Hall of Fame
(Charter Member). Revered coach. Respected academician. Stern disciplinarian. Architect of champions. "The real story of Carl Appell is not the talented boys he's had," recalled one of his former Northern Illinois student-athletes, "but the job he's done with the boys who had no talent." Inducted into NAIA / Helms Athletic Foundation (1961) and ITCCCA (1998) halls of fame. Built men's track and cross-country programs into College Division power. Won 100-plus trophies and 36 team titles in outdoor and indoor track (30 in major meets or relays), plus cross-country (six crowns including Hall of Fame NCAA College Division harrier diadem in 1958). Produced NIU's first national champion, first All-America, first national team kingpin, plus 14 Hall of Famers. Tutored such "NI" track legends as Reino Nori, Bill Terwilliger, Cy Perkins, Ed Behan, Karl Hein, Dick Williams, Charles Hussang, Ed Gebhardt, LaVerne McMillion, Charles Marston, Jay Broderick, Rich Bader, Gary Bredeson, John Peterson, Pat Brogan, etc. Became NIU's first full-time track coach (1930) and originated cross-country program (1951). Captured 10 outdoor Little 19 / IIAC team track titles (1935, 1937, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1963), plus two IIAC cross-country crowns (1957, 1962). Innovated "Steady Pace" method for events 440 yards or longer (1934) which was adopted by Roger Bannister in 1950s. Guided NIU track program for 32 years and harriers for 14 seaons. Served as interim AD (1935) and grid aide. World War II veteran. Sandusky (OH) High product. Oberlin University grad (Deceased).
