Before the start of the Nixa vs. Springfield Central game, three Nixa natives were inducted into the Nixa Athletic Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026. All three inductees were key players on our 20212 state runner-up team and set multiple records during their four years.
The purpose of the Nixa Athletic Hall of Fame is to select and honor outstanding athletes, coaches, or other individuals who have distinguished themselves in personal or public endeavors and have contributed significantly to the excellence of the athletic program at Nixa High School.
Jordan Epps, Class of 2012
Jordan Epps is a graduate of the Class of 2012 and participated in basketball, lettering for two years. Epps received honors in basketball, including playing on our state runner-up team in 2012, being named to the All-District and All-Central Ozarks Conference teams several times, and currently holding single-season records for steals and free-throw percentage. After high school, Jordan played college basketball at the University of Central Missouri, where he won a national title. Jordan is the son of James Epps and Angela Keene, and he is currently a teacher and head boys basketball coach at Central High School.
Jalen Norman, Class of 2013
Jalen Norman is a graduate of the Class of 2013 and lettered in basketball all four years. Norman received honors related to basketball, which included being named twice to the Missouri All-State Basketball team, MaxPreps Sophomore All-American, the COC Player of the Year, 1000-Point Scorer, ESPN High School 1st Team All-State, numerous school records, 3-time All-COC team, 2-time All-Ozarks Team, 2-time NIT All-Tournament team, and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team.
After high school, Jalen played college basketball at Evangel University. He is the son of Andrea Clark and Courtney Combs, and currently resides in Australia, where he works as a basketball coach and trainer.
Austin Ruder, Class of 2013
Austin Ruder is a graduate of the Class of 2013 and lettered in basketball all four years. Ruder received honors related to basketball, which included 1st Team All-State in 2012 and 2013, COC Player of the Year in 2013, Ozark's One Award Winner for Men's Basketball, current record holder for all-time leading scorer and 3-pointers made in a career, and All-Conference, All-District, and All-Ozarks honors for three years. After high school, Austin played college basketball at Missouri State University and Oral Roberts University. Austin is the son of John and Stacey Ruder and currently resides in Nixa, Mo., with his wife, Hannah. He is the owner of Elegant Exteriors and Alpine Wood Products.
