Missouri Western Seeks Community Support for Playoff Game
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: November 16, 2012
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Excitement is mounting for the play-off game at Missouri Western State University, but the college is still searching for more support.
The anticipation is thick among students on campus.
"Oh I'll be there, I was one of the first 500 to get the free tickets, so I'm already excited," Stefan Hoffman, Missouri Western student said.
Hoffman says he never misses a Missouri Western football game, and with higher stakes, there's no chance he's sitting this one out.
"It's not every year we get to go to the playoffs, so Thanksgiving break can wait a few days for me. I'm going to be in the stands cheering them on and hopefully go to the next game as well," Hoffman said.
The pregame jitters are stretching beyond campus.
Mayor Bill Falkner is urging the community of St. Joseph to rally around the Griffons and paint the town, black and gold of course.
"Get the city behind Missouri Western and show them support. They're representing St. Joseph, it's great. It's bringing national exposure to our city and we need to get out there and show support," Mayor Falkner said.
The Griffons are this year's MIAA Conference Champions, and they hold the school record for most wins.
Despite the buzz surrounding the team's success, the university is still searching for support.
"That used to be what people said, well if you'd win, we'd support you. Well you know, I think our program does a nice job," Brett Esely, Associate Athletic Director said.
"It's not that I hate the Griffons, I just want Thanksgiving dinner," Lauren Cecil, Missouri Western student said.
"The university is so important to this community. It's a big economic tool, it's a benefit for us, and great for our community. It's time we show we're behind them," Mayor Falkner said.
The Student Government Association is helping students by shelling out free tickets.
Even the residence halls are staying open to accommodate football fans who want to stay on campus for the weekend.
"I was going to go home on Friday night, but when I found out about the game, I was like 'I can't miss it so I made sure I could stay, and I'm really excited," Morgan Lindgren, Student Government Association Director of Student Relations said.
"Definitely the solid supporters will be there," Hoffman said.
The SGA bought 500 tickets for students, but they still have about 100 left.
The anticipation is thick among students on campus.
"Oh I'll be there, I was one of the first 500 to get the free tickets, so I'm already excited," Stefan Hoffman, Missouri Western student said.
Hoffman says he never misses a Missouri Western football game, and with higher stakes, there's no chance he's sitting this one out.
"It's not every year we get to go to the playoffs, so Thanksgiving break can wait a few days for me. I'm going to be in the stands cheering them on and hopefully go to the next game as well," Hoffman said.
The pregame jitters are stretching beyond campus.
Mayor Bill Falkner is urging the community of St. Joseph to rally around the Griffons and paint the town, black and gold of course.
"Get the city behind Missouri Western and show them support. They're representing St. Joseph, it's great. It's bringing national exposure to our city and we need to get out there and show support," Mayor Falkner said.
The Griffons are this year's MIAA Conference Champions, and they hold the school record for most wins.
Despite the buzz surrounding the team's success, the university is still searching for support.
"That used to be what people said, well if you'd win, we'd support you. Well you know, I think our program does a nice job," Brett Esely, Associate Athletic Director said.
"It's not that I hate the Griffons, I just want Thanksgiving dinner," Lauren Cecil, Missouri Western student said.
"The university is so important to this community. It's a big economic tool, it's a benefit for us, and great for our community. It's time we show we're behind them," Mayor Falkner said.
The Student Government Association is helping students by shelling out free tickets.
Even the residence halls are staying open to accommodate football fans who want to stay on campus for the weekend.
"I was going to go home on Friday night, but when I found out about the game, I was like 'I can't miss it so I made sure I could stay, and I'm really excited," Morgan Lindgren, Student Government Association Director of Student Relations said.
"Definitely the solid supporters will be there," Hoffman said.
The SGA bought 500 tickets for students, but they still have about 100 left.
