Bio
Harold Oetting graduated from St. Charles (Missouri) High School in 1958 and subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University and a master's degree from the University of Central Missouri. He was employed at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri, for 36 years (1966 - 2002). He started the college baseball program and served as Head Baseball Coach from 1967 - 1969. He also served as the Assistant Basketball Coach during the same period. He was Jefferson's first Athletic Director. He was inducted into the Jefferson College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Jefferson College Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Harold helped organize the Midwest Community College Athletic Conference and served as President or Vice President from 1972 - 2002. He chaired or served on numerous committees, including the Executive Committee, at the national level with the National Junior College Athletic Association. He served NJCAA Region 16 as Assistant Director or Director from 1972 - 2006. He was named NACDA Athletic Director of the Year in 2001-2002 and was selected as Outstanding Educator of the Year by American Colleges and Universities. He also received the NJCAA Service Award.
Harold served his community of Festus actively with the City Council, School Board, Little League Baseball Program, Police Personnel Board, Chamber of Commerce, and more. He served a four-year term as Mayor of Festus and was named Citizen of the Year in 1997.
Harold officiated high school football, basketball, baseball and volleyball for more than 40 years. He officiated junior college and college basketball for 31 years. His expertise was at such a level that he was chosen to officiate the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1988 and 1989.
Harold Oetting is known widely a "Gentleman's Gentleman." His contributions to Jefferson College, NJCAA, NJCAA Region 16, Festus, Missouri, and humanity are enormous.