HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Reynold Martin-Letter from Dr. AshleySubmitted into the p blic
record or it mks)a'0
on City Clerk
To: Honorable Commissioner of the City of Miami
From: Reynold Martin, GRACE Inc.
Re: Letter from Dr. Silas Ashley
This email contains remarks Dr. Ashley would have made regarding the proposed
legislation if he was able to attend. I urge you to pass this for Gerald and the Coconut Grove
Community that supports him.
Reynold Martin
GRACE, Inc.
HOATA, Inc
St. James Baptist Church of Coconut Grove
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Greetings. It is with profound pleasure that I present to you an overview of the iconic collegiate career of Gerald
Tinker at Kent State University. "Tink" as he was affectionately called while at Kent State, transfered to Kent
State during the late spring of 1972 from Memphis State. "Tink" immediately began training for the upcoming
Olympics. He made the team and was a member of the historic 4x100 relay team at the 1972 Olympics. This
relay team that included his cousin, Larry Black, not only won the gold medal but the team set a new record in
the event. "Tink" returned to the campus of Kent State and received a heroes welcome, even though he was
basically a new student. The inspiration that he brought to the campus flowed into the athletic program which
had been subpar for many years. The momentum created by "Tink's" participation in the Olympics carried over
into the football program.
"Tink" played football as well as ran track. He was the wide receiver and return man for the team. HIs impact
was immediate! He led the nation as a return man and was the primary receiver on the team. His speed made
him difficult to defend and the opponents had to adjust their defense just for "Tink". The Kent State University
football team won the Mid American Conference title during the 1972-73 season and Kent State went to its first
bowl game in the school's history. (Tangerine Bowl). "Tink" received all conference honors.
"Tink" was not finished because he also ran track. "Tink" ran the 100, 200 and anchored the 4x100 relay team.
The Kent State University rolled through the 1973 track season with the conference championship looming and a
direct competition with Bowling Green State Univefsity. Bowling Green featured another 1972 Olympian, Dave
Woddelll. Woddell had won an olympic gold in the 800 and he also anchored the 4x400 relay team for Bowling
Green. True to form, the conference championship came down to Kent State versus Bowling Green. Kent State
through the running of "Tink" won the 100, 200 and the 4x 100 relay. Bowling Green won the 800 and several
field events. The championship would be decided by the last event which was the 4x400 relay. Bowling Green
was highly favored to win the event. At the last minute "Tink" was inserted to run the event. "Tink" was NOT a
distance runner or a "quarterhorse", but he was the only hope Kent State had. Kent State University won the
event and the Mid American Conference Championship because "Tink" held off Woddell in a dramatic last leg of
the event.
Gerald Tinker was directly responsible for establishing Kent State Univerisity as a champion within the Mid
American Conference in both football and track and field. Gerald Timker still holds records at Kent State
Univerisity.
Gerald Tinker's impact at Kent State University was not limited to just athletics. Gerald was active as a student
as well. When student groups could not afford to hire police as security for major events, "Tink" organized the
football players to serve as security. There was never any incidents at these events and the football team gained
even more support and admiration from the student body. "Tink" would return to his beloved "Grove" and
encourage students to go to college and to come to Kent State. Several students attended Kent State as a result.
Gera;d Tinker is most deserving of this honor. He has represented "The Grove" in a positive way, not only in
Miami but at Kent State University and wherever he has gone. My comments herein are not the result of hearsay,
they are a reflection of what I witnessed as a fellow student at Kent State University at the time.
PEACE
Dr. Silas Ashley
5t15flitcd into the public
recdtd #or hetp(s)
on City Clerk
President Emeritus
Kent State University Black Alumni Chapter (KSUBAC)
Submitted into the public
record f r ite 's) 11.st (40
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GIl City Clerk