Springfield, Missouri, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Longtime Missouri State broadcaster Art Hains made his final radio call during a 28-10 loss to SMU, concluding a broadcasting career that began in 1977. The game held personal significance for Hains, an SMU alumnus, who called over 3,000 events during his esteemed career. Despite his recent health challenges, Hains returned for this final event, leaving a lasting legacy in the Missouri State athletics community.
Springfield, Missouri — Longtime Missouri State broadcaster Art Hains made his final radio call on Saturday at Robert W. Plaster Stadium during Missouri State’s 28-10 loss to SMU, bringing to a close an era that began more than four decades ago. Hains, 69, who has been the voice of Missouri State athletics since 1977 and has called more than 3,000 events, returned for this game after having officially retired following a 44-season career.
Key game outcome and immediate context
SMU rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat Missouri State 28-10 in the schools’ first-ever meeting at Robert W. Plaster Stadium. The Mustangs recovered from early offensive struggles that included turnovers and penalties and led 14-10 at halftime after mounting a comeback. SMU running back TJ Harden scored two touchdowns and rushed for 96 yards, overcoming a brief injury during the contest. The Mustangs’ defense tightened in the second half, allowing no points and forcing three turnovers. SMU also made a personnel change at kicker, replacing Collin Rogers with redshirt freshman Sam Keltner after multiple missed field-goal attempts.
Why this game mattered for Hains
The matchup had added significance because Hains is an alumnus of SMU and began his broadcasting career with an SMU-related assignment in 1976. Although he had formally stepped away from daily broadcasting duties last year, he chose to return for this particular game, making it his final live call. Following the game, Hains indicated plans to continue attending Missouri State home games and to keep following the program closely.
Career overview and milestones
Hains’ broadcasting career has spanned nearly five decades, with notable milestones that include starting in 1976 by calling a college basketball game between SMU and Baylor, graduating from SMU in 1977, and then taking a sports director position at KGBX in Springfield. In that role he began broadcasting Missouri State football and men’s basketball. He spent four years back in Dallas in the early 1980s before returning to Springfield in 1985 and remaining a central figure in the local sports community.
- Career start: 1976 (initial broadcast: SMU vs. Baylor basketball)
- Missouri State broadcasts: Began 1977 and continued for decades
- Events called: More than 3,000 in his career
- Retirement: Official retirement followed 44 seasons, announced last year; returned for final game vs. SMU
- Honors: Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022
Health and retirement details
Hains’ health declined after a diagnosis of West Nile Virus in September 2022, which led to paralysis and respiratory challenges. Those medical issues contributed to his decision to step back from full-time broadcasting. Despite those challenges, he was able to return for this one final broadcast and remains engaged with the local sports community in a less active capacity.
Community connection
Throughout his career, Hains maintained close ties to the Springfield community and to Missouri State athletics. His long tenure produced statewide recognition and multiple hall of fame honors, reflecting both his longevity and his impact on the region’s sports coverage. After the final call, he expressed gratitude for his connection to the university and to fans, and plans to remain a visible presence at home games.
Background timeline
A concise timeline of key points in Hains’ career and recent events:
- 1976 — First broadcasting assignment (SMU vs. Baylor college basketball)
- 1977 — Graduated from SMU; joined KGBX in Springfield and began broadcasting Missouri State athletics
- Early 1980s — Returned to Dallas for four years
- 1985 — Returned to Springfield and continued broadcasting
- 2017 — Inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
- 2022 — Inducted into Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame; diagnosed with West Nile Virus in September
- 2023 — Official retirement after 44 seasons
- 2024 (final game) — Returned to call Missouri State vs. SMU at Robert W. Plaster Stadium
FAQ
Who is Art Hains?
Art Hains is a veteran sports broadcaster who served as the voice of Missouri State athletics beginning in 1977 and has called more than 3,000 sporting events over his career.
Why was this game his final broadcast?
This game served as a final live call after Hains had officially retired following a 44-season career. He returned for the matchup because of its significance and personal ties to his alma mater.
What was the outcome of the game?
SMU defeated Missouri State 28-10, overcoming an early deficit and holding Missouri State scoreless in the second half.
What health issues has Hains faced?
Hains was diagnosed with West Nile Virus in September 2022, which caused paralysis and respiratory complications that affected his ability to continue full-time broadcasting.
Will Hains remain involved with Missouri State athletics?
Hains indicated plans to continue attending Missouri State home games and to follow the program going forward, though not as an active broadcaster.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final game location | Robert W. Plaster Stadium, Springfield, Missouri |
| Final game result | SMU 28, Missouri State 10 |
| Career span | Began broadcasting in 1976; Missouri State broadcaster since 1977; 44 seasons |
| Events called | More than 3,000 |
| Age | 69 |
| Major honors | Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2017); Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame (2022) |
| Health note | Diagnosed with West Nile Virus in September 2022, resulting in paralysis and respiratory challenges |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: 5 Thoughts from SMU vs. Missouri State
- Wikipedia: SMU Mustangs
- Dallas News: SMU vs. Baylor Game Analysis
- Google Search: SMU Mustangs Football
- Dallas News: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for SMU in 2025
- Google Scholar: College Football 2025
- Dallas News: SMU Freshman Receivers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Dallas News: Replacing Brashard Smith at Running Back
- Google News: College Football News
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