The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) honored Jim Powers with the prestigious Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award during the 2024 Boys Soccer Championships. Powers, a longtime supporter and advocate for high school sports in Missouri, has dedicated his life to promoting youth athletics both as a coach and broadcaster.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Powers’ passion for sports took root early. He was heavily involved in youth and high school sports, initially making a name for himself as a coach and later as a broadcaster. After relocating to St. Louis two decades ago, Powers quickly established himself as a prominent voice for high school sports, providing coverage and support to student-athletes across the state.
In Ohio, Powers coached football, basketball, and softball, working alongside some of the area’s top coaches—a foundation that would shape his career. His media journey also began in Ohio, where he was the postgame studio host for Football Fridays on WPIC Radio and called numerous high school games.
Powers joined the MSHSAA Championships in 2006, starting with the baseball championships at Taylor Stadium in Columbia. Over the years, he has worn many hats in his service to MSHSAA, working as a media assistant, public address announcer, statistician, and more, playing an instrumental role in various championship events.
A dedicated advocate for Missouri’s student-athletes and coaches, Powers expanded his role by joining the championship broadcasts as a studio host for football and basketball. His talents soon led him to take on play-by-play and analyst duties, where he has called many memorable state finals across different sports.
In addition to his work with MSHSAA, Powers is an active member of the St. Louis Officials Association, where he officiates football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming events. His commitment to high school sports extends beyond the broadcast booth, with Powers serving as an assistant girls' basketball coach at Lutheran South High School in St. Louis. He also contributes to Prep Sports coverage on KTVI Fox 2 every Friday.
“I am honored and humbled to have earned such a tremendous award that many of the people I have worked with in high school sports have earned,” Powers said. “In my work promoting high school athletics, I have met so many people who have turned into lifelong friends. How cool is that!”
Powers, who currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner of the Sooner Athletic Conference, resides in St. Louis, where he continues to support and inspire young athletes.