September 12

Freeman Freeman-Thomas was born into British nobility in 1866 and played first-class cricket in his youth. He later embarked on a career in colonial administration, holding various governorships across the British Empire. Most notably, he served as the 13th Governor General of Canada, acting as the Crown's representative and supporting national initiatives. His leadership spanned both athletic and diplomatic spheres, reflecting a diverse skill set. Freeman-Thomas was honored with the title Marquess of Willingdon in recognition of his service. He died in 1941, remembered for his impact on sports and imperial governance.

Martin Klein was born in Estonia in 1884 and emerged as a talented wrestler in the early 20th century. He competed in international championships, winning a silver medal at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and becoming one of Estonia's first Olympic medalists. After retiring from competition, Klein dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes, fostering national talent in wrestling. His guidance and training methods helped raise the profile of the sport across the country. Klein's influence extended beyond the mat, as he also promoted physical education in schools. He died in 1947, leaving a lasting legacy as both an athlete and mentor in Estonian sports.

Born in 1913 in Oakville, Alabama, Owens grew up in Ohio and developed into a world-class sprinter and long jumper. In 1935, he famously set multiple world records at the Big Ten track meet in a single afternoon. His historic performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics defied Nazi racial ideology as he claimed victories in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay. Owens's achievements made him an international sports icon and a symbol of equality. After retiring from competition, he worked as a speaker and sports ambassador until his death in 1980.

Stan Lopata was a talented catcher who spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies before a stint with the Milwaukee Braves and Detroit Tigers. A two-time All-Star, he set records for home runs by a catcher and was known for his powerful right-handed swing. Born in Delray, Michigan, Lopata debuted in 1948 and retired in 1959, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s premier backstops. After baseball, he remained involved in coaching and community sports programs.

Ernest Vandeweghe played five seasons for the New York Knicks after a standout collegiate career at Colgate University. Known for his versatile skills and leadership on the court, he averaged double-digit scoring and helped the Knicks reach the NBA Eastern Division Finals. Upon retiring from basketball, he earned a medical degree and served as a respected pediatrician. Father of NBA All-Star Kiki Vandeweghe, he balanced sports excellence with a lifelong commitment to community health and youth mentorship.

Glenn Davis was an American track and field star who achieved success in both hurdles and sprinting events at the national level. Following his accomplishments on the track, he transitioned to football, where he applied his speed and agility on the field. Davis's diverse athletic talents highlighted his versatility and competitive spirit throughout his sports career.

George Chuvalo is a Canadian former professional boxer who competed from 1956 to 1979. Known for his rugged fighting style, he famously went the distance with Muhammad Ali and numerous other world champions without being knocked down. Chuvalo's remarkable durability and spirit have made him a folk hero in Canadian sports history.

Wes Hall is a former Barbadian cricketer renowned for his blistering pace and formidable presence in the West Indies bowling attack during the 1960s. After retiring from cricket, Hall entered politics, serving in the Parliament of Barbados and contributing to the development of sports administration. His dual legacy spans excellence on the field and dedicated public service.

Born in Sorel, Quebec, Claude Ruel began his hockey journey as a junior player before transitioning to coaching. He took over as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1968 and led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1969. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic insights, Ruel developed several future Hall of Famers during his tenure. He later served in management roles and coached in the World Hockey Association, impacting teams like the Quebec Nordiques. Ruel's contributions to the sport earned him respect across the hockey community. He remained active in coaching and scouting until his passing in 2015.

Born in Oklahoma City, Ralph Neely excelled at the University of Oklahoma before being drafted in 1965. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys, where he became a cornerstone of the offensive line for over a decade. Neely helped the Cowboys secure Super Bowl VI and XII championships, earning two Pro Bowl selections. Known for his strength and technique, he protected quarterbacks like Roger Staubach and paved the way for the running game. After retiring in 1977, Neely remained involved in football through youth coaching and community outreach. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and remembered as one of the franchise’s all-time great linemen. Neely passed away in 2022, leaving a lasting legacy in professional football.

Born in 1944, Lonnie Mayne rose to fame as 'Moondog Mayne' in the National Wrestling Alliance's Pacific Northwest region. He captured multiple NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championships alongside partners like Dutch Savage. Mayne's rugged brawling style and charismatic persona made him a fan favorite throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He also toured internationally, competing in promotions in Japan and Canada. Tragically, his career was cut short when he passed away in 1978 at the age of 34. He is remembered for his contributions to regional wrestling and his larger-than-life presence in the ring.

Born in 1945, Russell Liberman earned the nickname 'Jungle Jim' for his flamboyant helmet designs and fearless track presence. He competed primarily in the NHRA Funny Car class, setting competitive elapsed time and speed records. Liberman was celebrated for his mechanical expertise and hands-on approach to tuning his own vehicles. His dynamic performances drew large crowds at drag strips across the United States. Tragically, his career ended with a fatal accident in 1977 when he was just 32 years old. He remains a memorable figure in drag racing history for his vibrant personality and passion for the sport.