[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ELROY ``CRAZYLEGS'' HIRSCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the great 
life of Elroy ``Crazylegs'' Hirsch. On January 28, 2004, Wisconsin lost 
a true state icon, but Crazylegs leaves his rich legacy in the hearts 
of all Wisconsinites.
  Elroy Hirsch was born in Wausau, WI and grew into an incredible high 
school athlete while playing football and basketball at Wausau High 
School. He was such an accomplished high school player that in 1998 he 
was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.
  After high school, he became a standout halfback for the University 
of Wisconsin Badgers during the 1942 season. The Badgers finished the 
1942 season 8-1-1 and were ranked third nationally by the AP. Hirsch 
was key to the 1942 victory over top-ranked Ohio State by throwing one 
touchdown pass and recording more than 200 total offensive yards. It 
was during this season that he earned the name ``Crazylegs'' after a 
reporter wrote that ``his crazy legs were gyrating in six different 
directions all at the same time.''
  Due to his assignment with the United States Marine Corps, Hirsch 
continued his collegiate athletic career with the University of 
Michigan, and went on to play professionally for the Chicago Rockets 
from 1946-1948 and then with the Los Angeles Rams from 1949-1957. After 
a record setting career with the NFL, he was named to the NFL's All-
Time All-Star team.
  Following his time as General Manger with the Los Angeles Rams, 
Hirsch returned to Wisconsin and the university where he started his 
collegiate athletic career. When he arrived as Athletic Director, the 
Badgers' athletic program was struggling. He was committed and 
successful in turning around the athletic program in his 18-year role 
at the University of Wisconsin. During the years following his 
retirement, Hirsch was the Wisconsin Badgers biggest fan.
  Despite living in various communities across the United States during 
his accomplished career, it was evident that his home was truly with 
the people of Wisconsin and Wisconsin athletics, as with every 
autograph he signed ``always a Badger.''

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