Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Athletic Department has announced the newest Hall of Fame Class.

The Lions will have two former student-athletes and two teams inducted this year for their contributions and successes in athletics; Larry Barnes (Football), Arley Smith (Men's Track and Field), the 2009 Women's Cross Country team and the 1974-75 Women's Basketball team.

The inductees will be officially inducted at the Hall of Fame Brunch on October 12 at 10:00 AM in the Young Gym. Click here to RSVP for the Hall of Fame Brunch.

The 2024 Hall of Fame member will also be introduction at halftime of the football game against Emporia State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here. 

To see more information on the Hall of Fame and the past honorees, click here.
 
Below is more information on the 2024 inductees:
 
Larry Barnes 1975-1978
Larry Barnes came to Missouri Southern and was a member of the Football team from 1975-78.

Barnes would lead MSSU in single season statistics during his 1975, 1976 and 1977 seasons. During his 1975 season, he would lead in kickoff return with 15.8 yards.

In his 1976 season he would lead in several areas; rushing with 1,213 yards, scoring with 66-point, and all-purpose yardage with 1,349 yards. He would rank eighth for rushing attempts (201 yards), and third for rushing yardage (1,213 yards).

Within his 1977 campaign he would lead in, rushing with 938 yards, scoring with 66-point, all-purpose yardage with 1,207 yards, and touchdowns receptions by a running back with four. Following Barnes 1977 game against Pittsburg State on November 12, he would rank seventh for rushing net yards with 244 yards.

Barnes would go on to hold several career statistical rankings; first in average gains per rush (5.95), fourth in rushing attempts (558-yards), third in rushing yardage (3,322-yards), and fifth in rushing touchdowns (26) and overall scoring (200 points). He also earned most career touchdown reception by a running back with eight.

Throughout his time Barnes earned many honors, during his 1976 and 1977 campaign, he was named the NAIA and AP All-American Honorable Mention, NAIA District 16 First-Team, and All-Conference First-Team.
 
 
Arley Smith '04
Arley Smith came to Missouri Southern and was a member of the Men's Track and Field team from 2002-2004.

During his time, he was a five-time MIAA Champion in multiple events; Hammer Throw (2003), Shot Put (2004) and Discus Throw (2004). Smith was the consecutive MIAA Weight Throws Champion (2003 and 2004).
During his Indoor Track and Field campaign, Arley's top performances would be in Shot Put with a mark of 17.72m and in Weight Throw with a mark of 18.71m.

Smith would have three top performances during his Outdoor Track and Field times, in Discus Throw with a mark of 53.67m, Hammer Throw with a mark of 59.43m and in Shot Put with a throw of 17.70m.

Smith would go on to the NCAA DII Men's Track and Field National Championship (2002 and 2004) where he would earn All-American status four times. At the 2002 NCAA DII National Championship he would take second place in Shot Put and finish seventh in the Discus Throw. During his 2004 run he would compete in both Weight Throw (fourth place) and Hammer Throw (sixth place).

Women's Cross Country 2009
Missouri Southern recognizes these players and coaches for their accomplishment on the 2009 Women's Cross Country team. The Lions embarked on a 2009 season following years of success (2006-08). The Women's Cross Country team would take the MIAA Championship four consecutive years (2006-2009). During the 2009 MIAA Championship, they would have six finishers within the top seven. 

During the Southern Central Region Champions, the Women's Cross Country team would have six finish in the top ten. The Lions had four place in the top five, taking the top three spots; Kimi Shank (first), Ashley Siler (second) and Ashley Bunch (third).

The 2009 Women's Cross Country team took on the 2009 NCAA DII Championships and took third place, the team went undefeated all season by any Division II cross country team, until the National Championship.At the championship Ashley Siler placed third earning All-American status and Kimi Shanks placed fourth earning All-American honors. Courtney Waltbillig and Ashley Bunch were also named USTFCCCA All-Americans finishing in the top 30. 
 

Women's Basketball 1974-75
Missouri Southern recognizes these players and coach for their innovation, merit and accomplishments as the first women's athletic team. The 1974 Women's Basketball team and Sallie Beard piloted women's athletics by working within the community and Missouri Southern to create the opportunity for women within athletics. Following basketball in the fall of 1974, the university developed women's tennis and softball teams the next semester.