Celebrating four decades of camaraderie and competition, the Bear Bash has become more than just a handball tournament.
It honors tradition and community support for Missouri State University’s Hall of Fame Handball Program. This handball competition remains a top one in the Midwest, drawing participants from colleges nationwide.
It was renamed in 2022 to honor the late Dr. Thomas Burnett and preserve his impactful legacy. A hall of fame coach, he founded Missouri State’s handball program.
A successful and meaningful competition
The competition from Nov. 8-10, 2024, brought together 120 participants, marking the highest attendance since pre-pandemic times.
There were 16 divisions with players ranging from teens to older adults. They included current and former professional players and freshmen who only started playing recently.
Matches started on Nov. 8 and concluded on Nov. 10 with the crowning of champions in all 16 divisions. A victory in the Men’s B Doubles Championship by Doug Randolph and Hayden Hopkins was especially memorable.
Randolph, who is from the Randolph Foundation for Higher Education, made a $1 million donation to the handball program last year in honor of Burnett. Hopkins is Burnett’s grandson and a senior sport and recreation administration major at Missouri State.
“Playing and winning with Randolph was very special to me, as he donated in my grandfather’s name to honor his legacy,” Hopkins said.
Honoring a transformative gift
Randolph’s generous donation helps to ensure the handball program’s long-term sustainability.
On Nov. 9, a banquet at Hotel Vandivort celebrated Randolph’s contribution.
“This event not only honors 40 years of achievements, but also strengthens the foundation for the program’s future,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement.
At the banquet, Sam Hall, a senior in nursing major and the team’s current president, received a scholarship for his exceptional leadership of the handball program.
The banquet also included inspiring speeches reflecting on the program’s past and its hopeful direction forward. A “pass the mic” session allowed alumni and players to share their stories and program memories.
“This program didn’t just shape my skills — it shaped my life,” shared one alumnus during the session. “The friendships, lessons and memories I’ve gained here will stay with me forever.”
Securing a strong future
According to Christian Madsen, head coach of the handball team, Randolph’s donation highlights the program’s deep community connection and secures its future.
He works with Jeni Hopkins, a faculty advisor and Burnett’s daughter, to guide the program. Hopkins also serves as assistant director of Greenwood Lab School.
“Doug Randolph’s generosity ensures this program continues to provide opportunities for students to grow, connect and thrive,” said Hopkins. As a family member and as an alum, we’re so appreciative for Mr. Randolph and the generosity of his foundation to Missouri State.”