Hall of Fame
Versatile "iron man" and multi-position performer during Northern Illinois post-World War II gridiron renaissance. Known for intensity and all-out playÑearning "Wild Bill" nickname. Awarded four varsity "NI" monograms in football under Hall of Fame head coach George "Chick" Evans. Honored on NIU All-Decade Team (1940s) during school's gridiron Centennial (1999). Performed on Huskie elevens that posted cumulative 23-11-3 won-lost-tie record (8-2 in 1946, 4-3-2 in 1947, 5-4 in 1948, and 6-2-1 in 1949), captured Little 19 Conference championship (1946), and qualified for school's first two postseason appearances (Turkey Bowl in 1946 and Refrigerator Bowl in 1947). Appeared in 40 of 41 games (including four exhibitions) as collegian. Won Northern Illinois starts at six positionsÑhalfback, fullback, quarterback, center, guard, and linebacker. Started as true freshman at FB on Little 19 kingpins (1946). Set up only touchdown with pass interception and called "one-man defense" in 10-0 triumph on road vs. Southern Illinois (November 16, 1946) that clinched league crown. Made First-Team All-Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference at center as sophomore (1947). Played OG (1948) and LB (1949). Lettered in football (4), basketball (4), and track (4) at Sycamore High (1939-43). Served in U. S. Navy during World War II (1943-46). Landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day in Normandy, France (1945). Taught in Rockford (IL) school system and coached at Earlville and Clinton high schools. Tutored NIU HOF cager Larry Gentry at Clinton. Ex-Huskie Club prexy. Born in DeKalb.
