John Weiner (1986) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

John Weiner

Induction:
1986
Class:
1957

1952-1956
Track/Football/Swimming
Hurdles
‘57

This Hall of Famer was one of the last breeds—the multi-sport stars at UA. John Weiner earned eight letters in football, track and swimming during the years 1952-1956. Wiener, who prepped at Akron North High, earned letters in swimming in 1953 and 1954 and in football in 1955 and 1956. In 1955 Wiener, a halfback was voted the most outstanding junior when he averaged 5.2 yards a carry, gaining 392 yards in 74 attempts and scoring five TDs. As a senior, Wiener gained 373 yard and scored two TDs. However, it was in track that this Hall of Famer excelled. For four years he was UA’s best in the hurdles, scoring 392 points from 1953 through 1956. En route he established three school and two Ohio Conference records. In 1955, he teamed with Clarence Bradshaw, Gene White and Gary Flinn to establish a new school and OC record in the 880 relay (1:29.6). He closed out his career in 1965 by capturing the Ohio Conference Championships in the 220 low hurdles (24.1), beating his arch-nemesis Harry Groman of Heidelberg, and the 110 high hurdles (15.1). Wiener is currently an insurance executive for Great West Life in Grand Rapids, Michigan.