Alumni Couple's Gift Will Put an Electronic Scoreboard at Blackstock Stadium

March 1, 1963

March 1, 1963, Greencastle, Ind. — Football fans at Blackstock Stadium next fall will follow the progress of DePauw University's games on a brand new electronic scoreboard, thanks to the generosity of Commander (U.S.N.R., Retired) Russell Cook, a member of DePauw's Class of 1918, and his wife, the former Louise Lockridge, a 1919 graduate of the University.  Their gift will make possible the new 18-by-8 foot scoreboard, which will feature 24 inch numbers which will be easily visible from anywhere inside the stadium. (photo: the Cooks with their Boston terrier, Patricia, in their Clearwater, Florida home)

The new scoreboard is scheduled to be installed this summer and will be dedicated on Old Gold Day next October 12.  Forest green in color, the board is being manufactured by Fair-Play Scoreboard Company of Des Moines, Iowa.

Since his retirement in 1951 as athletic director at Drake University, Cmdr. Cook has been the dealer and distributor in Florida and Georgia for Fair-Play.  The scoreboard DePauw will receive is similar to those in use at the nation's large stadiums and fieldhouses.

Russell Cook lettered in track, baseball and football at DePauw.  In 1916 he set a school and state intercollegiate record in the pole vault and was captain of the track team. 

Leaving DePauw to join the Navy in 1917, Cook was assigned to the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois where he continued his three-sport exploits.  He graduated from the naval aviation school and was retained as an instructor.

Cook was athletic director at St. Joseph's College and Central Normal College in Indiana and later became director of Americanism for the American Legion.  He also joined the staff of the U.S. Office of Education before returning to active duty in 1941 as athletic director at the Great Lakes station.  In 1944 he was named commanding officer of the St. Louis NTS.  He retired from active duty in 1946 and took the post at Drake.

Mrs. Cook was dean of women at Central Normal, where she also taught history and speech.

The Cooks plan to be on campus for the dedication of the scoreboard.  DePauw's opponent that day will be Butler University, coached by Commander Cook's old friend, Tony Hinkle.

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