Concordia University Chicago Athletics

Ronald F. Zernicke, ’70, was a member of the football, wrestling and track teams for four years. In 1969, he was a member of the Lutheran College All-American football team. Zernicke started every game and was the co-captain during the 1969 season. He received the first Outstanding Senior Athlete Award at Concordia for his performance during the 1969-70 school year. Zernicke was the co-captain of the wrestling team for four years and, in 1969, led the team in scoring and set the best single-season record in Concordia’s history with 22 wins and two losses. Finally, Zernicke served as co-captain for the track team during the 1969-70 season.

            
After leaving Concordia, Zernicke became involved with kinesiology, biomechanics, sports medicine and joint injury research. He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (1975-76), AAU Sports Medicine Committee (1977-79), the Spain Ministry of Culture-Sports Medicine (1980), and the Canadian Sports Centre, Calgary (1994-95).

            
Zernicke went on to receive his master’s in biomechanics and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. Most recently, he has been a professor and dean in the department of kinesiology for the University of Calgary.