The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon honor 14 individuals, including a former big-leaguer, Kansas City Chief and an angler, as well as two college sports eras, Mercy athletic trainers and three golf brothers as part of its Class of 2026.
President & CEO Rob Marsh on Wednesday announced the Enshrinement, set for 1 PM on Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Hall of Fame also will honor Thompson Sales with the John Q. Founder’s Award and bestow Rick Beaman of Hiland Dairy Foods with the President’s Award.
“We’re excited to be telling the stories of these honorees because they not only excelled in their fields, but inspired many others,” Marsh said. “We hope folks join us in celebrating their collective success.”
The Class of 2026 is as follows:
- Bill Mueller – Missouri State Baseball & Boston Red Sox
- Dustin Colquitt – Kansas City Chiefs
- Matt Gifford – Cardinals baseball executive
- Rob Bowers – Richmond High School football coach
- Darrell “Smitty” Smith – Boxing coach
- Borland Golf Brothers of Carthage – Glen, Joe & Gary
- Richard Hackett – Drury University diving coach
- Missouri State University 1989 & 1990 Football Playoff Teams
- Crowder College Softball Era of 1982-1992
- J.P. Sell — Fishing
- Tom Beck – Lexington High School track & field coach
- Kevin Kelly – Jefferson City sports radio
- Jeff Starkweather – Joplin High School coach & athletic director
- Tonya Peck – Fair Grove High School volleyball coach
- Bill Barton – State Fair CC basketball coach
- Mercy Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers & Support Staff
- Eric Johnson – Webb City basketball coach
- Stan Melton – Ice Bears founder
- Thompson Sales – John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award
- Rick Beaman – President’s Award
Sponsorship tables of 10 are $1,500 and include recognition at the table and in the printed program. An individual ticket is $150. All ads are half off with the purchase of a table. Numerous sponsorships are available, including associate sponsorships, congratulatory, digital and video ads, as well as for the 20-month calendar and individual Trading Cards.