Missouri Southern head football coach Bart Tatum is a busy man these days. With the Lions’ season under way, Tatum rarely has a free moment.

From practices to press conferences to pacing the sideline on Saturday, his schedule is full, to say the least.

Regardless of how hectic things can get during the season, Tatum still loves to talk about his passion — football.

And for one hour every Thursday, Tatum invites listeners to tune in as he discusses Lions football.

“The Bart Tatum Show” is back for a second season, airing live from 7 to 8 p.m. at Chatters Bar and Grill in Webb City.

Tatum is joined every week by the “Voice of the Lions,” Kevin Greim, who is in his ninth full season as Missouri Southern’s play-by-play commentator.

The concept of the show originated last season.

“I was approached by Kevin Greim (who also serves as Missouri Southern's assistant athletic director and director of external operations) if we would be interested in something like that,” Tatum said by phone, “and it has gone from there.”

Last season, the show aired on a different station from Buffalo Wild Wings in Joplin.

“Every show and game was (aired) on 101.7,” Tatum said. “It went great at Buffalo Wild Wings and it’s going good at Chatters.

This season, the show has moved to Joplin’s ESPN Radio affiliate — KZYM 1230 The Fan.

“I think the setting is very conducive to this type of show,” Greim explained. “Having a partner like 1230, which put a lot of work into it, makes it easy to pull off.”

Greim said being affiliated with a Zimmer Radio Group station has made Missouri Southern sports easier to market this year.

“Being on a Zimmer station has so many advantages,” he said. “Being on an all sports station is great. Our promos are running to people who care about sports, and their ability to promote on their other stations is absolutely invaluable to us.

“It’s a tremendous bonus to reach the number of people that Zimmer reaches.”

Tatum said he was floored with the response he received and the hospitality Chatters has shown, thus far.

“We’ve only had one show, but they were very accommodating and we had a very lively crowd,” Tatum said of the first show on Aug. 28. “At Chatters, people interested in hearing the show, can.It’s possible to hear everything going on.
 

“I think everybody likes it,” Tatum went on to say. “A large number of people found me the day after the show and said, ‘hey, listened to the show and everybody did a great job.’ So, it’s great that way.”

A growing interest in the football program has also helped with the popularity of the show.

“I would agree,” Tatum added. “It doesn’t hurt to throw together a winner.”

To reach Cody Dyer, Sports Editor at The Carthage Press, send email to cdyer@carthagepress.com.