By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Western State University is abuzz about a football game Saturday.
And, it’s not just any football game.
It is the game with Northwest Missouri State University. It is the rivalry game.
Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says this game has the St. Joseph campus excited for football Saturday.
“We’re excited about that,” Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “With the new coaches that we have in. We’ve always had the talent, but now the talent is shining and we are so excited to have that. So, there’s lots of excitement.”
Though rivals, the games between Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State of late have been lopsided. The two schools are only 45 miles apart, but the roads the two programs have taken have diverged greatly. While Northwest built a national powerhouse complete with national championships, Missouri Western has struggled for relevance in the MIAA Conference. Northwest has won the last nine games against Missouri Western.
Missouri Western football and its fans hope this year is different. The current matchup has already made history. For the first time, the Griffons enter the game nationally ranked while the Bearcats are not.
Kennedy says the campus couldn’t be more excited for the game.
“It’s exciting for our students and our faculty and staff, but it’s so wonderful to see the community come out and support (us),” Kennedy says. “We do lots of tailgating before the football game for our students. Our faculty tailgate. Alumni come, just fans in general. And it really is such a nice, festive atmosphere. It’s really wonderful to have that community support.”
Missouri Western will open the parking lots three hours prior to kick-off, which is set for one o’clock.
Kennedy expects a fired-up crowd
“So, if you want to come out and tailgate and get really ramped up, we’ll be ready and open for you,” Kennedy says. “So, we’re excited about that. It’s going to be a big game. I’m just rooting our team on. Go Griffs, right?”
The Griffons are 5-and-1 on the year. The Bearcats have an uncharacteristic 3-and-3 record.
Kick-off from Spratt Stadium is set for one o’clock. The broadcast on KFEQ begins at noon.