Gene Bess, J.P. McLane, Paula Corder King, Matt Palmer, and the 1979 National Championship Raiders Basketball Team were the first inductees in Three Rivers College's Athletic Hall of Fame.
"Three Rivers College has a long and storied history of excellence in intercollegiate athletics. The athletic programs provide opportunities for our student-athletes and fans of all ages to share and support a common goal," said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. "We are proud to honor these individuals and their achievements as Raiders and in their lives."
The inaugural inductees are:
Gene Bess - Men's Basketball
Gene Bess began his career at Three Rivers in 1970 as an assistant basketball coach and was named head coach in 1971. He retired following the 2020 season at the age of 85 with a career record of 1300-416 (.757 winning percentage), making him the all-time winningest college basketball coach of all time. Bess won two national junior college championships, in 1979 and 1992. He led the Raiders to 17 NJCAA tournament appearances and reached the final four nine times. He was recognized as NJCAA Coach of the Year twice, Regional Coach of the Year 23 times, and MCCAC Conference Coach of the Year 19 times. He was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988, the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 1989, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In February 2023, Three Rivers unveiled a Gene Bess statue in front of the Libla Family Sports Complex. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.
J.P. McLane - Contributor
J.P. McLane was involved with the Three Rivers Booster Club for more than 40 years. He was generous with both his time and money, including giving a large donation to the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. In addition to serving on the Booster Club, he was a fixture at Raiders games for decades and worked continuously to benefit Raiders athletics and Three Rivers College.
Paula Corder King - Women's Basketball
The first Lady Raiders basketball player to have her number retired, Paula Corder King had a storied career at Three Rivers during the 1996-97 and 1997-98 seasons. She was a two-time NJCAA All-American, named Second Team All-American her freshman year and First Team All-American as a sophomore. Corder King was also named All-Region XVI and All-MCCAC both seasons at TRC. She is the All-Time Leading Scorer for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders and the best free-throw shooter in team history.
Matt Palmer - Baseball
While at Three Rivers, Matt Palmer established himself as a fierce and durable pitcher. In 2000, he was voted by Region XVI coaches as the region's top player. He was twice selected in the Major League Baseball draft, first in 2001 by the Colorado Rockies and in 2002 with the San Francisco Giants, whom he signed with. His 13-year professional career, 2002-2014, was highlighted by an amazing 2009 season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim where he compiled an 11-2 win/loss record and a 3.93 ERA.
1979 National Championship Raiders Basketball Team
The 1979 Championship Team includes: Don Brown, Mark Guethle, Sylvester James, Chuck Johnson, Robert Kirby, Marvin "Moon" McCrary, Wesley Murray, Pat Niemczyk, Dale Purnell, Dwayne Walker, Thurlon "Sam" Weaver, and Milton "Pike" Woodley, Head Coach Gene Bess, Assistant Coach Roger Pattillo, Manager Rick Alsup, and Radio Announcer Mark Parris.