Earl Henry Blaik (2004) - Hall of Fame

Earl Henry Blaik

Induction:
2004

The winningest coach in Army football history, Earl "Red" Blaik is credited with elevating Army's football program from the "pit to the pedestal" during the 1940s. In 18 years at the Black Knights' helm, Blaik compiled a 121-33-10 record (.768) and guided Army to three consecutive national championships (1944-46). Blaik coached 28 First Team All-Americans and three Heisman Trophy winners during his incredible West Point tenure.

A two-time national coach of the year selection, Blaik led Army to six undefeated campaigns and steered the Black Knights to a school-record 32-game unbeaten string (1944-47), a stretch that included a 25-game winning streak. He was an All-America end at West Point, before graduating from the Academy in 1920. Blaik served as an assistant coach at his alma mater for seven years before shouldering a similar seven-year stint as head coach at Dartmouth College.

Blaik was presented with the National Football Foundation Gold Medal Award in 1966 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1986 following his induction into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1964.