Athletic Hall of Fame
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Kirkwood School District Announces 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
The Kirkwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame Selection committee has announced the inaugural Class of 2009. The 2009 class will officially be inducted into the KHS Athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony to be held on Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m. in the Kirkwood High School Varsity Gymnasium.
The purpose of the Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize men and women athletes, coaches, or community members who have made significant contributions to Kirkwood High School athletics. For additional information, please click on the name of the athlete.
2009 Kirkwood High Athletic Hall of Fame
Sherwood Hughes, Class of 1937
In addition to his football prowess, Hughes also lettered in track and field and basketball. At 5’4”, he was captain of the Pioneers basketball team. Hughes was president of his senior class, and a member of both the Student Council and National Honor Society. Hughes was named a member of the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
Jimmy Jackson, Class of 1940*
Jackson is considered one of the finest golfers ever in the state of Missouri. He was the Missouri State High School Champion in 1939, and attended Washington University in St. Louis. Jackson played basketball at Wash-U, and continued to golf at the amateur level. He represented the United States of America on two Walker Cup Teams and was undefeated. He was also the low amateur in the United States Open in 1952. He won several Missouri state amateur golfing championships, and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1983. He is the only graduate of Kirkwood High School that is in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame!
Dan Finch, Class of 1950*
Finch was a two-sport athlete at KHS, competing in basketball (48-49, 49-50) and golf (48-49, 49-50). He earned All-District basketball honors in 1949, and in 1950, Finch received Prep Player of the Year and All-State basketball awards. He attended Vanderbilt University, and was a three-year letter-winner for the Commodores (51-52, 52-52, 53-54). At Vandy, Finch was named second team All-Southeastern Conference in 1953, and first team All-SEC in 1954. He was selected as team captain during the 1953-54 season in which the Commodores went 12-10. Finch was the team’s leading scorer in 1953 and 1954, and is 34th in Vandy’s scoring history with 1,045 points.
Bob Cannon, Class of 1957*
As a sophomore, Cannon was a starter for the Douglas High School (Webster Groves, MO) championship football team in 1955. Before the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, African-American students throughout St. Louis County attended Douglass from 1925 to 1956. He transferred to Kirkwood in 1956, and earned two varsity football letters (55-56, 56-57) and one varsity baseball letter (56-57). Cannon’s accomplishments on the field and in the classroom earned him a scholarship to Texas Southern University. In 2007, Cannon was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team.
Paul Henley, Class of 1958
Henley earned six varsity letter for the Pioneers, including three in football (55-56, 56-57, 57-58), and three in track and field (55-56, 56-57, 57-58). He was named co-captain of the 1957-58 football team. Henley attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and was a three year letter-winner for the Tigers (1959-1961). He played in two Orange Bowls, and won one Big Eight Championship. Henley was named an All-Big Eight Conference guard in 1960, and earned Big Eight All-Academic Team honors in 1959 and 1960. He was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
Del Campbell, Class of 1959
Campbell was a three sport athlete at KHS, and earned nine varsity letters in football (58-59), wrestling (55-56, 56-57, 57-58, 58-59), and tennis (55-56, 56-57, 57-58, 58-59). He was a two time team captain in both wrestling (57-58, 58-59) and tennis (57-58, 58-59). At the University of Kansas, Campbell was a three-time letter-winner in tennis, as well as captain of the KU tennis team. He won the Big Eight Conference doubles championship, and was an All-Big Eight performer. In 2006, Campbell won the National Men’s 65 Doubles Championship, and in 2007, he won the National Men’s 65 Singles Championship. He was ranked eighth in the world rankings in 2007, and in 2008, he was ranked first in the USA; both in the Men’s 65. Campbell represented the USA in International Cup Play in Turkey in 2006, and in New Zealand in 2007. He served for 30 years in the United States Army, and achieved the rank of Colonel.
David Theriot, Class of 1959*
An outstanding track and field athlete, Theriot earned three varsity letters (56-57, 57-58, 58-59) for the Pioneers. He won individual state championships in the 120 Hurdles (:14.5) and 180 Hurdles (:19.6) in 1959, and was team captain in 1959. Theriot also earned two varsity basketball letters (57-58, 58-59), and was the 1958-59 team captain.
Roger Schurig, Class of 1960
Schurig earned varsity letters in both basketball (58-59, 59-60) and track and field (58-59, 59-60). He was captain of the 1959-60 basketball team, and was named First Team All-State in 1960. He is second all-time in school history for points in a season (680), and first for points in a game (45). Schurig went on to play collegiate basketball at Vanderbilt University, and was a three year letterman for the Commodores (1963-1965). He led Vandy in scoring, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage in 1963.
Phil Landes, Class of 1961
Landes was a three-sport star for the Pioneers, and earned varsity letters in football (60-61), basketball (60-61), and baseball (58-59, 59-60, 60-61). His senior year, Landes earned All-Conference and All-District football honors, and was honorable mention All-District in basketball. He was also co-captain of the football squad. Landes is best known for his performances on the baseball diamond, as he pitched the Pioneers to the Missouri State Baseball Championship in 1961. Landes was an All-State baseball selection, and was drafted by the New York Yankees.
Jim Waller, Class of 1961
A three-sport athlete for the Pioneers, Waller earned varsity letters in football (58-59, 59-60, 60-61), basketball (59-60, 60-61), and baseball (58-59, 59-60, 60-61). He was named basketball team captain in 1960-61, as well as football and baseball co-captain in 1960-61. Waller earned All-Conference and All-District football honors, and was a First Team All-State basketball selection. After graduating in 1961, Waller attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and was a two-time football letter-winner for the Tigers (1964-1965). He was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
Tom Wood, Class of 1963
Wood earned varsity letters in three different sports, including football (61-62, 62-62), basketball (61-62, 62-62), and baseball (61-62, 62-63). As a senior, Wood received first team All-District football honors, and second team All-District basketball honors. He also led the basketball team in scoring and rebounding his season year.
Jim Olson, Class of 1965
Although he only earned two varsity letters, Olson had much success as a distance runner for the Pioneers. He earned a varsity letter in cross country (64-65) and track and field (64-65), and was the 1964 Missouri State Cross Country Champion. Olson followed his outstanding cross country season with Missouri State Track and Field Championships in both the 880 Meter (1:54.1) and the Mile (4:08.4) in the spring of 1965. Olson was also named to the Scholastic Magazine All-American High School Track and Field Team in 1965. He still holds school records in both the 800 and 1,600 Meter events.
Chester Jackson, Class of 1968
Jackson was a tremendous three-sport athlete for the Pioneers, earning varsity letters in football (66-67, 67-68), basketball (66-67, 67-68), and baseball (65-66, 66-67, 67-68). He earned All-Conference and All-Metro honors as a wide receiver for the football team, and was the star of the 1968 baseball team that finished 3rd in state. Jackson was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
Art Miller, Class of 1968
Miller was a four-time varsity letter-winner for the Pioneers, including football (66-67, 67-68) and track and field (66-67, 67-68). He was co-captain of both the 1967-68 football and track and field squads. He won state championships in the 180 Hurdles (:19.5) and the 4x400 Meter Relay in 1968. Miller was named to the 1968 Scholastic Magazine All-American Track and Field Team. He went on to play football at Southeast Missouri State University, and professionally for the Houston Oilers and the Denver Broncos. Miller was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
George Thornton, Class of 1968
Thornton excelled in both basketball and track and field as a Pioneer. He earned five total varsity letters, including three for basketball (65-66, 66-67, 67-68) and two for track and field (66-67, 67-68). Thornton was team captain of the 1967-68 basketball squad, and co-captain of the 1967-68 track and field team. He attended Louisiana Tech University, and was a four-year letterman for the Bulldogs basketball team (1969-1972).
1969 Boys Cross Country Team
Coached by *Ron Rushen, the 1969 boys cross country team captured both the Missouri State and National Championship titles. Team members included Doug Ashcraft, Jim Benkert, Lennie Harrison, Robert Nellums, and Cecil Jones.
Kevin Handlan, Class of 1973
Handlan was a four-year varsity letterman in soccer (69-70, 70-71, 71-72, 72-73) for the Pioneers. He was a team tri-captain in 1972-73, and went on to play soccer at St. Louis University. While at SLU, Handlan scored 22 goals, added 18 assists, and totaled 62 points. He earned letters from 1973-1976, and was a member of the 1973 National Championship team. SLU’s 1974 team made it to the NCAA Final Four, while the 1975 and 1976 teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
Tom Kenyon, Class of 1973
Regarded as the best diver in school history, Kenyon was a four-year varsity letterman for the Pioneers (69-70, 70-71, 71-72, 72-73). He was named team captain the 72-73 season, and was a Missouri State Champion in 1970 (415.65 total score), 1972 (489.30 total score), and 1973 (504.20 total score). Kenyon was named a National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches of America All-American in 1972 and 1973. He still holds the KHS boys diving record.
Debbie (Carter) Graves-Manns, Class of 1975
Graves-Manns was a standout performer in track and field. She is third in school history in both the 200 Meter (:24.9) and the 100 Meter (:11.8). She attended Truman State University, and competed in track and field from 1976-79. Records indicate she was the first university female athlete to receive a scholarship and earn a varsity letter. While at Truman State, Graves-Manns was an All-American, and won the 60-yards dash at the 1978 AIAW Indoor Championships. She finished fifth in the 100 Meter at the 1978 AIAW Outdoor Championships, and fourth in the 100 at the 1979 AIAW Outdoor Championships. Graves-Manns was inducted into the Truman State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
Christine (Ridenour) Vanatta, Class of 1982
Considered the best female distance runner in school history, Ridenhour earned varsity letters in both cross country and track and field. She was the Missouri State Cross Country Champion in 1979, and earned individual track and field state championships in the 1600 Meter (5:05.5) in 1980, and the 1600 Meter (4:56.91) and 3200 Meter (10:44.37) in 1982. Ridenhour excelled as a distance runner at Southeast Missouri State University, and remains in the SEMO record book for: 2nd all-time in the 1500m (4:27.96 – 1983), 3rd all-time 3000m (9:33.91 – 1984), 3rd all-time 5000m (16:55.34 – 1983), and 4th all-time distance relay team (12:01.79 – 1984).
Gary Conner, Class of 1983
Conner is undoubtedly the best soccer player in school history. He was named First Team All-State in 1982, and is the only First Team All-State soccer player in school history. Conner still holds school records for goals in a game (4), goals in a season (30), and goals in a career (75). He played collegiate soccer at the University of Clemson, and was a four-time letter-winner (1983-1986). His Clemson career stats include 67 goals, 20 assists, and 154 points. He was a member of the 1984 National Championship team. Conner earned First Team All-South honors in 1985, and First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 1985 and 1986. He was named a Second Team NSCAA All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and team MVP in 1985.
Alvin Miller, Class of 1983
Regarded as the best athlete in school history, Miller excelled and earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. He earned First Team All-State football honors in both 1981 and 1982, and was named the number one football player in the country by Parade Magazine in 1982. Miller was selected to the All-Adidas and Bally’s All-American football teams in 1982. He captured four individual track and field state championships in 1983, including the 100 Meter (:10.7), 110 Hurdles (:14.0), 300 Hurdles (:37.8), and 200 Meter (:21.6). He was named a National High School Track and Field All-American in 1983. Miller played varsity basketball for the Pioneers from 1980-1983, and still holds school records for career points (1,606) and career rebounds (815). After graduating in 1983, Miller attended the University of Notre Dame, and earned a varsity football letter for the Fighting Irish from 1983-86. He was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
Angela (Mueller) Pfeifer, Class of 1986
A strong swimmer, Mueller won individual state championships in the 200 Free (1:57.5) and 500 Free (5:14.4) in 1985. She also earned National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches of America All-American honors in 1985. After graduation, Mueller attended Louisiana State University, and was a varsity letter-winner for the Tigers in 1988. She still holds KHS records in both the 200 Free (1:57.52) and 500 Free (5:13.98), both set in 1985.
Jay Leeuwenberg, Class of 1987
Leeuwenburg played football, basketball, and wrestled for the Pioneers. He was an extremely talented football offensive lineman, and received First Team All-State honors in 1986. He continued his football career at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and was a three time letter-winner for the Buffalos at center (1989-1991). He was a member of the 1990 National Championship team, and was a First Team All-Big Eight Conference selection in 1990 and 1991. Leeuwenburg was a First-Team All-American center in 1991. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 9th round (244th overall) in 1992, and played 137 games in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Redskins. Leeuwenberg was named to the Kirkwood High School All-Century Football Team in 2007.
David Mirikitani, Class of 1988
Mirikitani is considered the finest wrestler in school history. He earned state championships in 1986 (119 lbs.), 1987 (135 lbs.), and 1988 (135 lbs.). Mirikitani continued his wrestling career at St. Louis Community College-Meramec, and was a two time NJCAA All-American (1991, 1992). He was inducted into the NJCAA Coaches Association Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007.
Penny Parham, Class of 1994
Parham was a three-sport athlete for the Pioneers, earning varsity letters in swimming (90-91, 91-92, 92-93, 93-94), basketball (90-91, 91-92, 92-93, 93-94), and softball (90-91, 91-92, 92-93). She won three individual state championships for the Pioneers, including the 100 Free (:53.8) and 50 Free (:24.4) in 1992, and the 100 Free (:53.6) in 1993. She still holds school record in the 50 and 100 Free, and the 200 Free Relay (1:42.40).
Amanda Haverman, Class of 2004
Haverman was a four-year varsity starter for the Pioneer softball team (00-01, 01-02, 02-03, 03-04), and earned First Team All-State honors in 2002. She received second team All-Conference honors in 2000 and 2001, and was named first team All-Conference in 2002 and 2003. Haverman was a first team All-District and All-Region performer in 2002, as well as a second team All-Metro selection. She continued her softball career at East Tennessee State University from 2005-2008. While at ETSU, Haverman earned First Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors and drove in a school record 37 runs in 2007.
KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME COACHES BIOS
Denver P. Miller, Legendary Boys Basketball Coach*
Denver P. Miller is synonymous with Kirkwood High School varsity boy’s basketball. He coached basketball for 43 seasons, all at Kirkwood High School, and amassed 790 wins and five Missouri State Final Four appearances. At one time, he was the winningest coach in the nation. Miller’s squads were known throughout the state of Missouri as the Millermen.
On February 18, 1972, Miller coached in his 1,000th game, and fittingly the Millermen thumped rival Webster Groves 80-49. His 1971-72 squad earned the Tom Stanton Achievement Award as the number one high school basketball team in the area. On December 15, 1972, the Kirkwood High School Gymnasium was officially dedicated and renamed the Denver P. Miller Gymnasium.
The National Association of Basketball Coaches of the United States honored Miller on March 30, 1975 for his 20+ years of coaching. On July 30, 1988, Miller was enshrined as a charter member in the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame. If his basketball accomplishments were not enough, he even coached the KHS baseball team to the Missouri State Championship in 1961.
Miller received a B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and earned All-American honors as a member of the Tiger’s basketball team. He taught math at Kirkwood high School, and retired in 1977.
Wayne Pounds, Legendary Boys and Girls Volleyball Coach
Wayne Pounds joined Kirkwood High School in 1965 as a guidance counselor. In the fall of 1974, he presided over the inaugural season for the KHS varsity girl’s volleyball team. Pounds served as the varsity girls volleyball coach from 1974-1991, and added the head coaching position for the varsity boys' coach from 1987-1997 (club from '87 - '94 and varsity from '95 - '97). Within that time, he developed both girls and boy’s volleyball programs into premier high school programs in the St. Louis area.
Under the guidance of coach Pounds, the girls' teams earned a winning percentage of .676. Eight players went on to play at the collegiate level, and five earned scholarships to play college volleyball. Pounds and the Pioneers earned state tournament appearances in 1987 and 1988, and finished second both seasons.
Pounds helped form the Kirkwood Volleyball Association in 1977, which promoted the game within the Kirkwood School District. The association is still used by the district today to help develop young volleyball players.
The boys' program was arguably Pounds’ largest accomplishment. Without his individual dedication, there likely would never have been a high school boy’s volleyball league in the state of Missouri. The league has given countless athletes the opportunity to represent their schools, and earn college scholarships. One former player even became a member of the United States Olympic Team.
Pounds and the Pioneers achieved much together. The boy’s teams’ winning percentage with Pounds at the helm was an astonishing .796, and they won two league championships (1985 and 1986).
In 1992, the Missouri State High School Volleyball Coaches’ Association presented Pounds with the Peggy Johnson Coaching Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Volleyball in the State of Missouri. He also received the Terri Clemens Volleyball Leadership and Spirit Award in 1992. Because of his numerous lifetime volleyball achievements, Governor Mel Carnahan declared a "Wayne Pounds Day" in the state of Missouri in 1995.
Mary Schnitzius, Legendary Swim and Dive Coach
Schnitzius’ involvement in athletics is extensive. She has successfully coached at both the high school and collegiate levels in such sports as volleyball, basketball, and field hockey. However, Schnitzius is most well known for her work with high school swimming and diving.
She coached girls swimming for 25 years, and boys swimming for 16 years. Schnitzius has been named the Missouri Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and earned the Walter Lundt Award for swimming and diving. She served on the Missouri State High School Activities Association swimming and diving rules committee for nine years, and the National Federation Swimming and Diving rules committee for four years.
In 1997, MSHSAA honored Schnitzius with the Board of Directors Distinguished Service Award. She has managed numerous MSHSAA district and sectional competitions, and was a MSHSAA and NAGWS certified official in basketball (34 years), volleyball (34 years), and field hockey (12 years). Schnitzius earned a B.S. in Education from Washington University in 1952, and a master’s from Webster University in 1988.
THE PIONEER AWARD
Recipients of The Pioneer Award have made significant contribution to Kirkwood High School athletics.
THE PIONEER AWARD RECIPIENT BIOS
Matt Moeller, Class of 1988
Known for his spirit, dedication, and love for Kirkwood Pioneer athletics, Moeller received the John Johnson Award for Quiet Leadership and the Lamp of Learning Academic Award while at KHS. He served as the varsity soccer manager for coach Frank Czapla and varsity basketball manager for coach Dave Holley. Since graduating in 1998, Moeller has assisted the Pioneer football program as the press box spotter during varsity home games. Last season marked his 20th as spotter for the Pioneers; a remarkable accomplishment for any individual. Moeller’s non-stop energy continues to fuel the press box, even on the coldest of Friday nights.
“Matt has been a part of the Kirkwood sports scene for nearly his entire life,” said KHS Head Principal David Holley. “He approaches each job that he has had with seriousness and great enthusiasm, and his passion for KHS sports is very apparent the moment that you begin to talk to him.”
Jim Scott, Class of 1973
Scott earned varsity letters in baseball (71-72, 72-73) and football (71-72, 72-73) at KHS, and was a member of the Boys Pep Club, Varsity Club, and managed the Kirkwood basketball team. Scott is most well known for his fundraising contributions to the Kirkwood High School athletic program. A University of Tulsa graduate, Scott was a founding member of the Kirkwood Diamond Classic; a golf and silent auction fundraiser that helped rebuild the baseball field at North Kirkwood Middle School. The Diamond Classic has since raised nearly $250,000 to make improvements to both baseball and softball fields at KHS. “When it comes to KHS athletics, Jim Scott is permanently on call,” said McCluer High School coach and friend Joe Henke.
Not only is Scott involved with KHS athletics, but with youth sports In the Kirkwood community as well. Scott has coached youth softball and baseball for several years, and has positively influenced the lives of countless young athletes.
Scott continues his involvement with KHS athletics, including keeping score at basketball games, working the play clock at football games, and preparing fields for play. “Jim has coached, kept score, videotaped games, cut grass, painted lines, and raised tens of thousands of dollars with relentless energy, an enduring positive attitude, and boundless enthusiasm,” said former KHS classmate Fred L. Bueler Jr.
Tom Watkins, Pioneer Boosters, Inc.
Tom Watkins refuses to let any fan go hungry. But Watkins is much more than the grill man for Pioneers Boosters, Inc. He is a devoted family man, and strong supporter of Kirkwood High School athletics. Watkins worked at the Chrysler Automotive Plant in Fenton, Missouri for 42 years. He worked the graveyard shift in order to be home when his children returned from school.
Working while others slept also gave Watkins the opportunity to watch his children participate in athletics. He served as the Kirkwood-Webster Junior Football League Vice President while his sons played football, and has been a member of the PBI for 35 years.
Watkins retired from Chrysler in 2004, but continues to grill. His annual Watkins Family Memorial Day BBQ unites the Kirkwood community, and for one day, everyone in attendance is considered a member of the Watkins family. Watkins has seven children, but considers numerous others part of his family as well.
Watkins welcomes all individuals to KHS athletic events, including players, fans, officials, and opponents. “Tom is the goodwill ambassador for Kirkwood High School and Pioneer athletics,” said KHS Athletic Director Jim Velten. “We are lucky to have him!”
*Honorees who are recognized posthumously.