MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics is entering a new school year with plenty of momentum as Vice President of Athletics Travis Whipple begins his second year leading the department.
Whipple marked his first anniversary at SMSU this summer, saying his first year was focused on learning the department, evaluating what was working and identifying opportunities to improve the student-athlete experience.
“I think I’m just most proud of how we put the student athlete experience at the center of all that we do,” Whipple said.
That focus produced strong results in the classroom, in the community and in competition. SMSU’s nearly 500 student-athletes recorded a 3.35 cumulative GPA last year and contributed nearly 2,000 hours of community service. Mustang teams also drew approximately 55,000 fans to games, while the department’s digital platforms generated nearly 800,000 impressions.
Whipple said the department’s mission is centered on creating “champions and Mustangs for life,” both through athletics and by preparing students for life after college.
“I think that showcases, you know, to our community that our focus is, is on that we want to prepare and graduate our student athletes, get them ready for life ahead to leave with a degree fully equipped to be successful,” he said.
Academic success has been particularly notable for several Mustang teams. SMSU volleyball posted a 3.91 GPA, which Whipple said ranked first nationally among all NCAA divisions. Women’s basketball also ranked among the top programs nationally in Division II academically.
Marcy Olson, SMSU’s Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, said the accomplishments demonstrate the work being done by student-athletes who are balancing athletics with demanding academic programs.
“Our student athletes are taking very difficult classes,” Olson said. “So they are working hard, getting great grades.”
As SMSU begins its fall sports season, Whipple said one of his favorite parts of the year is seeing students return to campus and bringing energy back to Mustang athletics.
The home schedule begins Thursday with soccer at 1 p.m. and football at 7 p.m. SMSU will host Valley City State in what will be the university’s first Week 0 football game.
Whipple said the early nonconference game gives the Mustangs an opportunity to prepare for the demanding Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule.
“The NSIC is great top to bottom. There’s not a day off,” Whipple said. “We really wanted to give our teams and our student athletes the best opportunity to be prepared for their conference season.”
The department is also working to strengthen the game-day experience for fans. Whipple said SMSU wants to create “the best game environment in Division Two athletics,” with options including a kids club, family plans, VIP areas and suite opportunities.
He emphasized that fan support has a direct impact on student-athletes.
“I think it means everything to our student athletes,” Whipple said. “I can tell you they know when you show up and they let me know.”
Facility development remains another major priority for SMSU Athletics.
The university recently secured $1.2 million in funding to enhance and upgrade the PE Gym and associated spaces. Whipple credited state Sen. Gary Dahms and other campus partners for helping secure the funding.
SMSU is also continuing work on a feasibility study for a potential indoor turf facility. An external partner provided funding for the study, which is examining the potential need and impact of such a facility in the region.
Whipple said the study has shown broad interest in the potential facility.
“What I gleaned from that is what a need in our region really, and certainly for our community, our youth groups, our students on campus from the student experience perspective, and then our student athletes really could all benefit,” he said.
No final decision on an indoor turf facility has been announced, with the feasibility process still ongoing.
SMSU is also expanding its broadcast options this season. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference selected Midco Sports Plus as its platform for live coverage of conference events, providing Mustang fans with another way to follow teams both at home and on the road.
Whipple said the new platform will include enhanced broadcasts and provide additional opportunities to showcase SMSU and its student-athletes, while also generating funding for the university.
Olson noted that the service will be particularly useful for families and alumni who cannot attend every event in person.
“For families who maybe aren’t living in the area and can’t come to every home event or away event and our alumni who are super fans, they can follow along with Mustangs at home and away through Midco Plus,” Olson said.
SMSU is also making several changes for fans attending events this fall, including cashless ticketing, parking and concessions. The university has a new on-campus dining provider, Sodexo, which will bring new food options to concessions.
Whipple also said SMSU will be looking to implement newly approved legislation allowing beer and seltzer to be served throughout the Regional Event Center and Recreation Athletic Center.
Beyond game days, Whipple said connecting SMSU Athletics with the Marshall community remains an important priority. The department recently hosted a Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event, giving community members an opportunity to tour facilities, meet coaches and student-athletes and learn more about the department.
“We want to be a pillar, we want to connect and partner,” Whipple said. “If there are ways we can help businesses market, if there are volunteer opportunities for our student athletes, if you just want to attend a game or bring your business or your group out, we’d love to have you.”
With the fall season now underway, Whipple said the department is excited about the momentum surrounding Mustang athletics.
“There’s a lot of momentum and energy on campus,” he said. “Just thrilled to officially kick it off Thursday.”
Volleyball returns to the PE Gym in September, where the department is planning enhancements to the fan experience. Whipple said September 18 will be the Mustangs’ home opener and teased additional game-day initiatives for the event.
