January
25

College of the Ozarks Inducts Alumni Athletes into Sports Hall of Fame
By: Austin Plummer

College of the Ozarks will induct three of its alumni athletes into the College of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame on February 4. Cara Painter, Ralph Hagewood and the late Chris Waller will be honored during the C of O vs. Southwestern Christian University games; the women play at 3 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m.

Painter was a three year starter in basketball for the Lady Cats from 2003-2006, after transferring from Oklahoma State University. She finished her career with 1,755 points, 925 rebounds, 163 three-point shots made, 257 free-throws made, and 329 blocked shots. Painter had an 87.2 career free throw percentage and a 44.4 career three-point percentage. Her conference honors included 1st Team All-Conference all three years and MCAC Player of the Year her senior year. Nationally, Painter was named 3rd Team NAIA All-American both her junior and senior years. She also led the nation in rebounding and blocked shots her senior year. Her number 44 was retired in 2006.

Hagewood was a four year letterman in track and field from 1966 to 1970. His hard work enabled him to become a fine sprinter, and he was able to score in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, the 440 and the 880 yard relays, high hurdles, long jump, discus and pole vault. At one time, Hagewood was the school record holder in the pole vault at 14 ft. 6.5 in. He was All-Conference and All-District for three years, and he was the first athlete from School of the Ozarks to qualify for NAIA National Competition, a feat he accomplished three times. A strong leader and competitor, Hagewood entered any and all events that would help the team.

Waller was a four year letterman in basketball from 1997-2001. He ended his career with 810 points, 268 rebounds, 140 assists, and a 50.4 field goal percentage, 43.5 three-point percentage, and a 77 free throw percentage. He was named 1st Team All-Conference his senior year and an NAIA Academic All-American his junior and senior years. He was the winner of the MCAC A. O. Duer Award his junior year and was named C of O’s Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete his senior year.

For more information please contact the Sports Information office at (471)690-2393.

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