FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CALLS KEN DEMENT

Former Southeast Missouri State University All-American Kenneth Dement has received the highest honor for college football.

On Thursday, Dement was one of six former collegiate standouts named for enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.

"He's really tickled. It's just a nice honor for him," said his son Jerry Dement, head football coach at Cape Central High School and a former Southeast football player himself.

Kenneth Dement was an offensive and defensive tackle for the Indians from 1951-54. He received three All-American honors after his senior season, including being named to the Associated Press Little All-America team. He was drafted by the New York Giants but instead fulfilled a commitment to the Marine Corps and later became an attorney.

Dement said his father was known for playing all 60 minutes of a game at Southeast.

"He really loved the game of football and it showed in his playing style. He taught us all to work as hard as you can in whatever you do and don't offer any excuses. And that's rewarded him in his personal and professional life."

Dement said his father, who currently lives in Sikeston, always loved to play football for Southeast and represent the University.

"This is a nice reward for those efforts," said Dement.

Kenneth Dement and the other players, along with three former coaches, will be enshrined during ceremonies at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., Aug. 14-15.

He plans on making the trip and will accompanied by his family.

"We're proud for him as a family," said Jerry Dement. "There's been a lot of great of great football players at Southeast. We're pleased for him to get this honor."