Charles Fremont West facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 25, 1899 Washington, Pennsylvania |
| Died | November 20, 1979 (aged 80) Washington, D.C. |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1920–1923 | Washington & Jefferson |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1925 | Howard (assistant) |
| 1928 | Howard |
| 1934–1935 | Howard |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 12–7–2 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| All-American Honorable Mention (1923) Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1979) |
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Charles Fremont "Pruner" West (born January 25, 1899 – died November 20, 1979) was an amazing American athlete, football coach, and doctor. He was known for playing football and running track at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. He made history as the first African American to play quarterback in the famous Rose Bowl. Later, West coached football at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 1928, and again from 1934 to 1935.
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Early Life and Nickname
Charles West was born in 1899 in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He was one of four children. His family moved from their farm to Washington, Pennsylvania in 1911. Charles's father owned a drug store, which later became a grocery store. His father was also elected to the Washington City Council.
Charles earned the nickname "Pruner" because people mispronounced "Peruna," a cough syrup his father sold. Charles was a fantastic athlete at Washington High School. There were even rumors that he could outrun a horse and wrestle a bull!
College Days at Washington & Jefferson
In 1920, Charles West started college at Washington & Jefferson College. He played football and was also a javelin thrower for the track and field team. He became the captain of the track team in 1924. At that time, very few African American students played sports at private colleges.
Breaking Barriers in Football
Charles started as a halfback and backup quarterback for the 1921 Washington & Jefferson Presidents football team. After a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers, he became the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.
In January 1922, he made history. He became the first African American quarterback to play in the 1922 Rose Bowl. He led his team to a tough, scoreless tie against the California Golden Bears.
Standing Up to Discrimination
Charles West faced unfair treatment because of his race. Once, when his team arrived for a game, some people in the crowd couldn't tell which player was him because he had lighter skin. Charles, being the last off the train, joked, "We didn't bring him with us this time."
After a victory, Charles visited a drug store that had a racist display with a doll labeled "West" in an ambulance. Charles calmly introduced himself to the store owner and asked for the display when they were "done with it." The embarrassed owner immediately gave it to him.
In another incident, the Washington and Lee team refused to play against West. They said it was against their "tradition." But Robert M. Murphy, the athletic director for Washington & Jefferson, sent them a strong message: "W&J does not play without Pruner West." Even though West had a sprained ankle and couldn't have played anyway, Murphy refused to give in to their unfair demand. Washington and Lee had to go home with a 1–0 forfeit loss.
Charles West was a truly tough player. In a game on November 4, 1922, he missed the first half with a taped arm. But he returned for the second half and led his team to an amazing 14-point comeback victory, winning 14–13! In 1923, he was recognized as an All-American honorable mention.
From Coach to Doctor
After college, Charles West briefly signed with the Akron Pros in the National Football League (NFL). However, he decided to leave professional football to attend medical school at Howard University in Washington, D.C.. While studying to become a doctor, he also coached football at Howard.
He was an assistant coach in 1925 and then became the head coach in 1928. He coached again in 1934 and 1935. After finishing medical school, Dr. West practiced medicine in Alexandria, Virginia for many years, helping many people.
Lasting Legacy
Charles West and his wife, Laverne, had two children, Linda and Nathaniel. Outside of his career, he loved hunting, fishing, and was excellent at skeet and trap shooting.
In 1978, he received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Washington & Jefferson College. He passed away in 1979.
His amazing achievements continue to be recognized. On May 6, 1979, Charles West was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 2011, his important role in helping African Americans advance in college sports was celebrated at a special ceremony. A large photo of him throwing a javelin is displayed at the W&J Hall of Fame. In 2017, Charles Fremont West was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, honoring his pioneering spirit and athletic excellence.
