I give more meaning to Jack Trice’s life and death than Shawn or Timo Seppalainen. Seppalainen believes Trice’s death was no more honorable than an accident. Miller believes Trice is important because he was a football star.

Trice embodies the ideal of all hopeful, hardworking Iowa State students who strive to prove themselves to the world by being their best in everything.

Jack embodied this ideal on the football field but to a greater extent through his studies, his life and his final letter.

In addition to football and academic excellence, Trice was working to pay his tuition and support his wife and mother. His life was cut short in a tragic accident on the football field.

His story is touching already; however, the most poignant part remains. On the day of his death, the following letter was found in Trice’s pocket:

“My thoughts just before the first real college game of my life: The honor of my race, family and self is at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will. My whole body and soul are to be thrown recklessly about the field. Every time the ball is snapped, I will be trying to do more than my part.

Fight low, with your eyes open and toward the play. Watch out for crossbucks and reverse end runs. Be on your toes every minute if you expect to make good. Jack.”

Trice is honored because his life and words have special and inspirational meaning to ISU. Over 70 years later, many are touched that a promising life was cut short.

Those interested in more details can find them at the following URL: www.fansonly. com/ schools/ iast/sports/m-footbl/archive/iast-m-footbl-jacktrice.html.

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Lucia Liljegren

Assistant professor

Aerospace engineering