Luedeking (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) participated in four sports under several Hall of Fame coaches at Northern Illinois. The 5-7, 160-pounder lettered as a halfback on the gridiron (1953-54, 1956) and a guard on the hardwood (1953-54). He holds two unique distinctions -- as the school's (1) second Little All-America and (2) initial freshman team MVP in football. During NIU's Centennial observance (1999), he was honored on the 1950s All-Decade Team. Luedeking produced one of the most prolific rookie seasons in the Huskie annals with 1,132 all-purpose yards and led the Huskies in seven individual statistical categories (1953) -- (1) rushing (330 yards on 97 carries), (2) scoring (42 points on seven touchdowns), (3) receiving (24 catches for 247 yards and two TDs), (4) total offense (330 yards), (5) punt returns (nine for 261 yards and a 29.0 ypr. average), (6) interceptions (six for 53 yards and an 8.8 ypr. average), and (7) all-purpose yardage. His 24 receptions ranked fifth nationally in the College Division (1953).
For his efforts, he was named second team All-IIAC and honorable mention Williamson Service Little All-America, plus won the IIAC Academic Medal. In typical Luedeking fashion, he scored three TDs -- on a run, a reception, and a punt return -- vs. Eastern Illinois (11-21-53). In basketball, he averaged 4.5 ppg. in 12 games, plus tallied a career-high 16 points (6-of-7 from the floor) vs. Central Michigan (1953-54). His NIU career was shortened by a concussion. Luedeking taught for 37 years at Orangeville (Ill.) Grade School, Durand High (1965-66), and Freeport High (1966-96). He won 13 letters in four sports at Freeport High. In 2000, Luedeking ranked fifth on FHS's all-time "25 Greatest Athletes" list and also coached 10 others from that same list. He is also a "double" NIU grad in 1957 and 1971.
