Perhaps I should start this by saying I am 84 years old, born and raised in Michigan City. My three older siblings all went to Indiana and I was actually on the campus in Bloomington when I was five years old. My family loved IU and were deeply into sports, as I remain today. For most of my life I have have been both football and basketball season ticket holders, as I still am today. Permit me a small aside, I was very proud to be named as part of a group of IU graduates who were recognized as being annual contributors to the school for fifty consecutive or more years.
Living close to Gary then I recognized the name of George Taliaferro because he was a known high school star, and integration at the high school level had begun. In 1945 World War II ended in August 1945. My brother who had served four years in India and China has just just come home, safe and sound-we rejoiced but also prayed and sadly remembered several of our "Greatest Generation" neighbors who didn't.
My brother Irving, taught me sports-I Iidolized him. Having just gotten home from the army he said lets go to the IU-Northwestern game played in Evanston on September 29th,1945.World War II ended in August 1945) We went to what was then called Dyche Stadium. 1945 was IU's magic football season. They went undefeated-except they had one tie. I can't say this for sure but I have often wondered if I am the only person alive who actually saw that game.
IU had gotten good in football and in 1944 when they were 7 wins and 3 losses. These were war years and football eligibility was very different then. The most strongest teams in those years were Army, Navy and some other service related special schools like Great Lakes. In 1945 Indiana was voted fourth in the country in poll rankings.
The three names that I most recall from that team and that era were its coach, Bo McMillin, George Taliaferro its legendary star fullback, the first African American to lead the Big Ten in rushing and who was recognized as second team All American and Pete Pihos (later played many years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles) also named All American.
George Taliaferro I believe should be remembered and honored in a special way. In fact it is long overdue that a statue of him or similar way of recognizing who he was and how profound a man he was and what he gave to Indiana should be erected in his honor.
Seventy three years have gone by since 1945. Mr. Taliaferro was a hero, a symbol of the best of Indiana in every one of those years. I
Bo McMillin himself should be thought of too. He was and remains Indiana's most successful football coach and his teams were fondly referred to as those "po little boys". Among his achievements were coaching what was then known as the college all star game played annually in Soldier Field in Chicago. This pitted a team made up of graduating seniors who played the prior years NFL champion in a football game. Perhaps, though he should most be remembered as a coach who was willing to break the color barrier which brought George Taliaferro to Indiana.
Well as I said, this is long. Perhaps the ramblings of a now old man himself. But every day when IU plays, basketball or football I sit down in front of my TV, dress in "uniform" along with my equally enthusiastic wife,who I met at IU, and cheer for IU. We now live far away but we still get back to IU for a game or two. Next time we get back I may post it and if somone cares to just come by to say hello that would be great.(most of our IU friends sadly are now gone)
I have been very fortunate in life (will celebrate our 60th year wedding anniversary next month). Been to several final fours, most Big Ten football stadium, got to meet a lot of coaches, traveled the world, one of my daughters graduated from IU, but no matter where we travel if I wear my IU hat or something that displays IU some one always says hello.
FINAL THOUGHTS-
IU's greatest game-win over Purdue to go to the Rose Bowl. Next best game-going to the Rose Bowl with my family. Bucket list wish-going back to the Rose Bowl (preferably not in an urn), THE SIXTH BANNER!!!!
Among the people I have been privileged to meet, a few presidents among them-shaking hands with George Talaiferro was one of my highest privileges.
Finally, sorry to play the old man card again, but most of what I have written is from memory-so f I screwed it up or misstated something, please be kind or forgiving. And if anyone wants to talk old time IU history (or sports history of almost any sport I am a sports historian of sorts)
Go Hoosiers --beat Iowa (this really IS a big game)
Peace to you all-regards-Jerry K bs 56
Living close to Gary then I recognized the name of George Taliaferro because he was a known high school star, and integration at the high school level had begun. In 1945 World War II ended in August 1945. My brother who had served four years in India and China has just just come home, safe and sound-we rejoiced but also prayed and sadly remembered several of our "Greatest Generation" neighbors who didn't.
My brother Irving, taught me sports-I Iidolized him. Having just gotten home from the army he said lets go to the IU-Northwestern game played in Evanston on September 29th,1945.World War II ended in August 1945) We went to what was then called Dyche Stadium. 1945 was IU's magic football season. They went undefeated-except they had one tie. I can't say this for sure but I have often wondered if I am the only person alive who actually saw that game.
IU had gotten good in football and in 1944 when they were 7 wins and 3 losses. These were war years and football eligibility was very different then. The most strongest teams in those years were Army, Navy and some other service related special schools like Great Lakes. In 1945 Indiana was voted fourth in the country in poll rankings.
The three names that I most recall from that team and that era were its coach, Bo McMillin, George Taliaferro its legendary star fullback, the first African American to lead the Big Ten in rushing and who was recognized as second team All American and Pete Pihos (later played many years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles) also named All American.
George Taliaferro I believe should be remembered and honored in a special way. In fact it is long overdue that a statue of him or similar way of recognizing who he was and how profound a man he was and what he gave to Indiana should be erected in his honor.
Seventy three years have gone by since 1945. Mr. Taliaferro was a hero, a symbol of the best of Indiana in every one of those years. I
Bo McMillin himself should be thought of too. He was and remains Indiana's most successful football coach and his teams were fondly referred to as those "po little boys". Among his achievements were coaching what was then known as the college all star game played annually in Soldier Field in Chicago. This pitted a team made up of graduating seniors who played the prior years NFL champion in a football game. Perhaps, though he should most be remembered as a coach who was willing to break the color barrier which brought George Taliaferro to Indiana.
Well as I said, this is long. Perhaps the ramblings of a now old man himself. But every day when IU plays, basketball or football I sit down in front of my TV, dress in "uniform" along with my equally enthusiastic wife,who I met at IU, and cheer for IU. We now live far away but we still get back to IU for a game or two. Next time we get back I may post it and if somone cares to just come by to say hello that would be great.(most of our IU friends sadly are now gone)
I have been very fortunate in life (will celebrate our 60th year wedding anniversary next month). Been to several final fours, most Big Ten football stadium, got to meet a lot of coaches, traveled the world, one of my daughters graduated from IU, but no matter where we travel if I wear my IU hat or something that displays IU some one always says hello.
FINAL THOUGHTS-
IU's greatest game-win over Purdue to go to the Rose Bowl. Next best game-going to the Rose Bowl with my family. Bucket list wish-going back to the Rose Bowl (preferably not in an urn), THE SIXTH BANNER!!!!
Among the people I have been privileged to meet, a few presidents among them-shaking hands with George Talaiferro was one of my highest privileges.
Finally, sorry to play the old man card again, but most of what I have written is from memory-so f I screwed it up or misstated something, please be kind or forgiving. And if anyone wants to talk old time IU history (or sports history of almost any sport I am a sports historian of sorts)
Go Hoosiers --beat Iowa (this really IS a big game)
Peace to you all-regards-Jerry K bs 56
