Athletics Headlines: Missouri Baptist Host 4th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet

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November 13, 2006

Missouri Baptist Host 4th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet

Missouri Baptist University Athletics hosted the fourth annual Hall of Fame Banquet on November 10th in MBU's Mabee Great Hall.

The ceremony opened with recognition of the 2005 AMC Coaches of the Year and athletic accomplishments, which included two NAIA Track & Field National Championships. The opening comments were followed by dinner and a time of fellowship with former and current MBU athletes and coaches. With aproximately 200 guests present, MBU Director of Athletics, Thomas Smith and 2004 Hall of Fame inductee, Lowell Pitzer, inducted one new member into the Missouri Baptist University Athletic Hall of Fame. Inducted into the 2006 Hall of Fame class was Mr. Joe Wasser. In Wasser’s inaugural season, he managed to lead the team to a respectable 15-17 record and had two student-athletes named to the All-Conference Team. Coach Wasser then began a stretch of four 20+ win seasons with strong recruiting and great leadership. In 1985, Coach Wasser led the Lady Spartans to a 39-7 record and the school’s first conference championship. He did this while defeating every four year school in St. Louis. During his tenure, Coach Waser coached 13 all conference players, two All-District players, and finished in the conference finals four of his five seasons. In his final year at Missouri Baptist, Joe was named Conference Coach of the Year. Coach Wasser, who is a 1989 graduate of Missouri Baptist University, finished his career at MBU with an overall record of 128-71.

Smith then presented the MBU Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Team with their 2006 National Championship rings. Two time NAIA National Coach of the Year, Vince Bingham, assisted Smith in the presentation of the championship rings.

The evening concluded when Smith presented the prestigious Athletic Director Award to Women's Basketball Head Coach, Danny Wingate and Assistant Track & Field Coach, Eddie Harris. Smith was assisted in the presentation by the 2005 recipients, Ben McNair and Iris Dixon.