Extreme Makover: Basketball Edition

New court met with angst by fans

by Mizzou Matt

COLUMBIA, MO- Senior Laurence Bowers gave Mizzou fans a preview of what the basketball court will look like for the inaugural season in the SEC, and the reveal was dissimilar to that of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Fans appear to take a traditionalist stance to the design, which has "MIZZOU" in the new branding text at both ends underneath the basket, the "SEC" circle logo in the lane, and a large oval Tiger logo at mid-court. "Norm Stewart Court" with Stormin' Norman's signature still adorns the floor, and accompanying it on either side of the timeline is "TIGERS". Conspicuously absent from the new look is what has become a signature for Mizzou basketball courts- the Missouri state outline.

The traditionalists made their disapproval known of the absence of the outline, but as someone from the University may say is that "with a new conference, comes a new look." Fans weighed in with their thoughts on the Mizzou Nation Facebook page:

"I like it," said Bud. "But I prefer the state of Missouri on it."

"Exactly!" Shane added. "Where is the state outline? Where is the tradition? First get rid of the M's on the helmets and now the State outline? Are we a university of just a business?"

"The logo in the middle of the state was perfect at mid court. Besides that I like this," as Rudy chimed in.

So what's all the hubbub about? Here's the picture that Bowers tweeted earlier today. You decide for yourself if the University is shying away from its roots just a little too much.

New Conference, New Look, Same Attitude

4/14/12- A New Era Begins
by Mizzou Matt
COLUMBIA, MO- Saturday, April 14th, 2012. It's all we as Mizzou fans have heard for the last few months. It was the day of the annual spring football Black & Gold game, and it was the most anticipated day in recent history with the unveiling of new Nike uniforms for five Missouri sports. Soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, men's basketball, and of course football will all have a new look for the inaugural season in the SEC.

For the past 18 months, the University has been working along with Nike on a new branding initiative for the new unis. The new uniforms (right) are a part of the new conference move for Mizzou, which will take place on July 1st, 2012.

Oh, and just in case you didn't know, there was some football to be had as well. Faurot Field was the place for the spring game, and there was a few noticeable difference around the field. The "BIG XII" logos that were once on the grass knolls leading up from the field to the stands were removed. The "SEC" circular logo was adorned on the players' jerseys. SEC crews patrolled the sidelines with SEC on the scrimmage and first down markers. The only thing missing was the SEC logo on the field, which will happen after the resurfacing.

18,614 braved early inclement weather that gave way to a perfect Saturday afternoon for some football. The first half, Tigers2 was spotted 14 points, and wound up winning the first half 37-10. Jimmy Hunt reeled in an 88-yard pass from Ashton Glaser, while Donovan Bonner returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown. T.J. Moe scored for Mizzou1 on a 32-yard pass from Corbin Berkstresser, and Andrew Baggett added a 47-yd field goal for Mizzou1 for the "starters" 10 points. Rolandis Woodland also caught a pass from Glaser for a 35-yd touchdown for Tigers2. The defense won the second half, 5-3 over the offense.

QB Alex Demczak

Junior quarterback James Franklin did not take any snaps, coming off of shoulder surgery to repair his glenohumeral joint (shoulder). Berkstresser finished off 13/20 for 187 yards while Glaser went 14/25 for 213 and 2 TDs. Newcomer Alex Demczak went 2/4 for seven yards and an interception.

And of course, the new football uniforms.

Softball Sweeps, Baseball Drops Series

Tiger softball sweeps 18th Baylor in weekend series

by Mizzou Matt

COLUMBIA, MO- The University of Missouri softball team, which was a preseason number one in the Big 12 and number five nationally comes off yet another winning weekend. The 12th-ranked Tigers faced off against the 18th-ranked Baylor Bears on University Field, and walked back to their residence halls with three more victories on the season. Game one, Mizzou rolled to a 6-1 win. Game two, the Tigers had to battle back in a come-from-behind 4-2 victory. Game three was no contest as the Tigers' offense continued to roll and their stout defense recorded another shutout. Game three final was 7-0.

Mizzou softball is now 28-5, 7-2 on the season.

Baseball, on the other hand, was in College Station, TX to take on future SEC opponent Texas A&M. The Aggies entered the series ranked 6th nationally, but Mizzou would make a series of it. The Tigers lost game one to A&M, 6-8. Mizzou (16-11, 3-3) rallied in game two, knocking off the Aggies 4-3 on Saturday. Sunday, they fell just short of winning in a 6-7 loss. Brannon Champagne has safely reached base in 19 straight games, averaging .312 batting on the year with a .404 OBP. Champagne also has 17 RBIs on the season.

Tennis evened up their season record at 8-8 with matching 4-3 upset wins over Stephen F. Austin and Rice University.