New football rivals Lindenwood and SEMO will play, Saturday night at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau. (Image courtesy: Lindenwood Athletics)
The Southeast Missouri State University Department of Athletics and Lindenwood University Department of Athletics have partnered with MRV Banks as the title sponsor of the MRV Banks Game Ball Brawl football rivalry game. This will be the second year of this matchup but the first in partnership with MRV Banks, which has branch locations in both Cape Girardeau and St. Charles.
The MRV Banks Game Ball Brawl will be played this Saturday, Sept. 9 at the newly renovated Houck Field at Southeast Missouri State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
“Celebrating the power of sports to unite and inspire, MRV Banks is proud to be a key sponsor of this extraordinary event. Being a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau and a 3rd generation graduate of SEMO, I know the impact SEMO presents in our communities brining excellence in education, research, engagement, and creativity,” said Cape Market President Robbie Guard.
St. Charles Market President at MRV Banks, Garrett Watson, added, “At MRV Banks, our commitment to the community goes beyond banking. We are excited to be part of the Game Ball Brawl and contribute to the excitement and camaraderie it brings to our community. Partnering with Lindenwood University and Southeast Missouri State University shows our commitment to the communities we live and work in.”
As part of the partnership, MRV Banks sponsored the design and development of a custom Game Ball Brawl traveling trophy that will be retained each year by the winning team. The trophy was unveiled Monday afternoon at the Redhawks Football team meeting. The Redhawks won the inaugural Game Ball Brawl last season, defeating the Lions in St. Charles, 49-28. It was the first ever meeting between the two football teams.
“This is such a great game for both institutions, communities, and fans. There’s just nothing like playing your rival in college football” said Southeast Missouri State University head football coach Tom Matukewicz.
“Rivalries are one of the greatest things in college football and starting this tradition a year ago upon our entrance to the OVC is not only exciting for our players, it brings that extra component to the fans of our programs. Not everyone gets the opportunity to be a part of something like this so it’s something we don’t take lightly,” added Lindenwood University’s head football coach Jed Stugart.
Lindenwood sports information provided this story.