Title: Mitchell "Mike" Gregory Papers, 1916-1955
More Extent Information
(1) 5" legal document box; (1) oversize flat box; (1) artifact box
Arrangement
The Mitchell "Mike" Gregory Papers are arranged chronologically.
Abstract
Mitchell “Mike” Gregory (1905-1957) is a 1925 graduate of Doane Academy and a 1929 graduate of Denison University. He was a member of the basketball, football, and track teams at both schools. He remained dedicated to Denison University and its athletic programs beyond graduation and even served as an assistant coach for two years. The Mitchell “Mike” Gregory Papers, dated 1916-1955, contain materials related to Gregory’s education and interest in high school and collegiate athletics as well as correspondence with his wife, family, and friends.
Administrative/Biographical History
Mitchell “Mike” Gregory was born on July 30, 1905, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents died when he was young, so he lived with relatives for a time. Gregory eventually ended up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he met Jim Gainfort. Gainfort, a graduate of Denison University (class of 1916), encouraged Gregory to consider his education. Gregory applied for and was admitted to Doane Academy in 1921. He was a member of the baseball, basketball, football, and track teams. Gregory graduated from Doane Academy in 1925, and he entered Denison University that fall. At Denison, Gregory was a member of the basketball (freshman year only), football, track, and wrestling teams. He was captain of the football team for three years and captain of the track team for one year. Gregory graduated in 1929.
Gregory moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1929 to work for Goodyear. While there, he played professional football for two teams: the South Akron Awnings (1929-1930) and the Cleveland Indians (1931). In 1931, Gregory married Thelma Horner. The couple settled in Granville, Ohio, and operated a hardware store. Gregory was an assistant coach for the Denison University football team for two years. He established several awards for Denison student athletes, including the Mike Gregory Trophy for most valuable football player. Gregory was instrumental in the building of a new field house.
Gregory died on July 30, 1957. In 1962, Denison University opened a new swimming facility and named the pool in Gregory’s honor. The Gregory Pool closed in 2012.
