Drury University Athletics

 A leader on the Drury campus and a leader in the city of Springfield until his death, Jim Ewing graduated from Drury with a major in economics on June 6, 1938. He was one of the best all-around athletes to play for Drury and legendary Panther coach, A.L. Weiser. A standout in baseball, basketball and track, Jim Ewing came to Drury from Springfield Senior High School. Upon his graduation from Drury he pursued a coaching career and was the head coach for the 1941 Senior High School basketball team that finished second in the state. He is known as the Father of modern-day Springfield sports, having served as Springfield Parks Superintendent for 35 years.