Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1991
- Class:
- 1940
Dubbed the “One Man Gang” of K.S.C., Elmer Hackney was noted for his size, strength, and ability to give and take it on the football field. Also dubbed the “Maharajah of Might” and “Mr. Muscle”, he not only excelled on the football field, but also in track and wrestling.
Hackney was honored as the All-Big Six fullback in both 1937 and 1938 and was being touted as an All-American for his senior season in 1939 before an injury ended his final season. Fortunately, though, Hackney was a man for all seasons and all sports. He actually earned his greatest fame in the shot put ring, where he won the NCAA Championship in both 1938 and 1939 and won three-consecutive conference titles in that event.
Hackney established 18 new shot put records in 12 collegiate meets during his junior season in 1939, including an American Record of 55-11 and an NCAA Championship record of 55-10 3/8. He earned a berth on the 1940 U.S. Olympic team and was one of the favorites for the gold medal before the outbreak of World War II cancelled the games.
On the wrestling mat, Hackney won three consecutive Big Six heavyweight titles, doing so even while overlapping with the track season.
Upon his graduation in 1940, Hackney embarked on a seven-year career in the National Football League. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1940, the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1941, and the final five seasons with the Detroit Lions.
