The Lindenwood University shotgun sports program was formally inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame during ceremonies that took place November 24 at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis. Over 500 attended the event that also supported the St. Louis Youth Sports Outreach and Special Olympics of Missouri charities. A total of 12 individuals and four teams were part of the 2024 class.

Current shotgun sports head coach Lauren Dunn spoke on behalf of the university and program, which was founded in 2001 and has accumulated 17 national High Overall team championships including ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Division I titles in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024. The Lions also won the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) crown in 2023. In addition to the team titles, the program has celebrated 107 individual national titles won by 55 different team members.

One of the 12 individuals inducted in the 2024 class was Earl Austin, Jr., who entered the Hall of Fame for his work as a sportswriter. Austin, Jr., was a four-year starter for the Lindenwood men's basketball team from 1982-86. Three times, he was named the men's basketball MVP. He was named the school's male athlete of the year in 1984-85 and won the Lindenwood athletics director award in 1985-86. Austin is still among the school's career leaders with 1,972 points and 840 rebounds. His jersey number, No. 41, was retired following his senior season, and he was inducted into the Lindenwood Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.

Former Lindenwood University basketball player Jaime Bonney was also recognized as part of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Filbert Five Awards, a group of former All-State high school players from Missouri, as well as college and pro players who made positive contributions in the game and beyond. Bonney was a three-time, First-Team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference selection and was named the HAAC Most Valuable Player in 2000.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments made by athletes of our past, while inspiring future athletes to succeed. All of the inductees have helped mold Missouri sports to what it is today. For information about the Hall of Fame, visit their website at: https://www.mosportshalloffame.com.