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Elite 11: Aurora’s Steve Newbold a big catch for Missouri State

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The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Aurora High School standout Steve Newbold, who later starred at Missouri State.

Newbold is among the Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts who will be recognized during the NFL Kickoff Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon presented by Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The 11 a.m. ceremony is at Springfield’s University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, where the Hall will induct former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Eddie Kennison; former Missouri State football All-American tackle and coach Rich Johanningmeier; and former Carrollton High School coach Stan Kee.

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Newbold emerged as a standout football player at Aurora High School and was honorable mention all-state his junior season and first team all-state his senior year as a split end. He was all-conference twice.

Newbold also as a split-end for Missouri State, where he was a four-year letterman and three-year starter (1977 to 1980). With Mitch Ware at quarterback, Newbold was the Bears’ leader in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches each season. Newbold caught 34 passes for 586 yards and five TDs as a sophomore, 35 receptions for 773 yards and six TDs as a junior and hauled in 30 passes for 611 yards and six TDs as a senior.

Nearly two decades after his career, his season receiving yardage totals all rank among the Bears’ top 10 campaigns in that category. He ranks fifth in career receptions with 101 and still owns school career records for receiving yardage (1,990) and career touchdown receptions (18).

The Elite 11 features: defensive lineman Brett Potts (Bolivar, Pittsburg State); quarterback Eric Czerniewski (Montgomery County, Central Missouri); lineman Rusty Shadel (Lebanon, Missouri State); running back Rex Sawyer (Ava, Missouri Valley College); linebacker Steve Forbis (Republic, Missouri Southern); defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams (Mizzou); punter/quarterback Chuck Blair (Camdenton, Central Missouri); kicker Jeremy Flores (Willard, Colorado); defensive back T.J. Onstott (Lamar, Missouri Southern); split end Steve Newbold (Aurora, Missouri State); and running back Justin Gerald (Hillcrest, Central Methodist).

An individual ticket is $40. Tables of eight are $400 and includes associate sponsorship recognition in the printed program. Head table tickets are $100. For tickets, call the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417-889-3100.