SIUE

The first three-sport student-athlete at SIUE, Gus Schalkham proved he was more than a multi-dimension competitor. The SIUE Intercollegiate Athlete of the Year in 1970, Schalkham excelled in cross country, wrestling and track and field. He was named the top wrestler in 1970 and the Most Valuable Cross Country runner in 1968. He set six cross country records as well as records for most wins in a season and most team points in a season for the wrestling program. After a storied career as a student-athlete, Schalkham would excel as a high school wrestling coach at Normandy High School and later as the head cross country and assistant track and field coach at the United States Air Force Academy. He was twice named a finalist for the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year. He currently serves as a Colonel in the United States Air Force and has served in various positions since 1980. Schalkham earned a bachelor's degree in history from SIUE in 1971 and a master's degree in physical education from SIUE in 1975.