Member Biography

Called by Knute Rockne as "the greatest lineman he ever coached," Heartley "Hunk" Anderson was a four-year starter at Notre Dame. Playing on Rockne's first team in 1918, Anderson blocked for the immortal George Gipp. After a 3- 1-2 freshman season, Anderson was a member of two undefeated teams in 1919 and 1920. The Irish won 20 consecutive games before being upset by Iowa in 1921. As a senior, Anderson gained first-team All-America status. Against Purdue he blocked two punts and recovered them in the end zone. It was the first time in history a guard had scored two touchdowns in a game. (The feat was matched in 1942 when Alex Agase, a guard for Illinois, scored twice against Minnesota.) During his four varsity seasons, Notre Dame posted a 31-2-2 record. After a four-year career with the Chicago Bears, "Hunk" returned to Notre Dame where he was a line coach under Rockne and later head coach upon Rockne's death in 1931. In three seasons Anderson's teams had a 16-9-2 record. A fitting tribute to Anderson was written by Grantland Rice who noted that "pound for pound Anderson was the toughest man I have ever known."