The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is proud to announce Charley Welker of Monroe City as the recipient of the 2025 Irvin Keller Award, which was presented during the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships’ Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Welker’s contributions to Missouri high school athletics span over five decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to coaching, officiating and mentoring student-athletes.
Raised in Jackson, Welker completed his K-12 education in the Jackson School District before serving on active duty in the U.S. Army and later in the National Guard Reserves, achieving the rank of sergeant E-5. After his military service, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical education. He also competed as a scholarship athlete.
Welker began his teaching and coaching career in Jackson in 1964 and transitioned to Monroe City High School in 1966, where he would leave an indelible legacy. Over his career, he served as assistant principal, athletic director, head football coach, and head track coach. Under his leadership, Monroe City’s track and field program flourished.
- 12 Conference Titles
- 13 District Titles
- Five Top-4 State Finishes
- Two Class 2 MSHSAA Championships (1975 & 1976) — the school’s first-ever athletic state titles
Following his retirement from education, Welker and his wife Cora Sue—his partner of 59 years—ran a successful sporting goods business in Monroe City for 31 years.
Welker also carved out an exemplary officiating career, beginning in basketball in 1966 and transitioning into track and field, where he has been a registered official for more than 41 years. His accolades include:
- MSHSAA/NFHS Track & Field Official of the Year (2005, 2014)
- MSHSAA/NFHS Cross Country Official of the Year (2017)
- Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Coach of the Year (1975–1977)
- Inductee, Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2006)
He continues to serve today, actively working as the head field event referee at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships.
Charley and Cora Sue have two children—Gwen and Greg—and five grandchildren, Maddy, Thomas, Brady, Lexy, and Laney. They have been pillars of the Monroe City community for decades, demonstrating service, sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the field.