LakeNET - Opal "Shag" Courtney

Courtney came to Gary in 1919 when he was seven years old. He attended Froebel and Roosevelt schools. He is considered one of the greatest all-around athletes ever developed in the Gary Public School System. He played basketball, football and ran track. He received numerous awards and held many track records. He gave up athletics in 1937 needing more money to start a family. He worked in the steel mills for 40 years as a cranesman before retiring in 1976. He is most known for playing with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1934 to 1936. He was credited with spinning the ball on the index finger, then rolling it across the shoulders and onto his arms behind his back.