Gene Bess, J.P. McLane, Paula Corder King, Matt Palmer, and the 1979 National Championship Raiders Basketball Team are the first inductees in Three Rivers College’s new Athletic Hall of Fame. Located in the Libla Family Sports Complex, the Hall of Fame will be open for viewing for the first time during the basketball games at the annual Alumni Reunion on February 1.
The Hall of Fame can be viewed during events at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
On February 1, the Lady Raiders basketball game versus State Fair Community College begins at 5 p.m. The Raiders basketball team will face the State Fair men’s team at approximately 7 p.m. Three Rivers College alumni will receive free admission for these games as part of the 2020 Alumni Reunion.
“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 College will host a banquet honoring the inductees on January 31 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Poplar Bluff.
Tickets are $50 per person. Reserved table of 10 is $600. Reserved named table of 10 is $1,000. Advanced ticket purchase is required. Last day to purchase tickets is January 24. Tickets are available for sale at the Three Rivers Student Accounts Office or by contacting Janine Heath at 573-840-9698.
The inaugural inductees are:
Gene Bess
Gene Bess began his career at Three Rivers in 1969 as assistant basketball coach and was named head coach in 1970. His career record entering the 2019-2020 season is 1,281-404, making him the all-time most winning basketball coach in the nation.
Bess has won two national junior college championships, in 1979 and 1992. He has led the Raiders to 17 NJCAA tournament appearances and reached the final four nine times. He has been recognized as NJCAA Coach of the Year twice, Regional Coach of the Year 23 times, and MCCAC Conference Coach of the Year 19 times. In 2016, he received the highest award the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame gives when he achieved legend status. He also is a member of the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
J.P. McLane, Contributor
McLane has been involved with the Three Rivers Booster Club for more than 40 years. He has been 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 has been a fixture at Raiders games for decades and has worked continually to benefit Raiders athletics and Three Rivers College.
Paula Corder King
The only 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 2nd Team All American her freshman year and 1st Team All American as a sophomore. Corder King was also named All Region 16 and All MCCAC Conference both of her seasons at TRC. She is the All Time Leading Scorer for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders basketball team and best Free Throw Shooter in Lady Raiders basketball history.
Matt Palmer
While at Three Rivers, Matt Palmer established himself as a fierce and durable pitcher. In 2000, he was voted by Region 16 coaches as the region’s Top Player. He was selected in the Major League Baseball draft twice, first in 2001 by the Colorado Rockies and in 2002 with the San Francisco Giants, who 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: Players 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.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.