OTTO UNRUH

UNRUH, OTTO

Hometown:  Buhler, KS

Member Kansas Sports Hall of Fame:  http://www.kshof.org/hof-profiles.cfm?record_id=164

Football, Men's Basketball and Track: Otto Unruh, 1924

Otto Unruh attended both the Bethel Academy and Bethel College from 1918 to 1921 and 1923-24. He participated in basketball, football, track, and tennis during those years. He also attended Kansas University and played basketball for one year under legendary coach Phog Allen.

From 1929 to 1943, Mr. Unruh served Bethel College as a one-man athletic department. He coached football, basketball, tennis, and track during those years. He also served as the school’s Director of Athletics. He returned to Bethel following his retirement from teaching in 1967 for a second stint as head football coach. His overall football coaching record is 53-76-6 and in basketball he accrued a 103-132 coaching record. During his time as basketball coach, the Graymaroons won four straight Sunflower Conference Championships from 1934 to 1938. The Threshing Stone was also adopted as the school’s mascot during his stint as athletic director. In 1936 he organized the first official Buffalo Bar-B-Que for the athletes and community. This event has evolved to become our All Sports Banquet and Celebration.; Bethel was also readmitted to the Kansas Conference during this time. Unruh is also a member of the KSHSAA Hall of Fame.