NFL star, ESPN analyst named keynote for Semoball Awards

"It's Your Time." That's the message of this year's Semoball Awards.

Last week we announced former NFL player and now ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth will be the keynote speaker for the third annual Semoball Awards this summer.

The event will be held July 9 at the Southeast Missouri State River Campus. The Semoball Awards are given during the premier awards show for high school sports in Southeast Missouri. It includes a live red carpet radio show, heavy h'dourves, ice sculpture and more.

Schlereth will give a memorable talk this summer. The three-time Super Bowl champion has experience as a player, TV personality, actor, husband and father. He's an entrepreneur and long-time radio host and podcaster. As the father of a professional baseball player, he can relate to parents and their role in sports.

Athletes will learn lessons from a top lineman who played for 12 seasons and won championships.

While these messages are important, we know Schlereth will also talk about character and lessons beyond the game.

Each year the speaker for this event challenges the crowd in attendance. It's about faith, commitment, perseverance and doing your best. Past speakers include congenital quadruple amputee Kyle Maynard and Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch. Both shared stories of perseverance and overcoming critics who doubted their abilities in sport.

Tickets are on sale at semoball.com/awards. On the website you can read about the fall finalists as well as view photos from past awards shows. Winter and spring sport finalists will be announced later, along with athletes and coaches for the top awards. You also can nominate athletes through the website.

Thank you to presenting sponsor SoutheastHEALTH, Official Bank Sponsor First Midwest Bank and title sponsors Athlon Sports, SEMO ESPN Radio and the St. Louis Cardinals.

We are excited for another year of recognizing the top athletes in the area and celebrating sports at the Semoball Awards.