Thanks to the generosity of lumber magnate Ben Cheney, thousands of local youth were able to participate in group sports. The football team above, composed of 12-year-olds, was just one of the many outfitted by Mr. Cheney's sponsorship. Spaulding helmets, bright red jerseys, and white pants, were issued to team members. The two men in the October 26, 1969, group portrait were probably the team's coaches. Color photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Football players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Football--Tacoma--1960-1970; Footballs; Uniforms; Helmets;

Six new officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission posed for a group portrait at TAC headquarters on December 30, 1969. Included in the group are: President Hal Brotman and Frank Ruffo (front); Hank Semmern, Tom Paine, Dick Greco and Forrest Rodgers (standing). Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Brotman, Hal; Ruffo, Frank; Greco, Dick; Rodgers, Forrest; Paine, Tom; Semmern, Hank;

Richards Studio notes indictate that these young ballplayers were the Seattle Cheney Studs who posed at Heidelberg Field on June 19, 1966. Ben Cheney, lumberman philanthropist, sponsored many teams over the years in a variety of sports. They were all called "Cheney Studs" regardless of the sport. Thanks to Mr. Cheney's generosity, thousands were able to participate in amateur sports with Mr. Cheney picking up the tab for uniforms and fees. One of these young men would have a long career in the major leagues: Ron Cey, Mt. Tahoma graduate, who is seated second to the right. Manager George Grant is standing at far left. The 1966 Seattle-Tacoma Cheney Studs marched steadily toward their goal of American Amateur Baseball Congress titleholders by sweeping the Northwest League, State Stan Musial Tournament and Pacific Northwest AABC. They fell just short of the national title with a loss to Dallas on September 19, 1966. (TNT 9-20-1966, p. 22-article on title game)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms; Cey, Ron; Grant, George;

Mascot, coaches and baseball players are photographed behind an array of bats in this June of 1966 scene. It may have been taken at Heidelberg Field in Tacoma. The players are all wearing uniforms bearing the logo of the Ben Cheney teams: the Cheney Studs.

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The 1966 Cheney Studs basketball team posed for a group picture on March 9, 1966, at the Bellarmine gym. They would soon leave for Denver for their second consecutive appearance at the AAU basketball tournament as the Northwest representative. The team would lose to the top-seeded Armed Forces All Stars. The Studs finished their season with a 23-6 record. Jim Van Beek, #22, led the team in individual scoring for a 21.9 point average. Clint Names, #20, was the total Studs scoring champ at 587 points in 29 games. The Studs were led by player-coach George Grant. From L-R, front row: Gus Kravas, Dave Wortman, Jim Van Beek, Clint Names and George Grant. Back row: Curt Gammell, Ray Kinnaman, Tim Cousins, Clint Peeples, Don Rae and Lynn Nance. The Studs were sponsored by the Cheney Lumber Co., one of the many amateur league sporting groups under the wing of lumberman/philanthropist Ben Cheney. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 3-17-66, C-9)

Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Grant, George; Van Beek, Jim; Names, Clint; Kravas, Gus; Wortman, Dave; Gammell, Curt; Kinnaman, Ray; Cousins, Tim; Peeples, Clint; Rae, Don; Names, Lynn;

Seven exuberant Cheney Studs Courteers demonstrated their basketball skills during a session in the Western State Hospital gym on November 5, 1966. The Courteers were a collection of local middle school basketball players sponsored by philanthropist Ben Cheney. They put on fast-paced performances at high school, college and professional half-time shows. This photograph was used by the News Tribune in their March 5, 1967 edition; the Courteers had been invited to perform at the NCAA regional basketball tournament in Corvallis, Oregon, on March 18th. The Courteers were identified as: (foreground) Tim McDonough and Jeff Wilson. In back: Bob Thomsen, Ed Orr, Steve Shamberg, Dennis Franklin and John Yingling. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 3-5-67, C-22)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods); McDonough, Tim; Wilson, Jeff; Thomsen, Bob; Orr, Ed; Shamberg, Steve; Franklin, Dennis; Yingling, John;

ca. 1964. Compilation of articles on the Cheney Studs Courteers; copy made from customer's negative. These Tacoma youngsters, sponsored by lumberman Ben Cheney, were roving basketball ambassadors in the 1960's. Aged 11-15, and small in built, they were known for their basketball wizardry, especially their precision dribbling. George Brown and Ricky Stewart were two boys highlighted in the Medford, Oregon and Tacoma News Tribune's articles. There were also group pictures of the Courteers, including one where they are dressed in suit and tie, clutching small trophies. Photograph ordered on May 4, 1967, by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970;

These beaming teenagers and their coaches were believed to have represented Ben Cheney's Cheney Studs team in the Tacoma Connie Mack League in 1967. The boys, all dressed identically in pinstripe uniforms and caps bearing the Cheney Studs logo, were thought to have been photographed at Heidelberg Park in Tacoma in July of 1967. They had an outstanding 10-2 record that year but failed to obtain entry into the State Connie Mack tourney due to an August loss to North Shore of Seattle, eventual Washington State champs. (TNT 8-2-1967, B-8-article on game)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms;

Members of the Cheney Studs Courteers basketball troupe share a laugh at practice on the floor of the Western State Hospital gym on December 2, 1967. The smallest member on the right deftly dribbles his ball without sparing a glance downwards. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods);

Junior High School boys come in all sizes and members of the Cheney Studs Courteers were no exception. Sponsored by lumberman Ben Cheney, the ability to master basketball drills and put on entertaining half-time programs was more important than height. Five Courteers are pictured smiling on December 2, 1967, on the floor of the Western State Hospital gym, as they greet a much smaller teammate. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods);

Standing on top of a traveling Cheney Studs trunk is one of the smallest members of the Courteers basketball troupe. The exuberant youngster with the large grin shows that he can balance a basketball just as well as taller members. Gazing upward with a surprised look is another Courteers teammate. The junior high school students were practicing at the Western State Hospital gym on December 2, 1967. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Luggage;

This group of older teens played amateur baseball under the Cheney Studs name during the summer of 1967. Mr. Cheney sponsored many teams in a variety of sports and baseball was no exception. There was more than one Cheney Studs baseball team in the local area with varying ages and abilities. Future major leaguer Ron Cey is third from left, second row. He would go on to a long career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and finishing up with the Oakland Athletics. NW League and State champs, these players would go onto Regionals in Portland in August and advance to national playoffs by defeating Oregon champions A.B. Smith. The Studs had a sparkling 37-1 record prior to the American Amateur Baseball Congress tournament held in Battle Creek, MI in September. The 1966 Seattle Tacoma Cheney Studs had been the national runners-up in the AABC title game. Tacomans Ron Cey, Rick Austin, Earl Hyder and Skip Gillis were in their final seaon with the Studs. Starting in 1968, Tacoma-area residents would not be permitted to play for Seattle-based AABC teams. (TNT 8-15-1967, p. 24-article, TNT 8-25-1967, p. 27-names of players & photograph; TNT 8-28-1967, D-8-article; various other sports articles in TNT)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cey, Ron;

One of Ben Cheney's Cheney Studs baseball teams posed for a group shot in July of 1967. Thousands of youngsters were given the opportunity to play a variety of sports thanks to the generosity of well-known lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney. All of the teams used the Cheney Studs logo on their uniforms.

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms;

Captured in print for all time is a portrait of youth in action. Six Cheney Studs Courteers are pictured in various poses, mimicking the frenetic activity of their half-time basketball shows. The junior high school boys would entertain crowds gathered at high school, college and even professional games, with their high potency basketball skills. They were sponsored by lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods);

This group of young football players, posed at Jefferson Park, was one of many that the Cheney Lumber Co. had sponsored throughout the years. The sixteen boys, members of the Cheney Studs Pee-Wee team, stand proudly dressed in football gear along with their two coaches in late October, 1967. Ben Cheney's benevolence meant that thousands of youngsters in the Puget Sound region were able to participate in amateur sports. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Football players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Football--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Wood carving. Forever frozen in step is this football player carved from wood. He clutches a football against his chest as he races toward an unseen goal line. This carving may have been created by Tacoma master artist Art McKellips. There were apparently several other carvings done at the same time which depicted the art of golf, basketball and baseball among others. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.

Wood carvings; Football players;

Paul Spruell in action on May 11, 1965, at the Lakewood Ice Arena. He competed in the Novice men category in 1965. Paul was practicing for the "Ice Capers of 1965" presented by the Lakewood Winter Club later in the month. In January, 1966, Paul, 16, would compete in the U.S. Ice Skating Championships in Berkeley, California. It would be his first time at nationals. Photograph ordered by Lakewood Winter Club. (TNT 5-16-65, D-1, TNT 1-23-66, B-12)

Ice skating--Lakewood--1960-1970; Skaters; Spruell, Paul;

For many years the Tacoma Athletic Commission sponsored a Fourth of July show featuring elaborate fireworks. George P. Sheridan, chairman, and Howard Krewson, ticket chairman, pose with three children and a variety of fireworks on a grassy lot on July 1, 1965. Cecelia Harris rides bareback on a small pony while Denise Michael is perched on a Schwinn bicycle. Patricia Harris holds an enormous firecracker. The bicycle and pony would be given away during the gigantic fireworks show at the Stadium Bowl on Monday, July 5th. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 7-2-65, p. 1)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Children & adults; Sheridan, George P.; Krewson, Howard; Harris, Cecelia; Michael, Denise; Harris, Patricia; Ponies; Bicycles & tricycles; Fireworks--1960-1970;

Two Cheney Studs Courteers flash large grins as they palm basketballs on the Wilson High School court on December 2, 1965. Sponsored by lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney, the Courteers performed dazzling routines during half-times at various high school, college and professional basketball games. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods);

The Cheney Studs "Colts" baseball team posed proudly with their coach Bob Maguinez, a former player, at Heidelberg Field on July 15, 1963. The sixteen players, ages 15-16, are dressed in pinstripes with their uniforms and caps bearing the well-known Studs logo. The Studs were defeated by the 6th Ave. Rebels on July 23rd, 5-2, in Tacoma's Colt League championships. The Rebels, winner of a 4-team title playoff, would go on to compete in District play. (TNT 7-23-63, p. 18)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms; Maguinez, Bob;

Presentation of the Totem Trophy by the Young Men's Business Club was made on November 2, 1963, to Coach John Heinrick of the University of Puget Sound. Seniors Ralph Bauman (#60) and Jack Sather (#23) stand next to their coach. The Loggers came from behind to defeat Pacific Lutheran University 9-7 to claim the Totem Trophy which is given to the winner of the annual match. UPS took home the Totem Trophy for the 13th time in 17 attempts. The tradition of Logger-Lute football dates back to about 1931 and is one of the longest running rivalries in the Northwest. Coach Heinrick was a coach, teacher and administrator at the University of Puget Sound for 30 years. Each year an award is given for the most inspirational athlete in Mr. Heinrick's name. Photograph ordered by Y.M.B.C. (TNT 11-3-63, B-12, TNT 11-8-63, p. 25)

Awards; Football--Tacoma--1960-1970; Football players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Heinrick, John; Bauman, Ralph; Sather, Jack; Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma);

In this photograph from November, 1963, eight Cheney Studs Courteers demonstrate some of the sparkling personality and court wizardry that made them a popular half-time attraction at high school, AAU, and college basketball games throughout the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Ben Cheney, and sponsored by the Cheney Lumber Company, the Courteers performed a 9.5 minute routine that showcased coordinated ball handling and dribbling set to lively rock n' roll music. They appeared on national television during half-time of the January 25 & January 26, 1964, Lakers-Warriors basketball games. Kneeling from L-R are: Billy Herd, Pete Wonders and Eddie Herd. Standing: George Brown, Tom Rogers, Rickey Stewart, Denny Karna and Jeff Smith. The boys ranged in age from 11-15 and stood 4'5" - 4'11." Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 1-19-64, B-13)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods);

Members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission demonstrate the fine art of baseball in May of 1964, as they prepare for the second annual city high school Diamond-Go-Round to be held on May 22nd at Cheney Stadium. Wilson, Mount Tahoma, Stadium, Lincoln, and Bellarmine of the City League along with Curtis of the Seamount League will participate at the Go-Round sponsored by the Athletic Commission. All proceeds from the game were to go to the athletic funds of the high schools and Tacoma junior highs. The T.A.C. directors are: Hal Brotman at bat, Bill Larson with ball, and John McCutcheon as catcher with Bill Post, athletic director for Tacoma city schools, as umpire. The outsized Stan Musial glove, made by Rawlings, would seem to guarantee that the likelihood of passed balls would be slight. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 5-20-64, A-12)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sporting goods; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Brotman, Hal; Larson, William C.; McCutcheon, John; Post, Bill; Baseball umpires--Tacoma;

Color photograph of baseball team. The uniformed 15-member University Place Cougar baseball team poses proudly on September 19, 1964. The two men with the group are probably their coaches. Three trophies are placed in front of two kneeling players on the gym floor. Photograph ordered by William Johnson.

Baseball players--University Place--1960-1970; Awards;

On April 25, 1962, three members of the Tacoma Ad Club appear to deeply ponder golf strategy as they prepare for the upcoming golf tournament at Allenmore Golf Course. One man has his putter on hand but the distance to the hole is not shown. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Ad Club.

Golf--Tacoma--1960-1970; Golfers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Ad Club (Tacoma);

The Cheney Studs "Rookie" team spent part of a Sunday afternoon posing for their group picture in October, 1962, at Jefferson Field. All boys were properly dressed in uniforms and padding with helmets laid neatly in front of them. The Studs, one of the many youth sports teams sponsored by lumberman Ben Cheney, had the Studs logo of a horse on both their jerseys and helmets. The two non-uniformed individuals are probably the team's coaches. The "Rookie" League Studs would wallop the SEBC Cards that day 47-0. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Football players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Football--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms; Helmets;

An exuberant Wayne Hoff of Mason Junior High shows off his basketball skills by twirling his ball in this November, 1962, photograph. He was a member of the Cheney Studs Courteers, one of the many youth groups sponsored by Ben Cheney. Each team member, in whatever sport, seemed to be well equipped with proper safety equipment and stylish uniforms. The Courteers were especially selected to provide half-time entertainment at high schools, AAU and college basketball games. Their 9.5 minute act showcased coordinated ball handling and dribbling set to rock n' roll tunes. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 2-4-62, A-8)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods); Hoff, Wayne;

The eight-member Cheney Studs Courteers basketball team was photographed in November of 1962 in the Wilson High School gym, with coach Gene Anderson, a Cheney Lumber Co. executive, at left. The members of the Courteers were junior high students who provided half-time entertainment at various college, AAU and high school games. These youngsters showcased their ball handling and dribbling skills in exhibition numbers set to lively rock 'n roll. Kneeling at extreme left are Wayne Hoff of Mason Jr. High with Rob Norwood at his side. Tom (Hummingbird) Mack of McCarver is in the center of the second row. Ben Cheney continued his generosity in sponsoring youth sports teams, not only in his favorite pastime, baseball, but also in football and basketball. Tacoma's traveling goodwill ambassadors would perform in December, 1962, for audiences at the San Francisco Cow Palace and also in Los Angeles. Ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 2-4-62, A-8, TNT 12-16-62, C-19) TPL-9880 (Additional i.d.provided by a reader)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Basketball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms; Hoff, Wayne; Mack, Tom; Norwood, Rob; Anderson, Gene;

View of head table at banquet. Governor Albert Rosellini was one of the honored guests at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet on February 6, 1963. The Sports Hall of Fame had been established by the Tacoma Athletic Commission by one of its founders, Clay Huntington, in 1960. Each year a number of candidates are nominated to be voted upon by top sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. Those elected are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and honor they have brought to themselves and the State of Washington. At the head table above in this 1963 photograph are also local lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney (seated second to left) and All-star shortstop, Maury Wills (next to Gov. Rosellini). Five men were elected to the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame: Don Paul, George Wise, Frank Gillihan, Jack Walters and Jack Connor. Those honorees are believed to be standing in the above picture behind the head table; names not necessarily in order. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

Ben and Marian Cheney smile broadly as they pose with guest Andy Gilbert (left) at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame banquet sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on February 6, 1963. Also at the top of the stairs on the upper right is Tacoma Athletic Commission president William (Bill) Gazecki. Mr. Cheney was a well known sports fan whose generosity allowed thousands of Tacoma youngsters to participate in organized sports. He was instrumental in bringing the Tacoma Giants Pacific Coast League baseball team to Tacoma to play in Cheney Stadium. Mr. Gilbert was the newly named manager of the Tacoma Giants. His pro career spanned twelve years as he performed at every position other than catcher. In his rookie season in the Ohio State League, Mr. Gilbert broke his neck sliding head-first into second base. Undeterred, he returned to baseball the following year. (TNT 2-4-63, p. 14-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Gilbert, Andy; Gazecki, William;