Hall of Fame
Like father, like son with long, distinguished athletic and coaching career. Garnered Northern Illinois All-Century Team votes and team MVP awards in two major sports. Three-time NIU HOFer (as individual, plus member of 1951 football and 1950 & 1951 baseball teams). Earned eight "NI" letters in football (2), basketball (3), and baseball (3). Gained national notoriety on gridiron as senior. Captured NCAA College Division reception crown (then NIU-record 44 catches for 703 yards and six TDs) for HOF coach George Evans (1952). Led team in receiving, scoring (36 points), and all-purpose yardage (703) in final fall. Caught 12 passes vs. Western Illinois (Nov. 15, 1952). Voted team MVP (1952). Lettered on HOF IIAC grid titlist and ranked fifth in team receiving (seven catches for 129 yards and one TD) as junior. Named on All-Decade Team (1950s) (1999). Gained All-Century Team status (2000-01) on hardwood. Scored 579 career points. Named NIU MVP and HM All-IIAC with team-leading 12.1 ppg. average (1951-52). Finished No. 9 in IIAC scoring, plus led NIU in points (234), assists (50), FGs (103), FTs (48), and FT pct. (.623) as junior. Played SS-OF in baseball for father and charter HOFer Ralph McKinzie (1951-53). Second father-son combo in NIU HOF. Transfer from Beloit College. Awarded 10 letters at DeKalb High. Two-time all-loop pick in basketball and played on league champs (1948-49). Coached at Sterling High. Served as co-coach on SHS "Golden Girls" unit that went 21-0 and won first IHSA state girls cage title (1976-77). Inducted into IBCA HOF with 1976-77 SHS quintet (2004).
