Inductees

Robert “Bob” Sechrest’s coaching career began with four years at Van Buren High School and a record of 81-41. After a 26-5 year at Thayer, Sechrest coached at Flat River High School for six years before spending 24 years at Mineral Area College, where he compiled a 465-273 record. Sechrest was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

During halftime ceremonies of the January 2002 Mineral Area-Three Rivers basketball game, the former basketball coach returned to center court to be recognized for his commitment to the community college. Chip Peterson, president of MAC’s board of trustees at the time, honored Sechrest and his family by announcing the MAC Field House would be renamed the Robert E. Sechrest Sr. Field House, noting special tribute to Coach Sechrest for his leadership and accomplishments on and off the basketball court.

Sechrest’s list of achievements include seven nationally-ranked teams, four NBA players and numerous four-year transfers, three-time NJCAA Region 16 Coach of the Year, Director of Region 16 for 16 years, NCAA Basketball Rules Committee, Player Selection Committee for Pan American Games and Olympics, assistant coach of the U. S. gold medal team in the 1979 Mexico City Games, and named to the NJCAA Hall of Fame. He also was an assistant basketball coach with the NJCAA all-star team in Brazil and Argentina.