Photo Story: The calm before the storm, a Missouri soccer game

Dylan Heinrich

October 5, 2023

While everyone gathers to watch the players on the field, there are plenty of people behind-the-scenes who make these athletic events possible.

A soccer field and the stands. — Audrey J. Walton field waits patiently for the athletes and fans prior to Missouri’s matchup against Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 28 in Columbia, Mo. Walton stadium is home to both Missouri’s soccer and track and field team.

A man hammering a pipe into a turf field. — A member of Missouri Athletics nailing the base of a banner into the turf. The banners are put up and taken down before each of the team’s eight home games throughout the season.

A whiteboard in front of a set of chairs inside a tent at the soccer stadium. — The on-site soccer tent used to house the team during meetings. This tent is used during practice, along with a spot for the away team during games.

Large inflatable tiger head being held up by a pair of women in yellow shirts. — Members of Missouri Athletics set up the inflatable tiger head that sits at the entrance to the field. The inflatable needs at least five people to assist in setting the balloon up in the right position.

Banners waving in the wind at the stadium. — Banners wave on the north side of the field displaying the current 14 teams of the SEC. The Tigers joined the conference in 2012.

Soccer balls sitting in a group on a soccer field. — A group of soccer balls sit on the field for the Arkansas soccer team.

Man at a desk looks over a booklet. — A member of the Missouri Athletics team looks over the details for the upcoming match.

Soccer players’ legs striking the turf as they warm up. — Missouri soccer players warming up before their match against No. 7 Arkansas. The Tigers lost 1-0.

Edited by Michael Baniewicz | [email protected]

Copy Edited by Brooklyn Cross and Grace Knight | [email protected]

Edited by Sophie Rentschler | [email protected]

About the Author

Dylan Heinrich

Dylan Heinrich, Sports Editor

Dylan Heinrich is a sophomore and their second year with the Maneater. In addition to his role as the sports editor, Dylan writes soccer/women’s basketball for Rock M Nation, operates cameras for Mizzou Broadcast Operations and has several shows on FM radio with KCOU Sports.