Albert A. Exendine
Albert A. Exendine (1885-1973) was a member of the Delaware tribe, an All-American football player, coach, lawyer and Indian activist. He attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. In 1906 and 1907 Exendine was chosen by Walter Camp for the All American second team. Exendine and Thorpe became very good friends, and “Ex” went on to become his mentor. Initially, Thorpe spent his first few years in the shadows of Exendine’s success and watched as “Ex” was recognized for his many accomplishments. However, nearing the end of Exendine’s time at the Indian School, Thorpe began to earn himself a reputation as well. In 1906 Exendine graduated from the Carlisle Indian School, however, he remained highly active working with the football team. Exendine furthered his educational career by entering into Dickinson Law School. While completing his law degree, he worked with Pop Warner as an assistant coach at the CIS. “Ex” worked closely with Thorpe throughout the regular football seasons on the field as a teammate, as well as off the field as a coach after he left the Indian School. Over the following two decades, Exendine took various positions as a coach and a lawyer. The schools ranged from Carlisle, Otterbein, Georgetown, Washington State, Occidental, Northeastern State, and Oklahoma State.
For a full biography, see Albert Exendine: New Perceptions of Indian Achievements
