Hall of Fame
Two-sport Northern Illinois legend. Lettered in basketball (4) and baseball (4). Named on All-Century Team during NIU Centennial (2000-01). Deadeye set-shooter on hardwood and .300 hitter as left fielder and first baseman in baseball. Displayed uncanny ability to regularly hit long-distance, high-arcing shots between ceiling beams at NIU's old Still Gym. Thrived on the buzzer-beater. Described the 1927 Norther yearbook about a tight game vs. Armour Tech: "Both teams displayed a puncture proof defense which is well demonstrated in the fact that `Tuck' had to shoot through the beams to boost NI's side of the score." Performed one-man miracle finish vs. St. Viator (1927-28) as Norther attested: "They (St. Viator) gained a large lead during the first half, by an 18-9 score. In the second half, `Ace' Huntzicker cut loose with basket after basket from all angles of the floor, cutting Viator's lead to a very slim margin. As the whistle blew, another basket from the center of the floor beat St. Viator's by a 29-28 score." Listed as 5-foot-10, 160-pound forward who played his final three campaigns with specially designed steel, leather, and elastic knee braces that weighed five pounds each. Started on 19-2 quintet that set NIU record with 12 consecutive wins, won a berth to play in National Basketball Championships in Kansas City (MO) and captured two of three tourney games as soph (1926-27). Served as captain on 10-5 cage unit for head coach Roland Cowell (1927-28). Two-time cage captain (1927-29). Prepped at DeKalb High (Deceased).
