MSU-WP officials make changes to athletics leadership

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) have announced administrative changes for the athletics department.

            On Friday, Sept. 10, Director of University Communications Ian Camejo assumed the role of acting athletic director. He is being assisted by Director of Business and Support Services Crockett Oaks. Both will serve until a new athletic director is selected.

            Paula Wiedemann, who has been serving as head coach of the Grizzly Volleyball team and as athletic director since June 2020, will transition to head coaching duties only. She also will continue to serve as a key liaison with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) during this period.

            "As we move forward through the pandemic and toward greater things for Grizzly Athletics, we need 'all hands on deck' for the next few months, and I've pegged two of our best folks to lead us through this transition," MSU-WP Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster said.

            "With Coach Wiedemann providing backup to Ian and Crockett, but more importantly, with her full attention on leading her team into a normal season this fall and, hopefully, toward another national tournament appearance, we feel like the next few months are going to be challenging but full of excitement for all of us," Lancaster added.

            Lancaster praised Wiedemann for her leadership of Grizzly Athletics through this difficult past year, pointing out she kept Grizzly Athletics safe, operational and moving forward.

            "After her appointment in June 2020, she was immediately on the job, handling duties of one full-time job while coaching her volleyball team to another national tournament appearance," the chancellor said. "We truly appreciate her efforts during a very trying time for athletic programs across the country."

            Tasking Camejo and Oaks with these new duties will better utilize a team approach in meeting the demands of an active athletic department, as well as recent adjustments to the operations of the Grizzly Squad, MSU-WP Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster said.

            Camejo, who also holds a master's degree in sports management, will handle the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, Lancaster said.

            Oaks will lead a four-man team consisting of Camejo, Wiedemann and Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay in athletics marketing, event coordination and membership recruitment. They will work closely with executive committee members of the Grizzly Squad and officials with the MSU Foundation, which now oversees Grizzly Squad fund-raising activities, Lancaster said.

            For more information about Grizzly Athletics, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com.