Mel Tjeerdsma led the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats from obscurity to glory. His 17 year run as Head Football Coach produced 12 MIAA Conference Championships, 7 Division II National Title Game appearances and 3 Division II National Championships! He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame; one of at least 6 HOFs he is in. In this episode, learn about his early years in coaching high school and small college football, his arrival at Northwest and how he, his coaches and players turned a first year with no wins to a national championship in the fifth year! Great stories from a legendary coach!

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Intro/Outro, Touch Down by Matt Welch, Music Courtesy of Melodie Music, www.melod.ie

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Show-Me Sports Legacies takes a story approach to learning about high school, junior college, D2 & D1 college sports and our beloved professional franchises in Kansas City and St. Louis. We talk to people who have made their mark as coaches, players, scouts and business people after coming from small towns or little known communities or neighborhoods. We talk to people who are seeking to establish their reputation and break into sports career success. With a fan's perspective we look at how to encourage and support people who have that sporting dream.