Show-Me Bowls Move To Various Venues,Thanks To COVID-19

By ERIC X. VICCARO

eviccaro@stegenherald.com

COLUMBIA — The Missouri State High School Activities Association announced on Sept. 28 that Show-Me Bowl state championship games won’t be played at the University of Missouri.

“Due to venue usage conflicts with Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, MSHSAA will use three high schools in mid-Missouri to host the 11-man football games,” the state association said in a statement.

This is another byproduct of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic era.

“It’s no surprise,” said Ste. Genevieve R-II school district athletic director Dr. Jeff Nix. “We’re used to luxuries, like seeing the state championship at the University of Missouri.

“But that’s been taken away, and that’s disappointing for the athletes and the coaches,” Nix added.

Nix was the head junior varsity football coach at Ste. Genevieve when the Dragons reached the Class 3 Show-Me Bowl in 2003.

That game took place at the Edward Jones Dome, the one time home of the National Football League’s Rams.

Harrisonville blanked Ste. Genevieve, 35-0, and the Dragons lost key running back Adam Schwent to a knee injury on the opening kickoff, said reported former Ste. Genevieve Herald sports editor Michael Boyd.

Nix said the MSHSAA went out and found the best possible facilities available.

Show-Me Bowl games will be contested at Jefferson City, Helias Catholic and Blair Oaks, who Valle Catholic recently topped 35-28 in a tussle of top Class 3 powerhouses.

“The location for the state championship is really just a side note,” said Valle Catholic head football coach/athletic director Judd Naeger. “Making the game is special.”

In the press release, MSHSAA noted if Helias, Jefferson City or Blair Oaks advances to the Show-Me Bowl, their contest will take place at one of the other venues.

When both Ste. Genevieve and Valle Catholic won state championships in 1992, both games didn’t take place at the same facility.

Valle Catholic, under then coach John Bacon, walloped Hardin-Central 44-16 at Plaster Stadium on the Missouri State campus in Springfield.

Ste. Genevieve, coached by Bob Stolzer, nipped Bolivar 22-15 at Faurot Field.