(Guthrie Center) Our 4th installment of Remembering the Greats had us searching through the Guthrie Center football archives this week for one of the best to suit up for the Tigers. The answer was clear–Merv Krakau, the program’s only IHSAA Hall of Fame player who went on to play in the NFL.
Krakau starred for the Guthrie Center football team in the late 1960’s before signing with Iowa State. Krakau emerged as a defensive lineman for the Cyclones. Among the highlights in Ames were being on the first team in school history to go to a bowl game. That led to an opportunity to play for the Buffalo Bills who drafted him in the 14th round of the NFL draft.
Krakau’s football playing days came to an end with a brief stint in the USFL in the 1980’s. His post football life brought over 20 years of service with the United States Postal Service. Now retired, he’s living in the Guthrie Center area and still makes it to the occasional Friday night football game.
Week One: Preston Rhamy, AHST
Week Two: Chris Schoning, Griswold
Week Three: Gene Campbell, Audubon