The day showcased Valley on one of Missouri’s biggest stages, highlighted by Missouri Valley University President Joe Parisi throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and the University’s Cheer and Dance team performing on the field at Busch Stadium.

For Parisi, a St. Louis native, the opportunity carried both personal and professional significance.

“Growing up in St. Louis and Missouri, and being part of Cardinals and Royals baseball, is more than a tradition—it’s a part of who we are,” Parisi said. “Generations of Missouri families have shared memories at Busch and Kauffman Stadium, passed down their love of the game and carried amazing traditions with an American pastime. To have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals was an incredibly meaningful moment for me—not only personally, but as president of Missouri Valley University.”

Parisi said the opportunity was particularly special as Missouri Valley begins its new era as a university.

“It was especially meaningful to represent Missouri Valley University and our entire constituency on such a special stage,” Parisi said. “Our university is built on the same values that make Missouri special—tradition, community, honor, perseverance and a belief in bringing people together.”

Standing on the field, Parisi said he was reminded that the moment represented far more than one individual. “I was representing our students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, friends and all those who believe in the mission and future of Missouri Valley University,” he said.

“For me, Saturday was a beautiful intersection of where I came from and where I have the privilege of serving today. To throw out the first pitch at a Cardinals game, surrounded by the traditions I grew up with, while representing Missouri Valley University and its entire constituency, was an honor I will always treasure. It was a moment that connected personal history, university valor and the shared spirit of Missouri—and one I know will hold a special place in my heart. Valley Will Roll!”

Missouri Valley University Cheer and Dance also took center stage Saturday, performing for Cardinals fans on the field at Busch Stadium. The 58-member cheer team delivered a zero-deduction performance, commonly referred to in competitive cheer as “hitting zero.”

“Saturday was a great day, and our team had a wonderful performance,” said assistant coach Rylee Mills. “The team worked hard to put the routine out there for Cardinals fans and give them a great performance. Saturday meant a lot to us. Performing on the Cardinals field and on that stage is a great start for the new era of MVU.”

For Missouri Valley University Dance Coach Kristen Revis, the performance marked an especially meaningful milestone for the University’s Spirit Teams. “Yesterday was an incredible day in Spirit Team history,” Revis said. “Not only did we have our first appearance together as Missouri Valley University, but we also had our very first performance on the field at Busch Stadium! Our Cheer and Dance teams did an absolutely fantastic job, and we could not be more proud of how they represented MVU on such a special day.”

Revis said the opportunity was about more than the performance itself—it was a chance for current student-athletes to help establish traditions that will continue for years to come. “These are the moments that the athletes can look back at as alumni and say, ‘I started that tradition,’” Revis said. “We cannot wait to see what else the season has in store for us. Valley Will Roll!”

With the Cardinals performance behind them, Mills, Revis and the teams are now looking ahead to another milestone—the first Missouri Valley University home football game of the season on Saturday, September 12.

The August 29 celebration at Busch Stadium served as another memorable moment in Missouri Valley University’s transition into its new era, bringing together longtime Missouri traditions and the growing momentum surrounding Valley’s future.

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Kujawa, Director of the Viking Sports Network and an adjunct instructor in Missouri Valley’s Mass Communication department, will be honored during the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement in Columbia on Sunday, October 25, at the Wyndham Executive Center-Columbia Mall. A reception will begin at noon, followed by the induction ceremony at 1 p.m.

For nearly two decades, Kujawa has been a familiar voice to Viking fans, broadcasting Missouri Valley athletic events both at home and on the road. Since joining Valley in 2008, he has also helped prepare the next generation of communicators through courses including radio production, sports reporting and media law.

“Ken’s voice has become synonymous with Viking athletics,” said MVU President Joe Parisi. “He reflects the excitement of Viking athletics, and personifies what we are all about.”

Before coming to Missouri Valley, Kujawa spent 40 years working in commercial radio stations across South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri. The final years of his commercial radio career were spent with the Shepherd Group of radio stations based in Moberly, Missouri.

During that time, Kujawa served as the play-by-play voice of the Moberly Area Community College Greyhounds, building a reputation as a trusted and recognizable voice in Missouri sports. His contributions were previously recognized with induction into the Moberly Area Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame announced Kujawa among a Class of 2026 that includes accomplished coaches, athletes, administrators, officials, teams and sports organizations from throughout Mid-Missouri. The class also includes Norm Stewart’s 1994 Elite Eight Missouri men’s basketball team, longtime coaches and athletic administrators, and several distinguished high school and collegiate programs.

About Missouri Valley University
Missouri Valley University is a private, four-year institution located in Marshall, Missouri, committed to providing personalized education for life skills and career success. Through academic programs, experiential learning and a vibrant campus community, Missouri Valley prepares students to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

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New freshmen and transfer students grew 12 percent for the 2023 academic year, and returning students grew by six percent over the prior year.

The increases coincide with the arrival of Missouri Valley’s 14^th president, Dr. Joe Parisi, who spent the largest part of his career growing enrollment at Midwest area colleges. Parisi said he is proud of his admissions, athletics, and retention teams “who did the heavy lifting to make this growth a reality.

“So many colleges across the country are not seeing great numbers this fall,” Parisi said. “We have a community, and a region, that is showing how much they value a Missouri Valley College education.”

Parisi said there were many new features that attracted the new class, including big changes in student services, where the college spent over a $1 million on software that streamlines the enrollment, financial aid, and housing signup experiences.

Another key factor to the encouraging report is Missouri Valley College’s new online presence, where several popular degree programs were added.

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MVC President Joe Parisi will be experiencing his first Family Weekend as president, and said he is looking forward to visiting with parents.

“This is such a great weekend for parents to see how college life is going for their sons and daughters,” Parisi said. “I can’t wait to connect with them.”

The schedule includes:

Friday

7 p.m. Women’s volleyball – Vikings vs. Mt. Mercy

7 p.m. MVC Stampede Rodeo

Saturday

10 a.m. Tailgate

1 p.m. Football – Vikings vs. Grandview

2 p.m. Women’s volleyball – vs. Clarke and College of the Ozarks

7 p.m. MVC Stampede Rodeo

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The Vikings enter the National tournament with an overall record of 13-4-1, and earned an at-large berth into the National tournament.  This will be the program’s twelfth all-time appearance in the National championship, all since 2010.  The program is 23-9-1 all-time in the National tournament, with one National championship, won in May of 2021.

Missouri Valley will serve as host for the Marshall (Mo.) Bracket, with games Thursday and Saturday inside Volney C. Ashford Stadium.  The No. 2 seed is Williams Baptist (Ark.), which earned an at-large bid with a 15-1-2 record.  The No. 3 seed is Madonna (Mich.), which earned an automatic berth after winning the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference regular season title with a 15-0-5 overall record.  The No. 4 seed is Cardinal Stritch (Wis.), which earned the automatic berth as the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference runner-up, and has a 13-6-1 record on the season.

Three other teams from the Heart of America Athletic Conference are in the National field.  Central Methodist (Mo.) is the No. 1 seed and host of the Columbia (Mo.) Bracket, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) is the No. 1 seed and host of the Olathe (Kan.) Bracket, and William Penn (Iowa) is the No. 4 seed in the Mishawaka (Ind.) Bracket.

The Marshall (Mo.) Bracket begins Thursday, as Missouri Valley plays Cardinal Stritch at 1 p.m., followed by the Williams Baptist/Madonna game at 4 p.m.. Saturday, the bracket final takes place at 1 p.m..  The winner of the Marshall (Mo.) Bracket advances to the National site in Decatur, Ala.  Games at the National site run Nov. 29-Dec. 5.

Tickets for each game will be $8 for adults and $5 for students.  Missouri Valley students, faculty and staff will be admitted for free with a valid school ID.  Live video information can be found at valleywillroll.com.

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Machholz retired as head coach of the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling program after more than 30 years following the 2021-22 season.  He helped build the program after being dormant for nearly 20 years in 1991, and took over as head coach in 1994.  During his tenure, the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling program was one of the most successful in all of collegiate wrestling.  His program won three NAIA National championships (1996, 1997, 2003), was National runner-up an additional four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2005), won 11 regional team championships, produced 168 NAIA All-Americans, had 17 individual National champions, and 40 individual National finalists.

In addition to his team’s accomplishments, Machholz was recognized as the NAIA Men’s Wrestling Coach of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2003) and was a ten-time Regional Coach of the Year.  He was also named the National Rookie Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News in 1995.  He finished his coaching career with a 224-115-2 record in duals.

He was also instrumental in helping develop women’s wrestling as a collegiate sport, as he was at the forefront of building women’s wrestling by pioneering the first-ever women’s collegiate wrestling program to offer scholarships in 1999.  Machholz guidance helped the Missouri Valley women’s wrestling program win one National championship (2001) and two National runner-up finishes (2000, 2002).

Machholz was also an influential member of the  National Wrestling Coaches’ Association during his tenure as head coach at Missouri Valley.  He was the NWCA President from 1997-1999, then again from 2007-2009. He also served as a member of the executive committee for 25 years.

“This is a very special award for me and our program,” said Machholz. To be inducted into the National Hall of Fame means that your peers have recognized your accomplishments over the years, which is very special. I am truly humbled by this honor. To be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is something, even as a youngster, I never dreamt would ever happen. We as coaches certainly don’t get into this profession thinking something like this would ever happen, but to be inducted in front of your former wrestlers, assistant coaches, family, friends and peers made this truly an amazing day!”

Machholz was promoted to Athletic Director at Missouri Valley on July 1, 2022.  He served as Assistant Athletic Director from 2003-2013, Associate Athletic Director from 2013-2018, then Senior Associate Athletic Director from 2018 until his most recent promotion.

He received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Missouri Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which goes to those who have spent their life making a significant impact on wrestling, leaving behind a legacy that others admire.

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Missouri Valley College President Dr. Bonnie Humphrey has announced that Executive Vice President and Athletic Director Tom Fifer will retire in June, after 31 years at Missouri Valley. 

Fifer arrived at Missouri Valley College in 1991, as head men’s basketball coach. In 1997, he was named athletic director of the college while retaining his duties as head coach until 2000. 

During his nine years leading the men’s basketball program, Fifer took his first team (1991-92) to the NAIA Division II National Tournament, a feat that had not been accomplished for 30 years. Under his leadership, the MVC athletic department added men’s volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s lacrosse, eSports, bowling, powerlifting, Olympic lifting and shotgun sports and served as one of the pioneers in women’s wrestling. 

Fifer has overseen tremendous amounts of success from the athletic teams, which have produced multiple National championships. Men’s wrestling, women’s wrestling, cheer and men’s soccer have all won National titles during Fifer’s tenure as athletic director. 

In 2009, Fifer became vice president of enrollment management and operations and in 2017, was promoted to executive vice president, while still holding the athletic director position. In these roles, Fifer has been involved in a number of areas including enrollment management, plant maintenance, athletics, and budget management. 

“I can’t thank Dr. Humphrey and Missouri Valley College enough for the unwavered loyalty and support, unquestionable friendships, and a career full of opportunities to grow as a professional these past 31 years,” Fifer said. “ I am eternally grateful and unbelievably proud to have been a small part of the Viking Spirit that has allowed this college to accomplish so many great things.” 

“Tom has been exceptionally loyal to Missouri Valley College and the good people that have worked side by side with him for years,” said MVC President Dr. Bonnie Humphrey. “He has led by example with a tremendous work ethic and drive to find the best solution to any problem the college has faced. He has built a reputation within the Heart of America Athletic Conference as a dedicated leader of high integrity and that shines through in Missouri Valley College’s athletic competitions with the other schools in the conference. It has been my true pleasure to work with him during my time at Missouri Valley.”

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Murphree came to Missouri Valley prior to the 2002-03 women’s wrestling season, and guided the program to much success. Missouri Valley won National titles under Murphree in 2004 and 2005, and he was named the 2005 WCWA Coach of the Year.

During his nearly 20 seasons, Murphree coached 81 All-Americans and 11 individual National champions. Two MVC alumni coached by Murphree have also competed at the Olympic level. Maria Dunn represented Guam at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and Jacarra Winchester represented the United States at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to coach at Valley, they have always been supportive of women’s wrestling and have been an integral part of the growth of women’s wrestling on the collegiate level,” said Murphree. “I have met so many great people in my years at Valley; faculty, staff, and students. I will always cherish my years at Valley and the many relationships that I have been fortunate to have developed.

Murphree’s impact on women’s wrestling stretches beyond Missouri Valley. He was instrumental in establishing high school girls wrestling in California, and hosted the first NHSF sanctioned tournament in the United States with the Napa Valley Girls Classic. Murphree was inducted into the California Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006. He has played a large role in women’s wrestling being recognized by the NAIA, and guiding the sport to full championship status with the 2022-23 season.

“We would like to thank Carl for his 19 years of service and dedication to Missouri Valley,” said MVC Athletic Director Tom Fifer. “He put forth effort to not only have a successful women’s wrestling program, but also contributed to the success of the entire Missouri Valley campus. Carl has played a major role in building the sport of women’s wrestling at Missouri Valley College, in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and in the NAIA. Congratulations, Carl, on your retirement, and we wish you the best of luck!”

A search for Murphree’s replacement as head coach for the women’s wrestling programs is underway, and an announcement will be made in the coming days.

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The team of Evan Tindle (Freshman, Springfield, Missouri) and Cuauhtemoc Olvera (Freshman, Snyder, Texas) went undefeated in preliminary rounds of Public Forum debate.  They lost a close round in the semifinals to Boise State University. 

Meanwhile in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Camden Phillips (Freshman, Rapid City, South Dakota) and Sha Wilson (Freshman, Snyder, Texas) racked up wins against Central Michigan, Missouri State and Lafayette College.  

“The first tournament coming back from break is always the hardest of the year, but I think our debaters focused hard and got some good wins,” said Debate Coach David Bowers. “Hopefully we can carry that work ethic and competitive spirit into nationals season.”

The MVC Debate and Forensics team will be at it again next weekend competing virtually at the Border Wars Tournament, hosted by Kansas Wesleyan University.

To learn more about the MVC Debate and Forensics team, contact Coach Bowers at bowersd@moval.edu.

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Holt returns to Missouri Valley for his second stint as head coach of women’s volleyball.  From 2012-2017, Holt led the program to an overall record of 149-67, producing three NAIA All-Americans, five AVCA All-Midwest Region selections, 42 all-conference student-athletes, one Heart Player of the Year, three Heart Freshman/Newcomers of the Year and two Heart Defensive Players of the Year.  In 2017, the program finished with a 33-11 overall record, and made the school’s first appearance in the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.  The program produced five-straight seasons of 20 or more wins, from 2013-2017.

“I want to thank Tom Fifer and the administration for giving me the opportunity to come back and lead the Missouri Valley College women’s volleyball program again,” said Holt.  “I knew when I walked around campus and met with the administration and coaches that this was where I needed to be.  I am excited and ready to get back to work.”

In 2019, Holt was on staff at NCAA Division III Otterbein (Ohio), and helped the team to a 26-7 overall record, a runner-up finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference Postseason Tournament, and a round of 32 appearance in the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship.  Holt also spent three seasons, 2012-2014, as head coach of the Missouri Valley men’s volleyball program.  He finished with a 67-28 record with the men’s volleyball program.  From 2017-2021, Holt spent time as coach of the Advancement Academy VBC and Mintonette Sports youth programs in Ohio, qualifying multiple teams for National tournaments.

“We are very excited to have Brett Holt back with our women’s volleyball program,” said Executive Vice President Tom Fifer.  “Brett has proven himself to be a very talented coach that produced a program of student-athletes that succeeded on the court and in the classroom.  We look forward to him returning and leading the program once again.”

Holt will be taking over for Tamika Drake, who was head coach for the women’s volleyball program from 2018-2021.  Drake recently was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Game Day Operations with Missouri Valley, and will also serve as the college’s Diversity and Inclusion Director.

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Winchester, a 2015 individual National champion for the Missouri Valley women’s wrestling team and the reigning World champion at 55kg, opened competition in the 53kg weight class representing the USA with a 7-0 decision victory over Olga Khoroshavtseva from the Russian Olympic Committee in the first round.

In the quarterfinal round, Winchester lost to Pang Qianyu of China in a 6-2 decision.  However, Winchester was pulled into the Repechage bracket as Qianyu advanced to the gold medal match.

In the Repechage first round, Winchester defeated Laura Herin of Cuba in a 5-0 decision to advance to the bronze medal match.  Facing Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus, Winchester lost in a first period fall, and finished with a 2-2 record in the competition.  Mayu Mukaida of Japan defeated Qianyu, 5-4, in the gold medal match.

Two other former Missouri Valley wrestlers joined Winchester in Tokyo as part of the USA wrestling coaching staff.  Clarissa Chun, a former National champion for Missouri Valley and a bronze medalist at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, is an assistant coach for the women’s wrestling team.  Also, Nate Engel, a former All-American for the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling team, is the personal coach for Adeline Gray, who won the silver medal for the USA in the 76kg women’s freestyle wrestling.

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The contest against Culver-Stockton (Mo.) scheduled for Oct. 10 has been postponed due to COVID-19 safety protocols implemented by Culver-Stockton.  This game will be postponed to a later date, which is still to be determined by the Missouri Valley and Culver-Stockton athletic departments.

Also, Missouri Valley and MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) will move their football game from Nov. 7 up to Oct. 10 to fill the open date.  The game will be played in Marshall, Mo., at Volney C. Ashford Stadium/Gregg-Mitchell Field with a 1 p.m., kickoff.

The Missouri Valley football team is still scheduled to play at William Penn (Iowa) Saturday, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.  Live links for Saturday’s game can be found at valleywillroll.com.

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