Truman State University Athletics

Maurice "Red" Wade, a native of Mountain Grove, Mo., was outstanding halfback at the University of Missouri and University of Tulsa in the early 1940's, performing at Missouri for Don Faurot. He received All-American recognition during his collegiate career. Between 1945-50, Maurice coached football at Central High School in St. Joseph. He became Truman State University's (then Northeast Missouri State College) 11th head football coach in 1951 and held the post for 16 years, the longest tenure for any Bulldog football coach. His teams chalked up a cumulative record of 99-41-2 and were MIAA champions eight times. His 1961 team won the Mineral Water Bowl Game in Excelsior Spring, the first time a Bulldog squad had appeared in postseason competition. Five of Coach Wade's players were named to first All-American teams and a number of other received All-American recognition.