Spirit Rally, Watch Parties, Tiger Pride Take Over MU Campus (and Beyond)

Nov. 28, 2007

Story Contact:  Christian Basi, (573) 882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri-Columbia Tigers have been on the prowl since entering the college football polls at No. 25 following their first four games of the season.

 After a victory over the No. 2 ranked University of Kansas earned MU a No. 1 ranking and the Big 12 North championship, Mizzou is making it known who the king of the jungle is. It’s the Tigers.

 While MU football players, including Heisman contender Chase Daniel, are preparing for the Big 12 Championship game against the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday in San Antonio, proud Tiger fans are focusing their attention on dominating off the field.
 
 Last weekend, with help from the Mizzou Alumni Association’s Kansas City chapter, Mizzou overshadowed KU fans by donating more than $8,000 in canned goods and cash, providing more than 41,000 meals for individuals in need during the holiday season. Those with Jayhawk pride assisted in donating more than 19,000 meals. The combined effort generated a total of $12,116, or 60,943 meals.

 At 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, on the south steps of Jesse Hall, MU will host a Spirit Rally featuring Coach Gary Pinkel, MU football players, the Spirit Squads and Mini Mizzou. Faculty, staff, students and community members will see the gold light illuminating Jesse Hall’s dome in honor of the Tigers. Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be provided while supplies last.

 Many MU fans also will attend the game on Saturday. Though ticket allotments for the school sold out in only a few hours, tickets are still available through Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-676-5488.

 For those who can’t make the game in person, the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board will host a watch party for the championship game at Mizzou Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the north entrance of the arena, with kick off at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, with concessions for sale.

 It’s not just local MU fans who are seeing in black and gold. The current issue of Sports Illustrated features Chase Daniel on the cover. In true Tiger spirit, the University Bookstore has stocked 1,200 copies.

 Hopes that the Tigers will trounce the Sooners are extending as far as Kabul, Afghanistan where Sergeant Derick Moudy, a Marceline, Mo. native, and his fellow soldiers will cheer on Mizzou while watching the game. The Tiger Team Store recognized their dedication and donated T-shirts for the troops to wear while watching.

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