1996 Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: Multiple Sports
Phillip started very early in sports at Fairview elementary school, playing in the Mott Foundation football program and midget city champions. While attending Lowell Jr. High, city champion in 50-yard dash, 1953 and 1954. At Flint Northern, Phillip participated in football, basketball and track. He earned eight varsity letters.
In 1956 the basketball team won the city and regional championships. The 1957 team was also City and Regional Champions. He led the team in scoring with 92 points, made honorable mention All-Valley. The Team was District Champions in 1958; he made honorable mention All-Valley.
Phillip was the 1958 state quarter mile champion, ran a time of 51 flat. He was also valley BroadJump champion, 20′ 1 “, regional 440 champion, 52.1. He set a valley 440 record of 50.2 and was the team captain.
The 1956 undefeated football team was considered the best running unit in Northern football history. They were the city, valley and state champions, and second team All-Valley. As the 1957 football team captain, Phillip was unanimously voted all valley and was the scoring champion, scoring 48 points. All state and Northern’s most valuable player, and scored the most touchdowns, 12.
While at Northern Phillip had a career rushing record of 1,688 years. After graduating from Northern, Phillip went to the University of Iowa in 1958. At Iowa he was the starting right halfback and starting safety man on defense. An injury cut short his career in sports.
