Cleveland’s Commissioner of Recreation since 1947, he developed a broad program of recreation for its citizens which has served as a model for many of the nation’s large cities. Instituted a program of competitive sports for girls in the 1950s, which was a national first. It was through this program that Madeline Manning Jackson began a track career leading to an Olympic gold medal in 1968. Elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1976 and National Boxing Hall of Fame in 1977.
Worked closely with the Cleveland area coaching fraternity for 27 years as president of Olympic Sport Goods, Inc. He was a football and track official for 40 years and for 37 years served as president and secretary of the amateur Cuyahoga Valley Baseball League. After his own retirement he formed an organization for retired coaches and athletic directors which he headed until his death in 1976.
Played 21 years of amateur and professional hockey, including three seasons (1943-46) with the Cleveland Barons. Also played with Providence Reds and Springfield Indians in American Hockey League. Scored 41 goals and had 39 assists with Reds’ division champs in 1947-48. Starred with Barons’ AHL champions in 1944-45.
Longtime goalkeeper for Cleveland Barons during the ’30s and early ’40s. Saw service with Boston Bruins in late ’20s and New York Americans in early ’30s. Starred in Barons championship of 1938-39. Member of Barons Hall of Fame.
Elected to American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, 1963. Won ABC Tournament doubles championship with Johnny Klares in 1952, setting all-time ABC doubles record of 1453, and also won the ABC all-events championship that year. Won BPAA ALL-Star Tournament championship in 1955. Named to Bowling Magazine All-American first team in 1956 and 1958. Established ABC Tournament average of 197 over 24-year period.
Won National AAU championship at 125 pounds in 1914, representing The Cleveland Athletic Club. One of four Cleveland boxers to win titles that year. Their showing launched a highly successful era of amateur boxing in Greater Cleveland.
Fought the best heavyweights of his era in a professional career that included 140 matches in a span from 1924 to 1940. Defeated such greats as Mickey Walker, Jack Sharkey, Max Schmeling and George Godfrey. Fought champions Gene Tunney and Max Baer. Had 39 knockouts in 59 amateur bouts between 1921 and 1923.
World Bantamweight champion from March 4, 1940, to September 24, 1940, winning title from Lou Salica, then losing it to him in a return match. Had 42 professional bouts between 1936 and 1943 after a successful amateur career.
National Collegiate (NCAA) epee champion in 1970 after finishing third in that weapon in 1969 NCAA competition. Represented Case Western Reserve University. First Greater Cleveland collegian to earn an NCAA fencing championship. Twice earned first team All-American honors in that sport. Represented USA in 1970 World University Games.
First team NCAA All-American in sabre at Case Western Reserve University in 1970, finishing second in national competition and second team All-American in 1971 when he finished fourth. Won four All-Ohio championships and five Northern Ohio Division championships between 1968 and 1973.