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Bill Shatzer's name lives on at North Central each year, when the top senior male athlete receives an award in Shatzer's honor.
Shatzer was a four-sport athlete, receiving varsity letters in football (three), baseball (three), basketball (three) and track (two). A "triple-threat" in football, the quarterback/running back/punter could do it all and was honored as a three-time all-conference performer, two-time Team MVP and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics "Little All-American."
After signing to play football with the Detroit Lions, Shatzer was called to active duty in August 1942 during World War II and, while in training, played for the Naval Pre-Flight School Seahawks. On a team that included many All-Americans and professional players, he was the leading ground gainer and regarded as the greatest running back of that time. Shatzer went overseas in April 1944. A month later, he was declared missing in action while on patrol from a base on the Aleutian Islands.
In October 2001, a bronze sculpture honoring Shatzer was installed on the College's Championship Plaza. This powerful memorial is a life-size replica of Shatzer in full football gear in a classic running pose. Situated near the football field that meant so much to him, the statue honors all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
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