Hall of Fame
Well-known for his trademark red bow tie topping game day sideline wardrobe. Legendary high school boys' basketball coach with 435-198 career won-lost record, 10 Sectional titles, seven 20-win campaigns, six "Sweet 16" Illinois High School Association tourney berths, five downstate IHSA hardwood appearances, and two state crowns during 26-year coaching tenure. Graduated from Northern Illinois (1938). Earned varsity monograms in two sports en route to prep coaching stardom. Won seven overall varsity letters in football (4) and wrestling (3). Honored on 1930s All-Decade honor squad during gridiron Centennial (1999). Performed for Northern Illinois Hall of Fame head coach George "Chick" Evans on grid squads that combined for 18-7-7 won-lost-tied record (4-1-2 in 1934, 7-1-1 in 1935, 4-3-1 in 1936, and 3-2-3 in 1937). Named Second-Team All-Little 19 Conference as two-way guard (1937). Inducted into Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as charter member (1973). Nominated for "100 Legends" of IHSA Boys' Basketball Tournament (2006). Made Rockford West High "Wall of Fame." Led Warriors boys' quintets to consecutive IHSA championships and back-to-back 28-1 records (1954-55 and 1955-56), plus tutored numerous All-State performers. Posted 5-3 standard as head football coach at Rockford West (1953) and also coached boys' basketball at North Boone High (1977-78). Began teaching career (1939). Born in Springfield (IL). Graduated from Rockford High School (1934) (Deceased).
