Member Biography

Morton Kaer was a world-famous athlete. At the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, he placed third in the pentathlon, a track event that covered five competitions - the 200 meters, 1500 meters, discus, javelin, and long jump. Then came three great years as a halfback for Southern California 1924-1926. In 1925, he set a school record by scoring 19 touchdowns. The record lasted 43 years, broken in 1968 by O.J. Simpson. In Kaer's three years he had 36 touchdowns, and that was a career record for the school. The total, 36, was finally tied by Simpson in 1967-68. (Simpson did it in two years). Morton had a catchy nickname - "Devil May" Kaer, a nickname given him by Braven Dyer, Los Angeles sports writer. His best game was against California in 1925; he ran for touchdowns of 48, 36, and 10 yards. Five years after his college career, Kaer played one year of pro football, 1931, with the Frankford Yellow Jackets. He became coach at Weed, California, High School. His record was 187-47-7 and in 28 years his teams won 17 conference championships. Morton Kaer was born September 7, 1902 and died January 12, 1992.