Earl O. Boedicker (1984) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Earl O. Boedicker

Induction:
1984
Class:
1920

1917-20
Football/ Basketball/ Track
Offensive Lineman
‘20
Service in World War I did not stop Earl “Ping” Boedicker from making his mark on Akron athletics. Boedicker, who came to the University after serving 18 months in the U.S. Naval Reserve Flying Corps, earned 10 varsity letters in four sports from 1917-20. Considering the fact that he never played football in high school, earning three letters and a starting position on UA’s offensive line for three years was quite a feat. That offensive line helped the 1919 squad finish with 5-1-1 record, while scoring 139 points to their opponents ’38. Boedicker also had a starting role for three years on the basketball court. Along with Hall of Famers Art Knowlton, Clarence Swigart and Eddie Wentz, he was a member of the 1918-19 and 1919-20 teams that captured back-to-back Ohio Conference Championships. The 1918-19 season was nothing less than perfect for those UA roundballers, as they compiled a 14-0 record. In fact, the following year, the squad won its first eight games to set the 22 consecutive wins. Boedicker received honorable mention on the All-Ohio team for his play in the 1919-20 season. Come spring, “Ping” Boedicker didn’t slow down. He lettered in track in 1919 and in baseball in 1917. 1918m in which he served as captain, and in 1920. Boedicker, who was a life-time resident of Akron, died in 1965 at the age of 69.