William McNelis

A four-year starter at quarterback, William McNelis led Denfeld's football program to prominence.

In 1918 Denfeld won just one game, but set a school record for largest victory, defeating Proctor 125-0. By 1921, Denfeld's 5-3 record was good enough to play for the region championship. The team outscored opponents 224-61 and McNelis was named to the all-conference team.

He was also All-Conference in basketball. Denfeld's yearbook, the Oracle, noted that McNelis "is beyond doubt the best basketball man that Denfeld has ever turned out.” He scored half of his team’s points in his junior and senior seasons.

He graduated from Denfeld in 1922 and came back as a teacher, starting the first official “pep club” for students. He also refereed basketball games.

Hall of Fame Members