Missouri State retires Dennis Heim's No. 71: 'It blows my mind'

SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds of people walked around Plaster Stadium wearing Monett No. 71 jerseys.

On the back of the jersey, Dennis Heim's name was printed.

Instead of a shirt, Heim's name will forever be enshrined inside Missouri State's football stadium. Heim, a Monett native, became the fifth person to have a jersey retired in Bears history.

During halftime of Missouri State's 48-14 win over Lindenwood, Heim stood with his loved ones at midfield on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Missouri State athletic director Patrick Randell spoke to the crowd about Heim's impact. The former Missouri State player was able to speak to the crowd, too. Heim was honored with a rousing applause from the 12,000 people in attendance.

"It blows my mind, honestly," Heim said. "This is a really big deal, but the outpouring of positive vibes and love from all of these people, it's overwhelming. I'm just so grateful."

See our best photos from Missouri State football vs Lindenwood in Week 2

Heim was a standout player for Missouri State from 1974-77. He still holds the all-time sack record with 41. During his junior season, Heim recorded 16 sacks, which is also a school record.

While he enjoys having the record, Heim wants someone from this modern-day crop of players to take it away from him.

"I've been hoping for a long time that it would," Heim said. "After I graduated, I had no idea that I had the sack record. Back in the 70s, that stuff just wasn't out there as much. At the time, I went out there to play as hard as I could."

After Missouri State's big win, head coach Casey Woods spoke at length about Heim's impact on the university. In Woods' short time in Springfield, he understands how necessary it was to honor a Bear great with this ceremony. 2

"Dennis Heim is an unbelievable ambassador for this place," Woods said. "He is someone that genuinely loves Missouri State. He would go fight for this place. There are not a lot of guys like No. 71."

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Heim is excited for Missouri State's future, he said. He can feel Missouri State football's rise and the momentum behind the program. In the two years at the FBS level, Missouri State has been moving in the right direction.

It's a direction that makes him proud to be a Bear. As Missouri State continues to make history, Heim's number will always be revered in Plaster Stadium.

"For the longest time, I feel like football, perhaps, neglected for a little bit," Heim said. "I'm just ecstatic to see that football has the opportunity to contribute to the rest of the athletic department. As we know, rising tides lift all ships."

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com