RBW gridiron teams prepare for induction into ‘Hall of Fame’
Terry Carey honored with teams from 1949-51

"There’s a whole lot of really excited ‘old’ guys around here."

So said St. Johns resident, Paul Martis, about the good news that Rodney B. Wilson High School football teams from 1949-51 have been selected for the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame.

The teams will earn their spot in history during an induction ceremony set for June 22 at Gannon Gymnasium on the campus of Lansing Community College.

Coached by a true Redwing gridiron icon, Terry Carey, the teams were undefeated in the three seasons. Carey’s clubs compiled a 35-5-1 record during his coaching career in St. Johns. He was hired in 1947, and left the district in 1952 to accept a teaching and coaching job at Niles.

"We submitted the nomination form on behalf of coach Carey," Martis said. "We were very surprised to have the teams honored – what a thrill."

Under Carey’s tutelage, the Redwing gridders won four league championships – defeating opponents with ease on most occasions.

Local sports buffs will recognize – and remember well – one particular halfback on the Carey teams: Dale Knight. An article in the Clinton County Republican-News following Knight’s final game in 1949 expresses the sentiment felt by many area residents at that time – although, the man himself was, and is, reluctant to assume credit for his team’s success.

"The great Dale Knight, finest football player to tread central Michigan gridirons in many years, said his good-byes to St. Johns fans Friday night by leading his mates to a decisive 46-0 victory. Knight romped for four touchdowns, passed for a fifth, had another one of 78 yards called back and kicked four extra points. Dale completed eight of nine passes for 109 yards and added 202 yards rushing.

"The victory was not Knight’s alone. He had plenty of help from his mates including seniors Dick Woodhams, Arnold Jones, Paul Martis, Wayne Cook, Dick Howe, Dahl DeBoer, Ted Good and Willis Hettler.

"Five members of the team were chosen for positions on the 22-man all conference team. They are: Dale Knight, halfback; Wayne Cole, end; Harvey French, tackle; Dick Howe, guard; and John Flowers, center."

The St. Johns Indy salutes the 1949-51 teams – check back as the induction date draws nearer for photographs of the teams and information about the Hall of Fame event.