Hall of Fame Inductee - Ray Watson

As a youth, Ray Watson encountered more than his share of bad luck. He lost his right hand and suffered from a variety of ailments, but none could break his spirit. After graduating from Quincy High, Watson attended Kansas State University and went on to become the most decorated track and field performer in the school's history. He became K-State's first NCAA champion, winning the one mile run. Watson represented the United States Olympic squad in 1920, 1924 and again in 1928. In the 1920 Olympic games Watson ran in the 3000 meter steeplechase, finishing seventh. He returned four years later and ran in the 1500 meter event. His Olympic career was capped of in 1928 with a seventh place finish in the 800 meter event. Watson returned to Quincy and enjoyed 40 years as a teacher and coach in the Quincy school system where he specialized in math and chemistry. During those four decades Watson influenced the lives of many young people. He is fondly remembered today as the founder of the Quincy Relays. Ray Watson was an NCAA champion, a three time Olympic participant --- but never made the track team at Quincy High.