Monett Athletics Hall of Fame Inducts New Members - 2024
Honoring Outstanding Achievements in Athletics
Monett, MO - [September 4, 2024] – The Monett Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of its newest members. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship in the field of athletics.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet will be held at the Monett Casino on September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. It will be open to the public, and tickets can be purchased at the Monett High School front office or online by clicking here 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 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
1977 Football State Champions
The 1977 Monett R-1 Schools Football Team achieved significant success, culminating in winning the Missouri Class 2A State Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach Benny Lawson, who took over after the passing of Coach Burl Fowler, the team finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record. The team demonstrated remarkable improvement midseason, which ultimately led to their championship victory.
Key players such as tackle Jim Beckett and running back Kyle Bounous were standout performers, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Mike Meier, the team’s nose guard, recalled a pivotal moment in the season that turned their performance around. The Monett Cubs secured their state championship by defeating Lawson High School with a score of 35-24 in the Class 2A state final. Coach Lawson and his assistant coaches emphasized discipline, including strict rules such as mandatory short haircuts for all players and staff, which was a cornerstone of their successful program.
The 1977 Championship was one of several state titles won by the Monett High School. The team’s success had a lasting impact on the Monett community, highlighting the strong support and pride of Monett’s residents for their high school football team. The team is remembered for its blue-collar work ethic that resonated deeply with the Monett community.
Dr. Ralph Scott - Contributor
Dr. Ralph Scott is being inducted into the Monett R-1 Schools Athletics Hall of Fame as a contributor, a fitting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to the betterment of the Monett community. Dr. Scott's legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to both education and athletics.
Dr. Scott graduated from Alma Arkansas High School, where he first demonstrated his leadership skills by serving as captain of both the football and basketball teams. His athletic talents allowed him to continue his football career at Arkansas Tech, where he further developed the skills and discipline that would shape his future career. From 1955 to 1957, Dr. Scott taught and coached all sports at Cabool High School, leading the 1957 football team to an undefeated season.
In 1957, Dr. Scott joined Monett High School, where he coached football, basketball, and track, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to educational and athletic excellence in the Monett community. Dr. Scott served as the first assistant coach under Kenley Richardson. His influence grew significantly when he became the Monett Superintendent from 1965 to 1987, a period marked by substantial growth and success for the district. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for all sports programs while leading numerous educational initiatives that greatly benefited the entire community.
One of Dr. Scott's most enduring contributions was his ability to identify and recruit exceptional talent, which had a lasting impact on Monett's success. His recruitment of David Sippy as high school principal in 1967 and Burl Fowler as a coach and building trades instructor exemplifies his strategic approach to leadership. These hires were instrumental in fostering an environment of excellence within Monett schools, contributing significantly to the district's reputation for quality education and competitive athletics.
Beyond his contributions to athletics, Dr. Scott's influence extended across the broader educational landscape of Monett and beyond. He was a key figure in founding the Monett Sheltered Workshop, an initiative providing valuable community resources and opportunities. Additionally, he organized the federally funded Migrant Education Center, supervised the regional Adult Basic Education Program, and implemented innovative programs such as computerized accounting systems and an 18-acre Outdoor Classroom in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation. These initiatives demonstrated Dr. Scott's forward-thinking approach and commitment to providing Monett students with the best possible educational experience.
Throughout his career, Dr. Scott received numerous accolades, including the Missouri State Teachers Association Outstanding Administrator Award and the Missouri Pioneer in Education Award, which reflect the respect and admiration he garnered from his peers. Despite these honors, Dr. Scott remained humble, always attributing his success to the support of his colleagues and the community.
Even after his coaching career ended, Dr. Scott continued to be a passionate supporter of Monett athletics. He believed strongly in the power of sports to teach discipline, individual commitment, and teamwork—values that he carried with him throughout his life. Known for his wisdom, humility, and dedication to lifelong learning, Dr. Scott left an indelible mark on Monett. His influence is still felt today, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
Kenley Richardson – Coach
Kenley Richardson is being inducted into the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong Monett Cub through and through. Born in 1908 in Monett, he attended Monett Schools and the Monett High School, where he made a significant impact as an athlete. During his high school years, Kenley earned letters in nine different sports, showcasing his versatility and commitment to athletics from an early age.
Richardson attended Drury College on a football scholarship, where he played on the college's last football team, serving as the captain for its final game. At Drury, he earned letters in football, basketball, and track. Due to the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Kenley Richardson had to spend his sophomore year at the Monett Junior College. He later returned to Drury College to complete his athletic career, where he excelled in football, earning All-Conference honors as both a center and guard.
Kenley Richardson had an opportunity to play professional football for the Louisville Bourbons, but an injury forced him to give up his professional career.
He began his coaching career in 1934 as a basketball coach in Diamond, Missouri. Over the next ten years, before returning to Monett, he also coached at Clever and Strafford, where his teams achieved remarkable success, winning over 250 basketball games.
Richardson returned to Monett in 1944 to take on his dream job as the head coach of the Monett Cubs. He was hired to lead Monett High School's football, basketball, track, and baseball teams. Remarkably, he coached all four sports without an assistant for the first eight years until Ralph Scott became his first assistant coach.
He played a pivotal role in introducing the "T" formation to football in southwest Missouri, effectively bringing "power football" to Monett. Under his leadership, the 1950 Monett Cubs football team dominated the field, averaging 35 points per game while holding their opponents to just 4 points on average. The team also achieved nearly 400 yards of total offense per game. Many regarded the 1950 Monett Cubs as the best high school football team in the state of Missouri, especially after their impressive 30-point victories over much larger schools, including the Jefferson City Jays and the Springfield Central Bulldogs.
As the football coach at Monett, Kenley Richardson led his teams to three undefeated conference championships and shared the conference title in another year, with several second-place finishes. In basketball, his teams won multiple tournaments, shared the conference title twice, and consistently remained strong contenders throughout his coaching career. Coach Richardson's strategic mindset and unique motivational techniques, such as using music to inspire his players and employing psychology to draw out their best performances, contributed significantly to his many victories. He was often described as a "builder of men," reflecting the profound impact he had on his players both on and off the field.
When Kenley stepped down from coaching in 1956, he was appointed as the Athletic Director for Monett High School, becoming the first person to hold this position in the Big 9 Conference.
As the new Athletic Director, Coach Richardson took the initiative to establish the junior high football and basketball programs, where he took on the roles of both coach and manager for these teams. The first group of seventh and eighth graders he mentored went on to achieve significant success; in the 1961-1962 school year, they tied for second place in Big 9 Football and won the Big 9 Basketball championship with an undefeated record—a feat that has not been matched since. The following year, the same group tied for second place in Big 9 Basketball, further demonstrating the lasting impact of his coaching.
In his later years, Coach Richardson remained deeply involved in managing the various sports programs at Monett High School. He took on the role of coaching the golf team during his final years, leading the 1972 team to the state tournament. After a remarkable 30-year career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Monett High School, Richardson retired in 1974. His legacy is marked by his commitment to excellence and deep commitment to the Monett community. With a football coaching record of 78 wins, 35 losses, and seven ties, along with numerous victories in basketball, his skill and passion for coaching were evident. The Monett Times even dedicated an issue to him in 1956, underscoring his significant impact on the school's athletic programs. Kenley Richardson's induction into the Monett R-1 Athletics Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a coach who left an indelible mark in Monett Athletics throughout his hard work, dedication, and innovative coaching methods.
Brittany (Davis) Welters – Athlete
As a four-year letterman, Brittany’s high school career was marked by numerous accolades. In 2006, she was named 2nd Team All-State Pitcher and 1st Team All-Region Pitcher. She also earned 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Conference Pitcher honors in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Additionally, she was named to the All Ozark Team in 2006 and was the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year. Brittany’s outstanding performance led her team to their first district championship in 2004 and district runner-up finish in 2006. She finished the 2006 season with an impressive record of 15-9, pitching 156 innings with 302 strikeouts and a 0.90 ERA, while maintaining a .371 batting average and .506 on-base percentage.
During her sophomore year, Brittany faced a significant challenge with the team’s senior pitcher suffering a shoulder injury just before the season started. Stepping up as the starting pitcher, she practiced tirelessly, throwing 200 pitches a day to master her placement and relied on her defense for crucial outs. Her dedication and hard work paid off, as she led her team to notable successes throughout her high school career. Brittany continued her softball journey at Drury University from 2008 to 2011, further showcasing her talent and commitment to the sport.
Reflecting on her induction into the Hall of Fame, Brittany expresses deep gratitude for the support and encouragement she received from her teammates, coaches, and parents. She extends a special thank you to the late Joe Packwood, who taught her the importance of never being satisfied, and to God for giving her the ability to play softball. “What an honor and privilege to be inducted into the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame,” Brittany shares, acknowledging the significant impact of those who helped her achieve this momentous accomplishment.
Don Rundle – Athlete
Don Rundle is being honored with the induction into the Monett R-1 Schools Athletics Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements in both golf and football. As a four-year letterman in golf, Don’s high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including winning the Missouri State High School Individual Championship in 1980 and leading his team to a second-place finish that same year. His success continued with a first-place win at the Missouri Junior Amateur in 1981 and consecutive individual first-place finishes at the Big 12 Conference in 1980 and 1981. In 1981, Don also contributed to his team’s victory in the Big 12 Conference, and he was recognized as the Outstanding Senior Golfer in 1982.
In addition to his golf accomplishments, Don excelled in football as a three year letterman. His performance on the field earned him All-Conference and All-District honors in 1981, showcasing his versatility and athletic skill. Don attributes much of his success to the competitive environment within his golfing family and the strong camaraderie and competition within the Monett High School golf team. These experiences were fundamental to his high school career and helped shape him into the accomplished athlete he became.
Reflecting on his time at the Monett High School, Don expresses deep gratitude for the support and recognition he has received. “The Monett High School has always had a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful to have been elected into the MHS Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Thank you for this incredible honor,” Don shares. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a reflection of his hard work, determination, and the lasting impact he has had on Monett athletics.
Kellen Bounous – Athlete
A three-sport athlete, Kellen excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball, playing a crucial role in multiple district championships across all three sports. His athlete skills were particularly evident in football, where he earned Sports Writers 2nd Team All-State All-Purpose honors during his senior year, and in wrestling, where he achieved remarkable success on both individual and team levels.
In wrestling, Kellen’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. He was a four-time MSHSAA District Championship and a four-time MSHSAA State Finalist, winning the state championship three times. His high school wrestling career culminated in an impressive 178-2 record. Kellen also contributed to his team’s success, helping Monett achieve a state runner-up finish in 2006 and 2009, and securing the state championship in 2008. His outstanding performance at the 2008 NHSCA High School Nationals, where he placed third, further underscored his talent and dedication to the sport.
Kellen’s resilience and determination were evident from the start of his high school wrestling career. After finishing second in the state as a freshmen, he vowed never to experience the disappointment of loss again, a promise he fulfilled with remarkable consistency. His achievements earned him a wrestling scholarship to the University of Missouri. Kellen Bounous’ induction to the Monett R-1 Athletics Hall of Fame is a reflection of his hard work, talent, and strong commitment to excellence in athletics.
Kyle Meyer – Athlete
Kyle Myer is being inducted into the Monett R-1 Athletics Hall of Fame to recognize his extraordinary achievements across multiple sports. A standout wrestler, Kyle Boasts an incredible 173-2 overall record, with 154 consecutive matches without a loss, resulting in three undefeated seasons. He is a four-time State and District Championship, and his academic excellence is highlighted by being a four-time Academic All-State honoree. Kyle also achieved national recognition as a three-time NHSCA All-American, finishing third in 2009. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Monett Wrestling team to a state championship in 2008 and state runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2009. Additionally, his leadership helped secure the 2009 Team District Championship.
Kyle’s athletic skill extended beyond wrestling. He earned three varsity letters in football and was named to the 2008 1st Team All-State as a Defensive Back. His other football accolades include 2nd Team All-Conference Linebacker in 2007 and 1st Team All-Conference Defensive Back in 2008. Kyle contributed significantly to the district championships in 2007 and 2008, during which Monett's football team also achieved undefeated Big 8 Conference championships both years. Kyle also played baseball and competed in track and field, earning varsity letters in both sports and achieving notable success, including a 4x800 sectional qualifier in track during his junior year.
Kyle continued his wrestling career at Stanford University as a three-year starter. He achieved significant milestones, including qualifying for the 2014 NCAA Division I National Championship. He was recognized for his academic excellence with several accolades, including First and Second Team Pac-12 All-Conference honors and the 2014 NWCA Academic All-American. Post-college, Kyle’s dedication to the sport was further honored with his induction into the Missouri Wrestling Association Hall of Fame in 2020. Reflecting on his high school career, Kyle cites winning the team trophy in wrestling in 2008 and a memorable football victory against Cassville as standout moments. His induction into the Monett R-1 Athletics Hall of Fame reflects his remarkable achievements and the lasting impact he has had on Monett athletics.
Raymond Krueger – Athlete
Raymond Krueger is being inducted into the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame, an athlete whose remarkable achievements in track, football, and basketball have left a lasting legacy at Monett High School.
Raymond Krueger's athletic career is highlighted by his exceptional accomplishments in track and field. In 1970, Raymond became the State Champion in the 880-yard dash with a time of 1:56.6, a record that still stands today. Although the 880-yard dash is slightly longer than the 800-meter run, his record time remains impressive even when converted to the metric distance. His success on the track began early; as a sophomore in 1968, he placed 4th in the State Meet in the 880-yard run, followed by a 3rd place finish in the same event during his junior year in 1969. Raymond's dedication to track earned him medals in all four years of his high school career, culminating in his state championship victory.
In addition to his track accomplishments, Raymond made significant contributions to Monett High School's football program. Notably, he scored the first-ever touchdown at Burl Fowler Stadium in 1967 as a sophomore. As a junior, he found the end zone 17 times, and in his senior year, Raymond earned All-Conference honors as a Split End, along with All-District, All-Ozark 2nd Team, and All-State Honorable Mention recognitions. He finished his senior football season with 120 points, scoring 23 touchdowns as both a receiver and punt returner. Raymond's versatility and skill on the field made him a standout player and a vital asset to the Monett football team.
Raymond also excelled in basketball, earning three varsity letters over his high school career. His contributions on the court, coupled with his success in track and football, earned him the admiration of his peers, who voted him the 1969-1970 Annual King alongside Kathy Woods as Queen.
Reflecting on his success, those who knew Raymond remember a crucial play during a football game where he and teammate Roger Jarvis had a brief disagreement over which pattern to run. Raymond, with his characteristic confidence and determination, simply told Roger, "You just throw it up in the air and I'll go get it." This statement perfectly captures the essence of Raymond's athletic prowess and fearless spirit. His success on and off the field can be attributed to the advice of the late Burl Fowler, who often reminded his players to "Do everything with desire, dedication, and determination"—a mantra that Raymond embodied throughout his life.
Raymond Krueger's induction into the Monett R-1 Schools Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his outstanding achievements and the lasting impact he made on Monett athletics. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes to strive for excellence.
“We are thrilled to honor these outstanding individuals,” said Ty Goetz, Director of Athletics. “Their dedication and achievements have left a mark in Monett Athletics and serve as an inspiration to future generations.”
The Monett Hall of Fame was established in 2020 to recognize and honor the exceptional athletes, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to the rich history of Monett Athletics. The mission is to celebrate their legacy and inspire future generations. Congratulations to the Monett Athletic Hall of Fame 2024 inductees! Your contributions have enriched the legacy of Monett Athletics.