Dear Alumni and Friends,
Each new academic year brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and hope. This year, along with that optimism and hope came a different type of energy – one that surrounded the most successful football season in school history.
Every game I attended – both home and away – the crowd was filled with Griffon spirit. From the moment we beat the University of Central Missouri at home to the moment we beat Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville to clinch the MIAA Championship, it was as if our fans knew instinctively that this was going to be a magical season.
The Griffons broke more than 40 individual and team records, including a record 12 wins in a season against one of the toughest schedules in the country. Of the Griffons’ 12 wins, six came against teams ranked in the national Top 25, and four were against teams in the Top 10. The 22 seniors are the most successful class in Missouri Western history, with 38 wins over the last four years.
The season ended Saturday, Dec. 1 with a hard-fought loss on the road to Minnesota State University in the third round of playoff action. Griffon fans were well-represented in Mankato, with at least 500 making the trip, including four fan buses. It was exciting to watch the interest and enthusiasm for this team build over throughout the season. I hope that same support carries over in all that we do at Missouri Western.
Congratulations to Coach Jerry Partridge ’85, MIAA Coach of the Year, his staff and the student athletes for their remarkable accomplishments. We are extremely proud of them and proud to be Griffons!
Robert A. Vartabedian
President
Convocation on Critical Issues featuring T.Boone Pickens