- Despite his diminutive stature (he came to Loras as a 17-year-old, 5'7" 147-lb freshman), Hogan earned a reputation as a fierce competitor in football. As a freshman, sports writers dubbed him "Hurricane Hogan" when on a rain-soaked field he led Loras to a 20-12 upset of Great Lakes, snapping a school record 11-game losing streak.
- A four year starter, he played in all 33 games during his Loras career.
- Led the Duhawks in scoring, pass receiving, kickoff returns and pass interceptions during his junior and senior years. Averaged eight yards per carry in his senior year.
- Has second-longest kickoff return in school history (95 yards vs. St. Ambrose). Played final three games of his career with his arm in a cast (after suffering a break versus Luther).
- Recipient of the annual Kiwanis Club of Dubuque Sportsmanship Award his senior year.
- High school educator 41 years - Teacher of Middle Eastern, Asian and African History.
- Noted author and lecturer on the Middle East. Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkey.
Story
Jim “Hurricane” Hogan
A most memorable and, possibly a personal best, football game for me at Loras occurred in 1955 when the Duhawks, a decided underdog facing a strong Great Lakes Naval Station team, broke an 11-game losing streak and defeated Great Lakes 20-12 in a sea of mud and rain. This was a game in which my teammates gave me the support to excel under adverse circumstances. I was a 147-pound 17 year old freshman halfback for whom Coach Charlie Toole initially felt sorry when I showed up at the first practice of the year. I was dubbed “Hurricane” Hogan for my role in our battle against the elements that day, which included scoring one touchdown, passing for another, accounting for 10 of Loras’ 13 first downs, rushing for 78 yards, picking off the only intercepted pass of the game, returning three kicks for 50 yards, and recovering a late Great Lakes fumble which wrapped up an unexpected victory for Loras. Afterwards, the United Press bureau in Chicago called the
Telegraph Herald to verify the outcome of the game, incredulous that the undersized Duhawks with a long losing streak had prevailed against a beefy Great Lakes team.
John “Doc” Kammer
The most colorful and hard-working person I met at Loras was the long-time athletic trainer, John “Doc” Kammer, the bulwark of the sports program, who epitomized the best of Loras athletics. Everyone who crossed his path came to appreciate his dedication to the school, and, in particular, to athletics. As a trainer his approach to treating injuries was often unique and unorthodox. Once when I had a severe headache I asked Doc for an aspirin. “Aspirin! You don’t need aspirin!” he barked. His remedy for my headache was to soak in the whirlpool. It worked. Another of Doc’s miraculous solutions was the purple liquid concoction that he whipped up to treat athlete’s foot. There really ought to be a statue on campus commemorating Doc’s contribution to athletics at Loras.
Father J. R. McDonald
Loras is a special college, and so was the man who was most responsible for providing me the opportunity to play football there. It was the encouragement and guidance of Father John R. McDonald, the parish priest at St. Benedict’s Church in my hometown, Decorah, Iowa, that propelled me to Loras. His concern continued throughout my tenure at the school. Every so often Father would journey to Dubuque to watch practice and take me out to dinner at the old Page Hotel. Over steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans, we’d discuss my courses, football, Decorah, and even, on occasion (as he dry-smoked an after dinner cigar), the Luther College football team! It was a thrill and honor to reward Father McDonald’s faith in me by playing in every game throughout my years at Loras, a total of 33 games, and by being named recipient of the annual Sportsmanship Award granted by the Dubuque Kiwanis Club. Father John McDonald was instrumental in steering me (a boy who had lost his father prior to high school) to Loras, and so he retains a special place in my heart’s Hall of Fame induction.
