WEST PLAINS, Mo. –  Two founding members of the Grizzly Booster Club at Missouri State University-West Plains, the late Carrick “Boze” Davidson and the late Gene Richman, are the first to be named emeritus members of the Grizzly Booster Club Board of Directors.

The announcement was made at the Feb. 24 Grizzly Basketball game against Moberly Area Community College at the West Plains Civic Center. Current Booster Club President Bo Pace explained that, after 23 years, board members decided to create emeritus status as a way to honor those who were exceptional donors, volunteers and board members.

Both Davidson and Richman were pillars of the community, Pace said, pointing out they also had a dream to establish collegiate sports at the West Plains campus. “It is because of their commitment, determination and pure work ethic that there is a Grizzly Athletics program today,” Pace said.

A plaque with their names listed as the first two emeritus members of the board will be placed on the Grizzly Wall on the east side of the civic center.

For more information about the Grizzly Booster Club or how to become a member, visit the Grizzly Booster Club website, or call 417-255-7240.