Missouri State

MARGARET PUTNAM
Coach, Physical Education
Instructor, 1931-63
Inducted May 3, 1981

Margaret Juliette Putnam, a native of Marionville and a former basketballer at Marionville High and Northwest Missouri State, came to the Missouri State faculty in 1930. A graduate of Northwest Missouri, she received her masters degree from Columbia and in the early 1930’s coached MSU women in field hockey, basketball, tennis, softball and swimming. Competition at that time consisted of play days, during which different area colleges would send groups of athletes to compete in several sports on the same day. Putnam sponsored the MSU Physical Education Majors Club, the Women’s Athletic Association, and the intramural program. Dr. Wynn notes, "Margaret Putnam's contributions are perhaps most significant in the value she instilled in those with whom she taught. Many of her former students and athletes are currently involved in coaching or some phase of athletics."