Harold “Hek” Kenney, Wrestling • 1924-26, Wrestling Coach • 1929-43; 1946-47

Hek Kenney is remembered as the man for whom Kenney Gym is named, but his record as Illini wrestling coach is what led to his Hall of Fame status. A two-time captain during his Illini career under Coach Paul Prehn, Kenney succeeded his mentor as coach starting in 1929. Kenney led Illinois to a dual meet mark of 91-28-2 over 15 seasons, and posted six Big Ten titles. The Illini finished second in the NCAA Championships twice and added one third-place finish. Kenney produced nine individual NCAA champions, 13 runners-up; 10 third-place winners and four fourth-place finishers. He was responsible for starting the Illinois High School State Wrestling Championships. World War II interrupted his coaching career to serve the Navy as Director of Physical Training for the 6^th Naval District. So respected was Kenney that he served two terms as president of the National Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. He was professor of physical education from 1955-67 and assistant dean in College of Physical Education (1963-67) prior to his retirement. Two years later, he was honored as the first recipient of the College of Physical Education’s “Distinguished Alumnus Award.” Kenney died in 1972 at the age of 69. On April 25, 1974, the building in which he toiled for most of his life was renamed in his honor.