MSHSAA Recognizes Columbia Parks and Recreation with the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is excited to name the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department as a recipient of the prestigious Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes the department's outstanding commitment to providing high-quality facilities and services that promote youth sports and physical activity across Missouri. MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad and Chief Financial and Operating Officer Craig Long officially presented the award during the Columbia City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
Columbia Parks and Recreation oversees an impressive 3,700 acres of parkland, maintains 75 parks and more than 60 miles of trails, and operates 12 indoor recreation facilities. The department offers a wide array of sports, recreational activities, lessons, and special events for citizens of all ages, fostering a vibrant and active community.
One of the department’s notable partnerships with MSHSAA is hosting the annual MSHSAA Cross Country Championships at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Since 2019, Gans Creek has served as the championship venue and is set to remain the host site through 2028. In 2024, the championship attracted over 350 Missouri high schools and more than 2,000 runners, highlighting Columbia’s commitment to promoting high school athletics.
In addition to cross country, Columbia Parks and Recreation has hosted numerous other MSHSAA state championships. Between 1986 and 2000, Columbia’s L.A. Nickell and Lake of the Woods golf courses were venues for boys and girls state championships. Furthermore, the department facilitated MSHSAA softball championships at Antimi Sports Complex from 1980 to 1982 and at Rainbow Softball Center from 1983 to 2007, both of which are located within Columbia’s Cosmo Park.
“Receiving the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award is a tremendous honor for the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department,” said Gabe Huffington, Columbia Parks and Recreation Director. “We value our partnership with MSHSAA and look forward to continuing our work together to promote physical activity and sportsmanship among our youth.”
The Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of Mal Mayse, a revered figure in Missouri high school sports, and is awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the mission of MSHSAA.
Columbia Parks and Recreation’s decades-long dedication to fostering youth sports and recreation opportunities exemplifies the spirit of the award, making this recognition a well-deserved accolade for their efforts.