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Inductee
ZELLER, ERNEST “ERNIE”
ZELLER, ERNEST “ERNIE”
Born on September 1, 1909
Terre Haute, IN
July 1, 1987.
Inducted On
August 18, 1979
Location Inducted
Richmond, IN
Region Number
6
Th Gerstmeyer
Player
Terre Haute Gerstmeyer
1928
Did not go out for football until junior year; made varsity team first year out; unable to play senior year.
Indiana State University
1933
Played football 4 years as tackle, kicker, backfield for offense and for special plays; received Bigwood Award in football 1932; made one All-State Team 1932; had several weekly state picks; receive national recognition in wrestling in 2 NCAA tournaments and 1932 Olympic final tryouts even though ISU did not have a wrestling program.
Served as E. I. League Football Representative in the Interscholastic High School Football Association; officiated high school and college football in Indiana and Illinois 1946-1950; served in US Navy during WW II for 4 years; served in school administration, including as Superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Butler, in Butler, IN, 1951-1966, and as Vice-President of the International Junior College, Ft. Wayne, IN, 1966-1971.
Wife, Mary (deceased)
Professional Athletic Background: Played on first pro football team in Toronto, Canada; played on line and some special plays in backfield; played on Crosse & Blackwell team 1934; Wrigley Aromints team 1935.

Coaching Experience: Second year as pro, coached the line as well as playing; coached at Robinson, IL, HS football and track - assistant coach 1936 and head football coach 1937-1941.

Coaching Honors: Won Eastern Illinois League Conference title 1941.