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Elite 11: Rex Sawyer starred at Ava, Missouri Valley

Sawyer

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Ava High School football standout Rex Sawyer, who later enjoyed success at Missouri Valley in Marshall.

Sawyer 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.

Sawyer was a standout running back at Ava High School, where he was all-conference as a junior and senior before graduating in 1977. He also was a 1982 graduate of Missouri Valley College, where he was a first team NAIA All-American as a senior, all-conference and all-district as a junior and senior as a running back. Additionally, he was a three-year letterman.

Sawyer, who also was a four-year baseball letterman for the Vikings, was selected as Mr. Viking by the V-Club. The title of Mr. Viking embodies the true spirit of what a student-athlete should represent in upholding high standards as an athlete on the field and as a student in the classroom.

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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.