Dear Bears Fans:

As we step into 2026, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate an extraordinary year—one defined by change, growth, achievement, and the support of this incredible community. Your passion continues to push us forward, and together we've reached milestones that truly deserve recognition.

Our revenue efforts in the fall of 2025 set a new standard of excellence. Thanks to your generosity, we have received approximately $5.5 million for our McDonald Arena renovation project (more on that this spring).  We also saw record-breaking ticket revenue at Plaster Stadium this fall. Our game day atmosphere has certainly improved and will continue to do so in 2026. 

The new Competitive Excellence Fund continues to see results, which is paramount to any success for our most highly-visible programs moving forward. The CEF will elevate our programs, enhance our facilities, and open new doors for our student-athletes. Every contribution helps fuel our continued success.

Academically, this has been one of the strongest years in our department's history. We posted a 3.31 departmental GPA, with several programs posting a record effort, demonstrating our students' commitment to excellence far beyond the playing field. In addition, our APR reached its highest mark in years, reflecting the dedication of our coaches, staff, and athletes to long-term academic success. Perhaps most proudly, we just celebrated the graduation of 33 student-athletes who each embody the character, discipline, and resilience we strive to cultivate.

On the field, our football program delivered one of its most successful seasons in recent memory that concluded with our first bowl trip to the Xbox Bowl in Frisco, Texas. From thrilling wins to moments of grit and determination, our team showcased the heart and competitive spirit that define our program. Your energy in the stands and at home played a vital role every step of the way.

In addition to the success on the field, we are welcoming our new football coach Casey Woods to Springfield.  He and his wife, Lauren, and their five children will be an asset to our campus and Springfield communities.  Casey brings a wealth of experience to the Bears. From high-level recruiting, national championship experience, and success at every level, Casey and his staff will continue to build on our momentum as we look to win a CUSA Championship. 

In addition to our success in football, women's soccer reached the CUSA Championship match, Volleyball improved this year and took out top-seeded UTEP in the CUSA Volleyball Championship.  Men's and women's basketball are starting our first season in CUSA and our spring sports are ready to attack the new year.

Beyond competition, our brand has never been stronger. Overall exposure reached an all-time high this year, expanding our reach and connecting us with more supporters across the nation and the world. Your engagement and pride helped amplify our message in ways we couldn't have imagined.

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with gratitude and excitement. We have ambitious goals, and with your continued support, we know the best is yet to come.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in us. And thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

As we step into a new year, a friend of mine shared this "cheers" and I thought it was very appropriate:

There are black bears and brown bears and bears that can hardly see;

But the best bears are Missouri State Bears and may it always be!

Cheers to a successful 2026—and Go Bears!

Patrick Ransdell
Director of Athletics