Illini Legends, Lists and Lore: Feb. 17, 2019

Ira Carrithers, one of the University of Illinois' most prominent athletes of the George Huff coaching era, competed for the Illini football, track and field and baseball teams during his time as a college athlete.On this date 64 years ago, Ira Carrithers, one of the University of Illinois' most prominent athletes of the George Huff coaching era, died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 70.

The stocky and powerfully built athlete of the early 1900s was a native of Pontiac. Carrithers played halfback for the football team, threw the shot put for Harry Gill's exceptional track and field squad and patrolled the outfield for Huff's baseball team. He served as captain in each sport and three of…