Dear Bears Fans:
 
The fall semester is in full swing, and it's great to have the students back on campus with the University so vibrant.  As expected, Missouri State University has hit another record year for system enrollment, topping 26,000 students for the first time.
 
Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and fans who came to the MSU Auction Benefiting Athletics. It's always a great start to the year, and we appreciate our fans and supporters showing up to the event.  
 
Academically, MSU Athletics is coming off a banner year with 120 student-athletes participating in commencement exercises and our teams combining for a 3.13 GPA for the 2015-16 academic year – the highest on record.
 
Speaking of great starts, how about our MSU volleyball team!  Coach Stokes guided the team to two huge wins over Top 15 BCS programs with an incredibly-difficult non-conference schedule to start the season.  They're in great position to start conference play, and we'll be in serious contention for NCAA Tournament play if we continue to compete at the current level.
 
Beginning next year, we will have new maroon-colored seats in Hammons Student Center. Thanks to Coach Stokes and numerous donors, we will be rotating the vintage yellow and orange seats out of the lower level of Hammons Student Center after this season.
 
If you haven't heard, we were very busy in the summer. The main new project was the renovation of the Plaster Stadium weight room.  Stec and his staff did a great job transforming the weight room.  The team also had a visit from Gov. Nixon towards the end of football camp.  He came down to address the team and in doing so he awarded three players with scholarships. What a neat experience to have the Governor tell you you've earned a scholarship! Football is 2-0 and has shown marked improvement from last season.  The team will need your support with three homes games in October, and BearFest Village will be up and going again as we fully embrace that fun fall tradition on our campus.
 
In cooperation with Twin Oaks Country Club, our men's and women's golf teams will be the beneficiaries of a new indoor practice facility soon.  Through the generosity of Bobby Allison and Twin Oaks, this facility will include three indoor hitting bays, player lounge, locker room, putting green and offices for our coaches. Our teams will also have a separate hitting area at the north end of the range.  This is a huge boost for our teams.  Special thanks goes to Bobby and the members of Twin Oaks!
 
A statue of Jackie Stiles will be unveiled prior to the Lady Bears' home opener against Little Rock on Monday, Nov. 28. The bronze likeness of the NCAA's all-time leading scorer will be located on the southeast side of JQH Arena adjacent to Bear Boulevard. A big thank you goes out to John and Sue Gibbs for providing the lead gift for this project and all the donors who have contributed. The Gibbs have also established an endowed scholarship in Jackie's name.
 
Please introduce yourself to our new employees and give them a big Bear welcome. Bryce Cox is our new strength coach working with men's basketball; Catherine Ostoich is our new head coach for field hockey; Kerry Dickerson is our new senior director of Athletics Development; John Edwards is the new assistant director of Athletics Development for special events; and Matt Bolger is the Lady Bears' new director of basketball operations.
 
This year we will host three MVC Championships, starting with the Men's Soccer Championships, Nov. 8-13. Missouri State will also host the Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 11-14, and the MVC Baseball Championship, May 24-27. Please mark your calendars for these special dates.
 
If you haven't done so, please renew your Bears Fund and basketball season tickets.  These revenue sources are critically important to funding our department and keeping our program competitive. Your contributions go to help the experience of our student-athletes.
 
Both basketball teams look to have great seasons.  So much we're guaranteeing you like it that if you don't we'll give you your money back on the men's side.  [Men's Basketball Money-Back Guarantee]
 
Special thanks to Doug and Erin Lurvey for making the men's basketball trip to the Bahamas a reality.  It was a great experience for our team, gave them a chance to bond, and allowed us much needed extra practice time.
 
I encourage to come to campus and witness all the positive things we have going on.  There will be plenty of football action in October along with home volleyball, soccer and field hockey. Look for all the information on the newly-designed MissouriStateBears.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MissouriStBears.  I look forward to seeing you.
 
Go Bears!!
 
Kyle Moats