March 31

Hermann de Pourtalès was a Swiss naval officer and competitive sailor. He competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, winning a gold medal in the 1-2 ton sailing class. Alongside his wife and cousin, he became one of the first Olympic champions in history. De Pourtalès hailed from a prominent Swiss noble family with a naval tradition. His Olympic victory symbolized Switzerland's emergence in international sporting events. Outside sport, he served in the Swiss military and maintained a passion for yachting. He passed away in 1904, remembered as a pioneer of Olympic sailing.

Born in 1878 in Galveston, Texas, Jack Johnson rose from humble beginnings to become the first black heavyweight boxing champion in 1908. His aggressive defense and knockout power made him a formidable opponent in the ring, while his flamboyant lifestyle challenged racial norms of the era. Johnson's reign as champion sparked controversy and inspired African American pride during the Jim Crow period. He faced legal prosecution under the Mann Act, spending a year in prison before returning to boxing. Johnson's legacy extends beyond sports, as he paved the way for future generations of athletes and civil rights advocates until his death in a car accident in 1946.

Ben Adams was an American jumper active in national track and field competitions in the 1910s. Although detailed records of his achievements are limited, he represented his athletic club at prominent meets and contributed to the development of organized jump events. His dedication to the sport during a formative period helped lay the groundwork for future American jumpers. Adams's athletic career reflects the early passion for track and field that would grow into a major American sporting tradition.

George Treweek played as a forward for the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 1926 to 1934, helping the team secure multiple premiership titles. Known for his physicality and leadership on the field, he captained both his club and the New South Wales state team. Treweek’s fierce tackling and work ethic made him a standout player during the early years of professional rugby league in Australia. After retiring from playing, he remained active in the rugby community, contributing as a coach and mentor. His commitment to the sport was recognized with life membership honors from the Rabbitohs. Treweek’s influence during rugby league's formative era cemented his status as a club legend. He passed away in 1991, remembered as one of the game's early great forwards.

Tommy Bolt (1916-2008) was an American professional golfer renowned for his fiery temper and exceptional skill. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II before joining the PGA Tour in 1946. Bolt secured 15 PGA Tour victories, highlighted by his U.S. Open win in 1958. His on-course outbursts earned him the nickname "Thunder." Off the course, he was respected for his sportsmanship and passion for teaching the game. Bolt's legacy endures in golf history as one of the sport's memorable personalities.

Frank Akins (1919-1993) was an American football running back best known for his tenure with the Washington Redskins. He played professionally from 1942 to 1949, leading the team in rushing yards in multiple seasons. A hard-nosed runner from Oregon State University, he was praised for his toughness and ball-carrying skills. Akins served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, missing the 1943 season before returning to the NFL. After retiring, he coached at the collegiate level and remained active in youth football programs. His contributions helped shape the Redskins' ground game in the post-war era.

Don Barksdale was a trailblazing American basketball player and one of the first African-Americans to star at the collegiate and professional levels. In 1948, he won an Olympic gold medal in London, becoming the first black player on the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Barksdale also became an NBA All-Star in 1953, earning All-Pro honors with the Baltimore Bullets. Known for his athleticism and tenacious defense, he helped pave the way for greater inclusion in the sport. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Bud MacPherson made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in 1948. Known for his reliable defensive play and strength on the blue line, he helped the team reach the playoffs during his tenure. MacPherson spent four seasons in the NHL before continuing his career in the minor leagues. After retiring from professional hockey, he returned to Saskatchewan and remained active in local sports programs. His contributions to the game were remembered by fans and teammates alike. MacPherson passed away in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and sportsmanship.

Born in Floral, Saskatchewan, Gordie Howe debuted with the Detroit Red Wings at age 18 and won four Stanley Cups with the team. He captured six Hart Trophies as the NHL's Most Valuable Player and six Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer. Howe's combination of skill, toughness, and longevity set him apart, allowing him to play professional hockey in four different decades. After a brief retirement, he returned to play in the World Hockey Association alongside his sons. Howe represented Canada internationally and remained active in promoting youth hockey. He passed away in 2016 and is widely regarded as one of hockey's greatest players.

Jim Mutscheller was born in 1930 and played college football at Notre Dame under coach Frank Leahy. He joined the NFL's Baltimore Colts in 1954 and excelled as a tight end for eight seasons. Mutscheller helped the Colts win three NFL championships, including the famed 1958 title game. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching at institutions like Western Michigan University. Known for his reliable hands and blocking prowess, he contributed to the evolution of the tight end position. He passed away in 2015, remembered as both a champion athlete and dedicated coach.

Miller Barber, born in 1931, turned professional in 1954 and joined the PGA Tour. He claimed 11 PGA Tour victories between 1965 and 1972 and represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup. Barber's unorthodox putter and fiery competitiveness made him a fan favorite. On the Senior PGA Tour, he added 24 titles and topped the money list in 1987. His career spanned four decades, marked by longevity and passion for the sport. He died in 2013, leaving a legacy of perseverance and success on golf's biggest stages.