Ron Vander Kelen
Ronald Vander Kelen was an American professional football quarterback. He played at the collegiate level at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is best known for his MVP performance in the 1963 Rose Bowl, where he broke several Rose Bowl records, some of which still stand. In that game, he orchestrated a legendary fourth quarter comeback attempt against the USC Trojans in the first #1 versus #2 bowl game in college football history. Vander Kelen was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1991.
Early life
Vander Kelen was born on November 6, 1939, in Preble, Wisconsin, now part of Green Bay. He graduated from Preble High School in 1958.College career
Vander Kelen played at the collegiate level at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is best known for his MVP performance in the 1963 Rose Bowl, where he broke several Rose Bowl records, some of which still stand. In that game, he orchestrated a legendary fourth quarter comeback attempt against the USC Trojans in the first #1 versus #2 bowl game in college football history.In August 1963, he was named the starter in the Chicago College All-Star Game over a group of quarterbacks which included 1962 Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker. The college all-stars defeated the Green Bay Packers 20–17, with a 74-yard touchdown completion to his college teammate, Pat Richter, providing the winning touchdown. Vander Kelen was named the game MVP. The 1963 game would prove to be the last time the college all-stars defeated the NFL champion in this series.