Hall of Fame
Three-sport Northern Illinois athletics pioneer who garnered All-Century Team voting support in football and basketball. Selected on All-Decade Team (1899-1920) during NIU gridiron Centennial observance (1999). Named on 16 of 29 ballots and made All-Century Team for basketball Centennial (2000-01). Awarded seven total "NI" varsity monograms in football (3), basketball (2), and baseball (2). Lettered in football (1916, 1920-21), basketball (1919-21), and baseball (1917, 1920). Interrupted collegiate career to serve his country in World War I (1917-19). Known to vintage Cardinal and Black faithful and townspeople as "Boots." Served as team captain on 9-4 NIU quintet for head coach Ralph Wagner as junior (1919-20). Starred on 12-4 squad that swept final five games of season and captured Minor Colleges of Illinois Tournament under head man Milo Oakland as senior (1920-21). Tabbed on all-tourney unit that winter. Described by 1921 Norther yearbook as "all-star guard" and added: "He (Cannon) could take the ball in a fast dribble from one end of the floor to the other, through the entire opposing team...and was responsible for many points because of his passing." Performed at left end on 6-0-0 football squad that outscored opposition, 102-6, under head coach William Wirtz (1616). "He was one of the strongest men on the field," according to the 1921 Norther. "He was in on every play and seldom did the play get around him." Performed at second base and in outfield in baseball. Shabbona Grove (IL) native (Deceased).
