Whitman College Athletics

When Royal F. “Tubby” Niles died in 1920 from the tuberculosis and influenza he contracted while serving with U.S. forces in France during World War I, the Portland Oregonian eulogized him as “one of the gamest and greatest fullbacks that ever played in the Pacific Northwest.”

A year after his death, an anonymous donor gave Whitman what became known as Niles Trophy Cup. Beginning with the 1921 season, when All-Northwest tackle Ben Comrada was the first recipient, the Niles Trophy was given annually to the Whitman football player who best embodied the inspirational and leadership qualities that Niles exemplified.

Niles arrived at Whitman in the fall of 1910, a few months after graduation of legendary Vincent Borleske, and quickly established a regional reputation as an unparalleled running back and punter. As was custom in that era, major newspapers and coaches selected their own all-star teams, and Niles as a freshman was tabbed by University of Washington coach Gilmour Dobie as his All-Northwest fullback.

As a junior, Niles led Whitman to a quick start with a 20-0 victory over Oregon and a 30-0 drubbing of Washington State. At season’s end, the Oregonian newspaper named Niles to its All-Northwest team for a second straight year. The newspaper described him as a “wonderful punter and drop-kicker, stellar line bucker, sensationally fast … a combination off all other fullbacks in the Northwest.”

As a senior, Niles salvaged a long season when his 90-yard kickoff return sparked Whitman to a win over Montana. The Oregonian again named Niles to its All-Northwest Team, noting simply that he has “so much more native ability than any other fullback.”