Collection Title: Margaret Wade Collection
Collection Number: M105
Inclusive Dates: 1972 – 1985
Bulk Dates: 1974 – 1976
Volume: 1 cu.ft.
Biographical/Historical Sketch:
Lily Margaret Wade proved to be a legend in her own time. She was team captain of Delta State
College’s first female basketball team in 1925. Margaret’s stellar basketball career came to a
screeching halt when the women’s basketball program was eliminated in 1932. Ms. Wade did not
let this setback deter her from her love of the game. She continued her basketball career playing
semi-pro with the Tupelo Red Wings where she served as team captain and ultimately led the
team to the Southern Championship. An unfortunate knee injury ended her playing career after
only two seasons. Margaret Wade knew she would never be separated from the game; she would
just have to engage herself in a different capacity. From this revelation, “Coach Wade” emerged.
She coached high school basketball from 1933 to 1954 after which she went into a five year
retirement.
Coach Wade returned to Delta State College in 1959 as Director of Women’s Physical
Education.In 1973 the women’s basketball program was reinstated at Delta State and Coach
Wade was appointed head coach by President Aubrey Lucas. Under the direction and leadership
of Coach Wade, or “Aunt Maggie” as she is often referred to, along with a starting line up that
included the likes of Lusia Harris (MS Sports Hall of Fame), Debbie Brock, Ramona Von
Boeckman, Wanda Hairston, and Cornelia Ward, the Lady Statesmen won three consecutive
AIAW National Championships breaking the previous record set by DSU’s ultimate rival
Immaculata.
Delta State University rode the Margaret “Wade Wave” until her retirement in 1979. She has left
behind a trailblazing legacy that will never be forgotten: Margaret Wade Trophy created in her
honor awarded to top women’s college basketball player, first woman enshrined in Mississippi
Sport Hall of Fame and Delta State University Hall of Fame, enshrined in Mississippi Coaches
Hall of Fame. Lily Margaret Wade died on February 16, 1995 at age 83; however her name
remains synonymous with the “Rabbit Foot Squad” of DSU.
Scope and Content:
The Margaret Wade Collection contains various items that Coach Wade had accumulated and
retained over the years pertaining to the success of the DSU Women’s Basketball program. The
content is separated into the following series: photographs, clippings, publications, awards, and
miscellaneous papers. The material spans the course of Margaret Wade’s coaching career at
Delta State.
Box Inventory:
Box 1 of 1
Series: Clippings
Folder and Description
1 Clippings/Articles from various publications (undetermined dates)
2 Newspaper/magazine articles spanning from 1972 – 1975
3 Newspaper/magazine articles from 1976
4 Newspaper/magazine articles spanning from 1977 – 1978
5 Newspaper/magazine articles spanning from 1978 – 1980
6 Newspaper/magazine articles spanning 1982 – 1985
Series: Photographs
Folder and Description
7. Photos from 1975 Immaculata Championship game
8. Team/Group photos: 1952-1953 (Bolivar County Champions Delta
Champions, Pat Narron – All State), 1973 – 1977 DSU Basketball Team
9. Photos from various games/tournaments, cheerleaders, players’ action
shots
10 Photos of various banquets, team trip, awards ceremonies
Series: Miscellaneous Papers
Folder and Description
11 Resolutions/Endorsement from MS IHL, legislative resolution commending Lady Statesmen
and Coach Wade, Bolivar County Chamber
of Commerce Resolution, 1995 Resolution of MS Legislature expressing sympathy to Coach
Wade’s loved ones. Resolution from Board of
Supervisors of Bolivar County
12 Miscellaneous papers and programs
Series: Awards
Folder and Description
No folder- Framed award from Mississippi Association for Health, Physical Education, and
Recreation, Special Alumni recognition to Coach Wade
Series: Publications
Folder and Description
13. December, 1984 Edition of Women’s Court Magazine, Basketball, Basketball, Basketball,
Basketball, Basketball by Margaret Wade and Mel Hankinson
END OF DOCUMENT
