Topeka Sports Hall of Fame Inducted Four Members

The city honored four athletes and coaches for their collegiate and professional achievements at the Cyrus Hotel.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Awards

Topeka Sports Hall of Fame Inducted Four Members

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The Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame welcomed four new inductees during a public ceremony. The event recognized local figures for their significant contributions to sports across high school, college, and professional levels.

Why it matters

This annual induction ceremony preserves the city's athletic heritage by honoring individuals who achieved notable milestones in their respective careers. It provides the local community with an opportunity to celebrate regional sports history and successful alumni.

The 2026 induction class features members with notable statistics, including 47 career soccer goals from Jessica Mainz and 36 points scored by Mit Winter in a single game. C.B. McGrath, also inducted, earned 13 varsity letters during his career.

The players

Sam Winter

He is a former athlete who gained recognition for leading the Ivy League in rebounding in 2003.

Jessica Mainz

She is a decorated soccer player who recorded 47 career goals during her tenure at Washburn University.

Mit Winter

He is an athlete noted for a standout performance where he scored 36 points in a game against James Madison.

C.B. McGrath

He is a distinguished basketball figure who was the 1994 Kansas Player of the Year and a multi-time national championship assistant coach.

The details

The induction ceremony took place at the Cyrus Hotel, where guests attended free of charge to witness the honors. The selected class included Sam Winter, Jessica Mainz, Mit Winter, and C.B. McGrath, all recognized for high-level performance.

C.B. McGrath was named Kansas Basketball Player of the Year in 1994.
Sam Winter led the Ivy League in rebounding in 2003.
C.B. McGrath earned national championships as an assistant coach in 2005, 2009, and 2017.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony occurred on October 14, 2026.

Culture Shift

This event follows the standards set by the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame induction criteria. The ceremony marks a continuation of the region's commitment to documenting athletic excellence across generations.

The free public nature of the event allowed residents to engage directly with local sports history without an admission cost. Future nominees and their supporters may view this as an indicator of the eligibility standards for upcoming induction cycles.

The takeaway

Honoring local athletes serves to document the regional history of competitive sports for future generations. Residents interested in local sports can follow these induction cycles to track the development of the city's athletic legacy.