The Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame
Allan Christiansen who earned his Knox B.A. degree in 1940 participated in both football and track. He earned 3 varsity letters in football and was elected captain of the team. Al was considered in excellent punter and still holds the Knox record for the longest punt, 90 yards. In 1969 he was one of 69 football player cited by their alma maters as candidates for “Sports Illustrated’s” Silver Anniversary All- America Awards- nominees must have been 1939-1940 college seniors. Al was honored too by receiving a personal invitation from George Halas to play for the Chicago Bears. He lettered 3 years in track for his performance as a broad jumper and dashman. In 1938-39 Allan was named the winner of the Hunter Trophy, a distinct honor.
Following his graduation from Knox, Al was employed as a salesperson for Ryerson Steel in Chicago. From 1942 to 1945 and from 1950 to 1952, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army, receiving the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star. He was co-founder and owner of the Galesburg Drive-In Theatre. He was a real estate agent in Galesburg for a couple of years. He served his Alma Mater for many years as Admission Counselor, Director of Deferred Giving and Director of Admissions until April of 1973 when he had to resign because of ill health.
Subsequently, Al and his wife Frances Margaret Tracy K’41 moved to Fort Myers, Florida where he continued to live until his death on April 11, 1986. His is survived by his widow, a daughter (Patricia) and a son (Pete).
