Hall of Fame
Carried Cardinal and Black colors with distinction for 50 years starting as member of fabled Northern Illinois "Pony Backfield" in late 1940s to serving as Special Assistant to the President/Compliance (1987-2001). Honored for significant contributions, loyalty, and service to alma mater with renaming of football venue as "Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium" (2003). Named on All-Decade Team (1940s) on gridiron (1999). Lettered in football (3) and wrestling (1). Set NIU single-game (242 yards, vs. Washburn in 1948), season (786 yards in 1948), and career (1,221 yards in 1947-49) rushing marks for HOF coach and AD predecessor George "Chick" Evans. Returned to NIU as grid aide (1955-56) and became head wrestling coach (1956-57). Posted 82-45-6 won-lost-tied record in mat dual meets, plus produced five national champions and 11 All-Americas headed by NCAA Division I 177-pound kingpin Roy Conrad (1960). Named AD and chair of NIU's men's physical education department (Sept. 1, 1968). Major Accomplishments: (1) Elevation of grid program to University Division (1969), (2) upgraded football schedules (Wisconsin, Iowa, West Virginia, Miami, FL, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern), (3) admittance into MAC (1973), (4) seven postseason bids NCAA regional team berths in baseball (1972), men's soccer (1973), men's basketball (1981-82), NCAA national team berths in men's golf (1976) and men's gymnastics (1981-82, 1982-83), plus first 1-A bowl (1983). Coached at Tuscola (IL) High (1950-55). U. S. Navy veteran (1943-46). Three-sport man, All-City FB at Chicago Bowen High (1940-42).
