Friday, August 14, 2015

"Papa Bear" George Halas Almost on Eastland That Day-- Part 2

From Wikipedia.

George Halas was born Feb. 2, 1895 and in 1915 was temporarily working for Western Electric, the company whose employees boarded the SS Eastland that fateful day.  he was running late because of an attempt ro gain weight in order to play Big ten football.  (So, evidently eating.)

he graduated from Chicago's Crane High School and attended the University of Illinois where he played football for Coach Bob Zuppke.  he also played basketball and baseball.

He helped U of I win the 1918 Big Ten Conference football title after serving in the U.S. Navy, during World War II.  he also played for a team at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station so probably saw theSS Eastlant, now the USS Wilmette, while it was there.

Halas was named the MVP of the 1919 Rose Bowl.

Da Bears, Da Papa.  --Cooter

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