CONGRATULATING ROD SMITH ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 21
(Extensions of Remarks - February 04, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING ROD SMITH ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSOURI SPORTS HALL
OF FAME
______
HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 4, 2019
Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rod Smith,
longtime Sports Director at KRCG-TV Jefferson City, for his recent
induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, Rod shared his father's love of
sports, playing baseball, basketball, golf, tennis and even hockey as a
child. In 1985, Rod graduated from Oral Roberts University and started
his career at KRCG. Jefferson City was not on his radar when Rod
graduated, but after attending college in Tulsa and his parents still
living in Chicago it was a good central location. His career at KRCG
started out with reporting the weather and sports on the weekend. He
didn't expect to stay at KRCG forever, but when he met Lana at Capital
City Christian Church everything changed. The two fell in love and
built a life in Jefferson City.
Throughout his three decades of passionately delivering sports news
to Jefferson City residents Rod has become an icon and celebrity in the
local community. He has watched generations of student athletes excel
in their respective sport and has cheered them on with pride. During
this longstanding career he has also had the privilege to cover two
Super Bowls: Rams and Tennessee Titans and Rams and New England
Patriots; World Series games: St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City
Royals; NCAA tournaments; Missouri bowl games; and SEC football games.
Perhaps his best claim to fame in the Midwest is ``Rod's Big ol'
Fish!'' segment that is dedicated to showcasing the many catches from
anglers across the region.
Along with sports broadcasting Rod is known throughout the community
for his many emcee appearances which include fundraisers like the Mid-
Missouri Heart Association Heart Ball, American Cancer Society Relay
for Life, United Cerebral Palsy's ``Wing Ding'' and ``Deal or No
Deal'', and the YMCA and Samaritan Center auctions. The Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, Young Life, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and many other
events also appreciate his energetic and positive energy. In 2018
alone, Rod emceed no less than 35 of the area's fund-raising events. As
an accomplished golfer, Rod has been able to participate in 15 charity
tournaments each year on behalf of KRCG and Naught-Naught Insurance
Agency.
The biggest supporters throughout Rod's longstanding career are his
wife of 31 years, Lana, and daughters, Brittany, Brooke, and Paige.
While his love of sports is evident, Rod's family has unquestionably
been his number one priority and, even with his hectic broadcasting
schedule, he was able to coach all three girls in softball and
basketball. I have no doubt they are as proud of their father today as
he has been of them throughout their lives.
Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating Rod Smith on
his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019. This
milestone is well deserved.
____________________
