Truman and Mike Alden Will Be Inducted Into The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has announced that Mizzou’s famous mascot, Truman the Tiger, will be honored with its Special Achievement Award.

Truman will be presented with the award at the organization’s annual Enshrinement Ceremony on January 25, 2015.

The Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals from across the state who have accomplished a national feat. Earlier this year, Truman was named the National Mascot of the Year at the NCA National Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Other members of the Mizzou family will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the ceremony as well, including athletic director Mike Alden, former Mizzou Football player Andy Russell, and the 1969 Mizzou Football team.

Alden has been a vital asset to Mizzou athletics since 1998. Under his leadership, the Missouri Athletic Department has soared in numerous ways. Student-athletes have made high marks in the classroom, ranking among the SEC leaders in both graduation success rates and academic progress rates. Several programs have excelled in conference championships, including football, baseball, men’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball. and wrestling, and there were three league titles in the 2013 season alone.

Alden helped usher in a new era with Mizzou’s entrance into the Southeastern Conference, and his work has earned him national recognition amongst the NCAA hierarchy. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Alden as a leader who has brought tremendous growth to the Mizzou Athletics program, and will continue to do so in the future.

Recipient Andy Russell played in three bowl games during his time as a Tiger. He led Mizzou Football in rushing in 1961, and he was a captain in 1962. Russell went on to have a successful career in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1963-1976. He made the NFL all-rookie team in 1963, and was the Steelers’ MVP in 1970.

The 1969 Mizzou Football team averaged 223 rushing yards and 185 passing yards per game. The defense gave up an average of 177 yards per game.

Truman will make his next Mizzou Football game appearance when the Tigers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida at 12 p.m. CT on New Year’s Day. Mizzou Football will post live updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook throughout the game, and fans can also listen in via Tiger Network radio affiliates.