Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Story
December 20, 1957
Arkansas State Press
Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas
What is this article about?
Sidney Williams, a 6'2" 189-lb Black quarterback from Little Rock, became the first to start for a Big Ten team at Wisconsin, leading to a 6-3 record in 1957 despite early setbacks and amid racial tensions.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
COULD BE BEST QB IN BIG 10
Sidney Williams, a six-foot two-inch, 189-lb. quarterback at the University of Wisconsin, according to backfield coach Perry Moss, could "be the best quarterback in the Big Ten." Sid was the first Negro ever to win a starting position as a quarterback of a Big Ten team and was starting quarterback for the Badgers who ended their 1957 season with a 6-3-0 record for the year.
The story of Sidney Williams, "The Quarterback From Little Rock" is told in the January issue of Ebony magazine.
Ironically, it was the former athletic director of Little Rock's Central high school who suggested that Sid apply at Wisconsin. While attending Dunbar high school Sid got an academic scholarship at Wisconsin.
As a football prospect his first year he petered out and wasn't even invited back to fall football practice. Determined to play football he wrote the coach a letter, asking for another chance. He got it.
Through a succession of positions, end, second team safety man, and first team safety man, he became the starting quarterback for the Badgers.
Sid, who is a junior and maintains a B-average in chemical engineering, has been impressive, operating from Wisconsin's offensive formation which calls for a quarterback who can fake, pass and run.
The Little Rock incident and his conduct under fire, in a difficult and demanding position, have made him something of a hero to many Americans.
Sidney Williams, a six-foot two-inch, 189-lb. quarterback at the University of Wisconsin, according to backfield coach Perry Moss, could "be the best quarterback in the Big Ten." Sid was the first Negro ever to win a starting position as a quarterback of a Big Ten team and was starting quarterback for the Badgers who ended their 1957 season with a 6-3-0 record for the year.
The story of Sidney Williams, "The Quarterback From Little Rock" is told in the January issue of Ebony magazine.
Ironically, it was the former athletic director of Little Rock's Central high school who suggested that Sid apply at Wisconsin. While attending Dunbar high school Sid got an academic scholarship at Wisconsin.
As a football prospect his first year he petered out and wasn't even invited back to fall football practice. Determined to play football he wrote the coach a letter, asking for another chance. He got it.
Through a succession of positions, end, second team safety man, and first team safety man, he became the starting quarterback for the Badgers.
Sid, who is a junior and maintains a B-average in chemical engineering, has been impressive, operating from Wisconsin's offensive formation which calls for a quarterback who can fake, pass and run.
The Little Rock incident and his conduct under fire, in a difficult and demanding position, have made him something of a hero to many Americans.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Bravery Heroism
Fortune Reversal
What keywords are associated?
Sidney Williams
Big Ten Quarterback
University Of Wisconsin
Little Rock
Ebony Magazine
Football Success
What entities or persons were involved?
Sidney Williams
Perry Moss
Where did it happen?
University Of Wisconsin, Little Rock
Story Details
Key Persons
Sidney Williams
Perry Moss
Location
University Of Wisconsin, Little Rock
Event Date
1957
Story Details
Sidney Williams, first Negro starting quarterback in Big Ten at Wisconsin, overcame initial failure and progressed through positions to lead Badgers to 6-3 record in 1957. From Little Rock, suggested by high school director, earned academic scholarship, maintains B-average in chemical engineering, impressive in multifaceted QB role, hero amid Little Rock incident.