Hall of Fame
Breakaway HB who parlayed speed and "smooth" running style into (1) six of longest gains in Northern Illinois Record Book and (2) free agent contracts with National Football League. "Ernie would just glide," said Huskie Little All-America QB and Hall of Famer Bob Heimerdinger. "He would hit the hole and cut hard." Signed pacts with NFL Chicago Cardinals (1954) and Green Bay Packers (1955). Played for semi-pro Racine (WI) Raiders and made All-Bi-States Football League (1956). Named on Northern Illinois Centennial 1950s All-Decade Team (1999) and All-NIU Team (1975) selected by Hall of Famers Bob Brigham and Howard Fletcher. Finished No. 12 in NCAA College Division receiving, plus named First-Team All-IIAC and team MVP for Hall of Fame coach George "Chick" Evans as senior. Led Huskies in (1) all-purpose yardage (1,310), (2) receiving (29 catches for 504 yards and five TDs), (3) scoring (48 points), and (4) KO returns (12 for 209 yards and 25.8 ypr. average) (1950). Topped team and IIAC in rushing (452 yards on 63 carries) as junior (1949). Recorded 88-yard TD run vs. Southern Illinois (1950), 78-yard TD rush vs. Central Michigan (1950), and 74-yard TD dash vs. Eastern Michigan (1949), plus 86-yard TD catch vs. SIU (1950), 72-yard TD grab vs. Illinois State (1950), and 72-yard punt return vs. CMU (1950). Transferred from Wright College (1947-48). Played service ball with U. S. Army 43rd Infantry Division in Germany (1952-53). Tutored 19 JC All-Americas as grid boss at Wright College. Starred at Chicago Austin.
