The unknown story of Bill Garrett and the integration of College Basketball.
The book is called Getting open.
Garrett was born in Shelbyville Indiana, a time when Black schools weren’t recognized. Garrett was one of the few blacks able to attend Shelbyville high school.
Garrett led his School to the State championship, meeting Terre Haute at Butler Field house. Playing Center at only 6’ 2", He out played 6’ 10” Clyde Lovellette To win the state championship, and become Mr. Basketball, for Indiana .
There was an Gentleman’s Agreement that “Negros“ were not going to be allowed to play in the big 10, including Indiana .
Thru pressure from Civic groups and church’s, it was decided to admit Bill Garrett to Indiana for the year 1947. An interesting sidelight to this was, it was the year Jackie Robinson broke the barrier in Baseball.
Bill went on to become an all American at Indiana. After College he Coached at Crispus Attucks high school, becoming the only person to win a state championship as a player, and then as a Coach. He later becoming an administrator for colleges.
Indiana probably has the top ten largest high School Gymnasiums in the world. After years waiting, Shelbyville named the school gym after Bill Garrett.
I didn’t dwell on what Bill Garrett had to deal with. What he must have endured. When they talk about how Jackie Robinson was the "The Right One" for baseball. Bill Garrett showed great fortitude in dealing with his life. He is not in the Basketball hall of fame. He is though, in Indiana’s hall of fame.
The Authors are Tom Graham and Rachel Graham Cody.
Look for the book at your library. Just a final note, it is very Indiana centric. But If you are a diehard Hoopaholic like I am, you just might enjoy this book.
Here’s wishing you great hoops
The book is called Getting open.
Garrett was born in Shelbyville Indiana, a time when Black schools weren’t recognized. Garrett was one of the few blacks able to attend Shelbyville high school.
Garrett led his School to the State championship, meeting Terre Haute at Butler Field house. Playing Center at only 6’ 2", He out played 6’ 10” Clyde Lovellette To win the state championship, and become Mr. Basketball, for Indiana .
There was an Gentleman’s Agreement that “Negros“ were not going to be allowed to play in the big 10, including Indiana .
Thru pressure from Civic groups and church’s, it was decided to admit Bill Garrett to Indiana for the year 1947. An interesting sidelight to this was, it was the year Jackie Robinson broke the barrier in Baseball.
Bill went on to become an all American at Indiana. After College he Coached at Crispus Attucks high school, becoming the only person to win a state championship as a player, and then as a Coach. He later becoming an administrator for colleges.
Indiana probably has the top ten largest high School Gymnasiums in the world. After years waiting, Shelbyville named the school gym after Bill Garrett.
I didn’t dwell on what Bill Garrett had to deal with. What he must have endured. When they talk about how Jackie Robinson was the "The Right One" for baseball. Bill Garrett showed great fortitude in dealing with his life. He is not in the Basketball hall of fame. He is though, in Indiana’s hall of fame.
The Authors are Tom Graham and Rachel Graham Cody.
Look for the book at your library. Just a final note, it is very Indiana centric. But If you are a diehard Hoopaholic like I am, you just might enjoy this book.
Here’s wishing you great hoops
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