ELDON MOORE - DWIGHT C/O 1960

T/DL/LB

Moore was a member of Dwight's undefeated team in 1957. Following high school, he was one of only two players in USD 417 history to receive National All-American Honors as a college football player. He did this playing for the College of Emporia Fighting Presbies. After college, he received a personal training camp invite from Al Davis (the late owner of the Raiders).


Here is what the C of E Hall of Fame induction committee had to say about Moore:

"If someone were to ever compile a list of the greatest C. of E. football players of all time, Eldon would, no doubt, make this very distinguished list. He is one of the most respected players that ever donned football pads at C. of E. He was a starter all four years and missed very few plays since he was both a defensive linebacker and offensive left tackle. Eldon was named to the KCAC All-Conference team, the All-District 10 team, and also received NAIA All-American honors. Eldon was co-captain of the two undefeated football teams of 1962 and 1963. Eldon later played semi-professional football for the Denver Colts. He remembers playing against the Air Force Academy, against the inmates of Colorado State Prison, and other semi-professional teams in Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma."


Moore was said to be the best player on what were arguably the two greatest teams in College of Emporia football history.


Following his football career, Eldon came back to his USD 417 stomping grounds and gave back to the communities in our area as an administrator. For 27 years he served in the following capacities for our district:

1971-1973 Dwight/Council Grove Elementary Principal

1973-1988 Dwight/Alta Vista Principal

1988-1989 Dwight/Wilsey Principal

1992-1994, 1997-1998 Head Basketball Coach Dwight

1996-1998 Head Football Coach Dwight/Alta Vista

1973-1994 District Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator

1989-1998 District Technology Coordinator


Eldon Moore passed away in 2010 after battling ALS. His obituary in the Prairie Post mentioned this about Eldon, "He accepted the fact he had ALS and was not bitter, although the disease definitely made his daily activities increasingly more challenging. He always said when we do things without challenge, we too often take them for granted. He cherished all the moments of his last years and handled them with courage, humility and grace. In his final years, Eldon never lost focus on living life fully, helping others, learning and teaching. His passion to 'Make A Difference' in someone's life was evident as he tried to adjust daily to his situation in a positive manner. He woke up every day thanking God for another day."


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