COLUMBIA, Mo. – As a part of Mizzou Volleyball's annual preseason tradition, the Tigers teamed up with Columbia College Volleyball Friday evening for another successful Youth Clinic inside the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse.
Under Wayne Kreklow and Susan Kreklow's tenure in Mid-Missouri (2000-pres.), the Tigers and Cougars have partnered for 19 editions of the popular Youth Clinic. This year's version saw an all-time high 400-plus kids (grades K-8) sign-up for the unique event.
"Our Black and Gold Youth Clinic has become an annual event that has grown every year," Coach Kreklow said. "It's a great opportunity for our players and staff to give back to a community that has done such an outstanding job of supporting us. The personal connections with the local youth are priceless. It's so important in today's world for young kids to have good role models and it's also important for our student-athletes to understand the impact they can have on kids!"
For the past 19 years, #Mizzou and @ColumbiaCougars have given back to the CoMo community with the preseason Youth Clinic. Learn more about the unique event ??
— Mizzou Volleyball (@MizzouVB) August 18, 2018
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Mizzou's connections with the Columbia College program date back to 1990, as the Kreklow's served as the women's volleyball coaches for 10 years and the men's volleyball leaders for three campaigns.
Columbia College Women's Volleyball, the winningest program in the NAIA, is currently led by Melinda Wrye-Washington. The Eldon, Missouri, native is entering her 19th season at the helm of the Cougars' program and stands as their all-time wins leader.
Wrye-Washington competed with Mizzou Volleyball from 1990-93 and was a three-time team captain and All-Big Eight honoree. In 1994, she transferred to Columbia College and was named an NAIA First-Team All-American.
"The Black and Gold Youth Clinic is a great opportunity for both volleyball programs," Coach Wrye-Washington said. "Columbia College Volleyball is consistently involved in community and service projects throughout the year and participating in this clinic every fall is a great introduction to service in the area for our student-athletes, as well as helping youngsters in the Columbia community grow their love for the sport of volleyball!"
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