Truman State University Athletics

Don Parsons came to the university in 1953 after an illustrious career at Ottumwa High School in which he captured first-team All-State accolades and helped his team finish second in the state tournament, at a time when Iowa had just one class. Mr. Parsons was a well-conditioned fierce competitor collecting All-MIAA honors twice, 1955-56 and 1956-57, and was the MVP on the All-Conference team in 1956-57. Because of his graceful and swift movements on the basketball court Don Parsons was frequently referred to as the "gazelle" by opposing coach Dr. Ralph Pink, former university faculty member, when he was coaching Southeast Missouri State's team in the 1950's. After graduation in 1957, Mr. Parsons served in the army overseas in Germany and was a member of his command's basketball team. After serving his hitch in the military, he had a tryout with the St. Louis Hawks of the NBA. In 1959 he then taught and coached all sports at Greentop, Mo., until he received a master's degree from the university in 1961. For the next seven years, he was a science teacher and coach at Evans Junior High School in Ottumwa. Since 1968 he has served on the administrative level in the field of education in Ottumwa. Between 1968-72 he was assistant principal at Washington Junior High School. This was followed by 12 years at Walsh Junior High School, which closed in 1983. After that, he was the principal at Eisenhower Elementary School and handled other district-wide duties, including directing the staff wellness program and the K-8 physical education and elementary athletic programs. Mr. Parsons is a member of numerous professional organizations and accreditation committees, including the Ottumwa, Iowa and National Associations of Educational Administrators, Iowa and National Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and 26 years in Phi Delta Kappa.