1896

Iowa won seven of its nine games, including a contest against the University of Missouri in Columbia, where Iowa star Carleton “Kinney” Holbrook became the target of racial prejudice. Perhaps the first black to play intercollegiate football in the state of Iowa, Holbrook was described as “one of the best half-backs in the west. He was generally given the ball when a good gain was needed on the last down. His line bucking was excellent. In falling on the ball after a fumble, he has his superior yet to meet. His ability lay in great part in his strength and sprinting qualities.”

When Iowa officials declared there would be no game unless Holbrook were allowed to play, Missouri alumni and townspeople turned against the entire Iowa team. Iowa persevered and—with one of two touchdowns made by Holbrook—won the game 12-0.