Ed Bender (1985) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Ed Bender

Induction:
1985
Class:
1960

1956-59
Soccer
‘60
Only four years after coming to the United States from West Germany, Ed Bender earned his first four varsity letters playing soccer for Akron. Bender was instrumental in the success of UA soccer from 1956-59, a span during which Zip teams compiled a 25-7-2 record and captured two Ohio Collegiate Soccer Championships (1958 and ’59). The four-year letterman was Akron’s top scorer in 1957 with eight goals and second on the team in ’58 with 11. Co-captain his senior year, Bender held five of eight records which were kept at the time of his graduation, including career goals (28) and career assists (20). Ed received All-State and All-Midwest honors for four years and was named All-American in 1958. He was also chosen as the team’s Most Outstanding Player in his junior year. Bender displayed his athletic talents on the wrestling mat as well as the soccer field, earning a varsity letter in the 1956-57 season. In addition to his athletic involvement, Ed was vice president of the senior class, president of the German Club and commander in the Arnold Air Society. He received an A-Key award and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Bender was a colonel in the United States Air Force. He and his wife, Harriet, also a graduate of the University, have three children and reside in Tuscaloosa, Ala.