MSHSAA All Access Podcast

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Doug Fessler, and Scott Lunte sit down to recap the first weekend of the 2026 MSHSAA Basketball Championships held at Mizzou Arena (March 11–14), featuring a new format that grouped girls (Classes 1–3) on Wednesday–Thursday and boys (Classes 1–3) on Friday–Saturday. In this wrap-up we'll highlight all the results from both the Girls & Boys games including details on player and team statistics. Find out who made it to the top and how the teams performed throughout the tournament!

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad is joined by Daryl Bradley, Assistant Executive Director and executive in charge of Wrestling, along with Scott Lunte, Communications Assistant to recap the 2026 Boys and Girls Wrestling Championships. In this episode we get to share exciting news coming up for the 2026-27 school year as this was the final year to have both genders competing simultaneously at Mizzou Arena. Listen and find out all of the details from individual champions to how teams finished throughout the event.

MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Assistant Executive Director Stephanie Turner, and Communications Assistant Scott Lunte recap the 2026 MSHSAA Girls Swimming & Diving Championships held in February at the St. Peters RECplex. Listen as they review Class 1 and 2 team standings plus individual champions with no event records broken all weekend. We'll also spend some time listening to an on-sight interview with reflections on retiring after 26+ years with coach Steve Boyce.

On this episode of the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast, Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and Assistant Executive Director Doug Fessler, preview the 2026 MSHSAA Basketball Show-Me Showdown Championships! Join us as we highlight the two-week high school championships held at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. Classes 1-3 play March 11-14 and classes 4-6 will play March 18-21. A new schedule feature separates girls and boys tournaments and adjustments to the trophy game schedule are just a few of the topics we'll cover as we get ready for our next championship event!

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, explains the 2026 Annual Questionnaire process, open in the last few weeks of February for member schools, with results reviewed by the Board of Directors in March for potential by-law and constitutional changes voted on via the April ballot. In this episode Dr. Rukstad highlights the varying questionnaire topics from transfer-rule proposals to tournament seeding. Join the discussion and learn what key items the membership is looking to discuss in our governance season.

The 2026 Missouri State High School Activities Association Wrestling Championships are here!! Boys & Girls, multiple classes, and endless action will all happen at Mizzou Arena in Columbia! It's a four-day marathon of matches featuring 2, 436 bouts from the best young wrestlers in Missouri! Beginning Feb. 25th - 28th, this will be the last wrestling championship for boys and girls hosted under one roof - listen and find out what exciting news we have coming for the future of boys and girls wrestling in Missouri!

Join Dr. Jennifer Rukstd, Executive Director of MSHSAA, and Stephanie Turner, Assistant Executive Director, as they preview the 2026 Girls Swimming and Diving Championships in this episode of the MSHSAA All Access Podcast. Learn about the schedule, location, and unique qualifying process for the event, as well as special insights and tips for athletes, coaches, and spectators.

In this episode of the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast, Communications Director Andrew Kauffman, along with Associate Executive Director James Melton and Assistant Executive Director Alex Huck, invite two special guests to celebrate their selections as “Directors of the Year.” Daniel Henderson, Orchestra Director for Clayton High School, and Jordan Heart, Speech and Debate Director for Jefferson City, share their passion for mentoring students and young educators. The group discusses their impact on student success, the importance of mentorship and community support, and the value of participation in activities like the arts.

Join Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and CFO/COO Craig Long in this episode as we explore another misconception in our MSHSAA Myths series. Listen as they dive into the intricate process behind selecting championship venues. Discover the evolution from early member school hosts to utilizing collegiate facilities. Learn how vital the role of community Convention and Visitors Bureau's and Sports Commissions play in organizing and supporting these events, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for student athletes. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the logistical challenges and strategic decisions that shape the hosting of high school sports championships in Missouri.

Celebrating 100 Years: Missouri State High School Activities Association's CentennialJoin Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, and retired Senior Associate Executive Director Stacy Schroeder as they highlight the centennial year of MSHSAA. In this special episode, they delve into the Association's history, focusing on key dates leading up to its official formation on February 4th, 1926. Learn about the origins of interscholastic competition in Missouri, the pivotal role that various teaching colleges and districts played, and the milestones that marked the foundation of MSHSAA. This episode is a part of a series celebrating 100 years of enhancing student activities and competitions.

In this episode of the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Executive Director, and Craig Long, CFO/COO, shed light on the financial workings of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. We'll address common myths about MSHSAA's funding and clarify the belief that the organization receives any state funding. The discussion will cover major revenue sources as we also explore the impact of weather and matchups on revenue and the association's fiscal policies aimed at reinvesting back into the member schools and activities.Stay tuned as we continue breaking down many of the myths around MSHSAA in this series!

Join Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, MSHSAA Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, as she discusses the key topics for the 2026 MSHSAA Area Meetings.In this episode, we dive into MSHSAA's governance process, rule changes, updates on MSHSAA.TV streaming, district hosting procedures, Wrestling Championship changes and proposed changes to transfer rules.We'll also cover topics related to Scholar Bowl, Speech and Debate, Dance competitions and Coaching Requirements.Tune in to stay informed of what's coming up for Missouri schools in 2026!

Exploring MSHSAA's Streaming Evolution: A Deep Dive into MSHSAA TVJoin Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Executive Director at MSHSAA, along with guests Andrew Kauffman, Craig Long, and Eric Kelly, as they discuss the evolution of MSHSAA TV, the association's streaming service. This episode covers the history and significance of streaming high school activities, addressing intellectual property, competitive fairness, and the impact of the pandemic on streaming advancements. Learn about the efforts made to enhance content delivery, including the use of the new studio, broadcasting history, and the involvement of student broadcasters. This detailed discussion reveals how MSHSAA is leading the way in providing accessible and high-quality streaming experiences for high school sports and activities.

Join us in celebrating some of the amazing individuals that dedicate so much time and effort into the students of interscholastic sports in Missouri! This episode will highlight the NFHS MSHSAA nominee's for the 2024-25 Winter Coach of the Year - including Girls Wrestling, Boys Wrestling, Girls Swimming and Diving, Girls Basketball and Boys Basketball. Listen as we share all the amazing things these coaches are doing in their schools and communities that provide such a dedicated support system that is vital to the success of young athletes they come in contact with each and every day.

In this episode of the MSHSAA All Access Podcast, Andrew Kauffman, Director of Communications, steps in for Dr. Jennifer Rukstad to discuss Winter Officials Appreciation Week. Joined by Tony Hill, Associate Executive Director at MSHSAA, they welcome three outstanding officials from Missouri - two first-year officials and 1 veteran official. They share their experiences, challenges, and motivations for becoming officials. Listen to hear personal stories, mentoring relationships, and valuable advice for aspiring officials. Plus, discover how high school students can get involved in officiating and the importance of building positive relationships in the field. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about dedication and passion in sports officiating.

Tragedy at Davis Creek: A Centennial Reflection on the 1927 State ChampionshipJoin Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Executive Director, and retired Senior Associate Executive Director Stacy Schroeder, as they delve into the poignant history of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) in this episode of MSHSAA All Access Podcast. They recount the tragic events of March 1927, known as the 'Tragedy at Davis Creek,' where a wagon carrying students from Central High School in Kansas City and Northeast Kansas City was swept into floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of two students. Discover the intricate details of this incident and its impact on the school communities, whilst also reflecting on the strength and resilience of students and educators involved in interscholastic competitions.

How has the MSHSAA Board of Directors evolved over the century? From the original five-member board in 1926 to today's diverse and representative body, learn about the pivotal changes that have shaped our association. Listen to our latest episode for the full story!

Exploring the Centennial Celebration: Behind the Scenes of MSHSAA's New Book!In this episode of the MSHSAA All Access Podcast, we discuss the upcoming centennial year of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) with retired Senior Associate Executive Director, Stacey Schroeder. Stacey takes us through the process of creating the centennial book, which features an abridged version of Mr. Keller's book from 1976. The coffee table book, rich with photographs and historical documents, captures the history and essence of the association. We delve into the book's structure, challenges faced during production, and the fascinating stories and images that make it a must-have for fans of Missouri's educational and athletic history. Get insights on the book's creation, the content, and how it offers a visual and narrative journey through MSHSAA's hundred-year legacy.

Relive each and every game in this action-packed episode of the 2025 Show-Me Bowl Review as we recap the results from all 6 classes of 11-man and 8-man Championship Games. Our latest episode dives into the thrilling matchups, set in our new venue at Missouri Western University in St. Joseph. Catch every highlight and record breaking moment as see how the new location added to the electric atmosphere! 🏈

Get the full scoop on the thrilling 2025 Boys Soccer Championships held at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, MO! Join Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Alex Huck, and Andrew Kauffman as they break down the top moments and surprising outcomes! ⚽️ Relive all the action and join the conversation as we discuss the unforgettable matches and standout teams across all four competition classes!

Make a splash with us at the St. Peter's Rec Plex as we recap the 2025 MSHSAA Boys Swimming & Diving Championships! 🏆 Discover the thrilling highlights and dominant performances from both classes in this year’s intense competition. Join us for an in-depth look at the historic feats and recap all of the incredible performances and unforgettable moments!!

Get ready for a game-changing addition to Missouri football and some exciting news for Missouri high school football fans! Join us as we chat with Kenny Seifert and Lou Mazzocco about implementing instant replay for the 2025 MSHSAA championships. We're diving into the details of how instant replay will enhance the upcoming state championships. The game you love just got smarter!

We are continuing our review of each fall championship, and next up is the 2025 MSHSAA Cross Country Championships! This year brought much better weather, giving us two days of fantastic competition.Once again, the event was held at the well-known Gans Creek Recreation Area on November 7th and 8th. Throughout each race, fans and athletes alike witnessed remarkable moments of achievement and personal bests. Join us as we celebrate all the participants and the impressive accomplishments they achieved!

The 51st Girls Volleyball Championships are officially in the record books! Held at the St. Joseph Civic Arena from November 5th through the 8th, this year’s tournament delivered four days of intense competition, unforgettable performances, and history-making moments. Join us as we highlight all the top storylines—from which schools qualified, to how they finished, to the records that were not only broken, but absolutely shattered!

It’s the final championship of the 2025 MSHSAA Fall Championships — the 58th MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl Football Championships!Join us as we get ready for another exciting weekend of action and highlight our new home for all classes of competition: Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western University. In this episode, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this year’s games — from the schedule to parking and more!

The 50th MSHSAA Fall Softball Championships was certainly one to remember! From every action-packed semifinal to each nail-biting trophy game, the 2025 Championships proved to be one of our best yet.Join us as we spotlight each team and break down the results of this year’s competition. Discover which teams and players made the biggest impact throughout the event—and so much more!

We are nearing the end of the 2025 MSHSAA Fall Championship season, and next up is the 58th Boys Soccer Championships!Held at the fantastic Worldwide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, over the course of 2 days 16 teams will compete for their chance to make history and secure a championship title.Listen as we highlight important reminders, key dates, and all the necessary information as we celebrate another exciting championship event!

Get ready to relive every thrilling moment from the 51st MSHSAA Girls Tennis Championships! From electrifying rallies to heart-stopping match points, both weekends were packed with intensity and unforgettable action that will go down in the record books!Discover how each competitor performed, and dive into the full results from the Team Championships as we celebrate every athlete who gave it their all in this incredible showcase of talent and determination!

Join us as we take another behind-the-curtain look at our state championships, where we interview several members of the Springfield Parks and Recreation staff to gain insight into just one of the many layers that go into running a successful championship event.There are many moving pieces when it comes to hosting an MSHSAA Championship, and we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who help make it all happen. From meticulous planning and coordination to the on-the-ground teamwork that keeps everything running seamlessly, these dedicated professionals play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Their hard work and passion are what bring our championships to life — and we can’t wait to share their stories with you!

Up next in the 2025 MSHSAA Championships season is the 92nd Boys Swimming & Diving Championships! We're back once again at St. Peter’s Rec-Plex as competition kicks off on Thursday, November 13!Tune in as we share everything from the tournament schedule and competition times to important details about tickets and spectator information.We can’t wait to see all the incredible athletes in action and celebrate the spirit of competition at this year’s championships. Be sure to mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us at St. Peter's Rec-Plex to cheer on the best swimmers and divers in the state! Let’s make this an unforgettable championship season!

Just a few weeks ago, the 51st MSHSAA Girls Golf Championships took place amid a brisk and windy start to the 2025 Fall Season at four different locations around the state. In this episode, we will share highlights of performances from each class of competition and the special moments that made this championship one for the record books!

Ready - Set - GO!! We're running right on to our next championship of the 2025 Fall Season - the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships!! Join us as we share all the important reminders and updates for this spectacular event held at one of the nations premier cross country courses right in our one state!

We are all set for our next upcoming Championship in this historical 2025 Fall season! In this championship preview episode we are digging into the 51st Girls Volleyball Championships! We have lots to cover as we talk about the new venue for the girls championships along with a few other changes coming for this spectacular event! Join us in celebrating another action-packed week of competition in the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship series!

Get ready to dive into the excitement as we gear up for one of high school sports’ most anticipated weekends: the 50th Fall Softball Championships of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Held at Meador Park in Springfield, MO, this milestone event brings together 4 teams from 20 classes to compete on October 30–November 1, 2025. MSHSAA+1In this episode, we’ll cover everything from location to schedules and more!Whether you’re a fan in the stands, a player on the field, or just drawn to the drama and triumph of high-school sport, this episode will set the stage perfectly for opening pitch. Tune in, get hyped, and prepare to witness history in the making at Meador Park!

Our second championship to kick off the fall season is the 51st Girls Tennis Championships! This event features competition at the individual and doubles levels, and also leads into a separate team championship. The top four teams qualify through bracketed play, culminating in the State Championship.Listen as we share the "love" and highlight this unique championship event — and discover more about Girls Tennis in Missouri!

Each year the Missouri State High School Activities nominates coaches through the NFHS Coach of the Year program. Join us in recognizing and celebrating our 2024-2025 NFHS MSHSAA Coach of the Year Recipients for Fall Sports!