Monmouth College Athletics

Clyde “Chief” Brooks never attended Monmouth College, but starting in 1922, he was one of the most loyal followers of the school’s athletic program, becoming a fixture in the stands or along the sidelines at Monmouth games and practices. Although he and his wife Mary had no children of their own, Brooks has had five nephews and three nieces who attended the college.

Brooks, who worked for 45 years for the family of local pharmacist Hugh Marshall, normally did not attend road games, but Marshall often bought him train tickets to attend the Monmouth-Knox games in Galesburg.

For many years, Brooks also served as an official at Monmouth track meets. He was away from MC athletics only from 1942-45 when he served in the 837th Aviation Engineers in the U.S. Air Force.

“I’ve had a wonderful life right here around Monmouth College,” he once said.