The Cape Girardeau City Council gave initial approval to renaming Bellevue Street in front of Houck Field to “Smallwood-Williams Way.” The City Council is expected to take final action on Nov. 20.

“Smallwood-Williams Way” recognizes two former Southeast Missouri State University graduates and Southeast Missouri Athletics Hall of Famers who made considerable contributions to the athletic success of the University and paved the way for countless student-athletes who followed them. The street would rename the existing section of Bellevue Street from Houck Field to Pacific Street.

Honoring Walter Smallwood

Walter Smallwood is one of the first African Americans to play football and to receive an athletic scholarship at SEMO. He was a two-time All-MIAA selection in football, and he was the MIAA 60-meter champion in track. Smallwood holds Southeast's all-time record for most rushing touchdowns in a game (5). He also ranks second among the school's single-season touchdown leaders with 16 in 1968. Smallwood still holds Southeast's career record with 36 rushing touchdowns. Smallwood held the school’s career rushing record for nearly 30 years until 1994. After graduating from SEMO, Smallwood had a long career as an educator. He was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

Honoring Curtis Williams

Curtis Williams grew up in Cape Girardeau and graduated from Cape Central High School. He was one of the first African American student-athletes to receive an athletics scholarship at SEMO. He lettered four years in track and three years in basketball. Williams was named the Most Valuable Player in basketball during the 1967 season. He was the MIAA champion in the high jump, triple jump and long jump. He set multiple school conference records in basketball and track. After graduating SEMO, Williams had a long career as an educator teaching physical education. He was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

“SEMO is a university proud of its history. Especially during this sesquicentennial celebration year, I am pleased to recognize these two trailblazers,” said Dr. Carlos Vargas, Southeast Missouri State University President. “Their contributions to SEMO’s athletic success are very much still evident with some records still standing. But more importantly, they ushered in a new era in the University’s history as some of the first African American students to attend SEMO and to receive athletic scholarships. We honor their efforts and the legacy their actions had for those who followed.”

Vargas said he was appreciative of the City Council’s support in highlighting these graduates. Both men will be honored during the halftime show this weekend at the Nov. 4 SEMO football game against Robert Morris. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.