Oct. 25, 2007
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri Department of Athletics will pay tribute to former football coach Larry Smith by holding a Smith-era reunion this weekend in Columbia, in conjunction with the 13th-ranked Tigers' football game against Iowa State.
Smith coached at Mizzou for seven seasons (1994-2000) and won 33 games in his time on the sideline at MU. His top years came in back-to-back seasons, when Smith's Tigers made consecutive bowl appearances, going 7-5 overall in 1997 and 8-4 in 1998. Mizzou closed the 1998 season with a win over West Virginia in the Insight.com Bowl, marking the school's first bowl win since 1981.
Plans for the reunion include a reception Friday evening followed by a pre-game tailgate function Saturday prior to the MU-ISU game. The group will be recognized at halftime of the game.
Just a few of the former Tiger players set to join in on the reunion include: Maurice Benson, Darryl Chatman, Brian Cracraft, Steve Erickson, Steve Haag, Craig Heimburger, Ron Janes, Antwan Johnson, Corby Jones, Travis McDonald, Jeff Marriott, Mike Morris, Jay Murchison, Todd Neimeyer, Barry Odom, Brock Olivo, Harold Piersey, Andre Roberson, David Rowe, Michael Washington and Justin Wyatt, among many others. Several former coaches who patrolled the sidelines with Smith are also scheduled to be in town, including Moe Ankney and John Hoke.
Smith currently lives in Tucson, Ariz., with his wife, Cheryl.