Originally Posted by
Gato78
I emailed Dr. Lovell and Bill Scholl about Ralph Metcalfe a few months back. I read something that spurred it, not sure what it was. Ralph Metcalfe's history is absolutely incredible--including his scholarship to MU when it may not have been "politically correct" to do so. Remember that Al McGuire was fighting with Adolph Rupp on this issue 30 years later and was considered a trailblazer. In any event, scholarship to MU, conversion to Catholicism, multiple Olympic Medals including the famous 1936 Olympics (Ralph's role seems neglected because of Jesse Owens but he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Jesse). Later an alderman, Congressman and founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. He might be the most important alum in MU history. He is not properly honored by MU, though I understand there is a Ralph Metcalfe Award within the Athletic Department. He should have a statue or the new Athletic Performance Center should be named for him.