Elroy Hirsch dies at 80

Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, the colorful and popular football star and former Wisconsin athletics director died from natural causes Jan. 28. The 80-year-old Hirsch, a native of Wausau, was a state athletic icon.

“There has never been a more loved and admired ambassador for Badger sports than Elroy Hirsch,” says Director of Athletics Pat Richter.

Hirsch played for the 1942 Badgers as a triple-threat halfback. With World War II raging, Hirsch entered the Marine Corps and was transferred to the University of Michigan where he continued his distinguished athletic career. He played football professionally in the 1940s and 1950s.

Hirsch returned to the UW as director of athletics in 1969. For 18 years, Hirsch presided over an era of growth, change and success in Wisconsin sports. Hirsch officially left his athletics director duties in 1987 but remained very active as an ambassador for Badger athletics.

His nickname, “Crazylegs,” was invented by sportswriter Francis Powers, who described a 61-yard run by Hirsch as “his crazy legs were gyrating in six different directions all at the same time.”

Madison has celebrated “Crazylegs” annually with 22 Crazylegs Runs, a fund- raiser for the athletics department. The next run is April 24.