 Eugene
McFadden
1994 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: FOOTBALL
Parents: Jessie and Ora Lee McFadden
Sons: Thorgoud and John Paul McFadden
In 1950 the McFadden family came to Flint, from Hope, Arkansas. As
a youngster growing up he was inspired to pursue sports by his brothers,
Monroe and Rev. Aaron McFadden who were great athletes and role models.
Gene attended the Flint school system and at Emerson Junior High played
in the junior high Mott football program. Despite his diminutive size
(145 lbs), he was determined to be the best at whatever position he
was asked to play. While in junior high, Gene began to make conditioning
top priority. With his natural athletic ability, he worked hard blocking
and tackling. Gene continued to draw raves and praises from all his
coaches. When he arrived at Northern the coaches were amazed at his
ability to out maneuver larger and more experienced players at practice.
In 1956, he played linebacker on defense and offensive guard on one
of Flint Northern's greatest football teams, undefeated City, Valley
and State Football Champions of 1956. Gene was awarded All City guard
and honorable mention All Valley.
In 1957, Gene was Tri-Captain of the Northern City Champions, All
City, All Saginaw Valley, All State guard and the recipient of the
Flint Downtown Optimist Football Award. Detroit Free Press called Gene
one of the finest stars in the State. After graduating, he enrolled
at Hillsdale College. As a freshman he was a starter at guard on offense,
a position not often accomplished in the M.I.A.A.Conference. Despite
his 160 pounds, his coaches were astonished. Gene played on three M.I.A.A.
Championship Teams. He was named Most Outstanding Freshman Player -
1958. He was All Conference three years and a 1959 Honorable Mention,
All College State Football. In 1960 Gene played in the Mineral Water
Bowl game, won by Hillsdale vs Iowa State Teachers, 17 to 6. Gene set
a Hillsdale single game record of tackles made - 25, in 1961. All State
College second team. He earned four letters in football at Hillsdale.
After graduating with a B.S. from Hillsdale College, Gene received
other degrees of higher education and many awards.
Presently, Gene is founder and owner of several small businesses in
Indianapolis, Indiana, including Freight Masters, Indiana, B.F. Restaurant
and Catering, Inc., L and M Leasing, Inc., Executive Travel Service,
Inc.
Thank you for your contribution in Flint's Black History.
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