Notable Alumni-Basketball
Name | Graduation Year | Induction | Info |
---|---|---|---|
Adolphus Pulliam | 1965 | 2009 | Outstanding basketball player at both Roosevelt and Drake University on scholarship. After graduation with a degree in speech with a minor in radio and television. He became a news reporter and sportscaster for KCCI-TV and KRN- RADIO. His career in media led him to being the creator and director of Children's Programs; "1-2-3" & "Dolph's Cartoon Corner." |
Earl Smith (*) | 1952 | 2018 | Was a multi-sports athlete; excelling in Track & Field, Football and Basketball. Following in his father's foot-steps. Also a three sports competitor at Gary Froebel High School in the 30's. Earl's senior year,1952 he broke the IHSAA Long-jump record. Earl continued his Long-Jump talent for the University of Iowa. Where he won a few Big Ten titles in Long-Jump, and was a three year letterman on the football team. He received All-Big Ten honors in football, and was named on the All-American track team as a Long-Jumper. Earl returned to Gary and took a Teacher-Coaching position, first at Froebel, then Emerson, and finally at Lew Wallace. While at Emerson coach Smith developed his basketball program to a point where Emerson competed with the best teams in the region. His team was chosen to participate in the Hall of Fame Classic at Indianapolis, indiana. Emerson transitioned from having a sports program and coach Smith moved on to Lew Wallace High School. Continuing his basketball program at Lew Wallace his teams had been contenders for State Basketball Championship. Especially his 1986 and 1987 teams. Coach Smith is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable basketball coaches in the State of Indiana. He became the Athletic Director of Gary Community Schools in 1999. He retired in 2013, and likely the last person to hold the position. |
Dr. Emanuel T. Newsome (*) (**) | 1960 | 1994 | Making the varsity team as a Freshman was no shock to his uncle, coach Dowdell. In his 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years he led his team in scoring, breaking City and State records. He selected Western Michigan University, (WMU) for further education. While at WMU he continued setting and breaking scoring records. Manny, as he is affectionately called; was named to the first three "All Mid-American Conference Teams." He was the third leading scorer (32.6) per game for 3 consecutive years. For two of those years leading in the nation. He also ranked eighth in the nation in free throws with a 85% avg. Manny had a 1,787 scoring record, the best at WMU and in Mid-American Conference history. His record held for more than 45 years. He was inducted into WMU Basketball Hall of fame in 1974, in MAC Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988, and Indiana Basketball of Fame in 1994. Dr. Newsome was honored by WMU retiring his "5" Jersey and hanging it from the gymnasium rafters on January 27, 2018. Emmanuel never lost sight of the fact that basketball was not an end in itself, but only a stepping stone to his pursuit of an educational goal. He completed his educational goals receiving his Doctorate in Philosophy and Education Administration. Moving on to a career as a College Professor. |
Floyd H. Brown | 1938 | XXXX | Floyd was a talent high school and football player. He wanted to attend College, even though he was a good athlete but due to the depression he was unsure if he would go to College. He did qualified for an athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central. he was an outstanding collegiate basketball and Football player. In his last year he was named to the Negro All American Basketball Team. He went on to earn a Law Degree while working as Professor/ Coach. Mr. Brown had an outstanding record as a Coach of basketball, football, and tennis at several colleges from 1947 to1970. Coach Brown finally gave up on coaching to devote his time to his Law practice in Durham, NC. |
Glenn Robinson (*) (****) | 1991 | 2017 | Affectionally called "Big Dog," started playing organized while a freshman at Gary Roosevelt. He led his beloved Panthers to 3 IHSAA Sectional titles,2 Regional titles and a State Championship. He also was awarded the 1991 "Indiana Mr. Basketball." Robinson attended Purdue University where he averaged 24.1 points and 9.4 rebounds a game his first season. Also as a Boilermaker he received First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All- American honors. Mr Robinson was drafted as the number 1 choice by the Milwaukee Bucks'. Continuing to have a successful Pro career. Glenn did not forget his roots, and in 1974 he started a Basketball Camp for boys and girls at Gary Roosevelt during the summer. He was helped by many volunteers and former team mates. |
Henry L. (Hank) Davis | 1952 | XXXX | Henry was intensely interested in art and athletics. he won 1st place awards three years stright in the Roosevelt Student Art Exhibit. He also lettered infootball,basketball and track & field. Mr. Davis had many Art exhibits that eranded him nemerous awards. In athletics he was a standout performer in basketball and cited as N.C.A.A. Free Throw Champion. In track & field, he was a NCCA High Jump Champion. Mr. Davis continued his passion of education and art; returning to his home towm first as an art teacher moving on into education administration. |
James "Gus" Guydon (****) | 1957 | XXXX | Gus, as he was affectionally known was a 3 year letterman. He played in that historic 1955 State Final between Indianapolis Attucks & Gary Roosevelt. He received an athletic scholarship to Drake University. While at Drake University, Guydon starred as an outstanding basketball player for 3 yrs. He also served as Assistant Basketball Coach. Coach Guydon earned All-Conference recognition 1960-61 Gus was named Most Valuable Player in the Queen's City Basketball Tournament in Buffalo, NY. Gus played briefly Professionally for the Cleveland Pipers of the now defunct American Basketball League w/ |
James A. Rogers | 1968 | XXXX | Mr. Rogers had a strong desire to play basketball as a junior high student. Aiming for Roosevelt varsity when in high school. James had a difficult time making the team. Competition was stiff. He persevered. His junior year in high school, he made the team. In that Semi- State tournament game he showed promise. His senior year, the 1968 State Championship game, he became a double first of the team. Gary Roosevelt's first State Championship Basketball Team and the first recipient of the coveted Trester Award winner for Mental Attitude State Championship Team 1st recipient of Trester Award for mental Attitude |
John E. Everette | 1953 | XXXX | Mr. Everette interest in basketball and football, motivated him to succeed in his academics. He was recruited by University of Illinois. His senior year at Roosevelt he was chosen for the North-South All-Star Football Classic Team. Mr. Everette was hire as physical education teacher and head football coach at Hirsch High School in Chicago. He was known to be firm but fair. His record of being a competent teacher, soon demands placed him in administration. His intense interest in sports he founded the Metropolitan officials Association. As president, his services was in demand. Mr Everette became a Big Ten football official, 1974-1978, and officiated the 1978 Rose Bowl game. From 1979 to 1983 the National Football league selected him as a regular official. Player, Coach, and Big Ten/ Pro official |
Mildred M. Ball | 1953 | 1998 | Mildred developed her love of sports as a student at Roosevelt although she never worked at Roosevelt, her interest in Physical Education started as a student. She coached dance in the East Chicago school system. Served as dance instructor at Valparaiso University. Becoming the 1st Black female to be Assistant Commissioner of the "Indiana High School Athletic Association" |
Richard "Dick" Barnett (*) (**) (****) | 1955 | 1993 | career high number of points (1,729) his first season and made the All- Star. Barnett spent a total of 14 years in the Pros and played for several different Teams. During his Pro career he never loss sight of his goal of completing his education. He made and found time to pursue his course work and earned his Masters and Ph.D. Dr. Barnett believed that players should give back. His intense interest in the urban community he founded an organization dealing particularly with youth in sports. He titled i "Athletes for a Better Urban Society". |
Ronald Heflin | 1957 | 1998 | Nephew to coach Mallard was a standout high school and college basketball player. as a sophomore varsity player on Roosevelt's historic Semi-State runner-up team was a defining experience for young Heflin. He had a successful high school and College career. He was named as Head Coach of the Indiana Annual All-Star Team. He was also honored when selected to make a trip to Somalia, Africa with several other State High School Coaches to spread their basketball doctrine across the African Continent. Coach Heflin, matching his uncle, had a long successful basketball coaching career. His achievements were: 5- Sectional Championships, 3 Regional Championships, 2 Semi-State Championships, Runner-up State Championship '82 and State Championship '91. He also mentored and coached Glenn Robinson who was Collegiate Player of the year in '94 and also a top pick in NBA Draft. |
Thomas Britt (**) (****) | 1939 | 1992 | Thomas helped Roosevelt win runner-up status in National Negro Basketball Championship in 1939 (N.N. B.T.). Thomas attended Florida A&M and helped them win three conference championships; '42, '46, '47. In '92 mr Britt was inducted into Florida A&M Basketball Hall of Fame. |
Willie McCarter (*) (****) | 1965 | 2019 | Coach McCarter was a standout player at Gary Roosevelt and played a key roll in Roosevelt's semi-State bid in 1965. He went on to Drake University where as a senior in 1969 he led Drake to the Final Four averaging 20.4 pts per game.Drafted by the LA Lakers. |
Wilson "Jack" Eison | 1955 | 1990 | Jake was a tall quite, unassuming youth.He realized the sport could be his way of getting a fprmal education. He excelled in basketball. He played in the lower grades and developed into an excellent prospect for the varsity team as a feshman. He advanced as a starter throughout high school. Hus 11th & 12th grade year he was exceptional. Jake, as captain he led the team toits first sectional Championship in '54. Then its second consecutive sectional championship, and regional and semi-state championships. Moving on to the State Championship.where he broke the state recordin scoring with 31pts. Jake was named "Mr Basketball" and selected to play in the annual All-Star game against Kentucky. Jake selected Purdue Lafayette. Jake didn't get to play as much as he should have, but at that time Purdue really didn't utilize all of his talents. Jake Eison was still recognized as one of the all time great stars evers to play for the Boilermakers. Purdue |
Harry James "Trees" Taylor (****) | 1946 | XXXX | Being 6' feet six inches, he was affectionally called "Trees." He was a talented student athlete in 3 sports: Track, Basketball, and Football. He lettered in every sport he participated in. He earned a scholarship to North Carolina Central University, in Durham, NC as their center. He helped his college win the NCC 1950 Championship. After graduating Trees was recruited by the Harlem Globetrotters and played with them for 3 years. Harry settled in Seattle Washington, serving his community and having a career in helping people, directing the "Operation Emergency Center." One of the largest food banks in the State of Washington. After retiring he continued to volunteer. He went daily, (all day) to an At-Risk High School working with a mentoring program. Harry was inducted to Alex M. Rivera Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. |
Notable Alumni-Track & Cross Country
Name | Graduation Year | Induction Year | Info |
---|---|---|---|
John Story | 1986 | ||
Coach J. Donald Leek (*) (**) | 1947 | Coach Leek began his interest in athletics as a lineman in football, lettering all four years in high school. In track and field , he lettered three years. He was named Gary Roosevelt's most Outstanding Athlete of 1947. He accepted a scholarship to North Carolina Central. There he decided to concentrate on the low and high hurdles. He excelled in his chosen specialty (hurdles). He was invited to the Penn Relays for three years. Coach return to Gary after serving his Country. Becoming Head Track and Field Coach at Roosevelt. As Head Track coach he expanded on the training system he developed on from high school, college and his personal knowledge and guided the Panthers to 5 I.H.S.A.A. state titles from 1959-'64 . He was honored as Track Coach of the Year in '62. Leeks' Panthers also captured 9 City and Sectional titles from 1959-1967. Coach Leek had accomplished a phenomenal record. He was appointed City Athletic Director | |
Coach John Campbell (*) | 1995 | Coach Campbell coming to Gary by way of his home town of Indianapolis and North Carolina. Where he played as a college student; and coach. His main sport was football. Coming to Gary to be a Physical Education Teacher and to assist in football, basketball and track. He succeeded Coach Leek. Although his primary interest was football he was wanting to coach all athletic sports. He continued the winning training style of the proceeding coaches at Roosevelt. He became the greatest symbol of athletic achievement ever to come to Gary. Coach Campbell became a "Track and Field Coach Legend." Accomplishments as follows: 21 individual State Championships Teams,13 Blue Ribbon relays in his 21 years as Head Tack Coach. He has been honored as Indiana Track Coach of the Year 10 times. Ha was National Coach of the Year(District II in 1972 and 1985). | |
Coach Louis "Bo" Mallard (*) | XXXX | XXXX | Coach Mallard was a lrgendary figure in sports in Indiana. After winning the State Basketball Championship title in '68 . He was cited in the I.H.S.A.A. Hall of Fame as the only in the State's history to win State Championships in three sports. Basketball ('68), Track ('51,52,'54) and Cross- Country ('62). His record with basketball was 233-48. |
Don Young (*) | XXXX | XXXX | Being member of the 1982 Boy's 4X100 Relay Team set a record that held for 38 years. |
Earl H. Smith Jr. | 1953 | XXXX | Was a multi-sports athlete; excelling in Track & Field, Football and Basketball. Following in his father's foot-steps. Also a three sports competitor at Gary Froebel High School in the 30's. Earl's senior year,1952 he broke the IHSAA Long-jump record. Earl continued his Long-Jump talent for the University of Iowa. Where he won a few Big Ten titles in Long-Jump, and was a three year letterman on the football team. He received All-Big Ten honors in football, and was named on the All-American track team as a Long-Jumper. Earl returned to Gary and took a Teacher-Coaching position, first at Froebel, then Emerson, and finally at Lew Wallace. While at Emerson coach Smith developed his basketball program to a point where Emerson competed with the best teams in the region. His team was chosen to participate in the Hall of Fame Classic at Indianapolis, indiana. Emerson transitioned from having a sports program and coach Smith moved on to Lew Wallace High School. Continuing his basketball program at Lew Wallace his teams had been contenders for State Basketball Championship. Especially his 1986 and 1987 teams. Coach Smith is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable basketball coaches in the State of Indiana. He became the Athletic Director of Gary Community Schools in 1999. He retired in 2013, and likely the last person to hold the position. |
Elbert Turner III (****) | 1988 | XXXX | Elbert was a standout wide receiver in high school. He went to University of Illinois. After a successful college career. Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 7th round, played for a year. Elbert moved to the Canadian Football League for 3 years. |
Erik Campbell (*) | 1984 | 1995 | Erik was All-State player in football and an All-American in track while in high school. inducted into both, Track and Field Hall of Fame & Indiana High School Football Hall of Fame. Erik attended University of Michigan, played several different positions, wide receiver, cornerback and free safety to help his team win the Big Ten Conference Championship. As a senior in 1987, Erik started seven games at cornerback and five games at free safety. Campbell totaled 98 tackles, five interceptions and 17 punt returns for 132 yards in four years at Michigan. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Michigan during '88 season. Next he accepted a coaching position at United States Naval Academy, Ball State, Univ. Iowa, and a number of schools in and out of the country. Currently coaching at Bowling Green State University . |
Floyd Theus (*) | 1960 | 2016 | Mr. Theus was a 2-tme State Champion record setter; recording 2 state records on the same day in 1960 on a cinder track. he was named to the 1960 All-American Team. |
Harold Jones (*) | 1947 | XXXX | Harold was discovered by his grade school coach, J.D. Smith. Harold loved to run, and coach Smith encouraged him to, "just run." That he did! From grade school through high school, he ran and won. His junior year he won the 220 and 440 yards dash at the same meet, and a leg on the winning 880 yard relay. Mr. Jones was recognized for having the fastest time in the country for a high schooler that year in the quarter mile of 49.4 seconds. This state record stood for nearly 20 yrs. He had a scholarship to North, Carolina College. |
James Harris (*) | 1962 | 2016 | As a youth James was a sprinter- turned middle-distance runner. He concentrated on the Mile Relay his last two years of high school. James led Roosevelt to a 1962 National Scholastic Number 1 Yearly ranking and Number 2 All-time nationwide at the time. James and his team won 1st place in the relay in 1961. He came back his senior year as an individual in the 880 and set a State record that held for 4 years. Mr. Harris matriculated to Northwestern University on a track scholarship. |
Jeff Patrick (*) | XXXX | XXXX | Member of 1982 winning 4X100 Rely Team |
John Story | XXXX | XXXX | |
Lee Calhoun (*) (**) (***) (****) | 1951 | 1974 | bbed him as a prospect for the 1956 Olympics. he set records. He was also participated in the 1960 Olympics and again won "Gold." Mr Calhoun had a career in coaching high school and college track and field. |
Lee Reedus | 1964 | 2016 | Mr. Reedus was a standout sprinter at Gary Roosevelt. He was a 2-time gold medalist at the State Meet;first winning the State 100 yard dash and then anchoring the 880 relay, leading his team to another State Championship. Lee went on to North Carolina College. |
René Matison (*) (**) (****) | 1964 | 2013 | Rene,' classified as one of the most accomplished track and field stars of Roosevevelt in the 60's, He won State in the 440 yr dash and was a member of the 440 yd and 1/2 mile winning relay teams. Receiving a full scholarship to University of New Mexico in football and track. While at University Rene' was clocked at 9.2 seconds, coming extremely close to breaking the world record of Bob Hayes the world's fastest human. He was drafted into the NFL by the Dallas Cowboys. Mr. Matison has had a very successful career in the business sector and now enjoys serving his community with civic involvement. |
Richard Calloway (*) | 1961 (*) | 2011 | Richard was a five-time IHSAA State Champion in Track & Field. He was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame. He loved sports and became a coach and a football and basketball official. Teaching and coaching on the junior high level he encouraged and developed several future West Side state champions. |
Robert Leek (aka Abdul Ghaffar) | 1964 | 2013 | |
Antoine' "Tony" Campbell (*) | 1974 | 1995 | |
Isaiah "Ike" Owens (****) | 1940 | XXXX | Mr Owens was known as a art scholar and athlete. He won numerous art contest. he received a full scholarship to university of Illinois. He was at uof I when Negro athletes were not generally accepted. As expected ike excelled in both areas, high academics and track. Ike as a freshman earn the right to be on the varsity team his sophomore year. He was drafted into the armed services. He served five years into the Air Force. Return to the U of I and led his team to a Rose Bowl Championship in 1947. He played with the Chicago Rockets of the old American Football League. He return to Gary and started his business career. He had several successful stores. |
Notable Alumni-Football
Name/Graduation Yr | Induction Year | Info |
---|---|---|
Opal "Shag" Courtney ' 32 (****) (Pioneer) | 1932 | Coming to Gary as a small child, Opal experienced Gary's Jim Crow school system first hand. He attended the 21st Ave school for Negroes, Froebel, then Roosevelt. His first sport was baseball where he got the name "Shag." His interest moved to football, basket, and track & field. He also was an excellent baseball 7 swimmer. During his three years of interscholastic competition He won the mid-Western Negro State Basketball and Tack and Field Championship. Courtney placed or won, out right in any sport competition he was in. This is when he had to travel all over the South. Shag also won the Indiana State Championship in 1932, in the High Hurdles. He entered college at Kansas State Teacher's College. He was referred to Abe Saperstein and became one of the original Harlem Globe Trotters. The team played almost evert night, and originated many of yhe comoc routines the Trotters were noted for. Mr Courtney was a life long sports lover and worked with the youth of the Gary Community . He established the Opal "Shag" Courtney Scholarship Trophy. |
Gerald Irons '66 (*) (**)(****) | 2013 | Mr. Irons was a standout student athlete at Roosevelt High School. He attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore; was drafted third round by Oakland Raiders. During the off season Gerald eraned a MBA and law degree from University of Chicago. Post football he was very involved with his church and community. Woodland , TX. Mr. Irons was also a successful business man. There is a junior high school named in his honor |
Erick Campbell '84 (*) (**) (****) | 1995 | Standout High School athlete. Was selected as football All-State and gained All-American honors in Track. He lead Roosevelt's Track Team to back to back State ChampionsHe is a member of both the Indiana High School Tack and Field Hall of Fame and High School Football Hall of Fame. He went on to University of Michigan; He is the only football player in UM history to start at all four secondary positions in his freshman year . During his Collegiate career he had a trip to the Fiesta Bowl and named to College Hall of Fame. He began coaching at Navy,Then returning to Michigan as wide receiver coach for 13 years. He has also coached at University Iowa, Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, University of Delaware and University of Connecticut . Coach Campbell has been part of 26 postseason football games. Four bowl games as a student-athlete and 19 as a coach. He has coached four Rose Bowls and played in another coached two Orange Bowls, and played in a Fiesta Bowl. |
A special thank you to Mrs. Robert “Rockne” Thomas for providing much of the sports information
Know of any Notables we should include? Please fill out the form below, give us their name, Graduation year, and information such as their achievement pre- and post graduation and their occupation.