With the cool fall weather in the air, many students are spending time in the great outdoors. Students at Missouri Baptist University are busy competing in fall sports and enjoying fellowship with other students as we emerge from a pandemic that kept us hidden behind face coverings for more than a year. MBU photojournalists Patrick Griffey and Autumn Heaton captured the faces of MBU Outdoors, Spartan football and Spartan cheer that we have missed while they were hidden under face masks.
MBU’s kicker, Odaine Reid, focuses intently toward the crowd during a football game at Spartan Field during Homecoming. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Dr. Amber Henry and Amelia Georgie hike with packs on at Lone Elk Park with MBU Outdoors. Photo by Patrick Griffey
A group of the MBU football players celebrate on the sidelines after scoring another touchdown. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Kaleigh Ryan cheers during a football game at Spartan Field. Photo by Autumn Heaton
John Barnes and Madison Blanton wade through the tall grass on a hike at Lone Elk Park with MBU Outdoors. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Running back Felix Pippenger walks off the field after the end of the football game. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Kelaynew Seyoum turns around with a smile on his face while playing disc golf at Creve Coeur Lake Park. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Spartan Line dancer, Mady Kroger, laughs at her other teammates. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Wesley Smith has a moment of focus before throwing a disc at Creve Coeur Lake Park. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Sophomore Blake Kight spits his water while standing on the sideline during a football game. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Dr. Tom Smith, associate vice president and director of athletics, smiles in celebration of game day. Photo by Autumn Heaton
A little girl performs with the Cheer and Dance team at a halftime performance after a mini clinic. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Alex Menz and Samson Wilkins laugh as they blow sawdust in the air on a hike at Lone Elk Park with MBU Outdoors. Photo by Patrick Griffey
MBU’s kicker, Odaine Reid, focuses intently toward the crowd during a football game at Spartan Field during Homecoming. Photo by Autumn Heaton
Kate Goodberlet 
Isabel Rinkenberger