Hall of Fame
John S. Finlay '25 To John S. Finlay goes the unique honor of selection of Coe's all-time great football teams as picked by both Coach George Byrant and Coach Moray Eby. John Finlay was a lineman on the teams of 1922, 1923, and 1924. In these days of platoon substitutions it's worthy of note that he played a full 60 minutes of every game in 1923 and 1924. His bountiful skills were recognized by selection to several All-State and All-Midwest teams. At Coe he won nine letters and in track he set new javelin records three times. After graduation John Finlay became a high school coach and official. In one ten-year period his football teams were unscored on for 15 consecutive games. In addition to football, he coached basketball and had a team in the state finals in 1938. He also coached baseball and wrestling, including an undefeated team. He officiated a variety of high school sports for 20 years. During World War II Colonel Finlay was in charge of Air Corps athletic programs in England, France and Germany. In the Korean conflict he headed an athletic program at a 10,000 man Air Force base in Korea. His has been a lifetime devoted to sports and the young men and women who participate in them. As captain of one of the football teams John Finlay played on, I am filled with wonderful memories of great days in the past as I present him for induction into Coe's Athletic Hall of Fame. October 25, 1974
