The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Springfield Sports Commission announced finalists for the 11th annual Sports Commission Awards, which will be handed out on Tuesday, June 20.
The ceremony will be held at the Ozark Empire Fairground in Springfield.
"We are excited to once again celebrate the outstanding achievements of our area athletes," said Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission. "The event has become a staple in the area as we celebrate our 11th year of honoring the great accomplishments of our athletes in southwest Missouri. It would not be possible without the generous support of our title sponsor, Elliott Lodging, who is also celebrating 11 years of title sponsorship."
There are 34 categories that will feature the top athletes or teams from Southwest Missouri during the 2022-23 school year, each chosen by a selection committee.
Athletes will be recognized in tennis, golf, swimming and diving, cross country, softball, soccer, volleyball, football, wrestling, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Sports offered to girls and boys are split into their respective categories. New this year will be an Emerging Sports category featuring bass fishing, bowling, boys volleyball, Esports and target shooting. A Spirit category of cheerleading, dance and marching band also will be recognized.
"I know I'm not alone in thinking back fondly about my own experience playing high school sports. There are so many life lessons that can be learned playing high school sports and so many lifelong friendships are formed by playing on these teams," Missouri Sports Hall of Fame CEO & Executive Director Byron Shive said. "Working with the Springfield Sports Commission to host the Sports Commission Awards is a great way for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame to showcase the many great student-athletes that are playing here in the Ozarks. It has become one of our staff's favorite events of the year, and it is a fun and enjoyable evening for everyone who attends."
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Klarie Brown, Kickapoo High School
Kopelyn Delong, Ozark High School
Kiersten Potter, Lamar High School
Abigail Street, Webb City High School
Gracie Troester, Republic High School
Ellie Webb, Camdenton High School
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Hobbs Campbell, Joplin High School
Tyler Harris Kickapoo High School
Ian Horton, Joplin High School
Kyle Keltner, Kickapoo High School
Grant Musick, Kickapoo High School
Evan Stevens, Webb City High School
Sean Walker, Buffalo High School