Brad Smith headlines MSHOF Oct. 16 Football Luncheon

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BRANSON MO NEWS: Former University of Missouri quarterback Brad Smith, Missouri State University coach Jesse Branch, Waynesville High School coach Rick Vernon as well as two state championship high school football teams – 1981 Greenwood Laboratory and 1997 Springfield Catholic – will soon be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
President & Executive Director Jerald Andrews announced Wednesday their upcoming inductions – as well as the Elite 11 awards – for the annual Football Luncheon presented by Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, October 16 at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield.
The Elite 11 recognizes former high school, college and pro standouts who made positive impacts. This year’s group consists of Shannon Crouch (Seneca High School), Mitch Espy (Marshfield High School/Missouri State), Mikael Cooper-Falls (Hillcrest High School/Missouri State), Jacob Hamon (Branson High School/Evangel University), Fred Harle (Raytown High School/Missouri State), Ryan Howerton (Lebanon High School/Lindenwood University/Mizzou), Shem Johnson (Parkview High School/Benedictine College/Indoor Football League), Eric Ramsey (Warsaw High School/Missouri Western University), Nick Smart (Marionville/Southwest Baptist University), Matt Wehner (Lebanon High School/Missouri Southern) and Rodney Witt (Ava High School/Missouri State).
Sponsorship tables of eight, which include an autographed print and special recognition in the printed program, are $400. A head table ticket is $100, and an individual ticket is $40. Numerous sponsorships also are available, including congratulatory ads, by calling 417-889-3100.
Brad Smith, University of Missouri: Smith launched the coach Gary Pinkel era by quarterbacking Mizzou from 2002 to 2005, leading the Tigers to two Independence Bowls (2003 and 2005) and Mizzou’s first win against Nebraska since 1976. When he finished his college career, Smith was the most productive dual-threat quarterback in the history of the sport, as no other player in NCAA history had thrown for 8,000 yards and run for 4,000 yards. Smith …