1920

Hungry as usual for column material, I was pleased to receive an article from a current Kappa Sigma newsletter concerning the remarkable athletic career of Gustave Adolph "Gus" Sonnenberg.

A Michigan native, Gus came to Dartmouth in 1916, joined the navy in WW I, and returned in 1920 to make All American tackle. He left the College to enter the University of Detroit, where he became one of the few football players to make All-American in two schools. Short, stocky (five feet, six inches, 196 pounds), Gus was dwarfed by the giants of these times but he was a model of speed, power, and coordination, on both defense and offense, truly a one-man football team.

Sonnenberg was at the peak of his ensuing NFL career when a colleague suggested that he try his hand at the "square ring"—wrestling. He did! As a wrestler Gus brought the "Flying Tackle" to the otherwise static sport. In January 1929, newcomer Gus defeated the top man in wrestling, "Strangler" Lewis and went on to become the world heavyweight champion. He left pro wrestling a changed sport, eventually a "show business attraction."

Outside the football afield and ring, Gus became a Hollywood-style playboy, going through several fortunes and two marriages to movie stars. He served in the navy in WW II as a gym instructor.

But at age 46 Gus Sonnenberg met an opponent he couldn't lick leukemia. He died on Sept. 12, 1944. He is still fondly remembered at Dartmouth and elsewhere as one of the true giants of sport.

Most welcome would be other reminiscences of 1920 "greats."

42 Lebanon St., 4A, Hanover, NH 03755

"Gus" Sonnenkerg brought the "flying Tackle" to the otherwise static sport of wrestling. Alice W. Weymouth '20