AugustWell

58 INSIDE COLUMBIA AUGUST 2016
Find where you
can get these Tiger
styles and tailgating
gear on page 71
THE LOOK

AUGUST 2016 INSIDE COLUMBIA 59
TIGERS
on the
ROAD
59
PAGE
written by
Katherine Foran, Jennifer Janssen, Whitney Matewe & Theresa Nguyen
TIGERS
on the
ROADSTRUT YOUR STRIPES WITH PRIDE, WHEREVER
GAME DAY MAY BE.

ootball is in the air. Before you know it, there will be
Saturday afternoon gridlock as Tiger fans take over the
town. But what about those other weekends when the
Tigers are away? This season, the Tigers will play on the
road for ﬁve of 12 games, including four at Southeastern
Conference schools. We offer an inside peek at these destinations, as
well as a guide for getting on the road in style this fall!
Other Ways To
Follow Your Team
Facebook
www.facebook.com/
MizzouMade
Twitter
@MizzouFootball
Instagram
Mizzoufootball
MUTigers.com
F

TIGERS ON THE ROAD
Team Name: Mountaineers
The Mascot: The 64th WVU Mountaineer mascot was selected
after an intense application process that included an essay, an
interview and a cheer-off. Troy Clemens, a senior at WVU is this
year’s choice to carry on the Mountaineer mascot legacy, fully
decked out in custom buckskins and matching coonskin hat.
School Colors: Blue & Old Gold
Fight Song: “Hail West Virginia!” and “Fight Mountaineers!”
TRADITIONS
“Moonshine and pepperoni rolls are what West Virginia fans
are most known for,” says WVU Mountaineer and tailgate blog-
ger Andy Joliet. That said, Joliet and her husband are known for
tailgates curated with gourmet dishes and craft beer, including a
Mountaineer Margarita recipe they created that includes blueberries.
About two hours before kickoff, the team and coaches head to
the ﬁeld for the Mountaineer Mantrip, where fans cheer as they
pass by a 350-pound lump of coal. (Well, it is Coal Country.)
MUST-EAT RESTAURANTS
Mario’s Fishbowl: This place is the most popular Mountaineer
hangout in Morgantown, known for its iconic bar that provides
a taste of West Virginian fandom at its best, says Joliet. Last
year, BuzzFeed featured Mario’s Cowboy Ranch wings in its “22
Chicken Wings You Have to Try Before You Die.”
Black Bear Burritos and the Mountain State Brewing Co. are
worth a try, too.
ATTRACTIONS
The Wharf District features the popular Waterfront Place Hotel
frequented by visiting team football fans, as well as the Morgan-
town location of the Mountain State Brewing Co. Walk, run or
cycle along the Rail Trail.
Check out the West Virginia Botanica Garden. At 10 a.m.,
on the Friday before the Sept. 3 game, take the family down to
Tyrone Road for the garden’s monthly Family Walks.
FUN FACTS
Don Knotts, the legendary television character actor and comic,
was born here in 1924. Anyone remember the “The Andy Grifﬁth
Show”?
Over the past 20 years, the city has revamped its Wharf District
to showcase restaurants, hotels and paved trails.
West Virginia
University (WVU)
Morgantown, W.Va. • Sept. 3
70 players
26 coaching staff (including graduate
assistants, coaching video and
analysts)
10 to 15 Mizzou executive athletic staff
— University president and chancellor
when possible
Support staff: public relations (2–3),
video operations (2), Tiger Radio Network
(5–6), team chaplain, equipment team (2),
ticketing (2), development (2–4), state
troopers (2), strength & conditioning staff,
including nutritionist (5), athletic trainers
(3), pilot/charter plane crew.
10 to 20 equipment
managers/student trainers
Other staff may accompany team TBD
MOUNTAINEER MARGARITA
Lime wedges
1 cup kosher or sea salt
Ice
¼ cup blueberries
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ cup Tequila Gold
(Hornitos Anejo)
3 tablespoons low-cal simple syrup
Rub the rim of two rock or
margarita glasses with a lime wedge.
Swirl the rims through a small pile of
kosher or sea salt. Add ice cubes to
the glasses.
Muddle the blueberries and lime
juice in a cocktail shaker until the
blueberries are pulverized. Add the
tequila, simple syrup and a handful
of ice to the shaker. Add a leftover
rind — or a couple — from the limes
used on the rims.
Shake vigorously for about 15
seconds, and then strain into the
salted glasses. These Mountaineers
are known for using blue food
coloring and topping with a lemon
instead of a lime for a true gold and
blue margarita.
One chartered plane
Bus & equipment truck(s) driven to each
away game
Four charter buses
Stay in local hotel
Food: Strength & conditioning staff oversees
all meals, catered at hotel for team/coaches.
THE TEAM
Personnel (numbers are all approximate):
LOGISTICS
(Source: Mizzou Athletics, Strategic Communications)
PhotocourtesyofWVUPhotographyDepartment
Photo courtesy of Andy Joliet (WVU tailgate blogger)
TIGER
STYLE
Drink
Up!

FUN FACTS
The LSU band is named “The Golden
Band From Tigerland.”
“Baton Rouge” (which means “red stick”
in French) was named by French explor-
ers in 1699, and became the capital of
Louisiana in 1847.
LSU fans dub their stadium “Death
Valley.”
NOTABLE ALUMNI
Shaquille O’ Neal — Need we say more?
“Pistol Pete” Maravich, one of the
youngest basketball players of all time
to be inducted into the Basketball Hall
of Fame
Team Name: Tigers (copy cats!)
The Mascot: Mike the Tiger VI — the only real tiger mascot in
college sports since 1936 — and his two-legged costumed coun-
terpart pump up fans from the sidelines at every game. Before
every home game, Mike’s cage is placed right next to the visit-
ing team’s locker room. Oh, and be sure to check out Mike VI’s
15,000-square-foot enclosure just north of the football stadium,
complete with a stream, waterfall and plants.
School Colors: Purple & Old Gold
Fight Song: “Fight For LSU”
TRADITIONS
For every growl that Mike makes before a football game, the
LSU football team is said to score a touchdown.
The nickname “Fighting Tigers” was given to the football team
in 1896 when Coach A.W. Jeardeau brought the team to a 6-0
record that season.
LSU Fall Fest is open to all students, faculty and the commu-
nity. This tradition started in 1994 and takes place on the LSU
Parade Grounds at the start of every school year. Everyone comes
together to enjoy the festivities and celebrate being part of the
LSU community.
Mason’s Grill is the home of “Louisiana’s Best Burger” per
the Food Network magazine and Zagat. Food Network’s “On the
Road” TV show proclaims the Cajun Shrimp Burger as a favorite,
along with Mason’s Bloody Mary.
Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant owner Mike Anderson
was a 1970s All American LSU linebacker. Popular choices are
“The Norman,” a seafood dish, and the chargrilled oysters. Grab a
taste of the bread pudding, too.
Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar in downtown Baton Rouge features 50
types of fresh oysters and prides itself on educating visitors on
the nuances in flavors. Try the toppings — Rum Mango Salsa is a
good one.
Tin Roof Tap Room, just a mile from downtown, is among 11
craft breweries on the Louisiana Craft Beer Trail. Take a tour or
try the fall seasonal brew — Gameday Session IPA will get you in
the mood for tailgating.
ATTRACTIONS
The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest in the United States
today, standing at 450 feet tall (34 floors). Walk up the front
steps and note that each step has the name of the 50 states in or-
der of their admission to the Union. Walk around the surround-
ing grounds, covered with many native plants from Louisiana.
Built in 1791, the Magnolia Mound Plantation is celebrating its
50th year of historic preservation by offering free guided tours
the first Sunday of each month. Stop by Sunday, Oct. 2, after the
game for a tour back in time.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Baton Rouge, La. • Oct. 1
Baton Rouge Food
Tours LLC: For a taste
of Baton Rouge-style
Southern hospitality,
you can literally eat
your way through
the city. Owner and
Baton Rouge native
Kimberly Harper’s
culinary excursions
offer a sampling of
area history and
culture, too. Make
reservations at www.
batonrougefoodtours.
com/tours. Enter the
code TIGERS, for a
Mizzou fan discount
the first weekend of
October, when MU
plays LSU.
special
offer
Tin Roof Brewery
LSU Tailgating
Mike the Tiger VI
PhotoscourtesyofVisitBatonRougeCourtesyofEddyPerez,LSUStrat.Comm.

MINI MUFFALeTTAS
Makes 32-40 Mini
Muffalettas
2 (12-ounce) packages
party-size rolls
(16–20 to a package)
½ pound thinly sliced
lean ham
1½ cups shredded
Italian 5-cheese
blend*
1 (16-ounce) jar
chopped Italian olive
salad, drained
Preheat oven to 375
degrees. Split rolls in
half and lay on a baking
sheet. Divide ham,
cheese and olive salad
onto each roll. Replace
bread tops. Bake for 10
to 15 minutes or until
cheese is melted.
*TERRIFIC TIP: Any
combination of cheese
may be used such as
mozzarella, provolone,
or Parmesan. Freeze
Muffalettas before
baking.
From Gulf Coast
Favorites Cookbook
by Holly Clegg
Photo courtesy of
Holly Clegg
Big Easy
Cuisine
Blend Wine Bar
PhotocourtesyofVisitBatonRouge

Team Name: Gators
The Mascots: Gators Albert and Alberta. In 1908, the idea of having an alligator mascot
was created. In 1970, Albert was introduced in full-body costume, joined on the side-
lines in 1986 by Alberta.
School Colors: Orange & Blue
Fight Song: "The Orange and Blue"
TRADITIONS
Gator Growl, the annual homecoming pep rally, features big-name artists, popular
food trucks and a giant beer garden on Oct. 14, the eve of this year’s homecoming game.
Witness thousands of fans clapping arms and hand together to create the famous “gator
chomp” to cheer on their team.
The Swamp is a Gator fan go-to place and Gainesville community staple.
The 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House offers an endless breakfast menu, as well as
traditional burger and salad fare.
Satchel’s Pizza is an eclectic eatery for great pizza. Bring cash as they only accept cash.
University of Florida (UF)
Gainesville, Fla. • Oct. 15
Tiger Central:
The Mizzou Alumni Association hosts more
than 300 chapter watch parties every year!
To find a watch party or chapter, start here:
www.mizzou.com > Groups > Alumni Chapter
Locator or > Athletics > Watch Party Locator
West Virginia Morgantown (Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh)
Tiger Contact: Heather Heidelbaugh — hheidelbaugh@leechtischman.com
LSU (South Louisiana)
Chapter President: Denny Bond — dbond@executivecenterbr.com
Florida (Jacksonville/Northeast Florida)
Chapter President: Matthew Krueger —NortheastFloridaChapter@yahoo.com
South Carolina (South Carolina-Columbia)
Tiger Contact: Jennifer Anstead Hostetler — jen.anstead@gmail.com
Tennessee-Knoxville
Tiger Contact: Kara McFarland; kmcfarland@gannett.com
ATTRACTIONS
Visit the home of Heisman Trophy win-
ners — including a statue of Tim Tebow
— at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the largest
in the state. Inside the Heavener Football
Complex, view eight SEC Championship
and three National Championship tro-
phies.
The Florida Museum of Natural History
on the University of Florida campus is a
great stop if you have little Tigers in tow.
The McGuire Center for Lepidoptera,
near the Museum of Natural History,
houses more than 10 million butterfly
specimens, displaying most of the world’s
20,000 butterfly species.
EVENTS
Union Street Station Pedestrian Mall
has boutiques and restaurants from sushi
to Cuban.
Bo Diddley Community Plaza is the
venue for the Free Friday Concert Series.
TIGER TOWNS
Planning to travel with the Tigers
this season? Check with the closest
local Mizzou alumni chapters.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Homecoming Parade Sweetwater Wetlands Park
PhotocourtesyofUniversityofFloridaPhotography,BernardBrzezinski
PhotocourtesyofVisitGainesville

Fan FavoritesWhether they bring Tiger spirit elsewhere
in the SEC or they hit the road to see their Tigers
play at home, these super fans have stories to tell.
FATHER-TO-SON FANS
Just as the family business — Cleek’s, now Aaron’s — has been
passed down from fathers to sons, so has the love of Mizzou
football.
“It’s the way I was brought up,”
Cleek says. His father contracted foot-
ball fever after one year of attending
the university. For every home game,
he would close the family store and
put a sign in the window that said,
“Going to the Missouri game.”
“I love it,” he says. “It’s just a part
of us.”
The Cleeks enjoy fall Saturdays at
their reserved tailgating spot west of
the stadium with a Missouri-decorat-
ed RV — the same RV that’s carried
them to many away games they’ve attended: Kansas, Nebraska,
Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida, LSU and Ole Miss, to name a few.
FAVORITE GAMES
“Tiger” John Cleek Jr.:
“The Florida trip is a lot of fun. You get to that stadium — the
Swamp as it’s called — you’ve got 80,000 Gator fans there, and the
last time it was a lot of fun because we whooped them pretty good.”
John Cleek Sr.:
On their first trip to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville,
they drove the RV and blasted the Mizzou fight song and Motown
over the speakers. “We pull up there, and these guys next to us
have been there for three days playing ‘Rocky Top’,” Cleek says.
“We drowned him out in a hurry.”
“I guess one of my most favorite games of all was when we beat
Kansas to become No. 1 in Kansas City, 2007. That was so much
fun because that place was just going nuts, and I hate Kansas. It
was cold, and that was a game where nobody sat down the entire
game.”
TRADITION
John Cleek Jr.:
At the SEC Championship and other big games, the Cleeks visit
the MU Alumni Association’s tailgates to be surrounded by many
more Mizzou friends and family.
John Cleek Sr.:
Continuing his father’s traditions, Cleek has predicted the score
of every game since 1973. After Coach Gary Pinkel’s weekly press
conference, Cleek and a select few dubbed “the braintrust” would
meet with the coach to talk football, and sometimes fishing. Cleek
has yet to make one correct score prediction but came close —
once — in 2007. For the cumulative score after 11 games, Cleek
predicted Missouri would score 456 points; they scored 467. Cleek
predicted the opposition would score 253 points; they scored 253.
“That’s my best,” he says. “That’s pretty darn good for 11 games.”
THE NUMBER
OF HOME
GAMES JOHN
CLEEK SR.
HAS MISSED
IN 58 YEARS.
3
Homecoming Parade
Florida Fun Bikes
The Swamp
PhotocourtesyofUniversityofFloridaPhotography,BernardBrzezinskiPhotocourtesyofVisitGainesvillePhotocourtesyofVisitGainesville
TIGER
STYLE

Team Name: Gamecocks
The Mascot: Cocky, the fighting rooster, made his debut in 1980
after taking the reins from his father, “Big Spur.” This two-time
winner of the national Mascot Championship always tries to give
the crowd something to crow about.
School Colors: Garnet & Black
Fight Song: “The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way”
TAILGATING TRADITIONS
An old farmers-market-turned-tailgate-central is the place to
be on game day. Across from Williams-Brice Stadium, Gamecock
Park transforms into Gamecock Village 4½ hours before kickoff.
Twenty-two garnet red cabooses — Cockabooses— sit on an un-
used railroad south of the stadium: unused except for the private
owners who decorate them on game days. In 1990, a Columbia,
S.C., businessman bought those cabooses that currently sell for
around $300,000 for avid fans to enjoy the game-day atmosphere.
The Southern Belly BBQ satisfies your barbecue needs with
its “high-quality, slow-roasted smoke barbecue” and sauces made
from scratch.
Seawell’s, just a half-mile from the stadium, always features
Gamecock Game Day specials the Friday before game day.
“History is written by the Victor” is the motto of the Conquest
Brewing Co. that made history in 2013 as Columbia’s first brew-
ery to make craft beers for a commercial market. An eight-minute
walk southwest of the stadium brings you to this establishment
honoring beer’s place in civilization.
ATTRACTIONS
Unwind after the big game in the Congaree Vista, Columbia’s
arts and entertainment district in the heart of the city.
Pay homage to college football history and visit the statue of for-
mer running back George Rogers, the school’s only Heisman Tro-
phy winner. “When you think of me, think of all the other guys who
played with me,” said Rogers at the statue’s unveiling. “Those are
the guys who made me look good.”
WEEKEND EVENTS
Pre-tailgate First Thursdays on Main. On the first Thursday of
every month (Nov. 3 before the Mizzou game), downtown busi-
nesses keep their doors open and offer specials, entertainment and
events. Complimentary shuttles offer rides between Main Street
and the Vista.
University of South
Carolina (U of SC)
Columbia, S.C. • Nov. 5
Tailgating on the Cockabooses
Photo courtesy of Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

FUN FACTS
Aziz Ansari, actor and comedian, was born in Columbia, S.C.
The University of South Carolina began as the South Carolina
College in 1801. It closed in 1861 during the Civil War and re-
opened five years later, struggling until it was re-chartered in 1906
as the current university.
Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army’s main center for basic combat
training, is located in Columbia, S.C.
The Saluda River and the Broad River converge in Columbia to
form the Congaree River. Why not Salubro River or Saload River?
Kristen Marshall
is no road-trip rookie.
A 2000 Mizzou
graduate and third-
generation tailgater,
she recalls her first
road trip to an away
game her junior year
of college. Kristen
and her friends
spontaneously
decided to catch the
bowl game against
West Virginia, leaving
for Tucson, Ariz., on
Christmas Eve.
That trip was far
from her last. Every
college town offers
a unique experience,
says Marshall, a
stalwart member
of the Kansas City
Mizzou Alumni
chapter. Away game
days are filled with
rich traditions and
tailgating, too.
As soon as
Marshall and her
family know the
football schedule,
they get tickets for
the upcoming season.
Reserve hotels for
popular games well
in advance, she
recommends, and
follow the Mizzou
Alumni Association
on social media to
link up with other
fans and alumni.
“Making the
trip to these [SEC]
away games by
car truly created
the most enjoyable
memories because
there is so much to
see when traveling,”
says Marshall, who
suggests turning
game trips into a
long weekend or
even a week’s trip
— making a pit stop
in Memphis, for
instance, on the way
back from the game
in Tennessee. This
year, she’s LSU-
bound in October.
Part of a third-
generation tailgating
group, Marshall says
she “… truly cannot
imagine tailgating
with anyone else.”
Win or lose, home or
away, there’s always
“victory Champagne.”
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House
PhotoscourtesyofColumbiaMetropolitanConvention&VisitorsBureau
TIGER
STYLE

Team Name: The Volunteers
The Mascot: “Blue Smokey,” the mascot since 1953, has won two
national Mascot Championships. Today’s Smokey is the fifth blue
tick coonhound of his family to hold the honor of Volunteers
mascot.
School Colors: Orange & White
Fight Song: “Down the Field” (unofficial: “Rocky Top”)
TAILGATING TRADITIONS
More than 200 Volunteers beat the game-day traffic by tailgating
on the Tennessee River. Former radio broadcaster George Mooney
started this tradition in 1962 when he sailed his way to the stadium
to avoid traffic.
Two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff, the team exits the bus
at the Torchbearer statue on the corner of Volunteer Boulevard
and Peyton Manning Pass. The team walks through the street
filled with fans and the Pride of the Southland Marching Band,
down Peyton Manning Pass and into Neyland Stadium.
With four locations, there’s always a Calhoun’s close by. The
original restaurant opened in 1983; its hickory-smoked baby back
ribs won the prestige of “Best Ribs in America” in a national rib
cook-off. Calhoun’s On The River has a dock tableside.
Don’t let the curse of the white mule keep you away from the
Downtown Grill & Brewery. The building is rumored to have
been cursed when a rare white mule from a traveling circus died at
its location in the 1860s.
University of
Tennessee (UT)
Knoxville, Tenn. • Nov. 19
TOWN ATTRACTIONS
A statue across from the Thompson-
Boling Arena honors famed former Lady
Vols women’s basketball head coach Pat
Summitt, who died this past June. Sum-
mitt retired in 2012 after 38 years, eight
national titles and 18 Final Four appear-
ances. “I just want everybody to know that
… it’s not about me, it’s about everyone
out here that loves the University of Ten-
nessee,” she said at the statue’s unveiling.
Constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair,
the Sunsphere was restored and reopened
in 2014. Its observation deck provides
a free, 360-degree view of downtown
Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the uni-
versity and the Smoky Mountains.
EVENTS
Learn about Knoxville’s history and
explore the paranormal with Knoxville’s
Ghost Tours. Ghost hunting since 2010,
the tour is Knoxville’s first and nationally
recognizedyear-roundghostinvestigations.
Join in an appreciation of Tennessee
crafts at the Foothills’ Annual Craft Show.
With more than 140 booths of fine crafts
and quality workmanship, this year’s craft
show celebrates 50 years in Chilhowee
Park all weekend long.
FUN FACTS
The University of Tennessee began as
Blount College in 1794. Declared a uni-
versity in 1869, the name changed to what
it is today in 1879.
The nickname “Volunteers” came from
the large number of Tennesseans who
volunteered for duty in the War of 1812
and the Mexican-American War. Tennes-
see is known as the “Volunteer State.”
Peyton Manning, athlete and two-time
Super Bowl winner, played four years
for the Volunteers and
remains its all-time
leading passer.
The “Power
T” is the
official
logo of the
University
of Tennes-
see athletics
department.
When the
football play-
ers take the field,
they run through a
“T” created by the Pride
of the Southland Marching Band.
This year will
be Jeff Zumsteg’s
36th consecutive
Homecoming,
marching onto
the field with his
fellow Marching
Mizzou alums.
After graduating
in 1986, Zumsteg,
past president of the
Kansas City Mizzou
Alumni chapter, and
his friends began the
tradition of traveling
to games initially in a
tiger-striped limousine
— with a football for
its “nose.”
Every year since
then, Zumsteg and
30 to 40 Marching
Mizzou alums, family
and friends meet
in Lot A before the
game. As soon as
the season’s football
schedule is released,
the group also selects
one away game to
attend together.
Whether flying or
driving, Zumsteg
makes sure his Tiger
flags and tails are
along for the ride. This
year, the close-knit
group will fly to West
Virginia University
and Louisiana State
University with a pit
stop in New Orleans.
PhotocourtesyofVisitKnoxville
TIGER
STYLE
Volunteer Pride

W
hen Kyle Bowers and his wife, Melanie, talked about where to settle in
Missouri, they met halfway. Melanie’s family is from Kansas City; Kyle’s is
from St. Louis. Columbia seemed a good fit for Bowers’ chiropractic practice.
Avid coach of four children’s sports team, Bowers has been a member of the Tiger
Quarterback Club since 2004, where he is now serving his third term as its president.
As a former DePauw University football player, Bowers has a particular love of the
sport. “So when I looked around for how I could give back to my community, I thought I
might as well do it with something I love,” he says. The nonprofit club raises money for the
Tiger Scholarship Fund for the football department through membership and events such
as the annual golf tournament and fashion show, casino and trivia nights, weekly lunches
with coaches during the season, and more.
In addition to his own family’s frequent trips to away games, Bowers helps the club
organize a group trip to at least one away game during regular season — the Knoxville
game is the likely choice this 2016 season.
“We’ll take 70 to 80 people, spend the night, host parties at the hotel, connect with
the local alumni association,” he says. For his own travels: “If it’s a day game, we will
typically make a mini-vacation out of the trip. If it’s a later game, well, you know, usually
the tailgating starts early, so it’s a little hard to plan anything else. But we always enjoy
our time.”
TIGER QUARTERBACK CLUB
“It’s Always Gameday”
Official Booster Club of the Missouri Tigers
Football Team
$75/one-year membership. Open to anyone.
For more information: www.tigerqbclub.com,
email tigerquarterbackclub@gmail.com
Tailgate Tent access
Monday Lunch with coaches during
football season
First-hand reports about recruits and
team activities
Year-round mixers and luncheons
(e.g. Trivia Nights)
TQBC Black & Gold Fashion Show
Sept. 14, 2016
Opportunities to get to know the coaches
and players
Tiger Quarterback Club
Pride of the Southland Marching Band
TIGER
STYLE

Litany of Love
“I’m Ms. J, Mrs. J, Ms. Gayle. I’m Mrs.
Johnson. I’m Moms. Don’s Pops some-
times. Usually, it’s just Mr. and Mrs. J.”
That’s the litany of names Tiger athletes —
heavy on the football players — use to seal
their connection with this kindly couple.
Whether rising stars, future pro play-
ers or nearly anonymous walk-ons, to the
Johnsons, they’re all the same: big
kids, many far from home and fam-
ily, who yearn for a hug or an up-
lifting word. And that’s what the
Johnsons have regularly dispensed
since they retired here 12 years ago.
Married during Don’s senior year
at Mizzou (60 years ago this September),
Gayle worked various university jobs as
Don finished “ag” school. “I guess that’s
how it got started,” Gayle says. “We were up
here, and, well, we just became fans.”
Even through 37 years in Cornhusker
wilderness, the Johnsons carried the torch for the Tigers. “We’d have to go sit in the car
and turn the radio on to get the games,” she says. In time, they founded the Tigers of the
Corn Alumni Association — 16 alums came to the first meeting in the Johnsons’ basement.
They started following basketball, too, and wrestling, traveling to NCAA tournaments,
as well as nearly every football bowl game, returning often to Columbia for games and
fundraisers.
Since returning to Tiger home turf, they remain committed —
and decorated — alumni volunteers and backers. But “the kids” are
their primary mission now that their own grandchildren are nearly
grown.
Even after Gayle’s knee replacement surgery last year, Don made
sure Gayle got to every Tiger Walk — in position at the bottom of
the stairs, ready to wish every boy good luck with a hug.
Although the couple doesn’t follow the team on the road
these days, they still drive over to send off the buses when
the team leaves for away games. Don still takes a boy or
two fishing — no frills, no boat, typically on a private farm pond. (The couple has
“compliance” on speed-dial to ensure they always act within the letter and spirit of
NCAA rules and regulations.)
And Gayle still clips newspaper articles — last year alone, sending about 90 thick ma-
nila envelopes to players’ parents, since many may seldom, if ever, get to see their child play.
They don’t do it for the calls, the photos, the scrapbooks of thank-you notes or brushes
with fame as some of the now-pro athletes drop by when they’re in town to say “hi” to Mr.
and Mrs. J. They do it, they say, because, "we just love these kids."
THE NUMBER
OF YEARS THE
JOHNSONS SPENT
IN CORNHUSKER
TERRITORY.
37
TIGER
STYLE
Photo by L.G. Patterson

SAT. SEPT. 3, 2016
11 A.M. AT VS WEST VIRGINIA
MORGANTOWN, W.VA.
TV: FOX SPORTS 1
SAT. SEPT. 10, 2016
6:30 P.M. VS EASTERN MICHIGAN
MEMORIAL STADIUM/FAUROT FIELD
TV: SEC NETWORK (ALTERNATE)
(SEC) SAT. SEPT. 17, 2016
6:30 P.M. VS GEORGIA
TV: SEC NETWORK
SAT. SEPT. 24, 2016
VS DELAWARE STATE
(SEC) SAT. OCT. 1, 2016
AT LSU, BATON ROUGE, LA.
LSU HOMECOMING
(SEC) SAT. OCT. 15, 2016
AT FLORIDA, GAINESVILLE, FLA.
UF HOMECOMING
SAT. OCT. 22, 2016 – MIZZOU HOMECOMING
VS MIDDLE TENNESSEE
(SEC) SAT. OCT. 29, 2016
VS KENTUCKY
(SEC) SAT. NOV. 5, 2016
AT SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA, S.C.
(SEC) SAT. NOV. 12, 2016
VS VANDERBILT
(SEC) SAT. NOV. 19, 2016
AT TENNESSEE
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
(SEC) FRI. NOV. 25, 2016
1:30PM VS ARKANSAS
TV: CBS
Mizzou Football Schedule
INDICATES HOME GAME INDICATES AWAY GAME
Tigers On The Road
SHOPPING GUIDE
MERCHANTS
Binghams Clothing, 872 E. Broadway, 573-442-6397, www.binghamsclothing.com
Joe Machens Toyota Scion, 1180 Vandiver Drive, 573-445-4450,
www.joemachenstoyota.com
McAdams’ Ltd., 1501 Old Highway 63 S., 573-442-3151, www.mcadamsltd.com
My Sister’s Circus, 1110 E. Broadway, 573-443-5618
Pretty Little Things, 601 Main St., Boonville, 573-268-2005,
www.prettyweddingrentals.com
The Mizzou Store, 911 Rollins St., 573-882-7611, www.themizzoustore.com
White House Black Market, 2300 Bernadette Drive, 573-445-6643,
www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
Woody’s Gentlemen’s Clothiers, 111 S. Ninth St., 573-886-0265,
www.woodysclothiers.com
COVER: Land Cruiser, Joe Machens Toyota Scion; TOP – Suitcases ($7),
Pretty Little Things; INSIDE — Picnic Basket ($5), “This Is Tiger Country”
($15), Pretty Little Things; Tiger tail ($10), The Mizzou Store
MODELS: Joel Hathaway — White Mizzou button-down shirt ($135), Mizzou
belt ($165), black Mizzou tiger-print pants ($145), Binghams Clothing; Caitlin
Sloan — Yellow burlap sleeveless top by Ivy Jane, My Sister’s Circus ($103);
gold and white necklace, black shorts by Mittoshop ($42), Woody’s Gentle-
men’s Clothiers
P. 58-59 ROADTRIP TAILGATE SPREAD: Chalkboard ($10), “This
is Tiger Country” sign ($15), glass jar ($8), artificial lemons ($2), vintage
Mizzou cans ($1), Pretty Little Things; folding chair by Logo ($45), Pompoms
($2), “Reserved Parking Mizzou Fans Only” sign ($12), The Mizzou Store; tent,
flag, Griswold family
ON THE TABLE: Missouri Tigers Season Schedule Vintage Tumblers ($20-
$50), Mizzou football chip and dip holder ($112) & Mizzou aluminum beer
mug ($39), both by Wilton Armetale, Tiger bottle chiller by Arthur Court
($550), McAdams’ Ltd.; hand-painted Mizzou glasses ($22) & wine-glasses,
both by Game Day Outfitters ($17), The Mizzou Store
MODELS (from left): Caitlin Sloan — Mizzou black sunglasses ($6), The
Mizzou Store; dress by Ark & Co. ($62), Woody’s Gentlemen’s Clothiers;
black and gold bracelets ($18-$20), My Sister’s Circus; Cassie Allee — Hair,
Lex Bee, Mizzou aviator sunglasses ($10), The Mizzou Store; white and gold
dress ($150) & gold necklace ($65), White House Black Market; Lex Bee —
Mizzou tiger-stripe sunglasses by Society 43 ($20), The Mizzou Store; black
romper ($110), White House Black Market; Trina Reifsteck — Hair, Patrick
Bevins; Makeup, Jordan Ruprecht; white top with black pattern by Ivy Jane
($103), white tank top by Nic + Zoe ($48), My Sister’s Circus; gold necklace
& black shorts by Mittoshop ($42) Woody’s Gentlemen’s Clothiers; Joel Ha-
thaway — Mizzou yellow sunglasses by Society 43 ($20), The Mizzou Store;
white states tradition polo ($65), khaki tiger-print shorts ($115), Mizzou flip
flops ($89.50), Binghams Clothing
P. 59, DETAIL: Glass jar ($8), artificial lemons ($2), and small wood block
($4), Pretty Little Things; Mizzou wine bottle koozie by Woozie ($17), hand-
painted Mizzou wine glasses by Game Day Outfitters ($17), The Mizzou Store
P. 60, TOP LEFT: Cassie Allee — Hair, Lex Bee; Mizzou aviator sunglasses
($10), The Mizzou Store
P. 60, TOP MIDDLE: Tiger bottle chiller by Arthur Court ($550), McAdams’ Ltd.
P. 60, TOP RIGHT: Mizzou Tigers yellow sweatshirt blanket ($40),
folding chair by Logo ($45), hand-painted Mizzou wine glass by Game Day
Outfitters ($17), The Mizzou Store; from left, Caitlin Sloan — Mizzou black
sunglasses ($6), The Mizzou Store; dress by Ark & Co. ($62), Woody’s
Gentlemen’s Clothiers; Beezy (the dog); Lex Bee — Mizzou tiger-stripe
sunglasses by Society 43 ($20), holding hand-painted Mizzou wine glass
by Game Day Outfitters ($17), The Mizzou Store; black romper ($110), gold
necklace ($75), White House Black Market; Cassie Allee — Hair, Lex Bee;
Mizzou aviator sunglasses ($10), The Mizzou Store; white and gold dress
($150), gold necklace ($65), White House Black Market; Trina Reifsteck —
Hair, Patrick Bevins; Makeup, Jordan Ruprecht; white top with black pattern
by Ivy Jane ($103), white tank top by Nic + Zoe ($48), My Sister’s Circus; gold
necklace, Woody’s Gentlemen’s Clothiers
P. 60, BOTTOM LEFT: Mizzou football chip and dip holder by Wilton
Armetale ($112), Tiger nutcrackers ($59), McAdams’ Ltd.; Mizzou silver
container by Magnolia Lane Collection ($30), The Mizzou Store
P. 60, BOTTOM RIGHT: Joel Hathaway — Mizzou yellow sunglasses by
Society 43 ($20), The Mizzou Store; white states tradition polo ($65), khaki
tiger-print shorts ($115), Mizzou flip flops ($89.50), Binghams Clothing; tent,
flag, corn hole game, Griswold family

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