Continuing the story from the Gary Golden Bears and Jenny Dee Outlaws:

 Continuing the story from the Gary Golden Bears and Jenny Dee Outlaws:

(A strong possibility exists that Virginia "Jenny" Trice-Outlaw is the "Jenny Dee" for whom the original team was named.)

Local Flag Football to Gary Golden Bears: A Gary, Indiana Sports Story

Gary, Indiana has a history that includes the evolution of a local sports team. This report explores the transformation of a group that started as a local flag football team and became the semi-professional Gary Golden Bears, who played at Gilroy Stadium.

The beginning of this story is a local flag football team. Their activities would have been centered on local recreational leagues or community gatherings. While there's limited direct historical information about this early team, its existence shows local football interest in Gary. A "Virginia 'Jenny' Trice-Outlaw" is mentioned online, possibly connecting to the team's early days. Gary's broader sports culture provides a context for this team's emergence. The city has a history of athletic achievements, especially in high school basketball and professional baseball with the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

The team's trajectory changed when they transitioned into the Gary Golden Bears. Adopting this name connected the team to the city. They formed an organization and joined the Indiana Amateur Football League (IAFL). This provided a structured platform for competition. They won the IAFL championship in 1979 with a 9-1 record. In 1980, they joined the Northern States Football League (NSFL) for higher competition. They briefly participated in a Chicago league in 1980 before joining the National Amateur League (NAFL). They won the NAFL championship in their first season. In 1982, they rejoined the NSFL. Their initial NSFL run was successful, with the team making the playoffs and finishing third. Players like Terry Judkins emerged, leading the NSFL in interceptions for three years, 1980-1982.

The focus shifts to Gilroy Stadium, the venue associated with the Gary Golden Bears. Gilroy Stadium was the home of the Gary Golden Bears for a long period. Its creation began in January 1955, when Mayor Peter Mandich proposed the South Gleason Park Athletic Complex, with the stadium as its first part. The project was approved with a $350,000 bond, but the final cost reached $1 million by 1956. This cost overrun drew community criticism, and the rest of the athletic complex plans were abandoned. Despite the investment, planned features like bleachers, concession stands, restrooms on the south side, staff offices, maintenance facilities, an additional locker room, and a paved running track were never built. The stadium was named after John F. “Jack” Gilroy, the city’s first athletic director, and opened on September 1, 1956. The opening featured a "Football-O-Rama" exhibition with area high schools. However, structural issues soon emerged. By 1962, inspectors found cracking and moisture damage in the bleacher supports. A federal investigation revealed kickbacks and bribes, leading to convictions. Despite these issues, they were addressed with a fresh coat of paint. Over time, local schools found Gilroy Stadium inadequate and built their own facilities, reducing its use for school sports. The city hosted alternative events. One event was a talent search in 1965 where The Jackson 5 won, receiving their first media attention in the Gary Post Tribune. They returned to perform in 1968 after signing with Motown Records. Despite its problems, Gilroy Stadium continued to serve the community for various events. Its condition worsened over time. The scoreboard was reportedly unlit since the 1980s, and tower lights were not replaced. In 1994, a concrete collapse caused a power outage, canceling the Taste of Gary festival. By the early 2000s, the stadium was in poor condition. In 2001, the city's decision to allow the Ku Klux Klan to hold an event there sparked controversy and a large counter-protest. The Gary Golden Bears called Gilroy Stadium home for 15 years. In 2002, the park department closed the stadium due to its dilapidated state. Since then, it has remained abandoned.

The Gary Golden Bears played at Gilroy Stadium for 15 years. Despite the stadium's condition, it was the backdrop for their semi-professional activities from approximately 1987 to 2002. The Golden Bears joined the NSFL in 1982 and achieved early success by making the playoffs. James Smith played for the Gary Golden Bears from 1996 to 1999, showing the team's continued presence.

The story of the Gary Golden Bears and their time at Gilroy Stadium is part of Gary's local sports history. The Golden Bears' early successes and notable players highlight their contribution to the local sports scene. Despite the stadium's challenges and eventual closure, both it and the Gary Golden Bears are part of Gary's athletic history. Further research into local archives or interviews could provide more details about this story.

Extra notes to consider:

If Virginia "Jenny" Trice-Outlaw is indeed the "Jenny Dee," it implies that she may have been a pivotal figure in the team's early formation or history. She could have been a founder, owner, a significant supporter, or perhaps a beloved community member for whom the team was named as a tribute. The use of a nickname, "Jenny Dee," further hints at a familiar and possibly affectionate connection, suggesting a personal involvement rather than a more distant association. However, it is also important to consider alternative explanations for the name "Jenny Dee Outlaws." It is possible that "Jenny Dee" refers to a different individual altogether, perhaps someone not directly related to the Trice-Outlaw family through marriage. "Dee" could also potentially be a middle name or initial of an individual named Jenny. Furthermore, the name might have an entirely different origin, perhaps linked to a local business, landmark, or even a popular cultural reference of the time. Without further evidence, definitively confirming that Virginia "Jenny" Trice-Outlaw is the "Jenny Dee" remains challenging.

Timeline: Gary, Indiana Sports Story

Early Days: Local Flag Football

- Unknown Date: Local flag football team exists.

- Virginia "Jenny" Trice-Outlaw (possibly "Jenny Dee") connected.

Transition to Gary Golden Bears and League Play

- Unknown Date (before 1979): Flag football team becomes Gary Bears (Jenny Dee Outlaws).

- Unknown Date: Gary Bears join the Indiana Amateur Football League (IAFL).

- 1979: Gary Golden Bears win IAFL championship (9-1).

- 1980: Join Northern States Football League (NSFL).

- 1980: Briefly in a Chicago league.

- 1980: Join National Amateur League (NAFL), win championship.

- 1980-1982: Terry Judkins leads NSFL in interceptions.

- 1982: Rejoin NSFL.

- 1982: NSFL playoffs, finish third.

- 1983: Asbury Summers is president and general manager.

- Approximately 1987: Begin playing at Gilroy Stadium.

Gilroy Stadium Timeline

- Jan 1955: Mayor proposes South Gleason Park Athletic Complex.

- 1955: $350,000 bond approved.

- Sep 1, 1956: Gilroy Stadium opens.

- 1956: Final cost $1 million, other plans abandoned.

- 1962: Structural issues found.

- ~1962: Federal investigation, convictions.

- 1965: Jackson 5 win talent search.

- 1968: Jackson 5 return to perform.

- 1980s: Scoreboard unlit (reportedly).

- 1994: Concrete collapse, power outage, Taste of Gary canceled.

- 1996-1999: James Smith plays for Gary Golden Bears.

- 2001: KKK event sparks controversy.

- 2002: Last Golden Bears season at Gilroy Stadium.

- 2002: Stadium closed due to disrepair.

- 2002 - Present: Stadium abandoned.

Other Notable Events

- 1990s: Chicago Bears consider move to Gary (Planet Park - not realized).