This post is part of a media project called SoCal Sports History 101: The Prime Numbers from 00 to 99 that Uniformly, Uniquely and Unapologetically Reveal The Narrative of Our Region’s Athletic Heritage. Pick a number, and consider the list of athletes attached to it. Who wore it best? Or, what’s the most compelling story linked to it? Any person, place or thing is in play with Southern California connections. Star power, transformational achievement, longevity, notoriety and quirkiness all factor in. Whatever leads to a lively discussion and interpretation.
The most obvious choices for No. 41:
Jerry Reuss, Los Angeles Dodgers
John Lackey, Anaheim Angels
Elden Campbell, Los Angeles Lakers
Glen Rice, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers
The not-so-obvious choices for No. 41:
Glenn Davis, Los Angeles Rams
Ken Norton Jr., UCLA football
Jeff Shaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
The most interesting story for No. 41:
Glenn Davis, Los Angeles Rams running back (1950 to 1951)
via Bonita High
Southern California map pinpoints:
Claremont, La Verne, Pomona, Los Angeles Coliseum, La Quinta
Reference books on the subject:
“Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside: World War II, Army’s Undefeated Teams, and College Football’s Greatest Backfield Duo,” by Jack Cavanaugh, 2014
In the main office at Bonita High School in La Verne, Glenn Davis’ 1946 Heisman Trophy sits somewhat unassuming in a glass case. There are all sorts of newspaper clippings behind it. Next to it is the Smudgepot Game Trophy — which, to some, carries more importance as far as school bragging rights.
Davis, the Army tailback known as “Mr. Outside,” became just the 12th recipient in the award’s history after his senior season of college football, given to the most “outstanding college football player in the United States” as designated by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City. He actually was the award runner-up as both a sophomore and a junior.
On this Heisman plaque, however, there’s a small, noteworthy addition. Check the bottom left corner. Someone added: “Bonita High School 1940-1943.”
To the “Claremont Comet,” as he was called in the local newspapers, that footnote mattered most to him.
“I don’t think there’s too many high schools in the country with a Heisman Trophy in their possession,” said then-Principal Bob Ketterling in 2004. “People walk by and do a double-take.”
Davis, the first Heisman Trophy winner who came from the California Interscholastic Federation’s Southern Section, eventually was a member of the Los Angeles Rams and played in two NFL championship games during his only two professional seasons. And to think he could have had USC on his resume instead of Army, but something odd happened along the way.
Continue reading “No. 41: Glenn Davis”
