![Missouri Military Academy swimmers dive into the pool at a meet]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724340529/missourimilitaryacademyorg/eav50pl95mwu8uyobnac/231017SwimMMAQuadMeetLoJackson-86.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724340529/missourimilitaryacademyorg/eav50pl95mwu8uyobnac/231017SwimMMAQuadMeetLoJackson-86.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724340529/missourimilitaryacademyorg/eav50pl95mwu8uyobnac/231017SwimMMAQuadMeetLoJackson-86.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724340529/missourimilitaryacademyorg/eav50pl95mwu8uyobnac/231017SwimMMAQuadMeetLoJackson-86.jpg","width":1200}])
Missouri Military Academy (MMA) fall season sports include soccer, swimming and diving, cross-country, football, and JROTC Raiders. The Academy offers high school (varsity and junior varsity) and middle school athletics.
"Missouri Military Academy requires all cadets to participate in athletics," says MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret).
"No cadet stands on the sidelines at the Academy," Geraci says. "Through their participation, cadets reduce stress, release energy, and have fun while developing leadership and team-building skills, improving health and coordination, and increasing self-confidence and discipline."
Soccer
To succeed in soccer at MMA, cadets must feel valued, emphasizes Coach Elliot Goodwin. “My coaching philosophy is to ensure each player on the team feels valued,” he says. “Cohesiveness and togetherness within a team or group is a key asset in producing success.”
Coach Goodwin has coached teams with diverse abilities and believes in setting common goals while maintaining a competitive, inclusive environment. “Players respond to challenges when they fully believe that you as the coach have their best interest.”
Photo from 29 August 2023 game against Warrenton
He expects returning players to fill the roles of graduated cadets and uphold the team’s legacy. “Our returning players know my expectations as a coach on and off the field and should be ambitious to fulfill the soccer alumni legacies."
With many new faces this year, Goodwin aims to connect as a group and form a hardworking, determined team. “We want to go one step further than we did last year and bring the district tournament trophy back to MMA this fall."
Photo from August 2024 practice
He encourages families to support their cadets by watching game videos and offering feedback. “As the only boarding school in our district, it can become challenging for our cadets to look over on the sideline and not see mom or dad watching them play, especially in challenging times. Our IT department does a phenomenal job of recording our games, so be sure to watch and give encouraging feedback to your cadet.”
Key returning players include Cadets Avin Hernandez '25, Alexander McBride '25 and Eric Shellabarger '27. “They provide the internal leadership for our group and understand my expectations, guiding new cadets in the right direction," says Goodwin.
Learn more about the coach and view competition schedule.
Photo from 29 August 2023 game against Warrenton
Swimming and Diving
"One of my most important coaching philosophies is dedication to your sport and team,” says Coach Matthias McManus.
Swimming and diving cadets must commit to attending practice, working hard during training, improving technical skills, and supporting their teammates.
Photo from 17 October 2023 MMA Quad meet
“If you give your best effort, the entire team benefits from your dedication,” McManus says. “Cadet dedication leads to meeting my expectations of hard work, honesty, and integrity.”
This year, the team aims to expand the swim program, which has already made significant strides, including breaking school records and gaining increased community support.
“It’s exciting that MMA has sent swimmers to the high school state boys swim meet for consecutive years since the restart of the swim program,” he says.
McManus is determined to maintain this momentum with another return to the state competition (read about last year's season). He emphasizes the impact of support on athletes: “Support from family, staff, and the community can play a big part in an athlete’s mental strength through a demanding season.”
Led by team captain Cadet Batbileg Bataa ’25, MMA swimming and diving is ready for another great season.
Learn more about the coach and view competition schedule.
Photo from 9 November 2023 state swimming championships
Cross-Country
To excel in cross-country at MMA, cadets must be dedicated to personal growth, according to Coach Jeff Gifford.
“Athletics play an integral part in cadets’ development,” Gifford states. “My role as a coach is to help cadets acquire the knowledge, attitude, experience, and skills that will prepare them to be productive and responsible members of society.”
Photo from 6 September 2023 MMA Invitational meet
Cross-country cadet-athletes are expected to train daily, emphasizing that cross-country is a team sport where cadets are accountable for their actions, decisions, and to their teammates.
Gifford notes the team's goal is to build on last year's achievements. The team placed eighth in the district championships last season but did not qualify for state as one of the top four teams.
With many talented cadets, including Cadets Ryan Miles ’25, Malachi Imrie ’25, and Jacob Stallone ’26, the team is poised for another season of hard work.
“I see our depth improving even more this year,” Gifford says.
Learn more about the coach and view competition schedule.
Photo from 6 September 2023 MMA Invitational meet
Football
Coach Robert Rosenbaum emphasizes the importance of commitment and team loyalty with each of the cadets on the Colonels football team.
“The commitment is yours. Commit yourself to your team, and give your best to the team,” he tells them.
Photo from 23 October 2023 game against Russellville
Becoming a strong football player starts with the fundamentals and the cadets taking responsibility for being the best they can be through taking care of their bodies, staying in shape and being students of the game.
He says he is excited about this season and looks to returning players such as Cadets Seydina Issa Diop ’25, Mark Corley ’26, and Luke Wolf ‘25 to lead the team and develop a good team atmosphere.
“Winning is always the goal,” Rosenbaum says. “But we also want to see improvement and the cadets enjoying themselves on the way to winning.”
Learn more about the coach and view competition schedule.
Photo from 23 October 2023 game against Russellville
JROTC Raiders
JROTC Raiders compete in military-style competitions conducted with a 10-man team, leading up to a four-day, nationally sanctioned competition that includes a Physical Team Test (PTT), Cross Country Rescue, Gauntlet, 5K run, Rope Bridge, Ultimate Raider, and Battle Fit Challenge.
Cadets on the Colonels Raiders team work to develop both physical and mental toughness.
“We develop disciplined, resilient, and team-oriented leaders who embody the core values of respect, integrity, and excellence,” says Raiders head coach 1SG William Blue. “My approach emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental toughness, and leadership skills, all of which are essential for success both in competition and life.”
Photo from August 2024 practice
According to Blue, cadets will grow stronger in teamwork, camaraderie, and mental and physical resilience through their participation in Raiders. Team goals include placing no lower than first or second in each competition as they work through a competitive schedule and winning at nationals in October.
The 2024-25 Colonels Raiders team will be led by team captains Adam Swenson ’25 and Kruze Hagan ’25. Blue also expects Cadets Deonte Kerns ’26 and Irmuun Ganbat ’25 to also play key roles in the Colonels' success this year.
Learn more about the coach and view competition schedule.
Photo from 13 April 2024 Fredericktown Raiders Challenge
![Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association board accepts Schafer Fellowship Cup]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tubthilofq25bgrqzhk0/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-Bilsel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tubthilofq25bgrqzhk0/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-Bilsel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tubthilofq25bgrqzhk0/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-Bilsel.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tubthilofq25bgrqzhk0/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-Bilsel.png","width":1200}])
![Missouri Military Academy President Richard V. Geraci presents Eagle Talon award to alumnus Jarrod Magee]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ykaeyo7jmvzqvsew1gsd/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-magee.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ykaeyo7jmvzqvsew1gsd/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-magee.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ykaeyo7jmvzqvsew1gsd/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-magee.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728353567/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ykaeyo7jmvzqvsew1gsd/2024-homecoming-alumni-awards-magee.png","width":1200}])