Big Bertha Edwards facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Kentucky State College (bachelor's 1939, master's 1951) |
| Playing career | |
| 1934–1938 | Kentucky State |
| 194? | Harlem Brown Bombers |
| 194? | Patterson Panthers |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1944 | DuSable HS (IL) |
| 1947–1950 | Kentucky State (backfield) |
| 1951–1956 | Kentucky State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 27–27–2 |
George "Big Bertha" Edwards was an amazing American football player and coach. He was known for his strong playing style and leadership. He became the head football coach at Kentucky State College, which is now called Kentucky State University. He coached there from 1951 to 1956, leading his team to a record of 27 wins, 27 losses, and 2 ties.
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Playing Football: A Star on the Field
George Edwards was a fantastic football player from a young age. He played for Englewood High School in Chicago. There, he earned many special awards, like All-City, All-Chicagoland, and All-State honors. This meant he was one of the best players in his area and even his whole state!
College Football Success
He continued his football journey at Kentucky State College from 1934 to 1938. During his time there, his team was incredibly successful. They even won national championships in both 1934 and 1937. George Edwards was recognized as an All-American player in 1934 and again in 1938. Being an All-American means you are considered one of the best college players in the entire country! In 1938, he was also the captain of his Kentucky State team and the All-American team.
He even played in a special All-Star game in 1938 against the professional Chicago Bears. While his team lost, it was a big honor to play against such a famous professional team.
Beyond Football: Basketball Skills
George Edwards wasn't just good at football. He also played on the school's basketball team from 1934 to 1937. Many years later, in 1999, he was chosen as a member of that team's all-time second team, showing how talented he was in more than one sport.
Coaching and Mentoring Young Athletes
After college, George Edwards played semi-professional football for two years. He played for teams like the Harlem Brown Bombers and the Patterson Panthers. But his passion for sports soon led him to coaching.
High School Coaching
He started his coaching career at the high school level. He coached the football team at DuSable High School for two seasons, including the 1944 season. He also coached basketball at Russellville High School in Kentucky. His basketball team had an impressive record of 64 wins and only 11 losses, and they even won a tri-state championship!
Returning to Kentucky State
In 1947, George Edwards returned to his old college, Kentucky State. He took on several coaching roles there. He was the boxing coach and also helped coach the football team's backfield players. In 1950, he even became the head baseball coach.
On December 1, 1950, he was named the head football coach for Kentucky State. He was the 11th person to hold this important position. He led the team for six seasons, from 1951 until 1956. His overall coaching record at Kentucky State was 27 wins, 27 losses, and 2 ties. He stepped down from his coaching role on June 30, 1957.
Legacy and Recognition
George Edwards's contributions to sports were remembered and honored. In 1975, he was one of the very first people to be inducted into the Kentucky State Athletic Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor that recognizes his lasting impact on the school's sports history.
