MEET OUR TEAM!
Emily Ludwig ’16
MAS, LAT, ATC
Senior Director of Recreation Services
Education:
- Masters of Applied Science in Sport & Fitness Management – Missouri Western State University
- Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training – Emporia State University
- Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion – Emporia State University
Certification:
- Certified Athletic Trainer – National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, Inc.
- CPR/AED Instructor – American Red Cross
Ludwig leads the Recreation Services and Esports departments as the Senior Director of Recreation Services. Arriving on campus in the fall of 2017, she previously worked as the Fitness Center Coordinator and as the Director before beginning supervision over both departments in the spring of 2022. Ludwig oversees the operations and management of all recreation programs and facilities, including but not limited to the Baker Family Fitness Center, Disc Golf Course, Esports Arena, Looney Complex, Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool, and Griffon 360.
Ludwig is a product of the Emporia State University Athletic Training and Health Promotion programs, earning her bachelors degrees in 2011 and 2012. She then came to Missouri Western as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer (Volleyball and Men’s Basketball) and received her masters degree in Sport and Fitness Management in 2016.
During her time as an athletic trainer, Ludwig worked at the Division 1, 2, and NAIA levels. She continues to serve the community and provide sports medicine coverage.
Emily and her wife Kaci live in Saint Joseph with their two dogs Finley and Dezy.
Riley Boyd
Director of Esports
Education:
- Masters of Business Administration (Fall 23) Missouri Western State University
- Bachelors of Arts in History Boise State University
Boyd is the Director of Griffon Esports. He stepped into the role in February as interim leadership while also acting as the graduate assistant for athletic communications, a role he started in August 2022. Boyd oversees the varsity teams at Missouri Western, focusing on recruiting and partnership acquisition.He also is the advisor for Griffon Gaming Club, the overarching organization that houses esports clubs, streaming production, and more.
Boyd began his esports career at Boise State. He was the lead Call of Duty commentator in the program’s first season, as well as a secondary commentator for Valorant. He graduated from BSU in 2021 and was picked up by then defending Call of Duty national champions, Ottawa University to be the lead broadcaster for Call of Duty. On arrival to Ottawa, he was moved to Graduate Assistant for arena management and head of production. Six months later, he was made interim director, helping lead the Call of Duty team to a third place nationals finish as well as helping many other teams produce top 25 finishes.
Riley and his wife Lanie live in St. Joseph with their cats, Rambo and Rooney.
Ryan Shultz
Recreation Programming Coordinator
Education:
- Bachelors of Science in Sports Management – Northwest Missouri State University
Shultz completed his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Northwest Missouri State University in 2021. During his time at Northwest he completed an internship with the athletic department, as well as served three years as a supervisor at the Student Recreation Center. Here he assisted with and helped facilitate intramurals and supervise the recreation facilities.
Ryan has just completed an internship with Smithville Parks and Recreation before joining the Missouri Western team. Here he developed new recreational programs and worked on maintaining and improving existing ones. Shultz looks forward to the opportunity to continue to develop and implement recreation opportunities at Missouri Western.
Ryan and his fiancé, Brooke, will be getting married in October.
Vacant
Cruz Vanderhoorn ’22
Graduate Assistant – Esports
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in General Studies – Missouri Western State University
Vanderhoorn recently graduated from Missouri Western State University in the summer of 2022. During his undergraduate studies, he managed the Overwatch team for its first two years and also held two internships with Griffon Esports.
Currently, Vanderhoorn is enrolled in the Master’s program in Sports and Fitness Management, while also serving in the Missouri National Guard. In his role as an Esports Graduate Assistant, Vanderhoorn is responsible for overseeing the operations of the five varsity teams, including scheduling and attending practices, overseeing study tables and workouts, managing the Griffon Ladder, and assisting players and team staff as needed.
Vacant
Andrew Murphy ’22
Graduate Assistant – Marketing & Media
Education:
-
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Cinematic & Performing Arts – Missouri Western State University
Murphy is a graduate of Missouri Western State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Cinematic & Performing Arts in the Spring of 2022. As a Marketing & Media Graduate Assistant, Murphy is responsible for producing and publishing a variety of creative content, including graphic design, motion graphics, photography, and videography. Murphy’s role is primarily focused on supporting Griffon Esports and MWSU Recreation Services.
During Murphy’s time as an undergraduate, he was actively involved in the esports program, serving as a captain on the Overwatch team during its inaugural year. In this capacity, Murphy was responsible for a range of tasks that supported his degree and helped to further the goals of the program.
Murphy is currently enrolled at Missouri Western State University, where he is pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Sports & Fitness Management.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Recreation Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the management and execution of the policies and procedures of the Baker Family Fitness Center and Looney Complex. This includes, but is not limited to checking patrons in and out of the facility; cleaning and distributing equipment; ensuring patron safety while they perform various forms of exercise; etc.
Esports Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the management and execution of the policies and procedures of the Esports Arena and various training facilities. This includes, but is not limited to checking patrons in and out of the facility; cleaning and distributing equipment; ensuring equipment is connected and functioning appropriately for use; etc.
Esports Broadcast Assistant
This position requires general knowledge of OBS, photoshop, and audio equipment. This position will work during live broadcasts to change scenes; overlays, make sure audio is functioning properly; etc.
Esports Communications Assistant
This position involves commentating over Griffon Esports matches and live streams. This position is required to entertain and inform views of the play-by-play action of the games; must have general knowledge of MWSU varsity eligible games; etc.
Lifeguard
The main duties of this position lie in the management and execution of the policies and procedures of the Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool. This includes, but is not limited to, executing lifeguard skills as established by the American Red Cross (ARC); checking patrons in and out of the facility; assisting patrons with membership registration; etc.
Intramural Operations Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the direct supervision of intramural sports participants and spectators. This includes, but is not limited to, the enforcement of policy and sport rules; conflict resolution; helping ensure the safety of all players and spectators; etc.
Certain positions may not be available at this time.