Front row, from left: Chairman Kris Conley, Warrensburg coach Ron Clawson, Edwin Evers, Pat Colon, Edwin “Cookie” Rice, Carl Peterson accepting on behalf of the late Derrick Thomas, Bobby Allison, Mark Lamping, Dayton Moore, Emily Dryden accepting on behalf of the Missouri State Sugar Bears, Bryan Blitz, and Bill Caputo accepting on behalf of the Poplar Bluff High School Boys Golf Program. Back row, from left: Executive Vice President Marty Willadsen, Tom Mast, Jim Whytlaw, Jim Middleton, Alex Hall, Paul Evans, Dennis Heim, Dan Boever, John Roderique, Jeff Montgomery and Rich Montgomery representing the Mizzou Football Chain Crew, and President and Executive Director Jerald Andrews.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame ushered in its Class of 2021 during the Enshrinement presented by Killian Construction on Sunday night at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
President and Executive Director Jerald Andrews presided over the ceremony, whose associate sponsors were Advertising Plus, Bryan Properties, Hiland Dairy Foods, Great Southern Bank, Hillyard, Inc. and Sterling Bank. Reliable Toyota sponsored the afternoon reception.
Edwin “Cookie” Rice, the longtime CEO of the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company, received the President’s Award, and former Chiefs President Carl Peterson (MSHOF 2005) accepted on behalf of the late Derrick Thomas, the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro linebacker who passed away following a car accident in 2000. The Hall of Fame also followed local health department guidelines, including limiting the seating capacity and requiring face masks.
“We are delighted to welcome our Class of 2021 into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame,” Andrews said. “Each of these inductees gave the Show-Me State great highlights over the years and have been positive influences in their communities. We also thank those who supported the Enshrinement, including businesses and individuals.”
The Class of 2021 consists of:
- Derrick Thomas, Chiefs linebacker
- Dayton Moore, Royals GM
- Edwin Evers, Angler
- Mark Lamping, Former President of the St. Louis Cardinals
- John Roderique, Webb City football coach
- Bobby Allison, Springfield philanthropist
- Dennis Heim, Monett & Missouri State football standout
- Jim Middleton, Basketball coach
- Alex Hall, Kickapoo & Drury basketball standout
- Jim Whytlaw, Swim coach
- Missouri State Sugar Bears
- Dan Boever, Golf Long Driver & Entertainer
- Pat Colon, Southeast Missouri State basketball standout
- Poplar Bluff High School Boys Golf Program
- Paul Evans, Missouri State pitching coach
- The Mizzou Football Chain Crew
- Tom Mast, Sports Media
- Warrensburg High School Country Programs
- Ron Clawson, Warrensburg coach
- Bryan Blitz, University of Missouri soccer coach
- Cookie Rice of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Pepper – the President’s Award
Additionally, Missouri Southern basketball player Cam Martin (NCAA Division II All-American), Jackson Cantwell (AAU Junior Olympic champion) and the Rogersville Wildcat Trap Shooting Team (AIM Grand National Champion) were introduced on stage.