Ralph King

Ralph King - Waterloo High School - Class of 1939

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 2023


 

Ralph King was a standout basketball and track athlete at Waterloo High School in the late 1930s. He earned four letters in basketball and track, running the high hurdles as well as sprint and middle-distance races. Win or lose, Ralph was known by opponents and teammates alike as a fierce and gracious competitor. His most impressive high school highlight was winning the All-Class State Championship Gold in the 120 yard high hurdles at the 1939 Nebraska State Track Meet, with a record time of 15.1 seconds.

After high school, Ralph took his track and field talents to the University of Nebraska Teacher's College in Lincoln. He lettered at the University of Nebraska in the high hurdles in 1941 and 1942. However, Ralph's pathway through college took a major detour as World War II raged in Europe and in the Pacific. Feeling an overwhelming sense of duty to his country, Ralph King left college and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater until the Japanese surrender in August of 1945. After the war, Ralph returned to the University of Nebraska to finish his college degree while again lettering in the high hurdles in 1946 and 1947.

After college, Ralph went on to a 35-year career as a District Manager for the Chevrolet Motor Division. He married his college sweetheart, Mary Lou Koenig in 1947 and had four children, Steven, Bradley, Gregory, and Carole Ann.

Tonight, representing the Ralph King family are his Granddaughter Kelly Unick and her husband Eric. Please welcome Ralph King to the Douglas County West Athletic Hall of Fame and congratulations to the Ralph King Family!