New Jack Trice statue unveiled at Iowa State
Iowa State University unveiled its new Jack Trice statue Friday.
Next year will mark 100 years since his death.
Trice's relatives were actually the first ones to walk through the statue — and they hope it inspires more people to learn his story.
George Trice says he felt the lasting impact his first cousin, twice removed, left at Iowa State.
Bronze footsteps leading up to the Cyclone legend's silhouette carved through concrete now forever symbolize the barriers Trice broke through.
"It was nice to go in there touch it and walk through that," George Trice said. "It's just great to see what the fans the students, the athletic department, the university has done."
Many know the name, the Cyclones play their home games at Jack Trice Stadium, but few know his story.
Trice was the first African-American athlete at Iowa State, a football player in the early 1920s.
During a 1923 game against the University of Minnesota, Trice ended up on his back and was trampled by three Minnesota players. He died two days later from hemorrhaged lungs and internal bleeding.
Almost 100 years later — Trice's descendant, George, hopes to keep his legacy alive.
Inspiring Cyclones to follow in his footsteps, continue to break barriers, and learn more about Trice's accomplishments on and off the field.
"He had other aspirations that were more than just football," George Trice said. "We're starting here to build his legacy and I want them to know that this person's legacy goes beyond just here and there and I want them to remember it all the time not just during football season but during the whole year."
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