The University of Akron Athletics
Hall of Fame
Alex L. Adams
- Induction:
- 1975
- Class:
- 1962
INAUGURAL CLASS
1958-61
One of the finest all-around athletes the city has ever had, Adams was a four-year letterman in football, basketball and track at Akron Garfield. He was recruited by Zip cage Russ Beichly in 1952 and, along with Benny Averiette, became the first black basketball players to play at the University.
However, at mid-year he became disenchanted with college, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was discharged in 1958 and returned to Akron and resumed his education and athletics career at the University.
Under the tutelage of Russ Beichly and Tony Laterza, Adams became UA’s all-time high scorer with 1442 points. During his cage career, the Zips compiled a 62-23 record, and Adams led the team in scoring and rebounding his junior and senior campaigns.
Adams saved his most brilliant performance until his senior year. As the Zips co-captain, he averaged 19.4 points and 11.6 rebounds. In fitting recognition of his talents, the 6-4 forward became the only Akron player ever to win the Mike Gregory Award as the Ohio Conference’s Most Valuable Player and was voted honorable mention on the United Press Little All-America squad.
A versatile performer, Adams also lettered three years in track as a sprinter, hurdler and high jumper. In his senior campaign,n Adams was the All-Ohio and Ohio Conference sprint champion and the NCAA Mideast Regional high jump champion.
Needless to say, Adams was voted UA’s Athlete of the Year in 1961.
In 1968, Adams was inducted into the Summit Country Sports Hall of Fame.
1958-61
One of the finest all-around athletes the city has ever had, Adams was a four-year letterman in football, basketball and track at Akron Garfield. He was recruited by Zip cage Russ Beichly in 1952 and, along with Benny Averiette, became the first black basketball players to play at the University.
However, at mid-year he became disenchanted with college, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was discharged in 1958 and returned to Akron and resumed his education and athletics career at the University.
Under the tutelage of Russ Beichly and Tony Laterza, Adams became UA’s all-time high scorer with 1442 points. During his cage career, the Zips compiled a 62-23 record, and Adams led the team in scoring and rebounding his junior and senior campaigns.
Adams saved his most brilliant performance until his senior year. As the Zips co-captain, he averaged 19.4 points and 11.6 rebounds. In fitting recognition of his talents, the 6-4 forward became the only Akron player ever to win the Mike Gregory Award as the Ohio Conference’s Most Valuable Player and was voted honorable mention on the United Press Little All-America squad.
A versatile performer, Adams also lettered three years in track as a sprinter, hurdler and high jumper. In his senior campaign,n Adams was the All-Ohio and Ohio Conference sprint champion and the NCAA Mideast Regional high jump champion.
Needless to say, Adams was voted UA’s Athlete of the Year in 1961.
In 1968, Adams was inducted into the Summit Country Sports Hall of Fame.
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