VOL. 2
ISSUE 1
SP/SUM 2023
SPORTS GUIDE
USA Pickleball Middle States Diamond Regional Coming to Springfield June 1-4, 2023
THIS IS SPRINGFIELD.
As the pulse of the Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri is rooted in the celebration of family, friends and life’s genuine moments. A regional hub with large city amenities and small town hospitality, our commitment is toward creating moments that make life big and full. With intriguing attractions, a diverse culinary scene, unique shopping and anode to classic Americana heritage, Springfield is a destination you will enjoy while feeling right at home.
scenes of nature in the Ozarks. Next door, explore hundreds of live animals and fish at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, voted Best New Attraction and Best Aquarium by “USA Today” readers. Thirsty for more adventure?
Indulge your taste buds at more than 800 unique eateries representing a variety of cuisines from the famous “throwed rolls” at Lambert’s Café to fresh farm-to-table cooking at local favorites.
Celebrate the great outdoors at the original and largest Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World where you will find live fish, alligators and an exquisite display of wildlife in a remarkable 500,000-square-foot showroom, and while you’re there pick up some outdoor gear to prepare yourself before you venture out to explore the spectacular
Springfield is home to North America’s only ride through cave, Fantastic Caverns, where you will journey through well-preserved natural wonders in a Jeep-drawn tram. You can also learn about the area’s history at the award-winning History Museum on the Square, also named Best New Attraction in a “USA Today” poll.
Excutive Director ................................. Lance Kettering
Phone: ....................................................... (417) 881-5300 x106
Email: lkettering@springfieldmo.org
Assistant Director .................................... Katie Johnson
Phone: ....................................................... (417) 881-5300 x116
Email: kjohnson@springfieldmo.org
815 EAST ST. LOUIS STREET
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65806
WWW. SPRINGFIELDMOSPORTS.ORG
Once your cravings are satisfied, shop ‘til you drop at the Battlefield Mall, southwest Missouri’s most popular retail destination, or visit the many unique boutiques and vintage shops in Springfield’s downtown district. Take your loved ones out to the ballgame and enjoy a classic summertime tradition at Hammons Field, home of the Cardinals’ double A affiliate Springfield Cardinals. Wherever your heart takes you in Springfield, our true nature is to help you do the things you love with the people you love while celebrating all of life’s simple pleasures.
2
Cover photo courtesy of Roberto Camara, Pickleball Blast
ABOUT SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION
NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO…
Atlanta, GA (ATL)
Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Chicago, IL (ORD)
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (DFW)
Denver, CO (DEN)
Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL (VPS)
Houston, TX (IAH)
Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Orlando, FL (SFB)
Phoenix/Mesa, AZ (IWA)
St. Petersburg/Tampa, FL (PIE)
Top notch facilities, award-winning service and a community filled with entertainment, dining, and hospitality options make Springfield the place for sports!
The Springfield Sports Commission works with local, state, regional and national sports organizations. Springfield boasts top-notch sports facilities and competition venues for the active participant as well as providing outstanding venues for spectators. Let our award-winning Sports Commission assist you in making Springfield your home for sports.
120 Sporting Venues
6000+ Hotel Rooms
28+ Flight Departures
800+ Restaurants
3
EXPLORE SPRINGFIELD
AIRPORTS AND AIRLINES
SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON
NATIONAL AIRPORT (SGF)
FLYSPRINGFIELD.COM
417-868-0500
BRANSON AIRPORT (BKG)
FLYBRANSON.COM
417-334-8857
ALLEGIANT AIR
ALLEGIANTAIR.COM
702-505-8888
AMERICAN AIRLINES
AA.COM
800-443-7300
DELTA CONNECTION
DELTA.COM
800-221-1212
UNITED EXPRESS
UNITED.COM
800-864-8331
TRANSPORT
SPRINGFIELD YELLOW CAB CO
417-862-5511
LYFT LYFT.COM
UBER UBER.COM
4
5
Welcome to Springfield!
Arbor Suites at the Mall
Arbor Suites Medical Mile
Bass Pro Shops Angler’s Lodge
Best Western-Coach House Inn
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
Candlewood Suites-I44
Candlewood Suites-South
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites-South
Courtyard by Marriott
Doubletree Hotel
Drury Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Greenstay Hotel & Suites Courtview
Greenstay Hotel & Suites-South
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn-South
Hampton Inn-Southeast
Hilton Garden Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Medical District
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-North
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites I-44
Home2Suites
Homestay Inn
Hotel Vandivort
Lamplighter Inn & Convention Center
Lamplighter Inn & Suites-South
La Quinta Inn & Suites-Airport
La Quinta Inn-South
The Mansion at Elfindale
Oasis Hotel & Convention Center
Quality Inn-Battlefield Road
Residence Inn by Marriott
Springhill Suites
TownePlace Suites Springfield
Tru by Hilton
University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
Vib Springfield
The Walnut Street Inn
Hotel Lodging Associa on REST ASSURED
When you stay at a Springfield Hotel Lodging Association member hotel you can rest easy knowing that our high standards in comfort, cleanliness and service will be one more way that makes your trip to Springfield remarkable.
Inside The Bone and Joint Center 3555 S. National Ave. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. coxhealth.com | CoxHealthNow app Orthopedic and Sports Injury Walk-In Clinic When you play, you give all you’ve got. And when you need sports injury care that will get you back in the game, we’ve got you covered. Simply walk in or choose the time that works best for you at coxhealth.com/savemyspot. Play Too Hard?
HOSTING CHAMPIONSHIPS HUGE WIN FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
2023 HOMESCHOOL NATIONALS
March 13-18
The National Christian HomeSchool Basketball Championships are back in Springfield from March 13th to 18th. Springfield has been hosting the event since 2009 and it has become a staple in the community. With over 370 teams registering, the tournament is set to be a huge success.
The success of the tournament is made possible due to the collaboration of various organizations, including public and private schools, colleges and universities who make their facilities available. The hospitality of the hotels and the lodging community, which includes over 60 hotels, helps ensure that guests feel at home during their stay in Springfield. The tournament also wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the game officials and referees who will be calling nearly 1,000 games throughout the week.
BY THE NUMBERS
► 370 Teams
► Nearly 1,000 games played
► Approximatley 2,000 referee game officials slots scheduled
► 25-30 different gym floors used
► 10,000 estimated visitors
► 8,000 estimated hotel room nights
► Estimated spending of over $6,000,000 while in Springfield
8
2023 MSHSAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 9-11 | Class 1, 2, and 3
March 16-18 | Class 4, 5, and 6
In 2023, Springfield will host the MSHSAA State Basketball Championships for the 6th and final year of the bid term. The Sports Commission is proud to have brought the event to Springfield and appreciates the contributions of its community partners, Missouri State University and the local hotel industry.
Despite facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tournament has consistently drawn large crowds to Springfield. Great Southern Bank and Hammons Student Center provided excellent venues for the event. In 2023, the tournament is expected to be even bigger.
2018 - 34,439
2019 - 36,512
2020 - 5,189
2021 - 31,508
1st Year in Springfield
2nd Year in Springfield
Week 1 - Covid-19
Attendance Restrictions
Week 2 - Canceled
Covid-19 Attendance & Concessions Restrictions
The Sports Commission would like to extend a special thanks to the nearly 100 local residents who supported the Championships through the Team Ambassador Program. Your contributions made the teams feel at home while in Springfield.
2022 - 33,111
Return to Normal Attendance Procedures
In 2024, the event will return to Columbia, Missouri. The Springfield Sports Commission wishes the Columbia Sports Commission much success in hosting the tour-
9
ATTENDANCE IN SPRINGFIELD
USA PICKLEBALL MIDDLE STATES DIAMOND REGIONAL COMING TO SPRINGFIELD
June 1-4, 2023 | Springfield, Mo. | Cooper Tennis Complex
In 2023 and 2024, the city of Springfield is set to host the USA Pickleball Middle States Diamond Regional, the tournament of the fastest-growing sport in the country. After a competitive bidding process, the Springfield Sports Commission, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and Pickleball Blast were awarded the rights to host the event at the Cooper Tennis Complex.
From June 1-4, 2023, and May 30-June 2, 2024, over 800 to 1,000 athletes are expected to compete in the tournament. This event is expected to bring in approximately 2,000 room nights and spending of $675,000 for local hotels.
The USA Pickleball Middle States Regional Director, Jim Berger, and Pickleball Blast’s Roberta Camara will be operating the events, which are open to athletes from around 30 states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of different racket sports and is played with solid paddles and a perforated ball, similar to a Wiffle Ball.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board now offers pickleball courts and programs at 10 locations, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity.
Bob Belote, the Director of Parks, expressed his excitement about hosting a USA Pickleball tournament in 2023 and 2024. “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and we’re thrilled to host this tournament,” he said.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the excitement of the USA Pickleball Middle States Diamond Regional in Springfield, Missouri.
To sign up, visit www.pickleballtournaments.com.
10
SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION LAUNCHES ESPORTS COALITION
The Springfield Sports Commission is thrilled to unveil the formation of the Springfield Esports Coalition. The coalition is dedicated to using gaming for good and will focus on developing, promoting, and enriching the esports culture in the region.
The Springfield Esports Coalition aims to drive engagement and awareness through local and regional events, with a focus on promoting them nationally. The coalition is made up of a committee of the Springfield Sports Commission, supported by Contender Esports and the local gaming community. Members will have access to monthly networking events and be included in cooperative efforts to support and market individual events and projects.
Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission, said, “Our goal is to make Springfield a hub of esports activity in the region and the United States. We have a strong esports community in Springfield, and we are thrilled to be diving into this exciting world.”
Ryan Bowling, Esports Chair and Board Member, added, “Esports represents a great opportunity for our community, providing a bridge to STEM fields and potential economic growth from increased visitor revenue. We’re looking forward to making Springfield a key destination for esports.”
Brett Payne, CEO and Founder of Contender Esports, echoed the sentiment, “Springfield is in a unique position to be the centerpiece of esports in the nation. The coalition gives us a path to be elevated as America’s top esports city and to thrive together as a community.”
The Springfield Esports Coalition already has plans in motion, including the Missouri High School Esports Invitational in Spring 2023, The Corporate Cup, and the Missouri High School Esports Showcase in Fall 2023. Membership to the coalition is available for $100 per year and includes access to monthly networking events and cooperative efforts.
Visit www.springfieldmosports.org/ springfield-esports-coalition/ for more information.
11
MEMBER RESTAURANTS & BUSINESSES
These great businesses are all strong supporters of sports!
Bass Pro Shops
Springfield is home to the ORIGINAL Bass Pro Shops. It’s a must-see for our visitors. Basspro.com
The Big Slice
417-720-1928
thebigslicespringfield.com
Big Shots Golf
Experience the ultimate gaming experience with full-service food, private event space and climate-controlled tee boxes. bigshotsgolf.com
Big Whiskey’s
American Bar & Grill
417-883-5999 (E. Battlefield Rd.)
417-862-2449 (Park Central East) 417-882-2249 (W. Republic Rd.) bigwhiskeys.com
Bricktown Brewery
417-887-0100 (E. Independence) bricktownbrewery.com
Brown Derby/Derby Deli
417-883-4066
Selling everything from home goods to gifts to the best charcuterie supplies in town (and don’t forget the wine and spirits!) Brownderby.com
Collegiate Awards
Looking to surprise your athlete with a specialty item? Head to Collegiate Awards for some awesome personalized products! Collegiateawards.com
Contender eSports
With 47 PCs, 5 XBoxes, and 12 Nintendo’s, Contender eSports is the premier eSports venue in Springfield.
www.Contenderesports.com
Domino’s Visit dominos.com for your nearest location
Drury University
The Drury Panthers are an NCAA Division II school. Drurypanthers.com
Evangel University
Evangel Valor participates in fourteen NAIA Division I sports and is a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Evangelathletics.com
Godfather’s Pizza
417-877-8787 (Battlefield, MO) 417-581-9292 (Ozark, MO) 417-725-4933 (Nixa, MO)
Golden Corral
417-883-6767
goldencorral.com
HyVee
Hy-vee is the go-to grocery store in Springfield! Find a location near you at the website below. hy-vee.com
Historic Commercial Street
Springfield’s first historic district and the original downtown of North Springfield. Historiccstreet.com
GET INVOLVED WITH THE SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION
12
^^ The Sports Commission held its 3rd Annual Mini Golf Championship on September 19 at Getaway Golf. Great Southern Bank joined us once again as our title sponsor. This year’s event featured 265 players and included a mixer and silent auction. The event is graciously supported by hole sponsors and many businesses use it for team building and to create office challenges. Join us for our 4th Annual event on September 18, 2023.
^^The Sports Commission crowned both team and Individual champions on both the International and USA course at Getaway Golf.
Kwik Kar Automotive
Kwik Tire Pros provides quality Auto Repair and Tires in Springfield, MO. kwiktirepros.com
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
With over 4,000 items of sports memorabilia and exhibits. The two-story, 32,000 square foot building also features a number of interactive exhibits. Mosportshalloffame.com
Missouri State University
The MSU Bears are an NCAA Division I school and compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. Missouristatebears.com
Nakato Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 417-881-7171 nakato.com
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Find the right auto parts, tools, and supplies for your vehicle at O’Reilly with locations around Springfield! Oreillyauto.com
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
There’s always something happening at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center from bull-riding to dog shows.
Ozarkempirefair.com
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe 417-851-6900 picklemans.com
The Pitch Pizza & Pub 417-368-0277
thepitchpizza.com
Pizza Ranch 417-319-5021 pizzaranch.com
Proximal Strength
Proximal Strength is a gym, organization, and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering lives through the platforms of fitness and community. proximalstrength.com
Redline Athletics
Give Redline Athletics a call to schedule your between-game training sessions with your athlete! Redlineathletics.com/james-river-expy
Rick’s Automotive
Recognized since 1980 as Southwest Missouri’s premier, family-owned automotive and tire shop right in the heart of Springfield! Ricksautomotive.com
Route 66 Information Center
A great source for information on travel in Springfield! Springfieldmo.org
Springfield Cardinals
The Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s 11-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals since 2005.
milb.com/Springfield
Springfield-Greene County Park Board
Springfield is very proud of the beautiful parks and facilities located in our community. Find the park for you at the website below. Parkboard.org
Thompson Sales CompanyLocated on East Independence find your new or pre-owned vehicle at Thompson Sales Company. Thompsonsales.com
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife
A 1.5-million gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds, and immersive wildlife galleries. Wondersofwildlife.org
US Baseball
Completely refurbished all-artificial turf baseball park in Ozark, MO, and home for the Show-Me Collegiate Wood Bat League. theusbaseball.com
Volleyball Beach
Volleyball Beach Ozark is the hottest spot for beach volleyball in Southwest Missouri, with pristine sand volleyball courts perfect for any level of play. volleyballbeachozark.com
13 RESTAURANTS & BUSINESSES CONT’
And don’t forget dessert: Andy’s www.eatandys.com
GET INVOLVED WITH THE SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION
^^ The Sports Commission hosted it’s 2nd Annual BigShots Challenge, presented by Sporting KC in April of 2023. This “friend-raising” event features a 9 hole team challenge and challenge holes for prizes. Sporting KC is proud to support this event and their interactive partnership features Blue the Mascot, prizes and Sporting KC ticket opportunities.
UPCOMING EVENTS WITH SPORTS COMMISSION INVOLVEMENT
presented by Harry Cooper Supply
PROUD TO HOST THESE ORGANIZATIONS
15
March 9-11 MSHSAA State Basketball Championships Class 1-3 12-17 .............................................. National Christian HomeSchool Basketball Championships 16-18 MHSAA State Basketball Championships Class 4-6 April 8............................................................. Midwest Cheer & Dance Academy April Showdown 12 Sports Commission BigShots Golf Challenge Presented by Sporting KC 14-16 ................................................ Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Cup at Lake Country Soccer 29-30 ...................................................................USSSA Baseball - KC Sports Battlefield Blast May 13-14 ........................................................ USSSA Baseball - KC Sports James River Showdown 15-16 MSHSAA Boys State Golf Championships 18-20 MSHSAA Boys Tennis State Individual Championships 22-23 .............................................................. MSHSAA State Spring Softball Championships 26-27 .......................................................... MSHSAA Boys Tennis State Team Championships May/June 4-9 ............................................................ Heart of America Baseball Conference Tournament 29-3 MSHSAA State Baseball Championships 31-4 USA Pickleball Middle States Diamond Regional Championship June 10-11 USSSA Baseball-
20
Awards,
August
Special Olympics Missouri West Regional Softball Championship
This year’s event will be April 12. Contact the Sports Commission to get involved in this fun friend-raiser event!
KC Sports Springfield Slugfest
.............. The Elliott Lodging Springfield Sports Commission
5
Bass Pro Proud Suppoter of Spring eld Sports Proud supporter of the Springfield Sports Commission GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS DURING YOUR TIME IN SPRINGFIELD! SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION AWARDS | JUNE 20, 2023 ^^ Join the Sports Commission and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for the 11th Annual event. Elliott Lodging returns for the 11th straight year as title sponsor for the event, the event is also presented by Harry Cooper Supply. Please join us June 20 at the Ozark Empire Fairground as we celebrate Ozarks area athletes. Contact the Sports Commission for partnership opportunities. PRESENTED BY TITLE SPONSOR
CURRENT FANS
CURRENT FANS
PLATINUM MEMBERS $5,000
Platinum Members $5,000
GOLD MEMBERS $2,500
Gold Members $2,500
SILVER MEMBERS $1,000
Silver Members $1,000
BRONZE MEMBERS $500
Bronze Members $500
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS $250
Associate Members $250
City of Springfield; City Utilities; DNC-Sportservice; Forvis; Heritage Insurance; Kwik Kar Automotive; Lake Country Soccer; Legacy Bank and Trust; Missouri Sports Hall of Fame; Nakato Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar; Neale & Newman, LLP; Ollis/Akers/Arney; Ozark Empire Fairgrounds; Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Co.; Price Cutter Charity Championship; Redline Athletics; Rolling Oaks Hospitality; Springfield Amateur Softball Association; Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hotel Members
HOTEL MEMBERS
Angler’s Lodge; Arbor Suites at the Mall; Arbor Suites Medical Mile; Baymont Inn; Baymont Inn & Suites North; Best Western Plus Coach House Inn; Best Westen Route 66 Rail Haven; Candlewood South; Candlewood Suites; Clarion Inn & Suites; Comfort Inn; Courtyard by Marriott; DoubleTree Hotel; Drury Inn & Suites; Econo Lodge North; Fairfield Inn & Suites; Greenstay Hotel & Suites; Greenstay Hotel & Suites - Courtview; Hilton Garden Inn; Holiday Inn Express Suites-Medical District; Holiday Inn Express Suites-North; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites; La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport; La Quinta Inn South; Lamplighter Inn & Suites South; Lamplighter Inn & Suites North; Quality Inn-East Battlefield; Quality Inn & Suites North; Oasis Hotel & Convention Center; Residence Inn by Marriott; Sleep Inn-Medical District; SpringHill Suites by Marriott; Towne Place Suites by Marriott; University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center; Vib Best Western
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS $100
Individual Members $100
Rev. 1/2023
Jerald Andrews; Erin Boster; Bob Cirtin; Steve Everest; Gail Fredrick; Bill Hobbs; Lance Kettering; Tracy Kimberlin; Marc Mayer; Bob McBride; Kyle McClure; Josh Scott; Tom Stout; Joe Tonkinson
MIDWEST CHEER & DANCE RETURNS TO SPRINGFIELD
Midwest Cheer and Dance will be back in Springfield in April for the 2023 Springfield Showcase at the Springfield Expo Center. This is the fifth event MCDA has hosted in Springfield and brings in dance and cheer teams from around the region.
“MCDA is always delighted to host yearly events in Springfield, MO. Aside from housing a phenomenal convention center perfect for our events; the town of Springfield is home to unique and amazing food trucks, friendly and supportive locals (who by the way, offer discounts to participants & families attending our events), a fun, safe and kid-friendly environment and most importantly; plenty of affordable hotel accommodations. Yearly we look forward to working with the Springfield Sports Commission and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. They are phenomenal to work with and a great representation of the Springfield community and all it has to offer.”
- Kim Schaub, Owner & Event Planner18
NEW ARENA COMING SOON TO SPRINGFIELD!
The Wilson’s Logistics Arena and Youth Agriculture Education Center will serve as a multi-functional facility for the community. The 99,000 square-foot arena will boast seating for 6,600 visitors, a significant increase from the previous seating capacity at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. The upper mezzanine will include a restaurant and a VIP room, while the lower level will feature a 10,000 square-foot Youth Agriculture Education Center and a 10,000 square-foot trade show space.
This project is a result of the hard work, dedication, and vision of the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds General Manager, staff, board members, and supporters. Their efforts have made this new arena a reality.
According to General Manager Aaron Owen, the new arena will establish the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds as one of the finest entertainment venues in the Springfield area and the Midwest. It will be suitable for a variety of events, including fairs, rodeos, horse shows, livestock expositions, trade shows, motorsports, sporting events, and concerts. The Sports Commission is excited to collaborate with the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds team in the future to bring sports events to the new arena.
19
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
LAKE
COOPER COMPLEX
Turf Diamond Fields Facility
KILLIAN COMPLEX
Turf Diamond Fields
BETTY & BOBBY ALLISON
SPORTS TOWN
Indoor
Indoor
OZARK
Turf
COUNTRY SOCCER COMPLEX 8
Flat Fields
Enhancements
Concourse & Stadium
Enhancements & Improvements
Improvements
Facility Enhancements &
Soccer Facility
Volleyball Facility
Basketball &
EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS
Arena UPCOMING PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED VOLLEYBALL BEACH OZARK Indoor Sand Volleyball Complex 10 Courts BETTY & BOBBY ALLISON SPORTS TOWN 4 Turf Flat Fields 8 Natural Grass Surface Flat Fields
Indoor
With over 5,700 O’Reilly Auto Parts stores in 47 states, we’re never far from home. Just Around The Corner... All Across The Nation. FREE RECYCLING of oil, oil filters, gear oil, transmission fluid & batteries. FREE TESTING of alternators, batteries & starters. WIPER BLADES FREE wiper blade installation. Applies to most vehicles. WE LOAN TOOLS Borrow the specialty tool you need to get the job done. CHECK ENGINE FREE check engine light testing. CHECK ENGINE OReillyAuto.com ADV 1685
Q&A with Sherry Rouner & Cindy Floyd
Sherry Rouner and Cindy Floyd have been teaming up each year of the MSHSAA Team Ambassador Program in Springfield to support the incoming teams and are amazing advocates for Springfield during the event. Sherry has been with Championship teams each year of the State Championships with a record of 11-3 with 4 Championships and 3 Runner-ups, while Cindy’s record is 6-0 with 3 Championships!
Q: What made you decide to be a MSHSAA Team Ambassador?
A: I enjoy being involved in basketball in any capacity. I have coached and officiated in the past, so it was an easy decision to host.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Team Ambassador?
A: I enjoy getting to be a part of the players and coaches succeeding at their highest level. Getting to know the coaches and taking pressure off of them to make their coaching job easier and seeing the players just enjoy being in the moment.
Q: You have a strong background in sports; what is your all-time favorite “sports” memory?
A: Pitching 8 games in 48 hours in the 1975 13-15 girls fastpitch national tournament - our team finished 2nd out of 42 teams.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Team Ambassador?
A: Watching all of the participants; the players, the parents, the coaches, the schools – just seeing the ‘joy’ in their faces is worth it all.
Q: What is your favorite memory from the MSHSAA State Championships?
A: There are so many - Watching the underdog team, North Kansas City girls jump to an 11 point lead at the start of the championship game against the favored Jefferson City team- North KC went on to win by 9 - it was the first state championship for any team in any sport from North KC. Strafford missing a 3 pointer at the buzzer in the semi-finals while down by 2 points to Eldorado Springs who went on to win the state.
Q: And for fun, what is your favorite sports-related movie?
A: I love all sports movies, but my favorites are the underdog movies, Glory Road, Miracle on Ice, Hoosiers, and The Greatest Game Ever Played.
21
x
MSHSAA & Springfield Sports Commission Team Ambassador Program
Board Spotlight
with Dennis McDonald Board Vice PresidentQ: What is your day job?
A: Director of Athletics at Evangel University.
Q: What do you love most about the Sports Commission?
A: We are all servants of the community seeking to make the Springfield area better.
Q: If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose?
A: I don’t have to choose because I have had the privilege to learn under many great mentors including Denny Duron, my former head football coach at Evangel, Dr. Robert Spence, former president of Evangel, Dr. Carol Taylor, also former president of Evangel, Dr. Mike Rakes, our current president and my father-in-law, Albert Swink.
Q: What is your favorite professional sports moment of all time?
A: There are too many moments to name. My favorite moment is actually an entire season. The culmination of many winning plays from Earl Morrall, the back up quarterback for the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated team is my favorite sports story. Most folks don’t realize how many games he played that season when the starting QB, Bob Griese was hurt. To go undefeated that year with the back up quarterback is a truly great team accomplishment.
Q: What is your favorite personal sports moment of all time?
A: Scoring my only college touchdown.
Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: Family time, fishing for trout, golf.
Q: What’s one item you can’t live without?
A: There are no items in this world I can’t live without. There are certainly people I don’t want to live without. My wife, Shannon, is first on that list.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: I’m currently reading My Name is Mister Ryan. Jim Williams, a long serving Evangel University administrator and former men’s basketball player at Evangel shared this with me recently because one of the men in the book was an early basketball coach for Evangel.
Q: What characteristics do you admire most in others?
A: Love of God and love of people.
22
We help keep Missouri athletes at the top of their games.
Mercy Sports Medicine & Orthopedics
Mercy is the official Sports Medicine provider to:
• Cassville High School
• Central High School
• Glendale High School
• Greenwood High School
• Hillcrest High School
• Kickapoo High School
• Nixa High School
• Parkview High School
• Springfield Catholic High School
• Springfield Cardinals
• Lake Country Youth Soccer
• Link Academy
• Ballparks of America
• Cal Ripken World Series
• Missouri State University
- Athletics
- Ice Bears
- Lacrosse - ROTC
- Theater & Dance
The Official Medical Provider to the St. Louis Cardinals. Learn more at mercy.net/MissouriChamps
Your life is our life’s work.
Sports Medicine
MINI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP SEPT. 18, 2023 GETAWAY GOLF SPRINGFIELD, MO. BIG SHOTS CHALLENGE APRIL 12, 2023 BIGSHOTS GOLF SPRINGFIELD, MO. SPORTS COMMISSION AWARDS JUNE 20, 2023 OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS SPRINGFIELD, MO. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT (417) 881-5300 www.springfieldmosports.org
