Tom Slade: The 1971 starting QB faces a new challenge
Tom Slade was the quarterback for Bo's 1971 team that rolled to an 11-0 regular season record and fell just short of a perfect season when it lost the Rose Bowl on a last second field goal. (See post of June 3, 2006- 1971 team: 14 seconds from perfection). More than for his passing, Slade was known for being a tough run-blocker who cleared the way for Billy Taylor and the other Wolverine running backs after he handed the ball off. Slade was tough as nails. Now 54 years old, Slade's toughness is once again coming in handy as he faces an even bigger challenge than knocking over an opposing linebacker. Slade has been diagnosed with leukemia. The University of Michigan Club of Greater Flint recently featured Slade's story in their online Alumni newsletter in which it reprinted a newspaper article written by Paul Neumeyer of the Saginaw News. The Mid Michigan ABC affiliate also recently did a story on Slade in which it reported that The Tom Slade Marrow Donor Registration Drive will take place Saturday, June 24, 2006, at the Braun, Kendrick, Finkbeiner Law Offices in Saginaw Township not far from Fashion Square Mall. If you are in the area and able to stop by, please do so. Go Blue!*Note: Photo of QB Tom Slade (17) conferring with Coach Schembechler on the sidelines from Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
Labels: Tom Slade
posted by mzgoblue @ 7:28 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I am sorry to hear of Tom's illness, I fondly remember that great 1971 season. Living in Grand Rapids, we didn't get Bob Ufer's football broadcasts in the mid 70's, so I used to listen to Tom Hemingway and Tom Slade on WUOM in Ann Arbor, WVGR here in Grand Rapids. I hope Tom has a speedy recovery.
Tom Slade was one of greatest little league coaches Ypsi American League has know. He paired with another great coach, Brian Korpel. He not only taught baseball he taught leadership and cooperation.
He will be sadly missed.
I grew up with Tom and played Peewee football with him in Saginaw. He was one of the best, not only as an athlete but as a person.
Post a Comment
<< Home