Hall of Fame
Since Jack Elgin had lettered in football, baseball and wrestling at Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids before enrolling at Coe College, it was no surprise that he would continue his athletic endeavors in these three events. As a sophomore, Elgin received the Coe quarterback assignment and exhibited his versatility by running the ball, passing the ball and kicking the ball, both for field goals and for conversions. In 1953, the Coe team, with Elgin spearheading the offense, became Midwest Conference Champions. Jack Elgin was named All-Conference and was voted "most valuable player" by his teammates. Covering second for the Coe baseball team came just as natural as the quarterback slot and led to Elgin being named All-Conference in this sport. Upon his graduation from Coe in 1954, Elgin had earned seven varsity letters and been chosen head coach in football, baseball and basketball at North English High School. The late Jack Ogden, Cedar Rapids Gazette "Meet the Preps" reporter, wrote that Elgin was plagued with problems at North English in his first season as football coach. With only 20 varsity players and five returning lettermen, four of whom were backs, Elgin had his work cut out for him. Two years later Ogden noted what he referred to as "standout scoring performances by Elgin's team." In 1959, Jack Elgin left eastern Iowa for the head football coaching position at Valley High School in West Des Moines. During his 21 years of coaching, Elgin produced seven conference football championship teams, two of which were undefeated; two conference baseball championships, and four conference wrestling championships. He received the Iowa Football Coaches Association Award in 1965 and 1967 and was also awarded the Kiwanis Community Citation in 1967. Because of his years of interest in and devotion to athletics, it is with pleasure that I add his name to the roster of distinguished Coe Athletes who are members of the Coe Athletic Hall of Fame.
