ST. JOSEPH - Coming off the best combined seasons for the Missouri Western football and basketball teams in more than a decade, Griffon Athletics is finding its fan base is energized for the coming 2020-21 seasons.Last year saw a 9-3 record for Griffon football with its second consecutive Live United Bowl championship and a 13th place ranking among NCAA Division II average attendance. The men's and women's basketball teams both finished fourth in the MIAA standings, going 26-3 in the MWSU Fieldhouse in front of the nation's ninth and 10th largest average crowds, respectively.The recent Gold Coat Club membership drive indicates a strong desire to see that success and support continue an upward climb. Gold Coat memberships and 2020-21 season ticket renewals are moving at a record pace. The historically-high interest has been fueled by a 95% renewal rate to date and an 18% surge in new memberships. The upward trajectory has currently pushed Griffon Athletics to 103% of its Gold Coat goal."Our coaches, staff and student-athletes feel this energy and I'm thrilled to report that we are ALL IN beside #OURCITY with 100% of full-time athletic department employees committed as Gold Coat members," said MWSU vice president for intercollegiate athletics Josh Looney. "Continuing this momentum is crucial as we prepare for, and recover from, a disruptive year for higher education."Last week, in response to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the MIAA unveiled revised conference schedules which are now posted at GoGriffons.com. MWSU maintained a five-game home football schedule that includes a week-nine rivalry showdown with Northwest. While the 2020-21 basketball schedule will not feature neutral site competition at Civic Arena or non-conference competition, the MIAA conference schedule has been increased to feature 22 basketball games including 11 home doubleheaders."As we move closer to the 2020-21 academic year, we remain committed to hosting fans at our games," Looney said. "Our intent is to play in front of a full stadium. We will follow local health guidelines and recommendations at that time and, if attendance alterations are necessary, Gold Coat members will receive priority access to tickets."Gold Coat memberships may be reserved online, by calling 816-271-4481, or by emailing MWSU senior associate athletic director Brett Esely (esely@missouriwestern.edu).2020-21 Gold Coat Board Members Zack Workman (President) Nancy Black Chip Brock Don Daffron Scott Graham Jake Heston Mike Holden Rich Loehnig Rodney Saunders Ralph Schank Charles Schwichtenberg Kim Sigrist Lyle Smith Tom Tewell Don Tolly--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western seeing historically high season ticket renewals