Ralph Metcalfe (1972) - Marquette 'M Club' Hall of Fame

Ralph Metcalfe

Induction:
1972
Class:
1935

Known as the world's fastest human from 1932 to 1934, Ralph Metcalfe was the NCAA champion in the 100- and 200-yard events in 1932-1934 and broke or tied every world record from 40 to 220 yards.

He captured the AAU 200-meter title every year from 1932-1936 and also added the Central Collegiate Conference 100- and 220-yard crowns and the Drake Relays 100-yard honors in each of his three varsity seasons at Marquette. At one point in his college career, he had equaled or bettered 13 world records.

In Olympic competition, Metcalfe placed second in the 100 meters and third in the 200 meters in the 1932 games and competed again at the 1936 Olympics, finishing second in the 100 meters and helping the U.S. win the 400-meter relay.

After his college career, he joined the armed forces and served in World War II. Following his stint in the Army, Metcalfe lived a life of public service, becoming an alderman for the city of Chicago before being elected to the United States Congress in 1970. He served in four congresses from 1971-79 and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. Metcalfe also was a sponsor of the resolution declaring February as Black History Month, and throughout his career fought to improve the lives of those living within his district.

For more on his congressional career, click here.

He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975.

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