Brice Taylor facts for kids
Taylor at USC, c. 1925
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 4, 1902 Seattle, Washington |
| Died | September 18, 1974 (aged 72) Downey, California |
| Playing career | |
| 1924–1926 | USC |
| Position(s) | Fullback, guard |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1927 | Claflin |
| 1928–1931 | Southern |
| 1932–1933 | Claflin |
| 1934–1935 | Bishop |
| 1936–1938 | Samuel Huston |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| All-American (1925) USC Athletic Hall of Fame |
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Brice Union Taylor (born July 4, 1902 – died September 18, 1974) was an amazing American athlete and coach. He played college football and ran track. He was a guard for the University of Southern California (USC) and became one of the first All-Americans in 1925. He was also the first African-American player for the USC Trojans. After his playing days, Taylor became a successful football coach at several colleges. These included Claflin University, Southern University, Bishop College, and Samuel Huston College.
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Early Life and Challenges
Brice Union Taylor was born on July 4, 1902, in Seattle, Washington. His middle name, "Union," honored his birthday on Independence Day. Brice had a diverse background, including African and Native American heritage. He was the youngest of ten children. Sadly, he became an orphan at age 5. The DiJulio family in Seattle took him in and raised him.
Overcoming Obstacles
Brice was born without a left hand. But this did not stop him from showing great athletic talent. He grew up in Seattle, Washington, and played football at Franklin High School. His determination was clear even at a young age.
College Sports Career
Taylor went to the University of Southern California (USC). There, he joined the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity. He remained an active member throughout his life.
Football Success
Brice Taylor played for the USC Trojans football team. He started as a fullback in 1924. In 1925, a new coach, Howard Jones, moved Taylor to the offensive and defensive lines. He also became the team's kicker. Taylor played almost every minute of USC's eleven games that season. This was a school record that lasted for many years! In 1925, he was named USC’s first All-American football player. This was a huge honor.
Track and Field Achievements
Taylor was also a fantastic track athlete for USC. He was a sprinter, hurdler, and relay runner. His track team won a big meet at the University of Pennsylvania. He won the 100-yard dash with a fast time of 9.8 seconds. He also won the 220-yard high-hurdles. Plus, he was the lead runner on the mile relay team that broke a world record that day! He was even chosen for the U.S. Olympic relay team for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, a sprained ankle kept him from competing.
Life After College
After his college career, Brice Taylor became a successful coach and community leader.
Coaching Career
In June 1927, Taylor became the head athletic coach at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The next year, he moved to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He coached the Southern Jaguars football team from 1928 to 1931. While there, he started what would become the famous Bayou Classic game against Grambling State University. He led the Jaguars to their first undefeated season in 1931. Taylor later returned to Claflin in 1932. From 1936 to 1939, Taylor coached at Samuel Huston College. This college later joined with Tillotson College to become Huston–Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.
Community and Education Work
Taylor later became a high school football coach and teacher. He worked at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, California. He also served as an associate pastor at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles. At Jefferson High School, he started a special weekend program. He opened the gym on Saturdays and hosted "Sports Nights" during the week. This gave students a chance to play sports and stay active. It helped keep them off the streets in Central Los Angeles. Besides football, Mr. Taylor also taught tennis and gymnastics.
In 1969, Governor Ronald Reagan chose him for an important role. Taylor became the Director of Head Start in California. This program helps young children from low-income families.
Legacy and Honors
Brice Taylor passed away on September 18, 1974, in Los Angeles. He had a stroke two weeks before. He was survived by his wife, Dora, and their three children.
Mr. Taylor received many honors for his contributions.
- In 1969, the City of Los Angeles named him Teacher of the Year.
- In 1970, he received the University of Southern California General Alumni Association Service award.
- Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty appointed him to the Mayor's Community Advisory Board in 1964.
- In 1995, Taylor was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.
- There is a plaque honoring him as the first All-American at the Los Angeles Coliseum. You can find it in the Memorial Court of Honor.
- Every year, the Brice Taylor Award is given to a USC graduate. This award recognizes outstanding community service.
