Hadl and Hoag

To the editor: Upon the occasion of Lawrence High School’s announced plan to honor John Hadl on July 28 by retiring his jersey No. 21, I believe that events surrounding Hadl’s choice of that specific number are in order. I have often heard John explain his reason for choosing that number was that his idol during junior high school was star Kansas University running back Charlie Hoag. Hoag was the 1952 pre-season All-American first-team halfback. He ruined his knee early that season against K-State and was finished. Earlier that same year, Hoag and his KU basketball team won the NCAA Championship, and they also won the 1952 Olympic Gold Medal in Finland. Hoag was one of the rare modern collegiate athletes to excel at two sports. He also lettered as a discus-thrower in track. Hadl continued to wear No. 21 through high school,... [read full story]