Adkins one of several local sports figures honored by Hall

Honorees include Helias wrestling program and Ray Hentges

Longtime Jays football coach Pete Adkins will be named as the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame's 25th Missouri Sports Legend at enshrinement ceremonies April 14, 2013, at Capitol Plaza Hotel. Adkins is among 10 area sports figures and two programs that will be incucted into the Hall.
Longtime Jays football coach Pete Adkins will be named as the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame's 25th Missouri Sports Legend at enshrinement ceremonies April 14, 2013, at Capitol Plaza Hotel. Adkins is among 10 area sports figures and two programs that will be incucted into the Hall.

A Jefferson City legend headlines a list of decorated area athletes and programs to be honored by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in April.

Former Jefferson City Jays football coach Pete Adkins will be named the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame's 25th Missouri Sports Legend, it was announced Wednesday at the Central Trust Bank Financial Center.

"It's a big surprise and I'm very honored and humbled and all those things," Adkins said. "At my age you don't expect any more surprises to come along, but this was a big one. It's very special."

Adkins will be the first high school coach bestowed with a bronze bust. He joins hallowed company as a Missouri Sports Legend, a list that includes Stan Musial, Lou Brock, George Brett, Norm Stewart, Ozzie Smith and Jack Buck, among others.

Other area honorees to the Hall include Jays track coaches Dennis and Roberta Licklider, the Helias wrestling program, Crusaders football coach Ray Hentges and the Lincoln University track and field program.