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.
Frank Wickhorst
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College Hall of Fame
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.
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Frank Wickhorst a Navy College Football Hall of Fame Tackle
The life and career in football, both playing and coaching of Frank Wickhorst. He was a Navy two-way tackle from the mid-1920s, that went on to coach the Cal Golden Bears.
The Navy two-way tackle from the mid 1920’s, Frank Wickhorst was one heck of a an athlete.
Frank Wickhorst, born March 18, 1906, in Aurora, Illinois, established a notable legacy in the realm of college football, marked by his leadership and athletic prowess.
-College Career:
Wickhorst's college football career centered at the United States Naval Academy, where he played tackle from 1924 to 1926. He was a dominant force on the line and served as the captain of the Navy team in his senior year. A testament to his leadership, a notable anecdote recounts Wickhorst's inspirational words in a crucial game against Army, rallying his team to a tie and preserving their undefeated season. He was a workhorse lineman who earned All-American honors in 1926, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the Navy squad. Interestingly, Wickhorst initially played as a freshman teammate of the legendary "Red" Grange at the University of Illinois before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy.
-Road to the Pro Game:
While Wickhorst's college career concluded in 1926, the era of professional football was still in its nascent stages, and it appears Wickhorst did not pursue a professional playing career.
Instead, he embarked on a distinguished career in the military and later transitioned into coaching.
-Football Legacy:
Wickhorst's football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Following his military service, he served as the head football coach at the University of California. His coaching tenure further demonstrates his continued dedication to the sport. However, his most enduring legacy within football is his recognition as an outstanding player and leader during his time at Navy, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. His inspirational leadership, as highlighted by the anecdote against Army, and his All-American status underscore his significant impact on collegiate football. Furthermore, his later involvement in coaching cemented his continued contribution to the sport.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-All-American selection in 1926.
-Captain of the United States Naval Academy football team.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970.
-Served as Head Football Coach at the University of California post-military career.
While specific game-by-game statistics from his era are not readily available, Frank Wickhorst's leadership, All-American recognition, and Hall of Fame induction firmly establish his significant and lasting contribution to the history of college football.
The Navy two-way tackle from the mid 1920’s, Frank Wickhorst was one heck of a an athlete.
Frank Wickhorst, born March 18, 1906, in Aurora, Illinois, established a notable legacy in the realm of college football, marked by his leadership and athletic prowess.
-College Career:
Wickhorst's college football career centered at the United States Naval Academy, where he played tackle from 1924 to 1926. He was a dominant force on the line and served as the captain of the Navy team in his senior year. A testament to his leadership, a notable anecdote recounts Wickhorst's inspirational words in a crucial game against Army, rallying his team to a tie and preserving their undefeated season. He was a workhorse lineman who earned All-American honors in 1926, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the Navy squad. Interestingly, Wickhorst initially played as a freshman teammate of the legendary "Red" Grange at the University of Illinois before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy.
-Road to the Pro Game:
While Wickhorst's college career concluded in 1926, the era of professional football was still in its nascent stages, and it appears Wickhorst did not pursue a professional playing career.
Instead, he embarked on a distinguished career in the military and later transitioned into coaching.
-Football Legacy:
Wickhorst's football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Following his military service, he served as the head football coach at the University of California. His coaching tenure further demonstrates his continued dedication to the sport. However, his most enduring legacy within football is his recognition as an outstanding player and leader during his time at Navy, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. His inspirational leadership, as highlighted by the anecdote against Army, and his All-American status underscore his significant impact on collegiate football. Furthermore, his later involvement in coaching cemented his continued contribution to the sport.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-All-American selection in 1926.
-Captain of the United States Naval Academy football team.
-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970.
-Served as Head Football Coach at the University of California post-military career.
While specific game-by-game statistics from his era are not readily available, Frank Wickhorst's leadership, All-American recognition, and Hall of Fame induction firmly establish his significant and lasting contribution to the history of college football.
National Football Foundation Bio of Frank Wickhorst
The Frank Wickhorst collegiate career biography sketch for the College Football Hall of Fame.
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football position:tackle, NCAAF Jersey:Number 57, Navy Midshipmen, tackle, Number 57
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