Ray Conger
Raymond Milton Conger (November 12, 1904 – October 23, 1994) was an American
In 1929, Conger became the first and only athlete to defeat Paavo Nurmi in the mile, beating the "Flying Finn" to the win in the indoor Wanamaker Mile of the Millrose Games.[2][3][4] Although Conger was modest about his win, he would be known as "the man who beat Nurmi" for decades.[5] Conger also scored wins over Otto Peltzer and Edvin Wide, and went on to be undefeated in the mile for two seasons.[1] He retired from running in 1932.[1]
Conger ran track for Iowa State University in college, later obtained a master's degree in physiology, and then did further graduate work at Columbia University. From 1931 to 1936 he taught zoology at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he also coached track.[1] He then joined the faculty at the Pennsylvania State University and was a long-time professor of professor of physical education preceding his retirement in 1970. In 1963, he was inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame.[1] He was born and raised in Riceville, Iowa.
See also
References
- ^ Des Moines Register. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
- ^ "Conger Beats Paavo Nurmi In Mile Run". The Day. February 11, 1929. p. 8. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
- ^ "Ray Conger Named Coach; Noted Track Star to Direct the Teams at Penn State". The New York Times. December 24, 1942. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
- ISBN 978-9510218501.
- Pittsburgh Press. February 13, 1966. p. 7. Retrieved September 28, 2012.