2009 Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Class Announced
By
Mike Scott
Story Created:
Jun 16, 2009 at 1:19 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jun 16, 2009 at 1:19 PM CDT
The Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2009 enshrinement class Tuesday morning at Mediacom Ice Park. Included in the group are former Missouri State softball star Penny Clayton, long time are referee Nolan McCaulley, 1940's Missouri State football standout Jim Mentis, and the Missouri State basketball great known as "the Springfield Rifle" Chuck Williams.
The ceremony will be held Tuesday September 22nd at the University Plaza Convention Center.
Penny Clayton - Clayton is one of the greatest softball players in Southwest Missouri history. The 1976 Hillcrest graduate won state and regional amateur championships from 1975-1979. In 1978 she pitched a perfect game in the ASA National Tournament. Clayton then took her career to Missouri State where she played from 1976-1980 leading the Bears to the AIAW College World Series three times. During her career at MSU, Clayton won 40 games. Clayton currently serves a professor of accounting in the Drury University Breech School of Business, along with teaching the game of softball to girls around the Ozarks.
Nolan McCaulley - McCaulley's 47 year officiating career began in 1962. He has worked thousands of football, baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer games, including high school state championship games in nearly all classes of those sports. McCaulley has officiated 36 Blue and Gold tournaments, more than any other official in the tournaments history. In addition to officiating, he spent over 30 years as the commissioner of the local American Legion baseball league.
Jim Mentis - After serving in the Navy during World War II Mentis lattered four years for the Missouri State University football team. Mentis was an end and tackle for the bears between 1946-1949. He played on an MIAA championship team in 1948 and received all-conference recognition each of his three seasons, also winning the scholastic trophy as a senior. Mentis is a native of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He also coached high school football at Carthage and Springfield Central before returning as an assistant for the Bears under Hall of Famer Orville Pottenger. Jim was also the first wrestling coach at Missouri State.
Chuck Williams - Before his amazing basketball career at Missouri State Williams led Buffalo high school to a pair of state titles. Upon arriving at MSU Williams quickly became known as "the Springfield Rifle" for his outstanding shooting. Williams helped the Bears to a 2nd place national finish during his sophomore year in 1969. In 1970 he was named regional MVP when the Bears finished 3rd in the region. His senior year Williams led the team with 17.5 points per game, receiving all-conference and All-America honorable mention honors. After his playing career WIlliams served as a graduate assistant under Indiana coach Bob Knight. He then returned to the Bears bench as an assistant for 6 seasons before leading Missouri Southern for 12 years. Williams returned to help out the Lady Bears program in the late 90's. Most recently Williams served as girls basketball coach at New Covenant Academy where he took a 1-77 program to 3 straight 20 win seasons.
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