Athletic Hall of Fame
The Gustavus Adolphus College Hall of Fame was established in 1978 at which time 19 "Charter Members" were inducted either as coaches or as athletes. As of the fall of 2022, 348 individuals (321 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 benefactors) have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The former Hall of Fame room on the second floor of the Lund Center was originally partially endowed by the families of both Dwight Holcombe's (the only father/son combination holding membership in the Hall). The hardwood plaque upon which the individual plates are permanently displayed, now in the Hall of Champions, was donated by the family of former football coach and Hall of Fame member Jocko Nelson, who passed away in 1978.
Charles Frawley
Football, Hockey, and Track & Field
Inducted: 1987
Gustavus came into its own as an athletic power during the late 1920s and early 1930s, thanks largely to the efforts of athletes like Chuck Frawley. Between 1928 and 1931, Chuck participated in and excelled at no fewer than three sports, though his skill as a football player won him the most recognition. He began his Gustie career as a fullback in 1928 but switched to offensive guard the following year. His play at that position won him all-MIAC honors in 1929 and 1931 Chuck's strength served him as well on the track team, where he tossed the shotput for four years.
He also helped create Gustavus athletic history when he joined seven other students to form the first Gustie hockey team. Chuck played defense on the squad, which took on teams from towns throughout the Minnesota Valley area and was famed for playing without pads. Chuck's contributions to athletics at Gustavus are in and of themseIves deserving of this Hall of Fame award; we must, however, also note the sacrifice he made for his country.
Chuck Frawley was killed on Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944. one of the unsung heroes of the Allied D-Day invasion. For his valor as a Gustavian, as an athlete and as a man, we honor Chuck Frawley.