Jan. 20, 2004

St. Louis, Mo. - Missouri Tiger head football coach Gary Pinkel will present sophomore quarterback Brad Smith with the Amateur Athlete Award at the 52nd annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Sports Celebrity Dinner, presented by Allegiant Bank, on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The award is given each year to a male and a female college/amateur athlete with achievements in athletics as well as academics. This year's female honoree is Jennifer Kypta of Maryville University.

Smith, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, is one of the most exciting and versatile young players in all of college football. In his record-setting freshman year in 2002, Smith made history by becoming only the second player in Div. 1-A history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season. In 2003, he led Mizzou to bowl eligibility for the first time since 1998.

"It's an honor for me to be recognized by the St. Louis sports community and the National MS Society," said Smith.

The MS Sports Celebrity Dinner, St. Louis' premier sports dinner, benefits the National MS Society, Gateway Area Chapter and includes a silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind autographed sports memorabilia and entertainment packages, and a dinner awards presentation honoring the accomplishments of amateur and professional athletes from the St. Louis sports scene, as well as the leadership efforts of individuals associated with the St. Louis sports community. A committee of local sports media, professional sports representatives and corporate executives nominate and select the honorees. Dan Dierdorf will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the awards presentation.

Other awards to be presented during the 52nd annual MS Sports celebrity Dinner include:

*The "Bob Burnes Spirit of St. Louis Award" - given to a person who has dedicated years of service toward excellence and celebration of sports in St. Louis.

*The "Jack Buck Media Award" recognizes excellence in sports reporting - writing or broadcasting.

*The "Sam Muchnick Sportsman Award" is given to a person whose business leadership and spirit make a meaningful difference within the St. Louis sports community.

*The "Morris Henderson Award for Outstanding High School Athlete" " recognizes local high school athletes for achievements in both athletics and academics.

*The "Alumni Athlete Award" is given to a former professional St. Louis athlete that still makes St. Louis their home and continues to provide community support.

Ticket and reservations, table sales and sponsorship information is available by calling 1-800 FIGHT MS or (314) 781-9020.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Its unpredictable symptoms can range from fatigue, numbness in the limbs, to more severe conditions such as loss of vision or paralysis, which come and go without warning or pattern. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50; however, the physical and emotional effects are life-long. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be determined, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

The Gateway Area Chapter supports local and national research initiatives, and offers direct programs and services to more than 5,000 people living with multiple sclerosis - as well as 35,000 others indirectly affected by this disease - in a 90-county service area covering the eastern half of Missouri and the southern third of Illinois. For more information on MS, the National MS Society and the Gateway Area Chapter, please call 1-800-FIGHT MS or (314) 781-9020, visit online at www.gatewaymssociety.org.