Sept. 28, 1999

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The MU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Health Sciences Center believe it is never too early to start recruiting MU Tiger fans.

To address this issue a new special program was launched this morning in the University Hospital's well-baby nursery.

Director of Athletics Mike Alden, Truman the Tiger and MU student-athletes presented babies in the nursery with "tiger tot" onesies. These baby outfits feature a picture of a tiger and the words "tiger tot" on the front with a number one on the back. Hospital officials estimate that as many as 1,500 babies will be outfitted in the new "onesies over the next 12 months.

The first "tiger tots" born at University Hospital received a $50 savings bonds, a "tiger tot" onesie and became members of the Truman Club. Truman Club members receive an official Truman Club T-shirt, free admission to several Missouri Athletic events, and two newsletters.

MU student-athletes participating in this morning's ceremonies included NCAA 800-meter champion Derrick Peterson, and Julie Helm, the leading scorer on the MU women's basketball team.