Intended to promote school spirit and corresponding athletic programs, especially at MU's flagship Columbia campus, and conducted for several years in advance of a new academic year at the University of Missouri, the Audrain County chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association will host a "Mizzou Block Party" today. The free event is scheduled from 5-7 o'clock tonight, centered at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce on the Village Square."

"This is our annual event, and it's just a great way for families to get in the spirit of Mizzou football and Mizzou sports," stated Tiffani Maxwell, secretary/treasurer of the local county alumni chapter.

"Basically, this is an opportunity to 'gear up for Mizzou' and get excited about the football season, and school starting, and all the stuff going on on campus," stated Ashley Moore, coordinator of alumni relations with the Mizzou Alumni Association.

"After such a great football season we had last year, we're all ready to go, ready to get everybody back in the spirit of it," added Maxwell. "We just want people to come out, have a good time, and see other people, other alumni maybe they haven't got to see in a while."
Jason Ray – an MU football player from 2004 to 2007 who currently works with the Tiger Scholarship Fund – will be the guest speaker of tonight's block party, which is conducted as a Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce business after-hours event. Meantime, local resident Tony Robertson will serve as emcee, with the Mexico Bulldog Booster Club on-site selling concessions. In addition, tiger-stripe ice cream will also be available, cheerleaders will participate, and Truman the Tiger will be available for photo opportunities.

The event is open to all, but Maxwell said MU alumni, current students, and incoming freshman are especially encouraged to attend, with the new MU students provided a "goody" bag.
This year's block party precedes high expectations for the MU sports program, especially its football team. Missouri begins its 2008-2009 gridiron campaign on August 30 versus Illinois in the Arch Rivalry game in St. Louis. The Tigers and the Fighting Illini each were recently listed in the USA Today Top 25 pre-season coaches' poll, with Missouri ranked number 7, and Illinois ranked number 19. The number 7 listing represents the highest pre-season rating for MU football in school history, eclipsing a number 10 posting in the Associated Press poll prior to start of the 1969 season. That season culminated with a Tiger visit to the Orange Bowl, which was also MU's last appearance in that particular contest.

Meantime, MU – which finished 12-2 last year, and defeated Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl – is likewise a pre-season pick to win the Big 12's North division this season. With 17 starters returning from the 2007-2008 squad, the team is anchored by senior quarterback Chase Daniel, the 2007 Big 12 Conference offensive player of the year, and a pre-season All-American. Two of Daniel's favorite targets – wide receiver/return specialist Jeremy Maclin, and senior tight end Chase Coffman – are also pre-season All-Americans. On defense, MU returns 10 starters, including 2007 All-American William Moore at safety.

Following its opening-season match against Illinois, and various non-conference games against Southeast Missouri, Nevada and Buffalo, MU will play against several conference foes, kicking off its Big 12 campaign against Nebraska on October 4. The Tigers then play Oklahoma State, Texas, Colorado, Baylor, Kansas State and Iowa State, before concluding its regular season on November 29 against arch-rival Kansas in a game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Jayhawks are ranked number 13 in the pre-season USA Today poll. Other conference teams ranked in the poll include Oklahoma at number 4, Texas at number 10, and Texas Tech at number 14. For more information, visit the Tigers' official Web site at http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/miss-m-footbl-body.html.