MSHSAA All Access Podcast

2026 State Music Festival Review

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and Associate Executive Director, James Melton, join together on this episode of the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast to talk about the 2026 State Music Festival for solo and small ensembles. This massive evaluative event occurs annually on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO. Melton reviews the extensive year-long process of planning and preparation behind this 3-day event culminating in close to 7,000 students performing for their chance at Gold! Listen as they review the final results along with notes about a special moment shared during each of the three days.

2026 Boys Volleyball Championships Preview

On this championship preview on the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and Toni Hill preview the 2026 Boys’ Volleyball Championships, the sport’s third year and first with two classes after growth to 105 registered schools (94 postseason). The state tournament will be May 26–27 at the Show Me Center on SEMO’s campus in Cape Girardeau, with quarterfinals determining the final four in each class, semifinals on May 26 (Class 1 at 10 a.m. and noon; Class 2 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.), and third-place and championship matches on May 27 (Class 1 at 10 a.m. and noon; Class 2 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.). They discuss the move to a textured boys’ ball for state and note continued geographic growth centered in St. Louis and Kansas City, praising the venue’s championship experience.

2026 Spring Softball Championship Preview

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and MSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Darryl Bradley preview the 2026 MSHSAA Spring Softball Championships, explaining how spring falls into an intensive three-week championship schedule with some events held Monday and Tuesday. They outline that spring softball has two classes (compared to five in fall) and is more southern in team geography. The championships return to the improved, newly turfed Killian Sports Complex in Springfield (home of Missouri State softball) and the final eight teams advancing to state will play on Memorial Day, May 25, and Tuesday, May 26. Monday includes Class 2 semifinals at 10:00 AM and Class 1 semifinals at 1:00 PM, plus third-place games at 2:00 and 5:00; Tuesday features Class 2 and Class 1 title games at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with officials primarily from southeast, southwest, and central regions.

2026 Speech & Debate Championships Review

Dr. Jennifer Rukstad is joined by Alex Huck and Andrew Kauffman on the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast to recap the 2026 Speech & Debate Championships held April 24–25 at Missouri State University in Springfield. They review Class 1 results (Pembroke Hill wins debate with 24 points; Bolivar wins speech with 52 points; Bolivar edges Pembroke Hill 68–67 in combined sweeps) and Class 2 results (Jefferson City dominates speech with 72 points; Rock Bridge wins debate 26–24 over Lee’s Summit North; Jefferson City is the overall combined sweeps leader). They explain why combined sweepstakes points are calculated for championship-factor classification even though the community does not publicly award an overall sweeps champion, and highlight notable individual achievements, program milestones, Coach of the Year Jordan Hart, and Dr. Eric Morris receiving the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award.

2026 Theatre Championships Review

This episode of the MSHSAA All-Access Podcast recaps the spring Theatre Championships with Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, Alex Huck and Andrew Kauffman, covering both the One-Act Play and Reader’s Theatre competitions in Missouri’s single theatre class. Platte County won the One-Act team championship, followed by Excelsior Springs, Raymore-Peculiar, and Republic, with Excelsior Springs highlighted for adjusting to an emergency schedule change and still earning second. In Reader’s Theater, Willard took the team title over Raymore-Peculiar, Kirksville, and Carthage; Andrew notes Willard’s historic success, including its 15th overall theatre championship and recent dominance, despite missing the One-Act finals via a semifinal tiebreaker. The hosts also thank Ozark, Republic, and Strafford for hosting and preview a future speech and debate recap.