Northwestern Oklahoma State University

A native of Indiana, Wistar D. Newby became head football coach at Northwestern in 1927 after spending three years as a coach and teacher at Cherokee High School. He remained at Northwestern until 1933 when he accepted a coaching position at Pawhuska High School. He later joined the staff at Northeastern State University and served there from 1936-43. In 1943, Newby returned to Northwestern as a coach and professor. Two years later, he was promoted to athletic director and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1958. Newby is best remembered for his concern in developing and educating young people for adult life and his work in providing Northwestern with modern athletic facilities. During Newby’s tenure as athletic director, the university constructed Percefull Fieldhouse, the school’s basketball arena, and a new, lighted football field. Newby took great pride in the field, spending countless hours grooming the Bermuda grass turf. School officials recognized his work by naming the stadium Newby Field. Following his retirement, Newby was elected mayor of Alva and served until 1963. He died in 1964.