Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The Kirkwood School District celebrated the work of athletes, coaches, and community members on and off the playing field, pool, mats, and court on September 6 and 7 during a full weekend of events to celebrate the KHS Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
On Friday night, the inductees were honored at a recognition ceremony held during halftime of the KHS Varsity football game. Each inductee, or a representative on their behalf, was acknowledged during the event.
On Saturday, the group reconvened in the David Holley Assembly Hall for the unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaques and a tour of campus. The group then attended a pre-event reception before entering the Keating Theatre for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Doug Vaughn (KHS ‘74) emceed the ceremony. Each inductee was introduced, had the opportunity for an acceptance speech, and was presented with a “Crystal K’ award.
Over 600 people attended Saturday’s event, where 12 athletes, five teams, three coaches, and two community members were inducted.
The Athletic Hall of Fame aims to honor athletes, coaches, and community members who have made significant contributions to Kirkwood High School athletics or have achieved recognition at the collegiate or professional level. Additionally, the inductees serve as role models for our student-athletes, inspiring them to strive toward their full potential.
The honorees inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 include:
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James Johnson received multiple varsity letters in football, wrestling, and track and field while attending KHS. He was co-captain of the football and track teams during his senior year. He was the Missouri State AAU high school high hurdle champion his senior year. He received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Missouri.
Richard Morley is a beloved member of the KHS Class of 1960.
David Davis racked up countless awards as a Defensive End for the Pioneer Football Team.
Patty Godfrey was an 11-time KHS Varsity letter earner as a member of the cross country, basketball, and track and field teams.
Matt Krapfl led the Pioneer football team to the 2004 State Semifinal game as team captain and quarterback.
Ben Wood was an athlete for the golf, ice hockey, and football teams.
Mark Zalewski co-captained his water polo team at KHS as a senior and was named the Missouri Offensive Player of the Year after a 134-goal season.
In the pool, Kelsey Anagnos was a four-year varsity letter winner and three-time Missouri State High School Activites Association (MSHSAA) diving champion on the one-meter board.
Devonna Smith was an all-around standout athlete for the Pioneers.
Stephen Doty battled on the mat for the Pioneers during his high school career.
MyCole Pruitt was a standout athlete at KHS, with his most standout performances on the gridiron.
Lianna Doty led the Pioneers to three consecutive girl’s basketball conference championships and two district championships.
The 1962 Boys Cross Country Team, known as the “Kirkwood Pioneer Roadrunners”, ran to KHS’s first cross country team win at state in Forest Park in October 1962
The 1964 team set a new state record, earning 54 points.
The 1981 Girls 4x800 Relay was one of the first post-Title IX teams to reach a new pinnacle of success for female athletes.
The 1996 Girls Volleyball Team is the first Class Four MSHSAA state championship volleyball team in KHS history.
The 1997 Girls Cross Country Team made history by winning Kirkwood High School’s MSHSAA Class Four State Championship. Kimberly (Moore) Deckel finished sixth in the state, Meredith (Dobson) Pearl finished seventh, and Karen (Rogers) Rinehart ran her way to a ninth-place finish.
Coach Jerry Warren is a beloved coach by both football and wrestling athletes at KHS.
Coach Ken Finnerty began coaching girls cross country in 1992 and five years later won the MSHSAA Cross Country Championship in 1997.
Coach Louis “Lou” Diaz was known equally for his baseball coaching skills and his people skills. He touched many lives during his tenure at KHS.
Dave and Jill Haring are beloved members of the Kirkwood community as business owners, philanthropists, and engaged and active parents.