By Meliyah Venerable / Managing Editor

Athletic Director Tom Fifer announces his retirement after 31 years of service at Missouri Valley College. Fifer began his career at Missouri Valley as the head men’s basketball coach in 1991. That year Fifer led the team to the NAIA Division II National Tournament, something that had not been done for 30 years. 

After six years as head coach, he was named athletic director. Fifer continued his duties as the men’s basketball coach. In 2000, Fifer decided to step down from the head coach position and remain the athletic director. 

Fifer grew up in Cairo, Missouri. Growing up he played sports, by the time he got to high school he knew that he wanted to be a teacher and a coach. 

“Throughout high school and college, the positive influences my teachers and coaches had on me helped mold me into the person I am today,” Fifer said. 

Before coming to MVC he coached at the high school level for 10 years, then went on to coach at the JUCO level for 5 years. He then decided to come to Missouri Valley.

“I was coaching at a 2-year college and want to move up to a 4-year institution,” he said. ” After I visited the college campus, I decided it would be a good place to work.” 

During Fifers time men’s and women’s wrestling, cheer, and men’s soccer have all won national championships. When asked about some of his most memorable moments at Valley, these were some of the most memorable moments for him. 

“Watching all of the historic progress Missouri Valley has made over the last 20 years, seeing all the sports teams here at MVC prosper, compete, and win not only in the Heart of America Conference but also in the NAIA  National Tournament series,” he explained. 

Since he has taken over the role of athletic director Fifer has brought multiple new sports to Missouri Valley College including men’s and women’s tennis, powerlifting, esports and more.

There is no doubt that Tom Fifer will be missed at Valley and he will miss the college as well.

“I will miss working with all the great student-athletes that attend college here and all the wonderful staff, faculty, and coaches I have had the pleasure to work with here at Missouri Valley College,” he said. 

Although Fifer is leaving, his legacy will continue to live on as his long-time assistant Mike Machholz is set to take over the athletic department.