After the two-year course there and studies at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1883.

His wife, Lucena Chase Axtell, with two young daughters in tow, then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Kansas City.

Dr. Axtell's Newton Driving and Athletic Association built what became known as "one of the fastest half-mile race tracks in the state" upon land he owned.

In 1935, the City of Newton was granted funds by the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal program for recovery from the Great Depression, to build a football stadium in Athletic Park.

Another structure in the park listed on the state and national registers is the Mennonite Settler statue, sculpted in 1942 by artist Max Nixon.

The Fischer Field Stadium project included construction of a one-story masonry and concrete structure that houses public restrooms and concession sales, two public plazas at either end of the existing stadium, new visitor bleachers, and concrete walkways and pad; and renovations and historic preservation work on the existing stadium, including new locker rooms, full ADA upgrades, restrooms, mechanical systems, electrical systems and bleachers.

A private fundraising campaign, "Fields of Memories," raised about $125,000 for the project from Newton High School alumni and supporters.

Hundreds attended a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration, which featured food, entertainment, and tours of the newly renovated stadium.

He played football at Emporia State Teachers College in Kansas and was co-captain with "Bernie" Taylor.

Curtis also coached track in the spring and was successful in helping a talented runner obtain a scholarship to the University of Missouri.

Curtis related that his successes where not his own but rather the talent, intelligence and commitment of the young men he mentored.

Most of the young with whom Curtis related, both on and off the field of competition, found themselves leading productive lives through his leadership.