Kenny Thompson
Familiar Refrain Could Mean Another Great Year for Favored Boilers
It’s a familiar refrain to Purdue basketball fans. “Purdue will be just another team without Caleb Swanigan.” “Purdue will miss Carsen Edwards’ scoring.” “Purdue won’t be able to overcome Jaden Ivey’s departure to the NBA.” “Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer won’t be as good without Zach Edey drawing all the attention.” The first three declarations…
Read MoreVeteran Sports Scribe Shares Notes From Purdue, IU, Big Ten and NFL
The Purdue ACL curse has now expanded into Boilermaker alumni in the NFL. All-American wide receiver Rondale Moore of the Atlanta Falcons was lost for the season when he suffered a non-contact right knee injury during a joint practice Aug. 7 with the Miami Dolphins. Moore’s injury led to the Falcons calling off the rest…
Read MoreThe Journey Continues, Part 5 Of Ross-Ade Stadium
By: Kenny Thompson This is part 5 of a series celebrating 100 seasons of Purdue football at Ross-Ade Stadium. The best decade of football in Purdue history, the 1960s saw Purdue not only share a Big Ten championship but also reach the Rose Bowl for the first time. Jack Mollenkopf’s teams went 8-2 against Indiana…
Read MoreRemembering A Tragedy In Boilermaker History
By: Kenny Thompson There are very few reminders on the Purdue University campus today of the greatest tragedy in Boilermaker athletics history. A plaque inside the entrance to Felix Haas Hall, located just a short drive north on University Street from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, lists 17 names. Twelve players, an assistant coach, a…
Read MoreRemembering A Tragedy In Boilermaker History
By: Kenny Thompson There are very few reminders on the Purdue University campus today of the greatest tragedy in Boilermaker athletics history. A plaque inside the entrance to Felix Haas Hall, located just a short drive north on University Street from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, lists 17 names. Twelve players, an assistant coach, a…
Read MoreCelebrating 100 Seasons Of Purdue Football At Ross-Ade Stadium Part 4
By: Kenny Thompson The 1950s were a decade filled with amazing highs (snapping Notre Dame’s 39-game unbeaten streak in 1950, winning a share of the 1952 Big Ten title) and lows (a pair of 2-7 seasons in 1950 and 1953). The Boilermakers transitioned from head coach Stu Holcomb to Jack Mollenkopf in 1956, beginning one…
Read MoreGreed, Expansion and Noteworthy Purdue Basketball Tidbits
By: Kenny Thompson If there were such a thing as a Mount Rushmore of Purdue basketball, Terry Dischinger’s place in Boilermaker history was carved decades ago. Dischinger last wore a Purdue uniform before my first birthday so my memories are from my dad and others telling me what a great player he was. The fact…
Read MoreCelebrating 100 Seasons Of Purdue Football At Ross-Ade Stadium Part 2
By: Kenny Thompson The 1930s were a time of championships and tragedy for the Purdue football team. The Boilermakers would share the Big Ten championship in 1931 and 1932 under Noble Kizer, who was promoted following James Phelan’s departure for the University of Washington following the 1929 season. Purdue has had more than its share…
Read MorePlayers Of 1920s, Big Ten Basketball And Something To Prove
By: Kenny Thompson The dedication game of Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 22, 1924 was like a national holiday for those living anywhere close to the Purdue University campus. More than 125 businesses and services – from car dealerships to grocery stores, banks to department stores – were closed between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. according to…
Read MoreFirst Of Many Ross-Ade Stadium And Discussing A Record Setting Win
By: Kenny Thompson Purdue is celebrating 100 seasons in Ross-Ade Stadium, and what better time than now to reflect on the 10 most memorable games I’ve attended in the 99-year-old facility. (Ross-Ade was dedicated on Nov. 22, 1924 with a Homecoming victory against Indiana. Even though Purdue’s other home games were at Stuart Field in…
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