University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Honors Former Golden Eagle Standout
8/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Southern Miss Honors Former Golden Eagle Standout
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini has announced that the Athletics Department will honor former standout fullback/linebacker Eddie Kauchick for his longtime support, service and dedication to the Golden Eagle Athletics Department.
"It's an honor to name the new elevator in the Athletic Center for Eddie," said Giannini. "When you think about the "M" Club, you have to think about Eddie. He has been a huge part of the "M" Club for years. In addition to raising a lot of money for the Golden Eagles through ticket sales and "M" Club and Eagle Club memberships, he raised over $40,000 for the elevator. It's a real tribute to Eddie's loyalty for so many years of service to Southern Miss Athletics."
On Saturday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m., Giannini, "M" Club President Ben Willougby and other "M" Club officials and members will dedicate the elevator in the recently opened Athletic Center in his honor.
Kauchick has for many years been involved in a variety of fundraising projects to benefit the athletics department, including the "M" Club bricks, located in the sidewalk between the Athletic Center and M. M. Roberts Stadium.
Kauchick, a three-year letterwinner from 1949-51, earned All-Gulf States Conference honors as a senior in 1951. He is referred to in the 1951 Football Media Guide as perhaps the most underrated player on the squad. The book said, "He's the rock'em, sock'em type who loves to mix it up, and as a senior should get the recognition he deserves as one of the top defensive performers in the Gulf States Conference."
A bruising runner, as well as a stalwart linebacker, Kauchick earned much of his toughness as a gunner's mate with 21 months overseas, while serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres during World War II. He also found time to play service football as well. The Uniontown, Pa., native was captain of his high school team for two years as well as its top scorer and played in the Pennsylvania East-West All-Star Game.
