(Bonne Terre, MO) Booster Club members, fans and Mineral Area College staff gathered at Hubs Pub in Bonne Terre for a Meet the Coaches event welcoming new basketball coaches, Tony Irons and Carrie Shephard.
Shephard was promoted from her role of assistant coach to women’s head coach after Briley Palmer left MAC for Southeast Missouri State University. Athletic Director Jim Gerwitz says the decision to promote Shephard was an easy decision.
Shephard says she is very comfortable with the new role and expectations.
Tony Irons makes the jump from high school to junior college after winning eight State Championships, seven coming with Vashon High School from 2016-2024. Gerwitz says the winning pedigree Irons brings to the program proves his ability to be a top head coach.
Irons adds the community support shown at Hubs Pub Monday was exciting.
Irons accepted the head coaching position at MAC in May replacing Greg Heiar. The Cardinals were 29-3 last year, while the Lady Cardinals tied a program record in wins and went 25-5. Both programs’ season closed in the Region 16 Tournament.
----KFMO Sports----The fall sports season is quickly approaching at Mineral Area College. Many of the programs featured award winning seasons. Men’s soccer claimed the MCCAC Championship, while Tim Copeland’s volleyball Lady Cardinals won the Midwest B District Title and made an appearance in the National Tournament for the first time since 2018.
Copeland spoke with KFMO Sports in January and spoke about the returning group and how the run to the National Tournament has helped in their growth.
Men’s soccer claimed the MCCAC Championship, while the MAC Golf team won the Region 16 Championship and Will Dugal qualified for the National Tournament.
Gerwitz is optimistic about the upcoming sports year at the college.
The fall sports season begins in August. MAC Soccer holds a womens and mens doubleheader against Morton College as the first regular season home sporting event on campus Friday, August 30th. The volleyball home opener is Wednesday, September 11th against East Central College.