WRITTEN BY DR. THERON SCHUTTE, SUPERINTENDENT
Along West Main Street, adjacent to Franklin Elementary School, stands a quiet yet powerful monument to Marshalltown’s enduring athletic tradition — Franklin Field. For over a century, this historic venue has echoed with cheers, triumphs, and the footsteps of generations of student-athletes, while symbolizing the collective pride of a town that never stops believing in its youth.
Dedicated on October 21, 1922 — when Marshalltown High School (MHS) celebrated with a decisive 32-0 victory over Grinnell — Franklin Field was born from a community-wide effort. Before its construction, MHS teams played at rented community fairgrounds. The dream of a permanent home became real through the sweat equity of students and the unwavering support of families and citizens.
“Franklin Field is beyond doubt one of the best high school fields in the state,” declared the 1923 Pebbles yearbook. “Much time and effort were put in by the entire student body to raise money and push the project so that in the later years other students might profit from their labor.”
And they did.
Fun fact: when the first game was played on Franklin Field in 1922, MHS athletes weren’t known as the Bobcats — they were the Bulldogs. It wasn’t until later in the 1920s that students voted to adopt the Bobcat as the official school mascot, a symbol that still proudly represents Marshalltown today.
Franklin Field quickly earned its place in state sports lore. In 1925, just its third season, it hosted one of Iowa’s most dominant prep football teams. The MHS squad went 8-0, outscoring opponents 224-7 and earning the title “Mythical State Champions.” That perfect record was partially forfeited later when star athlete Allie Morrison — who would go on to win Olympic gold in wrestling — was ruled ineligible for being 21. Still, the team’s dominance remains legendary.
The 1940s brought a golden age under the leadership of legendary Coach Leonard Cole. In 1943, 1944, and 1947, MHS went undefeated at 9-0 — each season ending with another “Mythical State Championship” and cementing Marshalltown’s football legacy.
Franklin Field also made history beyond the gridiron. In 1922, it became the site of the first live radio broadcast of a high school football game. From that point on, its role only grew. In 1966, it became home to the Marshalltown Junior College football team, coached by Terry Leeper, which shared the field with MHS until the program ended in 1978.
Since 1981, Franklin Field has served as the primary outdoor athletic space for Miller Junior High — now Miller Middle School. For more than 40 years, it has provided a stage for student-athletes taking their first competitive steps. Middle school athletics are vital in the development of youth, encouraging teamwork, confidence, discipline, and long-term wellness.
Now, Franklin Field is poised for a new chapter.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 1:15 p.m., the Marshalltown Community School District will host a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the long-anticipated reconstruction of Franklin Field. This milestone is part of the “Reimagine Miller” project, funded by a 2024 bond referendum that reflects overwhelming community support.
The renovation will include the installation of synthetic turf, an updated track, improved lighting, and enhanced spectator amenities. Most notably, the revitalized Franklin Field will serve as a high-quality public-access recreational and interscholastic facility for the north side of town — similar in stature to the high school stadium on the south side. Football, soccer, runners, and walkers alike will benefit from this modern, inclusive space.
What began as a student-led initiative in 1922 has become a living legacy. Franklin Field is more than a venue — it is a cornerstone of Marshalltown’s spirit, history, and hopes for the future. As it nears its second century, Franklin Field remains a place where history is made, champions are born, and community pride runs deep.