Columbia, Missouri - Following the Mizzou Tigers’ victory in the Cotton Bowl, Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in Columbia to present food bank executive director Peggy Kirkpatrick with a ham and smoked turkey from Burgers’ Smokehouse in California, Mo.
 
The Governor was joined by representatives of the University of Missouri Athletic Department, as the ham and turkey were part of a friendly wager between Gov. Nixon, a 1978 graduate of the University of Missouri and a 1981 graduate of the University’s School of Law, and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, a 1977 OSU graduate, on the outcome of this year’s Cotton Bowl game played between the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University on Jan. 3.
 
“Gov. Fallin and I made this wager in the spirit of friendly competition, but also with a worthwhile goal in mind – to call attention to those who need a helping hand right now,” Gov. Nixon said. “Just as the Cowboys turned over something valuable at a crucial time on Friday night, so I am encouraging Missourians to give generously to food banks and other charitable organizations that help our fellow citizens when they need help the most.”
 
Gov. Nixon wagered the meat products from Burgers’ against a collection of food products from Oklahoma businesses, with the winnings going to a food bank in either Missouri or Oklahoma.
 
Since the Tigers were victorious, the Oklahoma products will be sent to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, but Gov. Nixon presented the Missouri wager, donated by Burgers’ Smokehouse, to the food bank in Columbia as well.

Walnut Ridge, Arkansas - Williams Baptist College announced in August it was adding a wrestling program to its collegiate competitive athletic teams.  On  Monday, January 6, WBC announced the squad's first coach in the person of  Kerry Regner.

"We are excited to start our tenth varsity sport at the college, and we are very excited about having Kerry Regner lead and build our program.  He is very knowledgeable and comes with a great work ethic.  He also brings an energy level that will breed success, and he is a perfect fit for this campus on and off the court," said WBC Director of Athletics Jeff Rider.

A national search landed Regner, who comes to Williams from Clarion University in Clarion, Pa.  The coach was serving as a graduate assisting for the NCAA school.  

"For a really long time I wanted to be a coach.  It has been a long journey and a dream come true.  I cannot wait to start and build this program.  I was drawn to Williams because they have shown a strong commitment to wrestling," said Regner.

He has coaching experience on the community, high school and collegiate level.  Through his experience, he has always held onto his faith and values.

"I have had great mentors, and I grew up in a Christian home with Christian parents. My parents have taught me about honoring Christ through my athletics.  Williams is a faith-based institution, which was a big deal for me when I accepted this position, not only being able to coach kids on wrestling but being able to help them in their walk with Christ will allow me to have a positive impact on their lives," he added.

Regner has worked with high profile coaches and mentors throughout his career.

"Ivan Ivanov is my mentor and one of the greatest wrestling influences on my life.  He taught me discipline, structure and learning how to deal with wrestlers to help them succeed, while Jim Gruenwald was a spiritual mentor in my life," said Regner.

The new Williams coach concluded, "My wife Sarah has had a huge impact on my life by supporting me and always being there for me."

Williams is a four-year, liberal arts college at Walnut Ridge. The Eagles come in the American Midwest Conference of the NAIA. 

Those who are interested in the WBC wrestling program can get more information online at  <http://www.wbceagles.com> www.wbceagles.com.  

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Due to the inclement weather that we have received in Southeast Missouri, the schools have elected to postpone “The Battle for Braggin’ Rights” games.  The games will now be played on Wednesday, January 15^th instead of Tuesday January 7^th.  

The games will start at the same time as originally scheduled with Oran and Bernie tipping off at 6:00 p.m. followed by Charleston and Sikeston at 7:30 p.m.

·      All tickets that have been purchased for the Charleston vs. Sikeston game on January 7^th will be honored at the rescheduled event on January 15^th. 

o   No action is required if you plan to attend the event.  

·      Refunds are available for those who have purchased tickets previously and cannot make it due to the event being rescheduled.    

o   All requests for refunds must be made at the box office or by calling (573) 651-5000.  Requests for refunds must be made by Friday, January 10^th at 5:00 p.m. 

Tickets are on sale now.  You can purchase tickets in advance online at www.ShowMeCenter.biz, by phone at (573) 651-5000, or in person at the Show Me Center Box office. 

Dexter, Missouri - The T.S. Hill Middle School 8th grade wrestling team had a rather short season and their only home match was cancelled due to weather, but the ShowMe Times felt these youngsters deserved to be recognized.

Thank you to Michelle Cannon who was able to get a group photo and share with us.  We congratulate you on a fine season and can't wait to see you wrestle in high school next year.

Shown in the photo are top left to right:  Blayne Goodman, Blake Bolin, Chance McCoy, and Austin Adams.  Bottom row: Devan Helm, Seth Harris, Logan Elder, Clayton Riddle, and Christian Yarber.

Dexter,  Missouri - T.S. Hill Middle School Wrestling season is over, but these students deserve some recognition!  Their home match was cancelled due to weather, but Michelle Cannon was able to get a group photo for the yearbook and share it with us.

Congratulations on your season!  Shown in the photo are:  Back row left to right:  Taylor Kallio, Sam Rowland, Tyler Winters.  Middle row: James Robinson, Caleb Hoggard, Brock Simmons, John Tucker.  Bottom row:  Waytt Greenfield, Jett Featherston, Corbin Strong, and Colton Gibson.

You all did a wonderful and we look forward to next season.  Go Bearcats!