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Question for Mizzou folks : How many of you live north of I-70?
Posted on 7/24/19 at 8:17 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 8:17 am
If you do - does the whole SEC thing still feel strange culturally to you? This is not a "they don't belong" thread - it's just asking generally y'alls feelings about it all.
I have to think that if you live in Northern Missouri your travels and interactions are much more with folks from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas than Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky (and obviously not Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, etc) (and fits in with the old Big 8 geographic footprint).
Really just generally curious as sometimes I look at a map and realize how far north and west the northern parts of Missouri are in relation to even the northwestern reaches of the SEC.
I have to think that if you live in Northern Missouri your travels and interactions are much more with folks from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas than Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky (and obviously not Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, etc) (and fits in with the old Big 8 geographic footprint).
Really just generally curious as sometimes I look at a map and realize how far north and west the northern parts of Missouri are in relation to even the northwestern reaches of the SEC.
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 8:18 am
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Posted on 7/24/19 at 8:59 am to SummerOfGeorge
Not Perfect, but a decent map of the regions/cultural areas of the state. Cape/Poplar Bluff are the "Bootheel", and often see Southern accents. Culturally, closest thing to Southern, grow cotton and such. Joplin/Springfield identify more with kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas (the "4-States") and Texas. Columbia/Jeff City/Rolla is a mix, but it has Mizzou, the Capital, and S&T (engineering college). Clinton region (I'm from here) identifies with KC culturally. KC derives more Germanic influences, while STL has more French influences. Kirksville region, particularly the northern part does interact with Iowa quite a bit, and Illinois too. Identifies with STL as well. Maryville region, ditto Kirksville, but with kansas instead of illinois. Both Maryville and Kirksville are heavy corn/soybean producers, which makes them much like Iowa and Western Illinois. But once you cross MO/ks line, it turns to wheat.
Overall, while there are some Southern influences throughout the state, our culture is very much Midwestern. (with the exception of Cape/PoplarBluff/West Plains area, they Southern).
Edit: As it pertains to the SEC and athletics, a mixed bag. 100% miss the proximity and rivals. The old Big 8 schools are the people (particularly around KC) who are co-workers, friends, etc. The Big12 was a sinking ship, and with the options we had available, jumping to the SEC was a no-brainer. I'm of the mind similar to the Governor at the time, that the Big10 would have been a perfect fit, academically, athletically, and culturally, but it didn't work out. Just think that it has been understated not having traditional rivals has hurt athletic attendance/support. There was an initial spike in interest (something new), but it becomes difficult to manufacture history/rivalries. That stuff comes from years of competing, etc. Missouri, the state, just doesn't have a whole lot in common with the other SEC states. Overall, we can't complain. Escaped Big12 (Texahoma) dysfunction, found a stable/Top2 athletic conference (B1G), and will avoid any chance of being left out if Texas finally decides to blow the whole realignment game up.
Side Note: I'm not sure how much SEC fans realize about our rivalries with kansas/Nebraska/Iowa St.
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 11:48 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:00 am to SummerOfGeorge
I grew up in NE Missouri, pretty close to the Iowa/Illinois border, and yep, still strange. Before we drove to the LSU game a few years back I'd never seen a rice or cotton field 
The bootheel is about 4.5 hrs from where I'm from, so to be honest there are parts of Missouri that seem just as culturally separate as Mississippi/LA/AL anyway, and you're right, I-70 really is a decent dividing line.
So yeah, culturally I grew up with way more in common with folks from the Big 10 than I did the SEC, and not sure that'll ever change; it's 700 miles to Atlanta.
All that being said, there's something good about being forced out of your comfort zone. There's nothing wrong with seeing different parts of the country and being exposed to folks with whom you otherwise wouldn't; we have done one road trip to a game each year for the last 5 years and never did anything like that with the Big 12 (and probably wouldn't have in the Big 10). I've gotten to go to games at LSU and Alabama, and even though we got boatraced each time it was an experience I'll never forget and the people were all really nice (as they tend to be when they're kicking your team's teeth in).
So yeah, we're more different than alike with the exception of sports, but hell, this is an athletic conference so in the end, if the games are fun that's really all that matters (and the games are fun).
The bootheel is about 4.5 hrs from where I'm from, so to be honest there are parts of Missouri that seem just as culturally separate as Mississippi/LA/AL anyway, and you're right, I-70 really is a decent dividing line. So yeah, culturally I grew up with way more in common with folks from the Big 10 than I did the SEC, and not sure that'll ever change; it's 700 miles to Atlanta.
All that being said, there's something good about being forced out of your comfort zone. There's nothing wrong with seeing different parts of the country and being exposed to folks with whom you otherwise wouldn't; we have done one road trip to a game each year for the last 5 years and never did anything like that with the Big 12 (and probably wouldn't have in the Big 10). I've gotten to go to games at LSU and Alabama, and even though we got boatraced each time it was an experience I'll never forget and the people were all really nice (as they tend to be when they're kicking your team's teeth in).
So yeah, we're more different than alike with the exception of sports, but hell, this is an athletic conference so in the end, if the games are fun that's really all that matters (and the games are fun).
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:02 am to NEMizzou
I've really enjoyed the games with Mizzou in Atlanta and then last year in Tuscaloosa. Y'all brought lots of folks both times and were a lot of fun to hang out with before and after.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:05 am to SummerOfGeorge
quote:
north of I-70
I'm from the bootheel (SE corner) and obviously now live in FL and no being the SEC doesn't feel "culturally" strange at all. Football wise maybe a little bc we're (at least me) still learning the history of the SEC. TBH when we're were still in the B12 I DGAF about the SEC except I was a little jelly bc you guys had a lot better bagmen than we did.
Now looking back on it, I'm damn happy to be in the SEC and frick the B12.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:10 am to SummerOfGeorge
SEC fans are everywhere. We multiply quickly. I had a friend that lived in Denver that said there was some park where fans gather from all SEC teams and tailgate. Stoners prolly raided all their food though so not sure if it is still going on.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:15 am to SummerOfGeorge
I've lived North of 70 most of my life in what is considered "Northwestern Missouri" technically. No, I don't think the whole SEC thing is strange culturally.
Yes, most other fans around here are kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa St., K-State, etc. but I don't think the proximity, or lack thereof, is a big deal. It's no different than the NFL or MLB where opponents are located some distance away from you.
Yes, most other fans around here are kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa St., K-State, etc. but I don't think the proximity, or lack thereof, is a big deal. It's no different than the NFL or MLB where opponents are located some distance away from you.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:19 am to SummerOfGeorge
Being from St. Louis almost all of my interactions come with folks from Illinois... With that being said I currently go to school in Columbia and the most represented areas currently are STL and KC (of course) along with Texas (kind of weird if you ask me), Chicago(ish) area and the rest of IL, and then some from Minnesota. Northern Missouri is pretty Identical to Southern Missouri... very rural for the most part. Even being from a more urban population, I don't think southern culture is weird at all.
When it comes to the SEC, However, many of my former HS classmates attend schools in the SEC... Ole Miss, Bama, UK and Arkansas were all popular destinations for my HS class (obviously substantially behind MU).
For some odd reason I have a lot of friends that ended up going to Iowa State also? Now that place is weird.
When it comes to the SEC, However, many of my former HS classmates attend schools in the SEC... Ole Miss, Bama, UK and Arkansas were all popular destinations for my HS class (obviously substantially behind MU).
For some odd reason I have a lot of friends that ended up going to Iowa State also? Now that place is weird.
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 9:22 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:22 am to SummerOfGeorge
I just avoid Mizzou fans as they seem like huge losers whenever I see them in Nashville.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:28 am to Lou2theZou
quote:
When it comes to the SEC, However, many of my former HS classmates attend schools in the SEC... Ole Miss, Bama, UK and Arkansas were all popular destinations for my HS class (obviously substantially behind MU).
This is a good point as well. I know in Kansas City, that Alabama and Arkansas (the 2 most significant) make recruiting efforts with the high schools and get a decent amount of kids to go there by offering substantial scholarships.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 9:30 am to Serraneaux
I wouldn't be to afraid, if you mention your a Vol fan they will recognize you as a harmless hopelessly naive person. Heck they might even buy you a drink to help you forget the couple of 50 point beatings we have given you!!
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 9:37 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:17 am to Lou2theZou
Missouri is kind of like Florida with all the different cultures mixing together, or actually beside each other.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:22 am to SummerOfGeorge
I live north of 70 and after the sec move I don’t even see any MU stuff or really fan representation around here. Kc and st joe have basically went to a full royals/chiefs focus and St. Louis I don’t think ever cared about anything but the cardinals. Sure people will tell you they are still fans but I would put a lot of money down that 80% of my coworkers and friends couldn’t tell you the name of MUs starting QB. It’s nothing like the chase Daniel, or Brad Smith days when everybody followed MU football. Losing the Kansas rivalry really hurt as well. People outside the two states don’t realize just how heated that rivalry was. Also the Nebraska rivalry was very underrated. I remember being in the stands in like 03 when Mizzou beat them for the first time in decades. It was probably the loudest MU game I’ve been to. I was also at the game in 2010 I think when MU beat OU for the first time ever, and that was one of the most fun games I’ve been to as well. The whole next week everybody was talking about it. That just doesn’t happen now. It’s saddening to think about for me, but most fans on here won’t admit that kind of stuff. I think the Big 10 would have fit a lot better culturally with at least Iowa and Nebraska being regional opponents.
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 10:32 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:42 am to Boomer00
Someone that's name Boomer00 is a Mizzou fan? Something smells fishy. That being said, I live in St. Louis and folks here love the SEC. You're seeing more and more success in recruiting and the growth of the 'Mizzou' brand. There are multiple Mizzou/SEC bars and you hear of folks traveling to away games all the time. The folks I travel with pretty much hit up 2-3 away games every season and it's always an amazing experience.
It's also pretty cool that my kiddos are growing up knowing nothing but the SEC and with all things, it'll be a distant memory that the Tigers from COMO were ever in another conference. Cheers.
It's also pretty cool that my kiddos are growing up knowing nothing but the SEC and with all things, it'll be a distant memory that the Tigers from COMO were ever in another conference. Cheers.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:46 am to Tiger_Claw
How long do you have to wear that sig?
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:46 am to Boomer00
The MU dept need to share some of the blame for the lack of interest in the program. They should’ve locked down St. Louis the minute the Rams left.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:48 am to Tiger_Claw
Good to hear.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 10:55 am to McMillan
quote:
The MU dept need to share some of the blame for the lack of interest in the program. They should’ve locked down St. Louis the minute the Rams
I agree, I mean there’s a reason the attendance is way down since the move. They spent all that money on the renovation and didn’t bother to work on branding, or exposure. The protests just made things worse as well and that was handled about as badly as you could imagine.
This post was edited on 7/24/19 at 10:57 am
Posted on 7/24/19 at 11:04 am to Boomer00
It’s the Mizzou way. Going all the way back to Barbara Uehling.
Posted on 7/24/19 at 11:16 am to bigDgator
quote:
How long do you have to wear that sig?
I believe I am allowed to change it at this time, but it fuels the hate burning inside me. I shall remove it at the beginning of the season.
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