Leonard “Big Dog” Mershon went on to great heights after attending Lincoln from 1946-to-1950. After receiving his master’s from Washington University, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Mershon was recognized as an All-American in football, while also garnering All-Conference selection during that time. He was also an assistant track and field coach from 1949-50.
After being an assistant track coach, Mershon went on to teach in a variety of areas, becoming a teacher of biology, health and physical education and Director of Athletics at Franklin High School in St. Charles, MO. Mershon was a Research Field Director at Washington University and was also an Assistant District Director for the Boy Scouts of America. Mershon continued to gain experience with high schools, becoming an Administrative Assistant at Beaumont High School, he was also an Assistant Principal of Beaumont, Roosevelt, McKinley, and Southwest High Schools. Mershon also spent a great deal of time in the St. Louis community, becoming the Director of the St. Louis Reading Improvement Program, the St. Louis Facilitator Supervisor of Area II High Schools.
Mershon gained many awards and achievements including, being chosen to the Black All-American Football Team sponsored by Fay Younge Chicago Defender and Bill Nunn Pittsburg Courier, Outstanding Achievement Award, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inductee, Greater St. Louis Athletic Association and the John Krey Stephen Award, Service to African American Youths among other awards.
