WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Meet Chancellor Zora Mulligan and help Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) and the Grizzly Club celebrate the 2025-26 athletic season by attending the annual Grizzly Club Fall Picnic at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall. A complimentary meal will be served.
Missouri State University President Richard B. Williams will be in attendance to welcome Chancellor Mulligan to her new role at Missouri State-West Plains.
Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay, Grizzly Softball Coach Brie Brooks, Grizzly Baseball Coach Kadem Tharp, Grizzly Rodeo Coach Matt Hughes, Grizzly Esports Coach Nick Lawson and Grizzly Cheer Team Coach Mackenzie Smith will be on hand to introduce their teams and preview the upcoming seasons.
Immediately following the picnic, the Grizzly Volleyball team, coached by Head Coach Paula Wiedemann and Assistant Coach Katrina Klemish, will host its season home opener against Jefferson College in the civic center arena. Admission to the game will be free.
Please RSVP by Sept. 8 by calling 417-255-7975 or emailing WPAthletics@MissouriState.edu.
All Grizzly fans, not just Grizzly Club members, are welcome to attend the picnic, organizers said. Those who would like to join the organization may do so that evening. Memberships start at $250.
The Grizzly Club was formed in 1993 to provide community encouragement and support for the MSU-WP Grizzly Athletic’s teams. Funds raised provide educational scholarships and other vital program needs. Without the work, commitment and support of the Grizzly Club, Grizzly Athletics would not be possible, university officials said.
For more information about the picnic, the Grizzly Club or Grizzly Athletics, contact Director of Athletics Rachel Peterson at RachelPeterson@MissouriState.edu.
