The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame soon will honor longtime University of Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel as a Missouri Sports Legend – unveiling a bronze bust to be showcased on its Legends Walkway – and will recognize veteran Columbia College basketball coach Bob Burchard with a Pinnacle Award, plus induct a family, 12 individuals and four programs all from mid-Missouri.
It’s all part of the Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement in Columbia presented by Great Southern Bank, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, November 3 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center following a noon reception. President & Executive Director Jerald Andrews announced the Class of 2019 at the hotel on Thursday, adding that Dr. Mark Adams of the Columbia Orthopaedic Group will be bestowed the President’s Award.
“All of our honorees enjoyed great success in their respective sports and certainly deserve recognition,” Andrews said. “We hope the community will throw its collective support behind the Enshrinement.”
The Enshrinement in Columbia is the eighth such event away from Springfield for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit which does not apply for state or federal funding. Sponsorship tables of 10 are $1,500, while an individual ticket is $150. Numerous sponsorships are available, including associate sponsorships, congratulatory ads and trading cards. Call 417-889-3100.
The Class of 2019 features:
- Gary Pinkel – Missouri Sports Legend
- Bob Burchard – Pinnacle Award
- Jeremy Maclin – Football
- Leo Lewis, Jr. & Leo Lewis III – Football
- Chris Gervino – Sports Broadcasting
- The Fry Family – Multiple Sports
- Eric McDonnell – Athletic Trainer
- Ed Lampitt – Wrestling
- Melinda Wrye-Washington – Volleyball
- Erle Bennett – Centralia Football Coach
- Jim Scanlon – Columbia Rock Bridge Basketball Coach
- Dave Gill – Southern Boone Coach
- Sharon Buschjost – Blair Oaks Softball Coach
- Barry Koeneke & Hallsville Baseball Program
- Jefferson City Football Program
- Rock Bridge Boys & Girls Tennis Program
- Show-Me State Games & Missouri Senior Games
- Mark Adams – President’s Award
BIOS OF HONOREES
Gary Pinkel – Missouri Sports Legend
Coach Pinkel will be honored as a Missouri Sports Legend, the highest honor of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Specially cast in bronze and created by renowned St. Louis sculptor Harry Weber, a bust of Coach will be unveiled at the Enshrinement and will be forever on display on the Hall of Fame’s Legends Walkway – which also features bronzes of Stan Musial, Norm Stewart, Ozzie Smith and Len Dawson. Pinkel (MSHOF 2016) coached Mizzou Football from 2001 to 2015, becoming the program’s winningest coach with a 118-73 record. His teams enjoyed five 10-win seasons, played in 10 bowl games and, along the way, won five conference division titles – three in the Big 12 Conference and two in the Southeastern Conference. His 2007 team reached a No. 1 national ranking. With his school-best 73 wins at the University of Toledo (1991-2000), Pinkel retired in 2015 as the 19th winningest coach in NCAA Division I football history with 191 wins. He also is one of only three coaches – Paul “Bear” Bryant and Steve Spurrier are the others – who are the winningest coaches of two D-I football programs.
Bob Burchard – Pinnacle Award
The longtime men’s basketball coach of Columbia College, Burchard (MSHOF 2013) retired after the 2018-2019 season and finished a remarkable career with a 785-269 record over 31 seasons. He led the Cougars to 22 NAIA Tournaments, with his 2009 team finishing as the national runner-up. Overall, his teams earned 14 American Midwest Conference Tournament championships, and Burchard earned 12 AMC Coach of the Year honors. He also served as Columbia College’s athletic director all 31 years, and six times was voted the AMC Athletic Director of the Year. During his tenure as athletic director, Columbia College added 13 sports.
Jeremy Maclin – Football
Twice an All-State selection at Kirkwood High School in 2004 and 2005, Maclin was a two-time consensus All-American (2007, 2008) at Mizzou, where in only two seasons on campus, he broke MU’s record for career all-purpose yardage (5,609 yards). He also remains tied for second in touchdown receptions (22) and ranks fifth in career yards receiving (2,315). In 2007, he helped Mizzou attain a No. 1 national ranking and was the first freshman in Tigers history to earn an All-American honor. A first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, he amassed 6,835 yards receiving and 49 TD receptions in nearly a decade NFL career. He played his first five seasons with the Eagles, two with the Kansas City Chiefs and one with the Baltimore Ravens. Maclin retired in 2019 and is now assistant at Kirkwood.
Leo Lewis, Jr. & Leo Lewis III – Football
Leo Lewis, Jr.: The elder Lewis, who will be inducted posthumously, earned induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. He played for Lincoln University (1951-1954), where the “Lincoln Locomotive” started every game, led the Blue Tigers to unbeaten seasons his sophomore and junior seasons, rushed for a career 4,457 yards and was a two-time First Team All-American. He played 11 seasons with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was a six-time All-Pro selection. Lincoln retired his No. 30 jersey in 2000. Leo Lewis III: After leading Columbia Hickman High School to a state championship in 1974, Lewis was a four-year letterman at Mizzou. He is the only player in Mizzou history to lead the Tigers in punt returns for four straight years, and holds the school record for punt returns in a game (7) and most combined kick returns in a game (9). He played 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 with the Minnesota Vikings – including on four playoff teams in the 1980s. He was Director of Player Development for the Vikings and pro scout from 1992 to 2005.
Chris Gervino – Sports Broadcasting
A 1988 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Gervino has been KOMU 8 TV’s sports director since January 2000, anchoring weeknight sportscasts and hosting “Sports Xtra with Chris Gervino” on Sunday nights. He previously was the Sports Director at KMIZ-TV (1988-1999) and Sports Director at KFRU Radio (1992-2001). Additionally, Gervino has been a Mizzou football sideline reporter for the Tiger Radio Network snice 1992 and was the TV play-by-play broadcaster for Mizzou men’s basketball from 2000 to 2014. He also has handled some play-by-play for the Mizzou baseball team and has been the basketball color analyst for the Tiger Radio Network since 2017. Previously, he was the radio play-by-play voice for the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League (2006-2008). As a junior and senior at Mizzou, he was the P.A. announcer for Mizzou men’s basketball home games.
The Fry Family – Multiple Sports
Dave, the patriarch of the Fry Family, coached high school baseball for 24 years, including 21 at Fort Osage High School. He was 227-165, coached big-league slugger Albert Pujols two seasons and led Fort Osage to a state championship in 1991 and again in 1997, with a third-place finish in 1996. Shaon was a three-time state champion at Oak Grove High School and went on to Mizzou, becoming the first MU wrestler to win two Big Eight Championships (1993, 1994), the first to reach an NCAA championship match (1993) and placed third at the 1994 NCAA Wrestling Championships. His 127 wins were second-most wins in program history. Ryan, who played for Mizzou’s baseball team from 1995 to 1998, was a Second Team All-American in 1998. Career-wise, he was one of the Tigers’ most prolific hitters in program history and ranks among the top four in eight statistical categories. He played in the Kansas City Royals organization. Brett was a four-time state wrestling champion at Oak Grove from 1992 to 1995 and earned a wrestling scholarship to Mizzou, although he unfortunately had to give up the sport after being diagnosed with pancreatitis. Shannon is a former member of Mizzou’s Golden Girls (1990-1994), having helped them win national titles in 1991 and 1992, and was a four-time All-American. She then coached the Golden Girls from 1997 to 2019, helping them to a national title. She is a graduate of Macon High School.
Eric McDonnell – Athletic Trainer
A graduate of Platte County High School and the University of Missouri, McDonnell is in his 37th year with the Mizzou athletics department. After a five-year term as a student athletic trainer, he spent 19 years as the primary assistant with the football program before joining the women’s basketball program in 1988. McDonnell, who currently oversees the women’s volleyball team, has held numerous other roles, including coordinating medical coverage of the Show-Me State Games from its inception in 1984 to 2000. McDonnell, who is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association, chaired the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association Governmental Affairs from 2000-2008 and worked to convert the state practice act from registration to licensure. He also has served numerous roles with the National Athletic Trainers Association, including as its Governmental Affairs Chair from 2006 to 2011.
Dr. Ed Lampitt – Wrestling
Lampitt enjoyed two undefeated dual seasons at St. Charles High School and later became the first Missouri wrestler ever to place at the Big Eight Conference tournament, doing so in 1966. He was also the second to pull the feat, two years later. Lampitt captained Mizzou’s 1968 undefeated team and set school records for wins by a sophomore and in a career and both have since been broken. Despite suffering a debilitating brain tumor and two surgeries that left him paralyzed on his left side, he regained his pilot license and has flown aircraft for more than 40 years. He also took up golf and snow skiing and hit the motivational speaking circuit. Now the Mizzou wrestling program’s most sought-after award is the Ed Lampitt Total Tiger Award, given to the wrestler who best exemplifies Mizzou wrestling on and off the mat.
Jim Scanlon – Columbia Rock Bridge Basketball Coach
A 1969 graduate of Breckenridge High School and later the University of Missouri, Scanlon owns a 796-241 record as a high school basketball coach, with seven trips to the Final Four. At Columbia’s Rock Bridge High School since 1983, Scanlon is 656-197 which includes six trips to the Final Four (1991, 1997, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2019) and the 2019 Class 5 state championship. Scanlon previously coached at Union Star High School, North Harrison High School in Eagleville, Penney High School in Hamilton and Benton High School in St. Joseph. His 1980-1981 Penney team reached the Final Four and placed third. Overall, his teams have won 20 district titles, including 16 at Rock Bridge. At Breckenridge, he was All-State in basketball and All-District in football.
Melinda Wrye-Washington – Volleyball
A graduate of Eldon High School, Wrye-Washington coached Columbia College’s volleyball program from 2000 to 2018, compiling a program-best 719-112 record (.865). Each one of her teams reached the NAIA Tournament, with the 2001 and 2015 teams winning national titles and six finishing as runners-up. Previously, she coached at Westminster College, leading its program to its first NCAA Tournament. As an athlete, she was an All-State in three sports and a three-time All-State volleyball player at Eldon, leading the team to four state tournaments. She then played three seasons at Mizzou (team captain and All-Big Eight selection) before transferring to Columbia College, earning the first NAIA First Team All-American honors in Columbia College history as a senior, and led the team to its first national tournament.
Erle Bennett – Centralia Football Coach
Bennett coached Centralia High School football for 22 seasons (1994-2016), as his teams earned 206 wins – including 70 consecutive regular-season wins from 2005 to 2012. The Panthers won the Class 2 state championship in 2003, finishing 14-0 a year after finishing as the state runner-up. His 2009 team reached the state semifinals. Bennett worked his way up the ladder, serving as an assistant at North Nodaway High School before becoming head coach of Worth County High School from 1985 to 1988. Beginning in 1989, he was a Centralia assistant for five seasons, working as the defensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Bennett is a graduate of Cameron High School (1981) and Northwest Missouri State (1985).
Dave Gill – Southern Boone Coach
Gill spent 27 years at Southern Boone (1977 to 2003), working as a basketball, softball, golf as well as track and field coach. He led the boys basketball team for 25 years (1978-2003) and holds school records for wins (445), games coached (679), conference titles (12), district titles (5), sectional titles (3) and 20-win seasons (9). He coached softball for 12 seasons with a 203-46 record, leading the program to five Final Fours – including two state championships (1981, 1986). In 25 seasons coaching boys golf, the team placed in the Top 15 at the state meet three times. He also spent 10 years as Director of Competition for the Show-Me State Games and was the president of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association in 1997-1998. He is a graduate of Columbia Hickman High School and Lincoln University.
Sharon Buschjost – Blair Oaks Softball Coach
A graduate of Blair Oaks High School who played collegiately at the University of Central Missouri and Lincoln University, Buschjost is 450-157 in 23 seasons as Blair Oaks’ softball coach since 1996. Her 2009 team won a state championship, and that was among Blair Oaks’ 10 Final Fours (2000-2003, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016-2018). Her teams also have captured 22 conference championships and 18 district championships. Buschjost, who has was named the Missouri Softball Coach of the Year in 2017-2018, has been inducted into the Missouri High School Fast Pitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame. At UCM, she earned All-MIAA in 1985 (catcher) and in 1986 (shortstop).
Barry Koeneke & Hallsville Baseball Program
To be inducted individually, Koeneke will enter his 45th season as the head coach of the Hallsville High School Baseball Program in the spring of 2020 and does so with 1,157 games coached and a 684-473 record. His teams have captured three state championships (1987, 2004, 2005) and 15 district titles. He is a 1970 graduate of Joplin Memorial High School, where he was All-State under coach Warren Turner (MSHOF 2014). In college, Koeneke pitched for the University of Missouri, earning varsity letters in 1973 and 1974. The Hallsville High School Indians have reached eight Final Fours, winning state championships in 1987, 2004 and 2005. The program placed third at the state tournament in 1983, 1984 and 2013, and placed fourth in 2008.
Jefferson City Jays Football Program
Jefferson City Football was the first to win 10 state titles (1976, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1997) in Missouri high school history. The program has played in 23 state semifinals and also has two state runners-up (1979, 1998). Additionally, it has produced 10 All-Americans. Nine state titles were won under coach Pete Adkins (MSHOF Legend), whose teams won 405 games and at one point enjoyed a 71-game win streak – which for years stood as a national record. The 1998 team was coached by Ron Cole. Ted LePage coached for 12 seasons (2006-2017), taking the 2006 and 2008 teams to state semifinals. Terry Walker is the team’s latest coach.
Rock Bridge Tennis Program
The Rock Bridge High School Tennis teams have combined for 21 state championships. Coached by 2015 MSHOF inductee Ben Loeb since 1994, the girls teams has earned 22 top three finishes in the past 25 years at the state tournament, with 13 state championships and nine state runners-up among them. The state titles are the second-most in state history and, specifically, cover the years 1982, 1983, 1984, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2010, 2011, and 2014 through 2018. The boys team has placed among the top four at the state tournament every year since 2002 (18 consecutive), with eight state championships and five state runners-up. The eight state titles cover eight of the past 12 years since 2008.
Show-Me State Games & Missouri State Senior Games
The Show-Me State Games is celebrating its 35th year and has had more than 1 million participants. It was formed a non-profit program thanks to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health and is hosted by the University of Missouri. Its mission is to provide all Missourians the opportunity to participate in activities of health, fitness, family and fun. More than 32,000 athletes from almost all 114 counties compete in Columbia throughout the year. The Missouri Senior Games, now in its 25th year, also is an Olympic-style sports festival for folks 50 and older. It provides an annual physical fitness event to promote a social, competitive, athletic and recreational activities as well as to foster an amateur athletic network of participants, volunteers and sports enthusiasts across the state.
Dr. Mark Adams – President’s Award
Dr. Adams is receiving the President’s Award, which is bestowed on an individual who supports athletics in Missouri and especially supports the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Adams (MSHOF 2014) is a graduate of Sikeston High School, Drury University and the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Dr. Adams joined the Columbia Orthopaedic Group in 1990 and focuses primarily in sports medicine. He is currently a Team Physician for Mizzou Athletics and previously served as team physician for the 1996 and 2000 U.S. Olympic teams, the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team from 1995 to 2002 (including the 1999 World Cup championship season), and worked with the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins as well as local mid-Missouri colleges & high schools.
