Austin Peay State University Athletics

Joe Neil Grisham was an outstanding two-sport athlete between the 1955-57 campaigns after transferring from Itawamba Junior College (Fulton, Miss.). In football, the Rogersville, Alabama, native, played both end and punter and was named All-Volunteer State Athletics Conference in 1956. He was named the team’s MVP that season and also earned the Russell Award, presented for leadership, scholarship and athletic ability. In track Grisham set a school record in both the 440-yard dash and the javelin. He was the anchor on the mile relay and also ran the 220-yard dash. In 1956-57, Grisham received the Joy Award, symbolic of Austin Peay’s outstanding senior athlete. Following his collage career, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and by the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. He signed with the Clots and was the last player cut in preseason. After his brief pro career, Grisham returned to Clarksville and completed his bachelor’s requirements before spending five years as assistant manager at Parks-Belk. He for many years worked at Acme Boot Co., first in the credit department and then as assistant director of purchasing. Later he served as manger of the purchasing department at the Acme Boot Co.