Where the Game Lives On
Welcome to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
It’s the thrill of the game that has fans coming back for more. But it’s the love of the game that pushes athletes to get better. They get up before the sun rises to do football drills, they perfect their curveball pitch long after the sun goes down—and they never stop believing their dream can come true. It’s that dedication that has earned them a spot in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and for some a spot on our Legends Walk of Fame.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame welcomes you to celebrate the careers of these sports role models and relive the greatest moments in Missouri sports history. Find your favorite player, coach or team on our site, or come to the museum where we have 4,000 items of sports memorabilia and hands-on exhibits. You can feel the speed as you race in the NASCAR simulator, hit your own home run in the batters box against a Major League Baseball pitcher or throw the winning touchdown pass in our football exhibit. Are you ready to play, the ball is in your court!
Charitable Series of Events
Presented by Hiland Dairy Foods
Events
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Inductees
Meet the Hall of Famers
Learn more about the men and women who dedicated their careers to outstanding athletic achievements and advancements in Missouri. From the players that pulled us from our seats with their incredible sporting feats, to the coaches and coordinators whose visions of victory they turned to reality, come and see our monument to the athletes, coaches, administrators, and teams who made such long-lasting impacts on the world of Missouri sports.
Rent the Hall
For details about facility rentals contact:
KARI NORRIS- kari@mosportshalloffame.com
417-889-3100
Facebook Posts
A special day honoring Missouri sports legends. Thank you for joining us Sunday as we celebrated the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinement and recognized the incredible achievements of this year’s honorees. Congratulations to an unforgettable class.
Thank you to Miles Boyer Photography for capturing these special moments. ... See MoreSee Less
Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Thank you for joining us Sunday as we honored Missouri sports legends 🥇 ... See MoreSee Less
Our Class of 2026, from Sunday night here in Springfield. We'll most more photos later today.
Front row, from left: Rob Bowers, Tom Beck, Glen Borland, Gary Borland, Dustin Colquitt, Bill Mueller, MSHOF CEO & President Rob Marsh, Lynn Thompson representing Founder’s Award recipient Thompson Sales Company, Bill Barton, Darrell ‘Smitty’ Smith, Tonya Peck, Millie Gilion representing Crowder College Softball Era 1982-1992, and DeAndre Smith representing the 1989 & 1990 Missouri State Football Playoff Teams. Back Row: President’s Award recipient Rick Beaman, Richard Hackett, J.P. Sell, Miles Thompson, Matt Gifford, Jeff Starkweather, Kevin Kelly, Eric Johnson, Dr. Brian Mahffey representing the Mercy Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers & Support Staff, and Stan Melton. ... See MoreSee Less
Today, this stage is more than lights, banners, and chairs.
Tomorrow, it becomes a place where legacies are honored, stories are preserved, and Missouri sports history comes alive.
Enshrinement weekends remind us why this mission matters — celebrating those who gave so much to their sport, their teams, and their communities, while bringing people together around pride, gratitude, and shared memories.
None of this happens without the unwavering support of our loyal sponsors and partners. Your belief in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame fuels these moments, supports our athletes and families, and helps us continue serving children and veterans across our great state.
From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with us, year after year.
Tomorrow, we celebrate excellence. Together. ... See MoreSee Less
Happy Birthday to our Vice President, Kari Norris.
Kari, I am incredibly grateful for you, not just for what you do, but for how you do it. Your professionalism, creativity, work ethic, and steady leadership make a real difference every single day. You care deeply about this organization, our mission, and the people we serve, and that shows in everything you touch.
You bring energy when it’s needed, clarity when things are complex, and heart into the work in a way that elevates everyone around you. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is stronger because of you, and I am personally thankful to have you as a trusted partner and leader.
I hope today gives you a moment to slow down, feel appreciated, and celebrate all that you are. You are valued more than you know.
Please join me in wishing Kari the happiest of birthdays.
Rob Marsh ... See MoreSee Less
Rick Beaman – President’s Award
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will bestow the President’s Award – and a Hall of Fame letter jacket, complete with the shield logo – on Beaman, the president of Springfield-based Hiland Dairy Foods. The award recognizes those who champion the mission of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, as well as its signature charity fundraising event, Price Cutter Cares presented by Hiland Dairy Foods. Beaman joined Hiland Dairy in 2012 and was promoted to president in 2023 following the retirement of Gary Aggus (MSHOF President’s Award 2025). Beaman saw to it that Hiland Dairy continued its corporate sponsorship with the Hall of Fame and Price Cutter Cares – both of which operate as 501(c)(3) not-for-profits. He also serves on the board of both organizations and, in 2025, Beaman threw even more support behind both organizations after they experienced financial challenges. That included Hiland Dairy sponsoring golf teams and tables in induction ceremonies for the Hall of Fame, and loaning a semi-truck, refrigerator truck and display rig and more for the Price Cutter tournament. All this for an executive with proven leadership experience at several top private and public dairy companies. Upon graduation from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., he began his career with Borden Dairy in 1975. Beaman then joined Southern Foods as executive vice president before accepting the position of chief operating officer of the western region of Dean Foods. Before joining Hiland, he was president of LaLa USA in Dalla. Beaman also serves on the MilkPEP board. He had previous board positions with IDFA, Milk Industry Foundation, McDonald’s Dairy Council, American Red Cross, and various retail food organizations. ... See MoreSee Less
John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award – Thompson Sales
Thompson Sales has been a Springfield staple since 1919, and now operates an automotive dealership on a 14-acre campus in southeast Springfield highlighted by GMC, Cadillac and Buick vehicles along with service, body shop and parts departments. The company is being honored with the prestigious John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award, bestowed on companies who throw tremendous support behind the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s efforts – especially its charitable fundraising initiative, Price Cutter Cares presented by Hiland Dairy Foods. Thompson Sales had been a longtime sponsor of the Hall of Fame and the Price Cutter tournament and then stepped forward again in 2025. It became the official car dealership of the tournament, with the tournament’s truck giveaway being a GMC Canyon from Thompson Sales. The dealership also sponsored several pro-am teams and participated in numerous other events that enabled the tournament ultimately to gift north of $525,000 to 32 Ozarks children’s charities. It also has become a corporate sponsor of the Hall of Fame, participating in induction ceremonies and golf events. Overall, Thompson Sales was founded by George Thompson Sr., and then has been in good hands over the years by George III, Lynn, Miles, Tyler, Alex, Troy, Drew Givens and Derek Lowrance. ... See MoreSee Less
Stan Melton – Ice Bears Founder
The Missouri State Hockey Ice Bears are now in their 25th season in Springfield, thanks largely to Melton. He was the founder of the Springfield Citizens Committee that successfully pitched a recreational ice facility that ultimately became the Jordan Valley Ice Park, which opened in 2000. Melton retired as the general manager of the Missouri State Hockey Club in 2015 and still assists in an advisory role and provides financial support. The Ice Bears have been a success, not only drawing in large crowds but also helping develop talent for college and pro levels. Additionally, the ice park is home now to several youth teams and available for free skating for the general public, allowing southwest Missouri residents to participate in a sport not offered at most high schools in the state or region. A graduate of Cassville High School and the University of Missouri, where he earned a bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications, Melton was the assistant GM of Mediacom of Springfield for 24 years. He previously served as a radio news director in Springfield and as administrative assistant to Missouri Lt. Gov. Bill Phelps. Melton has served on the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, Jordan Valley Park Advisory Commission, Lakes Country Rehabilitation Center Board and as chairman of Greater Ozarks Blues Festival Annual Event Steering Committee. Melton currently serves on the Preferred Family Health Care Company Board of Directors and is a campaign consultant to Jasper County Associate Commissioner Tom Flanigan, who previously served eight years as a Missouri State Representative from the Carthage area. ... See MoreSee Less