Levi ‘Blake’ Elliott

Overcoming Obstacles

Thank you, United States Air Force

Thank you, Gonzaga!

Levi ‘Blake’ Elliott was born in 1934. He attended Jefferson High School in North Portland. In 1952 during Blake’s senior year, he led his varsity basketball team to the Oregon State Championship.

In 1952, college coaches rarely recruited black athletes. Despite being an outstanding player, Blake received no athletic scholarship offers. Elgin Baylor was also born in 1934, played 14 NBA seasons, and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Gus Johnson was born in 1938, played 11 NBA seasons, and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Like Blake, neither received any meaningful athletic scholarship offers.

Wikipedia describes the “closed doors” to outstanding black athletes in the 1950s like Blake, Elgin, and Gus. Regarding Gus Johnson’s early years, Wikipedia states, “Despite Johnson’s clear talent and athletic ability, he had just a few college athletic scholarship offers, which was fairly common for black high school athletes in the late 1950s.”

For Elgin Baylor, Wikipedia’s comments are strikingly similar, “Despite his success as a high school basketball player, no major college recruited Baylor because at the time, college scouts did not recruit at black high schools.”

The “door was closed” to Blake and other numerous outstanding black athletes in the 1950s and 1960s. Blake wanted to succeed, so he took the opportunity and enlisted in the armed services, selecting the United States Air Force shortly after graduation from high school. Blake’s desire to succeed led to his “opening the door.”

During his time in the Air Force, Blake was stationed at Geiger Field near Spokane where he worked as a fighter jet mechanic. Additionally, he joined the Geiger Field basketball team.

His basketball talent caught the attention of Gonzaga coach Hank Anderson. In September 1956, Blake was granted an early release from active duty to attend Gonzaga University on a full scholarship. He became a four-year starter.

After playing four years of collegiate basketball, Blake became an assistant freshman coach during his fifth year at Gonzaga while finishing his degree.

Upon graduation, he returned home to Portland where he worked for the Vancouver School District as a teacher. Blake’s patience and the experiences of his journey greatly benefited the more challenged students who were assigned to him. 

Blake was respected, and he respected his students.  After leaving teaching, Blake enjoyed a successful career in sales. He eventually owned his own business and retired from it in 1999.

Says daughter, Dana Hutt, “Not only did he love GU basketball, but he also loved Gonzaga in general. It’s where he was introduced to philosophy, and his love for it took off from there. He would ‘philosophize’ with anyone that would listen. As for GU basketball, Dad was just grateful for the opportunities he was given. March Madness was always our favorite time of year.”

According to his daughter, Anita McKinney, “Dad was an avid Bulldogs fan and followed each player that made it to the NBA. He was incredibly blessed with a fulfilling life rich in love, laughter, family, friends, and unforgettable adventure… and he loved Gonzaga basketball.”

Blake was also a dedicated Portland Trail Blazers’ fan. Like Malcolm X, Dr. King, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, Rev. Abernathy, Muhammad Ali, and Andrew Young, Blake was a real TRAIL BLAZER. 

Blake’s courage and mental toughness overcame the obstacles that he faced in 1952.  

How he lived his life was, and is, a great message for all of us.



His basketball talent caught the attention of Gonzaga coach Hank Anderson.