Truman State University Athletics

Don Vail was born and raised in Kirksville, but he spent several years in northern Iowa during his youth. He was a four-year letterman in football and track from 1924-27. He played football under H. L. "Curly" McWilliams and Don Faurot. Coach Faurot described Mr. Vail as an outstanding all-around athlete, who took his athletic endeavors very seriously. However, although he was quick in the first few steps, his overall speed was not that good, according to Faurot. He was a fine guard, according to Coach Faurot, and he was a unanimous selection to the All-Conference team in 1926. He was a weight man on the track team and was captain of the 1927 team. In 1927 he and his wife, Gail, were the first married couple on campus to graduate. Also in 1927 he went to West Plains, Mo. to coach football, track and basketball for four years. He also taught industrial arts. Then Mr. Vail moved to Harlan, Iowa to teach industrial arts and coach these same sports. e was there for six years. In 1937 he left the field of education to go into farming at Sheffield, Iowa and lived there until the Vails moved back to Kirksville in 1952. Mr. Vail farmed in Adair County until his retirement in 1965. He was a member of the Farm Bureau in Sheffield and active in the Methodist Church throughout his life. He always loved to work with young shot put and discus throwers. Mr. Vail died in 1984.