DISASTER STRIKES!
On Sunday May 4th, 2003 the Missouri Wolverines Youth Organization was crippled when a tornado that caused destruction throughout most of the Midwest ripped through Pleasant Valley Park, the Wolverines Football Field Complex, destroying close to $50,000 worth of equipment, gear, and field structures. The damage that was done jeopardized the football and cheerleading status for over 120 girls and boys. However, the Wolverines have not quit and are on their way back to recovering the gear and equipment which was lost in the storm.

The Damage to the Wolverines Facilities

In August of 2002, the Missouri Wolverines had a $6000 Field Tower(pictured on the left below) constructed which was used as a Press Box for home games and a major attraction at Pleasant Valley Park. After the tornado, only part of the staircase remained which is pictured on the right below.

A 40ft 8000lbs. steel container was used to house gear and practice equipment for Wolverines at the field. Unfortunately, that container was right in the path of the tornado. It was found a 1/2 mile away, empty and looking as if a bomb had went off inside of it. The container contained close to $40,000 in football gear and equipment.

After the storms, coaches, players, volunteers, and staff members searched the surrounding area of the complex for gear and equipment which was scattered by the tornado. Although gear was found, most of it was in pieces or damaged so bad that it could not be used. Below are photos of some of the gear that was found. On the left, is a what remained of our $2200 7-man sled which was purchased less than 2 years ago. On the right, some of our blocking dummies were found with huge cuts in them with stuffing falling out.

In March of 2003, the Wolverines began construction on a $4000 20x20 Concession Stand Deck. The roof and hand rails had just been completed only days before May 4th, however after the storm here is all that was left. The organization had not even paid for all the lumber yet.

Debri and materials were found scattered across the Wolverines Game Field as a set of bleachers were deposited right in the middle of the field. In the background, you can see the remains of the field goal posts which were in the path of the storm. Huge divots and cuts were left in the field from materials being drug across it.