Franklin David Turville, Q.C. (1907-1984) was a Canadian football player, playing from 1928 to 1936.
A star player with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs football team, Turville was an all-star from his first season (and every season) with the Toronto Argonauts. He played 24 regular season games with the Argos.2011 Toronto Argonauts media Guide In 1928, during their only win against the Ottawa Rough Riders, he rushed for 177 yards, scored 18 points and kicked a team record 8 rouges (singles).2011 Toronto Argonauts media Guide He was league leader for points scored in 1929 (34) and 1931 (26).Argonauts Gain Tie for Second, Beating Ottawa - Frank Turville's Kicking Features Again, Paving Way to 24-7 Triumph Montreal Gazette, november 2, 1931 His best season was 1930, when he scored 28 points (third in league) and won the Jeff Russel Memorial Trophy as top player in the east.Turville is picked for Russel Trophy Montreal Gazette, November 7, 1930 He later played 5 seasons for the Hamilton Tigers, twice more named an all-star and winning the Grey Cup in 1932. After his football career he became a game official (head linesman).Riders, Argonauts in Verbal Battle Montreal Gazette, October 27, 1937 He later became a lawyer in Hamilton.Old Names Are Missing, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, December 1, 1937
A final recognition of Turville's talent came from Hall of Fame Ottawa Rough Riders player Dave Sprague. Upon retiring he was asked who was the best player, and he said Turville was "the greatest all-around player of them all."Memories of 11 Seasons Ride With Dave Sprague Ottawa Citizen, September 2, 1941
He was enshrined in the University of Western Ontario's "W" Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Windsor / Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.Frank Turville, Athlete, Football, Class of 1986
References