re: Mizzou Recruiting: Decommits

quote:

---

Interesting. I recently moved to Springfield so I'm trying to get the area figured out. I am guessing it goes back to the whole Kansas/Missouri rivalry?

---

Yes, thats part of it for sure.

Missouri is a crossroads state as far as culture. There are three very distinct areas of the State. St Louis really is on an island and has a much more northern or "old industry" feel and culture more akin to the Northeast and Midwest. Southern and Southwest Missouri has a more southern culture and the KC area along with parts of northern Missouri have a strong "midwestern/western" identity.

This dynamic has been playing hell on recruiting Missouri for Mizzou for decades now. The biggest hurdle for Mizzou has been trying to lock down in state talent. Kids from the different areas all have a varying opinion and of Mizzou and what its identity is depending on where they are from in the State.