McCollum to be inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
By Jacob Meikel
One of the most successful Division II men’s basketball coaches will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame later this year.
It was announced on Wednesday that Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball head coach Ben McCollum and 15 other individuals and teams will be inducted into the hall of fame at the Kansas City Enshrinement Ceremony at Union Station on May 19.
Among the others inducted into the hall of fame with McCollum will be Tom Watson, Eric Hosmer, Casey Weigmann, Betty Lennox, the late Dale Eshelbrenner, Prembroke Hill School Boys Tennis Program, Mike DeArmond, Dr. Vincent Key, Phil Dorman, Platte County High School Wrestling Era from 1999-2010, Dr. Ashley Wysong, 1979 Plattsburg High School State Championship Football Team, 1977-1980 Hickman Mills High School Girls Basketball Era, Fred Flook and Porter Ellet. Ellet will be awarded the Art Hains Inspiration Award.
McCollum will enter the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as a four-time NCAA Division II national champion head coach as a member of Northwest. He’s also won 13 MIAA regular season titles including one this past season.
On Tuesday, Northwest men’s basketball’s season came to an end on Tuesday night after it lost on a buzzer-beating two-point shot to Minnesota State, leaving the Bearcats one game short of their fifth Elite Eight in eight years.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will recognize the Diamond 9 Award winners which includes former Bishop LeBlond coach and current St. Joseph Mustangs announcer Greg Kastner.
