Peggy (Jackson) Cruse
Athlete
Class of 1961
Basketball, Volleyball, Softball
Peggy (Jackson) Cruse was an outstanding athlete who participated and succeeded in eight sports while at McKendree during the 1950s and 60s. She was the champion in badminton for two consecutive years and received intramural trophies in bowling, badminton, archery, table tennis, and shuffleboard. She won the 1960 McKendree College women’s free throw shooting contest with 92 out of 100.
Participating also in volleyball and softball, Peggy’s talents became most well known on the basketball court. She was an outstanding player and was noted for her shooting and dribbling abilities on the Cub Kitten’s basketball team at McKendree. Twice she exceeded 30 points in a game although the women only played 5 or 6 games per year.
In 1961 and 1962, Peggy also played for the “Texas Cowgirls”, who headlined for the Harlem Globetrotter basketball team. She was often chosen as the team representative to participate in blind free throw shooting and dribbling exhibitions. Peggy also played centerfield for the Kassley Aces Softball Team of Maryville from 1962-66.
Bill Garrett, former coach and athletic director from Fairfield, called Peggy “one of the most talented athletes” he had ever seen.
