written by Jessica Lantz
When my uncle, Jon Lantz, was the head coach at Missouri Southern, he had some special talent playing on his squads. One such young man was Rod Smith-a star wide receiver for the Lions who went on to have quite an illustrious career for the Denver Broncos.
This weekend, Rod was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana and USAToday’s Eddie Timanus featured his rise from high school quarterback to All-American wide receiver in an article regarding the induction(http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2009-07-16-smith-hall-of-fame_N.htm).
While this article focuses on Smith’s football abilities and determination to succeed coming from a Division II football school, what it doesn’t show is his great character. When my uncle passed away two years ago, Rod made it a point to come back to Joplin, Missouri for the services to visit with his former teammates and my family.
It certainly made a positive impression on me!
While I was always a fan because of the family connection, this event gave me a newfound respect for Smith’s character-exactly what my uncle would be proud to have helped foster during his time as Rod’s coach and friend.
You are so right about Rods character. Rod had recently had his hip worked on but still managed to make it hobbling around on crutches.