Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
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Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
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www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Pitzer's Number Is Retired
Pitzer's Number Is Retired
November 16, 2004
Missouri Baptist University honored Coach Lowell Pitzer by retiring his jersey during the Hall of Fame Banquet on November 12, 2004. The banquet, which is held annually in conjunction with the homecoming celebration, honors former MBU athletes, coaches, and contributors to the Athletic Department.
This honor is especially significant in that it marks the first occasion an MBU number has been retired. The basketball jersey numbered 04, symbolic of the year in which the award was given, was presented to Pitzer on the night of the banquet and will be displayed in the athletic center.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Athletics, Tom Smith explained, “Frequently, it is hard to truly acknowledge the accomplishments and the impact that one person might have in the direction and success of university athletes. Coach, Pitzer, you have shown Missouri Baptist University Athletics the true meaning of a Christian coach. Your godly example over the years has proven to withstand tough tests. Your coaching style and personal demeanor set a high standard for your athletes and the watching eye of the coaches who compete against you.”
Coach Pitzer has worked at Missouri Baptist University since 1990, serving in such capacities as Instructor of Kinesiology, head men’s varsity basketball coach, head women’s varsity basketball coach, and Director of Athletics. During his time as Director, Pitzer developed procedures and standards which became the benchmarks of expectation and conduct of all athletes and coaches.
Since 1994 Pitzer has served as the Commissioner of the American Midwest Conference, overseeing eight colleges and universities in the Midwest. Additional accolades include 1991 and 1992 Show-Me Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year, three-time NAIA National Basketball Tournament Committee member, 1994 NAIA District Administrator of the Year, 1997 NAIA Midwest Administrator of the Year, and 2000 American Midwest Conference Coach of the Year. Pitzer was also named President of the AMC Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, where he served for four years.
“Pitzer represents all the qualities that the NAIA promotes: servant leadership, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and integrity," said Steve Knight, President of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. “His humbleness is noteworthy, as he continues to put others before himself in his daily walk. He is to be admired for his selfless attitude and personal values.”
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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