Hall of Fame - Football - UIC Athletics

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Eligibility

Letterman's Club

Sport: Football, Volleyball Coach
Years: 1971-1973, 1981-2003
Inducted: 2013
August spent over four decades at UIC, beginning his career as a student-athlete playing football during his college days and serving as the head volleyball coach for 22 years. He guided the Flames to seven 20-win seasons and posted a career 421-392 record.
In 1988, August led the Flames to the North Star Conference Championship and was recognized that same year as the conference Coach of the Year. August has seen six of his former student-athletes enter the UIC Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sport: Football, Tennis Coach
Years: 1956-1958, 1965-1972
Inducted: 2002
Beck has made his rounds at the Navy Pier campus, UICC and UIC. Beck started at Navy Pier as a safety and running back for the Chicago Illini. He made significant contributions as a coach, leading the UIC tennis squad to a Chicagoland Championship in 1968.
"My fondest memories are of the dedication of the coaching staffs I worked with and the athletes that will last a lifetime," said Beck.
Sport: Baseball, Football
Years: 1962-1965
Inducted: 1993
Sport: Baseball, Football
Years: 1954-1956
Inducted: 1991
Eichstaedt played football and baseball at UIC from 1954 to 1956. In his first season of football, Eichstaedt averaged 4.66 yards per carry. Eichstaedt was named team captain of the football team in 1955 starting at left halfback. That season he scored eight touchdowns and helped lead the team to a 5-2 record. Eichstaedt was a member of the UIC baseball team in 1955 and 1956 at center field. He was named co-captain in 1956 and earned the team's nomination for the UIC Athlete of the Year award. Eichstaedt was a first team selection to UIC's all-time football squad and was also inducted into the Navy Pier Hall of Fame in 1991.
Sport: Baseball, Football
Years: 1961-1964
Inducted: 1992
Engemann was a key member of the UIC baseball and football teams. As a baseball player, he was hard throwing pitcher and a clutch hitter. His talents on the field helped lead UIC to a first place finish in the 1962 Gateway Conference Tournament. In the 1963 season he was selected as UIC's Most Valuable Player. In 1964 he was invited to try-out for the U.S. Olympic baseball team to play exhibition games in Japan.
Not only was Engemann an excellent baseball player, he was an exceptional football player as well. He played three years and was named the Most Valuable Back in 1962 and 1963. He set an individual record for kickoff averages with 43.8 yards and in 1963 was awarded with UIC's Athlete of the Year.
Sport: Football
Years: 1958-1961
Inducted: 2009
A product of the Navy Pier campus, Espinoza competed on the football team from 1958-1961. He was named the team's captain in his final season at the Pier, Espinoza was named the squad's Most Valuable Defensive performer. Among his many accomplishments, Espinosa is deeply proud of his completion of the architectural curriculum at Navy Pier under Professor Winston Elting.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1994
A four year starter at offensive guard, Fahey served as co-captain for three of those years and was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in each season. He was named to the NAIA All-State team in two of his seasons at UIC.
Fahey has fond memories of the bus ride from Navy Pier to Grant Park for practices and for the lasting friendships formed.
Sport: Football
Years: 1966-1969
Inducted: 2005
A four-year mainstay on the football team from 1966 through 1969, Fiala proved to be one of UIC's best tacklers during his tenure. While not one of the team's fastest players, he was undoubtedly one of UIC's hardest-working athletes from the practice field to Soldier Field. Leading the team in tackles as a senior, the hard-hitting Fiala left a huge impression on each and every opponent he brought down. One of his most memorable moments on the gridiron at UIC was during the 1968 homecoming game against UW-Milwaukee, when the then-junior defender forced the Panthers to turn the ball over on downs with four tackles after UW-Milwaukee had first-and-goal on UIC's seven-yard line.
Sport: Football
Years: 1962-1963
Inducted: 1993
Fudala was named team co-captain in his first year at UIC. That first year Fudala scored three touchdowns and intercepted one pass as the team set records at the time for yards gained at 2,069, average yardage gained per game at 258.7 and total yards rushing for a season. Fudala decided to leave football and eventually UIC, due in part to injury. Fudala did return to UIC from 1968-1975 to teach and coach football and track.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1992
Gotkowski never played organized football until his college career began in 1965 and when it ended he had set the school rushing record with 2,820 yards in 554 carries. He set the single season record with 1,140 rushing yards in seven games and was recognized as the UIC Athlete of the Year in that 1966 season.
His junior year he earned honorable mention on the All-State Small College Team and as a senior, Gokowski was named MVP of the Chicago Circle team. He concluded his career with 22 touchdowns.
Sport: Football
Years: 1964-1968
Inducted: 1996
A four year letter winner on the football team in the mid-sixties, Gramarossa was an offensive back and finished his career with 42 receptions for 348 yards, three touchdowns on offense and 13 interceptions on defense. As a co-captain of the squad for three seasons, Gramarossa was named the Most Valuable Defensive Back in 1964 and 1968 and the Most Valuable Player for his final three seasons. Gramarossa taught physical education at UIC after graduation and was a coach on the football team until the program was dropped in the early 1970s.
Sport: Football
Years: 1954-1956
Inducted: 1992
Gremo was literally the big man on the Navy Pier campus back in 1954. The 310 pound football player lined up on both sides of the ball, but it was as a fullback that he really dominated the game. He lettered three times and ended his career with a 7 yards per carry average. He played a big role in UIC posting its first winning season in 1954 and going 5-2 in 1955.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1995
As a quarterback of the Chikas football team, Izral set 19 game, season and career passing records. He was a four-time letterwinner, a three year starter and was named the teams' Most Valuable Player in 1967. In 1968 he was named Co-Athlete of the Year and was also listed among the Outstanding College Athletes of America.
Izral set three school records by throwing 27 passes, 17 completions and running up a total of 255 yards in a 27-7 victory over Northland College. He finished his career second in school history with 2,227 total offensive yards.
Sport: Football, Basketball, Baseball
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1990
Klein was not just an athlete that played three sports, he was an athlete that excelled at football, basketball and baseball. He was so proficient at each that he captained all three squads during the 1957-1958 season. A year earlier he had been chosen as Navy Pier's Athlete of the Year for his performance in those three sports.
Klein quarterbacked the football team in the fall and set a single season school record of 413 yards passing and 5 TD passes in 1957. During the winter, he played basketball and earned team MVP honors twice. When spring rolled around, Klein took to the diamond at the shortstop position and in 1956 he led the team in RBIs.
Sport: Football
Years: 1955-1958
Inducted: 1991
Koleno played a remarkable nine positions in his football career at UIC and was known for his blocking and punishing tackling skills. On offense, Koleno played end, halfback and tailback or wingback. Defensively, Koleno played as an end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. He occasionally had kicking duties as well. Koleno was named the team's Most Valuable Defensive Back for the 1957 season and was co-captain of the 1958 team. In 1958, Koleno was named Most Valuable Back after rushing the ball 41 times for 156 yards. At the time he left UIC, he was the school's second-leading scorer of all time. Koleno was President of the Letterman's Club and was named Outstanding Physical Education Major in 1958. He was also selected as a member of UIC's all-time football squad.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1995
Mendro was a part of the "transition team" that saw the school (Navy Pier) go from a two-year institution to a four-year institution (UICC) and lettered four years in football and in track. He was a tight end and led the team in receptions in 1966 and 1968 for a few years he also held the record for 49 catches and 449 receiving yards.
Sport: Gymnastics, Football
Years: 1948-1957
Inducted: 1993
Montcalm served as the assistant gymnastics coach and football coach in 1948 until 1957, when he accepted the position of head gymnastics coach. Under Montcalm the gymnastics team acquired 80 wins, 52 losses and one tie in 11 years. Montcalm retired from coaching in 1968 and began serving as the coordinator of the Student Teacher Education Program in the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation where he remained until retirement in 1986. Montcalm was also a recipient of the Silver Circle Award for his excellence in teaching in 1980 and 1986.
Sport: Football
Years: 1959-1962
Inducted: 1993
Moriarty came to UIC following a two year tour of duty with the Marine Corp. Moriarty then anchored from the center spot of the UIC offensive line that set a school record for total yards gained in a season and total yards gained rushing in a season in 1962. Although he was small in stature, Moriarty was known for being a “tough son-of-gun” and always gave 110% when he played. Moriarty also wrestled in the heavyweight class and took part in track and field in shot put and discus.
Sport: Football, Football Coach
Years: 1954-1956
Inducted: 1990
Nemoto had an outstanding career at UIC as both an athlete and coach. He distinguished himself during the 1954 season at Navy Pier when he clocked a total of 317 minutes on the gridiron in just seven games, playing both sides of the ball. That season he was also named Most Valuable Linesman and Most Valuable Player.
Sport: Football
Years: 1954-1956
Inducted: 1990
Neuman is the top rusher in UIC football history, gaining 1,763, 15 touchdowns in 319 carries in just two seasons. His running sparked the Navy Pier squad to its first winning season in 1954. He sprang for 211 yards in the game versus Rose Poly, including a 91-yard TD run even though he had lost one of his cleats.
An offensive MVP, Neuman excelled on the other side of the ball as well, pulling in three interceptions in one game against Dubuque. In that game he also returned an 80-yard kickoff for a touchdown. In 1955, Neuman earned Williamson Little All-American honors and received special mention on the Jet Magazine All-America Team. Neuman was drafted in the 14th round by the NFL Chicago Cardinals.

Sport: Football
Years: 1958-1959, 1961, 1963
Inducted: 2000
Pabst played three seasons at the Navy Pier campus. As a result of his determination and leadership he was selected as team captain. During the 1959 season Pabst garnered Honorable Mention All-State honors. It was in the same year that Pabst did not miss a play. On offense he served at the tight end and on defense he was a defensive end, playing every minute of every game.
"Bill was an example for the younger players with his attendance, attitude and determination. He was a very hard worker and did a lot of good things for the team," said Former Football Coach George Strnad.
Sport: Football, Wrestling, Track & Field
Years: 1959-1961
Inducted: 2010
A talented three-sport athlete, Reckamp collected eight letters during his tenure at the Navy Pier campus. He won four letters in track and field, three in football and one as a wrestler. On the gridiron Reckamp was a team captain and in 1959, he was the MVP and chosen as Athlete of the Year. He also owns the school record for the longest punt.
Reckamp counts his biggest influence during his time at Navy Pier as his coach, George Strnad. He has a lot of great memories of those times, especially the bus rides to Grant Park for football practice every day and during track practice occasionally, Dr. Fordham would fire a starting pistol in order to get an ice cream vendor off the track.
Sport: Football, Baseball
Years: 1950-1955
Inducted: 1991
Rogers was an all-around athlete, playing several positions in both football and baseball. In football Rogers kicked, punted, played running back and even played some linebacker. On the baseball diamond, Rogers played all nine positions, and even earned four wins in relief pitching with an ERA of 0.00 in 1955. In his first season on the baseball team in 1952, Rogers posted a .287 batting average and played at three infield positions as well as catcher. Rogers was captain of the 1952 squad, and in 1953, Rogers left UIC for duty in the military service. Rogers returned to UIC in 1954 and became a member of the football team where he was first string fullback. Rogers rejoined the baseball team in 1955 where he played second base and pitched, not allowing an earned run in 19 innings. Following such a successful season, Rogers was named Most Valuable Player.
Sport: Football
Years: 1960-1962
Inducted: 1991
Playing four positions on the Navy Pier football squad from 1960-1962, Rutkowski emerged as a stalwart on both sides of the ball. During his playing career Rutkowski started at the three different positions - defensive tackle, defensive end and linebacker. He led the line each year in tackles, while performing as an outstanding blocking tight end on offense. Additionally, Rutkowski played a large role on special teams.
Sport: Football, Baseball
Years: 1953-1957
Inducted: 1990
Ryley ranks as one of the top running backs in UIC-Navy Pier football history, although his career was interrupted by a stint in the military service. In 1953, he set a then school record with 510 yards rushing and 33 points. He was the squad's Most Valuable Player and the team leader in passing, punting, and interceptions.
Returning from his time in the military, Ryley picked up where he left off being named the football MVP. He led the team in rushing during the 1958 season with 578 yards and was also the team captain. He also had an impact on the baseball field helping Navy Pier compile a three year record of 69-22-1.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1967
Inducted: 2002
Savers was a standout offensive tackle. Upon graduating UIC College of Dentistry, he became an Assistant Professor for Restorative Dentistry at UIC. He has won four Golden Apple Awards for teaching excellence.
Sport: Football, Football & Wrestling Coach
Years: 1954-1969
Inducted: 1996
One of the pioneer football players, Strnad was a member of the first football team at the Navy Pier Campus. He was a guard as a player and after graduating he was an assistant football coach from 1954 to 1963. In 1960 he also assumed the role of head coach for the wrestling team. The wrestling team had three straight winning seasons under his tutelage, but in 1964 he was offered the head football coach position. He remained in that position until 1969.
Sport: Football, Wrestling
Years: 1965-1968
Inducted: 1992
Threatte earned varsity letter in both football and wrestling. As a football player he was one of the best offensive tackles ever to play at UIC. He anchored the offensive line that spearheaded the Circle's record setting rushing games in the late sixties. The 240-pounder also lined up at defensive end whenever his talents were needed.
On the mat he was a first-string heavyweight and was nominated by the Peoria Star Journal as the Second Team NAIA All-State squad in 1968. Threatte believes that participating in athletics at UIC was beneficial to him throughout his life. "Athletics taught me the value of hard work as well as how to persevere under adversity," says Dr. Threatte.
Sport: Football
Years: 1958-1960
Inducted: 1996
Tickner was a three-year letter winner for the Navy Pier football team. As a tailback, he led the team in most statistical categories which earned him the Most Valuable Player honors in 1959 and 1960. He was also named to the All-Navy Pier Team.
"He ran my offense better than anyone else," said former coach Walt Versen.
Sport: Football Coach
Years: 1950-1973
Inducted: 1994
Versen has spent six decades of service to the University of Illinois. He began in 1950 as an assistant football coach for two seasons and in 1952 he was named as the head coach for the Navy Pier football team. He served in that position for 11 years and compiled a 34-50-4 record. He left coaching to become the Assistant Director of Athletics, a title he held until 1973.
Versen continued at UIC holding several roles, including Assistant Dean for Student Services and College Liason to the Alumni Association. He was also involved with the NCAA, serving on the men's volleyball committee and served as a statistician for the Chicago Bears from 1976 to 1988.
Sport: Football, Gymnastics, Track
Years: 1956-1957
Inducted: 1995
Walthouse was a three-sport athlete during his one and a half seasons on the Navy Pier campus, excelling in track, gymnastics and football. On the track he competed in the high and low hurdles, pole vault, discus and relays. He set the school record in the high hurdle event in 1957.
As a gymnast, Walthouse was a horizontal bar, vault and parallel bars competitor. On the gridiron he suited up as an offensive end, defensive inside linebacker and kickoff returner for the football team. Walthouse is grateful for "the coaches and teachers at Navy Pier who prepared me for teaching and coaching."
Sport: Football
Years: 1953-1955
Inducted: 1991
Wildner was one of UIC's top athletic performers of all time, competing as a three-sport athlete from 1953 to 1955. Wildner was named UIC's Athlete of the Year for both the 1953-54 and 1954-55 seasons. Wildner lead UIC to 12 consecutive wins and a UIC Invitational Championship during his second season. In his final basketball season, Wildner averaged 13.6 points per game and was named team MVP. He was also named to the Chicago Sun Times' Collegiate All-Star Team for the second consecutive season. As a baseball player in 1953 Wildner recorded a batting average of .336 with 33 RBI's off of 35 hits. Wildner was captain of the team in 1955 and was once again one of the team's top hitters as UIC won its second conference tournament title. On the football field, Wilder was the team's second-leading pass receiver and was ranked sixth in rushing in 1954. He also led the team in punt returns and was second in kickoff returns.
Sport: Football
Years: 1967-1969
Inducted: 1997
Zajac was a three-year letterman for the Navy Pier football team as a middle guard (nose tackle). He was a team captain and was the squad's leading tackler on both the 1967 and 1968 squads and went on to earn the most valuable defensive player award all three seasons.
"Dan anchored the defensive line for three seasons. He was unstoppable in the middle and had to be doubled teamed most of the time," said former teammate Don Gotkowski.
Sport: Football
Years: 1965-1969
Inducted: 1999
Zamirowski was a four year letter winner at the defensive end position. He holds the record for the longest touchdown run (67 yards) after recovering a fumble. "Justin was one of the hardest working guys I have ever been around. He never got hurt. He led by example both on and off the playing field," said former teammate and UIC Hall of Famer, Jim Izral.