No person in the history of Anderson University has left a greater impact on the lives of Raven athletes than the late Dr. James D. Macholtz. His is a legacy of student participation in football, baseball, basketball and track and a 35-year coaching career at his alma mater.
Macholtz career as a player spanned from 1941-51 and included four letters in football, three in baseball, two in basketball and two in track, highlighted by All-State, All-Conference and national records on the gridiron.
He was named All-Conference in football three times and Most Valuable Player twice (1947 and 1950), finishing fourth in the nation in total yards in 1948 as a quarterback. He still holds the AU record for rushing yards per game in a carer at 92.2 yards per game.
Macholtz still ranks fourth on the career rushing list (2,306), fifth in career attempts (453), second in rushing TDs (25) and fifth for rushing attempts in a game (34).
As Raven head football coach from 1953-64, his teams were Hoosier College Conference champs three times and he was chosen Coach of the Year four times. His coaching record was 55-32-3. During his tenure as track coach from 1958-83 he saw his teams become HCC champs from 1980-83. He was also named NAIA and HCC Coach of the Year four times.
Macholtz is not only an accomplished player and coach, but was recognized academically as an excellent teacher and role model during his long service to Anderson University.
Anderson University is proud to name James Macholtz among its first inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
