WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Everyone is invited to help Missouri State University-West Plains and the Grizzly Booster Club celebrate 25 years of Grizzly Athletics during the annual Grizzly Fall Picnic at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, in the West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall.
A complimentary barbecue meal will be served free of charge to the first 500 attendees by Almost Famous Grille and BBQ as fans gather to kick off the 2017-18 volleyball and basketball campaigns. Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp 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 6:30 p.m. season home opening volleyball match between the Grizzlies and Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the West Plains Civic Center arena. Organizers said admission to the match also will be free.
GRIZZLY TRACK AWARD
Long-time Grizzly Booster Club members Bob and Donna Frey, West Plains, will be given the Grizzly Track Award during intermission. The award is presented periodically to members of the Grizzly Booster Club who have shown exceptional enthusiasm for and extraordinary support of Grizzly Athletics over an extended period of time.
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 that evening. Memberships start at $500, which includes season tickets to the Grizzly Volleyball and Basketball home games and access to the booster club hospitality room.
The Grizzly Booster Club was formed in 1993 to provide community encouragement and support for the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly athletic teams. Funds raised provide for educational scholarships and other vital program needs. Without the work, commitment, and support of the Grizzly Booster club, Grizzly Athletics would not be possible, university officials said.
For more information about the picnic or 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.
Stay up to date with Grizzly Athletics and Grizzly Booster Club news by signing up for text alerts at http://remind.com/join/wpgrizz or text “@WPGrizz to 81010.