John. A. Kadlec
Special assistant to the athletic director
Columbia, Mo.
Known as “Mr. Mizzou,” John Kadlec, BS Ed ’51, M Ed ’52, has been a loyal, passionate and dedicated ambassador for MU since 1947, when he came to the University as a football protégé of legendary Coach Don Faurot. As a student-athlete, he lettered from 1948-50 and received All-Conference honors. Since then the St. Louis native has served MU as teacher, coach, administrator, fundraiser and football color analyst. Kadlec began his coaching career in 1951 and coached under Hall of Fame coaches Faurot, Frank Broyles and Dan Devine as well as Tiger legend Al Onofrio. He has had a role in 12 of Missouri’s 24 bowl games as a player, coach, administrator or broadcaster. His many honors include being the recipient of the Don Faurot Distinguished American Award, induction into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996, induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the naming of the football practice fields as the “Kadlec Athletic Fields” also in 2005. A member of the Mizzou Alumni Association, Varsity M Association and Jefferson Club, Kadlec and his wife, Dolly, have four children: Judith; Peggy, BS PA ’76, MS ’78; John; and Joan, and four grandchildren.