Nile Kinnick

Born 1918-07-09 Adel, IA (USA)

Died 1943-06-02
Gulf of Paria-Trinidad (Venezuela)

Kinnick was a high school and college athlete in football and basketball. He played for Iowa and was the second leading scorer and the 15th leading scorer in the Big Ten during his sophomore year (1937–38). He injured his ankle in 1938, but declined extensive medical help as he believed in the healing power of prayer. He began law school in 1940 while serving as the assistant head coach for the Hawkeyes but he left after a year to join the navy for WWII. He reported for induction three days before Pearl Harbour.
He died in June 2, 1943 due to a failed emergency landing of his warplane. He was much beloved by the community.

Places Lived

Omaha, NE
Iowa

Author Of

Biography

Keywords

Diary

Education

Benson High School, Omaha
Adel - DeSoto - Minburn High School, IO
University of Iowa

Occupation

Professional Athlete
Coach
Pilot

Places Worked

University of Iowa

Honors

1937 All-Big Ten, 1937 & 1939
Heisman Trophy, 1939
Walter Camp Memorial Trophy, 1939
All-American, 1939
AP Male Athlete of the Year, 1939
Phi Beta Kappa

Bibliography

A Hero Perished: The Diary and Selected Letters of Nile Kinnick. 1991.

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