Retired Coach's Team wins Hall of Fame seat

John Charles, a retired coach and current resident of Republic, was honored earlier this spring when a girls track team he coached more than 40 years ago was admitted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

The Greenwood Laboratory School girls track and field team captured back to back state championships in 1978 and 1979. A story published in the program for the Women’s Sports Luncheon told of the achievements the teams achieved and the bonds formed then that still stand strong today.

The Blue Jays team of 1977 gave everyone a hint of what was coming when they finished fourth. The following year the Greenwood team powered its way to the first of two consecutive Class A championships, winning the state meet by eight points. The 1979 team provided more of the same.

Leading the way for both championship teams were twins, Flo and Mandy Renner. In their two championship seasons, the Renners combined to win six individual state championships. Flo twice won the individual high jump title, while also taking top honors in the 1979 one-mile run. Mandy was a two-time champion in the 889-yard run, and won the mile in 1978, edging out her twin sister at the finish line.

But it wasn’t just the Renners. Jennifer Frost, a standout in hurdles, left her mark as well, establishing Greenwood School records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter hurdles. All told, the teams set a total of seven individual records, five of which still stand today.

“Those accomplishments are why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame included the 1977-1979 Greenwood Laboratory School High School Girls Track & Field Era among it 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

While the athletes were talented, Coach Charles was the guiding force.

“His knowledge built effective workouts and personality encouraged and motivated us to do our best each and every day, workout, or meet,” said Mandy Renner. “Success in high school enabled us to compete at the college level and earn scholarships, which helped a great deal with college costs.

Her sister, Flo Renner, said, “ He (Charles) was dedicated to the sport and to us athletes.”

Greenwood Laboratory School Track and Field competed during a time when Title IX legislation was just beginning to take hold and make an impact across the county. Sports were not available for girls when the team was in junior high but they were able to compete as freshmen. Flo Renner said, It was so amazing, we could be more than cheerleaders.