Following the long holiday break and the 2026 winter storm, the Midwestern State University and Wichita Falls communities finally had the opportunity to recognize the university’s 2025 NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer National Champions with a parade and celebration. It was well worth the wait as Mother Nature provided sunny, blue skies, above-average temperatures, and a cool breeze for the hundreds in attendance. 

Local, county, and state law enforcement agencies provided a loud and proud parade escort followed by a line of local dignitaries, including Brig. Gen. Paul Filcek and Chief Master Sgt. Rey Shultz of Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short, City Manager Jeff Jenkins, City Councilor Whitney Flack, and Wichita County Commissioners Mark Beauchamp, Barry Mahler, and Jeff Watts.  

Local high school cheer teams, the Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls, along with university representatives from Facilities Services, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, MSU Texas Alumni Association, and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee proudly displayed their bold spirit along the parade route. 

Brenna Moore, 2015 National Champion in Women’s Golf, returned to her alma mater, as well as former head soccer coaches Howard Patterson (1973-1989) and Doug Elder (2000-2017), to celebrate this historic moment in MSU Texas Athletics. 

The Golden Thunder Marching Band announced the grand arrival of the championship team with the playing of the Fight Song as the team rode in on fire trucks provided by the Wichita Falls Fire Department and the Wichita Falls Fire and Police Museum. 

At the post-parade celebration, the National Champions were honored by Texas Tech University System Regent Shelley Sweat, Tonya Morris with Sen. Brent Hagenbuch’s office, Rep. James Frank, County Commissioner Beauchamp, and Mayor Short. In fact, each member of the soccer team received their own Key to the City. 

MSU Texas President Stacia Haynie and head coach Michael Meachum provided final remarks before the crowd continued the celebration with autographs, photo booths, food trucks, and numerous entertainment features. 

Saturday, February 7, 2026, will be remembered as a Midwestern State Men’s Soccer Championship Day as proclaimed by the City of Wichita Falls.