Broadway Joe Namath of the New York Jets was in town in mid-February, 1969, as one of the featured guests of the 10th annual Washington State Sports Hall of Fame show sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. His football team had just won the 3rd Super Bowl played, as the confident University of Alabama product had predicted. Namath, 2nd from left, stands with hands in pockets, along with three other men. Man to the farthest right is believed to be San Diego Chargers quarterback John Hadl. A six-time Pro-Bowler, Mr. Hadl would spend 16 years in the NFL and be inducted in the College Hall of Fame. "Irish" Pat McMurtry, Tacoma boxing legend, has his arm around Mr. Hadl. Hank Semmern of the TAC is at the extreme left of the photograph. The Hall of Fame gala would be completely sold out, according to Clay Huntington, chairman of the event, but fans not able to attend the February 17, 1969, show would be able to watch the proceedings on a tape delayed basis on Channel 13, KTVW. All 500 seats reserved for children had been sold as well. Kaye Hall, 17-year-old Wilson student and Olympic gold medalist in swimming, would be named State Athlete of the Year the same evening. ALBUM 9. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Namath, Joe; Football players--New York; McMurtry, Pat; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Semmern, Hank; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma);

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;

Football players. July is none too early to prepare for the upcoming football season as these two young players can attest. Both Eastside boys are partially clad in football gear, including shoulder pads, helmet and football pants. Hooks and shelves behind the boys are filled with various football paraphernalia. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Football players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Football--Tacoma--1970-1980; Footballs;

Cheney Studs. Group portrait of the Cheney Studs, Pee Wee division, taken at the South End Boys Club on November 8, 1970. Sponsored by lumberman Ben Cheney, these 12-year-olds are dressed to play - complete with numbered uniforms and helmets. Standing with the boys are their coaches, including F. Jenkins. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.

Football--Tacoma--1970-1980; Football players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Uniforms;

Young men wearing baseball uniforms posing on bleachers.

Football team playing on a rainy field. Referee is jumping over a fallen player. A small crowd of spectators is watching in the background.

Asian American Fife High School football player

Asian American Fife High School football player

Yelm High School coach with "M'Loud Brothers." Likely shot on the same day as Fife High School game.