Training camp takes teamwork between Chiefs, Western

By Kyle Schmidt

Months before a single Chiefs player sets foot on the Missouri Western State University campus for training camp plans are already underway to make sure facilities are ready.

The preparation for Chiefs Training Camp starts at the beginning of the year. Mike Halloran, associate director of athletic facilities and operations, said with nine months dedicated to student-athletes and one month for training camp, it leaves just two months for renovations of facilities at Missouri Western.

“We just recently replaced the turf in here which is a pretty substantial renovation,” Halloran said. “The meeting rooms and all the hallways and offices have all gone through an upgrade with carpet and paint and lighting, all those kinds of things.”

The planning for the training camp starts in January, Halloran said, when campus staff comes together and looks through everything from security and technology to groundwork.

When training camp comes along, a big reason for its success is the experience that has been growing over the last 14 years, said Bryan Adkins, Missouri Western’s assistant vice president of facilities.

“We have a very good relationship, with the Chiefs. Over the years we’ve built that respect, that relationship and the trust that, it’s really amazing,” Adkins said. “We know what the other one’s going to do prior to, it even happening. That’s been a work that we’re very proud of.”

Both Adkins and Halloran said Chiefs coach Andy Reid is particular when it comes to training camp and this helps operations run smoothly.

“He wants it a certain way and he wants it timed to the minute,” Halloran said. “He wants it right and as an operations guy I appreciate that.”

A new piece added to the Western campus this year is a merchandise building, which replaces a tent. The building allows for a more secure facility. 

“This year we just decided that it was time and we had some funding from the state,” Adkins said. “It was time to put something permanent down there. It definitely will be more fan-friendly.”