Truman State University Athletics

Ralph Stickler was a versatile athlete at the university in the late teens of this century, perhaps one of the most versatile athletes to set foot on a Bulldog athletic field or court. He competed in football, basketball, baseball and tennis and his nickname was "Stick". According to the university yearbooks at that time, he was known in football for his long, high kickoffs and his great speed in covering punts. He played the end position in football. The yearbook commented that in basketball he was noted for "sticking" to his man. He was described as a fighter and a prominent part of the floor game. In baseball he was a dependable outfielder. However, he was injured the day before the 1919 season opener. He was also president of the tennis club. At the time, he was the only man in school to win letters in four different sports. After graduation in 1920 with a B.S.E. degree, he served as principal of Shelbina High School. Then he left that job to attend medical school at Washington University in St. Louis graduating with an M.D. degree in 1926. Dr. Stickler joined the staff of Grim-Smith Hospital in Kirksville in the mid-1920's and became part owner of Ellis-Stickler Hospital in the late 1920's. He became full owner of the hospital in the 1930's and the name was changed to Stickler Hospital. He continued his medical practice until his retirement in 1972 because of bad health. Dr. Stickler had a keen interest in horse shows and local athletics. Many people believe that Dr. Stickler did more to promote Kirksville area sports than anyone. He also sponsored teams in various sports in the community and was instrumental in the creation of Stickler Park.