šš¤Help us congratulate and welcome PC Alum, Mr. Joe McCreary as the 2024 Homecoming Grand Marshal!
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Help us congratulate and welcome PC Alum, Mr. Joe McCreary as the 2024 Homecoming Grand Marshal!
Putnam County High School is proud to announce Mr. Joe McCreary as the 2024 Homecoming Grand Marshal! A true embodiment of Putnam County spirit, Joe's journey from a childhood on a farm north of Unionville to playing college football for the University of Colorado has made him a local legend and a source of pride for our community.
Joe moved to Unionville at 18 months old and has always been proud to call our small town “Hometown USA.” Raised on a farm by his father, Joe learned the value of hard work at an early age, spending time working in hay fields, raising cattle, and enjoying one of his lifelong passions—hunting. His love for agriculture was cultivated through his involvement in 4-H, where he began showing horses at age 5 and competed on the Trap and Shooting teams, continuing through high school. Summer baseball was also a big part of his youth.
At the age of 9, Joe survived a traumatic car accident, breaking every bone in one foot and shattering the other. Doctors feared they would have to amputate his right foot, but thanks to his father's insistence and Joe's resilience, he underwent months of recovery and rehabilitation. He spent time in a wheelchair with leg casts, where he became a mascot at his mother’s nursing home, famous for wheelchair races during the holidays. After many months in casts and leg braces, Joe’s determination allowed him to not only walk again but to thrive in sports.
In high school, Joe was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track. Known for his size and talent, he played offensive and defensive line, taking on every down, including punting and kicking duties. His achievements on the field and in the shot put and discus earned him an 11-time letterman distinction. Joe was named All-State Offensive Tackle and received numerous district and conference honors. He capped his high school career by going undefeated his entire senior year in discus, even winning 1st place at the state meet.
Beyond sports, Joe was deeply involved in student life. He served as a class officer, participated in Student Council, and was a member of the Drama Club, Future Farmers of America, Boys State, and 4-H. One of his proudest achievements was being elected President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for the local chapter and the entire state of Missouri.
Joe's athletic prowess caught the attention of college recruiters, with nearly every school in the Big 8 conference showing interest. In the fall of 1982, a visit from Colorado Buffaloes’ Hall of Fame coach Bill McCartney sealed his future in Boulder. Joe played football for the University of Colorado, a journey filled with challenges, including a knee injury early in his career. However, he became a two-year starter, playing alongside some of the greats and competing in legendary stadiums like Ohio State’s in front of 86,000 people—a far cry from his Unionville roots.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Joe began a successful career in transportation management and sales. His journey took him to California, Idaho, and back to Colorado, where he now resides with his wife, Traci. Together, they have been active in supporting Colorado football, and Joe co-founded Buffs4Life, a nonprofit dedicated to helping former CU athletes.
Despite his life and career taking him across the country, Joe has always remained connected to his Unionville roots. Every summer, Joe and his family spend time at Lake Thunderhead, and they make every effort t
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