Finalists set. Now it's time for the Semoball Awards

You've read about it. Heard about it on the radio. Maybe you or your son or daughter was named a finalist for an award. Now we are less than two weeks from the Semoball Awards.

This inaugural event at the Show Me Center will be first-class and fun. On June 21, Semoball.com, its sponsors and promotional partner SEMO ESPN Radio will recognize more than 160 athletes and coaches for excellence on the field and court and their work in the classroom.

The keynote speaker is Baseball Hall of Fame member Ozzie Smith. For Cardinals fans, there are not too many people more exciting than Smith. His thrills at the plate and Gold Glove-winning defense earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame and the gratitude of Cardinals Nation.

All the finalists have been notified, and the remaining finalists will be announced in Tuesday's newspapers and online at semoball.com. You also can listen to SEMO ESPN Radio for commentary.

This has been an exciting opportunity for Semoball. Athletes have long days -- full of school, practice and other activities. And while it's not the most important thing in life, sports do teach many good principles that will benefit the students throughout their lives.

Semoball.com is the area's top website for local sports. The five daily newspapers from the area contribute content, including the Daily American Republic, Standard Democrat, Daily Statesman, the Daily Dunklin Democrat and the Southeast Missourian.

We appreciate all the support from sponsors, including presenting sponsor SoutheastHEALTH and title sponsors First Midwest Bank, the Harry Blackwell Family of Dealerships, Technomad and the St. Louis Cardinals. Thank you to the other leading businesses that have helped make this first-class night possible.

A few VIP tickets remain as well as general banquet tickets. They may be purchased online at semoball.com/awards.

Again, a job well done to each of the finalists and all the athletes who make high school sports exciting to watch.