CII Tiger Championship Plate, 1954
The CII Tiger Championship Plate, crafted in 1954, commemorates the remarkable achievements of the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII) Tigers football team. Signed by all the players and their legendary coach, Tillman R. Sease, this wooden championship plate represents a golden era in CII athletics and a coach who left an indelible mark on the school, its students, and its community.
Coach Sease’s influence extended far beyond the football field. Born in Denmark, South Carolina, in 1918, Sease’s journey to CII included military service in World War II, where he even coached football for his Army base’s team. After the war, he earned his Master’s in Education from Columbia University before joining CII in 1948. As head coach of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, Sease led the Tigers to three district football championships and one state championship, including a phenomenal 27-game winning streak from 1953 to 1955. His basketball teams also won two district championships, showcasing his broad expertise and commitment to excellence.
Sease’s dedication went beyond winning games. He prioritized education, teamwork, and his students' well-being, earning the respect and admiration of CII alumni. Many recall his integrity, like the time he refused to let older, ineligible players from another team unfairly compete, ensuring fairness and protecting his young athletes. These moments highlight his unwavering commitment to his players' safety and sportsmanship.
Though Sease’s time at CII was brief, his legacy endured. After leaving CII in 1956, he revitalized football programs at Bluefield College and Howard University, cementing his place as a legendary coach. Yet, his love for CII and its students remained with him for the rest of his life.
The CII Tiger Championship Plate needs proper archival care to preserve this artifact of athletic excellence and leadership for future generations. By adopting this piece, you help protect a symbol of CII’s proud history and Coach Sease’s enduring legacy.
Adopt this artifact today to celebrate the achievements and values that defined a remarkable era in CII athletics!
The CII Tiger Championship Plate, crafted in 1954, commemorates the remarkable achievements of the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII) Tigers football team. Signed by all the players and their legendary coach, Tillman R. Sease, this wooden championship plate represents a golden era in CII athletics and a coach who left an indelible mark on the school, its students, and its community.
Coach Sease’s influence extended far beyond the football field. Born in Denmark, South Carolina, in 1918, Sease’s journey to CII included military service in World War II, where he even coached football for his Army base’s team. After the war, he earned his Master’s in Education from Columbia University before joining CII in 1948. As head coach of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, Sease led the Tigers to three district football championships and one state championship, including a phenomenal 27-game winning streak from 1953 to 1955. His basketball teams also won two district championships, showcasing his broad expertise and commitment to excellence.
Sease’s dedication went beyond winning games. He prioritized education, teamwork, and his students' well-being, earning the respect and admiration of CII alumni. Many recall his integrity, like the time he refused to let older, ineligible players from another team unfairly compete, ensuring fairness and protecting his young athletes. These moments highlight his unwavering commitment to his players' safety and sportsmanship.
Though Sease’s time at CII was brief, his legacy endured. After leaving CII in 1956, he revitalized football programs at Bluefield College and Howard University, cementing his place as a legendary coach. Yet, his love for CII and its students remained with him for the rest of his life.
The CII Tiger Championship Plate needs proper archival care to preserve this artifact of athletic excellence and leadership for future generations. By adopting this piece, you help protect a symbol of CII’s proud history and Coach Sease’s enduring legacy.
Adopt this artifact today to celebrate the achievements and values that defined a remarkable era in CII athletics!
The CII Tiger Championship Plate, crafted in 1954, commemorates the remarkable achievements of the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII) Tigers football team. Signed by all the players and their legendary coach, Tillman R. Sease, this wooden championship plate represents a golden era in CII athletics and a coach who left an indelible mark on the school, its students, and its community.
Coach Sease’s influence extended far beyond the football field. Born in Denmark, South Carolina, in 1918, Sease’s journey to CII included military service in World War II, where he even coached football for his Army base’s team. After the war, he earned his Master’s in Education from Columbia University before joining CII in 1948. As head coach of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, Sease led the Tigers to three district football championships and one state championship, including a phenomenal 27-game winning streak from 1953 to 1955. His basketball teams also won two district championships, showcasing his broad expertise and commitment to excellence.
Sease’s dedication went beyond winning games. He prioritized education, teamwork, and his students' well-being, earning the respect and admiration of CII alumni. Many recall his integrity, like the time he refused to let older, ineligible players from another team unfairly compete, ensuring fairness and protecting his young athletes. These moments highlight his unwavering commitment to his players' safety and sportsmanship.
Though Sease’s time at CII was brief, his legacy endured. After leaving CII in 1956, he revitalized football programs at Bluefield College and Howard University, cementing his place as a legendary coach. Yet, his love for CII and its students remained with him for the rest of his life.
The CII Tiger Championship Plate needs proper archival care to preserve this artifact of athletic excellence and leadership for future generations. By adopting this piece, you help protect a symbol of CII’s proud history and Coach Sease’s enduring legacy.
Adopt this artifact today to celebrate the achievements and values that defined a remarkable era in CII athletics!