WEST PLAINS, Mo. – All area residents are invited to help Missouri State University-West Plains and the Grizzly Booster Club celebrate the new athletic seasons during the annual Grizzly Fall Picnic at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, in the West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall.
A complimentary barbecue meal will be served free of charge by The Fish Shack and Hiland Dairy as fans gather to kick off the 2015-16 volleyball and basketball campaigns. Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker and Grizzly Cheer Team Coach Nick Pruitt will be on hand to introduce the volleyball, basketball and cheer team members, respectively, and give previews of the upcoming seasons.
The event is being held prior to the 6 p.m. home volleyball match between the Grizzlies and Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa, in the West Plains Civic Center arena. Organizers said admission to the match also will be free.
All Grizzly fans, not just Grizzly Booster Club members, are encouraged to attend the picnic and enjoy the festivities, organizers stress. Fans who would like to join the booster club may do so, however. Memberships start at $500, which includes season tickets to the Grizzly Volleyball and Basketball home games and access to the booster club hospitality room.
“This year we will be able to watch three local athletes wear the Grizzly jersey,” said Russ Squires, booster club chairman. “We are thrilled to see basketball players who have grown up in West Plains, Licking and Winona run the court at the West Plains Civic Center.”
For more information about the picnic, the Grizzly Booster Club, contact Missouri State-West Plains development office at 417-255-7240. For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball and Basketball seasons, contact Dean of Student Services/Athletic Director Dr. Angela Totty at 417-255-7255.