From a tiny Chief to a roaring Tiger
by Lauren Malan, posted Sept. 9, 2009
Kurtis Gregory had always dreamed of playing college football. His dreams came true April 1, 2004, during his junior year of high school when he signed with the University of Missouri.
Gregory’s first look at football was his freshman year at Santa Fe High School in Alma, Mo. Santa Fe is a rural school, averaging about 200 students.
Throughout his high school career he received all state honors twice defensively and three times offensively, and was named Defensive MVP for conference and state.
He played under the direction of Coach David Stuckey his senior year.
“Kurtis never let the fact that he played at a small school stop him from working hard at achieving his goals of playing major college football,” Stuckey said.
Gregory said that throughout his high school career he played many positions, finding himself mainly at right tackle, defensive tackle and defensive end.
Throughout his high school career, Gregory proved himself to be a strong player and a great leader according to former teammates. As a strong lineman, he helped lead his team to a runner-up finish in Class 1 football both his junior and senior years according to records at Santa Fe.
Gregory was contacted by the University of Missouri shortly after his eighth grade graduation, and from then on, he said he would play college ball. Even though Gregory signed with Missouri his junior year, his love for the game still prevailed, and he became an encouraging player according to teammates.
“When I think of playing ball with Kurtis, I think of passion and love of the game,” said Jarod Moenkhoff, high school teammate. “Standing side-by-side to a giant on the right side of the line, I thank God that first, he was on my team and second, a best friend. Kurtis was always first and last out if it was film, lifting, or practice. He has a love for the game, more than most.”
Although Gregory was redshirted his first year, he said that he gained experience on the scouting team and a look at how the program was run through practices.
As the years progressed, Gregory got more experience on the field. After the injury of a teammate his redshirted freshman year, Gregory filled his position at left tackle. Gregory said this gave him valuable time on the field.
In fall 2007 Gregory started his sophomore year as a starting right guard, for which he earned an honorable All-Big 12 mention. He remained right guard throughout his junior year, and was named second team All-Big 12 by coaches.
This year, Gregory has been named one of five captains. Gregory said that they should have a pretty good year.
Gregory will graduate with his Bachelors of Science in General Agriculture in December of 2009. He hopes that his experience with football will get him drafted into the NFL.
When his football career is all said and done, Gregory plans on returning to the family farm where he enjoys spending his time. Until then, Gregory’s focus stays on football. Gregory has high hopes for the season, but he is taking it one game at a time.
