Professional Football Player. Originally from Oklahoma, he was one of Canada's earliest football greats. Known affectionately as "Orm" he was a strong and outstanding player. He played four professional seasons (1934 to 1937) with the Sarnia Imperials of the Ontario Rugby Football Union as both a Flying Wing and Defensive Linebacker. With the Imperials, he helped lead the team to Four League Championships in which they were named the ORFU All-Star Team of 1934, 1935, 1936, and again in 1937. In addition, he also led the Imperials to two Grey Cup Championships in 1934, and 1936. In 1937, he was awarded the ORFU's Most Valuable Player Award. He was well-loved by the city of Sarnia and was one of their favourite sons. He was also voted to be one of the most popular athletes to ever play in that city. Sadly at the height of his career, he became ill and unexpectedly passed away at the age of 27, causing a great shock to the community. A few days after his untimely death he was mourned as a hero at his funeral by sports stars, and the people of Sarnia. The Orm Beach Trophy which is presented annually to the most outstanding football player in Sarnia was established in his memory. As well, the football stadium at Pawhuska, Oklahoma High School, and a gold watch that the University of Kansas present annually were also named in his memory. He was posthumously inducted into Canada's Football Hall of Fame as a Player in 1963.
Professional Football Player. Originally from Oklahoma, he was one of Canada's earliest football greats. Known affectionately as "Orm" he was a strong and outstanding player. He played four professional seasons (1934 to 1937) with the Sarnia Imperials of the Ontario Rugby Football Union as both a Flying Wing and Defensive Linebacker. With the Imperials, he helped lead the team to Four League Championships in which they were named the ORFU All-Star Team of 1934, 1935, 1936, and again in 1937. In addition, he also led the Imperials to two Grey Cup Championships in 1934, and 1936. In 1937, he was awarded the ORFU's Most Valuable Player Award. He was well-loved by the city of Sarnia and was one of their favourite sons. He was also voted to be one of the most popular athletes to ever play in that city. Sadly at the height of his career, he became ill and unexpectedly passed away at the age of 27, causing a great shock to the community. A few days after his untimely death he was mourned as a hero at his funeral by sports stars, and the people of Sarnia. The Orm Beach Trophy which is presented annually to the most outstanding football player in Sarnia was established in his memory. As well, the football stadium at Pawhuska, Oklahoma High School, and a gold watch that the University of Kansas present annually were also named in his memory. He was posthumously inducted into Canada's Football Hall of Fame as a Player in 1963.
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