In conjunction with the United States celebrating its 250th birthday this year, USA Today Co. newspapers in Michigan have been looking at some of the top athletes to come out of each region in the state.
Over the next several weeks, the Lansing State Journal will unveil some of the top athletes to come out of Greater Lansing. We will take a daily look at one of the top 10 male or female athletes from the region. These athletes are determined by more than just high school performance. Accomplishments in college and as a professional were also taken into consideration when determining the area’s best.
The athletes are not ranked in order. Here is a look at our latest male athlete.
Harry Kipke
Kipke is one of the most accomplished football players from the area and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958 for his success at the University of Michigan. Kipke was a star halfback and punter from 1921-23 for the Wolverines and helped the program to a 19-1-2 mark that included two Big Ten titles. He was an All-American punter in 1922 and was inducted into the program’s Hall of Honor in 1981. Kipke was more than just a football standout, also lettering in basketball and baseball at U-M.
Before going to Michigan, Kipke was a star at Lansing Central and set a record with his 175 points (28 touchdowns, two field goals, one extra point). He was part of a 1920 championship team.
Kipke also made his mark as a college football coach, with stints leading both Michigan and Michigan State. He led the Wolverines to national titles in 1932 and 1933.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Celebrating Greater Lansing’s best: Harry Kipke began Hall of Fame career in Lansing
Reporting by Brian Calloway, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Calloway, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
