Hall of Fame
Last and probably best two-way, 60-minute performer in Northern Illinois history and half of fabled "Beck-to-(Al) Eck" passing tandem. Second Huskie alum enshrined into College Football Hall of Fame (August, 2004). One of nine Divisional inductees from NCAA 1-AA,II, III, and NAIA ranks and one of five installed as coach that year. Called "finest all-around player" in tenure of NIU Hall of Fame head coach Howard Fletcher. Honored on Northern Illinois First-Team All-Century squad at DB (1999). Played QB, HB, DB, LB, S, and on punt return unit at NIU. Named team tri-captain and MVP, First-Team All-IIAC on offense and defense, Peoria Journal Star All-State, Second-Team NAIA All-America, and Second-Team CoSIDA Academic All-America as senior (1961). Led Huskies in tackles (53 in 1961), punt returns (16 for 175 yards in 1961), total offense (1,243 yards in 1960), and passing (77-of-156 for 1,176 yards and 11 TDs in 1960). Won three letters (1959-61). Began sideline career at West Leyden (1962-64) and Lake Zurich (1965-66). Posted 137-52-1 won-lost-tie mark (.724 pct.) in 19 years as head coach at Illinois Benedictine (37-12-1 in 1970-74), Elmhurst College (50-22 in 1976-83), and Grand Valley State (50-18 in 1985-90). Named Kodak NCAA College Division Region Coach of Year at GVSU (11-1 in 1989 and 10-2 in 1990). Served as offensive coordinator at NIU (1975), Notre Dame (1991), and Illinois (1992). Coached on Chicago Blitz (1984). Scouted for NFL Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills. Chicago Lake View High product.
