WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A record-setting 48 teams of area trivia buffs competed in the 11th annual Grizzly Basketball Trivia Night Saturday, Jan. 25, at the West Plains Civic Center.
Organizers said the number of teams was the most ever to participate in the fund-raising event. Hosted by the Grizzly Booster Club and the West Plains Civic Center, the event raised approximately $9,000 for the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team.
This year’s champion was the team from Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, which consisted of Pam Ream, Dr. Scott Ream, Dr. Chris Cochran, Judy Harden, Dr. Charles Morgan, Robin Morgan, Carmen Howard and Dr. Don Howard. They received the event’s traveling trophy.
Second place went to the Burton Creek Medical Complex team, which consisted of Dr. Bruce Preston, Fran Preston, Dr. Rob Martin, Dr. Aaron Mills, Kelly Mills, Jerry McGee, Elaine McGee and Richard Cochran.
Third place went to the Ozark Radio Network team of Ed Button, Tim Church, Ed Martin, Dona Coatney, Jim Coatney, Regina Eades, Deidre Button and Brett Stevens.
Trivia teams also competed in a table decorating contest. First place went to the “Team Tired” from Don’s Goodyear in West Plains. Members included Susie Kenslow, Rondia Wood, Jeff Wood, Jimmy Wood, Jim Reid, Jean Reid, John Kenslow and Nicki Wood.
Second place in the table decorating contest went to the “West Plains Shorties,” a basketball team that included Chuck Kimberlin, Sue Kimberlin, Dale Engelbrecht, Jeanette Wheeler, Ray Williams, Julie Thompson, Herb Lunday and Mary Beth Lunday.
Members of all five teams each received a gift bag of prizes, organizers said.
A 50/50 giveaway also was held and was won by Raymond “Bud” Auen, West Plains. He received $648, organizers said.
Coordinators also said they would like to thank the many area businesses and individuals who served as category, food and prize sponsors. They include food sponsors Domino’s Pizza/Mike Mickey, Frito Lay/Kevin Hicks and Herb and Mary Beth Lunday; category sponsors the Fred Alexander family of West Plains, Burch Insurance and Financial Services of Houston, Missouri State University, Arrowhead Lake Estates, Jim Bukowsky and Southern Missouri Investments of Mountain Grove, Plexus Slim/Rebecca Simmons, and Southern Hills Auto/Jake Woodworth; and prize sponsors JB’s Health Mart, Drago College Store, Missouri State-West Plains admissions office, OMC Rehabilitation Services, Glass Sword Cinema, Missouri State-West Plains University/Community Programs Department, McDonald’s, Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply, Missouri State-West Plains student services office, West Plains Country Club, Quality Floors, Assumption Abbey, Aaron and Kim Lunday, Missouri State-West Plains Food Services Department, At Home Market, Missouri State-West Plains Grizzly Basketball, Missouri State-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball, West Plains Touring Pro PBR, Smitty & Co. Hair Styling, All Pet and Equine, Janet Cawvey, Chris Turner, Russ Gant, Mary Kay Cosmetics/Nina Williams, Mary Kay Cosmetics/Molly Williamson, Missouri State University Bears Basketball, Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Pepsi Bottling Co., Avon/Linda Keefe, Heroes Coffee, Jackie’s Gifts, The Fish Shack, Dairy Princess, Almost Famous BBQ, Arby’s, TJ’s Steakhouse, ServiceMaster, Mudbusters, and wooden trivets by Bud Auen.
For photos of the winning teams, visit the Missouri State University-West Plains Facebook page.