Glenn Presnell Day
by proclamation of Ironton City Council
July 24, 2004
Pro Football: Once A Small Town Sport
Special 20th Anniversary Showing
Dr. Bob Barnett spoke about the 1984 documentary film he produced on the Ironton Tanks and Portsmouth Spartans. The classic film highlighted the football exploits of Glenn Presnell as a star of the Ironton Tanks and Portsmouth Spartans. A special showing of this PBS documentary was granted by good folks at WPBY.
Mr. Glenn Presnell's 99th birthday was just days away. This fantastic cake was shared by those in attendance.
Dr. Bob Barnett (L) and Chris Willis (R) served as the key speakers. Dr. Barnett is a professor of sports history at Marshall University. Chris Willis is the Head of Research at NFL Films.
Rick Mayne of WNXT radio served as emcee. Rick's grandfather, Elmer, played for the Ironton Tanks. In the film, Elmer recalled the early days of the Ironton Tanks. Elmer told how college players played on Saturdays for their schools and taped their faces up in order to play for the Tanks on Sundays.
Glenn Presnell and his wife, Mary, take their seats.
I had the privilege of introducing Ironton Mayor John Elam (R) to Mr. and Mrs Glenn Presnell.
Mayor John Elam was elated to meet the legendary Glenn Presnell.
The crowd gathers in the hallway before the ceremony.
An exhibit was set up in the hallway.
Ava Chaboudy (L) takes a minute to speak with Glenn.
Glenn Presnell and the speakers get ready for the big show.
Glenn Presnell takes time to shake the hand of a longtime friend.
The crowd gets seated.
Former Ironton educator and high school football star, Carl White, was on hand to honor his college coach.
Glenn Presnell spends a minute with his son, Danny.
The electronic media department of Ohio University Southern was on hand to tape the activities.
Dr. Eric Cunningham welcomed the crowd to Ohio University Southern. The university provided a terrific venue for this special event. As a member of the Portsmouth Spartans Historical Society, I want to thank Dean Dan Evans and Ohio University for all their assistance with this major community event.
More pictures from the ceremony
All photos are the property of Bob Vaughn & may not be reproduced without permission.
Copyright Bob Vaughn 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. All rights reserved.
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