Vern Sir Louis (1988) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Vern Sir Louis

Induction:
1988
Class:
1935

1932-43
‘35

When Vern Sir Louis was 12 years old, he borrowed an idea from James Naismith, the father of basketball, when he had a dad fasten a fruit basket to the garage. The many, many hours of shooting at the basket paid off in dividends for The University of Akron a few years later. Sir Louis, who was the top scorer in Akron at South high in 1931, was heavily recruited by Ohio State. Fortunately, it was during the “Depression” and he could only afford to go to UA. After sitting out his mandatory freshman year, Sir Louis began a successful three-year career in 1932 for Hall of Fame couch, Howard “Red” Blair. Along with Hall of Famer's Russ Estey and Dave Appleby. Sir Louis and the Zippers were 12-3 that first season and then won 15 of 16 games in 1933-34 capture the Ohio conference Championship. It was UA’s first OC crown since the 1919-20 season. The 5-11 Sir Louis, who played forward, earned first team All-Ohio and All-Ohio Conference for his efforts. Basketball was a different game in Sir Louis’ day with the center jump and the two-hand set shot in vogue. However, he didn’t’ let that stop him. During his senior season, Sir Louis averaged 11.7 points when offense was secondary to defense as Akron won 12 of 15 games. In 1978, Sir Louis’ outstanding career was recognized with his induction into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame.