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Articles by Morgan Raley
Mizzou wrestling head coach will retire at the end of the season
For the last 28 seasons, Mizzou wrestling head coach, Brian Smith, has led the Tigers to 351 dual victories and 12 consecutive conference team titles. Smith has announced at the beginning of his 29th season with the team that he will be retiring at the end of the season. In a news release on Wednesday, the team announced current associate head coach Kendric Maple will take over following the 2026-27 season.
Blair Oaks girls golf wins first state championship
Blair Oaks won the Class 2 title at the 2026 MSHSAA Girls Golf State Championship. The championship was held Monday and Tuesday. The win for Blair Oaks was the team's first golf state championship in school history. The Falcons won with a team score of 692, 32 strokes better than second place. McKenzie Elizabeth Martin and Ashtyn Kate Shaw, who both had a score of 163, tied for 14th individually. Tolton finished third in Class 2. Avery Kate Wheeler tied for sixth individually.
Phil Pitts announced as Helias' new head football coach
Helias Catholic High School announced Wednesday Phil Pitts will serve as the school's new head football coach. Pitts has a long history with Helias, stretching back to 2005 when he began his 21-year coaching career as the team's assistant coach, according to a news release from the school. He was promoted to defensive coordinator the next year, serving through 2010, and eventually promoted to head coach in 2011.
Aeoden Sinclair represents Team USA at 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championships
Mizzou wrestling's Aeoden Sinclair competes on Friday for Team USA at the 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championships. In August, Sinclair won gold for the U.S. in the U20 World Wrestling Championships. The All-American earned this opportunity by defeating Michigan's Brock Mantanona at the 2026 U23 Nationals Finals. Sinclair defeated Mantanona earlier in March at the NCAA tournament to compete for third place.
Addie Dobson leads Mizzou women's golf to second-place finish, amid eligibility lawsuit
Mizzou women's golf competed at OU Intercollegiate on Tuesday, finishing second out of the 11 teams at the competition. Addie Dobson also placed second in individual competition. This is the second time she has competed since suing the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility with teammate Melanie Walker. On Sept. 18, Dobson and Walker were granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
SEC announces television schedules for the men and women's basketball season
The Southeastern Conference announced the final schedule for men's basketball on Wednesday. The conference also announced the television schedule for women's basketball. Fans will be able to watch the Mizzou Tigers nineteen times on the SEC Network, as well as sixteen additional games on ESPN and other nationally televised networks. The men's team makes up eleven of the games on the SEC Network and fourteen of the games on ESPN. Notable match ups include the Kansas game on Dec. 6, Indiana on Dec.
Tolton hosts Chillicothe for the schools' first matchup | High school football scores from Week 6
Chillicothe makes the drive to Tolton for Week 6 of high school football, marking the first time the schools have faced each other in football. Tolton is looking for its first win since Week 3. The Trailblazers are 0-1 in conference play, and 2-3 for the season. Chillicothe is 4-1 this season, which is a change of pace for the Hornets. This is the first time since 2022 Chillicothe has a winning record going into Week 6.
Crosstown rivals clash at Hickman: High school football scores from Week 4
COLUMBIA — Battle football travels to Hickman on Friday for the 12th meetup of the crosstown rivalry. Battle currently leads the rivalry 9-2 all-time, but the Kewpies have been on a winning streak following the teams' historic 2024 game. The Spartans are looking for their first win since 2024, and the stage is set for it to be an exciting game. In every match up since 2015, at least one team has scored over 30 points. On four occasions one team scored over 50 points, including last year's meeting.
Crosstown rivals clash at Game of the Week: High school football scores from Week 4
COLUMBIA — Battle travels to Hickman Friday for the 12th meetup of the crosstown rivalry. Battle currently leads the rivalry 9-2 all-time, but the Kewpies have been on a winning streak following the teams' historic 2024 game. The Spartans are looking for their first win since 2024, and the stage is set for it to be an exciting game. In every match up since 2015, at least one team has scored over 30 points. On four occasions one team scored over 50 points, including last year's meeting.
Takeaways from the St. Louis Blues' first day of training camp
The St. Louis Blues started training camp Thursday in preparation of the 2026-2027 schedule. The main obstacle ahead of every team in the NHL is preparing for the new 84-game regular season, especially because the expanded regular season has shortened the preseason. Head coach Jim Montgomery expressed in a press conference that he needs his players ready. "The feeling-out process that you used to have in camp is gone," Montgomery said.
Tavaras Hardy, CJ Gunn represent the Tigers in FIBA World Cup
The Fédération Internationale de Basketball U23 3x3 World Cup is taking place in Wuhan, China, and two Missouri Tigers are representing the United States. Mizzou basketball assistant coach Tavaras Hardy is head coach of Team USA. Hardy coached at Northwesten, Georgetown and Georgia Tech before coming to Mizzou. It was during his time at these schools that he began playing 3x3 basketball. One of his players is current Mizzou student CJ Gunn.
UM System Board of Curators approves names for parts of Memorial Stadium
The UM System Board of Curators unanimously approved names for two spaces in the new north end zone at Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. The new Rock M Club will be named the Farmer Companies Rock M Club, while the West Plaza will become the Hayes and Jessica Barnard Family Plaza. The naming opportunities are part of the $250 million Memorial Stadium Centennial Project, which is nearing completion ahead of the stadium’s 100th season.
One month out from season opener, Mizzou football coaches and players speak on team chemistry
Mizzou football opened their doors to the media on Sunday, where over 50 players and coaches gave insight into the upcoming season. Sunday marks just 32 days before the Tigers' season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz began Sunday by addressing Sterling Webb's return to the team. “Very excited to welcome Sterling Webb back to our football team and support him and his journey," Drinkwitz said.
Old Hawthorne hosts day one of the 51st annual Columbia Golf Championship
COLUMBIA — The Columbia Golf Championship got into the swing of things Saturday morning at The Club at Old Hawthorne, where 75 local golfers competed on the green despite rainy conditions. The 36-hole tournament is Columbia's only individual amateur golf tournament and is open to all ages. There are four divisions the golfers compete in — open, mid-amateur, senior, and super senior. Co-Tournament Director Steve Humphreys feels it is important for the city to have this time to connect.
The Boonville Pirates are moving as one into the upcoming season
Heading into the 2026 football season, the Boonville Pirates' theme is brotherhood. KOMU 8 Sports visited the Pirates at their football practice Wednesday before the season. Head coach Greg Hough is approaching this season like any other, and he said the team has shown they have what it takes to win. The Pirates are coming off two winning seasons, and continuing to strengthen their team bond, Hough said. "Every team wants to build those relationships and those bonds ...
Kansas City Chiefs training camp is in full swing
ST. JOSEPH — The Kansas City Chiefs have officially taken over St. Joseph. They had their first full team practice on Wednesday. One of the more notable appearances is Kenneth Walker III. The reigning Super Bowl MVP said he is getting acclimated to the Chiefs training camp and to his new city. "They want to win," Walker said. "They've won many Super Bowls before. Definitely you see the work ethic that's been going on around here.
Columbia mountain biker finds his championship mentality off the beaten path
COLUMBIA — With all the traffic on Missouri's popular trails, mountain biking can sometimes go unnoticed. The growing sport has a flourishing community in mid-Missouri, and a local teen is making his mark. Carter Lembke is a Nation Champion in the Junior Marathon division. Lembke said his success was hard earned, but the passion has been there from his very first race in St. Louis.
Mizzou Football partners with Columbia Second Chance for community event
Pierpont General Store was the venue for a pet adoption and autograph signing event on Sunday that brought together Mizzou Football and a local animal rescue. Residents had the chance to get memorabilia signed by Ahmad Hardy, Cayden Green, Luke Work and Nasir Pogue and learn about Columbia Second Chance. This is Hardy's first public comment since he was shot in Mississippi in May. When speaking to the media, Hardy was thankful for support from the community and fans.
Patrick Mahomes fully cleared to practice at Chiefs training camp
ST. JOSEPH — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is fully cleared to practice following an ACL injury he suffered in December, head coach Andy Reid announced Friday on the first day of the Chiefs training camp. Mahomes spoke to the media after Reid's announcement, revealing he was fully cleared two days ago. "It was always the goal to practice when we got to training camp," Mahomes said.
3 Mizzou football players voted onto All-SEC Team at Media Days
COLUMBIA — The SEC Football Media Days have wrapped, and the media has spoken. The results from the poll of media in attendance, published in a news release Friday, revealed predictions for the Southeastern Conference football season. Three Mizzou athletes were featured on the 2026 Preseason Media Days All-SEC Team, and Ahmad Hardy and Cayden Green made it onto the offensive first-team. Green received the same honor last preseason, but this is Hardy's first appearance on the list.
Columbia based team finish one game shy of Little League Softball World Series
The Central Region Tournament ended on Wednesday, and a Columbia team fell just short of competing in the 2026 Little League Softball World Series. Daniel Boone Little League represented the state of Missouri and traveled to Whitestown, Indiana, to compete for the chance to represent the Central Region in the tournament. The nonprofit team made up of 12 young athletes made it all the way to the semifinals.
Former Tiger, Ben Askren retires from wrestling
Ben Askren gave a wrestler's goodbye after is last wrestling match on Saturday at Real American Freestyle 11. His retirement comes a year after being resuscitated and having a double lung transplant. The wrestler has a storied career starting in Wisconsin where he won two high school state championships. From there Askren committed to the University of Missouri. During his collegiate wrestling career he was a four-time All-American, two-time NCAA Champion and three-time Big 12 Champion.
Mizzou Athletics to induct Ashley Fleming to Hall of Fame
Mizzou Athletics announced through a video on social media Wednesday that Ashley Fleming would be the latest addition to the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame. Fleming played for Mizzou softball from 2009-2012. She helped lead the team to three straight College World Series appearances.
Mizzou Athletics inducts Ashley Fleming to Hall of Fame
Mizzou Athletics announced through a video on social media Wednesday that Ashley Fleming would be the latest addition to the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame. Fleming played for Mizzou softball from 2009-2012. She helped lead the team to three straight College World Series appearances.
Mizzou men's basketball team puts on a youth clinic in St. Louis
Big Brothers Big Sisters collaborated with Mizzou men's basketball on Wednesday in St. Louis. The two programs held a youth basketball clinic at Whitfield School. As a part of their team building week, the whole team was there to help.
Mizzou freshman offensive lineman no longer with the football program
Brandon Anderson, a three-star offensive lineman who was a part of Mizzou Football's 2026 recruiting class, is now no longer with the program. No reason was given for the reported removal; however, Anderson is no longer listed on the Mizzou Football online roster. Anderson, an incoming freshman, was one of 14 signees in Mizzou's 2026 recruiting class to enroll in January.
Mizzou freshman Abby Carr earns D1Softball Freshman All-American Honors
Freshman Abby Carr etched a spot onto the D1Softball Freshman All-American Second Team on Thursday. This is Carr's second Freshman All-American list and third postseason award. Her previous accomplishments include Softball America Freshman All-American team and NFCA All-Region Midwest Second Team under the utility player/pitcher category. In her first season as a Tiger, Carr led the team in ERA (2.92), saves (five), home runs (12) and RBIs (44).
Mizzou women's tennis hires Manny Raga and Bronte Murgett to coaching staff
Mizzou tennis head coach Robin Goodman appointed his first two coaches, Manuel "Manny" Raga and Bronte Murgett to his coaching staff. Goodman made the announcement Thursday. "I could not be more excited to welcome Manny and Bronte to Mizzou," Goodman said. Raga is set to be the associate head coach and joins the Tigers after previously serving as the assistant coach for the men's tennis program at Oklahoma since July 2023.
Valentina Barrios and Sam Innes earn All-SEC Honors for Mizzou Track and Field
COLUMBIA — On Tuesday, the Southeastern Conference named Missouri track and field's Valentina Barrios and Sam Innes to All-SEC First Team and Second Team, respectively. Barrios becomes the 10th Women's Outdoor All-SEC First Team recognition in program history. Innes is the sixth Men's Outdoor All-SEC Second Team for Missouri. Both seniors had historic performances at the 2026 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 14-16 in Auburn, Ala.
Mizzou baseball upsets Ole Miss in first round of SEC Tournament
Mizzou baseball won 10-8 in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament against No. 9 seed Ole Miss on Tuesday morning in Hoover, Alabama. This marks Missouri's first win in the conference tournament since 2017. Kam Durnin's two-run homer helped get the Tigers on the board and tie the game, 2-2, in the second inning. Mateo Serna had three hits and brought in two runs. The first of these kicked off an electric top of the fifth.
Jefferson City man found incompetent to proceed in case over wife's stabbing death
A Jefferson City man charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of his wife has been found incompetent for court proceedings, according to a Thursday court filing. A mental examination was ordered in February for Malang Jan Akbari, 46, and the results of the exam were filed earlier this month, according to court records. Akbari is facing first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child and armed criminal action charges in connection to the death of his wife on Jan. 12.
Jarrett Stoner becomes first Mizzou wrestler to receive NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award
At the NCAA Wrestling Tournament, Mizzou wrestler Jarrett Stoner received the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award. Stoner is the first Mizzou wrestler to receive the honor and the second Mizzou athlete to get the award. He is now part of the Elite 90, a group of athletes who receive the award across the NCAA’s 92 finals competitions. kAm%96 2H2C5 :D 8:G6? E@ E96 2E9=6E6 H:E9 E96 9:896DE 4F>F=2E:G6 v!p 2E E96 E@FC?2>6?E]k^Am kAm“x H2D C62==J DFCAC:D65 H96? x 8@E :E] … x 2=H2JD <:?5 @7 E9@F89E :E H2D 2?
Ron Mittler receives the 2026 SEC Faculty Achievement Award
Ron Mittler, a University of Missouri Curators’ Distinguished Professor, has been selected as a Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award winner. Since 2012, the SEC Faculty Achievement Award has annually recognized one faculty member from each respective institution. Recipients also become their institution's nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year award. kAm!C@G@DE |2EE |2CE6?D[ H9@ A=2J65 2 C@=6 :? E96 D6=64E:@? AC@46DD[ D2:5 “sC] |:EE=6C’D 4C:E:42= 4@?EC:3FE:@?D E@ 9:D 7:6=5 :?
Greek Week 2026 promotes service among students
Greek Week, an annual spring tradition at the University of Missouri, brings together the Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council communities for two weeks of friendly competition and philanthropy. Each year, thousands of Mizzou students donate blood, participate in a food drive and attend profit shares to raise money for local organizations.
Shannon Fucik named 2026 Nursing Leadership Fellow
COLUMBIA — MU Health Care System Chief Nursing Executive Shanon Fucik will be inducted as a 2026 fellow for American Organization for Nursing Leadership . Fucik knew from a young age she wanted to go into nursing. When her grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer, she would spend a lot of time with him while he was in hospice care. She watched as the nurses looked after her grandfather and took notice of their care and compassion. All Fucik wanted was to do help people.
Mizzou Volleyball loses close five- set matchup at Texas A&M
Mizzou Volleyball loses close five- set matchup at Texas A&M The Mizzou Tigers traveled down to College Station for some SEC conference play against Texas A&M. Coming into today, the Tigers are on a five-game winning streak, 1-0 in conference play. On the other hand, the Aggies are fresh off a loss in their first conference game of the season against the University of Texas.
Mizzou soccer’s SEC opener ends in 0-1 loss to Texas A&M
Mizzou soccer’s SEC opener ends in 0-1 loss to Texas A&M Mizzou women’s soccer opened SEC play Thursday against Texas A&M.Both teams were coming off losses to end the preseason, so this game was a defining one for conference play. Mizzou started off very strong and stayed aggressive throughout the game. However Texas A&M ultimately kept possession for 56% of the game. Mizzou ended with a strong push after being fired up after A&M’s Margo Matula scored in the 62’ minute of the game.
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