McKendree University Athletics

During his four years at McKendree, Harold “Whitey” Kaeser participated in three sports. He was awarded letters four years in baseball as a pitcher, three years in football playing in the backfield, and three years in basketball as a guard. Whitey earned ten varsity letters during his four year athletic career at McKendree.

Harold received his first Purple M by earning three varsity letters in one year. The 1929 yearbook notes that “Whitey won his second ‘M’ on the grid iron by displaying real college football. His lightness in weight proved to be an asset rather than a liability to him. A deadly tackler, a wonderful blocker and a genius at snaring passes made Kaeser a real backfield star.” During his senior year, he was named as an honorable mention B Young All State Team as an end.

His basketball career was also highlighted in the yearbook stating “hard but clean playing was an outstanding characteristic of ‘Whitey’ and made him a dependable guard in basketball. The same determination which he displayed on the grid iron was carried over to the basketball court to a decided advantage.” During his senior year he assisted Coach Filley by coaching the B team.

Harold started pitching on his high school baseball team and continued at McKendree where he lettered all four years. After his college career he went on to pitch for semi-professional teams.