Front row, from left: Benny Lawson, President’s Award recipient Rita West, Brock Olivo, Nyla Milleson, Willard Harrell, Dr. David Glover, Chairman Dan Nelson, Johnny Damon, Missouri Sports Legend Rod Staggs, Jean Larrick, Darrell Wilson representing Wilson Logistics for the John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award, Brent Thomas, Cheryl Shores representing Lockwood Volleyball Erall 1983-2008 and Larry Cowger. Back row, from left: Jim Marshall representing Jefferson City Cross Country Program, Larry Garman, Denny Thum, Matt Adams, Ben Godwin, Bobby Godwin, Buddy Godwin, Kris Flood, Corey Riggs, Horner Askins, CEO & Executive Director Rob Marsh and Jeffrey Brummet.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame ushered in its Class of 2025 on Sunday as it celebrated the Enshrinement presented by Wilson Logistics. New CEO & Executive Director Rob Marsh presided over the ceremony, which drew nearly 1,200 to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.
Two former big-leaguers – the Kansas City Royals’ Johnny Damon and the St. Louis Cardinals’
Matt Adams – as well as two former football standouts — Missouri Football Tiger Brock Olivo and the St. Louis Football Cardinals’ Willard Harrell — were the professional athletes recognized. Additionally, longtime St. Louis high school track & field coach Rod Staggs was honored as a Missouri Sports Legend.
The Hall of Fame presented the John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award to Wilson Logistics and recognized St. Louis native Rita West with the President’s Award. Additionally, the Hall of Fame recognized each of the eight high school state football championship teams from the 2024 season.
Associate sponsors are Advertising Plus, Bryan Properties, Great Southern Bank, Hiland Dairy Foods, Hillyard, Inc., Reliable Superstore and Sterling Bank.
The Class of 2025 is as follows:
- Johnny Damon – Kansas City Royals
- Matt Adams – St. Louis Cardinals
- Brock Olivo – St. Francis Borgia Regional High School & Mizzou running back
- Willard Harrell – St. Louis Football Cardinals
- Kris Flood – Republic High School girls basketball coach
- The Godwin Golf Family of Poplar Bluff
- Brent Thomas – Missouri State baseball hitting coach
- Nyla Milleson – Glendale, Drury & Missouri State basketball coach
- Denny Thum – Kansas City Chiefs executive
- Jefferson City High School Cross Country Program
- David Glover – University of Central Missouri team physician
- Benny Lawson – Monett and Parkview High School football coach
- Horner Askins – Kickapoo High School cross country and track & field coach
- Corey Riggs – Sports Broadcaster
- Jean Larrick – Tennis coach
- Larry Cowger – Voice of Carl Junction Athletics
- Lockwood High School Volleyball Era 1983-2008
- Larry Garman – Seneca native and football coach
- Jeffrey Brummet & Quarterhorse Tucker – Shooting Sports
