Sikeston man shocked by his Honors Board nomination

~Jeff Limbaugh is a second generation Park Board honoree

SIKESTON -- Upon hearing the news he'd been selected as the Sikeston Park Board's 2008 Honors Board inductee, Jeff Limbaugh replied: "Holy cow."

He then followed with comments like: "I didn't do it to get recognized" and "There's other people more deserving than me."

But others believe Limbaugh is very deserving of the honor.

Chosen by the Park Board in balloting at its March 10 meeting, Limbaugh is the 35th individual to be named to the Honors Board for his volunteer contributions to youth programs in the community. He is the second generation of Limbaughs to be honored by the Park Board, joining his grandfather, the late Truman "Slim" Limbaugh, who was installed on the Honors Board in 1989.

"That's pretty cool to be out there with him, and he's a big factor in my life," Limbaugh said about having a plaque on the board near his grandfather's. Since 1986, the Honors Board has recognized outstanding volunteers who have made significant contributions to youth programs in Sikeston, including sports and Scouting.

Beginning in 1993, Limbaugh has coached or managed teams in youth baseball, basketball, football and soccer. For seven seasons, he was a head coach or assistant coach in the Sikeston Youth Soccer League. For three seasons, he was a head coach or assistant coach in the Jaycee Youth Football program.

In basketball, Limbaugh served as head coach and assistant coach from 1993-2001 in the Sikeston Youth Basketball League. He also coached a local AAU team for six seasons and was a head coach and assistant coach at St. Francis Xavier School for two seasons.

For 15 seasons, however, Limbaugh has been a mainstay in Sikeston's youth baseball programs. Beginning in 1993, he has been a coach or manager at various levels of youth baseball from Little League to Senior Legion. In addition, he has served as a league officer in various positions.

As a manager and coach in the post season, his teams have had winning records. He helped lead the 10- and 12-year-old Bambino All Star teams to state championships in 1997 and 1999. His Junior Legion Baseball teams won district championships in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

Limbaugh recalled how his love for sports began.

"My grandpa coached my dad. When my dad was coaching my brother, I was a bat boy, and I just have always been involved in sports," Limbaugh said.

While he likes sports, Limbaugh enjoys working with the kids just as much. "I like being out there with the kids on the ball field and ball courts," Limbaugh said about why he likes to volunteer.

Limbaugh has worked with children as young as 7 years and up to high school age.

"They've all been challenging. It's really fun in the lower groups because they really want to play, and they're out there an hour and half before the game, ready to play. The older kids are great, too," Limbaugh said about working with the various age groups.

Limbaugh commended the following individuals who have helped him coach over the years, David Dollar, Charlie Driskill, Todd Baker, Jimmy Lincoln and Kelly Campbell.

"The kids are fun but also working with guys like that have made it enjoyable," Limbaugh said.

And he is appreciative of his wife, Cassandra, for allowing him to participate in all of the community sports, he said.

Away from the sidelines and coach's box, Limbaugh serves as the radio voice of the Sikeston High School Bulldogs in football, basketball and baseball -- a role he's filled for more than 20 years.

In his Honors Board nomination form, Limbaugh is described as a teacher of fundamentals, a motivator and "well respected throughout the youth coaching ranks in Southeast Missouri."

In nominating Limbaugh for the award, Bill Bye wrote: "Jeff's love for each sport was shown by his laidback style of coaching mixed with this love of seeing progress made by each one of his player."

The Honors Board public ceremony for the dedication of Limbaugh's bronze plaque will be at 10 a.m. May 14 in the Recreation Complex near the Ingram Road entrance to the park.