Hall of Fame
World-class mid-distance runner. Competed in U. S. Olympic Trials (1948) and missed qualifying spot in 800 meters "...by a nose." Made national indoor circuit?running in Madison Square Garden, Boston Garden, and Chicago Stadium (1948). Called "...one-man track team" at Northern Illinois and captured nine career individual league track titles. Ran 4:01 mile six years before Roger Bannister (3:59.4 in 1964). Won national junior AAU crown in 800 with 1:51.8 (and placed third in national senior AAU in 800) at Lincoln (NE) and earned spot on U. S. national AAU unit that toured northern Europe (1947). Took Scandinavia by storm with third-fastest 800 time in world at time in "scorching" 1:50.11 at Oslo, Norway, and with U.S. overseas record 2:24.3 in 1,000 meters at Vaxvo, Sweden. Placed fourth in 1948 U. S. Olympic Trials at Evanston (IL) behind two-time Olympic champ Mal Whitfield (Ohio State), Herb Barten (Michigan), and Bob Chambers (Southern Cal). Lettered in track (4) for Hall of Fame coach Carl Apprell. Won first of four IIAC one-mile run crowns as frosh (1941). Repeated as loop 880 and mile champ (1942-43). Led Huskies to IIAC outdoor team title and won 880, mile, and two miles, plus ran legs on first-place 440-yard and mile relay units (1947). Named Huskie captain (1947). U. S. Navy vet (1943-46). Inducted into Lorain (OH) Sports Hall of Fame and honored on Clearview High (OH) School Wall of Fame (1995). Lettered in track (4) and basketball (4). Two-time Class B state mile champ (1939-40).
