HALL OF FAME
SUZANNE NYANDER (SUTTON)
BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Suzanne finished her basketball career at McDonald County as the career scoring leader with 2,018 points scored. She remains the only player in Missouri history to be named First-Team All-State all four years of her high school career. She was also named All-American in 1983, and “Player of the Decade” by the Springfield News Leader in 2000. Suzanne was also the school and state record holder in the high jump for many years with a height of 5’ 7 ¼”.
BRUCE STANCELL
FOOTBALL, TRACK & FIELD
After a dominant high school career that 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 as a teacher and coach for 25 years.
SUE THOMAS (BUTTRAM)
BASKETBALL
Sue finished her career with 1,601 points, which was 4th all-time in McDonald County Lady Mustang basketball history at the time of her induction. 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.
CHARLES HARVEY
BASKETBALL
A dominating force 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.
LADONNA WILSON (MCCLAIN)
BASKETBALL
LaDonna ended her career as the 2nd highest scorer in McDonald County Lady Mustang basketball history with 1,687 career points. Her leadership and fierce competitiveness made her a vital piece of both the ‘81 & ‘83 state championship teams. LaDonna later served as Head Coach for the Lady Mustangs from 2008-2013, winning a district title in 2011.
JACK SHAVER
BOYS BASKETBALL
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. Coach Shaver ended his career as the winningest coach in school history with 350 wins.
JERRY DAVIS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Coach Davis led the Lady Mustangs to 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). He ended his career at McDonald County with 287 wins.
RICK PECK
CONTRIBUTOR
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, providing the community with a firsthand experience through storytelling and exceptional coverage.
1981 GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
GIRLS BASKETBALL
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 GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
GIRLS BASKETBALL
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.
