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.
Roland Malcolm
Baseball, Basketball, and Football
Inducted: 1979
Roland "Red" Malcolm '50 lettered four years in both football and baseball, and one year in basketball at Gustavus. He started his football career as a member of Coach Hollingsworth's first undefeated team in 1946 and was named to the All-Conference team for the next three years. Red was co-captain of the 1948 team and was the coaches' unanimous choice for All-State Fullback in 1948 and 1949. He was also a Little All-America selection in 1948 and 1949. The 210 pound fullback was known mostly for his powerful rushing (e.g. in 1949 he was the leading rusher in the MIAC and had over 1700 yards in his rushing career). Yet, Red was also a passer, punter, placekicker and bruising blocker.
His baseball prowess as a catcher was so well known that he had opportunities to play professional baseball, but he opted to play with a highly talented semi-pro baseball team in southern Minnesota.
Following graduation he taught physical education and coached in Le Sueur before entering the sporting goods business where he was a factory representative for Rawlings Sporting Goods Company of St. Louis, Mo. whose territory included the Upper Midwest.
He and his wife, Nancy (Messman) '52, had two daughters - Jan and Andrea.