The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will host the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s upcoming Women’s Sports Luncheon presented by the Bee Payne-Stewart Foundation, CEO and President Jerald Andrews announced Thursday. It’s a change of venue, although the event remains set for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7.
The Hall of Fame will be inducting longtime amateur golfer Stephany Jackson Powell along with Jefferson City tennis coach David Steinmeyer, club volleyball director Sue Daugherty, horseshoe champion Vicki Chapelle Winston and two programs – Logan-Rogersville High School Girls Cross Country and Missouri State University Women’s Handball. Tara Jenkins of Missouri Equipment Leasing, Inc., will be bestowed the President’s Award.
“We had originally planned to hold the luncheon at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. However, our crowd size exceeded the capacity restrictions set by the Springfield-Greene County Health Department,” Andrews said. “We want to thank Missy Handyside-Chambers, the General Manager of Oasis, for her understanding.”
The luncheon also features the recognition of the Wynn Awards, named for the late Dr. Mary Jo Wynn, the pioneer of women’s athletics at Missouri State University. She was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and honored as a Missouri Sports Legend in 2014. The awards recognize former high school and college standouts who made positive impacts in their respective sports.
This year’s Wynn Award honorees are: Denise Buchanan (Glendale High School/University of Kansas), Val Sauer Crawford (Rolla High School/University of Missouri), Lindsey Bourne-Green (Joplin High School/University of Oklahoma), Lynne Miller (Grand Island, Nebraska High School/Missouri State University), Chealsey Russell (Kickapoo High School/Rice University/Tulsa University), Amy Lodes Witte (Lindbergh High School/Columbia College) and Callie Newton-Woods (Republic High School/Drury University).
A sponsorship table of eight is $400 and includes an autographed poster, plus recognition in the printed program and at the table. A head table ticket is $100 and includes the same perks. An individual ticket is $50, or $60 at the door. Numerous sponsorships also are available, including congratulatory ads. Call 417-889-3100.
The Hall of Fame will follow pandemic guidelines of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and City of Springfield. Temperatures checks will be taken upon entry, and guests are required to wear face masks. Tables will be spaced 10 feet apart, and hand sanitizer also will be available at each table.
