The only underclassmen to start for the national champion Tall Firs in 1939, he made more of a name for himself the next year. According to his coach, Howard Hobson, he solidified the team that would capture the first NCAA title. He scored 18 points in the second half of a game in Cleveland against Miami, Ohio, after an ankle injury to Slim Wintermute and joined the starting lineup at forward.

The 6-4 native of The Dalles led the Ducks in the championship victory over Ohio State with 13 points and was that team’s third-leading scorer. He paced the Northern Division the next year with an 11.5-point average and earned all postseason honors, including all-American as the senior team captain. His number “18” was retired along with the rest of the Tall Firs.