[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1219]]



       HONORING INDUCTEES INTO THE INDIANA FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the following individuals for their induction into the Indiana Football 
Hall of Fame: Ted Karras, Sr., of Gary, Indiana; Andy Kirk, of 
Merrillville, Indiana; Stewart Mattix, of Hobart, Indiana; Charles 
Stainer, of Valparaiso, Indiana; Harold Atterberry, of Morgan Township, 
Indiana; George Hall, of Kentucky; Bob Kuechenberg, of Florida; and Irv 
Cross, of Idaho. These eight outstanding sportsmen were inducted as 
members of the 1998 Indiana Football Hall of Fame class on Sunday, May 
31, 1998.
  Since its founding in 1973, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame has 
been honoring prominent coaches, players, officials, members of the 
press, and citizens who have made lasting contributions to the 
advancement of football and sporting excellence. The Football Hall of 
Fame commemorates Indiana's prestigious football history throughout the 
century. Whether they were involved in football during the early 
twenties or the present day, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame is 
dedicated to recognizing those who were instrumental in creating, 
fostering, and adding to Indiana's excellent football legacy. Each of 
these eight newly-inducted members made outstanding contributions to 
Indiana football.
  Ted Karras, Sr., graduated from Emerson High School in 1952. After 
being named 1st Team All state and Parade All-American for his 
accomplishments in high school football, Ted attended Indiana 
University. After graduating from I.U. in 1956, he want on to play 
professional football for eleven years. He played with the San Diego 
Marines from 1956-1957, the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1958-1959, the 
Chicago Bears from 1960-1964, the Detroit Lions in 1965, and the Los 
Angeles Rams in 1966. After his football career ended, Ted taught and 
coached for 20 years in the Hammond Public School system. Although Ted 
retired in 1995, he continues to serve as an assistant coach for his 
son, Ted Jr., at Andrean High School in Merrillville.
  Andy Kirk's football career began at Horace Mann High School in Gary, 
where he played varsity football from 1934-1937. After graduating, Andy 
attended the Chicago Art Institute on scholarship for two years before 
leaving to find a new life in sports as a trainer. He worked in Gary at 
the YMCA, where he served as an apprentice masseur. In 1941, Andy 
earned a degree from the College of Swedish Massage. He entered the 
realm of high school sports in 1942 and spent the next thirty years 
there. He started at Horace Mann High School, spent ten years at 
Tolleston High School, three years at Lew Wallace High School, and, in 
1960, commenced his long career at Andrean High School. He also worked 
for Saints Peter and Paul School for thirty years until his retirement 
in 1981. Andy still volunteers his time at Andrean High School. He and 
his wife of fifty-four years, Margaret, reside in Merrillville.
  Stewart Mattix is another Hobart High School graduate to be inducted 
into this year's Indiana Football Hall of Fame class. Stew earned two 
varsity letters before graduating in 1949. He went on to Ball State 
University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary 
Education in 1954. Before retiring in 1992, Stew was a teacher, an 
elementary principal, and an assistant superintendent. In 1958, he took 
over the field announcing duties for his high school team, the Hobart 
Brickies. For 34 years, the voice of Stew Mattix was heard all around 
the Brickie Bowl, as well as during practices he attended. Stew still 
resides in Hobart with his wife, Connie.
  Gary native Charles Stanier attended Horace Mann School from 
kindergarten through his final year as a senior. He graduated in 1959, 
but not before he earned recognition as a Captain, All-City, All-
Conference, and the Chicago Tribune's All Area-Team for his great 
performance as both a linebacker and an offensive tackle. For his 
outstanding talent and dedication, Charlie earned a scholarship to Duke 
University where he was chosen as First Team Freshman Atlantic Coast 
Conference before his playing career ended due to knee injuries. In 
1963, Charlie graduated from Duke and began his teaching and coaching 
career at Valparaiso High School. Charlie has served as a line coach 
under Tom Stokes and Mark Hoffman. He and his wife, Janice, live in 
Valparaiso, and they have three daughters, Jennifer, Rebecca, and 
Laura.
  Harold Atterberry began working as a member of the maintenance staff 
of the Portage Township schools in 1972. From then until his retirement 
in February of this year, he maintained the fields of Portage High 
School's football field in a professional, meticulous manner, befitting 
a professional football field. After twenty-five years, he retired and 
enjoys gardening and spending time with his wife, Nancy, at their home 
in Morgan Township.
  Before graduating from Edison High School in Gary, in 1954, George 
Hall played football, basketball, track, and baseball. After serving 
two years in the United States Army, George earned a Bachelor of 
Science Degree from Purdue University and a Masters Degree from Indiana 
University. After his college days, George became a football coach. For 
29 years, 25 of which were in Hammond, George taught young men the 
sport of football. He is currently retired and living in Bowling Green, 
Kentucky.
  Bob Kuechenberg played football at Hobart High School, from which he 
graduated in 1964. After being named Team Captain and All-State End, he 
attended the University of Notre Dame, from which he graduated with a 
degree in economics. He played on Notre Dame's National Championship 
team of 1966, earned the team's Most Valuable Lineman award in 1967, 
the Fighting Irish's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1968, and played 
in the East-West and All-American Bowls. Bob played for 15 years in the 
NFL with the Miami Dolphins. With the Dolphins, Bob played in five 
Super Bowls and earned his place on six different Pro Bowl teams. His 
accomplishments qualify him as one of the most versatile, effective, 
and durable offensive linemen throughout the NFL's history. Bob 
currently lives in Miramar, Florida, where he is the CEO of Kuechenberg 
Marketing.
  Irv Cross, a familiar face on CBS Television's ``The NFL Today'' show 
on Sunday afternoons from 1975-1990, is a 1957 Hammond High School 
graduate. He earned high distinction as the Calumet Region Times' 
Athlete of the Year for his outstanding accomplishments in football, 
basketball, and track. Irv went on to star at Northwestern University 
as an offensive and defensive end, as well as a fullback. He was named 
Northwestern's Athlete of the Year, and went on to play for the 
Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring as an active player he became a 
coach. He then followed up his career as a player and a coach with his 
notable accomplishments as a commentator and expert analyst on CBS. Irv 
is currently the Athletic Director at Idaho State University.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Ted Karras, Sr., Andy Kirk, Stewart Mattix, 
Charles Stanier, Harold Atterberry, George Hall, Bob Kuechenberg, and 
Irv Cross for being inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. 
Their service, dedication, and success has left an indelible mark on 
Indiana football and Indiana's First Congressional District.

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