Heidelberg University Athletics

J. Earl Adams, "Cadiddy," graduated from Heidelberg College in 1929, after earning nine letters in three sports and being a part of one of the best football and basketball teams in school history, After playing for the freshman football squad in 1925--freshmen were not eligible for varsity play at this time-- Adams went on to start for three years in the Student Prince backfield, During his years as a starter, the tricolor posted a 13-7-1 record. Six of those 13 wins came in one season, however, the OAC Championship year of 1928, when the 'Berg was 6-0-1.

When football season ended, "Cadiddy," turned his attention to the hardwood of the basketball court, where he was also a three-year letterwinner. In his three years as a regular, the Student Princes posted an overall record of 26-11, including a 10-3 mark his senior year that represented the best record in school history up until that time.

Following the football and basketball seasons, Adams turned to baseball. Like with football and basketball, Adams was a three-year letterwinner in baseball, and can be considered a pioneer due to the fact that the three years that J. Earl lettered were the first three years that the sport was played at Heidelberg. Adams served as the teams' catcher, starting for the better portion of his hardball career.  Other activities for Adams, a native of Akron, consisted of; the Excelsior Men's Society, the Education Club, and Senior Class President. Following his graduation with a degree in Education, Adams was assistant football, basketball and track coach at Napoleon High School, helping the 1930 football squad to an undefeated season.

J. Earl also taught and coached at Barberton High School, where current University of Michigan Head Football Coach Bo Schembechler was one of his students. He also taught at a school in Yokohama, Japan, at a school in Germany, and finally at Hopewell-Loudon High School, where he retired from in 1972. During this time, from 1941-1972, Adams officiated Ohio High School football, an in 1974 he was awarded a citation by Heidelberg for significant contribution to the life of Heidelberg College students.

Retired, Adams resides in Bascom with his wife, the former Hildred Funk, a 1930 Heidelberg grad.

(This profile appeared in the 1989 Hall of Fame Banquet program.  Mr. Adams passed away in 1993.)