2025

Allie Krueger

Athlete 

Allie Krueger is being inducted into the Monett High School Athletics Hall of Fame for her outstanding career as a pitcher for the Lady Cubs softball program. Known for her excellence, leadership, and record-breaking performances, Allie's achievements continue to inspire future athletes.

During her time at Monett, she earned recognition as a 4-time All-Region honoree and a 2-time All-State player. Her skills and determination played a key role in leading the Lady Cubs to the MSHSAA State Softball Final Four, where the team earned third place and was marked as one of the program's most memorable accomplishments.

Allie also made history in the record books, setting the single-season records for wins (23), innings pitched (167.1), strikeouts (316), and earned run average (0.627). Over her career, she built on that legacy, becoming Monett's career record holder with 57 wins and 707 strikeouts.

Her success reached beyond Monett, establishing her place in the MSHSAA State Record Book. She ranks 19th in Missouri history for single-season strikeouts, 23rd for single-season wins, and 15th for single-season ERA, solidifying her status as one of the state's most impactful pitchers.

Alongside her twin sister Abby, Allie was part of one of the top pitcher-catcher duos in Missouri during their junior and senior years. Together, they not only powered the Lady Cubs to championships but also helped establish a tradition of excellence that inspired future players.

Allie's outstanding accomplishments on the field and her role in elevating Monett softball to new heights make her a truly deserving inductee into the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame.

Abby Krueger

Athlete 

Abby Krueger is being inducted into the Monett High School Athletics Hall of Fame for her outstanding career as a member of the Lady Cubs softball program. A consistent performer and powerful presence at the plate and in the field, Abby earned recognition as a 4-time Big 8 All-Conference player, 4-time All-District player, 4-time All-Region honoree, and 2-time All-State player.

Her leadership and skill helped guide the Lady Cubs to three Big 8 Championships, four straight District titles, and three State Quarterfinal appearances. The highlight came in 2014, when Abby and her teammates advanced to the MSHSAA State Softball Final Four and secured a third-place finish, marking a milestone in Monett softball history. Over her four-year career, the Lady Cubs compiled an impressive overall record of 90-25, including 46-9 during her junior and senior seasons.

Abby’s career is highlighted throughout the Monett record books, showing the impact she made as a well-rounded player. She ranks second in single-season records for home runs (6) and triples (5), while also holding career records for home runs (12) and on-base percentage (.543). Defensively, she was just as reliable, finishing second in career fielding percentage (.979). With her combination of power, speed, consistency, and defensive excellence, Abby left a lasting mark on the program.

Abby and her sister Allie were widely recognized as one of the top pitcher-catcher duos in Missouri during their high school years. Together, they helped spark Monett’s softball tradition and created excitement for future generations of players. Their bond and leadership were instrumental in laying the foundation for the program’s continued success.

After high school, Abby continued her softball career at Auburn University at Montgomery (2016–2021), where she played at the NCAA Division II level. She capped off her collegiate career by helping her team win the Gulf South Conference Championship her senior year. Looking back, Abby points to a summer with the Wichita Mustangs between her sophomore and junior years as a turning point in her career, an experience that sharpened her skills and elevated her game.

Abbie shared, “softball has given me more than wins and championships. It has given me lifelong lessons and memories. I am honored to be recognized, but even more grateful for the teammates and coaches who made this journey possible.”

Ethan Davis 

Athlete 

Ethan Davis demonstrated his commitment to Monett athletics as a four-time letterman in both football and wrestling. His dedication, discipline, and resilience became the hallmarks of his high school career. On the mat, his hard work and perseverance led him to three Individual State Championships and one State Runner-Up finish. He was also a key contributor to a Class 2 State Championship Team and a State Runner-Up Team, helping Monett wrestling continue its tradition of excellence.

Ethan’s success brought recognition beyond his team achievements. He was named Class 2 State Wrestler of the Year twice and honored as the Overall Missouri State Wrestler of the Year once. His talent and drive earned him national respect as a four-time High School Nationals Wrestling All-American, an accomplishment that placed him among the best in the country.

After high school, Ethan continued his wrestling journey at Northern Illinois University, where his commitment to the sport was once again recognized when he was named Redshirt Wrestler of the Year.

One of Ethan’s most defining moments came during his sophomore year when he finished as state runner-up. That setback became a turning point, fueling his determination to return stronger and more focused in the years that followed. He also reflects fondly on the culture of practice, remembering the balance of hard work, laughter, and camaraderie that pushed him and his teammates to grow both as athletes and as individuals.

Beyond the medals and honors, Ethan is quick to acknowledge the people who helped shape his journey. Grateful for the guidance he received, he reflects: “My successes didn’t just start in high school. There was a lot of work put in before I ever reached that level, and I appreciate all the coaches who helped me along the way.”

Ethan Davis will be inducted into the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025, joining a distinguished group of athletes, coaches, and contributors who have left their mark on Monett’s proud athletic history.

Dusty Kime

Athlete 

Dusty Kime is recognized as a highly accomplished distance runner whose success brought pride to Monett athletics. From 2000–2004, he left a lasting mark on both cross country and track and field. He was the Male Cross Country Runner of the Year each year of high school, a four-time Outstanding Runner, and the 2000 Cross Country Rookie of the Year. Dusty was also the 2000 MSHSAA Class 2 Cross Country Champion and went on to win back-to-back state titles in 2002 and 2003. He earned the Aldo Sebben Award three consecutive years, recognizing him as the top Class 2 distance runner in Southwest Missouri. On the track, he was a three-time Monett High Point Man and set the school record in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:26.6, a record that still stands today.

At DePauw University (2004–2008), Dusty carried his success into the collegiate level as a two-time national qualifier in cross country, including a top-50 finish in 2007. He was the SCAC 1500-meter champion in 2005, earned First Team All-Conference honors, and was named to the All-Academic First Team. Dusty also served as captain of both the cross country (2007) and track distance teams (2008).

While Dusty’s accomplishments are impressive, he is quick to credit his coaches for shaping both his athletic career and his character. “I am incredibly grateful for the coaches I’ve had, especially Coach Hudson and Coach Mettlach,” he said. “They pushed us to work hard and reach our potential on the course and track, but what mattered most was their focus on the bigger picture. Their priority was always helping us grow into better people, teaching us lessons about discipline, humility, and perseverance that extended far beyond athletics.” Dusty shares that those lessons have stayed with him long after his competitive running days, a reminder of the lasting impact coaches can have on their students.

Looking back, Dusty recalls one of his toughest races as a sophomore at the state cross country meet, when his pacing strategy backfired: "My last mile of the race was three minutes slower than my first mile. On finishing, Coach Mettlach said, 'Well… we'll give it another try next year.'" That perspective of learning, growing, and trying again became a cornerstone of his success.

Dusty closes his reflection with a favorite quote that continues to shape his perspective: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Benny Lawson

Coach 

Benny Lawson’s path to greatness began on the fields of Seneca High School, where he was a standout in football, basketball, and baseball before graduating in 1957. Though he initially earned a degree in accounting, the pull of the game was too strong to ignore. With encouragement from Seneca’s superintendent and mentorship from legendary coach Burl Fowler, Lawson pursued a master’s degree at Pittsburg State University so he could return to the classroom and the field. It was a decision that would change the course of his life and the lives of countless young athletes.

Lawson spent 53 years in coaching, helping teams to more than 200 victories and achieving 115 wins as a varsity head coach. He began at Seneca, where the 1964 team finished 10-0 before state playoffs even existed, and went on to Monett, where he was an assistant on the Cubs’ 1971 state championship team. When Monett promoted him to head coach, he guided the 1977 Cubs to an undefeated 12-0 season and a Class 2 State Championship, cementing his place in Monett’s athletic history.

His career continued at Parkview High School, where he led the Vikings for 18 seasons in the highly competitive Ozark Conference. Under his leadership, players went on to compete at the University of Missouri, Missouri State, and other collegiate programs. Lawson also spent time at Cherokee Middle School, showing the same dedication to younger athletes, and later returned to Kickapoo High School, where he was part of the staff that reached the 2015 state semifinals.

More than the wins and titles, Lawson valued the relationships built along the way. He often credited the success of his teams to the collaboration and friendship of fellow coaches like J.L. Phillips and Chuck Ramsey. He was especially proud to coach alongside and mentor family, guiding his sons Mike and Mark at Parkview and later coaching his grandsons Alex and Chris at Kickapoo.

Lawson’s career was recognized in 1996 with induction into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, honoring his impact on the game across the state. Yet for him, the heart of coaching always remained simple. “The game is for the kids. It’s not for the coaches. Our job is to give players the confidence and ability to succeed,” he often said.

Supported throughout by his wife, Sue, and their family, Lawson built a legacy that stretched far beyond the scoreboard. His influence lives on in the athletes he coached, the colleagues he worked alongside, and the communities he served.

In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to student-athletes, Benny Lawson now takes his rightful place in the Monett Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his legacy as a coach, mentor, and leader.

Ted Norris

Contributor 

Ted Norris embodies the true spirit of Cub Pride. He began his journey in Monett as part of the 1971 state championship football team, where he first experienced the pride, tradition, and sense of family that comes with wearing purple and gold. Those lessons never left him. Inspired by the leadership of his own coaches, Ted went on to dedicate his career to Monett Schools, serving both in the classroom and on the field.

As a longtime Middle School English teacher, Ted earned the admiration and respect of students, families, and colleagues alike. He was known for his steady presence, encouragement, and ability to bring out the best in those around him. His service to Monett extended well beyond academics. Over the years, Ted coached football, basketball, track, and cross country, guiding countless young athletes through both victories and challenges.

Ted’s philosophy as a coach was never solely about competition. “Thanks to the dedication of the coaching staff, including Burl Fowler, Benny Lawson, Chuck Ramsey, and J.L. Phillips, I realized what it meant to proudly wear purple and gold,” Ted recalls. “I can only hope that somehow during my many years of working with young athletes, I was able to pass along that same feeling of Cub Pride.”

Through decades of teaching and coaching, Ted Norris shaped the lives of countless Monett students. His legacy is one of excellence, humility, and service, and he will be remembered as an enduring example of what it means to be a Cub in the classroom, on the field, and throughout the community.