Missouri Western Inducts Seven Into Hall of Fame

The 2026 Griffon Athletics Hall of Fame class features four athletes, one administrator, and two standout teams.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Missouri Western Inducts Seven Into Hall of Fame

Missouri Western State University recently honored seven new inductees during its 2026 Griffon Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony in Saint Joseph. The class includes individual athletes, a long-time administrator, and two historic university teams.

Why it matters

The induction recognizes athletes and teams that defined the university sports landscape through record-breaking performances and conference titles. Honoring these legacy figures helps preserve the competitive history of Missouri Western Athletics for current students and alumni.

Inductees include Travis Partridge, who led the football team to a 29-8 record, and kicker Greg Zuerlein, who set an NCAA Division II record with 21 consecutive field goals. The 2015-16 women's basketball team was also honored after finishing their season with a 27-4 overall record.

The players

Travis Partridge

He served as the star quarterback for the Missouri Western football team and compiled a 29-8 record.

Greg Zuerlein

The standout kicker set an NCAA Division II record by successfully converting 21 consecutive field goals.

Amy Towne

She was an impactful women's basketball player who earned MIAA Freshman of the Year honors in 1994.

Ryan Menley

He is a recognized administrator who earned six National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators awards.

Patrick McCarthy

The former men's golfer achieved four tournament championships and 20 career top-10 finishes.

The details

The 2005-06 men's golf team was recognized for securing an outright MIAA championship. Additionally, Ryan Menley was honored for earning six National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators awards during his tenure.

1994: Amy Towne is named MIAA Freshman of the Year.
2005-2006: The men's golf team wins an MIAA championship.
2011: Greg Zuerlein plays his season as a Griffon.
October 23, 2026: The Hall of Fame ceremony is held.

Season Trajectory

Honoring these past champions serves as a milestone for Missouri Western, reflecting the program's long-term growth in the MIAA conference. This Hall of Fame class bridges historical achievements like the 2015-16 NCAA tournament run with the ongoing evolution of Griffon athletics.

The recognition of these athletes highlights the historical benchmarks for record-holding performances like Greg Zuerlein's 21 consecutive field goals. These milestones define the current athletic standard for the university and provide context for future player development in the MIAA.

The takeaway

Celebrating institutional history helps foster a deeper connection between the university and its supporting community. Understanding the records of past athletes can provide fans with a better appreciation of the current standards for athletic excellence at the collegiate level.