SPRINGFIELD -- Long-time Missouri State University coach and director of athletics Bill Rowe was officially named as a Missouri Sports Legend during ceremonies today (May 18) at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center here.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame included Rowe's special recognition as part of its May induction class ceremonies. St. Louis Cardinals’ all-time saves leader, closer Jason Isringhausen; Kansas City Royals and nationally-known groundskeeper George Toma; and Mansfield High School baseball coach Doug Jones were also inducted into the Hall at the event.
Rowe was a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2004.
He retired as Missouri State’s director of athletics on June 30, 2009 -- a post he held since 1982. He was affiliated with the university for more than 50 years, including his time as a student, athletics business manager and a coach.
The Marionville, Mo., native became the University's ninth athletics director as Missouri State was transitioning to NCAA Division I status in 1982. During his tenure, the MSU men’s and women’s intercollegiate teams made 46 trips to the NCAA championships along with numerous individual NCAA appearances.
Under Rowe, the Bears Fund foundation was developed in 1987 and raised more than $34 million to contribute to the financial stability of MSU’s Intercollegiate Athletics programs.
Likewise, the expansion and improvement of athletics facilities on and around campus have been the envy of Rowe’s contemporaries around the nation. Missouri State’s athletics teams now enjoy some of the finest practice, competition and support facilities in the region. Most noteworthy among the many capital projects undertaken by Rowe and his staff are the new JQH Arena, which opened in November; Forsythe Athletic Center renovation in 2002-03; Robert W. Plaster Stadium improvements from 1987-91; multiple renovations to Hammons Student Center; and collaborative efforts with community and privately-owned facilities such as Hammons Field, Cooper Tennis Complex, various golf courses, and Killian Softball Stadium.
As a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, Missouri State finished in the top five in all but one season in the 10-team Valley All-Sports Award competition under Rowe, winning MVC All-Sports titles in 2000, 2002 and 2003.
In 1988, Rowe was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame and named an MSU Outstanding Alumnus. He was inducted into the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994, the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He joins fellow MSU ground breakers Dr. Mary Jo Wynn (2014) and Cheryl Burnett (2015) on the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame's impressive list of fabled Missouri Sports Legends.
