University of Missouri Athletics

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Last Thursday, the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches released their preseason poll. The initial set of rankings once again shows the prowess of the SEC Women's Gymnastics programs, as seven schools cracked the Top-25. In fact, three of the top five teams lie within the SEC (No. 1 Florida, No. 2 Alabama and No. 5 LSU).

Under the direction of new head coach Shannon Welker, the Missouri Tigers also received some recognition in the first coaches' poll. The Tigers fell in the "other teams receiving votes" category, falling just out of the initial Top-25 list.

The preseason No. 1 Florida Gators, received 21-of-31 first place votes possible and will look to repeat as National Champions this upcoming season. Missouri will host Florida at the Hearnes Center this year, with the Gators traveling to Columbia, Mo. on Mar. 14. The meet is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CT start. 

This year's regular season opener will provide an instant challenge for the Tigers. On Jan. 10, Missouri hits the road to take on No. 2 Alabama with the meet beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Tigers' and Crimson Tide's meet in Tuscaloosa, Al. will be televised on Fox Sports Net.

Missouri's non-conference schedule will also bring some quality opponents to the table. Similar to the Tigers, North Carolina State and George Washington also received votes in the 2014 preseason poll. Missouri will compete against North Carolina State at Raleigh, N.C. on Feb. 1, while they will host George Washington at the Hearnes Center on Feb. 21.

For the latest information on all things Mizzou Gymnastics, check-in to MUTigers.com. You can also follow the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@TigerGymnastics) and Instagram (@Mizzou_Gymnastics). 

The Mizzou swimming and diving teams hosted the 2013 Mizzou Invite Nov. 21-23 at the Mizzou Aquatic Center. 

Following the Mizzou Invite, Tigers shot up the national rankings on an individual level. Currently, 13 different men's swimmers and five women's swimmers rank among the top-25 in their respective events. 

Juniors Sam Tierney and Danielle Barbiea lead the way for the Tigers, as both hold nation-leading times. Tierney ranks first in the country in both the 100 breast and 200 breast, with times of 53.17 and 1:54.38, respectively. Barbiea is tied for nation's top time in the 100 fly with a 51.13. 

Below is a list of Tigers who currently hold top-25 national times:

Men's Swimming and Diving in the National Rankings

Freshman Michael Chadwick

200 Free - 21st (1:36.59)
200 IM - 21st (1:46.93)

Junior Mark Conroy

100 Breast - 20th (54.28)

Junior Mack Darragh 

400 IM - 6th (3:45.78)

200 Fly - 8th (1:44.64)

Junior Austin Fish
200 Back - 10th (1:42.72)

Freshman Carter Griffin
200 Back - 4th (1:41.67)

Sophomore Daniel Graviss

400 IM - 10th (3:47.14)

Sophomore Max Grodecki

100 Free - 5th (43.19)
100 Back - 22nd (47.57)

Junior Eegan Groome
500 Free - 3rd (4:17.78)
200 Free - 12th (1:35.98)
1650 Free - 14th (15:11.92)

Junior Igor Kozlovskij

200 Breast - 4th (1:55.23)

100 Breast - 6th (53.64)

200 IM - 10th (1:45.74)

Senior Logan Mosley
100 Back - 3rd (46.60)
100 Fly - 7th (46.82)

50 Free - 11h (19.73)

Junior Andrew Phillips
200 Fly - 13th (1:45.12)
500 Free - 25th (4:23.42)

Sophomore Michal Rokita

200 Breast - 20th (1:58.80)

Junior Sam Tierney 

100 Breast - 1st (53.17)
200 Breast - 2nd (1:54.38)
200 IM - 7th (1:45.04)

Relays

400 Free Relay - 3rd (2:53.70)

400 Medley Relay - 3rd (3:09.68)

200 Medley Relay - 6th (1:26.12)

200 Free Relay - 8th (1:19.53)

800 Free Relay - 9th (6:29.34)

Women's Swimming and Diving in the National Rankings

Junior Danielle Barbiea

100 Fly - T-1st (51.13)
50 Free - 14th (22.42)

100 Free - 14th (48.80)

100 Back - 14th (52.72)

Sophomore Anna Patterson

50 Free - 19th (22.51)

100 Fly - 20th (53.29)

200 Free - 21st (1:46.56)

Freshman Katharine Ross

100 Breast - 5th (59.95)

200 Breast - 13th (2:11.44)

Junior Danielle Spradlin

200 Breast - 24th (2:13.27)

Sophomore Lauren Stoeckle

200 Breast - 16th (2:12.15)

100 Breast - 21st (1:01.22)

Relays

200 Medley Relay - 5th (1:37.42)

400 Medley Relay - 5th (3:33.79)

200 Free Relay - 9th (1:30.56)

400 Free Relay - 15th (3:19.67)

800 Free Relay - 24th (7:21.36)

The 2013-14 Mizzou Gymnastics exhibition contest against Lindenwood University is only weeks away, as Tigers fans will soon have their first glimpse of this season's squad.

Over the past few months, head coach Shannon Welker and his staff have heightened the intensity at practices inside the Tiger Performance Complex (TPC). A handful of inter-squad meets between the Mizzou gymnasts has helped simulate the game day atmosphere that they will see this year at the Hearnes Center.

The continued hard work at the TPC has the Tigers primed for a successful season, as they prepare for their second year in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Since the team began their off-season practices and conditioning this fall, Welker has been pleased with the progression he has seen from the Mizzou gymnasts.

"Every week we see significant progress in skill development, execution and mental toughness," said Welker. "The strides this team has made, and will continue to make have been impressive."

Assistant Coach Casey Jo Magee, has also noticed the hard work and dedication from the Tigers student-athletes so far this off-season.

"The girls have been pushing themselves on a daily basis to improve, and it has really shown so far," said Magee. "They are making big strides in preparing for the upcoming season, and although we still have some work to do before our exhibition meet against Lindenwood, I know we will get there. They have good attitudes and are committed to reaching the goals we set before the year began, so it is a fun atmosphere to be around."

This season marks the first year in Columbia for each member of the Mizzou Gymnastics coaching staff. As a group, the staff has laid out expectations and goals for their student-athletes for the upcoming season.

Welker in particular, has stressed the idea of creating a "championship culture" around the Mizzou Gymnastics program.

"We look for and expect our team to transfer the confidence and energy with which they train into competition settings," said Welker. "These ladies are very prepared, and we know they can 110-percent when the spotlights are on them!"

On Sunday, Dec. 8 against Lindenwood, Tigers gymnastics fans will finally get to see first-hand this year's collection of gymnasts. Magee notes that this group of girls will bring a new sense of excitement and energy to the Hearnes Center each meet.

"We want to show the fans a motivated and energetic group of Tigers!" said Magee. "We want to give the crowd a reason to get involved, and to get them on their feet and be loud!"

Tiger fans,

It's been a little longer since my last post, but that does not mean things have slowed down over here with women's basketball. If you have not been able to make it out to a game yet, there is still time. We are only 3 games in (not counting exhibition), and conference play does not start up at home until January 5, 2014.

We won both of our exhibition games after beating Quincy on Nov. 5^th, and after our first away game against St. Louis on Nov. 8^th followed by two home games (SIUE Nov.10, Evansville Nov.14) we are 3-0 on the season.

I typically do not travel with the team when they are away, but I followed the St. Louis game on my iPhone with the ESPN app. You can download this app for free, make an account, and add the Missouri Women to your favorite teams too if you want to keep up with them on the road. It is always crucial getting that first road win, and I am glad we were able to.

So far the most exciting home game to me has been our latest against Evansville. I thought everyone played well and played well together. It was a good chance for the crowd to see what I see our bench do well in practice day in and day out.

Morgan Stock has been shooting lights out from the 3-point line these past few weeks in practice, and she matched her career high of 15 last game which she just beat this season after a career high of 7 points last season. We have a lot of good 3-point shooters on our team, and I think after Morgan Eye's success last year, she won't be the only name buzzing on the other schools' scouting reports.

We honored our hometown heroes last game as we celebrated Veteran's Day that week. Our program featured sophomore forward Darian Saunders whom I had the joy of writing about for the feature story. In the interview with Darian I learned a lot about heroes she holds close to her heart, and how she wants be a hero in the lives of others as well.

Her dad serves in the U.S. military, and my parents are retired Air Force. We honored our military heroes on Veteran's Day, but I invite you all this week to honor anyone who has been a hero in your life, as well as think about how you can be a hero in anyone else's life. We all could use a hero every now and then.

Come be our heroes in the stands tomorrow night at 7pm as we seek another win against Southeast Missouri State on our home court at Mizzou Arena.

Tiger fans,

It's been a little longer since my last post, but that does not mean things have slowed down over here with women's basketball. If you have not been able to make it out to a game yet, there is still time. We are only 3 games in (not counting exhibition), and conference play does not start up at home until January 5, 2014.

We won both of our exhibition games after beating Quincy on Nov. 5^th, and after our first away game against St. Louis on Nov. 8^th followed by two home games (SIUE Nov.10, Evansville Nov.14) we are 3-0 on the season.

I typically do not travel with the team when they are away, but I followed the St. Louis game on my iPhone with the ESPN app. You can download this app for free, make an account, and add the Missouri Women to your favorite teams too if you want to keep up with them on the road. It is always crucial getting that first road win, and I am glad we were able to.

So far the most exciting home game to me has been our latest against Evansville. I thought everyone played well and played well together. It was a good chance for the crowd to see what I see our bench do well in practice day in and day out.

Morgan Stock has been shooting lights out from the 3-point line these past few weeks in practice, and she matched her career high of 15 last game which she just beat this season after a career high of 7 points last season. We have a lot of good 3-point shooters on our team, and I think after Morgan Eye's success last year, she won't be the only name buzzing on the other schools' scouting reports.

We honored our hometown heroes last game as we celebrated Veteran's Day that week. Our program featured sophomore forward Darian Saunders whom I had the joy of writing about for the feature story. In the interview with Darian I learned a lot about heroes she holds close to her heart, and how she wants be a hero in the lives of others as well.

Her dad serves in the U.S. military, and my parents are retired Air Force. We honored our military heroes on Veteran's Day, but I invite you all this week to honor anyone who has been a hero in your life, as well as think about how you can be a hero in anyone else's life. We all could use a hero every now and then.

Come be our heroes in the stands tomorrow night at 7pm as we seek another win against Southeast Missouri State on our home court at Mizzou Arena.

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan

Hey Tiger Fans,

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan

Hey Tiger Fans,

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan