Hall of Fame
(Charter Member). First NIU Olympic Gold Medalist. Participated as athlete on U.S. speedskating team in three Winter Olympiads?1948 (St. Moritz, Switzerland), 1952 (Olso, Norway), and 1956 (Cortina, Italy)?and as U. S. coach (men & women) in fourth Olympics?1968 (Grenoble, France). Earned Gold in 500 meters (2-16-52) with near-Olympic record :43.2 time despite case of nerves and flu which "...kept me off of the ice and kept me trom training too hard and heavy." Earned Bronze Medal with third-place finish in 500 meters at 1948 Olympics. Served as torch bearer and appeared with VP Richard Nixon, Walt Disney, and American skier Andrea Meade Lawrence in Opening Ceremonies at Squaw Valley Winter Games (2-22-60). Took torch from Meade and skated 1.5 laps around oval before lighting flame before 47,000 spectators and first live TV Winter Games audience. Finished first in 500, 1,500, and 5,000 meters at U. S. Olympic qualifications and named U. S. A. co-captain (1951). Took 500 meters at 1949 and 1952 World meets. Went 28-1 in European races and gained King's Cup (1949). Rated fourth in world standings (1949-50). Won North American intermediate speedskating title at age 17 (1946). Claimed Chicago Tribune Silver Skates crowns (1946-47). Led Taft High to Chicago Public League team speedskating titles (1945-47). Inducted into national Speedskating (1970) and Chicagoland Sports (2001) HOFs. Lettered in golf (2) and placed sixth in IIAC meet as No. 2 man (1951). U. S. Army vet (1952-54). Long-time golf pro.
