From Field to Fame: McDonald County High School Launches First-Ever Athletics Hall of Fame
Saluting the Pioneers and Icons of McDonald County Sports History
The McDonald County High School Athletic Department is proud to announce the establishment of the McDonald County Athletics Hall of Fame. This exciting new initiative is dedicated to honoring the outstanding contributions of former athletes, coaches, and contributors who have significantly shaped the legacy of sports in McDonald County. The inaugural induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 6 PM at the McDonald County High School Gym.
The inaugural class of inductees into the McDonald County Athletics Hall of Fame will include five former athletes, two teams, two coaches, and one contributor.
These distinguished individuals and groups will also be honored during halftime of the McDonald County High School football game on Friday, September 20.
"The creation of the McDonald County Athletics Hall of Fame is a monumental step in recognizing and celebrating the rich history of our athletic program," said Athletic Director Bo Bergen. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor those who have made significant contributions to McDonald County athletics and have left a lasting legacy for future generations."
Kim Harrell, President of the Hall of Fame Board, added, "This Hall of Fame is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our former athletes, coaches, and contributors. It is our way of ensuring that their achievements are remembered and celebrated for years to come. We look forward to this inaugural ceremony and the many more to follow."
The McDonald County Athletics Hall of Fame aims to inspire current and future athletes by highlighting the achievements and contributions of those who have come before them. This new tradition will serve as a source of pride for the entire McDonald County community, celebrating the spirit of excellence that defines McDonald County athletics.
Detailed Profiles of the 2024 Inductees
Athletes
Sue Thomas (Buttram) - Class of 1983
A member of the “triplets” (as locals called them), Sue Thomas (Buttram) was known for her tenacity on defense, her ability to distribute, and her scoring ability. One of four 1,000 point scorers on the 1983 team, Sue finished her career with 1,601 points, which is 4th all-time in McDonald County Lady Mustang basketball history. Her infamous free-throw in 1981 as time expired will always be remembered as one of the most clutch moments in school history. A First-Team All-State selection, Sue’s leadership and playmaking ability played a crucial role in the program's two state titles (‘81 & ‘83). Sue later served as Head Coach for the Lady Mustangs from 2000-2008 and won two conference titles (2004 & 2005), and a district title in 2005.
LaDonna Wilson (McClain) - Class of 1983
The second member of the “triplets”, LaDonna Wilson (McClain) ended her career as the 2nd highest scorer in McDonald County Lady Mustang basketball history with 1,687 career points. Her defensive ability coupled with her mid-range game made her a force to be reckoned with. Her leadership and fierce competitiveness were attributes that made her one of the most feared players in the state of Missouri. With two state titles (‘81 & ‘83) under her belt, and a First-Team All-State selection, LaDonna’s impact on Lady Mustang Basketball will always be remembered. After a few coaching stints (including stops at Austin Peay and UNLV), LaDonna served as Head Coach for the Lady Mustangs from 2008-2013, winning a district title in 2011.
Suzanne Nyander (Sutton) - Class of 1983
Perhaps the most prolific scorer in the state for all of her career, Suzanne Nyander (Sutton) finished her basketball career at McDonald County with 2,018 points scored. Her dominance was recognized both at the state level and national level, as she remains the only player in Missouri history to be named First-Team All-State all four years of her high school career. After her senior year, she was also named All-American. Her 2,018 career points is still the most all-time in school history. In 2000, Suzanne was also named “Player of the Decade” for the 1980s by the Springfield News Leader. Her accolades were not limited to the basketball court. Suzanne is also the school record holder and state champion in the high jump (5’7 ¼”), which was a state record for many years.
Bruce Stancell - Class of 1983
“Intimidating” is one word used to describe Stancell’s prowess in the backfield. After a dominating high school career at McDonald County, which included 1,000 yard seasons in both his junior and senior year, Stancell went on to have an incredible two-sport career at Pittsburg State University. An NAIA All-American selection in 1986, Stancell helped pave the way for the Gorillas to lead the country in rushing, scoring, and total offense that year. He also earned NAIA All-American honors in the discus in track & field in 1986. Stancell later returned to McDonald County and served athletes, students, and the community for 25 years as a teacher and coach.
Charles Harvey - Class of 1975
A dominating force down low for the Mustangs, Harvey led the area in scoring and rebounding for most of his junior and senior seasons. He played a crucial role in the success of the 1975 Men’s Basketball team, which completed an undefeated regular season, and spent many weeks as the #1 ranked team in the state; finishing with a 25-1 record. A First-Team All-State selection, and the school’s second all-time leading scorer, Harvey’s #50 is retired and forever enshrined in McDonald County Athletics history.
Teams
1981 Women’s Basketball Team
The early part of the 1980’s was a glorious time to be a Mustang–especially if you were a Lady Mustang Basketball player or fan. After a 20-2 season in 1979, and a state runner-up finish in 1980, the 1981 edition of the McDonald County Lady Mustang Basketball team, led by Head Coach Jerry Davis and Assistant Coach Elaine Shewmake, enjoyed a banner year. Fueled by their state runner-up finish in 1980, the ‘81 Lady Mustangs were loaded with senior talent and leadership, as well as valuable experience at the state level. The ‘81 season included Conference & District Championships, 3 tournament championships, 5 All-Conference players, 3 All-District players, 1 All-State player, and a Coach of the year for the state of Missouri in Jerry Davis. Overcoming the challenges and adversity on the road to Columbia, the 1981 Lady Mustangs were crowned State Champions–beating Charleston 47-34 in the finals and bringing the first ever State Championship to McDonald County High School. The 1981 team was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in December of 2022 with the 1980-1983 era of Lady Mustang Basketball.
1983 Women’s Basketball Team
After a disappointing finish to the 1982 season for the defending state champions, the 1983 Lady Mustang Basketball team, led by Jerry Davis and Elaine Shewmake, were once again fueled by shortcomings. Loaded with a talented group of seniors who were no strangers to Columbia, the ‘83 edition of Lady Mustang Basketball, were considered by many to be the best team in the state in all classes–finishing with a whopping 31-1 record; their only loss coming from outside the state of Missouri. The team featured 4 Lady Mustangs that ended their career with over 1,400 points, and one of those eclipsing the 2,000 point mark. The road to Columbia included a conference championship, district championship, and 3 tournament championships along the way. Though once again not easy, the Lady Mustangs’ 1983 trip to the Final Four culminated in another State Championship being brought back to McDonald County with a 52-48 win over familiar foe Visitation Academy. The 1983 team was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in December of 2022 with the 1980-1983 era of Lady Mustang Basketball.
Coaches
Jack Shaver - Men’s Basketball (1971-1984; 1987-1992)
Coach Shaver’s influence on the students, school, and community of McDonald County was immense–serving as Head Men’s Basketball coach for 20 seasons. His coaching resume includes 6 conference championships, 5 district championships, and one 3rd place finish at state. The impact that he had on the countless players he coached is perhaps the most memorable accolade. Coach Shaver ended his career as the winningest coach in school history with 350 wins.
Jerry Davis - Women’s Basketball (1979-1991)
Coach Jerry Davis–often remembered for his toughness–was perhaps the most successful basketball coach in the state of Missouri during his tenure at McDonald County. Under Coach Davis, the Lady Mustangs amassed an incredible 11 conference championships (including 10 straight), 5 district championships, 4 Final Four appearances (‘80, ‘81, ‘83, ‘87), and 2 State Championships (‘81, ‘83). A two-time Missouri Coach of the Year selection, Coach Davis ended his career at McDonald County with 287 wins.
Contributor
Rick Peck - Press - McDonald County Press (1996-2018)
Very few athletes, coaches, or community members of McDonald County do not know who Rick Peck is. A fixture on the sidelines with a camera, he covered the ins and outs of Mustang Athletics for the McDonald County Press newspaper for over two decades. He covered 24 conference championships, 21 district championships, and countless other moments of McDonald County Athletics, providing the community with a firsthand experience through storytelling and exceptional coverage. Rick was also a recipient of the Kansas City Society of Professional Journalists Community Service Award, National Newspaper Association third place photo, and the Missouri Press Association photo award.
Ceremony Details - GET TICKETS
The public is invited to attend the banquet on Saturday, September 21, at 6:00 pm at the McDonald County High School Gym to honor these outstanding individuals (see flyer below). Tickets are available for $5 and can be purchased at the McDonald County High School front office or at the McDonald County Athletics digital ticketing box office. A silent auction will also be held with various sports memorabilia from McDonald County Athletics.
For more information about the McDonald County Athletics Hall of Fame, contact Bo Bergen, Athletic Director, by email at bo.bergen@mcdonaldr1.net or by phone at 417.845.3322.
