The 2026 induction class into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame (SASHOF) includes eight individuals, a
and an “Era of Excellence” entry in a group of inductees whose competitive and energetic skills have set them
apart. Their accomplishments extend over several decades in Springfield and beyond.
The 2026 class was announced Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame press
luncheon at Drury University. Individual inductees include soccer standout Ann Cook, media legend Scott
Puryear, successful basketball coach Steve Hesser, track iconic coach Richard Clark, professional baseball
player and star Jason Hart, talented coach and broadcast instructor Dave Davis, unforgettable legendary
coach Howard Bell, and outstanding athlete Steve Warren.
The Era of Excellence Award will be bestowed on the Missouri State University Men’s Baseball – Keith Guttin
Era, an era remembered for its incredible influence on baseball not only at the university but throughout the
Ozarks and country.
The new inductees will be enshrined during the SASHOF annual banquet, presented by The Cook Family
Foundation, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri.
The Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1986 by Bonus Frost to honor those individuals from
the Springfield area, or have a connection to the Springfield area, whose accomplishments merit consideration
for the shrine. This is the 40th SASHOF induction class and will bring the total membership of the hall to 181
individuals and the 6th Era of Excellence Award.
Selections are made by the SASHOF Board of Directors which meets monthly to plan the year’s activities.
SASHOF is a not-for-profit organization and the proceeds from annual induction banquets are made available
to local youth organizations for the purchase of sports equipment and opportunities. Since its establishment,
SASHOF has provided over $4,660,000.00 to over two dozen youth groups and organizations.
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