Honoring a man

John Gratton stood for strength, endurance and leadership.
All of which several men carry with them still today.

The Drexel High School football field has a name. Not just any old name though, a name many intend to honor into the future of Drexel football. Gratton Field. John Gratton was a teacher for the Drexel School District beginning in 1965, teaching many students the fundamentals of a fine education. His teachings didn’t just play out in the classrooms, but rather onto the football field as well. Known as the “Father of Football,” Coach Gratton brought the game to light for the first time in this small country town in 1966. In 1974, just eight short years later, he led the squad to second best in the State of Missouri. His legacy shall live on... and will. With the same hard work and encouragement Gratton had for his teams, a Memorial Committee had for him. After months of preparation and endurance, the official dedication to honor the late Coach John Gratton took place last Friday evening at the field. Many past players and students of Gratton, pictured above, including his family, attended the historical event. They were: left to right, Don Wheeler, David Wheeler, Darren Kearns, Roger Raffety, Ken Wells, Steve Calhoun, Steve Mills, Alan Gammon, David Harris, Wilburn Harris, Lee Glaze, Rick Allen, Randy Hocker, Carl Brown, Bill Hocker, Wayne Harris, Aaron Cook, David Wells, Bryon Cook, and Nick Minks. Also pictured, a teary-eyed Susan Gratton, John’s wife, sees the memorial for the first time after she unveils it. Photos by Stacy Rice