Putzer Dayton

Running Back (1985-86)

Putzer Dayton grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, and graduated from St. Mary’s-Colgan High School in 1985.  He rushed for over 4,000 yards and scored 59 touchdowns during his high school career.  He was named All Conference three years and All State two years.  During his senior year, he rushed for 2,178 yards and 34 touchdowns and led his team to the state championship where they remained undefeated.

Following his senior year, he was chosen to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.  He was voted the game’s MVP after rushing for 139 yards and scoring a touchdown.  He set the Shrine Bowl rushing record at the time, which Barry Sanders broke the next year.

As a freshman at CCC, he was voted offensive player of the week against Hutchinson.  He also helped beat Butler County by returning a kickoff 63-yards for a touchdown with no time left on the clock in the Jayhawk Conference playoffs.

During his sophomore year he was voted offensive player of the week against Baker University and Hutchinson.  He was voted player of the week against Pratt where he set a CCC and a National Junior College record by scoring seven touchdowns in a single game, breaking the record held by Mel Gray of Coffeyville and three other California players including O.J. Simpson.  He led the nation in scoring with 19 touchdowns, one away from tying the National Junior College record held by Ron Springs.  He was a unanimous All Conference selection to the first team offense and was co-offensive back of the year for the conference.  He was awarded NJCAA Honorable Mention All American and was voted to play in the First Annual Kansas Jayhawk Community College All Star game.

After the 1986 season, Putzer accepted a scholarship to play at Arkansas State University under Coach Larry Lacewell.  In 1987 ASU made it to the second round of the Division 1-AA playoffs with a record of 8-4-1.  During his senior year, Putzer was named offensive player of the week against Ole Miss after rushing for 128 yards and two touchdowns.  Five games into the season a broken arm ended his college career.

Putzer received a business degree from ASU and now lives in Pittsburg with his wife Michelle and their children, Meaghan 14, and Conner 9.  He is the production manager and part owner of Pittcraft Printing Inc.