Hall of Fame
Devoted family man, two-sport IIAC pick, three-time Hall of Famer, and program's second National Football League draft selection. First in long line of nationally known Huskie wide receivers. Inducted into Northern Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame as (1) individual (1984), plus as member of (2) unbeaten 1951 IIAC champion football team (1991) and (3) back-to-back 1950 and 1951 IIAC title baseball squads (2007). Won eight "NI" letters in two sports football (4) and baseball (4). Picked by New York Giants in 19th round of NFL draft and signed free agent contract with CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1952). Named on Northern Illinois football All-Century Team (1999). Led NCAA College Division in receiving yards (876) and TD catches (11), plus ranked No. 4 in receptions (40) as senior (1951). Voted Most Valuable Lineman on team that was offered Tangerine Bowl bid (1951). Repeat First-Team All-IIAC end (1950-51). Set (then) school records in single-game reception yards (207, vs. Illinois State in 1951), single-game reception TDs (4, vs. ISU in 1951), and single-season TD catches (11 in 1951). Made one of longest TD catches in school annals (83-yarder from HOF QB Bob Heimerdinger vs. ISU in 1951). Led Huskie gridders in all-purpose yardage (876 in 1951), receiving (40 catches for 876 yards and 11 TDs in 1951), and scoring (66 points in 1951). Tabbed First-Team All-IIAC as first baseman (.317 batting average with team-high 14 RBIs in 1951). World War II veteran (1945-46). Two-sport star at LaSalle-Peru High (Deceased).
