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SPRINGFIELD -- After undergoing eye surgery last Thursday, Missouri State head football coach Dave "Stec" Steckel will not be fully cleared to lead the Bears on the sidelines for Saturday's game against Northern Iowa at Robert W. Plaster Stadium.

Steckel announced Friday that he will meet with his players prior to Saturday's kickoff and personally thank his 18 seniors who will later be recognized during pregame ceremonies on the field. His recovery protocol from the Nov. 5 procedure will not allow him to watch the game from the sideline or the press box, but he plans to follow the game privately and return to the team's locker room after the game to talk to his players.

Offensive coordinator Mario Verduzco and defensive coordinator Marcus Yokeley will continue to share interim head coaching duties in Stec's absence and will once again handle all media obligations until Steckel is fully cleared to return to day-to-day operations. The Bears play their final game of the 2015 season next Saturday, Nov. 21 at North Dakota State.

Saturday's 2 p.m. kickoff at Plaster Stadium begins with BearFest Village tailgating at 11 a.m. All first responders -- including military, police, fire, EMT and others -- will be admitted free to the game with a valid service ID while accompanying guests can obtain tickets for just $5.

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