1972 MSSU Football Team
In 1972, the Lions football team won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II championship by defeating Northwestern Iowa, 21-14 in Joplin. Under the direction of Head Coach Jim Frazier, former Missouri Southern’s director of men’s athletics, the team finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record. Members of the team included: Jerry Adkinson, Neal Alkire, Kerry Anders, Ron Barnes, Joe Balentine, John Busalacki, George Bruto, Larry Cameron, John Carter, Mike Cole, Bob Danner, Jack Duda, Doug Efird, David L. Evans, David S. Evans, Randy Fidler, Marty Galbraith, Fred Gnerlich, Randy Hacker, Roger Hall, Steve Hamilton, Ray Harding, Todd Heflin, Charles Hendricks, Larry Hill, Tyrone Hill, Randy Hocker, John Howard, Ken Howard, Terron Jackson, Jack Jewsbury, Sam Keohala, Barry Korner, John LaBlank, Mike Mitchell, Max Mourglia, Steve Muehling, Jim Nieman, Dennis Pendergrass, Bill Ruble, Ed Ryan, Paul Sallie, Terry Starks, Kent Stracke, Jack Varns, Steward Ward, John Watson, Melvin Wilson, and Jeff Wolverton. In addition to Frazier coaches were Tony Calwhite, Charlie Wade, Jim Hoots and Ed Wuch. Managers were Ron McReynolds, Doug Guier, Henry Moyer, and Doug Dodd.

Sept. 9 Fort Hays State (A) W 40-15
Sept. 16 Southeast Missouri (H) W 7-6
Sept. 23 College of Emporia (A) W 33-7
Sept. 30 Missouri S&T (H) W 39-7
Oct. 7 UNLV (A) W 7-0
Oct. 14 Pittsburg State (H) W 21-6
Oct. 21 Washburn (A) W 14-3
Oct. 28 Emporia State (HC) W 14-9
Nov. 4 Missouri Western (H) W 52-7
Nov. 11 Culver-Stockton (H) W 63-12
Nov. 25 Doane College (H) + W 24-6
Dec. 2 Northwestern (H) + W 21-14