Knox College Athletics

This native of Chicago, Illinois, distinguished himself as a leader in athletics as well as in life beyond the walls of college.  Russell Petrick graduated from Knox in 1941 after earning four letters in football and track.  He also played basketball for the Siwash.  During his senior year he was football co-captain and was selected All-Midwest Conference despite the fact of being out part of the season with a broken hand. He even found time for intramural sports including swimming and baseball.

In addition to being an all around athlete, Russ exhibited leadership qualities while serving as the vice president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.  He was also a member of Key Club, “K” Club, German Club, Friars, and the Student Council.
 
Russ was one of the major contributors to the establishment of the Allan P.  Christiansen Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame.  How  befitting it is that he has been selected by the Hall of Fame Committee to be inducted this year, for throughout his football career he was the recipient of countless passes from his good friend and teammate, Al Christiansen.  During his junior year he was an all-conference selection and helped lead Knox to a share of the Midwest Conference crown with Ripon.  In addition to his talents as a great pass receiver, he was recognized by his teammates and opponents as an equally outstanding defensive player.  The Knox yearbooks record hisnickname as the “Hawk”—cool, reliable, and steady.  In the last moments of his college football career he blocked a place kick to hold the final score at 7-7 against Monmouth. 
 
In the spring he was an important member of the Knox track team.  He excelled in the 220 and 440 and was also an outstanding relay man.  He also ran the half mile.

Russ is presently retired from Bretford Manufacturing, the company which he started and of which he was President and chairman.  Bretford is a leading manufacturer of office and audio-visual equipment.  He and his wife, Jean, have been strong supporters of Knox since his graduation—and have hosted alumni gatherings in their home.  It is with pleasure that I welcome Russell Petrick into the Knox Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame.