Frank Wickhorst

Born March 18, 1905, in Aurora, Illinois, was the Navy two-way tackle from the mid 1920’s, Frank Wickhorst. The NFF shares a great story also from the 1926 season. Late in the game. Army led, 21-14, and threatened to destroy Navy's bid for an unbeaten season. Navy had the ball on its own 30 and time was running out on the Middies. Frank Wickhorst, the Navy captain, huddled his team and spoke: "Do you guys see that goal line down there?" he said, pointing beyond the Army defense. "We are going to cross it - and we're not going to lose the ball until we put it across." Moments later, Alan Shapley scored for the Midshipmen and Hall of Famer Tom Hamilton kicked the conversion point to provide a 21-21 tie and preserve Navy's undefeated status. The Inspirational Wickhurst was honored as an All-American that season. It could have played out differently for Navy and Frank though because as a freshman he played on the line of Illinois with Red Grange in the backfield! An appointment to the Naval Academy was the catalyst for the change of teams. After his military service, Wickhorst served as the Head Coach of Football at California.

Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.

The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.