Other Missouri State Traditions
The traditions of school colors and the school mascot were established during the
1906 school year, several years before the first permanent building (Carrington Hall)
was even constructed. A joint committee of faculty and students decided on the colors
of maroon and white to represent the University, a choice which has endured over 100
years. The same committee also selected the Bear as the official school mascot, basing
their choice on the design of the state seal of Missouri.
Athletics
Sports have been an important part of University history and student life almost since
the school's founding. Athletic teams have represented the University proudly for
over 100 years, and the strength of many of Missouri State's current sports programs
is connected with a rich history of competition and achievement. Here are a few facts
about University sports traditions:
- The first sports team to be founded at Missouri State was the baseball team, which
was organized in 1906.
- Men's and women's intercollegiate basketball also took place beginning in the 1906-1907
school year.
- The student body was divided on whether or not acquire a football team. In 1909, the
Bentonian Literary Society on campus sponsored a debate on the subject, with the pro-football
representative winning. This speaker, Harry Knight, won the debate and went on to
captain the school's first team later that year.
- Track and Field also has a long history at the University, with the first intercollegiate
team appearing in 1915.
Missouri State University Athletics is proud of all of our athletes. Over the years,
we have seen Jackie Stiles break the NCAA Women's Basketball scoring record and go
on to play in the WNBA; have our Women's Basketball team enter into the Final Four
twice; and have our Baseball team go on to play in the College World Series. We have
seen amazing athletes play here at Missouri State University, and continue to see
incredible talent grace our university with pride and determination.
Student Activities and Organizations
Today, Missouri State has a bustling campus scene with nearly 300 student organizations.
The school's heritage features a rich tradition of student groups, professional societies,
and Greek Life. Some of the earliest groups to gain prominence on campus were the
campus band, the choir, debate and literary societies, and community groups such as
the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). For more information about school traditions,
refer to Dr. Donald Landon's centennial history of Missouri State, Daring to Excel, which is available in the bookstore. Interested students, staff, or community members
can also learn more about the University's history by visiting the Special Collections & University Archives Department in Meyer Library.
