Jerry Buescher began his journey to the 800-win mark during the 1960’s in Vandalia, Mo. Before that, he played basketball in college for northeast Missouri native Cotton Fitzsimmons at Moberly Area Community College. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University and earned a master’s at the University of Missouri. Buescher has won 12… Read more »
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Team: Helias Catholic High School
Helias Catholic High School Baseball Era 1987-1989
In the late 1980s, in the state capitol city of Jefferson City, a group of baseball players from Helias Catholic High School had just about everybody’s attention. And for good reason. The Crusaders had been building toward the elite of prep baseball powers for several years, with the 1985 team reaching the state quarterfinal and… Read more »
Helias Catholic High School Boys Golf Program
You look at all of the success over the decades, and it’s hard not to shake your head in awe. After all, the golfers of Helias Catholic High School helped put their school on the statewide sports map. So, what’s been the secret to the success? There isn’t one, former longtime coach Ray Hentges will… Read more »
Helias High School Wrestling Program
Helias High School had the dominant wrestling program in the state of Missouri in the 1980’s, 90’s and into the new millennium. In one 26 year period, the Crusaders finished in the top three at the State Tournament an incredible 25 times. Altogether, the Crusaders won 12 State Titles, finished in second place six times,… Read more »
Ray Hentges
Born and raised in Jefferson City, Ray Hentges was in the last graduating class of St. Peters High School, before it was renamed Helias High School in 1956. Ray served as the head football coach at Helias for 33 years. He coached two state championship football teams and compiled an overall record of 251 wins… Read more »
Denny Hughes
In sports, you never know when your number is going to get called. Even for coaches. In 1980, Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City hired a 1976 graduate to be a freshman football coach and assistant varsity basketball coach, with the baseball coach later asking him to volunteer in the spring. Denny Hughes was… Read more »
Kevin Kelly
When Kevin Kelly steps into a gym or stadium, he doesn’t just call a game — he paints it. For nearly half a century, mid-Missouri listeners have tuned in to hear him turn the sights and sounds of high school sports into living, breathing stories. “I love what I do. It has never seemed like… Read more »
Tom Rackers
Growing up in Jefferson City, with his dad, Robert, working as the advertising manager at the News Tribune, Tom Rackers spent his days reading all about the sports stars of Kansas City, St. Louis and in his hometown. Back then, five newspapers combined from those I-70 cities were delivered to the family’s doorstep – two… Read more »