Role Players

Trinity featured two other players, in addition to star Larry Jeffries, who are now in the athletics hall of fame. These players were Felix Thruston, who was a sophomore on the 1969 team, and Jim Bowles, who was a senior (Trinity University's Hall of Fame). Trinity was also aided by the outstanding efforts of Bill Stokes, who was Trinity’s second leading scorer. Stokes averaged 14.3 points per game (Basketball Starters Lead Lifers in Season Statistics, 1969). Jim Bowles led the team in field goal percentage. Tom Fisher and John Lynch both averaged 13.3 points per game (Basketball Starters Lead Lifers in Season Statistics, 1969). Trinity had four players averaging above 13 points per game, which shows that they were a well rounded team with lots of good players. This fact becomes even more impressive due to the fact that Jeffries averaged so many by himself. Most great teams have many good players and can attack their opponents in a variety of ways. This was true for Trinity.

Bill Stokes played a particularly important role for the Tigers. Transferring from a junior college in St. Louis, Stokes had an immediate impact on the team as soon as he stepped on campus. Before he showed up, many were wondering how they could replace the graduated Roy Gamez (New guard Bill Stokes adds spark to Tigers, 1969). Stokes filled that role perfectly. Although he had to adjust to taking less shots than he did in junior college, Stokes perfectly filled the role of a secondary scorer behind Jeffries. Stokes understood that he only had two years of eligibility at Trinity and never took a moment for granted on the court. He only possessed a burning desire to reach post-season play, since he made the playoffs with his junior college squad. Stokes was truly an essential part of Trinity’s major success.