Murray State University Athletics
From the Stables - Notes From the Desk of Director of Athletics Nico Yantko
10/3/2022 4:24:00 PM | General
Keep on eye on GoRacers.com for regular updates from the Murray State AD
From the Stables Notes From the Desk of Director of Athletics Nico Yantko
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Good Morning Racer Nation,
As I write to you today as your new Director of Athletics, I want to begin with Marnie and I are incredibly humbled and honored by the responsibility entrusted to us by President Jackson to return to Murray and serve at Murray State. The time since the press conference August 16 has flown by and I have loved every minute of listening and learning as I take a refresher course on all things Murray State.
After being away for nearly 13 years, I am still amazed at the transformation of both Murray and Murray State every time I drive on campus or around our wonderful community - "the friendliest small town in America."
The transition period has been extremely busy and I appreciate the help of all of our athletics staff members in continuing to execute their daily duties while helping me get acclimated. Over the last month, I have had well over 150 individual and group meetings with student-athletes, head coaches, staff, faculty, student leaders, fans, media, university and community leaders.
We have already packed a lot into my first month. Here's a quick look at the hard work going on at the "Stables" here with Racers Athletics:
As I mentioned in my introductory press conference, we will be intentional on engaging Racers near and far and building on our tradition of excellence through relationships. We have already visited the following areas to connect with our Murray State faithful:
- Calloway County
- Marshall County
- McCracken County
- Graves County
- Ballard County
- St. Louis, MO
- Evansville, IN
- Nashville, TN
Racers Rally Program – We already have over 50 companies signed up to help represent Racers Athletics and distributed nearly 400 yard signs and window decals. And we are already well represented in over four counties as well as Nashville and St. Louis. Interested in participating? Click here
Blue and Gold Fridays – We know that Racer Nation is represented in every corner of our state and
region, across the nation and even to the far reaches of the globe. There is something special in coming together every Friday as Racers everywhere show our collective pride in our community, in our university and in our Murray State athletic teams. We have great momentum with our transition into the Missouri Valley Conference, and when our supporters proudly wear Blue & Gold each Friday, everyone will know the Race is On. Post a pic and tag us! Please use the hashtag #TheRaceIsOn"The Stables" $50 Giving Level – We introduced a new giving level for the Racer Club. For just $50 a year (or for $4.17 a month), Racer fans can make an impact in our transition into the Missouri Valley Conference. Every dollar matters and every person counts as we embark on our transition into the MVC!!
Racers Athletics First Ever Day of Giving – We had our first-ever Day of Giving as an Athletics Department, and to no surprise, Racer Nation showed out!! We raised $203,000.00 and 64 new members at or above the new Stables $50 level!
Corporate Ticket Challenge – Murray, Kentucky is home to some of the most passionate college basketball fans in the country, and the 2022 Corporate Season Ticket Challenge is an excellent way for local businesses and industries to reflect that by purchasing tickets for the upcoming season. With our move to the Missouri Valley Conference, now is the time to invest in our program's trajectory and our season ticket holders will lead the charge and help us pack the CFSB Center at each of our home contests.
RACER MANIA!! – Racer Mania presented by The Murray Bank rings in the much anticipated first season of college basketball for the Murray State Racers in the Missouri Valley Conference Thursday (Oct. 20) at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky. The CFSB Center Doors open for the free event at 6:15 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.
For many years, Racer Mania is the signaling event marking the start of the basketball season for the Murray State Racers men's and women's teams. Last week, both of our basketball teams began practice for the 2022-23 campaigns. We are so excited to see both teams compete in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Be sure to check out this year's schedules for both teams – don't miss a second of the action!
• Men's Basketball Schedule
• Women's Basketball Schedule
Rifle #7 in Nation – Our nationally ranked Rifle Program just hosted Ohio State for their Senior Day match, where we celebrated three seniors.
Soccer Earns Program Win #200 – Seniors Lauren Payne and Grace Bodker each scored goals in a monumental 3-1 victory for Murray State over Lindenwood earlier in September. The win is the program's 200th victory of all-time!
Homecoming!! Saturday, October 29 – We are so excited to welcome back Racers far and wide to enjoy the weekend's festivities as we celebrate our 100th year for Murray State! Our Racers football team takes on Tennessee State at 2 p.m. at Stewart Stadium. We cannot wait to see you all at our Homecoming events and Tent City!
Be sure to check out this year's Homecoming festivities calendar, including the Homecoming Parade, Tent City information, and this year's Centennial Gala!
Homecoming Information
Tickets – Get your tickets today!!!
This inaugural issue of "From the Stables" is part of our commitment to direct communication with all of our constituents. We'll use "From the Stables" to regularly discuss department activities and share perspective and updates. You can also follow @MSURacers on Twitter and of course GoRacers.com is your home for all Murray State Athletics information.
To serve you, our University community, Racer student-athletes, coaches and staff as Murray State's tenth Director of Athletics, is an awesome responsibility. For our family, it is the ultimate privilege.
Go Racers!
Nico Yantko
Director of Athletics
Murray State University
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