IU Mourns the Loss of Harry Cherry

The oldest former Hoosiers football player, Harry Cherry, passed away at the age of 99 on Saturday.

8/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football

Aug. 9, 2014

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana football's oldest former player, Harry Cherry, passed away at the age of 99 in Seymour, Ind., on Saturday. Cherry, a halfback out of Indianapolis, played on Bo McMillin's first team in 1934, lettered in 1935 and 1936, and regularly attended Hoosiers games and alumni reunions since 1937.

"The IU Football family is saddened by the passing of Harry Cherry," Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson said. "Harry was a great Hoosier who lived an extraordinary life. Our deepest condolences to the entire Cherry family."

A multi-sport athlete out of George Washington High School, Cherry collected all-state honors twice, was a member of the all-city basketball team three times and won the state pole vault championship. He also earned tennis all-city accolades.

After graduating from IU, Cherry enrolled in the Air Force. He served five years as a special service and physical training officer and made the last trip over Japan at the end of World War II.