Longtime Missouri State athletics broadcaster Art Hains hospitalized in critical condition
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Legendary Missouri State University athletics broadcaster Art Hains is hospitalized in critical condition with what is believed to be an immune system disorder, his family confirmed to the News-Leader on Thursday.
Hains, 66, has served as “The Voice of the Bears” for the better part of the last 45 years, calling the university’s football, basketball, and baseball games over the radio. He is also the host of the drive-time radio show “SportsTalk” on Jock 96.9 and is part of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network team.
“Art is in critical condition at the ICU with what is presumed to be guillain–barré syndrome,” Hains’s son, Chris, sent in a text Thursday to News-Leader sports reporter Wyatt Wheeler, who is Hains’s radio show co-host. “He is currently on a ventilator and being monitored closely. Art is not allowed any visitors at this time. The family requests nothing, but fervent and continued prayers. We will provide more updates as they become available.”
Hains started experiencing symptoms on Saturday during Missouri State’s football game at Arkansas, and his condition declined quickly over the next few days.
By Monday night, Hains had lost mobility in his legs. On Thursday, family said the illness was impacting Hains’ diaphragm and breathing ability.
A native of Marshall, Missouri, Hains’ name has become synonymous with Springfield sports. He is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
More:After losing his mom, 'The Voice of the Bears' didn't miss a call
Hains has been on the air for seemingly all of the biggest moments in Missouri State athletics history, from NCAA Tournament runs to College World Series berths and football playoff appearances.
Hains is revered by many fans for his patience in dealing with callers on his radio show, and his perseverance to do his job at a high standard through personal grief and physical pain.
In 1996, Hains overcame a cancer scare within his nose and missed only three football games. During MSU football’s playoff game last season, Hains was gritting through kidney stones. And when his mother died in 2018, Hains was calling a football game days later.
Former Missouri State Athletic Director Bill Rowe said Hains is beloved for his professionalism on the microphone and the way he treats others in his everyday life.
"People all react the same way about Art," Rowe said. "I don’t know anybody that does not like Art Hains."
Rowe worked alongside Hains for decades at Missouri State and developed a close friendship. Rowe said his phone was ringing constantly on Thursday with people seeking updates on Hains or asking what they could do to help.
"He’s a very, very popular person," Rowe said.
Tom Ladd, program director of The Jock and KWTO talk radio stations, has been working with Hains for almost 30 years. Ladd called Hains "the best damn sportscaster I’ve ever been around," while adding that Hains' professional abilities pale in comparison to his qualities as a friend.
"There’s no more loyal person in the world than Art," Ladd said, citing Hains' commitment to his friends, the student-athletes at Missouri State, and most of all his family.
Hains married his wife Lisa in 1980. They have two children together.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Art Hains, legendary Missouri State broadcaster, hospitalized in ICU
