The Des Moines East High School drama department will be the first to perform a play depicting the life of ISU football legend Jack Trice.

The play, titled, “I Will: The Story of Jack Trice,” was written by Steve Jones, of 1930 Stevenson Dr.

Jones wrote the book, “Football’s Fallen Hero — The Story of Jack Trice.” He said the play and the book tell the same story, although the play contains a few fictional scenes to help viewers understand who Jack Trice was.

Dan Jones, junior in music, wrote original music for the play, which will be performed Friday and Saturday at East High School. Both performances will be at 7 p.m.

Trice is the namesake of Iowa State’s football stadium.

“He’s a part of Iowa history, and few people know about him,” Steve said.

Trice broke the color barrier at Iowa State as its first African-American student-athlete. After playing for the ISU freshman team, Trice broke into the varsity ranks for the 1923 season. He was injured and sidelined during the second game of the season. Doctors discovered a broken collarbone, and Trice’s condition worsened. He died two days after the game on Oct. 8, 1923, of hemorrhaged lungs and internal bleeding.

The play covers Trice’s youth through his high school years, and covers the short time he attended Iowa State.

“It’s a way to tell the story about Jack Trice to a group of people who don’t know much about him,” Steve said. “This production is one way to expose them to this truly special person.”

Ruth Ann Gaines is the director of the play.

Jones will sign and sell copies of “Football’s Fallen Hero” during the play’s intermission. Profits will go to the East High drama department.