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Here is a list of 10 interesting facts about the Missouri State Bears:
Historical Beginnings: The Missouri State Bears football team first fielded a squad in 1909, with Walter Langston as its inaugural head coach, achieving a 4–2 record in his only season.
Conference Affiliations: The Bears have been members of various conferences, including the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Association (now the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) from 1923 to 1980, and are currently members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Transition to FBS: Missouri State is undergoing a transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), with plans to join Conference USA in 2025 and become a full FBS member in 2026.
Conference Championships: The Bears have won 10 conference championships in their history, with their most recent title shared with South Dakota State in the 2020 season.
Playoff Appearances: Missouri State has made the FCS playoffs four times, with their appearances coming in back-to-back years in 1989-1990 and again in 2020-2021. Their all-time playoff record stands at 1-4.
Historic Ranking: In the 1990 season, the Bears achieved their highest-ever national ranking, reaching No. 2 in the country for three weeks.
Stadium and Facilities: The team plays its home games at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, which has been their home since 1941 and currently seats 17,500. Plans for a $20 million facility in the south end zone were announced in 2021, aimed at enhancing team amenities and fan experiences.
Coaching Legacy: The Bears have had 22 head coaches in their history. Notable recent coaches include Bobby Petrino, who led the team back to the playoffs in 2020, and current coach Ryan Beard.
Record and Performance: Missouri State has an all-time record of 492–532–39. The team's best season finish since 1990 was in 2021 when they concluded the regular season with an 8–3 record.
Notable Players: The Bears have seen several players go on to professional levels, including Clay Harbor, who played in the NFL, contributing to the team's rich history of athlete development.