View through Sculpture
Monument in memoriam of Jack Trice, reflecting on strength and absence.
“Breaking Barriers” is a monumental sculpture commemorating Jack Trice, Iowa State University’s first African-American athlete. Trice died from injuries he received during his first game with the ISU Cyclones in October of 1923. Commissioned by ISU, the sculpture contemplates the idea of strength, struggle and absence that coincide with Jack Trice’s legacy. The work was installed for the centennial anniversary of Trice’s death.
This project has been honored to received recognition as the CODAawards 2025 winner in the Education Category and the 2023 Masonry Institute of Iowa Appreciation Award.
Breaking Barriers conveys a legacy of perseverance and absence through sculpture.
Monumental Tribute
Honors Jack Trice, a pioneering African American college football player, marking the centennial of his tragic death.
Interactive Passage
Viewers are encouraged to walk through the work, experiencing the struggle and breakthrough Trice represents.
Reflective Elements
With bronze cleat castings and divided benches, the sculpture prompts contemplation on Trice's impact and absence.
Video courtesy of CODAawards 2025
The central monument consists of a large scale, white volume which has been fractured and broken through by the visage of Jack Trice.
The interior, three-dimensional silhouette is large enough to encourage the viewer to pass through and experience the visual complexity that represents breaking the imposing barrier.
Special attention has been paid to the material’s color, shape and texture to reference the conceptual intent. On the outside of the sculpture, appear bronze cleat castings, shown in Trice’s defensive player stride fading away from the field and reflecting on his absence.
In addition, there are two benches split by Trice’s symbolic wake. Made from the same material as the sculpture, the benches encourage contemplation on the past, present and the future surrounding Trice’s struggle and legacy.
The story of Jack Trice
The night before his first and, tragically, his last college football game, Jack Trice was separated from his teammates. Officials at the football team’s hotel did not allow Trice to eat with his teammates, resulting in the isolation of the Trice. Preparing for the game against Minnesota, Jack Trice wrote a letter, expressing his thoughts and concerns about the next day.
“The honor of my race, family and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will!” - Jack Trice
The words “I will,” have become tied to Jack Trice’s legacy. During the game, Jack Trice fractured his collarbone but continued playing. Later in the game, he fell and was trampled by several Minnesota players. Trice was treated at a local hospital and returned home to Ames. Two days later, he died from his injuries. Though it has never been confirmed, it is speculated that Jack
The Process
The design of Breaking Barriers began with 3D modeling and anatomical studies of Jack Trice’s body in motion, merging concepts of movement through space and time into a unified volumetric form. Realized through robotic carving of foam molds and casting in durable cast stone, the sculpture’s striated, eroded surfaces echo the flow of movement. Fabricated in segments due to its monumental scale and 250,000-pound weight, the work was assembled on site and unveiled during the centennial celebration of Trice’s life.
This project was honored to receive the 2023 Masonry Institute of Iowa Appreciation Award.
The sculpture’s location at the entrance of Trice Stadium on Iowa State University’s campus, challenges sports fans and students by increasing the awareness of a significant, historical event imbued by actions surrounding racial injustice. The sculpture intends to invoke the spirit of perseverance, memory and absence.
The central monument consists of a large scale, white volume which has been fractured and broken through by the visage of Jack Trice. The interior, three-dimensional silhouette is large enough to encourage the viewer to pass through and experience the visual complexity that represents breaking the imposing barrier.
Special attention has been paid to the material’s color, shape and texture to reference the conceptual intent.
On the outside of the sculpture, appear bronze cleat castings, shown in Trice’s defensive player stride fading away from the field and reflecting on his absence.In addition, there are two benches split by Trice’s symbolic wake. Made from the same material as the sculpture, the benches encourage contemplation on the past, present and the future surrounding Trice’s struggle and legacy.
Photography by Paul Gates Photography Inc.