Phillips, O.B.

O.B. Phillips is credited for starting a track & field dynasty at Tyndall High School in the 1920’s. He was the track & field coach at Tyndall from 1919-31 as well as serving as superintendent. He had previously been superintendent at Alexandria.
Despite having only a little over 100 students in high school, Tyndall did very well in track & field. During that time all schools competed in one class. Tyndall was the state track & field champions in 1922, 1923,1924 and was runners-up in 1928 and 1930. They finished third in 1921, sixth in 1920, and eighth in 1926 and 1931. His 1922 half mile relay team set a new state record of 1:36 3/5.
Phillips was known as a track & field expert but was also recognized by the South Dakota Activities Association as the absolute leader in South Dakota debate.