The day showcased Valley on one of Missouri’s biggest stages, highlighted by Missouri Valley University President Joe Parisi throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and the University’s Cheer and Dance team performing on the field at Busch Stadium.

For Parisi, a St. Louis native, the opportunity carried both personal and professional significance.

“Growing up in St. Louis and Missouri, and being part of Cardinals and Royals baseball, is more than a tradition—it’s a part of who we are,” Parisi said. “Generations of Missouri families have shared memories at Busch and Kauffman Stadium, passed down their love of the game and carried amazing traditions with an American pastime. To have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals was an incredibly meaningful moment for me—not only personally, but as president of Missouri Valley University.”

Parisi said the opportunity was particularly special as Missouri Valley begins its new era as a university.

“It was especially meaningful to represent Missouri Valley University and our entire constituency on such a special stage,” Parisi said. “Our university is built on the same values that make Missouri special—tradition, community, honor, perseverance and a belief in bringing people together.”

Standing on the field, Parisi said he was reminded that the moment represented far more than one individual. “I was representing our students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, friends and all those who believe in the mission and future of Missouri Valley University,” he said.

“For me, Saturday was a beautiful intersection of where I came from and where I have the privilege of serving today. To throw out the first pitch at a Cardinals game, surrounded by the traditions I grew up with, while representing Missouri Valley University and its entire constituency, was an honor I will always treasure. It was a moment that connected personal history, university valor and the shared spirit of Missouri—and one I know will hold a special place in my heart. Valley Will Roll!”

Missouri Valley University Cheer and Dance also took center stage Saturday, performing for Cardinals fans on the field at Busch Stadium. The 58-member cheer team delivered a zero-deduction performance, commonly referred to in competitive cheer as “hitting zero.”

“Saturday was a great day, and our team had a wonderful performance,” said assistant coach Rylee Mills. “The team worked hard to put the routine out there for Cardinals fans and give them a great performance. Saturday meant a lot to us. Performing on the Cardinals field and on that stage is a great start for the new era of MVU.”

For Missouri Valley University Dance Coach Kristen Revis, the performance marked an especially meaningful milestone for the University’s Spirit Teams. “Yesterday was an incredible day in Spirit Team history,” Revis said. “Not only did we have our first appearance together as Missouri Valley University, but we also had our very first performance on the field at Busch Stadium! Our Cheer and Dance teams did an absolutely fantastic job, and we could not be more proud of how they represented MVU on such a special day.”

Revis said the opportunity was about more than the performance itself—it was a chance for current student-athletes to help establish traditions that will continue for years to come. “These are the moments that the athletes can look back at as alumni and say, ‘I started that tradition,’” Revis said. “We cannot wait to see what else the season has in store for us. Valley Will Roll!”

With the Cardinals performance behind them, Mills, Revis and the teams are now looking ahead to another milestone—the first Missouri Valley University home football game of the season on Saturday, September 12.

The August 29 celebration at Busch Stadium served as another memorable moment in Missouri Valley University’s transition into its new era, bringing together longtime Missouri traditions and the growing momentum surrounding Valley’s future.

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Alumni Director Elizabeth Cline

Missouri Valley College is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Cline has assumed the role of director of alumni relations.

Cline has worked as a marketing and communication specialist at MVC since early 2022. In that role, she managed the college’s social media platforms, and will bring her expertise in that area to the alumni office.

Cline will work with the alumni advisory board and other MVC staff to engage with alumni around the globe.

I am thrilled to welcome Elizabeth as the new MVC Alumni Relations Director,’ said Eric Sappington, vice president of institutional advancement. “I have witnessed her talents while she worked on the marketing team and look forward to working with her to bring new and exciting alumni events and activities to Missouri Valley.”

Cline earned her degree in organizational communication and Spanish from Northwest Missouri State University.

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Machholz retired as head coach of the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling program after more than 30 years following the 2021-22 season.  He helped build the program after being dormant for nearly 20 years in 1991, and took over as head coach in 1994.  During his tenure, the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling program was one of the most successful in all of collegiate wrestling.  His program won three NAIA National championships (1996, 1997, 2003), was National runner-up an additional four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2005), won 11 regional team championships, produced 168 NAIA All-Americans, had 17 individual National champions, and 40 individual National finalists.

In addition to his team’s accomplishments, Machholz was recognized as the NAIA Men’s Wrestling Coach of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2003) and was a ten-time Regional Coach of the Year.  He was also named the National Rookie Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News in 1995.  He finished his coaching career with a 224-115-2 record in duals.

He was also instrumental in helping develop women’s wrestling as a collegiate sport, as he was at the forefront of building women’s wrestling by pioneering the first-ever women’s collegiate wrestling program to offer scholarships in 1999.  Machholz guidance helped the Missouri Valley women’s wrestling program win one National championship (2001) and two National runner-up finishes (2000, 2002).

Machholz was also an influential member of the  National Wrestling Coaches’ Association during his tenure as head coach at Missouri Valley.  He was the NWCA President from 1997-1999, then again from 2007-2009. He also served as a member of the executive committee for 25 years.

“This is a very special award for me and our program,” said Machholz. To be inducted into the National Hall of Fame means that your peers have recognized your accomplishments over the years, which is very special. I am truly humbled by this honor. To be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is something, even as a youngster, I never dreamt would ever happen. We as coaches certainly don’t get into this profession thinking something like this would ever happen, but to be inducted in front of your former wrestlers, assistant coaches, family, friends and peers made this truly an amazing day!”

Machholz was promoted to Athletic Director at Missouri Valley on July 1, 2022.  He served as Assistant Athletic Director from 2003-2013, Associate Athletic Director from 2013-2018, then Senior Associate Athletic Director from 2018 until his most recent promotion.

He received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Missouri Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which goes to those who have spent their life making a significant impact on wrestling, leaving behind a legacy that others admire.

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 The weekend provides a number of activities open to the community. Some of those activities include the men’s and women’s soccer games, food trucks, annual Torch Run/Ed Leslie 5k run and 1-mile walk which will also feature a kid’s 50 and 100-yard dash, fireworks provided by the MVC Alumni Association, homecoming parade, pre-game tailgate for football, and more! 

“Where Your Story Began,” is a play on the fact that everyone has a story to tell. This year’s theme is focused on those stories of countless Viking alumni,” said Amanda Linneman, director of alumni relations. “So many memorable moments have and still are happening. We encourage our alumni and friends near and far to come back and celebrate all things at Missouri Valley College during Homecoming 2022.”

Three alumni will be recognized at the alumni banquet on Friday, Oct. 21 in the Charles L. Bacon Conference Center. Outstanding Alumni Award recipients are Stephen J. Tuck ‘78 of Marshall, Missouri and Ellen Lee Lance ‘98 of Marshall, Missouri. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient is Cortney Joliff-Mullins ‘14 of Marshall, Missouri. The anniversary classes of 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 will also be recognized. 

 The 2022 MVC Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees include: the 1973 football team & coaching staff, Willard Ray Heath ‘42 (posthumously), James Booker ‘94, Dennis Rohr ‘95, Tim Cobb ‘01, and Matt Cobb ‘02.

The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 in the Malcolm Center.

 For more information about homecoming 2022, visit http://www.moval.edu/alumni/homecoming/ or contact the office of alumni relations at 660-831-4006.

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Hall graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He lettered three years in track and field and was a four-year letterman in football. While playing for the Vikings, Hall earned MCAU All-Conference honors his junior and senior year and Little College All-American honors as a senior. Hall played in four post-season bowl games, including the Tangerine and All-American Bowls, and became a member of  the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1971.

Following graduation, Hall continued his football career playing one season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and seven seasons for the Boston Patriots. Hall was selected to the All-AFL Team on two occasions; was selected to the Patriots 1960s All Decade Team at safety by the Patriot fans; was selected by the Boston media to the Patriots 35th Anniversary team as a defensive safety in 1995; currently holds two interception records with the Patriots: 3 in a game and 11 in a season and is 3rd in career interceptions with 30; and was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame in 2012.

An MVC reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, November 11. The reception will be held at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center with a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 12 at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. The enshrinement reception will be held at 12 p.m. with the banquet and ceremony to follow at 1 p.m., tickets cost $150 and must be purchased in advance.

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center has a block of rooms available. To book a room, please contact the hotel at 816-908-9600 and reference the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame to receive a discount. If you plan to attend any of the events or would like to purchase tickets, please contact Aimee Dwyer at 660-831-4010, reservations must be made by Thursday, October 26.

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