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Wynn Award: Amanda Newton Plotner of Republic High School & Drury University

- -Drury's Amanda Newton vs. Quincy University Dec. 8. Photo/Christina Dicken/News-Leader
Courtesy of News-Leader

There’s no other way to say it. Amanda Newton Plotner was one of those athletes who you’d have to stop whatever you were doing and watch. She was that good as an All-State athlete in three sports at Republic High School and later an All-American basketball standout at Drury University.

Now her career is being remembered by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, which will recognize Plotner with a Wynn Award during its Women’s Sports Luncheon presented by the Bee Payne-Stewart Foundation. The luncheon is at 11 a.m. March 30 at University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield. For a $400 sponsorship table of eight, $40 individual ticket, $100 head table ticket or congratulatory ads, call the Hall of Fame at 417-889-3100.

“Sports have had a major impact on my life,” Plotner said. “They taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and leadership skills. I appreciate all of the opportunities that were provided for me through my athletic career.”

The luncheon features the induction of the All American Red Heads Basketball Program, former Missouri Southern State University Athletic Director Sallie Beard, two basketball coaches – Evangel University’s Leon Neal and the University of Missouri’s Dr. Joann Rutherford – as well as former Lockwood High School volleyball coach Cheryl Shores. The Hall of Fame also will bestow the President’s Award on Jodie Adams, the former director of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

- -Washburn's Dani McHenry (43) battles for a rebound with Drury's Amanda Newton (42) during the first half Saturday at Lee Arena.photo by ann williamson
Courtesy of News-Leader

Plotner is among the eight recipients for Wynn Awards, named in honor of Dr. Mary Jo Wynn, the pioneer of women’s athletics at Missouri State University, a 1999 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee and 2014 Missouri Sports Legend. The awards are presented to former high school, college and pro athletes for their contributions in athletics.

A 2002 Republic High School graduate, Plotner was a two-time All-State selection in basketball, a four-time All-State medalist in track and All-State in volleyball. As a senior, she set the Class 3 State Outdoor record in the discus with a throw of 143 feet, 6 inches.

- -Drury's Amanda Newton passes around UMSL's Jennifer Dewell during their game on Saturday. Mark Schiefelbein for the News-Leader
Courtesy of News-Leader

At Drury University, Plotner’s No. 42 jersey is retired following a standout career from 2002 and 2006. She was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American and finished as the Lady Panthers’ career scoring (1,815 points) leader and rebounding leader (793 rebounds). The team reached four NCAA D-II Tournaments, including a national runner-up finish her sophomore season.

“I am forever indebted to my teammates and coaches. They saw the best and the worst of me, and still stuck with me. I was nothing without my team on and off the court and love them for that,” said Plotner, now a coach in the Republic School District. “More than wins and losses, baskets and fouls, I made life-long friendships that mean more to me than anything.”

The Wynn Award recipients will be Tara Bailes (Springfield Catholic High School/Missouri State soccer), Teresa Baird Beshore (Springfield Catholic High School/University of Tulsa tennis), Chelsea Taylor Corp (Sarcoxie High School/Missouri State-West Plains volleyball), Aleah Hayes (Ozark High School/Texas Tech University/Columbia College volleyball), Tonya Choate McCall (Mount Vernon High School/Drury University/Cactus Tour golf), Amanda Newton Plotner (Republic High School/Drury University basketball), Melissa Hoffmeister Sanders (Joplin High School/University of Arkansas tennis) and Sophie Cox Stagner (Rolla High School/University of Tennessee-Martin soccer).