Remembrance of things past

The article I wrote about the 1947 sports banquet two weeks ago got Bob Shores to remembering another sports banquet, this time in 1957.

Before I tell you the story he related, Bob Shores can probably go without introduction, but for those that don’t know him … meet Robert Phelps Shores.

Bob is a New London boy, born and raised. His folks, Rocky and Lenore, ran the drugstore … Shores Pharmacy. His dad was the pharmacist and his mom worked by his side. Bob followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming a pharmacist too. He worked with his dad until Rocky retired, then, along with Steve Aanes, continued running Shores Pharmacy.

Bob and his wife Patti raised their three daughters, Chris, Susan, and Robyn, here too. Sadly the store closed in 2001 after being a mainstay on Main Street for 60+ years.

In 1957, Bob was finishing up his freshman year of high school. The Tigers had had a lean year, but the sports banquet was still a big event. Tickets were sold, a full meal was served, and there was a guest speaker. Commemorative programs were given to the attendees.

The meal was served in the new cafeteria in the recently built wing that connected to the high school … a source of great pride to the community. Everyone dressed up and Superintendent Clifford McKee was the Master of Ceremonies. Girls basketball was now honored too.

Bob’s dad played a big role in making this event truly special. He was a big Iowa fan and was instrumental in getting Frank Gilliam as the guest speaker. Gilliam had quite a sports career and quite a story to share as an Iowa Hawkeye.

In 1952, Iowa football was in bad shape. The Hawkeyes had had only one winning season in 10 years. Calvin Jones, Eddie Vincent, and Frank Gilliam were football stars at Steubenville High School in Ohio. They were being sought after by many college teams. Only Jones was offered a scholarship to Ohio State by legendary coach Woody Hayes. He would leave behind his friends who were both going to Iowa.

The story goes that Vincent and Gilliam drove over to Jones’ house to tell their friend goodbye. This would be the first time the Trio hadn’t played together since 5th grade. It was too much for Jones to bear. He made a snap decision, and told his friends he was coming with them. Although shocked, they were also thrilled that the Steubenville Trio would continue together in Iowa City.

Leaving behind his commitment to Ohio State caused Tug Wilson, the Big Ten Commissioner, to conduct an investigation. When questioned, Jones reportedly told Wilson, “I’ll tell you why I came out here. They treated me like a white man, and I like it here. I’m going to stay.” You see Calvin Jones was black. Iowa was cleared of any wrongdoing. Iowa Coach Forest Evashevsky was thrilled.

The Steubenville Trio quickly turned Iowa football around. Jones was the first college football player and the first African-American to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in its Sept. 27, 1954 issue. Jones, Vincent, and Gilliam all went on to have professional careers. Gilliam later coached at Iowa as an assistant to Jerry Burns.

Frank Gilliam had had great success at Iowa, but he had both highs and lows. In 1955, he broke his leg and had to sit out for a year. Yet he never gave up, and what a senior season he had! Iowa would win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history. Iowa defeated Oregon State, 35-19. Gilliam was named a second team All-American. But these happy events were marred by word that Cal Jones had died in a plane crash at age 24.

On this night, his message to the Tigers had a galvanizing effect on the boys. It was one of commitment … anything is possible with commitment and hard work. With Dusty Rhodes as the new coach, the Tigers did just that. By Bob’s senior year in 1959-1960, the Tigers were not only undefeated, but feared and respected by opponents. Gilliam’s message had been received.

Another inspiring chapter in Tiger football and another inspiring banquet … thanks Bob for sharing your memories!