[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 199 (Monday, December 4, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5710-S5711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME--CLASS OF 2023

 Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a group of 
exceptional individuals--and teams--who have greatly impacted the world 
of sports in Missouri and beyond. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame 
Class of 2023 is a testament to the rich athletic heritage of my home 
State and the remarkable dedication and accomplishments of its members 
and teams. Each inductee has not only achieved personal excellence, but 
has also inspired and uplifted others through their commitment to 
sportsmanship, leadership, and public service. It is with great pride 
that I present these impressive inductees, whose contributions have 
forever enriched the sports history of Missouri.
  Adam Wainwright--a St. Louis Cardinals icon, Adam Wainwright's 18-
season Major League Baseball career is marked by 200 wins, two World 
Series titles, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and consistent excellence 
commanding the bump as the Cardinals' Ace. He is one of the alltime 
greats to have worn the birds on the bat and is celebrated not only for 
his on-field achievements, but also for his community contributions, 
notably founding the nonprofit Big League Impact.
  Greg Vitello--with a 46-year tenure, Greg Vitello's coaching career 
in soccer and baseball at De Smet Jesuit High School includes multiple 
State championships and a legacy of developing collegiate athletes. His 
soccer teams won five State titles while his baseball squad also 
captured a State crown. During my varsity baseball years under Coach 
Vitello, he not only honed my athletic skills but also taught me 
invaluable lessons in sportsmanship and integrity. I am honored to have 
known and played for him and pleased to witness his recognition for not 
only nurturing athletes but also shaping upstanding members of society.
  Bernie Miklasz--a revered sports journalist and broadcaster, Bernie 
Miklasz's work with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and various media 
outlets has provided insightful coverage of major sports for over three 
decades. He has earned numerous national awards during his 30-year 
tenure at the Post-Dispatch, including the Eppy Award for Best Sports 
Blog.
  Todd Lyght--an outstanding National Football League cornerback, Todd 
Lyght's 12-season career, primarily with the St. Louis Rams, included 
37 interceptions, a Super Bowl win, and Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 
1999. Demonstrating consistency and skill with 835 combined tackles in 
175 career games, he has extended his football legacy beyond his 
athletic achievements by enriching the community as a dedicated high 
school coach and college assistant coach.
  Barret Jackman--Barret Jackman, a stalwart defenseman in the National 
Hockey League, spent 16 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, earning the 
Calder Memorial Trophy in 2003 as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. He was 
respected for his physical play and leadership throughout his 
illustrious career.
  Kenny Wallace--a NASCAR legend from St. Louis, Kenny Wallace's racing 
career spanned an impressive 905 races with 9 wins and numerous top 
finishes, afterwards being known for his contributions as a 
broadcaster. Even after his remarkable NASCAR career, he continues to 
race on local dirt tracks across the country.
  Jay Delsing--with over 700 PGA TOUR events under his belt, Jay 
Delsing notched seven professional wins during his golf career, 
including making the cut on the PGA TOUR 276 times. Following his 
athletic career, Delsing has made significant contributions to the 
sport as a broadcaster for FOX Sports.
  Tony Van Zant--a high school football star, Tony Van Zant's record-
setting performance at Hazelwood Central High School led to his 
recognition as the National Player of the Year in 1985 and a State 
championship for the Hawks. He played for the University of Missouri 
where he rushed for 2,376 yards and 36 touchdowns.
  Kelly Mulvihill Stahlhuth--a tennis powerhouse, Kelly Mulvihill 
Stahlhuth's achievements include three high school State championships, 
four All-Big Ten honors at Indiana University, three Big Ten Conference 
wins, and a successful coaching career at Washington University. She 
won 215 matches, secured 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and was 
selected as the 2015 NCAA Division III Coach of the Year.
  The 1959-1974 Saint Louis University Men's Soccer Era--this era of 
Saint Louis University men's soccer is distinguished by 10 national 
titles and numerous All-American selections, showcasing dominant 
collegiate play. Three players combined to win five Herman Trophy 
awards, the Nation's highest individual honor for collegiate soccer.
  Linda Wells--an accomplished softball coach, Linda Wells' career 
includes over 900 wins, leading teams at the University of Minnesota 
and Arizona State University to national prominence. She guided teams 
to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Women's College World 
Series berths while at Arizona State.
  St. Joseph's Academy Girls Tennis Program--this program's 
unparalleled success includes 18 State championships and numerous 
individual and doubles titles, reflecting sustained excellence in high 
school tennis. As of recent, the team has captured an astounding 12 
State titles in only the last 15 years.
  Doug Smith--a former singles and doubles champion in the South Dakota 
Intercollegiate Conference, Doug Smith has made a significant mark as 
the longtime coach of the St. Joseph's Academy Girls Tennis Program by 
leading them to 12 State championships, the most in State history. His 
tennis journey includes contributions to multiple State titles and 
honors such as induction into Aberdeen Central High School's Hall of 
Fame and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association's Distinguished Service 
Award.
  Lindsay Kennedy-Eversmeyer--a trailblazer in soccer, Lindsay Kennedy-
Eversmeyer's career includes both professional athletic and coaching 
success, notably leading a women's semi-pro team to a national 
championship. She became the first female to play men's professional 
indoor soccer with the St. Louis Steamers in Major League Soccer and 
coached the Fire & Ice squad to the 2017 Women's Premier Soccer League 
national title.
  Dave Loos--the most successful men's basketball coach in the Ohio 
Valley Conference, Dave Loos' career includes over 500 wins and 
multiple NCAA Tournament appearances with Austin Peay State University. 
His teams won nine conference championships, and he is the program's 
alltime wins leader with 420 victories.
  Crystal City High School Girls Track & Field Era, 1984-1989--under 
Coach Dick Cook, this era of Crystal City High School Girls Track & 
Field is marked by six consecutive State championships and numerous 
individual titles, demonstrating a phenomenal period of dominance. The 
team captured these State crowns behind 16 combined individual and 
relay gold medals.

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  Dick Cook--Dick Cook's 49-year coaching career in track and field, 
including 34 years at Crystal City High School, is highlighted by 
multiple State championships and a legacy of developing top athletes. 
His Crystal City teams won six consecutive State titles from 1984-1989 
during his legendary tenure.
  Khalia Collier--a pioneer in sports, Khalia Collier has made 
significant contributions as the owner of the St. Louis Surge in the 
Global Women's Basketball Association and in her roles with the Dallas 
Mavericks of the National Basketball Association and St. Louis CITY SC 
of Major League Soccer. She built the Surge into a two-time 
championship franchise, promoting women's sports and community 
engagement, and became the first female VP in Dallas Mavericks history.
  Mark Mullin--Mark Mullin's 40-year career in NCAA Division II 
athletics, including 28 years as the director of athletics at Missouri 
University of Science and Technology, is distinguished by numerous team 
successes and individual honors. His programs captured 24 conference 
and divisional titles and had student-athletes earn 290 All-America 
honors under his leadership.
  Randy Albrecht--a renowned junior college basketball coach, Randy 
Albrecht's 36-year career at St. Louis Community College-Meramec 
includes 736 wins and multiple coaching awards, solidifying his status 
as a coaching legend. He posted 28 consecutive winning seasons and 
secured a No. 1 national ranking in 1988-1989.
  Dr. Tom Smith--as Missouri Baptist University's athletic director for 
22 years, Dr. Tom Smith oversaw the addition of 18 new athletic 
programs and multiple national championships. His tenure included four 
NAIA national titles and 33 conference tournament championships.
  Harry Weber--an exalted sculptor, Harry Weber's work includes over 
150 large, commissioned sculptures, many depicting famous sports 
figures, and is renowned for his artistic contributions to sports 
memorabilia. His bronze busts and statues are prominently displayed in 
15 professional and college stadiums nationwide, including Busch 
Stadium in St. Louis and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
  The 1973 Washington High School State Championship Football Team--the 
1973 Washington High School football team's outstanding season 
culminated in an undefeated record and the only State football 
championship in the school's history, a testament to their skill and 
determination. The Blue Jays went 11-0 in 1973 behind six All-State 
players to capture the Class 3 State crown.
  In conclusion, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 
encompasses an incredibly distinguished array of individuals--athletes, 
coaches, teams, and contributors--each leaving a unique and lasting 
imprint on Missouri's rich sports heritage. Their extraordinary 
achievements and sustained contributions to their respective sports 
have not only etched their names in history, but also honored the State 
of Missouri and ignited inspiration in numerous others. Their 
persistence, exemplary performance, and unwavering commitment stand as 
beacons of motivation, highlighting the significant influence of sports 
in cultivating character and fostering civic engagement. Today, we 
commend these esteemed individuals and teams for their noteworthy feats 
and express our profound gratitude for their enduring impact on 
Missourians. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the 
inductees of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

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