Emporia State University hosts 2025 MIAA Football Media Day
EMPORIA, Kan. (News-Press NOW) -- With the college football season right around the corner, Emporia State University hosted the 2025 MIAA Football Media Day on Monday.
All ten teams in the conference made the trip to Emporia, Kansas, to speak on the upcoming season.
Many teams had new coaches, including Northwest Missouri State University's John McMenamin, who is an NMSU alumnus.
Missouri Western State University was represented by third-year head coach Tyler Fenwick, fifth-year running back Brandon Hall, and Senior defensive lineman Grant Finley.
After a 4-7 overall record last season and a 2-7 record in conference play, Fenwick knew something needed to change.
"We worked a lot on training leadership in the off-season," Fenwick said. "Just trying to get these kids to take some ownership in getting to the next level."
MWSU was riddled with injuries last year. Brandon Hall suffered a season-ending injury after averaging 140 yards per game in just four games. Kane Donovan, the starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending leg injury in that same game.
Hall talked about his recovery process after the season-ending injury last year and looking to continue on the note he left off.
"Last year's injury was a devastation for me, but it gave me time to grow and learn," Hall said. "I'm seeing the game differently and we have the same O-line returning, so that's usually good."
In the first four games, the Griffons were 2-1 and continuing to grow, but after the injuries to the backfield, the Griffons would go on to win only two of their last eight games.
Defensive lineman Grant Finley is excited about the returning defensive players and said he wants the team to be physical on every play.
"I'm excited for our defense to be relentless every game," Finley said. "We're the type of team that's going to punch you in the mouth every play."
Missouri Western's first game is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at 23rd-ranked Augustana. Fenwick is looking to learn from the mistakes of last year and lead the Griffons to their first MIAA championship since 2012.
