The following year, he served in the United States Army for a three-month stint (October 21–December 31) before returning to Millikin.
[3] In November 1919, he and teammate Sid Gepford joined the Staleys for their game against the Taylorville Independents; although they won, Millikin head coach Norman Wann was present and banned the two from playing for the Big Blue as they violated their amateur eligibility.
[3] Adkins and Gepford later attended Bethany on the advice of a former Millikin line coach.
Since Bethany did not care for amateur statuses, the two were also joined by former Staley teammates.
[3] His father Charles was a member of the United States House of Representatives.