Seasoned Airman enters university athletic hall of fame

Published Nov. 16, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Heidi Davis
1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- He graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1971 with a laundry list of athletic accomplishments, accomplishments that would, nearly 40 years later, earn him a place in the SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame.

Col. August "Gus" Schalkham, Air Combat Command public affairs individual mobilization augmentee, was among seven individuals and one team ceremoniously honored for athletic achievements Oct. 24 at the Morris University Center in Edwardsville, Ill.

"This class exemplifies the depth of talent and class of athletes who have attended SIUE," said Dr. Brad Hewitt, SIUE director of athletics, to the fifth Hall of Fame class for SIUE. "I am very pleased to have this group enter the Hall of Fame."

Honored for his performance in cross-country, track and field and wrestling, Colonel Schalkham's athletic resumé is extensive. According to his nomination package, he held the titles of "First Three-Sport Athlete at SIUE, Intercollegiate Athlete of the Year and Top Wrestler in 1970, and Most Valuable Cross-Country runner in 1968." In addition, he set six cross-country records and a wrestling record for most team points in a season.

"We all decide what is important to us and make time for those passions," Colonel Schalkham said. "This was a humbling experience and a reminder to appreciate all the accomplishments my student-athletes achieved with their daily commitments."

Giving back to the community, Colonel Schalkham coached the Normandy High School wrestling team, and later coached cross-country and assisted with track and field at the U.S. Air Force Academy. As the women's cross-country coach, he was a finalist for the NCAA Division II Women's Cross-Country Coach of the Year twice and his athletes won 31 All-American honors.

In addition to his numerous athletic achievements, Colonel Schalkham has a bachelor's degree in history, a master's degree in physical education and a Ph.D. from Barry University in leadership. He reminds Airmen and student-athletes that it is possible to achieve personal goals, even with long work shifts, academics, and family obligations, as long as the individual has the right attitude.

"... Our attitude shapes so much of who we are and what we do every day," he said. "Evaluate how you use your time and then set realistic goals from which you can build upon to achieve even greater success."

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