Ames in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Jack Trice

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025

1. Jack Trice Marker

Inscription.
The Curtis Hotel
Minneapolis,
Oct. 5, 1923

To Whom it may concern:

My thoughts just before the first real college game of my life. The honor of my race, family, & self is at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will! My whole body & soul are to be thrown recklessly about on the field tomorrow. Every time the ball is snapped, I will be trying to do more than my part. On all defensive plays I must break thru the opponent's line and stop the play in their territory. Beware of mass interference--fight low, with your eyes open and toward the play. Roll block the interference. Watch out for cross-bucks and reverse end runs. Be on your toes every minute if you expect to make good.

7.45
Jack

On October 6, 1923, Jack Trice played his only major college football game, a game in which he was fatally injured. Its first black athlete became the only student to die competing for Iowa State. Jack's strong character and values were attested to by his fine brief record as an athlete and student, by the praise of all who knew him, and by a letter he wrote on the night before his one tragic game. This

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statue was erected by the students of Iowa State to memorialize the ideals of moral courage and ethical competition so embodies in the story of Jack Trice.

Erected by students of Iowa State University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is October 6, 1923.

Location. 42° 1.598′ N, 93° 38.91′ W. Marker is in Ames, Iowa, in Story County. It can be reached from Morrill Road south of Osborn Drive. Marker and statue are on the campus of Iowa State University, near Beardshear Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 Morrill Rd, Ames IA 50011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025

2. Jack Trice Marker

this marker: First Land-Grant (within shouting distance of this marker); First Water Tower (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Faster Fax (about 700 feet away); Campaniling (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Statistical Laboratory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of the Computer (approx. 0.2 miles away); World's Hardiest Roses (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Land-Grant Home Economics College (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ames.

Regarding Jack Trice. The left side of the plaque is a reproduction of a letter Trice wrote at the racially-segregated Curtis Hotel in Minneapolis, using the hotel's stationary. The letter was found in Trice's suit just before his funeral.

Also see . . . Jack Trice on Wikipedia. Trice (1902-23) was born in Hiram, Ohio. In 1997, the football stadium at Iowa State University was named after him. (Submitted on June 26, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Jack Trice statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025

3. Jack Trice statue

Photographed by Unknown, 1923

4. Jack Trice Marker

public domain photo

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.