University Days
Montgomery attended Prairie View Normal and Industrial College, now Prairie View A&M University, a public historically Black land-grant university in Prairie View, Texas. Established in 1876, it was the first state supported institution of higher learning for students of color in Texas. While Montgomery studied for his Bachelor of Science degree, he was a standout athlete. He was an All-American football player and senior captain of his team. Montgomery proudly represented the Prairie View Panthers on the field, as evident in news articles in the San Antonio Register. In college, he also met the love of his life- Doris Hightower. Montgomery graduated in 1940 and the two were wed in 1944.
Excerpt from article:
"Big fast and ferocious, the Panther Tables should cause their opponents no little worry. John Montgomery, 200-pount junior of Marshall, who joined the squad for the first time at mid-season in 1937, is one of the most improved lineman on the team. Paced by Robert Howard, 190-pound sophomore, Montgomery should soon be ready to take the duties of senior captain."
U.J. Andrews, Friday, September 23, 1938. San Antonio Register.
Courtesy Texas Historical Commission.
Excerpt from article:
"John Montgomery, Prairie View's all-Southwestern, as well as all-American tackle, is a senior, but has played only three years on the Panther eleven. "Jawn" could graduate by attending school during the summer session, or he can complete the requirements for graduation by matriculating next fall. If he chooses the latter course (who thinks he won't?) six other Southwestern conference schools can devote a considerable part of their spring football training program to finding three or four good men who can successfully hold the right side of their line against the herculean defensive assaults of Big John..."
U.J. Andrews, Friday, February 9, 1940. San Antonio Register. Courtesy Texas Historical Commission.
After reading the news article excerpts featured here, can you glean the characteristics and values Dr. Montgomery possessed from a young age?
Image: Prairie View A & M University (south elevation). Photograph by Daniel Hardy, 1978. Courtesy Texas Historical Commission.