Pryor athletic legends gathered in the lobby of the Burdick Center on Friday, October 3, for the 2025 Pryor Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon. Friends, family, and former teammates filled the room to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s inductees.
PPS Athletic Director Gerald Osborne opened the event, introducing Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller, who welcomed the community and expressed appreciation for the lasting impact the inductees have made on Pryor athletics.
Guests enjoyed a meal catered by MidAmerican Grill while reconnecting with familiar faces and reminiscing about memorable seasons, teams, and moments that defined Pryor Tiger sports.
Following the luncheon, Master of Ceremonies David Shreffler guided the program, setting the stage for each inductee’s recognition. Shreffler shared highlights from their time at Pryor High School.
Jerri Lyons, speaking on behalf of the 1997 Girls Soccer Team, reflected on the lessons learned from coaches Ken Spencer and Max Corlett, crediting their leadership for much of the team’s success. Now a coach herself, Lyons said many of their coaching strategies remain part of her own approach today. She fondly recalled the good-natured humor Spencer and Corlett brought to practices and games, noting how they kept the team’s competitive spirit fun and engaging.
Ryan Sutton accepted the plaque for the 2001 Boys Golf State Championship Team, noting that while golf is often viewed as an individual sport, their championship success was a result of the collective dedication and support of the entire team.
Darrell Anderson, a longtime supporter of Pryor athletics, was inducted for his outstanding community contributions to Pryor students and athletic programs. Anderson’s son accepted the award on behalf of his late father, sharing that while his father was a man of few words, many community members have shared stories of his quiet generosity, such as paying for a trumpet so a student could continue participating in band.
Two-time state golf champion Kamry Ruffin Cunningham spoke about the dedication of her coaches, who gave up at least two evenings each week to mentor their players. Cunningham, now a parent herself, shared that while she didn’t fully understand the sacrifices her coaches made at the time, she now recognizes the deep commitment it required to invest so much time in their athletes.
Tom Flood’s award was accepted by Pete Vanzant, who reflected on the layout of Pryor’s sports programs in the late 1950s and early 1960s, highlighting how much the district’s athletic offerings have grown over the decades.
Inductee Conard Gaither, a 1967 graduate, recalled the strength of the Pryor community that surrounded him and his peers during their time as athletes, noting that Pryorites “were always behind us, supporting us,” along with the strong coaching staff that provided invaluable guidance.
Matthew Madole accepted the award for his late father, Dallas Madole, sharing that basketball brought people into his father’s life who became lifelong friends. “They were coaches—but more than coaches,” he said. “They brought him friendships,” Madole said, which fostered his father’s integrity, grit, and lifelong dedication to service.
Inductee Perry Keith, a four-sport athlete during his time at Pryor High School, has gone on to become one of the most successful coaches in NJCAA baseball history as head coach at Connors State College. Keith reflected on the respect he had for his Pryor coaches and how his parents reinforced the importance of a coach’s guidance. He recalled their words: “He’s not right. He’s not wrong. He is your coach.” Keith credited both his coaches and his parents with instilling in him the values of discipline, commitment, and respect that have guided his own coaching career.
Inductee Sarah Boyd Sinclair reflected on her love of sports and credited her father for being her greatest supporter. “I thank my dad, my number-one fan, who believed in me even when I didn’t,” she said. She recalled how her coaches challenged her to achieve her best.
Two-time state champion wrestler Donnie Whitenack shared that he was initially uncertain about joining the wrestling program—until Coach Greg Arnold convinced him to give it a try. Today, Whitenack enjoys watching his grandsons continue the family tradition and pursue the sport that shaped his own success.
As the 2025 Hall of Fame luncheon came to a close, one common theme echoed throughout the stories shared: the influence of great coaching. On National Coaches Day, it is fitting to celebrate these Pryor legends whose accomplishments—and the mentors who guided them—continue to inspire athletes and coaches across generations.