Dick Cook Looks Forward to Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Induction
September 21, 2023 6:36PM CDT
Coach Dick Cook. Photo courtesy of Jill Cook.
(CRYSTAL CITY) Former Crystal City and Herculaneum Football, Track and Field Coach Dick Cook and a particular era of Cook’s Lady Hornet volleyball teams in the 80’s will be enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in November.
Dick Cook coached at the high school level for 49 years, including 34 years at Crystal City. During the six year era that is also being honored, Crystal City saw a combined 16 state championships by individuals and relay teams.
Coach Cook says he was surprised when he got the news about his upcoming induction.
After graduating from Crystal City High School in 1956, Cook says he went to the University of Missouri play football and to run track. For his first year he studied Business Administration. But after a year, he really knew he wanted to be a coach. He switched his major to Physical Education and he minored in Social Studies. Prior to graduating at Mizzou he got a visit from the legendary Coach Don Faurot.
Cook eventually made his way back to Jefferson County. First as a coach at Herculaneum and then to Crystal City where he worked alongside his mentor Arvel Popp.
Cook says part of his own coaching philosophy was to always be fair to his players.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for 1pm on Sunday, November 19th at Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis.
Listen to Hal Neisler’s interview with Dick Cook below.