Pollard Paved The Way for Countless Athletes and Community Members to Achieve Their Dreams

By Dominic Scianna

The road was long and winding for Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard as he embarked on a remarkable football, sports and inspiring career in the early 1900’s during a time of conflict and racial segregation. 

His story is one of perseverance and his accomplishments are remarkable despite the adversity he faced. Pollard’s accolades include enshrinement in the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame, coaching Professional Football, publishing the New York Independent (the first black-owned New York City Tabloid magazine), work in film and music production and talent agency, and an impactful community member. 

And now, 110 years later his high school alma mater, Lane Tech on Chicago’s near northside, rolled out the green and gold carpet for a special dedication. 

The occasion was held to officially dedicate the new “Fritz Pollard Field,” at Lane Stadium, an honor bestowed to the school’s first black football player , three -sport athlete and 1912 graduate, amid sunny skies and smiling faces paying tribute to his legacy on October 1 at Lane Tech where he starred as a teenager. Dignitaries and guest speakers included: Dr. Stephen Towns (grandson of Fritz Pollard), Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Alderman Matt Martin (47th ward), Executive Director of Sports (CPS) David Rosengard, Lane Tech Principal Edwina Thompson, Lane Tech Alum Steve McEwen, Lane Tech Athletic Director Brent Bradish, Lane Tech Alum and President of BET Louis Carr, Lane Tech alum Ronald ‘Chip’ Fisher, Executive VP of Legal Counsel for the Chicago Cubs Mike Lufrano, NPR Radio host and Lane Tech Alum Robin Washington and President of the Lane Tech Alumni Association Michelle Weiner.

The idea to honor Pollard was first fostered by 1984 Lane graduate, Ronald “Chip” Fisher, who was a former student-athlete. Fisher came across Pollard’s story while teaching a class on sports and race at the University of Texas, and the shell of an idea was formulated, but Fisher needed to gain full support from the Lane Tech administration. 

As the years passed and the pandemic became a reality across the country plans were altered and stalled until a final stamp of approval was issued. Then, there needed to be a well thought out plan for “special recognition” appropriate for a trailblazing legend like Pollard.

Finally, with the help of current Lane Tech principal Edwina Thompson, and Michelle Weiner, Executive Director of the Lane Techs Alumni Association, along with Chicago Public Schools, the trio were catalysts in pushing the concept forward. The school unveiled its plan to name the football field after Pollard, and forever immortalize his Hall of Fame accomplishments with an alumni reception, field dedication, plaque unveilings, and a boys varsity football game featuring his alma mater, neatly wrapped into one big celebration of his life.

“Words cannot describe how special this is for the Lane Tech community, and how emotional it is for not only our school, but our students, staff and so many alumni who feel like we have finally realized someone who has been an integral part of our history and has touched many around the world,” said Thompson.

“We can’t think of a better way for the Lane Tech community to come together and celebrate a man who first played for the myrtle and gold and went on to break ground at Brown University and in multiple more fields and sectors across America,” said Weiner. “Sharing his story with the community has been a labor of love and source of school pride.” 

To also honor Pollard’s three-sport athletic prowess while at Lane, the school brought back esteemed former football, track, and cross-country stars at halftime and the city of Chicago proclaimed October 1, 2022 – “Fritz Pollard Day” in Chicago. Oh, and by the way, Lane Tech defeated Michelle Clark High School 22-6 in the varsity football contest to fittingly end the momentous day.

Alumni on field include: 1948 Football Alum Jack Leese, 1969 City Champion team and members of the Lane Tech football team from 1977, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1994

“It means a whole lot to the family. We live in Indianapolis and my kids are in their 30’s, so I’m trying to explain and get them to understand the whole history of what my grandfather accomplished and what he had to go through,” said Dr. Stephen Towns, grandson of Pollard. “This means as much to me (the Lane Tech honor) as when he went into the NFL Hall of Fame because of the outreach, love, and attention from everyone. It makes you want to be a part of the city again.”

A final remembrance of Pollard’s legacy are four plagues hung on the cement slabs in Lane Stadium’s north endzone honoring his high school, college, professional, and trailblazing careers for all to see.

“We’ve had a black president, black mayors, but this institution is so special in the CPS system as well as the academic system worldwide and to see that they’ve moved forward in such a bold and courageous way is unbelievable to me,” said Louis Carr, former Lane Tech athlete and alum, now president of media sales at Black Entertainment Television (BET) networks. “So, kudos to those that were a part of this (Fritz Pollard) day. Everyone who is a student can believe in their dreams because of things like this.”