Former Illini great J.C. Caroline dies
MainelyIllini
- uh, Maine
So sad to hear. I went to Urbana High where he was a coach and teacher. He was always very kind to the students. I don't think we ever realized we were in the presence of someone so special. He will be missed.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
A legend for sure. I remember learning about him from the Oskee Wow Wow VHS.
Related: I found out last season that his grandson Jordan plays basketball at Nevada (after one season with my Salukis). Jordan's father? Simeon Rice.
Related: I found out last season that his grandson Jordan plays basketball at Nevada (after one season with my Salukis). Jordan's father? Simeon Rice.
JC Caroline
I was in Jr. High in Bloomington in 1953, saved up for three Illini games and bus fare over to CU, tickets were $3.00, had no indication what a historic season it would become. The team went 7-1-1 with a loss to Wisconsin and a tie to Nebraska, but JC Caroline was the talk of the nation.
The sports writers called him. Mr. Outside and his running mate. Mickey Bates, Mr. Outside, they were the best running tandem in the nation, JC led the country in rushing. That season players had to play both offense and defense, Bates at LB and JC at DB, there was a photo of him tackling, Alan "The Horse" Ameche in the one loss to the Badgers. I later watched him play for the Bears.
I would hope the team would recognize him next season by wearing a decal on the helmets or patches. I understand he was humble and an All-American both on and off the field. I am so happy to have had an opportunity to see him make history. He was the greatest running back to wear O&B to date in my lifetime.
May God bless his family in this time of their loss.
AI
I was in Jr. High in Bloomington in 1953, saved up for three Illini games and bus fare over to CU, tickets were $3.00, had no indication what a historic season it would become. The team went 7-1-1 with a loss to Wisconsin and a tie to Nebraska, but JC Caroline was the talk of the nation.
The sports writers called him. Mr. Outside and his running mate. Mickey Bates, Mr. Outside, they were the best running tandem in the nation, JC led the country in rushing. That season players had to play both offense and defense, Bates at LB and JC at DB, there was a photo of him tackling, Alan "The Horse" Ameche in the one loss to the Badgers. I later watched him play for the Bears.
I would hope the team would recognize him next season by wearing a decal on the helmets or patches. I understand he was humble and an All-American both on and off the field. I am so happy to have had an opportunity to see him make history. He was the greatest running back to wear O&B to date in my lifetime.
May God bless his family in this time of their loss.
AI