The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Hillcrest High School standout Justin Gerald, who later enjoyed success at Central Methodist in Fayette.
Gerald 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 Bottling Company 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.
Gerald was a standout at Hillcrest High School in the early 2000s, earning Class 4 all-state in 2003 and the All-City MVP award from the Springfield Quarterback Club in the same season as a running back/defensive back. That was despite playing the second half of the season with an injured knee. His play helped the Hornets to only their second playoff berth in school history.
Gerald went on to become a two-time NAIA All-American honorable mention (return specialist, 2007 & 2008) at Central Methodist University in Fayette. There, he was a dual-threat running back in rushing for a career 1,160 yards and, in his junior season, hauling in 28 passes for 366 yards.
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.