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Three inducted to Sikeston Parks and Recreation Honors Board
SIKESTON — Three Sikeston residents were recognized as the newest Parks and Recreation Honors Board inductees during a ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Honors Board located near the tennis courts at the Sikeston Sports Complex.
This year’s recipients were Dan Sutton, Waymon Sims Jr. and Jay Lancaster who were the 51st, 52nd and 53rd individuals added to the Honors Board.
Since 1986, 53 individuals have been honored by having their names installed on the Honors Board in recognition of their outstanding volunteer contributions to youth programs in the community including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The Honors Board is located near the Ingram Road entrance to the Recreation Complex.
Sikeston Parks and Recreation Director Josh Meyer began the ceremony with the following quote: “Help one another. There’s no time like the present and no present like the time.”
“That’s what the present was from Mr. Sims, Mr. Sutton and Mr. Lancaster — time —time away from family but time to help the community grow and thank you very much for that,” Meyer said. “ It truly was a present.
Meyer went on to recognize this year’s inductees, starting with Sutton.
“He’s been greatly responsible for shaping the lives of many young men and women in the Sikeston area. He’s been a great asset to the community,” Meyer said while reading a part of Sutton’s nomination.
Sutton coached and managed Little League baseball for 10 years and served as president, vice president and secretary for the Baseball Board. He helped establish Sikeston Little League basketball and coached for seven years. He also served four years as a Boy Scout leader.
“I’d like to say that it’s an honor to be up here with these other names,” Sutton said referring to the individuals inducted to the Honors Board. “A lot of them I coached with, and I know all of them personally. I’ve had the privilege of working with and coaching with a lot of these folks. I’m a little bit selfish because I got more out of it than the kids did. I learned a lot. … I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Sims was recognized next.
“Waymon has spent much of his time out at the ball fields and basketball courts officiating and umpiring games. He spent several years as the point of contact for the league to get umpires at games. He also spent time in the concession stands. He’s gone above and beyond to help the kids in the community,” Meyer said as he read Sims’ nomination letter.
Sims was honored for his 30 years of dedicated service to Sikeston/YMCA youth baseball, softball/baseball, volleyball and football and for being an avid fundraiser for the baseball league.
“We can’t have sports without officials, and we sure can’t run them properly without officials,” Meyer said. “Sometimes it’s an unnoticed job, and you notice when you make mistakes and everyone does make mistakes. But for today, at least, and, hopefully, the future, we notice the time you put in and give to the community.”
Sims then said a few words.
“Thank you for this huge honor,” Sims said. “I didn’t get into this for accolades and things like that. It’s more about making sure your kids want to come back next year. … It’s been fun. It’s been challenging, but to watch your kids grow up and then I see their kids come along, it’s been a huge honor. To be up here with some of these folks (on this board) is a big honor. Thank you very much.”
Finally, Meyer recognized Lancaster, who is also the director of Sikeston Public Works.
“The impact Jay Lancaster has made on youth sports for more than two decades is astounding,” Meyer said as he read Lancaster’s nomination. “… I witnessed him countless hours pouring into kids, teaching them not only the fundamentals of sport but also life lessons — something far too few coaches do.”
Lancaster, who was the 53rd inductee, also celebrated his 53rd birthday on Wednesday.
“It’s hard to believe that I coached 20 years baseball and softball,” Lancaster said. “It was a true blessing. I always saw it as a ministry.”
Twenty-two years ago, Lancaster said he came along side Danny Ruby and his dad to help form the Heartland Wrestling Club.
“While I assisted in the beginning, it was their vision, and I want to give them credit,” Lancaster said. “While I’ve been involved in some way since the beginning, about 12 or so years ago I took over leadership and the club had changed into Sikeston Wrestling Club at that time.”
Lancaster credited Bill Chouinard for leading the club during the years following the Rubys and before his leadership.
“We have grown from a small group that met at a local church to a decent sized club that hosts are own local tournament and boasts several USA state placers.”
Lancaster also noted his induction to the board was special because both his father and grandfather are inductees, too.
“It means something to me to be there with them,” he said.