Should There Be a Missouri High School Football Hall of Fame?

Friday night lights are inclusive. They make memories, they provide opportunities for group achievement, personal growth, leadership and history with each snap of the ball. Missouri loves its high school football, so why no Missouri high school football hall of fame?

Missouri Has a Rich High School Football Legacy

There is the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mo. That hall includes athletes from all sports from Missouri high school through the Missouri pro sports ranks, and that’s great. But no high school specific hall of fame? There are certainly elite players that stamped their legend upon Friday nights in the Show-me state. Many went on to have on field success in college football and several went on to play on Sundays in the NFL.

Justin Smith - From Jeff City to Mizzou to the NFL

Particular schools have had long standing success in Missouri high school football: Christian Brothers College (CBC), Valle Catholic in St. Genevieve. Jefferson City, Webb City, Rockhurst, Helias have all brought home multiple state titles over several decades.

Legendary Coaches Who Built Dynasties

Renowned coaches like Pete Adkins at Jeff City, Ron Holtman at MICDS, Tony Severino at Rockhurst and John Roderique at Webb City all put their stamp on their teams and the young men they coached up throughout their careers.

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As for the players that you turned out for on Friday nights, whether at your local high school, or when they came to town, Missouri provided must see players. Justin Smith and Justin Gage at Jeff City, Roger Werhli from King City, Kellen Overstreet at Penney, Tony VanZant and Reggie Germany at Hazelwood Central, Dorial Green-Beckham at Hillcrest, Tony Galbreath at Fulton, Steve Atwater at Lutheran North or Grant Wistrom at Webb City and Andy Russell at Ladue.

MSHSAA offices in Columbia, Mo.

Where Should the Hall of Fame Be Built?

The rich tradition of Missouri High School Football deserves its own hall. Perhaps in the capital city of Jefferson City, maybe on the Missouri state fairgrounds in Sedalia, or if the Chiefs pick up and move to Kansas, the Truman Sports complex could be the location.