KERMIT KING
1915-2003
Inducted – 2002

Born and raised in New York City, Kermit Clifford King came to Kansas in 1933 to attend school at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg. In the sport of track and field, King never lost a long jump competition in 30 meets, never lost an event in dual meets or in a conference meet where he won 11 consecutive individual titles. King just missed qualifying for the 1936 Olympic Team when the sixth and final jump by a competitor knocked him from a qualifying position. He was the USA champion and ranked second in the world behind Jesse Owens in 1937. King also won the NCAA title in 1937, as well as AAU and Pan American titles. He still holds the long jump record of 25-10 ½ at Pittsburg State. After making his mark at Pittsburg State as an athlete, King went on to a distinguished international career in higher education. The PSU Meritorious Achievement Award was presented posthumously to him in 2003. Born New York City, New York. Died August 30, 2003 – Washington, D.C. Graduated Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, 1937; MS – Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, 1938.