John Atkinson (1926-28) (1999) - Athletics Hall of Fame

John Atkinson (1926-28)

Induction:
1999
Class:
1928

Dr. John Atkinson attended Male High School and was a member of its 1924 national championship football team. He played right guard for the Bulldogs, who won the championship at Soldier Field in Chicago.

In 1925, he joined the Cardinals' football team, where he played right guard. He was an iron man because he played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He lettered for three years and was co-captain of the 1927 team.

After his football career, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1931. He joined the University's department of orthodontics, where he was eventually named as department head. He was the first dentist appointed to the state's Board of Health.