Gray to Play Football at UCM

Smith-Cotton High School senior Beau Gray has accepted academic and athletic scholarships to play football at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

The son of Mindy and Josh Gray, Beau is a two-time letter winner and two-time team captain for the Tigers who also earned Academic All-State honors twice. He was named first team All-District and second team All-Conference in 2024, and honorable mention All-Conference in 2023.

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Beau is a member of the 2024 KMZU Dream Team. He set the S-C single-game passing yards record (313) and single-game total yards record (407) in 2023; he also tied the school’s record for pass completions in a game (20).

S-C Football Head Coach Josh Gray, Beau’s father, said: “Beau has been an instrumental part of our program. We are excited about his opportunity to play at the next level. He will do a great job and make a positive impact on the UCM football program.”

Beau, who primarily played quarterback for the Tigers, said UCM is looking at using him in the defensive backfield as a safety. “When I went on my visit, I sat down with Coach (Josh) Lamberson and he talked about their culture and what they stand for,” Beau said. “It made me feel that was where I wanted to be.”

In the top photo: Smith-Cotton High School senior Beau Gray has accepted athletic and academic scholarships to play football at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Seated with him are his parents, Josh and Mindy Gray; back row, from left, are Smith-Cotton Principal Wade Norton, S-C Assistant Football Coach Zach Thomas, brother Hunter, Assistant Athletic Director Brian Foster and Athletic Director Kyle Middleton.

Below: Smith-Cotton quarterback Beau Gray (5) scans the field for receivers against Warrensburg in the season-opening game for both teams on Aug. 30, 2024.