Kirkwood School District Inducts Honorees into Athletic Hall of Fame 

The Kirkwood School District celebrated the accomplishments 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:

Kirkwood High School Hall of Fame Athletes

**James E. Johnson, Class of 1938
Johnson received multiple varsity letters in football, wrestling, and track and field while attending KHS.  

**Richard Reid Morley, Class of 1960
Morley is touted as the best athlete in the class as a member of the football, basketball, and track and field teams where he earned nine Varsity letters. 

David C. Davis, Class of 1977
Davis racked up countless awards as a Defensive End for the Pioneer Football Team. 

Patty (Shadowens) Godfrey, Class of 1984
Godfrey was an 11-time KHS Varsity letter winner as a member of the cross-country, basketball, and track and field teams.  

Matt Krapfl, Class of 2005
Krapfl led the Pioneer football team to the 2004 State Semifinal game as team captain and quarterback.  

Ben Wood, Class of 2005
Wood was an athlete for the KHS Golf Team and the KHS Ice Hockey Club Team.  

Kelsey Anagnos, Class of 2006
Kelsey Anagnos was a four-year Varsity letter winner and three-time MSHSAA diving champion on the one-meter board.  

Mark Zalewski, Class of 2006
Zalewski was a four-year starter on the KHS water polo team.  

Devonna Smith, Class of 2008
Smith was a four-year letter winner in track and field, a two-year letter winner in volleyball, and lettered in both soccer and softball. She excelled the highest on the basketball court for the Pioneers as a four-year letter winner.  

Stephen Doty, Class of 2009
Doty battled on the mat for the Pioneers during his high school career. His senior year as captain, he was undefeated and earned the MSHSAA State Championship in the 171-pound category for wrestling.  

MyCole Pruitt, Class of 2010
Pruitt was a standout athlete at KHS with his most standout performances on the gridiron. He was also an accomplished basketball, volleyball, and track athlete.  

Lianna Doty, Class of 2012
Doty led the Pioneers to three consecutive conference girl’s basketball championships and two District championships.  

Kirkwood High School Hall of Fame Teams

1962 Boys Cross Country Team
The 1962 Boys Cross Country Team, known as the “Kirkwood Pioneer Roadrunners”,
swept the state cross-country championship. Team member Mike Hensgen was the individual state champion. The state-winning team members are Mike Hensgen, Dan Dykstra, J.L. Charleville, Rod Bruckdorfer, Tom Goodwin, Steve Jones, and Doug McDougall. The team was coached by Kent Overby (KHS ‘56).

1964 Boys Cross Country Team

The 1964 team set a new state record, earning 54 points. Jim Olson was the individual state champion, and team members Rob Bruckdorfer, Gary Schmidt, and Bill Barrow finished in the top 15. Other team members include Mike Bosworth, **John Rogers, Phil Mills, Bill Pape, Bob Leonard, and Gary Schmidt. After an outstanding showing at the state meet, the Pioneers competed in nationals, earning second in the nation.  

1981 Girls 4x800 Relay

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 four team members: Pam (Palmer) Harris, Susan (Zuroweste) Darby, Chris Ridenour-Boothby, and **Jane (Reichard) Krueger, raced their way to a state championship in the MSHSAA Track and field 4x800 Relay event with a time of 9:17.21. This state record time was held for over 20 years.  

1996 Girls Volleyball Team

The 1996 Girls Volleyball Team is the first Class Four MSHSAA state championship volleyball team in KHS history. Many team members also comprised the 1995 team, who finished third in the MSHSAA state tournament. The team members are Cory Tillman, Maureen Bryan, Carey Zeigler, **Beth Brown, Sarah Jones, Casey Smith, Katie Lyon, LeeAnn Karr, Susan (Przybylinski) Lucas, Lori (Link) Pelling, Rachael (Taylor) Maurer, Rachel (Ahlers) Perkowski, and Courtney Phelan. The team was coached by Keith Price, Daryl Hemenway, and Susie Richmann. Keith Clawson served as team manager. 

1997 Girls Cross Country Team

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. Other team members on the state championship team include Claire Pabody, Colleen (Copple) Sears, Rachael Salisbury, Mary Reeves, Becky (Streb) Canatsey, Caitlin Burbank, Tamara Evans, and Valerie (Osborne) Green. The team was coached by Coach Ken Finnerty, Leslie Calbert, and Christy Jarvis. Coach Finnerty is being inducted into the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame as an Outstanding Coach. 

Kirkwood High School Hall of Fame Coaches

**Louis Diaz

Coach Louis “Lou” Diaz was well known equally for his baseball coaching skills along with his people skills. He was a friend and mentor to all high school kids who were fortunate enough to have him help mold their lives. Diaz was a Spanish Teacher at Kirkwood High School. Diaz was at the helm as head coach from 1978 to 1992 for the Pioneers. 

Ken Finnerty

Coach Ken Finnerty began coaching girls’ cross country in 1992 and five years later won the MSHSAA Cross Country Championship in 1997. For eight consecutive seasons, Coach Finnerty led a qualifying cross-country team from KHS to the state meet. This run began in 1993 and ended in 2000. In addition, Finnerty coached several track and field distance athletes to medal finishes in the state meet, meaning top 9 finishes. The 1997 First Place Team is part of this 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.

 

Jerry Warren

Coach Jerry Warren is a beloved coach by both football and wrestling athletes at KHS. Warren is valued and appreciated for his multiple resuscitations of the KHS wrestling program in the 1980s. His legacy is several State wrestling champions and developing the KHS program that continues to be one of the most respected wrestling programs in the state. Countless former athletes and colleagues credit him for his guidance of young men to become better people through the principles he taught his athletes through sports.

Kirkwood High School Hall of Fame Pioneer Award Recipients

Nominees of the Pioneer Award made significant contributions to Kirkwood High School athletics.

Dave and Jill Haring

Dave and Jill Haring are beloved members of the Kirkwood community as business owners, philanthropists, and engaged and active parents. During their time supporting  Kirkwood schools, the Harings worked tirelessly to raise money for KHS athletic programs. The Harings were instrumental in the stadium renovation program and preserved the old nostalgic bleachers into a fundraising opportunity for the Pioneer Boosters Program. The Harings continue to volunteer their time in coaching and
supporting kids across the community.

**Honorees who are recognized posthumously.