Truman State University Athletics

Martin Rohde, a native of West Plains, Mo., played football and ran track for the Bulldogs between 1931-35. As a halfback, he possessed outstanding speed and was a hard runner for tacklers to bring down. Martin was a first team All-MIAA selection in 1933 and 1934 and was honorable mention All-State in 1934. As a member of the Bulldog track team he recorded impressive times of 9.6 in the 100-yard dash and 21.0 in the 220-yard dash. After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri and was on the Don Faurot coaching staff. Then he went to Mt. Vernon, Mo. High School for two years to coach all sports, followed by three years at Lamar, Mo. where he coached football and track. He moved to Neosho, but his career was interrupted by military service in the Navy during World War II. Mr. Rohde returned to Neosho after the war. In 1947 he moved to Pittsburg, Kan. to serve as football and track coach. He continued in this capacity until heart problems in 1969 forced him to drop coaching duties and serve as a classroom teacher. Four years later, he was appointed athletic director at Pittsburg and served in that capacity until his death in 1974.