The Springfield Sports Hall of Fame
Welcomes New Members
by Paul Wappel

The 33rd Springfield Sports Hall of Fame (SSHOF) Induction Ceremony took place at The BOS Center in downtown Springfield on Monday, Feb. 17. Several hundred people attended the event.

This year’s SSHOF Inductees were: Marke Freeman, Jason Knoedler, Justin Knoedler, Bob Milnes, Brad Owens, Coni Staff, Tim Wilkerson and the 1995 Dairy Queen 12-Year-Old Baseball Team. Friends of Sport inductees were: Dave Kane, Joe O’Brien and Tim Schweizer.

Former longtime State Journal-Register sports editor Jim Ruppert (Currently a columnist for Channel1450.com, talk show host and game analyst for SportsRadio 1450AM) served as master of ceremonies for the 26^th time.

Subscribe To Springfield Scene Magazine

We publish monthly in digital format. All subscriptions are free.

https://www.agtholdings.com

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher provided a proclamation from the city of Springfield in honor of the SSHOF Induction ceremonies, Bill Brockschmidt led the crowd in singing God Bless America and Kevin Elliott, Central Illinois Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, gave the invocation.

Emcee Jim Ruppert had a question-and -answer session with each inductee before they were presented with their SSHOF plaque.

For more information about the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame, visit: http://www.springfieldsportshalloffame.com and follow their Facebook page to learn more about the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame and watch for information about next year’s event.

In the photo gallery that follows Mayor Misty Buscher and SSHOF President, Kevin O’Dea are the presenters standing with each of the Inductees. (photos by Bill Stokes)

Hall of Fame President, Kevin O'Dea and Master of Ceremonies, Jim Ruppert

Hall of Fame Inductees and Friends of Sport. Front row: Brad Owens, Coni Staff, Marke Freeman, Dave Kane, Tim Wilkerson, Bob Milnes. Back Row: Jason Knoedler, Tim Schweizer, Justin Knoedler, Joe O'Brien.

The Team Inductees - The 1995 Dairy Queen 12-Year-Old Baseball Team: (names of the original team members- Johnny DeRosa, Bobby Nika, PJ Finigan, Mike Finigan, Dugan Brannan Mike Kirchgesner, Matt Davis, Ran Beitsch, Scott Bietsch, Kevin Bramblett Jr., Nick Bramblett, Matt Brewer, Terry Parnell, Pat Brennan, Gregg Finigan, Kevin Bramblett, Neat Guernsey, Tug Hulett).