not something we want to coach out of her.” The Eagles now turn their attention to Notre Dame St. Louis. “To be honest, we don’t know a lot about them,” Nichol said. “We will watch film tonight and tomorrow and find out as much as we possibly can. Just based on their results, we know they are a quality team. After looking at the teams they beat I thought, ‘Wow. How are they not ranked in the top five?’” The Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team celebrates their Class 3 tournament win. Photo credit: John Overstreet Defender Sophie Broockerd stops the charge of the Platte County Pirates. Photo credit: John Overstreet Midfielder Raena Childers pushes the soccer ball into the Platte County zone. Photo credit: John Overstreet Kylie Barnett gains possession of the soccer ball. Photo credit: John Overstreet Midfielder Emma Thiessen wins the contested possession of the soccer ball. Photo credit: John Overstreet Goalkeeper Camihle Williams keeps the shutout intact for Grain Valley with her save.
Photo credit: John Overstreet A short meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Monday, May 24th was punctuated by a brief but tense denial of two resolutions requesting the Board’s approval of two nominees to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mayor Chuck Johnston nominated residents Dale Arnold and Joey Burgett to fill two seats on the Commission, currently occupied by Scott Shafer and Justin Tyson. Johnston’s nominations were unanimously defeated by the six aldermen. Both Shafer and Tyson’s terms have expired, and both expressed their desire and willingness to continue to serve to City staff and the Board of Aldermen. According to the City, Scott Shafer’s term expired February 25th and Justin Tyson’s term expired May 14, 2020. Both have continued serving on the commission in the interim. Johnston had been asked in prior board meetings by Alderman Knox and Alderman Stratton regarding the reappointment of Shafer and Tyson based on the desire of both to continue to serve, with Johnston indicating he would reach out to the two commission members. Reached for comment, Shafer and Tyson stated Johnston had not reached out to them regarding their desire to continue serving or his intentions in filling the positions. The aldermen reached for comment stated the unanimous vote against Johnston’s nominees was in response to a lack of communication from the Mayor, and that there was no justification for not reappointing two willing and capable volunteers who expressed a desire to continue to serve. “Near as I can find out, we have never not reappointed someone who was willing to serve, and I see no reason to remove them at a whim,” Alderman Rick Knox said. “I believe the Mayor needs to learn to reach out to each one of us and explain his ideas. It’s a lot easier to go to us rather than just shove it at us. I don’t have a vendetta against either of the gentlemen nominated by the Mayor, and I’m in nobody’s pocket. But when you start removing people sitting on a board ‘just because’, why would others be willing to serve,” Knox said. “I understand there is bad blood between these two and the Mayor. They campaigned against him. We have to let bygones be bygones and move the City forward. It’s about the taxpayer,” Knox said. “They (Shafer and Tyson) are active, eager participating members. It didn’t sit right with me to appoint others when they expressed to all of us they were willing to serve,” Alderman Jayci Stratton said. Alderman Tom Cleaver expressed a similar sentiment. “Nobody has said otherwise that they are not doing a good job. I don’t see fit to take someone off the board if they are qualified and willing to serve,” Cleaver said. “We have approved several of the Mayor’s prior appointments, including Mike Switzer to the Park Board at this meeting,” Alderman Bob Headley said. “I understand why he’s doing it. I don’t believe the mayor and these two individuals get along very well. I get that, but we all have to play in the sandbox with folks that you don’t particularly like all the time. For me, if they had done something wrong or done something to make the city look bad then you appoint different people. One of the individuals has been in construction his entire working life and the other is an active business owner in town. Shafer has served on the Board of Aldermen in the past as well and understands what it takes to get things done,” Alderman Bob Headley said. Alderman Darren Mills also pointed to the fact that the Board has approved other nominations in the past, but that the lack of communication to Shafer, Tyson, and the Aldermen was the reason behind the nay votes. “Both individuals that had served their term showed interest and desire to continue on with another term. This was brought up to the Mayor and as stated in the meeting, he chose not to discuss it with the Board or the 2 individuals. I had no issue reappointing Mike Switzer to the Grain Valley Parks Board for a 3 year term,” Mills said. Shafer and Tyson both feel Johnston’s attempt to replace them with other appointees is based solely on personal grievances. “I think it’s real apparent that Chuck (Johnston) doesn’t like myself and Mr. Tyson. Whether you like someone or not, you need to do what is best for the City. When I was on the Board, we had trouble filling these seats. The people he (Johnston) put forward are being used as pawns in my opinion. There’s an opening currently on the Park Board. He can appoint one of these individuals to that seat. I would like to thank the Board for recognizing this childish act,” Shafer said. Shafer said that he and Tyson are active participants on the Commission and should have received the courtesy of a phone call from the Mayor to let them know he intended to nominate others to their seats. “We didn’t even get a courtesy phone call. That’s just sad, and that is not what a Mayor is supposed to do.” “If there’s issues we (Shafer and Tyson) don’t understand, we go out and put a visual on things. We make sure we have our ducks in a row and put a lot of time and effort in our service,” Shafer said. “It’s an honor to serve, and an honor to work with Mark Trosen (Community Development Director) and City Engineer Dick Tuttle. I’m learning a lot from them as well,” Tyson said. Tyson pointed to a recent issue before the Board impacting homeowners, stating he and Shafer went out to inspect the area in question and talk to homeowners about their concerns. “The homeowners were grateful that we took an interest, and that people would actually show up and care,” Tyson said. “This is the level of care that Scott and I have put into the position, and I think that removing people because a sitting mayor has an issue with them or has a personal agenda is a slippery precedent. I am glad the Board did what they did.” Johnston points to his mandate from the voters as his reasoning behind the appointments. “I believe I was elected because of two major factors. First, people had confidence in my stances and willingness to follow through on issues facing the City. Second, some were tired of the old ways of doing things and wanted change. When I appoint citizens to boards, I’m going to do my best to see that they will represent the interests of the majority of the community and will assist me in carrying out why I was elected,” Johnston said. When asked why he believed the Board voted against his nominations, Johnston stated “You will have to ask the Aldermen why they took the position they did”. “I knew when I took this job, I had an uphill battle with this Board of Aldermen. We have made some good progress in the past year on several major issues. I am not a quitter and will continue to attempt to work with the Aldermen on issues before the City. I would like to see more support from the Aldermen on some issues but that is up to them. I’m not going to change what I need to do to meet the promises I made,” Johnston said. Each of the aldermen reached for comment expressed confidence that the Board could continue to work effectively with the Mayor. “We have worked with Chuck on a number of occasions, and even though we do not always agree on the direction we were going, there are degrees where every one of us can adjust our thinking and there’s a compromise that can be reached. I’m willing to work with the Mayor. I think we just ask that we do it a little more diplomatically,” Headley said. In other business, the board approved a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to repair 80 linear feet of 36” CMP storm water drainage on Golfview Drive, and approved an ordinance rezoning 3.15 acres to multi-family residential allowing for the development of Creekside Villas, to include 26 multi-family units. Additionally, the rezoning of 5.5 acres from agricultural to multi-family residential was approved, allowing for 35 units known as Creekside Commons to be developed. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, June 14th at 7:00pm. Grain Valley High School (GVHS) celebrated its 320 graduates during a commencement ceremony at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence on May 26th.
The school’s 113th commencement was another demonstration of life returning to normal following a school year impacted by COVID-19. The class of 2021 endured continual change due to the pandemic, from virtual and hybrid schedules to the return of full in-person instruction, to canceled and then modified events and activities, not to mention the daily impact of social distancing, mask mandates, and quarantines. Student commencement speaker Hannah Lytle quoted writer Anthony J. D’Angelo in the opening lines of her speech to students: “Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant.” Lytle noted that her class had become “pretty great students of change”, and that the transition they were making together that evening meant a change in the paths each graduate would be taking. “Our paths up to this point have been paved for us. None of us are going down the same path. We all share this experience, but today, we get to use this experience differently,” Lytle said. GVHS teacher and coach Pete Carpino was elected by the student body to address the graduating class. Carpino is retiring from education after 32 years, the last 7 in Grain Valley. Carpino encouraged the graduates to “take care of the little things” in life, as those “little things add up to big things in critical situations”. “Your life will be a roller coaster…the ups and downs of your life will be so much smoother if the little things are taken care of,” Carpino said. GVHS Principal Dr. Jeremy Plowman highlighted the accomplishments of the 320 graduates, which included 18 Bright Flight scholars, 69 National Honor Society members, 157 A+ graduates, 32 students receiving athletic scholarships, and first year scholarships totaling $4.11 million. Plowman recognized students graduating with honors and 7 students entering the armed forces after graduation. Reached for comment before the graduation ceremony, Plowman reflected on this year’s graduating class. “This class will always be near and dear to my heart. Their junior and senior years were dominated by a pandemic. Yet, they persevered in so many ways. In athletics and activities, Grain Valley moved into the Suburban Conference with some of the most successful schools in the State and have had unprecedented success. Academically, this senior class had National Merit Scholars, a plethora of Bright Flight scholars and some very prestigious scholarships. Their school spirit remained strong when it would have been easy to let it wane,” Plowman said. The Grain Valley Aquatic Center opens for the season on Saturday, May 29th with normal operating procedures returning in 2021. Gone are the distanced “family pods” on the deck, and loungers are once again available so families do not have to bring their own chairs. Masks are not required for patrons.
Open swim hours are Monday—Sunday from Noon—6:00pm. Hours are subject to change once Grain Valley Schools return for the new school year in mid-August. The last swim of the year will be on Labor Day from Noon—4:00pm. Call the community center or visit their website (816-847-6230 or https://bit.ly/3ovc6SE) for more information and to get signed up for swimming lessons, water aerobics, season pool passes, and private pool rentals. The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 12-18, 2021.
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The upgrading of cattle was the vision of William Rockhill Nelson. While the idea behind this 10 year “experiment” was in his mind before he purchased the farms, the actual experiment was not begun until just prior to Nelson’s death in 1915.
As I have stated in previous articles, Mr. Nelson purchased the first 200 cows from the Kansas City Stockyard in 1915. He did not live to see the results of the first cross, let alone succeeding crosses. The results from the first cross, breeding grade cows to registered Shorthorn bulls, did not produce calves until 1916. The annual demonstration days began in 1922. It was after the fourth cross. By viewing the cattle in each of the pens in the foreground, breeders could see the results of the experiment. Each pen held examples of the grade cows, the registered Shorthorn bulls and their offspring from the first cross thru successive crosses. From the USDA publication, “The Upgrading of Beef Cattle,” and other articles written about the experiment I believe that the greatest improvements were shown by the fourth cross, meaning additional cross did not yield noticeable improvements or a higher rate of gain on meat quality or price. I chose this photo because I am always amazed to realize that upwards of 10,000 people came to Grain Valley, Missouri, each year in October to study the results of the breeding program at Sni-A-Bar. Although, my grandmother Napier would tell you they came for the free beef and pork dinners provide at no cost by Muehlbach & Sons Grocery in Kansas City. What is the original plant-based meat substitute? The mighty mushroom! We have been enjoying mushrooms for over a century as they make repeat appearances in a variety of dishes like our favorite pizza or pasta dish. But mushrooms are making a comeback by being the star of show in many recipes.
Mushrooms have a slightly earthy flavor and delicate texture, giving them the ability to absorb flavors they are cooked with. They blend so well into foods that it is even a trend! “The Blend” is a cooking technique that combines chopped mushrooms with ground meat to make meals more delicious, nutritious and sustainable. To experience The Blend in your own kitchen, try adding mushrooms to dishes like burgers, tacos, meatloaf and more. Meet the Mighty Mushrooms: Button: The same species as baby bellas, button mushrooms are versatile and have small, smooth white capes and a mild flavor. Baby Bella: Also called cremini mushrooms, baby bellas are brown, firm and have a deeper flavor than button mushrooms. Portabella: With a meaty flavor and caps up to 6 inches across, portabellas can be stuffed, grilled or roasted. Shiitake: Loved for their strong, earthy flavor, spot shiitake mushrooms by their broad, umbrella-shaped caps. Dried: With their concentrated flavor, varieties of dried mushrooms work well in risotto, soups and sauces. Power Up with Mushrooms Mushrooms are naturally low in calories, fat and cholesterol. They’re a good source of B vitamins, which provide energy by helping support protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Mushrooms also contain potassium, which helps control blood pressure and promotes a healthy heart. Mushrooms are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which plays a role in having a healthy immune system. Mushrooms should have a smooth, firm texture and an earthy scent. Do not purchase those that look shriveled, wet or dried out, or those that smell musty. Keep fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator (unwashed) in their original packaging or a loosely closed paper bag. Use within one week. Store dried mushrooms at room temperature. To prep, wipe mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel just before using. Do not wash or soak fresh mushrooms in water until just before consuming. (They soak up water like a sponge, diluting their flavor in recipes). The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. It is great to see things returning to some semblance of normal as we emerge from the COVID fog. We see our communities coming back to life as more people are vaccinated.
Businesses all over town are dusting off the 2020 grime, opening their doors, and looking forward to a busy and profitable summer season. But for many families, it may not be an easy adjustment to get back to life as it was pre-COVID. Low-income families faced many additional hardships during the pandemic, which took its toll. According to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, low-income families suffered higher job loss, food insecurity, and psychological distress during the pandemic than higher-income families. It's no wonder people are looking to create a better, more stable future for themselves and their children. That is where the Job Skills for New Careers program comes into play, to fill the educational gap and offer a pathway to a career. A collaborative program between Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Community Services League, Mid-Continent Public Library, KC Scholars, and the University of Central Missouri, Job Skills for New Careers offers low-income adults the opportunity to learn a new skill in a high-paying, in-demand field at no charge. We currently provide six training opportunities: Medical Coding & Billing, Welding, Certified Nurse Assistant, Phlebotomy, Construction, and Materials Handling. So in just a few short weeks or months, adult learners can be fully trained and ready to start work. In addition to learning skills in their future profession, all trainees receive one-on-one coaching in personal finance, workplace relations, and problem-solving, setting them up for professional and personal success. Plans are already underway to add additional training tracks to build the program and meet the community's needs. They say it takes a village ... In this case, it took 44 fund holders at Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Understanding the impact such a comprehensive program could have, these donors chose to pool their giving, totaling $125,000, to support the Job Skills for New Careers program. This generous funding will support the current program efforts and help expand the program to encompass a more diverse array of career field opportunities. This program works. We launched it at the start of the pandemic, and despite this headwind in 2020, the program's graduation rate was 78 percent, well above the industry standard for workforce development programs. Just imagine what the classes in 2021 will achieve! If you or someone you know is interested in getting out of a dead-end job and into a career with a real future, or if you are an employer looking for well-trained candidates to fill your open positions, contact Debby at the Career Services department at Community Services League at 816.912.4487 or [email protected]. Together, with thoughtful donors from eastern Jackson County and the surrounding communities, we will improve the economic status of individuals and families and provide businesses the qualified candidates they need to succeed. Phil Hanson is the president and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through partnerships with donors and community members. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816-836-8189. The Chicago & Alton railroad was complete through the area which would become Grain Valley in 1878. During that same time period the Chicago & Alton Railroad bridge, erected across the Missouri River at Glasgow (1878-79), became the world's first railway bridge to be constructed entirely of steel.
by Cory Unrein In 1866, four women in Columbus, Mississippi, visited their local cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers who had been killed at the battle of Shiloh.
Their act of kindness was detailed in newspaper articles throughout the north and south, and inspired Francis Miles Finch, a northern judge and academic, to pen “The Blue and The Gray”. The poem, published in 1867, became widely popular across the fractured nation, as it honored the common loss of both sides. The kind acts of those four women and Finch’s poem created a groundswell of support across the country for an official holiday to remember the nation’s war dead. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was adopted in 1868 to honor those who were killed in service of their country. The holiday became a federal holiday in 1971, and with the three day weekend the holiday morphed into the unofficial kickoff of summer. While a three-day weekend, pool openings, and the arrival of summer is certainly worth celebrating, please take a moment this weekend to remember those whose sacrifices ensured you could enjoy these moments with your loved ones. The Blue And The Gray Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907) By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the one, the Blue, Under the other, the Gray These in the robings of glory, Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle-blood gory, In the dusk of eternity meet: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day Under the laurel, the Blue, Under the willow, the Gray. From the silence of sorrowful hours The desolate mourners go, Lovingly laden with flowers Alike for the friend and the foe; Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day; Under the roses, the Blue, Under the lilies, the Gray. So with an equal splendor, The morning sun-rays fall, With a touch impartially tender, On the blossoms blooming for all: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Broidered with gold, the Blue, Mellowed with gold, the Gray. So, when the summer calleth, On forest and field of grain, With an equal murmur falleth The cooling drip of the rain: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment -day, Wet with the rain, the Blue Wet with the rain, the Gray. Sadly, but not with upbraiding, The generous deed was done, In the storm of the years that are fading No braver battle was won: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the blossoms, the Blue, Under the garlands, the Gray No more shall the war cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red; They banish our anger forever When they laurel the graves of our dead! Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day, Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray. by John Unrein The way the two events coincided was a welcome sight. The downpour of rain subsided briefly as Grain Valley forward Emma Thiessen broke into the clear and scored the first goal of the game thirty minutes into the second half. The Lady Eagles fans in attendance at Bob Shore Stadium in Camdenton erupted with cheers. It was the momentum gain that Grain Valley needed en route to their 3-0 victory during the Class 3 Sectional tournament playoff round. “There was a struggle that became greater as this game went on. We knew we needed to find a way to make it through this game. We continued to work together. Kylee (Bragaw) found me and made a great pass. It led to me making the shot,” Thiessen said. “It was fun to play in a game like this one. It is something I will never forget. We wanted this for our seniors on the team so that they can keep going.” Joining Thiessen with second half goals for the Lady Eagles were fellow freshmen Annabelle Totta and Kylee Bragaw. Totta wore out a path along the Grain Valley sideline in her relentless charge to get wide and in the clear. The reward was the Camdenton Lady Lakers defense finally wearing down thirty-two minutes into the second half when Totta sent the soccer ball on a low trajectory into the corner of the net. Bragaw would follow suit one minute later and seal the victory for the Lady Eagles. “I was determined for us to get another goal. I knew we would need it due to the weather. Emma (Thiessen) made a good pass that set me up for the shot. I was able to finish. I had fun playing in the rain today,” Totta said. The youth of the Grain Valley girls varsity soccer roster continues to pay dividends. It is hard to imagine the eight freshmen of the Lady Eagles squad as freshmen anymore at this point in the season. Better yet, they are committed to have their efforts benefit the four seniors on the team. Senior leadership as displayed by midfielder Raena Childers could be a big reason why. Childers was consistently double teamed by the Lady Lakers defense during the game. Camdenton was committed to not letting Childers be the one to hurt their endeavors. Instead of displaying frustration, Childers found creative ways to distribute the soccer ball to her teammates. The results from the contest speak for themselves regarding the unselfishness on display by the Grain Valley senior committed to play soccer at the University of Kansas next year. A reminder was given after the game by Grain Valley Lady Eagles head soccer coach Tyler Nichol to enjoy the win but realize that the team was not done, that work still lies ahead for them to achieve their goal. A message that was well received by Nichol’s squad. The playoff win was not a bad way for Nichol to celebrate his 200th victory as head coach either. Nichol could not help but smile as rain dripped off the bill of his hat upon hearing the celebration going on behind closed doors in the Grain Valley locker room following the win. The loud festivities were in part due to 2016 being the last time the Lady Eagles soccer team made the quarterfinals. Nichol shared the pride he had in the way his team played with his postgame comments. “They (Camdenton) really homed in on taking away Raena (Childers) as a threat. We tried pushing her to the front more in the first half and that made things worse in being too crowded. The second half Childers distributed the soccer ball really well to our benefit,” Nichol said. “The other weapons on this team stepped up. Thiessen, Totta, and Bragaw were huge in what they contributed. All three know how to win at a young age from playing club soccer and the other sports they are involved in at the high school. It is awesome to have members of this team be coached by people like (Randy) Draper who are competitive and teach kids so much about winning.” Nichol concluded, “Our early wins this season against teams like Kearney, Staley, and Park Hill South left this team unafraid and playing with swagger. They believe they can make plays. This win has been a great end to long day.” Grain Valley improves to a record of 20-2-1 on the season. The Lady Eagles will next host Platte County in the quarterfinal round of the Class 3 playoffs on May 29th. Freshmen Emma Thiessen and Annabelle Totta celebrate their playoff victory. Photo credit: Valley News staff Senior Raena Childers attempts a free kick. Photo credit: Valley News staff Freshman Sevi Aumua keeps the ball in play.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein Grain Valley Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell turned to assistant coach Dom Giangrosso for a hug after the final out was recorded in the Class 5 District 7 Tournament on May 21st. The Eagles had just held on for a narrow hard fought 2-1 victory against the Marshall Owls. The players rushed the field from the dugout to form a dog pile between third base and the pitcher’s mound. The celebration continued with Driskell receiving a water shower from starting pitcher Cole Keller. Grain Valley had defeated Ruskin, Warrensburg, and Marshall to obtain a district crown for the first time since 2009. Activities Director Brandon Hart summoned the team to behind home plate at Raytown South stadium for a picture with the first place championship trophy. Media and parents waited their turn for pictures and handshakes with parents. Driskell could not contain his smile as he shared his postgame thoughts. “This is a fun experience as I have never been in this situation, it is overwhelming. For (Cole Keller) to go run in track sectionals this morning in multiple events and quality for state before coming here and emptying the tank on the mound. I was concerned around the third inning before he (Keller) reached down and put us in a position for us to have a chance at the end (of the game),” Driskell said. “I have never had a kid like Cole and some of our other leaders. It is fun to have for our team. Palecek came in and did a good job shutting the door (in relief). He is an example of what we have preached all year with the motto of ‘team over me.’ We had a senior verify that Joel should be on the mound when he responded to one of our coaches with, ‘Joel’s got this.’ Baseball becomes extremely fun with that going on.” Driskell continued, “There are not many situations where I enjoy getting my clothes wet before getting in a car, but this is one of them. That was welcomed for sure. I did tell Coach Alberson for Marshall that no one deserved to lose this game tonight. We faced one heck of a team tonight for sure. It meant a lot to get to share this moment with my team and Coach Giangrosso especially.” Keller’s busy day started early at the Class 5 Sectional 4 track meet. The senior would go on to qualify in the 400 meter dash and 4 x 400 meter relay for the MSHSAA Class 5 State Championships on May 27th. All of this took place before Keller hit the mound and would strikeout seven batters, surrender two hits and three walks, while only giving up one run across five and two-third innings. The key for Keller as a starting pitcher for the Eagles all season has been his mechanics. Something that is not uncommon for tall pitchers with long arms and legs to struggle with at times in consistently repeating their delivery. Keller started practicing his leg kick and foot placement during breaks at the sectional track meet. The attention to detail paid off for Keller as he knew he was right while warming up in the bullpen prior to the start of the game. “Getting this win tonight was everything. I love these dudes. The start of the fourth inning was surreal for me as I looked around,” Keller said. “I did not miss a spot in the bullpen warming up before the game. When that happened, I knew I was going to be on when I hit the mound.” Keller finished, “I am delighted for Coach Driskell to get this title. The dugout was full of energy and we did not back down tonight.” Keller would get to eighty-eight pitches on the mound and top out at eighty-six miles per hour on the radar gun before handing the baseball over to Driskell in the top of the sixth inning. Joel Palecek would be summoned to come in and finish the game for the Eagles. The junior went about his business as usual by throwing strikes and never changing his facial expression on the mound. Palecek would lean on his fastball to only allow one base hit and no runs across one and one-third innings of scoreless relief. Just as impressive was the bases loaded jam that Palecek worked out of in the top of the sixth inning to keep the win intact for Grain Valley. “I give all glory to God. I trust my teammates. I put faith in those two things and did my best. The way we competed tonight was great,” Palecek said. “Having the trust of my coaches and teammates means a lot to me.” Grain Valley improves to a record of 25-8 as they will next face the Smithville Warriors on May 29th in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 5 state playoff. The Grain Valley Eagles baseball team celebrates their Class 5 District 7 Championship. Photo credit: Valley News staff Senior Cole Keller goes 5 and two-thirds innings on the mound for the Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff First baseman Kaden Jeffries produces an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein ![]() “Proud to be an Eagle” read the Twitter post for May 14th from Grain Valley High School Activities. The cause for celebration was Grain Valley finishing the spring sports conference season with an undefeated conference record. Baseball, boys track, girls track, boys tennis, boys golf, and girls soccer all won Suburban Conference titles. A feat worth celebrating due to the hard work put forth by student athletes, coaches, and administration. Making the achievement even more special is that it is the first time for a clean sweep in the history of Grain Valley High School, per Activities Director Brandon Hart. “Grain Valley has been close to this accomplishment, but there have always been one or two programs that fell short in the conference standings. Winning a conference title is a nice accomplishment for each individual program, but when considering each title on its own, I would not consider it a major accomplishment,” Hart said. “However, when you consider that all six spring sports accomplished this task in a single season, it demonstrates a school culture where athletes and coaches support each other. We have multiple kids that can participate in various spring sports because of the culture of Grain Valley. I see baseball kids attend soccer games and vice versa.” Hart finished, “Success and winning is contagious in a positive environment, and we have been fortunate this spring season to reap the benefits.” Team unity, making competition fun, and coaches providing specific instruction that is well received by student athletes has been a noticeable formula for success by the Eagles. The boys varsity baseball team dyeing their hair blond during the 2019 season displayed unanimity. The girls varsity track team this spring conducting an informal dance party after the team stretch at the start of practice has provided more than a few smiles. The directions given by head tennis coach Randy Draper on how to follow through on a backhand swing catches the attention of his players. Success has pushed the Eagles sports programs further into a growth mindset. Continued progress is the goal. An expectation that starts with Hart and continues through the coaching ranks. “It does not matter how many conference titles you win; successful programs always seek improvement. We have never won a MSHSAA state championship, and I know every coach and player strives to win a state championship,” Hart said. “However, the goal of a high school educational program is never to win. The goal is to focus on the preparation and processes it takes to be successful. If we can accomplish this goal, winning conference, district, and state titles will follow.” Hart added, “We are proud of our accomplishments this spring, and we celebrate our successes, but we also understand there is always more work to do to get better.” Getting to be a student athlete means that you get to put your school’s name on your uniform and represent it doing something that you love. The lessons learned through competition and sportsmanship tend to last a lifetime. Bonds created with teammates and coaches are something rarely forgotten. Grain Valley continues to add the pride associated with winning to their identity. ![]() Pete Carpino joined the faculty at Grain Valley High School in the Fall of 2015. Head football coach David Allie was part of the recruitment effort that influenced Carpino’s decision to join the district. The two best friends have shared many milestones together since agreeing to become Eagles, including back to back football district championships in 2019 and 2020. Carpino is no doubt proud of the accomplishments attained during his educational career. The physical education teacher values relationships above all else though. That is apparent to anyone who has ever watched Carpino teach, coach, or enjoy time around his co-workers. It was also part of the overwhelming sentiment shared by students and community members when compiling feedback for this story. Their words explain the legacy of Carpino’s influence. “I voted for Coach Carpino to speak at our commencement because it seemed fitting. He had coached a lot of us and was fun guy to look up to. That along with the fact that he was leaving the high school the same time we were,” Parker Bosserman said. Cole Keller contributed, “We chose Coach Carpino to speak at graduation because he has had such a great impact on a lot of us. He is interested in what is best for us and keeps it real with us. Since he is retiring, it is only right he gives a goodbye speech.” Jordyn Weems added, “Ever since we were freshmen, Coach Carpino said he was going to graduate with us – and he did!” Riley Bown continued the adoration with, “Having Coach Carpino speak at the Class of 2021’s graduation is special because of how much he is involved with our school. He is a varsity assistant football coach and a girls varsity assistant basketball coach. Both of those programs have had a big impact on our school over the last couple of years. He is also someone that a lot of people know around our high school and this community.” Hunter Newsom concluded, “We selected the right person for the job in choosing Coach Carpino to speak at graduation. He has been with us these past four years and made an impact on many of us. Also, with him going into retirement, we felt like it had to be him speaking since he was here at the start of our journey and is now leaving us.” Two hallmarks of Carpino are that he is prepared and honest. Even if it meant late hours watching game film with little sleep or the truth not always being what a student athlete wanted to hear. Both attributes have served Carpino well throughout his career and his time at Grain Valley High School. Something not lost on John Overstreet. The longtime Grain Valley resident has been a staple on the sideline taking pictures for the community during many of the contests that Carpino has coached in. The following are memories Overstreet has compiled in reflecting on his time around Carpino. “Memories of Pete Carpino…For those Eagles fans with gray whiskers, a nemesis of sort from days gone by. The orchestrator of more than one heartbreaking loss on what were once the grassy (real grass) football fields of Oak Grove and Grain Valley High Schools. A guy whose actions and abilities demanded the respect of an opposing team’s players, coaches, and even their fans. And while most of us did not know Pete Carpino back then, we all knew about Coach Carpino’s successes on the field. What I have learned in the past several years of watching him work with our kids during brisk, late season football games, or the hardwood basketball courts of mid-February, makes me glad that Grain Valley was able to snag him for the short time we did. And yet, there is a little streak of jealousy there too, as I realize what we missed by not having him there to guide our kids for the entirety of his career. Pete likes to win, and I believe he does everything in his power to do so. But more importantly, Pete likes to see kids win, and he has the innate ability to get them to do everything in THEIR power to do so. What the kids do not always see, is that while Pete is coaching them to win at sports, he is also coaching them to win in life. That practice makes perfect, either on the court or in a career. That preparation wins games and finishes projects on time. Things they can use every day for the rest of their lives, learned from a guy who walks the sideline of a high school football game. From the sidelines, I am blessed to see up close how coaches interact with their student athletes. Pete knows how to (and perhaps more importantly, when to) point out a player’s mistakes and how to correct them. He knows when to be stern, and when it is more important to be supportive. In a late season basketball game a few years ago, in a less than stellar season, a bench player drained a three pointer from well outside her range. As I looked across the floor at the Eagle’s bench, the first person I saw jump to his feet and cheer was Pete. The game was lost, and the season nearly over, but the smile that was on that girl’s face as she ran by him standing near the bench will forever dwell in my mind. As the minutes ticked away in the last football game I attended, and the scoreboard left little doubt as to how the season was to end, I paid particular attention to the man who was likely coaching the sport for the last time. His attention was directed to players and other members of the coaching staff, shaking hands, wiping tears, giving out hugs. Yep, we were lucky to have him for the time we did, but you cannot help but wonder about what might have been. Pete Carpino, the guy I respected in Oak Grove Orange, and learned to love in Eagle’s Blue. Best wishes to you, my friend. I hope you enjoyed your time here as much as we enjoyed having you.” Carpino is looking forward to speaking at commencement at 7:00pm on May 26th at Cable Dahmer Arena. Carpino is equally as excited to spend the next chapter of his life with his wife in retirement. Thinking about what has been and what is next leaves Carpino being true to his character in being a man of few words. This time around it appears to be due to what his experience at Grain Valley High School has meant to him. “It is a great feeling to know that so many kids nominated me to speak at graduation. I did not expect it. I am humbled to be speaking at the ceremony,” Carpino said. “I feel very lucky to have had this position (teaching and coaching) at the high school. I will miss it. The daily conversations with my co-workers and students that led to relationships were the best.” Congratulations to Coach Carpino for a career spent serving others. Grain Valley High School and the community of Grain Valley are thankful for your contributions. Your impact will live on and be dearly missed. |
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