An NBA player, a National Football League Super Bowl lineman, a Major League Baseball pitcher AND the 1988-95 Warsaw Wildcats football program will headline the Class of 2024 of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s upcoming Springfield Enshrinement ceremonies presented by Wilson Logistics.
Byron Shive, the Hall of Fame’s CEO & Executive Director, unveiled the inductees last Wednesday, noting that the ceremony is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 4 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. Associate sponsors are Advertising Plus, Byran Properties, Great Southern Bank, Hiland Dairy Foods and Hillyard, Inc.
Joining the selected Wildcats football teams in the Class of 2024 are:
-Anthony Tolliver – Kickapoo High School & National Basketball Association
-Justin Britt – Lebanon High School, University of Missouri & National Football League
-Lucas Harrell – Ozark High School & Major League Baseball
-Bob Belote – Director of Springfield-Greene County Park Board
-Steve Boyce – High School Swim Coach
-Lindsey Hunter James – University of Missouri Volleyball Player
-2003-2006 Kickapoo High School Boys Basketball Era
-Tom Ladd – Sports Radio Broadcasting
-Jennifer Drum McClaflin – Smith-Cotton H.S. & University of Central Missouri Track & Field
-Jim Raynor – Sports Therapy
-Scott Sifferman – Cycling
-Tammy Williams – Osceola H.S., Northwestern University & U.S. Olympic Softball Player
-Paula Wohnhas Wiedemann – Missouri State-West Plains Volleyball
-Wendy’s of Missouri – John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award
-David Coutchie – President’s Award
-Art Hains – Inspiration Award
Additionally, the Hall of Fame will recognize the Wynn Awards, which recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s sports. The awards are named after the late Dr. Mary Jo Wynn, the pioneer of women’s athletics at Missouri State University who was honored as a Missouri Sports Legend in 2014.
The Wynn Award recipients will be Sherri Gentry Gula (Camdenton High School/University of Missouri), longtime basketball coach Shelly Jones (Parkview & Marshfield high schools, Drury & Southwest Baptist universities), Lindsey Markworth (Lexington High School/Mizzou), Abby Spieler (California High School/Mizzou), and amateur golfer Regina Townes (Parkview High School).
"I am so grateful for our athletes and coaches to be recognized for their accomplishments," said retired Warsaw coach Randy Morrow. "For these teams to go from 1-9 and 3-7 to 11-2 with a semifinal appearance speaks volumes on their desire to be champions."
A sponsorship table of 10 is $1,500. An individual ticket is $150. Numerous sponsorships are available, including congratulatory ads, trading cards and calendars by calling (417) 889-3100.
Morrow added, "I am so excited for this event; to see some of our players that we haven't seen in over 30 years!"
