MoWest looking at more opportunities for club sports

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University is now looking at the idea of expanding its club sports on campus.

MoWest already has club sports on campus, which are directed by its recreational services team.

Athletic Director Andy Carter hinted at the idea of more being added, like men's soccer. He spoke on the importance of having club sports on campus.

"We are looking at it for creating an opportunity for 15 to 20 students that aren't choosing to come here now, that might if they had an opportunity to keep playing soccer at some level," Carter said. "The goals are pretty simple: Increase student enrollment, increase student participation because healthy students are retained."

Carter also went on to add that a club sport could go on to be more than just a club at the university.

"This is a sport that we may be testing the waters to see if someday they could be a varsity sport," Carter said. "I believe that is how our women's soccer started. They started as a club, and eventually it was elevated."

One other idea Carter pitched was the possibility of women's flag football being added, but that wouldn't be a club sport.

"We are also looking at things like women's flag football, which is not a club and would be brought on as a NCAA Division II sport," Carter said. "Division II will start having a championship in that sport in the spring of 2028, so we are looking at that as well."

Carter said nothing is final at this point, and currently it is just discussions being had.