Post by lawrencevgibson on Dec 29, 2019 17:06:20 GMT -6
Found this on gopurpleaces:
Aces" became Evansville College's nickname in the mid-20s thanks in large part to the University of Louisville basketball coach.
In the fourth game of the 1924-25 season, Evansville beat Louisville 59-39. After the game, Louisville's coach told Evansville coach John Harmon, "You didn't have four Aces up your sleeve, you had five!"
Harmon related the quote to Evansville Courier sports editor Dan Scism, and both Harmon and Scism decided they liked the sound of "Aces" better than "Pioneers," the Evansville College nickname at that time. Scism also had a selfish reason for promoting the use of "Aces." Those four letters fit into his headlines much easier than the longer "Pioneers."
The Evansville College colors were purple and white, and by 1926 "Purple Aces" became the unique nickname that is now well known all over the country.
In the fourth game of the 1924-25 season, Evansville beat Louisville 59-39. After the game, Louisville's coach told Evansville coach John Harmon, "You didn't have four Aces up your sleeve, you had five!"
Harmon related the quote to Evansville Courier sports editor Dan Scism, and both Harmon and Scism decided they liked the sound of "Aces" better than "Pioneers," the Evansville College nickname at that time. Scism also had a selfish reason for promoting the use of "Aces." Those four letters fit into his headlines much easier than the longer "Pioneers."
The Evansville College colors were purple and white, and by 1926 "Purple Aces" became the unique nickname that is now well known all over the country.