The Monett R-1 School District will induct Jerry Hudson and the 1971 Monett High School Football State Championship Team. The Monett R-1 School District cherishes its history and tradition; these inductees represent the best of the past, present, and future.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet will be held at the Monett Casino on September 15, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. It will be open to the public, and tickets can be purchased at the Monett High School front office for $10 a ticket. The inductees will receive a plaque for their accomplishments during the banquet and will be honored before the football game on Friday, September 15, 2023.
The Monett R-1 School District is honored and thrilled to recognize the following individuals for this prestigious honor.
Jerry Hudson - Coach
Jerry Hudson's contributions to athletes, education, and community service have left a lasting legacy in Monett. As an educator and coach, Jerry Hudson's achievements are truly outstanding. He served as the math teacher and head track coach for Neosho High School from 1974-1978. Under his guidance, the school's cross-country team thrived. His talents extended beyond state borders when he coached sprinters and hurdlers at Kansas University in 1978-1979, helping them win the Big 8 Outdoor Championship.
Coach Hudson began his career in Monett as a math teacher in 1979 and ended it as the Monett Elementary School counselor and head track coach in 2005. He returned as the head track coach from 2005-2009. Having an astounding career in Varsity Track and Field and High School Football, Coach Hudson was recognized as the Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year multiple times in 1984, 1985, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2005, and 2009. He led teams to seven Conference Championships, secured a district title, and brought the team to a commendable 3rd place finish in the State Championship in 1985.
Off the field, Coach Hudson's contributions to the community are equally commendable. He has been an active Vice-President for the Monett Fuller Center for Housing (formerly Habitat for Humanity), generously volunteers his time with the Monett Food Pantry, and is a St. Lawrence Catholic Church member. Demonstrating his continued commitment to Monett R-1 Schools, Coach Hudson can often be seen keeping the clock at both football and basketball games.
"I am very humbled and grateful to be introduced into the Monett High School Athletic Hall of Fame—my deep thanks to Coach David Grimm for the nomination. My wife, Judy, and my children, Brett and Betsy, supported me and cheered on the athletes throughout my coaching career. I am very grateful for them. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to coach in two excellent school systems. I am grateful to those superintendents for their confidence in me. I appreciate all of my assistant coaches and all the time and hard work they put in. Most of all, I want to thank the wonderful young men who allowed me to be part of their lives. They were honest, hard-working and dedicated." -Jerry Hudson
1971 Monett High School Football Team
The year 1971 remains iconic for the Cubs, a year in which the Football Team set the gold standard for excellence in sports, team spirit, and innovation.
The 1971 Football Team, holding the distinguished honor of being Monett's sole undefeated team, established a record that stands tall in the history of Monett R-1. Their commitment, exceptional skill, and relentless drive have firmly anchored their legacy within Monett's athletics history.
With an outstanding roster of 51 dynamic players, including seniors, juniors, and sophomores, the Monett Cubs showcased what it truly means to be a team. In display of unmatched skill and determination, the Cubs achieved a pristine 12-0 record, making them the undisputed champions of the Class 2 State Championship. Additionally, during the twelve games played in 1971, the Football Team impressively outscored their opponents by a score of 365-42.
Beyond the team’s shared accomplishments, individual excellence was rightfully recognized. Quarterback Roger Jarvis, end Rod Kelley, and Stan Fellwock led the team with their exceptional skills and earned All-State honors, marking their place among the best in the State.
The Monett Athletic Hall of Fame is honored to recognize Jerry Hudson and the 1971 Monett High School Football State Champions.
The Athletics Hall of Fame is a distinguished honor dedicated to celebrating and spotlighting the exceptional talents, dedication, and achievements of our athletes, coaches, and invaluable contributors. Congratulations to the Monett Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees! Your contributions have enriched the legacy of Monett Athletics.