Before helping the All-American Red Heads put men in their place on a nightly basis, Connie Howe struck a few blows for gender equality much closer to home. <\/p>\n
Howe vividly remembers squaring off against her older brother, Mike, in the Breezy Acres subdivision in Rock Falls. She stood 5-foot-3, a full foot shorter than her big brother. <\/p>\n
That didnt stop me, Howe said. I was like, I can beat you. I think that kind of made me tough. We played every minute we could. <\/p>\n
This evening, Rock Falls' very own will be one of about 60 All-American Red Heads in Springfield, Mass., for the team's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The team's pending induction was announced April 2. <\/p>\n
Its a very exciting feeling, Howe said. It will be the thrill of a lifetime. <\/p>\n
The Red Heads were founded in 1936 by C.M. Olson and helped spearhead the progression of women in sports until the team folded in 1986. <\/p>\n
Higher education <\/p>\n
There were no girls high school sports when Howe graduated from Rock Falls in 1970. <\/p>\n
Needless to say, pursuing a physical education degree at Southern Illinois University was a game-changer. <\/p>\n
\"That was really when my eyes became open that girls could play sports, Howe said. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Follow this link: <\/p>\n
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