Herbert Trawick

Career

From 1940 to 1942, this 5'10" powerhouse attended Kentucky State University where he graduated with a degree in physical education. After finishing university, Herbert Trawick enlisted in the U.S. Army.

After the Second World War, he joined the Montreal Rugby Football Club in February 1946. This team, nicknamed the Alouettes, was part of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU) circuit, also known as the Big Four. The IRFU was then under the authority of the Canadian Rugby Union (CRU). CRU rules changed in 1946, making it possible for the Alouettes, who were in their first season, to sign five American players.

During the preseason camp, Trawick showed great speed despite weighing 230 pounds; he managed to earn a spot on the Montreal team and signed a $1,600 contract in his first season. An excellent lineman, both offensively and defensively, he quickly earned widespread praise from fans. So much so, that Montreal spectators selected him for the Lord Calvert Trophy, awarded to the "Player of Distinction" during the 1950 season.

During his 12 seasons with the Alouettes, he played in four Grey Cup finals (1949, 1954, 1955 and 1956), winning the prestigious trophy in 1949. The man nicknamed "the rock of Gibraltar"was named to the IRFU all-star team five times and to the CRU all-star team twice in 1954 and 1955.

A true force of nature, Trawick avoided injuries and missed very few games during his career. Memorably, he scored his only touchdown in the 1949 Grey Cup final. He managed to get the ball away from the opposing quarterback, recovered it and ran some 30 yards to the end zone.

He retired from football at the end of the 1957 season. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1975. That same year, he was also inducted into the Kentucky State University Hall of Fame. In 1995, he was inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame.

If baseball player Jackie Robinson had the crowd in Montreal buzzing when he debuted with the Royals in 1946, credit must also go to Trawick who played much the same role in football. Like Robinson, Trawick opened the door to players of colour in Canadian football. Upon his arrival with the Alouettes in 1946, the Toronto and Ottawa teams threatened to boycott games against the Montreal team if a player of colour was on the field. This shows us the segregationist spirit that still reigned at that time. Despite this, involved and dedicated people such as Trawick and Robinson were able to hold on and take their place in a society where being different was not tolerated. Thanks to their contribution and perseverance, attitudes and laws have changed over time.