Athletic Hall of Fame 1991 Inductees

Joseph A. Cleavinger, 1941

Attended Leavenworth Senior High School (1932-1936). Earned seven varsity letters in football and track. Was the Northeast Kansas League Champion in the mile run. After graduation, stayed at Leavenworth from 1936 to 1937 to assist coach C.W. Ridgway in football and as an assistant trainer. There he began training as a sports official. Attended Baker University from 1937-1941, graduating with a degree in physical education in 1941. Earned six varsity letters: football (4), track (1) and baseball (1). Was captain of the football team in 1940 and was an all-conference player in 1939 and 1940. Began coaching career in 1941 at Buckner, Mo. Coached football, basketball, track and softball. In 1942 coached football at Stanley. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in 1943, attended the attack boat training center at Fort Pierce, Fla. Represented this Naval Center as a member of its football team which played other military training centers in the Southeast. Home games were played in the Orange Bowl in Miami. Competed with and against All-Americans Hampton Poole (Stanford), Bill Daily (Army), Nick Waslic (Ohio State), Eddie Crowder (Oklahoma) and Clyde Jeffrey (UCLA), The Olympic world record holder in the 220. Following the war he received his master’s degree in physical education and school administration from Kansas University (1947). Continued coaching in 1946 at WaKeeney and in 1947 at Sabetha, where he coached the American Legion baseball state champions. Joe served as director of St. John’s Military School in Salina from 1948 to 1951. In 1952, he moved to Linwood Rural High School where he served as principal until 1960. He was chosen as school superintendent of the Baldwin City School District in 1960, serving there until he was named superintendent of the Sabetha School District in 1966. He retired because of health reasons in 1976. Through the years he also found time to officiate hundreds of Kansas high school and college football, basketball and baseball games. Joe was nominated for this high honor by six previous inductees to this Hall of Fame. Additional nominations were received from former students who were influenced both to attend Baker University and who benefited from his guidance and encouragement. Joe was married in 1941 to Margaret Davison. A Baldwin City native who passed away during the summer of 1991. They have two sons: J.D. and Don.

Lawrence Roland Timmons, 1943

Attended Wyandotte High School. Earned varsity letters in football and track 1937-38. Was the all-star halfback in the Northeast Kansas League and the All-City League. In track, won Northeast Kansas League Title, Baker Relays, the regional meet and a triangular meet. Set the Wyandotte High School Track Record in 880-yard relay and was captain of the track team. Attended Baker University in 1938-43. Earned eight varsity letters: football (4) and track (4). Only guard chosen all-conference three years in a row. All-state guard two years. 1941-captain all-conference team; line captain of Kansas All-Star Team, rated best all-around lineman in state. In track was a member of three Kansas Conference championship teams 1940-42. Ran in first annual Missouri Valley Track Relays. Broke and held several individual track meet records. Member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. President of “B” Club. Sophomore class vice president; junior class secretary and president senior class treasurer. His degree was in business and economics. Took civilian pilot training. Earned a teaching certificate in education and athletics. Assistant football coach for first team (1942) in Baker history to complete a season untied or undefeated. Was offered a number of pro football contracts from 1939 to 1945: Philadelphia Eagles, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Americans, Cleveland Rams, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears. Served in the U.S. navy during World War II. Attended the V-7 Navy Midshipman school, at Notre Dame University. Member of the famous Tuney-Fish naval Physical Education Program. This program was headed by heavyweight boxer Gene Tuney and George Halas, owner-coach of the Chicago Bears. Graduated No. 2 out of the 250 former athletes, coaches and “hand picked” participants. In 1944 played in the first football game ever played in Manila, Phillipines as a member of the Seventh Fleet All-Star Team. During the war set up welfare and recreation programs and motion picture exchanges in the Pacific theater of operations. Signed to play with the Chicago Bears but was forced by injury to retire in 1945 after a short season. His career following the war and pro football was spent with Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp. and the Ford Motor Co. Retired to Bella Vista, Ark., in 1978 because of a serious back injury. Maintains memberships in a number of local activities and participates in several community service activities. Married to Lillian Myers in 1949. They have two children, Stephen and Jane.