Lincoln University of Missouri Athletics

A four-year starter on Lincoln's football team, Ronald A. Copes helped the Blue Tigers win 18 games playing on both offense and defense from 1959-62. As a senior, Copes led LU to the MWAA championship, earning all-conference first team distinction in the process. Copes played on the offensive line and was a standout defensive player, playing both defensive end and defensive tackle and calling all of the defensive signals.
 
Beyond his success on the football field, Copes was also an outstanding student at Lincoln, serving as the Student Government Association President and earning a commission as a second lieutenant after serving in LU's ROTC for four year. Copes, who served two tours in Vietnam and earned the Silver Star, is also a member of Lincoln's ROTC Hall of Fame.