BleedGopher
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per Rippel:
Before 1960, only a handful of African-Americans lettered in football at the University of Minnesota.
One of those pioneers was Robert “Bob” Blakley. A three-sport standout at St. Paul Central High School, he lettered for the Gophers in 1956 and 1957 — leading the team in rushing in 1957.
“He was one of the best athletes I ever played with or against,” said former Gophers athletic director Tom Moe, a teammate of Blakley.
Blakley, who went on to serve in the U.S. Army before playing for teams in three professional leagues, died Oct. 30. He was 79.
“He was a good guy — humble,” said Floyd Smaller. “We were great friends. We always supported each other even though we were always competing against each other.”
http://www.startribune.com/bob-blakley-former-gopher-football-star-dies/401591265/
Go Gophers!!
Before 1960, only a handful of African-Americans lettered in football at the University of Minnesota.
One of those pioneers was Robert “Bob” Blakley. A three-sport standout at St. Paul Central High School, he lettered for the Gophers in 1956 and 1957 — leading the team in rushing in 1957.
“He was one of the best athletes I ever played with or against,” said former Gophers athletic director Tom Moe, a teammate of Blakley.
Blakley, who went on to serve in the U.S. Army before playing for teams in three professional leagues, died Oct. 30. He was 79.
“He was a good guy — humble,” said Floyd Smaller. “We were great friends. We always supported each other even though we were always competing against each other.”
http://www.startribune.com/bob-blakley-former-gopher-football-star-dies/401591265/
Go Gophers!!