WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The 26th annual Celebrating Central Missouri Athletics Auction on Friday, August 7, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center, was one for the record books thanks to the generosity of Mules and Jennies supporters!

The 2026 auction raised nearly $300,000 in support of UCM student-athletes, the highest revenue in the event's 26-year history.

The auction saw over 550 in attendance, and appearances by the UCM band, cheer team, and Mulekickers dance team. Big Show Dueling Pianos entertained guests during the silent auction.

The event's sponsors, Traditions Restaurant and Dining by Sodexo, along with UCM Athletics, provided appetizers, a full dinner, and dessert. Mules Baseball All-MIAA shortstop Cole Kreisel spoke on the student-athlete experience and the importance of the support of the community to the success of UCM Athletics. 

"It was a true honor to be a part of this year's athletics auction. When you are part of an event like this, it gives you a glimpse into what it truly means to be in college athletics," UCM Athletics Director of Ticketing Bailey Kliewer, who was a key figure behind the scenes in making the auction happen, said.

Over 300 items were available to bid on to support the Mules and Jennies, with 35 live auction items.

"When coaches talk about their teams, they often say that every single person has a role, whether they are a starter or coming off the bench. The athletics auction exemplified this for our athletics community. Every single person at the event, participating in online bidding, donating an item, volunteering their time, and helping behind the scenes to make this event possible, plays a role in the success of each and every team at UCM. It's not very often that you get to have so many supporters in one place, which is what makes the athletics auction such a special night," Kliewer added. 

Be sure to save the date for the 2027 Celebrating Central Missouri Athletics Auction: August 6, 2027.