Knox College Athletics

 This native of Cicero, Illinois, distinguished himself as an athlete, a coach and an athletic administrator.  Charles Bednar graduated in 1929 from Knox College after starring in both basketball and football for four years.
 
In basketball Bednar had the distinction of starting all four years.  As a freshman he was the backcourt mate of Dean Trevor, who went on to be Chuck’s coach the last three years.  In baseball he also started all four years as a shortstop and leadoff hitter.  He was captain of both the basketball and baseball teams his senior year.
 
Upon graduation he went on to work in education at Galesburg High School for 37 years.  During that time he held jobs from teacher to coach to athletic director.  His leadership in athletics had a profound impact on the school and community.  He developed a little league baseball program that is still today one of the best in the nation.  He helped from the Western Big Six Conference.  Until his death this fall, he was still consulted by area athletic administrators seeking his expertise.  The most valuable baseball player award is named for him at Galesburg High.  He was selected a charter member of the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bednar upon retirement remained active in community and Knox alumni affairs.  He was chairman of the Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame Selection Committee from 1986-1991.  He received the Knox Service Award in 1988.
 
In entering the Knox College Hall of Fame, Charles Bednar is being recognized not just for his athletic ability but his leadership skills.  Early in life his peers and teammates recognized his leadership abilities.  Both in high school and college, he was selected captain in every sport he played.  His entire life Charles Bednar was a leader who made an impact on every club, team, civic organization, and school with which he was associated.  Nothing was left the same by Charles Bednar, everything he touched was left better and stronger.