Carl Cain

Story courtesy of City of Freeport

(6-6-24) Carl Cain was born and raised in Freeport, IL. While attending Freeport High School, he joined the men’s basketball team, where he helped the Pretzels win the Illinois State High School Title in 1951.

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1952 Freeport Pretzels

He went on to have a tremendous career at the University of Iowa from 1953-1956, where his jersey number 21 is officially retired as a member of the Fabulous Five the Hawkeyes supported. While at Iowa, Cain played in two Final Fours and one National Championship game against Bill Russell and the San Francisco Dons in 1956.

Iowa Basketball “The Fabulous Five.” 1953-1956

Greg Scheuerman – You Tube Video

Months later, Cain was able to join the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team at the Olympics in Melbourne, where one of his teammates on the way to a Gold Medal was none other than Bill Russell.

Cain’s basketball career was cut short by back problems after being drafted by the Rochester Royals in the 1956 NBA draft.

On June 2, 2024, Cain passed away, he was 89. The City of Freeport and Mayor Jodi Miller are retroactively proclaiming June 2, 2024 as Carl Cecil Cain Day in the City of Freeport.

Freeport names June 2nd, 2024 as Carl Cain day

23 WIFR – You Tube Video