Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 announced

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced, with 12 new inductees.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Sunflower Ballroom in Hotel Topeka at City Center on Sunday, October 13th. The reception will be at 5:00 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

The inductees include:

– Hayden and KU alumni and long-time college basketball coach Mark Turgeon, who helped Hayden to two State basketball Championships, including a perfect 25-0 season in 1983. Was a part of four NCAA Tournament basketball teams with the Jayhawks.

– Current Hummer Sports Park director Annette Wiles. She is a two-time NAIA Basketball All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP with Fort Hays State, and long-time successful coach.

– Former KU football head coach Mark Mangino. Received several National Coach of the Year awards in 2007, as he led the Jayhawks to their only 12-win season and an Orange Bowl victory. Coached in Lawrence from 2002-2009.

– Former K-State All-American punter Sean Snyder. National Special Teams Coach of the Year at K-State, and joined KU football staff as a Special Assistant to the Head Coach for one season in 2023.

– Former Emporia State, Kansas, and Olympic baseball coach Dave Bingham. Led the Hornets with a 588-270-2 record over his 14 years there, and a National Championship win in 1978. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1976, 1984, and 1986. He took over the Jayhawks’ program in 1988, and led them to a 249-225 record over eight years. He led them to their first College World Series appearance in 1993.

– Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard, NFL Hall of Famer, and Fort Riley native Will Shields. A third-round draft pick by Kansas City in 1993.

– Former K-State track and field star turned Olympian Erik Kynard. Won a gold medal in the high jump at the London Summer Olympics in 2012 at the age of 21. Is also a 10x U.S. National Champion.

– National Long Jump Champion Melvin Lister.

– U.S. Swimming record-holder Ron Neugent. Member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.

– Two-time Olympic Games head starter Kelly Rankin. The only American to do so.

– Former Jayhawk and Olympic Javelin thrower Scott Russell.

– Paralympic Games bronze medalist Kevin Saunders.

Tickets for the event will go on sale on Monday, July 15th. Use this link for more information. https://www.kshof.org/

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