Missouri Hall of Fame Honors Past Bulldogs
Former Bulldog standouts will have the chance to re-live their athletic achievements at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony set to take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.
Among the honorees, four individuals have former or current ties to the University. Award-winners include: Shane Cavanah, member of the Bulldog football team in the 1960s and state-title-winning high school football coach; Gerald “Shag” Grossnickle, Truman’s all-MIAA fullback known for his diligent work as one of northeast Missouri’s top conservationists; Dr. John Bailey, a regionally recognized orthopedic surgeon and the University’s acting team physician since 1997; Ben Pitney, assistant men’s basketball coach from 1971-1994 and current director of Athletics for Hannibal-LaGrange College.
Acknowledgement will also be given to Truman’s 1969, 1970 and 1971 football teams. Ranked as underdogs in the conference, the program went on to win three straight MIAA championships under the leadership of coach Russ Sloan.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1994, works to honor athletes from across the state who have proven themselves to be an inspiration to up-and-coming athletes as well as showing a distinct expertise in their respective sport(s). Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417.889.3100.
Among the honorees, four individuals have former or current ties to the University. Award-winners include: Shane Cavanah, member of the Bulldog football team in the 1960s and state-title-winning high school football coach; Gerald “Shag” Grossnickle, Truman’s all-MIAA fullback known for his diligent work as one of northeast Missouri’s top conservationists; Dr. John Bailey, a regionally recognized orthopedic surgeon and the University’s acting team physician since 1997; Ben Pitney, assistant men’s basketball coach from 1971-1994 and current director of Athletics for Hannibal-LaGrange College.
Acknowledgement will also be given to Truman’s 1969, 1970 and 1971 football teams. Ranked as underdogs in the conference, the program went on to win three straight MIAA championships under the leadership of coach Russ Sloan.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1994, works to honor athletes from across the state who have proven themselves to be an inspiration to up-and-coming athletes as well as showing a distinct expertise in their respective sport(s). Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417.889.3100.
