Willhoite Dies
Elmer Willhoite, a 1952 All-American guard on the USC football team, died on Aug. 19 in Hawthorne, Nev. He was 78.
Here's the press release on him.
FORMER USC ALL-AMERICAN ELMER WILLHOITE DIES
LOS ANGELES-Elmer Willhoite, a 1952 consensus All-American guard on the USC football team, died on Aug. 19 in Hawthorne, Nev. He was 78.
Willhoite, a 2-year Trojan letterman (1951-52) out of Merced (Calif.) High, was a member of USC's team that defeated Wisconsin, 7-0, in the 1953 Rose Bowl to give the Pacific Coast Conference its first victory over the Big Ten since the two leagues began their Rose Bowl agreement in 1947. His second-half 72-yard interception return set up USC's game-winning touchdown against UCLA in 1952, with the 14-12 win sending the Trojans to the Rose Bowl.
He also earned All-Conference honors in 1952 and played in the 1953 Hula Bowl.
He was drafted by the Browns, but instead spent 2 years playing in the Canadian Football League before a knee injury ended his football career. He then briefly boxed professionally and appeared in some Hollywood films before starting his own salvage contractor business, H & S International.
He is survived by his son Edward (and wife, Jackie), his stepson Bill Vassalo (and wife, Jackie) and 6 grandchildren.
Willhoite was cremated and a memorial service is pending. Donations can be made in his name to the USC Athletic Department (Heritage Hall 203, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602).
Growing up I regularly heard from my dad, Larry Markowitz USC Football '50 & '53, about the legendary Elmer Wilhoite. As my father's era fades, gone are the greats I personally met, like Marv Goux, Charlie Ane, etc. I hope the traditions, dignity, and pride of those old Trojans passes to my son Abe (a reserve USC Frosh center), his '08 teammates, and all future Trojans that are honored to be a part of the Peristyles pre-game Trojan Walk. Aloha Elmer.
Anyone else amazed about a defensive tackle returning an interception 72 yards for a touchdown?