April 16, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - Four Tiger student-athletes were among a select group of University of Missouri students who were recognized on "Tap Day" on Friday afternoon. "Tap Day", which was held for the 76th year in front of the Columns on Francis Quadrangle, recognizes the exemplary performances of students in academic and non-academic arenas. As the new initiates names were announced, they were "tapped" by a current member of the honorary in question.

Tiger juniors Margaret Ibe (pronounced E-bay), Amanda Bales and Neville Miller, who are all members of Mizzou's track and field squad, and Jason Conley, who is a member of the Tiger men's basketball squad, were all named to different honoraries during the ceremony.

Ibe, who was an All-Big 12 performer in the 4x100-meter relay in 2002, was named to the University Mortar Board. Part of the mission of the University's Chapter of the Board is "to contribute to self awareness of our members, to promote equal opportunities among all people, to emphasize the advancement of women, (and) to support the ideals of the University ..."

Bales and Miller were both named to the QEBH Honorary. Bales was an All-American in Cross Country, finishing in 23rd place this fall, while leading the team to a 12th-place national finish. She has also earned Academic All-America honors in each of the last three years. Miller is a two-time All-Big 12 honoree. He was an Academic All-American during the 2003 outdoor season and also qualified for the outdoor National Championships in the 800-meter run in '03. QEBH is the oldest recognized secret organization at Mizzou. Members are selected "based on their selfless dedication to the University and excellence in personal character."

Conley, who is now a member of the Mystical Seven honorary, will finish up his third semester at Mizzou in May. He was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomers squad this season after averaging 13.0 points per game over the course of the Tigers' final 12 games. The Mystical Seven Society "sought to select the seven most outstanding men (and women) on campus. It was (and is) a secret society known solely by their good works throughout the community, rather than by their names."