Inductees

Herschel Neil’s nod for his all-around excellence as an athlete came unfortunately 10 years after his death. In 1936, he earned All-America recognition when he set NCAA records in the triple jump. He also won the 100-yard dash in 1936 in both the Kansas and Drake Relays and later was a Drake Relays’ Hall of Fame selection.

Neil was born in Gentry County, Missouri, and graduated from Grandview High School. As a student, he had already proven his ability as a track athlete by winning five individual Missouri High School State Championships. Later, he was the NCAA record holder in the Triple Jump and had 17 individual MIAA conference titles. He also achieved eight school records while attending Northwest and obtained NCAA All-American in 1936 and 1937. Additionally, he was a two-time AAU National Champion.

Neil had hoped to be on the U.S Olympic team in 1936 but only placed fourth in the Olympic trials, because one of his long jumps was disqualified. He was proud, however, to travel with the team to Berlin, anyway, and see his competitor, Jesse Owens, score not only points for the United States but also against the Nazi Party ideology.