Missouri Western State University head football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 19 football student-athletes to the 2009 National Letter of Intent.

The Missouri Western Griffons had yet another successful football season in 2008 as they finished the season winning four of their last five games which allowed them to finish with a 6-6 overall record and 5-4 in the MIAA. Western played in a post season game for the sixth consecutive season as they participated in the 2008 Mineral Water Bowl against the Augustana College (S.D.) Vikings held in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Highlighting those who signed with the Griffons in hopes of continuing the winning tradition is one St. Joseph native and a two Savannah players who helped their high school teams succeed in 2008.

Central High School standout kicker Austin Barnes leads the way with Savannah natives Travis Partridge and Josh Ferge also signing to play at Western next fall.

Western recruited the state of Missouri very well as 16 of their signees will continue playing football in their home state for the next few seasons. Of the three other signees, two are from Kansas and one is from California.

Courtesy:  Missouri Western athletics

Griffon recruits