Student crowds at MoWest’s Education Day bring big energy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Cheers from students from Northwest Missouri area schools filled MWSU's Fieldhouse as the Griffons men's basketball team competed against Avila University Tuesday.

The university welcomed over 3,000 students from 20 elementary and middle schools across eight surrounding counties.  

Participating schools included Cameron, Rushville, East Buchanan, Mount City and Union Star, among others. 

Angie Osborn, director of the Center for Service at MoWest, said the event is especially enjoyable because it allows children to experience a college basketball game firsthand. 

“I just love seeing the kids get excited and enjoy this reward that they have earned by going to school every day and being such good students,” Osborn added.  

Osborn said the university is always happy to welcome young students to campus, particularly for events like Education Day, where they can learn more about college life, sporting events, campus activities and more.

Osborn described the energy inside the arena as “insane and very infectious,” especially as some students were experiencing their first college basketball game.

“Our student-athletes are very good role models for young children, so that’s giving them something to strive for their own lives,” Osborn said.  

Seventh-grader Oliver Evans from St. Francis Xavier said the experience was especially exciting because it took place during the school day. 

When asked what he was most looking forward to, Evans said he was excited to see the players dunk and to cheer for them.  

“I have been to many Missouri Western games, and this isn’t my first time, and I am looking forward to people making three pointers and dunking each other,” Evans said.  

Evans said he wished he could tell his classmates how exciting the experience was and said he hopes to attend the event every year. 

Another student from St. Francis Xavier, Lila Culver, also shared her enthusiasm, saying she enjoyed watching the two teams compete.  

“They both look really good and seem to have good team spirit who really want to win,” said Culver.

The men's basketball team was able to pull out a 98-81 win, with the help of their audience.