12 Facts About Walter Eckersall

Walter Herbert "Eckie" Eckersall was an American college football player, official, and sportswriter for the Chicago Tribune.

Walter Eckersall played for the Maroons of the University of Chicago, and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

Walter Eckersall was selected to Camp's All-American teams in 1904,1905, and 1906.

Walter Eckersall was born in Chicago on June 17,1883.

Walter Eckersall grew up in its Woodlawn neighborhood just south of the University of Chicago.

Walter Eckersall's talent emerged at Hyde Park High School, where he dashed 100 yards in 10.0 seconds, an Illinois record for 25 years, and excelled on the football field.

Walter Eckersall was highly recruited out of high school by both Fielding Yost of Michigan and Amos Alonzo Stagg of Chicago.

In Walter Eckersall, Stagg saw the promise of "a selfless performer, marked by complete dedication" to victory.

On third down, as Walter Eckersall attempted to punt, he encountered a fearsome rush, but evaded the Michigan tacklers and was able to scramble to the 22-yard line and a first down.

Walter Eckersall had a successful dual career as a sportswriter for the Chicago Tribune and as a game official.

Walter Eckersall is a footnote in the story of Knute Rockne, and the well-documented history of Notre Dame, because of his presence at many of their games.

Walter Eckersall was an idol of Rockne, who grew up in Chicago and watched Walter Eckersall play in high school and in college.