News

Enshrinement in Columbia: Ken Ash, executive director of Show-Me State Games

The numbers paint an incredible picture of the Show-Me State Games: 25,000-plus; $619 million; $1.4 million. In order, that’s roughly the average number of participants every summer since 2004; the Games’ economic impact on Columbia in its 31-year history; and the non-profit’s annual budget. Certainly, Ken Ash, the executive director of the Show-Me State Games… Read more »

Enshrinement in Columbia: Mizzou’s Al Eberhard

Back on his family’s farm, Al Eberhard would shoot baskets at a backboard hanging from the barn door. And, if it was too cold outside, the day wasn’t lost. You see, his dad, who had poured the concrete slab outside to create a makeshift basketball surface, also hoisted a backboard inside, not far from the… Read more »

Enshrinement in Columbia: Powerlifter Kate Walker

For those who ever subscribed to Sports Illustrated, who didn’t thumb immediately to “Faces in the Crowd” when each issue reached the mailbox? It was national recognition for the unsung athletes across America, and even better if they were from your neck of the woods. Overall, it was downright cool. In essence, if your name… Read more »

Enshrinement in Columbia: Mizzou, Super Bowl winner Jerome Sally

After snarling along the defensive line for the Mizzou Tigers’ bowl teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s and later for the NFL’s New York Giants, Jerome Sally could have taken the easy road. Perhaps snagged some cushy job. Maybe moved to some tropical locale. Instead, he’s worked in the Columbia public school system… Read more »

Enshrinement in Columbia: Cardinals outfielder Charlie James

He lived the dream that so many couldn’t. Of reaching the big leagues with none other than the St. Louis Cardinals. Of playing outfield alongside Stan “The Man” Musial. And, years later in 1964, of experiencing the ultimate pinnacle by winning a World Series. Indeed, Charlie James has so many stories from his athletic days… Read more »

Hall inducts Johanningmeier, Kee, Kennison & recognizes Elite 11

Former Kansas City Chiefs standout wide receiver Eddie Kennison, former Missouri State All-American tackle and coach Rich Johanningmeier and former Carrollton High School coach Stan Kee can now call themselves Missouri Sports Hall of Famers. The Hall inducted the trio during the NFL Kickoff Luncheon sponsored by Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company on Wednesday at… Read more »

Elite 11: Lorenzo Williams surged with Mizzou’s rise

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Missouri Tigers standout Lorenzo Williams, who previously starred at Midwest City (Okla.) High School. He is currently the football coach of Springfield’s Central High School. Williams is among the Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts who… Read more »

Elite 11: Bolivar lineman Brett Potts later captained Pitt State

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Bolivar High School football standout Brett Potts, who also went on to captain Pittsburg State. Potts is among the Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts to be recognized during the NFL Kickoff Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon presented… Read more »

Enshrinement in Columbia: Rock Bridge coach John Henage

His high school football coaching career in the mid-1960s began like most others – with little fanfare, in relative anonymity and trial runs at three stops. In fact, at one school, he started a football program, only to see a Missouri River flood wipe out a full season. So talk about paying your dues. John… Read more »

Elite 11: Shadel anchored lines at Lebanon, Missouri State

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Lebanon High School football standout Rusty Shadel, who went on to be a standout at Missouri State. Shadel is among the Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts who will be recognized during the NFL Kickoff Sports… Read more »

Kennison’s resurgence with Chiefs leads to Hall induction

The phone call came in from none other than Kansas City Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil – and only an hour before kickoff on a Thursday night in Philadelphia, at that. Eddie Kennison will never forget it. There he was in midseason 2001, sitting in his apartment in Denver and recently released, and yet staying confident… Read more »