Feb. 28, 2007

On Tuesday, Mizzou Athletic Director Mike Alden, Director of Broadcast Operations Mike Kelly, football student-athlete Jason Ray and External Operations Associate Matt Lyons visited the communities of Nevada and Lamar, continuing Mizzou's Statewide Outreach Program.

The Tigers foursome took off from Columbia Regional Airport around 9 a.m. They arrived in Nevada around 9:45 a.m. and were met by Mike Harbitt, owner of KNEM and KNMO radio stations.

Mr. Harbitt took the Mizzou contingent to the Nevada Chamber of Commerce meeting, where roughly 20 people were in attendance for a short presentation on Mizzou Athletics. Mike Kelly spoke briefly about the Men's Basketball team and its successes. Jason Ray then spoke about life as a student-athlete at Mizzou and the current state of the football team, his expectations, and thanked the fans for their support. Mike Alden rounded out the program by highlighting some of the achievements of Mizzou Athletics, the fantastic new facilities and the commitment to the three pillars of the Missouri athletic department.

At the conclusion of that meeting, David Ferry escorted the MU group by limousine to the Lamar Rotary meeting, where they were met by Mike Alden's brother, John. Roughly 40 people were in attendance. The Rotary performed their usual business duties, one of which was the auctioning of a home-baked pie for the benefit of the eradication of Polio. The pie was bid upon by Mike Alden and a few other gentlemen. Alden lost out as the final bid was $100. The gentleman who purchased the pie then donated it to the athletic department.

Mike Alden opened up the program portion of the meeting with a few quick words, followed by Mike Kelly, then Jason Ray, and then back to Mike Alden.

Following the Rotary, the group visited Lamar High School, meeting quickly with Principal Kevin Baldwin before returning to Columbia.