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, Aug. 30, in the West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

A complimentary barbecue meal will be served free of charge by Stacey Johnson, owner of The Fish Shack and Stacey J’s Buffet and Grill, as fans gather to kick off the new Grizzly Athletics season.  The event is being held prior to the 6 p.m. home volleyball match between the Grizzlies and Redlands Community College of El Reno, Okla., in the West Plains Civic Center arena.
Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker and Grizzly Cheer Team Coach Keena Simpson will be on hand to introduce the volleyball, basketball and cheer team members, respectively, and give previews of the upcoming seasons.

Organizers also note that admission to the volleyball match will be free.
All Grizzly fans, not just Grizzly Booster Club members, are encouraged to attend and enjoy the festivities, organizers stress.
For more information about the picnic, the Grizzly Booster Club or the upcoming volleyball and basketball seasons, contact Missouri State University-West Plains Dean of Student Services and Athletic Director Dr. Herb Lunday at 417-255-7255.

THE 2011 GRIZZLY VOLLEYBALL team at Missouri State University-West Plains will host its season home opener at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, following the annual Grizzly Fall Picnic, set for 5 p.m. in the West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall.  The picnic is free and open to all, as is that night’s match between the Grizzlies and Redlands Community College, El Reno, Okla., in the civic center arena.  This year’s Grizzly Volleyball team includes, seated from left, Morgan Adams, Eminence, Mo.; Assistant Coach Marc Turiano; Head Coach Paula Wiedemann; Athletic Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach Keri Elrod; and Colbi Goff, Mtn. View, Mo.  Standing:  Brittney Adkisson, Euless, Texas; Taylor Swayzer, Houston, Texas; Marti Richmiller, Cassville, Mo.; Aerielle Edwards, Haltom City, Texas; Yuan Fu, Beijing, China; Magda Zietek, Elblag, Poland; Candyce Alexander, Bedford, Texas; Bri’Ja Watterson, Houston, Texas; Ezgi Guney, Istanbul, Turkey; and Abby Hanger, Belleville, Ill.  (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)