Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1996
Harold Loughary attended MSU from 1946-50, where he was a two-sport letterman in basketball and baseball. However, Loughary almost did not make it to MSU.
Loughary was from a smalltown in Caledonia, Mo., and the travel to MSU seemed just too far. However, Johnny Reagan, who was athletic “superstar” from that area, influenced Loughary to attend MSU.
“I was a little country boy who hadn’t been away from home,” Loughary said. “There were only 14 people in my high school graduating class. I was a homebody and didn’t know many people.”
Loughary made his decision and was off to Murray, where he would be attending school on a basketball scholarship. During his days on the court he was known for his energetic, scrappy style of play, and was second on the team in scoring in 1950, his senior season.
Though Loughary was good in basketball, he truly excelled in baseball.
“I was on a basketball scholarship and I went out for baseball because I liked the game,” he said. “I had some successful years. I played basketball and baseball with Johnny Reagan for two years.”
Loughary played many positions, but his favorite was shortstop. He became so good at baseball that after his senior season, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played minor league ball in their organization for several years.
Loughary graduated with a degree in agriculture and physical education, and after his stint with the Cardinals, became a teacher and a coach. Today, Loughary is retired and lives in Bismarck, Mo.
“My experience with athletics at Murray State gave me a livelihood that was very respectable,” Loughary said. “It gave me contact with other people and I got a very education.” (The Murray State News, October 4, 1996, Staff Report)
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