Don Heap

Background

Heap was born in 1912 in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Frank Heap and Rosella (Van Geem) Heap.

Education

He attended Evanston Township High School, where he played football, basketball,and baseball, and graduated in 1930.

Career

He was twice selected as an All-American football player while playing for the Wildcats football team He played at the halfback position for the Wildcats football team from 1936 to 1938. As a sophomore, he was selected by the Central Press Association as a first-team halfback on the 1936 College Football All-America Team.

As a senior, he served as the captain of "s football team, was named its most valuable player and was selected by Paramount News to the 1938 College Football All-America Team.

In his three years at, Heap was a triple-threat player, handling kicking, passing and rushing responsibilities and calling signals for the team He averaged more than five yards per carry. coach Pappy Waldorf said that Heap had one of the best football minds he had encountered.

After graduating from, Heap was hired as the head football and baseball coach at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he served for three years. His naval service included one year as an assistant coach for the Iowa Pre-Flight Seahawks football team at the University of Iowa.

He also served at a naval aviation base in Devonshire, England.

In 1946, after his discharge from the Navy, Heap was hired by University as its freshman football coach and assistant baseball coach. In 1947, Heap became head baseball coach at and continued his position with the football team Heap served only one year as head baseball coach, compiling a 21-25-1 record during the 1947-1948 season.

Achievements

• His teams won two Illinois Conference championships. During World World War II, Heap served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander.

Membership

Heap subsequently enrolled at University in Evanston, where he played football and basketball, and was a member of Phi Delta Theta.