Augustana College Athletics

Graduating from Augustana in 1940, William G. Zaruba competed in the sports of track and swimming.  He was called by long-time Augustana College coach H.V. “Shorty” Almquist, “The Finest Athlete I saw in my years at Augustana.”

Zaruba was a four-year letterman in both sports and served as a captain in each.  A freestyle and backstroke swimmer, he established several Augustana varsity swimming records.  In track he set the school standard in both the mile and two-mile runs.  He was seldom defeated in any of his specialties.  His success in both swimming and track has led him to be inducted into the Augustana Hall of Honor.