Lincoln University of Missouri Athletics

In 1946, Olenda Knowles enrolled at Lincoln University was a member of the basketball and track teams throughout his college career. Knowles was also active in all areas of track and field, competing in the 220 relays, hurdles, high jump and broad jump. He took home first place in the 120-yard high hurdles and 220-yard low hurdles. By the time he graduated in 1950, he had received a letter in both track and basketball.

Following graduating, Knowles went to work at a Defense Mapping Agency as a cartographic aide. He compiled maps for our military ground forces, and was later promoted to Chief of the Production Management Office, which allocated projects to the various divisions in the Kansas City-based office. In addition to his career with the agency, Knowles also volunteered in the community, including teaching simple math to clients of Crosslines, being a Director of Volunteers for the Boy’s Club in Kansas City and coaching the Bitty Boys basketball team.

After retiring from the Defense Mapping Agency, he went on to teach in the Kansas City school district for twelve years.