The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize one of Montgomery County’s greatest football standouts who later starred for the Central Missouri Mules.
Quarterback Eric Czerniewski is among the Hall’s next Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts to be recognized during the NFL Kickoff Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon 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.
Czerniewski led Montgomery County to the 2005 Class 2 state championship. He finished his career as the state’s all-time leader in pass attempts (1,236), completions (775), yards (11,557) and touchdowns (140).
At Central Missouri, he won the 2010 Harlon Hill, considered the Heisman Trophy in NCAA Division II. That year, he set D-II records with 5,207 yards passing and a nation-leading 46 TD passes. He threw for more than 12,000 yards in college and 107 career TDs. He holds virtually every passing record at Central Missouri.
The Elite 11 also includes: defensive lineman Brett Potts (Bolivar, Pittsburg State); 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.