University of Missouri sports sit on the periphery of the Southeastern Conference, both geographically and competitively.
Football coach Eli Drinkwitz refuses to concede the latter point. He has gone toe-to-toe with Florida and Georgia on the recruiting trail to woo the sort of four-star prospects they typically hoard.
His salesmanship is impressing the media, exciting fans, and inspiring boosters to invest in his quest. He is elevating Mizzou’s football profile as the SEC prepares to add Big 12 juggernauts Texas and Oklahoma.
Now the school must locate the Coach Drink of athletic directors.
More than even, the school needs that can-do, will-do mentality atop its department.