1992 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parents: Virgil (Navilla) Windom, Sr.
Wife: Daisey Windom
Daughters: Sheryl, Karen, Lynette
While at Flint Central, Virgil ran track and played halfback. He was in the backfield with the great Central star, Tony Branoff. Playing in the shadow of Branoff, Virgil had to settle for a lesser role. However, Virgil was the team’s second leading rusher, and second in touchdown passes thrown — four for 211 yards. Whenever the occasion presented itself, Virgil’s performance made the opposition and fans take note of his ability.
In 1953, after he graduated from Central, Virgil enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. He earned five varsity letters in two sports — track and football.
While at Eastern Michigan, Virgil emerged as a great athlete, and one of the I.I.A.C. conference’s best. In the 1954 season at Eastern, Virgil led his team to conference co-champions of the I.I.A.C. He led his team in scoring with 66 points and the most touchdowns (11). He was second in All Michigan colleges and universities scoring and he was the leading team rusher with 530 yards on 122 carries. He was also third leading pass catcher with 12 receptions and five touchdowns. His 60 points tied the I.I.A.C conference scoring record. He was selected on the second team as All-Interstate Athletic Conference halfback. He was acknowledged as one of the top four running backs in the conference.
Great things were expected of Virgil the next season and he didn’t let them down. The 1955 team was again co-champions of the I.I.A.C. He led his team in scoring with 42 points. He had two of the longest kick-off returns in the history of Eastern — one against Illinois State for 90 yards and another for 87 yards against Central Michigan University. Virgil earned first team honors on the All-I.I.A.C. teams as halfback and was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player. He was honored in June of 1990 at Eastern Michigan University for performances of excellence by being inducted into the University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Virgil, a CPA in Los Angeles, California, has also taught adult education classes at Los Angeles Community College for more than 20 years.
