A century ago, Jack Trice confronted the cruel and ugly spirit of racism on the football field. Since his tragic death following his only collegiate football game, Iowa State will honor its first black football player and will have his legacy commemorated.
In 1997, after a 24-year campaign, Iowa State named its football stadium after the Iowa State legendary player. It is the only Power 5 college football stadium named for a black person. On Saturday in Ames, the football team will wear their 1920s throwback uniforms while playing the Jack Trice Legacy Game as the Iowa State Cyclones host the TCU Horned Frogs.
"I hope the Jack Trice Commemoration will inspire a new generation of students at Iowa State to explore the Jack Trice story and encourage students at other colleges and universities to learn more about their barrier-breaking Black athletes."
Why is Jack Trice An Important Symbol To Fight Racism?
The Jack Trice story is about a student-athlete who bravely challenged racial inequality in football. Unfortunately, Trice would have to pave the way for others sacrificially. His "I Will" letter was written a day before his final game. Trice wrote, "The honor of my race, family, and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will!"
The Jack Trice Centennial Commemoration
Iowa State University is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jack Trice's legacy with a series of events. The commemoration for Trice will conclude this weekend with a closing ceremony during which he will be awarded a posthumous degree. The institution has installed a new 200,000-pound bronze and concrete sculpture titled "Breaking Barriers" of Jack's silhouette. A street on the Iowa State campus will be renamed "Jack Trice Way." Also, a limited-edition cereal box will have Trice's photo on the cover.
For additional details on Jack Trice, please visit the Trice Legacy Foundation.
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