Missouri State

GORDON WARDELL
Football and Track, 1927-30
Inducted October 8, 1977

Gordon "Hollywood" Wardell came to Missouri State after winning prep fame as "The Dadeville Flash" and went on to become a two-sport Bruin standout, winning four letters in football and three in track between 1927 and 1930. He was a versatile track performer for the Bears, and was a consistent point winner as a sprinter, hurdler, and broad jumper. He piled up numerous dual meet wins in both hurdle races for the Bears throughout his career and was a consistent scorer in MIAA competition. He was the winner of the MIAA broad jump in 1929 and was the Bear’s track captain in 1930. Wardell was also a running back and quarterback in football and was one of the club’s leading ground gainers during his career. He was a member of the MIAA co-championship in 1928 and also showed his versatility on the gridiron, working as a passer, receiver, rusher, kick return man, and defensive back.