MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
THE STANDARD
A note from the editor
Welcome back to campus, Bears! We’re so excited to be back in action for all the happenings of second semester.
In this issue, you will find the winners and finalists of the 2025 edition of The Standard’s Best of MSU, as voted on by the Missouri State community. Winners of the gift card drawing can be found on page 14.
In addition to these rankings, you can find a plethora of stories about ongoing Missouri State news and events from page 16 through the end of the issue.
As we move past the halfway point in the school year, it’s important to stay in tune with what is going on around you! Our coverage of campus events and news is a great way to stay informed.
Check us out at newsstands around campus, online at the-standard.org, where you can also sign up for our weekly email newsletter, or on social media @thestandard_msu. Enjoy this issue and best of luck this semester!
Jayden Pettus, Editor-in-Chief
Standard staff
Editors and team leaders
Jayden Pettus editor-in-chief
Ella Conklin campus administration editor
Ava Gorton campus activities editor
Maddux Radosevic sports editor
Alyssa Roney arts and culture editor
Aden Zuccarini Springfield news team leader
Jorja Lageschulte campus admin team leader
Reporters and visual artists
Brooke Benne reporter
Makanaka Bgoni reporter
W. Paul Bohlen sports reporter
Emmy Crawford illustrator
KC Culbertson sports reporter
Elizabeth Dedert sports reporter
Tabitha Easterwood photographer
Robin Garner reporter
Ruby Knight reporter
Hailey Lampley photographer
Hunter Meacheam reporter
Ayricka Pointer reporter
Isabella Reed reporter
Rylie Robinson reporter
Jamie Santner sports reporter
Ellie Sellers reporter
Abby Sommer reporter
Cover design by Jayden Pettus
On the cover:
In this archival photo, a student braves the cold, snowy campus to make their way to class, signifying the return to academia after the break and the beginning of the spring semester. File photo/The Standard
THE
STANDARD
is Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.
Rachel Thomasee reporter
Elizabeth Thompson reporter
Kaylee Vaughan photographer
Copy Editors
Audrey Blancett copy editor
Lucy Chipman copy editor
Dani Cook copy editor
Krista Curtis copy editor
Candice Dalton copy editor
Isabel Gamble copy editor
Madalyn Levine copy editor
Selah Meyers copy editor
Tatiyana Trader copy editor
Layla Ward copy editor
Advertising and business staff
Ellie Mallett advertising designer
McKenna Miller advertising sales assistant
Amalie Foley distribution coordinator
Professional staff
Jack Dimond faculty adviser
The Standard 901 S. National Avenue • Springfield, MO 65897 • 417-836-5272
Standard@MissouriState.edu the-standard.org
FOOD & DRINK
BEST BURGER
Winner: Black Sheep
Finalist: Big Whiskey’s
Finalist: Five Guys
BEST FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
Winner: DoorDash
Finalist: Starship Food Delivery
Finalist: Uber Eats
BEST PLACE TO TAKE PARENTS
Winner: Black Sheep
Finalist: Big Whiskey’s
Finalist: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD
Winner: Subway
Finalist: Bambinos Café
Finalist: Café Cusco
BEST BEER SPECIALS
Winner: Springfield Brewing Company
Finalist: Finnegan’s Wake
Finalist: Mother’s Brewing Company
BEST SANDWICH
Winner: Pickleman’s
Finalist: Chick-fil-A
Finalist: McAlister’s Deli
BEST SUSHI
Winner: Kai After Dark
Finalist: Haruno
Finalist: Omo
BEST DESSERTS
Winner: Andy’s Frozen Custard
Finalist: Hurts Donut Co.
Finalist: Insomnia Cookies
BEST PIZZA
Winner: Domino’s
Finalist: Big Slice
Finalist: PaPPo’s
BEST WINGS
Winner: Wingstop
Finalist: Big Whiskey’s
Finalist: Buffalo Wild Wings
BEST PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT DINNER
Winner: Texas Roadhouse
Finalist: Bambinos Café
Finalist: Big Whiskey’s
BEST BARBECUE
Winner: Black Sheep
Finalist: Rib Crib
Finalist: Whole Hog Café
BEST BAR FOOD
Winner: Big Whiskey’s
Finalist: Bricktown Brewery
Finalist: Springfield Brewing Company
BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD
Winner: Taco Bell
Finalist: Insomnia Cookies
Finalist: Waffle House
PIZZA • SALAD • SANDWICHES • COOKIES • PICKLES
WINNER: BEST SANDWICHES
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Winner: Jose Loco’s
Finalist: Cesar’s Old Mexico
Finalist: Tacos El Champu
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Winner: Bambinos Café
Finalist: Nonna’s Italian Café
Finalist: Olive Garden
BEST SALAD
Winner: Olive Garden
Finalist: McAlister’s Deli
Finalist: Panera Bread
BEST BARGAIN MEAL
Winner: McDonald’s
Finalist: Taco Bell
Finalist: Wendy’s
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
Winner: Potter’s House
Finalist: 7 Brew
Finalist: Mudhouse
BEST RESTAURANT FOR DELIVERY
Winner: Domino’s
Finalist: Insomnia Cookies
Finalist: Pickleman’s
BEST PLACE TO EAT ON CAMPUS
Winner: Chick-fil-A
Finalist: Einstein Bros. Bagels
Finalist: Panda Express
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Winner: Sonic
Finalist: Big Whiskey’s
Finalist: Mudlounge
BEST FAST FOOD
Winner: Chick-fil-A
Finalist: Culver’s
Finalist: Raising Cane’s
BEST ASIAN FOOD
Winner: Panda Express
Finalist: Corner 21
Finalist: Kai After Dark
BEST FROZEN TREAT
Winner: Andy’s Frozen Custard
Finalist: Braum’s
Finalist: Orange Leaf
BEST SPRINGFIELD-AREA RESTAURANT
Winner: Black Sheep
Finalist: Greek Belly
Finalist: Lambert’s Café
SERVICES
BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE
Winner: Pink + White Nail Studio
Finalist: Aqua Nails
Finalist: Lucky Nails
BEST BODY PIERCING
Winner: Kaleidoscope
Finalist: Body Piercing by Qui Qui
Finalist: Next Gen. Tattoo & Body Piercing
BEST TATTOOS
Winner: Kaleidoscope
Finalist: Next Gen. Tattoo & Body Piercing
Finalist: Tattoo Coven
BEST BARBER SHOP
Winner: Hudson/Hawk
Finalist: Great Clips
Finalist: Route 66 Barber Shop
BEST HAIR SALON
Winner: Studio 417 Salon
Finalist: Honey & Hive Salon
Finalist: Luxe Salon
BEST TANNING SALON
Winner: Sun Tan City
Finalist: Palm Beach Tan
Finalist: So Tan
BEST SPA SERVICES
Winner: 417 Beauty By Sam
Finalist: Acacia Spa
Finalist: Grove Spa
BEST WIRELESS SERVICE
Winner: AT&T
Finalist: T-Mobile
Finalist: Verizon
BEST PHONE REPAIR
Winner: Best Buy
Finalist: 417 iPhone Repair
Finalist: AT&T Store
BEST STORAGE FACILITY
Winner: A-1 Self Storage
Finalist: Sixty 5 Self Storage
Finalist: Storage Climate Controlled
EKKLESIA
Where Faith and Justice Meet
RETAIL
BEST THRIFT/RESALE STORE
Winner: Red Racks
Finalist: Goodwill
Finalist: Uptown Cheapskate
BEST FLEA MARKET OR ANTIQUE MALL
Winner: Relics
Finalist: Ozark Treasures
Finalist: STD Flea Market
BEST USED FURNITURE STORE
Winner: Red Racks
Finalist: Goodwill
Finalist: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
BEST ECLECTIC STORE
Winner: Earthbound Trading Co.
Finalist: Relics
Finalist: Vintage Stock
BEST SPORTS/OUTDOOR GEAR
Winner: Bass Pro Shops
Finalist: Academy Sports + Outdoors
Finalist: Lululemon
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Winner: T.J. Maxx
Finalist: Altar’d State
Finalist: Old Navy
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Winner: Bass Pro Shops
Finalist: American Eagle
Finalist: Old Navy
BEST SHOPPING CENTER
Winner: Battlefield Mall
Finalist: Primrose Marketplace
Finalist: Tanger Outlets
BEST CONVENIENCE STORE
Winner: Maverick
Finalist: Bear Necessities
Finalist: Casey’s
BEST GROCERY STORE
Winner: Aldi
Finalist: Hy-Vee
Finalist: Walmart
ENTERTAINMENT
BEST GAMING SPOT
Winner: 1984
Finalist: Contender Esports
Finalist: Meta Games Unlimited
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Winner: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Finalist: AMC Springfield 11
Finalist: College Station Theaters
BEST DANCE CLUB
Winner: Club Rodeo
Finalist: Inner Circle Vodka Bar
Finalist: Martha’s Vineyard
BEST CONCERT VENUE
Winner: Great Southern Bank Arena
Finalist: Gillioz Theatre
Finalist: Juanita K. Hammons Hall
BEST PLACE TO HEAR LOCAL BANDS
Winner: Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Finalist: Classic Rock Café
Finalist: Finnegan’s Wake
BEST PLACE TO HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS
Winner: Potter’s House
Finalist: Mudlounge
Finalist: Nathanael Greene Park
BEST SPRINGFIELD-AREA ATTRACTION
Winner: Silver Dollar City
Finalist: Bass Pro Shops
Finalist: Wonders of Wildlife
CAMPUS LIFE
BEST PLACE TO STUDY ON CAMPUS
Winner: Meyer Library
Finalist: Glass Hall
Finalist: Plaster Student Union
BEST ON-CAMPUS SERVICE
Winner: Meyer Library
Finalist: Bear CLAW
Finalist: Bear Line
BEST PLACE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE ORG.
Winner: Harmony House
Finalist: Convoy of Hope
Finalist: Paws to the Polls
BEST CAMPUS OR STUDENT MINISTRY
Winner: Walmart
Finalist: Amazon
Finalist: MSU Bookstore
BEST PLACE FOR MSU APPAREL
Winner: MSU Bookstore
Finalist: Rally House
Finalist: Target
BEST PLACE TO SELL TEXTBOOKS
Winner: MSU Bookstore
Finalist: Amazon
Finalist: Facebook Marketplace
BEST PLACE TO BUY TEXTBOOKS
Winner: MSU Bookstore
Finalist: Amazon
Finalist: Facebook Marketplace
BEST PLACE TO RENT TEXTBOOKS
Winner: MSU Bookstore
Finalist: Amazon
Winner: Ekklesia
Finalist: Christian Campus House
Finalist: Hill City Salt Co.
BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION
Winner: Pride Band
Finalist: MO State LEAD
Finalist: Student Activities Council
HOUSING
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Winner: Bryan Properties
Finalist: Beacon Springfield
Finalist: Chegg
BEST SORORITY
Winner: Alpha Chi Omega
Finalist: Alpha Sigma Alpha
Finalist: Sigma Sigma Sigma
BEST FRATERNITY
Winner: Lambda Chi Alpha
Finalist: Kappa Sigma
Finalist: Theta Chi
Finalist: TLC Properties
BEST ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AMENITIES
Winner: Blair-Shannon House
Finalist: Heitz House
Finalist: Monroe Apartments
BEST AMENITIES,OFF-CAMPUS COMPLEX
Winner: Bear Village
Finalist: Kensington Park Apartments
Finalist: The 505
BEST OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING COMPLEX
Winner: Bear Village
Finalist: Kensington Park Apartments
Finalist: The 505
BEST MSU RESIDENCE HALL
Winner: Blair-Shannon House
Finalist: Freudenberger House
Finalist: Heitz House
BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING COMPLEX
Winner: Bear Village
Finalist: Kensington Park
Finalist: The Villages at Nathanael Greene
SPORTS & REC
BEST UNIVERSITY SPORTS TEAM
Winner: Football
Finalist: Volleyball
Finalist: Women’s Basketball
BEST CLUB SPORTS TEAM
Winner: Ice Hockey
Finalist: Equestrian team
Finalist: Handball
BEST INTRAMURAL SPORT
Winner: Sand Volleyball
Finalist: Soccer
Finalist: Volleyball
BEST PARK
Winner: Nathanael Greene Park
Finalist: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Finalist: Phelps Grove Park
BEST BIKE TRAIL
Winner: Frisco Highline Trail
Finalist: Lone Pine Trails
Finalist: South Creek Greenway
BEST BIKE SHOP
Winner: Sunshine Bike Shop
Finalist: A&B Cycle
Finalist: Reds BMX
BEST SPORTS VENUE
Winner: Great Southern Bank Arena
Finalist: Hammons Field
Finalist: Plaster Stadium
BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT
Winner: Foster Recreation Center
Finalist: Nathanael Greene Park
Finalist: Planet Fitness
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Winner: Rivercut Golf Course
Finalist: Betty Allison Course/Oscar Blom
Finalist: Deer Lake Golf Course
BEST MINI GOLF COURSE
Winner: Fun Acre
Finalist: Big Shots Golf
Finalist: Getaway Golf
The Wellness Society begins Missouri State chapter
LILLIAN JACKSON Guest Writer
A new student organization centered on community, balance and well-being will make its debut at Missouri State University this spring.
The Wellness Society, a national group that focuses on social connection and holistic wellness, is preparing to launch its MSU chapter with events designed to help students navigate stress, build friendships and prioritize students’ mental and emotional health.
National Background and Growth
According to the organization’s website, the Wellness Society began as an idea between two college students who wanted to reshape the college experience into one that supported balance, self-care and authentic friendship. The founders later developed an events-based wellness community that expanded to campuses across the country and now includes MSU.
Purpose of the MSU Chapter
Chapter secretary Corrine Schomaker, an MSU senior, said she hopes the group becomes a welcoming community for students on campus.
“I want students to feel included and supported,” she said, adding that the chapter’s goal is to help members feel like their best selves while building meaningful relationships.
Social media manager Erin Groth, also a
senior, explained that visibility and encouragement are central to her approach as the chapter begins.
“My main goal is simply to get the word out and build people up,” she said.
Outreach and Engagement
Organizers plan to expand recruitment throughout the spring semester with a focus on approachable involvement rather than pressure to participate. Schomaker noted that the organization has already held small introductory events and looks forward to increasing activity as the chapter settles in.
Groth shared that social media has helped introduce the group to students across campus and will continue to guide promotional efforts. She said the chapter expects to host more events and connect with students through campus fairs and tabling in the Plaster Student Union.
Schomaker believes the chapter will attract students looking for encouragement and momentum in their wellness goals.
Groth added that the organization hopes to broaden how students define wellness. She explained that members will be supported in several areas, including stress relief, physical health and mental wellness.
Organizers said they hope the chapter becomes not only a place to gather, but a community where students feel comfortable prioritizing their well-being, connecting with others and finding balance in daily life.
With over 70 chapters across the country, The Wellness Society aims to foster a “culture that prioritizes health, wellness and bal-
Under House Bill 567, which was signed in July of last year, public and private employers must pay employees $15 per hour.
Student employees to receive minimum wage under new Missouri law
ISABELLA REED Reporter Qimr_306
For the first time in years, Missouri State University student workers began receiving 100% of minimum wage on January 1st, 2026.
Previously, Missouri State’s status as a “public employer” required that students be paid only 85% of the minimum wage – a requirement that changed when Governor Kehoe signed House Bill 567.
House Bill 567, signed on July 10th, 2025, both set the minimum wage to $15 per hour and “(extended) the wage requirement to public employers as well as private”, beginning January 1st, 2026, according
to the Governor’s website.
It is unclear how the new wage requirement will affect the student workers at Missouri State University. Some departments could be faced with difficult decisions as they attempt to stretch their budgets to accommodate the new wage.
“Essentially, what will happen is students’ wages will go up, but departments’ budgets won’t change. Some students could have their hours reduced, some students could be let go,” said Missouri State Faculty Senate Chair Mike Foster.
Some students have mixed opinions about the wage change. Senior Psychology student and Missouri State Tix employee Chance Barber said
he has some worries about the decision.
“While having an increase in pay is helpful to (student employees), leaving individual departments to pay out that wage increase from their own budget could certainly limit the number of student workers a department is able to take on at any one time,” he said. “Like anything, I think it’s important to be aware of how changes, positive or negative, impact all groups and individuals involved.”
For more information regarding hours affected by the new minimum wage, contact your department’s management.
Photo by Isabella Reed, Qimr_306
Brick City parking shortage persists through spring semester
ALYSSA RONEY
Arts and Culture Editor
Qalyssa.roney
Brick City students can expect another semester with Lot 47 closed due to construction from the Renew Jordan Creek project.
The lot, which replaced a former parking lot south of Brick City, was closed during the fall semester. Its most substantial replacement is Lot 56, approximately four blocks away from Brick City, as well as the smaller Lot 58.
Mitzi Kirkland-Ives, interim department head of arts and design, said that the lot south of Brick City is in the process of being converted into a park stretching from Boonville Ave-
nue to Main Street, something she said will be “rather pleasant.” This is part of the “Sustainable Greenspaces Integration” initiative of the Renew Jordan Creek Project, which seeks to daylight Jordan Creek to mitigate flooding. City officials anticipate its completion later in 2026.
Kirkland-Ives said that despite some traffic changes, particularly with Campbell Avenue’s reopening and Boonville Avenue’s closing, Brick City classes have been unaffected.
As previously reported by The Standard, Jordan Creek flowed through downtown Springfield until the 1930s, when it was covered due to excessive pollution. Renew Jordan Creek aims to be “conscious of existing water quality issues” in its at-
tempts to mitigate flooding, according to the website.
Kirkland-Ives said that university administration was notified of this change by the City of Springfield. Despite the parking and traffic changes, she calls the flood mitigation aspect of the project “welcome.”
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. John Matthews, parking director, said it can be kind of frustrating.
Transportation Manager John Matthews echoes this sentiment.
“When it’s all done, we’ll be in a better place,” he said. With time, he said that Brick City students can expect a “larger, better lot, though it’s going to be painful getting there.”
Brick City has been in the crosshairs of student frustration due to the lack of parking from the ongoing Renew Jordan Creek project’s construction.
LOGOS undergraduate journal celebrates 18 years of publishing
JORJA
LAGESCHULTE Campus Admin Team Leader Qjorjalageschulte
A journal for undergraduate research celebrated its 18th birthday on Friday, Jan. 16th after publishing its eighteenth edition.
Since 2007, the Honors College has sponsored the editing and printing process. This new edition has everything a bookworm could enjoy from research articles and poetry to short stories and comics. 250 copies were printed for this year and anyone can pick one up for free at the Honors College office in Meyer Library.
Harmony Rose Vodicka started out as a peer-reviewer for LOGOS as a freshman, since then she has worked as associate editor, a chief editor, copy editor and is currently the managing editor of LOGOS.
“In Missouri, there’s actually only two other undergraduate journals,” said Vodicka. “We are the only undergraduate research journal that’s run completely by students.”
Although LOGOS is a research journal, its contents are not limited to typical research papers, as Vodicka noted.
“We want to make it our mission to kind of broaden everyone’s vision of what research is,” she said. “When you’re in college, no matter what you’re doing, you’re researching.”
Whether undergraduate students are studying conservation, art, history, political science, computer science or any other field, they can submit their work to LOGOS.
There are a few challenges through the process of getting LOGOS ready for printing. The process includes obtaining and reviewing submissions, contacting authors that graduated and now use different emails and getting permission from authors to use their work.
“The initial stages, that’s the most difficult part, is kind of communicating with the authors,” said Vodicka. “As soon as we can get in contact with them (though), they love to interact with us throughout the process.”
As managing editor, Vodicka oversees the process of preparing LOGOS and she designed the cover art by scanning and editing a handmade collage. For the future, the goal of LOGOS is to receive more submissions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they usually received 100-120 submissions per volume. Since then, submissions have been around 50-60. Any undergraduate work that was submitted for a grade at Missouri State University can be submitted to LOGOS, and it can be submitted multiple times if it is not accepted at first.
Even if you are a graduate at the time of submission, as long as the work was done for an undergraduate course, it is eligible. The only kind of work that won’t be accepted for submission is mimicry work.
Vodicka stated that LOGOS wants “every part of the piece to be original.” Although only Honors college students can be a part of the peer-review team and work for LOGOS, any undergraduate student can submit work.
Photo by Jayden Pettus, Qjpettus_media
Photo by Jorja Lageschulte, Qjorjalageschulte LOGOS welcomes any undergraduate student to submit work for future editions.
Infographic by Ruby Knight, Qrubyrknight
Mo State, no AI policy
Compared to direct competitors, university falls behind
RUBY KNIGHT Reporter
Qrubyrknight
Over three years after popular large language model ChatGPT became open to the public, Missouri State University is still without any sort of artificial intelligence policy.
Amid ongoing concern from faculty, students, and staff alike, pertinent policies have not been updated to govern AI use. One could even say there is no AI policy. The only official language on the matter has come in the form of three standard syllabus statements to convey course-level expectations. The Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, updated in 2023, contain no mention of artificial intelligence. The university’s Acceptable Use Policy, despite its last presidential approval being in late October 2025, does not touch the subject.
While many thought the craze would subside, interest in artificial intelligence has not gone away. In fact, it has only increased. Various sources report that a hefty portion of U.S. economic growth as of late has been due to AI-related capital expenditures, leading many to voice concerns of an economic bubble (J.P. Morgan, Investopedia, The Wall Street Journal).
No matter its economics, or ethics for that matter, the tool has become a staple for students. According to a survey by MSU’s Student Government Association, 83% of students say AI helps them learn, and 25% say they are required to use it for their classes. The survey was mas-
sively popular, shattering the organization’s previous respondent records.
Additionally, other similar institutions across the state—Mo State’s direct competitors—have managed to produce AI policies. Out of Missouri’s eleven public four-year universities, six have AI policies or guidelines or have updated their academic integrity policies to include AI use. The majority have also developed student-specific resources regarding best practices when using the technology.
MSU is not included in any of these figures. In fact, while being one of the few institutions to provide faculty-specific resources and syllabus statements, MSU does not stack up very well at all against its peers. The Standard performed an analysis of Missouri’s public fouryears based on eight criteria signaling adaptation to artificial intelligence. The University of Missouri system and Missouri University of Science & Technology met all eight of these criteria. Missouri State met three.
In conclusion, the facts say Missouri State needs to do better. In typical higher education fashion, the university is once again showcasing a resistance to change that permeates its decision-making processes. Serious concerns are being expressed about academic integrity, and only small bureaucratic actions are being taken. An ample precedent has been set by peer institutions. If Mo State is truly the forward-thinking entity it claims to be, an artificial intelligence policy would be a logical next step in its progress.
Photo by W. Paul Bohlen, Qanthro_paul_ogist
Senior forward Michael Osei-Bonsu has been a consistent force in the Bears’ lineup this year, currently averaging 13.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.
Basketball Bears catch fire in conference play following rocky start
KC CULBERTSON Sports Reporter
The future of Missouri State University’s men’s basketball team was not looking good.
In the 2024-2025 season, the Bears finished with a disastrous 9-23 record and just two wins in conference play. Then, the Bears set sail into a new conference, loaded with skillful opponents. Finally, the Bears had to fill in around half the team with new players.
As a result Missouri State was picked to finish last in conference and many thought the Bears would finish with a sub .500 record.
With the start of the season, the Bears started off well with a victory against Missouri Southern State, which they proceeded with a 106-point effort against Northwestern Oklahoma State.
The Bears then had their first loss of the season in a heartbreaking 86-85 loss to Arkansas State.
For the rest of the non-conference games
the Bears oscillated between wins and losses, bringing their record to 6-5. Some notable games included a 28-point, nine-rebound and five-assist game from Keith Palek III against UT Rio Grande Valley and a loss to Xavier where the Bears trailed 28-31 against the Musketeers going into the second period and proceeded to fall apart to lose 57-75.
For context, at this point in the season last year, Missouri state was 7-5 and had a single conference loss, so the fears of repeating last season were not an outlandish idea for many fans.
But, the Bears must have had a change of thought or maybe went on a new diet because, when the boys in maroon entered into conference play, they made a statement similar to Little Caesars: they are hot, and they are ready. Already on a two-game winning streak, the Bears won against fellow conference newcomer Delaware 61-43. It was the first game in the new conference, and the Bears already had a win.
But, that was just Delaware. They were projected to finish second to last, right in front of Missouri State, so, to some, it may not have seemed that impressive.
Fair.
But, in the next game the Bears beat UTEP by 24 and dropped 89 points in a victory against New Mexico State. Kobi Williams had 32 points, the most a Bear has scored all season, and went 7-9 from downtown against the Aggies. Additionally, Trey Williams Jr. earned the Conference USA Freshman of the Week award.
If you don’t understand how impressive this is, the Aggies were projected to finish third in conference play this year, and the Bears had their third highest scoring game against a Division I opponent against them for the year.
But, good things can’t last forever, as Kennesaw State snapped Missouri State’s five-game winning streak in a 90-80 loss. But, to be fair, Missouri State has seen worse.
The biggest problem was somewhat similar to the Xavier game when the Bears were keeping it close but broke down in the second. It was especially apparent when the Bears did not put up a single bucket in a more than five-minute stretch and had the Owls gain a 20-point lead, effectively spelling out the end right there. However, Kennesaw State was 11-6 and was projected to finish second in Conference USA, so the Bears should get at least a little slack.
After that, the Bears broke even with a 7971 win against Florida International and an 87-72 loss against Western Kentucky. On a bright note about that loss though, Kobi Williams scored his 1,000th career point.
Factors of success
1. Being average Joe’s Missouri State scores around 75 points per game, and the average scoring total per game for the Bears last year was 68. This means they have been far more efficient offensively this season.
2. Keith Palek III
Palek III has been pivotal for the Bears offense. He has the most points, rebounds and assists on the team by a wide margin. Palek averages around 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists a game.
3. Michael “Big Mike” Osei-Bonsu
Fan favorite “Big Mike” is the big man and backbone of the Bears. He is a defensive powerhouse that leads the team in steals and is critical for setting up offensive plays. Without him, the Bears would be losing their whole offensive operation.
Factors to beware of
1. Reliance of Michael Osei-Bonsu
As stated before,“Big Mike” is the backbone of Missouri State’s offense. Coach Cuonzo Martin plays a very 2010’s style offense that relies on “Big Mike” setting up the offense to score. But, when teams are able to lock him up, the offence just falls flat.
2. Second half slips
In many losses, mainly against tougher opponents, Missouri State is able to keep it a close game for only half the contest. UT Arlington, Tulsa, Kennesaw State and Western Kentucky were all very close and tight at that second period mark, and it just slipped out from the Bears. Not to mention Arkansas State, against whom the Bears had the lead for about 85% of the game and lost it in the last 15%.
That being said, the Bears have been phenomenal this season. Everything was against them, and, yet, they surpassed expectations and then some. Already, they have surpassed last season (low bar, but still), and time will tell how well this team can keep this pace and tell how they can improve.
After spending two years at Virginia under former Lady Bears’ head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, Pauley joined the Lady Bears last season.
Lady Bears’ Cady Pauley sees expanded role in second year with team
Remaining Men’s schedule
From the moment the ball leaves Cady Pauley’s hands, a sense of confidence seems to wash over the court. Whether it’s a quick catchand-shoot jumper or a controlled layup, Pauley’s shot reflects years of repetition, patience and belief. For Missouri State University, the 5-foot-11 senior is a crucial factor for the Lady Bears roster.
Pauley’s journey was anything but a straight path. A native to Milan, Missouri, a small town where basketball is more than just the sport; it’s a lifestyle. By the time she graduated from high school, Pauley had scored 3,074 career points, a total that put her on the radar of major college programs. These totals ranked the Milan, Missouri native eighth on the state’s all-
time girl’s scoring list, averaging 33 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
The beginning of Pauley’s career started far from Missouri State at the University of Virginia for former Lady Bears head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. Stepping into a Power Four program required Pauley to adjust quickly and earn minutes through consistency. Over two seasons with the Cavaliers, she appeared in 44 games, averaging just over three points per game in her freshman and sophomore seasons combined.
In April 2024, Pauley transferred to Missouri State, a program that recruited her heavily out of high school. For context, Pauley originally was committed to Missouri State, but once previous head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton left for Virgina, this heavily swayed her decision. This move placed Pauley back in familiar territory, allowing her to show-
Photo by Kaylee Vaughan, Qphotoby.kay
case her skill set, aligned with the team’s needs. Lady Bears head coach Beth Cunningham praised Pauley following her transfer announcement.
“We are excited to have Cady join our Lady Bear family. Cady is a proven scorer and a pure shooter with the ability to stretch a defense. Her love for the game, competitive nature, high IQ and ability to score and facilitate will translate in our system.”
Standing at 5-foot-11, Pauley brings her size and versatility to the guard position. She stretches defenses with her perimeter shooting while also contributing on the boards and on the defensive end.
During the current 2025-26 season, Pauley has averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Pauley really showed who she is back against Coppin State, against whom she put up an impressive 23 points, the highest tally of her career.
Pauley’s shooting ability has been one of her most impactful assets. Pauley’s season includes 16 made three-point shots and a 34% field-goal percentage. Numbers like those illustrate her role as a spacing guard, someone defenses must account for beyond the arc with her range, opening lanes for her teammates and keeping the spark alive on the offense. Even in games where scoring is shared across the roster, Pauley’s contributions remain visible for the Lady Bears. In a win over South-
ern Illinois last season, Pauley recorded ten points, five rebounds and three assists. Her skills have demonstrated her capability to impact multiple facets of each game throughout both seasons she has played for the Lady Bears. Pauley has versatility, and this allows her to adapt more than others on the court whether this means scoring, defending or facilitating for this team.
Off the court and beyond the numbers, Pauley’s value lies in her consistency, bringing a calm presence to the floor while also giving important leadership to the freshmen who are new to this program.
In a segment on “Inside the Den” on MoState Update on Dec. 15, Cady Pauley spoke about her prep and leadership she brings to this roster,
“I knew I needed to step into a bigger leadership role, and that’s what I did,” she said. “I think that comes with experience, you know? It’s a new system. This summer, I got to teach the baby freshmen the offense.”
Her understanding of spacing and timing goes to reflect both her experience and basketball IQ, which are important qualities in close contests and late-game situations, which have occurred throughout this season.
Pauley’s return to Missouri carries more significance beyond just her individual performance. Joining the group of players who are home state athletes playing for the Missouri State’s program, she represents the connection
Remaining Lady Bears’ schedule
Jan. 22
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Jan. 29
Jan. 31
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Feb. 7
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March 5
March 7
between the team and its fan base. Her spark on the court energizes the atmosphere and helps bring even more light to the Lady Bears.
This season, the Lady Bears have relied on balance rather than just one dominant scorer, and Pauley fits into this identity seamlessly. Pauley contributes without the need of consistent attention. She just gets the job done. Each possession, whether it results in baskets made or a stop on defense, adds to her growth and
influence within the program.
As the season ramps up gaining on conference play, make sure you keep an eye out for Pauley. Her journey from high school standout to dominant on the court star is one that will blow you out of the water. For the Lady Bears, Pauley’s presence represents stability, versatility and the confidence from a player who knows exactly where she belongs.
Football Bears set third-highest attendance total in team history
JAMIE SANTNER Sports Reporter Qjamiesantner
The Missouri State University Bears football regular season ended Saturday, Nov. 29 with a 42-30 loss against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Despite the fall, the team finished with a 7-5 overall mark in regular season play and a 5-3 conference record, blowing away expectations set by many people across the country. The Bears also participated in the inaugural Xbox Bowl, the first bowl game in program history.
With the monumental move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in mind, the team’s success has also led to a massive rise in attendance this season, especially as the team tallied up wins throughout conference play.
The Missouri State University athletic department announced that the total season attendance for football this year at Robert W. Plaster Stadium was 69,279, the third-high-
est total in program history.
Athletic director Patrick Ransdell was excited about the news, especially given that this was both MO State’s first year in the FBS and in Conference USA.
“We thought that we could make some moves in attendance and get our numbers up,” said Ransdell. “We also put a lot of effort into some new things, such as game marketing and some things that we felt like were gonna help move the needle, and a lot of that did happen.”
He talked about how much the team’s success also contributed to attendance along with some nice weather throughout four of the six home games this year, especially on the Nov. 15 game against the UTEP Miners when it was a pleasant 75 degrees.
Ransdell also discussed past attendance, noting that when comparing Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) play to the FBS, “people tend to pay attention to FBS football
more.”
“There’s a huge difference when comparing the two,” Ransdell stated. “It doesn’t mean that there’s bad football played at the FCS level, but the level of attention and the level of brand recognition at the FBS level is different.”
The Bears played on national television six times this season, with the last such occurrence taking place on ESPN 2 for the Xbox Bowl.
Ransdell mentioned that having people hear about Missouri State more often, especially people in Springfield, Missouri, “reiterates the fact that, ‘Hey, something is coming up.’ People are talking about it, and it creates a buzz about it that has helped translate into better attendance.”
He believes this season was the first step toward “having some consistency over the years” and that it can help with recruiting and generate revenue for the athletic department.
After that, Ransdell was asked
The Bears racked up an attendance of 69,279 across six games at Plaster Stadium during the 2025 season.
about the one thing that helped drive public interest in attending MSU football games, and he said it was joining CUSA.
“That was a big talking point throughout the spring and summer,
and I think there was a lot of anticipation and buildup to that,” said Ransdell.
He then discussed how Missouri State was fortunate to have SMU play here at the start of the season, espe-
Photo by Matthew Huff, Qhuff.photography
cially since the team was coming off an ACC Championship appearance and a spot in the College Football Playoff . What was also mentioned was the return of some players from last year’s team, most notably senior quarterback Jacob Clark.
“You not only got a senior leader at quarterback coming back, but you also get a pretty good and experienced roster that had some success last year at the FCS level,” Ransdell said. “All of those things combined were some good factors that went into increased attendance.”
Prior to the bowl game, Ransdell said that, regardless of the result, the game could potentially “propel” the department into the new sales cycle “translate in the stadium and on the balance sheet next year.”
He then said that the department has already started selling season tickets for next year. Ransdell mentioned that he wanted to “strike the iron while it’s hot.”
“We’re not going to slow down this offseason,” says Ransdell. “That gives us nine months to sell and push season tickets to fans and get that place filled up even more than it was this year.”
Ransdell also said his goal for the next year is to get around the 80,000-100,000 mark in attendance, and to “not be reliant on walk-up sales, but to get sales started on the front end of the offseason.”
He ended the conversation by saying that the athletic department is “always brainstorming on what [it] can do and how [they] can change things to make it the best experience for our fans as possible.”
“When people come to a game, I want them to be able to leave and say, ‘Man, that was fun. I want to go back,’” Ransdell stated. “We will always be looking to tweak things and enhance our experience, so that the city of Springfield thinks that this is the best family entertainment value in town.”
The president of Bearpawcalypse, Brenden Duff, also shared Ransdell’s enthusiasm, specifically on the student side, as student attendance has been a big issue at the university for many years.
“It means that students are taking notice just overall, on just kind of the college athletic scheme in general,” said Duff. “We saw that with FCS attendance, as people weren’t as energized about the opponents that we were playing, and the lack of media coverage on Missouri State throughout the nation also had an impact on people’s understanding and interest in going to games across the board.”
He later said that the move to CUSA, and, with it, playing in bigger games and getting more national attention, helps students gain “more of a basic understanding of what the team is and what they could actually mean to the university.”
Duff later mentioned how it can spark school pride in students, whether that’s seeing the team on social media or seeing games played on ESPN in primetime.
The team’s highest attendance came on Sept. 13 against SMU. An announced 15,027 fans showed up for the Bears’ home opener.
“That type of stuff makes you feel more connected and engaged on a personal level with the team,” Duff stated.
He believes all that plays a significant role in increasing attendance at games and that attendance will continue to grow as the team plays better opponents and gains more success in the league over the years.
Bearpawcalypse is the official student section of Missouri State athletics, and many believe the group was the main factor in students attending games this season.
While Duff believed it helped a bit with that, he didn’t give the organization full credit, but he still listed ways they helped drive student interest.
“For football, I don’t want students to believe that Bearpawcalypse is the main attraction for them going to games,” said Duff. “But, I want to think of us as kind of the thing that adds that extra little push to get students over the line of thinking.”
Duff then went into detail about how they captured students’ attention, capitalizing on the momentum of joining the new conference by engaging with the student body through social media, informing students when and where games are being played, where to sit and where to hang out during tailgates.
“We’ve seen survey results in the past that
students just didn’t know that games were going on,” stated Duff. “I think that if we can give them no excuse to see it, they might as well at least try it a little bit.”
He mentioned that football is a little more complicated to get students into the student section itself. Because of the way the stands are structured, people may wanna sit in different parts of the stadium with their friends or leave early, but Duff emphasized that it’s still important to connect with the student body.
Bearpawcalypse also organizes various events to help students get more involved with the organization, such as poster/banner-making.
“We want to be seen as a new, fun, engaging and innovative student section,” Duff stated. “We wanna show both fans and opponents that we support our athletics at this school, and we do great care and research to make sure that Plaster Stadium is a tough environment to play at as a mid-major school.”
Duff then gave a shoutout to the athletic department, saying that, without their contributions, “we wouldn’t be who we are or where we are right now.”
“Ever since our creation, they backed us 110%,” Duff said. “We have done so much this year with them, from helping out with giveaways to having them help us out and listen to any ideas, issues and frustrations that some
students may have that could help make the game day experience better, such as how to get students from the tailgate to go directly to the game more simply and efficiently.”
Duff ended the conversation by discussing how much the culture has shifted at MSU, the attendance rate and the future goals for Bearpawcalypse in the coming years.
“I have been here for four years, and I’ve seen the attendance go from literally nothing to now the third-highest attendance of all-time for Missouri State in just the span of four years,” said Duff.
He added that national media attention helps incoming college students decide to come to Missouri State and builds momentum toward one day selling out the stadium.
Duff also mentioned that this year has been valuable to Bearpawcalypse, as it has shifted upperclassmen’s thoughts about the team.
The goal for Bearpawcalypse in the next few years, according to Duff, is to keep engaging with the student body.
“All we want to do is to create a really fun environment and make this school something to be proud of,” said Duff. “When you graduate, you want to not only be proud of an academic degree but also be proud of the school you went to and what it means and what was accomplished during your time here.”
Photo by Kaylee Vaughan, Qphotoby.kay
Family man Casey Woods brings new culture to MO State
MADDUX RADOSEVIC Sports Editor
DRadosevicMaddux Family and football.
For new Missouri State University head football coach Casey Woods, these two words don’t just relate to one another; they are intertwined.
As the son of long-time coach Sparky Woods, Casey followed in his father’s footsteps with his career choice as a leader on the sidelines of the gridiron. Now, the 42-year-old brings his wife, Lauren, and his five children (Waverly, Sawyer, Adaline, Amelia and Savannah) to Springfield, Missouri, to unite his family to the Bears’ football family.
Before his rise through the coaching ranks, Casey made his presence felt on the field as a wide receiver at the University of Tennessee, where he stayed from 2003 through 2007. Woods then transformed his playing career and connections with the Volunteers into a graduate assistant position at the big-time Southeastern Conference school. It was here where he got his first experience coaching.
But, truthfully, his coaching training began long before that stop.
Before Casey was even born, his father laid the foundation for a consistent collegiate coaching tradition in the Woods family. Sparky Woods parlayed a job as the offensive coordinator at Appalachian State University into a head coaching position at that same school. At the time, Casey (born May 15, 1983) was just a little tyke.
As Casey grew up, his father bounced around to work with a number of different teams, including a head coaching job at the University of South Carolina and a one-year stint as an offensive assistant with the New York Jets in 1994. Needless to say, during his childhood, Casey spent a lot of time around an experienced coach in his father.
Athletic director Patrick Ransdell highlighted the importance of this point.
“When you’re around it for your entire life, that matters,” Ransdell said at the introductory news conference at Great Southern Bank Arena on Monday, Jan. 5.
When Woods went to Tennessee, his father served as the running backs coach at the University of Alabama for the Crimson Tide from 20032006. It was during this time that Casey observed what he now calls the most admirable quality his dad had that he strives to implement into his own coaching style: “his love of the players.”
When one of Sparky’s pupil running backs got a concussion while Casey was home visiting his family during Tennessee’s bye week, Sparky invited the injured Crimson Tide ballcarrier to stay at the Woods’ house. In the moment, Casey did not seem to appreciate this gesture from his dad.
“At the time, I was kinda like, ‘Hey, this is my one weekend home, dad,’” Casey said.
But, as time passed by, he understood.
“That kid was 800 miles from home. Had nobody to be there with him,” he said.
Moments like this one revealed to Woods how much his father cared for his players.
“He treated them like family,” he said.
Now, it should not be a surprise that Woods wants to treat his players like family.
“Casey’s gonna run a program that’s centered around family,” Ransdell said at Woods’ introductory news conference.
Family wasn’t the only thing that made Woods an attractive option for Ransdell, though. In his speech to everyone present at “The Vault” on Jan. 5, Ransdell listed out five intangibles that made him want to pay the big bucks for Woods.
Those five qualities include someone who is a winner, has an identity, recruits at the highest level, really wants the job and fits Springfield. In Ransdell’s mind, Woods checks all these boxes.
“There has never been a better time to get behind this program to make sure that we put ourselves in a position to put Missouri State at the forefront of the national landscape of higher education,” Ransdell said.
President Dr. Richard “Biff” Wil-
Now, Woods looks to replicate the environment from the SMU game every time the Bears get the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd.
“It’s gotta be that every Saturday,” he said.
“We’re big dreamers because I think big dreams honor God,” he said. Just as Ransdell alluded to earlier, Woods also seeks to honor his family.
liams also recognized the importance of the occasion.
“Today is more than just introducing a new football coach. This hire is significant not only for our football program but for our entire university,” Williams said.
It is not difficult to see why.
Before landing his first head coaching position, Woods served as the offensive quality control coach at Auburn from 2009-2011; the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Arkansas State in 2012; the director of player personnel at Auburn from 2013-2015; the tight ends coach, running game coordinator and recruiting coordinator at UAB from 20172019; the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Missouri from 20202021; and, most recently, the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at SMU from 2022-2025.
During that time, Woods worked with prominent head coaches Eliah Drinkwitz and Rhett Lashlee as well as offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. He also won five conference titles across four different conferences, including Conference USA, and appeared in two national title games with one being the 2010 BCS championship that he won while he was at Auburn.
So, how did Woods come upon Missouri State?
It all began with his first visit to the school on Sept. 13 of last year for the Bears’ home opener against Woods and the SMU Mustangs. The two teams played the contest in front of a roaring crowd of 15,027 fans –the largest attendance at Robert W. Plaster Stadium since Sept. 13, 2015.
Woods took notice.
“That was my first impression of this place, and I was dazzled,” he said.
Months after the 28-10 Mustangs victory over the Bears, Woods explained that the atmosphere of that day positively impacted his decision to pick up the phone when Missouri State came calling for him in December.
“It was an impressive gameday, right?” he said. “You could see the energy and the effort. You could see people that want to win games here.”
He also explained how he plans to will this turnout to come about for Weekday CUSA games the Bears will host on Wednesday nights too.
“If I gotta ask Dr. Williams to, you know, postpone class till 10:00 a.m. or whatever, then I’ll do that,” Woods said.
Woods’ certainly made his intentions clear when it came to protecting the home turf.
“I want to make Plaster Stadium one of the toughest environments in Conference USA,” he said in his introductory news conference.
That wasn’t the only goal Woods shared with the Missouri State faithful that day though. Far from it. Woods aims to win.
“We’re gonna win Conference USA,” he said.
He also aims to imprint his name in the Missouri State Football history books.
“We’re gonna win the school’s first-ever bowl game,” he said.
With an emphasis on transforming the culture through top-notch recruiting and his five core values of salvation, loyalty, toughness, hard work and impact, Woods projected confidence in his operation.
“It was a mess-up letting me know what can be done here cause now we’re gonna get it there and past,” he said.
And, why are his aspirations so high?
“My first job is to be your husband and your dad, and, then, we’ll transition that over to football,” Woods said to his wife and children from the podium on Jan. 5.
For the Woods family, southwest Missouri is now home. As Woods pointed out in his news conference, he, his wife and his children know the area well from his time in the nearby locations of Columbia, Missouri and Jonesboro, Arkansas. He expressed a great enjoyment for experiencing Tablerock Lake, the Lake of the Ozarks and the spacious outdoors of the area, and he is ready to immerse his family into the Springfield culture. He even bought his children some fishing poles for the adventures that await them.
Furthermore, he gets to lead the Bears with his father by his side as the team’s senior assistant – a hire Casey expressed great enthusiasm for.
“I think one of the coolest things that I’ve ever gotten to do in this profession is hire my dad,” Woods said.
Whether it’s his dad, his other staff members, his players, the athletic department, the university, the fans, the community or anyone else connected with the team, Woods has made one thing crystal clear: everyone’s job possesses importance.
“Your job in this matters. Your role in this matters,” he said to the crowd at Great Southern Bank Arena on Jan. 5.
“It is gonna take all of us to win. Everybody in here.”
Photo by Jayden Pettus, Qjpettus_media
Casey Woods is welcomed to Missouri State by Athletics Director Patrick Ransdell and Corey Riggs at Great Southern Bank Arena on Jan. 5.
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