Rest in peace, Don Tomlinson
Our #Mizzou family was saddened today to hear of the passing of former Tiger, Don Tomlinson - 1968-70 team captain & All-Big Eight forward.
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) February 6, 2015
Tomlinson's name can be spotted throughout #Mizzou's all-time records. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/YrSKKe4Myl
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) February 6, 2015
Daily Dunklin Democrat: Alma mater to pay tribute to Tomlinson tomorrow night (02/05/15)
A Kennett sports icon has died at the age of 66, and will be remembered in a tribute tomorrow night at Kennett High School (KHS). Don Tomlinson, who came to Kennett High School following the district's merger with the Bragg City School District, became arguably the greatest player in school history, and who came back to his alma mater to lead the KHS basketball program for many years, died Wednesday after suffering a heart attack at his home, in Kennett. He was taken by ambulance to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:26 p.m. [...]
Following his graduation from KHS in 1966, Tomlinson was a standout at the University of Missouri. There, he was the 1970 team captain and All Big-8 Conference. During the 1969-1970 season, he led the team in scoring. Following his career under legendary Mizzou coach Norm Stewart, Tomlinson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Back when his True Sons book came out, Michael Atchison named Tomlinson Mizzou's No. 30 player ever.
One of the first Tigers to play his entire career for Norm Stewart, Don Tomlinson was a key player in the program’s turnaround. As a sophomore, the forward stepped into the shoes of the departed Ron Coleman and averaged 15.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. As a junior he earned All-Big Eight honors and helped Missouri win its second straight game at Allen Field House, reigniting a rivalry that had long been dominated by Kansas. An All-Big Eight second-teamer as a senior in 1969-70, Tomlinson finished his career with 1,198 points, then the third highest total in school history. By leading the Tigers to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in five years, Tomlinson helped lay the foundation for even greater success in the 1970’s.
Don Tomlinson was one of the key early pieces of Norm Stewart's turnaround. Best wishes to his family.
[Insert awkward segue here.]
Stubble Field is a go
The Missourian: UM System approves proposal for new Missouri softball stadium
For more info about the new stadium, here's the original RFQ, and here's a piece written by the Trib's Blake Toppmeyer last week.
"Our intent is also to have grass seating areas and berms and get over 2,000 in capacity total," said Tim Hickman, MU’s executive associate athletic director for operations. "It’s just trying to find a balance of having enough capacity to hit the demand for our crowds but also not to overbuild."
The new stadium, which will be positioned east of the Hearnes Center along Stadium Boulevard, is slated to be ready by December 2016, according to a document. That means 2017 would be the season Missouri moves from University Field, its home since 1980, into its new stadium. [...]
The proposal document also outlines future phases of construction for the softball stadium that were considered during the planning and design. Those plans outline potential future construction of an indoor practice facility with a complete training room program, a home-team clubhouse with an expanded locker room, a nutrition center, video room, team theater, coaches’ offices, recruiting and visitor amenities, expanded seating and meeting spaces.
And speaking of softball...
MUTIGERS.COM: Two Tigers Named to Preseason Softball All-SEC Team
A couple of recruiting links
The Trib: Missouri's football reputation no longer a secret
KC Star: Money for scholarship stipends could become a tool in recruiting battles
More on Ryan Walters
The Trib (Behind the Stripes): Report: Ryan Walters to be MU's new safeties coach
I guess cautious optimism is better than reckless pessimism!
The Trib: Kreklow 'cautiously optimistic' new setter combination will yield better results in 2015
BCI! BCI! BCI!
MUTIGERS.COM: Mizzou Drops Close Contest with No. 14 Texas A&M
The Missourian: Turnovers doom Missouri women's basketball against No. 14 Texas A&M
WHATNOT
Track & Field
MUTIGERS.COM: Track & Field Hosts Tiger Invitational on Friday
The Missourian: Missouri men's distance runners prepare for Friday meet
Gymnastics
MUTIGERS.COM: Gymnastics Returns Home to Host Kentucky, Lindenwood
Tennis
MUTIGERS.COM: Tennis Returns Home For Saturday Doubleheader