MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers
The MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers are the athletic teams of MidAmerica Nazarene University. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart).
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers | |
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University | MidAmerica Nazarene University |
Conference | Heart of America Athletic Conference |
NAIA | Region IV |
Athletic director | Todd Garrett |
Location | Olathe, Kansas |
Varsity teams | 14 |
Football stadium | Olathe District Activities Center |
Basketball arena | Bell Family Arena |
Baseball stadium | Robbie Jones Field at Dixon Stadium |
Mascot | Pioneer Pete |
Colors | Blue, white, and red[1] |
Website | www |
Sports offered
The program offers nine categories of sports for competition: 5 for women, 6 for men, and 1 co-educational category.
Men's sports | Women's sports | Co-Ed sports |
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Baseball Football Basketball Soccer Cross Country Track & Field |
Basketball Soccer Softball Volleyball Track & Field |
Spirit Squad |
table reference[2]
Football
The current head football coach is Paul Hansen, who started with the Pioneers in the 2021 season.
College football began at MidAmerica Nazarene in 1979 under head coach Gordon DeGraffenreid. The program has managed 17 post-season appearances in various bowl games and national championship playoff games.[3]
Men's Basketball
The Pioneers are coached by MNU Hall of Famer Adam Hepker ('08), who took over the team after the legendary Rocky Lamar. Under the leadership of head coach Rocky Lamar, the MNU Pioneers have become one of the NAIA's most competitive programs. Highlighted by the Pioneers 2007 NAIA Division II Championship, Coach Lamar's teams consistently finish at or near the top of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) year in and year out.
References
- MidAmerica Nazarene University Identity Standards Manual (PDF). March 1, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
- "Members". Heart of America Athletic Conference. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
- "MNU Pioneers Football Media Guide". MidAmerica Nazarene University. Retrieved January 23, 2012.