Inductees

September 24, 1909—June 16, 1999

"Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat! Ready to be a Bearcat?" - Ryland Milner

Ryland H. Milner, a model man of consistency and achievement in northwest Missouri, was elected in 1988 to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at age 79 after an outstanding career as an athlete and versatile coach.

At Northwest Missouri State University over six decades, from 1929 to 1975, he achieved legendary status, beginning as a basketball guard. In 1931, he quarterbacked the undefeated Maryville football team and with unusual success coached basketball and football at Jackson (MO) High School; then he returned to his alma mater for a lengthy reign as a successful coach. As head football coach, Milner compiled a 90-63-13 record in 21 seasons. He also served as Maryville’s head coach in baseball, tennis, track, cross country, and golf.