Hall of Fame
Football, Track & Field (1938-42)
Considered one of Nevada’s top all-time high school athletes, John Polish entered the University of Nevada in the late 1930’s to star in football and track. Raised in Yerington, Polish was a sensation at his high school. He was a super-gridder and good basketball player and did everything in track – sprints, hurdles, weights, jumps. Although hampered by injuries during his time at Nevada, Polish led the Wolf Pack in competition as a hard-running halfback in football and superb punter. In track, Polish won Far Western Conference titles in weights, jumps and hurdles. After graduation in 1942 (a masters in 1962) and military service, Polish entered the White Pine School District in Ely. He retired after 18 years as principal of McGill Elementary School.
