In 1936, six members of the McPherson Globe Refiners basketball team (above) made up the core of
the team that represented the U.S. in the Olympic Games at Berlin, Germany. By winning first place at
the Olympics, the team became world champions. This was the first-ever basketball competition in the
Olympics. The Globe Refiners were known as the tallest team in the world. Left to right are; Coach Gene
Johnson*, Francis Johnson*, Jack Ragland*, Werner Franks, Tex Gibbons*, Bill Wheatley*, Vernon
Vaughn, Harry Dowd, Jow Fortenberry*, and Willard Schmidt*. Player not pictured: Chas Bailey.
*Denotes members of 1936 Olympic Team.

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