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.
Luke Theis ‘20
Director/Head Coach of Esports
Education
- Masters of Applied Science in Sport & Fitness Management – Missouri Western State University
- Bachelors of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology – Missouri Western State University
Theis begins his first year as the Director/Head Coach of Esports at Missouri Western. Previously Theis served as the interim director in the fall of 2021. He oversees the Griffon Esports program. This includes managing and overseeing the four varsity teams, student organizations for gaming and the Esports Arena found in the Blum Student Union.
Theis was a former football player for the Griffon Football team from 2015 to 2019. After hanging up his cleats he was able to continue his education at Missouri Western while being a Graduate Assistant for Griffon Esports. Theis was able to bridge the gap between traditional sports and this new wave of esports to establish Griffon Esports as a program about educating and developing student-athletes of the future.
Luke and his wife, Cheyanne, live in Saint Joseph with their dog Bandit.
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.
Gavin Brown
Gavin Brown
Graduate Assistant – Intramurals
Education:
- Bachelors of Science in Economics – Emporia State University
Brown comes to Missouri Western after completing his undergraduate degree in Economics from Emporia State University.
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.