During the years of 1937-1939, Traer High School was represented in all sports and activities by an individual by the name of Bruce Erickson. This 6’2″ 190 lb. individual is best known for his javelin throws even though he could throw the discus a modest 144′ and the shot put 45′ as well as compete on relays. Track was his best sport. his major achievement was in the javelin throw where he won three state titles at the Iowa High School Track meet. In 1938, his junior year, he set a new mark of 185′ 2 3/4″ to break a ten year old record o f 181′ 7 1/4″. In the spring of 1939, his senior year, he pushed his own record to the 195′ 8 1/4″ mark. he finished second in the shot put and third in the discus throw at the state meet, also. “There’s Erickson” was the cry which sprung from hundreds of throats of participants and spectators during the three years this blond haired boy came tearing down the track carrying a relay baton, or whirl around to let fly with a discus throw, or balance himself for a mighty heave of the shot, or see him take those short mincing steps to heave the javelin.
For his accomplishments he was named posthumously to the All-American Scholastic Track and field Team as outstanding scholastic javelin thrower of the nation in 1939. Bruce Erickson won many awards. he was state javelin champion three times. He earned the status of High School Track and Field All-American for 1939. he was an excellent football and basketball player as well as an outstanding swimmer. He earned honors in speech. He was valedictorian of his class. He excelled in vocal and instrumental music at the state and national levels. He was an orator and participated in drama. more importantly, he was known as a man who was modest, caring, and determined to always do the best he could at anything he attempted.
Bruce Erickson died in January 1940 from glandular complications resulting from a hernia operation. He was in his freshman year at Teacher’s College, now UNI. He never had the opportunity to perform his track skills on the college level. The accomplishments of this individual were brought to the attention of this committee a year ago as the result of the work of a small group of 8th grade students of what is now known as North Tama Community Schools, under the direction of their teacher, Judy Robb. A display case entitled, “Bruce Erickson: A Brief Candle Still Glows”, is featured in the North Tama Community School lunchroom, where it is viewed daily by students of all ages.
This will be the 51st year that the announcement – “The recipient of the Bruce Erickson Award this year is. . .” will be made. Each year the young male athletes of the North Tama Schools, along with their coaches, vote for the person who best represents the characteristics and qualities exhibited by Bruce Erickson. More than an athlete, he was a man of character. His attitude of doing the best at everything he tried serves as a positive role model for the youth of today as well as for those of the past.