GIBBS, Theatrece - Revision history

Randylyon at 16:01, 1 July 2025

2025-07-01T16:01:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 1 July 2025
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	Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque High in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year. (5)		Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque High in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year. (5)

	Gibbs went on to play sports at the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was referred to in the Iowa press with terms, describing his speed, such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 described Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability.		Gibbs went on to play sports at the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was referred to in the Iowa press with terms, describing his speed, such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 described Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability. (6)

	The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1. (6)		The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1. (7) In addition to his running talents, he competed in the high jump and broad jump. In 1936 he tied for first place at the Iowa Conference meet with a leap of 21' 1.0". (8)

	In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933. (7)		In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933. (9)

	Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel. (8)		Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel. (10)

	Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s ~~where he passed away---a pioneer in American football history~~. ~~(9)~~		Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s.

	---		---
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	7. Ibid.		7. Ibid.

	8. ~~Ibid~~.		8. University of Dubuque Hall of Fame, Online: https://udspartans.com/honors/athletic-hall-of-fame/theatrice-e-gibbs/28

	9. Ibid.		9. Ibid.

			10. Ibid.

Randylyon at 03:00, 6 December 2015

2015-12-06T03:00:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:00, 6 December 2015
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	[[File:gibbs.jpeg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: Abrianna Lewis, William Powell, Brashawn Williams, Darius Lewis and Tim Hitzler]]GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)		[[File:gibbs.jpeg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: Abrianna Lewis, William Powell, Brashawn Williams, Darius Lewis and Tim Hitzler]]GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914--1967).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)

	Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]]. In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)		Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]]. In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)

Randylyon at 22:21, 28 November 2015

2015-11-28T22:21:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 28 November 2015
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	[[File:gibbs.jpeg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: Abrianna Lewis, William Powell, Brashawn Williams, Darius Lewis and Tim Hitzler]]GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)		[[File:gibbs.jpeg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: Abrianna Lewis, William Powell, Brashawn Williams, Darius Lewis and Tim Hitzler]]GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)

	Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)		Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]]. In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)

	Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He ~~also~~ ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque ~~high~~ in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year. (5)		Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque High in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year. (5)

	Gibbs went on to play sports at the ~~University of Dubuque~~ from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was ~~variously~~ referred to in the Iowa press with terms ~~denoting~~ his speed such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 ~~referred to~~ Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability. The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1. (6)		Gibbs went on to play sports at the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was referred to in the Iowa press with terms, describing his speed, such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 described Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability.

			The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1. (6)

	In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933. (7)		In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933. (7)
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	Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel. (8)		Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel. (8)

	Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s where he passed away ~~unknown as~~ a pioneer in American football history. (9)		Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s where he passed away---a pioneer in American football history. (9)

	---		---

Randylyon at 00:36, 25 November 2014

2014-11-25T00:36:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:36, 25 November 2014
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	GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)		[[File:gibbs.jpeg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: Abrianna Lewis, William Powell, Brashawn Williams, Darius Lewis and Tim Hitzler]]GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)

	Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)		Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)

Randylyon at 04:13, 27 October 2014

2014-10-27T04:13:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:13, 27 October 2014
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	GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.		GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family. (1)

	Gibbs played ~~at a time when Dubuque High School,~~ under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]~~, was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football~~. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] ~~With~~ Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship ~~in 1931~~. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (1) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.		Gibbs played under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]]. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] In 1931 with Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. (2) Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High football team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (3) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship. The same year, Gibbs was named by the ''Des Moines Register'' to its first all-state high school football team. (4)

			Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He also ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque high in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year. (5)
	Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He also ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque high in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year.

	Gibbs went on to play sports at the University of Dubuque from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was variously referred to in the Iowa press with terms denoting his speed such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 referred to Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability. The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1.		Gibbs went on to play sports at the University of Dubuque from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was variously referred to in the Iowa press with terms denoting his speed such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 referred to Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability. The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1. (6)

	In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933.		In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933. (7)

	Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel.		Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel. (8)

	Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s where he passed away unknown as a pioneer in American football history.		Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s where he passed away unknown as a pioneer in American football history. (9)

	---		---
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	Source:		Source:

	1. Pope, S. W. and Nauright, John. '''Routledge Companion to Sports'''New York: Routledge, 2010,, p. 160		1. Nauright, John. "An African-American Football Pioneer in Iowa: Theatrece Gibbs of Dubuque," academia.edu Online: http://www.academia.edu/1571441/An_African-American_football_pioneer_in_Iowa_Theatrece_Gibbs_of_Dubuque

			2. Ibid.

			3. Pope, S. W. and Nauright, John. '''Routledge Companion to Sports'''New York: Routledge, 2010,, p. 160

			4. Wiggins, David K. "With All Deliberate Speed”: High School Sport, Race, and
			Brown v. Board of Education," p. 4 Online: http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/JSH/JSH2010/JSH3703/jsh3703d.pdf

			5. Nauright

			6. Ibid.

			7. Ibid.

			8. Ibid.

			9. Ibid.


	Nauright, John. "An African-American Football Pioneer in Iowa: Theatrece Gibbs of Dubuque," academia.edu Online: http://www.academia.edu/1571441/An_African-American_football_pioneer_in_Iowa_Theatrece_Gibbs_of_Dubuque

	[[Category: African American]]		[[Category: African American]]
	[[Category: Athletics-Football]]		[[Category: Athletics-Football]]
	[[Category: Civil Rights]]		[[Category: Civil Rights]]

Randylyon at 04:01, 27 October 2014

2014-10-27T04:01:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:01, 27 October 2014
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	GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.		GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.

	Gibbs played at a time when Dubuque High School, under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]], was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] With Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1931. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.		Gibbs played at a time when Dubuque High School, under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]], was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] With Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1931. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. As far as can be determined, Gibbs was the first African American high school football captain in the United States. (1) In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.
	~~1934 through 1937.~~

	Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He also ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque high in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year.		Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He also ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque high in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year.
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	Source:		Source:

			1. Pope, S. W. and Nauright, John. '''Routledge Companion to Sports'''New York: Routledge, 2010,, p. 160

	Nauright, John. "An African-American Football Pioneer in Iowa: Theatrece Gibbs of Dubuque," academia.edu Online: http://www.academia.edu/1571441/An_African-American_football_pioneer_in_Iowa_Theatrece_Gibbs_of_Dubuque		Nauright, John. "An African-American Football Pioneer in Iowa: Theatrece Gibbs of Dubuque," academia.edu Online: http://www.academia.edu/1571441/An_African-American_football_pioneer_in_Iowa_Theatrece_Gibbs_of_Dubuque

Randylyon at 03:56, 27 October 2014

2014-10-27T03:56:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:56, 27 October 2014
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	GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.		GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.

	Gibbs played at a time when Dubuque High School, under Coach [[DALZELL, ~~Wilber~~\|~~Wilber~~ DALZELL]], was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] With Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1931. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.		Gibbs played at a time when Dubuque High School, under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilbur\|Wilbur DALZELL]], was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay\|Jay Berwanger]] With Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1931. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.
	1934 through 1937.		1934 through 1937.

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GIBBS, Theatrece. (Dubuque, IA, 1914-- ).Theatrece Gibbs played football at [[DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL]] from 1931 to 1933. While Gibbs was not the only African-American at his high school, there were only two students there at the time other than members of the Gibbs family.

Gibbs played at a time when Dubuque High School, under Coach [[DALZELL, Wilber|Wilber DALZELL]], was a powerhouse in eastern Iowa football. During his sophomore season, Gibbs shared the backfield with [[BERWANGER, Jay|Jay Berwanger]] With Berwanger leading the way, and Gibbs supporting, Dubuque won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1931. In 1932, Dubuque lost only one game but finished second in the conference. Gibbs was so well respected by his teammates that they elected him captain of the Dubuque High team for his senior season in 1933. In 1933 the team led by Gibbs, finished 7-2-1 and shared the conference championship.
1934 through 1937.

Gibbs was best known in eastern Iowa circles for his speed. He also ran track and was clocked at 10.2 in the 100-yard dash and 23 seconds in the 220 by the time he reached college. In 1932, Gibbs and Berwanger led Dubuque high in winning the conference championship in track to go with their football title of the same academic year.

Gibbs went on to play sports at the University of Dubuque from 1934 to 1937. He led the track team to a third place finish in the half-mile at the Drake Relays. He was variously referred to in the Iowa press with terms denoting his speed such as the “Ebony Flash”, the “Dusky Speedster”, and the “Chocolate Comet”. The ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'' in 1932 commented that Gibbs could “run, kick and pass with the best of them” and in 1933 referred to Gibbs as “a sprinter with good hip action and a change of pace, a blocker and tackler of sure ability. The University of Dubuque, however, did not have a very strong football team in the mid-1930s. Gibbs, led the team in a several key wins and ties despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his first season for the Spartans in 1934, Gibbs was one of the national leaders in scoring with 72 points coming from his 12 touchdowns. While the team finished strongly in 1934 and 1935, including an upset win against Beloit College in the season opener in which Gibbs threw a touchdown pass for the only score, the 1936 team, with Gibbs injured, finished 1-6-1.

In his senior season of 1937 he returned to his old form particularly in a game against Luther College that ended in a 6-6 tie. Gibbs intercepted two passes in the game returning the first one 45 yards and the second 70 yards for the tying touchdown. Prior to this game, Luther had not been scored on since 1933.

Gibbs was noted for his strength of character as well as his speed. His college captain Don Emery referred to Gibbs as a “good citizen”. High school and college team mate Bill Watters stated that there were few incidents of racism experienced by the team and if anyone refused to serve Gibbs, the entire team walked out of the restaurant or hotel.

Gibbs moved east and was involved in physical education and recreation in Rochester, New York during the 1950s and 1960s where he passed away unknown as a pioneer in American football history.

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Source:

Nauright, John. "An African-American Football Pioneer in Iowa: Theatrece Gibbs of Dubuque," academia.edu Online: http://www.academia.edu/1571441/An_African-American_football_pioneer_in_Iowa_Theatrece_Gibbs_of_Dubuque

[[Category: African American]]
[[Category: Athletics-Football]]
[[Category: Civil Rights]]