Director of Athletics Mike Alden and Tiger Scholarship Fund Director for Advancement Nico Yantko are on the road today for Mike's monthly statewide outreach trip. Mike has made a trip like this once a month for over 16 years… he and numerous staffers have visited all 114 counties in the State of Missouri at least twice! We'll have updates from the road with Mike and Nico as the day progresses to give you a peek into the great Tiger fans & places that make our state so special.
10:05 p.m. - Home
Well… one long, productive trip today throughout the great State of Missouri. We saw a bunch of Mizzou Nation, and what great energy and passion we experienced.
We made stops and visited folks in Saline, Livingston, Grundy, Mercer, Harrison, Gentry, Nodaway, Atchison, Buchanan and Jackson counties. That totals approximately 552 miles today… whew! Nico did ALL the driving in his Kia Optima provided by Bob Sight out of Kansas City. Comfortable trip - he kept it nice and steady all day while I typed regularly on the iPad!
Nico and I left my house at 6:15 a.m. early today and he dropped me off at 10:00 p.m. Almost a 16-hour day hitting some great spots in special places. It will be a "short night" knowing Nico has to be in St. Louis for meetings at 9 a.m., and I have a coffee meeting at Lakota Coffee Co. in CoMo at 7 a.m. Thanks for letting us update you all day on a great trip in the Show-Me State. Go Tigers!
8:31 p.m. - "Somewhere" Eastbound on I-70
Traveling by the home of the Anerican League Champions. Amazing view! Lot of excitement STILL in the air! Moving down I-70 to CoMo…
7:23 p.m. - St. Joseph
Had to make a stop in St Joseph… Chick-Fil-A tough to pass by! We are in the SEC! When do we get one in Columbia? Heading out.
6:21 p.m. - Tarkio
Well, folks, pretty exciting stop at Tarkio High School. Nice group of folks welcomed us lead by Curt Volker, Casey Martin and Pat Martin. Lots of black and gold from all ages. Nico and I were so appreciative of the enthusiasm and support for Mizzou....Now, for the next part of the story!
When we finished visiting, many of us gathered in a hallway at the school to watch the Royals play the Orioles. So there was Nico Yantko and Mike Alden hanging out with several Mizzou and Kansas City fans cheering on the Royals to their first World Series appearance since 1985. What a special opportunity for us to be included in their gathering and celebration. Go Royals!
So now we are on the highway heading back to Columbia. It's beautiful fall evening as we travel through Fairfax, MO on Highway #59. We will check in again! :)
4:59 p.m. - Tarkio
Arriving in Tarkio, in Atchison County. Long trip! Meeting Curt Volker, who will take us to the high school to address a group at 5:30… voice is getting a little "gravelly" - More after our visit!
4:13 p.m. - U.S. Highway 136
Wonder how many folks know that there is a historical monastery located in Conception, Mo.? Well, Nico and I just stopped briefly at Conception Abbey located right off Highway 136. The monastery was founded in 1873 and has operated I believe continuously since that time. A beautiful spot, and I heard they produce some pretty good wine! Getting ready to head through Maryville…
3:27 p.m. - Bethany
Nico driving us through… stopped to get an iced tea at Casey's (they also have great pizza, but didn't get any today!). No pictures from Bethany, but know that it's the home of Tyler Luellen, Ryan Madison, Brad Madison and LOTS of other current and former students and student-athletes. Go Mizzou! Back on the road…
2:50 p.m. - Princeton
Well… what a special occasion at Princeton High School. Nico and I were welcomed by Principal Tamie Miller and her staff. We had a chance to visit with all of her students grades 7-12 at an assembly. Focused on always concentrating on positive attitude and core values… short and hopefully a message with an impact. Had the chance to introduce State Rep Nate Walker who made a special presentation to History Teacher of the Year for the State of Missouri Maureen Funk. Wow… what an honor for Mizzou to be in attendance and a part of the program. Good stuff! Now… onward to Tarkio!
1:35 p.m. - Princeton
Terrific crowd in Princeton, Mo. Brad and Maureen Funk were so gracious in their invitation to Nico and me. Ran into Sierra Michaelis' Mom, Angela, as well as State Representative Nate Walker. Made a quick stop at the MU Extension office and spent time with Shaun Murphy, who has worked in Extension for six years! So, we are headed to a "special" presentation at Princeton High School… what could be in store? Let's find out…
12:05 p.m. - Princeton
Just arrived Princeton and Judge Brad Funk. Interesting all the yard signs that greeted us when we got to town. Looks like a big election in Mercer County! Speaking soon…
11:40 a.m. - Mercer
Made a stop in Mercer (population 318)… home of Mercer Pizza Plus, the Country Market and Cafe, the North Mercer Cardinals… and our very own Women's Basketball player Sierra Michaelis! We had a chance to speak with Dan Owens (Superintendent), Kim Palmer (Pincipal) and Nina Ragan (mother of the owner of the Country Market and Cafe). What a terrific town and wonderful people! On our way to Princeton Rotary!
10:50 a.m. - Trenton
Stopped in Trenton and visited with Lee and Laura Peters, owners of Main Stop. Tiger Scholarship Fund members and friends of Nico. BTW… Thanks to Tasha, one of the Main Stop employees, for taking the photo. Great work! Answer to the "teaser" from the previous post: All-time GREAT Trenton Bulldog, Missouri Tiger, excellent golfer and Honorary Mayor of Trenton is… Andy Hill! On our way to Princteon!
9:30 a.m. - Chillicothe
Great morning in Chillicothe. Nico and I had a terrific visit with the Chillicothe Rotary at the Chillicothe Country Club. Thanks to Robin Westphal (President) for organizing the breakfast. Included in the approximately 50 in attendance wear former Curator Paul Steele, former Curator Ed Turner, Eric Turner, Bill Young with Citizens Bank and Jessica Tressell with MU Extension. Lots of questions, lots of Tiger fans!
Nico and I also stopped by Barnes-Baker Chevrolet to say hello to Brent Wyant. Brent and his family are longtime supporters of Mizzou.
On our way to Trenton, Mo.… Hint: It is home to a famous Mizzou Alum who happens to be a heck of a golfer. Wonder who we are talking about? Stay tuned…
8:15 a.m. - U.S. Highway 65
Passing through Tina, Mo., on the way to Chillicothe. Had to be reminded that it's pronounced "Tie-Na" and not "Tee-Na"… we have unique pronunciations in the State of Mizzou-rah!
6:15 a.m. - Columbia
Nico picked up Mike at his home for an early start to the October 2014 Statewide Outreach.
First stop: Malta Bend, Mo. and "The Waggin' Wheel" restaurant. Kim Gorrell is the owner… and makes the BEST cinnamon rolls! She surprised us with 2 pans of "sticky buns" for our trip! We have been to her place many times over the years - lots of Tiger fans in the area! We took a picture with Jim Boedicker, Jerome Boedicker and Mike outside of the restaurant. Beautiful day in Malta Bend… lots of conversation about the Royals win last night, the tough loss for the Cardinals and Mizzou's big upcoming game in Gainesville vs. Florida. Dropped off Mizzou items and headed out at 7:45. On our way to Chillicothe… more later from Missouri's highways!
