The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has selected a Springfield bank and Lebanon businessman to receive honors during its upcoming enshrinement ceremony.
Empire Bank, operated by Jefferson City-based Central Bancompany - which also manages Central Trust and Investment Co. in Springfield - is scheduled to receive the John Q. Hammons Founder's Award during the Jan. 26 event at University Plaza, according to a news release. The award recognizes businesses that have been instrumental in sustaining the long-term growth of the Hall of Fame, established by hotelier and philanthropist Hammons.
The Sports Hall of Fame noted the company's support of the Missouri State University Bears, the Drury University Panthers and the Springfield Cardinals, as well as sponsorships of the Price Cutter Charity Championship golf tournament and the Sports Hall of Fame itself.
Charles Brown, president and CEO of Missouri Eagle LLC, also is slated to be honored at the event. Brown has supported the Sports Hall of Fame for nearly 20 years, with work on its governing and advisory boards. His company also serves as the title sponsor of the Hall of Fame's Ozarks Celebrity Golf Classic, according to the release.
During the January event, 15 individuals and two high school level programs will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. They are:
- former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Willie McGee;
- Ed Podolak, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs;
- Mike MacFarlane, a retired catcher from the Kansas City Royals;
- Luke Snyder, a retired professional bull rider;
- Gary Link, a University of Missouri announcer;
- Missouri Valley Conference Senior Associate Commissioner Patty Viverito;
- Andy Hill, associate head football coach for the University of Missouri;
- Jason Pyrah, a track and field Olympian from Willard;
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick;
- Jack Steck, former swimming coach for Drury and Missouri State universities;
- Becky Oakes, director of the Sports National Federation of State High School Associations;
- Dr. Mark Adams, University of Missouri team physician;
- former Missouri Western State University basketball coach Tom Smith;
- former Missouri Southern State University baseball coach Warren Turner;
- Robert Penn, a former football coach for Brentwood High School;
- the Hillcrest High School baseball programs; and
- the Parkway West High School swimming program.
