For the second year Missouri State University Athletics has partnered with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Character Education program and the Springfield YMCA for a 30-card trading card set.  In 2006, Missouri State Athletics Development received a “Best of the Best” award from NACMA for this Character Education trading card project. 

Young Bears baseball and softball fans will receive a 30-card trading card set featuring Missouri State student-athletes.  The first 350 kids at the baseball game on April 21 vs. Wichita State at 2:05 p.m. and kids at the softball doubleheader on April 28 at 12:00 p.m. vs. Drake will receive the cards.

Character Education is a Chamber-led community-wide initiative working to create a "culture of character." The program incorporates most aspects of the community, including business, schools, universities, civic organizations, government, the faith community and the media in the city of Springfield.

The community chose 12 words that are being used for the year-round, community-wide character education initiative led by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. A new word is highlighted each month in a concerted effort to focus on the designated characteristic in hopes that a uniform message permeates the community.   Such words included RESPECT, COURTESY, ATTITUDE, etc.

The mission of Character Ed is to promote a culture that celebrates and builds upon the best of human virtues. 

The 30 Missouri State student-athletes representing 16 sports featured on the 2007 Character Education trading card project include:

Blake Ahearn Men’s Basketball

Adeana McAfee -- Volleyball

Tanya Cyrus Track & Field

Ashley Huck Field Hockey

Kevin Sears -- Football

Matt Sullivan Men’s Golf

Megan Beebe Women’s Soccer

Katelyn Panzau -- Volleyball

Jordan Hawkins Women’s Swimming

Justin Williamson -- Football

Ross Detwiler -- Baseball

Amy Crowder Women’s Diving

Kelli Boddie Men’s Soccer

Brett Williams Men’s Soccer

Carrie Vestal Cross Country

Kate Blair Women’s Soccer

Spencer Laurie Men’s Basketball

Kristin Wolkey Track & Field

Melissa Millin Field Hockey

Missy Linnens Women’s Golf

Melissa Porche -- Softball

Jake Shafer -- Baseball

Jessie Smith -- Softball

Michael Cooper -- Football

Tag Morris Women’s Basketball

Ryan Maeker Men’s Diving

Lance Parker Men’s Soccer

A.J. Goertzen --  Men’s Swimming

Matt Lawson  -- Baseball

Tiff Terwelp Women’s Basketball