McKendree University Athletics

John earned four letters as a center on the basketball team, three as center and tackle on the football team and three competing in the javelin, shot-put and discus events for the track team. He dominated on the basketball court, scoring 161 of the team’s 557 total points during the 1939-1940 seasons. On the gridiron, John made his presence felt by his hard tackling and continual drive and was named team captain in 1939. In track John’s javelin throw consistently placed him first in his event. In 1937 he threw the javelin 198 feet to place second in the Little Nineteen track Meet. He also added to McKendree’s points as a shot-putter and discus thrower. Weakened by a nearly-fatal bout with rheumatic fever in 1939, John did not earn points in track but served as team captain his junior year. With renewed vigor he again dominated in the javelin event in the 1940 season. John retired in 1975 from a 31-year high school teaching career, which included 25 years coaching track and cross country and several years coaching swimming, football and basketball.