Let’s Hear it For The Boys

Taking a look at the Men of Missouri Baptist, Then and Now.

Photo by: Lydia Milan

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For the last 50 years, the men of Missouri Baptist University have continued to represent the prestigious name behind MBU.

Besides the continuous stature and honor the men have brought to campus, their achievements and strides made for the last half century have been outstanding.

2014 marks a big year for the Greek brothers on campus.

For the first time in school history, the fraternity Phi Lamda Phi has been established on MBU grounds.

“The reasons for founding this fraternity are much more than just joining other guys in brotherhood. It’s about starting a Greek life system at Missouri Baptist that will benefit both the members and our university as a whole,” said David Long, founding president of the fraternity. “I hope this new Greek life system lasts for the entirety of the university.”

The big man on campus himself, Spartacus, has come a long way as well.

Since the unveiling of the university’s beloved mascot in 1973, Spartacus has made his way into the hearts of MBU fans.

This year, Spartacus left the National Cheerleaders Association camp with the honorary Most Collegiate Mascot Award, surpassing other universities such as Iowa State, Oral Roberts University and Oklahoma City University.

Missouri Baptist’s men are excelling not just from the sidelines, but on the field too.

The men of MBU baseball hold the proud title of 13 AMC season championships since 1995, and in 2013 the Spartans baseball team advanced to the NAIA World Series. The team consists of over 31 All-American athletes in MBU baseball history.

Other programs such as basketball, cross-country and lacrosse have brought back conference championships, making the Spartan name known across the nation.

With over 34 All-Americans produced, the men of indoor and outdoor track and field have also made a positive impact in the athletics department on campus.

The men of MBU perform just as well on the stage as they do on the court.

The MBU men’s gospel quartet, Closer, has achieved great growth within the past year.

Closer has performed with the internationally renowned barbershop quartet Vocal Spectrum as well as touring Chicago.

You can catch the men of Closer, including Zach Bartlett, Mac Davenport, Harrison Saldana and Stuart Harrier, performing at chapel and special events around campus.

The spotlight on MBU’s men does not stop there.

This year marks the fourth annual Mr. Spartan, where the men of MBU compete against each other for the prestigious crown.

The entertaining competition has become a tradition during MBU’s Homecoming week and leaves one contestant with the famed title of Mr. Spartan for the school year.

“Mr. Spartan was an astonishing  feeling. I felt honored to even participate in the event. The atmosphere was filled with support and love from everyone,” said Cornelius Igwe, last year’s Mr. Spartan. “Winning the competition was an ecstatic feeling I will never forget.”

The men of Missouri Baptist University have made commendable strides in the past 50 years, and are expected to continue the tradition of excellence.