Marvin Red O'Dell

O'Dell was a four year letterman for the Lions from 1976-79 where the Lions won 90 games in his four seasons. A two-time All-CSIC first-team selection, Red was an All-Area and All-American selection in 1978 and helped lead the Lions to a 24-16 record.

O'Dell holds the record for most walks in a season with 83 free passes in 1979 and his on base percentage of .557 that season is fourth all-time. He twice stole three bases in a game which is third all-time and led the team with 30 stolen bases in 1979 which is third all-time. He ranks fifth all-time in career stolen bases with 53 and led the team with 52 runs scored in 1979. A defensive standout, O'Dell made only three errors in three years in center field for the Lions.

Red graduated from Southern in 1980 with a degree in Physical Education and was later selected to play on an NAIA All-Star team that toured the Far East and played US Army baseball teams. He went on to teach in both the Carthage and Kansas City school districts, as well as Cotulla, Texas. O'Dell has also worked in parks and recreation, as well as serving as a course superintendent and greens keeper at Center Creek Golf Course near Sarcoxie.

O'Dell is currently self-employed and resides in Carthage.