Tom Fifer
Tom Fifer influenced Missouri Valley Athletics for more than 30 years, first as head coach in men’s basketball and later as athletic director. In ’91-’92, Tom guided Valley to its first NAIA national tournament appearance in 30 years in basketball, finishing with a 21-11 record. He coached basketball for nine seasons, and accumulated 131 wins before stepping down in 2000 to become athletic director. In that position, he oversaw great success and expansion, with four sports winning national championships. And on his watch, seven new sports were created. He also oversaw renovations and improvements at Gregg-Mitchell Field, and addition of the Walker C. Fletcher Athletic Complex and Markowitz Center for Strength Training.
Debbie (Cobbler) Jay
Jim was one of the most dominant football players in Missouri Valley history – making his presence felt on the defensive line and helping the program win the conference championship in 1971. His career culminated in 1973, leading a defensive unit that allowed just 90 points the entire season. He was a three-year starter and an all- American and was drafted in 1974 by the Oakland Raiders. He coached for many years, and worked as a youth counselor and a probation counselor. Debbie was a record-breaking track and field star at in the 1990s and set numerous records. She holds indoor 55 meter dash record at 7.04 seconds (1994), along with the indoor 55-meter hurdle record at 8.23 seconds, the outdoor 110 meter hurdle record at 14.22 seconds, and the outdoor 4x100 meter relay record at 47.41 seconds—all set in 1994. She was a three-time all-American, earning indoor and outdoor honors in 1995 and 1996. Debbie spent a number of years in the restaurant industry, and in 2011 transitioned into criminal justice as a juvenile youth worker. In 2020, she became a probation officer.
Jim Morris
Todd Vaughn
Todd was a force at Missouri Valley, anchoring the defensive line. As a sophomore in 1998, he was all-conference, and he was a key part of the 1989 defense that allowed just 14 points per game and reached the NAIA Championship Series quarterfinals. As a senior in 1990, he was the conference defensive player of the year and an NAIA all- American. Staying close to football after graduation, Todd has coached for nearly 30 years.
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