By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The NFL draft is in two weeks, which means a new NFL season, and Chiefs Training Camp, is just around the corner. But will it be at Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says currently the university is in negotiations with the Chiefs and are what she calls "pushing paper across the table" for a new contract.
"And I think those conversations are very, very positive, I would be just completely shocked if we weren't finalized and they'll be back," Kennedy tells KFEQ News. "I think the Chiefs recognize the importance of the St. Joseph community, I was just meeting with some of their folks, and they even are saying well the season starts in St. Joseph, the championship starts in St. Joseph."
Kennedy says last year was the final option year on the contract between Missouri Western and the Chiefs
"And the reason we decided not to, we had the opportunity to get more option years, but then we wouldn't have been able to have any changes to the contract," Kennedy explains. "And we'd been operating with a contract for so long, that some of it just wasn't making sense for the Chiefs or for us, so that's where we are now."
Kennedy says they love having the Chiefs here, but does point out that contrary to popular belief, it is not a money maker for the university
"We do it to enhance St. Joseph and to bring people in, and to really showcase the university for what it looks like but it's not a student recruitment strategy," Kennedy says. "But I think having the Chiefs here is a lot of fun, they're wonderful guests, we love hosting them."
Kennedy says hosting Chiefs Training Camp does force the university to adjust its schedule, but it provides an opportunity for Missouri Western.
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