Gordon Locke

Bio

Knute Rockne's Notre Dame eleven rolled into Iowa City, riding a 20-game victory streak and installed as an overwhelming favorite to defeat coach Howard Jones' Iowa Hawkeyes. One man, Gordon Locke, was about to upset that 1921 Fighting Irish express. While the Irish were concentrating on stopping Iowa quarterback Aubrey Devine, Locke struck quickly, scoring ten points in the first few minutes of play on a three-yard touchdown and a 38-yard field goal. Notre Dame never recovered and Iowa won the game, 10-7. "We had heard so much about Devine," Rockne said later, "but the guy who hurt us the most that day was Locke." The Hawkeyes went on to finish 7-0-0 and claim their first Big Ten championship. Locke received All America mention that year, selectors of the team waxing long and loud about this amazing 165-pound back whose hard-hitting style of ball carrying was in contrast to his featherweight stature. The Hawkeyes were to claim a second Big Ten crown the next season as coach Jones continued to perfect his sweeping, wide-open offense. During Locke's three varsity seasons, Iowa rolled to a 19-2 record. The Hawkeyes were riding a 17-game victory string of their own when Locke graduated. Locke turned his law degree into a successful practice in Washington, D.C.

Career Highlights

• 1922 All-Conference
• 1922 Consensus All-America
• 1921 All-Conference
• 1921 Second Team All-America