Kenny Thompson

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

By: Kenny Thompson During my 35 years with the Journal and Courier, Purdue football and basketball fans were fortunate to have a pair of Hall of Famers in Tom Kubat and Jeff Washburn reporting on the ups and downs of the Boilermakers. By the time I joined the staff in 1984, Bob Scott’s days as…

By: Ken Thompson Purdue has been one of the surprises of the summertime college football recruiting landscape. ESPN placed the Boilermakers at No. 22 and sixth in the Big Ten following the commitment of ESPN 300 safety Koy Beasley, ranked 140th overall. “New coach Ryan Walters and staff used June to add multiple commitments, including…

By: Kenny Thompson For years, Purdue Hall of Famer Gene Keady has told the story of how he knew Matt Painter would be a basketball coach someday. “Ever since he was a player here, Matt has had one of the sharpest basketball minds I’ve ever been around,” Keady said in 2004, when it was announced…