Hall of Fame
Jack Holden ranks as one of the most dedicated sports fans in the area. But more than being a fan, Jack has been a contributor and supporter of high school, junior college and college athletics in the area. During his lengthy tenure as a teacher in Joplin, Jack assisted the athletic department as a public address announcer and kept the basketball scorebook at countless games played by the Joplin Eagles and the Parkwood Bears. Jack also served as the public address announcer for Joplin Junior College and Missouri Southern State University football and basketball games and has been one of the college’s biggest supporters since retiring from being an active sideline participant. The American Legion owes a debt of gratitude to Jack for his work and support of the American Legion baseball program. Jack also researched Joplin Newspapers and compiled a history of the Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post 13. Although his step might be slowed by age, you can see Jack at almost every game played by Joplin High School and Missouri Southern State University. Jack has been a loyal friend to many high school and college athletes and others in the field of athletics. When the Joplin Sports Authority launched the Hall of Fame, Jack was one of the persons named to the nominating committee because of his involvement in athletics for so many years.
