Hall of Fame
Started run of storied Northern Illinois Little All-America QBs under legendary Hall of Fame coach Howard Fletcher (Flinn, Tom Beck, George Bork, and Ron Christian during 1958-65). Transferred from Kansas State and became program's first full scholarship grant-in-aid student-athlete (1956). Three-sport Huskie star with nine "NI" varsity letters in football (3), basketball (3), and track (3). Named Second-Team NAIA Little All-America as junior and senior (1958-59), plus Honorable Mention AP Little All-America on gridiron (1959). Selected team MVP, First-Team All-IIAC, First-Team NAIA All-District 20, First-Team Peoria Journal Star All-State, and IIAC Player of Year on 7-2 league runner-up (1959). Completed 197-of-414 passes for 3,233 career yards and 35 TDs (1957-59). Ranked No. 5 nationally in NAIA passing (157.8 ypg. average on 93-of-174 aerials for 1,420 yards and 18 TDs) and No. 9 in NCAA College Division in final year. Led NIU in passing (1957-59), total offense (1957-59), and kick-scoring (1958-59). Voted on 1950s All-Decade Team during Centennial (1999). Free agent with CFL Toronto Argonauts (1960). Tabbed Huskie cage captain (1957-58), scored 371 career points in 47 appearances (1956-59), and played in first game at new Evans Field House (December 3, 1957). Set NIU pole vault mark (13-8 1/4 in 1958). Three-sport All-Stater with 10 letters at Princeton High. Started on PHS quintet (with Joe Ruklick) that finished fourth at IHSA state tourney (1954-55). Inducted into Bureau County Sports HOF (1995 & 2002).
