Noel Sikes

Halfback/Defensive Back (1948-49)

Noel Sikes was an outstanding halfback and defensive back who played for Coffeyville Community College in 1948-49.  His younger brother, Neil Sikes, played for the Red Ravens in 1949-50.

“When you talk to anybody about Coffeyville players in the 1940s, the name Noel Sikes keeps coming up as being one of the best football players this institution ever had,” Dick Foster, for coach of the Ravens, said.

Noel Sikes played high school football in Lubbock, Texas and was recruited by Coffeyville coach Demp Cannon, who played football at Texas Tech in Lubbock.  He offered Noel free tuition and books, and a job so he could pay for his room.

“At that time, Coffeyville didn’t keep extensive records like they do today,” Neil Sikes said.  “If they had, no doubt Noel would have broken the record for rushing yardage, tackles, punt returns and kickoff returns, because he was a threat.”

Noel wasn’t very big - he weighed just 145 pounds - “but he was shifty with great speed,” Neil Sikes added.  Noel was named to the second team All-Conference squad in 1948 and made first team All-Conference in 1949.

After leaving Coffeyville, Noel graduated from Tulsa University with an engineering degree.  He then went on to work many years for the Shell Oil Company, and later was a consultant in the oil business.