Central High School graduate Dick Jamieson was not only one of Bradley University's top quarterbacks, but perhaps was also one of the most successful coaches to come from the Peoria area. Former offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Football Cardinals, Jamieson earlier held the same position at the University of Missouri and was head coach at Indiana State.

But as a player, Dick Jamieson also won national honors at Bradley University as Coach Billy Stone's most prolific quarterback. In 1956, he gained 1,925 yards in total offense in 240 plays, including 1,796 passing yards, completing 95 of 192 passes for 21 touchdowns. This record led the NCAA College Division in total yards and was second for completed passes. Jamiesonís 1,796 passing yards actually led the nation that year, over Stanford's John Brodie with 1,642 and Notre Dame's Paul Hornung with 1,337. At the end of his sophomore year, after two seasons at Bradley, Jamieson signed a pro baseball contract with Pittsburgh. He played minor league baseball and then pro football with three teams before turning to a coaching career.