Baseball News
Tabor’s Jonathan Denning’s Passion for Computer Programming Leads to Dartmouth College
April 30, 2009
Categories: General News, Baseball News
Like most children of the Digital Age, Tabor College senior Jonathan Denning grew up playing all sorts of way-cool video games. But cooler still is the fact that, since he was a boy, Denning has always been more excited about programming and creating his own video games than playing them.
“When I was growing up in Herington, Kansas, I used to stay up late with a friend of mine, writing all sorts of programming code,” Denning said. “I can’t count how many video games we wrote throughout the years.”
Today Denning is a 28 year-old, married, non-traditional student with two young children and third on the way. He will graduate from Tabor in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and in Mathematics. Next fall, he will join the prestigious graduate Computer Science program at Dartmouth College, to pursue a masters’ degree.
Bound for Dartmouth College, Tabor College senior Jonathan Denning, his wife, Cindy, and their children, Cora and Samuel, will be rolling to Hanover, N.H., where Jonathan will pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science beginning next fall. (Tabor College Photo by Grant Overstake)
Denning says Dartmouth, an Ivy League school in Hanover, N.H., is the perfect place for him to pursue a passion that was programmed into him at an early age.
“When I was eight my cousin, who is five years older, introduced me to programming,” Denning said. “It was simple programming back then, mostly involving copying code directly from programming books from the library, changing this variable or that loop, and then running it to see what changed.
“Ever since then, I’ve always been fascinated with making a ‘dumb’ computer do amazing things.”
Denning chose Dartmouth’s Computer Science department because it has a global reputation as a pioneer in digital image forensics (image forgery detection).
“Dartmouth has some amazing world-renowned professors that are working on cutting-edge, innovative projects,” he said. “One professor is the leading expert in digital image forensics. He is developing a set of tools that can be used to detect image forgeries [think: finding fake pictures in tabloid papers or news stories]. Another professor is using machine learning algorithms to describe human locomotion; and a third professor has worked in the research division at Pixar Animation Studio on algorithms used in several of their award-winning films.
“There seems to be a buzz throughout the department, with consistent high recognition for remarkable achievements,” he added. “I’m honored to be accepted into this community, and look forward to contributing to this high-energy, synergistic group of talented thinkers.”
Denning’s research will focus on computer graphics and computer vision, and he plans to stay on to pursue a doctoral degree in a futuristic setting where the science fiction seen in movies, such as his favorite, The Matrix, is becoming a virtual reality.
“The Matrix has always been a favorite movie of mine, not because of its plot, actors, visual effects, or whatever, but because there was a computer program that simulated reality so well that people within the Matrix did not even know it,” Denning said. “It’s not science fiction to me; it’s motivation. I love tearing apart difficult problems into small, super simple tasks, coding these tasks, and then plugging them all back together.”
Denning is married to Cindy (Harden) Denning, an alum and former employee of Tabor. They have two children, Cora and Samuel, and are expecting a third. In the past few years, she worked in the Student Life Department as a Resident Director, and later as Director of Student Success before ending her employment in January to devote more time to her children.
Meanwhile, Jonathan has juggled parenting responsibilities, being a student in advanced-level classes, working part-time, and teaching classes at the college. He served as an adjunct instructor for Computer Literacy, administer of the Computer Competency Exam, instructor for Microsoft Excel training for faculty and staff, a student mentor, and a peer tutor and teacher’s assistant for a variety of math and computer science classes. Off-campus, he was the office manager for a local computer business, did a programming internship for a company in the area, and did freelance programming and web design.
Denning credits Tabor College’s flexibility toward non-traditional students in helping him complete his dual-major degree. Admissions officials helped him transfer his credits form Kansas State University, and, when a required class conflicted with another required class, his professors allowed him to take both classes at the same time.
“The administration was flexible with Cindy being able to work from home sometimes in order to watch the kids while I went to class,” Denning said. “And being on campus in the girls’ quad had its perks with a lot of available babysitters.”
“I probably could not have been able to finish with a degree in Math as well as Computer Science without the awesome tuition discount for spouses of full-time Tabor employees,” Denning added. “I would have to say that all of my professors here at Tabor have been awesome. We have been extremely blessed for the opportunity to finish at Tabor.”
Jonathan is the son of Dan and Cheryl Denning of Herington.
Bluejays Scare Shockers
April 29, 2009
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
The Tabor College Bluejays baseball team gave NCAA Division I and Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State all it could handle and then some before falling to the Shockers 5-3, Tuesday evening at Eck Stadium, in Wichita, Kan.
It was also a homecoming for Wichita State Baseball Hall of Famer and current Tabor Head Baseball Coach Mark Standiford, as the Shockers all-time home run leader made his first trip back to Eck stadium and Tyler Field as the coach of the Bluejays.
“It was great for our kids, our program, and we played pretty well,” said Head Baseball Coach Mark Standiford. “I am really proud of the way my players performed. They went out in a tough environment and did everything I asked and more. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
If the Bluejays were suppose to be the underdogs someone forgot to tell them that as Tabor scored three runs on five straight hits in the top of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead over the Shockers.
With two outs in the top of the first the Tabor offense caught fire as junior Tyson Kendrick (Arkansas City, Kan.) and sophomore Tanner Stevenson (Wichita, Kan.) both singled to start the Bluejays rally.
Senior Mike Chaput (Wichita, Kan.) and juniors Andrew Cook (Rockwall, Texas.) and Paul Bridenbaugh (Peoria, Ariz.) each followed with RBI singles to give the Bluejays the early lead.
The Shockers would answer back with a run in the second to cut the lead to 3-1, and then scored two runs apiece in the fourth and the fifth innings to secure the 5-3 victory.
Tabor got great pitching performances out of freshman Brad Zewe (Westminster, Colo.) and junior Tyler Fenton (Holcomb, Kan.). Zewe got the start for the Bluejays and pitched four innings allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out three.
Fenton came in for relief and pitched four innings holding the Shockers to just one run on six hits while striking out one.
“I thought our pitchers competed well and did a great job of keeping us in the game,” said Standiford. “Both Brad and Tyler pitched out of some tough situations and showed great composure on the mound.”
Tabor will play Friends University at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 in the first round of the KCAC Conference Tournament at Rathert Stadium in Junction City, Kan.
KAKE Video Highlights – WSU vs Tabor College
Tabor College Symphonic Band to Tour Oklahoma, April 23-27
April 12, 2009
Categories: General News, Baseball News, Co-ed Cheerleading News
The Tabor College Symphonic Band, including the Jazz Band, Flute Ensemble and Bluejays’ Pep Band, will perform a series of free public concerts in Oklahoma during its annual Spring Tour, April 23 to 27, 2009.
According to Dr. Richard Cantwell, Director of the Symphonic Band and instrumental ensembles, a variety of music will be performed at different venues, beginning with the group’s first performance, at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at the Mennonite Brethren Church, in Fairview, Okla.
“Providing a wide variety of music for the audience and the ability to play many different styles for the audience’s enjoyment is a goal and desire of each individual and the group,” said Cantwell, who is in his 11th year of directing music at the college and also serves as Chairman of the Music Department.
“Instrumental music has a very different effect on its audience than piano or choral music,” Cantwell added. “The variety in timbres is greater and individually unique. The contrast in musical style is broader and more diverse. The resonances are thin and thick in nature. The dynamic levels are various and can become overwhelming.”
This year the band is featuring student soloists Corina Neufeld, oboist, from Denver, Colo.; marimba players Lisa Hall, McPherson, Kan., and Joel McCoy, Olathe, Kan.; and, trumpet player Eric Funk, Littleton, Colo.
The Symphonic Band members are selected by audition and come from across the United States. The Jazz Band and Flute Ensemble members are selected from members of the Symphonic Band.
The Jazz Band will be performing a variety of “Big Band” and “Swing Band” selections. The Flute Ensemble literature will be selected from classical and sacred selections.
“The ensemble members are individually fine players, but combining the individual abilities into a fine performance organization is an enjoyable and rewarding challenge,” Cantwell said. “Making beautiful music, making energizing music, making music fun and enjoyable are all desires of the ensemble.”
Other performances include:
- Friday, April 24, Memorial Road Mennonite Brethren Church in Edmond, Okla., at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25, Oklahoma National Memorial, in Oklahoma City, followed by an evening concert at the Corn Mennonite Brethren Church, in Corn, Okla.
- Sunday, April 26, the band will provide music during the morning worship service at the church in Corn. After a lunch at the church, the band will travel to Enid, Okla., for a concert at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church, at 6:00 pm.
- Monday, April 27, the ensembles will perform at the Oklahoma Bible Academy, Enid, Okla., before returning home to Hillsboro.
Upon returning to Hillsboro, the band will perform its Home Concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 3, in the College Chapel-Auditorium.
Dr. Cantwell holds a Doctorate in Music Arts Degree in Instrumental and Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City having worked extensively with Dr. Glenn Block and Dr. Eph Ehly. He is married to Dr. Linda Cantwell, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Tabor College.
Fans Asked to Wear Pink Saturday for Basketball Pink Out
February 11, 2009
Categories: Athletics News, Baseball News
Tabor College is promoting breast cancer research and awareness night with a Pink Out, Saturday, Feb. 14, at the men’s women’s basketball games.
The Lady Jays will tip off against Sterling College (Sterling, Kan.) at 5 p.m. and the men’s team takes to the court at 7 p.m.
Both teams will wear commemorative pink-warm up T-shirts in honor of this occasion, and the community and fans attending the games are asked to show their support by wearing pink to the games.
According to National Cancer Institute, last year 182,460 new cases of Breast Cancer were found in females and 1,990 new cases were found in males, killing 40,930 people.
Tabor College appreciates all your help in effort in supporting this cause and we look forward to seeing you at the games.
Former Shocker All-American Mark Standiford to Coach Baseball at Tabor College
August 20, 2008
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
HILLSBORO, Kan. (August 19, 2008) – Tabor College President Jules Glanzer announced today that Mark Standiford, a former baseball All-American at Wichita State University, has been named head coach of the Bluejays’ baseball team.
photo courtesy of Wichita State University
“We are honored to have Mark Standiford join the Tabor Athletic Department,” Glanzer said. “He is a person of impeccable character who knows baseball and what it takes to produce a winner. God has provided an outstanding man to lead our program.”
Vice President of Athletics Rusty Allen added, “We could not be more excited about welcoming Mark to Tabor College. Coach Standiford has an outstanding baseball background, a strong faith, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
“He shares our vision of building ministry through excellence.”
After being drafted in the 16th round by the San Francisco Giants in 1988, Standiford has for the past 13 years operated Wichita Sluggers, a 50,000 square foot baseball academy and athletic complex, helping young players sharpen their skills. He has helped more than 100 athletes advance to college-level baseball.
“I’m excited to be a part of Tabor College,” said Standiford, who will maintain his business and teach physical education courses at the college. “The administration’s dedication to athletics and to the student athlete both spiritually and academically made me want to be a part of Tabor.”
Tabor College is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church and a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA). The Bluejays finished with a 7-17 conference record this past season and were 18-31 overall.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of making Tabor into a consistent winner and a team that will compete for the KCAC title on a yearly basis,” Standiford said.
The head coaching spot at the college came open after Chad Newhard departed after one season to take the helm at NAIA power Indiana Wesleyan University. Ironically, a season highlight for the Bluejays was a game played against Wichita State at Eck Stadium.
photo courtesy of Wichita State University
In his college career from 1985 to 1988, Standiford hit 69 home runs, a mark that still stands as the all-time team record. As a senior, he led the Shockers in runs, doubles, RBI’s, and set the single-season home run record (28). He capped of his senior season by leading the Shockers to the 1988 College World Series, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also earned All-American honors by Collegiate Baseball, and second-team honors by Baseball America.
Called “the most prolific power hitter in Shocker baseball history,” Standiford has since been inducted to the Wichita State Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame, the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame.
Standiford and his wife, Renee, have been married for 18 years. They have a son, Blake, and a daughter, Taylor, who are 13 years-old twins. The family worships at Westlink Church in Wichita.
photo courtesy of Wichita State University
More about Mark Standiford (from the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame)
- Standing just 5-foot-7, the second baseman was noted for his powerful, lightning-quick batting stroke.
- Delivered a Shocker-record 69 home runs in his career, including a season-best 28 as a senior in 1988 when the Shockers made their second College World Series appearance.
- He hit a home run every 13.7 at-bats.
- Led the Shockers in home runs in three of his four years.
- Established a team and NCAA record with 94 career doubles.
- Finished his career ranked among the top five leaders in 12 Shocker career offensive categories .
- His 301 career RBI ranked third behind only the totals of Phil Stephenson and Joe Carter.
- Posted a career .426 batting average in NCAA post-season action in 1985, ¹87 and ¹88.
- Named All-College World Series in 1988 after hitting .563.
- Chosen a first-team All-American in 1988 by Collegiate Baseball Magazine.
- In 1988, he led the Shockers in hits (95), runs (81), doubles (26), homers (28) and RBI (97 .
- Named a second-team Freshman All-American in 1985 after belting a team-high 16 home runs .
- A member of the silver medal-winning U.S. team that competed in the 10-team International Cup Tournament in Cuba in 1987.
- Two times named first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference .
- Signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1988.
Jacob N. Hacker Signs to Play Baseball at Tabor College
August 06, 2008
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
Anderson County High School graduate Jacob Hacker (Garnett, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next season for the Bluejays.
Hacker, a 5’11, 160-pound middle infielder, will help add depth to both the shortstop and second base position for the Bluejays.
While at Anderson County High School Hacker, was a 3 time letter winner, and a 2nd team All-Pioneer League infielder his senior season. Hacker batted .417 best on the team, while also leading his team in hits, and a runner up finish at the regional tournament.
Hacker was also a member of The National Honor Society, and was the recipient of the David Penn Award for exhibiting outstanding qualities of sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field.
Jacob is the son of Mike and Rachel Scobee.
Benjamin Paul Bridenbaugh II Signs to Play Baseball at Tabor College
July 28, 2008
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
Kansas Wesleyan University transfer Benjamin Paul Bridenbaugh II (Glendale, Ariz.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next season for the Bluejays.
Bridenbaugh, a 6’1, shortstop will bring experience and provide immediate help to the middle of the infield for the Bluejays next season.
While at Kansas Wesleyan Bridenbaugh helped lead the Coyotes to a 31-18 record, the KCAC Conference regular season title, and where ranked in the top 20 nationally.Benjamin is the son of Ben and Amy Bridenbaugh.
Michael Chaput Signs to Play Baseball at Tabor College
July 09, 2008
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
Pratt Community College transfer Michael Chaput (Wichita, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next season for the Bluejays.
Chaput, a 5’11, 215-pound catcher, will bring immediate help to the position next season for the Bluejays. A former Valley City High School standout, Chaput was a 2nd Team All-Chisholm Trail player, while leading his team to the regional finals in 2003 and 2004.
According to Head Men’s Baseball Coach Chad Newhard, “Michael is an outstanding addition to the program. He brings college experience with him, and will be an anchor for the team behind the plate.”
Michael is the son of LeRoy and Sandra Chaput.
Tyler Fenton Signs to Play Baseball and Basketball at Tabor College
July 09, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Baseball News, General News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Garden City Community College transfer Tyler Fenton (Holcomb, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball and basketball next season for the Bluejays.
In baseball Fenton, a 6’3, 190-pound pitcher, will bring immediate help to the Bluejays pitching staff next season.
In basketball Fenton, a two time All League guard, and All State player, helped lead Holcomb High School to the Hi-Plains League title.
Head Men’s Baseball Coach Chad Newhard, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff are very excited that Tyler has chosen to attend Tabor College.
According to Coach Newhard, “Tyler brings experience and a great attitude to the program. He will also bring a tremendous amount of athleticism to our team.”
According to Coach Ratzlaff, “We are very excited to get a player with the size and strength that Tyler brings from the guard position. We look forward to working with him over the next couple of years.”
Tyler is the son of Troy Fenton and Debra Brant.
Brett Drone Signs to Play Baseball at Tabor College
June 19, 2008
Categories: Baseball News, General News, Athletics News
Shawnee Community College transfer Brett Drone (Ridgway, Ill.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next season for the Bluejays.
Drone, a 5’11, 170-pound shortstop, will be looked upon to bring immediate help to the middle of the Bluejays infield next season.
A native of Ridgway, Illinois, Drone was a 4 year 1st team All Conference player in High School, while batting .563, with 33 RBI’s his senior season. While at Shawnee Community College, Drone batted .292 his sophomore season, and helped lead the Saints to a 16-18 record.
According to Head Baseball Coach Chad Newhard, “Brett has the tools to anchor our defense in the middle infield. He also provides a solid bat for us, and I am looking forward to working with Brett this fall.”
Brett is the son of Randy and Kathy Drone
