Board of Directors
- Bill Hobbs, Chair
- Brad Bodenhausen, Vice Chair
- Tracy Kimberlin, Secretary
- Mary Mannix-Decker, Treasurer
- Pat Atwell, Past Chair
- Jerald Andrews
- Bob Belote
- Dean Cheatham
- Mark Fisher
- Gail Fredrick
- Matt Gifford
- Paul Hockett
- Tom Mast
- Bob McBride
- Kyle McClure
- Kyle Moats
- Aaron Owen
- Jim Raynor
- David Stair
- Greg Walker
Bill Hobbs, Chair
Elliott Lodging
Bill Hobbs is the Director of Hotel Operations at Elliott Lodging and oversees hotel operations for seventeen hotels. Eleven of which are in Springfield, two in Branson, three in Joplin and one in Pittsburg, Ks. Hobbs and his son Rob also own and operate "Kwik Kar Automotive" service and repair facilities in Springfield and Dallas, TX. Hobbs has served as Assistant Director of the Springfield/Greene County Park Board, President of the Missouri Amateur Softball Association, Springfield Sports Commission's initial Executive Director and has been involved with several boards and organizations. He and his wife Linda have two married children, love to travel and spend time with their six grandchildren.
Missouri State Basketball is my favorite sport season.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?I can't choose just one single memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports.
Being involved in sports all my life as a participant, coach, administrator, sponsor and spectator has provided me the opportunity to experience many memorable moments from national softball and tennis tournaments, basketball championships to local league play.
A moment I will always remember is when I took a group of sad and dejected seventh graders, that had tried out but didn't make their school basketball team, and formed a boys club team so they could play. They worked hard, won their league and season ending tournament. To add icing on the cake, they had to beat teams consisting of players from various school's varsity teams to win the tournament. They were so proud!!
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?My favorite sport is basketball and watching my grandchildren play.
Brad Bodenhausen, Vice Chair
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Brad Bodenhausen is executive vice president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where his responsibilities include public affairs, communications and community development. He also directs the Chamber's international program, which focuses on business development partnerships in China, Mexico, Europe and South America. He previously served as deputy news secretary and district director for the Office of U.S. Senator John C. Danforth.
Bodenhausen is a 1990 graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a degree in mass communication and political science. He also received a master's degree in international affairs and administration from Missouri State University. In addition to his work at the Chamber, Brad teaches at Webster University and he is active in various community service organizations, including Rotary International and the Springfield Sister Cities Association.
I enjoy attending the Bass Pro Shops' Tournament of Champions every year. It's great to see the top teams from the Springfield area compete with some of the best teams in the nation – and then a few years later, to see some of those same players in the NBA.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The opening weekend of Hammons Field in 2005 when the Springfield Cardinals hosted the St. Louis Cardinals was memorable. The return of minor league baseball really put Springfield on a new level in terms of professional sports and entertainment options for our community.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?My favorite sports activities in Springfield are things I do with my son – playing basketball at the Y and biking on the Galloway Trail. I also enjoy participating in the annual Rotary Basketball Tournament to benefit Special Olympics. We've raised over $125,000 through the years for Special Olympics through this friendly competition among the Springfield area Rotary clubs.
Tracy Kimberlin, Secretary
Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tracy Kimberlin has held the position of president for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau since 1987. A graduate of Missouri State University, Kimberlin managed several hotels prior to joining the Bureau. In addition to his service on the board of the Sports Commission, Kimberlin serves on the boards of the Missouri Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, the Springfield Hotel & Lodging Association and the Urban Districts Alliance.
My favorite Springfield sports event is the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship. Not only does it generate tremendous economic benefit for our community, it brings great basketball and great people to Springfield.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games is an inspiring event everyone should experience. The true meaning of sportsmanship is evident from start to finish.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?It's got to be golf. I wish I were better, but I love trying.
Mary Mannix-Decker, Treasurer
City of Springfield
Mary Mannix Decker joined the City of Springfield Finance Department in 1999 as the Budget Administrator responsible for the development of the City's annual operating budget. In April 2002, Mary was promoted to Assistant Director and she was appointed the Director of Finance in October 2004.
Mary is a graduate of Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, with a degree in Economics. She is also a Certified Public Finance Officer. Prior to working for the City she was Budget Officer for Greene County for 9 years and spent 7 years in the banking industry.
Mary is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and serves as Vice President of the Southwest Chapter of GFOA of Missouri.
The Turkey Trot is my favorite Springfield Sports tradition. I have run every year since 2000 with my kids. It is part of our Thanksgiving tradition. If you want to eat, you have to run.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The first Springfield Cardinals game. The community was excited and there was a strong feeling of community pride. It was a great accomplishment for Springfield.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?I love fall high school sports. Both of my children participated in sports in high school, so we spent many hours at their games and other high school sports events. The games were exciting and sometimes heart breaking. I really love the friendships and the excitement of high school sports.
Pat Atwell, Past Chair
Drury University Athletics
Pat Atwell is the Director of Athletics at Drury University. Atwell was appointed the post of Athletics Director in 2007 and oversees a 17 sport program that continues to rank among the best nationally at NCAA Division II. From 2001-2007 Atwell was the Director of Athletics at Quincy University.
Prior to his career in athletics administration, Atwell was a highly successful head baseball coach at Quincy University from 1991-2001. Atwell coached nine professional baseball players and his Hawks teams were ranked nationally six of the 10 seasons he was head coach.
I really enjoy the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper. I love that fact that we have a community where sporting events of that caliber are played.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?Memorable - When we (Drury) won both the men's and women's GLVC Basketball Tournament Championship games in Weiser gym on the same day in the 2007-08 season. That was a great day for Drury Sports. I have to include watching in person the swim teams win their national championships. Those did not occur in Springfield but were very special to watch.
Inspiring – Watching Coach Harding and Coach Matthews having their busts unveiled as we celebrated the Grand Opening of the O'Reilly Family Event Center. That was a proud day. Also, the final season of Weiser Gym was inspiring and I enjoyed learning about the great traditions of Drury University.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Other than our activities at DU anything associated with Springfield Catholic. My daughter played volleyball there and my son plays baseball and basketball. I assist with the baseball program in the summer and have had a chance to meet so many quality people.
The golf courses in this town are unbelievable as well. We are very spoiled to have a combination of such beautiful public courses like Rivercut, and the private country clubs like Millwood, Twin Oaks and Hickory.
Jerald Andrews
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Jerald Andrews has been the President and Executive Director of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Price Cutter Charity Championship since 1995. Prior to that time he served as the Executive Vice President at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. In addition, to his work he serves on several area boards and the state board of directors of Missouri Special Olympics and the Special Olympics Foundation.
Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper or the annual Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The dedication of the Payne Stewart statue at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Turkey Trot.
Bob Belote
Springfield-Greene County Park Board
Bob is the Interim Director of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and also serves as Ownership Representative to the Springfield Lasers World TeamTennis Franchise. Bob has been with the Park Board since 2004, having previously served as the department’s Assistant Director and Superintendent of Recreation. He has also been employed as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Cities of Independence, Missouri, and Sioux City, Iowa, and is a past-president of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association. Bob and his wife, Deana, both grew up in Springfield and have two children, Alex and Abbey, who are tournament-caliber tennis athletes. Bob’s family was recently honored as, “Tennis Family of the Year,” by the Missouri District of the United States Tennis Association, and the Belote household routinely calls the Cooper Tennis Complex their "second home."
Well, I'm clearly a bit biased but it's always a special time when Springfield Lasers tennis comes to town each July. Coming right on the heels of Wimbledon, it's always cool to see some of the world's best tennis professionals serving it up right here in Springfield. Following one of our matches, my daughter, Abbey, even received a private tennis lesson from Billie Jean King – can you believe that?
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?Probably my favorite Springfield sports memory was going to college basketball games with my dad back in the glory days of the late 70's. The championship Drury Panther teams of the Alexander/Bone/Quinn era and the SMSU teams back in the Jimmie Dull/MIAA years were truly memorable teams to watch get up and down the floor. Basketball in Southwest Missouri has always been a really special thing, and is certainly one of those activities that families can share together.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?It's always personally rewarding when I get to watch my kids play in a tennis tournament here in town at the Cooper Tennis Complex. They've also gotten to compete in the Missouri State High School Championships here at Cooper as well. Hats off to Mr. Harry Cooper for his generosity in helping make this amazing facility available for our local tennis enthusiasts - our family is certainly the better for it!
Dean Cheatham
Bass Pro Shops
Dean Cheatham is the Operations Manager at Bass Pro Shops.
Mark Fisher
Springfield Public Schools
In 2003, Mark Fisher was named the Athletic Director for Springfield Public Schools. Fisher oversees the athletic/activity programs for the city's five high schools and nine middle schools. He also serves as the district's Director of Physical Education. Fisher also serves as tournament director for the prestigious Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, the most highly attended prep tournament in the nation as well as the organizer for the annual KTXR Lady Classic, an elite girls high school tournament.
Prior to his appointment as Athletic Director with Springfield Public schools, Fisher enjoyed a successful and lengthy career in coaching. Fisher's coaching career started at Stanberry (Mo.) High School from 1981-1989. He later coached at Greenwood High School, (Springfield) from 1989-2003, before taking the post of Athletic Director for Springfield Public Schools.
Holiday Tournaments which allow fans and families to spend time together enjoying sporting events.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?Memorable and inspiring moments for me are witnessing sports contests in which teams play beyond their potential or expectations.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?All sports activities that involve the Springfield Public Schools and local Universities.
Gail Fredrick
Fredrick, Rogers & Vaughn
Gail Fredrick is a practicing attorney in Springfield and is a member of the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Fredrick graduated from Parkview High School in 1965 and from Drury University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in business administration and economics. Fredrick also graduated from Drury University in 1972 with Master in Business Administration, and the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law 1975 Juris Doctor.
The Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. This tournament showcases top high school talent and gives Springfield the opportunity to see future college and professional stars.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The Parkview Vikings winning the Class L State Basketball championship in 1965.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Golf and watching college basketball.
Matt Gifford
Springfield Cardinals
Matt is the General Manager of the Springfield Cardinals. He comes to Springfield after gaining nine years of experience in a major league baseball front office with the St. Louis Cardinals. Very active in the community, Matt is currently the Chairman of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and a member of the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission.
Springfield Cardinals Baseball.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The Inaugural Weekend of Springfield Cardinals Baseball and watching the future of Cardinals baseball at Hammons Field, it has been a treat to watch our young men become heroes on baseball's greatest stage.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Springfield Cardinals baseball, of course! But don't forget all the great athletic events activities in town...little league sports, high school sports, collegiate sports, the PriceCutter Charity Championship, the Springfield Lasers, MediaCom Ice Park hockey events, Bass Pro Fitness Festival, the list goes on and on. What a great sports town!
Paul Hockett
CoxHealth Systems
Paul Hockett serves as the Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation at CoxHealth. He oversees OP Rehabilitation operations at the Meyer Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation, Fitness and Wellness. He is actively involved in promoting running events in the Springfield area including the Medical Mile and working with Missouri State Cross Country and the Bass Pro Fall Fitness Festival.
He spends much of his time supporting his two sons sporting endeavors including baseball, soccer and track. He has served on the Springfield Public School Advisory Board and is an active member of First Evangelical Free Church of Springfield. He resides in Springfield with his wife and sons.
Besides watching my sons play soccer or baseball, I would have to say going to a Springfield Cardinals baseball game. A close second would be the cross country meets I have attended at the MSU complex (Missouri Valley and Midwest Regional).
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The 2009 NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Meet with a close second of the Tour of Missouri, both occurring in Springfield.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Personally I enjoy running in my running group on Saturday mornings and then catching breakfast afterwards!
Tom Mast
Wannenmacher Advertising
A graduate of Wichita State University with over 30 years of experience in sports media, Tom Mast brings a world of knowledge and expertise to Wannenmacher Advertising Company and Big Sports Magazine. Known and respected by sports fans across the Ozarks, Tom has been Sports Director for KOLR and KSPR television and a broadcast commentator for Evangel, Missouri State and Drury Universities.
I've always looked forward to following the annual American Legion Fourth of July Holiday baseball tournament. In the early years, seeing the best players in the state come to Springfield for the week long event was very special. And when many of those players went on to major league careers it was fun to remember seeing them here first.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?March 1979. Kansas City's Kemper Arena. Then, the Drury College Panthers winning the NAIA National Basketball Championship. Even though other great basketball moments have taken place in town since then, there was nothing quite like that week watching them battle for the title.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Give me three fun people to play a round of golf with and I'm pretty content. Lots of tournaments make that available, but just spending four to five hours hackin' around is what I find enjoyable.
Bob McBride
Stamina Products, Inc.
Bob McBride is the Owner/Partner of Stamina Products Inc. McBride has over 30 years of experience in the sporting goods and fitness equipment industry. Bob has two sons Taylor and Chad.
The Blue and Gold Tournament held at Missouri State University.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?The opening of both JQH Arena and the O'Reilly Family Event Center and the games associated with their opening.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Attending any of the high school games that my children participate in at any one of the many fine venues in the Greater Springfield Area.
Kyle McClure
City Utilities of Springfield
Kyle McClure is the Director Governmental Affairs/Public Policy for City Utilities of Springfield. He's been a part of the CU team for twelve years working with federal and state policymakers. Prior to joining the utility, Kyle's professional experience includes working ten years for Senator "Kit" Bond and Congressman Roy Blunt. He is a graduate of Drury University.
Kyle Moats
Missouri State University
Kyle Moats is the Director of Athletics at Missouri State University. Prior to his arrival in Springfield, Moats spent four years as associate athletics director for national marketing at Louisville. Moats also worked in the athletics department at both Marquette University and the University of Kentucky. A native of Dixon, Ill., Moats is a 1988 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a bachelor's degree in physical education. While at SIUE, Moats was a three-year letterwinner in golf and was a student assistant basketball coach for the Cougars from 1985-1988. He earned a master's degree in sports management from the University of Kentucky in 2001.
I love the first week of fall classes when all the students are back on campus, the city is alive, and all of our teams are gearing up for the new season. There is a lot of excitement around Springfield when the students return, and there is no better place to be that on campus.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?I love to play golf and wish I had more time for it. We have some great golf courses in the Springfield area, and I really enjoy the challenges of playing them.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?We have had some great moments in my first two years at Missouri State, but there has been none better than the Bears beating Wichita State to win our first Missouri Valley Conference basketball title. JQH Arena was sold out, it was on ESPN, and the place was rocking. It was truly a magic moment, and I hope we have many more just like it.
Aaron Owen
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Aaron is the General Manager of the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
Jim Raynor
Mercy Sports Medicine
Jim Raynor is the Executive Director of Mercy Sports Medicine and is involved in establishing their performance enhancement and primary care sports medicine program. His current responsibility is to lead the Mercy Sports Medicine Department in positioning and development within the sports and medical community of southwest Missouri. His experience includes collegiate, high school, Olympic and clinical settings. Formerly of Long Island, New York, he is married to Brenda and has four children. He is an avid New York Yankees and Oklahoma Sooners fan and enjoys all types of sports.
The start of the High School athletics season.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?It is inspiring when student athletes put themselves out on the field for competition. One of the most memorable moments for me was when SMS (Missouri State) defeated Maine in the 1990 Football Playoffs.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Golf – 2 times per year!
David Stair
Evangel University Athletics
David Stair is the Director of Athletics at Evangel University and oversees the day to day operations of the intercollegiate athletics program. Stair has been with Evangel University since the fall of 1976. Stair serves on numerous committees and task forces with both the NAIA and the Heart of America Athletics Conference. Stair also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Stair is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, working out, traveling and most of all enjoys his work with Evangel University.
Evangel's homecoming when there are over 5,000 people in the stands on a sunny afternoon in October.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?Most memorable was when Evangel won the NAIA Division II Basketball Championship in 2002. Most inspiring has been seeing our athletes relate to children in other countries during the various missions trips that our teams take.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?Any time an Evangel team is playing!
Greg Walker
Springfield Hotel Lodging Association
Greg represents the Springfield Hotel Lodging Association on the Sports Commission Board.
There are so many great sporting events in Springfield; it’s hard for me to just choose one. Since I am a hotelier and the Springfield Hotel Lodging Association’s representative on the Sports Commission, I have to say any sporting event that brings athletes into our great city. Springfield is lucky to have so many venues and great hotels to accommodate sporting events.
What is your most memorable or inspiring moment in Springfield Sports?My most memorable moment in sports was coaching a little league baseball team. I have always been a huge baseball fan, so getting to teach kids the fundamentals of the game and seeing them love to play was very rewarding.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?If you asked teenage Greg, it would have been baseball, twenty's Greg, softball, thirties Greg, coaching baseball, forty's Greg, GOLF. There's no other sport that requires the athlete to call their own penalties. I have never seen a baseball player say, "No, I was out, he touched me before I touched the base". Or a basketball player say, "Oh yeah, I got his entire arm while he was shooting." But a golfer, "I will have to count a penalty stroke for grounding my club in the sand." It's a game that challenges the mind and integrity of the player.