Jerry Hudson's contributions to athletes, education, and community service have left a lasting legacy in Monett. As an educator and coach, Jerry Hudson's achievements are truly outstanding. He served as the math teacher and head track coach for Neosho High School from 1974-1978. Under his guidance, the school's cross-country team thrived. His talents extended beyond state borders when he coached sprinters and hurdlers at Kansas University in 1978-1979, helping them win the Big 8 Outdoor Championship. 

Coach Hudson began his career in Monett as a math teacher in 1979 and ended it as the Monett Elementary School counselor and head track coach in 2005. He returned as the head track coach from 2005-2009. Having an astounding career in Varsity Track and Field and High School Football, Coach Hudson was recognized as the Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year multiple times in 1984, 1985, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2005, and 2009. He led teams to seven Conference Championships, secured a district title, and brought the team to a commendable 3rd place finish in the State Championship in 1985. 

Off the field, Coach Hudson's contributions to the community are equally commendable. He has been an active Vice-President for the Monett Fuller Center for Housing (formerly Habitat for Humanity), generously volunteers his time with the Monett Food Pantry, and is a St. Lawrence Catholic Church member. Demonstrating his continued commitment to Monett R-1 Schools, Coach Hudson can often be seen keeping the clock at both football and basketball games. 

"I am very humbled and grateful to be introduced into the Monett High School Athletic Hall of Fame—my deep thanks to Coach David Grimm for the nomination. My wife, Judy, and my children, Brett and Betsy, supported me and cheered on the athletes throughout my coaching career. I am very grateful for them. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to coach in two excellent school systems. I am grateful to those superintendents for their confidence in me. I appreciate all of my assistant coaches and all the time and hard work they put in. Most of all, I want to thank the wonderful young men who allowed me to be part of their lives. They were honest, hard-working and dedicated." -Jerry Hudson 

The year 1971 remains iconic for the Cubs, a year in which the Football Team set the gold standard for excellence in sports, team spirit, and innovation.

The 1971 Football Team, holding the distinguished honor of being Monett's sole undefeated team, established a record that stands tall in the history of Monett R-1. Their commitment, exceptional skill, and relentless drive have firmly anchored their legacy within Monett's athletics history. 

With an outstanding roster of 51 dynamic players, including seniors, juniors, and sophomores, the Monett Cubs showcased what it truly means to be a team. In display of unmatched skill and determination, the Cubs achieved a pristine 12-0 record, making them the undisputed champions of the Class 2 State Championship. Additionally, during the twelve games played in 1971, the Football Team impressively outscored their opponents by a score of 365-42. 

Beyond the team’s shared accomplishments, individual excellence was rightfully recognized. Quarterback Roger Jarvis, end Rod Kelley, and Stan Fellwock led the team with their exceptional skills and earned All-State honors, marking their place among the best in the State.

Football Team Names

Terry Jack, Dan Fulbright, Rod Kelley, Mike Arnold, Drew Sims, Mark Costley, Jesse Reed, Roger Jarvis, Rick Lillegard, Stan Fellwock, David Goodman, Gary Springston, John Hegi, Billy Slater, John Heese, Gerald Isbell, Willie Harrell, Bob Power, Steve McClure, Ted Norris, Ron Martin, Steve Martin, Charles Glaser, Kenny Washburn, Mark Morgan, Mark Sippy

Jimmy Jack, Jerry Fowler, Biff Jones, Randy Masters, Kenny Roetto, Bobby Harrell, Kevin Avondet, Jeff Flattem, John McClure, Dennis Heim, Bill Medlin, Kevin Bean, Jack Eden, Billy Cook, Tom Douthitt, Lee Baty, Dough Avondet, Rick Tate, Ray Eubanks, Jen Henbest, Bill Brown,

Rick Henry, Chris Ginther, Doug Tudor, Carl McLaughlin, Mitch Norris, Tim Kelley, Ronnie Knott

Honoring the Legacy of: Burl Fowler, John Hegi, Gary Springston, Dan Fulbright, Ronnie Knott, Steve Martin, Mark Sippy, Gerald Isbell, Billy Slater, Charles Glaser , Kenny Washburn, Billy Cook, Rick Tate, Terri Douthitt Kelly, Alice Helmkamp

Coaches: Burl Fowler, Benny Lawson, Chuck Ramsey, J.L. Phillips

Lynetta Boedecker Richards, Lynne Gardner Knott, Terri Douthitt Kelly, Debbie Hobbs Roetto, Vicki Fox McCleary, Debbie Dust Miller, Jami Crist Masters, Cindy Caldwell Hollinger, Kathy Jameson Parrigon