(Radio Iowa) – Iowa State University is planning a year-long tribute to Jack Trice, the university’s first black athlete, who died in Ames on October 8th, 1923 from injuries he suffered two days earlier in a football game. The Cyclone’s football stadium is named in honor of Trice, and commemoration committee chair Toyia Younger says the street outside will be too.

Younger is the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, and says the celebration will include all aspects of Trice’s life.

Younger says Trice’s story got a lot of national attention last year when College Game Day came to Ames for the Cy-Hawk football game.

She says it’s a story that is known within the state — but says she didn’t know about it when she came to the university in 2020.

Jack Trice (ISU-archives-photo)

There will be a variety of events to share that story — including a concrete and bronze sculpture that will be installed outside the stadium.

Other events include a series of lectures throughout the academic year about race and the legacy of Jack Trice. The University Museums will open an exhibit in January called, “Honoring Jack Trice.” The Cyclone football team will wear throwback football uniforms during a home game during the 2023 season. Learn more about the celebration at jacktrice100.com.