Lamar youth pastor brings the music to Friday night football

LAMAR, MO — For years, you’ve heard of the brotherhood when it comes to Lamar football, but as it turns out, that sentiment goes beyond the lockeroom.

Serving as Lamar football’s DJ, Chris Roth plays a variety of tunes for both players and fans on Friday nights. Roth said the idea of came to him from former head football coach Scott Bailey.

“The sound system wasn’t great back in 2010,” said Roth.

“Scott [Bailey] was trying to get a stronger atmosphere at the games. He called me and asked me to come up and liven up the pregame music,” Roth said.

Roth plays a variety of rock songs from his setup in the end zone, but one fans have come to love is the song “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” by the Hollies. Playing the 1971 classic every week wasn’t initially part of Roth’s plans, but all of that changed in 2012.

“Chad Rice came up to me and said, ‘I’d like you to play this song by the Hollies’. I was like, ‘Are you sure? It doesn’t really sound like a pregame song to me.’ I decided to play it before kickoff that night, and it just stuck,” said Roth.

Beyond the turn tables, Roth spends his time working as a youth pastor. His true joy comes from helping kids and impacting lives.

“One of the things I try to do is immerse myself in the kids culture and be a part of their school and activities,” said Roth.

“There’s no better way to develop relationships than being here on a Friday night and helping out any way I can.”

Lamar senior linebacker T.J. Ansley credited Roth for bringing the energy every game.

“He’s a huge part of our program,” said Ansley.

“We came out here week one and he was gone that week. You really just see how much things change without him there.”

A burden he carries on his shoulders without the pads, Roth said he calls his job a blessing.

“It’s been a blessing to be a part of this. This is kind of the heartbeat of this community, and I really enjoy being a part of it,” said Roth.

The Tigers will be in action on Friday, September 27 against Mt. Vernon at 7:00 p.m.

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