The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Lamar High School standout T.J. Onstott, who went to enjoy success at Missouri Southern in Joplin.
Onstott 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.
Onstott was a standout at running back and defensive back for Lamar in the late 1990s, graduating in 2001. His single-season 21 touchdowns and 1,533 yards rushing set school records at the time.
Onstott was a three-time All-Southwest Conference selection and named to the Joplin Globe’s All-Area team three consecutive years, plus a repeat selection on the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association squad. At Missouri Southern, he was a two-time All-MIAA and made 176 career tackles, including 68 as a sophomore, 55 as a junior and 38 in 2005, a year after sitting out because of a medical redshirt (ACL injury).
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.