Missouri Valley College Athletic Director Mike Machholz is leaving the institution following more than 30 years of service with the college.

The decision came following an incident at a home soccer game where Machholz accidentally pushed a student down while trying to prevent students from rushing the field during the game. The student suffered minor scratches from the fall. Machholz was suspended from his position as Athletic Director after a video of the incident surfaced.

Machholz mentioned he was given several options from the college; either to retire with two months pay and sign an NDA, or take a pay cut and demotion. Machholz refused both options and was terminated by MVC on October 18. He says the decision was tough to make because of how much Missouri Valley means to him.

Machholz says he currently doesn’t have any career plans for life away from MVC, but instead wants to focus on spending time with family.

Machholz says he was unhappy with how he left, but still wishes the best for the institution and the MVC community.

Machholz graduated from MVC in 1984, and led the Viking Men’s Wrestling Programs for more than 30 years before being promoted to Athletic Director in 2022.

KMMO reached out to Missouri Valley College, who declined to comment at this time.