Jack Van Dyke - 1997 Athlete

Jack Van Dyke was the first athlete to bring statewide athletic recognition to Anderson University. He was the Indiana collegiate scoring champion in the 1938-39 basketball season and was in contention for the honor during all four years he played as a Raven.

A three-sport participant, Van Dyke won four letters in basketball and was twice chosen team captain and Most Valuable Player. He also won four letters in tennis and lettered one year in baseball, being named captain as well.

A hometown boy with life-long identity in the Church of God, Van Dyke came to campus in pre-World War II years after graduation from Anderson High School. He spent two years each in membership in the newly former Booster and Sachem Clubs and returned to Anderson University after graduation to acquire his teaching license.

He coached basketball and baseball for two years at nearby Sulphur Springs High School and played two years of professional basketball with the Anderson Packers. Van Dyke spent two years in the United States Air Corps and 38 years in the world of banking, retiring as assistant vice president after 30 years with the Anderson Banking Company.

Active in Anderson community affairs, Van Dyke ably served 30 years as a member of the Anderson City Council and leader in the East Side Community Club. His many contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Chief Anderson Award and the Sagamore of the Wabash, the latter the State of Indiana's highest honor.

Anderson University is proud to name Jack Van Dyke among its first inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame.