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Charles W. Follis Ohio Historical Marker Dedication

Historic Marker Unveiling
Friday, September 13th, 2019 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Wooster High School: 515 Oldham Road, Wooster, OH 44691

The Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Ohio History Connection will host a dedication ceremony for a new Ohio Historical Marker commemorating Charles W. Follis, the first African-American professional football player. Follis attended Wooster High School. The dedication ceremony will be held at the school’s Follis Field prior to that evening’s football game.

Marker Inscription
Charles W. Follis was born on February 3, 1879, in Virginia. His family moved to Wooster where he attended Wooster High School and helped establish the school’s football team. In 1901, Follis enrolled and played baseball at the College of Wooster and played football for the Wooster Athletic Association where he earned the nickname “The Black Cyclone from Wooster.” In 1904, Follis signed a contract to play football with the Shelby Athletic Club, making him the first African-American professional football player. Follis faced discrimination on and off the field leading to many injuries. After a career-ending injury in 1906, Follis played baseball for the Cuban Giants of Long Island. He died of pneumonia in 1910 at the age of 31 and is buried in Wooster Cemetery.