Augustana College Athletics

Art Whalen, a talented Rock Island High School athlete, entered Augustana in September of 1947 and for four years was outstanding as a wrestler, football halfback and track performer.

Though his final year of competition was during the 1950-51 season, Art did not receive his diploma until 1955. The death of his parents necessitated his leaving school to give financial help to keep his family together. Following graduation he enrolled at Western Illinois and received his Master’s degree in 1958.

Art was a four year starter in football as a halfback and defensive safety. In his first year he was voted the team’s Most Valuable Freshman. In his junior season he was the team’s leading scorer and rusher and he served as team captain as a senior.

In wrestling he lost just one dual match in three seasons. At the prestigious Wheaton Tournament he placed second in 1948, first in 1949 and third in 1951. Art was the first Augustana wrestler to win an individual weight class at the Wheaton Tournament.

As a student he was a three semester gold star scholarship winner. He was active in his social fraternity for four years and was a four year member of the Tribe of Vikings. He was a class officer both his junior and senior years. While finishing his work toward his degree, he served as a part-time physical education instructor and assistant wrestling coach at Augustana in 1954-55.