May 4, 2011
Columbia, Mo. - Wednesday (May 4) marked the first month of the Frank Haith Era at Mizzou and the new head coach hasn't missed an opportunity to reach out to his new fan base. From recruiting, hiring a staff, relocating his family and making numerous personal appearances throughout the country, Haith has made a point of reaching out to as many Tiger fans as possible since his hiring on April 4, 2011.
From Chicago, Springfield, Mo., St. Louis, Kansas City, Mendon, Mo., and every stop in between, Haith has missed few opportunities to introduce himself and his staff to the Mizzou Nation.
"It's been a lot of fun," Head Coach Frank Haith said. "We have had a chance to reach out to our fans and let them get to know us as people first and foremost. It's been a busy first month, but it's one I'll never forget."
While Chicago is a blast and Mendon, Mo., might serve the best pork chop in the state of Missouri, the highlight for Haith in his first month came Wednesday when he met with the Mizzou student body at the Student Center.
"This is the `Missouri Passion'," Haith said when looking out on the students. "Not many places have something like this and if they had an event such as this, you wouldn't get this kind of turnout. No empty chairs, standing room only and our students waiting in line to say hello and welcome us to town. This is what it means to be a Missouri Tiger and this is what basketball means to this university."
Haith's appearance on campus lasted a little more than an hour and he finished by taking a tour of Mizzou's Recreation Center, which was named the top recreation facility in America by Sports Illustrated.
Below are some images of Haith's stops around the state of Missouri.
