Local News
Olympics’ first black medalist, a La Crosse High grad., honored with sculputre
Some of George Poage’s relatives in attendance at ceremony
The first African-American to medal at the Olympics has been honored by La Crosse, with the dedication of George C. Poage Park.
Rain let up in time for the late morning ceremony, which brought a large crowd to the park at 5th and Hood.
The Rev. Lawrence Jenkins, whose grandmother was Poage’s sister, says dedication of the park shows “determination” and “team spirit” by the community, in the Olympic tradition. Two other relatives of the athlete were in attendance, including Lawrence wife Robin and their nephew Howard.
Other speakers included Mayor Tim Kabat, La Crosse park director Steve Carlyon, Viterbo historian David Waters and, by way of recording, Mister Rogers singing about a “beautiful day in the neighborhood.”
