Meramec Valley R-III School District

The Meramec Valley R-III School District is proud to announce the inaugural class of its Pacific High School Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the school, community, and beyond. These inductees have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields, serving as role models for current and future students.

The inaugural class includes David Hoven, a lifelong resident and community leader; George Hinkle Jr., a former NFL player and successful PHS head football coach; Linda Wells, a standout athlete and coach at both the collegiate and international levels; and the 1994 PHS Volleyball State Championship Team.

In addition to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Pacific High School will honor the inductees during the Homecoming parade and with a half-time presentation at the football game.

Inaugural Class

• George Hinkle Jr.

  • George Hinkle Jr. excelled in football at Pacific High School, played in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cincinnati Bengals, and became head football coach at Pacific High School, leading the team to its first conference and district championship in 15 years.

• David I. Hoven

  • A lifelong Pacific resident, David Irving Hoven served on the MVR-III Board of Education, was active in local sports organizations, and was widely recognized for his contributions to the community. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, he returned home to establish a successful plumbing business and become a dedicated community volunteer.

• Linda Wells

  • A Pacific native, Linda Wells was a standout PHS softball player who excelled at both the collegiate and international levels. She played women's softball for Southeast Missouri State University and coached teams at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University. Wells went on to coach national teams from Greece and the Netherlands in the Olympic Games, earning multiple Hall of Fame honors.

• PHS Volleyball State Championship Team (1994)

  • The 1994 PHS volleyball team, coached by PHS graduate Lori Kell VanLeer, achieved a remarkable season with a record of 33 wins, 2 losses, and 3 splits. After securing the District title and dominating sectionals, they made history with the school's first trip to the final four. In Warrensburg, they reached the state finals, defeating the Kickapoo Lady Chiefs to win their first and only state championship title.

Events

• Homecoming Parade: The Homecoming parade will begin at 2:30 PM on Friday, October 11, with the inaugural Hall of Fame class serving as the Grand Marshals.

• Hall of Fame Induction Social & Ceremony: Join us for a social gathering at 4 PM with the induction ceremony following at 4:30 PM on Friday, October 11 in the PHS Auditorium.

• Homecoming Game: PHS football will take on Potosi at 7 PM on Friday, October 11.

• Homecoming Half-Time Presentation: The Homecoming half-time show will feature a special presentation honoring the Hall of Fame inductees.