Bio

S. Greg Purdum made in impact on Missouri Valley College athletics across parts of three decades. As a student-athlete, Purdum was a four-year letter winner for the Viking football program playing on the offensive line. A three-year starter, Purdum was a first team all-conference selection and a first-team all-district 16 choice. Playing from 1973-1976, he helped the football program to a record of 35-5-2, winning three Heart of America Athletic Conference championships and advancing to the 1974 NAIA Division II National championship game. In addition to his success on the field, Purdum was a four-year member of the V-Club and a four-year member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduating from Missouri Valley with a bachelor's degree in physical education and education in 1977, Purdum started his career as a teacher and coach. He spent 27 years working in high school education and coaching, and won a state football championship at Enid (Okla.) High School in 1983. Purdum returned to Missouri Valley, as a member of the Viking football staff, and took over the head coaching duties in 1991. Over the next five seasons, Purdum compiled a record of 31-19-1, including a conference championship and National postseason appearance in 1994. He served as Missouri Valley College athletic director, overseeing a department that produced nearly 70 all-Americans and National tournament bids from multiple programs.

Recently, Purdum has been involved with the Professional Indoor Arena team, where he served as the offensive line coach for the program at the 2016 World Championships.

Purdum credits his coach, Ken Gibler, as someone who greatly influenced him during his time at Missouri Valley. Purdum said he always tried to give his players the same Missouri Valley experience that Gibler gave him, and that looking back and seeing his student-athletes, he believes he was successful in achieving that goal.