The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has announced that Tim Abney, the interim athletic director at Lincoln University of Missouri, will be enshrined in its Class of 2024. The induction ceremony will take place at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri, on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be joining the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, especially to be included in this group of outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams,” Abney said upon the announcement. His sentiment reflects his achievements and his connection to Missouri’s sports history.
A key figure in Lincoln University‘s basketball history, Abney was the starting point guard during a remarkable period for the Blue Tigers. He played an integral role in leading the team to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a memorable Elite Eight berth in 1978. His contributions to the program are noteworthy; he holds the record for the most games played at Lincoln, with 108, and is one of only 24 players in school history to surpass 1,000 career points.
High School Player To Collegiate Leader
Abney’s accolades began accumulating during his high school years at Kansas City’s Central High School, where he was named the Interscholastic League Player of the Year in 1974. At Lincoln, he was instrumental in securing MIAA regular season championships in 1975 and 1977. He earned several honors, including first-team All-MIAA recognition in 1977 and first-team All-NABC District V accolades during his senior year.
After concluding his playing career, Abney transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Blue Tigers in the 1978-79 season. He later joined North Carolina A&T helping to secure six MEAC championships from 1979 to 1988. Abney’s leadership continued as he took the helm of the women’s basketball team at NCAT, guiding them to a historic MEAC tournament title in 1994 and the program’s first automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.
Upon returning to Lincoln University, Abney contributed significantly to the athletic department in various roles, including coaching the women’s tennis team. His dedication to the university’s athletic programs culminated in his recent appointment as Interim Athletic Director this summer.
In addition to his upcoming induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Abney was recently honored for his coaching achievements with an induction into the A&T Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month.
