By Jim Henry
jhenry@joplinglobe.com
Terry Dobbs, the most productive placekicker in Missouri Southern history, returned to campus last weekend to be inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
But the trip from Grapevine, Texas (just outside Dallas), where he has been operations coordinator for Yellow Transportation the last 10 years, was rewarding in other ways.
“It’s a wonderful honor from a great institution,” he said Saturday afternoon. “I loved being at this college. I loved the school, the faculty ... it’s more like a family. So it’s like a family reunion to me. The players I’ve seen here, the coaches and people I’ve seen have been so great to me.”
Former Lions volleyball player Neely Burkhart and current men’s track and cross country coach Tom Rutledge joined Dobbs in the 2008 class.
Dobbs kicked for the Lions in the early 1980s and still holds school records for career points by a kicker (192), extra points made (102) and field goals made and attempted (30 of 41). His career-best 52-yard field goal is tied for second in school history behind Harvey Derrick’s 57-yarder.
In addition to renewing college acquaintances, the weekend truly was a family reunion for Dobbs.
“My mother (Jeanne) is here (from Belleville, Ill.),” Dobbs said. “She’s 81 years old. I think she’s more excited about it than I am.
“It’s monumental for me, it really is. I’m so excited and proud that I came to this college and was able to play on this field. The things I’ve been able to accomplish, now I’m just living my life from all the things I learned at this college.”
Burkhart, a Joplin High School graduate, started four years for the Lion volleyball team. She still holds the school record for career digs (1,7676), and she’s second in service aces (211), fourth in kills (1,421) and hitting percentage (.268) and 10th in games played (445).
She was MSSU’s Outstanding Graduate of 1998, and after earning her master’s degree in physical therapy from Kansas, she’s worked for Freeman Health System and has been the primary physical therapist for Southern athletes.
“Southern was the best opportunity for me being able to explore academically and athletically what I wanted to do,” Burkhart said.
“I’m proud to be a Missouri Southern graduate. This (hall of fame induction) is just a great honor that you hold dear to your heart. It’s an honor to be part of the Missouri Southern family and to be able to give back to the college in the way I am now. It’s a great opportunity to rehab the Southern athletes, so I’m still in touch.”
Rutledge, who came to Missouri Southern 19 years ago as an assistant football coach, has guided his men’s cross country team to MIAA championships the last three years.
In the last eight years, the Lions have won seven league titles in cross country and two in indoor track.
“I’m real humbled because I had to have help to get here,” Rutledge said. “I told them (Saturday at the brunch) Alex Haley was walking in a field and saw a turtle sitting on a fence post, knowing that someone had to help him get there. That’s kind of how I feel, someone had to help me get here.
“And I’ve had great kids. That’s what it’s all about. I can’t complain.”
