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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED OLUME 26, ISSUE 5 75 Holloway's love for Purdue sports started when he was sports editor of the student newspaper, The Expo- nent. "That is where it all got started with me, the need to know the story of Purdue athletics," Holloway said. Little did he know then, but he would play a key role in creating the story of Purdue, not only writing about it. Back in the days when it was legal in the eyes of the NCAA, Holloway was one of Purdue's key gentlemen recruiters, spending much of his weekend time eyeing talent from his area — and hoping to steer it to West Lafayette. His passion for it is evident. "Basketball coach George King came to watch Tyrone (Bedford) play," Holloway said. "Tyrone was the best I had seen." Bedford, seated nearby as Holloway told the story, watched as the tears again flowed from Holloway. "Tyrone was from an orphan's home, but he was a great student," Holloway continued, struggling at times to get the words out. "He got his degree (and) has been successful in business. Not many guys could do what Tyrone did." Bedford, a small forward who wore No. 13 like John Wooden and Glenn Robinson, could run the floor on King's racehorse basketball team that made it all the way to the NCAA title game. He is grateful for Holloway and the friendship that has endured 50 years. "I was in the children's home for five years as my parents were both gone by eighth grade, my mother in seventh grade and my father a year later," said Bedford, a native of Lou- isville who owns a limousine compa- ny in the Bay Area. "Bob came down to recruit me and I had never heard of Purdue, and I didn't want to go to U of L. I broke my leg senior year of high school, but he stuck with me. Purdue stuck with me and I am forever grateful for that. "He has always been my mentor in business and in life, and he has always been there for me." Holloway served as a pipeline to several players from the area. Bob Baltzell was a running back on Purdue's first Rose Bowl team. Mike Northington was a four- year regular, becoming the first freshman in Big Ten history to score five touchdowns in a game, a feat he accomplished against Iowa in 1973. Wayne Walls, who was from across the river in Jeffersonville, Ind., was a four-year starter for Coach Fred Schaus. Holloway also helped in landing four-year starting safety Pat Harris, and Cris Dishman, who was a defensive back on the Peach Bowl team in 1984 before enjoying a long stretch of success in the NFL. What was Holloway's secret when looking for talent? "I just went to the schools and asked the coaches who are the best two players," Holloway said. "I would check on players, then ask to send film up to Purdue. Then I bring the kids to campus. In those days you could take them to dinner." In all, Holloway says he sent 35 players to Purdue's sports teams. That means more to him than having his name on the building that comprises a big part of the Boilermakers' athletic complex. "I have had the best life being involved with Purdue sports all these years," Holloway said. "It has given me so much more than I have given it." j The Triple XXX Family Restaurants Route 66 Diner Salute Purdue's Great Traditions, like Duane Purvis Indiana's Oldest Drive-In On the Hill, But on the Level Since 1929 Triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com