Mark Schlereth to give keynote at Semoball Awards

If you're a sports fan and listen to any sports talk shows on the radio or if you watch NFL shows on ESPN, you're probably already familiar with Mark Schlereth.

He's a big, burly man. A former offensive lineman. A Super Bowl Champ. A former Pro Bowler. He's even played a role as a detective on a soap opera and created his own line of chili. He's a man's man, a tough guy.

But he has a softer, intellectual and emotional side, too.

Schlereth will be the keynote speaker Saturday at the third annual Semoball Awards, the event our newspaper and other media outlets put on to recognize the best high school athletes in all of Southeast Missouri.

In addition to Schlereth's on-the-field accolades, he's a wonderful communicator, having written a book and a regular sports column, and embarked on a career in sports talk. On Saturday, Schlereth will speak to athletes and guests about his trials and tribulations as an athlete and person. It's sure to inspire others.

Affectionately known as "Stink", and having come from Alaska, Schlereth, who played 156 NFL games before retiring in 2001 after his 29th surgery, shares a message of perseverance and faith. He will speak about friendships, team stories, overcoming obstacles and pursuing not just his football dreams, but preparing for life beyond football.

The message surely will resonate with the athletes.

But the event is not just for athletes.

Tickets are available for the general public and can be purchased at awards.semoball.com.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a red-carpet welcome. The show starts at 7 p.m.

The show and speaker would not be possible without presenting sponsor SoutheastHEALTH and title sponsors First Midwest Bank, Athlon Sports, SEMO ESPN Radio, the St. Louis Cardinals, rustmedia and five daily newspapers from Southeast Missouri.

We hope to see you Saturday at the Semoball Awards show. It promises to be another outstanding event.