2014 Mizzou Football Seniors

each home game in The ZOU, there are moments of pressure, anticipation, and happiness. However, during the final home game of every season, there is a bittersweet feeling for players and coaches alike as they send off the seniors into their last battle for ole Mizzou.

When they run into The ZOU for the last time, they exhibit a strength that has been built up over years in the Mizzou Football Family, and to them, that time has gone by in the blink of an eye.

“You only get so many opportunities at this game, and back when I was a freshman and sophomore, I really didn’t realize how fast time would go,” said senior defensive lineman Matt Hoch.

The Mizzou Football seniors are the leaders of the team. They are battle-tested, war-ready student-athletes who play with strength and set an example for their fellow teammates.

The goal of Mizzou Football is not to simply develop elite athletes. The real growth comes from total player development: development as an athlete, a person, a student, and as a member of a family.

“Coming here and being involved in the program has boosted my confidence and is going to help me later on in my life,” said senior offensive lineman Anthony Gatti.

When the seniors leave Mizzou, the Mizzou Football Family does not leave them. Head Coach Gary Pinkel is confident the brotherhood extends far beyond the athletic department.

“One of the great things about it is we tell our recruits you come to Missouri not for four to five years, you come to Missouri for life and you’re part of our family forever.” Pinkel said. “You feel great that they’ve had success and you’re just going to miss them because of all that they’ve done to help the University of Missouri.”

See the Mizzou Football seniors back in action for their second straight SEC Championship game on Saturday, December 6 at 3:00pm on CBS. Mizzou Football will take on Alabama at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Follow Mizzou Football on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates on how to purchase tickets for the SEC Championship game.