[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 21 (Monday, February 4, 2019)]
[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.

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