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Roger Wehrli as he appeared in the “Pacesetters”
section of the 1969 Savitar. Photo courtesy of
University Archives
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Wehrli
Chosen for Hall of Fame
Former Tiger All-American to be inducted
this December
Former University of Missouri standout Roger Wehrli has been
chosen as one of 13 individuals who will be inducted into the
College Football Hall of Fame, the National
Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced on
March 24.
A consensus All-American defensive back in 1968, Wehrli led
the nation with 40 punt returns for 478 yards while leading
Mizzou with seven interceptions. To cap off an 8-3 season, Wehrli
had a decisive interception to help lead the Tigers to a 35-10
victory over Alabama in the Gator Bowl. A Senior Bowl participant
in 1968, he was later named to the 50-Year Anniversary All-Senior
Bowl Team in 1999.
Named Big Eight Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1968,
Wehrli twice earned All-Conference first team honors. A charter
member of the MU Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame (1990),
Wehrli holds school records for career punt returns (92), and
yards gained on punt returns in a game (156), season (478) and
career (1,062).
A first round NFL Draft choice by the St. Louis Cardinals in
1969, Wehrli played 14 years in the professional ranks, earning
Pro Bowl recognition seven times.
No. 23 Wehrli was the nation's
leading punt returner in 1968. Photo courtesy of the
Savitar and University Archives
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Joining Wehrli as part of the 2003 College
Football Hall of Fame Class include players Ricky Bell (USC),
Murry Bowden (Dartmouth), Tom Brown (Minnesota), Jimbo Covert
(Pittsburgh), Jerry LeVias (SMU), Billy Neighbors (Alabama),
Ron Pritchard (Arizona State), John Rauch (Georgia), Barry Sanders
(Oklahoma State) and Joe Theismann (Notre Dame). Also going
in this year as coaches are Doug Dickey (Tennessee and Florida)
and Hayden Fry (SMU, North Texas State and Iowa).
The 2003 College Football Hall of Fame class will be inducted
at the 46th Annual Awards Dinner on December 9, 2003, at the
Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. They will be officially enshrined
at the Hall in South Bend, Ind., in 2004.
Wehrli will become the 13th person with ties to Mizzou to be
inducted into the College Hall of Fame. He will join standouts
Bill Roper (Coach, 1951), Paul Christman (Quarterback, 1960),
Don Faurot (Coach, 1961), Bob Steuber (Halfback, 1971), James
Phelan (Coach, 1973), Ed “Brick” Travis (Tackle,
1974), Darold Jenkins (Center, 1976), Frank Broyles (Coach,
1983), John Waldorf (Official, 1984), Dan Devine (Coach, 1985),
Johnny Roland (Halfback, 1998) and Kellen Winslow (Tight End,
2002).
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Last Update:
March 12, 2007
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