Putty Overall was the driving force behind Tech athletics for over five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s. For over 20 years, he coached all of Tech's teams, including football, baseball, and men's basketball. Overall arrived in Cookeville in 1923 to coach the first of 26 football seasons. His best years were 1923 (6-0-1) and 1932 (4-0-3), the only undefeated teams in school history. He stepped down in 1946, but returned in 1952 to lead Tech to its first OVC championship with a 9-2 record. Tech's football field was named in his honor in 1968.