THE NEBRASKA 100

Former Creighton University basketball star Kyle Korver recently signed a multi-million dollar NBA contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. But no amount of money can buy the distinction Willard Schmidt has.

Schmidt, who played basketball at Creighton from 1931-34, participated in the first Olympics where basketball was a medal sport in 1936.

Schmidt and his United States teammates won gold in Adolf Hitler's backyard in Berlin, Germany.

But the 6-foot-10, 190-pound Schmidt nearly didn't get that far. Weeks before the Games, Schmidt suffered a severe cut to his left heel when he stepped on a piece of tin and wore a house slipper as his foot healed; it took eight stitches to close his wound. No matter. Schmidt played in one of the United States' five games (one was a forfeit) and scored eight points, despite the fact that the tournament was held on an outdoor clay court.

It rained in the finals against Canada, and the players were muddy. The ball, which was not a regulation basketball but a warped soccer ball, became waterlogged. Still the Americans won 19-8, and USA basketball was on the map.

At Creighton, Schmidt helped the school to a Missouri Valley Conference championship, and was a three-time All-MVC selection. Prior to entering CU, Schmidt led Swanton to the Class L state championship in 1927 and the Class F title in 1928.

Schmidt died 40 years ago in Coffeyville, Kan.

--Steve Takaba