A native of Jefferson City, West rushed for 1,848 yards in his Missouri career. He was all-Big Eight Conference in 1960, when the Tigers achieved the first (of two) number-one ranking in school history. He became the first back to lead the team in rushing three straight seasons, and he’s the only Tiger running back to lead MU in total offense three times. West was MU’s top kickoff return man in 1959 and ‘60, averaging more than 33 yards per return. He played in two Orange Bowl games for Dan Devine and was MU’s leading rusher in each. He played professionally with the Boston Patriots and New York Titans of the American Football League. After the end of his professional football career, West returned to Mizzou and earned a master’s degree in education. He moved to Minnesota and was a principal for the Minneapolis Public Schools for 23 years.
