The Knoxville Public Library continues its Lifelong Learning Series on Wednesday, with a presentation on the life of one of the University of Iowa’s most beloved football players.
Author Mark Wilson will give a presentation on his book “The Way of Nile C. Kinnick, Jr.” at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Kinnick was a quarterback for the Hawkeyes in the late 30’s, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1939 — the only University of Iowa player ever to do so. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and died in an accident while training to become an aviator.
Wilson’s book concentrates on the letters and writings of Kinnick and others; friends and loved ones not only respected his athletic skill, but lauded him for his intelligence and decency.
The university named its football stadium in Kinnick’s honor in 1972.