On the morning of September 28th, the Malone University women’s golf team was involved in an
accident on their way to Grace College for the Battle at Stonehenge. Luckily, there were no serious
injuries, but the accident derailed a promising season for the team. They were unable to compete in the
rest of the fall season and missed a chance to compete at the NCCAA National Championships.
To show support for the shaken golfers, the Malone University Baseball team stepped up and had the
golfers throw out the first pitch during game three of the team’s “Fall Classic” series. Addison Burris,
Claire Hostetler, Jayden Mitchell, Erin Strouse, and Maria Warner, the student-athletes involved, were
treated to throwing out the first pitch and squishmellows for the entire team, courtesy of Head Coach
Tom Crank.
“The baseball team wanted to support the golfers as much as they could,” as expressed by senior
infielder, Reilly Tyna. “After hearing their stories, it was awful what they went through, we wanted to do
something special for them and show them we have their backs. I know if it were us in that van, it would
be nice to have other’s support.”
Bill Eddins, head coach of the women’s golf program, spoke highly of Crank’s efforts. "We are so grateful
to Coach Crank, his staff and players for recognizing our team following the accident," Eddins stated. "It
meant so much to us and we feel blessed by God for his shield of protection! I want to thank the Malone
baseball program for showing tremendous compassion and support for our team. Speaking on behalf of
the young ladies of Malone women's golf, we are grateful and loved the squish mallows presented to us
following the first pitches."
While the fall season still ended in disappointment, the program is able to move forward into the spring
of 2026 knowing they have the support of the Malone community and their fellow student-athletes.