UWEC Athletics Hall of Fame
Hud Gelein played basketball in UWEC's first two years of existence and football for three years, captaining the 1916-17 team which was the first athletic squad at the university. The name of Gelein is also remembered in the Eau Claire area with the naming of the major softball field at Carson Park after him. Gelein made his mark in Eau Claire as Director of the City Recreation Department for over 13 years. He received two awards for his work with amateur softball in Eau Claire. Following his graduation from Eau Claire, Gelein spent 23 years as a coach and physical education instructor in Chisholm and Hibbing, Minnesota. Gelein played semi-pro and professional baseball for 13 years and at one time had the opportunity to sign with the former Milwaukee Brewers but chose coaching instead.
