Inductees

In almost every community across America, a unique connection exists between sports fans and their local sports reporters. Nowhere is that more pronounced than in mid-Missouri.

In 2008, at the height of the Great Recession and its layoffs, longtime KRCG-TV 13 Sports Director Rod Smith was among the casualties, for financial reasons like so many others. Yet folks in and around Jefferson City and rallied and – get this – got him his job back.

“I didn’t realize the incredible relationships I had built over the years, with local schools, coaches, players and families in mid-Missouri,” Smith said, “and that they didn’t want to lose our dedication to covering local sports. They also wanted to take care of me and my family.”

His promotion of sports – especially local high school and college sports and the nearby fishing scene – has been a signature since 1985, and it’s why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct Smith with the Class of 2019.

It’s not that Smith simply reported on scores on air but proudly carved out a career far from the big-city lights, giving big and small high schools the limelight.

That includes major and minor sports, covering volleyball, tennis, golf, soccer, track and cross country. In fact, he still covers hundreds of games annually and shoots his own video.

Smith brings more than just highlights and scores, focusing on positive stories, like the return of Hunter Bushnell, a paralyzed football player from Eldon High School; a Special Olympian, Keith Lueckenhoff, on his first hole-in-one, while highlighting bands, cheer squads, referees and dance teams.

“We realized pretty early on that we needed to be local,” said Smith, KRCG’s Sports Director since 1990. “Our viewers watch us because we do local sports right. We care about our teams, our towns, our kids. We found our niche in local sports television.”

It’s no surprise that Jefferson City fans rallied behind Smith in 2008. The station’s Facebook page drew more than 10,000 comments, online petitions drew thousands of signatures and advertisers along with longtime Jefferson City High School football coach Pete Adkins (MSHOF Legend 2013) advocated for his return.

“Losing my job was tough at the time, but ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. I think this Missouri Hall of Fame honor tops that, though,” he said with his familiar smile.

A Naperville, Ill., native, he later graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, where Smith interned at KJRH and KOTV and was mentored by two Oklahoma Hall of Fame sports broadcasters, Jerry Weber and Bill Teegins.

Smith spent his college senior spring break driving to small markets across Kansas, Missouri and Illinois and hand-delivering his resume. Yet KRCG-TV in Jefferson City was the only offer that came and, in the early years, he also handled weekend weather and hard-news reporting.

His tenure also features “Rod’s Big Ol’ Fish,” a segment dedicated to presenting the catches of anglers from across the region. More than 10,000 photos over the past 25 years have been shown on air, becoming the most popular TV franchise in mid-Missouri.

“It was an idea of our general manager at the time, and I thought it was a silly idea. Not anymore.” Smith said.

Smith also has covered the St. Louis Rams’ two Super Bowls, the St. Louis Cardinals’ and Kansas City Royals’ World Series runs and the University of Missouri Athletics, including conference championship football games, bowl games and NCAA Tournament basketball games.

Smith also gives back to the community in numerous ways. He’s the busiest emcee in mid-Missouri, hosting more than 30 charitable and civic events each year.

Those include the Mid-Missouri Heart Association Heart Ball, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, United Cerebral Palsy’s “Wing Ding” and “Deal or No Deal,” Columbia Christian Men’s Conference, Missouri’s Mental Health Champions Banquet. Other events include the annual YMCA and Samaritan Center benefit auctions and events supporting Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vitae Foundation, Young Life, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and numerous church and school events.

What a career it has been for Smith, who has long had the support of his wife, Lana, and their daughters Brittany, Brooke and Paige. Their high school and college sports have been his favorite to watch.

“I’m so glad I came to Missouri,” Smith said. “I love our community. I’m blessed. God has given me opportunities to serve and a job that has been incredibly rewarding with friendships all over mid-Missouri. It’s been a great ride. I’m so thankful and blessed.”