Little man with big heart dies at 88
Sad news out of Michigan’s Schembechler Hall as 1930s Michigan football player Hercules Renda died yesterday while doing his daily walk at a Pontiac high school track. By all accounts, this was a great guy/ My wife had my copy of Jim Brandstatter’s “Tales from Michigan Stadium” signed by the man.
Check out the photo above, I like his style. First off, he signed on the page of the book with his photo, second, he simply signed it “Hercules”.
2 Comments
Michigan Freddy
1960-1962 I went to James Madison Jr. High in Pontiac, Mi. I met a man who was a counseler at Pontaic Northern High which was located right next door. He installed in me values that have helped me through my life. His name is Hercules Renda. I graduated from Pontiac St. Micheal’s, served my country in the United States Air Force and in Vietnam. I was fortunate to meet up with him later in life. Since being stationed at Lockborne AFB, Columbus, Ohio, his words stuck with me. I consider myself an avid Michigan Fan, and when Herc and I met at a local restaurant we would share Michigan stories. Hercules was on the first team to wear the winged helmet. He had a picture in his wallet of the horseshoe stadium in Columbus on October 21,1922, dedication game for the stadium. I told him how Michigan won the game 19-0. I knew in Herc’s eyes that he knew that I knew a lot of Michigan history. He was my friend, dyed in Maize and Blue. I told Herc about how Bob Ufer and I talked enthusiastically about Michigan History. I told Herc how Bob told me to keep the tradition and enthusiasm for Michigan alive and well. Herc told me if anybody can do it I could. My life has been filled with a lot of influential men. My father, Bob Ufer, Bo Schembechler, and Herc Renda. Herc helped me realize that you need something to believe in, and I do. I believe in family, I believe in U.S.A., I believe in good life standards, and I believe in Jesus Christ, but last but not least I believe in the high standards that the U. of M. football program has set for all who participate in college football, and football at all levels. I can’t put into words how to decribe Herc, except GO BLUE!!!!!!!
[Webmaster’s note: Michigan Freddy, that’s a great tribute, thanks for enhancing my site and Herc’s legacy!]
Ed Woolum
My good friend is the grandson of Hercules, his nickname is Lil’Herc and even though i never met Hercules I still keep his business card in my wallet that states: Actions speak louder than words” and with his legacy, I could’nt agree more.